Delish Deli in Purbeck

Very disappointing Shakshuka, normally a Shakshuka is a vibrant spicy red and exciting dish of tomatoes, peppers, eggs, spinach, different toppings are added to each version, I had to ask for a spoon as it was more of a brown soup which I couldn’t eat with a knife and fork. All the other items I’ve had from the menu have been lovely, I didn’t complain at the time as I was with my friend. I was also charged a service fee on top, to which I was told ‘it saved people scrabbling around looking for loose change’ hearing such a dire comment is not what you expect, as after all, a tip is given for the enjoyment of food, service and the ambience of a place which unfortunately was ruined by the continuous noise of the blender making smoothies/milkshakes which I suppose couldn’t be helped on such a hot day.

On a mini-break in Bournemouth we walked the half-mile from our hotel to this attractive residential suburb to choose a café for breakfast. We wanted to enjoy a good breakfast in civilised surroundings rather than in our town centre business hotel. There were several cafés in Westbourne including one inside the Grade II listed Victorian shopping arcade. We narrowed-down the choice to four that looked the best, and then my Partner chose this café. We were promptly greeted and shown to a table in a narrow area just inside the entrance. The table was for two, but it was very small and crammed into a small space and (too) close to the walkway through the café. The seating around the table was cramped and not particularly comfortable. I had my walking boots on and that just didn’t work well with the main table and particularly a small collapsible side-table with a solid marble top that … collapsed (I managed to prevent the marble top from crashing to the floor). We asked to be moved, which was not a problem, and we were promptly relocated to the rear dining area. The table and seating here (a table for four) was far more spacious and suited us far better. We studied what was a really extensive breakfast menu with 20-odd options. We both had enjoyed a big meal the previous evening, so a ‘Full English’ didn’t appeal. On the other hand we knew that we wouldn’t be eating until late lunchtime, because we were driving along the coast both westwards and eastwards before heading home to Bristol. My Partner decided on the ‘Poached Eggs on Toast’, I was torn between ‘Eggs Benedict’ and the ‘Shahshuka’. The latter is a misspelling of ‘Shakshuka’ or ‘Shakshouka’. Shakshuka is a North African dish of eggs poached in a tomato and olive oil sauce, with peppers, onion, and garlic, being spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. In the end I went for the less elaborate Eggs Benedict. We both made good choices. We ordered a pot of tea for two which was a bit average with our tastes for really strong tea. Service here was good in this popular café.

Amazing menu and quality of food superb Staff very friendly and attentive. Will definitely go back and highly recommend

Average food for a place that always seems busy, and turns you away rather quickly when there’s no available seats. Would have given 3 stars had it not been for the fact that I had unwittingly paid a service charge (they offered no bill for me to check) when I checked my banking app. Better places to eat in Westbourne.

Service was off-hand and a tip was added to the bill without asking. Food average quality. We will not be going back. Money focus rather than service.

Great little restaurant, food was delicious, service excellent... really friendly and attentive. I went for brunch, but will definitely go back and try lunch soon. It's worth booking as it's quite small, but well worth a visit.

I remember when this place first opened and it was a fav with me and my girlfriends - a little gem with a touch of class and lovely food. But then I think the owners were present and they took a real pride in the place. Sadly today's experience couldn't have been more different. Ironically - if you visit the loo, you will see that they advertise on the back of the toilet door a service which is 'first class', 'decadent' and 'sumptuous'. We didnt experience any of those things. We waited 45 minutes for food with no warning they were running late (we had booked a week in advance). The place felt chaotic with staff running to and fro. Waitresses looked stressed and disorganised and therefore, you felt too guilty to point out any issues. Neighbouring tables were either waiting a long time too, or paying a bill where the waitress couldn't remember what had been ordered. My son ordered ravioli - which when it eventually arrived was actually tortellini (either they dont know the difference or thought we didnt). I had the chilli which was just ok but the tortillas were the crumbs from the bottom of the packet so couldn't really eat them. Water served in mugs! Food was ok but nothing special - quite frankly - it tasted like it had been bought from the local supermarket and warmed up. They clearly cannot handle the volume of customers and their quality and standards have fallen massively. Wont be returning or recommending! It felt quite stressful and disappointing and a waste of money.

Extensive breakfast or brunch menu with some lunch options. Afternoon tea is an option for later in the day. You’ll need to book on Saturday as space is limited and this is a popular eatery. There are other cafe option’s available in Westbourne if you just want a drink, some recently opened others due to open soon. We’re always spoilt for choice but we are always served with a smile and a friendly chat if that’s what you want.

Being a small venue, it's quite easy to miss this delightful place, so I am glad when a friend chose it as a lunch venue, otherwise I might not have tried it. Chic and tasteful decor greets you as you enter. Friendly staff. A substantial menu with lots of choice. Beautifully presented food which tastes delicious and is well-priced for what you get. I really enjoyed everything about it and will be back again. Thank you for a lovely experience.

Stopped at Delish for a coffee. Whilst we thought this was ok, the staff were unhappy we were not staying for good and made this very clear.

Beware, this is not a cafe, it is a money-oriented restaurant and as such will chivvy you on your reservation time and show annoyance if you order less than expected. Food is good, great variety and waitress service good, but overall atmosphere unwelcoming - unless you spend.

Visited here with a group of girlfriends between Xmas & New Year. Delish looks tiny from the outside, however once inside you realise just how big it is & how far it goes back. It is vibrantly decorated in tropical colours. A menu full of many many options. Between us we had chilli/sandwiches. All were beautifully presented (particularly the chilli) and everything was cooked really well. It was busy throughout our 2hour lunch visit which is a testament to how good it is.

Very much happy with every part of my experience here. I wasn’t looking for fault but even if I was, I wouldn’t have found it. I know I can be hard to please as I also own a cafe but Ill seriously be returning when I’m Westbourne again. Well done guys Keep it up.

OMG I could eat here every week ….everything is wonderful .the food is amazing , the staff are helpful and the owners are great …highly recommend…you will not be disappointed ….a little gem in Westbourne

Classic relaxing lunch hour with inspired menu, well chosen wines, polite and amicable staff. Good value for money. Will be going again soon.

Never been here before in fact walked past it so many times but went in for brunch with my niece and was so pleasantly surprised. Being Westbourne I expected big prices average food and a bit of a snobby air about the servers but couldn’t have been more wrong The girls were lovely very friendly and the food was top notch and very reasonably priced I thought. The icing on the cake was the toilets lovely smelling hand was and through away towels that were so soft. The whole place is pretty and you feel comfortable. Will be back to try the high tea. But only small so make sure you book

This place is an absolute gem. The food and service is second to none. Make sure you book for lunch though as it is very popular. Lovely ambience. Very efficient staff and the menu is vast and imaginative. Can’t wait to go again

The best place to eat , great service and great food ….cannot fault this lovely little gem . Highly recommend….keep up the good work Delish ❤️

Great afternoon tea to celebrate a special birthday - the staff were all very attentive and friendly and they did a great job of making our daughter a more “child friendly” version of the sandwiches. Thank you , will look forward to our next visit.

Great food and service and reasonable prices. It was our first visit and we were very impressed. The menu is extensive and there is great attention to detail. It is now one of our favourite places. Great croque Madame and salad.

What an absolutely fabulous gem of a place, with really tasty homemade food, very happy to recommend and can't wait to go back

Wow was the first impression when the food came to the table and then double wow when the table next to us had a sharing platter for breakfast arrive. All clearly so fresh and great presentation, The three of us where all so impressed with our choices, we will be coming back for sure. AMAZING a real gem

Hen party breakfast and as ever consistently good, well presented and delicious Thank you Matt and team for your hospitality and allowing us to host the event here

Went here for the first time for my freinds birthday celebration evening. Welcome drinks and nibbles to start. Then they laid on a tasty buffet. Quiches, delicious salads, yummy poached salmon and halloumi, dips and mezze. Lovely staff and lovely restaurant.

First time visiting and what a really lovely place. Spotlessly clean and beautiful decor. Very classy. The staff were really friendly and attentive and the food was absolutely delicious. Great portion sizes and presented really nicely. We will definitely be back and would thoroughly recommend.

I went to Delish this morning with the intention of having some brunch. The first thing that confronted me was a board telling customers to 'wait to be seated'. This put me off straight away, as unless you're visiting a restaurant that requires you to book, it is patronising and pretentious. It's a café in Bournemouth, not The Fat Duck. Also some customers are unable to stand around. I have problems with my spine and am in pain whenever standing or walking. Whilst I was debating whether to wait, a male staff member approached me and asked if he wanted me to open the door I was too taken aback to explain that I wanted to eat, and promptly left. Surely his job was to show me to a table? I'm at a complete loss to understand why he treats his customers in such a fashion. If he doesn't like customers, then perhaps he shouldn't be working in hospitality.

I’ve eaten at Delish a few times with friends and each time ,have not been disappointed. The staff are amazing , so helpful and friendly and the food is wonderful . One of the best places to eat . Well worth a visit