Whilst we sampled the menus (Prix Fixe £19.50/24.50 and A La Carte £30/35) we were served with lightly spiced warm rolls, soft unsalted butter and a selection of four salts (natural, lentil, coriander and chilli, spiced) – all delightful - this promised to be something special.

The menu is “modern British with an Indian twist” and as we were keen to sample as many dishes as we could, Hema generously offered us two “half” starter choices each. Our selections were as follows: Courgette with Coriander Ratatouille, Tomato Seed Ravioli and Smoked Ketchup; Seared Hand Dived Scallops, Peppered Artichoke and Ginger Ceviche; Tamarind Poached Monk Fish, Cucumber Parfait and Spring Roll; Tandoor Cooked Squab’ Vanilla Infused Beetroot and Jellied Consommé. All plates were elegantly presented in a very modern style and hit the perfect notes flavourwise – delicately spiced and beautifully balanced – a real joy. 

Hema recommended two particular desserts to round off the meal, which we were more than happy to order as she had proved to be so knowledgeable. “Carrot_Pistachio”, Warm Carrot Pudding, Pistachio Ice Cream and Flame Grilled Sultanas was sumptuous, whilst “Coconut_Passion Fruit”, Traditional Coconut Cake, Passion Sorbet and Sesame Brittle was “pudding heaven”. Freshly brewed teas followed in ornate ceramic kettles, accompanied by Petit Fours (Doughnuts and Chocolate Bourbons, but not as we know them!). 

To quote from the website, “the culinary vision at Vatika is to serve cutting edge cuisine, using locally sourced and freshly produced ingredients, providing the most daring of taste combinations, giving rise to modern British food with a unique Indian twist”. Well, Vatika certainly does what it says on the tin! This was some of the best food that we have ever eaten, and we have eaten some good food! - the meal was a sequence of delights from start to finish. The service was faultless and the staff were great ambassadors. At the top end of the price range for Hampshire but definitely worth it. Highly recommended – go on, treat yourselves!