Where to Eat in Bournemouth: Top Restaurant Choices
Fresh Dorset seafood, clifftop terraces and sustainable dining - six of the best places to eat in Bournemouth, just minutes from Peartrees.
The Peartrees guide · Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a seaside destination where classic coastal charm meets a bustling, modern lifestyle - golden sandy beaches, lush tropical gardens and vibrant town centre energy, paired with an exceptional culinary scene. Whether you want front row sea views over lunch, refined sustainable Dorset produce or exquisite seafood, Bournemouth delivers. And with Peartrees, our luxury holiday let with hot tub and pool table, just minutes away, the best of Bournemouth is on your doorstep for the whole of your stay.
At a glance
- Handpicked places to eat, from chic clifftop dining to intimate seafood bars
- Prime seafront and clifftop spots with sweeping coastal panoramas
- Sustainable Dorset dining, quirky cocktails and refined Japanese seafood
- Sun drenched terraces, seasonal sharing plates and year round al fresco dining
Six places worth booking a table
Bournemouth packs serious flavour and energy into its coastal stretch. Here are the places we send our guests to first.
Sexy Lobster
Seafood and prime cuts · stylish vibesA sleek, upbeat spot in the heart of town, blending sensational seafood platters, dry aged steaks and creative cocktails. Perfect for a buzzing night out with a touch of luxury.
Visit Sexy Lobster →Cosy Club
Eccentric interiors · all day diningSet inside a grand former bank on Old Christchurch Road, Cosy Club serves crowd pleasing brunches, tapas and classic mains beneath majestic high ceilings and quirky art.
Visit Cosy Club →Arbor
Sustainable dining · seasonal and localTucked inside The Green House hotel, Arbor delivers two AA Rosette dining built entirely around sustainable, locally sourced Dorset ingredients, without a hint of culinary pretension.
Visit Arbor →Old Harry Rocks
Clifftop terrace · sharing platesSitting up on the West Cliff, this laid back venue boasts dramatic coastal vistas. Drop in for sea breeze lunches, impressive steaks and sunset cocktails on the wide outdoor terrace.
Visit Old Harry Rocks →Aruba
Bar and restaurant · on Bournemouth PierSitting right on Bournemouth Pier, Aruba has some of the most spectacular views in town, with the whole bay laid out in front of you. Come for a long lunch or a sunset drink and let the sea do the entertaining.
Visit Aruba →Koi Sakana
Intimate Japanese · sustainable seafood barA hidden gem in The Triangle, serving exceptional sushi, fresh oysters and delicate seafood small plates inspired by Australian and Japanese coastal cuisine.
Visit Koi Sakana →Make a day of it: Bournemouth beyond the plate
Between meals, Bournemouth offers a brilliant mix of fresh sea air, historic gardens and family friendly attractions.
BH2 Leisure
Catch a film at the flagship cinema, play indoor mini golf or make a night of it right in the heart of town. Explore BH2 Leisure →
Bournemouth Gardens
Stroll the Grade II listed Lower, Central and Upper Gardens, stretching from the town centre right down to the sea. Discover the Gardens →
The Oceanarium
Get up close with sea turtles, sharks and penguins right on the seafront opposite the pier. Visit the Oceanarium →
For more ideas across the wider area, see our guide to family days out near Bournemouth.
Your base for exploring
Check availability →
Come home to Peartrees
After a day of town exploring and coastal dining, unwind in the hot tub, put a film on in the cinema room, rack up the pool table or settle into the spacious garden. Still weighing up where to base yourself? Our post on luxury stays in Bournemouth is a good place to start.
Hot tub
Cinema room
Pool table
Garden dining
Frequently asked questions
What kind of food is Bournemouth known for?
Bournemouth is known for fresh Dorset seafood, beachfront and clifftop dining, inventive sustainable menus and an eclectic mix of international cuisines, from Japanese small plates to vibrant tapas.
Are there restaurants on the beach in Bournemouth?
Yes - Aruba sits directly on the promenade on Bournemouth pier, while Old Harry Rocks sits up on the West Cliff with sweeping views over the beach below.
Do I need to book a table at these restaurants?
Booking ahead is highly recommended for prime dinner spots, weekend brunches and seafront terraces, especially in peak season and on sunny weekends. Most venues take online bookings through their own websites.
Ready to plan your seaside escape?
Make Bournemouth's lively scene part of your holiday - beach strolls by day, seafront dining by evening, and a hot tub waiting for you at the end of it all.
Book your stay at Peartrees →
Nikki
Host of PeartreesNikki is the host of Peartrees, a luxury holiday let in Bournemouth, and writes these guides from years of exploring the area and pointing guests to the places she rates herself.
Written by Nikki, polished by Claude