Sam's of Brighton

I went to Sam’s of Brighton on Friday 30th September 2001. I have been a number on times previously and have been very happy with the food and the service. This time it was not as I would have expected. To start on a positive note the friend I was with had two of the Carlingford Oysters as a starter. She raved about them. I had the Juniper marinated pigeon which I thoroughly enjoyed but noted that the “wild mushrooms” were in fact a cultivated “Enoki”[Enokitake] variety (the wild version of this variety have a yellow/orange cap which are larger in diameter than those served and their season in the wild is winter through to spring).

For our main course we both had the Barbary/wild duck which was very tasty. Unfortunately it had been sliced vertically rather than at an angle and so required a degree of mastication prior to swallowing. From the menu displayed by the entrance it had stated that the duck would be accompanied by “Rosemary Fondant Potatoes” – the actual menu given to us had been changed to “new potatoes” – so be it, the weather was unseasonably hot for this time of year so maybe the substitution was to save time as there may have been a greater volume of custom. When I queried this with the staff member I was told the menu by the entrance was a “sample” menu. As it was virtually identical to the one we were shown at the table it would have taken very little effort just to point out the change. The new potatoes themselves when served were over cooked and disintegrating – not what we had expected. Also served were French beans in an overabundance (we had not ordered a side order of these) and the jus/gravy was watery so the entire main course was a disappointment.

Finally I requested the Apple Tart Tatin [I always thought that Tart Tatin was made with apples!] – this appeared with the apples looking burnt and tasted bitter i.e. the caramel had been burnt! I pointed this out staff member and I was told that the sugar was caramelised. I requested a replacement. The replacement suffered similarly though not with such a pronounced bitter taste and the pastry was now under-cooked. I gave up at this point and left the dessert to fend for itself in the dustbin.

For the prices they charged for the food I expected better (to be honest I thought the prices were a bit steep anyhow).

I would like to end on a positive note. The wines we had were very good and inexpensive. We each had a glass of the Vermentino, Les Archeres-Languedoc France followed by a bottle between us of the Nero d'Avola, MandraRossa from Sicily. I would highly recommend these to other patrons.
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Anderson Lucas
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Went to Sam's after reading all the fantastic reviews online, and oh my it did not disapoint. We were greeted by a very friendly blond waitress who i believe is called "claire". Shes was not over attentive but was there when ever needed, she also recomended some outstanding food and wine. The highlight of the meal was my rib eye steak and my wifes scallop dish. Starters and desserts also fantastic! will 100% be returning and telling all of our friends to do so aswell. Thanks a bunch "Sam's of Brighton"
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Gregg Jamieson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, November 03, 2010

We went to Sam's last Saturday 6th March for my daughters partners 40th birthday, the food and the service was excellent, could have done with a little bit more elbow room a couple of people felt a bit squashed, also we found the drinks a bit expensive, would go back again for a special occasion.

Just like to say also the pregnant girl who served us was excellent.
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Brenda Isteed
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, March 14, 2010

We went to Sam's for my daughter's partner's 40th birthday last night, food was lovely never had a steak like it. We just all had a bit of a shock when we got the drink bill, £20 a bottle for house wine and other drinks expensive too. Was a bit squashed not a lot of elbow room. Staff very nice.

Would love to go again if i could afford it.
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Brenda Isteed
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Sunday, March 07, 2010

We ate at Sams last Friday, we all had a two course and a bottle of wine for the table. The cost was £100ish for four, so little bit more than the general restaurants around Brighton. Small portions but good quality. The only disappointment was that it appeared in the special offers as 2 for 1. When I asked about it they said, no they don't do that at weekends, so beware to check before booking!
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Ate on 28-11-09, nice looking place with good looking menu, disapointed that we were not pointed towards the special menu boards until the waiter went to take our order thus delaying our food order another 10 mins. Ordered the Crab Cakes and when the starter turned up it was a 'cake' never mind less work for the kitchen to do I thought, then upon getting my knife and expecting a satisfying crunch of the semi breadcrumb shell nothing but disapointment as the knife just fell through the very moist surface and straight through to the plate. Nice fresh crab taste with a hint of citrus though, shame but when the kitchen saved time by making one cake instead of more cakes they could have spent a little bit more time cooking or crumbing the one cake properly.

Good wine list and not too pricy for Brighton, lovely and noisy atmosphere had a real buzz to the place.

Will reconmmend although if you have the Crab cake (cakes if your lucky) is it meant to crumbed or not?
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, November 30, 2009

Love this restaurant. I've been going since it opened and always mean to write a review, so here goes. The food is wonderful, they use excellent ingredients cooked with great skill. The staff are a lovely bunch and always well versed in the menu. I'm a very fussy customer and have a reputation among friends of sending food back without a thought if i don't think it's up to scratch. I've never had any complaint's about Sam's, it's so good I'm asking them to cater my wedding. Please do eat there, but not too often as i still want to get my favorite table.
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N/A
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 25, 2009

Bank holiday in Brighton for the weekend. Were recommended Sam's by the guesthouse. Very glad we made the effort. Simple food (in a good way), friendly staff, great atmosphere and a nice wine list. A little noisy for a Sunday night "romantic" dinner but we didn't mind - the food more than made up for it. Reasonably priced too.
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Bill Greaham - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 02, 2009

We went to Sams's several times for lunch or dinner and have never been disappointed. Good quality food, menu changing everyday, welcoming waiters and waitresses, very good ambiance. We never waited long before being served. Certainly one of the best restaurant we have tried so far in Brighton.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Went to sams for breakfast on sunday morning with a group of friends, certainly didnt disapoint. Charming waiter who was more than happy to cater for all our needs. Food was faultless, my eggs benidict was one of the best i have had in Brighton. Complimentry toast and ham was a very nice touch. Will definately be returning for what i hear is a very reasonable set lunch.
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Molly
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, August 25, 2009