AO

We had the 7 course tasting menu and it was exceptional from start to finish. Every course was beautifully presented, full of flavour and showcased some incredible local produce. The standout dishes for us were the beef and the rhubarb, which were both absolutely outstanding. The service was every bit as good as the food. We were lucky enough to have the same lady looking after us as on our previous visit. Unfortunately I didn’t catch her name, but she is a real asset to AO. She struck the perfect balance of being friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the food, making the whole experience feel special. I’ve been fortunate enough to eat at some incredible restaurants over the years, including The Fat Duck, and I can honestly say I enjoyed this experience more. Running an independent restaurant in the UK is incredibly tough right now. Places like AO add so much to Southampton, but they can only survive if people choose to support them. If we don’t back ambitious local restaurants like this, we’ll lose them, and that would be a huge shame. If you’re thinking about booking, stop thinking and just do it. AO deserves every success.