Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Dorset

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

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 favorite 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

4.8

4.8 (842)

£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

Tim

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food and location. Only criticism is that the water offered was very warm, should be chilled. Thoroughly recommend.

The Old Inn

4.7

4.7 (3022)

£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

Maria

Dined 2 days ago

We had booked for the pizza terrace but staff found us a lovely table out the front instead, so we had dinner in the sunshine ! Service was great, food was amazing ! Pizza dough was the best ! Will be back soon for sure

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Popular dish

Garlic Pizza

Lulworth Lodge

4.6

4.6 (426)

£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

David

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

I opted for the lobster with garlic butter for my main course, it was absolutely delicious. Served with a lovely salad and skinny fries. Scallops as a starter, cooked to perfection. Friendly staff and excellent service.

Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.6

4.6 (624)

£25 and under

Italian

Poole

About the restaurant

Welcome to Da Vinci’s, the best Italian restaurant on Poole Quay and only a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. Established in 1993, Da Vinci’s is a family-run business, specialising in fresh, local ingredients, cooked in true Italian style.

Whether you are seeking a casual pizza supper in a cosy Italian atmosphere or a special meal in a venue that can cater for your special occasion, Da Vinci’s has the answer.

Our beautiful Italian restaurant in Poole has a cosy downstairs right on the Quay front and own upstairs dining room features seven windows overlooking the harbour.
We are family friendly (hey, we’re Italian!) have highchairs and can provide smaller portions of pasta for children.

Top review

michelle

Dined 2 days ago

Good food. Nice location. Excellent service. Def worth a visit.

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Experience

Sunday Roast Set Menu

The Countryman Inn

4.6

4.6 (523)

£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

Ruth

Dined 3 days ago

Food absolutely great,service friendly and had a great evening.

Tom's Lyme Regis

4.6

4.6 (863)

£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

Richard

Dined 1 day ago

Really good seafood restaurant in a fantastic location right on the promenade on the beach, service was quick and efficient Highly recommend it when visiting Lyme Regis

The Clubhouse West Bexington

4.6

4.6 (470)

£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

Andrew

Dined 4 days ago

Always a joyous experience to visit the venue, the staff are lovely and welcoming.

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Experience

Summer Social - PATIO TABLE

Experience

Summer Social - PAVILION TABLE

Quay Inn, Wareham

4.6

4.6 (91)

£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

Hayley

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely pub, waterside location, parking available, staff friendly, food good.

Spice Ship

4.5

4.5 (328)

£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

Dino

Dined 1 day ago

We were staying at sea view and were surprised how close (3 minutes walk) the pub is away - what with good food- great value and brilliant service - cheaper than eating at the campground too - we have booked again for Sunday lunchtime and can take the dog - beer choice was good 👍

Hive Beach Cafe

4.3

4.3 (945)

£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

Jonathan

Dined 1 day ago

Had the seafood platter. Beautifully presented and loads of lovely food. Great location, well worth the visit

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