The best restaurants across Dorset according to Tripadvisor

There’s plenty of places in Dorset that you can eat some tasty Italian food, enjoy some fine dining, sample some flavoursome Asian food and much more.

Some restaurants hold special memories and can provide a great venue to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or just a catch-up with friends and family.

Tripadvisor has named the best restaurant in each area of Dorset based on user reviews rating their visit out of five.

Some of these places have been dubbed ‘absolutely stunning’ with some meals described as ‘delicious’.

These are the highest-rated restaurants across Dorset according to your reviews on Tripadvisor.

Beaminster

To many, it’s no surprise that Brassica Restaurant on The Square is the best restaurant in Beaminster.

Reviews online have described the restaurant as ‘incredible’ and ‘delicious’.

One glowing review reads: “On holiday with not many restaurants open seven days a week and many booked up, so glad we followed the reviews and pre-booked before we left home.

“A lovely feeling to the place in both decor and size, but also from the FOH team...very friendly and unpressured.

“Food was excellent: steaks done to perfection, with lots of flavour, fish cooked beautifully with interesting accompaniments and a pasta dish so fresh and full of flavour.

“The whole family enjoyed their food and recognised the high quality.

“So it cost more than the previous evening, but the quality was well worth it.

“Their shop over the road rendered lovely bread the following morning too.”

Blandford Forum

According to Tripadvisor, The Baker Arms in Child Okeford near Blandford Forum is the best restaurant in the area.

One glowing review states: “We went for dinner and absolutely love this place. The food was excellent!

“Service spot on and nice and covid friendly and clean. I had the burger and my man had fish n chips.

“We could not fault it at all. Has to be my favourite pub without a doubt.”

Bournemouth

The highest-rated restaurant in Bournemouth according to Tripadvisor, is Moose Kitchen.

Based on Bourne Avenue, the restaurant has attracted a five-out-of-five rating based on more than 500 reviews.

One stand-out review said: "Wow, wow, wow."

"Been waiting for over a year to get to eat here and I can honestly say I won't be waiting another 12 months.

“I can fully understand why you have to book weeks in advance to eat at a place where the service and food are so good.

“It's not for the faint hearted so you better bring an appetite with you.

“My two daughters, wife and myself were blown away with the experience and wish the owners and staff all the luck in the world.

“Hopefully see you again before Christmas”

Bridport

The Three Horseshoes in Burton Bradstock has been dubbed the best place for a meal in the Bridport area.

One review reads: “We absolutely love it here. We had yet another famous evening.

“Staff are always excellent and food is always amazing. We chose various bar snacks this time and they did not disappoint.

“Have no hesitation in recommending this establishment. Food is top notch and prices are extremely fair.

“Looking forward to our next visit”

Christchurch

Reviewers on Tripadvisor believe Bistro My Way is the best place for food in Christchurch.

It currently has a five rating on the site.

One reviewer wrote: “Bistro My Way is very special. Once again we have celebrated a family birthday with a truly superb Sunday lunch.

“The menu is absolutely first rate in every aspect and the Sunday roasts are a delight.

“The service is first rate and the presentation of the food is of the highest standards.

“So many little touches that show that the team care about their customers and the food that they present.

“We also visited with some friends a couple of weeks ago in the evening and as ever everything was very special.

“We count ourselves very lucky to have such a fabulous little bistro in our village. “Congratulations to the whole Bistro My Way Team.”

Dorchester

Based on High East Street, Myra's Kaiseki has been ranked as the best place for food in Dorset’s county town. 

The Japanese restaurant has a five-out-of-five rating based on more than 650 reviews.

One notable review said: “This is a precious find: the commitment to excellence shines in every dish.

“The tuna nigiri is the best I've had in the UK. The pork char sui noodles were a revelation.

“The marinated cod was delicate yet fully flavoured. Our family eats a fair bit of Japanese food and everyone loved this place.

“The wine list is also excellent. The staff were attentive and helpful.

“The owner came to talk to us after the meal, was very keen to hear our thoughts on the menu.”

Gillingham

The popular The Ship Inn in West Stour has a four-and-a-half rating from more than 250 reviews, with users praising its food and service.

One review about the restaurant reads: “We were recommended by our lovely Clockhouse B&B hosts and were delighted with the experience.

“We both had scallops & black pudding to start and then one smoked haddock with spinach & mash (generous portion!) and one hake supreme with prawn & white bean sauce (so many beans!) but beautifully presented and cooked.

“Our bottle of dry French Vermentino was very reasonably priced. We couldn't manage desserts but would definitely return.”

Lyme Regis

There are many tasty restaurants to enjoy in Lyme Regis but The Whole Hog has been dubbed the best place for a meal in the seaside town.

The Broad Street restaurant serves a mixture of fast food and street food as well hot and cold drink.

One review said: “You can see why this is no.1 place to eat, had the most amazing pork roll, every bite was amazing, went back the next day for coffee and donuts, neither disappointed!

“Friendly, helpful staff, can't wait for our next visit!”

Poole

Top of the list in Poole is Drgnfly Pan Asian Restaurant.

The restaurant, based on Bournemouth Road, has attracted a number of ‘excellent’ reviews thanks to its ‘amazing’ Asian food.

One user wrote: “Superb evening spent last night with friends at drgnfly VIP room. “Friendly server Holly and Jen and a lovely chef Margaret. All foods served were all delicious.

“The drinks were so good. Highly recommended place if you want to dine in with good food and ambiance with friendly staff.”

Portland

Quiddles Cafe along Chesil Beach is the best place for food on the island, according to Tripadvisor.

The café, which offers a scenic view of the beach, currently has a four-and-a-half rating based on more than 400 reviews.

One review reads: “We booked at 10am for 12.30pm with no fuss.

“Staff were friendly, at the native, answered all questions, then served my seafood-dubious children and I the most fantastic calamari, cod and scallops.

“Every bite was packed with flavour, and the four of us enjoyed it immensely. Very well done everyone connected - easily our favourite in Portland / Weymouth, which we visit 2/3 times each year.

“Thank you guys.”

Shaftesbury

La Fleur de Lys is the top-rated place for a meal in the town, with its blend of European and British a hit with customers.

One five-out-of-five review reads: “four of us went for dinner at La Fleur de Lys for my partner, and her twin sister's, birthday and it did not disappoint.

“We found the set-up of the restaurant very cosy and comfortable, with our own sofa next to the table so that we could lounge at the end of our meal.

“I know this was only due to changes as a result of Covid, but we found it a really nice touch.

“The meal was superb, and the wines were exceptional. The service was excellent, and a nice touch for the chef/owner to bring out the bill and have a chat to us about the meal.

“Well done to the owners and staff.”

Sherborne

Tamburino Gold, based on Digby Road, currently has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 900 reviews.

Reviews have commented on its ‘Great Italian food and wine’ food and service and praised its vast menu.

One reviewer wrote: “Just had a relaxed and extended late lunch at Tamburino Gold in Sherborne.

“Authentic Italian food & wine and discreet professioal waiter service by Carmine.

“Sat outside in the sunshine, with our two Cockapoos and we could have been in Rome or Verona.

“Thoroughly recommended and good value for the quality of food and service”

Swanage

The coastal town has a few restaurants to choose from but Bliss Food Co has been dubbed the best in the town for a tasty meal on Tripadvisor.

The restaurant has an impressive five rating based on more than 200 reviews on the site, with an overwhelming number of ‘excellent’ reviews.

One reviewer said: “It’s not very often, you find a little place you’ll never forget but I have to say that Bliss for me and my wife, is one of those places.

“The place itself has warm and comfortable atmosphere and the staff are friendly, polite and attentive.

“The food was superb, we both went for the fish caught earlier that day and say that each dish was cooked beautifully.

“We’d both decided to be good and not have a desert but that went out if the window when we read what was on the specials board.”

Wareham

AllStars Sports Bar & Cafe boasts a five rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 200 reviews. 

One review reads: “We visited Allstars for my husband's birthday this Wednesday, where we both had the cooked breakfast.

“What a treat! The service was excellent, nothing was too much trouble.

“I mixed from the vegetarian and traditional breakfast. The food was perfect, thank you so much.

“It is great to have somewhere spacious to eat in the current climate. Have to also mention the magnificent birthday cake made by Heidi.

“Looking forward to trying the new Afternoon tea menu next weekend.”

Weymouth 

According to Tripadvisor, the best restaurant in Weymouth is Sambo.

The Abbotsbury Road restaurant has a five rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 400 reviews with a vast majority of reviews deeming it ‘excellent’.

One review, entitled ‘Great meal’, states: “Four adults and three children had a lovely time, food was awesome and plentiful.

“Staff were friendly and helpful. Drinks were very good.

“I've been to quite a few Brazilian restaurants and this was by far the best.

“They also pointed out that service charge was already added when I tried to leave a tip, very honest.

“Thanks all for a most enjoyable evening.”