Dorchester is the ideal place for tasty treats, with everything from cream teas and local delis to international cuisine and well known restaurant brands.
On the menu you’ll find local wine, ciders and ales, fish from the coast and meat from the hills - you are in foodie heaven in Dorset. You could also pack some local fare and enjoy a picnic in the fresh air at Dorchester’s Borough Gardens or Salisbury Fields.
Flavours from around the world
Dorchester's restaurants, bistros and pubs offer a huge variety of menus and dishes.
From Italian and Japanese to Thai, French and Indian, there's lots of options to choose from.
Al Molo is a local brand who have recently opened an Italian seafood restaurant in Dorchester. Serving fresh, locally caught fish and produce the restaurant is located in a 17th Century building packed with character.
Brewery Square
A vibrant quarter which brings a contemporary feel to Dorset’s county town.
Brewery Square is a popular shopping and leisure destination - where modern restaurants, cafés, bars, brasseries and one of Dorchester’s two cinemas provide entertainment. Choose from French, Italian, Asian, vegan and lots more.
Poundbury
In amongst Poundbury’s stylish townhouses there is a mix of cafes and restaurants focused around Queen Mother Square, The Buttermarket and Pummery Square.
After you’ve enjoyed a bite to eat, why not browse the individual and interesting shops selling everything from toys and clothes to cheese and wine. Fresh local produce is also up for grabs at the farmers’ market on the first Saturday of each month.
Indulge yourself
You're in for a real treat when you book a table at Summer Lodge for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner. Set in the pretty village of Evershot, this gorgeous country house hotel has beautiful gardens to explore as well as spa facilities to enjoy. They also offer overnight stays including dinner, bed and breakfast for that added bit of luxury.
Country pubs for all the family
On the outskirts of Dorchester there are some delightful traditional pubs offering delicious food made from local produce.
With beer gardens in summer and cosy log fires in winter, what could be better than enjoying lunch or dinner in one of the idyllic pubs after a walk in the countryside.
Located near Dorchester in the pretty village of Stratton, The Saxon Arms is a traditional thatched country pub. It offers real ales, a menu featuring local produce and a specials board which changes daily. For when the weather is warm you can sit outside and when the weather is cold, cosy up by the log fire.
