Best Restaurants in Dorset

In total, there are 19 award winning restaurants in Dorset, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in Dorset? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in Dorset is The Restaurant at Summer Lodge in Dorchester (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef James Mearing serves up award winning Modern British Cuisine. The Restaurant at Summer Lodge currently holds 3 AA Rosettes.

There are currently no restaurants holding a Michelin Star in Dorset, however there are 5 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 14 listed AA Rosette restaurants in Dorset consisting of 1 restaurant holding 3 AA Rosettes, 7 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 6 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Nestled in the verdant landscape of the South West, Dorset has long established itself as a culinary paradise, captivating gastronomes with its bucolic charm and a myriad of gastronomic delights. It's geographic demarcations have no doubt, played a significant role in shaping what is today an enviable food scene. Its coastal borders provide a sea of aquatic bounty, while the fertile lands yield top-quality produce, from lush vegetables to nutrient-dense meats, contributing to the bountiful farm-to-table ethos that pervades the county. Venturing into the historic timeline of Dorset's food establishments, we uncover a rich tapestry of restaurant culture that has gradually evolved over the centuries. Many of these historic dining establishments have retained their rustic charm, while diversifying their menus to accommodate contemporary food lover's changing palettes. From cosy gastropubs pulsating with charming British hospitality, to Michelin-starred restaurants like Brassica in Beaminster, serving creative interpretations of classic dishes, Dorset impresses upon its visitors a compelling food narrative that satisfies both gastronomically and historically. Therefore, each hearty bite in Dorset is as much a celebration of the county's rich culinary heritage, as it is of its vibrant present.