Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant — Restaurant in New Forest

Im a little late with my review from 09/09/23. My friends and myself have lunched at Verveine three times now and each time has been a wonderful culinary experience. I cant add much more than the review from our first visit below but wanted to thank Chef/Proprietor David. Before our last visit I emailed him with a personal request and after a telephone conversation, it was clear to me that this wonderful man is all about the food. Never once did I feel that his motivation is money which is so rare. You do get what you pay for here and never once have I or members of my party felt overcharged for the experience you get. David also kindly obliged with my request of which my family and friends were thrilled. Thank you so much.

A friend and I visited Verveine for the first time last week for lunch. Theres no dress code, the venue is clean and functional. Believe the reviews, people literally go for the food which is gorgeous. You have to book and it was full on the day we went.

We opted for the 6 course taster menu with a cappuccino after and table water. We were given 2 free appetisers, six little handmade sweets. There were 2 other patrons that also had birthdays and we were each given a tiny little cake which had a candle on top. Thankfully no happy birthdays were sung, but everyone wished eachother a happy birthday which was a lovely moment.

The meal with 10% service for both of us was £105. It was surprisingly enough food and although the speed between courses was perfect for me, I wish the staff could have said what they were serving a little slower as some times I didnt catch what theyd said.

Im not overly well travelled but as is evident by my waistline, I love good food. Taking everything into account, I think this is the best meal ive ever had, so much so we will be booking lunch in September for my friend's birthday. As we both love scallops and lobster we will opt for the 8 course taster menu which is £95. That is a tad steeper than id normally fork out for a lunch but based on our first experience, its a worthy treat that im very much...

I visited here last week as a birthday present and wow, what an amazing place. It was run by a very small team but it worked perfectly. The decor was simple but equally very stylish, without looking flash or poncy, and the David White painting on the wall of the Great white shark that sparkled in the light was absolutely amazing (I really want one) We both had the tasting menu and I had the wine pairing too, for an extra £35, it was an absolute bargain and I would highly recommend. The food was superb, we had no idea what we would be getting as the menu changes seasonally but they double checked if there was anything we didn't like before starting the courses and then we were off. We've eaten in quite a few michellin star restaurants now and there's usually always one dish that one of us isn't keen on, not this time. Genuinely cannot fault the food one bit, some of the dishes/drinks played tricks with your senses too, I really enjoyed the sherbert fountain with liquorice ice cream. Had a good chat with David and the team and we both loved the ethos and style of the restaurant. There wasn't an ounce of snobbishness here, you could wear shorts and a T-Shirt and feel comfortable, equally, you could get dressed up and also not feel over dressed due to the superb way in which they've styled the place.

Would I recommend this place to friends, 100%.

Would I visit again, absolutely, we are planning to go back later in the year.

I would also highly recommend buying the cook book, it's one of the best books we have at home and gives you some great starting blocks to create your own dishes.

Keep up the great...

Superb - an absolute treat

We were a party of five and went with the 6 course taster menu. We had a few dietary requirements that were happily catered for with tweaks to a couple of the courses. It was difficult to pinpoint one highlight - I loved the plaice,  my sister's favourite was the cod which flaked perfectly with a crispy skin and we all loved the little added extras like the pre-dessert. The combination of flavours expertly put together along with beautiful presentation made each course a delight. Although the restaurant was fairly busy those creating the masterpieces in the kitchen are so calm - true professionals. Our table was towards positioned where the restaurant joins the little courtyard garden and the smell of the fresh herbs was lovely. Service couldn't be faulted - friendly and attentive without being annoying or intrusive. We were very happy with the wine recommendation which complimented the meal perfectly - not easy when there is such a variety of flavours incorporated throughout the 6 courses.  Thank you for a wonderful experience - we will be returning and would...