From Napoli,with passion.
Italian-owned and run since 2014. Sicilian and Italian home cooking, opposite the Mayflower Theatre. Twice voted Best Restaurant in Southampton.
Max's is a family kitchen that happens to be a restaurant. We are Italian — Neapolitan, mostly — and we cook the way our families cooked: pasta rolled before service, sauces simmered slow, an Italian cellar to match. Our table is set for you.
The Chef
Chef Gennaro Pascarella was born into a Neapolitan family that takes pasta seriously. Thirty years at the pass, the last twelve of them with Max — every dinner service, every morning's fresh dough, every menu written by hand.
Gennaro is one of the reasons Max's has been twice voted Best Restaurant in Southampton at the British Restaurant Awards — 2019 and 2020. He prefers his wines from small producers and his afternoons quiet.
“You cannot rush a ragù. You cannot rush a guest. You cannot rush a son.
— Gennaro Pascarella
The Kitchen
A small Italian kitchen, run by people who have cooked together for years. Pasta is rolled fresh every morning. Sauces are simmered slowly. Our list changes with what the markets bring through the door.
We offer a selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, and gluten-free pasta is available for any of the primi on the menu. Allergens are listed against every dish — please ask your server.
The Room
Two indoor dining rooms, a bright conservatory, and a recently refurbished outdoor terrace with sound system and outdoor bar — available to hire for private events for any occasion. Dogs are welcome on the terrace in the summer months.
The Mayflower Theatre is across the road. We run a pre-theatre service in time for the curtain — please note we cannot guarantee bookings after 6pm to be served in time for the show.
A short history,
told in plates.
From Napoli to Southampton — a few of the moments along the way.
Where it begins
Chef Gennaro Pascarella is born and raised in Campania, learning to roll dough at six and run a pass at fifteen.
Oxford Street
Max Romano opens his first Southampton restaurant on Oxford Street — nine years before Max's.
Max meets Gennaro
Gennaro joins Max in Southampton; they have been cooking together ever since.
Max's opens
Max's Brasserie opens at 9 Commercial Road, opposite the Mayflower Theatre.
Best in Southampton
Awarded Best Restaurant in Southampton at the British Restaurant Awards.
Best in Southampton — again
Second consecutive British Restaurant Awards win.
A night with Julio Cesar
Charity evening with the World Cup champion in aid of the Saints Foundation.
A few moments
from the floor.
Interior, terrace, kitchen and table — the room as it is on a normal evening.