Best restaurants in Southsea

We all love a good pie, and we’re pretty fond of vinyl records too - so why not dedicate a space to the both of them? This quirky restaurant can have you seeing to your hunger pangs one moment, and adding to your record collection another.

From a successful pop up to the first bricks and mortar site, Arepa2Go is all about championing Venezuelan cuisine. It focusing mainly on arepas, and they're available in a variety of flavours from shredded chicken to slow cooked pork.

Circolo is one of the best Italian restaurants in Southsea, and whilst you can get everything from salads to pasta dishes, it’s the pizza that you really want to come here for. Take a seat by the window, grab a cocktail and watch the world go by whilst you tuck in.

Ideally located in central Southsea, Marmion House is a relaxed and cosy bistro that focuses on using fresh and local produce. The globetrotting menu is made up largely of small plates and there’s a carefully curated wine list to work through too.

Croxtons is all about relaxed dining and catching up with friends over a drink or two. The menu offers a combination of small plates and burgers - but don’t miss the Sunday roast, it’s pretty epic.

If you’re after a decent burger in Southsea, Meat and Barrel is the place to go. Choose from cheese and bacon covered patties to vegan alternatives, plus plenty of beers to wash it down with.

Huis specialises in all things Belgian, from a variety of lagers to dishes like moules frites. It’s an intimate space with just a handful of tables, but it’s worth popping in when you get the chance - for both the first class food and warm hospitality.

The first sign you’ve made it to Bread Addiction will be the queue that’s spilling out the door, and the second will be the comforting buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants. Perfect for grabbing some breakfast to takeaway, or get there early for a seat at one of the few tables available.

Koh Thai is a far cry from the understated Thai cafes you might find elsewhere in Southsea, offering a more sophisticated alternative with a dark and moody feel throughout. It’s all about small plates so bring your appetite to work through the extensive menu.

Unsurprisingly, Southsea is overrun with fish and chip shops, but there’s one that reigns supreme. Fisherman's Kitchen offers all of the classics, alongside some slightly more niche alternatives like soft shell crab and cockle popcorn.

Umami seems unassuming to the untrained eye, but beneath the modest exterior is a flavour sensation that’s taken the local area by storm. Known for it’s marinated chicken, wraps and burgers, this is a far cry from fine dining, but it’s all part of the charm.

The Briny takes pride of place on Southsea’s seafront, and serves up locally caught seafood in a laid back setting. It’s always a good time to visit as it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it’s at its best when the sun is shining and you can take a seat by the beach.

Whether you’re after some sushi, ramen or tempura vegetables, Sakura is a no brainer for Japanese cuisine by the coast. With a traditional 1950s interior, you’re getting style and substance when you head here for a meal.

Albert Road is jam packed with curry houses, but that hasn’t stopped Kadir’s from standing out amongst the crowd. Focusing largely on street food, this is a great spot to head to with friends and tuck into a little bit of everything - plus it’s BYOB, need we say more?

Southsea Deli is a restaurant of two parts; a deli filled with homemade treats from marinated olives to fresh filled sandwiches, and a restaurant and supperclub space next door. It’s been a Southsea staple since it first opened and we’d recommend checking out some of the cooking workshops in the evenings too.

Desi pays homage to the cafes of Old India, with plenty wraps, small plates and curries on the menu that showcase flavours from various regions. It’s great for meeting with friends or heading out for date night - but a heads up, this is an alcohol free zone.

Sant Yago has long been the go to for quality tapas in the city, for both it’s top tier food and intimate vibes. If you’re looking to keep the evening going a little longer, there’s a cocktail bar downstairs where you can stay for a snifter or two.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a restaurant with a better location, with this one sitting directly on the beach. It’s just as magical for brunch mid-morning as it is for a dinner whilst the sunsets, and offers a number of seasonal and coastal influenced dishes.

Whether it’s pho, banh mi, or summer spring rolls you're after, Bubble and Pho has got the very best of Vietnamese cuisine on offer. Don’t forget to order a bubble tea too, they’re a must.