North Dorset restaurants with food menus

King Alfreds Kitchen

➤ 17, SP7 8JX, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Cakes • British • Breakfast • Vegetarian

"It started off well although I find it irritating these days that hosts do not indicate to you if table service or at the counter. Nice ambiance and once I had gone to the counter and ordered a ploughman's I thought great place. My latte was served. The ploughman's that arrived didn't quite look like the website photos. But had the cheeses. The pickles and chutney were a bit laim. Salad ok but the bread very doughy. Half way through my eating a dog was sick next to me. I Left.."

The Charlton Inn

➤ 325 Bournemouth Road, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • British • Vegetarian

"Writing for my parents . A dreadful experience with a group of friends. The food was pre ordered. My father didn’t get his meal, as ordered, he had to eat what he was given, as that was what was left. Others had cold veg, over cooked , inedible duck .. another gent didn’t get his meal so he had to wait 10 minutes whilst they cooked for him. All this could have been easy remedied with a member of staff apologising and caring about the whole situation. Customer service costs nothing. The general consensus between this large group of friends is that they won’t return."

The Cricketers

➤ Main Street, DT11 8QD, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pubs • Steak • Vegan • British

"The restaurant offers great food, excellent beer, and service with a smile! My friends and I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon after a long walk. We were warmly welcomed, despite not being locals in the small village. We felt right at home immediately. We stayed for a few drinks and enjoyed a delicious meal. The food was fresh and flavorful. The owners went above and beyond to help us, even lending us a charger. If I lived in the village, I would be proud to have this place as my local spot. Well done to the team for their fantastic work. I highly recommend this restaurant."

Ye Olde Two Brewers

➤ 24 St James Street, SP7 8HE, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pizza • Steak • British • Vegetarian

"our first time to visit shaftesbury and during the walk through the city we came over this pub, so decided when we came back a few days later after we had arrived from motcombe, we would try it a little bit. we were welcomed by a friendly and welcome barman who said our dog was also welcome. the sun seemed, so we sat outside in the well-maintained beer garden, which had a beautiful view. lunch menu had all the classic pub-grub to choose from. we both decided for the steak burger and chips, perfect size drank and very tasty. so beautiful we stayed for a few more drinks, enjoy the sun and relaxed atmosphere. we met the renter who kindly brought us water for our dog, although it was his day free. highly recommended."

Yellow Bicycle Cafe

➤ 30a Salisbury Street, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Cafe • Cafés • Mexican • British

"Lovely little cafe their baker, Rhe, is fabulous! Her as a person as well as her stunning cakes. It was pure luck that I stumbled across her business page (shared by the cafe so after being let down by two other bakers, Rhe literally came to my rescue! She is an absolute magician with the deadline she had to create my daughter's first birthday cake (especially with it being so close to Christmas! . She is an extremely professional, kind and talented individual. The cake was absolutely exquisite (she nailed the brief! it immediately brought me to tears when I collected it. After getting it safely home and having a closer look the attention to detail was impeccable and it was evidently made with so much love and passion. It was a HUGE hit with my family who have already started spreading the word about her business as well as wanting to use her for other, upcoming occasions. I cannot recommend Rhe enough for anyone seeking not just a cake, but a work of delicious, edible art. She as a person radiates warmth and will do everything in her power to create the perfect cake for you. Thank you, Rhe, for making my daughter's first birthday unforgettable you are an exceptional baker and I will be returning! Xx"

The White Horse Inn

➤ White Horse Lane, North Dorset, United Kingdom, DT10 1LY

Fish • Steak • Seafood • Ice Cream

"We have been frequenting this restaurant for 3 years, but since the new ownership took over, I must say that it has become truly exceptional. It's a hidden gem that you almost don't want others to know about, but at the same time, you want more people to enjoy the great food and atmosphere of this pub. I consider myself well-traveled when it comes to dining out, and I can confidently say that this place embodies the best of what British Pubs have to offer - a wonderful experience, delicious food, impeccable service, and a fantastic setting. I absolutely love it here."

The Saxon Inn

➤ Gold Hill, DT11 8HD, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • British • Vegetarian

"The Saxon Inn is a truly beautiful country inn, full of charm and character. Each little area, corner and nook is styled and curated to perfection, and the special little attention to details really elevates this place above what you'd normally expect from a country inn. Every turn reveals an almost lnstagrammable moment you'd want to capture. The welcome from the hosts Sarah and Richard couldn't have been more friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. They really were consummate hosts and you could just tell they'd put their heart and soul into place and genuinely cared that their customers not only enjoyed their stay, but loved their stay. The bedroom and bathroom were spotlessly clean and comfortable. The cooked breakfast in the morning was delicious and the fresh fruit and doorstep toast was amazing. Real coffee, real butter, and locally sourced products made this a breakfast to remember. My partner and I didn't have an evening meal at the Inn when we arrived but really regretted it when we tasted the breakfast the following morning. To add even more character to the place, the Saxon Inn also has two other permanent residents, the beautifully-docile and aloof Reggie (a gorgeous whippet), and Herman , an independent little dachshund who parades around wearing a bandana. Overall, it's a superb place to stay and eat. We'd highly recommend it."

Da Massimo

➤ Lydfords Lane, SP8 4NJ, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pub • Pizza • Pasta • Italian

"What a master! The finest Italian, family run, closely guarded secret in Gillingham. If you have not eaten here then you have missed the best!! So what 's so clever? It 's the taste and flavours from little additions which turn a standard offering into something fantastic. Try any pasta: see what is created, the tastes are VERY different to the usual bland offerings. Try the tagliatelle Borgia: tagliatelle with garlic, panchetta shrimp, mushroom in a cream sauce topped with parmigiano and black pepper, with a touch of curry powder, or the Buffalo pizza with everything you can think of on it. These pizzas are simply an elevation of a simple stock item to Michelin masterpieces. We love consistency and perfectly cooked squid rings, succulent, not tough. Daily changing specials and deserts as well as generous a la carte . You will not go hungry here, and may leave with some of your pizza in a box!! House wines are similarly well above the ordinary. Why would they let you drink ordinary with such food? It is simply not this family 's way. Ok, compliment my choice later!!"

John Peel

➤ 52 High St, SP7 8JG, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Coffee • Brunch • British • Breakfast

"This restaurant used to be great, but ever since the new manager took over, the service has declined. I waited over an hour and still did not receive my food, so I asked for a refund. The two women working there were very busy but still lovely as always. Ten customers walked out while I was waiting because no one came to serve them. What happened to all the staff?"

Sweet Pea Cafe More

➤ Market Cross, North Dorset, United Kingdom, DT10 1AN

Cafe • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

"Visited Saturday 23/09/23 to meet up with some friends for lunch. Managed to get a table, really pretty little cafe, cosy seating. Decent menu, lovely friendly welcoming staff who genuinely appreciate your custom. We had jacket potatoes and quiches. Recommended and would return."

The Crown Dorset

➤ West Street, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pub • Cafés • Steak • British

"I would like to start my review on my first time at the Crown in the greeting when we first arrived was good evening sir and madam this was from the manager who wore a suit with shirt and tie, shown to our table...introduced to our waitress for the evening who was well presented in a smart white blouse and black skirt, the food was top notch and the service was excellent. Now let's review my last visit in the greeting hi guys can I get you some drinks we looked at the menu and ordered our food from our table server who was in a creased polo shirt black Jean's and white trainers, my wife wanted the chicken ceasar salad but asked for the anchovies to be left out, food arrived well presented but the ceasar salad had no dressing on it so we asked for the dressing but apparently the dressing is with the anchovies so if you remove the anchovies you lose the dressing, being from a catering background I found this to accept but was told no separate dressing now what sort of kitchen does not have any kind of dressing I will tell you it's the crown st Blandford, my side dish of broccoli with cheese and garlic was missed off so arrived late, when you read on a menu broccoli with cheese and garlic I would expect it to be like a cauliflower cheese but no it's just broccoli with with some parmesan shaken on it. What did surprise me is that the manager was in Jean's and an opened neck shirt, this casual look obviously reflects on the casual way the staff work. The Crown used to be the flagship of the brewery but alas this is not the case now."

The Grosvenor Arms

➤ High Street, North Dorset, United Kingdom, SP7 8HZ

Pizza • Steak • British • European

"The rooms are stunning, beautifully appointed, lovely soaps and hand creams etc. The bed was perfect, such a good night's sleep. Blackout curtains really helped as the window was single glazed, as you would expect from a period building, so a teeny bit of street noise. Shower was glorious. Breakfast was amazing and service was perfect, I was allowed to make up my own selection from the cooked breakfast. Slight wait on check in and out but staff were very busy. Would definitely return"

The Halsey Arms

➤ B3143, North Dorset, United Kingdom, DT2 7DZ

Pub • Cakes • British • Breakfast

"This fast became my go to pub for a roast, amazing food, vast selection of meat , and I honestly cannot fault any of it, I’m pretty fussy when it comes to a proper home cooked roast and these guys do not disappoint, we love the food so much the family spent Christmas Day here last year and an thrilled we have a booking this year also as the last was lovely, really relaxed , staff dressed as superhero’s , lovely traditional Christmas table layout complete with crackers and little individually wrapped gifts for each of the party, comfortable family feel with food to die for, nothing locally comes close AA"

The Udder Farm Coffee Shop

➤ Front Street, East Stour, North Dorset, United Kingdom, SP8 5LQ

Cafe • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

"A friend highly recommended eating in the restaurant so I drive an hour and a half and booked a table for a treat. It took 45 minutes from order to lunch arriving and we were not warned of the wait. We asked a waitress to find out how much longer our order was going to be abd she disappeared then just stood outside the kitchen without reporting back. I had to go and ask her again. The response was another 15 minutes but when I got back to the table, the food arrived. She clearly didn’t check in the kitchen and just made up a random time when i went back to find her. The food was good when it came but by then we were in a bad mood and very disappointed with the service so the anticipation of a great meal fell very flat and we don’t feel like returning"

Beatons Tearooms

➤ 2 Market Place, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Soup • Cafés • Coffee • Cheese

"Good Friday turned into a really bad one. We had not been to Beatons for 3 months because we said we would never go back, but they say time heals. The order for my wife and I was, Scrambled Egg on Toast, Crispy Bacon and Egg Sandwich (Poached), and 2 One Shot Lattes. The young waitress was very pleasant. Unfortunately she then went on to serve 2 customers that arrived after us which ment we didn 't get our drinks till after our cooked breakfast arrived. My wife had a third coffee and two thirds foam. Really bad result. The food came and my wifes egg on toast was one slice of toast, a bit mean. When I opened my sandwich the bacon was nearly raw, the fat around the outside was still transparent, this is supposed to be crispy as said on the Menu. I really couldn 't eat this, I asked the young waitress to have it cooked more so it went back to the kitchen. 10 mins later it returned with the same egg which was now 15mins old and cold, and the same bread. I would have thought a new sandwich would arrive back that would be done correctly, but no. I did eat it but it wasn 't nice. I went to pay (over £20) for the experience, no apology, just a request for the full amount. As she was young I didn 't make a fuss, just said 'you shouldn 't be charging me for the sandwich, it was awful, ' her response was to lift the card machine for the payment in silence. This is what happens when you employ school children to run your Tearoom and kitchen. Absolutely never again, and I live in the village and could have been a regular income. It will be interesting to see if I get a response to this."

The Swan Inn

➤ Swan Not Swann, North Dorset, United Kingdom, DT10 1AR

Pubs • Full • Salads • British

"This review is for the restaurant that we visited on Saturday 24 February 2024. We had a very pleasant waitress who guided us to our table. I ordered liver and bacon with vegetables. The liver was overcooked and the bacon was very tough and inedible. Parsnips were totally burnt and akin to charcoal pieces, totally inedible. All of the small baby carrots showed signs of being burnt and scorched. My wife's bowl of chicken with salad came with a rasher of bacon, which again was very tough and inedible. We were the only customers in the restaurant. The question is how can the chef during the quiet period, manages to burn the food and then dishes up the food and says that it's ready to go to the customers table. Obviously no care for customer service nor any pride in their work. Will not go back and will not recommend this restaurant to anyone."

The Anvil Inn

➤ DT11 8XB, Blandford Forum, United Kingdom, DT11 8UQ, North Dorset

Pizza • Steak • Coffee • British

"On a Saturday night, this restaurant seems to be popular among locals. I was somewhat disappointed by the limited menu options and the lack of mention of any specials by our waitress. Despite this, the flatbread we shared and the burgers we ordered were surprisingly delicious, much better than their descriptions on the menu. The flatbread was undercooked, but we ate it anyway after waiting 45 minutes for our food. Unfortunately, we were seated right next to the constantly open door, making us quite cold. The staff repeatedly ignored the open door even as I got up to close it myself. It took two requests to finally receive our bill. I wouldn't recommend this place for a romantic date, but for a spontaneous meet-up with friends in a bustling atmosphere, it could be ideal. Just be aware that the burgers are priced at £19 each."

Forum Cafe

➤ Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7PR, United Kingdom, North Dorset

Cafe • Cafés • Cakes • Vegetarian

"Today I was introduced to this wonderful gem of a cafe, close to the centre of Blandford. The I only came in for a cup of tea and 3 cups of coffee, with me a two other gents. The gentleman behind the counter with a mostash was wonderful kind and polite. The service was simply outstanding. He was funny, polite and attentive. This is not the service you would expect in national coffee chains, but from a five star hotel. I purchased some fabulous bars of Love Cocoa with the words Thank You. I hear this place does great food. Try this place if you in Blandford, a real gem."

The Museum Inn

➤ Nr Blandford Forum, DT11 8DE, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Pubs • Full • Lunch • British

"The Museum Inn, located in Farnham, Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DE We booked late on Friday night and only one room was available so it was meant to be! We arrived around 5pm and were greeted by friendly staff, shown to our room The Catch and made a reservation for dinner, luckily they still had spaces for dinner but it is advised to book in advance. Lovely spacious room and bathroom, kettle, teas, coffees and bottled water supplied. I have to say I fell in love with the hand wash and hand cream, I have already purchased some for home, the brand is called Bramley and the scent is Lavender, Geranium and Petitgrain. The bed is probably the most comfortable we have ever slept in that is not our own, soft feather pillows that were just right! Dinner was a three course meal and it was delicious, we took 2 hours to eat but never felt rushed or like we were waiting too long between courses. Starters: Ham hock terrine with sourdough toast and Prawn, potato and crayfish fishcakes. Mains: Burger and Steak Ale pie Desserts: Chocolate Brownie with cherry sorbet. Biscoff donuts with pumpkin pie ice cream Drinks: Poretti lager and Cherry cocktail. Breakfast: Eggs Royale and Smashed avocado, poached egg and bacon, absolutely scrumilicious! Big thanks to Amanda who served us this morning and checked us out. Highly recommend staying and eating here and we will 100% be back again! Safe travels! The Allsebrooks x"

The Gillingham Tandoori

➤ The Square, SP8 4AY, North Dorset, United Kingdom

Full • Meat • Balti • Indian

"I had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant. The staff were friendly and the prices were very reasonable. I had dinner here and it costed around £40–50 per person. The food was excellent, I give it a 5-star rating. The service was also top-notch, I would rate it a 5 as well. The atmosphere of the restaurant was great, I would also give it a 5. Some of the recommended dishes include Vegetable Balti, Coconut Rice, Chapati, Assorted Pickles, Onion Bhaji, Chicken Biryani, Cauliflower Bhaji, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Jaipuri, Chicken or Lamb Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken."

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