Best restaurants in Dorset

Address: Portland Bill, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2JT 

Cuisine: Seafood, lunches, afternoon tea

When in Weymouth, a day out to the Isle of Portland is an unmissable adventure for beautiful coastal walks and a spot of birdwatching. Portland is just a 15-minute drive across the ferry bridge from Haven’s Littlesea Holiday Park. Carry on down to the southern tip of this beautiful island to experience a true culinary delight at one of the very best restaurants in Dorset - The Lobster Pot. 

Established in 1952 and open seven days a week, this prime lunch spot boasts stunning sea views and serves a range of sandwiches and baguettes with fillings including freshly caught crab and Atlantic prawn. The famous cream tea is served with fresh Dorset clotted cream and jam to top your scones. Children’s meal deals are also available and there’s even the option of a takeaway children’s fun-bag lunch-bag, if you’re eating on the go. Whatever you order, be sure to accompany it with a bowl of the prized Lobster Pot chips – you’ll want to go back for these alone!  

Address: 66 St Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8EL 

Cuisine: Pub grub

Based in a beautiful old post office building in the centre of Weymouth, Nautico Lounge is a vibrant and spacious outlet for a relaxed family-friendly meal at any time of day. There’s always a space at Nautico Lounge, so no need to worry about booking – just rock up and find a spot – inside or out – to relax and replenish. The menu at Nautico Lounge offers a huge range of pub classics cooked to perfection, with options for veggie, vegan and gluten free diets to boot.

If you can’t decide from all the options on offer, why not try the tapas menu and have a taste of everything you fancy? There’s a great kids’ menu for the little ones, and the family pooch is just as welcome as you are, so this is truly a space for everyone to enjoy, making it undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Dorset.

Address: 43 High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UT 

Cuisine: Indian 

Is any holiday complete without a family curry night, indulging in your old favourites and taste testing new and exciting flavours? This contemporary curry house is situated in Dorset’s County town of Dorchester, just a 20-minute drive from any of Littlesea, Seaview and Weymouth Bay Haven Parks. Conveniently central, on High W Street, this is a perfect treat after a day exploring the historic town with its museums and attractions. 

Rajpoot prides itself on combining freshly sourced ingredients with Indian influence to create new and contemporary takes on the classics we know and love. The staff at Rajpoot are passionate about what they do, and more than happy to advise on the best and tastiest option for you and your family.

Address: 13 Weymouth Ave, Dorchester DT1 1QR

Cuisine: Vegetarian, vegan

Situated conveniently midway between the two railway stations in Dorchester, this unusual café is perfectly placed for a healthy midday refuel during your day out in the county town. Vibes Café is a vegan and vegetarian eatery offering plant-based classics such as buddha-bowls, jackfruit wedges and spicy bean burgers.

There’s also a great drinks menu of smoothies, coffee, and soft drinks to choose from, best accompanied by one of the delicious gluten-free cakes on offer. And for the family-members who prefer their coffee with cow’s milk, fear not, Vibes provides for you too - just ask at the counter.

Address: Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE 

Cuisine: Local British, Seafood 

Corfe Castle is an unmissable day out from Haven’s Rockley Park site in Weymouth. Hop in the car down the A351 and you’ll be in Wareham in just half an hour. Just a stone’s throw from this historic market town is the chocolate box village of Kimmeridge – home to one of the best seafood restaurants in Dorset. 

With a thoroughly local menu “from field to fork”, Clavells restaurant serves up best quality classic dishes such as Ploughman’s platters and sausage sandwiches, to calamari and cod & chips. There’s also a wonderful selection of homemade sweet treats and cakes to choose from, including the famed Dorset apple cake and Clavells Cream Tea – enjoy them with a cup of tea and while away the afternoon chatting with the family or playing one of the board games at your table.

Address: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JF 

Cuisine: Fish & Chips 

Lyme Regis, the Pearl of Dorset, is an absolute must for a day out in this stunning county. Whilst it’s an hour’s drive from Haven’s Littlesea Park, don’t be put off by the distance: it’s well worth the trip. When in Lyme Regis, fish and chips is the order of the day. Head to Herbies right on the sea front for a classic fresh, locally sourced chip dinner. The selection of infamous beer-battered fish and chips made to order, alongside seasonal specials, are sure to delight and fill the stomachs of every family member.