In the Dorchester area:
Yalbury Cottage, Lower Bockhampton, Dorchester (01305 262382)
A delightful restaurant in a small thatched country hotel, where head chef and owner, Jamie Jones, goes to endless trouble to present appealing dishes made with the freshest ingredients in an atmosphere that is both cheerful and warm.
www.yalburycottage.com
Sienna, 36 High West Street, Dorchester (01305 250022)
A small and impeccably managed restaurant, owners Russell and Elena Brown have recently, and deservedly, been awarded their first Michelin star - the only one held in the whole of Dorset. Modern British food, fresh seasonal ingredients and meticulous attention to detail is their recipe for success. Booking at weekends advised.
www.siennarestaurant.co.uk
La Caverna, Icen Way, Dorchester (01305 262500)
A well established, popular and lively Italian restaurant that offers a menu with a wide choice of well known Italian dishes. Good value and a great evening out if you enjoy eating in a cellar. Booking advisable.
www.lacaverna.co.uk
Taste, Trinity Street, Dorchester (01305 257776)
A contemporary café/restaurant conveniently located close to the town centre, Taste is an ideal place, for those exploring the county town or shopping, to take the weight off their feet, and enjoy a cup of coffee or an extended lunch. Interesting menu and friendly staff.
www.tasterestaurant.co.uk
Thai Nakorn Restaurant, 34 High West Street, Dorchester (01305 757188)
A popular, busy Thai restaurant with an extensive menu, serving authentic Thai dishes to suit all tastes at reasonable prices.
www.thai-nakorn.com
Saxon Arms, 20 The Square, Stratton (01305 260020)
A cheerful pub with a friendly atmosphere and food at reasonable prices. Recommended in the current edition of the Good Pub Guide and Good Beer Guide.
www.thesaxon-stratton.co.uk
. . . . . and further afield
The Wild Garlic, 4 The Square, Beaminster (01308 861446)
Owned by Mat Follas, the BBC’s winner of MasterChef 2009, the Wild Garlic is a friendly, relaxed and popular restaurant, renowned for providing fresh and locally sourced ingredients, hence a constantly changing menu. Open for lunch and dinner – see website for details. Booking essential (for dinner).
www.thewildgarlic.co.uk
The Riverside Restaurant, West Bay, DT6 4EZ (01308 422011)
A well established, award winning seafood restaurant that draws much of its fish and shellfish from local waters. Spectacular views over the river Brit and out to sea. Closed between late November and mid February.
www.thefishrestaurant-westbay.co.uk
The Greyhound Inn, Sydling St Nicholas (01300 341303)
A traditional 18th Century Inn where you can eat in the dining room or in the less formal atmosphere of the large bar. Comprehensive and reasonably priced menu. Voted Dorset Dining Pub of the Year 2009 & 2010.
www.thegreyhound.net
The Crab House Café, Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, (01305 788867)
With spectacular views of Chesil beach and the Portland coast, the Crab House specialises wholly in serving ‘exquisite fresh seafood’, crafting daily menus based on the fish that are landed on the day. Booking advisable.
www.crabhousecafe.co.uk
The New Inn, 14 Long Street, Cerne Abbas (01300 341274)
A 16th century coaching inn, recently taken over by an enthusiastic young management team, the New Inn offers well presented and affordable food in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. A pleasant and enjoyable experience.
www.thenewinncerneabbas.co.uk
The Hive Beach Café, Beach Road, Burton Bradstock (01308 897070)
Voted the best Seafood Beach Café in Dorset, the Hive is tremendously popular with walkers using the South West Coast Path and also by those simply enjoying the beach. Stunning views of Lyme Bay. Visit website for opening hours.
www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
The Dorset Wine Company is an established independant wine merchant based at Poundbury that provides a service both to private and corporate clients, including the supply of wine to some of Dorset's finest restaurants. See www.dorsetwine.co.uk for further information.