DORSET has a number of vibrant and diverse restaurants and they are not too hard to find.
You can enjoy some tasty Italian food, toast a special occasion with some fine dining, or eat flavoursome Asian food.
Based on thousands of reviews, TripAdvisor has compiled a top 10 list of the best-rated restaurants across Dorset.
Some of these places have been dubbed ‘simply amazing' with some meals described as ‘delicious’.
This is the top 10 highest-rated restaurants across Dorset according to your reviews on TripAdvisor.
10) SALT Co. Chef's Table
SALT Co. Chef's Table, from the Westbourne area of Bournemouth, sneaks into the top 10 with a number of positive reviews.
While it is not strictly a restaurant, private chef and chocolatier Christian Ørner offers a service where he visits peoples' homes and offers a fine dining experience.
One reviewer wrote about their 'wonderful experience', and said: "We had Christian, Raul & new team member Annie come and prepare a wonderful meal for my 50th birthday and 16 guests.
“I can’t rate them all highly enough, a thoroughly enjoyable evening and the food was superb.
“We shall certainly be using them again, highly recommended!”
9) Bistro My Way
Reviewers on Tripadvisor believe Bistro My Way is the best place for food in Christchurch as well as among the best restaurants in Dorset.
Based on Lymington Road in Highcliffe area of Christchurch, it boosts a five rating based on 150 reviews.
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.”
8) Robin Wylde
Robin Wylde, in Silver Street, Lyme Regis, is the brainchild of TV chef, Harriet Mansell, who appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu and has also worked around the world in renowned restaurants and Michelin star kitchens.
The restaurant is not actually named after a particular person. It is a pseudonym which 'evokes connotations of lush countryside whilst retaining a sense of English charm and adventure'.
The name of the venue made its way up the country as far as Worcester, where it reached a 'real-life' Robin Wylde, who upon discovering the name of the restaurant decided to journey down to Lyme Regis for the soft launch.
Since its launch last year, the restaurant has quickly gained an excellent reputation.
One reviewer wrote: “Quite simply this restaurant is incredible. The staff are so lovely and attentive and the food is to die for!
“We visited whilst on honeymoon and this was the best night for us as the whole experience was perfection.
“We opted for the wine pairing and my husband is not normally a wine drinker but enjoyed every glass.
“I am a coeliac and the chef ensured I was well catered for.
“Being a tasting menu the whole menu was made gluten-free (apart from breads but a GF option was available).
“If we could visit every weekend we would. I can't recommend Robin Wylde enough.”
“Looking forward to our next visit!”
7) Red Panda
A firm favourite with locals, this eatery serves healthy, vibrant Asian street food including bao buns, spring rolls, salads and rice dishes with plenty of kimchi and carrot-radish pickle.
Reviewers have praised its vast menu, helpful staff and 'tasty food' and the Broad Street restaurant currently boasts a five-out-of-five rating based on more than 300 reviews.
One reviewer reads: “Popped my head in the door to ask if they could help me out with gluten-free food and the two helpful staff immediately replied with what was available and how they adapt the food to make it gluten-free.
“Not sure what it was called but had chicken, salad, rice, and a lovely flavouring on top. The two staff had good knowledge of allergies and were very helpful.”
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6) Ebike Cafe
Cycling enthusiasts who helped breathe new life into a Victorian harbourside building to create a new café is one of the best restaurants in Dorset according to TripAdvisor.
Ebike Cafe @Deheers opened its doors in the prestigious Deheers Building along Weymouth’s old harbourside late last year.
The building had undergone a £2.5 million renovation with a new retail area and warehouse-style apartments above it.
The café has been a hit with customers thanks to its snacks, lunchtime menu and more, with more than 130 excellent reviews on the site.
One reviewer wrote: “Every time we visit a new place we spend ages researching cafes that accommodate vegans.
“Most mention vegans in their website but actually only ever pay scant attention to providing vegan-friendly choices.
“Imagine our surprise therefore when we happened across Ebike as we wandered along the quay.
“Everything about it was fantastic. The menu was not exclusively vegan but offered so many choices to make it truly worthwhile.
“The setting by the quayside in the sunshine was delightful, the service was genuinely friendly and welcoming from all the staff we encountered. The owner, Josephine was so accommodating and helpful.
“The food was delicious and freshly prepared, wholesome and nourishing and there was plenty of it.
“I would highly recommend this place if you want a delicious meal. You can even hire an electric bike while you're here.
“If we get the chance to visit Weymouth again before we finish this holiday, we will have no hesitation in returning here.”
5) Myra's Kaiseki
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.”
4) Moose Kitchen
Based on Bourne Avenue, the restaurant has attracted a five-out-of-five rating based on more than 500 reviews.
The Canadian restaurant said it offers 'hearty, authentic food and drink' and has a 'modern and cosy atmosphere'. It is also the highest-rated restaurant in Bournemouth according to Tripadvisor.
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”
3) Millside
The seafood restaurant, based on Mill Lane in Lyme Regis, is among the top places to eat in Dorset.
Diners can enjoy fresh seafood with friendly and quick service.
One review reads: "We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at the Millside. I’ve always wanted to try the food here and wasn’t disappointed!
“It was delicious especially the scallops, lobster and fresh fish. We enjoyed a very special family celebration.
“I loved the new decor and we all enjoyed the music, thank you for a wonderful evening.”
2) Karma Cafe & Meze
Karma Cafe & Meze, based in Broadstone, is a thriving restaurant that offers Mediterranean, Turkish and Greek food. The food looks so good that you cannot wait to tuck in as soon as it is on your table.
The restaurant offers 'delicious Mediterranean food' and offers a dining experience as if you're enjoying a fine meal abroad.
One glowing review states: “We came here for dinner and had such a great experience that we returned for breakfast a couple of days later.
“We ordered a large variety of different food and everything was beautifully seasoned, flavourful and cooked to perfection - delicious!
“The staff were so friendly and looked after us very well. We can’t wait to return next time we’re in the area!
“Thank you!”
1) The Whole Hog
There are many tasty restaurants to enjoy in Lyme Regis but The Whole Hog has been dubbed the best place for a meal in Dorset.
The Broad Street restaurant serves delicious roast baps with tender pulled pork or chicken served with fresh house slaw and BBQ Jerk sauce.
The Whole Hog offers vegan food too, as well as speciality doughnuts include salted caramel & honeycomb, Biscoff or Terry’s chocolate orange.
A brief look through the reviews show why it’s the best-rated restaurant in Dorset.
A reviewer wrote: “My boyfriend had told me to visit to The Whole Hog was a must on our visit to Lyme Regis but as I’ve recently started eating more of a vegetarian diet I was a bit sceptical.
“They did have a vegan option of pulled jack fruit and it was incredible! The bbq sauce was delicious, slightly spicy and went perfectly with the coleslaw.
“I had a bite of my boyfriend’s pulled pork sandwich to compare and although it was great I genuinely preferred the jack fruit.
“Both sandwiches were huge and full of flavour, we also bought some raspberry doughnuts for later which were also delicious and full of gorgeous homemade jam. I can’t wait to visit again!”
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!”
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