Sometimes you don’t want to eat a huge meal but just want a light bite to carry you on until the next meal time. I love that we have amazing independent eateries here that offer well-made food. In my working week, I always think of those little bites that I fancy like sausage rolls and small plates of delicious, moreish bakes and so I decided to pile a list of what I love and always go back to.
If you know of a cafe or eaterie that sells something small you love, drop me a message and let me know so I can venture there and try it.
THE SOUTHSEA DELI – Sausage Roll
We all know The Southsea Deli is a place that sells amazing quality food. Everything is baked and prepared by good chefs from freshly prepared salads to quiches and tarts, but I just love their sausage rolls. Made using the finest of pork, the pastry is not too thick. This is a regular go-to for me. One for the lunch list!
CASA DE CASTRO – Portuguese Tart
Casa De Castro is a lovely coffee shop and artisan patisserie that is owned by a French-Brazilian couple. The reputation of their pastry runs deep throughout Portsmouth and they have created a fabulous setting for lunch.
Their Pasta De Nata is literally my favourite I have ever tried and as they specialise in patisserie, If you haven’t already, I beg you to try it.
BUBBLE AND PHO – Vietnamese Spring Rolls
This fab indie has been around since 2018 and the one thing I always go for here is the Spring rolls. The texture and flavour win it for me. You get 3 rolls in the price with a Vietnamese dipping sauce that isn’t too sweet or too sticky. Having really good pork, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, shallots and bean thread noodles as ingredients, they are a signatory side from this cool little spot on Albert Road.
TAP AND TANDOOR – Beer Battered Onion Bhajis
This new Independent eaterie sits in Gunwharf Quays and opened at the end of January. This dish is just amazing! Well worth a visit, and of course, the rest of the menu is also divine, but this delicious small plate side is one to keep going back for!
Made with one of the draught beers onsite, this side dish is so moreish and will draw you back for more.
The PANORMUS PIZZERIA – Arancine
The pizzeria on Albert Road is owned by Vince, and he knows how to make good Italian food. The arancine is so good and a great price if you just want a light bite before the theatre or on your way out for drinks with friends. This little dish is made with so much love and is well worth venturing there for.
This dish is very carb-heavy but it is just delightful and the guys at Nosh Box change up the recipes. At the moment they are promoting different ingredients in their tater tots each week. I love their usual offering of crispy fried taters that are mostly topped with cheese and garlic, what’s not to love? Check them out and pay them a visit.
