The best restaurants in North Dorset South West

We found this hidden gem a few months ago and absolutely love it here. The food is all fresh local produce and the homemade treats are always so tempting. They serve lovely coffee (the best tasting around) and the fresh tea serve in your own pot is perfect for any time of day. We have been to most of the local cafes and this is bar far the best and the one we would pick over and over again. Margo and her team are what makes this cafe different to others in the area and unique. They always take the time to have a chat and are invested in making you feel so welcome. Would recommend to anyone, they even do takeaway. What more could ask. We will be back again very soon xx

More than just a leading Tea House, Comins Sturminster Newton is a very coeliac friendly café.  Full 5* review at CoeliacwellNES.com.  They have soft doughy GF gyoza, gluten free sweet treats and obviously phenomenal tea.  A lovely place to watch all the comins and goings, will try out the Bath branch soon!

Russ and the team at Gusto are fantastic and the food is excellent every time. Baked spuds, paninis, roll, cakes and a great coffee. Can’t recommend this cafe highly enough

This is a nice friendly cafe with good ambience. I had the avocado on sour dough with bacon and egg. They could have been more generous with the bacon and they should have used a fresh avocado - this one was bad - it tasted off and had with black bits in it. Disappointing.

Spot on, just had lunch today .catered for my special diet well . Beautifully presented and excellent lunch… Highly recommended 5*

Can't recommend No.8 Cafe enough. Friendly staff. Nice inside and out. Off the East Street so nice and secluded. I had the Little Breakfast - which was enough and very tasty. Every element well made and sourced. I especially like the mushroom with thyme, cooked for a perfect amount of time and not swimming in butter like usual. Bang on! Had a really nice coffee too. Go!

We were staying nearby for a weeks' holiday and were recommended Fellini's as a great Italian. We ordered takeaway meals, 2 x pizzas, a seafood spaghetti and chicken rigatoni. All 4 were excellent, very tasty and still great temperatures when we got them to our accommodation. We are going to have another takeaway before we go home. This is highly recommend.

Arrived in Sturminster Newton on a Monday to find many eateries were closed! Luckily Joshua's was open and the food really good and service excellent. The coffee was exceptional!

Very impressed with the flavour and quality of the food! The location was easy to find and it was nice to be able to book a collection time online; the food was ready as soon as we arrived. We really enjoyed the tom ka soup and salad in particular. I also really appreciate that there are gluten-free plant-based options, this means that I can return with my gf-pb friend to enjoy this food together at some point. Thanks Michael for the fantastic food and easy collection!

This is THE BEST cafe around .. the atmosphere is lovely and the staff are so nice and friendly .. Doggy friendly too 👏👍plus they have doggy ice cream !! Beautiful view .. lovely food , cakes and meals .. PERFECT after a nice walk ..

Lovely coffee and delicious lunch of beef and bell pepper curry. So nice to find good gluten free options. We will definitely be back 🙂

I can’t recommend The Pantry highly enough! From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The Gail goes above and beyond to ensure every customer feels valued, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time. The food is absolutely delicious – fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. There’s something to suit every taste, and everything is presented beautifully and on hot plates! It’s the kind of place where you can tell a lot of thought and love has gone into creating the menu. What makes The Pantry even more special is their open-door policy for everyone – including our four-legged friends! It’s so refreshing to find a spot where dogs are not only allowed but genuinely welcomed. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and soak up the friendly vibe. A visit to Blandford Forum wouldn’t be complete without stopping by The Pantry. Fantastic food, excellent service, and a warm welcome for all – humans and dogs alike!

The best cheese toasty, we were looked after so well and they were happy with two large dogs under the table (mostly ). Great service and all round recommendation.

Fast and friendly sevice. Good honest food and reasonable price. We love coming here for breakfast or brunch.

Found this cafe by accident, and what a good find it was. All food freshly cooked and tasty. Interior is bright and welcoming with some books and magazines to browse while you wait. Flexible menu - items can be changed/swapped as requested and prices will be adjusted appropriately. Dog friendly. It's sited on a small industrial estate just 5 minutes off the A350. Photo added with Oct 2024 menu.