Dorset Restaurant Guide

Acorn Inn

The Acorn Inn, set in the picturesque West Dorset village of Evershot, did not escape the attentions of Thomas Hardy, and in Tess of d'Urbervilles it became the 'Sow and Acorn'. Perhaps Hardy had the protection of the innocent in mind for it is very easy to be beguiled by the easy antiquity of this wonderful old, stone-built inn, which offers attractive and well-prepared food in totally rustic surroundings.

• Address: Fore Street, Evershot, DT2 0JW (Map)
• Cuisine(s): French, Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £32.00

Alibis Wine Bar & Bistro

A modern and stylish restaurant with relaxed seating downstairs and a more formal restaurant setting on the first floor, Alibi's Wine Bar and Bistro offer a range of modern European food, veering ever so slightly towards the French way of doing things.

• Address: 35 Great Western Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UF (Map)
• Cuisine(s): French, Modern British, Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £14.00, Dinner: £24.00

Anchor Inn

• Address: Burton Bradstock, Burton Bradstock, DT6 4QF (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Seafood
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £25.00, Dinner: £40.00

Anchor Inn at The Seatown

• Address: Seatown, Chideock, Bridport, DT6 6JU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Seafood
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £25.00

ASK - Bournemouth

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking. Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken.

• Address: Jacey House, 284-292 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1PH (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Pizza & Pasta
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £22.00

Bar Med - Bournemouth

You can recognise a Bar Med outlet from its characteristic symbol of the sun outside, but once inside, each branch has its own unique personality and style. This chain of seven bars provides a relaxed environment by day, but the pace quickens in the evening with pulsating music and a festive air fuelled by a range of drinks and cocktails.

• Address: The Quadrant Centre, St. Peters Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2AD (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Mediterranean
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: N/A

Bates Restaurant

• Address: 350-352 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, BH8 9RX (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £15.00, Dinner: £30.00

Beach Cafe, The

For those looking for that somewhere a trifle different, The Beach Café at Lulworth Cove has much to commend it. First the location which is pretty breathtaking, secondly the atmosphere which could be described as 'waterside offbeat', and finally a menu that is remarkably good.

• Address: Lulworth Cove, West Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5RQ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): British UK
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £28.00

Berties Fish and Chip Restaurant

A traditional family run fish and chip shop, combining a takeaway and thirty seats with waitress service. Most popular on their menu is the 'Lunchtime/Evening Special' - Cod, chips and mushy peas served with a drink of your choice and a roll and butter.

• Address: 331 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, nr Christchurch, BH23 5EG (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Fish & Chip
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £16.00

Bistro on the Beach

As the name implies, short of setting up camp on the beach you will not eat any nearer to the sea than at the Bistro, a fact which has been totally accepted by locals and holidaymakers alike who flock in great numbers to enjoy the buzz and informality of this friendly place that offers real value for money.

• Address: Solent Promenade, Southbourne Coast Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 4BE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £31.00