Where to Eat in Southbourne: The Host's Favourites
Wood fired small plates, tasting menus and proper Moroccan tagines - six of the best independent places to eat in Southbourne, minutes from Peartrees.
The Peartrees guide · Southbourne
Southbourne is a neighbourhood where laid back coastal living meets an independent, food led high street - sweeping clifftop views, golden sandy beaches and a proper village feel, paired with some of the best artisan dining in Dorset. Whether you want a craft beer from the microbrewery, wood fired seasonal small plates, fragrant Moroccan tagines or a sun soaked afternoon on the promenade, Southbourne delivers. And with Peartrees, our luxury holiday let with hot tub and pool table, just minutes away in Bournemouth, Southbourne makes an effortless and memorable day out during your stay.
At a glance
- Six handpicked places to eat, from high street craft breweries to fine dining secrets
- Prime coastal strolls and vibrant village energy along Southbourne Grove
- Artisan baking, wood fired cooking, slow smoked BBQ and authentic North African spice
- Seasonal sharing plates, craft beers on tap and year round relaxed dining
Six places worth booking a table
Southbourne packs incredible character into its independent food scene. Here are the places we send our guests to first.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Craft brewery · pub classicsA relaxed, spacious spot right on the high street, with an on site microbrewery crafting its own fresh beers. Pair your pint with gourmet burgers and artisan pub classics, and grab the huge beer garden on sunnier days.
Visit Brewhouse & Kitchen →The Larder House
Wood fired dining · speakeasy cocktailsA local standout built around wood fired ovens and seasonal British ingredients. Expect imaginative tapas, slow cooked meats and an impressive wine list - then finish upstairs in their hidden speakeasy cocktail bar, the Library of Liquor.
Visit The Larder House →Makla
Authentic Moroccan · vibrant spicesA warm and ambient spot serving authentic North African cooking. Drop in for rich, fragrant tagines, tender grilled meats and vibrant mezze platters, served with traditional mint tea and genuinely friendly hospitality.
Visit Makla →Chef Carlos
Artisan bakery · Spanish influenced cafeA charming high street gem run by Chef Carlos himself, turning out incredible freshly baked pastries, artisan bread, authentic empanadas and brilliant daytime coffees in a warm, welcoming setting.
Visit Chef Carlos →Syd's Slaps
Daytime caff · night time gaffA local icon famous for loaded breakfast slaps and speciality coffee by day, before flipping into a lively evening venue serving slow smoked brisket, ribs, loaded fries and craft drinks by night.
Visit Syd's Slaps →Restaurant Roots
Fine dining · tasting menusAn intimate, unpretentious fine dining restaurant run by a dedicated husband and wife team. Settle in for carefully curated multi course tasting menus built on hyper seasonal British ingredients and artistic flavour pairings.
Visit Restaurant Roots →Make a day of it: Southbourne beyond the plate
Between meals, Southbourne offers dramatic clifftop views, pristine beaches and one of the coast's best nature reserves.
Sobo Beach
A beachfront venue built from repurposed shipping containers - sunny deck, wood fired pizzas, cocktails and coastal views right on the sand. Explore Sobo Beach →
Shake & Stir festival
Visiting in mid summer? Catch Southbourne's iconic vintage festival at Fisherman's Walk - 1940s to 60s music, classic cars, vintage fashion and street food. Discover Shake & Stir →
Hengistbury Head
Walk, cycle or ride the land train up the nature reserve for panoramic views across Christchurch Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the beach huts on Mudeford Spit. Explore Hengistbury Head →
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 clifftop walks and village 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 Southbourne known for?
Southbourne is celebrated for its thriving independent food scene - from refined tasting menus and wood fired small plates to artisan bakeries, authentic Moroccan tagines and slow smoked BBQ.
Are there places to eat on the beach in Southbourne?
Yes - Sobo Beach sits directly on the promenade overlooking the water, with open air food, drinks and sea views, while the vibrant high street (Southbourne Grove) is just a short walk up from the cliff path.
Do I need to book a table at these restaurants?
Booking ahead is essential for smaller, sought after venues like Restaurant Roots and The Larder House, and recommended for weekend dining across the high street.
Ready to plan your coastal escape?
Make Southbourne's independent food scene part of your holiday - clifftop walks by day, artisan 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