Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Dorset

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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 favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Shalims Balti House

4.7

4.7 (947)

£25 and under

Indian

Weymouth

About the restaurant

Shalims Balti House is a national and regional award winning Indian restaurant. Come in and enjoy the best in Indian dining Weymouth has to offer. The mouthwatering food and warm comfortable surroundings all add to the experience that you'll find hard to beat when it comes to Indian food in the area. For the best food, service and comfort dine at Shalims Balti House.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Fabulous. We are regulars and it never fails to please . Excellent

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

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Popular dish

Garlic Pizza

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

Turks Head Weymouth

4.6

4.6 (79)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Weymouth

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO THE TURKS HEAD INN
Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the heart of Chickerell town along the coast of Weymouth. Here at The Turks Head, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand.

Our passion for food takes our menu to another level. Our traditional pub classics are expertly crafted whilst our world inspired dishes will have you coming back time and time again! Using the most seasonal ingredients and decadent flavours, there’s a dish for every desire.

Top review

Alison

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Lovely and friendly atmosphere and staff. Nice choice on menu.

The Italian Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (66)

£25 and under

Italian

Wareham

About the restaurant

A delightful fusion of Italian & British Cuisine by Head Chef Shannon Richards. Contemporary and relaxed atmosphere with superb views across the Purbeck Hills in Dorset. Situated on the picturesque Wareham Quay.

Shannon leads our dedicated team of chefs to bring you a modern style Italian menu using only the finest seasonal produce, our dishes are lovingly and freshly prepared, combining locally landed seafood, premium quality meats and New Forest vegetables along with the finest Mediterranean ingredients.

Top review

Liz

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely food, great service and a very pleasant night out.

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch

Quay Inn, Wareham

4.6

4.6 (50)

£25 and under

British

Wareham

About the restaurant

The Quay Inn is set right on the the quay at Wareham overlooking the river Frome, and has been welcoming patrons since it was built in 1747.

In addition to a fantastic array of high-quality local ales, beers, and refreshments, we offer mouth-watering food menus featuring the unique Black Rock grill, along with a variety of traditional snacks and meals. Enjoy top-notch entertainment throughout the year and a warm welcome every day of the week.

Top review

Neil

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Great experience and enjoyed the theatre cooking the steak at the table.

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

Verity

Dined 7 days ago

Really like this place, it's got a lovely atmosphere, warm and comfortable, it's dog friendly throughout which is great for us. The food is lovely, we didn't have the carvery but it looked amazing! The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming . We will definitely be back

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.

Dilli Haat Westbourne

4.3

4.3 (88)

£25 and under

Indian

Bournemouth

About the restaurant

Welcome to Dilli Haat Westbourne! Our mission, to bring you the rich and aromatic flavours of India, we present Dilli Haat. Driven with our passion for cooking and serving only the best dishes, using locally sourced ingredients where possible. We welcome you to experience the journey of love for delicious home cooked Indian food. We endeavour to tickle your taste buds with authentic, mouth-watering food that truly reflects the traditional flavours of India…. Enjoy!

Top review

Brian

Dined 7 days ago

My wife and I took her son for a meal here today. The food was excellent as was the service. I was very impressed. It was also good value for money as they offer set meals. We don't go out an awful lot - but would certainly put this restaurant at the top of the list the next time we want to have an indian meal.

Dancing Moose Ashley Cross

4.2

4.2 (73)

£26 to £40

British

Poole

About the restaurant

Throughout the day we serve up fresh food and chilled vibes. From breakfast until dinner, we are
the place to be, no matter what the occasion. For a catch up with friends over a creamy latte and
smashed avo on sourdough, to seal your business deal with clients over small plates and a glass
of wine, or even if you want to come in, kick back and read the newspaper – we don’t mind,
we’ve got you covered!

If you’re out with your pup, well behaved four-legged friends are more than welcome with us, as long as you
don’t mind our team giving them a bit of fuss! Ask one of the servers for a water bowl, and if
you’re lucky – occasional treats will also be available!

By night, we take things up a level… we rock out disco beats that make it feel like the weekend
no matter what day of the week it is! Let us serve you the best food and craft you a killer cocktail
to go with it. Book your table to make sure you don’t miss out.

Top review

Katie

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Morning All, I just wanted to write a quick note to say how fantastic you all are, every one of you 😊 Our Christmas meal was the best so far since I’ve been at this company. Food, drink, service, quality, ambiance, security was all superb You are all superstars in my eyes and went over and above to make our evening really special. Thank you so much, have a wonderful Christmas and new year.

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