The Garden Southsea
Tucked away in the heart of Florence Road, Portsmouth, The Garden Southsea is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem you almost want to keep to yourself-but it’s far too good not to share. From the moment you step through the wheelchair-accessible entrance and into its lush, welcoming space, the atmosphere whispers: “Take your time, stay a while.” Whether you’re here for a relaxed solo breakfast or a long lunch with friends in the sun-drenched outdoor seating area, there’s something about this spot that immediately makes you feel at ease.
One of the biggest draws? Their breakfast game is seriously strong. You’ll often find locals and visitors alike cozying up with a flat white or a perfectly steeped pot of tea while diving into a classic English Breakfast or the beautifully plated Eggs Royale-which, if you ask me, is the kind of dish that sets the tone for a flawless day. Craving something lighter? The Avocado Toasted English Muffin and Overnight Oats have a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. Balanced, flavorful, and visually on point.
The menu doesn’t stop impressing as the day rolls on. For lunch or dinner, The Garden Southsea serves up Pulled Pork Burgers and Chicken Burgers that rival any gourmet joint in town, each served with precision and a side of pure satisfaction. But it’s not just about the hearty options-those looking for healthier fare can dig into colorful salads, vibrant vegan dishes, and smart small plates that cater to every kind of eater. Even their granola bowls feel indulgent in the best way.
And let’s talk drinks. This place boasts a great wine list, a refreshing array of fruit smoothies, and an impressive selection of cocktails and spirits. The coffee here is no afterthought either-it’s full-bodied, rich, and clearly treated with the respect it deserves. For the tea lovers, their curated tea selection rounds out the beverage experience. Whether you’re sipping an espresso to kickstart your morning or a glass of Pinot to wind down, The Garden Southsea knows how to cater to the moment.
If you’re someone who lives for dessert, you’re in good company. Their Lemon Meringue Pie is zesty, sweet, and feather-light-like a bite of sunshine. The Apple Tart brings the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, while the Gluten-Free Hummus Plate (yes, they serve hummus as both savory and sweet complements) manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome. And for those plant-based foodies, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options that don’t compromise on flavor or creativity.
The service vibe here is laid-back yet attentive, with staff who seem genuinely passionate about what they do. You’ll notice it in the way they describe the specials, the thoughtful plating, and the attention to dietary needs. Private dining rooms are also available for those looking to host intimate gatherings, making it a favorite among locals for birthdays, brunch meetups, and casual date nights.
While The Garden Southsea doesn’t offer takeaway or delivery, that’s almost part of the charm-it encourages you to stay present. With free water refills, comfortable seating, and a breezy outdoor area that feels more like a well-kept garden patio than a restaurant, it’s easy to spend hours here without noticing the time. It's a place that rewards slowness, where every dish is served with intention and every sip feels like a pause worth taking.
If you’re exploring Southsea and craving a meal that’s equal parts comforting, vibrant, and unpretentious, you’ll want to plant yourself firmly in The Garden Southsea.
Reviews
Wonderful ambience , service, and importantly, for myself (and others, who I will tell ), a great separate vegan menu, with deliciously fresh ingredients. My friend had food from.the main menu amd has the same opinion. Will definitely return .
The service was good and really nice outdoor seating areas, but the garlic pizza bread starter was expensive and didn't really taste of garlic. Similarly the pizza was a little bland but with a nice accompaniment made it better. All in all would go back but perhaps would choose more carefully.
Booked here for Mother’s Day, having never visited before. I would highly recommend from the point of view of the food being delicious but unfortunately the service let it down and the lack of attention to detail with a relative (a child) who was Coeliac. The service was incredibly slow (albeit appreciate it was Mother’s Day) to the extent we had to follow up for our dessert as family members had to leave by the time the desserts finally came. My Mum’s dessert was also forgotten and we also had to follow up on this (granted they did take money off of the bill, as I requested, to account for this). The waitresses also changed throughout, meaning that there was a breakdown in communication as to who the Coeliac customer was when the waitresses were serving the table. This caused my family unnecessary stress on what was supposed to be a nice family meal out. We had pre-warned the restaurant of the only child in our booking being Coeliac and submitted pre-orders, as requested, but there was some confusion with one of the waitresses on the day itself. I would come here again for food (perhaps on a quieter day) but would not come again with the relative who was Coeliac as it unfortunately put doubts in our minds as to attention to detail. Given we paid nearly £200, we just expected a little more.
Nice space! Good food! You can chose your seating area when you book (indoor, cabin which is outdoors but covered or outdoor). The landscaping outside is nice. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a wood burning pizza oven. The food was yummy! Good selection of fresh Mediterranean food. Only downside is parking is for hotel customers only.
A dog friendly restaurant a short walk from the sea front, part of a hotel, offering some nice eating spaces (semi-outside hut, inside spaces), outside space has a few heated seats, a nice chilled vibe, ideal for breakfasts. Food was good, we had smashed avocado, although it wasn’t really smashed but not a big issue. Overall we very much enjoyed the service, atmosphere and food.