AN AUTHENTIC Italian restaurant has been voted the best restaurant in Southampton for the second year running.

Max's Bar and Brasserie on Oxford Street, Ocean Village, has been voted Southampton's 2019 best restaurant.

Visitors were able to online for which restaurant they believed deserved top spot.

The restaurant has been open for five years and is owned by Max Romano, who said they serve authentic Italian food made with "quality local produce".

He added: "I feel very good, very excited, that we have won this award.

"I have no idea how we have done it again.

"People were voting with Facebook and online and it is estimated that over of every ten customers, six of the voted for us.

"We serve authentic Italian food, everything is home made and made with quality local produce.

"The Monkfish is a definite favourite along with the linguine seafood, Bruschetta, and lasagne.

"It is always fresh and that's why people like it."

The restaurant owner added that they serve around 50 customers on a busy night and credited his chefs for this "dedicated and skilled" work.

In a social media post, Max thanked his customers and team for helping them take top spot for the second year running adding: "We love you very much."

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and also has a bar for cold drinks and coffee.

The venue is family friendly and take booking for large groups or parties.