It’s exciting to see a variety of new businesses have arrived in Southampton over the past few months. From Korean food and Japanese ramen to collectable toys and new nightlife locations, here, we highlight what’s new and why you should give them a visit on your next trip to Southampton.  

New restaurants and cafes in Southampton 

We’ve a whole host of new restaurants and cafes to try in Southampton, particularly offering Asian cuisine such as Korean dishes, new Indian restaurants and even an all you can eat Asian buffet. Combine them with a visit to Westquay or the Marlands for shopping, or head out slightly further from the city centre for some great new independents.  

These are the latest openings: 

My Bakery, Above Bar St

From creamy custard and ube mochi baos to crisp egg tarts and indulgent pistachio cream horns, My Bakery is an Asian-inspired artisan bakery offering a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries and desserts.

Range of sweet filled pastries from My Bakery surrounding a latte

Maki & Ramen, Westquay 

This Asian-inspired restaurant is now open at Westquay, providing hungry shoppers traditional Japanese food. There are plenty of options available for those seeking a healthy alternative to fast food with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

Big bowls of ramen dishes with egg, noodles and beef along side sides of sushi at Maki & Ramen

Palette Cafe, Civic Centre Road 

On the edge of our Cultural Quarter, Palette Cafe serves up a wide variety of coffees, teas and matcha. Added to this, you can indulge in a variety of cakes and snacks.

Palette Cafe chocolate covered strawberries with sprinkles and sweet frappe drinks

Bunsik, Westquay 

For signature Korean street food, Bunsik is one to add to your list. Located in the heart of Westquay, try their popular Korean corn dogs and freshly prepared Kimbap. 

Range of dishes from kimbap to korean corn dogs and bbq korean chicken from bunsik

Dhol, Oxford Street 

Award-winning chef Abdul Yaseen has brought a taste of modern Indian cuisine to Oxford Street. With dishes including firecracker cauliflower and Old Delhi-Style Silky Butter Chicken, you’ll be in for a treat when booking a meal out here.

Dhol Restaurant assortment of Indian dishes

Nami Bakehouse, East Street 

Say bonjour to some tempting French-inspired pastries and cakes at this newly opened bakery. With items baked daily, sit down with a matcha or a speciality tea. Just a short walk from Southampton city centre, Nami Bakehouse is a great addition to the East Street area.

Nami Bakehouse Pastries including croissants topped with fresh cream and berries

Pan Asian Plaza, Marlands Shopping Centre 

If you can’t quite decide what you fancy to eat, Pan Asian Plaza is a great place to stop. Here, Korean, Chinese and pan-Asian dishes are served up in this new all you can eat buffet. Noodles, maki, wagyu and bao are just some of the types of dishes that you can expect to find here.

Pan Asian Plaza buffet with big silver pots of noodle dishes and more

Spudfusion, Marlands Shopping Centre

Take your traditional jacket potato lunch or dinner to a whole new level at Spudfusion. Recently opened in the Marlands Shopping Centre, expect different toppings such as the Bombay Spud and Turkish Mafia (chicken donner, cheese, garlic and chilli sauce) as well as your traditional favourites including tuna and cheese.

Spudfusion in The Marlands with Smiling Potato mascot standing in front of shop-front

Tattva, Bedford Place 

Joining the restaurants in the Bedford Place area of Southampton is Indian restaurant, Tattva. Focussing on authentically cooked dishes, Tattva has an extensive menu including grill, vegetable and meat dishes.

Interior seating area of Tattva Indian restaurant with classy tables and mood lighting

Cherrywood Kitchen, High Street

If you've visited Netley, you may already know Cherrywood Kitchen – the charming brunch spot marked by its signature cherry blossom. Loved for its hearty cooked breakfasts, delicious toasties, quality coffee and tempting sweet treats, they've now brought their popular menu to Southampton's Old Town.

Next time you're exploring the Old Town, pop in for brunch or a coffee – it might just become your new favourite spot!

Cherrywood Kitchen brunch sandwich and coffee

Breadfords, Bedford Place

If handcrafted sandwiches are your thing, you'll want to add Breadfords to your list. One of the latest additions to Bedford Place, Breadfords specialises in freshly made sandwiches, prepared to order using quality ingredients. Choose from classic favourites like roast chicken, bacon and Wiltshire ham, or try one of their more premium creations, including chicken tikka, hummus and Mediterranean vegetables, or tuna Italiano.

Breadfords handcrafted ham sandwich in triangle slices

New shops and retail openings in Southampton 

A couple of new shops have opened their doors in Southampton over the past few months in Westquay and in the city centre including: 

POP MART, Westquay 

With its designer toys and collectable figures, Popmart is best known for its surprise ‘blind boxes’ in which you don’t know what you’ll get. Popular with fans of pop culture, the store offers a range of sought-after characters including Labubu.

POPMART rose figurine

Victoria’s Secret, Westquay 

With luxury lingerie, fragrances, swimwear, accessories and a lot more, this vibrant store has made a welcome return to Westquay’s shopping centre. Ideal for picking up a little something to cheer yourself up or as a great store to visit for buying gifts for a loved one.

Interior of Victoria's Secret

Coming soon to Southampton 

Barbara's Bier Haus, Bedford Place 

This high energy, après-ski bar will be opening in the summer in place of former Revolutions bar. Expect live sport, happy hour, bottomless brunches and lots more when this bier haus opens its doors soon. 

Barbara's Bier Haus interior bar area

Discover something new in Southampton 

Southampton's newest businesses are helping to bring even more variety to our city's dining, and retail scene. Whether you're looking to try a new place to eat, indulge in some retail therapy or discover somewhere new to meet up with friends, there are plenty of exciting additions waiting to be explored. Keep an eye out for even more openings throughout the year in Southampton by following our socials.

Two people walking past a shop in the pedestrain area of Carlton Place