15 Best Restaurants Dorset Locals Highly Recommend

Whether you’re craving Italian or Indian cuisine, specific dietary options like vegan and vegetarian, or just looking to enjoy Dorset’s renowned seafood dishes, this varied list of top restaurants in Dorset has something for every palate.

When you’re looking for fine dining in Dorset, The Acorn Inn in Evershot is a destination that should be at the top of your list. This 16th-century inn, featured in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” offers an exquisite menu blending traditional British cuisine with contemporary flair. 

The Acorn Inn, Evershot menu highlights local classics like the Acorn beef-patty burger and Dorset charcuterie platter, all crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Complementing the food, the inn offers an extensive selection of local wines and spirits. 

As one of the few dog-friendly restaurants Dorset offers, you can also bring your furry friend along to enjoy the cosy, welcoming atmosphere. For those who wish to extend their visit, The Acorn Inn Dorset offers beautifully appointed upstairs rooms, while the garden and terrace provide a perfect setting for summer dining.

Among the best restaurants Bridport has to offer, The Station Kitchen stands out as a unique dining spot offering an unforgettable experience. Housed in a restored 19th-century railway carriage, it provides a welcoming, pet-friendly setting, making it one of the most distinctive dog-friendly restaurants Dorset has. 

As one of the top places to eat in West Bay Dorset, the restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from classic British dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative meals.

Located just steps away from the iconic cliffs featured in Broadchurch, it’s one of the standout restaurants in West Bay, Dorset, perfect for combining a scenic day out with an exceptional meal. For an added touch of nostalgia, you can even dine on the platform under vintage-style lighting, making your meal at The Station Kitchen Dorset a truly immersive experience.

If you’re looking for the best seafood restaurant Dorset has to offer, Catch at The Old Fish Market is your destination. As one of the best restaurants in Weymouth Harbour, this spot serves fresh, locally sourced seafood and provides a unique connection to the local fishing community, letting you know exactly when, where, and on which boat your fish was caught. 

Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Mike Naidoo, the menu features dishes that rival those in Michelin-star restaurants Dorset is known for. With stunning harbour views complementing the expertly crafted eight-course tasting menu, it’s undeniably one of the best places to eat in Weymouth.

The Parlour Restaurant is a unique dining destination that stands out among Italian restaurants in Dorset. Located on a picturesque working farm in the Bride Valley, it offers a true farm-to-table experience, blending the rustic charm of its surroundings with the rich, authentic flavours of Italian cuisine. 

The restaurant specialises in Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta ragu, and other Italian dishes, all crafted from the freshest ingredients, many sourced directly from the farm itself.

As one of the best restaurants Bridport offers, it provides a peaceful atmosphere with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Sunday roast or some of the finest Italian fare in the area, The Parlour is among the top places to eat in Burton Bradstock.

If you’re looking for the top restaurants in Dorset, YC’s Cafe & Wine Bar should be on your radar. This chic establishment, a blend of the iconic Yalbury Cottage and Yvon’s, offers an all-day experience with a menu that transitions smoothly from traditional English breakfasts to artisan French pastries. 

It stands out among the best places to eat in Weymouth for its commitment to locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and delicious. The café also hosts special themed evenings, such as French Bistro Nights and Wine Pairing Dinners, making it one of the best places to eat in Dorchester and beyond. 

Whether you’re craving a hearty morning meal of eggs and freshly baked pastries, an afternoon indulgence of rich patisserie, or a memorable evening event with expertly paired wines, YC’s Café & Wine Bar provides a delightful escape into both comfort and quality.

When you’re deciding where to eat in Dorset, Poco Pizza in Lyme Regis should be at the top of your list. As one of the standout Italian restaurants Dorset offers, this cosy spot offers an authentic wood-fired pizza experience, with each pizza crafted using traditional techniques and the freshest locally sourced ingredients. 

The Poco Pizza menu features a delightful mix of classic Italian dishes, including not only pizzas but also delicious pasta, all complemented by an extensive selection of bottled lagers and wines. The intimate seaside setting, with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, makes dining here especially memorable, particularly at sunset. 

Poco Pizza’s open kitchen allows you to watch your pizza being made from scratch, adding an interactive element to your meal that highlights the craftsmanship and care in every dish.

Among the best restaurants in Wimborne, The Wimborne Pig stands out as a must-visit destination. Nestled in one of Dorset’s most picturesque market towns, this hidden gem boasts a cosy, pub-like interior that’s always bustling with visitors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

The creativity on The Wimborne Pig menu is unmatched. Standout dishes like the Wimborne burger topped with Dorset Blue Vinny and the fisherman’s catch with lemon and caper butter showcase the best food in Dorset crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

The restaurant’s homespun and relaxed style keeps guests coming back, especially for special events like their expertly crafted wine-pairing dinners and the ever-popular Sunday roasts, which have become a local favourite.

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants Sherborne has to offer, The Green Restaurant is an unmissable choice. As one of the Michelin-star restaurants Dorset is proud to host, this gem is celebrated for its innovative plant-based dishes, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant stands out among vegetarian restaurants in Dorset for its commitment to sustainability and exceptional quality, ensuring that every meal is both ethically and expertly prepared. 

Led by award-winning Chef Ben Hazell, the menu evolves daily, reflecting the freshest seasonal produce from the Westcountry and foraged ingredients, guaranteeing that each visit offers something new and exciting. The Green’s charming setting, with antique furnishings and an enclosed garden terrace, provides the perfect backdrop for a truly exceptional meal.

When you’re seeking the best places to eat in Dorchester, Côte Brasserie offers an exceptional French-inspired dining experience in the heart of Dorset. The Côte Dorchester menu features both classic French dishes and modern twists, all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every meal is top quality. 

Complementing the food, the Côte Brasserie drinks menu features a carefully curated selection of French wines, showcasing a range of reds, whites, and rosés that highlight the diverse regions of France. The restaurant’s charming decor creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cosy dinner or a larger gathering.

Additionally, its proximity to the Lower Gardens and Odion’s Cinema makes it an ideal spot for a complete evening out.

For an unforgettable dining experience, Rick Stein Sandbanks is a must-visit among places to eat in Sandbanks, especially for seafood lovers. The Rick Stein Sandbanks menu features dishes like traditional fish and chips and grilled lobster, each crafted from the freshest locally sourced seafood. 

Situated on the scenic Sandbanks peninsula, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Poole Harbour, making it one of the premier Sandbanks restaurants with a view. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the many things to do in Poole, with its elegant yet relaxed decor creating an inviting atmosphere. The experience is further enhanced by a carefully curated wine list featuring local and international selections.

Additionally, the restaurant includes a bar for casual drinks and a deli where you can purchase fresh seafood to enjoy at home, solidifying its reputation as the best restaurant in Poole.

When you’re exploring the best places to eat in Poole Dorset, The Yachtsman stands out with its stunning Poole Harbour views and nautical-themed decor. The Yachtsman Pub & Restaurant, Poole menu offers a variety of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, with the seafood platter—featuring lobster, crab, prawns, and oysters—as the star attraction, making it one of the best restaurants Poole Quay has to offer. 

As one of the few dog-friendly restaurants Dorset has, it’s perfect for family outings, complete with a play area for kids. It’s also a popular spot for afternoon tea, featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes served on vintage china. 

If you’re seeking the best Indian restaurant Dorset has to offer, The 29029 Restaurant in Wareham is an absolute must-visit. Known for its authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine, this spot is one of the best restaurants Wareham boasts, offering a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. 

The 29029 Restaurant Wareham menu includes many dishes, from delicious curries to expertly prepared Tandoori, all made with the finest ingredients. 

The elegant, modern setting enhances the dining experience, while the restaurant’s meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service solidify its reputation as one of the top places to eat in Wareham.

For those exploring the top vegan restaurants Dorset has to offer, The Mad Cucumber in Bournemouth is an essential stop. Known for its entirely plant-based menu, this café stands out among vegetarian restaurants Dorset with its creative, wholesome dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty vegan breakfast like an acai bowl or hazelnut porridge, a refreshing salad, or the best burger in Bournemouth, The Mad Cucumber offers delectable options that satisfy every craving. The quirky, relaxed atmosphere, complete with eclectic decor and plenty of greenery, makes it a welcoming spot to unwind.

Frequently ranked as the best restaurant Bournemouth has to offer for vegan and vegetarian fare, it’s also a hub for the local community, hosting events and workshops focused on wellness and sustainability.

Key West Bar & Grill Restaurant is the best restaurant Bournemouth has to offer with stunning coastal views. Located at the end of the pier, this lively establishment offers a unique and relaxed dining experience that perfectly captures the coastal lifestyle of the South Coast. The restaurant’s large windows provide panoramic views of Bournemouth Beach and the English Channel, making it a picturesque spot among restaurants on Westover Road, Bournemouth. 

Key West Bar & Grill restaurant Bournemouth reviews often highlight the menu, inspired by Mediterranean and Caribbean flavours, with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood, positioning it as one of the standout seafood restaurants Dorset is known for. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a fun night out with friends, or looking for places to eat near Showcase Cinema, Key West’s all-day dining, an impressive selection of spirits, and weekend live music events make it a versatile and exciting destination.

For an extraordinary fine dining in Dorset that perfectly captures Dorset’s coastal charm, The Seaside Boarding House in Burton Bradstock is a must-visit. Situated on a cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the English Channel, this restaurant is not only one of the top places to eat in Burton Bradstock but also stands out among the best seafood restaurants Dorset has to offer. 

The menu showcases the finest locally sourced seafood, carefully selected and expertly prepared to bring out the authentic coastal flavours of Dorset.

The combination of stunning views, a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience, and a carefully curated wine list elevates it to one of the best Michelin-star restaurants Dorset offers.

These are the 15 best places to eat in Dorset, each guaranteed to offer you an exceptional dining experience. However, the restaurants in Dorset often focus on seasonal and local produce, which means menus can be limited depending on the time of year, with off-peak seasons seeing fewer options, particularly for fresh seafood and local specialities. 

Additionally, finding a gourmet or Michelin-star meal might require significant travel, especially in smaller towns and villages, where to eat in Dorset can be challenging due to limited hours that may not align with your schedule.

Why not hire a local private chef? 

A private chef can work with local suppliers to source specific ingredients, even out of season, and will travel to your accommodation in Dorset, whether it’s a remote cottage or a seaside home, saving you the hassle of driving and allowing you to enjoy the rural or coastal setting to its fullest. 

They bring a diverse range of cuisines to your table and are available at your convenience, whether you prefer an early breakfast, a late dinner, or even a midnight snack.

Platforms like yhangry offer a vast pool of local private chefs, ensuring you get the best culinary experience tailored to your needs, with options for every budget and cuisine preference.