We tried Brighton's Petit Pois and it was a real taste of France

And that's exactly what I had on a sunny day when The Argus headed to Petit Pois in Brighton to try their French cuisine.

As my byline may give away, I am French and Petit Pois had been on my bucket list ever since I moved to Brighton.

With brilliant reviews and a menu involving staples like cornichons, goat's cheese, rouille and cassoulet, I was hoping it would become my madeleine de Proust on the days I get nostalgic for my native country.

WHAT IS IT?

Petit Pois is Brighton's go-to French restaurant. Tucked away in Ship Street in the city centre, close to the seafront, it is not somewhere you would necessarily stumble across.

It is a real hidden gem and its 4.5 stars out of 5 on TripAdvisor and 4.7 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews reflect that.

Inside Petit Pois (Image: The Argus) "A must visit", "excellent food", "a favourite in Brighton" - everything from the restaurant's rustic atmosphere to its staff has earned high praise from customers.

SO WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?

In one word, delicious. As odd as it may sound to some people, I was so happy to be able to have snails - which I usually have on big occasions with my family.

The dishes I chose were truly a reflection of what I would have ordered in France. I started with six snails as a starter, a bouillabaisse as a main and shared a cheese board with my two colleagues - just the right amount of food.

I am very proud to say that I managed to convince my colleague to try a snail and she had to admit that she liked it

“The idea of a snail, I don’t like - but it was tender and meaty and I love garlic," she said. "I have had to completely change my stance on snails.”

She added that her steak frites was perfectly cooked and that she would definitely go back.

The steak frites at Petit Pois - a French classic (Image: The Argus) I was really impressed with the bouillabaisse which I thought had a great portion of fish, prawns and shellfish - although I thought the rouille, a sauce which is typically eaten with the fish soup, could have been a bit spicier.

WHAT ABOUT DRINKS? 

Petit Pois has an extensive drinks menu including the usual suspects - wine, cocktails, mocktails and spirits.

Being from Dijon, in Burgundy, I was delighted to see that Kir was on the menu, as well as Burgundy cremant which I'd always recommend as a cheaper alternative to champagne.

GOOD ATMOSPHERE?

It was very busy for a week day, we thought, which was great to see. It definitely reminded me of French bistros and would be perfect for many occasions including family gatherings or a date with your partner.

The delicious bouillabaisse (Image: The Argus) FINAL BILL:

Prices were what I would expect from a French restaurant. Main dishes range between £15.50 and £28. There is a children's menu, which costs £9.50.

DETAILS:

Petit Pois

70 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AE

PHONE: 01273 911211

GO TO: https://petitpoisbrighton.co.uk/menu/