Must-see restaurants in Wessex

  • Millside

    Dorset

    West Country foodstuffs pack the menu in this stylish eatery, from juicy burgers topped with cheddar from Cheddar, to fish freshly caught on the local day…

  • Cow & Apple

    Dorset

    Piled high and oozing all the trimmings, the dirty burgers here are decidedly good – spice things up with jalapeños, brie or a seriously sticky BBQ sauce…

  • Crab Shed

    Isle of Wight

    Lobster pots and fishing boats line the slipway outside a shack that's a riot of sea-smoothed spas, cork floats and faded buoys. Irresistible treats…

  • Feed

    Hampshire

    Maybe its the whopping pancake stacks for breakfast, or the juicy lunchtime patties of Isle of Wight beef, or the sweet potato fries and peanut butter…

  • Cove House

    Dorset

    Extraordinary Chesil Beach views, memorable sunsets and great grub (try the Lyme Bay scallops) in a history-rich fishers' inn.

  • King John's Hunting Lodge

    Wiltshire

    Afternoon tea is a must at Lacock's oldest building, where a cosy, beam-lined room and a peaceful garden set the scene for dainty china, light lunches and…

  • Deli on the Quay

    Dorset

    The perfect place to stock up for a beach picnic: crab cakes, old-school potato salad, and gourmet sandwiches – plus corking coffee and gooey chocolate…

  • Dorset Burger Co

    Dorset

    Award-winning, hand-patted, juicy, chargrilled burgers, made mostly from Dorset produce.

  • Black Sheep

    Isle of Wight

    Chilled tunes on the music system, piles of newspapers and a palm-dotted terrace draw the locals to this laid-back Ryde venue – as do the regular live…

  • Pilot Boat

    Isle of Wight

    It's a good sign when customers can just sit down and play the pub's piano and guitars – a convivial atmosphere that's enhanced by a log-burner, ships'…

  • Ale & Oyster

    Isle of Wight

    The modern takes on Isle of Wight produce served at this top-notch little bistro have won a loyal following. Refined dishes might include crab parfait,…

  • Old Vine

    Winchester

    Ask for a table with a view of Winchester's captivating Cathedral Green, soak up the mellow, old-inn atmosphere, then choose between comfort food (fish…

  • Courtyard Cafe

    Dorset

    The pride in local, seasonal produce is palpable at this mellow mill-side eatery. You might find wild garlic fritters served alongside meat from the…

  • Mitre

    Dorset

    It's the decked terrace that'll draw you into this old inn – its cracking views out over Blackmore Vale make for a memorable spot to tuck into salads and…

  • Taste Cafe

    Dorset

    Sample crab sarnies, grilled mackerel, salted caramel hot chocolate and tasty cakes beside picture windows with views of the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach…

  • Deep Blue

    Wessex

    They're often queuing out the door at this classic British chippy, which boasts sustainable fish, freshly cut chips, mushy peas and pickled eggs. Eat in…

  • George Inn

    Wiltshire

    Sample well-executed, classic pub grub and some of the six local ales at this 14th-century, horse brass–hung pub.

  • Circles

    Wiltshire

    A veggie and wholefoods cafe on the fringes of Avebury's stone circle that serves homemade quiches and cakes, chunky sandwiches and afternoon teas.

  • Cloisters

    Salisbury

    A 300-year-old pub in the heart of town.