Nest in North Dorset

Excellent food in here. Tucked away in Shaftesbury. Very interesting menu with plenty of choice and generous portions. I had the pulled pork balls and he had the Korean beef taco to start and then I had the cauliflower shawarma and he had the belly pork with butter beans and lots of tasty things. We ordered sides. The courgette dish the spinach dish and then on a whim, the fries. We really didn’t need the sides though they were delicious! The service was very good but the kitchen were a bit slow. However the quality of the food far outweighs any delay we may have had. The restaurant is small so best to book but there is outside seating just in case we get a balmy evening ever again! They also do takeaways. This is a great addition to Shaftesbury and we are very pleased we went.

The restaurant is ‘bijou’ and tucked away down an alleyway in Shaftesbury. We visited on an evening when a ‘Fish Shack’ menu was being offered. Starters were delicious although the Frito misto was a little oily. We both enjoyed the Whole place main though would have preferred it not to have had a spicy coating and the desserts (pavlova and creme brulee) were tasty. Our main criticism was the service. The restaurant offers takeaway as well as table service which seemed to overwhelm the kitchen at times leading to a long delay between courses.

Food was simply amazing. We had the scallops and bacon dish and the steamed cod dish and it blew us away. Best food we have had outside London. Will definitely be making another trip back as soon as we can.

The best restaurant we’ve been to in a long while. Great indulgent food, awesome service and a very happy customer. We’ll be regulars.

I have been to the Nest on many occasions, but tonight was absolutely shocking. Before we entered the restaurant, my friend needed the ladies, so I waited outside, which also happens to be outside the kitchen windows and to my horror I had to listen to the disgusting language coming from inside the kitchen, now I am not prudish but I really don't like listening to 2 men swearing to the extent they were and in general loud conversation. Once we entered the restaurant I very politely and quietly said to the young lady what I had just heard outside the kitchens , which she apologised and said she would let the kitchen know they could be heard from outside. When she came back into the restaurant, the swing doors were open for a moment and the kitchen staff shouted out, "YOU CAN TELL THEM IF I WANT TO F ING SWEAR I WILL " We felt very offended and uncomfortable as we were the first table to arrive and felt we had no choice but to leave without having dinner . This is really not the way you treat customers , if you have any left, you have lost 2 local loyal customers.

A friend recommended this hidden-away cafe-restaurant so we decided to have lunch there. Not a great experience sadly. The young woman who greeted us played music so loudly (with a heavy bass) that we had to ask her to turn it down. She served us with the water we requested while we looked at the crumpled, stained menus. After waiting 10 minutes for her to take our order (we were early and the only diners there), I went up to the counter and told her what we’d chosen. We then waited just under 30 minutes for it to arrive. OK, so that means it was freshly cooked but it felt like a long time (wonder how long we’d have waited if there were more diners there?). The music volume crept up again so we had to ask for it to be turned down for the second time. The food was good but not exceptional. I had the chilli crab & tiger prawn noodles (good prawns but no sign of the crab) and my friend had the sweet potato katsu curry, the only veggie main dish, which she said was ‘pleasant’. We then met up with the friend who had recommended it, and she said that she had also had poor service and very disappointing food only 2 days previously - nothing like her previous experiences.

Intimate seating area with only a few tables which helps to make it feel all the more special! Service was wonderful and friendly but the food was the absolute star of the show and was unbelievably delicious!!! We had the bao buns (definitely big enough to share) and shrimp starters, followed by the Korean bbq platter and the noodles, all of which tasted incredible. Well worth a visit, just make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment 😁

Stunning food, a little lacking in overall experience and general ambiance but the service was good. Food was outstanding

Another fantastic meal at Nest! Always something different on the menu and never fail to be bursting with flavour! The chefs are genius, and the staff are polite and attentive. Highly recommend to those visiting Shaftesbury

Food was okay, but the burgers were dry. Service was good, but it took nearly two hours to serve our mains and a table who came in after us were served first. Wasn't hungry by the time our food was served and no goodwill gesture offered. Chef was rude. Takeaway seems more important than table service. Will not go back.

My first visit to Nest and it won't be the last. What a brilliant neighbourhood restaurant. Every single dish on the menu looked delicious and adding in a great array of specials made it even harder to choose. The grapefruit cocktail was refreshing and fragrant too, and the wine list excellent. Service was charming from start to finish. We had to get our leftovers boxed up for the next day - those small plates really aren't that small!

Fabulous little find. We sat in the garden in the evening. Had a lovely cocktail followed by an assortment of small plates and then main courses for all of us to share. We ordered far too much food and all absolutely delicious. Bouillabaisse packed with excellent fish, lamb kofta’s on flat bread and various succulent chicken dishes. All unrushed, polite and excellent service.

I took my Girlfriend for a meal here yesterday evening and the food was amazing. I am a Chef by trade and the combinations and cooking of ingredients were superb. We really enjoyed our meal. We ate outside and the whole atmosphere was amazing. Like eating outside in the med in the heart of Shaftesbury. The cocktails 🍹 are top notch too.

Pre ordered a Gluten free meal for my friend’s 40th Birthday. Emailed in advance to ask about the fish curry and was advised that there would be a gluten free alternative for the garlic flatbread. However there was no alternative provided as a replacement, basically it was removed from my meal- hardly a replacement ( and I believe I still had to pay the full price). I found this odd considering they are so easy to make or purchase from a supermarket and they did have plenty of notice). Staff did not establish on arrival who the gluten free member of our party was and the waitress brought the gluten free meal out on the same tray as the garlic flatbread. Slightly concerning if you were a coeliac because of cross contamination. It’s usual practice in most restaurants to carry the gluten free food separately. The fish curry was acceptable but was heavily seasoned with salt. Didn’t enjoy the smell of cigarettes wafting in from smokers outside. I have nothing against smoking it’s just not very pleasant when you’re eating a meal. My partner has emailed to say about the lack of Gluten free alternative but hasn’t had a response. A little disappointed as was really looking forward to eating here but felt let down.

If you're looking for some epic food and flavour then you must try Nest, incredible flavour combinations and atmosphere and incredible staff make Nest a must visit!

Outstanding food. Beautiful flavours and presentation. Service excellent. Fair prices. Cannot fault them in any way at all.

Fantastic all round ! Great food and service. Nice terrace to sit out on a summer’s evening. Faultless, can’t wait to take our friends, not over priced.

We've loved the Nest for some time now but our last couple of visits will be our last. The food was terrible; Cold, tasteless and greasy. Service worse, serving new arrivals before our tables, people arriving 30 mins after us had food before. What was a friendly welcome is now a feeling of mild annoyance at the intrusion. Mains arriving at different times on the table, forgotten sides and long delay for drinks, drinks listed on the menu as '500ml bottles' served in 300mm glasses. We won't be returning.

Truly dreadful! We’ve enjoyed the Nest previously and spread the word amongst friends, family and contacts. Yesterdays lunch was a masterclass in how not to do restauranting. We arrived on time for our lunch booking and watched other diners arriving after us being attended to first. One couple were late for their booking and still got served first. Should note there was only two other tables inside and one out so far from busy. Despite no mention on the menu my dish was plastered with gloopy melted cheese, which I can’t eat. I mentioned to the server who offered to remove the cheese. I replied that it was a little melted to do that. He took the plate away to replace. My fries were what appeared to be the odds and sods of scraps from the bottom of the fryer, see picture. My wife ordered Tempura courgettes and the Tikka ‘nuts’ which we’ve had previously. The batter was anything but tempura and was thick, stone cold and full of grease. Tye garlic ‘dip’ equally floating in grease. The ‘nugs’ were tough and floating in a greasy sauce. They had never been so previously. The sauce was odd, tangy and sour somehow. 15 minutes later my chicken burger reappeared minus the cheese, pretty certain it was the same item with cheese scraped off as was cold and the chicken extremely tough and stringy. It’s no exaggeration to say it was inedible. By this time we’d been at the Nest for over an hour. We couldn’t eat our meal so decided to pay and leave hungry. Once the bill arrived we gave the server our feedback but confirmed we simply wanted to pay and leave. However he went back to the kitchen to speak to ‘Alex - one of the owners’ who was also the sole chef that day he said and never once appeared to discuss his terrible food. Server returned and had removed my item from the bill but was at pains to say it was tough and stringy because I asked for the cheese to be removed! Now slightly annoyed we replied that the chicken itself was tough, cold and stringy. Nothing to do with the lack of cheese! He simply defended the awful meal but ended with ‘but I hope you found the service good?’ We left thoroughly disappointed and annoyed. We will not return. Other diners were moaning and one lady complained to the same server. It used to be great but has had a dramatic nose dive, what a shame!

Have been here several times and it never disappoints the menu changes often and with incredible fusions of flavours. The meals they create are mind blowing and really show how creative the chefs are, my last visit I had the dinner dog which was like...

Absolutely delicious food, our table had sharing plates which I highly recommend as there is so many exciting flavours at NEST! As for service, staff were very knowledgable and friendly, food and drinks came out quickly. Great vibe in a small restaurant, upbeat music and...

Was expecting good things as all the reviews were great and the food on their social media’s looked lovely. The place is nice, quite small but nicely decorated and the garden area would be nice when it’s sunny. We ordered the small plates to share...

So the food was delicious. Well cooked, delicately spiced and nicely presented, this was the best thing about The Nest. Unfortunately, this was let down by very loud music with a thumping baseline which eventually drove us out the door. Coupled with mediocre, slaw service...

Had some really delicious food but unfortunately the experience was spoilt by the ‘music’ which sounded like a repetitive base line played quite loudly. When mentioned to the waitress I was advised that there was a policy of not turning it down for some random...

A lovely, relatively new eclectic restaurant. The cocktails are superb and the fusion food simply off the scale. Please do try their Goan fish curry; to cook four different items of fish/seafood to individual perfection then assemble them all in a luscious curry sauce was...

Marvellous food! Came here with friends to celebrate my birthday, the food did not disappoint. I went for the Goan Fish Curry (as did one other) which was excellent!

Lovely takeaway food. Halloumi burger and Taco chicken were delicious! Thank you. Very busy tonight.

What’s can I say other than INCREDIBLE! If you’re after something different and with a twist, well cooked and tasty then nest is the place to go! First visit and we will be back 100%!!! Portion sizes are a great size and you won’t come...

The menu is interesting and unusual, food quality and value is excellent. What this place lacks is personality, energy and enthusiasm from the staff. They are not sufficiently professional in their attitude and need further training to bring this place up to the standard it...

My lad and I popped in for lunch today and it was spectacular ! The service was perfect and the food was out of this world !

Five friends had the most delicious meals last night. Great atmosphere, amazing food - mains are big portions (so hope you are hungry). We also shared some of the smaller plates as a starter. The halloumi is so delicious. The Goan fish curry is amazing....

Really nice staff and atmosphere, food was very good. First time there and we will be back! Would definitely recommend.

What a fantastic restaurant , the food was amazing, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect. Would definitely return.

Amazing food, such an unusual and exciting menu. Lovely staff and real value for money. What a fantastic surprise!! Absolutely no hesitation in recommending Nest.

Absolutely great! Its a small and intimate venue which just added to the experience. The menu is interesting and refreshingly different. Food super tasty and vibrant. Service is attentive and friendly. Really enjoyable evening and one which will be repeated soon. many thanks.

We went there this week having read the reviews and we wern't disappointed, The food was amazing, really flavoursome! My husband and I had different items from the menu and we were both equally pleased. This restaurant deserves to do well. The friendly staff were...

Nest is smart, clean, stylish, modern. These days that usually means you'll need to stop to buy a sandwich/kebab on the way home, because the portion size will have been minute. Not the case with Nest. I just had the basic burger and chips, but...

A fantastic lunch at Nest. We’ve eaten the takeaway a few years back and the restaurant didn’t disappoint. The Arancini I had from the specials menu rivalled that I’d eaten on the streets of Palermo. Next time we will definitely order lots of the small...

Fantastic food and really lovely atmosphere. Staff were super friendly! Will definitely be going back!

Lovely restaurant where you are not really shed from your table. Service was excellent. Food was amazing. Highly recommend

I went with some friends for dinner here after being recommended, and it did not disappoint! I ordered the Duck spring roll - great portion sized, tasted incredible. Good selection of wines also! Will definitely be coming back to try more of the menu!

Seriously impressed with the quality of the food, the flavours and the portion sizes. Pork belly bites are so tasty and good as a main if you couple up with a side. These guys don’t scrimp on the portion sizes. Prices were reasonable too! The...

Wow! What can I say…what a place! The restaurant is tucked away off the main high street down some steps leading to a beautiful patio area. We were greeted as soon as we walked into to the restaurant and chose four different glasses of wine...

I am a huge foodie and find it hard to be impressed , well I was blown away , the food at Nest was incredible. It’s such a breath of fresh air to have a decent restaurant in Shaftesbury . I had char Sui Belly...

Very relaxing lunch catching up with a friend. There was a good choice of food and specials, with something for the smaller appetite too. Good selection of drinks on offer. Atmosphere was relaxed and quiet. Food was very good and would definitely recommend.

It’s not very often that as I’m leaving a restaurant I book another table but, I had to! What more can I say? The food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten, the pork belly bites and tacos were outstanding and a must try....

So refreshing to have a new and alternative restaurant so close to home. Everything was great ! We need to go again to try more of the delights they have on offer.

Great food (and surprisingly good value), terrific service and a lovely space. Shaftesbury has been crying out for a place like this and I'm so glad that Nest is now an actual restaurant rather than takeaway only. 100% recommended.

Honestly can't remember the last time i enjoyed food this much. The Pork Belly & Tempura Prawns were outstanding. We will be back very soon!

We had a freshly cooked, delicious lunch, tikka masala lamb shepherds pie and monkfish with chorizo and butter beans. Good service and ambience, great wine and clean, well appointed toilets! Excellent, thank you!

Myself and my partner have had takeaway from here before and loved it so were really excited about the restaurant. The food speaks for itself, rich, moreish, fusion of flavours that just makes you smile with every bite, now these guys are plating their dishes...

Being familiar with chef Tom's cooking, characterised by his bold fusion of flavours, we were excited to dine at this new restaurant in the high street. We were not disappointed and shared several small plates, with the pork belly bites and Japanese chicken wings notable...

A lovely intimate restaurant with the best food and service. Soon to become a hot favourite for many, so remember to book. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

OMG....I have seen so many posts about Nest I found it hard to believe. But seriously, really seriously, if you haven't been then go! This place was such an experience and the food was honestly so damn good. The staff super friendly and well informed...

The food was absolutely delicious, couldn't fault it, so nice to have something a little different in the area and I will be back to sample some more of the menu soon

Nest is a hidden gem! Amazing food and great restaurant definitely our top place to eat in the local area. Portions are very generous and incredible flavours - great value for money and so different to any other options in the area! Looking forward to...

Holy Macaroni Spring Roll! This place is AMAZING!! Beautifully designed outdoor space, stunning interior - walking down the steps into this slice of Eden, it is clear you are walking into somewhere special. My husband and I went on opening night for the restaurant having...

Excellent takeaway meal. Really good gluten free options. First visit will be back Looking forward to a sit down visit after they open properly on Wednesday 30th November.

Food heaven. I ordered the bacon double Cheeseburger and Bombay badboy fries, oozing with flavour! Both the burger and the fries’ portion sizes were very generous. The question is, what to try next time?

A welcome addition to Shaftesbury, offering something different from Bao Buns to Burgers. If you are looking for something really tasty and different, Nest is definitely worth a visit. Only offering Takeaway at the moment but I am looking forward to eating in when they...

Words really cannot deceive how good the food is from here. Trust me and just give it a go. My partner is plant based so ordered the breaded avocado vegan poke bowl and the vegan dirty fries. She gets giddy when she sees things you...

This place is amazing. ‘Having a Nest’ has been a part of our weekend since they were in Tisbury, where we live. Now they’ve moved to Shaftesbury it’s a 20 min drive but worth it. It’s exactly the kind of imaginative, indulgent, gloriously tasty food...

What a delicious meal in a beautiful courtyard. I went for lunch and sat outside with a friend. I enjoyed there mouth watering dirty fries. We also share boa buns!. So incredible, beautiful cooked pork with the sticky ginger sauce and spring onions. So fresh....

Unexpected family on Carnival day meant food for 5 was required. At 2:30 I called Nest and ordered a take away to be collected at 7pm. It was a very busy day/evening in town for the biggest Carnival in Dorset. I was not disappointed, the...

Wow. Great menu unlike anything else in town. Interesting sounding dishes and when you taste them. Shaftesbury has some good restaurants and take-always already but the addition of Nest is very welcome. The flavours are amazing. The variety on offer is eclectic but fantastic and...

A quick little lunch break - tried two small plates more than enough and delicious. A fun menu with Asian and American inspired small plates and mains. Beautiful outdoor dining or takeaway with indoor dining to come…