Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a spot of al-fresco dining in Dorset? Check out our 10 places to lunch, fine dine, sip cocktails or simply enjoy a delicious cream tea sat amongst Dorset’s finest scenery.

Watch House Café, West Bay

This easy-going beachside café in the heart of West Bay offers extensive outdoor seating with stunning views along the coastline, including the imposing golden cliffs well known as the backdrop to the Broadchurch TV series. 

Pizza on a wooden board at Watch House Cafe, Dorset

Watch House favourites include freshly cooked seafood, wood fired pizza and Italian classics.

Symondsbury Kitchen, Nr Bridport

Relax with a drink or meal on the sunny terrace and admire the rural views that surround you and soak up the ambience. Using both home grown and local seasonal ingredients, Symondsbury Kitchen is the ideal location to enjoy the warm sunshine amidst peace and tranquillity.

Outside seating at Symondsbury Kitchen near Bridport, Dorset

Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock

This is a fantastic place to start or end a walk along the cliff tops of the stunning Jurassic coast.  Relax on the wide, comfortable terrace and enjoy a light lunch or evening cocktails.  The terrace offers unparalleled views of Lyme Bay. 

Just imagine yourself finishing off a beautiful day with a drink in hand watching the sun go down….life doesn’t get better than this!

Outside the Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock, Dorset

The Wishing Well and Tea Gardens, Upwey

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional quality is the philosophy here. 

Stop by for a light bite, a cool refreshing drink, afternoon tea or traditional Sunday roast set in the beautiful water gardens.  Take a wander around the beautiful ornamental gardens and don’t forget to make that all important wish at the famous wishing well!

Outside The Wishing Well & Tea Gardens, Upwey in Dorset

The Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock

Hive Beach café is well renowned and located right on the beach at Burton Bradstock. 

Serving up fresh, locally caught fish and seafood with stunning sea views across Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach, this is the perfect location to enjoy a delicious lunch, homemade cakes with a cup of tea or a delicious local breakfast.

Outside the Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock in Dorset, with the beach in the background

Key West Bar and Grill, Bournemouth

Located right at the end of Bournemouth Pier, Key West Bar and Grill provides unrivalled panoramic views across the bays.  The large terrace allows you to sit back and relax with friends or family and is the perfect location to watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand!

Outside Key West Bar & Grill in Bournemouth, Dorset

The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle

You’ll be in awe at the amazing location of this wonderful contemporary pub.  The garden is overlooked by the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle and you’ll occasionally hear the ‘toot toot’ of the Swanage Railway trains as they travel down to the seaside - this really is a great location to enjoy a delicious meal.

Outside tables at The Greyhound Inn with Corfe Castle in the background, Dorset

The Boat That Rocks, Isle of Portland

Overlooking Portland Marina, this contemporary restaurant and bar has two floors to choose from. Its location makes it a great stop off when walking the South West Coast Path or for a drink or two watching the boats in the harbour.

The menu features fresh, sustainably caught fish and seafood specials along with vegan and gluten free options.

Outside the front of The Boat That Rocks restaurant and bar on the Isle of Portland in Dorset

The Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis

Mark Hix’s latest solo venture serves up the best of local produce, sustainable fish and seafood caught off the Dorset coast, often from Lyme Bay itself.

The menus at the Fish House are built around the long-established, personal relationships that Mark has with his suppliers and use only responsibly produced, carefully sourced and simply served British seasonal ingredients. Mark even cures and smokes the salmon himself at his Charmouth home.

Exterior of the Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis

The Cake House Tea Room, East Creech

All cakes are baked daily in-house made using fresh, locally sourced & free range ingredients. This year, they have added some new vegan sweet treats to the menu. You can also enjoy freshly ground roasted luxury artisan coffee or choose from an assortment of Dorset teas and hot chocolate.

But it’s not all about cake. Stop by for lunch or a Dorset cream tea and don’t forget to look out for the cute farm animals in the nearby fields.

The Cake House Tearoom at East Creech in Dorset

Need a few more ideas?

You can see a large variety of places to eat outside in our Food & Drink guide.

Whether you choose beach views from the end of Bournemouth Pier, afternoon tea on the lawns at The Priory Hotel or a beautiful courtyard garden at Mortons Manor, we know you'll enjoy the fabulous food on offer.