BRIGHTON and Hove has the highest number of top restaurants in the country outside London.

The just-published SquareMeal top 100 restaurants list rates the best places to eat in the UK excluding the capital.

Brighton features nine times on the list as the city continues to boost its reputation for fine dining.

The jewel in the crown of our food scene, 64 Degrees, ranks highest, taking seventh spot.

Michael Bremner, head chef and owner of the Lanes-based restaurant, made the final of last year’s Great British Menu on BBC, and said: “We’re over the moon to be named seventh best restaurant outside of London. It’s a great achievement and credit must go to our amazing team for all their hard work.

“We’ve had a change in some of our more senior personnel recently, including the head chef and restaurant manager, so this recognition reflects the work of both the outgoing and incoming team members. With new personnel comes new ideas, so we’re looking to improve even further. This result will really give the team an incentive to push on to the next level.”

Fine dining establishment Isaac At came 16th in the list, based on votes by readers and reviewers.

Little Fish Market in Hove came in at number 19, with the Salt Room at 24 and sister venue, the Coal Shed, at 39.

Italian restaurant Cin Cin in Vine Street occupies 34th, Pascere 43rd, the Gingerman 72nd, with vegetarian Terre a Terre completing the list in 83rd.

Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead made 61st, giving Sussex a tenth spot on the entire list.

Nick Mosley, managing director of the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, said: “With Brighton hosting nine of the top 100 restaurants in this well-respected list, it not only demonstrates our hospitality offering is strong but also that it is increasingly sophisticated and can proudly hold its own against some of the most renowned restaurant names in the UK.

“It’s hugely gratifying to see Michael Bremner and the team at 64 Degrees come in at number seven, alongside the likes of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir. If there is one iconic chef who has really gone out and championed Brighton nationally and internationally, it is without doubt Michael. I’m so pleased to see that Isaac At have been recognised at number 16; with their hyper-local sourcing policy, you’d be hard-pressed to find a kitchen of such dynamic talent and integrity anywhere else.”