Market Restaurant in Hove is a modern Spanish tapas bar and restaurant, where top-shelf ingredients are showcased in vibrant dishes. Founded by chef, restaurateur and designer Neil Mannifield, the restaurant itself is a stylish space. Green ceramic tiles line the walls while pans and jamon legs dangle from hooks behind the bar. Diners can choose to sit at the counter to get a glimpse of the action or choose a table for a more relaxed feel. The menu, meanwhile, is split into ‘Spanish deli’, ‘Tapas bar’, ‘Best of Sussex’, ‘Market place’ and ‘Wine shop’.
From the tapas bar, you can expect staple classics alongside more unusual creations. More traditional options include the likes of jamon croquetas, salt cod fritters and sea salt-dusted Padron peppers. Those seeking something a little different, however, should try the air-dried tuna with chicory and orange, while vegans can enjoy the smoked cashew croquetas.
Heartier dishes are available too, from the ‘market place’ section. Vegetable dishes include tenderstem broccoli with maple tahini, kale za’atar and almonds or asparagus with fresh peas, wild garlic salsa and queso fresco. From the sea, you’ll find the likes of octopus with potato, chistorra and aioli or garlic chilli prawns, while meatier options include suckling pig with romesco and beer-glazed beef short rib with anchovy butter.
No visit here is complete without trying the ‘celebration of Sussex’. This comes in the form of slow-grown Wagyu or Aberdeen Angus steak to share with braising juice and salsa verde. To finish, don’t miss the Basque cheesecake or house ice cream. Lighter desserts include a Spanish affogato or house lemon thyme sorbet. The wine list is almost entirely Iberian, save for a couple of excellent bottles of Sussex sparkling wine. Elsewhere you’ll find a range of Spanish spirits, liqueurs and imported beers as well as local ciders.