In this article, you'll learn the following:
Southampton is a hub of activity, with plenty of fun activities and an array of delicious dining spots. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying in Southampton for the weekend, we’ve found the very best places to eat in this bustling port city.
With cuisines to suit every taste, from Italian to vegetarian and family-friendly, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best budget-friendly restaurants in Southampton.
The best Italian restaurants in Southampton
Pizza and pasta lovers rejoice, as Southampton has plenty of Italian restaurants to enjoy.
La Tavernetta
1-3 Civic Centre Rd, Southampton SO14 7FJ
Visit La Tavernetta for relaxed Italian dining and a friendly environment. The restaurant serves a delicious variety of pizza, pasta and risotto, so choosing your favourite Italian or Mediterranean dish should be easy! With gluten-free, vegetarian and children’s portions available, La Tavernetta caters to all.
Price: ££
How to get there: Catch the train to Southampton Central and walk for eight minutes to La Tavernetta.
Piccolo Mondo
36 Windsor Terrace, Southampton SO14 7SL
If you want to enjoy an authentic Italian meal, visit Piccolo Mondo. With its green and red striped awning, intimate atmosphere and traditional menu, this restaurant wouldn’t look out of place in a sleepy Italian village. From moreish garlic bread and bruschetta to fresh, homemade pasta and pizza, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Price: ££
How to get there: Piccolo Mondo is an eight-minute walk from Southampton Central.
Bacaro
Ironside House, Southampton SO14 3TN
Serving lunch, dinner and drinks, Bacaro is a foodie favourite. The restaurant is known for its delicious small plates: colourful and bursting with flavour, these small portions of freshly made Italian dishes arrive at your table in stages, allowing you and your fellow diners to sample a variety of foods, including bread, meats and pizzas.
Price: ££
How to get there: From Southampton Central, walk to Central Station (stop SA) and catch the number 19 bus to Ocean Village. Bacaro is a three-minute walk away.
The best Mexican restaurants in Southampton
Add a fiery Mexican kick to your day with one of Southampton’s top Mexican restaurants.
LosTacos
72-94 Millbank St, Southampton SO14 5QN
For a flavoursome dinner or lunch in Southampton, visit LosTacos. This colourful, family-friendly restaurant serves the best Mexican street food, from tacos, quesadillas and burritos to nachos, salads and burgers. Save room for dessert and tuck into lime and tequila cheesecake, or share some moreish cinnamon churros with a dulce de leche dip.
Price: ££
How to get there: It takes 20 minutes to get to LosTacos from Southampton Central by bus. Walk to the Civic Centre (stop AN) and catch the 18 towards Thornhill. Get off at Princes Street, then walk for six minutes.
La Baronia
29-31 Portswood Rd, Southampton SO17 2ET
With fun, themed décor and an authentic Mexican menu, La Baronia is the perfect place to enjoy South American cuisine in Southampton. Mains include a variety of filled enchiladas, burritos and fajitas, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. For mini amigos, you’ll find a children’s menu offering smaller portions and less spice.
Price: ££
How to get there: La Baronia is a 10-minute bus journey from Southampton Central on the 2 towards Fair Oak. Alternatively, it’s just a 10-minute walk from St Denys station.
The best Chinese restaurants in Southampton
You can’t beat Chinese food, and Southampton has plenty to offer, serving all the Chinese classics from chow mein to prawn crackers and duck pancakes.
Shanghai 1814
165-168, High St, Southampton SO14 2NZ
Shanghai 1814 offers all the elements of luxurious dining at a reasonable price. Its beautiful interior is enough to draw a crowd, with mood lighting, glistening chandeliers and photo-worthy cherry blossom trees. With a menu designed by an unnamed Michelin-starred chef, you’re in for a treat. Notable dishes include roasted duck and black truffle sauce and stir fry Mongolian beef.
Price: ££ - £££
How to get there: Shanghai 1814 is a 14-minute walk from Southampton Central.
Garden Restaurant
44 High Rd, Southampton SO16 2JF
Indulge in traditional Chinese cuisine at Garden Restaurant. Serving delicious Szechuan dishes, you can try something new or stick to what you love at this family-friendly restaurant. The restaurant’s main appeal is its beautiful Chinese garden, a relaxing oasis for visitors to dine in, come rain or shine. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of indoor seating.
Price: ££
How to get there: Garden Restaurant is a seven-minute walk from Swaythling. Or from Southampton Central, it’s a 20-minute bus journey on the U6H to Woodmill Lane.
The best Indian restaurants in Southampton
Flavourful and aromatic, Indian food is always a tasty choice. Here are some of Southampton’s top Indian restaurants:
Coriander Lounge
130-131 High St, Southampton SO14 2BR
From well-loved Indian dishes to creative and unusual menu items, Coriander Lounge offers the very best of North Indian cuisine. Made with fresh, traditional ingredients and methods, the food here will leave you returning for more. Mains include curries, thalis, tandoori and karahi dishes, with plenty of starters, sides and bread to complement your meal.
Price: ££
How to get there: Coriander Lounge is a 16-minute walk from Southampton Central, or you can catch the U1C bus from Civic Centre to Holyrood Church, taking you right to the restaurant’s doorstep.
Kuti's
The Royal Pier, Mayflower Park, Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AQ
Kuti’s is an award-winning Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Southampton featuring curries and tandoori grills in an exquisite atmosphere. Voted the UK’s best Indian restaurant, Kuti’s lives up to its reputation, with a vast menu and stunning interior. Everything here is Insta-worthy, from the food presentation to the gold décor – so have your camera ready!
Price: £££
How to get there: Located in Southampton’s historic Royal Pier, Kuti’s is just a 20-minute walk from Southampton Central.
The best family-friendly restaurants in Southampton
Eating out with the little ones? Here are some Southampton restaurants the kids are guaranteed to love.
Piecaramba!
30a Carlton Pl, Southampton SO15 2DX
If you’re looking for cheap restaurants in Southampton, visit Piecaramba!. Serving one of the nation’s best-loved dishes, this is a restaurant the whole family will enjoy. The four-step menu lets you choose your pie, mashed potato, side and sauce, so even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. There are also six veggie and vegan pie options, plus a children’s menu for tiny tummies.
Price: £
How to get there: Piecaramba! is a 15-minute walk from Southampton Central.
Smugglers Bar & Restaurant
16 Carlton Pl, Southampton SO15 2DY
Smugglers Bar & Restaurant is a pirate-themed gastropub serving classic pub dishes, perfect for the entire family. The extensive menu features everything from wraps, salads and burgers to grilled meats, fish and curries, with melt-in-the-mouth desserts you won’t be able to resist. The heated outdoor area is perfect for the kids to run around.
Price: ££
How to get there: Catch the train to Southampton Central, then walk for 16 minutes to reach Smugglers Bar & Restaurant.
The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Southampton
Vegans and veggies don’t have to compromise on taste in Southampton, with a variety of restaurants catering to non-meat eaters.
Késarum
QE2 mile, 25 High Street Below Bar, Southampton SO14 2DF
Késarum is a vegan, plant-based bistro and bar serving delicious Indian cuisine. Its low-cost, no-fuss menu includes traditional steamed dumplings, noodle soup, smoked meat alternatives and vegetable curries. Choose from a selection of wines to accompany your dish, including reds, whites and sparkling.
Price: £
How to get there: Késarum is a 15-minute walk from Southampton Central.
Baboo Ji Vegetarian Kitchen, Portswood
273 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2LD
Located in Portswood, Baboo Ji Vegetarian Kitchen is an Indian vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving dishes that everyone can enjoy. The menu combines traditional Indian flavours with modern ingredients and techniques to create delicious dishes. All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers using sustainable methods.
Price: ££
How to get there: Baboo Ji Vegetarian Kitchen is a 10-minute walk from St Denys.
With frequent trains to Southampton, travel with South Western Railway today. Discover cheap train tickets to your Southampton station by going off-peak, while passengers with a Railcard could save even more. Consider GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard if you're travelling in a group.
