West Dorset restaurants with food menus

Bramble Cafe Deli

➤ 17 Buttermarket, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Cafe • British • Breakfast • Vegetarian

"Two weeks ago I had a very disappointing evening at the Bramble Cafe on a Make your own gin' experience. I did not want to publicly review this without giving time for Mat Follas Masterchef winner a chance to give an explanation so I...wrote an email to him. After hearing nothing for a week I telephoned to check if my email had been received. Mat answered the phone and very brusquely said he didn't know if my email had been received and without asking for my name said he would check and put the phone down on me. I can only surmise from his manner that my email had arrived but had not been well received. I allowed another week for a response but unsurprisingly have not received a reply. I would not recommend either the gin experience' or the food. It was terrible value for money and the total lack of customer care is lamentable. I find it very hard to believe the food we were served was cooked by a winner of Masterchef, he would struggle to win Come Dine With Me with this menu. My email to Mat is below: Dear Mat I attended the ‘make your own gin’ evening on August with great expectations as I thought it was a great idea. I had also heard good things about you from friends who had been foraging with you. Two of us attended the course with a view to returning on another date as a party of six as a birthday celebration for a friend. Having had a less than great experience I thought I would let you know and would be grateful if you could give me your views on the evening. The experience was meant to be demonstration based but with participants taking home a drink they had made themselves. It also promised a course mouth-watering meal. I didn’t in fact get to make any gin myself. However you gave a very interesting and informative talk about gin and I learned some things I didn’t already know. The food was not mouth-watering and certainly not what I would have expected from a chef of your calibre. I didn’t expect large portions but I did expect exciting flavours and finishing touches. Instead I received a series of dishes which I could easily have cooked at home. It started off well, the smoky tomato soup was lovely and the chilli gin complemented it well. The macaroni cheese was nice, but nothing out of the ordinary and seemed at odds with the bramble gin and Prosecco that was served with it. After that things went downhill. A single tiny chicken wing on a plate does not constitute a course of a meal. There was nothing served with it, no garnish, sauce or anything. It was certainly not a dish I would expect from a chef with your skills. The mussel ramen was the real lowlight of the meal. I have eaten ramen many times but never one quite like yours. The ramen I have had before comprised of noodles in a broth. The dish I was served on Friday was mussels in a dark brown liquid which looked and smelled unappealing. I ate the mussels because I was hungry but they were lukewarm and didn’t taste like fresh mussels. I had a taste of the liquid but I couldn’t eat it. It didn’t seem as though there were many clean plates going back to the kitchen so I don’t think I was the only one who found this unappetising. The pork was as disappointing as the chicken. Again it was served without any vegetables or jus, it was dry and the crackling was extremely salty. Again I ate it because I was hungry. The drinks service slowed down over the evening which didn’t help matters. The desserts were pleasant enough but a sharing platter usually consists of enough food for the number of guests and the portion served was only sufficient for one person. Similarly we had been promised bramble liqueur and limoncello for the end of the meal but a tiny amount of each between two people is not acceptable. I would be interested to know if this is your normal standard or if things went awry on Friday. Perhaps coming straight from a festival, cooking for other guests in the restaurant and also for the people upstairs meant your time and skills were compromised? I certainly felt cheated on the food front knowing that whilst I was eating tiny portions of uninspiring food you had cooked Beef Wellington for the people upstairs and the guests in the restaurant who weren’t on the gin course were being served generous portions of superior food. The evening felt very unplanned. From the information I was given regarding drivers being able to join at a later time I was led to believe the evening would start with some gin making by the course attendees. I am disappointed that I wasn’t able to make gin myself. Whilst you are a very nice man and i enjoyed listening to you, watching you put a few ingredients in a bottle for us to take home and eating a below average meal does not justify the high cost of the evening. I look forward to hearing from you."

Feed The Soul

➤ United Kingdom, DT2 7AE, West Dorset

Cafe • Vegan • Coffee • British

"I had lunch at this restaurant and decided to try the mushrooms on toast. I have to admit, I found it to be quite awful. The mushrooms were served in a thick, unappetizing sauce that didn't taste good at all. I managed to eat only half of it because it was too sickly for my liking. My wife had a salad which she enjoyed, and she agreed that I had made a poor choice with my meal. We ended our meal with cake and coffee. The cake was overly sweet and nothing special. Considering the price, I won't be returning, but my wife may come back with friends when the weather is nice to sit outside."

Downhouse Farm Cafe

➤ Higher Eype, DT6 6AH, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Cafe • Lunch • Brunch • British

"The Downhouse Farm Cafe is a delightful hidden gem that we absolutely adored. We visited twice during our week-long stay nearby. The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the cafe is situated on a working farm. The outdoor seating offers stunning views, and the food is delicious, from the hot chocolate to the breakfast baps and cream teas. The menu also includes plenty of lunch options. The cafe is easy to find from the coastal path, or you can take a 30-minute walk across fields from Eype. There is also parking available at the end of the road/track. The cafe is dog and family-friendly, and the prices are very reasonable."

Moore Than Tea

➤ 21 West Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Cafe • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

"that is the best caffe in bridport. if it were for the ladies alone, it would be star, but low and behold, the breakfast was also we came after the forgiving time and they were more than happy to commit! very recommended, beautiful...decor (we had luck, sunshine outside) toilets clean and they can see the kitchen from inside, also very clean. must visit if they like beautiful people and nice eating. eating was good that we didn't stop and make a photo! you will have to see yourself!"

The Crown Inn

➤ 59 West Bay Road, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Pub • Fish • Steak • British

"Excuse the lady behind the bar for our friend who said something loud that eating is pricy! (our friend has no filter and often makes us to crash! we all ordered burger and chips for lunch. when it arrived, there was a beautiful fresh, interesting salat, good tidy burger, beautiful rolling and many beautiful, right chips and it was good to every penny worth. the staff was beautiful and brought us many sauces, and eating was great. many thanks for their hospitality and the guests' ales. a beautiful stop on the way to our girls waking away. many thanks."

At Summer Lodge

➤ 9 Fore Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom, DT2 0JR

Cheese • Coffee • British • Chicken

"We have had many memorable lunches and suppers at Summer Lodge since moving from London to Dorset, it was always the go to place for a celebration. Honeymoon, Birthdays and anniversary’s. The staff were always helpful, friendly and accommodating. The fabulous wine waiter would recommend the best that he could offer and the food was always exquisite and culinary outstanding. Today however was quite a disappointment. Standards have fallen drastically, gone is the attention to detail, and the staff really have not a clue how to serve their customers that are forking out a tremendous amount of money to eat in this establishment. Service was slow and when it came…we were met with a very impatient and arrogant man (I believe his name was Phil) I don’t know where he gained his grades at charm school?? The service was not at all what we have previously experienced. We ordered starters…no napkins, (don’t forget this is supposed to be a 5 hotel) they arrived and to be honest the goats cheese mousse was pitiful, in total it was half a dessert spoon of mousse and loads of garnish, the mackerel was a slither with a scrape of garlic purée….it was ok but, nothing to write home about. Then the mains arrived……beef cheek and mash that was totally crucified. The duck….again was just duck flavoured pulp…the only saving grace was the dessert, lemon posset, this was really good. The service was substandard and not attentive at all, attention to detail is no longer there. I feel sad about this as SL was always our destination place to go for that ‘Special occasion’ It’s hellish expensive and you should expect more. Standards are very very low and the staff no longer come from Europe….enough said about that. All in all we won’t be returning to what was once a very special place for us."

Shave Cross Inn

➤ Shave Cross, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Fish • Tapas • Curry • Cheese

"Beware! Worst meal we have ever had! The food was like warm, meat was chewy, gravy was basically brown water. The pub itself smells of cats and is dark and dirty. We should have listened to the many reviews of how bad the food is and not come here in the first place. The only redeeming quality was the host was very friendly however still Made us pay for our meals even though we didn’t touch them and mentioned how terrible it was. And to top of off asked us to leave a good review in lieu of a tip! Incredible!"

The White Hart

➤ High Street, DT9 6LF, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Fish • Wine • Spanish • Ice Cream

"Wouldn't recommend this place.Found landlady very rude and unwelcoming. Staff looked miserable and not even a hello or good afternoon from any of them when we entered. Called in on the off chance to have a Sunday lunch as local to us. Chef and bar staff said it wasn't a problem so we bought drinks at sat down. Then heard the landlady having a go at the chef. The chef then came out to us and said sorry we have not enough food to give you!....not even the offer of anything except drinks though the place was practically empty near 1pm. I would recommend the Sun Inn near Charminster Dorchester. We drove straight there, got a warm welcome and excellent carvery straight away though the place was very busy. Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1"

The Pymore Inn

➤ Pymore, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Steak • Pizza • Pasta • Cheese

"Upon entering the inn, we found both the front and side doors closed with no signage to indicate which one was in use. We had to navigate our way past a family sitting at a table near the entrance. Unfortunately, many of the menu items were not available when the staff brought us menus. We had originally chosen burgers, but were informed they were also out of stock, forcing us to reconsider our choices. Prior to our meals being served, we enjoyed tasty mini cheese scones with pickle butter. However, my lamb rump was a major letdown. It was very fatty, overly pink, and a third of it was inedible. When the staff member asked about our meal, I mentioned my disappointment with the lamb, but the response was not very helpful. My husband's seafood tagliatelle was also unsatisfactory, resembling more of a soupy chowder than a traditional pasta dish. When we requested the bill, there was no further discussion about our experience with the staff. We paid and left, feeling let down especially since the lamb was one of the more expensive items on the menu. Overall, it was a disappointing Saturday evening at the inn."

Hunters Moon

➤ KDS Garden Machinery, A352, Sherborne, DT9 5, United Kingdom, West Dorset

Tea • Fish • Steak • Coffee

"Staying overnight en route to Cornwall. We stayed at this amazing Family run Traditional Inn. The menu is extensive and added specials board. Portions excellent and tasty. We chose fish and chips and sweet sour pork. Well presented and the service attentive and friendly....Our room extremely comfortable, ensuite shower room clean and plenty of hot water, complementary shower gel etc. Tea and coffee making facilities in the room, biscuits, and good size TV with full range of stations. Breakfast was excellent as well. Value for money excellent. Looking forward to staying again."

Tangerine Cafe And Gallery

➤ 2 North Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Cafe • Cafés • Coffee • British

"Adorable little café with a few vegan option in the small village of Beamister, the café itself is very cozy with different rooms and a lovely garden (it was winter when we visited so we enjoyed the garden from inside), the kitchen is visible so it feels like a family gathering. Service was very attentive and helpful. We had the vegan Sunday roast and the toast with creamed corn, both very good. Service: Dine in"

The Fox Inn

➤ Pound Hill, West Dorset, United Kingdom, DT2 0NS

Pubs • Steak • Curry • British

"Whilst everybody seems to rave about Mark Hix and his London priced mediocre food and badly kept beer, they have lost sight of the fact that in his short tenure, he has destroyed one of the best village pubs in Dorset. To those who say that it's the best meal they ever had, I would say Living on a diet of junk food and takeaways doesn't necessarily make you a good judge of culinary standards. Shame on you Mark Hix."

Engine Room

➤ Poundbury Garden Centre, DT1 3RT, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Brunch • Coffee • British • Healthy

"Honestly, I would recommend avoiding this restaurant. My dining experience here was disappointing. We arrived early for lunch and were seated at a table, but we waited for 20 minutes before realizing we had to order at the counter (which we were apparently told to do, but we must have missed it). When we finally ordered, we were informed that we had to wait another 10 minutes to order lunch. Additionally, they ran out of ice for the iced coffee, which seemed strange for a kitchen. When I mentioned that it had taken 30 minutes to receive a drink, the staff insisted it had only been 7 minutes since ordering. To make matters worse, I overheard the staff speaking negatively about me after my complaint. It is baffling that a cafe would not take food orders promptly and would disregard their seated customers. I would suggest checking out the smaller cafes nearby, as they provide a much better dining experience."

Coriander

➤ 156 South Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom, DT6 3PA

Asian • Vegan • Halal • Indian

"Coming back from seeing my family. On the way home in the car ordered on the just eat app for collection On arrival we received a long lecture about using the app and not ringing in. I know they charge you for being on the app but if you do not like it take yourselves off of it rather than being rude to the customers! Whenever my partner gets a curry he asks for potato in his curry. So far no Indian we have been too have been bothered by this as it it's literally the cheapest veg you can buy. But he told us how he took 3 pieces of chicken out to put 3 small pieces of potato in. We put in forcollection just charge what most likely would have been at most 50p or just don't be so pathetic. I ordered a chicken pathia. It completely lacked flavour and boring.. the one at subdorban is so exciting and makes the taste buds tingle! To be honest was so underwhelmed by the service and the food. Hopefully they were just having a bad night. I have had a good mealin the past but you really let yourselves down... will be going subdorban next time!"

Rakhang

➤ 37 East Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom, DT6 3LW

Thai • Full • Curry • Asian

"On a visit to Bridport and wanted a quick lunch. Have previously ate in this restaurant when in the Bridport area. So we choose it again. As it was lunch time there is a reduced menu. We both chose the two course lunch option. We were the only two customers. When looking at menu to select a drink we were offered a freshly made lime drink which we had and it was very refreshing I choose fish cakes. When they were served I was a bit taken back as they did not look like any fish cake I have ever had. On checking the menu they are described as deep-fried fish patties. They did not taste much of fish but dipping them into the Thai spiced dip they were fine. Phil had sesame toast which was chicken and prawn on toast deep fried which he enjoyed. For my main I had a prawn dish with stir fried Thai rice. It was lovely. Fresh vegetables that were crisp and tasty. Spiced but not too hot. For his main Phil had a chicken dish with stir fried rice. He enjoyed it. Chicken was tender. It was spiced but not too hot. We decided not to try a dessert. Our food was served quickly. Portions were not the most generous, but it was lunch time and the prices were lower than the full evening menu. We both left clean plates. Service was good, the male waiter did most of the work and hardy spoke as he served us, but not a problem. Well worth a visit just to try for yourself."

Amid Giants Idols

➤ 59 Silver Street, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Pizza • Kebab • Asiatic • European

"We were welcomed with great food and amazing coffee. We completely overstayed and took up so much of the owners time we left feeling we had made a new friend. Sweetcorn fritters were sublime and we now need to have jalapeños in cheese scones, who knew? We even got top tips on baking, pasties and marmalade. If you are going to have foodie chat with someone make sure it's with a passionate foodie which this man most definitely is. Amazing place, amazing vibe, we'll be back."

Abbots Tearoom

➤ 7 Long Street, DT2 7LB, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Tea • Soup • Coffee • Cheese

"We came with friends as we had all been gifted afternoon tea, and chose to visit this tearoom. We booked just over a week in advance. What a great choice! A great selection of beautifully fresh finger sandwiches, scones, cream and jam. and a selection of small cakes, which were so light. Absolutely scrumptious. We weren't rushed, so we could sit and enjoy our food. The folk working in the tearoom were very welcoming and we had a delightful afternoon. Thank you!"

Tea On The Green

➤ 82 Mellstock Avenue, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Tea • Cafe • Coffee • Breakfast

"We have just returned home after having a joint 3rd Birthday Party at Tea on the Green. Jenny is a complete pro. Nothing was too much trouble and she catered for dietary requirements with ease. The price was so reasonable and most importantly the children (and adults) had a great time! Thanks Jenny xx"

Hong Kong Chinese Hot Food Centre

➤ 15 Church St, West Dorset, United Kingdom, DT7 3TS

Kebab • Cafés • Asiatic • European

"I have ordered several times from this restaurant and had all my meals delivered to my door, so I believe it deserves a positive review. My most recent order was on the weekend, and ordering online was simple. They provided an estimated delivery time, and the delivery was made by a friendly courier. I ordered special fried rice, king fried rice, sweet and sour pork, vegetable chow mein, chips, curry sauce, and sweet and sour sauce. The dishes all looked delicious, with juicy chunks of meat in the rice and a variety of meats in the special fried rice. The food also had great flavor. I had leftovers, which I reheated the next day and it was still delicious. I am extremely happy with this fantastic Chinese restaurant that delivers to my door. I will definitely be ordering from them again in the future. Thank you, Hong Kong Chinese!"

The Red Brick

➤ St Michaels Trading Estate, West Dorset, United Kingdom

Salads • Coffee • Cheese • Burgers

"This restaurant is more than just excellent – it is truly exceptional in so many ways that other trendy establishments would love to replicate. The Red Brick Cafe is a unique gem that you must visit, but make sure to follow their rules for a top-notch experience. First and foremost, they only accept cash as payment, so don't expect to pay with your phone. Secondly, their opening hours are limited from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday to Sunday, with a Friday evening opening from 6pm to 10pm. Thirdly, there is no menu at the table; instead, you'll find the daily offerings on a chalkboard by the stairs, and once an item is sold out, it's crossed off. This means the selection may be limited, but that's all part of the charm. Be prepared for a cozy atmosphere with shared tables and a bustling crowd, especially if it's raining. While the prices may not be cheap, the quality of the food justifies it - so don't complain about the cost. Embrace the unique experience of dining at the cutting-edge Red Brick Cafe, where the food, atmosphere, and vibe perfectly complement the charm of Bridport."

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The best menus from the finest restaurants in West Dorset