Food & Drink - Wine & Dine in Dorset

Planning a birthday, anniversary or special dinner at home? Discover five private chef services in Dorset, covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas. From classical French cooking and bespoke seven-course tasting menus to relaxed sharing dishes, these private dining experiences bring restaurant-quality food into your own home. Explore the different menus, prices and services available to help you choose the right private chef for your next celebration.

Discover what’s new at Urban Reef Bournemouth as the much-loved seafront restaurant joins the Boathouse Group. Expect a refreshed menu celebrating fresh local produce, wood-fired pizzas and seafood, plus live Sunday music, Saturday DJ sets and those spectacular views across Bournemouth’s coastline.

Discover seven places for Sunday roasts in Christchurch, Dorset, from traditional country pubs and relaxed neighbourhood favourites to restaurants overlooking Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Harbour. Our guide compares current serving times, vegetarian choices, waterside locations, dog policies and booking advice, helping us find the right Sunday lunch in Christchurch, Highcliffe, Burton, Winkton and Bransgore.

Acclaimed seafood chef Nathan Outlaw is behind Outlaw House, a new coastal restaurant, bar and boutique stay opening in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in September 2026.

Looking for somewhere special for Sunday lunch on the Dorset coast? From traditional roasts overlooking Bournemouth and Branksome beaches to seafood beside Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, these six restaurants turn Sunday lunch into a proper coastal afternoon. Discover South Beach at THE NICI, Urban Reef, Rockwater Branksome, Rick Stein Sandbanks, Shell Bay and The Jetty.

Discover the best farm shop cafés in Dorset, from countryside breakfast spots to family-friendly cafés serving fresh local produce, homemade cakes and artisan coffee.

Discover five picture-perfect places to eat in Dorset, from clifftop restaurants overlooking Studland Bay to riverside dining in Wareham, seafood beside the Jurassic Coast and lunch surrounded by lakes and contemporary sculpture. These beautiful Dorset restaurants and cafés combine memorable food with exceptional settings, making them ideal for summer lunches, romantic meals and special occasions worth bringing a camera for.

The Larder House has become one of Southbourne's most loved independent restaurants, combining artisan food, seasonal ingredients and exceptional hospitality in a character-filled setting. Discover why locals and visitors continue to recommend this Southbourne favourite.

Discover BUCO Artisan Pizzeria, Christchurch's newest independent Italian restaurant, bringing authentically inspired Neapolitan pizza, homemade Italian dishes and traditional hospitality to the heart of the town.

Dorset's pubs are more than just places to grab a pint, offering a mix of history, character, and top-notch hospitality. Here’s an exploration of five standout pubs in Dorset, each with its own unique charm, comparing their food, drink selections, locations, ambience, atmosphere, child and pet friendliness, events, parking, and what keeps customers coming back.

Find & compare Gastro Pubs based in Dorset, that offer great service, atmosphere, food & drink.

Discover why The Bear of Burton has become one of Christchurch's favourite country pubs, combining exceptional food, boutique accommodation, beautiful gardens and the vibrant annual Bearstival community festival.

Discover a little taste of Spain in Southbourne, where traditional tapas, golden paella, refreshing sangria and colourful surroundings create a relaxed, authentic Spanish dining experience.

Tucked away in Lytchett Minster near Poole, The Courtyard Craft Centre is one of those places where a quick browse can easily turn into an afternoon out. Bringing together independent shops, Dorset makers, creative workshops, local produce and The Cowshed café, it offers much more than traditional shopping. Whether you are searching for a handmade gift, fancy coffee and cake or want to try a new craft, there is plenty to discover.

There are few better ways to start a summer morning than breakfast overlooking the sea. Following its recent takeover by The Boathouse Group, we were kindly invited down to Urban Reef in Boscombe to experience the new breakfast menu, see some of the changes already taking place and find out what's planned for the...

Find & compare Bakeries & Bakery Products across Dorset.

Planning a night out in Bournemouth? The town offers more than one kind of evening, from cocktails near the beach and live music in Boscombe to DJ-led bars, student nights and quieter pubs. This guide helps you choose an area and atmosphere, discover venues to explore, and plan your journey home. Check individual event listings, entry conditions and transport before travelling, as the programme can change from night to night.

The Salt Pig is opening its largest café and restaurant yet at Lighthouse Poole, serving locally sourced Dorset food from 1 September.

Sushi, pizza and Middle Eastern flavours have arrived at The Dolphin Poole, as three independent food spots open in its Street Food area.

Luca's Takeaway Café is now open on Sundays, giving Westbourne locals another opportunity to enjoy fresh food, quality coffee and warm family hospitality. Discover why this independent café has quickly become one of the area's favourite places to eat, drink and unwind.

From vibrant Sri Lankan street food and theatrical cocktails to tropical interiors and warm island hospitality, discover why The Coconut Tree has become one of Bournemouth's most memorable dining experiences.

Discover Conker Distillery in Southbourne, where we enjoyed an evening of cocktails, comedy and community while learning more about Dorset's first gin distillery and its local story.

Bringing Mediterranean-inspired beach club culture to Bournemouth's seafront, Palm Beach Club is one of the town's newest summer destinations. Combining beachfront dining, cocktails, beach beds, resident DJs and sea views, it's designed as a place where visitors can spend an entire day soaking up the atmosphere by the coast.

Discover our favourite beach cafés and restaurants around Westbourne and Bournemouth's coastline. From the panoramic sea views at Rockwater Branksome and relaxed beachfront dining at Chineside to authentic Italian cuisine at Vesuvio, stunning coastal views at Café Riva and the laid-back atmosphere of SOBO Beach, these are some of the best places to enjoy breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch or dinner by the sea in Dorset.

Where to find the best burgers in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole & Dorset - including takeaways and restaurants. Whether your favourite is a double cheese burger or a vegan burger, a chicken burger or a naked / burger without a bun, find your burger inspirations here.