From its first days in 1999, the aim for Montparnasse was to bring laid-back fine dining to Southsea and Portsmouth. For its efforts, the restaurant has been rewarded with over ten years in the Michelin and Good Food Guides – the only establishment in the area to achieve this. One of the main reasons for this success has to be the way the kitchen team pride themselves on using only the freshest and finest ingredients. On the menu you might find a melt-in-the-mouth braised spring lamb and broad bean starter, and a main course of pork belly that that has been brined for 24 hours, cooked in a water bath for 36 hours, then served with pickled apples and mustard. To fi nish, something like the refreshing rhubarb parfait, which is made using locally grown rhubarb, is a treat. For an intimate table for two or private dining room hire for up to 30 people, seek out this relaxed Southsea institution.
