Best restaurants in Southampton

Despite the sleek, black interior of this fine-dining joint, AO still manages to embody a rustic and homely feel. Serving up a ten-course tasting menu, chef patron Daniel Rogan has created a masterpiece with fresh and seasonal ingredients. 

There’s always something happening at this Bevois Valley community pub, whether it’s art exhibitions, live music or open mic nights. The food is traditional, comforting gastropub fare, but it’s done extremely well, and The Rockstone is child and dog-friendly too, so it makes a lovely weekend hangout.

This lovely little authentic tapas spot is right by the ferry port, so it makes a great stop off point for a bite to eat as you get on or off the ferry. The menu covers all bases, from small nibbles like tortilla, spicy prawns and sardines a la plancha to big paellas and suckling pigs to share.

This modern plant-led Indian bistro has made a huge splash in Southampton. The Kesarum team is just three people, and together they create some real magic, showcasing the potential of creative Indian plant-based dining, served alongside a smart cocktail list and vegan wines.

Classic Italian plates with a gorgeous view overlooking the Ocean Village Marina - Figurati covers all bases from casual catch up drinks to celebration meals. The restaurant does an excellent Sunday roast as well, and there’s a hefty cocktail list for those who enjoy aperitivo with a view.

A sister site to the excellent Jetty in Christchurch, Dorset, this gorgeous, modern, harbourside spot celebrates the best of freshly-caught British seafood with dishes like crab croquettes and seared scallops with smoked eel celeriac. A huge curved terrace hangs right over the water’s edge, and there are also glass pods for those who want to eat outside with protection from the elements.

Located beside Southampton Central's historic Gate 8, Atlantic Gate is the sleek, light-filled spot Southampton didn't know it was missing. Head chef Andrew Gault steers the kitchen, pairing pristine local seafood with global hits like fiery Sri Lankan chicken. Sip local craft beers or creative cocktails out on the glass terrace, either way this spot is a winner. 

Another classy Mediterranean spot, Bacaro’s cicchetti small plates and harbour-side views have made it extremely popular throughout the week. That goes for Sundays too, when Bacaro knocks out an exceptional Sunday lunch. Keep up to date with Bacaro’s events page for happy hours and live music nights.

Open all day, every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the White Star Tavern is the reliable gastropub that every town needs. Pub classics and chunky sandwiches mingle on an accessible menu, and the Sunday roast is excellent too.

Bright, colourful Mexican food at extremely reasonable prices - it’s no wonder Mexifun is so popular in Southampton. The menu covers tacos, nachos, rice bowls, enchiladas, quesadillas and hefty burritos, packed with your choice of beef brisket, pork pibil or ancho-marinated chicken.

One of Southampton’s top rated Indian restaurants, Coriander Lounge has all the charm of a neighbourhood curry house, but the menu celebrates authentic Indian cooking. The menu itself is pretty extensive but a roaring-hot tandoor in the kitchen means the restaurant specialises in delicious, charry tandoori dishes.

Award-winning pizzeria Popsi’s has been slinging pizzas in Southampton since 2018, and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to simple, exceptional dough and quality toppings. The stone-fired oven uses renewable energy too, so you can eat pizza with a clean conscience.

One of the best restaurants in Southampton’s Ocean Village, The Olive Tree delivers easy going Mediterranean fare throughout the day, but there’s plenty of room for a celebratory dinner too, with oyster platters, sharing steaks and magnums of fizz.

A stalwart in the city's fine dining scene, Ennio’s is tucked away in an old Victorian warehouse overlooking Southampton Water. The menu is packed full of timeless, luxurious Italian dishes, delivered by friendly, attentive staff, and the wine list is suitably enormous, with some rare vintages available too.