The South Restaurants

In summer, and especially on summer weekends, visitors can overrun the restaurants in small villages, so either book a table in advance or prepare to wait. The more popular or upscale the restaurant, the more critical a reservation is. For local specialties, try fresh-grilled river trout or sea bass poached in brine, or dine like a king on New Forest's renowned venison. Hampshire is noted for its pig and sheep farming, and you might zero in on pork and lamb dishes on local restaurant menus. The region places a strong emphasis on seasonal produce, so venison, for example, is best between September and February.

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  • 1. Allium

    $$

    This family-run, centrally located restaurant has been winning rave reviews for both the taste and presentation of its creative Modern British dishes. Produce is largely fresh and local while meats and poultry are free-range and sustainably farmed. Standouts include roast Guinea fowl supreme and confit leg with shitake, squash, and spring greens, pork belly confit with black garlic, glazed carrots, and pickled turnip, and a starter of cod cheeks with fried capers and grapes. Set lunches (two courses £19.50, three courses £24.50) offer good value.

    6–7 Ox Row, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1EU, England
    01722-326057

    Known For

    • High-quality, creative dishes
    • Nice wine selection
    • Reasonable prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 2. Anokaa

    $$

    For a refreshingly modern take on Indian cuisine, try this bustling restaurant a few minutes from the town center. Classic recipes are taken as starting points for the artistically presented dishes, which include tandoori breast of guinea fowl with fenugreek sauce, pistachio chicken korma with sweet basil and clove, and a Singapore-style chickpea and baby eggplant curry. A two-course seasonal set lunch (£10.50) and an early evening set menu (£17.90 for 2 courses plus wine) offer good value. The setting is contemporary and cosmopolitan, and service by staff in traditional dress is friendly and prompt. Live performances by a musician or dancer occasionally make an appearance at dinner.

    60 Fisherton St., Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RB, England
    01722-414142

    Known For

    • Creative, well-executed Indian dishes
    • Excellent service
    • Buffet lunch
  • 3. Abarbistro

    $$

    A relaxed, modern bistro midway between Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays, this place is ideal for a snack, meal, or glass of wine from the thoughtfully chosen wine list. The changing Modern British menu specializes in seafood dishes like pan-roasted chalk stream trout with a Nicoise salad or ale-battered haddock-and-chips, mostly sourced from Portsmouth's fish market directly opposite the restaurant. Alternatively, opt for honey-and-sesame-glazed duck breast or sweet potato, spinach, and cauliflower Wellington. You can sit indoors, in a garden at the back, or at Continental-style tables on the pavement.

    58 White Hart Rd., Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2JA, England
    023-9281–1585

    Known For

    • Super fresh seafood
    • Friendly service
    • Extensive wine list
  • 4. Oxford Brasserie

    $$

    This airy modern brasserie on a restaurant-heavy street close to the docks is known for its melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes but also offers vegetarian options. The menu leans toward Modern British favorites like slow-cooked pork belly and pan-fried salmon with Mediterranean touches like fried zucchini or calamari.

    33–34 Oxford St., Southampton, SO14 3DS, England
    023-8063–5043

    Known For

    • Fresh shellfish
    • Good traditional roast Sunday lunches
    • Excellent desserts
  • 5. Waggon and Horses

    $$

    A 17th-century thatched-roof building with foundations made from sarsen stones, this traditional inn and pub (Dickens mentions the building in the Pickwick Papers) is a two-minute drive from the Avebury stone circles. With a beer garden that has views of Silbury Hill, it's something of a tourist hub in high season, but lunches and dinners are still excellent. Dishes include whole pan-fried sole with crayfish and coriander butter and a baked Mediterranean tart. Recent innovations include meatless burgers.

    Beckhampton, Wiltshire, SN8 1QJ, England
    01672-539418

    Known For

    • Cozy atmosphere with open fire
    • Housemade food using locally sourced ingredients
    • Crowds in high season

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun.
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  • 6. WestBeach

    $$

    Superbly positioned right on the beach close to Bournemouth Pier, this fish restaurant serves the best seafood in town, whether grilled, baked, or in fish pies and stews. The menu usually includes a crayfish roll, a soft-shell crab burger, and wild locally caught fish and shellfish (including local oysters, crab, mussels, clams, and lobster). There are also a few non-fish dishes such as a crispy duck and blood orange salad. Simple wooden tables and a large glass front lend a modern, minimalist feel, and there's a narrow deck and terrace for open-air dining and excellent views over the sea and sand. But be warned: if you turn up for lunch one minute after service finishes, you won't be served. In summer, pick up ice cream and snacks from the adjacent stand.

    Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, England
    01202-587785

    Known For

    • Fresh fish and shellfish
    • Sea views from right on beach
    • Minimalist decor

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