Compass Rose pub and Chinese

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Reviews

1. Honest Gentleman ★★☆☆☆

   The atmosphere was good overall and there was a live singer on the night. The music itself was enjoyable, although the volume was quite loud, making it difficult to have a conversation at the table. We started with WOK chips (£6.50). They tasted great, but unfortunately the portion size was very small for the price. For mains, I ordered chicken in black bean sauce and my wife had the chicken curry. When the dishes arrived, there was very little sauce — more of a smear — and only around seven small pieces of chicken in each. The portion sizes were extremely small, which meant we had to order an additional bowl of chips and a bowl of rice. Even the rice portion was very small, comparable to what I’d serve a young child. Service was quite slow when it came to drink refills, and we had to wait a long time to be topped up. With two mains, starters, extra sides and one drink each, the bill came close to £100, which felt excessive given the portion sizes. An additional discretionary service charge of £8 was added to the bill without being discussed or offering us the option to remove it. While we would have paid it regardless, it’s more about the principle, as customers should always be given the choice. Overall, if you have a small appetite you may enjoy it, but for us it wasn’t the best night out and we wouldn’t be returning.

   1 month ago
2. Ollie Treg ★★★★★

   A really fantastic Chinese restaurant and a welcoming and comfortable pub/bar area. The food was flavourful, hot and delicious, we felt bad for the waiter as a family of 2 kids and 4 lady’s were complaining about everything trying to flees a free meal. But we thought the food was fantastic and the options plentiful. Authentic food a great price and great staff

   1 month ago
3. Marian Croitoru ★★★★★

   The Compass Rose Chinese Restaurant & Bar next to Morrisons in Portsmouth offers a surprisingly upscale dining experience in a converted pub setting. It's a great spot if you're tired of the usual traditional Chinese takeaway. ​The cuisine is a modern Chinese fusion—think classic dishes elevated with fresh ingredients and unique twists, courtesy of their experienced chef. Dishes like the Salt & Pepper Squid and Mongolian Beef often receive high praise. They also cater well for dietary needs with good vegan and gluten-free menus. ​As a former pub, it maintains a lively and comfortable atmosphere. Patrons often mention the good music and the ability to grab a beer at the bar, which adds a social element not found in many other local Chinese restaurants. While it’s on the pricier side, the food quality and unique setting make it well worth it for a celebratory meal or a special night out. It perfectly blends a modern restaurant feel with a classic pub vibe.

   almost 4 months ago

1. David H ★★★★☆

   A relatively newly opened Chinese which opened in November 2023. It was recommended to us and didn’t disappoint. The food was lovely; we had pork dumplings, prawn toast and Lamb Belly Rib to start. All was delicious although the Lamb was quite expensive for the amount of meat you get, although I accept that lamb is expensive to purchase. Some pancakes or lettuce wraps would also be a welcome addition to the lamb. For mains we had Mongolian Beef, Prawn Curry, Chicken Curry and Sweet and Sour Pork with a few sides. The Wok Fried chips were some of the best we’ve had. The music was distractingly loud when we sat down, but the staff kindly turned it down a little. A total bill of £140 for 4 people with a few drinks in that too. So not the cheapest, but worth it in our eyes.

   1 year ago
2. Dave Hutchins ★★★★★

   It was a great meal, we met the owner, and she explained about the compass rose, 10 out of 10, give it a try.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Laurie Lyster ★☆☆☆☆

   In contrast to today's earlier positive review from a 'dine-in' customer. Our food was ordered via Uber eats. It was our first time using Uber eats and trying food from this place. It arrived late. We called when the initial wait time exceeded and was told it was out for delivery, just over 30mins later it arrived considering we're only a 10min drive away. The food was mostly cold, only the ribs that were in a bath of bbq sauce was warm. Kung Po was honestly the worst I've ever ate, anaemic, gristly, sweaty tasting, devoid of any aromatics and barely a sauce. Chips and rice stone cold. We ordered one main and side/picky bits totalling over £30 for a substandard overpriced meal for two. Would not recommend.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Damien Ford ★★★★★

   Came for a meal to eat in and very, very impressed... Tidy, clean and family friendly with a nice, calm atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and the service is on point. And the food, oh the food... Is to die for! Absolutely phenomenal, everything cooked to perfection. By far the best Chinese food in Portsmouth. For those looking for new places to eat, this is the one!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Martin Ive ★★★★★

   Friendly place, quiet when we went round we had nice food and played pool I beat my wife (apparently I was lucky) will definitely go again.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Peter Hill ★★★☆☆

   Only had a drink in the bar/garden. Beer garden had plenty of outside seating and tables. Staff were friendly and polite. The first beer wasn't the best but when I returned it it was changed quickly and without issue. End of battle was the problem. The other drinks were fine. Drinks prices were not the cheapest around. This place has a Chinese takeaway or eat in option with quite a good sized menu and reasonable prices.

   almost 3 years ago

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