Bridport is a vibrant market town and at just 15 minutes drive from Newlands, it has always proved a popular place for our guests to visit. The town has a thriving scene of local food and drink producers and fantastic selection of award-winning restaurants.
Take your pick from a wide selection of artisan cafés, hearty pub grub establishments or delicious local seafood outlets. A perfect destination for your West Dorset foodie adventure – but where to begin?
We’ve put together a guide to showcase some of the must-visit hidden gem eateries in Bridport and West Bay.
Dorshi
Tucked away in an alleyway beside The Bull Hotel, Dorshi is a modern East Asian restaurant in the heart of Bridport. It’s not far from the main high street which makes it really easy to find and pop in to enjoy freshly cooked small plates of fantastic food with great service and atmosphere.
The venue provides a blend of food and drink with downstairs providing crispy and steamed dumplings, noodle bowls and sides. Much like a tapas style menu the small plates offer a range of dishes, perfect for sharing. The upstairs section is a stylish cocktail bar with different vibe. The drinks menu offers a range of non-alcoholic cocktails, as well as leaf teas, wines and beers.
Soulshine
Soulshine is a charming cafe/takeaway on South Street, Bridport. Doubling up as both a restaurant and retail shop, Soulshine is welcoming and versatile. The friendly atmosphere makes it a popular place to meet, and either eat in or purchase some of the locally-sourced food and drink.
The restaurant serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner with ample outdoor dining space. If you’re planning more of a fleeting visit, the retail shop offers a fantastic range of products, freshly-baked bread, cakes, and much more that you can freely browse and pick up some treats on the fly!
Green Yard Cafe
Located in Barrack Street, The Green Yard is one of Bridport's best hidden gem, family run cafés. Offering hearty home cooked meals and traditional food this is a place filled with character and a welcoming service with a smile. A great place for a spot of lunch or an afternoon tea when visiting Bridport or a dining experience when the venue transforms in the evening. You only need to look at the online customer reviews The Green Yard Café has received to see how popular the place is with locals and visitors alike.
Olive Tree
If you're looking for award-winning fantastic food and friendly service, The Olive Tree in East Street, Bridport is a top choice. Offering 'Mediterranean-inspired dishes based on regional ingredients' there is also a strong focus on seafood. The food is cooked to order in an open kitchen environment and there is a flexible approach to changing dishes to suit dietary needs or personal tastes.
The Olive Tree is highly acclaimed by food critics and national press. The Guardian named it as "One Of Best Fish Restaurants In Dorset" as well as the accolade from The Sunday Times "One of the best Fish-Bistro restaurants in Britain."
The Station Kitchen
A little further afield in West Bay, but always worthy of a mention is The Station Kitchen. A completely unique dining experience set within a quirky, vintage railway station feels like a complete step back in time. Winner of multiple awards, it’s not hard to see why The Station Kitchen has really captured many people’s imaginations. With its exceptional food and service, and memorable setting this makes the perfect meal to surprise someone on a special occasion or romantic gesture.
The Watch House Cafe
Also in West Bay, The Watch House Cafe is the only beach cafe in the area. Enjoy locally sourced seafood, wood fired oven cooking and just sit back and marvel at the stunning coastal views. Included in the Guardian’s Top 20 seaside restaurants in the whole of the country, the location could not be more idyllic. Why not try the legendary ‘Bottomless Brunch’ and live the dream for the day! What more could you ask for on a West Dorset foodie experience?
If you’re looking for the best hidden gem eateries in nearby Lyme Regis, (another of our favourite local places to visit) see our guide to Lyme Regis here.