If you are in the mood for a proper steak, Restaurante Carnicero Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar is hard to miss. It sits at 35-36 Oxford Street, right in the middle of one of Southampton's busiest stretches for restaurants and bars, and it does exactly what the name promises: Galician steakhouse cooking, aged cuts, and open-flame grilling, served with the kind of warmth you would expect from Iberian hospitality.
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The room is built for lingering. Red panelling, soft candlelight and comfortable seating give it a contemporary yet warm feel, and the service is attentive without leaning into formality. It is the sort of place that works as well for a long dinner as it does for a more casual meal, which is worth keeping in mind when you are deciding when to go.
The menu is built around the grill. Starters and sharing plates cover grilled and cured meats, light seafood and vegetable plates, while the mains are where the Galician cuts take centre stage, each with its own texture and fat content, and a choice of sauces and butters to finish. Sides range from potatoes in several forms to seasonal vegetables and fresh salads, and there are vegetarian and dietary options too. The wine list leans towards robust reds, with Albariños and Riojas alongside hand-picked international bottles, plus classic cocktails and non-alcoholic choices. A kids menu is also available, so it is not strictly for adults.
There is more to it than the evening à la carte. A two-course lunch runs Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:30 at set prices, and on match days there is a football menu between 12:00 and 15:00 that pairs a main with a drink. Sundays bring a traditional British roast given the Galician treatment, served with all the trimmings. With the Christmas season approaching, it is worth knowing that the Christmas Day menu on 25 December is bookings only, as is the Christmas party menu available throughout December for groups and private hire.
Recent reviews tell you what to expect. Sarah M. called it one of the best restaurants in Southampton, with a perfectly cooked steak and an incredible atmosphere. James R. praised the cuts and the superb wine list, and Emma T. described the dark, romantic ambience as a real gem on Oxford Street. Other diners have singled out the fillet and the pimientos al padrón, while one reviewer noted a £55 set menu as a great way to spend Valentine's Day.
A few practical notes before you go. It is open every day from 12:00 to 22:00, though last orders can shift depending on events and how busy it is, so it is worth checking if you are planning a late one. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, and deposits are refundable with at least 48 hours' notice. If you find yourself on Oxford Street with a craving for steak, Carnicero is an easy shout.
