Food & Drink Highlights in Dorset

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...

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

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.

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

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.

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 The Dough Box, a family run mobile pizzeria serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas at Café Riva, Conker Spirit Distillery and events across Dorset, bringing communities together through great food.

Discover Café Riva, Southbourne's much loved clifftop café serving illy coffee, all day dining, New Forest ice cream, wood fired pizzas, community events and breathtaking coastal views.

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.

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.

While Chocol8 is best known for its handcrafted chocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts, there's far more waiting inside.. Standing out with its iconic, unmistakable bright pink storefront on Poole Road, Chocol8 has been delighting Westbourne with handcrafted chocolates, thoughtful gifts and homemade treats for...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Cirqle Café & Bar in Christchurch, where speciality coffee, delicious brunches, handcrafted cocktails and live music create one of Dorset's most exciting all-day food and drink destinations.

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 Lula's Coffee, a new independent coffee trailer in Christchurch, Dorset. Learn more about the menu, location, opening hours and what makes this local coffee spot worth visiting.

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.

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.

Bournemouth’s coffee scene includes independent cafés that locals return to time and time again, drawn by expertly brewed coffee, welcoming atmospheres and a strong sense of community. Explore our highlighted coffee shops that have earned their reputation through quality, consistency and loyal regulars.