Abarbistro

Formerly the American Hotel (which once housed convicts on their way to the colonies), this old inn overlooking Portsmouth’s fish market is now a bistro/bar tacked on to a taste-and-buy wine business. The food is resolutely simple in approach, & flexibility is the name of the game: you can eat in the light, airy bistro, the bar, conservatory or outside when the weather allows. If meat is your thing, order slow-cooked pork belly with colcannon, local Buckwell sausages & mash or South Downs sirloin steak with a retro peppercorn sauce. Otherwise, try fish from the market – pots of mussels, whole plaice with anchovy butter or salmon wrapped in pastry; the twice monthly Fishy Friday deal is a draw, too. Puds range from mint chocolate marquise to prune & Armagnac tart. Service is good, likewise the stunning global wine list, which features two dozen by the glass.

Abarbistro is a cherished family run bistro and bar that promises an exceptional dining and drinking experience in a laid back and welcoming atmosphere. Found in the heart of Old Portsmouth, right across from the local seafood market, this spot has become a beloved spot for both locals and newcomers looking for a casual setting to enjoy some great food. Take in the scenic views of the iconic Spinnaker Tower, and if you fancy a stroll, Southsea Common is just a short walk away. Whilst the team’s outlook is modern, the heritage of abarbistro stretches back over two centuries. In 1784, a pub named the Shipwrights Arms was on this very site, a time when America had recently declared independence and before Admiral Nelson's fateful day at Trafalgar. Fast forward to 1965, the establishment transformed into the American Bar, eventually becoming known as the abar. And today, it’s known as Abarbistro, a name that pays homage to its rich history while embracing a contemporary and relaxed ambiance.

Bar snacks include Korean fried cauliflower with spring onion, sesame and gochujang dressing, along with brown crab rarebit with pickled onions and house chutney. Starters range from the seared scallops with roasted apple and celeriac puree with chicken jus, to the roast partridge breast with Jerusalem artichoke and horseradish puree with black pudding rosti and madeira jus. Mains include the abar burger with smoked cheese, celeriac horseradish slaw, gem lettuce, red onion, tomato and house spiced fries, and the pot roasted cauliflower with coconut dhal with onion bhaji and coriander, and of course, the classic ale battered South Coast haddock with home cut chips, minted pea puree and tartare sauce.