9 Absolute Best Restaurants in Southampton
Here are the best restaurants in Southampton as decided, after much research, by me. There are some great places to eat in Southampton, in among all the chains the city is known for – you just need to know where to look.
Southampton is only about 45 minutes from Southsea (my home) on the train, and where my boyfriend is from, so over the last three years I’ve got to know it quite well.
– Sausage roll at the Pig in the Wall
But first… coffee
1. Mettricks
Mettricks is a Southampton coffee chain, that’s spreading. I only recognised it because my friend had pointed it out to me as we drove through Beaulieu in the New Forest a few weeks before. I do love Pret a Manger, but I love a bit of local entrepreneurialism more.
We went to the Mettricks in Guildhall Place, and I’ll admit, drank gin and tonic instead of coffee thanks to the license and it being a rainy Tuesday afternoon. The next day I went back for the coffee though, and can definitely recommend it.
I love the vibe at Mettricks, and the fact it’s a coffee shop serving booze, rather than the other way round. They also have a simple menu for hipster breakfast and lunch.
While away an afternoon…
2. Dancing Man Brewery
Amazing place.
I met the owner who was super passionate and very generous too. He just wants to make the best tasting beers possible. The amount of his own brewed beers he shifts every day is testament to that. He’d originally planned to sell the stuff out to local pubs, but it’s all getting drank by thirsty customers before it can even leave the premises.
The brewery is on site, meaning you can sup up while your next drink is being brewed. We had a little look at the brewery and then sat down for a beer tasting, followed by an epic platter of antipasti. From now on I plan to go here every time I go to Southampton. It was that good.
Since first writing this post I’ve been to the Dancing Man Brewery a lot. The place just has a really cool vibe, lovely staff and some great beers on tap too. Also, lots of space to drink out the front.
For a slap up evening feast…
3. 7 Bone Burger Co
– Not my photo, and most of the ones on their Facebook look grim because of the cheese, don’t judge!
Went here for a… fourth date I think it was. It was a no to him, but a definite yes to the burgers.
7 Bone Burger Co is an American style place with all the delicious fatty options you could want. I had a spicy burger with fries and sauce on the side.
They’ve also got a great cocktail menu, a kind of USA Austin / Williamsburg vibe and it’s a little out of the main part of the city, in Portswood, but totally worth it.
And if you’re driving it gives you all the more excuse to get stuck in with the milkshakes. More cheese please.