Refined Dining with Just a Few Misses at Dopo Argento, Southampton…read more
Patrizia and I visited Dopo Argento in Southampton for a Sunday afternoon meal around 1 pm. The restaurant wasn't crowded, which made for a calm and enjoyable atmosphere.
Starters:
We ordered the sourdough bread service (not complimentary), which came with a hummus dip. The bread had a rustic, brick-oven style crust--crispy outside, soft inside--and paired nicely with our appetizer. We then split the Tuna Tartare, which was delicious, fresh, and beautifully prepared. That said, it was served on its own with no chips or crostini, so we ended up using the bread we had ordered. A small touch that would make a big difference.
Mains:
Patrizia had the Salmon Oreganata. The portion was generous and cooked very well, but it arrived solo on the plate without any sides. We both felt it would shine more with a vegetable or starch--something like spinach, asparagus, or potato.
I chose the Paccheri Cacio e Pepe, which was excellent. The pasta was fresh, perfectly al dente, and the sauce had just the right balance of richness and peppery bite.
Drinks & Service:
We started with two cocktails, then shared a crisp bottle of Italian sparkling water with our meal. Service was warm, efficient, and attentive, adding to the experience.
Dessert & Coffee:
We finished with the Tiramisu, which was light, fluffy, and not overly sweet, alongside a cappuccino--a perfect close.
Overall:
Our total came to about $235 for two, and we left a generous tip for the excellent service. We chose to sit indoors since it was too humid outside, but both options are available.
We're giving 4 stars because of minor blemishes--the salmon plated all alone, and the tuna tartare lacking an accompaniment. Still, the food was excellent, the vibe relaxed, and the service top-notch. Definitely worth a visit--check it out before the summer ends and see for yourself!.
