Location: Swanage
Top Restaurants in Swanage
Swanage Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Swanage
Swanage was a popular seaside resort in Victorian times, and families today continue to enjoy its shallow, calm beach. The recently restored Swanage Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Diving trips and boat tours also depart from here. Don’t miss a trip through the local countryside on the Swanage Steam Railway.
Things to do in Swanage
1. Gee whites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 638 reviews
Reviewed By LGBfund - Epsom, United Kingdom
Popped by on our recent trip to Swanage and had a couple of ice creams and shakes. Ideally located a stone's throw from the pier and provides all your favourites...
On this occasion we stopped for lovely ice cream with waffle cones and shakes made whilst you wait.
What more could you want?
Friendly staff and affordable prices!
2. Chilled Red
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By chicknitza - Woking, United Kingdom
We have just returned from a short break in Swanage and decided we really should write a review of Chilled Red- one of favourite restaurants anywhere!We have been coming here for 7 or 8 years, as we had a mobile home in Swanage.We have enjoyed every single one of those occasions!The food is always delicious- try the mixed fish grill or the venison if they are on the menu! The waiting staff are professional, knowledgeable and always friendly- thank you Kirsty! We no longer have our mobile home but still love visiting Swanage- a visit to Chilled Red is always the first thing we plan. Make sure you book- it’s always popular. Already looking forward to our next visit.
3. Tawny's Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Shaunammc - TEXAD
We are fairly new to Swanage, so it my husband and I only discovered Tawny's recently. It doesn't look like much from the outside, fairly plain and standard, but when you walk in there's a soft, warm light and cool vibe from the sound track surrounding you.
It was quiet because it was December, but the staff were attentive and friendly.
We had the Malbec (all three times we've been back) but there is a very good selection of wines at nice prices.
We've had a selection of starters and they even just whipped us up some things that weren't on the menu once. Never disappointed and we're hard to please because we're the type who always think we could make it better ourselves at home.
The mushroom starter was so rich and flavourful with mixed wild mushrooms and a fresh little salad with drizzles of zingy dressing.
The price is more than your average local pub, but the quality of the food drink and atmosphere reflects that.
Not a lot of veggie options, but good variety of meat and fish dishes.
This is our new favourite place!
4. The Black Swan Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By j5hrp - Farnham, Surrey
We ate here three times during a week;'s stay in Swanage. On every occasion the food was excellent, the service was very friendly and efficient and the pub has a really nice atmosphere whichever side you sit. A warning though; if you do want to eat make sure you book in advance as it is incredibly popular, even out of season!
5. Harlees' The Parade Fish Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 535 reviews
Reviewed By Carol V - London, United Kingdom
We ate in the restaurant upstairs. The restaurant was due to close in 45 minutes but the Duty Manager made us really welcome. The fish and chips were lovely. We had the Cod and Huss. Both were not at all greasy.Thank you for your 5* rating. we are glad you enjoyed your visit
6. seventh wave
Overall Ratings
4 based on 378 reviews
Open daily from 9.30am 7 days a week. We welcome both visitors to the park and reservation bookings. Serving a range of lightbites,breakfasts,lunches and delicious cakes, all our dishes are made in house with fresh local produce.The Seventhwave team welcome you to this stunning location. Dogs and muddy boots welcome. Seasonal evening service (spring/summer only) **NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS**
Reviewed By penguinRomsey - romsey
We pre-ordered from the Christmas menu-winter vegetable strudel with wild mushroom and port sauce, a delicious combination of flavours, a real treat for vegetarians who are so often poorly catered for. The portion size was also very good. Followed by chilled chocolate fondant with blood orange sorbet, the delicate flavour of the sorbet complimented the rich chocolate fondant, all at a very reasonable price. Compliments to the chef.
7. The Globe Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
We are a local pub that welcomes visitors. Chef Ash rents the kitchen from us and prepares and sources all his meals. He uses mainly local ingredients. We are quite small and so do not have a separate dining room although we do have an area set aside for meals. There is a large sunny garden and a car park to the rear of the pub. Dogs are welcome. Children should be off the premises by 9 pm to comply with our licencing restrictions but can stay a bit later if they are still finishing a meal. We are a pub that serves good food and not a restaurant.
Reviewed By FoxJT
The chef writes a local specials board every night. So you can go ever night and get something different! I highly recommend this place for couples and friends. All local ingredients including the meat. Make a reservation ahead of time. Order your drinks at the bar.
8. Worth Matravers Tea and Supper Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
The perfect place in Purbeck for lunch, vintage afternoon teas and lovely suppers too!!! Come dine with us in vintage splendour. Sip tea in our pretty garden. Our food is always fresh and lovely. This is an experience that will make you smile.
Reviewed By BluebellsDorset - Dorset
After a circular yomp starting and finishing at the duck pond and encompassing a fair stretch of the coast path...the bunting and bay window beckoned us in...
It was a delight to find ourselves in a 50's front room atmosphere-complete with flying-on-the-wall geese...cosy but not squashed.
The garden door flung wide revealed dappled Sunshine on spring flowers accompanied by the gentle sound of cutlery clinking on crockery.
A single request for a glass of water, resulted in an immediate large jug with floating ice and lemon wedges appearing on the table, together with enough glasses for all of us.
We deliberated over the innovative and imaginative choices and combinations of cream teas - so nice to get away from the humdrum of two scones..jam..and cream. A flute of Kir Royale was a necessary addition on Mothering Sunday.
I won't spoil things for prospective visitors by listing the menu...but if, like us, you want to take a step back in time away from the dirge of Coffee and Danish Pastry establishments... treat yourself to a leisurely repose in this little half-hidden oasis.
9. The Fish Plaice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By Drew186305 - Crich, United Kingdom
The fish and chips was nice but we missed the restaurant on our first night as we turned up at 7.30, (on a Tuesday), and the restaurant was closing. Plenty on the menu to choose from and reasonably priced
10. The Ship Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By FionaFraser1962 - Amesbury, United Kingdom
Just visited this pub as not much choice of good places to eat on a Monday in Feb! My partner waited over 40 mins for ham, egg and chips, which finally arrived with the most disgusting looking and smelling dip. Gammon was dry and looked odd. My tempura prawns were ok but the salad was drenched in the most disgusting salad dressing I have ever tasted. Wish we had gone across the road for some decent fish and chips.
