Thirteen in Poole

Simply fantastic, 2nd time I have been will visit again.

We had a wonderful evening and were looked after so well, from start to finish with a beautiful meal. We will be recommending and returning for the Sunday lunch!

My wife and I cannot recommend Thirteen highly enough. From being welcomed by name as we arrived, the attentive (and very friendly) staff, the interesting chats and information about the food to the food itself, I can honestly say it was worth every penny. The food is extraordinary and the whole tasting menu is put together at the perfect pacing, with stunning combinations and so well balanced that, by the last bite, you are satisfied but not uncomfortably full. The explanations about the food and the wine were great and shows the passion that everyone at Thirteen has about what they are doing. Particular highlights for us were the Sous Vide Beetroot, the Goat Samosa and there was a lamb dish that was quite possibly the nicest piece of lamb I have ever eaten...and my wife, who is not even close to being a lamb fan, wanted more.... Absolutely recommended and we will be back just as soon as we are back in the area.

Thirteen is a superb restaurant. You are greeted warmly at the door and then served in an exceptional fashion throughout. The food is always creative and inspired with one sublime tasting dish after another. I have no hesitation in recommending Thirteen to you. You will not be disappointed.

One of us has intolerances to gluten and lactose, and the restaurant amazed us by adapting all the relevant dishes to accommodate her. The food was extremely creative and the chef and his young team had created dishes of freshness, originality and verve. Definitely recommend. The flight of wines were variable, in that some of them were good but not exceptional, so a bit overpriced. And there are no pairing until you get to course no. 5. Finally the interior is great, you can see everything that is happening in the kitchen, but could you turn up the heating a little? All in all we had a brilliant evening and will be back!

We have just visited Thirteen restaurant for the first where we enjoyed their Sunday lunch which we found to be way above our expectations, not only with the quality of food but also with the friendliness & professionalism of all the staff at this family run restaurant. I have never written a review before on anything, but feel that Thirteen fully deserves recognition for the quality of the experience they provide. A big thank you to you all. Peter & Carol

Fantastic experience at Thirteen and can certainly see why they have become so popular so quickly! The quality of food, matched with how friendly and professional they all were, was simply incredible!

Outrageous pricing for what was mixed results on the tasting menu. Two dishes were spectacular, others ok except for two that were not nice at all. I won't return.

Ridiculous pricing for a flight of 13 amuse bouche! I was ravenous. And fleeced! A very over priced experience. No tablecloths either or place settings. Restaurant too noisy to hear the explanation from each server. Disappointing

Lovely addition serving amazing quality food and drink, made our weekend away all the more special. Worth every penny spent

We were fortunate to book seats at chefs table at Thirteen, which turned out to add to what would no doubt have been an incredible evening regardless. The 13 course tasting menu created by head chef Alex and his team was without question the best culinary experience we’ve had in Poole and as other reviews have remarked worthy of a Michelin star, which will no doubt be achieved soon. We both commented on the consistency of quality and creativity of each course which isn’t always the case with a tasting menu, regularly flip flopping between which were favourites including a couple of new flavours for us both (Magnolia in the Magnolia beetroot trifle and Taro in the Brill lardo). Pushed for a favourite probably the Lamb kimchi created by one of Alex’s talented team (lamb man!) Front of house is a family affair lead by Alex’s sister, Frances and the charming Hem (dad) and mum Elizabeth Anyway, highly recommend. Going back for Sunday lunch soon for all of the above reasons in particular the gravy!

Fantastic food, amazing menu, will be returning!

Amazing quality food, wonderful service, and a great atmosphere!

What an amazing experience for a fabulous night out for couple or for a special occasion. Presentation, flavours and whole experience is totally next level. 13 plates tasting menu sounds a lot but once you pop you can't stop. And the personal touch from whole family owners makes you feel part of their family. Definitely will comeback to our table Nr.4

This was posted by our son, Alex on Facebook. Suffice to say Thirteen more than delivered. Mum and dad concur. “This was absolutely extraordinary. This is Thirteen, a relatively new restaurant that's open near us and is PHENOMENAL in every way. My parents and I checked this out yesterday night to celebrate my 23rd birthday, and were absolutely blown away by it. I couldn't possibly have asked for a better birthday dinner. The whole experience was flawless from the incredible welcome on entry, to the service throughout, to the birthday card I received just before the dessert, signed by the whole team. That latter one especially blew me away - it was truly above and beyond, and deserves a special "thank you". Head chef Alex, along with his parents Elizabeth and Hem are absolute gems, and their passion was wonderful to see. But that goes for all the chefs, who took it in turns to introduce some of the courses, who I didn't quite catch the names of. It's rare you see such passion these days. And this doesn't even cover the immaculate, even spellbinding, 13 course degustation menu. To be honest I'm really struggling to name a favourite course, as they were all out of this world levels of brilliant, but I think the "herbs, cabbage", "mushroom, mushroom", and "brill, lardo" come out on top, roughly in that order as top. This was an absolutely brilliant experience that is fully deserving of a 5/5 rating on any review platform, and one that I really hope gets a Michelin Star soon - it could compete with (and probably exceed) any restaurant that already holds one any day. Absolutely tremendous, and I cannot wait to return.”

This is the Art of Fine Dining. It was wonderful to experience this family run restaurant that has a passion for producing exquisite flavoursome food artfully presented on amazing plates. Highly recommend.

An amazing experience from start to finish. We were here to celebrate our sons 23rd birthday, we had heard great things about Thirteen and it didn’t disappoint. From being greeted by name on arrival, a handshake and introduction from Head Chef Alex followed by each of the chefs delivering each of the thirteen courses, explaining all the ingredients for each dish was truly special. And then there was the food…..each dish exquisitely presented and the taste…tremendous…each one a stand out and difficult to choose a favourite …although as a family if we were forced to select just one….it would be “herbs, cabbage” ….outstanding! Our son, Alex. was given a bespoke Thirteen birthday card signed by all the chefs…such a lovely gesture.A perfect end to a perfect evening. We will definitely be back!

First visit here, for an exceptional Sunday lunch. Fine dining with excellent attentive and aware service from the several staff involved, including each dish brought to table by the kitchen. We were given a choice of three for each course, but these were also interposed with 'pre' servings, each dish described by the server and all delicious, as were the chosen courses. Very varied wine list to meet all tastes. Main of blade of beef akin to a Sunday roast but much lifted from the ordinary: rich sauce, perfectly crisp potatoes, beautifully medium-rare meat. Calm ambience, subtly lit space. Would definitely repeat.

A great addition to the restaurant scene in Poole, there’s nothing like this here. Professional, friendly service and interesting tasting menu. Good cooking with some great dishes ( goat samosa). Credit to all the chefs who were fully engaged in making good food.Well worth a visit.

This is not a dinner, this is a whole experience. For the three hours we were at the restaurant, we were totally immersed into the art and stories of every dishes. We sat at the chef's table, and were in awe of the talent and professionalism of the team creating each course. The wine pairing was fantastic, and I have since purchased bottles of the one's I tried that evening. I was also terrified to try the eel, but it turned out to be my favourite dish. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

My best friend and I came here for a joint birthday gift and we were spoilt rotten! It was a quiet weekday afternoon so we were upgraded to the chef’s table. Such a lovely, friendly atmosphere. Fine dining but not pretentious. The food is to die for and the wine pairings are exceptional. Such a lovely special touch giving us a birthday card signed by the whole team too! Would highly recommend to any foody, we’ll definitely both be back!

We visited for the first time on Friday and had the Chef's Table experience. What a wonderful experience. The welcome on our arrival set the tone for the evening. it felt like we were being welcomed like old friends. The staff are first class and are like a well oiled machine. We had the benefit of watching the engine room at work. The food is exceptional. The tastes and textures a delight to the palate and of the best we have tasted. We will be returning, on that you can promise. I recommend without hesitation for all to find out for yourselves. Well done all

Having had the pleasure of visiting many fine dining restaurants without a shadow of a doubt Thirteen has to be the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. The service was outstanding, the staff are professional knowledgeable and very attentive, the deco gives you a sense calm and luxury creating the most incredible yet comfortable atmosphere to truly experience and enjoy the most amazing food experience ever. During the evening we were presented with thirteen culinary delights that looked like a work of art and tasted sensational. I can honestly say this has to be my most enjoyable and memorable dining experience I’ve ever had and would recommend to anyone who truly loves food and wants an exceptional dining experience.

Probably the best food we have ever had in a restaurant service was superb can not say a bad thing about it

Our second Valentines Day at Thirteen (with plenty of visits in between)! All the tables were full, so I think we'd better book for 2026.... Amazing as always. We had the lunchtime taster menu; I'll just describe the first course: a tiny, glistening samosa. It slipped from my fingers on to the plate, so I licked my fingers. Bang! The whole tasting experience began there and continued to the last course, a wonderful ginger cake creation. My wife Sue is vegan, and every course, as ever, is so cleverly crafted and delivered with a justifiably proud flourish by the chef responsible. She always feels she has a brigade of chefs cooking just for her. This wasn't a meal, it was another life experience. Thank you 13!

Phenomenal food & service and amazing atmosphere; what more could you ask for a very special night out last Friday for our son's 30th birthday. A big thank you from all of us for making it so special.

If you are looking for a special evening, high end food with down to earth staff then look no further. A hidden Gem in Poole, it is hard to find somewhere that provides food of this quality without coming off as pretentious but this place manages it perfectly. It is a little pricey but can assure you it was worth every penny. Thank you to the thirteen team for a fab evening.

We had a very intimate lunch, prepared by Alex, His Dad had clearly spent time creating the paired wines. Before I booked I was a little dubious of the location and the front elevation doesnt inspire but once you step through the door you enter a different setting completely. Very warm welcome and great to see the kitchen is open plan to the restaurant. Everything from the description of the dishes by Alex and his team, the presentation and also the very well chosen crockery / serving bowls and styles were exquisite. This place if it continues in the same consistency of quality and identical presentation and exactness is surely worthy of a Michelin star! I can say that there is nothing on this level of cooking any where in the area and deserves a full house every time. I know its not the cheapest but you definitely get value for money given the skill and dedication that is shown, well done guys and look forward to our next visit.

Restaurant Thirteen is a family-run treasure, offering a flawless 13-course set menu that’s nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is a masterclass in flavour, presentation, and creativity, making for an unforgettable dining experience. The warm, welcoming service and intimate atmosphere only enhance the magic. If you love exceptional food and a thoughtfully curated menu, this is a must-visit. Worth every bite!

We had Sunday Lunch yesterday, and were extremely impressed! Having read the reviews we were hopeful of great food and service and that was exactly what we received! A warm welcome into an intimate dining area with open kitchen, with a really nice unpretentious feel. Service was excellent, friendly knowledgeable staff all with a passion for what they do. Sunday lunch menu was lovely, choice of three starters, three mains and three deserts, with interim courses and fabulous bread included. Good choice of wines by the glass, as well as cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and everything that was brought to the table was presented beautifully, most dishes included locally sourced ingredients which were top quality. Really hope this place continues to do well, we will definitely be returning and will bring friends! Thanks for a lovely afternoon! Andy& Mandy Brown

Quite simply....WOW The service, the food, the experience, just simply perfect.

We have an incredible evening celebrating my birthday with friends. The food was sublime, the atmosphere perfect, the service second to none. We've been before and will most definitely be back again and again. Hem, Elisabeth, Frances, Nick and the whole team. Thank. You.

All other reviews have exhausted the superlatives: astonishing cuisine, impeccable service, 5* ambience so I’ll try my best to be different. My wife & I were first time diners at Thirteen opting for the Sunday lunch. As culinary experiences go it was life changing. We walked away breaking down each course and its flavours in forensic detail. As a concept Thirteen is without equal in Dorset and your various courses of the meal are introduced by the chefs that prepared them. We were made to feel special throughout. Attention to detail & refined subtlety is very evident in the food and the Thirteen vibe. Their unswerving commitment to the highest standards is commendable and it’s a beacon for Parkstone. We will be back ❤️

Class, class, class. Warm and friendly atmosphere, this is a restaurant based on passion and skill. We had such an enjoyable evening and the food was delicious, beautiful and cleverly put together. A high class restaurant that we are lucky to have in the area.

An unassuming shop front on Ashley Road in Poole but then you are ushered inside with a warm friendly welcome into a small intimate restaurant. We were there with good friends for my wife's birthday and Thirteen did not disappoint. The food was fantastic - we opted for the six and half dishes and this was more than enough food (so close after the excesses of Christmas). We started with cocktails and then, accompanied by (too) much wine, dish after dish of deliciousness was served over the course of about three hours. I think each of us had our own favourite but we all agreed that the Mushroom Tom Kha was fabulous, and the smoked haddock was special. The restaurant is a family owned initiative and the welcome and service was fantastic. Each dish is presented by one of the chefs with a brief explanation of ingredients and preparation. This is a dining experience and one I would highly recommend.

My husband and I were lucky enough to get chefs table at this incredible restaurant. We watched as the magic unfolded in this very special, unique, family run restaurant. The passion and enthusiasm that Alex and his team have for food is reflected in the outrageously good plates put before you. Frances is warm, welcoming, and very attentive as we’re all of the staff. The atmosphere is very calming and the decor is exquisite. The fact they use local, home grown and self foraged food on the menu shows they care about the community, sustainability and keeping things fresh and rejuvenated. This wasn’t our first and certainly won’t be our last visit!!

We were going to book here, but when I saw the (de facto) 12.5% service charge automatically added, we decided not to. As people who could afford to buy the place, we refuse to be dictated to at what service charge to pay. Shame. It's a buyer's market as to choice of restaurants, so their attempt to screw a bit extra out of customers, means they will never get ours. It's time we fine diners kicked back on this form of rinsing. (No doubt they will respond pointing out it's "discretionary". Yeah right. We all know none of us will argue the toss that the service was, say, worth just 10%.)

Such a gorgeous gem of a restaurant! There was absolutely nothing I did not love about Thirteen, from its intimate atmosphere to its phenomenal food to its incredible service. Making dining an experience - but without the fussiness of certain other fine dining establishments - this is a restaurant that makes you feel welcome and valued, while offering up a sensational treat for the tastebuds. I was lucky enough to visit on my birthday and sat at the chef's table, where I could see the magic at work in the kitchen. Alex and his team did an incredible job, making sure each of the thirteen dishes on the tasting menu was outstanding. Overall, it is a family-run restaurant where you can feel the love and dedication that has gone into making it truly special. Don't think, just book. You won't regret it!

We visted Thirteen for the first time on the 5th January for "Sunday Lunch" - what an understatement - "Sunday Exceptional Dining Experience" more the ticket. We were delighted with the food, the service, the ambience - actually the whole experience was nothing short of exciting. The star of course the food - Alex and his brigade do a wonderful job - the food is not only as pretty as a picture but a sensation on your palate. Cannot wait to return!

Three of us had occasion to dine at thirteen recently for my daughters birthday. We were not disappointed. We had dinner with the thirteen course tasting menu and it was amazing with some great advice re the wine. The service is also excellent with chefs coming to the table to describe and present their creation. It is certainly worth its Michelin star. We would certainly go back if we are in the area.

From when you step through the door, you get warm, personal service from Frances, who is super lovely. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. The food was wonderful. I love trying new flavour combinations and the food was delicious and exciting to eat. Alex, the head chef, came over on a few occasions and really took the time to talk to us about the food. His passion for cooking is clear, and he was very interesting to hear from. We will definitely return to try the new menus when we can!

This is our second visit and did not disappoint. Food was divine, atmosphere lovely and relaxed, service is extremely warm and attentive. An all round excellent experience. Would definitely recommend and we will be back soon.

What an absolute treat! Everything about our night at Thirteen was fantastic - but the family really made it for us. Everyone was kind, welcoming and enthusiastic. This is top level food, but it was a totally relaxed and convivial experience. A few of us are keen cooks so it was great to chat with the chefs to understand what was on our plate and get some inspiration. A couple of us went with the wine flight, which was superb and well worth the fuzzy heads the next morning. Oh, and make sure to try the "Favourtie" martini. Can't wait to come back!

A truly spectacular 13 course tasting menu. First rate service! A little gem in the heart of Poole.

Excellent food, super wine list, friendly staff.

Wonderful service and food. Definitely worth a visit

We ate here on a quiet Wednesday night and really did get first class treatment. Each course was a delight. The food and the wine pairings were superb. My favourite was the Guinea Fowl. Can't recommend highly enough!

This is as good as it gets for BCP in terms of fine dining. Fantastic team, super attentive, incredible food, simply divine wine. Well done the team at number thirteen.

Had Sunday lunch at this brilliant family-run restaurant including an amazing vegetarian roast that the head chef went out of his way to prepare. Service was warm and attentive. Highly recommended, thanks to you all again.

Exquisite food, exemplary and warm service.

I can’t stress how lovely the whole family at thirteen is. You really get to know everyone in there. I have been three times now and I just love it. It’s a super cosy and intimate experience in a small restaurant, and you can see into the kitchen to watch the magic happen. It is so unbelievably clear how much the chefs adore what they do - the attention to detail with the food is absolutely incredible, I love watching them prepare the food. The front of house and sommelier are knowledgeable and just so lovely. I will obviously definitely be returning, and hopefully for their a la carte Sunday roast one day too.

How best to describe our experience? We do not normally frequent top restaurants like Thirteen, being more comfortable with chef-owned pub establishments. However the evening was an awesome experience, not just about the food. We tried the 6.5 tasting menu, which was very impressive. However, with each course being presented by one of the four chefs, where you can ask questions and understand what you are eating, this elevates the overall experience. Frances and Ken (I hope I have remembered the names correctly) provided impeccable service throughout. We are not wine connoisseurs, far from it, but Ken kindly provided advice and great information that added to the whole experience. We will definitely come again

Lovely, delicious meal and v personable staff. We had food allergies I forgot to advise them of but they were v accommodating, quickly coming up with alternatives. Already booked our next visit…

Such an amazing experience! Wine pairing menu is a must as it elevates the wonderful dishes! Love the presentation as well. Will definitely come back!

This was one of the best meals we have ever eaten. The flavours that chef Alex brought to us made us 'ooh' and 'aah'. Beautiful presentation, well paced delivery of 13 exquisite courses, complemented by a well curated wine selection from Hem. Will definitely be back and most certainly recommend.

We've been to some of the country's best restaurants (I won't drop names, but it includes 3-star establishments). I can honestly say that our experience at Thirteen was up there with the best. We enjoyed 13 courses, each of which were cleverly conceived, brilliantly executed, and exquisitely presented. Yes, they are tiny, and it is probably a 'special occasion' venue. But the quality on show at Thirteen makes it very special. Inevitably there were favourite courses, though this is a matter of personal preference, and the menu changes frequently. But consider yourself particularly lucky if the goat curry samosa makes an appearance! Service is helpful and friendly; it's entertaining to watch the (very busy) kitchen; and the restaurant and facilities scream class in a loveably informal way. Sadly, we're not local, but we will grab with enthusiasm any future opportunity to visit.

Wow.. where to even begin.. the food was some of the best we have ever eaten, the information provided with the wine pairing was fascinating and the service was second to none! Thank you all for a perfect birthday, we cannot wait to visit again soon

What an amazing experience. I rarely leave reviews but I felt compelled to share how great this restaurant is. The food, the service, the ambiance was all 5 stars and the staff were all so personable. Would 100% recommend this family run restaurant

Fantastic restaurant for a special occasion or for any food lover, each dish and wine pairing was described and presented beautifully. We were made to feel special by the staff throughout the evening.

An absolutely incredible gastronomic delight. Sublime food beautifully presented and impeccably paired with some beautiful wines. Plus impeccable service from a team who acted as guides through each course.

Beautiful food. Chilled atmosphere. Fabulously friendly staff. Highly recommend

Dinner at Lucky Thirteen. We've been wanting to visit here since they opened in September last year and finally managed to get a sort after reservation. It's a fine dining,family owned and run restaurant, headed up by chef-patron Alex Naik. With an intimate dining room of six tables and an impressive open kitchen. Our seats were at the chefs table in the heart of the action which has a premuim of £25pp. The menu takes on a tasting format, available in either 13 courses £110 or a half-sized ‘6.5’ course £75. Using seasonal Dorset ingredients, including many foraged or grown in the restaurant’s own urban garden. We opted for the full monty of 13 courses. Which kicks off with some huge breadsticks and a delicious dip. Followed by a procession of various snacks. Consisting of beef,squash,potato,crab and prossibly the star dish,a goat samosa. It was unlike any other we have had before. After all that,then came the larger dishes. First up was a delicious partridge ramen with a cute little filled bun on the side. The fish dish was a delightful piece of Brill and mussel. Next up was the mushroom, where chef invited us to cut a peice off Lions mane before preparing the dish. The final savoury dish was a lovely tender venison. Two desserts,one of apple with pine the other hazelnut & truffle.For the finale,petit fours. All the dishes were beautifully presented by Alex and his team, We could not possibly pick a favourite course. It was a great experience, and front of house chefs sister & Mum made for a lovely friendly,enjoyable evening. After only 8 month's since opening, they have caught the eye of Michelin Guide and have been listed. It's only a matter of time before they will receive more recognition and awards.

It's an experience in all aspects, food is wonderful. The family have an interesting story. We really appreciated it.

My wife and I had been meaning to go to this fine dining restaurant for some time. We eventually did this week and sat at the chef’s table, we were not disappointed. The staff were all very attentive, friendly and professional. We had the 6.5 course taster menu for lunch. All of the courses were exceptional, Alex and the other chefs worked wonders and were very informative on all the cookery they were doing. It was expensive but as the saying goes “you get what you pay for”.

It is of absolutely no surprise to me that Thirteen has an entire host of 5-star reviews. After our visit planned for earlier in the month was sadly postponed due to power issues, my partner and I were extremely excited to finally get to Thirteen to try our first tasting menu experience. We were blown away by the food. Every course was exquisite, and had such a divine depth of flavour. There were many dishes that combined ingredients that I'd never think to try together without this experience. I enjoyed every single dish, even those that I wouldn't order off a standard menu. They were also fantastic with my girlfriend's pescatarianism too, offering alternatives for every dish needed. Thank you to the chefs. I would, finally, like to compliment the staff. All three of the front of house staff were a delight, offering a genuine connection to us as guests. We left feeling a familial connection that we have never felt before at any eatery. We will certainly be back to visit Thirteen in the future, and will be just as excited to taste the new offerings. Thank you to the entire team at Thirteen.

Amazing food, so much effort goes into each course. It is a small restaurant, so you can see the activity in the kitchen. . Staff very helpful, and friendly and make a relaxed atmosphere to the place. Great place.

Lovely restaurant. The food was excellent and we had a lovely warm welcome. Loved the menu and descriptions given by the chefs. Would highly recommended.

An incredible experience all round, thank you Thirteen for such an amazing evening. We will be back!

We were made to feel incredibly welcomed and part of the family. The food was amazing and we can’t wait to come back x

Exceptional Sunday meal and fantastic service, very efficient but not rushed at all. These is the second time we have been, previously it was for the full menu which was also amazing. Will be introducing other friends to this jewel in Parkstone

Very good food, nice service, atmosphere and some good stories from the owner.

By far this is the best restaurant I have dined at in Dorset, and one of my all time favourites. It is better than the Michelin star restaurants I have visited. It is a family business. The food is sensational. The wines are delicious. The service is excellent. The atmosphere is intimate. Fine dining at its best. Thank you Frances, Alex, Hem and family.

It’s really hard to articulate quite how incredible an experience my partner and I had at Thirteen. We booked the chef’s table for my birthday and from the second we walked into the restaurant we were treated impeccably. Despite its unlikely location on Ashley Rd, the small, cosy restaurant is welcoming and elegant with an astonishing attention to detail. The same theme is echoed throughout the service, the drinks and the food. We went for the full 13 course tasting menu with the paired wine flight, with a couple of cheeky cocktails to start us off. Nothing I could write here would truly do justice to our experience; each dish was immaculately presented, expertly described and impossibly good; with so many dishes standing out that it’s hard to say good stuff about one, for fear of leaving out all the others! It felt like a real privilege sitting at the chefs table, being so close to the kitchen, interacting with all the chefs, witnessing first hand the meticulous care put into every bowl and plate. Despite the grandeur of the food, the head chef always put us at ease, encouraging us to use our hands and lick our plates if we felt like it - the cutlery was merely optional. This mindset really adds to what sets Thirteen apart; it’s fine dining and FUN! It’s fine dining and FAMILY, which I think makes a real difference. There’s a palpable love and care of the food and wine but a tangible sense of the same between the staff; perhaps unsurprising when Mum, Dad, Sister and Son are all working together. There’s no denying that this experience is expensive, this was the most I’ve ever spent in a restaurant. What we received for that was so much more than just a meal. It speaks volumes that I would happily go back and do it all over again tomorrow, and am already planning another visit. This was, without question, the finest dining experience I’ve had in my 42 years on this planet. The whole team at Thirteen are amazing and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Despite the many superlatives within this review, I do want to to share one more that we joked on the night with the head chef, would be our one word review if ever asked…… “How was your meal at Thirteen?” “ Bangin’ “ 😂

I wanted to take my partner somewhere amazing for our 1st anniversary. 13 went above and beyond my expectations. The food was exquisite and the service truly the best I have had in a very long time . Hem the owner was super attentive and his son Alex the head chef a creative genius . We will be returning !!

We had an enjoyable evening. Didn’t appreciate being asked to ‘keep the noise down’ several times. Being a group of 6 and spending a lot of money on a special treat it would have been nice if we were able to relax and laugh and talk without being ‘told off’

My partner and I had an absolutely incredible experience here last night. From the moment we walked through the door, we just knew we were going to have an evening to remember. Thirteen combines exquisite food with incredible hospitality. The dishes were beautifully presented and all absolutely delicious. The timing of all 13 courses was perfect, with each dish being described in detail. We opted for the flight of wine to accompany several of the courses, and this also added an extra something special to the evening. The service was attentive, warm, and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is elegant yet cosy, making it perfect for a special occasion. Honestly, we were absolutely blown away by our experience, and I don't think a Google review can possibly do it justice. So if I had to sum it up in a word... Bangin'.

Thirteen is a fantastic fine dining restaurant to visit. Whether your celebrating a birthday, anniversairy etc it may well be worth treating yourself to go visit this place. The entire service is impeccable with the quailty of the food near perfect.

I had an amazing experience at Thirteen! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The food was absolutely divine—every dish was crafted to perfection with rich flavors that left us wanting more. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed for a great dining experience. Thirteen is the perfect spot for a special occasion. Highly recommended!

Amazing experience dining in this family business restaurant!! Mouthwatering food with incredible mix of flavours! Cozy atmosphere. Especial mention to the service, the love and attention to detail was excellent! We will definitely come back!

Truly exceptional experience! The level of passion, attention to detail and customer care is really hard to find. Thank you for treating us so well.

What an amazing experience! The food and wine was incredible and the friendly welcome and service throughout was superb! We even got a handwritten card for our anniversary which was a lovely touch and unexpected. All the staff seem to thoroughly care about the customers. What a treat. We definitely recommend a visit!!

Outstanding service, and food. And even though we were 30mins late, they welcomed us with open arms. The food was fantasic and unique, which kept you guessing on how the next dish would be presented. Even though it was a bit pricey. It was totally worth it, and my partner and I will be coming back. Such a gem for the Bournemouth and Poole area.

We had a birthday celebration on Saturday night. It was a wonderful experience. The food is very different & therefore great to try new things. It was delicious. The staff service was fantastic, everything was explained really well and they were attentive and informative. I was even given a birthday card signed by the team. The atmosphere is good as well, it feels very much like a high end London restaurant. For me, it seems like a special occasion restaurant that you would use a couple of times a year to get the maximum out of the menu and keep it special. Dishes are up dated every 30 days I think is what was said so you always have a new dish to try. I hope Thirteen thrives and prospers, it is unique. Thank you.

From the moment we entered Thirteen we had the best experience. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. They made us bespoke cocktails based on what we said we liked and grew a lot of the ingredients in their rooftop garden. Every single thing we ate was delicious and interesting, each course was explained by the chefs. All the service was impeccable and every person a real individual. Thirteen is a true family run restaurant where you will be looked after and treated like friends. Paired with exceptional food, we can’t wait to return. We are so happy to have found this hidden gem.

We visited Thirteen for my birthday dinner, and were absolutely blown away! The food was simply divine and the staff were just incredible - you really are made to feel so special! I honestly cannot say enough good things about our experience here, and we can’t wait to return soon!

Superb food, wine, service and decor. Wonderful evening in an amazing family run restaurant. Our pescatarian and non-dairy requirements were expertly catered for. Surpassed all our expectations, easily Michelin star worthy experience all around. We will be back.

Beautifully presented food with a thoughtful wine pairing

Fantastic culinary experience. The attention to detail is amazing. My guest was pescatarian and she said she has never been as well catered for as she was here. A really great dining out experience. We didn't go for the wine pairing but the discussion on wines and the wine we eventually chose was excellent. Can't fault the team who obviously enjoy immensely what they do.

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

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.

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.

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.