Copyright © 2026 Discover. All rights reserved

All views, information or opinions expressed in Discover Brighton are solely those of individuals involved and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever, including the businesses mentioned within this publication and those to which are affected.

30 May, 2023

Award-Winning Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Words by Samantha Harman

There’s nothing like the bold flavours of Mexico to tantalise your tastebuds, with the vibrant colours and tequila based drinks to get you in the party spirit. Discover editor visited Halisco on Preston Street in Brighton for the first time and wasn’t disappointed

If you’re craving authentic Mexican food in Brighton, Halisco is the perfect spot for you. Located in a small and traditional-looking restaurant, it’s a family-run business that offers a warm and upbeat atmosphere. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to contemporary Mexico, with the vibrant colors, personalised artwork and decor making you feel right at home.

The menu is unique, with a range of Mexican inspired snacks, small plates and tacos to choose from. Unlike other Mexican establishments, the menu isn’t offering burritos and the like. Carefully curated small plates are the order of the day and perfect for sharing. But what stood out to me the most was their impressive selection of margaritas – nine in total. I tried the melon and honey flavors, and both were absolutely delicious. The melon margarita was refreshing and had a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the honey margarita was smooth and had a subtle sweetness that wasn’t overpowering.

To start off my meal, I ordered the pineapple salsa with chips. The salsa was fresh and had a hint of chilli and sweetness from the pineapple, which paired perfectly with the home made tortilla chips. Next, I tried the crispy sea bass fillet, which was cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. The dish was served with burnt corn, red peppers and tamarind which added an extra dimension of flavor.

The highlight of my meal was definitely the soft shell crab tacos. The tacos were packed with flavor, and the crab was cooked perfectly, with a crispy texture and tender meat. They were served with a side of homemade sriracha, guacamole and nori mayo, which added a freshness to the dish.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Halisco. The food was delicious, and the margaritas were a definite highlight. The small and traditional restaurant added to the charm of the experience, and the family-run aspect made it feel like I was visiting a friend’s home. The energy and passion of the brothers who run this place is evident, I would definitely recommend Halisco to anyone looking for a taste of unique Mexican cuisine in Brighton.

@Haliscobrighton

64 Preston Street, Brighton, BN1 2HE / 01273 326 563

Follow us:

More from Discover Brighton:

Plumpton Revival 2026

Plumpton Revival 2026

Plumpton Revival 2026 | The forgotten festival is coming home on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026 at Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, Lewes BN7 3AL. In 1969 and 1970, Plumpton Racecourse played host to one of the most legendary — yet overlooked — festivals in...

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival | Friday 19 - Sunday 28 June 2026   2026 sees the inaugural BITE Brighton Oyster Festival presented by BITE Sussex, a contemporary re-imagination of the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival organisation. Throughout the year,...

Brighton festival season: reviews

Brighton Festival & Fringe: Reviews

Brighton Festival & Fringe: Reviews   Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit A delightful show perfect for the Open Air Theatre. It was a beautifully sunny evening which made it even more special, and the blankets brought out halfway through to...

Media Sales & Partnerships

We're Hiring | Part-time Media Sales & Partnerships Executive   Ideal for an experienced salesperson looking for a flexible, part-time opportunity. Discover Brighton is looking for a motivated and experienced individual to help grow our advertising,...