10 Best restaurants in Southampton

Best restaurants southampton hero

Believe it or not, but Southampton has a lot of great and nice restaurants. Although this Hampshire city might not be so popular as its neighbours Portsmouth and Bournemouth, Southampton has a lot to offer when it comes to culinary experiences. In this article, we have put together a list of 10 amazing restaurants you will want to visit in Southampton! 

Mi Rice Restaurant Southampton

best restaurants southampton mi rice

Mi Rice is a cozy little noodle bar just outside the Cultural Quarter. Somewhat of a hidden gem, there are few better places to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Southampton than by sneaking into Mi Rice for a quick bite to eat. You can indulge in anything from a refreshing Pho to a delicious Ramen and the handsome portion sizes mean that you will not leave the restaurant with an empty stomach. Guests rave about the beef noodles, stir-fried noodles, and Udon so you may want to give them a try. Moreover, If you ever end up making your way there, make sure you try out their renowned bubble teas. The best aspect of Mi Rice is that it will definitely not break your bank.

Soleto Bistro

best restaurants southampton Soleto Bistro

This Italian inspired bistro located right next to the Mayflower Theatre is a go-to option for theatergoers looking for a pre-or post-theatre meal. You will find an incredible selection of Italian cuisine here but the bistro highlights their Fegato Veneziana: calve’s liver served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. A quick browse through their reviews on Tripadvisors will give you an idea as to why the restaurant is ranked among the best restaurants in the vibrant city. Some of the dishes recommended by the customers include the mussels and carbonara. If you are having a small gathering with friends, the Party Tapas will be an incredible option. While the prices are not as good as at Mi Rice, it is still on the affordable side. 

Jetty Restaurant Southampton

Jetty is the flagship restaurant of the Harbor hotel and offers the best of fine dining. The restaurant lies close to some of the beaches of Southampton and is decorated in a maritime theme. Alex Aitken, a staple of the New Forest will serve some of the most exquisite cuisine. The floor to ceiling windows at this Michelin star restaurant will only add to the experience. There are few better places in Southampton for seafood and you will not be disappointed with your experience. A great place to celebrate special events, the restaurant has a long list of wines and beverages to pair with your incredible food. The price is on the higher side as you would expect from a Michelin star restaurant, but their Sunday Lunch menu is a more affordable option if you want to give them a try. Make sure you also check out the tasting menu and local produce menus that Jetty is known for. 

Sakura Southampton Japanese Restaurant

best restaurants in southampton Sakura Southampton Japanese Restaurant

The Southampton branch of this chain restaurant is located in Bedford Place. One of the best Japanese cuisine options in the city, you are able to enjoy incredible sashimi and sushi or other Japanese staples such as Udon and Ramen at this fine establishment. Just look up their TravelAdvisor page and marvel at the endless 5-star reviews raving about the establishment. Some of the options that customers rave about include ramens and the sobas. If you are ever at the restaurant, make sure you check out their selection of sakes or Japanese beers to enhance your experience. There are few better places in Southampton if you are looking for fine Japanese cuisine that won’t break your wallet.

Piecaramba Pie Restaurant in Southampton

best restaurants southampton Piecaramba!

You will find the Southampton branch of this famous chain in Bedford Place and it serves up delicious pies that are synonymous with British cuisine. There is an overwhelming variety of options that will suit any palate. Some of the great options include the Pie Meal and Piefull tower but a brief glance over their TripAdvisor reviews will make it clear that there are no bad options at this cozy restaurant. If you are looking for an affordable place to pop in for a quick bite to eat without compromising on taste or service, Piecaramba! might just offer you the best bang for your buck. If you are seeking a little adventure, feel free to take on the Piescraper Food Challenge, a three-layer pie that will see you win a T-shirt and a place on the wall of pie fame if you are able to conquer it in 10 minutes.   

Porters Wine and Charcuterie

best restaurants in southampton Porters Wine and Charcuterie

Named after the historical Porter’s Meadow neighborhood where it is located, Porter’s offers a great option to unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Styled after the famed enoteca’s of Italy, Porter’s bills itself as a great place to socialize whether it is getting together for drinks after work or holding a business meeting. This unique venue will involve you choosing your own boards from a selection of meat, cheese, and chutneys. As such, it is a great option for sharing among your group of friends. The fact that all meat and cheese are sourced domestically takes the dishes to a new level. However, the stars of the show at Porter’s, as its name suggests, are its extensive selection of wines. Whatever your wine preference is, it is unlikely that you will not find a wine that suits your palate at this fine establishment. If you are in the mood for something stronger, they also have a selection of the finest liquors on the market. There are few better places to enjoy drinks with your friends and family than Porter’s. 

Lakaz Maman

best restaurants in southampton Lakaz Maman

The Mauritian Creole name of this restaurant translates to ‘Mum’s House’. The third entry from Bedford Place, the trendy restaurant will offer you their take on modern Mauritian street food. Opened by the winner of MasterChef 2012, Shelina Permalloo, the restaurant offers some of the most exotic cuisines in the city. Shelina highlights her Mauritian Chinese inspired magic bowl that involves soy sauce, ginger, chives, and a perfectly fried egg served with steamed rice. Also, their customers rave about their curries so it may also be worth a try. If you want to elevate your dining experience with a nice bottle, you are more than welcome to bring your own bottle and Lakaz Maman only charges a small corkage fee. After you have a taste of the food, you will see why the restaurant is ranked as the best street food restaurant in Bedford Place. 

Ennio's Restaurant Southampton

Ennio’s is a storied cozy little restaurant that offers one of the best Italian cuisines in Southampton. In fact, it was rated the best Italian restaurant in Hampshire by ‘Corriere Della Sera’, the number one newspaper in Milan. You will be able to enjoy authentic Italian dishes and wine while overlooking the Southampton Pier. The customers continually rave about their lobster, scallops, and tiramisu so it might be worth a try. Whether you are popping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a nice dinner, there are few better options in Southampton. Moreover, the Sunday lunch menu changes each week and highlights some of the best finest local products. Its large selections of wines will also ensure that you will find the perfect beverage to pair with your meal. 

Bayleaf Kitchen Southampton

If you are looking for Indian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with the Bayleaf kitchen. Conveniently located in close proximity to the Southampton Harbor and West Quay Mall, the restaurant is run by a skilled Guinness Book record-setting chef, Mukesh Sharma. You will be treated to a wide selection of Indian cuisine ranging from exquisite tandooris and biryanis to delicious curry. The restaurant is full of reviews that rave about their food and they are a great indication of the quality of food you can expect. This, combined with the exceptional service  that you will receive will leave you eagerly counting the days before you inevitably return. As if this wasn’t enough, the experience will be taken to the next level by the fact the restaurant is located in a historic building that once housed Oakley and Watling, one of the most renowned fruits, vegetable, and flower suppliers in the region. 

2 thoughts on “10 Best restaurants in Southampton”

  1. FoodieExplorer93

    I was just reading about Lakaz Maman in Southampton. It’s cool that it’s run by a MasterChef winner! Has anyone tried the Mauritian Chinese inspired magic bowl there? It sounds unique and I’m curious about the flavours.

    1. Hi FoodieExplorer93, Lakaz Maman is indeed a gem in Southampton, thanks to Shelina Permalloo’s touch. The Mauritian Chinese inspired magic bowl is a standout dish, combining soy sauce, ginger, chives, and a perfectly fried egg served with steamed rice. It’s a delightful mix of flavours that really showcases the fusion of cultures. Definitely worth trying for its unique taste and the way it perfectly blends different culinary traditions. You’ll love it!

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