Terre A Terre
Restaurant - Vegetarian in Brighton
71 East Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1HQ
Contact Numbers
Reviews
Stuffed to the gills
My SO and I went to Brighton for our anniversary weekend, eating here as a part of the whole blow out, and it set the weekend off a treat.Confessions first: I'm not much of a restaurant person: I don't like eating in public or being waited on, and I will typically just sit there and pick at a small plate of something to 'show willing' (and don't worry, I hate me too having re-read that). One look at the menu when I sat down and I realised that that wasn't going to happen here. Hoisin tofu appetiser, Smoked Sakuri Soba starter and Jerusalem artichoke souffle main were all wolfed down in quick succession, and it was even me who suggested a dessert. If it wasn't for the fact that I was also busy working my way through some rather nice beers my SO might have thought she was having a meal with the wrong person.What can I say? Food was superb, the service attentive, but not annoying and I managed to spend an evening in a restaurant without acting like an idiot. A triumph.
A User - 07/08/2009 | report this review
Good for the goodies and good for the baddies
I went here a few years ago and it was so yummy it stopped me in my tracks. Me and the other vegetarian (the goodies) were in Heaven and the meat-eaters (the baddies) were gob smacked that veggie food could be so nice. It was honestly fantastic (and I'm a bit of a fussy cow!)I'm now planning a visit to Brighton specifically to go there, will report back!
A User - 03/08/2009 | report this review
Over priced and over hyped
Often hailed as one of Brighton's finest, we were left wondering what all the fuss it about. Perhaps some people like enjoy a fussy plate of overpriced, clashing flavours and haughty staff more than good quality food at a fair price. The signature rosti is frankly average and at that price, I expect more than that. The meal I ordered was a platter of mixed dishes that clearly hadn't been sampled by the chef as one plate. A clash of sour and bland sauces over tiny pieces of fussily presented haloumi. At £18 I was sorely disappointed and left hungry. The waitress did offer a free desert in exchange for my 'feedback', but when the bill came they had charged for my partner's desert! We won't be going back.
Clair Farenden - 19/07/2009 | report this review
Nom nom nom
Having heard great things about this place, I booked a table for 2 last Friday night. Neither myself or my boyfriend are vegetarians, just fans of good food, and we weren't disappointed. My starter of deep-fried corncakes was gorgeous, but my boyfriend's twice-baked Cheddar souffle was even better (git!). I won with the main course - buttermilk battered wedges of halloumi, with chunky chips, mushy peas, quail's egg and the most divine vodka-soaked cherry tomatoes. Can't remember what OH had as I was so busy enjoying mine but I think it involved potato bread and feta salad. We didn't have room for pudding which was disappointing, but will definitely be back.The only thing that let the restaurant down is that it was very busy and the tables were very close together - the waitress recommended that we sat in the lower part of the restaurant for a bit of peace & quiet, but it's also where they sell products to the public so it was more like sitting in a cafe than a pricey restaurant. There was also a baby screaming in the main part at one point - obviously kid-friendly but I guess it depends on your view of whether that's a good or bad thing in a restaurant!!
A User - 01/02/2009 | report this review
Vegatarian Heaven
I've taken previous vegan partners here on a couple of occasions, and been very impressed both times.The service was of a high standard - a nice mix between formal and friendly.The food was just amazing - a great combination of flavours and superb plating. Wine list was perfectly OK, but could have done with slightly more range - although the selection did include a couple of old favourites.Particular high spots include dessert - vegan chocolate products always seem to go down well, and at Terre a Terre, they are very well executed indeed.Not a cheap night out, but a splendid special occasion.
A User - 03/01/2009 | report this review
Allergy issue....
Unfortunately, not completely Terre a Terre's fault, I had not the nicest of meals here. The place was packed on arrival but we managed to get the last table yet as soon as i sat down i wanted to leave, it was so damn hot in there! the windows were covered in condensation. Not exactly what you want whilst you're eating. The staff were friendly, but I would have to agree with Review_Mouse, that they tend not to leave you alone, a little privacy please! I love veggie food and was excited by what id heard about terre a terre. However, i told the waitress specifically that i couldnt eat anything with peppers in it, as im allergic. She reassured me the dishes we chose (including the meze platter to share and then the rosti) that there was none at all. I very much enjoyed the food, perhaps a little too rich though. However two hours after, I ended up throwing up violently at my friends party - yes there was pepper in the food. Didnt exactly put the best finish to the night! Id have to say, Food for Friends is just round the corner, far cheaper and the food is far better!
A User - 04/11/2008 | report this review
Terre a terre
Terre a terre is busy and always has been popular trading with ease and has enjoyed plenty of repeat business from enthusiastic customers. The food has been a bit hit and miss when I last went with friends at lunch time and we were not as happy as we have been before, but maybe thats just us, we were in a hurry and had to wait a bit longer than we had time for, possibly it was not the Terres fault, more our own lack of forward planning. But we then had to rush to finish or meal and this left us feeling a bit woozy and over stuffed. I will say that it has been better and we should have skipped it that day, but as I say our fault really. Will give it another try some time and see how we feel then, hopefully it will be as good as it was before.
A User - 12/10/2008 | report this review
Vegetarian restaurant
I'm not used to vegetarian food but it was absolutely wonderful! The staff were brilliant and attentive but not 'in your face'. Expensive but well worth it as a special treat. We shared our meals and were made to feel very comfortable. Our first bottle of wine wasn't corked, but wasn't 'quite right' and was immediately changed without any fuss at all. Would highly recommend the place. I went on a Tuesday evening and it was busy - best to book I would suggest.
A User - 12/09/2008 | report this review
Left feeling hungry and out of pocket :(
I visited this restaurant for a meal with my boyfriend as a special treat. Neither of us are vegetarian but love vegetarian food and had heard so many good things about this place we were keen to try it out. The place was quiet when we went so we had attentive service although I felt it was a little too friendly and over familiar (the kind when a waiter/waitress leans on your chair and 'chats' or interrupts after your first mouthful to check "hey guys is everything ok here" and then again 2mins later..) We opted to share a meze platter at a cost of £17.50 each and we were assured it would be plenty for 2. It wasn't. Yes it was amazing and beautifully presented and fiddly, but damn, it was 80% leaves and that isn't going to fill you up! My boyfriend was so hungry he also had to order a side bowl of chunky chips – erk! Not what we had in mind. Anyway, I never normally get a dessert when eating out because I am usually too full, but we both ended up needing something more. I had a dessert which turned out to be donut sticks with a pot of bitter chocolate and vodka – the sort of thing where despite being hungry; you have one mouthful and feel sick it's so much.Oh dear, maybe we just chose wrong. Shame because the meze *was* tasty and something of a work of art! Maybe I'll return when I can afford to have a meze platter to myself, but until then I'd rather get more for my money elsewhere.
A User - 09/09/2008 | report this review
Is Terre a Terre becoming complacent?
Is Terre a Terre becoming complacent? After several years of winning awards and generally being regarded as one of Brighton's best, the new menu is left wanting. The food is now either overly experimental with poorly chosen flavours that clash on the palate or far too basic, using cheap and simple ingredients thrown together with lacking inspiration. The menu is full of the usual spin of course, designed to wow us with it's knowledge of unusual ingredients, but in reality, what you get is no better than something you could rustle up in the kitchen yourself on a busy friday night. One haloumi kebab with a bit of fried potato on the side?! Is that really worth £15?The service is, as always, polite, helpful and friendly. Yet, we left there recently feeling like we'd been ripped off. Having frequented the place for years, we won't be going back until we've heard that it's worth that little bit extra. At an average of £70 for a two course meal for 2 with a bottle of wine and tip, it's worth spending your hard earned cash elsewhere if you are looking for value for money and a full stomach. The portions are very small, apart from the classic rosti of course, and that's only worth trying once. The side dishes cost extra and even the (weak) coffee is served in the tiniest cups available.Terre a Terre may still be booked up for now, but for how much longer can they ride on their previous success? Shame.
A User - 12/05/2008 | report this review
Trusted place indeed..
If I recommend one place to eat in Brighton or one veggie restaurant to go to in the UK then it have to be this one. Definitely a trusted place for me....
A User - 10/05/2008 | report this review
more than just 'terre a terre'
I have it on good authority (a French friend) that Terre a Terre roughly translated means: [ésprit] matter-of-fact[personne] down to earth[préoccupations] mundane, workaday, prosaicTerre a Terre is anything but the above. More extraordinary than ordinary their food is presented beautifully, and true to form tastes as fabulous as it appears on the plate. which it won't do for long. One of the most delightful aspects of this restaurant is also its location. Set atop of one of the main streets on Brighton's East Street this is a people watching opportunity at its best! Inside the space is light and airy with high ceilings and clean lines that set a chic ambiance suitable for friends, romance and even taking your parents to. The only criticism that I can possibly come up with is if you dine with meat eaters, but if they cannot appreciate the delicate flavours, presentation and delectable delights that are on the menu then truly they are missing out. This is not bland vegetarian food; these are sophisticated flavours with the added hint of a seductive presentation. Which leaves one wondering: Why can't all food be like this?
A User - 08/04/2008 | report this review
A great restaurant
I have never, ever, been disappointed by Terre a Terre.The staff are friendly and helpful and to say the food is good is an understatement. Don't be put off by the 'veggie'label - it's a great restaurant.
A User - 07/04/2008 | report this review
Seriously beefy grub
As an ardent carnivore, the subtitle might put you off. However; fear not - you will be thrilled by daring experimentation, a lightness of touch and a divine quality that will surpass any previous expectation of "vegetarian" eating. This place kicks some welly and talks a serious mustard.
A User - 06/12/2007 | report this review
Extra-special
I've always thought imposing limits on anything invites experimentation and innovation. This is no less true with food.How much can you do without using meat or even animal produce? A lot, apparently. I was very impressed with the presentation, content, design, and taste of my food. The inside is great, and outside is also great if the weather is good - open, lively, picturesque and close to the sea. Great staff, quick service, high-quality and fantastic food. Excellent value for what they serve!
A User - 10/11/2007 | report this review
signature dishes with a vegetarian twist
until it was 'review of the day' i had forgotten that i had been here. But i am pleased to say that my dining experience here during my 3 years living in brighton was always one that was of pure pleasure! the menu is vegetarian, but this does not make it comformist (ie all beans) nor predictable (all beans again). In fact there are some delights that will charm even the most ardent meat eater. The atomosphere is great blend of low lighting: so romance; as well as being bright enough for lively conversation and good times with groups of friends. whether ardent veggie of fastidious meat head go here, you won't be disppointed! and in terms of veggie food much better an option than its other brighton competition of food for friends.
A User - 10/11/2007 | report this review
Terre a Terre
I've only been to Terre a Terre once, and was truly amazed. I'm a vegetarian, but was recommended by a meat-eater, one who's taste I trust!The service was great, the food amazing, really friendly staff. I'd recommend the tapas start they do, it's lots of little selections often of their current main dishes, so if your not sure what you'd like it's a good place to start, and it's a great one or share with a significant other.
A User - 01/11/2007 | report this review
Good food, good service and very satisfying
I ate at this fine establishment last week and was so pleased that I went. I would class as one of the best restaurants in the UK. Although it is a Vegetarian restaurent, you will not miss the meat. Very healthy and tasty food at a good price. Well recommended.
A User - 04/07/2007 | report this review
Fantastic AND Vegetarian
Forget all the clichés about vegetarian food, this place is first and foremost, one of the best restaurants in the UK - and beyond. I dare anyone to go try it and not come out having had a great meal. Once past the vaguely irritating, pretentiously wordy menu, you will experience the wonderful combination of texture, flavour and surprises that are the speciality of this restaurant. And then your pudding arrives, just as you thought it couldn't get any better! Wow! Go there and forget it's vegetarian - take all your friends and they will not be disappointed.
A User - 09/02/2007 | report this review
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