Old Southampton restaurants we once loved and now miss

But nothing lasts forever - and that seems to be especially true when it comes to the lifetime of an eatery.

Inquiring within the community on Facebook group We Grew Up In Southampton, we asked members which dining establishments of yesteryear they miss the most.

Numerous individuals passionate about food eagerly shared their memories in response.

Scroll down to see if your favourite is among them and let us know which you miss the most in the comments below.

La Margherita - Commercial Road

This Italian restaurant was originally located on Commercial Road before moving to Town Quay.

The venue was known to have been frequented by Saints players as well as stars passing through while performing at The Mayflower Theatre nearby.

La Cantina - Bedford Place

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.

Los Marinos - Ocean Village

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.

Nick's - East Street

An old classic that was in East Street for many years.

This place was popular for evening meals as well as lunchtime bites.

Christina's - East Street

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 before being closed.

Elias - Canal Walk

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.

Buffalo Bills - Commercial Road

Buffalo Bills was a popular choice for those who liked meat.

This American-style restaurant, located on Commercial Road, was popular for its grill, serving up large plates of ribs, steaks, wings, burgers and more.

Poppadom Express - Oxford Street

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.

Bouzy Rouge - Bargate

Tucked away down an alleyway near Southampton’s Bargate 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.

Wimpy - London Road

Everyone loves a Wimpy! Or many of us anyway.

This old burger joint with table service was on London Road and another was on the High Street.

Cadena Cafe - Above Bar

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.

The Old Oriental - Queen's Terrace

The Old Oriental, situated on Queens Terrace, was a pub that also served food.

The venue was also popular for revellers drinking on a night out.

Pilgrim House - Canute Road

Pilgrim House Chinese restaurant opened in old building in Canute Road originally built in 1868.

Although popular, the restaurant was closed down due to poor hygiene.

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!