Simon Rogan’s Guide to eating in and around Southampton
Published 06 July 2026

I was born in Hampshire, so I have a deep connection with Southampton, my old hometown. It’s where I grew up, and the New Forest is where I spent some of my early years as a chef. Recently, I’ve found myself back in the area more than ever. My son Daniel reopened his restaurant, AO, on Southampton’s Oxford Street in April 2026, and I spent a week in the city hosting our Rogan x Rogan series to celebrate AO joining Umbel Hospitality, my small groups of restaurants.

Southampton is often overlooked as a food destination but spend a little time exploring the city and the surrounding countryside and you’ll discover an incredibly varied dining scene, and I’ve had the joy of revisiting old favourites and discovering new places to go in my home county. From destination restaurants in country estates to neighbourhood favourites that locals have supported for years, I hope my list shows exactly why Hampshire remains one of my favourite places to eat.

AO by Daniel Rogan, Southampton

I couldn't miss out Daniel’s restaurant in a list of Southampton favourites. It’s a really special place and means a lot to both of us. It sets a benchmark for fine-dining restaurants in the city and really showcases the very best local suppliers and producers. Daniel has put so much work into the menus and it really shows. 

Hartnett Holder & Co, Lyndhurst

Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder head up this Italian restaurant set in the beautiful Lime Wood Hotel. The menu is led by the seasons, with ingredients sourced locally. In late spring, this means dishes such as lamb with New Forest asparagus and venison with foraged mushrooms. With views of the hotel’s extensive gardens, it’s perfect when the weather is a bit warmer.

Marle, Heckfield Place

This is a bit further from Southampton, but I had to include it as it is one of the standout restaurants in Hampshire. Established by the late Skye Gyngell, Marle is centred around the biodynamic produce grown on the estate, with a light Italian touch. It’s all about simplicity of preparation that allows the ingredients to shine.

Soleto, Southampton

This family-run Italian restaurant is ideally located in the centre of Southampton, and is the perfect spot for a pre-theatre meal as it’s opposite the Mayflower Theatre. The chef-owner George Jiojioras is Greek but his background in Italian restaurants means that Soleto has a deeply Mediterranean understanding of flavours. Pasta is hand-rolled each day and served alongside freshly caught seafood and a menu of daily specials. 

Miss Pita, Southampton

Serving some of the best gyros, Miss Pita is a Greek restaurant on Oxford Street, not too far from AO. The menu is made up of authentic Greek dishes, using fresh ingredients. It’s a lively casual spot, and great on a sunny day if you can grab a seat outside. 

Coriander Lounge, Southampton

Coriander Lounge is my go-to for Indian food. The team there want to restore the authenticity of Indian cuisine through traditional cooking techniques. But more simply, they also make a consistently excellent curry. The comprehensive menu has an incredible range from familiar favourites to more regional dishes, and if you’re after something not on the menu, they’ll happily do their best to create it. 

The Farmers Butcher, Bramshaw

We’re incredibly fortunate to have this fantastic butchery counter and deli near Southampton, on the edge of the New Forest. Michael and Sarah Alexander specialise in locally sourced produce and excellent meats, and their handmade pies are worth trying too. 

The Hanger Freehouse, Oakhanger

This gastropub champions seasonal dining and Hampshire’s finest local suppliers. Head there for a great Sunday roast – the Hampshire White on-the-bone pork belly is particularly good. 

Kimbridge Barn, Romsey

Go for breakfast, afternoon tea and everything in between. This converted barn sits just alongside the River Test outside of Romsey, and is a great place to stop on a weekend walk. 

Empress of Blandings, Cadnam

Set on the edge of the New Forest, this pub is cosy, a little quirky and serves a pretty decent burger. Named after a prize-winning pig, the interiors are covered with paintings, prints and pictures of pigs. The beer garden is where you’ll find me on a sunny day.

Chiang Mai Thai, Lyndhurst

Easily some of the best Thai food in the area. Set on the village high street, this family-run restaurant is so popular with locals. The approach here is to serve deeply flavourful dishes with bold flavours and often with a strong kick of spice!