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Amazing views are a part of Sotanos's charm; whether it's the location on Broad Street in Lyme Regis, on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, or the interior filled with heart-warming Spanish colours. Although the name literally translates to basement the whole place comes alive through the attractive display of bright hues and inventive knick-knacks.

The menu eschews the concept of a three course meal and there is plenty of tapas eating happening here. The regularly changing carte is helpfully divided into seafood, vegetables, meat and poultry, so one minute you could be nibbling on mussels in white wine garlic and parsley and next it could be a roasted aubergine with pomegranate seeds, olive oil puree and pita bread. Moroccan lamb tagine, Spanish Serrano ham and marinated grilled pork, chicken and lamb skewers all come together in the meat section.

From Thursday to Saturday night Sotanos pays tribute to that great dish of Spain, the paella, and also offers a selection of delicious cocktails.

A cosy little Italian restaurant located in the centre of Lyme Regis, location for the filming of  "The French Lieutenant's Woman", and one-time home of Jane Austen, Lyme Bay Kitchen and Bar has a contemporary distinctiveness that stands out from the local tea cafes and restaurants. Well set tables, good music and comfortable leatherette seating create a classy ambiance whilst a friendly welcome adds a touch of warmth.

Inspired by regional Italian cuisine, high quality seasonal ingredients form the backbone of the cooking at Lyme Bay Kitchen. Expect to find a selection of Italian breads well-coupled with ice-breakers such as whitebait or Pomodoro Leonardo, an olive oil based mix of mozzarella cheese, sundried tomatoes and basil. Thus inspired you could pick a hearty lasagne, a roasted swordfish steak or a classic pasta like the penne pesto. A good variety of freshly prepared pizzas is also to hand as is a medley of homemade desserts for a perfect finish.

If you're in and around Lyme Regis and wish to spend time relaxing or enjoying good food and drink, there are few places that can match the beauty of the Alexandra, which offers a fabulous view of the Cobb Harbour and Lyme Bay coastline.

It does not take long to feel at home in this refuge's friendly atmosphere, made even warmer by thoughtful service. Built in 1735, the Alexandra became a hotel in 1901, and for over a hundred years has continued to uphold its tradition as a timeless haven of English peace and charm.

When it comes to food, dishes could be created from produces such as lamb from Wylde Meadow farm nearby, fish from Lyme Bay and Somerset farm grown vegetables. The AA Rosette menu offers dishes such as Dorset sausages and black pudding; a salad of peppered smoked mackerel; and mains of grilled fillet of monkfish, and pan-fried brill with polenta cake and a tian of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

The cellar has carefully chosen notable wines from around the world and also from lesser known smaller growers.

One of the best reasons to visit Lyme Regis is to enjoy the magnificent vistas over Lyme Bay and Cobb Harbour, and what better way to do it that to sit on the terrace of By the Bay on Marine Parade with a chilled glass of white wine. On a blustery day, or winter simply retire behind the panoramic windows to take in the views.

During the day old favourites make an appearance - fish and chips, crab baguettes and scrumptious desserts and ice creams - recently they have been joined by some new surprises such as two-way John Dory served with Mediterranean-style vegetables and sautéed new potatoes. In the evening, Head Chef Johnny Gilbert has infused the menu with a colourful modern twist to include dishes like pan-fried halibut served with roasted beetroot, thyme, cauliflower puree, and a spring onion and parmesan dressing.

With a location such as this and versatile space, a traditional wedding feast or a seaside celebration By the Bay will be one to remember.

The first thing you notice is the spectacular sight of the Jurassic coastline, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. Hix Oyster and Fish House prefers to keep things simple, a small terrace on the upper deck with a wooden bar is the best spot to enjoy lobster and chips, whilst gazing out to sea. For those who haven't managed to book a table upstairs do not fret over missing out on the visual delight. Enjoy a bit of theatre in the dining area downstairs with an open plan kitchen, enabling you to chat with the chefs as they go about their work.

A blackboard of the day's landing and house specialities using fresh fish make up the menu, in addition to a variety of seasonal oysters. Dishes such as jellied skate with pea shoot salad, lemon sole with fennel tops and roasted hake with clams and samphire come to table with confident simplicity.

Located in the centre of the town, just off Coombe Street, is the Town Mill Complex nestling around the cobbled courtyard of an old mill house dating back to 1340. With al fresco seating, The Mill Tea and Dining Room takes a prominent spot in the compound and its décor has an English old school glamour marked by the vintage linen upholstery, Chapman Brothers artwork, bronze chandelier and antique union jacks.

A seasonally inspired and simple menu characterises traditional cooking, and starters such as potted rabbit and sweet onions, Duchy of Cornwall oysters and home smoked salmon and pickled cucumber are followed by lamb faggots cooked in pea puree and chicken leg stuffed with bacon and creamed leeks. Bitter chocolate mousse and damson gin pitch against baked apple and custard pudding for a strong finish

You could wet your whistle with a wee dram at Mill Tea and Dining Room before you head off to explore the rest of Town Mill.