Southampton, England — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Southampton, England
Restaurants
Expensive
Olivetree
This is one of the best restaurants in Southampton, elegant and stylish in look and presentation. There’s a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, and dishes combine British and Mediterranean influences. Bread is freshly baked on the premises.
29 Oxford Street
Tel: (023) 8034 3333.
Website: www.olivetree.co.uk
Oxfords Bar Restaurant
Situated amidst many competitors on Oxford Street, Southampton's main restaurant street, Oxfords Bar Restaurant holds its own with a classic interior combining white walls and polished wood, and robust, creative British cuisine with Continental and Mediterranean flourishes.
35-36 Oxford Street
Tel: (023) 8022 444.
Website: www.oxfordsrestaurant.com
Moderate
La Regata
La Regata is a Spanish restaurant overlooking the city's waterfront. It specializes in fish and shellfish and has a great range of tremendously tasty tapas in addition to the à la carte menu. The interior is colorful and vibrant, and the ambience is intimate and relaxed.
Town Quay
Tel: (023) 8022 3456.
Website: www.laregata.co.uk
Cheap
La Cantina
Reasonably priced La Cantina serves fresh, tasty Mexican dishes, such as fajitas, tacos and fiery chillies, in a South American-style setting that combines hot Mexican colors and natural woods.
2A-3A Bedford Place
Tel: (023) 8022 0500.
Website: www.cantinarestaurants.com
Mango
This lively, welcoming, popular Thai restaurant offers a menu of ‘Thai Tapas' so you can indulge in a great mix of fragrant snacks, as well as a list of mains that include traditional staples such as red and green curries. The woodcarvings and bamboo blinds infuse the place with some Eastern ambience.
27 Portswood Road
Tel: (023) 8067 8877.
Website: www.mangothai.co.uk
Nightlife
From traditional pubs to chic bars, Southampton has a thriving nightlife. There are several bars in the Ocean Village overlooking the marina that are appealing places for a drink.
Bars
Duke of Wellington
The 13th-century, half-timbered Duke of Wellington is a traditional old ales house with a decent bar menu.
36 Bugle Street
Tel: (023) 8033 9222.
Website: http://southampton-pubs.co.uk/dukeofwellington
The Hobbit
The Hobbit has a large outdoor seating area, regular live music, and stays open until 0300 (until 0200 on Sunday). Located close to the university, it is a popular venue with students.
134 Bevois Valley Road
Tel: (023) 8023 2591.
Website: www.thehobbitpub.co.uk
The Red Lion
Try The Red Lion, one of Southampton's oldest inns. Dating back to the 12th century, it still retains its minstrels' gallery, a huge fireplace and the Court Room where the trial of conspirators, who plotted to murder Henry V, took place in 1415.
55 High Street
Tel: (023) 8033 3595.
Website: http://southampton-pubs.co.uk/redlion/index.htm
Clubs
Ikon - Diva
Southampton's Ikon - Diva nightclub is a huge, split-level club with lots of themed nights. Ikon, situated on the top level, has over-18s entry, while Diva downstairs offers over-25s entry only on Friday and Saturday nights.
Oceana, West Quay Road
Tel: (023) 8033 3003.
Junk Club
Modern, stylish and trendy, this club is fairly new to the Southampton club scene but attracts large crowds, thanks to top-name DJs, and its mix of mainly house, dance and R&B music.
55 London Road
Tel: (023) 8033 5511.
Live Music
Platform Tavern
Located in the historic dockland area, this laid-back watering hole has a solid reputation for live music, with the focus on blues bands. Live music is offered on Sundays and Thursdays, featuring local musicians as well as touring bands.
Town Quay
Tel: (023) 8033 7232.
Website: www.platformtavern.com
Southampton Guildhall
For bigger acts, try the Southampton Guildhall, which has hosted bands from Pink Floyd and David Bowie in the 1970s to the Killers and Amy Winehouse.
Civic Center, West Marlands Road
Tel: (023) 8063 2601.
Website: www.livenation.co.uk/southampton
