The Seaside Boarding House Restaurant & Bar in West Dorset

Lovely hotel and friendly helpful staff. Pricey at £350 B&B with very average rooms but good breakfast, although service very slow. Sadly not accessible for those with mobility disorders as no lift, steep stairs and few accessible bathrooms However, marvellous for lunch or dinner on a day out

Despite the stunning location and Michelin rating, we had a dull and disappointing meal here last night. Starters of fried plaice and spinach croquettes were pleasant enough, but after waiting over 45 mins for our main, the advertised aubergine schnitzel turned out to be a whole grilled aubergine topped with greasy breadcrumbs and garnished with some greens - managing to be both oily and dry at the same time. The lamb loin came with under-roasted carrots, chewy peas and a thin, bitter jus. Not awful, but not really appetising either. Service was friendly enough but incredibly slow, considering the place seemed half full at best. The sound bounced off the hard surfaces in the large dining room, and while background music can also be annoying it would have helped take the edge off some of the braying conversations. We gave up before dessert.

Voilà un restaurant qui bénéficie d'un emplacement exceptionnel et d'une vue magnifique. La cuisine est tout à fait remarquable

We stopped here for drinks and also for a meal and were impressed with the service and the food each time we visited. From the outside the place looks a little run down, but inside it is nicely laid out and welcoming. The service was old fashioned (in a good way) and attentive. My starter of twice-baked souffle was especially delicious. If we were in the area again we would certainly call again...

For a restaurant in this location, overlooking the sea, it should be better. But I assume it doesn’t suffer from a lack of clientele. The meal was good although who knows what happened to the port I ordered. And that is where they fall down; in the fine details. It won’t stop me calling again but maybe I’ll spend my money where I get an exceptional meal and experience.

Beautiful spot with all the promise of a fabulous lunch. Sunday roast - plate cold, serving dishes cold. 2 roasted carrots, soggy turnips, cauliflowers gratin and brioche style yorkshire - very beige. Duck was delicious, Puddings - cheesecake with no biscuit base Pastry burnt on almond tart Staff were lack lustre

Went here for lunch which should have been the highlight of our stay in Dorset - needless to say it wasn’t. The maitre d’ seemed to be rather unfriendly, and it later appeared that this was almost a ploy as she was perhaps expecting complaints. The location was very picturesque and we were fooled into thinking that the old-fashioned and slightly run-down style of the place was ironically deliberate and that the food would soon make up for it. Unfortunately this was not the case. The starters were tasteless and £15 for three tiny pieces of monkfish cheeks in a gelatinous sauce was not a good start. The mains (at £28 each) were no better with a similar gloopy sauce, shoe-leather onglet steak and portion sizes that were on a par with the starters, requiring diners to pay extra for the bizarre “sides”. The crab was served cold, poorly prepared and accompanied by nothing other than a bland mayonnaise. It would appear that the kitchen is either trying to re-create the awful reputation British food had in the 70s or that they are simply incompetent. And a bill of over £150 for two (without wine, but with an unwarranted 12.5% service charge) sealed the view that it is probably time they admitted defeat and closed their doors.

Fabulous place, a real discovery! Excellent food, lovely atmosphere. Timelessly charming. Can’t wait to return. Coffe a highlight and very comfortable beds!

Consistently brilliant. We are lucky enough to own a house in the village so we are down a couple of times a month Every time we go to the Seaside , normally for dinner, sometimes for lunch Never been disappointed , food always wonderful particularly fish which comes fresh every day from West Bay - so has to travel 2 miles only Service great and lovely staff, engaging and knowledgeable Ultimate approval is from our puppy, every time we go past on our walks he heads for the front door and tries to get in! Seriously it’s a gem - amazing view, particularly from the terrace in the summer Great food and service . What’s not to like? Can’t understand negative comments, we have probably been there 50 times and always wonderful

Reading some of the negative reviews, maybe we were in a different place. We dropped in for a winter afternoon lunch. The wide view of the beach and the sea was magnificent, the decor and ambience of the restaurant fresh and inviting, the service warm and welcoming, the food delicious. Followed by a long, bracing walk on the sandy beach. We’ll be back.

Welcoming and friendly staff. Perfect birthday lunch, delicious food and heavenly wine and big plus being able to take our dog into the bar where we ate. Lovely furnishings.

So many pluses here! The stunning location, the relaxed and chic interior, the welcoming, friendly and attentive staff, and the fantastic cocktails and dishes. Everything - the starters (oysters, soufflé, Jerusalem artichoke salad), the mains (monkfish, John Dory, rib steak), the petits fours, and the cocktails and wine - was delicious and beautifully cooked. Huge thanks to the impeccable FOH team Liberty, James and Michal. Highly recommended!

Just the most perfect two days, outstanding food, amazing ingredients, excellent cocktails and incredibly helpful and friendly staff. The situation on the beach simply could be more idyllic- a blissful break with nothing too much trouble for the staff-and huge delicious breakfasts as well. Thankyou to everyone- it could not have been better. We will definitely be back.

Very poor food. Sat in the bar area. The crab sandwiches were expensive, doorstop bread and lettuce with very little crab. So disappointing

Lovely place with view and pretty atmosphere! Good dish and definitely come back for dinner! Dogs friendly only in bar but anyway make a point to come

Was very excited to eat at this well known restaurant. Arrived on time for our booking at the only dog friendly full height table in the bar. No smile from the host on arrival and then seated at an alternative (lower) table in the bar and told that the people at our pre -booked table would probably be leaving soon so we ordered a glass of wine and looked at the menu. 30 minutes later I asked when might we be seated at the proper table but was told that it was actually the owner of the restaurant sitting there having a meeting and the host explained that he couldn’t disturb her and had to wait until she stood up! I asked if she was aware that the table had been booked and he said he didn’t know. How weird! Surely the host could have explained that there were guests who needed that table?! I was with my elderly parents who really needed a full height table. Surely paying customers mattered more than a business meeting? About 10 mins later they finally moved to the snug area. No smile or apology from the owner for the inconvenience. Meal was mostly very good however my mother thought the prawns were very mushy and not fresh. She didn’t mention anything to the waitress but felt it was worth saying something, and did. When the bill came, we were told that the service charge had been removed because of the bad prawns. What!? Surely the correct thing to do would have been to remove the cost of that meal (£33) or perhaps take the first round of drinks off (seeing as we’d had to wait ages for our table). The waitress was really lovely and it seemed so wrong to penalise her for the restaurant’s error! In the end the host gave us ONE complimentary drink and put the service charge back on but I really do think they could have done more. So, we will not be returning and sadly I cannot recommend the restaurant. What a shame.

Great food, stunning ocation, friendly and welcoming staff, but the midges do get annoying. Great deals if you sign up to their newsletter.

Wanted to book for ‘The Ravinder Bhogal’ evening. Spoke to the so called ‘events’ manager, how extremely rude was this woman! she had such an offensive attitude, just rang to ask some basic questions about the evening and was bombarded with vile abuse. We love this place for the views and the treat of a cocktail sometimes…however, being spoken to in this manner, unfortunately we will never return again.

Chose this for our anniversary. We were disappointed. The service was poor - poor enough that I took the unusual step (for me) of refusing to pay the 12.5% service charge. And the food was not as good as it should have been. We ordered a sardine starter, only to be told 10 minutes later that they were not available. And the chicken main course unexpectedly contained egg and black pudding, neither of which I wanted. All in all, not an experience I’d repeat.

Gorgeous views and exquisite food. We had the lamb and scallop appetizer. Highly recommend both. Our server, James, went above and beyond. Lovely night!

A rather disappointing second visit to this nicely-located boutiquey, retro hotel. Same room (201) as last year but, with the windows open, sleep was disturbed by music and other people noise from somewhere outside. Considering the high-end prices for the dinner menu, food was poorly-presented, over-cooked and generally average-tasting. The gurnard was over-salted and bland, while the matchstick potatoes with the halibut were soggy and tasteless. £10 for a small ice cream with salted caramel sauce was definitely taking the michael. Breakfast was similarly haphazard: slow service, toast brought before cereals so cold when required, and the full English crowded onto a small plate so it looked an appetite-reducing mess! Definitely, more attention needs to be given to food presentation. We will not be returning.

Very poor service, waited far too long for food. Food disappointing. Loads of shell mixed in with crab making the dish inedible ( they did remove cost from bill) Other fish dishes far too salty. Desserts were good.

Superb position; Imaginative Menu; Sunny Day; Delicious Food; Delightful Service; Wonderful Views; Good wine List; Outside Seating; Quirky Decor; Fun Cocktail List...and then there were the Dolphins !! Put the former in any order, mix it up for a truly excellent Lunch. Very many thanks

Full Disclosure: I did not actually eat here. I arrived around 3 p.m., and they said they were only serving residents. However, it was probably just as well, as the appearance of the whole place was that of one that has "past it's sell by...

We have been here regularly for years, however we will not be going back. The Service was poor, they could not have given a toss despite having lots of them and no guests!! The menu was totally over the top, luckily we are used to...

Seaside is just great in all ways. Magnificant view, wonderful food and lovely people. We only spend part of our time in Burton Bradstock but go there every time we go down. The whole place is trendy retro, but you don't have to be young...

I booked lunch here for my husband's birthday. On arrival it looks very impressive, the dining room and bar area are very nice and the views of the sea are lovely. Unfortunately the service was very poor and the food average. Most of the waiting...

Lovely food. Excellent service and stunning venue. Every single fish was spot on and the service was attentive. Wonderful beach walk after to complete a special meal.

Stayed one night so had dinner and breakfast can't fault anything regarding the food and service. Really excellent. Location and room. Perfect even the dog loved the stay. One issue only a bath in bathroom. No shower curtain or anywhere to hold up shower head....

Lunch on a beautiful day. Cannot fault any aspect of our experience today from welcome to departure. You are made to feel special,individual and every single member of staff was on the ball, alert and efficient. Our mains, roasted lemon sole ,and fillet of halibut...

With beautiful views, lovely decor & pricey menu you expect a lot, but don’t. No server in sight, had to ask if we could order then orders all at once as we had been sat for so long Ordered starter: - chicken croquettes - delicious...

I have previously not always been impressed with this venue however todays lunch was simply fantastic. You can’t knock the position or the views. Their was a beautiful Aston DB5 with a 00 (Jane’s bond) number plate parked outside which was a treat to see...

Believe me, I agonised about where to spend my 50th celebrating with a handful of family members and friends! I am just sooo thrilled and relieved that I chose the Seaside Boarding House in the end, as it absolutely "made" my birthday eating here, from...

We arrived on time, were greeted warmly and sat at our table. Our drinks order was taken by a lady who served us at times throughout the night. They did take a while to arrive, however this was slightly expected as we had ordered cocktails....

A most delicious Sunday lunch, lovely wine and of course the wonderful sea views. Enjoyed a drink, non alcoholic cocktails excellent, in the bar before. Very good levels of service, the only thing that spoiled it somewhat was a rather loud ‘hooray Henry’ English man...

Our group of ladies had a lovely coffee break, good service and nice cake! We were graciously served before residents' lunch crowd!

Booked a table here to celebrate my sister’s birthday. Booking was easy online, with prompt response. We were kindly given a table by the window overlooking Hive Bay, beautiful. The service was extremely courteous & attentive without being intrusive. The food was delicious , as...

Saturday lunch with family. Exceptional service. Delicious food. Recommend the sea bass with risotto but everything was good. Wonderful location. Will be back

I was given a gift of a meal in this restaurant and my husband and I duly booked a table - online booking was really easy and quick to do. Arrived in time to enjoy a drink in the well appointed bar before being shown...

Great food, great service, great relaxed vibe with the most amazing scenery. The local Champagne is v.good too ***** Scallops to start

Beautiful views, wonderful service and superb food. We had a delicious meal and a lovely experience. Then views are amazing and the restaurant itself is so lovely and well presented. Absolutely excellent, first class.

We tried to visit today to have a bottle of wine. We had checked the website to see if there were any restrictions on opening times before making the 25 minute journey from our holiday home. The bar was listed online as being “open all...

Everything from start to finish was spot on. Atmosphere fabulous, choice of food on menu brilliant, caters for everyone, and service top notch. Scallops for starters - super tasty and mains of John Dory and Lamb rump both cooked to perfection. We enjoyed it so...

Came here for our wedding lunch and had an amazing time. Kate greeted our vehicle (the ribbons may have given us away!) and was so accommodating and efficient throughout our meal, as were her colleagues. The Seaside Boarding House has a great feel about the...

A wonderful place to enjoy an early evening cocktail. It’s smart, civilised and friendly with superb views.

This restaurant is in a wonderful location overlooking the sea. Very friendly and attentive staff. We had a most enjoyable lunch and will return.

We spent a lot of lunches on the terrace last year, but this time we met up with friends for lunch inside - bit cold outside! Staff were very friendly and attentive, and the food was amazing. I would normally go for a fish type...

We walked from West Bay with friends to eat here but were told by the waiter that there were no tables available despite only one terrace table being occupied. As we walked away I called SBH and was told we could have a table in...

We went for Sunday lunch time, the food was delicious and of a very high standard and the staff were very attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes and the wine list. The setting is ideal overlooking the sea with a simple modern interior that reflects...

We have dinned at the SBH on a few occasions and the food & service has always been exceptional, if you like fish this is the place to go in Dorset. Family friendly staff and beautiful views. 5 stars!

A beautiful view on the terrace. A friendly server. Food spot on. Lobster bisque as a main delicious. Fish and chips all perfect. What’s more to like. Will be back

Got in as a lot minute booking we were thrilled. We were able to sit on the terrace and the views were stunning. The service fab as was the food. Loved the non alcoholic cocktails tried 2 different ones both equally lovely. All in all...

Wonderfully situated restaurant on cliffs overlooking Burton Bradstock beach. As it was a warm summer's evening we decided to eat at one of the outdoor tables.we needn't have worried when the sun went in, as the wonderful staff brought us blankets to keep us warm....

Beautiful coastal location with a dining terrace enjoying views towards Chesil beach. Our room was an attic room approached by a narrow staircase. The view if standing up was great. The room was spacious but you could have thought the furniture was bought in a...

The welcome was good and the staff all very friendly and efficient. I had a delightful fish soup starter. For mains we had mussels and fish and chips. Both courses were really tasty. A very popular place and we will go back.

Lovely meal in the covid compliant marquee which was warm and comfortable.Really varied great new menu and we all had various choices all of which were very tasty. Southern pheasant and pickles was perfect.

We were thrilled to book a table on a Monday night as so few really good restaurants are open in west Dorset. The menu on the website got me positively salivating, crab, turbot, duck and more! The most expensive main course was 18.00. Imagine our...

I have eaten here 3 times this summer, and whereas before the food was pretty variable and even at its best, only okay if I am being honest, they have now found a new chef. It makes such a difference. Sunday lunch was delicious. The...

Looking forward to this meal after a lengthy coastal path walk. Great location and a pleasant restaurant room with good views. Staff mixed. One or two attentive, a couple a bit uncommunicative and I observant. Reasonable choice of local beers but poor choice of rose....

Had a wonderful meal with my parents, was definitely the best meal out for a long time pre covid. The service was great and food was incredible. Beautiful surroundings and felt very safe. Thank you

We went with friends, who to be fair love the place. There were six of us, we arrived in three cars together. We reversed in to park in front of the place to be shouted at by a woman staff member from the terrace above...

We were recommended this place by friends who have enjoyed meals here. Started off well with attentive service then went downhill. Starters of scallops were fine. The main course had purple sprouting which you needed a saw to cut through it was so undercooked. The...

Worth getting here early to have a terrace drink looking over the beach to Portland. The cheese soufflé is quite superb. The Hanger steak was very good. Service excellent. Lots of style in design so a great smarter venue.

What a great find .. beautiful view .. we are out on the terrace.service friendly.. food good quality good idea to book ahead

Would have liked to review this however was refused service either on the terrace or cliff top. Was told “full” due to Covid. But not evident. An insult to my intelligence given being a former NHS clinician with my partner a Doctor.

Stayed in July 2020, firstly what an absolutely stunning location! It was beautifully hot and we sat outside on the terrace and had a beautiful dinner and drinks, really was exquisite. This is a cheap place the one night stay with dinner and drinks costs...

What a lovely location for a summers evening meal, selection of local meat and fish on the menu, although can be misleading in their description, as in Scallops and pig trotters “not a trotter in sight” when asked they checked with the kitchen and it...

I was lucky enough to have two delicious meals in this lovely restaurant in three days. First I took my son and my grandchildren and then went with a friend. Inside the first time as cold day. Great food and good service. Recommend the SBH...

Having waited a long time to revisit this great place was very disappointed. Cocktails in paper cups is not what I pay good money for. Staff that handle said cups around the rim and tables not cleaned or cleared between patrons did nothing to assure...

The most stunning places to enjoy drinks on our last night in Dorset. Fabulous, friendly service. Thank you x

We were part of a group of 18 who ate here last night (14 March) to celebrate a birthday. It’s often difficult to manage a large group and serve food to everyone at the same time, but the team at the Seaside Boarding House managed very well. We also decided to pay for the food as a group but pay drinks individually! Again this wasn’t an issue. The service throughout was excellent - friendly and efficient.My wife had cod and I had venison - both perfectly cooked. No complaints from anyone else in our group either. Beautiful sea views - which disappeared all too quickly as the sun still sets early in March. We’ve been a few times before and never been disappointed. Thoroughly recommended!

What can I say we are head over heels in love with this place. Not only have we eaten and stayed twice in a matter of weeks but we have made some wonderful memories. The added bonus is we are allowed to bring our dogs with us and they are also treated like royalty. The team are just spectacular especially Ian and Liberty who could not do more for us. The rooms are beautiful with breathtaking views and the food is fresh, good value and a treat on the taste buds. Thank you for always impressing us effortlessly. We will be back and will bring more friends and family each time.

First visit to this stunning waterside location in Burton Bradstock.Warm greeting as soon as we arrived and the hospitality continued throughout our fabulous lunch.Beautifully furnished all looks recent too as in pristine condition throughout.Scallops and mussels on the menu served with a selection of sides all very fresh and locally sourced.Can't wait to return to this seaside gem.Special mention to Ian who was superb from start to finish-Thank you for your care xx

Invited to join friends for dinner here. Right on seashore so a spring/summer would have been better for the views, but a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Attentive & helpful staff, great choice of dishes - all very good. Well worth a trip

To say we were disappointed with our Christmas Day lunch yesterday would be an understatement, particularly as we had been looking forward to it based on the much lauded reputation that the SBH holds. The setting of course is second to none, the welcome with a glass of champagne was warm (ish), the table nicely laid, but with a paper table cloth.I have had to select the 'fine dining' tab below to reflect the cost....certainly not the quality of the food. The starters were enjoyed by us all (though a few crackers to eat with the duck terrine would have been appreciated). Apparently the soufflé was excellent as was the smoked salmon, but that could hardly go wrong could it? The traditional turkey meal was nothing short of a disgrace, based on what we paid for the privilege. The meat was dry, the huge slab of stuffing slapped on the top of the entire dish was very unattractive. Unusually the vegetable were served to us on the plate. One normally expects them to arrive in separate dishes. I could go on......but....... so disappointing. The desserts were OK. Cheese was ....cheese what can I say other than where was the advertised chutney and some nice crackers would have been welcome? Special it most certainly was not, only very average. Sadly we feel that we would have a meal of similar quality at our local Harvester at a fraction of the cost.

Probably one of the best meals I have had eaten for a very long time. We both had two starters and a pudding. A perfectly sublime double baked souffle followed by one of the very best presented and prepared scallops. And to finish off home made vanilla ice cream with a fig sorbet. Wow and wow again. All beautifully served in a delightfully decorated dining room with amazing sea views. Ok it was dark in November but on the light in ing it would be even more special.

We’ve visited multiple times now, excellent cocktails in opulent surroundings. I imagine it’s wonderfully cosy in the winter. Staff can be hit and miss at times.

Visited for dinner with friends for a birthday celebration. Cannot fault the service it was 1st class. Fabulous cocktails. Unfortunately the the food was a little disappointing. But such a beautiful place. Definitely worth a visit

A lovely and very comfortable hotel. We felt it would have suited an Agatha Christie film as the atmosphere seemed to enfold you into its comfort and charm. Excellent food and very helpful staff.

We had a delightful lunch yesterday at the Sea Side Boarding House. The food was delicious, the setting fabulous & the service ,perfect. The prices are reasonable, bearing in mind the vintage design of the hotel & the breathtaking views over the sea towards the isle of Portland.

Visited this place for the first time with friends a few weeks ago and it certainly won't be the last.

We had heard good things about this hotel and that the views are amazing. The views are to die for but unfortunately the hotel was closed on Saturday for a wedding so we went back on Sunday for some drinks at lunchtime. We waited to be seated and then told that we were unlikely to be served for some time as some staff had called in sick. We waited for 25 minutes and then left without anyone serving us. I appreciate that the wedding party was still there but if they can't serve the public and a large wedding party then they should close the venue for both days. A table of 5 that had booked in for lunch also left after being ignored for 30 minutes.

We went here on personal recommendation for a special occasion, so had not read reviews.

This is a lovely place to eat on top of a cliff overlooking the sea. The food Is delicious. It’s dog friendly as well which is great. We had the halibut and cod which was cooked beautifully

Welcoming, great cocktails, comfort, position and service. The decor was very tasteful and the menu compact and delicious.

What a top notch place. We stayed two nights, and every member of staff was attentive, friendly and highly professional.

We had a fab dinner at the restaurant with a few friends over Bank holiday weekend. The hake was cooked to perfection and their chocolate bar desert is fantastic. The weather was glorious, so we sat on the terrace, enjoying the most glorious sunset. What a treat.

We regularly visit for a sandwich on a Sunday, its one of our favourite places ! No more to say really. Views are stunning !

We enjoyed dinner, breakfast twice, lunch on the terrace and coffee and cake in the bar. I'd say that we thoroughly tested the offerings of the Seaside Boarding House kitchens! Everything was delicious, fresh, and served by the friendly efficient team. Thanks to them all. We hope to see them again.

Pretentious establishment. I expected more from ex London’s Groucho. The Old Fashioned was neat spirit and the Tom Collins was overpowering with lemon. Head waiter wore trainers. I tried this place when it first opened and the staff chatted amongst themselves as if it was too much trouble to serve guests. Two years later we were approached at table twice by different staff all wanting to take an order. It was a shambles.

I think the title sums it up. The food is great but everything else from the soulless decor to the haphazard service and strange cocktail list murdering various classics left us bewildered how the owners who supposedly come from London hospitality could get it so wrong

Having heard many people talk about this place we decided to try it. The result was disappointing. The menu is not exciting and very expensive. The wines also. The service was very good but food was slow to arrive. The view ,of course, is lovely but try to go when it is not blowing a gale as sitting outside in these conditions is a little tricky.

We have eaten here before and felt the standard had dropped, but this time confirmed for us that it is not in good shape at the moment. Service was poor, only being offered drinks when I went up to the barman, after a good 10 mins of sitting 6ft from the bar. When served, we then had to ask for the menu, after another 10 -15 mins. When we got to our table, the wine waiter had an attitude of hardly bothering. Both starters and main courses were not cooked, or presented in the high standard that we have had in the past. The dessert menu was bland, unadventurous and the lemon tart, which I had, was mediocre.

Excellent location on the cliffs above Burton Bradstock. Sassy waiting staff/owner which makes the visit more memorable. Confident in their menu and accommodating to personal preferences.

If weather permits it is fantastic to sit outside for lunch or a drink here. Great food and excellent service. The chef even prepared my childrens wishes for dinner when we asked in advance. The staff are so friendly and good! Not a single thing to complain about! Great wines!

This is by far the best place in West Dorset that we gave found so far for lunch and drinks with a view. The sea views are spectacular, with food,drinks and customer service to match. Would highly reccomend.

Thank you EVERY ONE ( including the sun that broke through on a wet day) for a fabulous lunch time experience.

We had a delicious meal, looked after by a wonderful lady in this stylish and comfortable restaurant. The view over the sea is fabulous and there is a great terrace you can relax on afterwards. There is a very reasonable set lunch menu. We’re definitely going back!

More classical style of restaurant. Well ordered and good personel. Fish and bavette were good prepared as well as the sides. Maybe a little bit to salt. You could decide that the guest can make their own choice to add salt. But this was a minor detail.

Amazing views on a beautiful day, service was great, quick and friendly. The cheese soufflé starter was so good I almost had it for pudding! The fish of the day was great and the chips were amazing too.