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Whilst the restaurant lists itself as of the French persuasion when it comes to cuisine it seems more likely that what really draws people to this little West Country bistro is the quality and range of the fresh fish. What comes in on the boat is what you get so don't go with any preconceptions beyond that it will be fishy and good. Lobster, grilled Dover sole, king scallops, crab and prawns are all likely to make appearances, generally presented in simple form with the exotica saved for the puddings which, unlike some seafood restaurants are anything but an afterthought. House wines from £10.95.

La Trattoria has been run with dedication by the Forte family since 1970; and they pride themselves for having served quality Italian cuisine for close to four decades. The setting of the small restaurant is casual and relaxed and the service is friendly and attentive.

While breakfast and lunch is offered in the adjacent Fortes Café Tratt, dinner is served at La Trattoria. The menu focuses on fresh fish, seafood - lobsters and crab caught by local fishermen - pasta, pizza, and a selection of Italian specialities.

Fresh mussels, crab, scallops and tiger prawn feature as starters frequently depending on availability. Main courses range from chicken in a wine, cream, and mushroom sauce with pancetta, and scallope di maiale, tender pork escalope fried in breadcrumbs, and served with spaghetti alla napoletana, to the chef's specials of fillet of halibut, and whole sea bass in a lemon, pesto sauce. Traditional and specialty pizzas and pastas such as homemade lasagne rarely fail to please.

A varied wine and drinks list specialises in good Italian wine.

If your taste in dining is for fine cuisine served in comfortable and friendly surroundings, all situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, then The Corner Restaurant in Swanage will surely whet your appetite. Literally a cork's throw from Dorset's famous Jurassic coastline and right in the heart of the magnificent Purbeck landscape, it is now firmly established as one of the South's better culinary experiences.

The Corner Restaurant has four seasonal menus and a daily specials board, which includes fish supplied by local fisherman straight out of Swanage Bay; however, they pride themselves on sourcing, whenever possible, all ingredients locally. Therefore you might find such delights in season as rack of Dorset spring lamb with fine beans, crushed roasted rosemary new potatoes and Madeira sauce or Purbeck venison loin rolled in juniper and cranberry crust, Jerusalem artichoke mash and crème de cassis sauce.

With splendid views across Swanage Bay and Peveril Point, the Grand Hotel, with its new chef and new menu continues to offer well selected local produce and innovative food. There is a somewhat ponderous, but well travelled wine list with house wine at £9.95.

For those who have been to the Caribbean and relished the shacks and snacks of coastal living Shell Bay may well rouse a few fond memories. This is al fresco dining in the true meaning of the style. There is a separate bistro menu and bar for those who want it even more informal. Try and go on a good day, there is shelter at other times but the whole thing is designed for relaxing in the sun, taking in the stunning views as the children paddle in the shallows a few yards away. The seafood is of very high quality with a good menu range and they are fully licensed, with house wine from £10, so after lunch it's forty winks on the sand, but don't forget those children.

Closed Mon-Wed low season

Some might think that this doesn't fit in a restaurant guide, and, in a way, they are right; however, if you like a real pub with genuine homemade pies and pasties, then this is the place for you.

Situated a short distance from the Sandbanks Chain Ferry, is the picturesque town of Swanage and its seaside restaurant which promises stunning views of the sea from an elegant dining area. Perched on the beachfront, the restaurant also has ten moorings if you prefer to travel by boat and arrive in style. The mood is holiday-like bordering on magical, and the experience is relaxing and enjoyable. With oak floors, purple leather chairs and flamboyant décor, it's the kind of place in which you want to be proposed to or surprise your significant other with, although any other occasion could prove just as fabulous.

A family-friendly restaurant, Oceanbay comes with a children's menu and young guests are well taken care of. Go for the homemade spicy king prawns, the freshly dressed Dorset crab, the grilled gammon steak or southern style organic chicken. If room permits, pick a dessert from the ever-changing dessert board and pamper yourself with Dorset's finest dining experience.