Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Dorset

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

GAJA

5.0

5 (42)

£25 and under

Indian

Bournemouth

About the restaurant

Welcome to Gaja, Charminster's newest destination for Indian cuisine and bar experiences, where the rich flavors of India meet modern elegance.
Inspired by the sanskrit word for "elephant," Gaja symbolises strength, wisdom, and royalty - qualities reflected in every dish we serve.
Our menu offers a diverse selection of authentic Indian cuisine, crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.

Experience the perfect blend of cultural charm and contemporary ambiance, with warm lighting and attentive service ensuring a memorable visit.
We prioritize hygiene and hospitality, making Gaja the ideal spot to savor India's vibrant culinary heritage in the heart of Charminster.

Top review

Chris

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Simply the best dining experience in Bournemouth. Great food, lovely staff. The thing that could be improved is the acoustics as it can be a little noisy when full

Art Sushi

4.9

4.9 (511)

£26 to £40

Japanese Speciality

Bournemouth

About the restaurant

Art Sushi was named on The Good Food Guide top 100 restaurants also the OpenTable top 100 restaurants in the UK and included in both the MICHELIN Guide and Good Food Guide. Chef Kamil Skalczynski - a finalist of the World’s major and most prestigious tournaments for Sushi Masters.
WORLD SUSHI CUP 2016 IN JAPAN and also GLOBAL SUSHI CHALLENGE 2015.
Adviser World Sushi Skills Institute and also He won the Certificate of International Sushi Kuro-Obi and International Proficiency, the Only accepted In the World, awarded by the Japanese Government under the Leadership of the Japanese Association „SUSHI WSSI ALL JAPAN ASSOCIATIONS AND NORWEGIAN COUNCIL SUSHI AND SEAFOOD”.
Co-founder of Japanese Restaurants, awarded by ‘AWARDS OF EXELLENCE BY POLAND 100 BEST RESTAURANTS”. Chef in Chef Academy & Cookery School.
He gained his experience working and completing internships in well known restaurants in Poland, the Michelin Star Atelier Amaro and also he graduated the Academy of Jean Bos.

Top review

Nigel

Dined 2 days ago

Another delicious meal at Art Sushi and we are getting more adventurous with our choices. The tempura dorset crab roll was amazing. Service was very friendly and attentive. We are very lucky to have you on our door step!

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Experience

Futomaki Sushi Selection

The Old Inn

4.7

4.7 (3019)

£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

Suzanne

Dined 4 days ago

Such a lovely place to eat, always made to feel welcome with a smile

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Popular dish

Garlic Pizza

La Trattoria

4.7

4.7 (1046)

£26 to £40

Italian

Swanage

About the restaurant

La Trattoria is a family run Italian restaurant specialising in seafood. Gerry and Louise Forte opened La Trattoria in 1970 and since then, it has been run by the family.

During the current Coronavirus outbreak there are restrictions in place, please read them on our website and make yourself aware of them.

Despite the current situation, we are now open again and hope to welcome you soon.

Top review

Geoff

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent restaurant lovely warm welcome, staff very attentive, lovely ambiance, fantastic authentic food, a little pricey but worth it - had a lovely evening- thank you

Tom's Lyme Regis

4.6

4.6 (858)

£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

Ruth

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent food in a lovely environment with good ambiance and friendly efficient service- highly recommended

Turks Head Weymouth

4.6

4.6 (136)

£25 and under

Pub

Weymouth

About the restaurant

Located in Chickerell town in Dorset, The Turk's Head Inn is a traditional family friendly pub along the coast of Weymouth. Join us for your favourite fruity tipple and catch-up with friends into the evening or pop by for a fleeting pint or two. No matter the occasion, we can't wait to welcome you. Our full stocked bar, paired with our family garden, The Turk's Head Inn is above and beyond just your average local. From everyone here at The Turk's Head, we look forward to welcoming you.

Top review

James

Dined 1 day ago

Absolutely Amazing food and menu wonderful staff nothing too much trouble and our Furr baby had a roast dinner too, our go to place whenever we stay in Weymouth

Quay Inn, Wareham

4.6

4.6 (90)

£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

Stuart

Dined 3 days ago

Made a last minute booking, staff were great to accommodate us (2 adults and 3 children) late on a Friday evening. Food was fab and staff very attentive in following up, making sure we were happy. Keep up the good work!

Chequers Inn

4.6

4.6 (39)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Lytchett Matravers

About the restaurant

Welcome to Chequers Inn, we look forward to serving you soon.
Opening on: 25 March 2025

Top review

Carol

Dined 3 days ago

For a corporate venue, very pleasant indeed. Lovely friendly staff and excellent food. It's a pub we used to frequent in the days it was a free house selling country wines

The Countryman Inn

4.5

4.5 (521)

£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

Nigel

Dined 7 days ago

Good beers,good food and very friendly staff, Whst more do you need...Will definitely be going back while we are staying here..

Spice Ship

4.5

4.5 (327)

£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

ANTONY

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

It was the first time we had been to the Spice Ship as we were on holiday in Weymouth and i booked the table on line the previous evening . As soon as we arrived we were given an option of two table to sit and have our meal. The waiter wasted no time in bringing over the menu's and took our drinks order . There was only the two of us so only myself had a starter . The starter was brought over within 10 minutes and was warm and very tasty . The main courses were brought over and were quite big portions , were presented very well , warm and tasty . Only myself had a sweet which was brought over within 10 minutes of finishing the main course . During the meal the waiter did come over to ask if we required more drinks . The meal and drinks were very good value for money considering the size of the meals . It was our last night of our holiday so we did not return again but would recommend the Spice Ship to anyone who wanted a good meal in pleasant surroundings.

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