Sometimes there’s nothing better than grabbing a pizza for yourself and filling yourself with some delicious Italian food.

There’s plenty of places in Dorset that you can eat some pizza, enjoy some garlic bread or share a large pizza full of tasty toppings with friends and family.

Most of us have a local takeaway within a short walk or drive of our house. But why not push the boat out and try some of the best in Dorset?

Tripadvisor has named the best places to eat a pizza in each area of Dorset based on user reviews rating their visit out of five.

Some of these places have been dubbed ‘hidden gems’ with some food described as ‘incredible’.

These are the highest-rated restaurants and takeaways which offer the best pizza across Dorset according to your reviews on Tripadvisor.

Blandford Forum

According to Tripadvisor, The Stour Inn in Blandford St Mary is the best place for a pizza in the area.

One glowing review states: “The best pub for social distancing.

“Very friendly and welcoming staff. Absolutely delicious home-cooked pizza and brilliant prices too.

“Thank you so much!”

Bournemouth

The highest-rated Italian in Bournemouth according to Tripadvisor, is Forno Pizza.

Based on Wimborne Road, the restaurant has attracted a five-out-of-five rating based on 144 reviews. It is also the fifth-best restaurant on Tripadvisor in the town.

One stand-out review said: "Fantastic pizza! Lovely people.

“You can see that the business is run with passion and the employees feel like at home.

“Very good price. The pizza was so delicious that we took one home and packed the rest.”

Bridport

The Stable on East Street has been dubbed the best place for a pizza in Bridport.

One review reads: “We ate here one evening during our holiday and weren’t disappointed.

“There’s a good choice of pizzas, including two vegan options (with good melty cheese), and a wide range of beers and ciders.

“The outdoor space was lovely and service was quick and friendly.”

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Dorchester

Based on Elderidge Street in Dorchester town centre, Zizzi has been ranked as the best place to eat a pizza in Dorset’s county town. 

The popular restaurant has a four rating based on 804 reviews.

One notable review said: “We were staying in Premier Inn round the corner and we were delighted to find Zizzi on Brewery yard.

“The pizzas were delicious with extra bread and olives for starters. Really friendly staff as usual.”

Basilico, which is also praised for its pizzas, meanwhile has a five-out-of-five rating, but based on only 70 reviews.

Gillingham

The popular Ristorante Da Massimo has a four-and-a-half rating from 224 reviews, with users praising its food and service.

One review about the Lydfords Lane restaurant reads: “We visited last night after looking for Italians close to our overnight stay outside of Ilfracombe.

“The reviews were good so we booked a table for the 5 of us. The venue is charming and attached to a very nice pub.

“It’s family-run and the whole team were very welcoming and attentive.

"They didn’t have what I fancied on the menu but I asked if the chef could make it and he could!

“All of the food was excellent and I couldn’t recommend a visit highly enough!”

Lyme Regis

There are many takeaways to enjoy in Lyme Regis but Poco Pizza has been dubbed the best place for a pizza in the seaside town.

One review said: “All the outside tables were booked, so we saw the fabulous view across the bay through the windows.

“This might have been disappointing, but instead we watched with fascination as they prepared and cooked the pizzas in their pizza oven.

“It was like having a floor show. They seem a very committed and hard-working crew.”

Poole

Top of the list in Poole is Ginali’s.

The restaurant, based on High Street, has attracted reviews that claim it is among the best restaurants in the area with other reviews praising the food and service.

One user wrote: “This Italian restaurant could not be faulted from the very attractive courtyard setting, sublime food, which was very reasonably priced and probably the two best waitresses we’ve ever come across waiting tables!

“Congratulations to the chef and his team just first class!”

Portland

The Portland Pizza Company is the best place for a slice of pizza, according to Tripadvisor.

With a four-and-a-half rating based on 45 reviews, it’s easy to see why.

One review, entitled ‘just perfect’ said: “Wow, What a find!

“Such a great pizza, full of flavour and amazing crust. My pizza-loving family haS voted it one of their favourite pizzas ever… and we eat a lot of pizza.

“Download the app first to make sure it’s ready for you nice and hot when you arrive and then hit the beach to enjoy.”

Shaftesbury

San Tonio, based on Mustons Lane, is the top-rated place for pizza in the town, with praise for its food and value for money.

One five-out-of-five review reads: “Excellent we visited Shaftesbury and looking for a restaurant to have a nice meal and we found this restaurant in an old chapel.

“The food is to die for and service is very good - We will be back.”

Sherborne

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

Reviews have commented on its ‘lovely food’ and praised its vast menu.

One reviewer wrote: “Visit was at lunchtime to catch up with family in the area.

“Service was friendly and attentive. Restaurant is very pleasant.

“Food was excellent, two of us had swordfish which was beautifully cooked.

“One couple shared a pizza, there was no problem with them doing this and apparently the seafood risotto was also great. Definitely recommend.”

Sturminster Newton

Fellini currently has a five-out-of-five rating on Tripadvisor based on 20 reviews.

One review reads: “Table for 8 And a baby not a problem. Attentive staff.
“The pizza dough was delicious and light. The pasta I picked for my main actually made my mouth water.

“Clean plates all round.

“An authentic Italian restaurant in the middle of nowhere with a menu that suited all of us and very reasonably priced.

“A big thumbs up from me..”

Swanage

The coastal town has a few takeaways to choose from but Peppina has been dubbed the best in the town for a pizza on Tripadvisor.

The restaurant has a four-and-a-half rating based on 60 reviews on the site.

One reviewer said: “Great little restaurant. Super friendly staff and lovely pizzas and cocktails.

“Definitely recommend if you like pizza and pasta.”

The Swanage restaurant is currently closed due to staffing issues.

Wareham

The Italian Kitchen, based on East Street, boasts a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 600 reviews.

One reviewer said: “Came here when we visited Dorset and the food was unreal. The service was also great!

“Would definitely recommend.”

Weymouth

According to Tripadvisor, the best place for a pizza in Weymouth is Nicetta.

The St Mary Street restaurant has a five-out-of five rating on Tripadvisor based on 180 reviews with a vast majority of reviews deeming it ‘excellent’.

One review, entitled ‘Amazing pizza and lovely service’ reads: “After some disappointing experiences in eateries elsewhere in Weymouth, this place was an absolute gem.

“The garlic bread was amazing (and huge - for only £4.50) and the pizzas were divine - perfect dough.

“We are an Anglo-Sicilian family, so it was lovely to meet the Sicilian husband (chef) and wife team behind this wonderful place.

“We plan to return to Weymouth next year and will be booking a number of visits here again. Delightful!”