Oxford Street
The city's established dining street with a run of long standing restaurants and a couple of genuinely good seafood kitchens. It is the obvious choice for a special occasion and it holds up.
Bedford Place
Independents small plates and the busiest evening scene in the city. Best for a casual dinner that turns into drinks and the place most newcomers end up first.
Ocean Village and Town Quay
Waterfront eating with marina views. Slightly higher prices but worth it on a summer evening when the cruise ships are leaving.
Portswood and Bevois Valley
The best value in the city driven by the student population. Excellent Middle Eastern South Asian and East Asian food and a strong run of independent cafés for weekend breakfast.
Family friendly
Westquay's upper terrace concentrates the chain restaurants in one place with parking underneath which is the path of least resistance with children in tow.
In short
Oxford Street for occasions Bedford Place for evenings Portswood for value and the waterfront for summer.