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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MICHELIN
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, British, Healthy, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Just around the corner from the beach, behind frosted glass, is this jovial, laid-back restaurant. The décor is bright and fresh, with pictures of cras...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideIs this a French restaurant?
Details
About
Award winning set tasting menu Restaurant. Cooking for 14 people at Southbourne crossroads. 1 of only 2 restaurants to hold 3AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in Dorset. Voted into the Hardens top 100 uk restaurants in 2024. Fast gaining national acclaim. Roots food is seasonal with contemporary twists set in a relaxed dining room.
PRICE RANGE
₹3,241.00 – ₹14,045.00
CUISINES
European, British, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
672 reviews
Excellent
619
Very good
32
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Pablo the bulldog
Bournemouth6 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
If you read this review and think it’s written by a friend, it’s fake etc then I can assure you it’s not.
The only word that really could describe it is biased.
There is a reason for this and it’s a simple one.
I’m sadly now classed as middle aged, however with that comes experience.
During my lifetime I have been lucky enough to of sampled dishes from a plethora of establishments worldwide.
Sadly before Restaurant Roots was born there wasn’t really any restaurant in this county that you could really be excited about (Yes there are a dozen or so restaurants that are very good, but I’m talking about exceptional)
If your a “foodie” then I’m sorry you go to a restaurant for the food, not the view, not the decor, not because it’s the in place or has a celebrity chefs name above the door that might visit once a quarter.
The restaurant has a husband and wife combo at the cuisine helm that have an extremely large passion and only the highest of standards for both taste and aesthetically pleasing dishes, they say when your passionate about something it shines through well take your sunglasses as every dish served is brighter than the sun.
The other member of this extremely well oiled machine is “The man” at front of house, who is also passionate about providing not good but exceptional service. He will happily provide you with his expertise and knowledge of any beverage you ask for or what best to pair the food with. How many times when dining out do you seemed to get over looked when you have finished your drink? You have no need to worry here his service is so attentive that sadly some of are more less worldly reviewers have been negative classed his attention to detail as pushy (it’s not pushy it’s bloody good service) when you go back to the restaurant again he will remember what you drank the last time (now that’s service!)
Today I had the discovery menu which consisted of about ten courses. I can’t fault one, it’s got to the point now I don’t even look at the menu as items I wouldn’t normally eat don’t like etc taste amazing in this place.
I was brought up that you never talk about the cost/ price of purchases, that it’s just not done but I’m going to do it! I devoured about ten courses at the best food restaurant in the county. The cost for this extravaganza for food alone was £60
This is absurd, it’s like going to a restaurant up in the capital and getting your meal for a third of the actual cost.
Don’t book and dine at a restaurant that has a view, a celebrity name above the door. Go an dine at a restaurant that you are served with passion and attention to detail in every course.
Don’t hesitate just go sit back and enjoy every mouthful!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hella
Bournemouth86 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We had the classic lunch today and the dishes were all inspirational and flavoursome. We delighted in the food combinations and presentation. Go with an open mind and be surprised by these monthly changing menus. If you have allergies and intolerances I advise to call a week/few days ahead and I am sure the chef will make something special for you. Roots have set menus which takes my agonising decision making away. However, it does not mean you cannot swop an equal dish from one of the other menus like I did. A Lebanese red wine was recommended today; it was a surprise and went perfectly with the menu. Great coffee too served with petit fours. It is a small restaurant with only 18 covers which gives it the exclusive feeling. The room has high ceilings and on a gray day like today was still filled with natural light. We will return for Sunday lunch on the 22 Feb so will review that as well.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher P
Bournemouth424 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Super service & amazing dishes to tempt your taste buds. The Saturday Tasting Menu at lunch was £45 and offered a great selection of tastes & textures. Good wine list offering a selection at a variety of prices. Chef popped out to the other table three times to assist with service & explain dishes. Would have been nice if he had given us (the only other table in the restaurant) a nod or a Good Afternoon.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley W
15 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I had the absolute delight of celebrating my 40th birthday here with 20 friends & family on a Saturday evening. We had exclusive use of Roots for the whole night & the menu was tailored to our requirements.
Everyone who attended cannot rave enough about the food, the service, quality of food & drink & indeed the actual venue enough.
The restaurant worked with us to make this a unique & very special evening - table plans & decorations & catering for those that are alcohol free & vegetarian.
Highly recommend
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham S
Bournemouth32 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
As a regular to Roots I know how good the food is. I also know how well matched the wines are on the wine flight accompanying the tasting menu.
What I didn’t fully appreciate was how good Roots is.
Last night I ate at one of Dublin’s finest restaurants which has one Michelin star.
So now here I am comparing my local Roots with an internationally recognised restaurant.
The Roots small starters and puddings are better than the Michelin restaurant. The main courses at Roots are at Michelin standard. The wines and paring are also on a par.
What isn’t Michelin standard at Roots are the prices. The Dublin restaurant charges an extra €33 for cheese board and accompanying wine. This is included in the cost of the discovery menu at Roots which is a fair bit cheaper anyway.
So I now realise I can eat Michelin standard food just a few miles from home, at very reasonable prices.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PETER S
Bournemouth8 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
This is a very small restaurant seating max 15 -20 people with stylish expensive decor. The service and attention to detail from the staff is truly exceptional. The food is to die for. We have eaten a lot of tasting menus but this was the best by a mile. We live locally and waited 2 months for a mid week evening booking, so it is very very popular. For us it is going to be a bi monthly treat from now on. Our advice is book it, it is worth the wait.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
68foodie
Cardiff161 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
This small restaurant deserves every accolade it gets. From the decor, hospitality to food everything is top notch. We had a special lunch for my birthday and chose the Classic menu of about 7 courses. Each course was beautifully presented and explained. I had a wine pairing with each course and the wines were delicious. My husband had the vegan menu and his food was sublime with so much effort put in just for him. We would recommend without hesitation and will be returning as soon as we can. Thank you.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Borderwood
Hurn25 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
We had the tasting menu and wine to compliment the different courses, we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening, the food was amazing it was absolutely outstanding. The whole evening was a wonderful experience, the waiter was very attentive and very knowledgable with all the wines. Thank you for a lovely evening, can’t wait to come again
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth G
Bedfordshire13 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We made the trip from Hertfordshire for Sunday lunch. “What on earth makes you drive that far for Sunday lunch?” I hear you cry.....well let me explain our seemingly mad quest for the perfect weekend culinary experience!
From start to finish Restaurant Roots satisfies beyond anything you will ever eat, and that is down to the love that Jan puts into his cooking. His attention to detail and knowledge of ingredients and flavours make every trip we make even better than the last! Perfect Yorkshires, crispy roast potatoes, balanced cauliflower cheese, sweet yet tangy red cabbage, beautiful broccoli, carrots and parsnips, and the most incredibly flavoursome beef, (cooked to perfection two ways), and gravy that doesn’t run out make this well worth the journey.
To start we had the pressed duck terrine, which is so subtle in flavour that the finishing touches of celeriac, grape and hazelnut combine to make the overall flavours beautiful.
Dessert for me was a superb Seville orange mousse with a pumpkin ice cream and bitter chocolate, which was sublime. My lady had the warm raspberry and almond tart with clotted cream, which was delicious.
Every time we eat here we are always treated to excellent service from Geze who has a superb knowledge of wines and Stacey, who is probably the hardest working mum ever, and wearer of many hats within this family run business!
Make sure you try the cheeses, as many as you can manage....with truffle honey and the beautiful rye bread....you won’t be disappointed!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablo the bulldog
Bournemouth6 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
So I have been trying not to write a review due to my somewhat bias opinion of this establishment.
However what I have learnt in my last two trips is,
PRAWNS massive, huge, humongous, prawns almost bigger than the restaurant it’s self.
These giants of the sea are almost a meal in themselves you have to try these for yourself.
Give me a B
Give me a U
Give me a N
Give me a S
What have you got BUNS
The best BUNS you have ever tasted ever in the world.
I’m pretty sure the dynamic husband wife combo have an underground kitchen one filled with umpa lumpas , house elves , mystical cooking unicorns or some type of supernatural beings. As from there modest kitchen they can cook any type of food from anywhere in the world with so much passion, style, flavour whilst making it look like a supermodel has fallen onto your plate and your permitted to eat said supermodel. I say this as surly some English lady and German man can’t manage to cook cuisine from all over the globe with such confidence and complete the dishes in my opinion better than the country of origin.
I say they must have help because there is only three of them Jan, Stacey and Gigi
This trio constantly glide the food and drink to your table with elegance and ease nothing is forgotten nothing is mistaken and as for Gigi he has this ingrown crystal ball that means he knows your drink, how you drink it and when you want it. Quite often he will try move you from your comfort zone and pair one of theses culinary master pieces with a drink from far and wide.
This ladies and gents is the reason I don’t write reviews for roots anymore as it looks like I have been paid off. I can assure you I haven’t and all that happens is I enjoy every visit I make. Do not hesitate find out for yourself.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prb19730
Stoke-on-Trent36 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
This is the best fine dining we have ever had and we’ve had a few.The 3 people that run it as first class, they sincerity shines through. I think there is a max of 15 covers a night , when you turn up you will a small building but when you go inside you won’t regret it. We had the 7 course and wine tasting menu and every course is explained in detail. Some of the flavours were absolutely divine .Don’t hesitate to
book this if you like fine dining, you won’t be disappointed
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenladybourne
United Kingdom708 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
First time trying this restaurant for lunch was excellent as per my previous review. So we decided to come back for our anniversary and try the taster menu. We found that although every tiny bit of food (and I mean TINY) was delicious, it wasn’t filling and I was left still feeling hungry after we paid the £200 food bill (not including drinks). It really should have been half the cost for the amount of food we received and the experience, They try and fluff out the cost by offering a glass of complimentary sparkling wine before the meal but it wasn’t nice wine and very acidic on an empty stomach. The problem I found though that spoiled the evening for us is the bartender/host/server. He seems to be tone deaf with his customers and either has never heard of the saying that the customer is always right or has heard it and doesn’t care. He tells you what you will have and when you will have it. My husband doesn’t drink so I thought I’d have his complimentary glass of sparking wine and he will chose something non alcoholic and I wanted a cocktail beforehand, but this guy wasn’t having it. He told me I could have a cocktail after I finished the wine, whether I liked it or not, that’s what I had to do. Doesn’t matter that we were paying for this experience. He also tried to push different wines on me even though I know what I like and I like a full bodied old red wine. Apparently they don’t have that here, only new wines that are light and fruity. We also let him know we were celebrating an anniversary when we sat down. This was never conveyed to the kitchen so although another couple received a special happy anniversary message and extra treats after their last course, we did not, I had to approach him and let him know I was not happy about this and he went and got it sorted. The damage was already done however. We also don’t understand why he allowed us to sit there at a cleared table without presenting us with a bill. It was almost like we were being punished and made to sit in a naughty corner. We were the first ones to arrive and nearly the last ones to leave. We finally caught his eye after waiting about 10 minutes or so to ask for it. He then went and refilled our water glasses?! I left feeling quite angry about the whole evening and not replete. Felt sick later as the wine seemed of very cheap quality. I debated whether to leave this review because I know it won’t change things, the owner seems to want to keep this guy around, but he’s lost another customer.
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablo B
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Yesterday was my 4th or 5th visit to Roots. I really enjoy good food and would happily plan an entire holiday around visiting a specific restaurant or two. Having said that I can hand on heart say I believe this to be the best value for money eating experience in the world (that I have been lucky enough to encounter). It is better than a number of Michelin starred venues I have encountered. Neither myself or anyone I have dined with has ever had a bad course. The service is great, if slightly eccentric! the staff really care about both the food and your experience. There are many local delicacies on offer and the wine is both reasonable and from a variety of unusual locations you might not normally choose. If you are reading this, stop, you should already be making your booking
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla M
80 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We have been to this restaurant a number of times and honestly, I can't wait to go back again.
The chef is a genius, not only are his creations fantastic, but the cooking and presentations are exceptional. There is heart and soul on the plate and what a pleasure it is to partake in.
One of the dishes in the course was inspired by a dish from Chef Jan's childhood and was accompanied by family photos of Jan and his family on their farm. It is these special touches that puts Roots above anything else.
Although the food is fine dining, there is nothing stuffy about the place, it is comfortable and cosy. The restaurant has had a 'facelift' and is looking great too, well done on impeccable taste Stacy! The serving dishes are also beautiful - everything coming together to make a very special and memorable evening.
This is by far my favourite restaurant, above Michelin Starred places and top restaurants overseas.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa Baker
Borough of Brentwood3 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We went as a party of 6 and were delighted to see the COVID measures these guys have put in place are brilliant as well. The food and service was faultless - our waiter was attentive and caring. All the food we had was well cooked and presented beautifully. I have no hesitation to recommend this restaurant.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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