After a few weeks of respite to get over the gastronomic onslaught that is Christmas and New Year, many of us are beginning to feel peckish once more. It’s about this time in January when we start venturing out to prey on substantial food sources once more.
We asked members of Facebook group We Grew Up In Southampton which restaurants they miss the most and these are just a few of the much-loved and sorely-missed eateries they mentioned.
From Nick’s through to Wimpy – these restaurants may have enjoyed their last supper, but they live on in our memories.
Nick’s
This was an old classic in East Street for many years.
The restaurant was popular for evening meals as well as lunchtime bites.
The family-run eatery was opened by Nick Prodromou in 1964 and closed more than half a century later in 2017.
Bouzy Rouge
Near Southampton's Bargate, tucked away down a nearby alleyway, was a quaint, cosy little restaurant called Bouzy Rouge,
Although it had a French-sounding name the menu boasted an eclectic mix of European influences.
For 25 years it was one of Southampton’s best-loved restaurants.
La Cantina
La Cantina was a Southampton restaurant that offered a taste of Latin America.
The interior was cosily decorated in a tasteful South American style with lots of retro photos on the walls and warm lighting.
But in 2015 they closed after more than 16 years of trading.
Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bills was a popular choice for those who liked meat.
The American-style restaurant, located on Commercial Road, was popular for its grill, serving up large plates of ribs, steaks, wings, burgers and more.
Buffalo Bills served food and poured drinks for more than 27 years before closing in 2019.
Elias
Elias in Canal Walk was a favourite with foodies for many years.
The popular Greek restaurant closed in 2018 and was converted into a five-space serviced accommodation hotel.
Poppadom Express
This Oxford Street curry house was a contemporary take on Indian cuisine.
It boasted an open kitchen and a bright and modern dining area set against the sounds of Frank Sinatra.
There was also a modern-looking bar area that added to the cosmopolitan chic of the area.
But the restaurant, although popular with many in the early 2000s, was relatively short-lived.
Cadena Cafe
Cadena Cafes stood between 33 and 35 Above Bar - near to where the entrance to Westquay shopping centre is now.
Although they began trading in 1951 from mobile premises, it wasn’t until 1954 that they moved into the Above Bar address.
The Cadena brewed its last pot of tea in the autumn of 1971.
Pilgrim House
Pilgrim House Chinese restaurant opened in a building in Canute Road originally built in 1868.
Although popular, the restaurant was closed down due to poor hygiene.
Christina's
Located next to Nick's (above) on East Street, Christina's was a family-run Greek and English restaurant.
The venue served the community for many years.
Little Buddha
This was the phoenix that rose from the ashes of Momtaz Indian Restaurant.
Much of the community was saddened when a fire ripped through the Indian eatery, but what came in its place worked wonders to heal those wounds.
Little Buddha instead offered Chinese food - and tasty Chinese food at that!
7bone
We haven't had long to pine for this one, but any period of time without 7bone is far too long.
The burger joint became an institution as well as somewhere to go and eat.
The place was so popular you couldn’t book and was always so busy that they had to take your number and text you when a table became available.
Always a good excuse for a pre-burger beer at one of the many pubs and bars nearby!
Los Marinos
Part of the old Ocean Village complex, this restaurant overlooked the water.
Like quite a few on this list, Los Marinos was a popular destination for drinks in the evening.
The Old Oriental
The Old Oriental, situated on Queens Terrace, was a pub that also served food.
The venue was also a popular venue for revellers drinking on a night out.
Wimpy
Everyone loves a Wimpy!
Especially the sausage that cured round into a circle and was served in a bun - the Bender!
This old burger joint with table service was in London Road and another was on the High Street.
At a later date, and for several years, there was one on Shirley Road and then in Portswood. Both are no longer open.
Now, to enjoy a nostalgic bite of a Wimpy burger, or to wonder at the Bender, one must travel further afield – the nearest being in Southsea.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel