The Best Cafes in Netherbury, Dorset, United Kingdom (2025)

My recent visit to Shaftesbury was partly inspired by the Bill Hicks routine from his album “Arizona Bay,” specifically the track “Hooligans,” so I kept repeating in my head as I walked around: “No one knows what it’s like, to be a dustbin, in Shaftesbury with Hooligans.” I was not aware before I arrived that Ridley Scott, the director of some of my favourite films, had directed a bread ad in Shaftesbury in 1973. I learned that while observing the hill used in the ad, and turned to see a cafe called “The Salt Cellar”, it not only offers an amazing view but also delicious food that enhances the scenic beauty, and allows it to be even more enjoyable. I went with family, so had the pleasure of trying a few of their homemade pies, the risotto, and a sandwich. Each dish was a delight, with the pies standing out due to their fantastic pastry, the risotto being perfectly cooked, and the sandwich was excellent. The side salads with the pies, which seemed unusual at first, turned out to be a delicious surprise combo. The range of food and drink options looks extensive and impressive, it was refreshing to find a place with a stunning view that doesn’t rely solely on the scenery to attract customers—the food here is genuinely worth the visit. The service provided by a young gentleman was great, he had a lovely manner, and our food arrived quickly. The excellent service and food was also great because the bill didn’t sting at the end, The Salt Cellar is great value for money. The view alone is worth the look, but I highly recommend making The Salt Cellar your lunch destination if you’re visiting Shaftesbury.

My wife and I, Visited Shaftesbury on Saturday. To do some shopping and check out Gold Hill (Featured in the Hovis advert from the 70's) when we got to the top of Gold Hill we came apon this lovely restaurant. All the staff were lovely. So lovely my wife and I cried. Xx. We have had a lot going on recently. Jo was very kind. The food was amazing. We went for the tuna ciabatta. Lovely.. And then there's the view. Amazing.. Well worth a visit and popping in for something to eat. Xx. Thank you again xxx yours sincerely Steve and Annie and Luna xx

This gem did not disappoint yet again! Even if not on the menu, you can still get an amazing omelette here! Great after cycling up Gold Hill :)

A beautiful place,nice food and we bought a whole cake to take home. Excellent view

I love this little place that has a larger personality especially around the holidays, nice food, nice helpful staff, and full of friendlyness. It gets bigger and louder during the holidays and summer months when it opens the play area and the maize maze. Lovely for families and children. I have to say it pleases my heart to see this place set up for children's outside play, they certainly keep you on your toes, even when you are not part of that group or party, it has a little downside life everywhere when is busy hearing can be an issue even when sat face to face, so if you're expecting a wee cuppa or coffee or lunch in peace or relative quite here, you honestly won't know until you get there. It's just lovely hearing the children and youths being a play outside and not attached to their phones or computers.

Good location on the edge of Sherborne to let the kids run and play while you sit comfortably in the old farm yard with a cake and coffee or maybe a light lunch.

An amazing maize, maze one of the best around. What a pity it's the final maze this year. A wonderful attraction for all the family with all the usual facilities including a superb little cafe. Play area for younger children and very reasonably priced. Staff extremely friendly and helpful adding to the experience. The maze is open all summer until early September so get in there quickly for a brilliant day out!

Wonderful vegetarian cafe, great food, lovely cosy place to spend time. Friendly service, excellent menu of tasty dishes & cakes.

What a lovely cafe! We came in for a coffee and Dorset Apple Cake and ended up staying for lunch. Great atmosphere, wonderful service and the food is amazing!! We had the avocado rarebit which was brilliant - really tasty and served with a lovely salad and slaw. Definitely recommend; we'll definitely be coming back.

Came for a leisurely coffee but ended up treating myself to the Rarebit! It was DELICIOUS! 😋 The only negative thing was there wasn't more of the tasty side salad (so so good ) 😁 I am super happy to have found such a gem in a local area 🙌 Ps the service was so friendly - thank you

What a hidden gem!!!! Absolutely delicious cream tea. The service was absolutely brilliant, we came on a particularly busy day, and we had to wait 20 or so minutes for a table, the waitress was quick to book us in. The service was incredible, chatting lovely staff and our order came really fast. The scones were really something else! Warm and fluffy! Really affordable

Absolutely loved it! The staff were lovely, the food was impeccable and the tea room itself was immaculate. The sandwich and the scones on the cream tea I ordered were massive, really worth the price! And was no problem when I asked for something to take half of me meal away when I couldn't finish it 😅 A must visit at West Bay!

Amazing lunch but the best was the cream tea! I actually went to The Ritz in London a couple of days later for afternoon tea and the scones at West Bay Tea Rooms were better than theirs.

Family run, friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed the home made scones ❤️. Very generous portions! Thank you for staying open even after closing time. Would definitely recommend if visiting the area.

We have been coming to the windy cafe on a regular basis. Some times we just have a coffee , which always comes out lovely and hot , we bring family and friends to eat here. Very good choices on the menu .when brought to your table its well presented and hot. Service is excellent. Highly recommend this place to everyone.

I think we paid around £10 for 3 babyccinos, a double espresso and 2 packets of biscuits, which given today’s prices is pretty good 🙌🏻 Side note: the Babyccinos are awesome. They’re £1.45 and you get frothy milk with marshmallows but a cheaper version for kids. Highly recommend and the kids loved them👌🏻 I could imagine that it would be quite relaxing and enjoyable, but we had 3 kids. Sitting in a cafe is generally not all that enjoyable with kids but they were quite bearable and no one died. And big up to the member of staff that took the time to have a chat with one of our kids and even gave them all paper bags to collect treasure in from the beach 🙌🏻

Great biker themed cafe in West Bay. Good food, friendly staff, great outlook. Will definitely be back. Good stop off heading to Devon a d Cornwall.

It was windy inside but a hellabullo outside...great cafe with great views. Great menu and service was prompt and with a smile. Our dog loved the attention and the doggie sausage which was a nice touch. Food was well presented and tasty and hit the spot. The cafe has an extension menu and do great breakfast upto midday. Lovely cakes too but we were full from our lunch. Recommend the coated chips with. Cheese and pulled pork...yum 😋

Fantastic food and beer in a great location for lunch after walking hells lane. Loved how much was locally sourced and so many great vegan options!

We were served by Ruby- absolutely amazing service and wonderful food! Catered to non-standard allergens with kindness and respect! We had the confit tomatoes with feta and the autumn salad, would recommend both for anyone visiting. We didn’t get the chance to try the pear frangipane, which we would love to visit to try again.

Brilliant find, not just an amazing restaurant for lunch but great place to visit for the art gallery, gift shop and deli counter. Forgot to take photos of our food.

4.2 is very harsh for the amazing food we ate! Keep cooking like this and you won’t be that for long! Had the Sprung Salad with chicken (thanks for accommodating) and it was one of the best salads I’ve eaten out. Beautiful balance of nuts, leaves asparagus and feta. Really impressive thanks again 👍🏼

Fantastic restaurant. Fantastic location on WestBay Beach. We had a Sunday roast which was so tender and tasty. Thank you. We will be back.

Superb restaurant and perfect location. If you're fond of sand dunes, and salty air, quaint little villages everywhere..... IYKYK. Food is always great, service spot on.

Delicious fish & chips! Big cocktail menu. Great location right by the water.

Great lively place, right on the beach, good food and service, good fast pizzas 🍕.... Needs a nice craft beer on tap 😂👍

Came here today, after walking from our campsite at Graston Copse through Burton Bradstock village. A warm welcome by a member of staff & shown to our outside table for 4 with 3 dogs. Our waitress took our drinks order & returned after a few minutes to take our food order. She was very friendly and attentive, giving time for a chat despite being extremely busy. Wait for our food was minimal and when it arrived it was hot, tasty & well presented. Back ground music was pleasant, giving the Mediterranean feeling due to the sunshine. Wouldn't hesitate in returning if we are in the area again .... thank you.

This is a well loved beach cafe which has beautiful scenic views, it is very popular and rightly so. The menu is mainly fish and seafood dishes. However, they do a smashing full English breakfast up to 11.30 am. I will post pics. This dog friendly beach cafe has a carpark close by, but if you choose to walk along the cliff top path or the lower paths, you will walk within the most beautiful scenery. This is a totally table service venue, so once you are seated, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Prices are reasonable.

Camping at Freshwater holiday park, a 20 minute walk to visit this gem of a place. Busy and bustling restaurant, great menu, food was outstanding and the service was great too. Dog friendly aswell, all in all, will definitely be returning soon.

Huge muscles in a nicely balanced blue cheese cream sauce. The fish chowder was also lovely, great tasting fish and fresh veg. We enjoyed on a wet and windy day, outside seating had heaters which warmed us up nicely. Would recommend after a walk.

A gorgeous cafe & restaurant with stunning views. I came for a Halloween themed quiz & since this one, they’re going to do monthly quizzes now. The food is delicious, you can eat in or takeaway. I had the loaded curly fries which were so tasty and filling (£16, worth every penny). The staff in the cafe are all lovely, friendly people who will go the extra mile to make sure customers are happy. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service. The atmosphere is brilliant - the decor is so creative with plants and wall art. There is also a beautiful wedding venue next door to the cafe which is part of the same business. A stunning, large open space with an upstairs balcony and gorgeous views. It’s clear they’ve recently touched up the place and look after it as the toilets are so modern and clean.

Very beautiful place, not only to eat, but also to have a relaxing walk. Tidy, well looked after. Food tastes amazing.