Best Places and Services in Dorchester, Dorset (2025)

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Top-Rated Places and Services in Dorchester, Dorset

wagamama dorchester

21 Weymouth Ave, Brewery Sq, Dorchester DT1 1HX, UK

4.5 (1,053 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 260219

You get what you pay for and here that means excellent service, lovely atmosphere and most importantly delicious food. High quality, fresh ingredients cooked to order with a huge range of dishes that are better than the run of the mill options.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Most amazing service by Amelia!!! We had just come from our first baby scan at the hospital and Amelia was so sweet, so attentive and the restaurant even gifted us a recipe book with the sweetest inscription 🥹 The food was delicious. We had juices, tea, an appetizer and mains. I especially loved the veggie corn dogs. We will definitely be back soon. xx

Anonymous - a week ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Perfect in every way : seating, ambience, service, vibes, menu offerings, veg options, portions, presentation, taste, colour/ freshness of the salads and toppings. Very nice

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

I popped in today for a menu from the Dorchester branch and was greeted by Adam the manager (what a lovely man) I decided to go back after work an order some food to go. Adam was there and may I say what exceptional service! I don't think I've ever experienced such great service before, he was so helpful and all his staff were amazing also. As always the food was fantastic and I can't compliment you all enough. We will be back very soon ☺️

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

big thanks to El for being a wonderful server! amazing service! I ate here for the first time today, with my Mother! the food was lovely, and the drinks were amazing!

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Parking Options:
  • Paid Parking Lot
  • Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Brewery Square - 63m away
  • Nando's Dorchester - 34m away
  • Dorchester Market & Carboot - 100m away
  • ODEON Dorchester - 45m away
  • Vivo Lounge - 35m away
Walnut Grove

25 Durngate St, Dorchester DT1 1JP, UK

4.6 (321 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 268882

Excellent service, food was incredible. I got the eggs Benedict with salmon and it was probably the best I’ve had. Yolk was perfectly runny n was well presented. Will be returning in future.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

What a little gem of a cafe/restaurant!!! We popped in for lunch today, Sunday, for 16.95 each had sirloin beef roast, generous portion, toasties, potato gratin, plenty of veg, Yorkshire pudding, just the right consistency of gravy. And a side of horseradish. Best roast we've had in a very long time.... I normally save room for a pudding... but no... I ate every mouthful...and at 6pm was still not hungry. Staff so pleasant . I almost didn't want to leave such a good review in case I can't get a table any time soon!!

Anonymous - 3 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Cosy, licensed café restaurant offering everything from coffee and cake, a quick bite or fine lunch. Confit duck in Cointreau sauce was very good.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

This place takes you by surprise as it looks small from the outside but there is a lot of seating inside, plus upstairs. The service was really welcoming and friendly. The scones were amazing! The menu had lots of choices including sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

Anonymous - 3 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Just had our Christmas lunch a party of 13. Wonderful hot food ..great service lovely atmosphere would definitely recommend you won't be disappointed.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Nearby Landmarks:
  • Waitrose & Partners - 76m away
  • Greggs - 45m away
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 114m away
  • Costa Coffee - 69m away
  • Potters Cafe Bistro - 33m away
Shire Hall Cafe

High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UY, UK

4.6 (61 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 261849

Absolutely lovely. Relaxed atmosphere and wide variety of freshly cooked dishes

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Very nice cafe in an interesting museum. Food very good, staff excellent

Anonymous - 6 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely cafe & staff - nice selection of food. The fresh quiche (with salad & slaw) was very nice as was the dorset apple cake.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

I take all our visitors here from my youngest grandson aged 8 to my not so young friends. Everyone enjoys it even the teenagers and a bonus is phone service sketchy so they interact . Recommend using headphones for a good visit to dungeons and court.We eat at the cafe each time ,food always good but at busy times can be slow .

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

We had scones and drinks all very nice.After we had the tour around the building. All very good can recommend to do both.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Nearby Landmarks:
  • The Colliton Club & Bar - 91m away
  • The Tutankhamun Exhibition - 54m away
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 112m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 162m away
  • Waitrose & Partners - 267m away
The Blue Raddle

9 Church St, Dorchester DT1 1JN, UK

4.5 (276 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 267762

Good home cooked food, but on this occasion we visited for the real ale! Despite being only open 4 days a week, the beer quality is very good and it's one of the best places to drink in Dorchester.

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

This pub has been recommended to me many times but I had not been able to visit due to its limited opening days. I am pleased to report that it exceeded all expectations. Comfortable, clean, welcoming free house serving a good range of unpretentious ales at very reasonable prices. This pales alongside the food, which is hearty, wide-ranging, and offers several local game choices, incl. venison, pheasant and duck. I had a venison casserole, which was delicious and was accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables. Again, excellent and unpretentious. Best pub in West Dorset, and that's going some!

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

This was a great experience of Sunday lunch at an old English pub (free house actually). My wife tried the lamb roast with vegetables, accompanied by a half pint of light ale. Absolutely loved it! I tried venison sausages and mash, accompanied by a locally made raspberry lemonade - the kind pubs served when I was a boy. Both great. We would have tried their deserts, but no room left after the big main course. Husband and wife hosts were lovely and the regulars also made us feel welcome. Small word of caution- they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

A friendly & welcoming pub- I've been here several times and the food and welcome has been top notch. Tonight I had the whitebait followed by the steak & kidney pie, while my companions had the pheasant & vernison burger, and the chicken & bacon pie. The dishes were geneous and fresh, and all plates went back to the kitchen spotlessly clean. Finished with a slice of their homemade cake now the day and all but rolled back to our hotel. *Highly* recommended 👌

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Had lunch here last Sunday. A proper Traditional Ale House, focused on great beer, good food, good service and atmosphere. Can't think of anything negative to say. Our pints and our meals were excellent, as was the hospitality despite it being a frantic Sunday lunchtime - we both left 100% satisfied. If we revisit Dorchester "The Blue Raddle" will be top of our list for somewhere to lunch.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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Nearby Landmarks:
  • Waitrose & Partners - 103m away
  • The King's Arms - 75m away
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 157m away
  • The Dinosaur Museum - 85m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 249m away
The Dorset Kitchen

38 South St, Dorchester DT1 1DF, UK

4.5 (8 reviews)

P: 01305 217802

Excellent meal tonight, thanks so much. A great addition to Dorchester, very good food and service, very reasonable prices, nice ambiance.

Anonymous - 3 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely staff and lovely coffee. Superb quality and affordable prices!

Anonymous - 3 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Great food, great value, friendly staff would recommend.

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

I do come often for my appointments in south walk house.never knew dorset kitchen did fresh food as well..it was a fantastic and gorgeous experience I had on this gloomy humid Monday morning..the sweet ladies were so hearty and welcoming,dnt know what to say about the bacon roll with chicken I had..it was so tasty and heavenly..tx u guys..will surely come again in my next visit to the NHS outpatient clinic xx

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Takeout
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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Nearby Landmarks:
  • Dorchester Library and Learning Centre - 38m away
  • Waitrose & Partners - 178m away
  • Coffee#1 Dorchester - 121m away
  • Medivet 24 Hour Dorchester - Southfields - 113m away
  • Acland Road Car Park - 97m away
Potters Cafe Bistro

19 Durngate St, Dorchester DT1 1JP, UK

4.6 (301 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 260312

Been a couple of times and already planning my next trip! Staff are lovely and attentive, menu is simple but wholesome with a great selection of café classics and specials. Really lovely setting and a courtyard - and a big bonus they're dog friendly!

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We only popped in for a drink but the staff were lovely and the service was very good.

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

A lovely little cafe, tucked away in a Dorchester side street. A well-kept secret that the locals cherish. You can get to Potters back door and their lovely patio garden by turning left before entering Waitrose. The front door is in the street next to Tony & Guys hair salon. The cafe offers lots of homemade goodies and great tea and coffee. They are a little pricey for some of their items but it's worth paying that little bit more for quality. The staff are well above the average.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Really excellent. As someone who also owns a small independent cafe, Potters is one of the best I have visited. Lovely food( club sandwich) almost too much to finish, and I’m a big eater. Very attentive staff, and extremely good value for money. All round an excellent little cafe.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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Parking Options:
  • Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Waitrose & Partners - 51m away
  • Walnut Grove - 29m away
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 143m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 186m away
  • The King's Arms - 113m away
Al Molo-Dorchester

6 High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UJ, UK

4.7 (127 reviews)

P: 01305 602330

Beautiful food had 3 courses and all were beautiful, service was well paced and not fast so you get to enjoy the dishes . Steak was more than an 8oz fillet and my wife’s seafood linguine was in her words divine. Waiters were lovely and honoured to meet one of the chefs . Thank you

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

This place is remarkable. I honestly feel like I have to leave a review because I had a private room booking for party of 7 (engagement celebration). The team took care of us extremely well and I want to give special honour to our hostess Verity, so sweet, so patient, clear in her communication- 5 stars for her. The food was gorgeous and pretty affordable in my opinion . Some portions were small but I understand that it is more on fine dining side. The only critique I would give is about some cleaning aspects in which the rooms had like old cobwebs, spider webs on the windows, just could use a deep clean.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Visited by chance on a wet Wednesday and so glad we chose Al Molo. Restaurant was busy but staff were excellent, very friendly and attentive and despite being rush off their feet always available when needed. Food was fabulous and when we visit Dorchester again will definitely be back.

Anonymous - a week ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Incredible food. Went for my birthday and the food was absolutely amazing!! Best steak we’ve had and the portions were generous! Staff were extremely polite and friendly, we cant wait to go back !!

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Have a lovely lunch here with my godmother. We had pork belly and it was very tender but abit too salty. It’s ok when eat with the mashed potato, it’s balanced out. Very friendly and attentive service 👍🏻

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Children' Menu
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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Business owner? Promote this listing
1,018 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 21m away
  • Waitrose & Partners - 178m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 163m away
  • Costa Coffee - 64m away
  • The King's Arms - 119m away
Côte Dorchester

3 Brewery Sq, Dorchester DT1 1HX, UK

4.5 (624 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 261306

A very lovely dinner, mussels were good & plenty of them. Had the cafe gourmand for dessert & that was nice. Service was good though a little slow on taking our order & when we wanted to settle up. They also gave us the wrong coffee & wrong dessert but quickly rectified the error. It’s not wow but lovely traditional French cuisine.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely lunch with friendly, efficient service. The food was very good. Nonalcoholic cocktails are great, and I appreciated the wine guidance on the menu to pair with my main course. We both had seafood main courses, which were nicely cooked and presented. Mini puddings with coffee were delicious, and very good value.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Went for dinner and the food was fantastic! The staff were so lovely & attentive. They catered to my allergies (shellfish) really well, making notes for everything and making sure it was labelled with a little flag. It wasn't too busy when we went in, but as a very anxious person i quite liked that. Would recommend to anyone and looking to go back for my birthday next month!

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

I'm a tad bias to this establishment as I love the food and atmosphere here. Although it's a chain restaurant , i still feel like an individual as a customer. The staff treat you really well and give you a personal experience. The menu pricing is at the higher end of the market but as a treat, I think it's worth it. For those on a tighter budget, they offer a set meal menu before 7pm. The morning breakfast menu is also quite good. The reason I pay a little more to eat here is because I feel satisfied with my entire dining experience. I'm not a fan of the 10% gratuity that's automatically added to your bill. I feel the customer should decide what the service is worth, not the company.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We were felt to be made very welcome and special by all the staff. The menu we chose was the set vegetarian which was explained to us in great detail. We were amazed at the choice and quality of the food.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Business owner? Promote this listing
1,018 views last month
Parking Options:
  • Paid Parking Lot
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Brewery Square - 90m away
  • Nando's Dorchester - 51m away
  • Vivo Lounge - 26m away
  • ODEON Dorchester - 65m away
  • wagamama dorchester - 27m away
The Sun Inn

The Sun Inn, Lower Burton, Dorchester DT2 7RZ, UK

4.5 (1,595 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 250445

What a wonderful place, we went as a family as we were on holiday. And because they do a carvery every day. It was amazing, crispy roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, freshly cooked vegetables, what a choice! And a really good serving of tender beef and pork. All for £13 as over 65's. Staff were so helpful even though rushed off their feet! We even booked up the next evening for another roast. Puddings were incredible too. Well done The Sun Inn

Anonymous - 2 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Thank you for accommodating us as walk-ins for the Sunday Roast. The food was delicious, the staff were welcoming, the atmosphere was warm, relaxed and peaceful (some places can be very noisy during afternoon roast dinners). We have also tried the outdoor seating previously for some nibbles and the review remains exactly the same. We really enjoyed on both occasions and we will definitely return.

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Visited The Sun Inn whilst staying in a holiday cottage 5 mins walk away. We booked in for a second time that week because we enjoyed it so much! Highly recommend the carvery, it was delicious. Can’t fault the staff, they were all lovely and so attentive. Great atmosphere, and great pub in general. Would suggest booking in advance because it’s very popular.

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We found The Sun Inn on google maps last minute, are plans had changed. What a find, lovely welcome and a very nice carvery , roast beef or turkey loads of veg all hot and fresh. I recommend booking in advance as it was very busy, they squeezed us in on a barrel table, not suitable for everyone, we didn’t mind they asked us first.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Amazing service, one of the best Sunday roasts I have ever had. Carvery is excellent for vegans and vegetarians too! Staff really friendly and helpful especially the two young lads who have helped us both times we were there.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Parking Options:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking
The Secret Garden Café

19 South St, Dorchester DT1 1BS, UK

4.6 (292 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 457300

Hoestly GOATED experience. Best cafe in dorch fr fr. service was lovely and the person I was with had the special which I believe if I recall was the mushroom and butter bean burger and they LOVED IT. 11/10!!!

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

This is easily becoming my favourite cafe in Weymouth. The location is great, just moments from the harbour side in the bustling brewers quay area. They have a sizeable outside seating area for those dry days and a cosy dining area inside. The staff are wonderfully accommodating and lovely with our children, they are always offered colouring books and numerous high chairs are available. Now the food...it is lovely. It is all vegetarian or vegan, but even as a meat lover I always find something to eat. A personal favourite is the poutine, fries with melted cheese covered in the most delicious mushroom gravy - it is gorgeous! The extensive waffle menu is a firm hit with all ages, with choices to suit all. From waffles doused in chocolate to lovely fruit toppings. If you are in the area, I would wholeheartedly suggest you pop by for lunch.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Great little cafe. Stopped here for tea and a light snack on our way to Cornwall. Was pleasantly surprised at the number of gluten free options. Millionaire shortbread was delicious!!

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Visit Website
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,018 views last month
Parking Options:
  • Paid Parking Lot
  • Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Waitrose & Partners - 158m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 119m away
  • Superdrug - 27m away
  • Coffee#1 Dorchester - 135m away
  • Co-op Food - Dorchester - Trinity Square - 112m away

Frequently Asked Questions about Dorchester, Dorset

The best Places and Services in Dorchester, Dorset include: