If on your Southampton to-do list is to sample some of our award-winning restaurants, then you’ve found the best place! Whether you are here for a shopping trip, a pre-cruise stay or you are a foodie at heart, we have several fine dining and critically acclaimed restaurants in Southampton.
Here, we delve into some of our city’s must-try award-winning restaurants – from those with an AA rosette or two, and those awarded in some prestigious culinary awards.
AA rosette restaurants in Southampton
Ennio’s Ristorante & Boutique, Town Quay
This characterful, authentic Italian restaurant holds a coveted AA rosette for its food and was voted Best Italian Restaurant in Hampshire by Corriere Della Sera Italian newspaper. Pick from their a la carte menu or opt for regional specials such as oysters or steak in their daily changing menu.
If you fancy washing down your meal with some of Italy’s finest Prosecco or red wine, then why not book a room above Ennio’s? Graded as a 5-star restaurant with rooms by the AA, these characterful rooms are also convenient for pre- or post-cruise stays.
The Jetty, Ocean Village
If you are seeking a spot of luxury, then head to The Jetty restaurant in the five-star Southampton Harbour Hotel, in Ocean Village. Specialising in seafood and fresh ingredients, The Jetty has been awarded 2 AA rosettes for its food.
This waterside restaurant offers al fresco dining with beautiful views over the marina and a live three-course cooking demonstration with Chef Patron, Alex Aitken on the last Friday of each month.
You do not need to be a hotel resident to book a table at The Jetty.
The Blue Room, University of Southampton Highfield Campus
You wouldn’t expect a 2 AA rosette-winning restaurant at a university campus, but at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, you’ll find just that!
The Blue Room offers a sustainable and locally-sourced menu, with ingredients such as freshly harvested wild garlic and those sourced directly from the Campus Kitchen garden used in their dishes.
With an a la carte menu served Monday-Friday, 12noon-2pm and an afternoon tea service, The Blue Room can also be hired out for private dining (minimum group sizes apply).
Critically acclaimed restaurants in Southampton
Figurati, Ocean Village
Named Best Restaurant in Southampton at the British Restaurant Awards 2025, Figurati prides itself on offering modern Italian food with a twist. With a range of smaller plates, pizzas, mains and sides, this restaurant also offers Figurati Fridays – with a live DJ, fine food and drink set against the stunning backdrop of Ocean Village marina.
An honourable mention also goes out to Max’s Bar & Brasserie on Commercial Road who won Best Restaurant in Southampton in 2018 & 2019 at the British Restaurant Awards. A warm and friendly independent restaurant near Mayflower Theatre, serving traditional Sicilian & Italian food plus their own homemade Balsamic Gin & Tonics.
THE-PIG in the Wall, Old Town
Part of the well-known, and popular with foodies, Pig brand, THE-PIG in the Wall sits in the Medieval walls of Southampton’s Old Town.
An AA rated 5-star inn, this restaurant also holds an AA Dinner Award 2026. Whilst THE-PIG in the Wall does not have its own kitchen garden, like many of the PIG restaurants do, this restaurant’s ingredients come from the local area and with daily deliveries from its sister hotel in the New Forest.
At this PIG, dining is relaxed and deli-like, with a changing menu featuring platters and light bites.
Award-winning Indian food in Southampton
Padharo, East Street
Named Indian Restaurant of the Year in the South of England in the Nation’s Curry Awards 2025 and Best of Southampton in the English Curry Awards 2025, Padharo is a dedicated vegetarian Indian restaurant found on East Street, in the city centre.
With a wide-range of vegan and gluten-free dishes on the menu, Padharo specialises in dishes from the Gujarat region of India. Experience a wealth of dishes in this family-run eatery.
Award-winning Spanish food in Southampton
La Regata, Town Quay
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean on a visit to La Regata. Just a short walk from Westquay and the city centre, La Regata offers authentic Spanish cuisine, with fresh paella and tapas dishes.
A Best Paella award winner in 2025, La Regata is often noted for its atmosphere and excellent service, the restaurant was also listed by Time Out as one of the 9 best things to do in Southampton in a recent article.
Discover more places to eat in Southampton
If all this talk of food has whet your appetite, discover more places to eat and drink in our vibrant and multi-cultural city. Whether it’s for a pre-theatre meal, a romantic evening or simply as a special treat, you are sure to find plenty of choice and a wide variety of dishes from across the globe.
