Best Places and Services in Dorset (2025)

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Top-Rated Places and Services in Dorset

The King's Arms

30 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HF, UK

4.6 (443 reviews)

P: 01305 238238

Best place to have a few Christmas pints with friends. Very cosy seating areas with sofas next to the fire place. Reasonably priced beer (£4.80 ish) for a pint of Butcombe, very good quality / price!

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We enjoyed our stay at the Kings Arms, we had an issue with a light fitting in our room which was dealt with very efficiently. Breakfast was delicious and there was lots of good quality food to choose from ! We also hired the Casterbridge room for a family wake, delicious food & a great space with history attached to the space. Would thoroughly recommend.

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

Charming hotel at a great location, spotless, cosy rooms, excellent customer service and convenient free parking. We stayed 2 nights to celebrate my husband’s 40th and it was perfect. The restaurant staff catered to my dietary requirements with a smile. Good quality food, interesting vegetarian options although taste could’ve been better. But overall a wonderful experience.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

If you are looking for a change from the usual humdrum Prem Inn Travelodge that seem to be taking over most town centres then this exquisette steeped in history creaky floored no room the same Hotel is for you. Refurbished to an excellent standard whilst retaining the period features. Staff were very friendly and helpful from the 2 receptionists we met to the lady running the restaurant to the bar person to the excellent chef we really couldn't fault it. Our evening meal in the restaurant was delicious and breakfast the next morning cooked to order much nicer than buffet style hot foods from above mentioned hotels. Thank you to all the staff we met who couldn't do enough for us and really topped off an excellent stay.

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

(We didn't stay - merely went for a celebration meal.) The food was really excellent, the service friendly and efficient, and the hotel's restoration after its long period of disuse could not be more sensitive. The bar and restaurant areas are simply beautiful!

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Nearby Landmarks:
  • Waitrose & Partners - 149m away
  • Costa Coffee - 53m away
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - 107m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 245m away
  • Corn Exchange - 39m away
Côte Dorchester

3 Brewery Sq, Dorchester DT1 1HX, UK

4.5 (624 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 261306

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

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 - 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.

Anonymous - 9 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

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.

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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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 Dorset Kitchen

38 South St, Dorchester DT1 1DF, UK

4.5 (8 reviews)

P: 01305 217802

Great food, great value, friendly staff would recommend.

Anonymous - 2 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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

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

Anonymous - 3 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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

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
Finca

41 Great Western Rd, Dorchester DT1 1UF, UK

4.7 (243 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: Not available

Great coffee place in Dorchester, it has not lost its touch despite opening more shops and becoming a mini coffee chain. The carrot cake was delicious too.

Anonymous - 6 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Best latte I tasted in a while, you ‘ll see a cafe nero next to it; ignore that and their overburned coffees and come&visit this cafe 🥰 tasty cakes too

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Finca. Coffee only. I chose this café based on their Google reviews as I’m only passing through so my expectations were raised. Well, I wasn’t disappointed as my cappuccino was totally delicious. Strong, smooth, rich and hot. With chocolate sprinkles added without having to ask. Perfect! You can smell the coffee as soon as get to the front door! 😁 It’s only a small shop but I really loved the decor with the lady serving being very personable. A great location for the Dorchester West train station. Parking nearby Card only

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Popped in for a proper coffee on our way through Dorchester and this place exceeded expectations. The owner couldn’t have been more happy to go the extra mile for us (filled up our water bottles, showed us the equipment he uses etc.). He is super passionate about coffee and truly knows his craft, which shows.. the coffee is INCREDIBLE. A lot of care goes into each and every cup. Highly recommend checking out this little gem, lovely vibe to the place too, the sweet treats also looked great. Thank you for the great coffee and inspiring chat. We will definitely be checking out other locations and returning to this one!

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely coffee. We always have oat milk lattes and they are delicious. A little on the small side for me, I like a big coffee. But, very nice. Nice selection of cakes and treats too. It overlooks a road, which is hard not to in a town center for the most part, however the other side of the road is green with trees and not just other shop windows which is nice.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Takeout
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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Nearby Landmarks:
  • Coffee#1 Dorchester - 74m away
  • Iceland Supermarket Dorchester - 71m away
  • Brewery Square - 213m away
  • The King and Thai Restaurant - 11m away
  • Plaza Cinema Dorchester - 257m away
The Sun Inn

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

4.5 (1,595 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 250445

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 - 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.

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

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 - 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.

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
PiP Café and Meeting Hub

St John Way, Dorchester DT1 2FG, UK

4.4 (148 reviews)

P: 01305 259142

Coffee and cake stop with granddaughter while visiting the adventure playground. Really good coffee and tasty cakes.

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Well managed little gem in the heart of the park. Great spot for a coffee and a chat whilst watching the children play. Can't fault the place

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Really nice food and vibe, ask for barista Tom if he still works here (30/11/24)

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Excellent place to go for warm and freshly-made food and drinks. It's at a great location and when the park opens up, it will be the ideal spot for everyone. Definitely recommend going. I also work here and the staff and the customers are always so friendly and both parties are always so understanding no matter the circumstance.

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
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Parking Options:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • The Great Field Poundbury - 136m away
  • Great Park at The Great Field - 60m away
  • Damers First School - 261m away
  • Poundbury Pharmacy - 144m away
  • Loop Technology - 309m away
Zizzi - Dorchester

5 Eldridge St, Dorchester DT1 1QR, UK

4.3 (1,150 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 568110

Surprised to see a very reasonable priced Christmas 3 course menu still available with loads of variety for each course , food came out quick , hot and was very tasty. Laila ensured we had all we needed ! Recommended pudding too- she was spot on ! 5*

Anonymous - 2 weeks ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We had the best evening a Zizzi Dorchester. It was prime Christmas party time, the place was packed (a table of 27 came in when we were there). The staff were run ragged, but they were polite, efficient and had smiles on their faces. The food was amazing, service prompt and great value. It was my husbands first time there, he’s lactose free, but had a great choice, including desserts, we will definitely be back 😀.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Great Italian! Visited a couple times and cannot fault anything. Great food and not badly priced compared to most. Would recommend the Pizzas and Bolognaise Chips…

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We ordered starters (pork & garlic meatballs, a garlic bombe & garlic bread) they were really tasty! Especially the bombe who knew honey could go so well with a giant garlic dough ball! For mains, we ordered a rustica sticky pig, calzone carne piccante, crispy prosciutto carbonara & a children's spaghetti bolognase. The mains were absolutely delicious, although the children's spaghetti bolognase was tasteless, which was a shame as I had high hopes. Overall, we had a really good time and came away feeling full although I was surprised that you can't use Veteran's discount on a Friday or a Saturday, I think that is quite insulting considering they accept Tesco's vouchers all day everyday!!

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • 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:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Paid Parking Lot
  • Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Brewery Square - 77m away
  • Nando's Dorchester - 39m away
  • ODEON Dorchester - 53m away
  • wagamama dorchester - 15m away
  • Dorchester Market & Carboot - 91m away
The Engine Room Restaurant

Poundbury Gardens, Peverell Ave E, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3RT, UK

4.2 (480 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 257251

Nice atmosphere, lovely cakes but was very disappointed my friend who was visiting from Yorkshire and a celiac didn't benefit from the array on offer. Just a bought in selection of very ordinary gluten free options. I'd been recommend your cafe & coming from Australia where we have a great choice I expected more. Coffee was excellent though.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

I must say, for a quick travel-home lunch, this was fantastic. You can clearly see why for such a little spot why they're so busy! For £15.95, a simple roast dinner with ample flavour. Homemade treats and lovely coffee. What a pleasure to have popped in on a whim. The staff were very attentive, despite being ridiculously busy, they made such an effort to be kind and helpful to all. Especially the older gent who was doing front of house, clearing tables and welcoming guests... rushed off his feet but was SOOO friendly which was lovely.

Anonymous - 3 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Great range of food from snacks to full meals, my wife had the club sandwich and that was really good as well as my bun, and even better the bacon was not smoked - I cannot understand why some places use smoked bacon as it puts off half the possible consumers! The staff were attentive and polite, fixed our rocking table before we asked, loads of space and good value. There is also a covered outside area but you need sun!

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Garden centre with a restaurant. Good combo and the restaurant itself is lovely. The food was good having the clubhouse sandwich which the chicken was just 'too dry' but had taste. The restaurant is kid friendly and they had burgers that looked amazing. Tasted good too. Lovely place to eat in Poundbury.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Parking Options:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Poundbury Gardens - 42m away
  • The Duchess of Cornwall - 36m away
  • The Potting Shed - 61m away
  • Waitrose & Partners - 96m away
  • Meyers Estate Agents - 72m away
Hub Box Dorchester

Unit 1 Eldridge St, Brewery Sq, Dorchester DT1 1HX, UK

4.4 (280 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 602608

Solo dining on a Monday evening, travelling for work. Service was spot on, staff couldn’t have been better. Had the buffalo buttermilk chicken burger, which whilst delicious, lacked heat… as others have said. Wouldn’t stop me ordering it again, but HB management, if you’re reading this, get some heat in your buffalo sauce! Had the garlic and parm dirty fries which were great too. Recommend.

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Fell into this restaurant as the establishment next door was closed and didn’t inform individuals who had booked. We were welcomed by the team and explained the situation. They got us seated and we thoroughly enjoyed the food. We shared some waffle fries and had a burger each. It was reasonably priced and very tasty. Good veggie options also. Would recommend the halloumi burger for veggies and the Honey C chicken burger. Big thanks to the staff for keeping our anniversary evening on track due to the Asian restaurant next door being shut.

Anonymous - a week ago

Rating: 5 / 5

My favourite burger place and the dirty fries are unreal. The milkshakes are amazing, it’s definitely on the pricey side, was £75 for 2 of us but worth it in my opinion

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Ordered a couple of times to takeaway however thought we would stop in this time. So much better. Special NYC deli burger was amazing. Team really good. Definitely be back

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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1,045 views last month
Parking Options:
  • Paid Parking Lot
  • Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Brewery Square - 102m away
  • Côte Dorchester - 25m away
  • Nando's Dorchester - 65m away
  • Vivo Lounge - 39m away
  • ODEON Dorchester - 79m away
The Duchess of Cornwall

12 Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3DD, UK

4.2 (1,631 reviews)
 Price Level:

P: 01305 757569

So lucky to have this fabulous pub as our local! The staff are fantastic and go out of their way to offer great service. With a Welcoming and friendly atmosphere, stunning surroundings and pretty decent food it’s no wonder this pub is busy. The only negative is they don’t take cash which is pretty outrageous.

Anonymous - in the last week

Rating: 5 / 5

We booked an area upstairs for my son’s 1st birthday celebration with our friends and family. The pub was decorated so nicely for Christmas and it had a lovely atmosphere. The food was amazing. Staff were professional, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We can’t wait to visit again soon

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 4 / 5

Stopped off for late lunch on. Friday. Parking nearby was very busy but there are side roads where parking is generally available. Interior was warm, well lit and inviting. It was quite busy but there were tables available. Some were reserved. Reasonable menu...general pub food. Reasonable prices. Dishes on menu marked with vegetarian/gluten free options but if you have allergies/sensitivities check with staff and they will show you the allergens tablet to check. Order food at bar and delivery was to your numbered table. Food was tasty and hot, reasonable presentation. I had a beef and ale pie with gravy, mash and peas. It came with red cabbage as standard but staff happy to change veg. Toilets upstairs so if you have mobility issues there is a lift to use but it was used as storage area for kids highchairs lol. Plenty of space around tables for wheelchair, mobility aids and pushchairs if you need. Level access to pub from street.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Cocktails
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
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Parking Options:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Poundbury Gardens - 72m away
  • Waitrose & Partners - 54m away
  • The Engine Room Restaurant - 64m away
  • The Potting Shed - 101m away
  • Meyers Estate Agents - 58m away

Frequently Asked Questions about Dorset

The best Places and Services in Dorset include: