The Parlour in West Dorset

The food was gobsmacking I felt like I was in heaven.The waitress was brilliant and superb and the chef was perfect in every way. The waitress was also perfect in every way.Sophie aged 8 .

We do like this place. Its got character & kids would love it as its on a farm. We had a lovely evening with some friends, good service right next to the open kitchen so the chef even leaned over at one point & helped with our choices. Good place just to drop in for a beer as well particularly in the summer (or they do some great authentic ciders). Pizzas are great but make sure you're hungry ! We enjoyed the mackerel & various pasta dishes. Wine excellent & again staff were helpful with our choice. Ambience was good with some good background music. We were the last to leave but we didn't feel rushed at all.

An early evening visit, following recommendations from friends. Very individual in décor and welcoming from the time we opened the door. A varied menu for both food and drink, the food is generous in size and amazing to eat. Booking is essential, we arrived at 6:30pm, but by 7pm all, covers were taken. Clearly popular with locals and those in the know! Will definitely go back, it is too good not to try further items on the menu.

Food ok but upon paying they failed to point out the bill included a £12 service charge which I missed completely, so watch out for that. It should have been verbally pointed out to allow me the choice. Bad.

Came here with family on their last night before heading home from a week in Dorset. We’ve all been here before and thoroughly love it and this time was no different! We started with drinks - one cocktail, one mocktail and a soft drink. Unfortunately the waitresses got our drinks really quite confused - my alcohol free (designated driver!) mojito was swapped with a quite strong rum cocktail, although both drinks had the same mint garnish so we didn’t realise the problem until we had nearly finished them. The addition of the mint really didn’t work with the drink I had but I’m really not sure what it was supposed to be, which was a real shame as the alcohol free cocktails at the Parlour are excellent. I also have a food intolerance so had the drink I ended up being served contained that food I could’ve ended up in some bother. The restaurant was quiet at the time so while mistakes do happen this was a bad one that really should’ve been avoided. Had we have realised sooner we would’ve raised it with the staff but it seemed a bit like complaining for complainings sake. As for food, we started with the homemade sourdough bread with olive oil which was just amazing. The sourdough bread was a bit more like a focaccia but was delicious. It had some caramelised onion inside which was a pleasant surprise. For mains, I had the wild mushroom risotto which was probably the best risotto I have ever had in my life. It was beautifully creamy and rich, yet also perfectly balanced. Truly a fantastic dish which felt a steal at £16 given the generous portion. One of my party had a chef’s special pasta dish with a special vegetarian pesto (it wasn’t on the menu but after enquiring about one of the other dishes the chef offered to make it). This was also excellent but would love to see it on the main menu! Finally for desserts we each had a slice of a very, very boozy tiramisu. Again it was simply gorgeous, even if the taste of the alcohol was ever so slightly overpowering. At £11 a portion it’s certainly on the pricier side for a dessert but given the amount of alcohol and fresh cream it seemed pretty reasonable to us. All in all a simply wonderful meal out to end a lovely week. Unfortunately the food being as good as it was made the mix up with my drink stick in my mind more as that was the only issue, and unfortunately it was quite a big one. Nevertheless, we will all be heading back to the Parlour very soon!

Came here for lunch on a chilly, wet day based on a personal recommendation - and what a score! Part of a working farm on the Dorset coast, The Parlour is a quirkily decorated Italian restaurant and bar in some picturesque farm buildings and courtyards, with a large dining area in a semi-permanent marquee. Casual vibes but fabulous food. We ate porchetta, sea bass carpaccio, Napoletana pizza and tagliatelle with rabbit ragu. All beautifully prepared and well seasoned, perfect autumnal eating. Car parking is in a field (it’s a farm) and the toilets require a trip outside to a stable block, so dress for the weather. Lovely place - strong recommend.

Oh dear, what a huge disappointment. My husband and I came here in June this year, we had two fabulous meals and thoroughly enjoyed both visits. We told friends about it and we all returned yesterday. I'd called in the morning to check that they would be open and able to accommodate us. I was told that we'd need to arrive at 5.45 and no later than 6.30 as there was a large party already booked. This was not a problem as we'd decided to go for their pizzas and take them outside or into the Barn adjoining the restaurant. We arrived at 5.45, I said hello to the chef who looked at me and ignored me, I waited and continued to look at him, he eventually looked up and asked if he could help. I asked if the Barn was open, he said if the gates are shut then no, he said if we wanted a drink they'd serve us, I explained about wanting pizzas, he said 'you've got 15 minutes, we've got a big party in', then put his head back down. I went further in, in the hope someone would offer to serve us a drink, nothing happened, we were not offered menus, basically we were blanked!!! So, we left. Such a shame as I still think the restaurant is beautiful and the food on our previous visits was fabulous, however after the attitude and rudeness shown yesterday, I can't see us returning.

Sunday lunch for ten family members - the children ordered pizza and were served with burnt charcoal pizza base topped with burnt cheese - so inedible that we had to order a child’s roast lunch as well. The bread ran out so one of the party accepted pizza base instead which was also burnt. The pork and beef lunches were nicely cooked but my roast didn’t arrive with the others and I had to wait so long for it that I had to eat after the rest of the family. Staff stressed and snappy. A family weekend spoiled.

fantastic food but the head chef needs a sharp lesson in customer handeling skills!! I made the booking with him and he denied all knowledge of this,but it turned out he spelt my name incorrectly,then he remembered as he said the phone line was bad. did not appoligise just turned his back on me. great shame that because the food and service is fantastic and we left a healthy tip.....but oh my he lacks a lot of people skills!!!

The Parlour was recommended to us by our Airbnb host and we are so glad she did. The food was really good, the service was friendly and efficient and the atmosphere was really pleasant. On the evening we went they were incredibly busy and the staff were working flat out but we didn’t wait overly long for anything and they even found time to bring our dog a water bowl. We will definitely be back when we’re next in the area.

Very well crafted menu, amazing food with really good ingredients, lovely ambiance and very nice chef who clearly knows what he's doing.

This is the best restaurant we have eaten in for a long time. They have got it just right. Firstly the food is top notch and an interesting italian style menu with great selection of starts and mains. We ate twice whilst camping on the farm. The first evening we enjoyed beef and bass carpaccio along with scallops followed by pizza and tagliatelle ragu. All were delicious but also presented prettily on rustic tableware so made your mouth water just looking at them. Service was the right side of attentive and friendly. We then also booked for Sunday lunch. Sublime beef on a groaning plate full of all the sides. Delicious!! The interior is charming and the prices i would say are very reasonable for this quality. I also greatly admire the chef who had to put up with moaning privileged entitled folk rocking up on a Sunday lunchtime and complaining to find it fully booked. He did it graciously but really all you need to do is book folks!

We haven’t been for a while owing to mobility issues for my older wife but pigs ears ,bone marrow and turbot called us back ! Just wow .Old gal was beaning in the unexpected Dorset sunshine . What a place, keep going folks, we think it’s amazing and when we do need to sprinkle ashes,we’ve found a view nearby ! Grazie molte!

A bit varied I am afraid. Sunday roast beef was superb and huge portions. However the Turbot mediocre to say the least and no vegetables other than chips! Good choice of Italian reds. But service was a bit haphazard Compared to other venues around a bit pricey

Happened upon this spot by chance. So glad we did. Lunch here solidified what was our best day out whilst on holiday. Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Set up inside an old farm building with a court yard. Relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Food excellent and price for what we had very reasonable especially compared with similar prices being offered up in chain type eateries .. would most certainly return. Thoroughly recommend,

We had a really good time. Our guests enjoyed it too. Just that little bit different. Food was very good and service efficient but friendly. We know the portions are HUGE so we are careful what we order!

Sorry to say we had a very disappointing experience at the Parlour on Friday night. The reception was unfriendly, the service was painfully slow ( it took an hour for our main courses to arrive) and the portions were stingy in relation to the prices. I left feeling disappointed, ripped off and hungry! Won’t be returning I’m afraid, which is a shame as I live locally and would love to have supported the business.

Although we telephoned ahead . Even offered to have a drink while food prepared . Told to come back in half an hour to order . Restaurant empty ???? Extremely unwelcoming . Really bad attitude . No customer service at all Walked out .

Was camping with friends at Graston Copse campsite a short walk down the road and came here on a busy Fri night. Food was pretty bloody good. The pork and beef ragu papadelle pasta was sensational. All the meals were good and the large portion of homemade tiramisu for dessert was superb. Only slightly spoilt by the long wait to pay as there was only one payment point on the night. The owner I can understand is quite rightly proud of what he and his team are doing but needs to take on constructive complaints. If people are waiting 40 mins for the bill to pay, you may need to get additional payment points. Wouldn’t stop me going again as the food, cider and ambience were great. Good luck with everything and hopefully the payment issue was just a passing glitch. *****

What a fantastic spot. Flew in here on my paramotor and landed in the adjacent field. Super friendly and a wonderful lunch before flying home.

The food is Italian and quite good, but so it should be at these prices. The waiter was arrogant and completely charmless so we won't be back.

Absolutely fantastic. Having heard mixed reviews and also dropped by previously but decided to not bother as it looked a it scruffy, we have it a go - and wow! Really great Italian food. Super chilled atmosphere. A gem. Very pleased to have this as a local place to take people. What a pleasant surprise!

Very friendly staff, service a bit hit and miss. Food a little variable. I had San Maranzo Tomatoes, £15 for a plate with some sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, dressing and 2 x 1 inch square croutons seemed a bit steep and stingy for a main course. Other mains looked better value and much more interesting.

Fantastic meal again at the Parlour. Great that they are open again after winter break as it’s just such a lovely spot to visit. Perfectly cooked piece of fish and the squid ink with a bruschetta was very different and very tasty. Every time we go the menu has some changes ,a sign of skilled cooking. My old gal was happy and therefore so was I . We even saw the sun.!🌞

We ve eaten here before and enjoyed the experience. This evening a brusque welcome , slow service, awful dry tasteless pizza with no hint of the promised gorgonzola. We all left the crusts.. rocket had replaced the watercress without explanation. At >£145 for 4 ( no wine) it was an expensive evening of poor food and disdainful table service. No apologies were forthcoming. I rarely complain but was embarrassed to have taken my friends here for poor food that was not enjoyed.

We visit the Parlour around 7-8 times per year. Before I comment about this experience I’d like to point out to those reading other reviews whereby they’ve put negative comments especially re the service. They tend to be from some time ago and IMO have nothing to do with now. ( MAR 24). So turned up at a full restaurant on Mother’s Day. Never easy in the hospitality business. The French guy serving us was wonderful. Attentive, knowledgeable and courteous. What we love about the Parlour is for us ( real lovers of all food) the most authentic Italian place we’ve eaten at in the UK and that includes expensive ones in London. There are things on the menu that we’ve never heard of. ( Puntarelle alla Romana). That’s what we love. Something different. ( with respect if you’re looking for your anglicised Italian fix then this probably isn’t your type of place). Today we had the Sunday lunch. The ray wing looked superb but we opted for the rare sirloin on the bone and the porchetta. That was wonderful. Crispy skin, succulent meat seasoned perfectly with fennel seeds and a hint of chilli. Amazing. The veg, all roasted were fantastic. The sweet carrots and yellow beets were my personal favourite. It’s a huge plate of food which we knew from previous visits, but we couldn’t resist trying the sprouting broccoli in an incredible romesco sauce as a starter. But the best was the cuttlefish in black ink on a piece of ciabatta. Just sublime. ( my photos don’t do it justice). I personally think it’s great value. Yes the Sunday roast isn’t the cheapest but for me it’s THE best. Finally a new wine list which I think is definitely better than before. Well done once again to Simon and his team

Just got home from dining here for the wife’s birthday this evening and absolutely blown away with just the honest authentic feel to this unique restaurant. It just felt so at home and like you were with the chef in his Nanas kitchen . Simple delicious food you get what you pay for the vibe is great , the location and set up is just incredible we truly forgot about the outside world for the entire time we were there and just felt we was on holiday ! ( we live 20 mins away ) . Great little team especially the kitchen just one cooking , a young lady smashing out incredible pizzas and an absolute machine in the back doing all the washing up , plating starters and desserts, the place was full understandably so ! Cannot wait to come back and cannot believe in 5 years of life in Dorset we have only just visited. Thankyou !

Superb pre Christmas treat this afternoon at the Parlour with your ‘head to toe delicious menu’. I am a gravy and sauce connoisseur 😜 and my Pork had the best sauce I think I have ever tasted. The Christmas menu had a treat for anybodie tastes or dietary requirements. We all had exceptional meals. My Mum even tried to put her gravy in the doggy bag! Thank you so much. Service was professional and charming. Thank you 🙏🏽

What a wonderful surprise to find The Parlour on a gloomy, wet November Sunday. It was warm, welcoming with uplifting background music, friendly staff and above all the most delicious Sunday roast lunch. Many happy customers with dogs and children made a lovely atmosphere. Don't be put off by the location or the entrance through some rather run down looking barns and past the cattle, it is all part of it's charm. We will be back and look forward to visiting in the summer and sitting outside at one of the many tables.

Initially you’d never guess that this slightly scruffy restaurant at the side of a rambling farmyard serves wonderful Italian food It’s tucked away on a country lane and not the easiest to find But make the effort, the food is fantastic And very large portions! We had a tapas style meal mixing 3 starters between the two of us. That was a meal for 2 by itself Another had one of the days specials - red mullet cooked perfectly . Hard to do right but it really was Desert menu always looks good but we have never had enough appetite left Go and find it, you won’t be disappointed . Not cheap but really good value for money due to the quality Staff very nice and helpful also

This was a return visit for us. The Home Made Bread was excellent and delicious with Olives and Trout with Horseradish. The Pizzas are top quality and large and they’re happy to supply a take away box to take your leftovers home. One of our number had Belly Pork with Beans which we all thought lacked flavour. Our measure is always could we do better at home and we could have done a better job on this pork dish. We drank House White Wine and Parlour’s own brewed beer which was refreshing. The Parlour is a busy fun venue which does theme nights and there’s an interesting Christmas Menu. There’s a real issue with walking from the car park to the restaurant. It’s poorly lit and uneven under foot. It’s perilous and they need to sort this out before the winter. We live locally and when we talk to others who use the Parlour this is always a topic of conversation.

We had a sharing lunch of starters and a pasta dish. All of it was fresh, innovative and very exciting. The flavours were complex and everything was executed perfectly. Such care and attention to detail. The servers were efficient, cheerful and very pleasant. A great experience. We have eaten here many times on a Sunday and had fantastic Sunday lunches. We wanted a change and it was perfect.

Wow- we just loved all the food and the ambiance! Best meal we have had locally in a very long time. We came with our 2 year old for an early dinner and was well accommodated. Can recommend ++

We booked out table on a neighbour’s recommendation. We’d just had our civil partnership ceremony and wanted somewhere to eat with our daughters. The sun shone. The setting was lovely. The grape vines were laden. Service was prompt and the food delicious. I can’t wait to eat there again. It was like a slice of Mediterranean life ☺️☺️

A hidden, unexpected gem of an Italian restaurant in a farmyard! The farmyard has been converted to this use in a charming way, but the real star is the food. I had scallops in tarragon to start and porchetta as a mains and both were utterly delicious. The portions were large, so you could easily opt for small plates rather than mains if you wanted. Can't wait to go back on my next Dorset trip

The Parlour is a restaurant that takes its reviews seriously, I previously posted a review regarding it being very shabby at cheque prices. I still think the prices or the presentation and portion size of desserts and starters need to be worked on. I received a call from Management following up on my previous review and we discussed my issues in a very professional manner. I truly believe that they take review’s seriously and want to learn from the customer experience. Full marks for this effort.