Dorset's reputation for good places to eat grows year by year, with a number of excellent pubs and restaurants serving delicious local food nearby, and within easy driving distance. Advance bookings are advisable.
Pubs serving excellent food:
The Fox Inn, Corscombe - 3 miles : 01935 310790
A lovely traditional thatched country pub serving good home cooked food in a very warm relaxed atmosphere. Well priced menu. Outside tables by the stream for summer evenings.
Closed Monday night and Tuesday
The Acorn Inn, Evershot - 3 miles : 01935 83228
Very good food, served in the restaurant or bar area, with bar meals also available. Friendly efficient service. Pretty village. Highly advisable to book.
Greyhound Inn, Sydling St Nicholas - 7 miles: 01300 341303
Well cooked food in a lovely country pub. Wide range of choices, friendly hosts and considered a favorite by our guests. Good value. Pretty village. Booking advisable.
The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole. - 7 miles : 01935 872337
Village pub serving good homecooked food. Good value, and friendly.
The New Inn, Cerne Abbas - 9 miles : 01300 341274
Lovely pub in pretty village serving good food and using local produce.
By the coast...
RISE, West Bay - 14 miles 01308 422011
Open all day. From 'small plates', to burgers, interesting fish and meat dishes, and vegetarian. Sit inside or on the terraces by the water's edge. Open daily. Bookings are taken online.
The Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock - serves fresh crab, fish and other goodies - lovely location overlooking the sea - open lunch times and early evening at weekends.
The Clubhouse, West Bexington, DT2 9DG 01308 898302
Almost on the beach, serving primarily fresh local fish and seafood. Simple menu offered for outside tables, and more elaborate for restaurant. Very good food. Recommended, and booking very essential. Closed Monday/Tuesday
Rachels at West Bay - Brilliant outdoor cafe serving ultra fresh scallops, fish, crab, fish and chips. Lunches only, 12noon - 4pm approx. Booking possible for 12 noon only.
Anchor Inn, Seatown (Near Chideock) 01297 489215
With tables on the cliffs (totally safe!) at Seatown, with good walks locally. Recently tenanted by lovely young couple serving good food with friendly service. Recommended.
Crab House Cafe, Weymouth DT4 9YU 01305 788867 - serves local fish, oysters, crab and seafood - great for lunches or early evening. Closed Monday/Tuesday.
Wonderful Restaurants within easy driving distance:
The Ollerod, Beaminster - 7 miles 01308 862200
Very good food and a real treat for that special occasion. closed Wednesday evening, and lunchtimes Monday - Thursday.
Brassica, Beaminster - 7 miles 01308 538100
Serves good contemporary food. Small restaurant in the Square with friendly owners. Booking essential.
Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot - 3 miles 01935 482000
Country house hotel with sophisticated restaurant and excellent wine list.
Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis - 23 miles 01297 446910
Mark Hix grew up in Dorset, formerly of The Ivy and Caprice restaurants in London. Small restaurant with views over Lyme Bay serving good food.
Tierra Kitchen, Lyme Regis - 23 miles 01297 445189
Wonderful Vegetarian restaurant with interesting dishes for everyone. Open Tuesday - Saturday for dinner; and Wednesday - Saturday for lunch
The Parlour at Bredy Farm, Burton Bradstock DT6 4ND 17 miles 01308 897899
Italian style cafe-restaurant at Bredy Farm, serving pizzas, Italian food and BBQ fish and meat. Closed Monday/Tuesday and Sunday evening.
Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock DT6 4RB 17 miles 01308 897205
Fresh fish, seafood and meat, served in a classic style. On the cliff overlooking Lyme Bay.
Closed Monday/Tuesday and Sunday evening.
Best Local Pubs:
Fox and Hounds, Cattistock - 5 miles 01300 320444 - Good honest pub food with beer on tap and popular with locals. Very pretty village.
Winyards Gap, Cheddington - 8 miles Good pub grub, and sit outside to enjoy the most amazing views towards Somerset