Ennio’s Restaurant

Not for something a bit different… OK so not quite Monty Python but I am leaving the M25 to pastures new! 4 of us decided to go for a weekend away to Southampton, leave behind London and explore somewhere new. We did this spontaneously and it definitely had its ups and downs as weekends go! However, one thing that was an absolute highlight was our evening meal at Ennio’s. We decided to splash out and go for no expense spared and what we got was some of the most impressive cooking I have seen in a long time. If this is what there is to sample outside of London I will be exploring much more often!
Now, a disclaimer. The price is not on the bargain bucket side. But if you want a special evening and are prepared to spend that bit extra then you will be happy you did! We decided on main course & dessert and I plumped for duck breast. All the dishes had beautiful presentation (I was so tempted to take photos but it felt a tad out of place, such a shame) and my duck was beautifully pink in the middle with exceptionally juicy flavours. It was served in a wonderfully sweet and sticky amaretto & orange sauce, a classical combination, accompanied with sauteed vegetables — the courgette slices in particular provided a really wonderful palette cleanser.
The other main course that my flatmate drooled over was the chef’s signature dish — marinated hake cutlet on mash and vegetables drizzled with a heady champagne and mussel sauce. That sauce was liquid GOLD.
Finish the evening off with a wonderful tiramisu prepared exactly as I like with coffee liqueur and wash that all down with a lovely white Sicilian Sauvignon Blanc (if a touch dry for my taste, but perfect for my flatmate’s fish course) and you have a perfect evening wrapped up in a nice little bow.
I also can’t end this review without mentioning how exceptional the staff were, in particular one waiter who was the loveliest man with the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness (I wish I took his name to write a little word of thanks).
That was a rather serious review from me, I’m a little bit proud :) This place deserved it though

I’ve stayed in and eaten at a bunch of places in Southampton. Ennio’s is just outstanding; whether compared to peers or compared to just about anywhere else. The food is great; the service is outstanding; and the rooms are large and well furnished. The price of the hotel is a good value for what you get; the price of the food is appropriate for a swank meal (be prepared to drop a pretty penny, but if you can accept that you will truly enjoy your meal.)
If I could make a recommendation: trust the chef’s recommendations on the menu. They are all really, really good.

Lovely boutique hotel with great restaurant. Have stayed there overnight on several occasions. Good choice of food and wine, although not the cheapest, but well worth the money. Nice bar area for pre-​dinner drinks. Received with a very warm welcome and even got to stay in my favourite room! Highly recommended