Best restaurants in Southampton, according to Tripadvisor

Mouth-watering food, attractive surroundings and a great atmosphere can make for a perfect evening - especially when the dishes are served by friendly and attentive staff.

Here we take a look at some of the best restaurants in Southampton, based on reviews on Tripadvisor.

Mexifun - 121 East Street

Reviews:

"Mexifun is freshly-made street food located in a small setting with a few interior tables. Fresh, bright flavors. Mexifun takes pride in their takeaway menu.

"The Mexican Rice Bowl with slow cooked spicy beef was perfection. The bowl consisted of Mexican rice, black beans, pink marinated onions, shredded cabbage/slaw, guacamole, chipotle salsa and cream. Delicious.

"They have gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options that are well marked on the menu. Their salsas and sauces are home-made."

"I absolutely loved Mexifun. The decor was very cosy and cute, the service was lovely and attentive.

"The food was amazing - not what I expected at all. Usually whenever I try Mexican food in the UK it’s always some sort of strange version of it, but here it is so refreshing. Definitely recommend the nachos."

"We popped in for lunch on Sunday. Ordered a couple of sweet potato burritos, a pulled pork burrito and a spicy beef brisket rice bowl.

"Service was prompt and friendly and the food was delicious. The portions were enormous and great value for money. 'Best burrito ever' was uttered by Mexican afficianado daughter.

"We had it as takeaway but they offered to put tables together or bring it out to us if we were parked outside if needed. Highly recommend."

Tim's Bistro - 19 Bedford Place

Reviews:

"Lovely, clean restaurant with friendly, professional waiting team.

"Great choice on menu and specials board, all fish fresh from the quay that morning. The portions are generous and I was surprised by how reasonable the prices were.

"Can't wait to visit again, highly recommended."

"We chose this restaurant to have something to eat before seeing a show at the Mayflower, it’s only a 6-7 minute walk away.

"We were greeted by a warm and friendly welcome from the staff. Great menu and daily specials made choosing very difficult, they all sounded delicious. Needless to say the three of us were not disappointed - the food was fantastic.

"The staff are very attentive, polite and friendly without being overbearing.

"Could not fault anything at all, it was just a shame that we didn’t have time to try a dessert. I can see why every table was reserved and they were fully booked."

"Organised a family meal here before a wedding in the city.

"The food on offer was amazing, the monkfish on the specials board and duck dishes were thoroughly enjoyed. All the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout the evening and even the chef game to greet us after service.

"The quality of food and service on offer was incredible value for money for a city centre location. Would certainly recommend and will look forward to visiting again when next in the city."

5 Rivers Sports Bar - 30 Bevois Valley Road

Reviews:

"We are from Birmingham and are visiting family in Southampton for the weekend.

"The standard of mixed grill in Birmingham is very high so we do not have high expectations when we come to the south coast for a mixed grill.

"I do not usually write reviews but felt like I had to write this because the food was excellent, the staff were excellent and we had such a good time.

"Thoroughly recommend this place for a mixed grill and watching sports and look forward to coming back."

"Prior to our visit to Southampton we spotted 5 Rivers as a venue worth visiting and am pleased to say that it was an excellent place.

"Food was amazing. I can tuck my food away but found the small mixed grill extremely filling and hate to think how much food was involved with the regular or large.

"All three meals were excellent. If I was a Southampton resident this would be an ideal venue for me. Wall-to-wall sports TV, good beer, brilliant food. What more could you ask for."

"This place does what it says on the tin. Great hospitality.

"A busy football night. England playing. Security team had everything sorted. Food was as good as a five star Indian restaurant highly recommended.

"Bar staff were so good. I watched them change the Guinness barrel. They wouldn’t serve it until it was perfect. Could have served it, but professional pride took top spot. Great place."

Kohinoor of Kerala - 2 The Broadway, Portswood Road

Reviews:

"The food is phenomenally good.

"It's all cooked to a really high standard and whilst there are plenty of 'traditional curry house' dishes on the menu the real highlights are to be found in the dishes that have their roots in kerelan cuisine- this is where you'll find really exciting, authentic flavours.

"Whether it's the accents of fresh curry leaf, mustard seed, smoked tamarind, the subtle layers of complex spicing, or in the little details like coconut chutney, and appams - which I've never seen on a menu in the UK before- the food here is exceptional. Try the Allepey fish curry."

"We have been regulars at this restaurant for ten years and never had less than excellent food and extremely friendly service. Since the lockdowns finished the restaurant is back serving the same quality as previously.

"Several years ago my wife and I thought to try different Indian restaurants in the area for comparison's sake. After two we stopped, there really was no comparison to Kohinoor. They thoroughly deserve their high ranking."

"The quality of food went above and beyond.

"I highly recommend the masala dosa, its a traditional southern dish which is wrapped in a pancake. Also the kerala parata bread is one of my favourites, I was not disappointed.

"I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

"The waiters were kind, courteous and helpful. Even though it was so late we did not feel rushed, though we were very aware they had homes to go to.

The only sad part is, this restaurant is a six-hour round trip from where we live. In all honesty I would make that trip to eat there again as it was so good."

Alexanda's Restaurant & Bespoke Deli - Deacons Boatyard, Bridge Road

Reviews:

"Beautiful food and super friendly staff.

"We had a lovely lunch at this great place, plus a good chat with the friendly staff. We also purchased some art.

"You can tell the quality of an establishment by the quality of their accompanying salad - and theirs was the best. Well done."

"Went for lunch with a friend after another friend’s recommendation - had a lovely chicken and bacon salad.

"Loved the food so much decided to take my partner there for an evening meal a week later. We both had the pork loin which was cooked perfectly.

"Manda is a brilliant hostess and makes you feel so welcome, like you're old friends. Lovely friendly atmosphere with great food. Looking forward to visiting again soon."

"Can’t recommend Alexanda’s enough. Food is always on point, service second to none and always feel like you're visiting family for a good feed up, a laugh and friendly atmosphere."