Old Portsmouth food and drink
Old Portsmouth, with its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the waterfront, offers a unique dining experience that blends rich maritime heritage with modern culinary delights. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, traditional British fare, or international cuisine, the restaurants in Old Portsmouth cater to every palate. Nestled along the harbor and tucked away in centuries-old buildings, these dining spots provide more than just delicious food they offer a journey through the history and character of this vibrant seaside neighborhood. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, Old Portsmouth’s restaurants invite you to enjoy a memorable meal in a setting that perfectly captures the spirit of the city’s past and present.
Abarbistro
The A Bar Bistro in Old Portsmouth is located just across the road from the Camber Docks fish market, so it is no surprise that the menu includes fresh fish specials and a catch of the day. But it's not just fish, other dishes include the abar Burger, Tandori Chicken and Grilled Peach Salad and Grilled Polenta with mushroom and spinach, almond ricotta. There is a wide menu to choose from. Formerly the American Bar the building at the Abar dates to the 1780s, it was damaged by bombing in The Blitz during the Second World War.
- Address: 58 White Hart Road, PO1 2JA
- Telephone: 02392 811585
Bridge Tavern
Sitting right on the edge of Old Portsmouth's Camber Dock, The Bridge Tavern in Old Portsmouth is a traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere and a great menu of fine food and drinks.
The menu reflects the pub's dockside location with dishes such as Homemade Seafood Chowder, The Bridge serves home-made classics, with daily fish specials and excellent vegetarian options.
The pub draws it's name from the bridge that used to cross the Camber Dock, the bridge was removed in 1906 to improve access for shipping to the dock.
- Address: 54 East Street, PO1 2JJ
- Telephone: 02392 752992
The Dolphin Pub
Reputed to be Portsmouths oldest pub, established in 1716, The Dolphin is situated directly opposite the Cathedral on the High Street in Old Portsmouth. The Dolphin regularly hosts live music, comedy and shows sports.
The Dolphin has a full menu and does great roast dinners, the bar is stocked with a wide range of real ales, including Irving Ales. The menu features classics such as Sausages and Mash, Fish and Chips, Steak and Ale Pie as well as vegetarian options including Chickpea and Spinach Curry, Courgette, Avacado and Brocolli Salad.
- Address: 41 High Street, PO1 2LU
- Telephone: 02392 823595
Florios D'Italia
Florios D'Italia pizza restaurant is located on the High Street at Old Portsmouth, at the site of the old Duke of Buckingham pub. As well as serving really great pizzas this is also an Italian Delicatessen and a gelato shop. At Florios they serve a wide range of slow fermented homemade pizzas such as the American Hot with Fior Di Latte Mozzarella , San Marzano Tomato,Evo Oil, Spicy Salami, Tangy Hot Green Peppers, Basil or the Maxi topped with Fior Di Latte Mozzarella , San Marzano Tomato, Half Spicy Salami, Nduja ,Olives/Half Sausage and Mushrooms, EVO Oil, Basil.
In the shop they stock a great range of Italian products such as pasta, olive oil, cured meats, cheeses as well as a unique range of Italian wines.
Buon appetito!
- Address: 119 High St, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HW
- Telephone: 02394 170451
Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant
The Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant in Old Portsmouth is a family run establishment with over 20 years of experience, located at 21 High Street, PO1 2LP. It specialises in authentic Oriental cuisine, offering a wide range of traditional dishes such as stir-fried beef, duck in plum sauce, and Szechuan style options. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, the restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate parties and group dining. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors, appreciated for both dine-in and takeaway options
- Address: 21 High St, Old Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2LP
- Telephone: 02392 863293
- Opening times: Tues Closed, 12:00 - 15:00 & 17:00 - 22:00 every day.
Smoke and Mirrors
Smoke and Mirrors is an intimate fine-dining restaurant located at 39 High Street, Old Portsmouth. It offers a refined culinary experience with a creative menu crafted by chef patron Jordan Thompson, who brings over 18 years of experience, including mentorship under celebrity chefs and working as an executive chef for Marco Pierre White.
The restaurant features an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for special occasions or a luxurious night out. The menu evolves regularly, featuring dishes such as coulotte steak, giant arancini, and honey-baked brie, highlighting seasonal and innovative flavours. Smoke and Mirrors is praised for its exceptional food, welcoming service, and dedication to detail, making it a standout addition to Old Portsmouth's dining scene
- Address: 39 High Street, Old Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2LU
- Telephone: 07551 088962
- Opening times: Wed-Sat 18.00-22.00, Sun - 12.00-15.00
Spice Island Inn
Situated right on Portsmouth Point at Old Portsmouth, the Spice Island Inn has great views overlooking the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and across the Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower. A Greene King pub, the Spice Island Inn has a good choice of food, the menu includes burgers and steaks, sanwhiches, vegetarian and vegan selections, Sunday roasts plus classic pub food such as Fish and Chips and Sausage and Mash. Originally three separate pubs, the Spice Island Inn derives it's name from it's position on "Spice Island" the local name for Portsmouth Point. So named as it was here that spices from the West indies were unloaded from ships in the 1700s.
- Address: 1 Bath Square, PO1 2JL
- Telephone: 02392 870543
Spinnaker Cafe
The Spinnaker Café, located on Broad Street in Old Portsmouth, is a cosy and popular spot for breakfast, brunch, and light meals. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and coastal décor, it caters to both locals and visitors exploring the area, particularly those near the Wightlink ferry terminal. Its all day breakfast menu includes gluten free options and hearty English breakfasts, which have earned it a strong reputation. The café also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes, and speciality coffees, making it a popular choice for affordable and satisfying dining. The café's location in the historic Old Portsmouth area enhances its charm, and it receives consistently high ratings for it's food quality and friendly service.
- Address: 96 Broad Street, PO1 2JE
- Telephone: 07434 727664
Still and West
The Still and West Old Portsmouth, sits right on the harbourside at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, ferries and yachts pass just feet away from the pub. The pub is split over several floors with great views everywhere, there is an extensive menu ranging from Pan roasted duck breast, fondant potato, caramelised shallots, buttered kale, red wine jus to fish and chips. Vegetarian and vegan options are of course available. The pub was originally called The Still Tavern(1733). In 1882 John main of the Still Tavern married Elizabeth Long of the East and West Country House, another Old Portsmouth pub, so the names were combined in 1903 forming the Still and West Country House.
- Address: Bath Square, PO1 2JL
- Telephone: 02392 821567
The Wellington
At the bottom of the High Street in Old Portsmouth next to the Square Tower, sits the Wellington Bar and Restaurant a Victorian style Restuarant. The Wellington host regular live music, such as jazz on a Friday night and have special themed nights such as Steak Nights. Built in 1710 this truly is an historic pub, the front of the building however facing onto the High Street is a 20th century addition.
- Address: 62 High Street, PO1 2LY
- Telephone: 02392 818965