A thriving market town, set just a mile from the iconic beach of West Bay, Bridport is a cultural hub with a tantalising foodie scene; it's a great town for discovering Dorset. Peppered with cafes and restaurants to fuel you while you shop or socialise, the town has a reputation for being one of Dorset's top destinations for enjoying good food.
Casual dinners in Bridport pubs contrast with salubrious fine dining in the town's top-regarded restaurants. And if where you're eating is as important as what you're eating, why not try out one of Bridport's quirkiest establishments, the well-renowned Station Kitchen?
Read on to discover the best places to eat in Bridport. Whether you've a hankering for fresh local fish, or a penchant for local beers in a Dorset pub, we've got you covered. With so many to choose from, why not stay a while? Click the button below to discover our range of Bridport holiday cottages.
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Restaurants in Bridport
There are numerous restaurants in Bridport catering for every possible dining occasion, including celebratory meals out with all the family and post-walk meals in cosy dog-friendly establishments. Whichever of the following Bridport restaurants you pick, you can be sure that you'll be served locally sourced food with a side portion of great atmosphere. Here are some of the best restaurants in Bridport.
Olive Tree Restaurant
The Olive Tree, Bridport is just the spot for delicious food in a welcoming environment. Sourced from local producers and traders, the ingredients which make up their menu result in the very best comfort food that the whole family can enjoy. Fish is one of their specialities, but the menu is brimming with other tempting choices, including sirloin steak, slow-roasted lamb and a variety of pasta and pizza.
Tapas is the order of the day on Thursday evenings. Delicious small dishes for sharing with friends and family make dining here an experience full of flavour and discovery on the Jurassic Coast. With everything being cooked to order, dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for easily. Don't forget to leave room for dessert, because the choices will have your mouth watering!
Good to know
Location: Olive Tree Restaurant, 59 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LB
Why not try: The catch of the day, roasted and topped with lemon and chive butter, and served with sauteed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Highlight: Most of the meals can be served as small plates for children – there are no chicken nuggets in sight!
Soulshine
Soulshine is all about celebrating the good things in life, and their lovely food certainly makes you appreciate a good meal with friends or family. Tuck into some of the best small-scale artisan produce, whipped up into outstanding dishes from a menu that changes with the seasons.
With a host of wonderful vegan and vegetarian options, supplemented by a selection for meat eaters too, the only tricky part is settling on what you'd like to order.
Soulshine is open every day for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is available from Monday to Saturday. They host regular events which range from their popular supper clubs to story evenings and guest chef nights.
Good to know
Location: Soulshine, 76 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NN
Why not try: Slow-cooked chicken with root vegetables, white beans and chimichurri.
Highlight: Soulshine Supper Club is a regular foodie evening with a five-course set menu of seasonal dishes – booking is essential, so don't miss out!
Tortilla Cantina
Transport yourself to Latin America with a visit to Tortilla Cantina, Bridport's authentic Mexican restaurant. Pop in for huevos rancheros, a brunch burrito, or perhaps coffee and churros to kickstart your day, or mosey over for lunch when tempting quesadillas and tacos promise to hit the spot. Takeaway's an option too, for when you just can't go without your fix of Mexican flavours.
The restaurant began as a roving trailer, bringing Mexican food to the masses, and due to its popularity, the owners sought out a permanent town-centre base from which to serve up their great food and memorable flavours. The atmosphere is relaxed and colourful, just as you would expect from an authentic Mexican.
Good to know
Location: 31 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3JX
Why not try: Queso de Cabra – guajillo beetroot, goats’ cheese, tomato salsa, spring onions, salad, sour cream and fresh lime.
Highlight: Tortilla Cantina promote regular specials such as Taco Tuesdays, Friday Lunch Club and Sunday Roast – keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out what's on when you're around.
Dorshi
If you have a taste for the exotic, look no further than Dorshi, whose taste bud-tantalising, street-food-style dishes are presented in a stylish and edgy setting. Think succulent dumplings and noodles bursting with flavour, washed down by an expertly mixed cocktail or your favourite tipple from the bar.
This hidden gem is tucked away down an alley, so follow your nose (or the Sat Nav!) off the beaten track and prepare to indulge in the best Asian food in Bridport. The staff are attentive yet unobtrusive, and the ambience of the restaurant makes it the ideal spot for an intimate meal with your partner, or a celebratory banquet with friends and family. Dorshi offers takeaways too, so even if they're fully booked, you needn't miss out.
Good to know
Location: 6 Chancery Lane, Bridport DT6 3PX
Why not try: All the dumplings – a sharing platter of every single dumpling.
Highlight: At the time of writing, Dorshi offer a Monday Meal Deal which includes noodles, dumplings and a drink for £15 (5.30pm-8pm).
The Station Kitchen
The Station Kitchen is probably the quirkiest restaurant in the whole of Dorset, housed in an old railway carriage in the heart of West Bay. Cosied up amongst rustic-chic decor in one of their classy carriages, you're sure to enjoy a meal to remember. There's a dog-friendly dining area in their Station House too, so your four-legged friend needn't miss out on the fun.
We'll get onto the topic of the menu in a moment, however, let's linger a little longer on the dining spaces because they definitely deserve the spotlight. Brunel, a World War I carriage built in 1911, is the main dining area, with a surprising amount of space to seat groups of up to 45 guests comfortably. Beeching is a 1958 carriage; luxuriously furnished and atmospherically lit, it's perfect for tables of four or more.
The upmarket menu mixes classic and creative fare, with an emphasis on sustainable seafood. The best meal is the one you want though, and with choices including curry, steak, pizzas and plenty more, there's sure to be something to pique your interest here – the perfect location for a very special meal.
Good to know
Location: The Station Kitchen, Old West Bay Railway Station, Station Road, West Bay DT6 4EW
Why not try: Butter poached brill paupiette, truffled beurre blanc, burnt leek, pickled grape, crispy skin and saffron potatoes.
Highlight: One of the top restaurants in the area, you can expect first-class service in a beautiful setting – even better if you're a railway enthusiast!
Bridport pubs
Some of the best places to eat in Bridport are its pubs, with their menus covering everything from local seafood to Sunday lunch. Park yourself up in a cosy dog-friendly pub with a pint after a refreshing romp along the coast, or settle in for an evening of quality food after soaking up the sun in a beer garden. The following pubs in Bridport are perfect for all the family, with welcoming staff, outside seating and the occasional log fire thrown in for atmosphere. It's not an exhaustive list, for there are lots of pubs in Bridport, but it's a good start.
The Bridport Arms
A traditional English inn in the centre of West Bay, The Bridport Arms is a large and approachable pub. Its beachside location makes it ideal for seeking sustenance in the summer months after a day at the beach. With food including their fabulous Sunday roast, local seafood and popular pub staples, there's no chance you'll be leaving anything but satisfied.
There are tables outside to soak up the sunshine along the approach to West Bay's beach or you can sit in the main restaurant where there's a lovely atmosphere. After lunch, why not stroll out along the coastal path to Eype Beach and enjoy the stunning views along this part of the Dorset coast?
Good to know
Location: The Bridport Arms, West Bay, DT6 4EN
Why not try: Lyme Bay mussels with creme fraiche, spinach, saffron and chips – delicious fresh seafood.
Highlight: The proper Sunday roast ticks all the boxes – succulent meat (or vegetarian option), crispy roast potatoes, fresh vegetables and perfect gravy.
The Pursuit of Hoppiness
If good beer is your reason for seeking out the best pub in Bridport, look no further than The Pursuit of Hoppiness. Its quirky, rustic interior creates the perfect vibe for sampling its astounding array of craft beers and ciders. There's no need to commit to a pint; try before you buy, or start yourself off with one of their tasting boards.
We have to admit, we've snuck this one onto our list, because other than the tasty bar snacks, you won't find any food here (it's all about the beer), but fill up beforehand in one of the restaurants in Bridport and head here for an evening with old friends and new. Its friendly staff, boho feel and stocked bar make it just the spot for whiling away an easy couple of hours. The pub has a sister venue in Dorchester, The Pursuit of Poppiness – which operates in a similar vein, but with a focus on sparkling wines.
Good to know
Location: 15 West Street, Bridport DT6 3QJ
Why not try: Whatever the bartender recommends!
Highlight: There's not a lot of space in this boutique pub, which is great for making friends and enjoying a companionable drink, shoulder to shoulder with other beer connoisseurs.
The Ropemakers
The Ropemakers gets its name from Bridport's historic net-making industry, and as one would expect from a traditional pub, it is welcoming, cosy and somewhat of a TARDIS. A pretty courtyard provides an outdoor seating area, while inside, there's plenty of room to prop up at the bar or enjoy your food at one of the tables. Quality food sourced from local suppliers is served up with a smile, making this a top spot for both an impromptu dinner out and a special occasion alike.
The Ropemakers is well known for its live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, when it welcomes bands, both local and touring, to entertain the crowds. And if you've got a competitive streak, get yourself down to the pub on a Tuesday evening for quiz night; the winning team is awarded a bottle of wine.
Good to know
Location: 36 West Street, Bridport DT6 3QP
Why not try: Battered local Huxley cheese, followed by a Trawlerman's Platter.
Highlight: The live music gives a real local pub vibe – everyone comes together for a relaxed and sociable evening.
Bridport takeaways
If you're enjoying a break in one of our Bridport holiday cottages, or maybe one of our properties in West Bay or our nearby Dorset accommodation, you might want to make the most of it by staying in and having your food come to you. Tortilla Cantina and Dorshi (listed above) both have a tempting takeaway menu, and below are some more top choices. Whether you're looking for seafood or world food, these takeaway restaurants in Bridport offer something for everyone.
Taj Mahal
At the Taj Mahal, Bridport, the menu is infused with the authentic flavours of India. Rafique and Helen Choudhury run the family business which was started in Bridport over 40 years ago. They serve freshly prepared curries made from their own recipes, seasoned with Indian spices to produce that mouthwatering taste that only Indian food can deliver.
The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner, including takeaway, so if you find yourself with a hankering for a midday curry, make a beeline for the Taj Mahal.
Good to know
Location: 20 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LF
Why not try: Chef's recommendation – chicken or lamb Chameli.
Highlight: Free home delivery is available within 3 miles of Bridport Town Hall.
Rakhang Thai Cuisine
Transport yourself away to Dorset's answer to Thailand – Rakhang Thai Cuisine is a well-renowned restaurant and takeaway in Bridport. Pick from an array of familiar Thai delights, including soups, salads and a multitude of curries.
A quick and friendly first-class service adds to the popularity of this takeaway, which you can devour in the comfort of your own holiday home, or savour in the surroundings of their welcoming restaurant.
Good to know
Location: 37 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX
Why not try: Chef’s Special – Tiger Cry: Thai northeastern-style grilled sirloin of beef served in a sizzling dish and flame with cognac, served with spicy tamarind sauce.
Highlight: Eating your fill of delicious Thai food, without having to get dressed up for the occasion.
Longs Fish and Chips
Voted one of the best fish and chip shops in West Dorset by a local newspaper, Longs Fish and Chips is the place to head for the popular seaside staple. The local chippie has two outlets in Bridport, with restaurants too, but if you’re of the opinion that fish and chips are meant to be devoured in the fresh air, go for the takeaway option and nip down to the Riverside Gardens to munch your bounty in peace.
Choose from cod enveloped in golden batter, breaded plaice, scampi, haddock, whitebait or even a seafood basket, with a lovely portion of perfectly fried chips to accompany them. That’s not all you can expect from Longs Fish and Chips – though there are pies and pasties, burgers, sausages and chips on the menu too, as well as pizzas, melts and wraps.
Good to know
Location: 23 West Street, Bridport DT6 3QN and 15 King Street, Bridport DT6 3QD
Why not try: Traditional battered cod and chips – when in Rome …
Highlight: The varied menu means there’s something for everyone – great for satisfying groups with diverse tastes.
Map of places to eat in Bridport
Find the above places to eat in Bridport on our handy map.
Stay in Bridport
Just down the road from West Bay, and with the Jurassic Coast stretching out to the east and west, Bridport is a fantastic base for a Dorset holiday. Come and visit Dorset for fossil hunting on the beach, water sports, coastal walks, heritage days out and countryside strolls.
Just 16 miles from the city of Dorchester, you’ll probably be able to fit in some city culture as well. And when you’re back from a day out, what better way to recharge your batteries than availing yourself of the hospitality of one of the many places to eat in Bridport? The above suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety on offer in this friendly town. Come and experience it for yourself.
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