Giuseppe’s, Southsea
Website: https://giuseppe-southsea.co.uk/
Type: Restaurant
Theme: Italian
Gluten Free Options: Yes - Gluten Free Pasta is available for pasta dishes.
Venue
Situated off Southsea Common on the corner of Castle Road (lovely pedestrianised road with plenty to see) and Kent Road it’s easily accessible to Clarence Pier, Palmerstone Road, and only a short walk from Commercial Road.
When entering Giuseppe’s you are instantly hit by an eclectic mix of Italian decorations, art, and general kookiness, it’s so warm and inviting like you’re walking into a friends lounge or living room. Every visit I’ve had to Giuseppe’s has been met with a welcoming face and they will always try to find a space for you if you haven’t made a reservation (although I do suggest making one if visiting in the evening)
Some of the decoration in there is quite dated and there are bits of the wallpaper that is starting to come off, although I feel this adds to the place rather than making it look randown like other places, in some cases it kind of feels like it’s on purpose.
I’ve had no incident with the toilets being dirty on my visits to Giuseppe’s, they seem to be very well maintained and in good standing.
Staff
What makes Giuseppe’s one of the hot places to visit in Portsmouth, and my go to for an Italian meal in Portsmouth is the staff. Most of the time they are extremely pleasant and welcoming, and should you meet Giuseppe yourself you’re in for an absolute treat as he walks around with his loud husky voice bringing joy to the staff and customers throughout. He is a character and a highlight of any visit to the restaurant.
Most of the time the staff are very attentive and do their best to welcome and attend you even when they are at their busiest, it’s even better if you visit at lunch on Friday when it’s quiet, they make you feel like a VIP.
Food
Obviously the big thing about any place to eat is what the food is like and I have never had a bad meal at Giuseppe’s - never. However, I have left with a very full tummy as the portions you get are considerable! I recall on my first visit we ordered olives, two starters, and mains - one starter alone is a meals worth! Usually when I go with somebody we have olives and share a starter (parma ham and melon is my go to and always tastes fresh!) then have our main meals. I have tried the spaghetti meatballs, spaghetti carbonara, calzone, and most recently the spaghetti lobster - all amazing! The Tiramisu is fantastic there too, so light, moist, yet fluffy. It’s not gluten free but it hasn’t triggered me, however if I were celiac I probably wouldn’t take that risk.
History
The venue was originally a pub called The Wheelbarrow which was one of Portsmouth’s oldest pubs, and one of two pubs on Southsea Common initially. In 2011 it became a coffee shop, then in 2013 it became an Icelandic themed cafe bar before returning to being a coffee shop in 2014. Finally, in 2017 it became Giuseppe’s Italian Ristorante.
Giuseppe himself grew up in Sardinia in a scenic town called Lanusei, graduating catering school in the 1960’s. He had a senior catering position in Sardinia, Rome, Milano, and Switzerland before moving to the UK in 1974. Here he gained experiences in Italian restaurants across London and Southampton, before settling in Portsmouth and establishing “Pizza House” which was based in Hilsea.
During his time at Pizza House he served many famous stars like George Best, Harry Redknapp, Fred Dinage, even the former Prime Minister David Cameron, and Le Mans winner Derek Bell.
After 39 years Giuseppe retired but his passion for Italian cuisine brought him out of retirement in 2017 when he established Giuseppe’s Italian Ristorante in Southsea.
