Agua Dulce

This classic tapas joint near Brighton’s n Little East Street isn’t doing a whole lot new but it’s doing it well. Hailing from Almeria in the southeast of Spain, where they had a successful beach-side restaurant, these guys are serving good wines and superior Spanish cooking in hospitable surroundings. Padron peppers, morcilla and chorizo, gambas pil pil, fantastic octopus served in the traditional way, dusted with paprika, boquerones and squidy things, as well as more substantial meat and fish dishes. They have a strong wine list, which ranges across Spain, and includes an array of sherries and cavas too. Obviously you need to save some stomach space for churros and chocolate – some things are not negotiable. The atmosphere of the place is pretty authentic and it’s popular with an ex-pat Spanish crowd chasing a taste of home.