Best Restaurants with a Sea View in Dorset
Posted on: 20th April 2023
Posted on: 20th April 2023
Dorset is a top foodie destination and home to some of the best restaurants with a sea view in the UK. The regions fantastic produce coupled with unbeatable coastal scenery makes for a truly special dining experience, whether you’re looking for a light bite or 3 course meals. To help you choose where to eat during your camping or caravan holiday at South Lytchett, we’ve selected just some of our favourite restaurants by the beach.
Here’s our pick of the best restaurants with a sea view in Dorset.
Studland
If you’re in to seafood then you must visit Shell Bay during your stay at South Lytchett. This multi-award-winning restaurant and bistro is situated in an idyllic location on the Isle of Purbeck and boasts spectacular views across Poole Harbour towards Sandbanks and Brownsea Island.
In the summer, you can dine alfresco and watch the sun set from the terraced area. Watch the boats come and go as you savour freshly prepared seafood dishes, which have been lovingly prepared by the talented team of in-house chefs.
The seasonal a la carte menu is constantly changing and incorporates produce from local suppliers. Please let the restaurant know in advance if you’d like to order lobster or crab.
Christchurch
The Jetty has firmly cemented its position as one of the top seafood restaurants in Dorset, if not the whole of the UK. During a visit you can enjoy a range of innovative dishes complimented by perfectly paired wines and spirits. Top chef, Alex Aitken heads up the culinary team. Together they’ve developed an exceptional menu comprising of sumptuous mains, light bites and specials. If you’re celebrating a special occasion we highly recommend ‘pushing the boat out’ and trying the 7-course tasting menu!
Whether you choose to sit inside or on the alfresco terrace you’ll be treated to wonderful views across the harbour towards Mudeford Quay. You might even see one of the local boats landing their days catch!
Poole
Riggers Restaurant is set within the RNLI college. From the restaurant you’ll have an excellent vantage point to take in views across Holes Bay. The interior is bright and modern, creating a wonderful atmosphere whatever the occasion. Enjoy a buffet style lunch or pick off the a la carte menu for your evening meal.
A portion of profits is donated towards the RNLI and helps support their fantastic work saving lives at sea. It’s not uncommon to see crew members dining here, whilst taking a break from training.
The restaurant frequently hosts live music performances – the perfect accompaniment to your meal!
Swanage
Gee Whites is an Alfresco restaurant in Swanage with unrivalled views across Swanage Bay. Savour a drink as you sample tasty seafood whilst soaking up the summer atmosphere. The team serve locally sourced produce and a variety of seafood specials.
If you’d prefer a slightly more formal affair, head upstairs to the Roof Terrace for a sit-down meal with waitress service. There you can enjoy seafood platters and a host of other delicious treats.
Durlston Country Park
Seventh Wave is situated within the castle at Durlston Country Park. From the restaurant you can enjoy incredible views along the Jurassic Coast towards Old Harry Rocks. On a clear day it’s even possible to see the Isle of Wight!
The team serve a tasty selection of meals with plenty of dishes to suit various dietary requirements. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Oliveto
The Esplanade, Weymouth
Take in the views over Weymouth Bay from Oliveto – a fine dining Italian restaurant serving classic dishes with a twist. The team pride themselves on delivering first class customer service. The culinary team use high quality ingredients and the plating is a work of art.
Oliveto occupies the top floor of Weymouth’s Old Pier bandstand and the buildings art deco influence can be felt throughout. The restaurant benefits from large feature windows, providing diners with far reaching views across the bay and towards the Jurassic Coast. Dining here is a treat, whatever time of day you visit – enjoy beautiful blue skies in the day or twinkling lights along the prom at night.
Chesil Cove
We love the Cove House Inn on the Isle of Portland. This popular seaside pub is perched on the sea wall at Chesil Cove and offers patrons fantastic views along Chesil Beach. If the weather’s fine, sit on one of the picnic benches and soak up the sunshine. On a blustery day you can enjoy an excellent meal whilst watching the waves roll in.
Sunsets are a real spectacle here, so we recommend timing your visit accordingly. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sip on a cold glass of beer or G&T.
Portland Harbour
You can’t get much closer to beach than Billy Winters. This quirky café and restaurant occupies an enviable position, just metres from the shoreline. Sit inside the colourful shack or grab a bench beneath the iconic orange canopy and enjoy views over Portland Harbour. The harbour is a popular watersports venue, so there’s plenty of windsurfers, kite surfers and paddleboarders to keep you entertained.
Billy Winters offers a varied menu comprising of dishes from around the world. The chefs put a unique twist on every meal and use locally sourced ingredients to ensure you enjoy the very best produce. The Oysters are sourced from the restaurants very own farm in the neighbouring fleet lagoon.
Portland Bill
If you prefer a relaxed approach to dining, then we highly recommend The Lobster Pot café at Portland Bill. This popular café has earned an enviable reputation over the years and it’s not difficult to see why. The menu comprises of classic dishes cooked to perfection. The fresh crab sandwiches are a real hit and their secret recipe scones sell out most days.
What makes this cafe so special you may ask? The answer is simple – the view. The Lobster Pot is situated on the rugged cliffs, with panoramic vistas of the sea below. The waters around Portland Can be treacherous in unfavourable weather, which is quite the spectacle. We recommend visiting in the winter to watch the crashing waves.
Burton Bradstock
If you’re heading towards the west of the county during a stay at our caravan, camping and glamping park, be sure to pay Hive Beach Café a visit. Situated on the beach at Burton Bradstock, this seaside restaurant is a favourite among foodies and has received praise on the national stage.
The Hive Beach café serve locally sourced seafood in a delightful coastal setting. The outdoor seating offers excellent views out to sea and along the colourful cliffs that flank the beach. If you’re into a shellfish, you’re in for a real treat – freshly prepared crab and lobster is a staple here. The restaurant hosts numerous events throughout the summer season. You can also order from their small takeout menu if you’d prefer to dine on the beach itself.
Lyme Regis
The Oyster and Fish House is one of our favourite restaurants with a sea view in Dorset. The dining room benefits from floor to ceiling windows, which affords diners magnificent views over Lyme Regis Harbour and The Cobb. The wraparound terrace is an excellent spot in the warmer summer months. Work your way through the extensive drinks list as you savour the view!
The restaurant is owned by renowned Chef, Mark Hix and supported by his hand selected culinary team. The innovative menu chances twice daily – with dishes depending on the local fisherman’s catch.
Seatown
The Anchor Inn is perched on the side of the cliff overlooking Seatown beach. Its beer garden is undoubtedly one of the best in Dorset, with spectacular views over the water and along the towering cliffs. On chillier days, visitors can enjoy a cosy interior with traditional stone walls and roaring log burner. The team serve a cracking Sunday lunch with all the accompaniments – the perfect reward after a morning spent hiking to the top of nearby Golden Cap.
The menu is seasonal and changes on a regular basis to ensure guests get the chance to sample the finest, locally produced ingredients.
South Lytchett Manor is ideally located to enjoy restaurants with a sea view in Poole, Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth. Spend your days sampling local produce at scenic locations across the county, before heading back to the park to relax and unwind.
Our 5-star glamping accommodation is the ideal setting to spend quality time with your loved ones after a busy day exploring and eating! Or, bring your own caravan, motorhome or tent and make the most of our spacious pitches and tranquil grounds.
However, you choose to stay we guarantee you’ll have a memorable stay. We’re continually investing our facilities to ensure you have an enjoyable experience that will keep you coming back year on year!
Header credit: Harry Lawford, Flickr
You’ve converted me to camping! (Or glamping in my case!).
I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely stay.... 
Sophie, Apr 2024
Thank you for making our stay so fantastic.
For your complete commitment to us during our stay - thank you.... Mark and Stella , Mar 2024
What a fabulous place! Our first outing in our new campervan to try it out, the campsite and facilities are... thewardrobem, Nov 2023
