Despite having 200 covers, the art-deco inspired interior is spacious with tables placed comfortably well apart. Dishes are elegantly presented with contemporary wood and ceramic plates. 

Home-made bread rolls and water came out with the menu. Neo's menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal ingredients and is reassuringly compact with around 8 starters and 8 mains to choose from.

Our starters were Tempura of Scallops (£13), a tasty opening presented on a skewer with rhubarb, chilli, pepper drops and yuzu dressing. Our other starter was a very meaty and filling Hogs Head Terrine (£9), served with pistachios/piccalilli and toasted brioche. The terrine was packed with flavour and texture, and possibly large enough to be shared.

The wine list is a little weighty and could be cut down to be an easier read, but Neo have wisely included four suggested wines on the main food menu. We went for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco, the latter given a raspberry to sweeten the deal.

For main courses, we choose the Salmon Pave (£21) and Brochette of Sea bream (£23). The generous cut of salmon came with seaweed crumb, Jersey Royals, New Forest asparagus and a creamy Hollandaise sauce. Well cooked and delicious, I enjoyed every mouthful of the salmon and the side of Heritage carrots, cumin and pumpkin seeds (£4) ordered wasn't really needed but was so delicious you must try it! The Sea bream main had Asian overtones with its sweet chilli, ginger and coconut glaze, corn and pomegranate salsa and crispy onions. An accomplished range of flavours that looked wonderful on the plate too.

A word for steak lovers, we saw a number of beef dishes go out that looked mouth-wateringly good. Neo offer a 454g Chateaubriand for two for £56.

Even the most top end restaurants have let us down by lacklustre desserts and pre-made goo. We are pleased to say Neo does not fall down at the last hurdle. Their desserts are excellent. Chilled rice pudding (£8) may sound like something you'd rather forget from your school years but here it comes with New Forest strawberry compote and a small slice of lemon drizzle cake. However, my Dorset blueberry frangipane cake (£8) takes the top spot with its goat's cheese and lemon thyme ice cream on the side.

We ended the night off with a gin and elderflower cocktail, served with a stalk of rosemary (more of a small branch really, see the photo below!), the rosemary giving an amazing perfume on the nose before drinking the fruity drink. The bar downstairs is one of the top places to get quality cocktails in Bournemouth and also enjoy some live music on most Friday nights.

We received great service from the staff, efficient and attentive without being intrusive.

Being centrally located, Neo is perfect for a pre-show dinner with a special set menu for such occasions. It's also open for breakfast and has a great lunch menu. Their website is reassuringly up to date with the current menus and is always worth checking as the options change regularly.

A three-course dinner for two, with drinks, will come in at around £120.

Book a table: 01202 203610 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit: Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AH

Web: www.neorestaurant.co.uk