Local Flavours

All that sea air is bound to give you an appetite and with farmers markets, fish markets, street cafes and destination restaurants all offering a local flavour, it's easy to enjoy a taste of Portsmouth.

Head for 8 Kings Road and try their Portsmouth cocktail, this destination restaurant offers the finest French cuisine in sumptuous surroundings and the chandeliers alone will add a sparkle to any evening! Other local gems include Montparnasse, Truffles, Lemon Sole, Staffords, Kitsch n' D'or and Rosie's Vineyard where you can enjoy dinner with live jazz on Friday evenings.

In fact, there are so many great places to eat in Portsmouth, the hardest part will be deciding where to go. Why not catch the sunset at Port Solent or book a waterside table for dinner at Gunwharf Quays and watch the Harbour action? Both are perfect in good weather and between them include highlights such as Loch Fyne, housed in a beautifully restored naval building, The Waterfront Brasserie, La Tasca, Watermark and Olivo, all offering great sea views.

Individual, funky and stylish, Southsea has a range of contemporary cafes and wine-bars to choose from. Try Albert Road, Elm Grove and Castle Road for a fascinating mix of individual bars, cafes and restaurants. For something indulgent, visit Coco or Le Chocolat Pot, chocolatieres in Southsea. enjoy a range of hand-made chocolate and sweet treats. If you fancy something a little more traditional then Old Portsmouth is the place to head for. Cobbled streets and narrow lanes are home to some great English pubs and tea rooms. Pick up something for your supper at the Camber Dock's fish market, or watch the world float by from a pub window.

For something completely different then head for the open sea and discover Spitbank Fort - a man-made sea-fort in the middle of the Solent, built in 1878 to defend Portsmouth Harbour. Take the short boat ride out to this unique venue and enjoy dinner mid-week, a party night on Friday or Saturday or a leisurely Sunday lunch.