Top Restaurants in Swanage, Dorset
Beavers
14 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX, UK | Restaurant P: 01929 427292
Rating: 4.3 (503) Price Level:
Dropped in for lunch and a friendly smile greeted us, offered a choice of tables to sit at and gave us the menu. We both went for the chicken curry and it was served in good time. Curry was delicious, plenty of chicken and great tasting. Price was very good and the premises spotless. Highly recommend.
Rating: 5 / 5
Lovely little lunch place. Thank you for catering for my aged parents. Their favourite place. We made the head waitresses giggle with the customer inadvertently wearing the witches hat.... little things! Ideal Christmas present vouchers too!
Rating: 5 / 5
We came here every day on out trip for breakfast as it was so good! They kindly edited the vegetarian to a vegan breakfast with the most amazing veggie sausage. Their hash browns are so crispy and perfect. Staff are super nice and helpful. Perfect for vegans and meat eaters. :)
Rating: 5 / 5
I had breakfast there yesterday. the people are very lovely, fast service and the food was DELICIOUS!!! absolutely love it.
Rating: 4 / 5
It is a great little place to stop, offering nice food at reasonable prices.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Serves Breakfast
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Serves Brunch
- Children' Menu
- Dog Friendly
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
- Good for Children
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Desserts
- Coffee
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Website not available
Parking Options:
Nearby Landmarks:
- The Mowlem Theatre - 55m away
- Wimpy - 18m away
- Boots - 54m away
- The Fish Plaice - 80m away
- The Anchor Inn - 55m away
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
Swanage Pier, Swanage BH19 2AW, UK | Restaurant P: 01929 500387
Rating: 4.4 (444) Price Level:
What a great sample menu. Everything was fantastic. The lamb was cooked perfectly. Will definitely be back again to try more of the menu. Great to see some new evening food in Swanage and a view of the sea and Swanage lights too.
Rating: 5 / 5
Had a late lunch (family of 9) and the staff were attentive and the food was fantastic!! I don't think we could pick our favourite between the Basket of Seafood, Fancy Finger Sandwich and the Trio of Fish!! Great portions and perfectly cooked. The restaurant was also child friendly, and had a fantastic exhibition on Swanage Pier attached to alongside it, so it kept fidgety little ones busy while the food arrived.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Breakfast
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- 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
Parking Options:
- Paid Parking Lot
Nearby Landmarks:
- Swanage Pier Trust - 33m away
- Broad Road Car Park - 133m away
- Gee Whites Seafood Restaurant - 186m away
- Prince Albert Gardens - 90m away
- Wimpy - 399m away
Red Lion Swanage
63 High St, Swanage BH19 2LY, UK | Pub P: 01929 208670
Rating: 4.2 (1013) Price Level:
We ate a Sunday roast here and it was one of the best we've had. The food was delicious. The staff were very accommodating (6 of us plus a dog) and friendly.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Red Lion used to be a bit of a locals pub but was a bit of a dive. Almost a year ago, it changed hands, and the new owners seem to have spent a lot of time and money in upgrading my prefered drinking venue in Swanage. The pub is now clean and has a good choice of beers both ales and larger etc. I don't know anything about wines as I don't drink them, but the food is great. The food has a Turkish theme to it, which always tastes great and fresh. I think they've got some sort of flame grill stove thing, but all I know is I like the food and the beers, and the pub is dog friendly..
Rating: 5 / 5
Great pub. We had not booked but the lady was so helpful letting us have a table as long as we could vacate it by a certain time. Wonderfully food and very helpful staff. Would highly recommend but in busy times be sure to make a booking.
Rating: 5 / 5
Popped in on the off chance for a table for two, and although they were busy, they found us a table at very short notice. The barman was extremely polite and courteous, and the food came it was hot and plentiful. Great choice of wines and beers. Recommended. Would definitely go back again.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Outdoor Seating
- Live Music
- Dog Friendly
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
Accessibility Features:
Website not available
Parking Options:
- Free Parking Lot
- Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
- Tawnys Wine Bar - 17m away
- Purbeck House Hotel - 124m away
- The Anchor Inn - 85m away
- Love Cake - 34m away
- Budgens - 169m away
The Anchor Inn
30-32 High St, Swanage BH19 2NU, UK | Bar P: 01929 208676
Rating: 4.2 (450) Price Level:
Top pub! We arrived just after food service had finished and commented how good the chips looked. Thanks Julian for knocking us up an extra bowl - delicious and highly recommended! The rest of the food look great.
Rating: 5 / 5
Stopped in for a late dinner. Delicious food. Had the local sausages, soup and prawns. We prepared, fresh and delicious! As an American, I like more salt, but it was happily supplied. I definitely recommend the sausage with mash and wine gravy! Outstanding. Definitely recommend.
Rating: 5 / 5
Was an amazing experience - came here with my partner after searching online and seeing it had some good vegan options on the menu (we're both vegan!). They had a veggie enchiladas on the menu, which I asked if it could be veganised (aka vegan cheese). The waiter was so kind he popped out to buy me some vegan cheese and the chef made the most amazing meal! My partners' vegan sausage and mash (as per their menu) was also exceptional. Really appreciated how they went above and beyond, as well as everyones' friendliness.
Rating: 4 / 5
Cane here for an evening meal having booked a table. Lovely and warm as was the welcome. Very basic food and the sausage and mash had no accompaniments at all ...just gravy and there was no option for extra veg. Salmon was ok'ish but not very warm at all. Overall the food flattered to deceive.
Rating: 5 / 5
Spur of the moment booking. Extremely friendly staff. Lovely food, we had lamb shank, scampi & fish pie which we all enjoyed. Staff had time for a lovely chat with us. It was so nice we are planning to go back today if we can get a table. 🤔
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Serves Vegetarian Food
- Live Music
- 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
Website not available
Nearby Landmarks:
- The Fish Plaice - 67m away
- Wimpy - 71m away
- The White Swan - 55m away
- The Parade Fish & Chips - 82m away
- Beavers - 52m away
Gee Whites Seafood Restaurant
1 High St, Swanage BH19 2LN, UK | Seafood Restaurant P: 01929 425720
Rating: 4.2 (1039) Price Level:
An amazing restaurant with helpful staff who care about allergies. The food was stunning and kept me going later in the day. All in all I really would recommend this restaurant 😃.
Rating: 5 / 5
We had 2 really good meals here. The first was an evening meal without the kids. There was a group from the RNLI singing shanties which added to the atmosphere. We liked it so much we took the kids for lunch the next day. The food was good, the drinks were good. There was no table service but the staff were really helpful. There are no toilets but they are only a short walk away. It was a little chilly in the evening so it's probably a good idea to take a jumper.
Rating: 5 / 5
Our favourite place in Swanage. I love the Mussels Marinara and they do the best pizza for a good price. The atmosphere is great and you get nice view of the sea.
Rating: 5 / 5
Stunning views, amazing food. Perfect 😊
Rating: 5 / 5
Gee Whites and the Roof Top Terrace, above it, are a fantastic place to spend a sunny day. Incredible views, great service excellent food and drink all at a very reasonable price. If the sun is out, get there early or you won't get in.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Serves Breakfast
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Serves Brunch
- Takeout
- Outdoor Seating
- Children' Menu
- Dog Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Good for Children
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Cocktails
- Desserts
- Coffee
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Parking Options:
- Paid Parking Lot
- Free Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
- Swanage Pier Trust - 214m away
- The Parade Fish & Chips - 145m away
- The Fish Plaice - 155m away
- Masala Swanage - 62m away
- Hideaway Cafe - 49m away
The Ship Inn
23A High St, Swanage BH19 2LR, UK | Pub P: 01929 423855
Rating: 4.2 (1261) Price Level:
Had a hearty lunch on a weekday late afternoon. Interesting menu options, large portions and tasty hot food. Loved the warm country decor and ambience too
Rating: 4 / 5
Lovely food. Came in with family. Initially was quiet but got busier and staff seemed very busy. Good was great and everyone really friendly. Japanese chicken was really, really nice. Italian burger was good, but very saucy with ruined crispiness of chicken. Good value for money. Would come again .
Rating: 5 / 5
Amazing food, very friendly and accomodating staff. The boys working there were very professional and looking after customers very well with a big smile. I made a request for a birthday writing and they warmly welcomed my request and brought a candle. We were three people, we ordered starters, mains and desserts beside drinks but the bill came very cheap compared to such great location. The food taste could not be praised enough, great portions. Thank you.
Rating: 5 / 5
Amazing food! Came with a group of 15 so had ordered ahead. It came in good time and was absolutely delicious. Good large portions and nice friendly service. Green Thai curry highly recommended! Everyone was delighted with the food. And a good range of beers too.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Outdoor Seating
- Live Music
- Dog Friendly
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
- Good for Watching Sports
- Cocktails
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Website not available
Parking Options:
- Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
- The Fish Plaice - 34m away
- The Parade Fish & Chips - 47m away
- The White Swan - 46m away
- Swanage Museum - 37m away
- La Trattoria - 23m away
La Trattoria
12 High St, Swanage BH19 2NT, UK | Italian Restaurant P: 01929 423784
Rating: 4.2 (578) Price Level:
We found out the hard way that in Swanage you have to book places for dinner. After trying many places to no avail, we walked into La Trattoria and were kindly squeezed in. The wine, starters and food were amazing. Was slightly disappointed with the Bruschetta being on their house garlic bread. Would have liked it on a different bread or told when we ordered that we’d essentially be having two lots of garlic bread but the overall experience and meal wasn’t dampened by this. Their pasta is delicious so highly recommend that. Definitely coming back when we return to the area and next time we’re booking!
Rating: 5 / 5
Really nice food, well prepared. Pleasantly relaxed, grown up atmosphere on a relatively quiet Sunday evening in early winter. Prompt and friendly service. Not cheap, but this is reflected in the quality.
Rating: 4 / 5
It can be hard finding a restaurant in Swanage if you haven't booked in advance but we were lucky enough to score a table at La Trattoria. It's clearly very popular, especially with families, and that makes perfect sense as the staff are friendly and the food tasty. What you're looking at is an old-school, family-owned Italian restaurant that offers a short but classic menu with all of the greatest hits. The food itself is nicely prepared and enjoyable but not fancy. It is, however, somewhat on the expensive side at £20-25 per head without alcohol. Still it's nice to visit somewhere that isn't all about fried food or other seaside delights and we certainly never felt rushed despite the restaurant being packed out. So if you prefer to dine well over a harbour view then La Trattoria will see you right.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Takeout
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
- Good for Children
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Desserts
- Coffee
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Nearby Landmarks:
- The Ship Inn - 32m away
- The Fish Plaice - 49m away
- The Parade Fish & Chips - 52m away
- Swanage Museum - 33m away
- The White Swan - 69m away
Smoke on the Water Swanage
High St, Swanage BH19 2FH, UK | Restaurant P: 01929 408697
Rating: 4.3 (120) Price Level:
Food was nice, service was great! Happy to find a new restaurant in Swanage! Recommend sharing a 3 meat/3 side between two! Also, if you’re into nice hazy IPA, the Dainty IPA is a must try.
Rating: 4 / 5
What a great venue. Service was lovely - view amazing. Food choices perfect - just need to top up the seasoning on some of the dishes, but what a great addition to Swanage. Love the beers on tap. Thanks guys
Rating: 4 / 5
Food was good. My partner really enjoyed it. We got 3 meats - house wings, sausage and their special that day which was the bbq brisket on bone marrow. It comes with 3 sides and 2 sauces, for which we got seasoned fries and coselaw and their boozey bbq sauce. We got sat by the bar as there were no more seats and we did call last minute, not the comfiest of all but glad we got accommodated. The staff were ever friendly and service was quick. Would recommend, good chill dinner spot with nice food.
Rating: 5 / 5
My husband and I went to the restaurant on Friday last week, and we were booked in at 1800. popped in to see if we could have our meal early, and we did, We ordered pit 3, wings, and loaded Fries . shared all between us . It was amazing. The food was tasty. The atmosphere was good. We will most definitely be coming back
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Breakfast
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Serves Brunch
- Takeout
- Outdoor Seating
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Cocktails
- Desserts
- Coffee
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Parking Options:
- Paid Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
- Swanage Pier Trust - 181m away
- Gee Whites Seafood Restaurant - 43m away
- The Fish Plaice - 192m away
- The Parade Fish & Chips - 184m away
- The Mowlem Theatre - 289m away
Crows Nest Inn
11 Ulwell Rd, Swanage BH19 1LE, UK | Pub P: 01929 422651
Rating: 4.2 (467) Price Level:
Wanted something to fill us and children up after Tank museum visit and playing on tge beach. It's not the easiest place to get in with a wheelchair. Food was more expensive than we expected for the quality, but that could be seaside prices. Good play area in the garden and staff couldn't do enough for us.
Rating: 5 / 5
Mum and I went for a Sunday roast and I can honestly say it was the closest to my grandmothers legendary Sunday dinner I have ever tasted. The portions won’t leave you feeling hungry. Mum struggles with her walking now and the lovely Barman took her arm and walked her very slowly back to the car … customer service second to none. I would definitely recommend a Sunday lunch at the Crows Nest Inn in Swanage.
Rating: 5 / 5
We stopped here for lunch today. Great food, well presented and quite simply perfect. Large portions, and well priced. We will be going back! Thanks to the lady who served us, and made us feel welcome.
Rating: 5 / 5
Booked table for 9 12.30pm Staff friendly polite and food was lovely 6 had roasts and 1 nut roast. Kids had jumbo fish finger and cheeseburger Was very tasty and we come every year here for food. Place clean tidy and outside area play area for kids and lots of pub bench/tables.
Rating: 5 / 5
Food was absolutely spot on. 2 roast dinners, 1 beef, 1 chicken. Really decent portion and hot as well. Service was good, a bit business like on first entering but all round very good. Atmosphere was good but the pub was a bit chilly if I'm honest. All round would I go back for another roast, yes, 100%. Roasts are £14.95 a head.
Features:
- Dine-In
- Reservable
- Serves Beer
- Serves Wine
- Outdoor Seating
- Live Music
- Dog Friendly
- Restroom
- Good for Groups
- Cocktails
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Website not available
Parking Options:
- Free Parking Lot
Nearby Landmarks:
- The Castleton Bed and Breakfast - 39m away
- Grand Hotel - 183m away
- Swanage Haven Boutique Guest House - 181m away
- North Beach Car Park - 104m away
- The Rookery - 64m away
The Pig - on the beach
Manor House, Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU, UK | Hotel P: 01929 450288
Rating: 4.4 (1561) Price Level:
I have just had one of the best lunches I've ever had! I could not fault it AT ALL! the service was insane! Food FANTASTIC!!!! literally the best restaurant I have been to. I'd like to thank the young server that waited our table tall blonde lad. Exceptional service!
Rating: 5 / 5
My family and I stayed at the Pig on the Beach on Wednesday 2nd October. The entire stay from start to finish was just perfect. We have been to the Pig on the Beach ( and most of their other establishments) a few times. However this time was extra special as my husband and I got married in Poole earlier in the day. We were only a small intimate party of 10 , wanting to have a quiet , special and intimate time with close family. We booked the small hut away from the main restaurant and it was absolutely magical to dine in there . The beautiful round table, overlooking the sea is simply stunning. The entire team were amazing , from start to finish. They went out their way at any given time to make our entire stay amazing. The food was delicious, the recommended wine was also delicious, the yummy cakes we had in the afternoon equally as delicious , ending with the breakfast the following morning being perfect too. The place , in fact the whole Pig concept is such a wonderful creation and so unique. The quality of the staff and the clearly brilliant training they receive is commendable. We receive the same professional but friendly reception in all the Pig restaurants. The rooms were amazing , so comfortable and so much attention to detail, interior wise. Thank you to the Pig on the Beach team for making our stay so magical and perfect. Can't wait to visit you again soon. Rachel
Rating: 5 / 5
Great food and nice service. I had the leek risotto for main which was lovely. For pudding we had the cheesecake which was delicious and the vodka jelly with chocolate sorbet which was interesting but tasted a bit too boozy in our opinion.
Features:
- Dog Friendly
- Good for Children
Accessibility Features:
Nearby Landmarks:
- Bankes Arms Inn Studland - 213m away
- South Beach Car Park - 137m away
- National Trust - Middle Beach Car Park - 181m away
- The Sandy Salt Pig - 312m away