What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than enjoying a candlelit meal with your loved one?

It may be a cliché but treating yourselves to some delicious food and taking the time to appreciate one another’s company for a few hours really is the ideal way to spend the most romantic evening of the year.

To make the best impression, choose a fine dining restaurant for fabulous flavours and attentive service.

These sought-after establishments will get booked up quickly though so to avoid disappointment, get your reservation in early.

So, whether you’re celebrating with your other half, the family, your best friend or simply offering yourself some love, here are Tripadvisor’s hottest tables for February 14, in Dorset.


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Top 5 fine dining restaurants in Dorset

Yalbury Cottage

Dorset Echo: Yalbury Cottage, Dorchester. Picture: TripadvisorYalbury Cottage, Dorchester. Picture: Tripadvisor
Where: Lower Bockhampton, Dorchester DT2 8PZ
Rating: 5/5
Number of 'excellent' ratings: 477
Customer review: Wow
"We stayed recently for a night to celebrate our anniversary.
"Our room was lovely and had a great view of the garden. Dinner was absolutely amazing. We both ate vegetarian and honestly the food was better than some of the Michelin "Stared restaurants in which we’ve eaten. Fresh, vibrant and delicious.
"After a great nights sleep in this lovely cottage, breakfast was equally as good.
"Overall, a lovely night away. Thanks for having us."
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The Clockspire

Dorset Echo: The Clockspire, Milborne Port. Picture: TripadvisorThe Clockspire, Milborne Port. Picture: Tripadvisor
Where: Gainsborough, Milborne Port DT9 5BA
Rating: 5/5
Number of 'excellent' ratings: 141
Customer review: A simply perfect evening
We had visited The Clockspire a few times previously and made the decision to book for my Wife's "big" Birthday for a Group of us to get together.
"From the moment we booked, the whole team were attentive in their menu suggestions and how we could structure the Evening from a Cocktail reception to the Table decorations and wine pairings.
"We ended up having the Tasting menu for the table with a whole host of varied palette's and intolerances to cater for. To say this went without a hitch is an understatement, NOTHING was too much for Massi, Thomas, Luke and their respective teams.
"Everybody who dined with us that night commented on the fluid service and faultless food, the staff are extremely attentive and knowledgable and offered us up their highest standards.
"In short, do not pass up the opportunity to dine with them, in my opinion, you will never find better."
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La Fleur de Lys

Dorset Echo: La Fleur de Lys, Shaftesbury. Picture: TripadvisorLa Fleur de Lys, Shaftesbury. Picture: Tripadvisor
Where: Bleke Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AW 
Rating: 5/5
Number of 'excellent' ratings: 279
Customer review: Fantastic stay and dinner
"We only live 20 miles away but we decided to stay overnight for a special birthday and anniversary dinner. And La Fleur de Lys was really special.
"The room was beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, in fact the whole place is lovely. The bed was comfy and we had a great nights sleep.
"And then we get to the food. What a fabulous meal we had. Everything was delicious and just perfect and the service was great too.
"All topped off with a delicious breakfast the next morning.
"We felt like we’d had a proper holiday, not just a night away.
"Hope to go back again soon!"
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The Jetty

Dorset Echo: The Jetty, Christchurch. Picture: TripadvisorThe Jetty, Christchurch. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: 95 Mudeford Christchurch Harbour, Christchurch BH23 3NT
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of 'excellent' ratings: 2,164
Customer review: An outstanding night
"We had a great night in The Jetty. We went for the tasting menu. This was 7 courses, very much Michelin star quality. Courses were a great mix between seafood and meat.
"We also went for the wine pairing, which was very well chosen and featured wine from all over the world.
"One key factor for this being a good night was Luca, who - other than providing incredible professional and friendly service - is a trained sommelier and explained in a very entertaining way why the wines paired to each course were picked and how they would interact with the food.
"Overall an outstanding night, celebrating a big anniversary!
"The Jetty is something special, but if we have something to celebrate and are in the are will will definitively visit again."
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The Guildhall Tavern

Dorset Echo: The Guildhall Tavern, Poole. Picture: TripadvisorThe Guildhall Tavern, Poole. Picture: Tripadvisor
Where: 15 Market Street, Poole BH15 1NB
Rating: 5/5
Number of 'excellent' ratings: 
Customer review: Fabulous night out
"We were lucky enough to book Christmas Eve at The Guildhall Tavern for my wife and daughter. The service was attentive but relaxed, the atmosphere was perfect and every dish was cooked to perfection.
"Lemon sole, Monkfish, Turbet and local oysters all prepared beautifully. This will not be our last visit to The Guildhall whether just for fine food or a special occasion."
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