It's A Pizza Thing
Photograph: Ryan Stanikk
Photograph: Ryan Stanikk

The 11 best restaurants in Southampton

Southampton’s myriad of brilliant restaurants will have something to hit the spot

Joe Minihane
Contributor: Liv Kelly
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Southampton’s proximity to the lovely town of Winchester, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight have made it a popular stop-over destination, but the seaside city deserves its own look-in, particularly because of its prospering food scene. 

There’s a myriad of cracking restaurants in Southampton, whether you’re after a classy, sophisticated evening of French flavours or some slap-up pizza from the town’s favourite truck. Be it a celebratory dinner or a quick bite to eat before sightseeing, there’ll be something to hit the spot on the city’s menu – have a look at our handpicked list of the best restaurants in Southampton.

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At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Best restaurants in Southampton

1. La Regata

Why go? A characterful Spanish stalwart near the Isle of Wight ferry.

La Regata has been going for almost 25 years, and for good reason. It’s atmospheric, value for money and does the kind of tapas that pay no heed to finicky trends. Fancy small plates of Iberico ham, Cantabrian cheese-stuffed dates, sherry-simmered chicken livers, gallons of Rioja and more aioli than you can shake a castanet at? ¡Sí, Señor! Mid-range

2. The Pig in the Wall

Why go? A daytime deli and cosy boutique hotel restaurant with a neat line in porky morsels.

The simple food at this spin-off from The Pig in the Wall, the New Forest’s lovely Pig Hotel is served from noon until 8pm – so spend the day pigging out on things like air-dried lomo, garlic sausage rolls or chorizo on sourdough (with Isle of Wight tomatoes, naturally). Swine averse? Snaffle a plate of hot-smoked chalk stream trout or some cheese instead. Mid-range

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3. Coriander Lounge

Why go? Slick, self-consciously traditional Indian joint.

A high-street curry house hawking dishes of ‘primordial authenticity’ using ‘ancient’ cooking techniques might sound a bit lofty. But Coriander Lounge isn’t your regular Cobra’n’masala slop shop. It seeks to provide spice seekers with more nuanced Indian flavours. The classics are repped, but it’s the karai, parsi and chef’s specials that are really appealing. Malai kofta, anyone? Mid-range. 

4. Oxford Brasserie

Why go? A long-standing, romantic modern European spot on Oxford Street.

After a chic, smart city institution? Oxford Brasserie is it, dishing out butter-heavy classics that’ll never go out of fashion. Think slow belly pork with garlic spinach, Romsey lamb with roasted asparagus and vast, succulent steaks. This is the place to be if you’re in the market for comfort. High-end. 

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5. Piecaramba!

Why go? A comics-themed diner whipping up fine pies near the Polygon.

Piecaramba! is a bit like Bristol’s pun-heavy pie-oneer Pieminister. By which we mean it makes delish pies with ridiculous names, like the lamb-and-red-wine Woolverine, a curried chicken Chick Norris and the Piecaramba! itself, with beef, melted cheese and kidney beans (a burrito in pie form, basically). Mash, gravy and minty peas are, of course, plentiful. And obligatory. Budget. 

6. It’s a Pizza Thing

Why go? Excellent artisan pizza at the South Western Arms pub in St Denys.

A moveable wood-fired oven is the source of Southampton’s most popular pizzas. Glance outside this St Denys boozer and you’ll find Its A Pizza Thing knocking out a bevy of simply topped pies, the most elaborate of which is The Bryn. Laden with fennel sausage, parmesan, ham, jalapenos and more, it’s an edible tribute to Bryn Lewis, much-missed founder of local music venue The Brook. Budget

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7. Ennio’s

Why go? Classy Italian dining in a converted Victorian warehouse.

Ennio’s was voted Hampshire’s best Italian by the newspaper Corriere della Sera. Sounds a bit random, but they might be on to something. From nibbly antipasti to meaty secondi, via insalate and proper pasta, the vast menu has all bases covered. Fish, though, is the focus – try scallop and prawn thermidor, tomato-y brodetto stews and groaning fritto misto platters. High-end. 

8. Café Thrive

Why go? An all-day parkside café offering plant-based – AKA vegan – dishes of all stripes.

Brighton throngs with vegan joints; Southampton not so much. Rejoice, then, for Café Thrive. Pulse-packed salad bowls aside, clean eating is dismissed in favour of seitan burgers (pimped with tempeh rashers and cashew ‘cheese’), pizzas and sandwiches – there’s even a vegan New York reuben. What’s more, the dairy-free sundaes look better than the real thing. Budget

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9. The White Star Tavern

Why go? An award-winning pub with rooms

Named after the famous shipping line, the White Star Tavern is an award-winner, serving up pub grub beyond the usual burgers and fish and chips (although those are on offer too). Think linguine with broccoli and squash, and maple-glazed ribs. Fullers beers are on tap, while the swanky rooms upstairs make this a place to settle in for the night. Mid range. 

10. The Olive Tree

Why go? Great Mediterranean food right on the marina

Set within the swanky Ocean Village development, The Olive Tree serves up the best in Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on ingredients from across Hampshire and southern England. Think locally reared beef and seafood from the day boats and you get the idea. The pea risotto and rack of lamb with kale polenta are both winners. High-end

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11. Dancing Man Brewery

Why go? An attractive, timber-heavy brewpub and restaurant in a medieval woolhouse.

Hoppy house-brewed beer might be the name of the game, but a Deep South-inspired menu has enough going on to attract the most pious teetotaller. It’s a grab bag of zhuzhed-up cajun, delta and creole flavours: think snacks of pickled okra and pork crackling cornbread, then cherry cola-glazed wings, succotash beans, super-sounding gumbo and so on. Dancing Man Brewery offers southern-comforting stuff. Mid-range. 

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