If you are looking for the best Portuguese restaurants in Southampton, you are in the right place. Whether you are craving flame-grilled piri-piri chicken, traditional bacalhau, a hearty Francesinha or freshly baked pastel de nata, Southampton has some fantastic Portuguese restaurants serving authentic Iberian flavours.
This guide features the best Portuguese restaurants in Southampton, from family-run restaurants and neighbourhood cafés to popular rotisseries and Portuguese-inspired eateries. Every restaurant included has earned a strong reputation for quality food, friendly service and consistently positive customer reviews.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This guide is based on extensive research across public reviews, local recommendations and the overall reputation of each restaurant. Rather than relying on a single opinion, I looked for places that consistently receive positive feedback for their food quality, service, atmosphere and value for money.
When choosing the best Portuguese restaurants in Southampton, I considered:
- Food quality – Authentic Portuguese recipes, fresh ingredients and consistently well-prepared dishes.
- Atmosphere – Whether the restaurant provides a welcoming setting for family meals, celebrations or casual dining.
- Service – Friendly, attentive staff and consistently positive customer experiences.
- Value for money – The overall dining experience compared with the price.
- Overall reputation – Consistently positive customer feedback across multiple trusted review platforms.
No restaurant has paid to be included in this guide.
5 Best Portuguese Restaurants in Southampton
Whether you are looking for authentic Portuguese seafood, charcoal-grilled piri-piri chicken, freshly baked pastries or traditional family recipes, these are the Portuguese restaurants in Southampton that are worth visiting. Click on any restaurant name below for directions on Google Maps.
1. Moura’s, Bedford Place
Moura’s is one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Southampton, bringing authentic Portuguese cuisine to Bedford Place. This family-run restaurant is renowned for its traditional recipes, warm hospitality and carefully prepared dishes, making it a favourite for anyone looking to experience genuine Portuguese cooking.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
5.0/5.0
Location: Bedford Place
Price: Mid-range (£18 to £30 per person)
Best for: Authentic Portuguese cuisine
Must try: Francesinha
Moura’s offers an authentic taste of Portugal with traditional recipes, quality ingredients and welcoming service, making it one of Southampton’s standout Portuguese restaurants.
Why Visit Moura’s?
Moura’s specialises in traditional Portuguese cooking, serving favourites such as Francesinha, bacalhau, seafood dishes and grilled meats alongside Portuguese wines and desserts. The welcoming atmosphere and authentic flavours make it ideal for both relaxed dinners and special occasions.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Francesinha is the restaurant’s signature dish.
- Try one of the Portuguese wines with your meal.
- Excellent choice for authentic Portuguese dining.
- Friendly family-run atmosphere.
- Booking is recommended at weekends.
2. Diego’s Rotisserie, Bedford Place
Diego’s Rotisserie is one of the most popular Portuguese restaurants in Southampton, specialising in authentic charcoal-grilled Portuguese dishes. Located on Bedford Place, it has built an excellent reputation for its piri-piri chicken, grilled meats and generous sharing platters.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Location: Bedford Place
Price: Mid-range (£15 to £28 per person)
Best for: Charcoal-grilled piri-piri chicken
Must try: Whole Piri-Piri Chicken
Diego’s Rotisserie combines authentic Portuguese barbecue cooking with generous portions and friendly service, making it one of the city’s most popular Portuguese restaurants.
Why Visit Diego’s Rotisserie?
Diego’s Rotisserie serves expertly grilled piri-piri chicken, steaks, seafood and Portuguese favourites cooked over charcoal. The lively atmosphere and generous portions make it a great choice for family meals, celebrations and evenings out with friends.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Whole Piri-Piri Chicken is a customer favourite.
- Excellent charcoal-grilled flavours.
- Perfect for sharing platters.
- Friendly and lively atmosphere.
- Booking is recommended on busy evenings.
3. Mad Cafe and Deli, Shirley
Mad Cafe and Deli is a popular independent Portuguese café in Southampton, offering authentic Portuguese sandwiches, pastries and speciality coffee in the heart of Shirley. It is a favourite with locals looking for freshly prepared food, traditional baked treats and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.8/5.0
Location: Shirley
Price: Affordable (£6 to £15 per person)
Best for: Portuguese café favourites
Must try: Prego Sandwich
Mad Cafe and Deli delivers authentic Portuguese flavours in a relaxed café setting, making it one of Southampton’s best places for breakfast, lunch or coffee with traditional Portuguese pastries.
Why Visit Mad Cafe and Deli?
Mad Cafe and Deli serves traditional Portuguese sandwiches, freshly baked pastel de nata, artisan coffee and a selection of imported Portuguese deli products. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it an excellent place to enjoy a casual meal or pick up authentic Portuguese treats.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Prego Sandwich is one of the café’s signature dishes.
- Do not leave without trying a freshly baked pastel de nata.
- Excellent Portuguese coffee.
- Perfect for breakfast or lunch.
- Browse the deli for authentic Portuguese products.
Why Southampton is Great for Portuguese Food
Southampton’s Portuguese dining scene offers a mix of authentic family-run restaurants, neighbourhood cafés and popular piri-piri specialists. Whether you are looking for traditional seafood dishes, grilled meats, homemade pastries or Portuguese coffee, there are excellent places across the city to experience authentic flavours.
4. Nando’s, Westquay
Nando’s is one of the most recognisable Portuguese-inspired restaurants in Southampton, serving its famous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken from its popular Westquay location. It remains a reliable choice for casual dining, family meals and quick lunches in the city centre.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Westquay
Price: Affordable (£10 to £20 per person)
Best for: Flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken
Must try: Butterfly Chicken
Nando’s consistently delivers tasty flame-grilled chicken, generous portions and reliable service, making it one of Southampton’s most popular casual dining destinations.
Why Visit Nando’s?
Nando’s serves flame-grilled chicken with a choice of PERi-PERi spice levels, alongside burgers, wraps, salads and sharing platters. Its fast service and central location make it ideal for shoppers, families and anyone looking for a reliable meal.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Butterfly Chicken is one of the most popular menu choices.
- Choose your own PERi-PERi spice level.
- Ideal for families and groups.
- Excellent location inside Westquay.
- Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
5. Rio’s Piri Piri, Portswood
Rio’s Piri Piri is a popular Portuguese restaurant in Southampton, serving freshly flame-grilled piri-piri chicken, burgers, wraps and grilled favourites from its Portswood location. Known for generous portions and affordable prices, it is a reliable choice for both takeaway and casual dining.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.4/5.0
Location: Portswood
Price: Affordable (£8 to £18 per person)
Best for: Flame-grilled piri-piri chicken
Must try: Half Chicken with Rice
Rio’s Piri Piri offers freshly grilled Portuguese-inspired dishes, generous portions and excellent value, making it one of the most popular places for piri-piri chicken in Southampton.
Why Visit Rio’s Piri Piri?
Rio’s Piri Piri specialises in freshly grilled chicken marinated in piri-piri sauces ranging from mild to extra hot. The menu also includes burgers, wraps, rice boxes and sharing meals, making it an excellent choice whether you are dining in or ordering takeaway.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Half Chicken with Rice is the restaurant’s most popular meal.
- Choose your preferred piri-piri spice level.
- Excellent value for money.
- Ideal for takeaway or casual dining.
- Perfect if you enjoy flame-grilled chicken.
Which Portuguese Restaurant in Southampton Should You Choose?
If you are still deciding where to eat, the best Portuguese restaurant in Southampton depends on the type of dining experience you are looking for.
For the most authentic Portuguese dining experience, Moura’s is our top recommendation thanks to its traditional recipes, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent customer reviews. If you are craving expertly cooked piri-piri chicken, Diego’s Rotisserie and Rio’s Piri Piri are both excellent choices.
If you are looking for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, Mad Cafe and Deli is ideal for Portuguese coffee, sandwiches and freshly baked pastel de nata, while Nando’s remains a dependable option for flame-grilled Portuguese-inspired chicken in the city centre.
Whether you are searching for authentic Portuguese cuisine, freshly grilled chicken or traditional Portuguese pastries, these restaurants offer some of the very best Portuguese food in Southampton.
Fancy Italian Instead?
If Portuguese food is not quite what you are craving, explore our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Southampton. From authentic wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta to family-run trattorias and waterfront dining, it features some of the city’s top places to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Portuguese restaurant in Southampton?
Moura’s is our top recommendation thanks to its authentic Portuguese cuisine, traditional recipes and consistently excellent customer reviews. Other highly rated options include Diego’s Rotisserie and Mad Cafe and Deli.
Where can I find authentic Portuguese food in Southampton?
Moura’s offers one of the most authentic Portuguese dining experiences in Southampton, while Mad Cafe and Deli serves traditional Portuguese café favourites and pastries.
Which Portuguese restaurant is best for piri-piri chicken?
Diego’s Rotisserie, Rio’s Piri Piri and Nando’s are all excellent choices for freshly flame-grilled piri-piri chicken.
Can I get Portuguese pastries in Southampton?
Yes. Mad Cafe and Deli is a great place to enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries, including freshly baked pastel de nata.
Are there affordable Portuguese restaurants in Southampton?
Yes. Rio’s Piri Piri, Mad Cafe and Deli and Nando’s all offer excellent value for money with generous portions.
Should I book a Portuguese restaurant in Southampton?
Booking is recommended for popular independent restaurants such as Moura’s and Diego’s Rotisserie, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
