Sand-swept beaches, dappled woodlands, and a swathe of idyllic countryside that’s inspired many paintings in its time, Dorset is a patchwork of beauty we just can’t get enough of… nor can some of the nation’s finest chefs it seems.
Oh yes, making full use of the county’s astonishing natural larder, Dorset’s foodie scene is a smorgasbord of culinary delights, with many Michelin recommended restaurants calling this quiet corner of the South West their home (not to mention a whole fleet of food festivals ready to blow your taste buds away). Fresh seafood courtesy of Dorset’s stunning coast and farm-to-fork goodness line the menus of these epic establishments, creating a tour de force of local ingredients and flavours.
But don’t take our word for it, put these delectable eateries to the taste – sorry, test! – with our guide to the top Michelin restaurants in Dorset…
The Green, Sherborne
01935 813821
3 The Green, Sherborne DT9 3HY
greenrestaurant.co.uk
The Green in Sherborne continues to wow hungry patrons with its Mediterranean-style dishes and beautiful listed location. From the golden glow of the historic building to the lovely patio where al fresco dining is a sun-soaked must, it’s easy to get swept up in the atmosphere of this Michelin recommended restaurant.
The menu is just as eye-catching, boasting an ever-changing selection of creative dishes that meld classic themes with new ingredients and techniques. Tuck into home-smoked trout, Georgian spiced lamb, and vegan burgers, or turn to the desserts and opt for a dash of spice with a carrot and ginger sticky toffee pudding.
Of course, with a menu that changes with the seasons, you can always expect something new and delightful, giving you endless excuses to visit this much-loved eatery.
The Dog House, Gillingham
01722 703067
Lydfords Lane, Gillingham SP8 4NJ
doghousedorset.com
Whether it’s the large fire pit in the centre of the pub or the bespoke grill that chars each dish to perfection, a meal at The Dog House near Shaftesbury is an experience you won’t forget, but will certainly want to repeat. Female-led and focused on good food and memories shared, this cosy Dorset pub invites you to dine family style (complete with dogs snoozing at your feet). Think shared plates piled high with fresh-from-the-flames delights such as oyster mushroom skewers, Iron Age pork croquettes, and charred hispi cabbage for an oh-so-smokey treat.
On Sundays, join the pub for one of their famous family-style roasts, with Yorkshire puddings and potatoes stacked in the centre of the table for all to enjoy. Or, if you simply fancy a bite to eat, grab a stool at the bar and enjoy something off the tempting bar snacks menu, which includes dishes like mozzarella and truffle toasties,’Nduja scotch eggs, and cheddar and leek arancino. Not to mention a variety of local ales and world wines to wash it all down with. A stone’s throw from Cranborne Chase National Landscape, it’s the perfect pairing for a walk across the undulating hills that make up this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock
01308 897205
Cliff Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4RB
theseasideboardinghouse.com
Making the most of its cliff-top perch, the Seaside Boarding House has you covered whether you want a six course banquet to really fill the corners or a light lunch after a stroll on the beach – dogs are welcome on the terrace and in the bar so you can bring the whole pack!
Alongside sea views and a welcoming dining room, you’ll find a seasonal menu worth your attention. Surrounded by the sea and sweeping farmland, Seaside Boarding House focusses on locally sourced ingredients that elevate the simple yet delicious dishes. Choose between steamed mussels, fried Torbay sole, and grilled pork chops at lunch, and bavette steak, fried globe artichoke, and Portland crab in the evening.
An extensive wine list accompanies the menus, with a bar stocked full of superb whistle-wetters, from refreshing cocktails to soothing nightcaps.
Sandro’s, Lyme Regis
01297 599801
3 Drakes Way, Lyme Regis DT7 3QP
sandroslymeregis.co.uk
Whether it’s fine dining or fossil hunting, Lyme Regis is a jewel on Dorset’s coastal crown, offering a variety of restaurants and things to do during your stay. A restaurant that is recommended by both locals and the Michelin Guide, Sandro’s offers a family-run dining experience that’s perfect for catch-ups with friends as well as romantic outings with a loved one. It is run by Alessandro Strillozzi, after watching his parents run the restaurant 25 years ago. From the moment you step through the door, this generational love of food is evident through the menu that showcases Tuscan cuisine and Asian flavours, and the welcoming atmosphere that surrounds you.
Taking inspiration from his world travels alongside the kitchens he has worked in, Alessandro has created a menu that takes your taste buds on a journey across the globe, from Dorset’s sparkling coast to Italy’s sun-soaked countryside. Start your meal with some olives or pork rillettes, before moving on to lamb ragu. As with all the dishes, the mains change with the seasons, promising the likes of tandoori cauliflower, fresh-caught hake, and rich venison. Finish things off with a classic cheese course or a decadent pudding, before sitting back and sipping a digestif.
Brassica, Beaminster
01308 538100
4 The Square, Beaminster DT8 3AS
brassicarestaurant.co.uk
A colourful setting in Beaminster, exciting menus, and even its own homeware and food shop, Brassica is a breath of fresh air we can’t stop inhaling! We’re particularly in love with their film and food suppers, which combine much-loved movies with a themed menu to match.
The menu takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, taking you on a spirited journey through locally sourced dishes that pack a flavourful punch. Stop by for brunch and baked eggs, tomatoes, ‘nduja, and grilled focaccia, lunch and a generous helping of Agretti, black garlic, and crispy polenta, and dinner for a round of braised organic pork shoulder ragu with red wine and soft polenta. During the week, you can opt for the Prix Fixe menu, which offers Michelin-grade cooking for a fraction of the price.
Friendly, vibrant, and with dishes that are quick to draw a smile, Brassica is one for those looking for a relaxed meal and a spot of retail therapy.
Catch at The Old Fishmarket, Weymouth
01305 590555
1 Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BE
catchattheoldfishmarket.com
Situated on a bustling quay in Weymouth and within a Grade II listed fish market, Catch is the ultimate place to indulge in some sublimely fresh seafood – you can even pick some up to take home from the artisan fishmonger downstairs.
With menus that change with the seasons (and often the tides), you’re in for an ever-changing culinary adventure when visiting Catch, whether you book in for the four-course tasting menu at lunchtime or the Saturday night eight-course extravaganza. Some of the dishes you can expect to devour here include sourdough with smoked mussel butter, Portland crab dumpling, and cured Weymouth sea bass served with artichoke and young leeks – is it possible to swoon more over a menu?
Not to worry if you prefer under the ground to under the sea, as the lovely team at Catch is more than happy to create vegetarian and vegan tasting menus with advance notice.
Shell Bay, Studland
01929 450363
Ferry Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3BA
shellbay.net
Basking in reaching views across Brownsea Island and the peaceful waters of Poole Harbour, Shell Bay is all about location, location, location and fish, fish, fish!
Starting as a shack and growing into the incredible Michelin-recommended restaurant it is today, Shell Bay promises sea views and seafood by the bucketload, and if you visit in the evening, you add sunsets to the list. A stunning mix of indoor and outdoor seating ensures you’re covered whatever the weather, and the a la carte menu does a phenomenal job of drawing your attention from the surrounding views. Dine on Poole Bay oysters, beetroot tartare, and smoked venison croquettes, or simply stop by for a glass of something sparkling as the sun sets around you.
Dogs are welcome at Shell Bay, so the whole family can stop by and enjoy the glistening sea views and coastal menu that earned this waterside bistro a spot in the recent Times’ 20 best places to eat seafood.
Parnham Restaurant, Beaminster
01308 341341
Parnham House, Beaminster DT8 3LZ
parnhampark.co.uk/restaurant
Set within a walled garden at Parnham Park, this restaurant is one of the prettiest places in Dorset to sit and enjoy a meal with loved ones. Surrounded by lovingly tended plants and herbs, sit down and enjoy a slower pace of life as you peruse a menu filled with local produce and the freshest of ingredients. Every meal is catered for here, whether you’re looking to fuel up before exploring Dorset’s beautiful walks and bike rides, or indulge in a post-adventure feast somewhere special.
Breakfasts range from truffle dippy eggs with marmite soldiers and chilli benedict to nasi goreng and Singapore spice bubble and squeak, inviting you to enjoy flavours from around the world as you start your day. Lunches are an equally relaxed affair, with dishes including the likes of BLT croissants and sauteed duck livers on toast, while the supper menu includes the famous Parnham Pinxtos, with Dorset oysters, hand-dived scallops, and venison ragout. The Sunday Lunch Club is the perfect way to end the week, whether you’re drawn in by roast duck, Parnham honey carrots, or cauliflower cheese spiced with harissa.
Feeling hungry? Dorset’s drool-worthy collection of Michelin restaurants is waiting to lead you on a culinary adventure through the flavours of the Westcountry. Enjoy your food-fuelled stay with one of our lovely self-catering holiday cottages, the perfect base for your foodie travels.
