Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Dorset

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Dorset? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Anchor Inn

4.7

4.7 (735)

£25 and under

British

Bridport

About the restaurant

You'll find us nestled snugly right on Seatown Beach, hidden along one of the many coves that litter Dorset's famous Jurassic coastline. Once a smugglers haunt, the pub now serves a seasonal menu with a focus on seafood and fresh local produce.

Complete with wood fires and Palmers award winning ales, the pub is the perfect location to refuel after a day on the coastal path or for a special evening meal with friends or family.

Top review

KirstieVIP

Dined 3 days ago

All dishes were superb and service was friendly. Unfortunately we had a bit of a wait to order then no time for desserts as our table was needed for the next booking. Not to worry - we'll go again!

The Old Inn

4.6

4.6 (2897)

£26 to £40

British

Wimborne

About the restaurant

The Old Inn is a traditional country pub in the heart of the idyllic village of Holt. Situated close to the historic town of Wimborne Minster, The Old Inn is the perfect destination when you fancy a homemade, traditional pub meal. With real fires, a beautiful garden and fantastic service, this pub is definitely worth a visit. We have worked hard to put together a menu that offers something for everyone. Everything is freshly prepared at the Old Inn, from our Chicken Liver paté, to children’s chicken nuggets. We pride ourselves that all of our meals are traditionally cooked using largely locally sourced ingredients and our seasonal specials are definitely worth looking at too, as well as our delicious desserts! We aim to provide a prompt, efficient and friendly service and we can cater for all types of parties.

Top review

Tina

Dined 4 days ago

This was our second visit, we were not disappointed, warm friendly welcome, good selection of food,even for us being pescatarians.The vegetables served were not over cooked, lovely salad according to my husband was very fresh. Standards within the pub were excellent, service was very friendly and professional even, the way the tables were cleaned, the washrooms were very clean. We will be going back and have already told family and friends how great our experience was. Well done The Old Inn

Discover more

Popular dish

Garlic Pizza

Lulworth Lodge

4.6

4.6 (395)

£25 and under

Bistro

West Lulworth

About the restaurant

Set a pebble's skim from the iconic Lulworth Cove, our all-day ground floor bistro serves contemporary food sourced from the local ingredients.

For lunch service we offer our seasonal ‘a la carte’ menu and a nibbles / sandwich menu, so please drop by for a crab sandwich or cream tea on the terrace. Dogs are welcome on the terrace as well as in the restaurant.

We are sorry to say we are unable to take reservations for the outside seating area, however you can always just walk in !

Top review

andy

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Another fab meal.. we both went for the pink trout and it did not disappoint. Clare was our superb waitress once again. We’ll be back!!!

Tom's Lyme Regis

4.6

4.6 (801)

£26 to £40

British

Lyme Regis

About the restaurant

Tom's Lyme Regis is a multi award winning restaurant situated on the Lyme Regis seafront offering exceptional views over Lyme Bay. We are dedicated to serving stunning food and delivering outstanding service.
Each dish on our menu has been created using fresh local produce that changes with the seasons providing you with an exciting varied menu focused on bold flavours. Since opening in 2020 we have received several accolades including an AA Rosette in culinary excellence, Jurassic Business Award winners for Best Restaurant and Best Business, & finalists in the prestigious Trencherman's Awards for Best Front of House Team and Best Newcomer.

Top review

Jane

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Fabulous breakfast overlooking the beach Service and food were great

The Clubhouse West Bexington

4.6

4.6 (408)

£25 and under

Seafood

Bridport

About the restaurant

Iconic Coastline. Fantastic Food.

Serving fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, focusing on fish and seafood, lovingly prepared to our customers from near & far.
Our Garden Pavilion, patio and relaxing garden area are seasonal additions offering far-reaching sea views and evening sunsets to each and every table.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The service was excellent as always and nearly all the food was good. However my wife’s bread and butter pudding was both cold and very solid, perhaps not properly defrosted. A pity as everything else was excellent

Halfway Inn

4.5

4.5 (997)

£25 and under

British

Wareham

About the restaurant

The Halfway Inn is a beautiful 16th century pub, located on the heathland halfway between Wareham and Corfe Castle.

Dogs Welcome! Families Welcome!

You may choose to dine in our cosy pub, in our garden room or in our large beer garden with a children’s play area.

Top review

Fred

Dined on Nov 3, 2024

Fantastic, staff, food and atmosphere. The only thing that could be improved was wheel chair access to the toilets, but we managed.

Clavells Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (195)

£25 and under

British

Kimmeridge

About the restaurant

Clavells is a traditional restaurant set in the heart of the Jurassic Coast. With our very own courtyard and garden, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque village of Kimmeridge. We serve a wonderful choice of seasonal favourites and classic food dishes. Clavells should be your first port of call for a hearty Sunday roast, a three-course meal, or a sun-drenched cocktail on a glorious summer’s day.

Top review

Lynn

Dined 4 days ago

Clavells never fails to impress. The food is always excellent . Local produce is used. The staff are very friendly and nothing is ever too much trouble. Lovely relaxing atmosphere.

The Countryman Inn

4.5

4.5 (458)

£25 and under

Pub

Dorchester

About the restaurant

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the impressive roadside pub located in the hamlet of East Knighton. Here at The Countryman Inn, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand. Our traditional pub classics are expertly crafted from our seasonal menus and the bar is crammed with local ales and tipples to tempt any taste buds. Using the most seasonal ingredients and decadent flavours, there's a dish for every desire. Turn your fleeting visit into a welcomed stay by resting your head in one of our Nine ensuite rooms. All decorated with cosy interiors and homely touches you'll be able to unwind in comfort and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in a home away from home.

Top review

John

Dined 7 days ago

Staying in the local area for a week, saw the sign for the countryman and decided to book a table for the carvey on Sunday. We turned up with our dog at 2.45pm and shown to our table. Ideal position in a corner with plenty of room for us and the dog to lay out. We both went for the carvery and I can tell you yhat you won't be disappointed, choice of 3 meats and help yourself to roasties and plenty of vegetables. Only £13.95 for the regular size, there is a small plate for children and a large plate for those with a real big appetite. Didn't have room for a pudding but a good selection at reasonable prices. Definitely going back during the week to try something from the daily menu. Very enjoyable visit.

Spice Ship

4.4

4.4 (292)

£25 and under

Pub

Weymouth

About the restaurant

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the coastal village of Preston. With Bowleaze Cove a mere 20 minutes stroll away, the Spice Ship is the ideal pit stop to book end a day, simply sit back, relax and enjoy our delicious menu with your favourite drink in hand. We're proud to offer a menu packed with the most appetising dishes. Our passion for taking traditional pub classics and making them the best around by using the most decadent of ingredients, makes every meal served have you coming back time and time again!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Food was excellent and plentiful and staff were friendly. Only slight criticism would be the length of time it took to bring each course out , other than that it was amazing.

Hive Beach Cafe

4.3

4.3 (808)

£25 and under

Seafood

Bridport

About the restaurant

Iconic coastline, fantastic food
Serving fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, focusing on fish and seafood, lovingly prepared to our customers from near & far.
The Hive Pavilion with wrap-around patio & a seasonal addition of the Top Marquee each offering far-reaching sea views and evening sunsets to each table.
Check in on arrival will be at the front desk in our main marquee. Please note at peak times there may be a slight delay on arrival for your table. Booked tables will be available for the time you have reserved, early access will not be permitted.

Top review

Gary

Dined 4 days ago

Great place to spend the New Year’s Day . Weather could of been better.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Dorset

Explore more Diners' Choice lists