Dorchester Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Dorchester

February 21, 2018 Carley Gatson

Discover the best restaurant in Dorchester, United Kingdom (UK) including Sienna, Yalbury Cottage, The Brewers Arms Pub, Potters Cafe Bistro, Taste Brasserie, The King and Thai, The Greyhound Inn Restaurant, La Caverna, the blue raddle, Hendover Cafe
Things to do in Dorchester

1. Sienna

36 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UP, England Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$275 - HK$769 +44 1305 250022
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Sienna

An intimate, fourteen cover fine dining restaurant. Serving a stylish British cuisine in Dorchester.

Reviewed By DKingCool - Dorchester, United Kingdom

Probably the best food in Dorchester, tiny little restaurant, everything is prepared fresh and the food is just stunning in presentation and taste.
If I had to make any suggestions it would be to try some suitable background music as the place is very quiet so you tend to whisper to avoid everyone hearing your conversation..... I actually prefer it when there is a table of 4 in as it livens the place up a bit.
Saying all that if you want to try food from a top, top chef then give this place a try - you won;'t be disappointed.
Apologies I ticked we went in July but I can't actually remember when it was - just got around to doing my reviews.

2. Yalbury Cottage

Lower Bockhampton, Dorchester DT2 8PZ, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$220 - HK$439 +44 1305 262382
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 382 reviews

Yalbury Cottage

...with a friendly atmosphere and wonderful views. Stay and relax in our lovely rooms, enjoy a superb freshly cooked breakfast and dine in our award winning restaurant. Small bespoke weddings and parties are a speciality and we offer a great alternative venue for private business meetings with easy and ample parking. Just two miles from Dorchester, Dorset, Yalbury Cottage is set in the hamlet of Lower Bockhampton - the heart of Thomas Hardy's Wessex - walking distance to his birthplace, across the road from his old school house and around the corner from Stinsford church where his heart is buried.

Reviewed By Jane D - Sherborne, United Kingdom

Our group included those who like safe, traditional menus and foodies always on the lookout for something special. We all loved Yalbury Cottage. The food was delicious, the surroundings were tasteful and comfortable. We didn't even bother to begin comparing it to other places where we've been for Christmas lunch - it was in another league. Just the right amount of food at the right intervals to really enjoy it and not feel overwhelmed. Thank you Yalbury. We'll be back .

3. The Brewers Arms Pub

Burnside | Martinstown, Dorchester DT2 9LB, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Validated Parking Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$102 - HK$173 +44 1305 889361
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 406 reviews

The Brewers Arms Pub

Traditional country pub with large car park in the beautiful village of Martinstown just outside Dorchester. Homemade, locally sourced food, real ales and dog friendly. Two fully ensuite spacious Bed and Breakfast rooms - one with wheelchair access and wet room. Quiz Nights, Curry Nights, Sunday Roasts and weekly food specials.

Reviewed By PutneySW - London, United Kingdom

My friend and I came here for lunch with our old friend David, a local resident.
Upon entering one immediately feels the warmth and welcoming ambience amidst a really well designed and pleasing interior.
We were introduced to the charming landlord/proprietor with whom I enjoyed a chat later.
Lunch was delicious and extremely good value, I had a steaming hot pork casserole pie which was fabulous and the pork was miles better than the chop I had on the preceding Monday at The Pig on the Beach in Studland!
A wonderful lunch.

4. Potters Cafe Bistro

19 Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JP, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Cafe, European, British, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +44 1305 260312
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Potters Cafe Bistro

Reviewed By Kate B - Weymouth, United Kingdom

Popped in after a long walk with my dog, nice to know there are still a few places that genuinely accept dogs.
Only planned to have coffee but ........soup ended up on my table! Just the job to warm me up. Staff where happy and polite, not rushing at you as soon as you sat down. The place was clean even though we had dirty paws, we where not frowned upon. Service was quick, soup was really tasty. Plan to go back to enjoy more of the menu, all home cooked, nice n fresh. Nice little cosy family run cafe where you felt you where a person not £ signs at the table. Thankyou.

5. Taste Brasserie

6 Georgian House Trinity Street | 6 Georgian House, Dorchester DT1 1UB, England Full Bar, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi Cafe, European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$47 - HK$157 +44 1305 257776
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 379 reviews

Taste Brasserie

Reviewed By Trevor M - Poole, England, United Kingdom

With a lovely menu, plus specials board and a grand desert range, plus alcohol if required, this is a gem in lovely Dorchester. Food quality was perfect. Service with a smile, even on a very busy lunchtime. When it is wet and windy outside, its...MoreDear Trevor M, I'm pleased you thought Taste, a lovely gem of a place in Dorchester and your food quality perfect alongside, service with a smile. Thank you for taking time to review us and I hope you'll visit again soon.

6. The King and Thai

35 Great Western Road, Dorchester DT1 1UF, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Highchairs Available Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1305 250270
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

The King and Thai

Reviewed By Carrie-Anne L

My partner (who is Thai) and I visit MANY Thai restaurants and are very picky about what is authentic and incredible tasting.
This Thai restaurant is by far one of the best we have come across in the entire county (we've tried many from all over). The food is more expensive than the other Thai in Dorchester but more than worth it due to the extreme difference in quality! The service is also incredible and we have never had a less than superb experience here!

7. The Greyhound Inn Restaurant

26 High Street | Sydling Saintt Nicholas, Dorchester DT2 9PD, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Brunch, Dinner +44 1300 341303
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

The Greyhound Inn Restaurant

A great meal and a great sleep... Local food and proper pillows, that's what we do at the Greyhound. It's a centuries old coaching inn set in an ancient Thomas Hardy village so pretty it takes your breath away. Think of soft, rounded chalk hills, watercress farms, thatched cottages and a trout stream running through then double it and you get Sydling St Nicholas. Add in crisp white sheets, fluffy towels, free wi-fi everywhere and officially the best pub food in Dorset (two Good Pub Guide Awards) and you get the perfect English pub with rooms. We don't call it a boutique pub with rooms but others have so we're not complaining. And all in Dorset's loveliest village. This is 'real' England. Sydling St Nicholas is recorded in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book written in 1086. A collection of pastel painted houses built from flint and stone, it lies in a valley a mile off the main A37 Dorchester to Yeovil road and every route in to our village is chocolate box pretty. There are no street lights so the night sky is carbon black, walk off dinner literally under moonlight or take the torch from your bedroom.

Reviewed By twickenhamb - Greater London, United Kingdom

We are in the village for a break over half-term and fortunately are within walking distance of the Greyhound and we are so lucky!
The food is great, really great choice and really accommodating to the children's requests so a real winner for us.
It's definitely worth a visit no matter how close or far you are away....

8. La Caverna

57 Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +44 1305 262500
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

La Caverna

Reviewed By Paul S - Blandford Forum, United Kingdom

I said last year that we would be back!
Another excellent evening with old friends, good food, wine and attentive service.
Anybody hereabouts making disparaging comments about this little restaurant are clearly talking out of the top of their hat (or indeed somewhere else round and inappropriate).
Try any of the steaks, they are sublime and cooked to perfection.
See you next year!

9. the blue raddle

9 Church Street, Dorchester DT1 1JN, England Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +44 1305 267762
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

the blue raddle

If you're after something a little quirky but great fun then you won't be disappointed with The Blue Raddle.The Raddle is an intimate community pub frequented by local characters, famous for the ales and Landlady concocted meals on offer. The wine and other beverage selection isn't bad either! As if a visit to The Raddle isn't entertaining enough there are regular folk and Irish style music nights as well as a wacky charity meat draw every Friday evening and a quiz featuring quizmaster The Creative Accountant at the turn of every fiscal quarter.The Raddle is the home of 'laughter on tap'!

Reviewed By BigChiv - Dorset

In the Raddle with friends, dinner and a few drinks. Now sat at home with too much food inside. Everybody emptied their plates of super cooking. Unfortunately ordered a dessert, which was also excellent forcing empty plates once more. What a great place to eat and socialise !

10. Hendover Cafe

11 Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester DT1 1QR, England (Formerly Cafe Paninis) Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$24 - HK$126 +44 1305 265904
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 280 reviews

Hendover Cafe

A bright and attractive contemporary cafe offering fast and friendly service. Large range of meals and snacks made using fresh ingredients. Family and dog friendly! Healthy and interesting children's menu and choices for special diets and requirements. Pre-orders and takeaway service available. Private parties catered for by arrangement. Open 7 days a week.

Reviewed By Maggi M

We stopped for breakfast on a cold Sunday morning. We all had something different but everyone agreed that it was delicious. They also had homemade brown and red sauce. It was lovely and clean. There was also disabled toilet. The only thing wrong was that...MoreHello Maggi, Thank you for your review and lovely comments we are happy you enjoyed your visit and in future I will get the staff to sit on the chairs in the morning to warm them up for you. Paul and staff

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