Dorset Restaurant Guide

Cliffhanger Cafe

Cliffhanger, which sounds rather like a location out of a Bond film, occupies what must be one of the most scenic settings on the South Coast, and is predictably popular at all times of the year, with opening hours from 8am to 10pm.

• Address: Waterford Road, nr Christchurch, BH23 5JA (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £30.00

Conservatory Restaurant

A former townhouse, built in 1740 and now sympathetically converted into a comfortable hotel. Happily the extensive gardens have survived all the unpleasant things that can happen to gardens and on balmy summer evenings guests can wander at their will.

• Address: The Eastbury Hotel, Long Street, Sherborne, DT9 3BY (Map)
• Cuisine(s): British, European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £19.00, Dinner: £33.00

Coriander

Established for over twenty years, Coriander is located in the heart of Bournemouth town centre, just off the main square. Open all day every day from 12 noon until late. The interior is rustic and colourful, with cacti, sombreros and Mexican blankets hanging from the walls.

• Address: 22 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6EJ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Mexican
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £10.00, Dinner: £18.00

Corner Restaurant, The

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.

• Address: 1 Institute Road, Swanage, BH19 1BT (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British, Restaurant
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £12.00, Dinner: £30.00

Crab House Cafe

Probably one of the most novel of the seafood eateries that believe in keeping close to their sources of supply, the Crab House looks out over Chesil Beach. The place is full of delightful eccentricities that on their own make a visit to this seaside shack worth while.

• Address: The Oyster Farm, Ferrymans Way, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9YU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Seafood
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £21.00, Dinner: £38.00

Da Vinci's Ristorante Pizzeria

Located in the same restored warehouse building that is home on the upper floors to Da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie, the Ristorante Pizzeria meets the same people, but with different needs. Completely informal, the aim is to offer the same high quality of food, but with a total commitment to Italian culture.

• Address: 7 The Quay , Poole, BH15 1HJ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Italian, Pizza & Pasta
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £12.00, Dinner: £20.00

Da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie

Selected Restaurant

On the second floor of a venerable warehouse that has successfully made the leap into a new 21st century use, da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie sits on the waterfront, painted pink, with stunning views over the glistening waters of Poole Harbour, and plenty of original woodwork and antique charm to bolster the imagination.

• Address: 7 The Quay , Poole, BH15 1HJ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Italian, Brasserie
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £15.00, Dinner: £25.00

Ellingtons

Situated on the 1st floor, Ellington's offers two tempting menus the table d'hote offers daily dishes for a set price and the a la carte features our chefs signature dishes and local fayre. A pianist plays convivial music Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch.

• Address: Hilton Bournemouth, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BZ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £19.50

Farthings Restaurant

Farthings is worthy of more than a passing glance - the only privately owned restaurant in Bournemouth to have two AA rosettes to its credit it takes great pride in close sourcing of ingredients. There is little doubt that in terms of quality food Farthings offers some of the best value for money in town.

• Address: 5-7 Grove Road, St. Peter's Roundabout, Bournemouth, BH1 3AS (Map)
• Cuisine(s): British, English
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £38.00

Fish 'n' Fritz

Whilst it is true that Rick Stein has gone a long way towards making fish and chips respectable, it is places like Fish 'n' Fritz who have in fact been doing it for a long time, indeed some of them I remember with great affection.

• Address: 9 Market Street, Weymouth, DT4 8DD (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Fish & Chip
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £17.00