Press visit with Southampton Bloggers - see disclaimer
Portsmouth seems to be the place to go if you want brilliant independents that focus on fabulous food. We have a great food scene in Southampton but nothing quite like Portsmouth and that's why we found ourselves at Outside-In Food Court yesterday.
Established just under a year ago in the heart of Portsmouth, Outside-In is a vibrant and informal dining concept tucked away in a hidden warehouse. It offers an eclectic mix of independent street food, locally sourced beers, wines and spirits as well as a relaxed and unique environment to enjoy them.
With regular entertainment (we were treated to live music during our visit) and a 220 capacity, Portsmouth's only indoor food court really is the perfect venue for a foodie feast.
As you walk up to the venue, it looks pretty non-descript but as you walk through the double doors you're met with repurposed wood decor, colourful banners and umbrellas and foliage and plants everywhere - it's just really gorgeous. Tables are set out as long tables and benches, it's just super chill and relaxed and I loved it!
Outside-In is family-friendly, whatever your age! There really is something for everyone and we saw old and young alike during our visit. The atmosphere was buzzing with chatter and laughter between friends and family and it was so nice to see. Dogs are also welcome so if you're partial to a bit of dog-spotting, this is the place for you.
The venue is completely cashless so make sure you remember your card or you won't be trying anything. I can't remember the last time I used cash and I know a lot of us that visited are the same so it made it much easier. It's a completely plastic-free environment - everything they use is biodegradable and/or recyclable. They're also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free friendly and each vendor can accommodate most dietary and allergen needs which is great to see.
Dumpling Dumpling is who first brought my attention to Outside-In Food Court. Originating from the Isle of Wight, they're regulars at festivals and street food fayres having most recently set up within Outside-In much to my delight. Started in 2017, they create a unique street food experience based on Chinese dumplings or flavour-bombs as they're affectionately known.
The dumplings are filled with an array of flavours, often thanks to suggestions from customers. On our platter, we had Chinese Pork, Beef Bourguignon, Hoisin NOT Duck (my fave!) and Garlic Mushroom plus Funky Asian Fries and Noodles.
I'm a huge Dumpling Dumpling fan so I was super excited to try some new flavours. The Funky Asian Fries were a great addition too - I'm already dying to get back down to Outside-In with Arran to give Dumpling Dumpling a second go.
Arepa2Go is a local family business that started in 2015, they're the go-to for authentic Venezuelan food serving a variety of freshly made gluten-free arepas. What's an arepa I hear you ask? It's a corn pocket sandwich stuffed full of flavoursome fillings.
Choose from Santa Ana - homemade tropical black beans, fried plantain and white cheese, Caracas - slow-cooked beef, fried plantain, white cheese and homemade black beans with guasacaca plus six other Arepa options. There's also cheese fingers, fried plantain and tostones!
Arepa2Go also served up some of their much loved Papitas Fritas - house fries, topped with feta cheese and guasacaca, a coriander and avocado sauce.
The Panormus Pizzeria is reportedly the best pizza on the south coast, starting in 2019, they serve up the original Italian taste using authentic Italian products so you get the best pizza around. They have some great vegetarian options and if you're looking for something to suit any allergies they can recommend what is best of the menu.
The Capricciosa would be my pick from the menu which is a Margherita base with ham, sausage and pepperoni - tt's absolutely delicious!
One Tone Burger Co exploded onto the London Burger scene just over a year ago and quickly became renowned as the best burgers in the capital. Now we have a piece of the action on the south coast and boy do they live up to the hype. The beef they use is minimum 35-day dry-aged and they butcher and mince all the beef themselves.
I tried the Home Run burger which is two onion smashed patties, American cheese, shoestring fries, black truffle mayo and iceberg lettuce. It's pretty spectacular but what they're really known for is The One burger - double aged patty, double smoked streaky bacon, double cheese and onion jam! How does that sound?
Natty's Jerk Kitchen was one vendor I was really looking forward to trying and I was not disappointed. Arran I both love authentic Caribbean food. Arran used to have a customer that would always send him home with the most incredible jerk chicken and rice and Natty's reminds me of that so much.
Natty's is a small family run street food business that started in 2019. They use the most authentic Caribbean homemade recipes that have been passed down through several generations with a contemporary twist. Their signature dish is Jamaican Jerk Chicken but it was the Goat Fries that I tried and oh my were they good! The menu features dishes such as rice & peas, curried goat, jerk chicken and wings plus lots of yummy sides. I can't wait to head back with Arran in tow.
Last but not least, is Breeno's Kitchen serving up an amazing array of street food from India and Pakistan. Breeno's Kitchen was started in 2018 and has quickly become renowned for its taste, flavour and authenticity. The unique dishes take you to the streets of Indo-Pak and as the menu changes every month, there is always something new to try.
With dishes such as masala dosa, masala fries, chicken tikka burgers, chicken samosas, chorley puri and so much more - it is honestly the best tasting Indian street food I've ever tried. The owner, Ambreen is also really lovely and has such a passion for her food, it was such a pleasure to talk to her about her creations.
I'm hoping I've persuaded you to give Outside-In Food Court a try after reading this, I can't imagine you'd have any excuses not to - just look at the food!
It can be a little tricky to find and it totally goes off word of mouth so please visit, please try the food and please tell your friends.
Pop the below address into Google Maps and then be sure to tell me what you tried!
Outside-In Food Court - 56 Middle St, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 4BP
