Restaurant AO in Southampton

Fabulous 10 course tasting menu for lunch with friends. Superb cocktail to start. Very relaxed atmosphere and attention to detail. Friendly, knowledgable and efficient staff. 3 hours of enjoying excellent, tasty, interesting food. Recommended.

Amazing food and service cannot fault any of it. We loved every dish we had the evening 10 course taster menu. Service was very good and well worth the 12.5 service charge.

What an amazing place to have so close to our doorstep! My wife and I mutually treated each other for our birthdays to a 10 course tasting menu along with the wine paring. We were both blown away by the exceptional service from the staff from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. The staff were extremely knowledgeable about the food and wines we were there to enjoy and they ensured that at each course, an explanation of what we were about to eat and why the wine paired with it were being served. Everything that passed our lips was savoured and delicious. Would we go again - hell yes - if you're expecting a slap up meal for a tenner go to a Weatherspoons, if you're expecting an amazing gastronomic experience then this is the place for you. We've eaten in some upmarket swanky places before and paid a lot of money for mediocrity - this is place is very much unlike any of that, 10/10 throughout. Treat yourselves and expect to be whisked away on a bow wave of amazing delights.

We took the £60 lunchtime five course tasting menu. The food was very good (but not spectacular) but the portions were miniscule and the service was unnecessarily slow. It took almost 2 hours for 5 courses. The kitchen seem to take more time arranging the food than actually cooking it. The ambience is nice but avoid a hot Summers day as the dining area can get quite sauna like.

An excellent evening at AO by Daniel Rogan. Whilst from outside it doesn’t look the most inviting during the daytime as soon as you open the door it all changes. We were met by some great staff and enjoyed some cocktails to start in a nice and relaxed bar area. We then were taken through to the restaurant for the 10 course tasting menu. I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise by describing each course but all I can say is they were all amazing and well balanced. We enjoyed the paired wines option which was excellent - the sommelier was very knowledgeable and gave a great introduction to each wine. Overall extremely glad we made the visit and throughly enjoyed the evening. I would certainly recommend visiting before it gets the michelin star it deserves!

Restaurant AO by Daniel Rogan, nestled in the serene Sunnyfields Farm in Southampton, is an absolute gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with warm hospitality and an atmosphere that exudes both elegance and comfort. The food at Restaurant AO is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and a deep understanding of flavours. The ingredients are fresh, locally sourced, and beautifully presented, making every bite a delight. What truly sets Restaurant AO apart is the passionate staff. Their enthusiasm for what they do is evident in every interaction. They are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a remarkable experience. From thoughtful wine pairings to detailed explanations of each dish, the service is impeccable. In summary, Restaurant AO by Daniel Rogan is a must-visit. The combination of phenomenal food, exceptional service, and a beautiful setting makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Highly recommended!

As per the title of the review. This was a wonderful food and wine experience. We had the 10 course menu plus wine pairing. Every course was excellent, both the food and wine were well explained by the staff. We all thought the sommelier was probably the best we have experienced. Informative, engaging and very passionate. Great night. Would thoroughly recommend.

First time visit, without any kind of expectation, but hoping to find a restaurant which might be a cut above the standard Southampton level. It was! As someone else commented, it did feel a little like "a village hall waiting for a party to start" but after the sun had gone down and the wine flight had started to kick in, it really quite enjoyable! The staff were very attentive and pleasant, the sommelier very patient and knowledgeable, and it was interesting to be so close to the open kitchen, with the kitchen staff involved in presenting most courses at the table. Don't expect a quick dine and leave .. our 10 courses took almost 4 hours to enjoy ... but if you plan to spend the whole evening soaking up the experience, it doesnt disappoint. The food ... was absolutely top notch. It seems the menu changes according to the season, the ingredients and to experimentation. With one minor exception (personal taste), the whole meal was exceptional ... this is definitely a chef on his journey to Michelin stars. The sommelier had chosen the perfect wines which both benefitted from, and contributed to the dishes - the wine flight is highly recommended! Would I go back, knowing that I have a 4 hour evening ahead of me ... yes!

Wow, what a meal! Fantastic food, very friendly and helpful team. A wonderful experience and definitely the best restaurant we've been to in Hampshire. Strongly recommended if you want a great tasting menu experience.

Four of us dined at AO yesterday as a birthday treat - it had been recommended to us and it lived up to expectation and more! The staff are attentive, friendly and professional in every way. One of our party is severely sight impaired and they even took the time to check how best to serve and where to stand when explaining the dishes - we have never experienced this before and it was so appreciated. The tasting menu was a delight to such an extent that I cannot pick a favourite but the black garlic ‘ketchup’ was fabulous, pork belly which I would never choose was outstanding with the asparagus, and the cucumber gel was a total hit of freshness! I could go on…. The other thing was that it was not rushed but nor did we feel that we were ‘waiting’ at any point. I have an allergy to cows milk and this was the total opposite of a problem - the dairy free butter was a dream and all sorts of other elements were changed but never compromised. THANK YOU so so much - we are finding a reason to go again!!

I loved my food, and was not disappointed tonight. I hope you read these reviews as a teacher to the 3 members of the staff, gave me a boost in a disillusioned profession. Well done on the meal FANTASTIC, and I will be back! Keep it going totally recommend .

We decided to travel down to Southampton to experience this up and coming chef. Daniel Rogan, whose father has three Michelin stars, clearly has some serious skills in the kitchen and a great pedigree. We arrived at the farm location. It was interesting driving the not made for off road car in the dark across the mud/gravel entrance to the farm. I was expecting to hit a pot hole but everything was smooth sailing. We parked up and found the entrance. A very unassuming wooden door. Upon entering we were greeted with a lovely smile from front of house. We were shown to our table which gave us an audience view of the open plan kitchen, like all the other tables. Overall the food was exquisite. And at £110pp can't be beaten for value, especially when comparing to London prices. Although this was not Michelin starred, if Daniel keeps going like this it surely must be in his future. The restaurant itself did feel like a village hall, but then you're on a farm. Not sure what other reviewers are expecting. Normally I go through each of the dishes but you can see the menu and all you need to know is that each dish complemented the preceding dish well. The Old Winchester Cheddar was our favourite, and the dessert was well worth waiting for. Service was good enough. Some servers way friendlier than others (shout out to the lovely blonde lady with glasses - sorry I can't remember your name!). We overall had a great experience. It was worth the 90 minute drive from London. I'm going to keep an eye on the seasonal menu changes and come down again to see how it's progressed.

It's difficult not to give a whole array of five stars for this restaurant. The food is spectacular: inventive, perfectly prepared and the service is impeccable. It's a relaxed environment in somewhat "agricultural industrial" surroundings, although you aren't going there for the views, to be fair. But but but: even at the time we felt the portion size was on the miserly side. I can think of plenty of top contemporary chefs who can put a little more on the plate. The signature dumpling was superb (as expected) but we felt that two pieces of pork, two pieces of beef would have been more appropriate and not broken the margins. We were hungry four hours later. We will be back but it doesn't hit the 'Top 5' for us, but maybe next time it will: it's close. [Actually, on reflection, we were thinking that just a little more and it would have been perfect!]

One of the nicest meals I’ve ever had! The service & staff were incredible, perfect wine pairing with the most insiteful & informative Sommelier I’ve ever met. Lovely ambience & perfect setting. Already looking forward to going again! Every course was so well balanced & delicious with lovely seasonal, local, fresh ingredients!

What a great place. Went the 4 of us last night 30th March. We had the best night. Restaurant was clean, modern and spacious. Food was exceptional and service the same. We went with the wine pairing too, well the other 3 did. The sommelier was very informative and knowledgeable about each wine. She definitely knew her stuff. The Staff were all really friendly. Loved watching the chefs and kitchen staff with the open kitchen. Everyone knew what they were doing and could tell are all passionate about what they do. Thanks for a lovely evening. Top marks.

Absolutely amazing food. We have done a lot of tasting menus - and honestly think this was the best one ever. Each of the courses was delicious, and the staff were incredible - their care and attention to detail, particularly on explaining each course and the wine pairings. Even though we live a long way away - we will be back!

Superb lunch at Restaurant AO! Excellent food - we had the 5 course tasting lunch - very well matched wine flight, and perfect, professional service. True fine dining at its best. The dining room is light, airy and beautifully warm, each dish is very imaginative - so many intriguing flavours, textures and colours. Well worth the journey! Highly recommended - these people deserve our support - I'm not sure you can find better in Hampshire.

I booked for the lunchtime menu as a treat for my sisters birthday..exceptional food presented beautifully, I didn’t know exactly what to expect but found the overall experience a real treat.. I will be booking the evening later this year..also many thanks for the wonderful service from your team

Attentive staff, fantastic service and food was second to none. Thank you

Amazing. The whole evening was a gastronomic experience. Would thoroughly recommend

The food was great! An Innovative, creative and fresh menu. Not quite Michelin star but worth the price. The Scallop dish and the Langoustine dish were quite exquisite, very well balanced, rich but not heavy. The initial three courses (what the waiter called “snacks” (quite downgrading for what this restaurant claims to be), were good but can easily be combined to form one “snack” dish rather than spending an hour waiting for their staggered release. The deserts were a fair attempt to save the evening, but let’s face it, nothing is that good. Now onto the ambiance, trying very hard to not be negative here! The restaurant seems like a hall waiting for a party that never happened, an unfinished project pretending to be conceptual. The hostess took us to an obscure table (where four of the light bulbs were dead-alongside our hopes for a good evening) in the far corner of the restaurant. Once seated on two flimsy uncomfortable chairs, on one side of a table that tips to the weight of your elbow, we patiently waited for an acknowledgment, a process that took a good 10 minutes. Now onto the service, the poor and pathetic service. The waiter approached us with a fake sense of humor (the kind that makes you queasy) and tries to humourly introduce and summarize what was about the follow. He handed us the wine list and disappeared. 10 mins later another waitress asked for what we’d like to drink, shortly after that, the first waiter comes again asking for what we had decided, to eventually proceeded and bring the wrong bottle of wine (we had ordered two glasses). After explaining that this was not what we ordered he left and came back apologizing for not having the wine we initially wanted. We eventually asked for the wine available and shook the incident off, not a big deal we told ourselves. After that, our meals were staggered over the next 3 and a half hours, throughout the evening we we went through four different waiters, each with a different approach, a different attempt to introduce and explain the different dishes. 3.5 hours, with no ambiance in a dark little corner, unable to lean on the table and balancing our weight on the wobbly chair. Around us many couples laying on their chairs also waiting for the sweet relief of the bill, some of them had the priceless release of leaning on their table and holing their heads as if suffering from a migraine. I may have went on a rant, A|O is an unfinished project with potential but not fit to be functional yet.

The wife and I recently dined at this establishment and overall, the experience was a mix of highs and lows. The food, reminiscent of popular flavors from a renowned Carmel restaurant, was outstanding, earning it high praise. However, the cold Cod dish fell short of expectations, detracting from an otherwise stellar culinary experience. Unfortunately, the front of house service left something to be desired. Empty plates languished on our table for an unexpectedly long 20 minutes, a situation that could have been easily rectified. While the initial courses were served promptly, the wait between subsequent courses grew increasingly lengthy, with intervals stretching to as much as 40 minutes. Moreover, in the winter season, it's crucial for the staff to ensure that the door to the reception area remains closed to ward off the chill. On a positive note, the staff were notably friendly, and witnessing the kitchen team in action provided enjoyable entertainment throughout the meal. Overall, while there were notable highlights, improvements in service and temperature control are needed to elevate the dining experience to its full potential."

I really wanted to love this place. First impressions were amazing, walking in to a beautiful restaurant with the kitchen staff in full view and the first course (snack one) took my mouth on am incredibly journey. The next 3 course were beautiful served in a timely fashion and incredibly in taste. However it all slowed up from there The cod course was not warm enough almost cold which definitely took away the enjoyment of this dish. The waiting staff although very friendly left empty plates on the table for a long period of time and I noticed other people around us getting annoyed by this. Not sure if they were under staffed for the evening but it very much felt that way A service charge of 12.5% is added to the bill so service should be exceptional It was not We were waiting over 40 minutes for one of the courses to be delivered and although its good to have a break this was a little excessive. It was a shame as the little things make the difference when you are paying this kind of money and I dont think it was worth it Unfortunately.

The restaurant from the outside does not seem much but you could therefore say it is a hidden gem. The 5 course tasting menu was excellent, with each course very tasty and well prepared. Service was very good, with each course described in detail by the helpful staff. Although each portion size was small, by the end of the meal we were full. We will certainly look to return in the near future. The cost of the meal was reasonable and in line with what you would expect to pay for the quality you received.

I had just about given up hope of finding a great restaurant in Hampshire. There used to be a couple that have lost their Michelin Stars, but recently….? So it was with some anticipation my wife, friends and I went to AO for their evening sampler menu. What a pleasure. The food was brilliantly crafted and presented. A couple of dishes were slightly under seasoned to me but hey, I love salt. I had the accompanying wine fleet, I would question a couple of the choices. Challenging, thought provoking or just wrong? Interesting discussion with the Sommelier, who was very attentive. All in all a great experience. I’d suggest people go there before the Michelin star is awarded (soon methinks) and the prices inevitably go up.

We had a lovely evening at AO last week. Welcoming staff and overall very delicious food. However, there is definitely room for improvement. Given the styling and name above the door, you know this place is striving for a Michelin star and I would love to see this happen! My favourite courses were the Old Winchester, Langoustine, Scallop (perfection) & cod (although too salty when not eaten with the muscles) dishes. Absolutely fantastic. Shepherds Pie, the lamb was full of rich flavour. However, the aerated béchamel style sauce lacked temperature. This was also emphasised by the boiling hot hunk of bread it was served with. Which was so hot, the butter ran straight off and it made the main feel tepid in contrast. The pre-dessert was tasty but icy in texture. The main dessert we struggled to get our spoon through as the top layer of chocolate was so thick it took some force and the crumb then flew everywhere. Delicious though! Than the petit fours. Dare I say it but they were a sad end to what was largely a wonderful meal. I think they had probably sat on a hot pass. The salted caramel one was soft. The beetroot heart was sadly terrible. Too sweet and soapy. The texture was not of a smooth truffle but of a gritty near Turkish delight and it got all stuck round your teeth. Finally the service. It started so well and we didn’t do the wine pairing but a shout out the the sommelier who looked incredibly attentive, friendly and full of knowledge. However, the time between courses was too long. Especially as our time wasn’t taken up by the wine pairing. We were seated just before 8pm and made the mistake of looking at the time at 10:30pm. The waiting staff spent a lot of time hanging in and around the kitchen chatting as we waited for our final courses and we ended up watching them as we waited. I appreciate this is an experience and not fast food, but we were shocked to be there still at midnight and we were struggling for energy as we’re not big drinkers. Overall service could be more a tailored & consistent experience to guests. These are small negatives in the grand scheme and shouldn’t overshadow the many positives from the evening and we will definitely be back one day.

Absolutely blown away by this place . The food is outstanding , the setting is beautiful and the service top notch! The staff are very knowledgeable & great to chat to. It was a busy evening but all still very calm and walking around with a smile ( especially Sophie 😊) . Barry , the restaurant manager is excellent too. I have never tasted so many lovely flavours that work so well and the shepherds pie was to die for !!!! We will definitely be back - Thanks again team AO , simply stunning 😍

What an unbelievable find this hidden gem of a restaurant Oh my goodness the food was exceptional, the flavours left our taste buds bursting the wine pairing left me wanting more, Katherine our sommelier was a delight with an enthusiasm that is rarely seen now days. The staff could not do enough for you and worked as an amazing team. We will be back again and again. Thank you

Very high standard of cookery, which I appreciated, even if not always to my taste. The joy of a tasting menu is that even if you don't really enjoy a course, the are plenty more. Excellent service; Very high quality and interesting stories around the food and drink. As a local, I'm not sure if I'd attend frequently, since the menu is slow to change. The low point was the final serving of tea: this was done American style: a cup of not boiling water with a teabag in a packet beside the cup; left me feeling less happy, but didn't stop it being a five star meal.

Absolutely superb. Every course was excellent. The serving staff were brilliant - friendly yet professional. Will definitely go back.

Fantastic place with amazing staff and truly impressive food. First went when they were in the centre of Southampton, but Sunnyfields Farm suits them better - more space, better layout and closer to their supplier! We had a wonderful night, were made to feel special and absolutely enjoyed the food and wine pairing.

We went for the stunning 10 course tasting menu. We would have taken photos of more of the courses but frankly I was so distracted by enjoying what was served sometimes I forgot! We have never had a pairing wine menu before and did not regret it. We were entertained by great descriptions of the various wine regions and how the wine came to be. It brought an additional element of wonder to the food experience 1 barbecued Celeriac Goat's Curd Tartlet Lovely crispy like Crispy seaweed on top , the currant goat curd made smoky by the smoked celeriac. If that was vegetables I'd defo get my 5 a day! An explosion of flavour after the crispy texture. 2. Chalk Stream Trout , Beetroot, Dill A very pretty "snack" The crispy outer just strong enough to carry its ingredients friends The smoked trout is the star that creeps up on you like a Ninja full off flavour Then melts in your mouth 3 old Winchester Cheddar Chive Advised to eat in one go Warming cube of cheesy delight. And gone in a flash! 4 Langoustine carrot Pear Very fresh langoustines Very lightly smoked with pops of citrus from the picked pear and delicious bisque. I think the bowel is designed that way to prevent the temptation of licking it!! The first wine Before eating is a little more citrus , after drinking with the above it was very smooth The very picturesque description of where it lives in Sicily and why it tastes the way it does was very educational. Plus I think Sicily will be on our holiday list 5 Shepards pie Very tender lamb The cheesy potato foam so luxurious and velvety and then the sweet greenery lightens it up so you go for another spoonful. They gave us homemade sourdough bread to mob it up with . 6 Scallop Cauliflower with pork The scallop was so very tender that it just melted in the mouth. the pancetta was a lovely Umami crispness. The Pork cheek is so deep in fabulous flavour but the cauliflower almost sweetening that up a bit like pork and apple The creamy brown shrimp sauce scoops up all the flavours You know what the flavour family is of what you're eating because of the wine. The sauces made it less fruity 7 Cod Mussels Champagne sauce Cod crusty top with almost translucent melt in mouth texture Muscles are so sweetly pickled with the salty crust and the pops of orangey saltiness of the cod row. Absolutely delicious The wine was so multi layered before the fish and then fitted in so well Then feels quite sweet after eating the dish 8 White Park Beef, Artichoke, Rascoff, The spots of Black garlic With the artichoke wrapped in Onion that is sweet with the excellent gravy complimented the beef so well. The tear and share mini brioche with beef dripping topping and beef dripping butter great was a great naughty treat for mopping it all up. 9 Sheep's Milk Blackberry Honey It was like a Cheesy frozen yoghurt with a fantastic blackberry at the centre. What with the doilie great pallet cleanser 10 White Chocolate Caramel Malt with a delicate honeycomb piece of geometry. Caramel white Chocolate Delicious sweet delight. It was a fantastic meal from I believe the best restaurant in the New Forest. We found this restaurant by chance and our only regret is not finding it sooner!

Really enjoyed the 10 course tasting menu and very happy to have another fine dining option in Southampton! Overall would say 8 out of the 10 courses were truly delicious but found the cod dish (strange texture and bland sauce) and the white chocolate and caramel dessert (overwhelmingly sweet) were weak points. Highlight dishes were the langoustine, trout, shepherd's pie and beef. I also think for me the £110 price point is a bit on the the pricey side for an unstarred restaurant outside of London. Service and ambience were great and very pleased with how the dietary requirements were catered for, however the chairs were very uncomfortable (no lumbar support) and by the end of the 3.5hrs we were there myself (pregnant) and my mother in law (previous back surgery) were really struggling!

Phenomenal food and service. Booked to go back already. Daniel is carving his own path in the industry. Truly outstanding.

I had heard good things about AO but nothing could have prepared me for the night I just had. A lovely venue at Sunnyfields Farm, you are greeted by one of the friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant itself is well presented with a relaxed feel to it. Some taster menu type restaurants can feel stuffy but this was the complete opposite but still with an air of elegance. The ten course taster menu lived up to the hype with each course perfectly presented, executed and knowledgable staff. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to listen. Daniel and his team should be proud of what they have achieved in such a short space of time and we look forward to returning again soo. Thank you.

Visited last year not long after AO opened. We are hoping to come back soon as the menu would have changed by now. The food was 10/10, great service, the only downfall was the atmosphere at the time as the venue was finding its feet but I have no doubt it’s much improved now.

Incredible food, fantastic service. The tasting menu and wine pairing were outstanding ✨

Amazing night of food My daughter and I had the vegetarian menu and we thrilled with all 10 courses Daniel is very talented and a perfectionist, and it shows Staff were very attentive and very friendly Will definitely recommend Fab experience and memories made

Fantastic tasting menu. Each course left us wanting more of it. Every element beautifully prepared and presented. Very knowledgeable staff. Can’t wait to go back!!!

The food, wine and service all exceptional. Fair value for money. Can’t wait to go again.

One of the very best meals we can remember. Every course was outstanding, boy this guy can cook! The presentation of the food was top drawer and the flavours were just as good. The service was attentive but not invasive and the staff were genuinely friendly. Tables were well spaced giving a feeling of privacy and we were beside a rather nice wood burning stove. Shame we aren’t closer or this would be a regular!

We had the five course lunch tasting menu which was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable about each course and the sommelier commentary on the wine pairing enthusiastic and engaging.

What an amazing experience. Fabulous food, wonderful team - extremely knowledgable, professional and enthusiastic. The whole tasting menu was amazing - textures, balance of flavours and complimented by a wonderful wine flight. Can’t wait to go again!

I had the pleasure of eating at AO last night and what a wonderful experience. I have eaten in some nice places before but AO is another level and for me the best local restaurant . The food and service exceeded my expectations and I will be coming back again soon. Highly recommend!

We had another exceptional meal at A/O. The food was absolutely BRILLIANT. Every course (and there were many) was creatively executed with fresh, subtle and flavorful ingredients. The wine pairings were excellent as well. All members of the staff were enthusiastic, friendly and professional. They had just moved locations days prior, so the dining room decor was fairly simple. That being said, it was still lovely. In addition, the new location allows guests to watch the meal preparation. Highly recommended. I hope Michelin stops by soon, because A/O deserves to be acknowledged.

Recently moved out of the centre of town to this industrial estate type area in Totton but fortunately appear to have kept very good team in place with the move. High quality fine dining tasting menu fully deserving of place in Michelin guide. Better than the last two Michelin star meals that I had in the last 6 weeks (in London) and some slight improvements in execution should see it comfortably become the first Michelin star restaurant that Hampshire has had in well over a year. I’d suggest it already does enough to deserve a single Michelin star but if it doesn’t get one this winter it will be very close. Some stunning flavour combinations on offer with largely excellent execution. Much better food than local rivals in the Forest (although the setting at nearby Limewood Hotel is lovely), Southampton and Winchester. Pleasant and attentive service. Allow 2-3 hours in total for the full tasting menu. Will definitely go back.

We visited Restaurant AO in their new location at Sunnyfields Farm and had a truly excellent experience. The staff were fantastic, the service was just right, the food was out of this world good and even the drinks were meticulously prepared and delicious. We've honestly never had a meal where we've enjoyed every mouthful as much as we did here.

Southampton struggles a bit offering fine dining. This was a find!! Lovely setting, ambient lighting in this small but cosy venue, with amazing food. The host and staff very attentive, a lot of restaurants fall down in this area these days, this really added to the experience as you were never waiting to order or be served. The tasting menu was divine, lots of variation and offered something different & fun, I’d recommend to friends. If I was to make a minor critique, the wine menu could of been slightly better & broader to enhance the experience further for the 🍷 wine lover and maybe add a few flagship super Tuscans for the special occasions.

It's tipped to be the next "Michelin Starred" venue in Southampton for the first time in 34 years. Just amazing!

Had a fabulous meal at Restaurant AO last night. Fantastic flavours, great attentive staff, we’ll become regulars! Southampton has been put on the gastronomic map. The attention to detail was superb the flavours and wine pairing couldn’t be faulted. Well done to Dan, Stu and the team.

If you're in Southampton we can highly recommend this place, owned and run by Daniel Rogan. Great flavours, excellent attention to detail and terrific staff, friendly and knowledgeable. Table 5 is right by the pass so you get to see how hard these guys work

The food was absolutely incredible! 😋 An unforgettable experience with the most exquisite dishes ever!

I Loveed!!! The celeriac and goats cheese! The children loved the white chocolate. It has to be said the scallop was a winner all round! I loved how you are trying to make it an enjoyable experience, putting so much thought from concept to plate. It showed through from staff to the taste, it’s been a while to literally taste passion in the food in Hampshire!!!

We had the most wonderful meal here last night, the food, presentation, care put into it and all the varied flavours in each varied course were second to none. This was enhanced further by a wonderful team of staff who were friendly and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The service was a spot on and atmosphere was relaxed and buzzy. Can’t recommend highly enough!

We had our anniversary dinner here and it was exquisite. From the outside you could almost miss it, no windows and a small unassuming sign and inside it’s deliberately understated for good reason. The food and dining experience are centre stage which is how it should be. We were the first to arrive and the restaurant soon filled up but it was not too busy or overcrowded. There was an atmosphere of calm despite the next level food, each course was a work of art and bursting with flavour. I think it was the prettiest and tastiest food I’ve eaten for a very long time. We liked being able to see the courses being put together, just enough of a view but not taking over from our conversations. We had the wine pairing which made it extra special, the service and attention to detail were impeccable. The staff were friendly and didn’t mind our questions. We will definitely be returning (at least on our anniversary!) AO is a really special place

The tasting menu was a journey of flavours that left my taste buds dancing. From the tantalizing appetizers to the heavenly desserts, each course was a masterpiece! The wine pairings were spot on, enhancing every dish's flavours. It's amazing how the right wine can elevate a meal to a whole new level! AO Restaurant created an unforgettable night of culinary excellence, and I can't wait to return for!

If you are looking for a real gastronomic experience in Southampton, then Restaurant AO is the place to go! You could easily miss the entrance of the restaurant, but once you’re in, you enter in a different world. Fantastic atmosphere, very intimate. Service is excellent, with waiters and waitresses explaining all the courses and making sure you have everything you need. The courses are superb both in term of appearance and taste Price for 2 people with 2 glasses of champagne, 2 small glasses of white wine and 2 bottles of water: £246, service included. (worth every penny) Highly recommend

What a fantastic dining experience at the AO restaurant. The 10 course tasting menu features some of the best produce in the local area. All presented in a very attractive manner with wonderful taste. The service is flawless and perfect for a special occasion. Would certainly revisit with the menu being frequently updated!

Very nice food and great service, enjoyed the experience.

Service irréprochable, cuisine de haut niveau mais attention au vin. Une ambiance feutrée. À ne pas rater si vous passez à Southampton.

Creativity and excellence. Relaxed fine dining that simply cannot be replicated on any level at home. New restaurant worth supporting for genuine gourmets. Deserves Michelin ratings asap

I absolutely loved everything about AO! The food is little morsels of perfection - we thoroughly enjoyed every course! We were in the restaurant a total of 4 hours, never were we rushed and never did the food or drinks feel rushed.

Booked a Vegetarian Tasting Menu for our wedding anniversary. The food was excellent…beautifully prepared and bursting with flavour. Service was impeccable too. We really enjoyed the AO dining experience.

I had bought my now wife a voucher for her birthday so wanted to make it a special treat date. I had booked for a Friday night (lucky to have got a table as advised are booked until August) and really not surprised, On arrival you’re greeted by very welcoming and professional people that make the effort to make you feel special. Being shown to our table we were able to see the kitchen at work, something we have seen at a few Michelin star restaurants. It’s great as you see them work in cooking and watching the finer details. Having chooses our wine we were given our 3 pre starters to taste. I must say all three had very different and were very nice. We knew we were in for an evening of great surprises and great food. The next course was some sourdough bread with 3 different butters, vert nice flavours. Our starter was called Jersey Royal, a small yet very flavourful dish with the accompanying sauce. The fish dish was Cod, a very lovely dish and with great flavours. Next course was Lamb, again with a sauce that was delicious. With an accompanying‘shepherds pie’ but not a normal one, something with superb flavours. All working together so well. After a little break the next was our first of deserts, a New Forest strawberry with Cicely, it was another delicious and refreshing dish. The next desert was a apple, caramel and malt, again flavours that were very delicious. To finish we had a latte with some different petit fours, very lovely. We had a excellent experience throughout the evening, staff were always very informative of the menu and talked us through each course. All dishes are presented very well indeed and look fantastic on the plate. I’ve tried several fine dine restaurants and this place is up with the top. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a fine dine restaurant and great experience. We will definitely return and recommend to others. PhillSQ Southampton

Exceptional dining experience prestentaion , service and of course quality and taste was pure art . Can’t recommend highly enough

The food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good if not better. The wine pairing complimented each course very well and the service was friendly, informative and attentive. My only gripe was that I wanted more! I would love to see an A la carte menu offered in the future so I could have more of my favourites from the tasting menu. Highly recommend a visit.

A last minute decision to book as my son arrived unexpectedly from London. He found these reviews and we decided to indulge in a tasting menu. We loved it all. Even the cutlery, plates and glasses were beautiful and fascinating. Have the wine pairings and just enjoy the whole thing. We will be back. Well done all and thanks.

We had the pleasure of eating at the restaurant this evening and wow it did not disappoint! A taste sensation. The best food we have eaten in Southampton by a mile! We will see you soon 😊

Absolutely loved AO, went for a birthday meal and they even left a little birthday card. Food was stunning, I would not be surprised if they earn awards including michelin plate or bib gourmand. Staff were very attentive and helpful, especially the Sommelier who helped with drink pairings even though we weren't having wine. It was really nice to be able to see the chefs however personally I would have liked to be able to see more of what they were doing. The restaurant itself was quite dark although this created a nice atmosphere, as it is next to a bar you can here the music a little but this was not too loud. Would definitely recommend and expect I'll be going again.

An experience for special occasions .Lovely food and beautifully presented.Each course was well described ( all locally sourced ) .Wine waitress was very good .We ordered dessert wine and she described all to perfection .One can see the guys working in the kitchen and displaying food on plates with precision . Only slight thing is being on show one can read lips !!!!

We visited here on Friday and it was a truly wonderful experience. I am Simon Rogan's cousin and have wanted to visit L'Enclume but as it is such a long way to drive, we decided to give this a go and we were not disappointed....

What an absolute gem of a restaurant recently starting up in Southampton! This restaurant offers solely an 8 course tasting menu with optional wine pairing flight - the food is exquisite, the wine pairings delicious and the staff exceedingly friendly and knowledgeable. It is unfortunate that the restaurant shares a location with a bar next door which can be quite loud and the music slightly intrusive, but it's definitely not enough to debt a superb experience. I hope Restaurant AO goes from strength to strength and I will certainly be recommending it far and wide!

Wow, what a wonderful restaurant this is. The food was incredible, beautifully presented with the most amazing flavours. The wine pairings were perfect and really added to the experience. The staff were all so polite and attentive and helped to make it a very special...

The food was great. The sommelier was particularly good, with the wine pairing descriptions.

I had a fantastic experience dining at AO Southampton! The restaurant had a great atmosphere, and the service was top-notch. The staff were friendly, welcoming and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious, and the presentation was impressive. Overall, I highly recommend AO Southampton for a...

We visited with friends on their recommendation and we’re not disappointed. The tasting menu was excellent and inventive. If you do go be prepared that there can be noise from the adjoining bar, not an issue for us but it is there!

Definitely not a regular meal out for us but it was my 30th recently so treated ourselves. Very pleased we did! Everything we ate was lovely, the service was attentive but not at all overbearing and the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. I would really recommend the wine pairing, not just because of the delicious wine but the stories and overall experience that came with it. She went through where the wine was from, the tasting notes you might find within and the reasons it was paired with the food you were eating which for me led to a greatly increased enjoyment of the combination.

Wow, what a delightful dinner. The food was outstanding. Hats off to the team at AO.

Absolutely lovely, what a special treat, every course was outstanding. Every member of staff was so knowledgeable and professional, we will be back!!!

Definitely special occasion worthy, with an exciting and innovative tasting menu only offer.

This was a first visit and we will definitely be back. Everything about the tasting menu was perfect. The food was a delight for every sense - as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. The thought given to the mix of textures as well as flavours added to the dining experience. Amazing to find food delivered to this quality in a local restaurant. And the wine pairing was spot on. Good sized well spaced tables with comfortable seating - yes it does matter. Harmonious atmosphere. Loved the open kitchen - almost balletic in its apparent serenity. Also appreciated the friendliness of the knowledgeable front of house staff.

This was a first visit and we will definitely be back. Everything about the food was perfect. A delight for every sense - as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. The thought given to the mix of textures as well as...

Fantastic tasting menu. Fine dining arrived in Southampton. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Go whilst you can still get a booking.

OMG. Best restaurant in Southampton, but may also be the best I’ve had in England. My veggie option didn’t leave me wanting for anything more… It was a delight for the senses and a continuous party in my mouth.

Amazing food and wine with service to match. Definitely Michelin star standard and great to be able to experience a restaurant like this in Southampton when normally you would have to travel to London. Would definitely recommend

Just what Southampton needed! Every single course was so beautifully thought out and I couldn’t really fault any of it. The highlight for me was the textures of chocolate dessert. A lovely venue too.

Fantastic experience from start to finish !! Faultless!!

Wow! What an incredible find! The food, service and decor of the place was amazing but it had a real warmth that is often lacking in high end restaurants (please don’t ever lose that as you undoubtedly get busier and more popular). Being a real...

Fantastic experience, gorgeous food and great to see fine dining arrive in Southampton! Every dish was special and Daniel interacting with guests was a really nice touch. Special mention to the sommelier who was second to none! Also, it’s not at all pretentious, really good...

What a fabulous/delicious meal. We had the wine pairings with the tasting menu and they were absolutely sublime. Great service, each course explained really well. The restaurant has a relaxing but modern decor right down to the crockery and cutlery. It was a wonderful birthday treat. We will definitely be returning

Wow, our first experience of Fine Dining. Absolutely fabulous. We went with a group and the whole experience was outstanding. The food was superb, atmosphere was brilliant and the staff certainly new there stuff. Highly recommended 👍🍾🥂

The food was truly amazing… it is an eight course tasting menu. Wonderful flavour and attention to detail was excellent. We had the wine pairing which complimented the food really well. Service was very good and the staff were very knowledgeable.

Lots of potential needs time to improve and mature the service. Food wise, each plate was really very good and the levels of detail in the balance of the flavours was quite something. It was just the service that needs to improve, staff are friendly and very polite, just lacking in experience, maybe it was just us but timing and coordination was off between courses and drinks. That said, easy to improve which I'm sure they will. Overall, good with lots of great potential, just needs refining.

One of the best tasting menus we’ve ever had or maybe even the best - AMAZING attention to detail.

A delight! We were recommended to visit this restaurant from a lovely lady who looked after us at one of our favorite restaurants in Winchester! It was so worth it and a great tasting menu, unique for both Southampton and Winchester Definitely recommend for a gastronomic experience

Visited this newly opened restaurant last night and what a wonderful experience from beginning to end. The staff were lovely and very welcoming. The food was incredible, so beautifully prepared and presented. The ambience was perfect and not at all pretentious. Daniel and hus team...

I hesitate to write a glowing review as this new restaurant is a gem to be discovered, but not recommending would be so unfair. Exceptional dining experience, fabulous flavours, incredible attention to detail with friendly attentive service. Set taster menu only at present; would like...

We were warmly greeted by the front of house & kitchen when we arrived . They wine list had some really unusual wines on it and the sommelier Kayleigh recommended some great wines to go with our meal as we didn’t want the paring wines...

Wow this place will get Michelin star 2024 guaranteed

At last a fine dining tasting menu in Southampton. Fantastic start to finish with a nice touch of the chef patron presenting the desert. Very impressed. I’ll look forward to coming back.