Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar The Waterfront, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 5WA

"As many others trip advisors we decided to try this restaurant due to the rave reviews & being no1!, so booked well in advance and packed kids off to friends for the night. Yes, the decor and ambiance is well pitched, a little bohemian, which Brighton is, and of course Giorgio front of house, very welcoming. However I would of liked to have been offered an aperitif (had been looking forward to a prosecco),to peruse my menu over and to try the lovely fresh, but slightly undersized 'amuse bouche', especially as we were assured we had the table for the night to ourselves so no rush. The paper napkin was a shame as the rest of the table oozed decadence, with silver candelabra and menu holder. We tried both starters, rice balls, and stuffed aubergine, but was sort of thing I'd make at home for friends, Main course lacked enough seasoning, but Giorgio did supply condiments without us having to embarrassingly ask. The lasagna traditional was tasty, but not out of this world, the braciole, seemed overwhelmed with bread and very little meat, also would have like to have seen another vegetable to accompany, we were served a few saute peppers. Finally the tiramisu dessert lacked a punch (think the booze had been omitted). It was nice home cooked food, which can only assume was cooked by a home cook and not a trained chef. The ingredients seemed bulked out with cheaper stuff, which I can guess would be the way they do it in Sicily old times, but restaurants claiming excellence need to step up the good stuff. Left here feeling like I could eat more. If I were to go to the same price, area, restaurant again for a special occasion I would go to Fig tree in Hurstpierpoint which really did have me talking about it for days. would keep this place for another day. ."

"Great place to dine must advise book in advance. Steak meal good portion just right, and George is the man to ask for...... Will deffo be back"

"Booked here for a hen party for a private dining service and its one of the best places i've ever dined in for a large group. The service and staff were very professional and the food was amazing."

"excellent experience eating here. reasonable prices, pleasant ambiance. staff friendly & 'on the ball' very swift service. Had the fillet steak with peppercorn sauce, champ & green veg. thank you."