The best restaurants in Hampshire according to Tripadvisor

There are plenty of places across the county where you can eat tasty Italian food, enjoy fine dining, sample flavoursome Asian food and tuck into a pie and a pint at a pub.

Some restaurants hold special memories and can provide a great venue to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or just a catch-up with friends and family.

Tripadvisor has named the best restaurant in each area of Hampshire based on user reviews rating their visit out of five.

Some of these places have been dubbed “incredibly friendly and accommodating” with some meals described as “exquisite”.

These are the highest-rated restaurants across Hampshire according to your reviews on Tripadvisor.

Basingstoke

The Olive House, 4.5 stars based on 465 reviews

This independent family run Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant comes top in Basingstoke.

Severing dishes from shoarma to grilled sea bass, there really is a dish for all taste pallets.

The restaurant was recently awarded a Traveller's Choice Award 2021, placing them in the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide.

One glowing review said: “Excellent food, friendly atmosphere and great value for money. We enjoyed a lovely birthday meal for my husband tonight at The Olive House. Service was friendly and helpful, great choice of menu, fabulously tasty food and such a treat to have an independent family run restaurant in the town. In our opinion 10/10 will visit again soon.”

Andover

The Old Bell & Crown, 4.5 stars based on 366 reviews

The quintessentially English pub is nestled in the heart of the stunning Hampshire countryside and they too have recently been awarded a Traveller's Choice Award 2021.

Serving everything you typically expect of a great British pub, from bacon and cheese burgers to pan-fried lambs liver and beer battered cod and chunky chips.

A recent customer said: “The setting and pub building with its thatched roof look the part and the staff are personable and attentive. The real high point though is the food. It’s simply excellent. Fresh, good quality ingredients and a chef who goes the extra mile and is producing consistently excellent food across very different dishes and different courses. Well worth travelling out of your way for.”

Winchester

The Golden Lion, 4.5 stars based on 929 reviews

This warm and charming pub is yet another winner of the 2021 Traveller’s Choice Award.

Here you can sample fine food, award winning ales and choose from a huge selection of wine.

One satisfied customer took to Tripadvisor to say: “We had never been to this restaurant, so it was a very pleasant surprise when we sampled their food and services at this birthday bash. The food was excellent, everything was fresh and delicious. The service was quick and attentive. Well done to the owners and staff. My husband and I will be going back again maybe taking some friends too.”

Eastleigh

Artisan Meze and Wine Bar, 4.5 stars based on 453 reviews

The Turkish meze and wine bar has beautiful secret garden, hidden away in Eastleigh.

The restaurant has got plenty of options on the menu, with meat and seafood dishes as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections as well.

One stand-out review: “We went here as a big group of 20 for a dinner together and had a lovely time. The food was really tasty, and came very quickly! The staff were very friendly and the outside seating area under the canopy of vines was lovely. I'd love to come back! Go here for a great time and good food.”

Southampton

Tim's Bistro, 5 stars based on 273 reviews

The independent restaurant offers freshly cooked food using local suppliers and is also a winner of the Traveller's Choice Award 2021.

It is perfect for pre-theatre dinning and boasts and informal ,bright and airy and relaxed atmosphere.

One reviewer wrote: “Organised a family meal here before a wedding in the city. The food on offer was amazing, the monkfish on the specials board and duck dishes were thoroughly enjoyed. All the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout the evening and even the chef game to greet us after service. For the quality of food and service on offer we all thought it was incredible value for money for a city centre location. Would certainly recommend and will look forward to visiting again when next in the city.”

New Forest

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant, 5 stars based on 1,099 reviews

Opened in 2010 the restaurant is an innovative, award-winning fish restaurant, with their own in-house specialist fishmongers.

Verveine gained recognition in the Times and Tatler top 100 restaurant list and is placed in the top 100 of restaurants in the Hardens guide, 2 AA rosettes, recommended in the Michelin guide and the Good Food Guide, Trip Advisor travellers choice with 5 star average. Verveine was also awarded best service, best seasonal menu and best restaurant in Hampshire and David won Hampshire chef of the year two years in a row.

One happy customer said: “We had the most amazing lunch at Verveine. We went for the 6 course tasting lunch menu and every course was exquisite. There was something on the menu that I didn’t like and they made me a separate thing and then adapted another course for me. I can’t recommend this place highly enough, we will definitely be back!”