Banana Wharf — Restaurant in Southampton

Banana Wharf in Southampton’s Ocean Village is a delightful waterside gem that captivates with its tropical flair and welcoming vibe. Perched by the marina—a serene backdrop of glistening water and sleek boats—the restaurant feels like a mini coastal escape right in the heart of the city .

The decor is bright and breezy, with oversized yellow parasols, potted palms, and warm timber tables together creating a relaxed Caribbean-inspired setting . Whether you're settling in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the laid-back atmosphere and view make it a perfect spot to unwind.

Banana Wharf’s menu is impressive, offering a mix of oriental, tropical, classic, and seafood fares. Signature dishes like nasi goreng with honey chicken and tiger prawns, grilled half-lobster in garlic butter, or prawns with chili and garlic butter are executed with freshness and flair—and superb value, too . Options span pizzas, pasta, Asian bowls, Tex-Mex fajitas, salads, vegan selections, and daily fish specials .

Service is notably warm and accommodating. Reviewers commend the friendly, attentive staff, though there are occasional notes about somewhat slow table service during busier periods—yet, for most outings, this isn’t a deal-breaker and is easily forgiven by the food and atmosphere .

From an accessibility standpoint, the Ocean Village branch earns mixed feedback. While the spacious layout accommodates wheelchairs, entry via a revolving door (or a manually operated secondary door) can pose challenges, and accessible restrooms appear to be limited or unavailable .

Overall, Banana Wharf delivers a charming, flavoursome, and well-priced dining experience by the water. Whether you're out for a sunny afternoon catch-up, a casual meal with friends, or simply to soak up the marina views, it’s a highly recommended venue in...

"Embarking on our inaugural adventure at Banana Wharf, we were greeted by an experience that exceeded all expectations. Our group, comprising three adults and a child, found a delightful haven for both young and old. The kids' menu was ample, accompanied by engaging coloring puzzles and a set of vibrant pencils, ensuring our little one was entertained throughout.

Securing a coveted outdoor table, we were enveloped in warmth by the overhead heaters, shielding us from the evening chill after a splendid sunny day. The staff, marked by their unwavering friendliness and attentiveness, navigated a bustling evening with grace. Despite a slight delay in one of our desserts, their transparency about the bustling atmosphere, amplified by a large birthday party, eased any concerns. We leisurely sipped our drinks, appreciating the vibrant ambiance around us.

As for the food, it was a tastebud pleasure, I, someone typically averse to meat-on-bone dishes, succumbed to the allure of the ribs and wing stack. The sauce was an exquisite dance of flavors, compelling me to clean my plate entirely. It's a dish I wholeheartedly recommend, with the exception, of course, for our vegetarian friends who might miss out on this carnivorous delight.

Beyond the gastronomic pleasures, Banana Wharf's presentation of dishes was a feast for the eyes. Every platter delivered to neighboring tables was a unique display of food art.

Nestled against the picturesque marina backdrop, Banana Wharf thrives in its vibrant energy. Despite the bustling crowd, the atmosphere remained inviting, allowing us to revel in our culinary journey.

In essence, our first visit was not just a meal but a memorable escapade. We are already eagerly anticipating our return to this unparalleled...

Went to Banana Wharf to celebrate my cousin’s graduation. This was my first time in Southampton so I was curious to know what the restaurants were like here.

We had to preorder the food a week in advance which is fine - we were a group of 10. However, when we arrived, I asked to get a little pot of olives for starters. The waitress rolled her eyes and walked away. This was just the beginning.Rude service all night, no smiles and ‘how are you doings’.

Olives were good (but £5😫) When my carbonara came out, it was so covered in pepper that I couldn’t taste anything else, and the portion was monstrous. Don’t see the point in preordering if they’re going to produce so much food waste anyway. Garlic bread came out 10 minutes after mains were served, and although it was described as ‘cheesey’, it was basically a Lidl baguette with the absolutely minimum amount of cheese possible sprinkled on one or two slices. Drinks were delicious, but at £10 for a watered down, tiny cocktail, give them a miss. My mum woke up with awful stomach cramps so avoid the duck salad, too.

Worst of all, the atmosphere was awful for someone that struggles with sensory overload like me. Bright lights, terrible acoustics that echoed everything. I could barely hear the person next to me. When I escaped to the washrooms for a moment to breathe, I was met with more bright lights and locked toilets.

Would be curious to know if this is a chain. Overpriced for mid food and rude/rushed service. Avoid...