Where to Eat and Drink in Swanage

With over 60 restaurants, cafes and pubs in the town, there is plenty of choice to enjoy a drink or something to eat in Swanage. 

Whether you choose to dine-in or get fish and chips to eat on the beach, you’ll find everything from seafood and steak to roast dinners and cream teas on the menu. 

Many of the local eateries use local produce in their dishes, so be sure to look out for fish caught along the Dorset coast, beef raised on the Purbeck hills and our delicious Purbeck ice-cream! 

It’s not just about eating-in either, as there are lots of affordable options for ordering a takeaway delivered to your holiday accommodation too. 

Sea views 

There are fantastic views of Swanage Bay from The 1859 Pier Café & Bistro as well as many other restaurants and cafes within the town. 

The restaurants at the Grand Hotel and Pines Hotel have long reaching views across the water with the chance to sit outside in the hotel gardens during the summer months. 

Located within Durlston Country Park, Seventh Wave is set inside the Victorian Durlston Castle and offers unrivalled views along the Jurassic Coast. 

Pubs and Inns

With nearly a dozen traditional pubs in Swanage, there’s lots of options for where to sample locally brewed ales and ciders. Many of them serve food, with hearty menus including all-time favourites such as cottage pie, scampi and chips and Sunday roasts. 

Most of the local pubs welcome dogs and walkers, so after a long walk exploring the coast and countryside, you won’t need to worry about muddy boots or sandy paws! 

Restaurants and bistros 

Offering the best of British, European and flavours from around the world, Swanage’s bistros and restaurants combine delicious food and drink with great service. 

Whether you’re seeking dinner with an ocean view or lunch with friends, you’ll find varied menus alongside extensive wine lists.  

Cafes and coffee shops 

Fantastic for a morning coffee and pastry, to a light lunch or afternoon tea, there are numerous independent cafes and coffee shops along the seafront and within the town centre, which cater for various dietary needs. 

Food & Drinkhighlights

Coast Restaurant - Grand Hotel

The Coast Restaurant is fully air-conditioned with commanding views across Swanage Bay, offering fine dining with exciting and innovative cuisine, using fresh local produce where...

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Markets and Shopping

As well as lots of small, independent shops, there's also a weekly market in Swanage every Friday.

What's On

There's a packed events programme throughout the whole year in Swanage.

Walking and Trails

There are many coastal and countryside walking trails to follow in Swanage.