The Student Guide to Portsmouth’s Best Foodie Spots

About the author: Hi, I’m Karishma Taank! I’m in my final year studying Pharmacy at the University of Portsmouth. I love getting lost in a good book, binge watching movies with my housemates, and taking seaside walks with a coffee in hand.

Looking for a good evening spot to catch up with your friends after lectures? Somewhere to celebrate finishing a deadline, or a special place to impress your Hinge date? Luckily, Portsmouth has plenty to offer. Pompey has many chains, but its independent restaurants are where the real character is. Whether it's melt in mouth tacos or a comforting spaghetti slathered in parmesan (we’re all too polite to say stop when we actually want to), these local favourites are worth a visit.

Fuegos Street

This is personally my favourite Mexican restaurant because no matter the day, weather, or mood it's certain that I’m craving their birria tacos. Located on Elm Grove in Southsea, Fuegos Street is a popular student favourite.

Their extensive menu has options for everyone, from your parents visiting you to your course mates looking for a post night-out feast. You can personalise your flavour, make almost all options vegan, and add multiple sides to your dish such as mac and Cheetos or rosemary garlic sautéed mushrooms (which are packed with flavour). It's perfect for a casual dinner with guaranteed good food and energy! I recently discovered that they offer gloves so you can eat tacos with your hands all while freely drowning them in their consommé dipping sauce, mess free.

Sopranos

When I first moved here, my family from Portsmouth introduced me to this warm-natured, family-run restaurant – Sopranos. This restaurant is known for their vibrant, informal atmosphere as well as for being part of The Independent’s 'Top 50 Cheap Eats' list. Aside from all their accomplishments, I could not recommend this place enough. They aim to be as locally sourced as possible which is reflected in the freshness of their food and their carefully curated menu.

The mezze platter consists of chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables, fresh sourdough, halloumi fries and ... well, is your mouth watering yet? It’s a good sharing dish (between 3-4 people) to start with before you delve into their penne alla diavola, (which is full of vegetables coated in a spicy cajun sauce) or their tart and tasty goat’s cheese salad. Finish off with their tiramisu to leave a lasting sweet taste in your mouth for the ride home, similar to the feeling this establishment leaves you with. They get busy and booked fast so I would suggest calling to book in advance!

Sakura

If you’re after a great sushi spot, look no further than Sakura, the first Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth. From their Southsea maki to their pumpkin korokke, you’ll leave satisfied and probably planning your next visit. The decor is done beautifully to give the whole place a gentle Japanese ambience, and it's always a crowd pleaser for my friends. The cosy curtained booths are perfect for a gossip session or for creating a romantic atmosphere if you’re trying to impress a Hinge date.

A must try is the spicy, addictive edamame which I use as a sweet and hot palate cleanser between bites of their yakisoba noodles. The service is quick, so your food arrives fast to calm any hanger settling in.

Natty's Jerk

At Natty’s Jerk, it's not just the layered flavours of their authentic Caribbean food that stands out, it's the sense of community and culture woven into each dish. Their journey from a market stall to a restaurant is impressive and regularly enjoyed by many; this place buzzes with customers craving their jerk chicken wings and sweet potato fries. Their ‘lovers' tax’ allows you to large up your meal but it’s safe to say you’ll probably be taking leftovers home due to the generous portions.

As founder Natty C puts it, “food is the heartbeat of culture,” and they truly bring that message to life through their vibrant restaurant experience. Located opposite Portsmouth and Southsea station on Commercial Road in the city centre, it’s an ideal spot for a hearty lunch with friends between lectures. Plain and simple: good music, good food, good vibes.

Whether you’re after comfort food, intense flavours, or a cosy spot to unwind after lectures, Portsmouth’s independent restaurants have got you covered. These local spots offer far more than a quick bite; they bring character, community, and dishes worth coming back for. So next time you’re wondering where to eat, skip the chains and try out one of these restaurants. Enjoy!

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