Thirteen

The story

Thirteen, Bournemouth – Modern Tasting Menu Restaurant by Chef Alex Naik

A Family Affair on Ashley Road

Thirteen is the kind of restaurant that feels personal from the moment you step inside. It is run by the Naik family: Head Chef Alex Naik, his sister Frances, and their parents Hem and Elisabeth. Together, they have created a space where modern cuisine is served with warmth and precision. The restaurant’s relaxed ambience and friendly service allow Alex’s food to speak for itself.

The Kitchen and the Chef

Alex Naik has cooked in restaurants around the world, but his cooking is rooted in classic techniques and a deep respect for local ingredients. He has a particular passion for fishing, foraging, and growing produce in the restaurant’s rooftop garden. His training began early, baking alongside his mother Elisabeth and grandmother. He is also a skilled photographer, which shows in his keen eye for presentation. The open kitchen at Thirteen is central to the experience; a Chef’s Table offers a front-row view of the action.

The Tasting Menus

The menu changes constantly, driven by seasonality and sustainability. The signature 13-plate tasting menu is the fullest expression of Alex’s style: a series of snacks and breads, followed by larger savoury plates, then desserts and sweets. For those with less time, there is a 6.5-plate version served at weekday lunch and dinner, and a 4-plate option at lunch. On selected Sundays, Thirteen offers a six-course à la carte menu. Each dish is simply but beautifully presented, making the most of locally sourced and foraged produce, often from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden.

The sample menus hint at the creativity: dishes like Isle of Wight tomato served two ways, gurnard with tamarind, and chicken with onion, followed by desserts such as tonka and amaretto, or elderflower and apple. Wine pairings are carefully chosen by Hem, who holds a WSET Level 3 qualification.

A Michelin-Recommended Experience

Thirteen’s thoughtful cooking and welcoming atmosphere earned it a place in the Michelin Guide for 2026. It is a restaurant run by people who genuinely care about every detail, from the rooftop garden to the petit fours made by Elisabeth. Whether you choose the full 13 plates or a shorter menu, you leave feeling you have been well looked after.