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In summer, and especially on summer weekends, visitors can overrun the restaurants in small villages, so either book a table in advance or prepare to wait. The more popular or upscale the restaurant, the more critical a reservation is. For local specialties, try fresh-grilled river trout or sea bass poached in brine, or dine like a king on New Forest's renowned venison. Hampshire is noted for its pig and sheep farming, and you might zero in on pork and lamb dishes on local restaurant menus. The region places a strong emphasis on seasonal produce, so venison, for example, is best between September and February.
This cozy, child-and-dog-friendly restaurant in a 17th-century building at the bottom of Lyme Regis's main street makes a great spot for a light lunch or an excellent cream tea. Apart from hot drinks and sandwiches (including fresh crab), you can order more substantial dishes like homemade beef lasagna. It closes at 5 pm.
Part of a chain specializing in quick, nourishing meals, this relaxed café in a 14th-century former inn allegedly once patronized by Shakespeare, Cromwell, and Pepys serves hot and cold breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks. Choices include cheeseburgers served with bacon and fried egg, a Moving Mountains beetroot, mushroom, and soy version, or a sweet corn hash with halloumi, avocado, and poached egg. You can eat upstairs in the spectacular Tudor great hall or in the quieter side room.
With a vaulted glass roof on steel supports, this self-service cafeteria in a walled garden across from the cathedral combines contemporary style with freshly prepared dishes to create a refreshing stop for brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea. Food is served daily until 4:30 or 5 pm, and there are tables outside on a slate terrace for fair-weather eating.
A former grain mill, Fisherton Mill houses independent shops as well as artists' studios and a gallery showcasing paintings, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, and all manner of crafts. Enjoy a light lunch or Wiltshire cream tea in the highly regarded café specializing in healthy, home-cooked options. It shuts down for the day at 5.
This unfussy but elegant café-restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea offers freshly made soups, sandwiches, hot dishes, and cakes created with locally sourced ingredients. Favorites include a chickpea and butternut squash stew with eggplant and coconut, fried mushrooms on sourdough toast with creamed spinach, and a roast duck salad with bok choy. There are no reservations and it's very popular, so a wait may be involved at busy times.
Reasonably priced and healthy comfort food is served cafeteria-style at this established, family-run favorite. On the menu are dishes like a steak gyro, a quinoa salad with grilled tofu, and a Goan spiced fishcake with poached egg and crispy kale. Serving breakfast (including a great full English and a vegan version of same) and lunch, the place transforms into a busy cocktail bar (no full meals) in the evening.
Tucked away from the busy harbor, this French-owned local favorite serves classic Gallic dishes such as onion soup, eggs Benedict, and croque monsieur, plus simple seafood dishes like king prawns in garlic butter. If you're looking for an afternoon pit stop, try the substantial, and very English, cream tea selection and other superlative baked goods. A set-menu, monthly supper club held on Fridays and Saturdays serves dishes like bouillabaisse or a supreme of chicken filled with goat's cheese and tarragon. It books up fast.
Whether you're in the mood for beer-battered fish-and chips or a chicken and bacon pie with a puff pastry top, this welcoming pub-restaurant with great views over the harbor specializes in a well-executed, modern approach to classic British pub fare. Service is attentive and friendly, and there's an excellent selection of beers and ales.
