Bournemouth Restaurant Guide

2022 Review: “Top-notch fish, chips and alternatives” plus a “lovely location” not far from the centre of town make this modern seaside café a good choice for breakfast or lunch, with stunning views from the terrace.

2022 Review: A “beautifully situated restaurant” in an Art Deco solarium overlooking Poole Harbour, and where “drinks on the upper deck are an extra delight”. One or two off reports on the food front this year, but also plenty of plaudits for its “really good breakfasts and lunches”, and “service has improved” of late too.

“Jan and Stacey are legends” according to fans of the Bretschneider’s small, “friendly” and “relaxed” tasting menu restaurant. “The amazing food is even more impressive when you realise it is created and delivered by only 3 staff. If this was in London it would be hugely acclaimed!”. The 9-course evening menu is £105 per head.

An “absolutely fantastic location by Poole Harbour” and “a large selection of fish dishes” keep the tills ringing at the TV chef’s Dorset outpost. “The food is standard Stein fare” – which pleases most reporters (“gorgeous seafood”), if not quite all – and “prices are really going up”. Top Tip – “get a table upstairs for lunch in the summer”.

“A wonderful waterside location” is the crown jewel feature of this “relaxed and unhurried” modern hotel dining room – the location overlooking boats on the Stour “makes the restaurant a romantic venue and if weather permits being seated outside is a bonus”. “Lovely food” too – “well presented and reasonably priced”.

“Fresh, fresh fish”, “roasted in their wood oven” is the straightforward but irresistible offer at this “perfect seafood restaurant right on Poole Harbour”, with views from every table across to Brownsea Island. “What’s not to like? There were no negatives”.

By the ruins of Christchurch Castle, this stately hotel occupies a Georgian-style building on the River Avon, and is well-reviewed food-wise for its quality cooking. There’s a wide variety of affordable menus featuring bistro/brasserie-style dishes.

This gorgeous old tavern on a corner site near the harbour – newly spiffed-up last autumn and with the recent addition of a conservatory – specialises in “excellent-quality” local seafood, served in a warm atmosphere that is “like being in France”.

“Big flavours on small plates” encapsulates the appeal of this “fabulous little tapas spot”, whose popularity means you “need to book ahead”. It feels “generous, atmospheric and family-friendly – can’t wait to return”. Top Tip – “the aubergine in honey is worth the trip alone”.

This “nice gastropub with large gardens” has undergone a dramatic £800,000 refurb since our annual diners’ poll, to be reborn with cocktail bar-style décor replacing the traditional pub interior, and fitted seating with cushions in the 100-seater garden. The new menu replaces standard 3-course meals with a globally inspired selection of small plates.