Warmth, genuine hospitality and a table brimming with some of the freshest seafood I’ve tasted in the UK set the perfect tone for a memorable midweek dining experience in Bournemouth.
I recently visited Sea & Soul, a family-run restaurant with Mediterranean flair in Bourne Avenue where everything from the setting to service felt thoughtfully considered.
When we arrived, the lighting was low, the atmosphere was warm and the space neatly laid with staff ready to welcome us.
Decorated in calming blues and whites with marine-inspired touches such as wooden boats, tall plants and crisp table linens – Sea & Soul leans into its coastal theme without feeling too forced.
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Sea & Soul, 53 Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth (Image: Cymbeline Young)
The seating inside offers plenty of choice and comfort, whether you’re after a quiet dinner for two or a lively feast with friends and family.
We started with a glass of the house white wine, light and crisp, and took the decision to put our trust in the recommendations of our host for the rest of the meal.
The starters arrived quickly which included pan-seared scallops finished with garlic butter, grilled prawns with lemon and garlic butter, and hot and cold oysters with a shallot and red wine sauce.
Each dish was elegantly presented in the shell, and every bite delivered exactly what I’d hoped for as a seafood fan – fresh and simple ingredients cooked well.
Sea & Soul Dish (Image: Cymbeline Young)
Chef and owner Mr Stan told us the secret to their hospitality is treating guests as they would close friends or relatives.
He said: “We treat each guest as we would wish to be treated, with genuine hospitality, attention, and heart.
“I have in mind that I’m preparing food for my family, good quality, taste and attention to detail.”
His team put this into practice by preparing and serving a huge array of seafood dishes for us to sample.
Sea & Soul, Bournemouth (Image: Cymbeline Young)
Clearly deeply passionate about their craft, our table was quickly cleared of starters and filled with what felt like the entire menu.
Moving onto our mains, we delved into grilled seabream and seabass, each seasoned beautifully with herbs, lemon, olive oil and accompanied by a side salad.
Alongside this, slow-cooked and chargrilled octopus with olive oil, oregano, and sweet potato mash and king prawns sautéed in garlic butter were brought out.
The fish was tender, the skin perfectly crisped, and the flavours just incredibly clean.
Sea & Soul Dish (Image: Cymbeline Young)
Whilst enjoying our evening, we agreed that the flavours wouldn’t feel out of place on a sunlit table somewhere along the coast of Greece or southern Italy.
The team’s commitment to quality and freshness absolutely shone through in the taste of their dishes and attentive service.
Our waitress for the evening explained that if a particular seafood item wasn’t up to standard that day, they’d rather leave it off the menu than risk serving anything below their highest standard.
Chef Stan added: “We have thoughtfully created each dish to reflect quality, seasonality, and balance, and we are confident that you will find something to suit your taste.”
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Chef and Owner, Catalin Stan with team at Sea & Soul (Image: Cymbeline Young)
While the seafood was truly the highlight for me, the Sea & Soul menu also includes meat options such as ribeye and sirloin steak, lamb chops, and a chicken supreme grill, along with Mediterranean-inspired sides like chips, tender stem broccoli and a garden salad.
For those who also love a sweet treat after their meals, creamy baked vanilla cheesecake with a crumbly biscuit base or, ice cream served with a fresh coffee would be my recommendation here.
Throughout the whole evening, the sense of genuine hospitality was impossible to miss and it’s fantastic to see a new and passionate local business alive and flourishing in a time that currently proves very difficult for independent business owners.
Sea & Soul, 53 Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth (Image: Cymbeline Young)
Sea & Soul is a place where good food and warmth go hand in hand and it’s family-run heritage were evident from first bite.
We walked out happily filled with excellent food and wine and a carrier bag of extras to take home to our loved ones.
For anyone seeking a relaxed evening of honest cooking, fresh seafood, and heartfelt service, I would absolutely recommend Sea & Soul.
It’s the kind of restaurant that feels both special yet relaxed and versatile.
Sat just off of the gardens, Sea & Soul feels like a little piece of the Mediterranean, right here in Dorset.
Dining and Cooking