A Southampton restaurant has been included among the UK's Top 100 Restaurants for 2024 in the annual list from SquareMeal.

AO Southampton at Sunnyfields Farm featured in 98th place on the list and was Hampshire's only representative.

Discussing the creation of the list, SquareMeal wrote: "Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes.

"It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions."

The full top 100 list of restaurants for 2024 can be found on the SquareMeal website here.

What did SquareMeal say about AO Southampton?

In a short description of AO Southampton, SquareMeal wrote: "Located on Sunnyfields Farm in Hampshire, Daniel Rogan’s intimate and refined dining experience follows a sustainability-minded ethos.

"AO offers a tasting menu only, elegantly presented and strongly committed to local produce and seasonality."

On its broader profile, it describes its dishes as "thoughtfully curated" and "hyper-seasonal".

It adds: "The menu is regularly changed however expect to find tempting and intriguing dishes such [as] the locally inspired Old Winchester Cheddar, and the chicken fat Hampshire potato.

"Desserts sound equally as interesting with dishes such as white chocolate, caramel and malt, and a dish named New Forest strawberry."

AO Southampton has also been well-received by diners with it earning an impressive 5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 35 reviews.

One reviewer said: "One of the very best meals we can remember. Every course was outstanding, boy this guy can cook!

"The presentation of the food was top drawer and the flavours were just as good."


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Another posted: "We visited Restaurant AO in their new location at Sunnyfields Farm and had a truly excellent experience.

"The staff were fantastic, the service was just right, the food was out of this world good and even the drinks were meticulously prepared and delicious." 

Meanwhile, one person shared: "We had the five course lunch tasting menu which was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable about each course and the sommelier commentary on the wine pairing enthusiastic and engaging."