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Roots
Dorset, Bournemouth - Modern European - Restaurant - ££££
Pint-sized bistro with gastronomic ambition
The location in a little parade of shops in the Southbourne district of Bournemouth may lead you to expect a run-of-the-mill neighbourhood bistro, but Roots has rather loftier ambitions than that. Its pint-sized dimensions and simple-enough decor, with sea scenes on exposed brick walls, belie the wide-angle culinary lens of Jan Bretschneider. That's abundantly evident from the off, with a serving of sumptuously textured rye bread with various spreadable toppings – a fond wave to the proprietor's German heritage. To follow, expect a range of dishes that look distinctive, even occasionally bizarre, but that mobilise layers of flavour of unexpected subtlety and impact. Kombu potato with cream cheese in seaweed beurre blanc might precede a pairing of scallop and oxtail, powered up with horseradish and salsify in red wine dressing. Another successful twinning, of halibut and lobster, comes in massaman curry guise, full of the sweetness of carrot and passion fruit, while the principal...
The location in a little parade of shops in the Southbourne district of Bournemouth may lead you to expect a run-of-the-mill neighbourhood bistro, but Roots has rather loftier ambitions than that. Its pint-sized dimensions and simple-enough decor, with sea scenes on exposed brick walls, belie the wide-angle culinary lens of Jan Bretschneider. That's abundantly evident from the off, with a serving of sumptuously textured rye bread with various spreadable toppings – a fond wave to the proprietor's German heritage.
To follow, expect a range of dishes that look distinctive, even occasionally bizarre, but that mobilise layers of flavour of unexpected subtlety and impact. Kombu potato with cream cheese in seaweed beurre blanc might precede a pairing of scallop and oxtail, powered up with horseradish and salsify in red wine dressing. Another successful twinning, of halibut and lobster, comes in massaman curry guise, full of the sweetness of carrot and passion fruit, while the principal course on the taster could be as old-school as beef en croûte with parsnip in garlicky bourguignon.
Bretschneider's signature ‘jelly and ice cream’ finisher might well be scented with winter truffle and boozed up with Tokaji, but the superb cheese selection is worth saving a little capacity for too. A relatively compact wine list is served with enormous enthusiasm by one of the most engaging front-of-house managers on the whole South Coast.

S Anderson
9 March 2025
We enjoyed a superlative tasting menu and flight of wines. The produce was the very best of British prepared and presented majestically. Jan is and outstanding creative chef and ably supported by a knowledgeable and friendly front of house. Highly recommended! In our view fantastic value for money. 10/10.

S Shutler
8 February 2025
We celebrated my husbands birthday at Roots. It’s hard to put into words how amazing the food and service are. This is a tiny cute restaurant and I was not expecting the gastronomic punch in the face this little place gives. I can honestly say that I’ve never had food so tasty and well thought out.
The service was excellent. Our waiter Geza was extremely knowledgeable but not at all condescending, he explained every dish and was clearly passionate about the restaurant.

F Wilson
28 January 2025
VENUE DETAILS
141 Belle Vue Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH6 3EN
01202 430005
OTHER INFORMATION
Private dining room, Credit card required, Deposit required