Abarbistro is a family-run bistro & bar, serving excellent food and drink in a casual & relaxed environment. Situated in the heart of Old Portsmouth opposite the local seafood market, we are a neighbourhood favourite, popular with locals and newcomers alike. Customers can enjoy views of the Spinnaker Tower with Southsea common just a short walk away.
We are entering a new era at abarbistro, as we welcome Head Chef Adam Maker. Our new menu centres around simplicity and flavour. The spotlight is on locally sourced, exceptional ingredients that speak for themselves. Adam's passion for food is abundantly evident on every plate, and we look forward to you joining us on our exciting new journey.
We are entering a new era at abarbistro, as we welcome Head Chef Adam Maker. Our new menu centres around simplicity and flavour. The spotlight is on locally sourced, exceptional ingredients that speak for themselves. Adam's passion for food is abundantly evident on every plate, and we look forward to you joining us on our exciting new journey.
Services
Abarbistro might have a modern outlook now, but its heritage goes back more than two centuries. Back in 1784, eight years after America declared itself independent from Britain and eleven years before Admiral Nelson was killed at Trafalgar, there was a pub on the site called the Shipwrights Arms.
Nearly a century later, in 1859, the same year as one of Portsmouths famous historic residents, Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle was born, it was renamed the Forfarshire Tavern.By 1887, it was known as the American Hotel, legend has it in recognition that the building was once used to house convicts waiting to be deported to penal colonies in Virginia during the 18th century.
Nearly a century later, in 1859, the same year as one of Portsmouths famous historic residents, Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle was born, it was renamed the Forfarshire Tavern.By 1887, it was known as the American Hotel, legend has it in recognition that the building was once used to house convicts waiting to be deported to penal colonies in Virginia during the 18th century.
Tables up to 6 guests can be booked through our online booking system below, for tables of 7 or more please give us a call as we will not be able to honour any added booking requests regarding extra people. Reservations for groups of 8 or more, we kindly request a 5 pp deposit to secure your booking.
We hand pick all of our wines, regularly attending portfolio tastings to keep our selection of wines current and continuously keeping up to date with ever evolving wine trends. No matter what your taste may be, our wines certainly offer something for everyone. If you have any questions or would like to book a table, please email us (info@abarbistro.co.uk) and we'll get back in touch with you.
Reviews (8)
Debi Reynolds
Dec 28, 2021
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Erica Abbott
Dec 18, 2021
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Lloyd Emery
Oct 23, 2021
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Update 10/2021: All of the below still applies without question, a very consistent restaurant.
Great tasting food from a seasonally changed menu. The surroundings are of superb quality, perfect for a lovely slap up meal, or just drinks if you wish. They have an excellent selection of wines with knowledgeable staff to help you choose.
It has a very friendly environment and first class service. The outside seating areas (front and back) are most enjoyable in the summer months.
Great tasting food from a seasonally changed menu. The surroundings are of superb quality, perfect for a lovely slap up meal, or just drinks if you wish. They have an excellent selection of wines with knowledgeable staff to help you choose.
It has a very friendly environment and first class service. The outside seating areas (front and back) are most enjoyable in the summer months.
Anel Abdrakhman
Sep 25, 2021
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Rachel Kearney
Sep 09, 2021
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Parkes Training N. M. F.
Aug 09, 2021
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Amazing place to eat. Fish and chips for me was 10 out 10!! Dogs are allowed in the bar and there's seating outside. Friendly staff, good music and atmosphere. Fantastic food, very trendy place to eat. Perfect finish to our family vacation in Portsmouth. Oh there is parking outside but gets busy during the day and it's 24hrs however prices aren't too bad👍
Julie Thuy Dang
Jul 19, 2021
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By far, the best restaurant we dined at during our weekend trip to Portsmouth! Delicious, high-quality and reasonably priced! Ordered the Thai Style Mussels, Prawn Tempura (the best Western style I've ever had) and Plaine special main. Welcoming and friendly customer service as well! Within walking distance to Gunwharf Quays - recommending going to watch the sunset afterwards. Also, make sure to book a day beforehand; you probably won't get a table on the day.
Yvonne Hall
Nov 23, 2017
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First time here as not local on honeymoon and had been recommended to eat here. On approaching didn't look like what we thought as loads of people out the front drinking. Guessing you could eat out as tables outside. Once inside a different story, restaurant is lovely not overly big well the part we were in on the left as you come through the door. Amazing selection of wines. Limited menu but something for everyone, the wait is worth it beautiful food and well presented. They do have a specials board. There was a fairly long wait between courses but we don't mind this though one table near us were
