The Historic Dockyard Quarter

Restaurants at Gunwharf Quays

Waterfront dining at the outlet complex

Gunwharf Quays hosts one of the largest concentrations of restaurants on the south coast, with dozens of dining options arranged around the attractive harbourside setting of the former HMS Vernon site. The range of cuisines is broad, covering Italian, American, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean and traditional British cooking. Most of the restaurants are located along the waterfront promenade or around the internal courtyards, with many offering outdoor terrace seating during the warmer months.

The waterfront restaurants benefit from views across Portsmouth Harbour, providing a backdrop of naval vessels, ferries, sailing boats and the Gosport shoreline. In the evening, the reflections on the water and the lights of the harbour create an atmospheric dining environment. Well-known chain restaurants are represented alongside a smaller number of independent operators.

Prices at Gunwharf Quays restaurants tend to be moderate to upper-moderate, reflecting the prime location. Many offer set menus, lunch deals and early-bird offers that provide better value than the standard evening menu. The complex is busy on Friday and Saturday evenings and during school holidays, so booking ahead is advisable for the more popular venues.

The presence of the Spinnaker Tower, which is illuminated at night, adds a dramatic focal point to evening dining. Several restaurants are positioned with direct views of the tower. The combination of harbour views, a wide choice of cuisines and the convenience of the location makes Gunwharf Quays the principal destination for dining out in the Portsea area.