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

March 29, 2018 Vergie Nakamoto

Swanage was a popular seaside resort in Victorian times, and families today continue to enjoy its shallow, calm beach. The recently restored Swanage Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Diving trips and boat tours also depart from here. Don’t miss a trip through the local countryside on the Swanage Steam Railway.
Things to do in Swanage

1. Gee whites

The Old Stone Quay | 1 High Street, Swanage BH19 2LN, England Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Seafood, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks HK$63 - HK$196 +44 1929 425720
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 638 reviews

Gee whites

Reviewed By LGBfund - Epsom, United Kingdom

Popped by on our recent trip to Swanage and had a couple of ice creams and shakes. Ideally located a stone's throw from the pier and provides all your favourites...
On this occasion we stopped for lovely ice cream with waffle cones and shakes made whilst you wait.
What more could you want?
Friendly staff and affordable prices!

2. Chilled Red

Tilly Mead Commercial Road, Swanage BH19 1DF, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +44 1929 426066
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 512 reviews

Chilled Red

Reviewed By chicknitza - Woking, United Kingdom

We have just returned from a short break in Swanage and decided we really should write a review of Chilled Red- one of favourite restaurants anywhere!We have been coming here for 7 or 8 years, as we had a mobile home in Swanage.We have enjoyed every single one of those occasions!The food is always delicious- try the mixed fish grill or the venison if they are on the menu! The waiting staff are professional, knowledgeable and always friendly- thank you Kirsty! We no longer have our mobile home but still love visiting Swanage- a visit to Chilled Red is always the first thing we plan. Make sure you book- it’s always popular. Already looking forward to our next visit.

3. Tawny's Wine Bar

52 High Street, Swanage BH19 2NX, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1929 422781
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Tawny's Wine Bar

Reviewed By Shaunammc - TEXAD

We are fairly new to Swanage, so it my husband and I only discovered Tawny's recently. It doesn't look like much from the outside, fairly plain and standard, but when you walk in there's a soft, warm light and cool vibe from the sound track surrounding you.
It was quiet because it was December, but the staff were attentive and friendly.
We had the Malbec (all three times we've been back) but there is a very good selection of wines at nice prices.
We've had a selection of starters and they even just whipped us up some things that weren't on the menu once. Never disappointed and we're hard to please because we're the type who always think we could make it better ourselves at home.
The mushroom starter was so rich and flavourful with mixed wild mushrooms and a fresh little salad with drizzles of zingy dressing.
The price is more than your average local pub, but the quality of the food drink and atmosphere reflects that.
Not a lot of veggie options, but good variety of meat and fish dishes.
This is our new favourite place!

4. The Black Swan Inn

159 High Street, Swanage BH19 2NE, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1929 423846
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 839 reviews

The Black Swan Inn

Reviewed By j5hrp - Farnham, Surrey

We ate here three times during a week;'s stay in Swanage. On every occasion the food was excellent, the service was very friendly and efficient and the pub has a really nice atmosphere whichever side you sit. A warning though; if you do want to eat make sure you book in advance as it is incredibly popular, even out of season!

5. Harlees' The Parade Fish Restaurant

1 The Parade | 1 The Parade, Swanage BH19 1DA, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Seafood, Fast Food, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 1929 422362
Excellent
53%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 535 reviews

Harlees' The Parade Fish Restaurant

Reviewed By Carol V - London, United Kingdom

We ate in the restaurant upstairs. The restaurant was due to close in 45 minutes but the Duty Manager made us really welcome. The fish and chips were lovely. We had the Cod and Huss. Both were not at all greasy.Thank you for your 5* rating. we are glad you enjoyed your visit

6. seventh wave

Lighthouse Road | Lighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL, England Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$16 - HK$118 +44 1929 421111
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 378 reviews

seventh wave

Open daily from 9.30am 7 days a week. We welcome both visitors to the park and reservation bookings. Serving a range of lightbites,breakfasts,lunches and delicious cakes, all our dishes are made in house with fresh local produce.The Seventhwave team welcome you to this stunning location. Dogs and muddy boots welcome. Seasonal evening service (spring/summer only) **NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS**

Reviewed By penguinRomsey - romsey

We pre-ordered from the Christmas menu-winter vegetable strudel with wild mushroom and port sauce, a delicious combination of flavours, a real treat for vegetarians who are so often poorly catered for. The portion size was also very good. Followed by chilled chocolate fondant with blood orange sorbet, the delicate flavour of the sorbet complimented the rich chocolate fondant, all at a very reasonable price. Compliments to the chef.

7. The Globe Inn

3 Bell Street, Swanage BH19 2RY, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$102 - HK$188 +44 1929 423515
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

The Globe Inn

We are a local pub that welcomes visitors. Chef Ash rents the kitchen from us and prepares and sources all his meals. He uses mainly local ingredients. We are quite small and so do not have a separate dining room although we do have an area set aside for meals. There is a large sunny garden and a car park to the rear of the pub. Dogs are welcome. Children should be off the premises by 9 pm to comply with our licencing restrictions but can stay a bit later if they are still finishing a meal. We are a pub that serves good food and not a restaurant.

Reviewed By FoxJT

The chef writes a local specials board every night. So you can go ever night and get something different! I highly recommend this place for couples and friends. All local ingredients including the meat. Make a reservation ahead of time. Order your drinks at the bar.

8. Worth Matravers Tea and Supper Room

Opposite the Duck Pond, Worth Matravers, Swanage BH19 3LQ, England Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner, Lunch, Drinks +44 1929 439368
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 406 reviews

Worth Matravers Tea and Supper Room

The perfect place in Purbeck for lunch, vintage afternoon teas and lovely suppers too!!! Come dine with us in vintage splendour. Sip tea in our pretty garden. Our food is always fresh and lovely. This is an experience that will make you smile.

Reviewed By BluebellsDorset - Dorset

After a circular yomp starting and finishing at the duck pond and encompassing a fair stretch of the coast path...the bunting and bay window beckoned us in...
It was a delight to find ourselves in a 50's front room atmosphere-complete with flying-on-the-wall geese...cosy but not squashed.
The garden door flung wide revealed dappled Sunshine on spring flowers accompanied by the gentle sound of cutlery clinking on crockery.
A single request for a glass of water, resulted in an immediate large jug with floating ice and lemon wedges appearing on the table, together with enough glasses for all of us.
We deliberated over the innovative and imaginative choices and combinations of cream teas - so nice to get away from the humdrum of two scones..jam..and cream. A flute of Kir Royale was a necessary addition on Mothering Sunday.
I won't spoil things for prospective visitors by listing the menu...but if, like us, you want to take a step back in time away from the dirge of Coffee and Danish Pastry establishments... treat yourself to a leisurely repose in this little half-hidden oasis.

9. The Fish Plaice

14 The Square, Swanage BH19 2LJ, England Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Seafood, Fast Food, British, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$16 - HK$47 +44 1929 423668
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 772 reviews

The Fish Plaice

Reviewed By Drew186305 - Crich, United Kingdom

The fish and chips was nice but we missed the restaurant on our first night as we turned up at 7.30, (on a Tuesday), and the restaurant was closing. Plenty on the menu to choose from and reasonably priced

10. The Ship Inn

23A High Street, Swanage BH19 2LR, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 1929 423855
Excellent
42%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 303 reviews

The Ship Inn

Reviewed By FionaFraser1962 - Amesbury, United Kingdom

Just visited this pub as not much choice of good places to eat on a Monday in Feb! My partner waited over 40 mins for ham, egg and chips, which finally arrived with the most disgusting looking and smelling dip. Gammon was dry and looked odd. My tempura prawns were ok but the salad was drenched in the most disgusting salad dressing I have ever tasted. Wish we had gone across the road for some decent fish and chips.

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