Hampshire is home to a huge variety of excellent restaurants, cafes and places to visit – so, it will come as no surprise that I have visited very few of the places on offer. I’ve lived in Hampshire since 2012, and I’ve accumulated an impressive list of places I’d like to visit over the years.
From Portsmouth to Southampton, Winchester to the New Forest, and all of the places inbetween – Hampshire has plenty to see, do and eat and I fully intent to eat at as many independent places as I can. All for the blog, you understand!
This year is the year I’d like to start making a dent in that list! So, here’s the places I have on my must-visit list for 2020, broken down by location. Here’s hoping I can visit all of these places!
You might also like this post, A Year of Food: My Top Eats of 2019
Hideout Coffee Co, Portsmouth
Hideout Coffee Co. opened in Portsmouth in 2019, serving up homemade doughnuts and excellent coffee – and I can’t believe I still haven’t visited! With Instagram-worthy interiors, unique doughnut creations and a great central location, I fully intend to visit ASAP for a cup of joe and a sweet treat.
Find out more about Hideout Coffee Co
The Briny, Portsmouth
Opened in 2019 and the sister restaurant to the ever popular Abar Bistro, The Briny has a fish based menu and excellent views across Southsea Promenade and the Solent. Any restaurant with a sea view is a thumbs up from me – and I reckon The Briny would make a great date night spot.
Southsea Coffee, Portsmouth
Known across Portsmouth for their beautifully presented food and excellent coffee, Southsea Coffee has been on my to visit list for a long time. Sweet treats are homemade in their kitchen daily, and the interiors look beautiful.
Find out more about Southsea Coffee
Croxton’s, Portsmouth
I’ve only managed to sample some of Croxton’s food at the Portsmouth Seafood Festival so far – but that taste has confirmed that Croxton’s deserves a proper visit. From their Sunday lunches to their taco Tuesdays, all of the food from Croxton’s looks delicious and I can’t wait to head over.
The Fisherman’s Kitchen, Portsmouth
You can’t beat a classic like fish & chips – especially when you live by the sea! The Fisherman’s Kitchen serves up original recipe fish & chips, plus some of their own creative dishes. You’ll find loaded fries that change each week, deep fried everything and I’m so excited to visit.
Find out more about The Fisherman’s Kitchen
Sakura, Portsmouth
Did someone say sushi? Sakura has been on my hit list for years, and is one of Portsmouth’s most loved restaurants. A no frills dining experience that is renowned for their well priced ramen, sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Umami Street Food, Portsmouth
Over the last year I’ve tried to frequent far more independent restaurants in Hampshire – and I’d like to continue that this year! Umami serves Piri piri chicken alongside other things, and I reckon it will make a fantastic alternative to Nando’s (which we never visit).
Find out more about Umami Street Food
The Merchant House, Portsmouth
I’ve only experienced the food from Need Street Food at their stand, but never from their HQ – so that absolutely has to change this year. Trays of loaded fries, burgers, fried chicken and gyros are all over their Instagram page and it all looks delicious. I loved their french dip rolls at the British Street Food Awards, and all of their other offerings look just as good.
Find out more about The Merchant House
One Tonne Burger Co, Portsmouth
One of Outside-In Food Court’s resident street food vendors, One Tonne Burger Co serves up some seriously good looking burgers. They’ve been at Outside-In since they opened last April, and I can’t believe I still haven’t tried their burgers. I’m fully intending to rectify this ASAP – so watch this space!
Find out more about Outside-In Food Court
Bread Addiction, Portsmouth
Baked good galore are what awaits at Bread Addiction – and I’ve heard so many good things about this bakery! Artisan breads, pastries, breakfasts and of course lots of coffee lure the locals to Bread Addiction.
Find out more about Bread Addiction
SALT Cafe, Portchester
Breakfast with views over the water is an absolute thumbs up from me – and I can’t believe I’ve both worked around the corner and lived a short drive away from Salt Cafe for so long, and still haven’t visited!
Three Joes, Winchester
I’ve walked past Three Joes many a time in Winchester and ogled their pizza menu – so why on earth haven’t I stopped by for a slice yet? Who knows! Three Joes is a high priority on my 2020 hit list, and I’m determined to get my hands on some pizza and oozy mac & cheese.
Find out more about Three Joes
The Dispensary Kitchen, Winchester
Another breakfast spot – can you tell I like breakfast out? The Dispensary Kitchen has some creative twists on their breakfast menu, and I absolutely have to try their version of eggs & soldiers with a bit of parmesan.
Find out more about The Dispensary Kitchen
Bento Factory, Winchester
A new Asian spot opened in Winchester back in November and it has quickly become very popular – so, of course, I now need to visit! Donburi, sushi, bubble tea, Korean and Japanese classics await.
Find out more about Bento Factory
Ottoman Kitchen, Southampton
My friend Alice has been raving about Ottoman Kitchen ever since they opened – and she’s never wrong with a recommendation! I’ve never tried Turkish food before, but I’d definitely like to – and since Ottoman Kitchen has just won the award for the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the UK, it absolutely seems like the best place to start!
Find out more about Ottoman Kitchen
The Pig, Brockenhurst
Since moving to Hampshire, I have heard so many good things about The Pig hotels – and The Pig in Brockenhurst (the original Pig) seems to be the most popular. Serving locally sourced ingredients and vegetables from their own kitchen garden, The Pig is extremely proud of their food and I’d love to visit for a meal. Definitely one for a special occasion!
Koop + Kraft, Cowplain
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll be familiar with my love of fried chicken – and I’ve made it my mission to search out the best fried chicken in Hampshire. Koop + Kraft has been open for a little while in Cowplain and having driven past it a few times but never visited, I’d like to change that this year. It’s a popular spot with locals and – as a local myself, I’d like to make it one of our regulars.
Find out more about Koop + Kraft
Kassia, Denmead
Kassia is already a popular small chain of independent Indian restaurants in Hampshire, with spots in Southsea, Drayton, Clanfield and most recently Complain – and, I’m excited to say they’re expanding again! Kassia is due to open another branch in Denmead and, as my nearest one, I’m dying to visit as soon as they open. Keep an eye on this space for a review once they open their doors.
So, there you have my (longer than anticipated) list of places I’d like to eat in Hampshire this year. It’s a little ambitious – but I am willing to give it a good shot!
Where would you love to eat in Hampshire this year?
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Wow that’s an amazing list and all sound worthy of a visit……..can’t wait to see where you start…enjoy🍕🥐
You’ve got me feeling hungry. All of these places sound delicious! Hopefully someday If I ever travel to Hampshire I might get to visit one or two locations.
Kate | thelittlecrunch.
Oh wow, such a list! You’re so lucky to have so many delicious sounding eateries around you. x