Southampton Restaurants

Southampton offers a lively dining scene, and although eating out in the UK has a reputation for being pricey, its not impossible to find a reasonably priced meal in and around the city. Choose the smaller, more traditional looking establishments if you want to sample food that is prepared with local ingredients.

Local cuisine

Local cuisine in Southampton is typical of what would be considered traditional Hampshire fare and is based around a wealth of locally produced goods such as fruit and vegetables, cheeses, fresh meats, ice cream and beer. While dishes may not differ dramatically from those available across the country in terms of the combinations of ingredients, you may be pleasantly surprised at how the dishes taste when created with locally produced ingredients.

For a traditional Hampshire feast, head to a country pub where you can enjoy a good old-fashioned ploughmans lunch made with local beef, cheese, salad and vegetables, and washed down with a pint of locally brewed beer; try some of the homemade ice cream if youve any room left afterwards. Of an evening, why not try some locally caught seafood, which often makes its way onto the specials board.

Where to eat

Southampton has a lengthy list of eating establishments with all types of cuisine on offer in a variety of price ranges. We recommend you follow your nose and instincts (and budget) when deciding wheres best for you.

Visitors can sample fine English cuisine at venues such as Georges on St Michaels Street, Wild Orchid on Vernon Walk and the Buttery on Pound Tree Road, or try one of the many fine international eateries on offer such as the Surma Tandoori on London Road, Zen Garden Thai restaurant at the Careys Manor Hotel or the Buon Gusto on Commercial Road.