10 of the best Italian restaurants in Portsmouth

Whether it's big mounds of creamy carbonara or crispy pizzas smothered with toppings, Italian food remains ever-popular all over the UK. Frankly, what's not to love? There aren't many places in the country where you won't find at least one restaurant inspired by Italy's traditional trattorias, offering hefty menus of pizza and pasta, often with traditional gingham tablecloths and chalkboards of ever-changing specials.

Portsmouth is no different - the great waterfront city may not promise the sparkling waters and sunny skies of the Mediterranean, but you can still enjoy a spot of al fresco dining along the south coast. Sitting out by the harbour with a Spritz in hand is pretty much the same thing, right? If you’re looking for one of Portsmouth's best Italian restaurants then look no further - this list takes a look across the city, factoring in price, location, service, food and more, consolidating the options into one handy list. 

Portsmouth may not be as well known for its food scene as some other cities, but recent years have seen a number of new openings adding to the city's charm with several new restaurants that specialise in Italian cuisine. Why not stop off for some gelato or a cappuccino after a busy day of shopping in Gunwharf Quays? Or take a stroll along the waterfront once you've finished with heaped plates of pasta!

You'll find a number of independent and family run restaurants spread across the city, offering anything from a cosy spot for a dinner date or a lively backdrop for a family celebration. From charming neighbourhood gems to waterfront eateries, we've rounded up a selection of the best Italian restaurants in Portsmouth each offering menus packed with the nation's favourite foods. 

Circolo, Southsea

What: Looking for the best Italian restaurant in Southsea? Circolo is definitely on the list. Kick things off with a selection of antipasti or one of their authentic breads. Toasted bruschetta and piadine flatbreads come straight out of the pizza oven, topped with the likes of goats cheese and caramelised onion or prosciutto and rocket. Pizzas, pastas and salads follow in all their traditional glory. Be sure to check out the site's social media for the chance to get buy one get one free pizzas too.
Where: 78 Osborne Road, PO5 3LU
Book now: Circolo

Villa Romana, Fareham

What: Open seven days a week, Villa Romana takes up residence in an 18th century building, retaining a pleasing industrial-chic exposed brick interior to match the outside. You may not find pizzas on the menu but there’s plenty of antipasti, pasta, meat and fish dishes to keep everyone satisfied. Favourites during the week include tagliatelle with fillet steak and truffle oil, on a weekend this joint swaps out the pastas and serves up sunday roasts instead!
Where: The Old Coach House, PO16 7BB
Book now: Villa Romana

Giuseppe's Southsea

What: Giuseppe's has been serving Italian cuisine to the people of Portsmouth since 1977, opening up this particular restaurant back in 2017. This one adds a bit of style to your evening with lavish decor of large gold columns, eclectic light fixtures and red velvet curtains splashed across the dining room. Giuseppe’s has surely made a name for itself, thanks to the comically oversized pepper grinder that has become synonymous with this restaurant. Signature dishes here include the Tricolore pizza topped with parma ham, rocket and cherry tomatoes, and the prosciutto tortellini in a creamy sauce.
Where: 1 Kent Road, PO5 3EG
Book now: Giuseppe's

Florios D’Italia, Old Portsmouth

What: Coupled with an on-site deli, enjoy classic Italian food and drink alongside coffees and gelato at this neighbourhood spot in the heart of Portsmouth. Wooden tables are dotted around the room, filling up any space that's not already covered with stacked shelves with nods to the rustic trattorias of the region in the decor: think hanging chalkboards, exposed wooden frames and tables patterned with blue and white china tiles. Be sure to check out the changing specials, including the likes of aubergine parmigiana and short rib ragu with gnocchi.
Where: 119 High Street, PO1 2HW
Book now: Florio's D'Italia

Soprano's, Southsea

What: A fixture of Southsea's Italian scene since 1999, Soprano's may only be a small spot but this family-run restaurant offers a relaxed environment and all of the classics. Dishes cover everything you'd expect: with sharing mezze and seafood platters to start and pizza, pasta and salads for mains. Stuffed ciabattas are also available if you're looking for somewhere to pop in for a quick lunch. 
Where: 108 Palmerston Road, PO5 3PT
Book now: Soprano's

O Sole Mio, Port Solent

What: Located just in front of the marina, O Sole Mio's real attraction is the alfresco terrace. It might not be the Mediterranean but it's a great spot for outdoor dining in the summer months. Take a seat, Spritz in hand, and just watch the world go by. Pizza offerings here are pretty varied with classic margherita and pepperoni options or slightly more unusual seafood options of anchovies and prawns that seem fitting for the seafront location.
Where: 19 The Boardwalk, PO6 4TP
Book now: O Sole Mio

Carluccio's, Gunwharf Quays

What: One of many locations across the UK, this Italian chain has made its way to the south coast. An outdoor terrace offers delightful views of the harbour, allowing for outdoor dining (whenever the weather permits). Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s the perfect little stop off after a busy day shopping in Gunwharf Quays. Antipasti boards are perfect for sharing over a couple of cocktails with Aperol, Campari and Amalfy Spritzes all on offer.
Where: Unit 20 Blake House, PO1 3TZ
Book now: Carluccio's

Bella Calabria, North End

What: Recently expanded due to increasing popularity, Bella Calabria now spans two neighbouring units meaning it’s easier than ever to grab a table. Named after the beautiful Southern region of Italy, it may be nothing particularly fancy but portions here are hefty, providing that classic Italian comfort food that we know and love. Try the Gnocchi Della Nonna made with a Bolognese sauce, or even the pizza Bella Calabria which comes topped with tuna and pineapple!
Where: 45 London Road, PO2 0BH
Book now: Bella Calabria

Pinsarke, Southsea

What: You won't find many pizzas on the menus here! Instead, Pinsarke offers a selection of Pinsas, an ancient Roman recipe that uses a slow leavening dough that's left for up to 72 hours to create a light and floury centre and a thick and crispy crust. Variations come either red or white based and topped with black olives and artichokes or crispy Italian guanciale and pecorino cheese. The dessert menu offers up a number of sweet treats to finish including lemon sorbet, dark and white chocolate profiteroles and cheesecake of the day.
Where: 10 Clarendon Road, PO5 2EE
Book now: Pinsarke

Nicolino's, Emsworth

What: This may not be the most glam location, but Nicolino’s is a cosy little spot for when you’re wanting to keep things simple. It may be a little bit further afield, but a tasty menu of Italian classics and a buzzing atmosphere is a winning combination in our eyes. Here you’ll find pizzas, pastas and plates of meats and fish on the a la carte menu, a pleasingly varied selection. There’s also sections specifically for vegan and vegetarian options too, making sure that everyone is fed. 
Where: 34 North Street, PO10 7DG
Book now: Nicolino's

If Italian isn’t really your vibe, then be sure to check out our roundup of the best restaurants in Portsmouth, where we round up fantastic restaurants of all cuisines and styles across the city.