The Canteen
A family-run waterfront cafe in historic Hotwalls Barracks, offering delicious food with breathtaking sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Canteen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run waterfront cafe in historic Hotwalls Barracks, offering delicious food with breathtaking sea views.
"One of the best spots in town for the morning, with incredible food and stunning views!"
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long queues, especially in summer, by visiting during less busy times.
Secure an Outdoor Table
Opt for an outside table for fabulous views of boats and the crashing waves.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, British
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 23 9235 1935
Address
Point Battery & Barracks, Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2FS, United Kingdom
Website
thecanteen.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seaside Views & Historic Charm
Dine with stunning sea views from the private area with a seaside window, set within historic Hotwalls Barracks.
Scrumptious Waffles & Savory Bites
Indulge in classic waffles topped with fresh strawberries, banana & chocolate, or savory sausage rolls.
Lively Atmosphere & Delicious Food
Experience positive vibes and high-quality, delicious food presentations that leave a lasting impression.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long queues, especially in summer, by visiting during less busy times.
Secure an Outdoor Table
Opt for an outside table for fabulous views of boats and the crashing waves.
Don't Miss the Waffles
Their classic waffles topped with fresh strawberries, banana & chocolate spread are a must-try.
Book Ahead for Busy Times
If visiting during peak hours or for a special occasion, booking a table is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long queues, especially in summer, by visiting during less busy times.
Secure an Outdoor Table
Opt for an outside table for fabulous views of boats and the crashing waves.
Don't Miss the Waffles
Their classic waffles topped with fresh strawberries, banana & chocolate spread are a must-try.
Book Ahead for Busy Times
If visiting during peak hours or for a special occasion, booking a table is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Canteen is celebrated for its high-quality food presentations, stunning seaside views, and lively atmosphere, making it a memorable dining destination. While many rave about dishes like the waffles and the attentive service, some reviews mention long waits for food and smaller portion sizes on occasion. However, the unique setting within historic barracks and positive vibes generally lead to a highly recommended experience.
"Absolutely incredible. Came by this place by chance. The interior was stunning and great surprise. The service staff (Euan) noted how we loved it and then offered us the private area with a seaside window. Just happened to be our anniversary so this was a cherry on top or so we thought, the latter was the best I ever had the then came the food which was of great quality and tasted fantastic let alone the presentation. Ultimately a lively experience and The Canteen is now a must for us when we come back to visit Portsmouth again. Thank you team!!"
Antony Searle
"Great place to simply enjoy great food.
Amazing location. Sitting places inside and outside. I felt positive vibes the moment I stepped in. The staff is polite and well trained. The atmosphere of this place, simple deco makes it unbeatable. I sat there for over an hour watching boats, listening to the sound of waves crashing the shores. Fairly priced. Busy. Clean."
Anka S
"Enjoyed a lovely stop at this establishment mid-mornibg on a glorious spring day & was lucky to get seated outside. This is very busy eatery, & a 4 person queue was already in place but we were seated within 10mins - can imagine that in the height of summer, that the queues will be disappointingly long.
My partner reported her Chai latte was perfect, and was also topped with a fine dusting of cinnamon, my plain latte was great too.
Snacks were a classic waffle, topped with fresh strawberries, banana & chocolate spread - seriously scrumptious, whilst my sausage roll was perfect & of a generous size. All for £23.
All in all, a fabulous place - if you get the right table with a view."
Mark Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid long queues, especially during peak season, it's best to visit during off-peak hours or early morning.
While not always explicitly stated, booking might be a good idea during busy periods as it can get crowded.
Yes, The Canteen has outside seating, including a deck with views of the boats and waves.
The menu often includes vegetarian options. It's recommended to inquire about vegan choices upon arrival.
Yes, The Canteen is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your meal with your furry companions.
Popular choices include their classic waffles with fresh fruit and chocolate, the Canteen Breakfast Stack, and the Canteen Sausage Rolls.
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Located in a historic fort with stunning sea views, The Canteen in Old Portsmouth provides a dining experience that combines history with culinary delight. The café is renowned for its exquisite coffee and attentive service, making it a favorite amongst locals and tourists. Whether enjoying a latte in their intimate interior or soaking in the view from their private room, The Canteen offers a unique and memorable experience in a picturesque setting.
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Located in The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth, this modest but surprisingly cosy café with a view of the sea made me consider asking if they could adopt me and I will just eat their leftovers. After all, is there anything more fulfilling in life than fluffy, house-baked banana bread consumed while staring at the mesmerising waves and considering the matters of flour and sugar?
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This family-run, waterfront restaurant sits in the historic Hotwalls Barracks in Portsmouth. Sit out on the deck to watch the comings and goings of the Solent whilst you enjoy your brunch. With food served until 11.45am (and then the lunch menu at 12noon) you can take your pick from The Canteen Breakfast Stack, classic waffles, poached eggs on sourdough and lots more.
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Hidden in the archways of the Hotwall’s you’ll find great food and a great view in a truly unique setting. | Photo by The Canteen (Facebook). Hidden away in the depths of the Hotwall’s, you’ll find a spot favoured among locals serving an assorted range of hot and cold food including some of the best sausage roll’s you’ll ever taste!
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The Canteen, at Point Battery And Barracks, Broad Street, Portsmouth has a great reputation for the quality of its breakfast. They have a rating of 4.6 from 974 Google reviews. One customer said: "By far the best breakfast I've had in a long while. The atmosphere was fabulous, décor beautiful and the food outstanding." Photo: Google
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Hidden in the barracks of the iconic hot walls of Portsmouth's historic waterfront, The Canteen offers unrivalled views of the sea, with a menu that finds the perfect balance between creative and comforting food. Think Guinness Welsh rarebit and nduja meatball pasta bake for a faultless lunch with service to match.
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The Canteen is a waterfront café in the Hotwalls artists district, housed in a historic barracks. With a dedicated staff of cooks in the kitchen, The Canteen serves a delectable breakfast and lunch menu. They also have an elegant servery stocked with traybakes, scones, and the world-famous Canteen Sausage Rolls!
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If you want a little snack or a quick drink to round up your 48 hours in Southsea I’d definitely recommend you pop into Canteen. It’s a little deli-style restaurant nestled in the fortifications . You can sit outside with a glass of vino and watch as the boats and ferries attempt to get into the harbour.
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This family-run, waterfront restaurant offers history from the moment you walk up to the door. Located in the historic barracks in the famous Hotwalls. They aim to source all their food locally, so you can expect to see lots of seasonal food from some of the best sources around.
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As well as breakfast stacks and eggs on toast, The Canteen also offers lighter options like granola and sausage sandwiches. It’s a lovely spot, in the historic Hotwalls of the city. Grab a seat on The Deck if you can, to watch all the comings and goings on in the Solent.
A waterfront cafe in Southsea, with a passion for local, seasonal produce.
OUR KITCHEN WILL BE CLOSING AT THE EARLIER TIME OF 12PM ON THURSDAY THE 27TH OF MARCH DUE TO A PRIVATE EVENT. OUR SERVERY WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 2PM. A waterfront cafe, with a passion for local, seasonal produce. We serve fresh, wholesome, great quality food.
5 Best Brunch Spots In Portsmouth
The location makes it a unique experience where you can really appreciate the perks and culture of the island. Old Portsmouth is only a 20 minute walk from campus. They sell all day breakfast - waffles, pancakes, eggs and … bacon bread & butter pudding?!
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The historic location changes its menu seasonally, using fresh and local produce. Bag a table with your dog on the deck, which you can snuggle under blankets in cooler months or see in sunny evenings with a glass of vino when it’s warmer.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit