Hartgills Seafood

Dive into Hartgills Seafood, Portsmouth's premier seafood restaurant! Indulge in freshly prepared whelk, crayfish, prawns, and baby octopus. Enjoy a unique dining experience by the ferry with delicious cockles and vinegar. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon. Visit us today!

4.5 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Hartgills Seafood

Hartgills Seafood serves up fresh, mouthwatering seafood in a casual and welcoming environment. Located on B2154 in Portsmouth, this seafood haven specializes in traditional selections including whelk, crayfish, and prawns. It's the go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking authentic seafood without breaking the bank, with most dishes priced between £1 and £10. The shop's vibrant atmosphere combines the beauty of fresh catches with the charm of cozy decor, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite for lunch or enjoying dinner with friends, Hartgills Seafood ensures a delightful culinary experience with personal service that feels like a warm welcome from a friend.

Welcome to Hartgills Seafood, your go-to destination for fresh, delicious seafood in Portsmouth. Nestled along the scenic waterfront, our casual restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere ideal for solo dining or enjoying a meal with friends. Indulge in our popular seafood platter featuring a delightful selection of whelk, crayfish, prawns, and more, all prepared with care. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner, our menu caters to all tastes with healthy options and gourmet delights. With wheelchair-accessible facilities and convenient payment options, we ensure a delightful dining experience for every guest. Come visit us and savor the sea!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Atmosphere
Casual

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

Customers rave about the freshness of the seafood at Hartgills Seafood. The seafood platter, bursting with flavor and variety, captures the hearts of many. Whelks, in particular, garner attention for their tender meat, consistently winning over even the most discerning seafood enthusiasts.

Friendly service is another highlight. Many visitors comment on how the owner goes above and beyond, often providing extra bits of seafood or helpful recommendations. The overall atmosphere promotes a sense of community, with diners often exchanging stories and tips about the best ways to enjoy their seafood. Dining here feels like part of a larger family tradition, where newcomers are always welcomed with a smile.

Most Disliked

While the consensus on the quality of the food remains overwhelmingly positive, some diners have mentioned minor issues with sandy cockles, which can detract from the overall experience. A bit of grit can occasionally sneak into the delightful seafood offerings, leaving some to wish for more thorough cleaning before serving.

Another common theme in reviews is the limited seating, which can lead to a rushed dining experience during peak hours. Patrons sometimes feel pressure to finish their meals quickly to accommodate new customers. Although the casual vibe contributes to the restaurant’s charm, it can also create a slightly cramped feel during busy periods.

User Reviews

MM
Max M.
1 months ago

This seafood shop is absolutely unparalleled! I highly recommend their seafood platter(seafood selection) and whelk meat, which are definitely the highlights here. The seafood platter is fresh and plentiful, and the whelk meat is tender and juicy. The owner is very friendly and the décor of the shop is also beautiful, simple yet cosy. This place is a perfect choice If you come to Portsmouth. Highly recommended! Five stars!

sw
soranutt w.
1 months ago

Hi, I hope the owner reads this. I ordered jellied eels and I love it so much! The whelks are perfect, the cockles are good too, but they're a bit sandy haha. I wanted to tell him in person but the shop closed shortly after I enjoyed the seafood I bought. Anyways, 10/10 reasonable price, fresh food, and the owner is sooo nice!

JK
Jernej K.
3 months ago

If you are looking for some authentic and delicious seafood, this is the place! And the owner is the nicest person you could meet. We enjoyed fantastic eels, whelks and prawns and we learnt all about the food too. A must-visit if you're in Portsmouth.

DM
David M.
2 months ago

Exceptionally good service, what a kind man, very friendly, gave us a little bit extra seafood, some sweets, recommended sauces to go with food and, oh, “fill them up right to the top!” :D Very good, I recommend getting the seafood mix.

Mi
Michaela
3 months ago

Absolutely lovely - so fresh and 10/10 friendly service. Must visit for good cheap seafood!!

ML
Ming-Wei L.
9 months ago

We ordered baby octopus and whelka. Amazing fresh seafood! Lovely owner! Highly recommended!

АС
Анна С.
8 months ago

Tasty traditional seaside seafood and a super friendly owner, 300% recommended ❤️

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartgills Seafood specializes in traditional fresh seafood. Their menu includes a variety of options like whelks, mussels, prawns, cockles, and jellied eels.

Hartgills Seafood offers dishes within a price range of £1 to £10. This makes it an affordable stop for seafood lovers in Portsmouth.

Absolutely! Hartgills Seafood is popular for solo dining, making it a great spot for individuals seeking a casual atmosphere to enjoy delicious seafood.

Yes, Hartgills Seafood welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner, allowing you to indulge in fresh seafood at your convenience.

Yes, Hartgills Seafood has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious offerings.

Hartgills Seafood accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions easy for all customers.

Why visit Hartgills Seafood

Visiting Hartgills Seafood is more than just a meal; it's a slice of Portsmouth's coastal charm. For authentic flavors and local culinary traditions, this is an essential stop for seafood lovers. Tips for newcomers include ordering the seafood platter for an authentic taste test of various offerings—that's a staple here!

Consider pairing your meal with a coffee for a complete experience. If you’re keen on exploring the local flavors, chat with the friendly owner, who is more than willing to share insights about the dishes and the best sauces to enhance your meal. The relaxed vibe makes it perfect for solo diners or friends looking to unwind while enjoying stellar seafood at great prices. For anyone visiting Portsmouth, Hartgills isn't just a restaurant; it's a local gem that embodies the spirit of the community and the joys of coastal dining.