Dorset Restaurants

Updated on 11/5/2023

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

TWELVE EATERY

Diners’ top pick

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££££Price: Expensive

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Vegan

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4.9

(799)

Sustainability and nutritional is at the core of Twelve. There are no obvious vegan cues and most of our guests don’t even make the connection that the menus is plant-based.
Twelve is defined not by what’s missing but by what it is.
Twelve Eatery is where vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, flexitarians, omnivores and meat eaters meet to try creative dishes in a good atmosphere with stylish interiors.
We believe great food and good music should be enjoyed by everyone!

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Art Sushi

££££Price: Expensive

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Japanese Speciality

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4.9

(370)

Owner/Chef Kamil Skalczynski - Finalist of the World’s major and most prestigious tournaments for Sushi Masters:
WORLD SUSHI CUP 2016 IN JAPAN and also GLOBAL SUSHI CHALLENGE 2015.
He is an Adviser World Sushi Skills Institute and also He won the Certificate of International Sushi Kuro-Obi and also International Proficiency, the Only one accepted In the World, awarded by the Japanese Government under the Leadership of the Japanese Association „SUSHI WSSI ALL JAPAN ASSOCIATIONS AND NORWEGIAN COUNCIL SUSHI AND SEAFOOD”.
Head Chef and co-founder of Japanese Restaurants, awarded by ‘AWARDS OF EXELLENCE BY POLAND 100 BEST RESTAURANTS”. Chef in the award-winning WhitePepper - Chef Academy & Cookery School.
He gained experience in well-known Restaurants In Poland. He had an Internship In Atelier Amaro, A One Michelin Star and also worked there with the Best Chefs. He was also trained In the Academy of Jean Bos and used this experience In his unique dishes.

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The Cricketers

££££Price: Moderate

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Pub

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3.6

(246)

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the impressive roadside pub in the picturesque village of Shorton. Here at The Cricketers, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand. Situated at the foot of Hambledon Hill, home of an Iron Age hill fort, and just off the Wessex Ridgeway footpath, a right of way passes right through our garden, making it a delightful spot for walkers to rest and enjoy some well-earned refreshments! Here at the Cricketers, we see ourselves as being a real village pub - delicious food, a great selection of drinks and the warmest of welcomes. Well behaved dogs are even welcome in the bar area!

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Dancing Moose in Ashley Cross

Top-rated food

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££££Price: Expensive

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British

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4.3

(34)

Throughout the day we serve up fresh food and chilled vibes. From breakfast until dinner, we are
the place to be, no matter what the occasion. For a catch up with friends over a creamy latte and
smashed avo on sourdough, to seal your business deal with clients over small plates and a glass
of wine, or even if you want to come in, kick back and read the newspaper – we don’t mind,
we’ve got you covered!
If you’re out with your pup, well behaved four-legged friends are more than welcome with us, as long as you
don’t mind our team giving them a bit of fuss! Ask one of the servers for a water bowl, and if
you’re lucky – occasional treats will also be available!
By night, we take things up a level… we rock out disco beats that make it feel like the weekend
no matter what day of the week it is! Let us serve you the best food and craft you a killer cocktail
to go with it. Book your table to make sure you don’t miss out.

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Al Molo Dorchester

££££Price: Expensive

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Contemporary Italian

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4.7

(287)

Al Molo is an award-winning Italian restaurant launched in 2015 and transformed Weymouth’s Pier Bandstand into a destination for wonderful Italian food. Co-owners Giuseppe Vannucci & Tim Newton achieved national recognition from the Italian Chamber of Commerce with the “Marchio Ospitalità Italiana“ seal of quality award and won Gold for ‘Restaurant Of The Year’ at the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.
Building on that success, this new restaurant, their second, Al Molo Dorchester, is traditional Italian cuisine and seafood Restaurant focus to bring fresh, locally caught fish to the forefront of the menu.
Situated in one of Dorchester’s oldest buildings, Judge Jeffreys on High West Street, one of the few surviving timber-framed buildings in Dorchester.
Using fresh, locally caught fish and produce, coupled with the finest Italian ingredients, the restaurant will pride itself on quality food in a venue which provides a unique historical setting.

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Shalims Balti House

££££Price: Moderate

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Indian

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4.6

(799)

Shalims Balti House is a national and regional award winning Indian restaurant. Come in and enjoy the best in Indian dining Weymouth has to offer. The mouthwatering food and warm comfortable surroundings all add to the experience that you'll find hard to beat when it comes to Indian food in the area. For the best food, service and comfort dine at Shalims Balti House.

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The Anchor Inn

Top-rated hospitality

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££££Price: Moderate

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British

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4.7

(522)

You'll find us nestled snugly right on Seatown Beach, hidden along one of the many coves that litter Dorset's famous Jurassic coastline. Once a smugglers haunt, the pub now serves a seasonal menu with a focus on seafood and fresh local produce.
Complete with wood fires and Palmers award winning ales, the pub is the perfect location to refuel after a day on the coastal path or for a special evening meal with friends or family.

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Tom's Lyme Regis

££££Price: Expensive

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British

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4.7

(662)

Tom's Lyme Regis is a multi award winning restaurant situated on the Lyme Regis seafront offering exceptional views over Lyme Bay. We are dedicated to serving stunning food and delivering outstanding service.
Each dish on our menu has been created using fresh local produce that changes with the seasons providing you with an exciting varied menu focused on bold flavours. Since opening in 2020 we have received several accolades including an AA Rosette in culinary excellence, Jurassic Business Award winners for Best Restaurant and Best Business, & finalists in the prestigious Trencherman's Awards for Best Front of House Team and Best Newcomer.

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The Old Inn

££££Price: Expensive

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British

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4.7

(2568)

The Old Inn is a traditional country pub in the heart of the idyllic village of Holt. Situated close to the historic town of Wimborne Minster, The Old Inn is the perfect destination when you fancy a homemade, traditional pub meal. With real fires, a beautiful garden and fantastic service, this pub is definitely worth a visit. We have worked hard to put together a menu that offers something for everyone. Everything is freshly prepared at the Old Inn, from our Chicken Liver paté, to children’s chicken nuggets. We pride ourselves that all of our meals are traditionally cooked using largely locally sourced ingredients and our seasonal specials are definitely worth looking at too, as well as our delicious desserts! We aim to provide a prompt, efficient and friendly service and we can cater for all types of parties.

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Ship Inn Distress

Great vibe

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££££Price: Moderate

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Pub

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4.3

(159)

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in this welcoming pub located in the heart of Stanpit village on Dorset's south coast. Here at the Ship in Distress, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand. We love our coastal location and our bar pays tribute to this with a fittingly traditional nautical theme! Dogs are welcome and we've got a large car park for visitors and plenty of seating space. Our traditional pub classics are expertly crafted from our seasonal menus and the bar is crammed with local ales and tipples to tempt any taste buds. Using the most seasonal ingredients and decadent flavours, there's a dish for every desire.

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Oliveto

££££Price: Expensive

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Italian

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4.4

(2266)

Oliveto brings Italian cuisine from the heart of the owners and Italian Chefs. Using local produce with the finest Italian ingredients the restaurant prides itself on quality food with a difference in a venue which provides an amazing setting. Whilst dining on excellent cuisine you can enjoy panoramic views of Weymouth Bay and the Jurassic coastline in a relaxed and grand setting. Respecting the building's origins as part of the piers bandstand the restaurant's decor nods to the past incorporating art deco features together with modern design. You sense a feeling of luxury as you walk through the doors.

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The Clubhouse West Bexington

££££Price: Moderate

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Seafood

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4.5

(238)

Iconic Coastline. Fantastic Food.
Serving fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, focusing on fish and seafood, lovingly prepared to our customers from near & far.
Our Garden Pavilion, patio and relaxing garden area are seasonal additions offering far-reaching sea views and evening sunsets to each and every table.

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Lulworth Lodge

Great budget-friendly spot

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££££Price: Moderate

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Bistro

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4.6

(327)

Set a pebble's skim from the iconic Lulworth Cove, our all-day ground floor bistro serves contemporary food sourced from the local ingredients.
From fresh crab to our homemade pizzas - we are aiming to bring the best of mixing the traditional, the homemade & the exciting !
We are sorry to say we are unable to take reservations for the outside seating area, however you can always just walk in !

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Spice Ship

££££Price: Moderate

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Pub

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4.4

(185)

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the coastal village of Preston. With Bowleaze Cove a mere 20 minutes stroll away, the Spice Ship is the ideal pit stop to book end a day, simply sit back, relax and enjoy our delicious menu with your favourite drink in hand. We're proud to offer a menu packed with the most appetising dishes. Our passion for taking traditional pub classics and making them the best around by using the most decadent of ingredients, makes every meal served have you coming back time and time again!

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