5 Best Restaurants in The South, England

Freshness and sustainability are paramount at chef Mike Naidoo's acclaimed seafood restaurant, located in an 1855 stone building on on the water above an artisanal fishmonger. He uses line-caught fish and shellfish delivered from the fishing boats moored just outside in the four-, six- (weekdays only), and eight- (Saturday dinner only) course tasting menus, which might include dishes such as Portland crab dumpling in crab broth, barbecued lobster, and, of course, the catch of the day. On the dessert list are options such as a yogurt and elderflower sorbet.

A solo venture from celebrity chef Mark Hix, this restaurant combines stunning views overlooking the Cobb with his trademark high standards and originality. The menu changes twice daily, but the focus is always on simply cooked and beautifully presented locally sourced seafood dishes, such as grilled monkfish tail with caponata, chargrilled black sea bream, and, of course, local oysters. There's a limited vegetarian menu, but the dessert menu is extensive, with dishes like Brazilian chocolate mousse. Book well ahead to sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the coast, on the small terrace, or for the six-course Kitchen Table experience, where Hix cooks for you in his own home.

Renowned as one of Britain's finest seafood chefs, Rick Stein chose Winchester for his first venture away from the Cornish coast. The menu is largely focused on fish and crustaceans, but carnivores and vegetarians are catered for as well. The airy room embodies tasteful nautical chic, but the restaurant's popularity means it can be noisy when busy.

Small but acclaimed, this seafood restaurant attached to a fishmonger's specializes in innovative cuisine using the freshest ingredients. Options change daily but might include dishes like roast Devon hake with chorizo or sea-cured mackerel with puffed rice and ponzu sauce. There are three set-price dinner menus, ranging from four-course (£55) to eight-course (£95), and three at lunch, starting at £25 for two courses. There are only 10 tables, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Superbly positioned right on the beach close to Bournemouth Pier, this fish restaurant serves the best seafood in town, whether grilled, baked, or in fish pies and stews. The menu may include dishes like tempura halibut, pan-fried sea bass, and a locally caught fish of the day, plus shellfish such as local oysters, crab, mussels, clams, and lobster. There are a few non-fish dishes such as an aged West Country sirloin steak. Simple wooden tables and a large glass front lend a modern, minimalist feel, and there's a narrow deck and terrace for open-air dining. In summer, pick up ice cream and snacks from the adjacent stand.