10 of the most underrated restaurants in Portsmouth

Along with its many attractions, museums, galleries and unique shopping destinations, Portsmouth isn’t short of fantastic places to dine out.

From fine dining to traditional pub fare, these underrated restaurants are well worth a try, whether you live locally or are just visiting.

The Courtyard

Set within the picturesque grounds of Southsea Castle, The Courtyard serves seasonal food which is locally sourced and cooked from scratch.

Catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they also serve a refined high tea, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Visit: Southsea Castle, Clarence Esplanade, PO5 3PA – thecourtyardsouthseacastle.co.uk

The Spice Merchants

Diners will be spoiled for choice at this cosy Indian restaurant with an extensive menu of authentic dishes on offer, made using the freshest exotic spices and ingredients.

Visit: 44 Osborne Road, PO5 3LT – spicemerchants-portsmouth.co.uk

(Photo: The Courtyard)

Hot Rock

At this steakhouse eatery, guests are encouraged to embrace their inner chef and cook steaks on volcanic stone to their own personal liking.

There are plenty of types of steak to choose from, along with seafood, burgers, salads and a tempting selection of desserts.

Visit: 40 The Boardwalk, Port Solent, PO6 4TP – hotrock.menu

Steki

Bringing a taste of Greece to Portsmouth, this intimate family-run restaurant can whip up a huge range of dishes.

From traditional Greek classics (including moussaka, beef stifado and lamb giouvetsi) to a choice of seafood and BBQ dishes, there’s plenty to try.

Visit: 58 Osborne Road, PO5 3LU – steki.co.uk

(Photo: The Courtyard)

Pie and Vinyl

Combining a love of music with a delicious menu specialising in pie and mash, this quirky record store and cafe has perfected the art of comfort eating.

As well as their signature savoury pies, they also serve an irresistible range of dessert pies, topped with homemade custard or a scoop of local artisan ice cream.

Visit: 61 Castle Road, PO5 3AY – pieandvinyl.co.uk

Two Doors Down

Brought to life by the same team that created the popular 6oz burgers in Southsea, Two Doors Down serve an exciting and ever-evolving tapas menu, inspired by street food from around the world.

Perfect for sharing, the menu includes tacos, wings, naan pizzas, yakitori and bao buns.

Visit: 42 Osborne Road, PO5 3LT – twodd.co.uk

(Photo: Two Doors Down)

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Unlike most pubs, Brewhouse and Kitchen brews its own unique craft beers on-site in their microbrewery.

They also incorporate the beer into many of their recipes, and each dish on the menu comes with a recommended beer match, so you don't need to spend too much time choosing.

Visit: 26 Guildhall Walk, PO1 2DD – brewhouseandkitchen.com

Huis

This independent bar brings Belgian beer and food culture together, offering an impressive lunch and dinner menu, along with a range of more than 60 beers.

From traditional Belgian dishes and fresh mussels, to light sandwiches and indulgent waffles, there’s something for everybody here.

Visit: 62 Elm Grove, PO5 1JG – huissouthsea.co.uk

(Photo: Two Doors Down)

Noble House

Serving a tasty selection of Peking, Szechaun and Cantonese-style cuisine, you can enjoy a huge variety of Chinese dishes and generous portions at Noble House.

All food is cooked to order using the freshest ingredients, and if your favourite dish isn’t on the menu, the kitchen are open to requests.

Visit: 43 Osborne Road, PO5 3LS – noblehousesouthsea.com

Nicholsons Tapas

Specialising in freshly prepared tapas and paella - including meat, vegetable, fish and sharing options - Nicholsons is ideal for sampling an array of Spanish cuisine.

As well as a superb variety of dishes, the restaurant have an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, Spanish beers and Sangria to accompany your meal.

Visit: 245 Albert Road, PO4 0JR – nicholsonsrestaurant.co.uk