Are you planning to head to Southampton but you’re not sure where the best places are to eat? From a quick pit stop to a five-course meal, the city of Southampton has plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy.
Where to eat in Southampton if you love cafe culture
That Lovely Little Cafe is every bit as sweet as it sounds. This charming coffee shop is the perfect place for a caffeine pit stop, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending a couple of hours sampling the extensive menu alongside your coffee.
Although That Lovely Little Cafe has plenty of sandwiches, cakes and quintessential coffee shop fare, it also offers brunches and even roasts on Sundays, with every dish made fresh to order.
There’s only one downside – it’s always full. Although you can take your food away (perhaps to the nearby New Forest as a picnic if you’re feeling adventurous) go early if you’d like to stop for lunch and soak up the atmosphere.
Where to eat in Southampton for a classic French bistro
Carnicero cook their impressive array of French-inspired dishes with only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, meaning that their fruit and vegetables are always in season and their dishes are full of rich flavours.
Seafood lovers in particular will be delighted by the array of fish dishes, freshly caught from local waters. The seafood linguine with mussels, crayfish and king prawns is one of the finest dishes on the menu – don’t miss the chance to sample it.
If you’d love a romantic night out for two or an elegant meal with friends, visit Carnicero on a Sunday night, when you can enjoy live music. Drink in the culture and enjoy your food with a glass of wine in the flickering candlelight, while a pianist serenades you.
Where to eat in Southampton for the best street food
For some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Southampton, pay a visit to It’s a Pizza Thing – you won’t be disappointed.
This street food truck sells a delicious selection of freshly-cooked pizza, including the famous Meat Feast – a pizza heaped with every conceivable kind of meat and topped with garlic sauce. It’s a Pizza Thing also sells sides of garlic bread along with a range of savoury and sweet (read: chocolate-filled!) calzone.
The truck is parked on Adelaide Road just outside the South Western Arms, with which it has an agreement. Order your pizza and head inside the pub to complete your feast with a pint of locally-brewed ale.
Where to eat in Southampton for variety
If you can’t make up your mind what to eat or you are entertaining several guests, there’s only one thing for it. Head to COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, where you’ll find dishes from around the globe cooked in front of you.
COSMO elevates the all you can eat global buffet concept to new levels, with dishes from every continent on the menu. Can’t choose between curry with naan bread, a traditional English roast or a Mediterranean cheese platter? You don’t have to!
For the truly indecisive, mini versions of all the main dishes are available so that you truly can sample everything. COSMO’s bar stocks an equally wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Where to eat in Southampton for Vietnamese food
You know the food must be good when reviews say that the food here is the best outside Vietnam! Pho Vietnam is a a great place to choose for a more unusual meal in Southampton and some authentic pho.
This restaurant is a firm favourite with locals and has a huge following of fans and regulars. You can bring-your-own alcohol with a corkage charge, so you can celebrate a special occasion by bringing a bottle of champagne.
Choose from flavoursome and automatic dishes such as summer rolls, tender caramelised pork, Vietnamese curry, rice rolls and pancakes and Vietnamese salad. The desserts are equally as popular – the exotic Pandan cheesecake is a favourite.