Thirteen in Poole - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Yesterday you made our day with an exceptional Sunday lunch. It was a delightful experience including a wonderful meal accompanied by impeccable and friendly service. I have already written a review on trip adviser before you sent me this email. Thank you ‘Team 13’.

Wow...what an incredible meal and experience. If you are looking for fantastic top quality food, incredible service and wonderful wine pairing this is the place to go. I was recommended thirteen by several friends and family and after dining there can say that this restaurant is everything you can want and more. If you are looking for something special, look no further this is place to dine

Thirteen was the perfect choice to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary with close family. The food is beyond amazing, the service warm, attentive, informative and the ambience relaxed yet elegant. Family-run, Thirteen is a very special place and I cannot recommend it highly enough, whether for a celebration or simply a treat.. The family's passion for creating and delivering an outstanding experience results in quite possibly the best meal you will ever have. Poole is very lucky to have Thirteen!

We have been waiting for a special occasion to try out this fantastic restaurant on our doorstep and our 23rd wedding anniversary was perfect. Our excitement was not in vain. The owners and staff at Thirteen are incredibly accommodating, attentive and skilled. We had an extremely exciting meal, choosing the taster menu, which the chefs had prepared without meat or gluten for us (having requested this on booking). Every dish was executed to perfection and it was hard to choose favourites, although the brill (replacement for the duck), trout and eel were delicious, as were the mushrooms, prawn and homegrown tomato dishes. The Spanish olives marinated in herbs were sumptuous and the wine was equally delicious. We were made to feel most welcome and each member of staff we talked to was interested, considerate and informative. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet professional and the layout perfect for seeing the chefs at work in the open kitchen. Thoroughly recommended fine dining and welcome tranquility in Ashley Road. Our celebration at Thirteen will be memorable; thank you to all the staff for such a wonderful evening!

An excellent addition to the local dining scene, great food, great service and great ambience from a friendly personal and professional team

Amazing. I’m pregnant and they adapted the menu especially for me. The staff is amazing but the food is truly unbelievable. I can’t recommend highly enough.

Five plus. This is absolutely outstanding. The warmest of receptions, immaculate attention to detail, and just awesome. This is destined to be a double Michelin star so my advice is reserve now while (a) there’s still space and (b) before their brilliance goes to their heads. Which it won’t because the family who run it is a class act. Thank you guys for a magical dinner.

A truly memorable evening celebrating our wedding anniversary. The food, ambiance, attentiveness was first class. We were made to feel special the moment we walked in. We particularly enjoyed dining at the "chef's table" to experience the perfect execution of every one of the 13 courses which were full of surprise ! Delightful family run intimate restaurant. Hard work and dedication abound. Would not hesitate in recommending. We shall return!

Wow.. This place feels very special. You enter here and feel like you've been let into a little secret. You could walk by this place and have no idea what's there or the delights hidden behind the frosted windows and the thick wooden door. You are welcomed immediately into the family.. Hem, 'Mum' and Frances all are fantastic front of house and very attentive, with Alex steering the ship from beind in the beautiful open plan kitchen cooking up the wonderful , interesting and new flavour combinations. The food is made with love and you can tell. The whole place has had so much care and attention and feels intimate and relaxing. Go there, count the frogs, and make new friends with this lovely family and staff. Thank you Thirteen xx

If you wish to dine somewhere that produces food that you couldn't get close to matching at home, this is the venue! This unassuming premises sits on the the Ashley Road in Poole - you could easily miss it. The 'speakeasy' entrance gives way to a gem of a restaurant and gems of staff. At the front of house, Frances and Mr Naik are unfailingly friendly and courteous while maintaining an unstuffy atmosphere. Almost within touching distance behind them, Alex and the chefs flit to and fro, popping out from time to time to present and describe their dish. We had the 6.5 course menu. the food was eye-catching and beautifully presented with clean, bright flavours: light and delicious. I have to make special mention of the exquisite plates that frame the food. It was our anniversary and, at the end, Frances presented us with a card signed by the staff. A nice ending and one more memory of a perfect lunch. We will, of course, be back.

A wonderful lunch with attentive, personable and skilled staff. Mr Naik is an excellent host and ensures a friendly and informal atmosphere. While not in the best location, this is probably the most picture perfect, skilfully presented and delicious food in the BPC catchment. I strongly recommend you to try the 6.5 course lunch. We left very happy.

We visited Thirteen with my son and his wife for my birthday. It was a memorable experience from start to finish. Alex and his team of chefs delighted us with thirteen courses of the most delicious flavours and textures. Some very unusual dishes added to the surprise of not being able to anticipate what came next as each dish is described with only two words. Genius! As this is a complete family affair we must give praise to all involved in making this restaurant stand out from the crowd. Just wish we lived nearer as would definitely like to eat there again.

We have recently bought a property on the area and tried quite a few excellent restaurants .. this one however is above all those .. it’s rather strange walking through a door on a busy street , but behind that door is a find a major find .. we were greeted at the door and throughout the experience we were treated like royalty .. tasting menus was superb each course perfect and the wine pairing we spot on … excellent food , service and wine .. it’s a very special place and worth every penny .. well done to the owners and the family .. it’s rare to get this level of individual Service and presentation.. excellent we will be back and soon …

Well, what can I say about Thirteen to really do it justice. From the point of entering you are transported away from the noise of Ashley Road to a serene culinary haven. The decor inside and open kitchen have been designed to perfection. We had the Thirteen course tasting menu and matching wine flight. Every single course was amazing, it was difficult to pick our favourites - the new duck dish was 10/10 delicious. The wine was perfectly matched too. The staff / family owners were all so friendly and knowledgeable. Sometimes restaurants like this can feel a bit up tight and stuffy, but here they strike the perfect balance of serving incredible food and drinks with a relaxed service style that makes you feel at ease. To anyone thinking going for a special dinner, it is 100% worth the money and effort and is not to be missed. We can't wait to come back soon. Thank you for an incredible celebratory dinner with friends.

I took Serhii and his partner to celebrate his second year in the UK to Thirteen restaurant for Sunday dinner on Father's Day. (Serhii says I'm his British Dad!) I must say hats off to Alex Naik and Steve, Marcus and Eon for their cooking skills, and to Francis, Chantelle and Hem for the great service! It was truly a dining experience (which I never thought I would honestly be able to say). I was particularly impressed when the food was served by the chef who cooked it who explained the dish and how it was cooked. You don't get that in many restaurants! I loved the little bits in between, the amuse and the pre- dessert, and the bread was made in- kitchen, like little loaves! I chose the roast beef and it was tender and succulent, really good. The flavours of the pre-dessert were quite tart and it was cold, almost clearing the palate ready for dessert; I wish I could remember what they told me it was made from! I had the beetroot cheesecake and my guests had the chocolate and coffee dessert. All exquisitely presented and very tasty! At the end I was grateful to Alex for showing us his roof garden where he grows a variety of veg served in the restaurant! I hope one day I will be able to go for the namesake Thirteen course evening meal! (Need to save up a bit first! I'm sure it'll be worth it!) Definitely one for a special occasion.

It’s not possible to give more than five stars but I would if I could. Every single facet of our wonderful lunch was anticipated and executed. It was my second visit and I was treated royally by every member of the family. The quality of the ingredients, the painstaking preparation, the attentive and friendly service all fit together seamlessly. The wine flights were stellar accompaniments to the intense/delicate flavours of the six and a half courses. Go for lunch (yes, they do lunch and Sunday roast), go for dinner (thirteen courses) but please do not miss this exceptional family run restaurant.

10th anniversary celebration. We had a faultless meal at thirteen. The dishes are perfectly executed in balanced flavours, textures and presentation. We also had the wine pairing and the same can be said for the wine selection, very good indeed and they perfectly matched. It really was a remarkable meal. I loved the way the chefs serve you and explain the dish properly. We went on a fully booked Wednesday night, the atmosphere was buzzing, they had just introduced 4 new dishes on that day and we were the first to try them. They absolutely nailed all of it, we were blown away by the quality of the entire experience. Thirteen is a true triumph and masterpiece. They deserve all the awards that I expect are creeping up on them rather fast ⭐️. Well done and thank you so much for making our anniversary so special we will be back and thank you for providing a place of such quality, as there is little choice in the local area. I recommend booking in advance as they are already gaining a waiting list! See you soon guys ⭐️

The food was stunning, the service was excellent from Frances in the front but was an excellent touch to have Alex and the CDP come out and announce all thirteen of the wonderful dishes! They have a clear passion for good quality food here and the whole experience reflects that, just such a brilliant time and can't wait for an excuse to go back.

We had the most amazing evening at Thirteen for our wedding anniversary. The team spoiled us rotten and we just couldn't fault anything. The food was absolutely stunning - each course was presented so beautifully it was a real gastronomic journey from start to finish. We will be back we promise.

A really great meal and excellent service, cannot recommend it highly enough

7 course lunch menu. Variety of flavours, all of which were excellent. Highly recommend. Best restaurant in the area.

Such an amazing hidden gem!! We were incredibly lucky and happen to come across it on the michelin guide in their first week of achieving the award and got a free glass of English sparkling. The staff were so friendly and seemed incredibly passionate. Discovered it is a family run restaurant which was really nice. The food was first class and the dishes were delicious and well presented. My husband and I are already looking forward to coming back in. Would highly recommend!!

Thoroughly enjoyed the meal this evening at Thirteen. Really enjoyed the really clever cooking and the great service. Already booked to come back for round two! Can’t wait!

A hidden gem! I’m a huge foodie and whilst we have some great restaurants in Poole we don’t have anything like this. I’ve eaten in restaurants all over the world and this is truly up there. My husband and I went for Sunday lunch and sat at the chefs table - if it’s available take it. You’re right in the action and you can have some great chats with Alex and the team. The food is phenomenal and the service is impeccable. I had the tomato salad which tasted like a bowl of summer followed by the spectacular monkish and a beetroot cheesecake that is delightfully sweet and savoury. A shout out to my cranberry margarita aperitif, wine pairings and extra cauliflower cheese too! We were made to feel so welcome and they were very accommodating for this food obsessive, giving me a tour of the kitchen and the kitchen garden. There is some fantastic creativity going on at thirteen, I will be going back for the 13 course tasting menu.

Incredible food, and incredible service. Can’t wait to return to try some more amazing food. Thank you.

Best dining experience we have had in years - and we have been fortunate to have been to two Michelin Star restaurants in the last year. The 13 course taster menu was sublime, inventive, and most enjoyable. Alex, Marcus and all the serving team made us feel so very welcome and were happy to answer all our questions and attended to our every need. Cannot recommend enough and looking forward to our next visit.

If you are a foodie then this is the place to visit. Superb tasting menu which envelops the senses. Highly recommend the pairing wine which is expertly described by Hem. Love that some of the produce comes from their roof garden. The new place in Dorset to dine. Look forward to visiting again

Delicious food. The tasting menu was very diverse for me and my husband that is vegetarian. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. The environment was very calm. Great family business. We totally recommend it.

A wonderful and intimate dining experience. Fortunate to have our place at the chef's table for the whole evening. Immaculate kitchens and the food was exquisite. Every course was delicious. The attention to detail, coupled with the ideas for each course was sublime. We were really looked after and had lovely conversations with Hem and Elisabeth. The passion for Thirteen is evident as soon as you step through the main door into the calm atmosphere. Everything flows and feels very professional. Thank you.

Fabulous in every way. Such personal and friendly service. Beautifully presented and described food, really inventive with exceptional provenance that is an absolutely delicious. Relaxed and unrushed. Highly recommend.

Thirteen is the restaurant that Poole has been crying out for, for far too long. Chef Alex and his family has firmly given the local culinary scene a swift boot to the backside, showing what is possible in such a beautiful part of the country. The tasting menu was a beautiful symphony winding its way lovingly into your soul, each course leading on from the last, with a background melody of passion throughout. From the first dish of foraged wild garlic emulsion with olive oil crackers, through the fresh and vibrant sea bass carpaccio and pickled radish on sourdough cracker, to the warmth bass drum notes of a blue cheese gougere and the homely taste of mushrooms in the medley of mushroom ketchup and broth. The wine pairing is lovingly constructed with knowledge about each glass suiting the atmosphere of the restaurant right down to the ground. A deep knowledge of the wine with its basis in the heart of what the diner cares about, the tasting notes and why it pairs so wonderfully with the upcoming dish. Service from every member of the family is top notch, professional but with a note of familiarity. Everything that is needed is there with no unnecessary frills that would make this eatery lose its wonderful charm. For an extra dose of action, excitement and humorous chat, choose the chef's table, the highlight of the beautiful design of the restaurant. If Thirteen doesn't gain a well deserved star in the near future, i'll eat my hat, but only if it's cooked by the wonderful Alex, Stephen and Marcus.

What a fantastic find and on our own doorstep! Thank you Alex and team for the wonderful food, Frances for such a warm welcome and charming service and Hem for your knowledgeable advice on wine and great stories! You could travel a long way for such an experience. Can’t wait for our re-visit on Saturday…

Superb. Second visit here. Having been blown away by the 13 course tasting menu, we decided to return with friends to try the Sunday lunch. It was excellent on all counts. Wonderful, flavoursome food, beautifully presented with warm and friendly service. Looking forward to our next visit already!

Went for lunchtime to celebrate my mums birthday. The food was incredible, absolutely delicious and presented beautifully. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Our favourite was the guinea fowl and bhaji! Couldn’t recommend enough!

What a place! From the moment we walked in we were greeted warmly by Frances and introduced to her father Hem and Barman, Matt - we were congratulated on our 1st Wedding Anniversary and Frances guided us over to the Chef’s Table where her brother Alex, the Head Chef, came over to introduce himself and congratulate us too, it was wonderful to be introduced to all of the team. We were handed a card signed by everyone wishing us a happy anniversary which was such a lovely touch and so unexpected. Glenn provided us with the menu and, enlightened us to how the restaurant came about, he and Frances took our drinks order and checked when and how we would like them served. Alex was a joy to watch, having fun in the kitchen and you could tell he is so passionate, Sous Chef Stephen worked intricately with such detail and Chef Marcus, for someone so young he was fantastic! For food. Olive oil, cannellini bean - olive oil crackers with a silky cannellini bean paste & aubergine dust, we added some olives too which were huge and melted like butter once bitten. Maitake, apple - a wafer thin pastry tart filled with maitake mushroom purée, apple gel and fried / crispy mushrooms, all flavours combined in a bite of bliss. Beetroot, goat - beetroot sponge with a goats cheese cream and beetroot crumb. The cheese subtle and the beetroot cut through it wonderfully. Cheese, marmite - a freshly baked cheese loaf with soft, silky marmite butter, which was absolutely divine, if we were provided with multiple loaves and a tub of the butter it would have suited us fine! Wild garlic, dryad’s saddle - bright green espuma coating a tomato base was delicious, the ‘BLT’ a tasty twist on an original, we scraped the bowl and Alex even handed us a spatula to ensure we got it all! Cuttlefish, mussel - cooked in a tomato base with crispy mussels on top, ink crumb. The cuttlefish chunks were wonderful soft cuttlefish, mussels full of flavour and the tomato was intense. Duck, plum - the duck was as tender as it could be, barely needing to chew and the plum added the right sweetness against the pickled celeriac. Jersey, St George - beautiful, masterfully put together with a whack of truffle hitting the nose before an intense taste of mushroom - we tried getting every drop possible! Presented beautifully in a rock-like bowl. Monkfish, curry - pan cooked glistening monkfish with an onion bhaji, curry sauce and a sweet chilli gel disc (the fire blanket), a great twist on a traditional curry. Guinea fowl, onion - When thinking of poultry, especially breast, you dread the impending dryness making you reach for your drink with every mouthful, not with this, the guinea fowl was wonderfully succulent. Rhubarb, tarragon - The panna cotta was smooth and creamy and the tarragon added a real twist to the dish. Chocolate, seaweed - dark chocolate torte with a seaweed ice cream, a seaweed and sesame crisp and gels - the salty seaweed cut through the richness of the torte perfectly, like a match made in heaven. Finally, Petit fours - salted Carmel eggs, fudge, marshmallow & baileys madeleines, beautifully made with great detail representing a foraging experience as you find the treats amongst a ‘forest floor’ presentation. Every dish was beautifully created, marrying flavours, preparation and cooking techniques spectacularly with everything balanced perfectly, we couldn’t fault anything at all. By the 3rd or 4th course we booked for Sunday lunch for 2 weeks later, Frances couldn’t wait to call her mum, Elisabeth, (who we will meet at Sunday lunch) to give her the news. Throughout the evening all involved would come over to describe the dishes, the story of Thirteen and were happy to answer any questions we had. 3 hours absolutely flew by like minutes. When imagining a Tasting Menu, thoughts of being hungry after play on the mind due to ‘small’ dishes… that certainly was NOT the case, we left very full and extremely satisfied. We can’t wait to be back for our Sunday lunch & future bookings. We recommend Thirteen to everyone!

Really good to see a place of this calibre in Poole. Run by really lovely people, with exceptional food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Last night, I experienced the greatest dining experience of my life so far, thanks to Alex Naik and his incredible team at Thirteen restaurant. Every single dish was a culinary masterpiece made with such great care, skill and passion. The tastes and combinations were amazing and the ingredients were top notch and prepared in such fantastic ways. The team were friendly and welcoming and the entire service was very attentive without being intrusive. They managed to combine efficiency with a very relaxed atmosphere and delivered each course with a description that was concise but without making you feel at all uncomfortable or intimidated, in the way some fine dining establishments can. I can honestly say that the entire experience was outstanding. In my humble opinion, there will be a Michelin star in the near future so watch this place!

What a fantastic restaurant with wonderful staff. I wish I could give more stars 🌟 I totally recommend, the food and wine pairing was out of this world 🌍 x

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Thirteen. Incredible, complex but beautifully balanced flavours throughout all the numerous courses. It was an absolute delight and the service was courteous and very friendly. We thought it offered great value too considering the exceptional quality of everything. We can’t wait to return.

We came for Sunday lunch and had the most amazing experience sitting at the chefs table. It felt like such an immersive experience, chef Alex was happy to explain the dishes and was a great character, it definitely added to the meal. The service, food and atmosphere were all exceptional. It was the most exciting and special dining experience we have had for a long time and cannot wait to return to try the evening taster menu and the wine selections. We are delighted to discover this family run business and they all were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Each course and the in between courses were all gorgeously presented and perfectly balanced flavours, so delicious and will be talked about for a long time. The restaurant is beautifully appointed and is very elegant, it's fantastic a dining experience of this calibre is just down the road in Parkstone.

Wow what an amazing experience. The staff are so friendly, kind and what amazing food they produce, it is to die for. The chefs know their ingredients and the amount of time that has gone into the food, just wow! Would recommend to anyone. AMAZING!

A wonderful evening from start to finish. Every course was an absolute delight, beautifully presented delicious food. All the crockery, cutlery, glassware and interiors are stylish and comfortable. I have nothing negative to say, go if you can, it is a wonderful experience.

Simply outstanding. So much thought has gone in to this exquisite dining experience. All details considered and dealt with. Relaxed atmosphere; perfect service; great wine list... but the food... THE FOOD. My *god* the food was to die for. Clever, classic cuisine. Not a thing wrong or out of place on any of our plates. Flavour upon flavour upon flavour. An absolute joy. Has only been open for a few months; Once people have noticed this place you simply won't be able to get a seat!

Absolutely amazing evening. Exemplary food, wonderfully prepared & served. Beautiful wines to complement the evening & good cocktails too

Decadent, Delectable, Delicious, Delightful, Divine.

Thirteen is a great experience from start to finish - from being greeted at the door when you arrive until it closes behind you after a wonderful meal. We went to "try it out" not really knowing what it would be like but were blown away by the food, the wine, the ambience and the service. Top marks. Go if you can!

We went as a group of eight and sat at two cleverly combined tables. Welcomed warmly on entry and treated to exceptional and friendly service throughout the four hours that we were there having the 13 course tasting menu (£95 per person so this is a special occasion place unless you are very wealthy). We didn't do the matching wine option but had a good Pouilly Fume and a lovely Primitivo from the lower end of the wine list. The food ranged from very good to exceptional with the standouts for me being the wild garlic veloute, the trout with ponzu, and the guinea fowl, but the potato roll with leek butter and the petit fours were also fabulous. (The seafood bisque dish would, for me, have been better hot rather than room temperature and the fennel - itself sweet and subtle - was a bit over powered by the puree it was embedded in for my taste, but this is nitpicking). The overall meal was a superb sensual experience that will live long in the memory - and we will hope to return next year.

My amazing friend took me to Thirteen restaurant in Poole last night, with a seat at the Chefs table so we could see all the action. The food was exquisite! Every dish a work of art, with flavour combinations that worked beautifully and lots of surprises too. I won’t give them away, you’ll have to see for yourself. Lots of foraged bits in the dishes and interesting ways ingredients were used. And the wine pairing was cleverly done, matching the dishes with the perfect tipples. It’s hard to pick a favourite dish, but honourable mention goes to the potato bun and leek butter. The Irish girl in me was very happy with that one. We were so well taken care of and it’s clear every member of the team is passionate about the role they play. If you haven’t heard about this little secret tucked away in Parkstone, get in now before they get Michelin stars because it’s only a matter of time and then you’ll never get a seat! Bravo! Hands down the best restaurant experience I’ve had - kudos to what Chef Alex has created ⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a great restaurant Thirteen is, it encompasses all that we love, great food, great service and knowledgeable staff with the added extra of a personalised music list! Loved it!

What an incredible evening we had at Thirteen. An utterly delicious 13-course wine matched tasting menu behind a discreet entrance on Ashley Road, Parkstone. The welcome, service, food and wine was first class and some of the best I’ve had for a long time. A must-go dining experience for food and wine lovers. 10/10 Congratulations to the team at Thirteen. 👏

I could not recommend Thirteen enough. Such a special place and the food was absolutely delicious!!! Beautifully orchestrated dishes with exciting flavours. Cannot wait to go back again. Thank you Frances and team for a memorable birthday for my husband xxx

Thirteen might be the best thing to happen to Bournemouth. This is a family run restaurant with world class food that is seasonal, delicious and reflects the chef. If you don’t visit 13, you are missing out on an experience of a lifetime.

Beautiful, well presented dishes. The open kitchen creates a 'theatre' for the diner.

What we have needed down here for a long time, food is amazing, family are inviting. Go and support them…

Thoroughly enjoyed our evening on Saturday. The warm welcome, the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful setting all contributed to a fantastic evening. This was my 2nd visit and the food was as exquisite as I remembered. Beautiful presentation, delicious flavours, all paired with interesting and carefully chosen wines. The 13 course tasting menu is wonderful - can’t wait for our 3rd visit next month! Thank you team Thirteen - the best food in Poole!

What a phenomenal evening of dining. We were lucky enough to sit at the chef's table and we had a blast. Alex was super friendly and his team had the right amount of checking in to make us feel appreciated, but we also had space to soak up the atmosphere. The highlight of the menu was the bombay potato course - such richness and delicate spicing took me back to India. But the Papaya taco, the melt in the mouth beef and the carrot cake ran it hard. A special shout out to Clara too, the sourdough starter and perfect accompaniment to enjoy the perfectly balanced sauces. When chatting to the chefs we learned the menu is ever evolving depending on local produce availability. But what impressed us the most was the freshly created vegan menu for another diner. The team were genuinely excited to see the reaction to a dish they had created and honed that day. We will definitely be back and definitely book the chefs table! Quite literally nothing else like this in Poole / Bournemouth area - you will not be disappointed.

What a great experience! From the taste, to the explanation of dishes, to the hospitality, this place is absolutely faultless…. If you enjoy fine dining and like having more than just a “meal”, eating at Thirteen is an experience, and the team really put everything into that experience! After asking what ingredient was in a certain dish, our hostess went and found the ingredient to bring to the table to explain, a small touch but something that never happens in this industry, above and beyond service. As for the food, I’ll let the pictures to the talking!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Joint birthday lunch with a friend and what a wonderful experience from the moment we walked through the door. Without doubt one of the best dining experiences I have ever had (and there have been many). Frances and her Dad front of house - so warm and friendly. The food - Omgoodness - EXQUISITE 👏👏👏 and served by the chefs, always a special touch. We were treated to extras for our birthdays at no extra cost - thank you. A family run restaurant who made us feel like part of the family. Already booked 2 further dates for more of the same.

Hold onto your socks because this place will blow them off! Completely outstanding in every aspect. Innovative dishes that pleasure the palate, fine wine and amazing service. Every plate was exceptional from the lunchtime tasting menu. Nothing comes close to this place; it is an absolute gem. Well done Thirteen we can’t wait to return for the next fine dining experience.

As we stepped in through the door we were warmly greeted by Frances who led us into a dining area which reflected an effortless classy decor along with soft lighting. This was a full dining experience as we took our seats at the chef's table and were guided expertly by head chef Alex and his team through each course of the à la carte lunchtime menu. What an absolute taste delight - each plate was delicious and beautifully presented and it was impossible to choose the best one - although the braised beef cheeks and worcestershire sauce pearls were heavenly. What an extraordinary experience and great value - thank you - we will be booking again!

Took my mum and daughter for their birthday treat for lunch today. I am a returning customer but it was a first experience of this absolute gem of a restaurant for them. Safe to say, they will be back.

I stumbled upon this gem after catching wind of its opening in a local news article. What a birthday treat it turned out to be! Despite my last-minute request for a pescatarian menu tweak, the chef effortlessly curated a mesmerizing array of dishes that left us utterly delighted. The discrete entrance was a breeze to find, adding to the air of exclusivity. Our journey through 13 divine courses was an adventure in itself, showcasing ingenious combinations of British and European ingredients. Even without opting for the wine pairings, the evening was nothing short of exceptional. The meticulously crafted taster menu flowed seamlessly over a perfect three-hour span. Chef Alex's willingness to delve into the nuances of each dish—its ingredients, preparation, and presentation—added an extra layer of appreciation to the culinary artistry. Frances, our server, was attentive, providing impeccable table service with a graceful presence that enhanced the entire dining experience. And Hem's, exuding warmth and tranquility, contributed an inviting aura that complemented the meal beautifully. Considering the caliber of dishes, the impeccable customer service, and the overall experience, the £95 per person for the taster menu feels like an incredible steal. The value this establishment offers is unmatched. An evening filled with delectable delights, exceptional service, and an ambiance that felt just right—this place is an absolute treasure and undoubtedly worth every penny spent. Attached are photos of my 4 favourite dishes from the night :)

The food here is amazing!! I went with a friend, as a last minute thing. We sat at the chefs table and it was excellent. We got to see what everyone was doing and ask questions about the dishes, the chefs and the fantastic kitchen equipment!! Alex is very passionate about what he does and you can see that from the food. The taster menu of 13 course was the best meal I have had for a long time. The decor is lovely and the fact it is a family run business is lovely and brings their care and passion to it. Hem has an excellent knowledge of wine and they have a great choice of wines. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience!

I took my partner for her birthday and we were very impressed with the experience. The food was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Great service with the chefs bringing the dishes out and explaining the dish / menu. Lovely touch. The restaurant is beautifully finished, it feels intimate and classy. In short we would highly recommend it. There is nothing like this in the local area. If you appreciate incredible food and an experience that’s slightly different to anything else around make sure you give it a go. Can’t wait to try the Sunday roast!

What a find. We cannot rate this restaurant highly enough. From the moment we arrived at this family run restaurant, to the moment we left, it was like we’d stepped into another world. As enthusiastic cooks ourselves, we jumped at the chance to sit at Chef’s table, so we could see our food being prepared and also chat to Alex, the extremely gifted chef, about the food, the menu, and his kitchen. I’d contacted the restaurant in advance to ask if they could do a vegan menu for me, which they did, whilst my husband ate from the main December lunch menu. The food was clever, innovative, beautifully presented, and most of all, incredibly tasty. There were little dishes served between the main three courses, all of which were interesting and harmonised perfectly with the main menu. We have already made two further reservations; another lunch at chef’s table and also dinner the following month. If you like seriously good food, book now before you have to go on a waiting list!

Fantastic nice food decoration for plate 🍽 😋 delicious you need everyone tested wawawaw thank you very much and have nice staff and chef thank you

It was an absolute pleasure to dine here for Sunday lunch. I went with my family and had a fantastic 6-course meal (starter, main, dessert and everything in between). Thirteen is a wonderful family-run restaurant with a relaxing, yet exciting atmosphere due to the open-kitchen plan. Frances, Alex, Hem and Elisabeth have done an excellent job at creating Thirteen, and are passionate about providing quality service. As someone that has worked in the food industry for a good few years, I can confidently say this is up there with the best food in Dorset. Poole is lucky to finally have a restaurant like this, so go and try it!

We came here for a birthday lunch and sat at the ‘chef’s table’ at the counter and left amazed at how great the food was & how welcoming the family of owners were. The lentil & mussel broth and the Jerusalem artichoke veloute starters were both immaculate and the venison main was utterly delicious. Top marks for the chocolate dessert too and the pinot noir we had to drink was super smooth. Enjoyed it so much we booked to come back for the tasting menu with friends in a few weeks time. There is simply nothing like this for miles around

With the kids back from university we visited for Sunday lunch and were half expecting it to be good, but not amazing … after all, how good can Sunday lunch be? Every course for each of us was incredible, a brilliant mix of flavours that built into amazing dishes, and not a single doubtful comment about any ingredient. The Jerusalem artichoke veloute was one of the best starters any of us have ever tasted, and enough for a sneaky sharing across the table. Our wines too were lovely, and were at the lower end of the wine menu price bracket. The restaurant is run by a family of self taught chef and restaurateurs, and it was lovely getting to chat to each of them with a familiar service that wasn’t so polished that it became a stuffy experience, just adding to our loyalty to support this small restaurant. We can’t wait to go back for the Thirteen course tasting menu with accompanying wines. Best local restaurant for many, many miles!

I cannot add anything to the other amazing reviews. This place is absolutely outstanding in every respect. Foodies…book this or you will be missing an experience to remember. We will be back, and soon!

This is an exceptional restaurant. We booked the Chef's table for a celebration, and were given a very warm welcome in this family run restaurant. The 13 course tasting menu is an incredible and unforgettable journey. Fantastic and imaginative dishes, full of flavour and surprises, presented perfectly, and introduced by the chefs. In our view, this is by far the best restaurant in the region, and a real gem. The location is slightly quirky, but inside the restaurant has been fitted out to the highest standards. It's quite pricey, but given the quality of the food that we ate, it was great value. Faultless and exceptional.

Absolutely outstanding. What an experience!!!! Nothing in poole to compare. Please try this restaurant, you won't regret it. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you are treated like you are the only people in there. The service is second to none.

We ate here with friends who had been once before and raved about the food. Our high expectations were more than exceeded. This food was exquisite and as good as I have eaten any where in the world. The passion, skill and attention to detail was evident in every delicious course. The service was lovely - friendly, warm and efficient without any sense of formality or pomposity - just genuine pride and love for what this place offers. The fact that it’s in Parkstone is not only surprising but hugely welcome - this area is mainly a desert for good dining. The meal was expensive relative to the average restaurant, but the whole experience was so far above average that it delivered enormous value for money. I do hope lots of people who enjoy great food and something a bit different will find their way to this hidden jewel in Ashley Road and make this family business a huge success. They deserve it

We had the pleasure of being seated at the chef's table and, quite honestly, it was the finest meal we've had in a very long time. An extraordinary dining experience and somewhere we'll be frequenting on a regular basis.

Excellent 13 course tasting menu. Beautifully presented , great tasting courses. Friendly attentive staff Generous portions , arrive hungry...

Had the most wonderful lunch, amazing food, flavours are full and inviting, each dish is a work of art. Wine pairing, just works ❤️ Staff are friendly and very attentive, A must for the experience. Couldn't rate this restaurant highly enough. 5* +

We enjoyed a very pleasant lunch with friends on a Saturday afternoon and have since booked dinner to enjoy the 13 course tasting menu. So, you can probably guess from this that we were impressed - not just wit the food (which was amazing), but also the friendly service and the tastefully designed decor. All of the dishes were immaculately and creatively presented - and they didn't just look great, the flavour combinations and standard of cooking were exquisite as well. It's great that they haven't tried to cram in as many tables as possible, as this adds to the more relaxed feel - and probably gives a bit more flexibility regarding table sizes. The only negatives (sorry!) are that the wine list would probably benefit from a few more reasonably priced wines and the noise from the coffee machine that is stationed near the bar area was a little intrusive - though this was probably more apparent as it wasn't that busy. Overall, a great dining experience that we look forward to repeating!

Sat at the Chef's Table for Sunday Roast. By far the best roast I've ever had. Chef was engaging and happy to answer any questions we had. Was a delight to watch the kitchen work together. Clearly a tight unit who enjoy working together creating their culinary delights. Front of house service second to none. Very attentive and friendly, a credit to the restaurant. Thoroughly recommend the cocktails. By far the best dining experience I've had in a long time. I cannot recommend enough. We are lucky to have an establishment like this in Poole.

What a wonderful find, my husband & I went to celebrate our anniversary & had struggled to think of somewhere special to go locally. So glad we decided on Thirteen , it was amazing we loved every minute of a true dining experience. Thank you all , we will be back . Emma & Graham

Such a hidden jem. It is pricey but is definitely worth it! Service and food was next level best food I have had!! It wasn't busy when we went, however I imagine once more people know about this place it will start getting very busy especially at Christmas with there new christmas menu! I can't wait to return!!

Having heard great reviews, we thought we would see for ourselves. What a joy to have Thirteen in Poole. We had lunch there and were the only table booked that day. Service was friendly and non intrusive. The wine recommendation was spot on. The highlight however was the food. Plate after plate of delectable, beautifully presented flavour pack courses were served up. Being the only table, the chef came and spoke to us about his passion for cooking and creating unusual flavour combinations using high quality ingredients. This certainly shone through with the excellent meal we had. IMHO, if you are looking for real fine dining with great service, head to Thirteen.

Lovely long lunch, great experience, definitely an event with fabulous food and service in a small relaxed family environment. From the first cocktail to the expresso everyone enjoyed every course with lots of pleasant surprises and great wine advice too. Dont delay as people are rebooking before they leave! We will be back for sure.

We went for Saturday lunch. There are 3 choices for each course meat, fish and vegetarian. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, the kitchen immaculate and plenty of space between the tables. To start, I had scallops and my husband and the beetroot & three cheese tortellini. For mains, I chose the venison and my husband had Coley. For dessert we had a milk chocolate mousse and a hazelnut parfait. Everything was beautifully presented, watching Alex and chefs plate up was mesmerising. The tastes and combinations were so inventive and stimulating. Money very well spent!

Amazing!!! What a delight. Exceptional food. Attentive wholesome service.

WOW WOW WOW. What an exceptional restaurant, the whole meal was fantastic from the food to the service I cannot find a fault, we will be visiting again as soon as possible. I have and will continue to recommend to everyone I can, thank you so much for the most wonderful afternoon!

This restaurant is outstanding. There is nowhere to compare against locally at all. Everything is utterly sublime, and is great value for money for what you get. You have to ring the doorbell to gain access, which is so fun it sort of gives it an exclusive speak easy feel. They are a family run restaurant, and so welcoming, and friendly. The fact that each course is bought over and explained by each chef is such a special touch. The decor is simple & modern but has a gorgeous atmosphere, the lighting is so clever. The menu is placed upside down on your table and you can choose not to turn it over so you can have a total surprise each course. All 13 courses were so unique and clever. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough, we're actually trying to find time to come again next month with friends because it's so so good. This place will be Michelin in no time. Thank you for such a memorable birthday, and an incredible dining experience. ***** Edited because we returned a month later Can't believe it but it was even better the second time around, this is such a special restaurant that requires everyone's support. Alex and the team are amazing, keep up the good work everyone we can't wait to return again and again. It was so nice to experience the new cocktails, the Espresso Martini was stunning.

With incredible food, attentive and friendly service, this restaurant is a true gem. A cosy and intimate atmosphere surrounds you as the flow of dishes from the well-thought-out tasting menu delights and enchants you. A wonderful experience and I hope they will be hugely successful so we can go back again and again.

The only way to find out how good thirteen restaurant is, is to book and experience it for yourself.. 5 Star rating from me. Faultless ! And such welcoming family.. A truly amazing dinning experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Perfection, on every level. 13 totally unique courses. Weve been lucky enough to eat in some incredible places around the world, Thirteen is up there with them all. Definitely the best place I’ve eaten in locally. Massive well done to Alex & his lovely family!! We look forward to enjoying your Sunday lunch next.

This restaurant is outstanding and will be Michelin in no time. We had the most AMAZING meal last night - first of many I sure, the food and standards does not compare to anything locally at all. EVERYTHING was just out of this world. We have eaten in many Michelin styles restaurant however the food in Thirteen surpasses them all - Head Chef Alex and his team are extremely talented. We had to ring the doorbell to gain access, which is such an exclusive feel. And we were made very welcoming from the moment we walked in. Each course is bought over and explained by each chef is such a special touch. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Thank you for such a memorable evening, and an incredible dining experience. We will come back soon.

We had a birthday lunch at Thirteen which turned into a mini tasting menu when several unexpected courses were added. This restaurant is a real asset to Bournemouth /Poole. Inventive dishes, well cooked and presented couldn't be faulted. Front of house were very friendly and super attentive. The dining area is simple but stylish and extremely well equipped with lovely cutlery, glassware and napkins. The only thing I wasn't happy with was the addition of a 12.5% "gratuity" without being aware beforehand. As the menu is printed anew every day, perhaps this was an oversight.

A warm welcome and wonderful service to support the amazing food experienced on our first visit to Thirteen. We live within walking distance, but would make the effort to visit should that ever change. Return visits will definitely happen - chefs table/tasting menu and Sunday roast to enjoy! Thank you.

Just had an amazing meal here last night, fantastic Michelin standard food! Stylish, very friendly, interesting dishes, the charcoal sauce was so good the chef laughed when I pretended to lick the plate clean! Highly recommended.

An absolutely outstanding experience at Thirteen - we felt so special. Incredible food, incredible service, incredible surroundings. Poole has been crying out for a place like this, we'll be back!!!

The food was exquisite - particularly liked the fish cookery. The staff were so attentive and we really loved being on the chefs table and finding out more about the origins of the restaurant and getting to know the family. Thank you Alex, Hem and team!