Restaurant Roots

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “We had the tasting menu at Roots in Bournemouth and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Every course was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and clearly showcased the care and creativity that goes into the menu. What really made the evening special was the personal touch. The chef came out to speak with us at length, explaining the dishes and sharing his passion for the ingredients and the restaurant. It's a family-run restaurant, and that warmth and hospitality shine through. The chef and his wife were both incredibly friendly, welcoming and genuinely made us feel like valued guests rather than just customers. If you're looking for exceptional food combined with a relaxed, personal dining experience, I can't recommend Roots highly enough. We'll definitely be returning.”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Exceptional restaurants like this deserve to survive. Yes, this is special occasion dining, but it's worth every penny. The food is beautifully conceived, technically outstanding and genuinely memorable - the chef includes his own story in one of the courses and the cheese board experience - wow. Every course feels carefully thought through rather than just trying to impress, and the service by the well established waiters was the perfect balance of interaction and care. The wine list seemed to have the same level of thought in it and we had an excellent, very reasonably priced bottle, too often tasting menu restaurant are pricey with their wines. The restaurant offers a seasonal midweek menu that provides a more accessible way to experience what they do. It's easy to assume places with a reputation like this will always be there, but the reality is that independent fine dining restaurants are finding the current economic climate incredibly challenging. I'd much rather spend my money somewhere that delivers genuine craftsmanship, hospitality and passion than somewhere merely fashionable. If you've been thinking about booking, don't keep putting it off. You'll leave wondering why you waited so long. I know I'm very fortunate that I can plan another visit and now that I've discovered this I will be. I did have 2 desserts as well... For some reason they never got a photo 🤣”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “It was my wife’s birthday and she has some dietary requirements. Her favourite fish is Sole. I booked in for the seasonal midweek menu and put this information on the reservation. The team emailed me to confirm all received and were looking forward to seeing us. On the night it was amazing, the welcome from Gihza was warm and humorous. The food was wonderful. The sole was divine. Perfectly cooked Su-vid, served on vegetables elegant and classic. The evening was finished off chatting to Jan and his wife. Looking forward to our next visit. I can’t recommend Roots enough. The whole Team make your visit special.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “We had the seasonal Discovery Lunch Menu at Roots in Southbourne and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of delicious food and a great experience. Jan, the chef, and Geza, our waiter, were both welcoming and clearly passionate about the food and the overall experience they provided. The menu made thoughtful use of seasonal ingredients such as New Forest white asparagus and spring white truffle. All the dishes were full of flavour, including the creamy, rich Ratte potato, the seared scallop and the English lamb all in indulgent sauces. The new season strawberries offered a fresh finish. The cheese course featured a great selection of varieties from around the UK, and the wine pairings were well judged throughout. Overall, Roots delivered a truly Michelin‑level and enjoyable experience.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Great service and great food. We came for the Sunday beef wellington which was lovely, next time we'll come to try one of the tasting menus. The wine recommendation was also brilliant: the primitivo was perfect”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Wow what an amazing experience we've just had at Roots. The wonderful warm and welcoming ambience of the dining room, the knowledgeable and attentive service from Geza and the truly exceptional food delivered by Jan. Everything was perfect. There is such passion here to deliver an outstanding and innovative dining experience. We had the discovery tasting menu with accompanying wines and every dish was a visual and taste sensation. I've dined in many great restaurants in the world and this place is right up there with the best. I can't wait to return to sample more delightful food and warm service.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Evening tasting menu was absolutely superb. A fantastic experience from start to finish. Each course was explained by the excellent waiter or by the chef. A flight of paired wines were available or individual recommendations by the glass. Probably the best food and taste experience I have ever had. Worth every penny, hopefully will return sometime soon.”

• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “My experience at Roots Restaurant surpassed that of Michelin Starred restaurants and currently sits amongst my top 5 most enjoyed tasting menus, all of which have at least 1 Michelin Star. I booked a tasting menu lunch on a Saturday afternoon for a group of 8 of us in the private dining room. This was away from the main restaurant with its own facilities. It was a comfortable room with a pleasant ambience. Our waiter Geza was informative, funny, and clearly enjoyed his job. His service was impeccable and one of the best waiters I've had at a high-end restaurant. Only surpassed by the service at 2* and 3* Michelin restaurants. His recommendations were excellent. The wine pairings enhanced every dish, and each wine was delightful. Geza's selection was outstanding, and I would recommend any of his homemade soft drinks, whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Our menu had the following courses; Quail's Egg, Celeriac, Countryside Supper, Hen of the Wood Mushroom, Seared Scallop, Beef Wellington, Guanaja Dark Chocolate, & Selection of 3 Artisan Cheeses. The food was divine, and each course was sublime. Jan and his staff are artists; it's clear the team here prides itself on quality of ingredients, excellent dishes, and an ever-evolving menu done to an incredibly high standard. Singling out specific dishes does a disservice to those not mentioned, as all were outstanding. Instead, I'll let the photos do the talking. One of the best restaurants I have ever had the privilege of dining at.”

• G

  Google user

  ·10 months ago

  “From the beginning to the end, I was totally satisfied. I especially love the halibut perfectly went well with Thai green curry sauce. The Cotswold beef was absolutely amazing as well. I enjoyed every bit of the dish. In the end, I was too full to finish my dessert. But it was also amazing, crème brûlée with shortbread. I also would like to thank Geza, he took great care of every guest. He was a very passionate storyteller. I enjoyed talking with him a lot. He made such a great cocktail as well, Yuzu Gin Tonic. Keep up the good work! 💚”

• G

  Google user

  ·11 months ago

  “What an absolute treat at Roots Restaurant in Southbourne last night! 🌿 We went for their midweek tasting menu, and from start to finish it was exceptional. Every course was beautifully presented, full of flavour and imagination, you can really tell how much passion and precision goes into each dish. The ingredients were fresh, seasonal and perfectly balanced, showcasing the team’s incredible attention to detail. The service was just as impressive, friendly, knowledgeable and perfectly timed, making the whole evening relaxed and enjoyable. The atmosphere was cosy and welcoming, with just the right mix of fine dining and comfort. A huge thank you to the Roots team for such a memorable experience. If you haven’t tried their tasting menu yet, I can’t recommend it enough, an absolute gem right here in Southbourne.”