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hand picked restaurants

The Chine Hotel is part of Bournemouth's history, Victorian in origin, close associations with the theatrical profession, and determined to ensure that its bang up to date with the expectations of today's guests. Their perception that high quality food is vitally important is one that this writer would not disagree with, indeed he is not unknown to rail against hotels that do not see it that way, or worse still, having achieved a high standard omit to tell their public about it.

A pleasant cocktail bar in the best Edwardian tradition makes a good point from which to start the evening. The dining room of the hotel is magnificent, with views over the trees to the distant Isle of Wight, a room made for relaxing and enjoyment.

For a starter expect oven-baked crab tartlet with chervil, a small salad and grapefruit segments, or perhaps a ham hock terrine with vegetables and a minted pea dressing. Main courses tend to monitor on seafood with grilled fillet of red mullet a regular favourite, and roast rack of Wiltshire pork with marinated vegetables and a Devon cider sauce. Follow with profiteroles, toffee sauce and ice cream or chocolate fondants with pistachio.

Service is friendly without mateyness. Oh, yes, and the coffee is superb.

The fun doesn't seem to end at Rubyz on West Hill Road in Bournemouth where guests can enjoy cabaret with a comic twist and of course, there's plenty of tasty modern British food on offer too. The decor strays towards the exotic and there's a strong Moroccan influence with the tented ceilings and plush sofas while diners there might be excused for training their eyes solely on the stage since the performances there tend to run between quirky to, well, a bit naughty.

However to ignore the food completely could be unwise because there might be chicken and duck liver parfait with peach chutney and bruschetta toasts for starters.This could be followed by a roasted rump of lamb on a bed of puy lentils, carrots and celeriac with thyme infused gravy finally ending with a coffee crème brûlée. Group events, parties and occasions acquire a special glamour when held at Rubyz.

For over 80 years Harry Ramsden's Restaurants have become synonymous with their famous fish and chips. Almost as well known are their mushy peas, a British favourite. This group offers great food whether in their restaurants or as take aways.

They also have regular, kids' and express menus to suit every palate. There are set meals in various combinations as well as a la carte fare to select from. Some popular dishes are fishy bites, parsley fishcakes, scampi portions and chicken nuggets. They also have sausages, beef and chicken burgers and sandwiches.

The dessert menu includes spotted dick, cheesecakes and pies. They also offer a list of beers white, sparkling and red wines, liqueurs and beverages. Known for their consistent quality, tasty meals and efficient services, Harry Ramsden's is considered one of the world's best known fish and chips restaurant chain.

Frankie and Benny's combine classic American and Italian in both style and cuisine. They specialise in home style cooking 'just like Mamma used to make it'. This is a great place to take the entire family and represents excellent value for money. The restaurant and bar is suitable for any occasion, whether it's a leisurely lunch, a family meal or a fantastic evening with friends - they make sure you have a wonderful time.

Walking into the restaurant is like stepping back into 1950s New York, from the clatter and chatter of the open kitchen to the bottle lined bar. Walls with black and white family photographs showing life in Brooklyn's 'Little Italy' surround cosy booth seating and tables. Combined with the classic music of the fifties, a mix of American swing and beat, they definitely provide a fun and friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Frankie and Benny's offers starters, main courses and delicious desserts, and favourites include char-grilled burgers, pizzas, pastas, steaks and house specialities such as chicken parmigiana, BBQ ribs, lamb shank and much more. The bar serves a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.

Start with sticky wings, crispy coated chicken strips, tiger prawn skewer or Frankie's fried calamari and if you are dining in a group choose the giant sampler platter. The pastas, calzone and pizzas are all made freshly on order. An interesting dish on the menu is a the Boston 7 speciality pizza fully loaded with slices of pork meatballs, spicy pepperoni, ham, crispy bacon, chicken, peppers and red onion, served on a BBQ sauce base. They also serve a variety of sandwiches and burgers throughout the day.

A good value lunch menu is available on weekdays from 11am until 5pm offering a range of popular dishes from the main carte with one course at £5.95, two courses at £7.95 and three courses at £8.95.

For children up to the age of eleven, an all-inclusive menu features a selection of main courses, desserts and drinks starting at £3.95. As an added treat, they'll also receive an activity pack to entertain them whilst you eat.

Enjoy an American Italian meal at Frankie and Benny's with freshly prepared food and warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

RoomSix is the exclusive Bournemouth home of the Black Rock Grill. The concept originated in the Far East and involves the customer cooking on a square piece of volcanic rock, which has been superheated to 440 degrees centigrade. Fillet, sirloin, rump, pork loin, lamb leg, scallops, King prawns and a host of other fresh meats are always in stock, whilst vegetarian options are also available

Cocktails are a speciality, including their exclusive sweetshop flavoured, favourites apparently include Terry's Chocolate Orange, Mint Aero and Skittles flavours. The funky, laid back and stylish RoomSix is positioned in Bournemouth Town Centre, about a ten minute walk from the beach, just off the Lansdowne Roundabout.

A well liked local rendezvous, Tapas Plus is a family run Spanish restaurant and bar with an unpretentious interior and a consistent commitment to quality service and food. Split into two restaurants - Tapas I and Tapas II - it meets the expectations of those who wish to dine in a traditional yet relaxed, informal and homely charm ambiance as well as of those who prefer a modern and vibrant atmosphere while dining.

An accomplished kitchen favours well sourced luxury ingredients and an elaborate style, so expect amongst authentic Spanish tapas the likes of Galician style octopus, mussels in wine, onion, garlic and cream sauce and a platter of chorizo and jamon. A straightforward à la carte includes classic dishes such as chicken and shellfish paella and the pan fried duck breast with wild mushrooms and port.

Play a game of table football inside the restaurant or, on a day worth an outdoor approach, relax and enjoy a meal in the sunny conservatory.

The restaurant within The Russell Court Hotel in Bournemouth delivers a menu of traditional British dishes with international influences. With an emphasis on using fresh ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, the restaurant is equally popular with hotel guests, local diners and holidaymakers. Close to many of the local attractions and beaches, the restaurant is the perfect location for a quick lunch or a more leisurely evening meal and diners can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar before or after their meal.

The restaurant is open for breakfast everyday and offers a range of dishes from lighter continental pastries to a hearty full English breakfast with tea, coffee and fruit juices. The all-day menu also includes a range of sandwiches, while the lunch and dinner menus are more formal and include a range vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes.

The hotel also offers a number of fixed price meal deals and a Sunday lunch menu that serves a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings.

You cannot help but notice genuine happiness on the faces of all of Adam and Eve's staff. Their wholesome dishes help bring a smile to the faces of customers too. Shelves filled with teapots and tea cosies, which line the walls, make the atmosphere warmer, and they sell a selection of items, putting excitement back into dull old shopping for food.

A daily and seasonally changing menu provides good value for money and vegetarian, vegan dairy and gluten free options are also available. Those who love the aroma of a bakery and who don't, can rejoice in the goodness of their fresh cakes and bread. Choices include vine-ripened tomatoes on toast, steaming hot porridge with fruits and honey, and made to order sandwiches and salads.

A range of teas, coffees, smoothies, juices as well as wine, beer and cider add to the variety. A take away and catering service means customers can avail themselves of their services for parties and picnics.