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

Visited with some friends for cocktails and dinner. It was a lovely evening. We were sat upstairs, which I was probably glad about as downstairs was very loud and party style. We enjoyed several cocktails, all very good, and various food which was all delicious. Service is friendly and will a smile. Some drinks come with a story they tell which is fun. Great atmosphere and old school tunes playing - though the volume could have been down just one notch. I would recommend going here and would visit again.

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!!

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.

Amazing food and tasted authentic! The staff were so lovely and attentive. Best Italian I’ve ever had. Great value 💕

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.

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.

A large group of us came to Marmion House for the live soul music on Wednesday. Wow! One of the best nights, music, food I have had in ages. We ordered loads of small plates- absolutely incredible!! The staff were so welcoming and friendly, making us their favorite cocktails. What a gem this place is! We will definitely be returning!

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!

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

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!

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 🤗

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 have been here twice with friends and we have loved it each time! The staff cannot do enough for you, they are funny and attentive but not in a full on way. They have got the perfect balance. Myself and my friends probably got a bit lively and they continued to provide excellent service. All their drinks are delightful, and the food is always delicious. By far my all time favourite bar. Very reasonable prices too. It's a little shame it's a bit far from where I live, but I will continue to make it an annual trip for my birthday. It's also probably a good thing it's a little far out for me, as I would likely visit a lot more and subsequently be broke!

Sunday lunch was a real treat. We have been to many different pubs and restaurants in Southsea for a roast, and this was definitely one of the best. Great service and interesting things to look at. This might not be an obvious choice for a Sunday roast, but I promise you won't be disappointed.

Came for Fright Brunch on 1/3/25- absolutely amazing! Could not name one fault. Excellent value for money. Food was 10/10 and drinks were strong and yum! Thank you- we will be back!!

Finally made it here after talking about it since their opening. And it's just as good if not better than I imagined. The atmosphere, service and overall experience are amazing. The food..yum!! Well worth the pennies paid. And as for the cocktails, they are just genius. We will most definitely be back again

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(?)

The restaurant is amazing! We went on a Friday for lunch, we did a reservation but at least when we went it was quiet. Marisa served throughout and she’s great, very knowledgeable about the menu and attentive. The food was absolutely amazing, we forgot to take a picture of the starter but the mussels are definitely worth it! The cocktails are made with real fruit which was spectacular! Definitely recommend the place!

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.

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

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

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.

Delightful Greek restaurant with lovely decor giving an authentic atmosphere. The service was impeccable, with friendly welcoming smiles from all the staff. The food was outstanding, the tuna steak was the best I've ever had, it was wonderfully tender - cooked to perfection. The moussaka was very delicious, with a very tasty dressed salad. The portion sizes were just right.

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!

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.

Delicious food and drink +amazing range of beers), generous portions. Great service, our super friendly waitress was very knowledgeable about the food and drink and anything she didn't know she found out and let us know, would highly recommend

The best place to eat in Hampshire , and the best steaks! Me and my partner love it here, have tried a few things on the menu and it’s 10/10 everytime. the staff are lovely and welcoming , the food is always quick and tastes lovely. The Restaurant has a nice atmosphere and design. Not one bad thing to say.

Very tender and juicy steakes. We tried the tasting menu with 4 different steaks and they were perfectly cooked. 4 x 6 oz was almost too much for 2 persons, you really get value for money. Very nice restaurant

Myself and my fiancé visited here for dinner. We were greeted by friendly faces and sat straight away from our booking. We were given the right amount of time to settle and have our drinks order ready. The pink gin was beautiful! We ordered our food and it came super quick. The chips here are utterly amazing! Whilst my fiancé was eating with his hands (ribs, he's not a neanderthal) a waiter brought over a plate and a wipe for him without us asking. We were treated like royalty as always at this restaurant with top class service and lovely manners from staff. Even down to the payment stage where we were brought jellybeans for afters (though would of preferred a mint). Would return again and again.

Perfect food, worth every single penny we spent. My steak was cooked just how I like it, ribs were amazing too. Lamb chops were perfect as my wife comented. Prawns for starter with amazing garlic sauce the best. Welldone, the team of EL Toro

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.

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 .

First time eating here, looked nice so wanted to try while it's still good weather. The lamb burger was a great choice, really tasty. The fries were great and the Greek salad was good, seems to be good quality ingredients. The fruit smoothie was refreshing. The male waiter got my bill for me, I showed him I wanted to pay with card and he said ok, then just disappeared and served other customers, a bit strange, not the best service, then a female waitress saw me waiting and helped me with the payment. I would have given 5 stars if the service was better with my payment. But I highly recommend coming here. The food and atmosphere is good.

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.