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

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

The Orchard Cafe, Wareham

The Orchard Café is nestled in a beautiful natural environment in the award-winning Holme For Gardens, with views of the Purbeck Hills, a light airy conservatory, and pond-side outdoor seating.  Come and relax, with delicious Holme-made breakfasts, lunches, soups, sandwiches, cakes, cream teas, and a range of hot and cold drinks. 

Tables around the pond at Orchard Cafe, Holme For Gardens, Wareham, Dorset in the summer. A pretty scene.

Rockfish, Lyme Regis

For a truly memorable alfresco dining experience in Dorset, Rockfish in Lyme Regis is a standout.

Perched with panoramic views over the iconic Cobb and Lyme Bay, this coastal gem serves up the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood straight from Brixham Market. Each morning, expert fishmongers hand-select and prepare the day’s catch, ensuring only the finest seasonal fish and shellfish make it to your plate so fresh, tomorrow’s fish is still in the sea.

With daily landings noted right on your tablecloth and a menu featuring Rockfish favourites like their famous seafood tacos, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sea air and savour the best of the coast.

View of the cobb from Rockfish Lyme Regis

Boon Boat, Portland

For a dining experience that’s truly out of the ordinary, Boon Boat BBQ offers one of Dorset’s most unique alfresco adventures. Float on a private, solar-powered platform and enjoy a gourmet barbecue along the stunning Jurassic Coast, with views of the Isle of Portland.

This eco-conscious experience blends luxury with sustainability, featuring bespoke BBQ menus prepared by your personal chef, tropical-inspired décor and a UV-sheltered pergola for comfort. Whether you're celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues, Boon Boat BBQ transforms any gathering into a serene, flavour-filled escape on the water.

Boon Boat BBQ Portland Dorset

Harry Ramsden's, Bournemouth

For classic seaside dining with a view, Harry Ramsden’s in Bournemouth is a top pick.

Located by the pier, it offers iconic fish and chips with the option to dine alfresco on the upstairs terrace overlooking the beach. In summer, guests can enjoy Friday night fireworks from their table.

With a menu full of British favourites and a handy takeaway for beach picnics, it’s a perfect spot for relaxed coastal dining.

View from the terrace at Harry Ramsden's in Bournemouth, Dorset

The Ollerod, Beaminster

For a refined yet relaxed alfresco dining experience in West Dorset, The Ollerod in Beaminster is a must-visit. 

Set in a beautifully restored 14th-century building, this award-winning restaurant offers a seasonal menu inspired by local produce, with dishes that blend British roots and global influences.

Guests can enjoy their meal in the tranquil walled garden, surrounded by the charm of the countryside and the historic character of the inn. During the warmer months, The Ollerod hosts a variety of outdoor entertainment evenings—from live music performances to pop-up food nights such as their popular Wednesday Mexican street food sessions.

Picture shows the beautiful garden at The Ollerod in the summertime

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 PIG on the Beach, Studland

THE PIG-on the Beach is a mellow, country house hotel, perfectly situated along Studland Bay. 

In the summer, you can choose to drop in and dine outside from the Wood Oven menu, soaking up the views of Old Harry Rocks.  Tuck into your flatbread with chilled local ciders and beers, English fizz or a glass of rosé for the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

You can also follow the path down to the beach and dip your toes in the fresh waters of Studland Bay. 

Dining outside at the PIG on the Beach Hotel

Need a few more ideas?

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

Whether you choose views of the Jurassic Coast from the terrace at the Seaside Boarding House, afternoon tea in the gorgeous gardens at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel or an idylic village pub garden at The Old Inn Holt, we know you'll enjoy the fabulous food on offer.