The 10 best restaurants and pubs in Lyme Regis

The Jurassic Coast is known for its towering cliffs, hidden coves and ancient rock formations that attract so many beachgoers and fossil hunters throughout the year. As well as its natural beauty, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with quaint towns and villages all exuding timeless seaside charm, and the town of Lyme Regis is one of the jewels in its coastal crown.

Lyme Regis offers a quintessentially English day out by the sea thanks to its wide stretch of golden sands, sun-soaked promenade and bustling town centre. With so many eateries nestled around the town, it’s hard to know where to start your culinary adventure, which is why we’ve listed our favourite Lyme Regis restaurants.

After an evening in one of the many places to eat in Lyme Regis, who wants a long drive home on a full stomach? Instead, enjoy a gentle meander through the town’s narrow streets, back to one of our holiday cottages nearby. To explore our collection of properties, just click the button below.

Holiday cottages in Lyme Regis

Skip to our favourite places to eat in Lyme Regis

• Restaurants in Lyme Regis
• Pubs in Lyme Regis
• Fish and chips in Lyme Regis
• Map of places to eat in Lyme Regis

Restaurants in Lyme Regis

Intertwined with Dorset’s many farmers and fishermen, Lyme Regis boasts a vibrant dining scene with foodie options for everyone. Whether you fancy a civilised evening in a seafood restaurant enjoying the delights of Dorset’s waters, or something a little different, perhaps some international cuisine, you’ll find that you’re utterly spoilt for choice.

Photo credit: Tom's Lyme Regis

Tom's Lyme Regis

Enjoying a prime location along the town’s Marine Parade, Tom’s Lyme Regis is the place to go for all things seafood, premium platters and charming views. One of the best restaurants in Lyme Regis, a meal in this award-winning establishment is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Pick up their recycled paper menu to discover a wide choice that celebrates the region’s important producers, with no compromise made on sustainability or quality. Classic dishes with a creative twist include wild Dartmoor venison, or roasted Atlantic cod, while lighter options include the Lyme Bay fisherman’s stew, or the Real Cure mixed charcuterie – perfect for sharing.

If the sun is shining, be sure to grab a table outside, where you can sit with a chilled glass of wine, waiting for your food as couples amble past and the nearby waves roll in. Out of season, sit inside, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by chic furnishings and fellow seafood lovers.

Photo credit: Matt Austin Images

Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar

With a mention in the Domesday Book, Lyme Regis’ town centre boasts a rich history, as does the 400-year-old cellar that plays host to this inviting and popular venue, Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Surrounded by exposed stone walls that house wine shelves, busy with bottles from around the world and closer to home, this a wonderful, almost hidden spot for a social nibble and glass of something special.

Lilac’s menu celebrates local producers, with a daily changing range of plates to accompany their wines. Expect delightful dishes like pan-fried hake, steamed trout or roasted artichokes, all sure to leave a lasting impression on your palette. Their Sunday lunch menu is more substantial, where you can pick from roast beef and other local meats, with veggie options also available.

Listed in the Michelin Guide 2022, an evening in this Lyme Regis restaurant is one you shouldn’t forget, and we’d recommend booking, as you won’t be the only ones hoping to grab a table!

Photo credit: The Millside

The Millside

Found in a quiet corner of Lyme Regis’ artisan quarter, this stylish eatery couldn’t be more suitably placed. Just metres from the town’s sandy beach, The Millside welcomes guests with colourful flower pots and a charming interior, where you can enjoy a wide range of seafood delights and award-winning dishes.

Open for lunch and dinner, slow down your day with a couple of hours of elegant dining, enjoying treats from the waters and fields around. For something light, share some escargots with roasted garlic butter, or enjoy their classy spin on a croque monsieur. For something more substantial, tuck into the catch of the day, or push the boat out with a Lyme Bay lobster.

For the complete seaside experience and a meal you won’t forget, share a Fruits de Mer platter for two, packed full of local shellfish with tasty nibbles to complement the fishy flavours. With a stylish interior and a relaxed vibe, this is no doubt one of the most special Lyme Regis restaurants. 

Photo credit: Baroque

Baroque

Standing out from the town’s traditional restaurants, Baroque in Lyme Regis offers an alternative dining experience and a global gastro journey that keen foodies should not turn down. Boasting an exciting menu that marries South American woodfire cooking with spices from Europe to the Middle East, walk into this Lyme Regis restaurant and be whisked away for the evening. 

With the sights and sounds of open fires sizzling local meat and fish, enjoy the buzzing ambience of the restaurant’s interior. Or, if you’re passing through during a day of Dorset coastal walking, choose to take away using their street food menu.   

For something light, share some tapas with a loved one, choosing from Lebanese pork meatballs, chicken sambal, or more locally, South Coast scallops. For something larger, find the main dishes that include lamb shawarma, tomahawk steak, and pan nam prawn. If you can’t decide, then worry not, their friendly team are sure to recommend a lesser-known but flavoursome option from the grill.

Pubs in Lyme Regis 

Dorset is packed full of historic pubs that offer a delightful break from the many coastal walks and beach days on offer. Serving pints from the county’s famous breweries and welcoming guests with their sun-soaked beer gardens and scenic views, these waterholes are a pleasure, and that certainly extends to the pubs in Lyme Regis.

Photo credit: The Royal Lion

The Royal Lion 

Just metres from the beachfront and a great example of Dorset’s dog-friendly pubs, this historic inn offers the ideal pause during a day out by the sea. The Royal Lion has served passersby for decades, and to this day, it’s still one of the best places to eat in Lyme Regis if you’re looking for some classic pub grub.

Amble through the town’s narrow streets to find this pub, and on warm days, sit outside in the quaint courtyard that awaits – the perfect spot for a good pint. Inside, the chic-meets-traditional interior makes for a great setting to enjoy a wholesome meal.

The main menu boasts pub classics such as beer-battered fish and chips, and fisherman’s pie, while lighter bites include a crispy halloumi wrap or open sourdough sandwiches. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, then you must try a roast dinner, choosing from the likes of aged British beef, and veggie roast platters.

With its prime location, lovely local beer and even better food, the Royal Lion is no doubt one of the best pubs in Lyme Regis.

Photo credit: Rock Point

Rock Point 

Enjoying views of Lyme Bay’s glistening waters, Rock Point takes centre stage in the town, sitting right beside the bustling harbour. One of the best-known pubs in Lyme Regis, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a waterside meal or a refreshing local pint if you’re passing through.

On sunny days, grab a spot in the beer garden that offers breathtaking views of the waters around, and plenty of tables to enjoy an al fresco meal. If it’s wet and windy, then retreat to the pub’s inviting interior where you can still enjoy sea views from your table through the large windows.

The Rock Point menu showcases the best produce from the region, adding a classical pub spin to their dishes. In the day, enjoy light bites that include a Cornish fish finger roll or the Atlantic prawn baguette. For something more filling, tuck into a pub classic like the West Country beef burger or traditional fish and chips.

Photo credit: Harbour Inn

Harbour Inn

Set along the town’s scenic Marine Parade, the Harbour Inn does exactly what it says on the tin: offering a stunning place to eat, with the town’s harbour and sandy beach right in front of you. Their exciting menu of locally sourced dishes, combined with a magnificent private dining area on the beach, make the Harbour Inn one of the more special places to eat in Lyme Regis.

Choose to sit in the airy surroundings of the inn’s interior, or for a special experience, reserve a table on the beach. Wherever you sit, you’re sure to fall in love with the food.

During the day, the menu boasts wholesome main courses like the Harbour Inn fish pie or a homemade beef lasagne. In the evening, enjoy unique dishes like the impressive Harbour Inn bouillabaisse – a mixture of local and Cornish fish and shellfish. Or for the chef’s recommendation, keep an eye out for the daily specials board where you’ll find something lush and local.

Fish and chips in Lyme Regis

If you’re looking for fish and chips in Lyme Regis, then you’re in luck. Not only does the town boast a good choice of fishy places to eat or take away from, but the sprawling promenade, winding coast path and scenic benches offer the perfect spots to perch with a newspaper-wrapped portion of chips.

Lyme's Fish Bar

Set in the heart of town, Lyme’s Fish Bar boasts an ideal position, making it one of the more convenient places to eat in Lyme Regis. Whether you’re halfway through a beach day and fancy some chips in your deckchair, or you’re passing through and need a quick bite to eat, you’ll be pleased you visited this popular local chippy.

As you’d expect from any traditional fish and chips shop in the UK, you’ll find a wide range of battered delights and holiday treats to choose from here. Play it safe with battered fish and chips, enjoying a portion of mushy peas or curry sauce on the side, or if you’re feeling slightly rebellious, ignore the north/south divide and go for some gravy – because why not?

Photo credit: Herbies Lyme Regis

Herbies Lyme Regis

Found along the town’s promenade, Herbies Lyme Regis is another local chippy that benefits from a fantastic location, perfect for beachgoers and walkers passing by. Unlike other fishy places to eat in Lyme Regis, Herbies only offer a takeaway service, so you’ll enjoy finding a scenic spot to devour your now-al fresco fish and chips.

The small team here take pride in their crispy batter and fresh local fish and offers a wide menu of ocean delights to choose from. Stay traditional with battered fish and chips, or a jumbo sausage, perfect for the little ones. If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, check out their specials board which often features dishes from the surrounding waters, including local scallops and the catch of the day.

Photo credit: Love Lyme Regis

SWIM

Set amongst other popular eateries on the town’s Marine Parade, SWIM Lyme Regis plays host to a wonderful, scenic facility. On warm days, sit out on the sun-soaked terrace to enjoy the sea breeze and coastal views as you eat. On colder days, head inside and dine in the chic and airy surroundings of the interior which promises an easy-going vibe.

Upon opening the menu, you’ll find that this isn’t your standard chippy. Whilst classic fish and chips is available, you’ll also find a wide variety of seafood and meaty alternatives to choose from. These include the tempura fish burger and fries, piri piri chicken burgers, salads and veggie options.

The food is presented with thought and the flavours will impress, making this alternative spot one of the most desirable places for fish and chips in Lyme Regis.

Map of places to eat in Lyme Regis

Explore our map below which pinpoints all the spots we’ve featured in this blog, including Lyme Regis pubs, restaurants, and fish and chips.

Stay at one of our holiday cottages in Lyme Regis

Now you’re clued up on the best Lyme Regis restaurants, what better way to enhance your stay in this charming seaside town than by booking a night in one of our cottages nearby? Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal retreat or an action-packed family getaway, you’ll find the perfect property for your plans by clicking the link below.

Holiday cottages in Lyme Regis