Where to Eat in Christchurch: A Local Food Guide
From seafood on the quay to Dorset's only Thai pub - six of the best places to eat in Christchurch, a short drive from Peartrees, our luxury holiday let.
The Peartrees guide · Christchurch
Christchurch is a town where a thousand years of history sit comfortably alongside everyday life - a medieval Priory, castle ruins and quiet quaysides, all wrapped around a food scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you fancy fresh seafood by the water, authentic Thai cooking in a proper Dorset pub or a plate of homely Italian, you will find it here. And with Peartrees, our luxury holiday let with hot tub and pool table in Bournemouth, just a short drive away, Christchurch makes an easy and delicious day out during your stay.
At a glance
- Hand picked places to eat, from casual to fine dining
- Two waterfront spots with views over the quay and harbour
- Dorset's only full Thai pub, serving since 1994
- Fine wines, local produce and live music nights
Six places worth booking a table
Christchurch packs a lot of good eating into a small, walkable town. Here are the places we send our guests to first.
The Boathouse
All day · on the quayRight on the quay with panoramic views over the water, The Boathouse works at any time of day - breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, plus proper pizza and a well chosen wine list. On a fine day, ask for a table outside and watch the world drift by.
Visit The Boathouse →Bistro My Way
Bistro · fine winesA neighbourhood bistro with a serious wine focus. The menu is refreshed every month, with weekly specials on top, so there is always something new to try. A lovely pick for a relaxed but polished evening.
Visit Bistro My Way →The Rising Sun
Thai · pubFamily run and multi award winning, The Rising Sun opened in 1994 as one of the first pubs in Britain to serve Thai food, and it remains the only full Thai pub in Dorset. Expect authentic, punchy flavours in a warm pub setting.
Visit The Rising Sun →The Jetty
Fine dining · harbour edgePerched on the water's edge in the grounds of Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, The Jetty is a multi award winning restaurant built around local producers, relaxed dining and an eclectic wine list. Save this one for a special evening.
Visit The Jetty →The Thomas Tripp
Pub · seafood · live musicA traditional local through and through. Come for the beers, ales and fine wines, stay for the freshly prepared food (the seafood is the thing to order), and time your visit right to catch one of the live music nights.
Visit The Thomas Tripp →La Mamma
Italian · family runA friendly, family run Italian with a relaxed atmosphere and an emphasis on fresh produce. Pizza, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, alongside a generous list of daily specials. Ideal for an easy family dinner.
Visit La Mamma →Make a day of it: Christchurch beyond the plate
Between meals, Christchurch rewards a wander. The mix of heritage and natural beauty makes it a perfect slow day out.
Christchurch Castle
Explore the castle ruins right in the heart of town.
The River Avon
Follow a scenic riverside stretch at your own pace.
The historic centre
Stroll the old streets around the medieval Priory.
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 eating your way around Christchurch, 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 Christchurch known for?
Christchurch has a surprisingly varied food scene for its size, with fresh seafood, traditional pub cooking, Italian favourites and authentic Thai food all within a few minutes' walk of the town centre. You will find everything from casual quayside lunches to fine dining.
Are there restaurants with waterfront views in Christchurch?
Yes - The Boathouse looks out over the quay and The Jetty sits right on the water's edge by Christchurch Harbour, so both offer a lovely backdrop for a meal.
Do I need to book a table at these restaurants?
Booking is recommended, especially at weekends and in summer. Most of these restaurants take bookings online through their own websites, which are also the best place to check current menus and opening hours.
Ready to plan your foodie escape?
Make Christchurch's food scene part of your holiday - historic streets by day, waterside 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