If you don’t fancy cooking over the Easter weekend, why not book a meal out at one of Dorset’s incredible restaurants and cafes?
There are a host of places across Dorset offering incredible menus for Easter, from light bites to traditional roasts, so make sure to book your table early to avoid disappointment!
If you’re planning to spend the day by the coast, then you have a superb selection to choose from.
At West Bexington, you’ll find the Club House with uninterrupted view across Lyme Bay. The Hive’s sister Café the Watch House in West Bay is right on the beach and voted one of “the top 20 of the UK’s best seaside restaurants, cafes and shacks!” by the Guardian.
A short drive up the coast road and you’ll see the honey coloured cliffs at Burton Bradstock, and nestling alongside them on the beach is the popular Hive Beach Café. Its usually first come first served, but if you’re like most of us Brits, then queueing for a table is all part of the Hive experience!
‘Broadchurch’ – aka West Bay- is home to a great selection of traditional kiosk style eateries, where fish and chips on the hoof is the order of the day. Cross the footbridge opposite the George pub to Rise – sister café to Swim at Lyme Regis, where you can enjoy a seasonal menu of daily specials.
For a unique dining experience, head on down to Station Road and you’ll see the Station Kitchen with its quirky and vintage railway station and dining carriage, which offers a funky fusion of old-world glamour with a fresh modern twist. They also offer themed dining nights, so its well worth popping along to have a look at their vintage dining cars.
Head down to Lyme Regis and you’ll find Swim – a café bar that pulls a bit of a punch. Perched on a terrace in Marine Parade with amazing views of the Jurassic Coast, there are lots of tasty options for the whole family, including a dedicated children’s menu.
Going east towards Studland, and discover the Pig on the Beach – where everything on the menu is from their own kitchen gardens, or locally sourced by the gardener and forager for the chefs to use and create sensational menus. It’s a great option if you want the freshest Easter flavours.
Dine in style at the Seasons Restaurant at the Eastbury in Sherborne. Culinary excellence in a relaxed, informal setting, and a great place to spend some time eating local, seasonal fayre, which is complemented by the impressive wine list. If you’re a non-resident of the hotel, it is recommended that you book your table in advance.
If an informal experience with great food and plenty of options sounds like the sort of thing that you are looking for, check out the various Hall and Woodhouse pubs the area. In the heart of King Charles’s Poundbury the Duchess of Cornwall takes centre stage with its impressive façade and grand interior, featuring a sweeping staircase and great view across across Poundbury.
In Wareham, the Old Granary takes pride of place right on the quay. Perfect if you like ‘messing about on the river’! On the outskirts of Weymouth at Osmington, you’ll find the Smuggler’s Inn – steeped in history and tales of smuggling – and great views over to the Isle of Portland. Whichever you choose, you can be sure of extensive menus full of local produce and plenty of locally made drinks too. Easter celebrations are always incredibly popular, so make sure to book online in advance to book your table.
An informal option with plentiful menus is the Half Moon at Melplash near Bridport. With Gold at the Taste of the West Awards, you can always guarantee a good, hearty meal in friendly surroundings here.
Although roast lamb is the tradition at Easter, you don’t have to feel left out if you don’t like lamb or eat meat. There are plenty of other options available too, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus available at the majority of Dorset’s restaurants.
Dorset is known for the quality of its homegrown meat, but it is also famous for incredible fish and seafood options.
If you fancy something a little bit different this Easter, check out the award winning Les Enfants Terribles. Chef Eric Tavernier’s seasonal menu features the daily catch, cooked French style. Booking in advance is essential as spaces get snapped up fast!
Just along the Quay is Catch at the Old Fish Market, where menus change frequently: always with the seasons, and often with the tides. Menu inspirations come from the day boats where sustainable, locally caught seafood and Dorset game feature on the menu. Head Chef Mike Naidoo is confident you can find the perfect seafood dish for you. With advance notice, they will also offer both vegetarian and vegan tasting menus.
Keep a look out for Weymouth 51’s exciting seasonal menus and pop up dining experiences.
You can find a host of other eateries here.
Wherever you decide to eat this Easter…Bon Appetit!
