Welcome to our comprehensive guide to food and drink in Dorset! With its fertile farmland and long stretch of seafood-rich coastline, Dorset boasts a vibrant food scene. Local restaurants take pride in showcasing the finest quality produce, from fresh vegetables and succulent meats to the freshest catch of the day.
Explore our curated guides below to discover the best places to eat, as well as the best spots to indulge in foodie activities like vineyard tours and afternoon tea. We’ve also included a brief guide to the must-try local delicacies to try while you’re here. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a tasty adventure, we’ve got you covered. Bon appetite…
Destination Food Guides
- 21 Amazing Places to Eat in Weymouth
- 17 of the Best Places to Eat in Dorchester
- Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Bournemouth
What to Eat in Dorset
- Local Seafood: Dorset’s long coastline means an abundance of excellent local seafood, from harbourside fish n’ chips shops to high-end restaurants. Look out for oysters and mussels (harvested around Poole and Portland), crab, lobster, Dover sole, and wild sea bass.
- Dorset Blue Vinney cheese: A hard, crumbly blue cheese with Protected Geographical Status, made near Sturminster Newton.
- Dorset Knobs (aka Knob Biscuits): A hard, dry, biscuit made from bread dough. They’ve been made by the same family-run company, Moores, for over 140 years.
- Dorset Apple Cake: A traditional local apple cake recipe, flavoured with cinnamon and sprinkled with a crunchy demerara sugar topping.
- The Dorset Naga: At one point the hottest chilli in the world, the Dorset Naga can reach over a million SHU. It’s not for the faint-hearted!
- Badger Beers: This independent, family-owned brewery has been crafting excellent beer in Blandford Forum since 1777! Click here for a full list of breweries in Dorset.
- Langham Wine: There are several vineyards in Dorset (click here for the full list) but the Langham Wine Estate is the largest and one of the top-rated.
All Food & Drink Posts
12 of the Best Places to try Afternoon Tea in Bournemouth
Celebrating a special occasion, or just in the mood for a treat? Here’s our guide to the best places for afternoon tea in Bournemouth, Dorset!
Read More… 12 of the Best Places to try Afternoon Tea in Bournemouth
30+ Dorset Farm Shops for Amazing Local Produce!
A bumper list of all Dorset farm shops where you can buy locally grown veg, meat, and other produce – listed by location, with a map
14 Dorset Gift Ideas that Foodies will Love!
Some brilliant Dorset gift ideas incorporating local food and drink. Hampers, cheeseboards, sweet treats, alcohol and much more…
17 of the Best Places to Eat in Dorchester
A local’s round up of the very best places to eat in Dorchester, Dorset – from pubs and restaurants to cute tearooms!
21 Amazing Places to Eat in Weymouth
A local’s guide to the best places to eat in Weymouth. From epic seafood, to the best burgers in town, and everything in between…
Frieda’s TeaBus: Afternoon Tea on a Moving Bus in Bournemouth!
Experience a unique twist on a British classic with Frieda’s Afternoon Tea Bus in Bournemouth – served on a moving double-decker bus!
Read More… Frieda’s TeaBus: Afternoon Tea on a Moving Bus in Bournemouth!
16 Brilliant Dorset Breweries to Visit
A list of breweries in Dorset, England which can be visited for tours, tastings, or simply to pick up a few bottles of brew!
8 Dorset Vineyards & Wineries you Need to Know About!
A round up of all the vineyards in Dorset. Includes details on how to visit for tours and tastings, or where to find them to try!
Read More… 8 Dorset Vineyards & Wineries you Need to Know About!
18 Dorset Food Festivals for your 2025 Calendar
A round up of all the best Dorset food festivals to add to your calendar this year. The perfect way to explore the area’s fab foodie scene!