The Best Restaurants in Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Generally a nice place. The food was good, however, I think the pizzas would have been better than our choice (pasta dishes) as they smelled amazing. I would return to try the other food. Service was good, with a friendly hostess.

Second time coming for dinner, still amazed by the taste and service. The best pizza i had, real italian taste. 🌹💯🧡🫶🏻

Obviously pirate themed but delightfully surprised by the great music and amazing service! The cocktails are very high quality. Impressive selection of rums too. Try the shot board with their Hanover waffle dessert you won’t be disappointed. Great spot for group outings and birthday celebrations.

Visited with my girlfriend and son on our journey home after a week on the Isle of Wight. We liked the look of the place from Google reviews and as soon as we walked in we could tell we had made the right choice. Amazing decor (pirate themed), brilliant music (whoever picks the playlist deserves a pay rise), selection of rums was crazy. I tried two of them before my meal (black magic and bumboo), both really good spiced rums and then the food came up… delicious food, generous portions and great staff who really know how to make you feel welcome. They went above and beyond for our son who is autistic and can be mega fussy with food. Can’t wait to go back!!

Very relaxed atmosphere, at no time did we feel under pressure to order, plates weren't cleared until we had finished eating, excellent range of dishes on the menu, my guest is vegetarian and there was a good range of dishes for her to select from. Staff were welcoming, friendly and professional, the restaurant was very clean. My guest has lived in Lebanon for several years and assured me about the authenticity of the cuisine. Prices are very reasonable, I have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant.

I visited this place with my friend in the evening during the weekend, and we really enjoyed the food. The portions were generous and the price is unmatched, very good. 👍🏻 The only thing that didn’t sit quite well with us was the atmosphere. The place was really quiet when we went, all the people in the restaurant were quiet too and there was barely any music playing. Would’ve preferred it to be more lively. Otherwise everything was excellent 🤗

Nestled in the vibrant area of Southsea near Portsmouth, Cedar is a hidden gem that brings the authentic flavors of Lebanon to the heart of the coast. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in their grilled chicken and lamb chops, and I can confidently say it was a culinary highlight that I won’t soon forget. The grilled chicken was perfectly seasoned, marinated in a harmonious blend of spices that allowed the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. Each bite was juicy and succulent, with a satisfying char that added depth to the dish. It was evident that the chefs at Cedar take great pride in their preparation, as the chicken was grilled to perfection—tender on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside. The lamb chops were equally impressive, showcasing the rich, bold flavors that Lebanese cuisine is known for. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the lamb was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. The marinade infused the meat with aromatic spices that complemented the savory essence of the lamb beautifully. Each chop was a celebration of taste, and I couldn’t help but savor every bite. The dish was served with a side of fragrant rice and fresh vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal that left me feeling satisfied yet eager for more. The attentive service and cozy décor made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or trying it for the first time, Cedar offers a welcoming environment where you can truly appreciate the flavors of Lebanon. In conclusion, if you find yourself in Southsea, do not miss the opportunity to dine at Cedar. The grilled chicken and lamb chops are not to be missed; they are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. I left Cedar with a full belly and a happy heart, looking forward to my next visit!

Delightful dining experience with authentic Lebanese dishes, great hospitality, and a cozy ambiance.

Deserves the 5* reviews. We had 5 small plates (3 would have been enough for the two of us. They and not so small 😀), a bottle of wine and medium glass of red and it came to £75. Food was brilliant, service the same.

Booked a table to try the nut roast on Sunday. Food was absolutely delicious!!! The staff were really friendly and quick with service. Will definitely be back again soon!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Marmion House in Southsea, Portsmouth, and let me tell you, it was an exceptional experience. A group of eight of us settled comfortably in the back, enjoying the warm atmosphere and attentive service that was always there when needed but never intrusive. Our knowledgeable waitress, with a friendly demeanour, guided us through the menu, pointing out the satisfying portions of the small plates. Following her advice, I started with a delightful cheese soufflé, setting the tone for a lovely meal. For the main event, I couldn't resist the allure of the Friday and Saturday special, featuring a heavenly seafood and crayfish risotto topped with a perfectly panfried sea-bass fillet. To cap off this fantastic lunch, I indulged in a decadent chocolate bar with raspberries for dessert – a sweet conclusion to a symphony of flavours. What impressed me most was the efficiency of the kitchen – each dish, cooked from scratch, arrived promptly at our table, showcasing both quality and quick service for all eight of us. The restaurant's ambiance added to the overall experience, creating an intimate setting for our gathering. Marmion House struck the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. In conclusion, Marmion House gets my highest recommendation. As someone in their 40s, I appreciated the refined yet relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a stylish yet laid-back meal out. I'm already looking forward to my next visit for another exceptional dining experience. If you're in Southsea and seeking a taste of culinary excellence paired with superb service, Marmion House is the place to go!

Wow what a night. The food was amazing, the staff so lovely and the live singer made what is already a fantastic place somewhere truly special. We honestly did not want the night to end. Thanks to the lovely Jazz and her team. We will absolutely be back.

We had such amazing time! Staff are absolutely amazing! Honestly so helpful, accommodating and friendly, definitely went above and beyond! Food delicious and lots of variety! Great cocktail list! Great for birthday's and special events and for group bookings! Definitely worth a visit!

Down into the dungeon for cocktails. They put some effort into making them, which is becoming a pleasant surprise 🫢 Great Moscow Mule, pretty good hot snacks. Definitely worth a pit-stop

Having eaten at this establishment before as part of large "party" group, I was keen to enjoy a more intimate dinner with the wife here. We enjoyed some wonderful espresso martinis downstairs upon our arrival, with the lovely bar-person being an absolute treat...and a great mixologist! Eventually, we took our window seat and order a selection of mouth-watering food to share. I won't babble too much, but it was a solid 7/10...with only the "meat tacos" being dry and cold upon arrival. It's another solid night out at this pleasant and busy restaurant.

Thanks to the team for a really positive experience (Thursday 30 January). I'm currently on quite a restrictive medical diet, so eating out is a lot less fun than usual. The staff were very keen to figure out what I could have and made some amendments to dishes for me, as well as being clear about the things that couldn't be changed. Communication between front of house and the kitchen is obviously great as they worked it all out quickly and without a fuss so I was very grateful! Fortunately, this diet doesn't exclude wine :-) Helpful, friendly staff; interesting food and drinks; decent value; nice decor - definitely recommended!

I highly recommend a visit!!! modern but very cozy space, amazing food but the service.... I couldn't ask for better 😀! I am truly impressed! Bravo Ema ! excellent James(?)

Went for dinner on Valentine's Day and it was absolutely amazing. Staff are super friendly and always have a smile on their face, they always keep checking up to make sure that you are enjoying yourself and the food. It's cosy, warm and welcoming. The food was just great, huge thanks to the chef. We had the olives and bread, mussels in Thai sauce for starters. The mussels were absolutely devine. The bread and olives were just as good and fresh. For mains, we had the Rocka house steak, and the Picanha steak. I would definitely recommend the Picanha. Both steaks were cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. For desert, we shared a Panna Rocka. The best desert I've had. We also had some Pina coladas. All round Amazon, definitely recommend.

Went there after seeing lots of positive reviews but I was a bit disappointed. The food was alright but could be a lot better. I had chicken and rice and rice was overcooked and my partner had some Brazilian steak which he said was chewy. The service there are very good, friendly and knowledgeable. I'm happy to pay higher price for really good food but this time I felt like I overpaid.

I recently visited Rocka, and I have to say, it was an amazing experience! The standout was definitely the steak — cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. The flavor was rich, juicy, and tender, making every bite a true delight. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, with great service to match. Whether you're a steak lover or just in the mood for something special, Rocka is a must-try. Highly recommend!

A dog friendly restaurant a short walk from the sea front, part of a hotel, offering some nice eating spaces (semi-outside hut, inside spaces), outside space has a few heated seats, a nice chilled vibe, ideal for breakfasts. Food was good, we had smashed avocado, although it wasn’t really smashed but not a big issue. Overall we very much enjoyed the service, atmosphere and food.

Wonderful ambience , service, and importantly, for myself (and others, who I will tell ), a great separate vegan menu, with deliciously fresh ingredients. My friend had food from.the main menu amd has the same opinion. Will definitely return .

Nice space! Good food! You can chose your seating area when you book (indoor, cabin which is outdoors but covered or outdoor). The landscaping outside is nice. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a wood burning pizza oven. The food was yummy! Good selection of fresh Mediterranean food. Only downside is parking is for hotel customers only.

Great service and atmosphere. Food was delightful but slightly dear on prices when comparing to other restaurants of the same calibre. Perfect environment to relax, lots of quaint tables and inside or outside seating, a wood cabin with blankets available and a log fire for when its cold. Great coffee and tea and always flavourful meals. Would recommend trying for a treat

This Portuguese red is a true find! The Francesinha was incredible, it took me straight to Porto. Crispy fries on the side and a refreshing passionfruit drink, called brisa, made it a perfect meal. Authentic flavors, beautiful presentation, and warm, friendly service. A must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Portugal!

Great place to dine. The service is first class, from booking, through dining to the final bill. The decor is superb as well. The food is excellent and reasonably priced. We will definitely be visiting again.

Amazing food and tasty, service 5🌟 with very friendly staff, atmosphere great . Thank you

Been wanting to try this place ever since getting back from Belgium in December for a few days away. Tried this place spontaneously last night and was not disappointed. The traditional chips and large choice of Belgian beers took us right back to Gent! The staff were so friendly and couldn't be more accommodating. I can't wait to come back and try more of the food (and beer!) Would definitely book next time but was extremely pleased we did manage to grab some food as a walk in!

Really good! Felt authentic. Everything you'd expect from a Belgian restaurant. We had the sharing platter on the specials menu, which was lovely but did get major food envy when the table next to us Mussels arrived. They looked and smelled amazing! Beer selection was top notch. Staff were friendly and helpful despite it getting increasingly busier during our visit due to it being lunchtime. We visited on a Saturday and did not book a table. Think we were lucky to get a seat so would recommend booking. A few disappointed people were unable to get a table shortly after we arrived. We were too full to try the deserts but they all sounded amazing. We will be back. 😁

Came here for my partners birthday meal and had an incredible time. The staff were so friendly and gave great customer service, the drinks were great and the food was unreal. It’s pricey but completely worth it.

El Greco is my favourite restaurant of all time! I'm a food blogger based in Portsmouth (@sj_goodeats_) & have been to many, many local restaurants but nobody does it quite like El Greco. The restaurant itself is stunning inside & out, the decor is gorgeous & sets the scene for a delicious Greek meal. The staff are friendly & accommodating and will offer you a warm welcome into their beautiful restaurant. I've always been a massive fan of Greek food & come here often with my family. I lived in Greece as a child & this is where my love of everything Greek has come from 🩵 My favourite item on the menu is the mixed gyros plate, I love that there's the option to get different types of meat and the chips are chunky and delicious. Another of my favourites here is the lamb Kleftiko, the meat just falls apart and the flavours are incredible. When it comes to drinks they offer wine, beer, spirits and cocktails so there's something for everyone. I've booked to come back for Valentines Day as I think this venue is the perfect place for a romantic evening meal.

Wow! A little gem! Some delicious, authentic Greek food. We just had Mezze: fava, horiatiki, calamari finished off with fresh, succulent loukamades. Excellent service too… we will be back!

This restaurant has such a cozy and charming atmosphere! From the moment you walk in, you feel right at home. The warm lighting, decor, and comfortable seating make it an ideal place for a relaxed meal. should get at least 5 stars for amazing service and good attitude. they are helpful and the food is delicious honestly everything there is amazing . it was amazing experience I will be there again for sure

A stunning restaurant from outside to inside, it's so warm and inviting with lovely lighting. The staff were all friendly and efficient, food was amazing and tasted very authentic, would recommend the gyros! This place will definitely become a regular place for us