The best restaurants in Shaftesbury Central North Dorset South West

The cafe definitely feels like it’s in an institution - it has a feel of a church/hospital/AgeConcern cafe. It’s in a multi-functional building that houses the prison’s learning centre, on the second floor. It was originally opened to serve prison staff and visitors, but is also open to the general public 10-3 (kitchen closes at 2). It’s simple food - jackets, baguettes etc and is fine. We were served by two very hard working ladies - no sign of any inmates and no “HMP” stencil anymore on the cappuccino (as was shown in someone’s post). You could forget you were in a prison, the few reminders being bags, mugs, aprons etc with the Jailhouse logo on. It’s a great cause (rehabilitating prisoners) and worth supporting if in the area and in need of a simple lunch.

The cashier was rude, abrupt and i felt like I was putting them out for placing an order. Sticky floor, I thought ieould not be able to leave with my trainers on

Went to the hotel for a club meeting. Nice building, car park nearby, very central to town and open to non-residents - but watch what you buy at the bar! £3.40 for a bag of roasted peanuts? Ouch!

Staff are always friendly and make an effort to put a smile on even when busy. pizza is always great.

Every morning after work i go in & get a sausage roll, the staff are so friendly, they get to know their customers like the regulars that go in. I no longer have to say what i want anymore cause i go in everyday, their sausage rolls & apple danish are my top things i get & i always recommend other people to get them.

Moved to Shaftesbury a couple of months ago and this kebab shop is fantastic! They have truly looked after us since we’ve ordered from them! Kids menu is enough for myself and partner! Portions are huge and fantastic!!

Staff are very Friendly and the food is just excellent. The Doner Kebab is beyond good. Very reasonable priced.

Only had a takeaway, but the restaurant looked nice, compact and bijou! Being a bit older, I didn’t know what street food was, I had a burger and I also discovered what dirty chips are.

Great with dietary requirements and amazing scervice.

What can I say? Once again the food was fantastic. I was not overly hungry, so I just had a starter and a side dish. Chicken chilli fry not what I was expecting (there is no description on the menu) it was a cross between an onion bhaji and a chicken burger!!! First time trying it and I have to say it was very tasty. Sag bhaji, so good as always. Can not fault this restaurant the staff are always friendly and very helpful and can always find a table for you.

We popped in for a coffee while we were visiting this lovely town. We would normally visit a local coffee shop rather than a big chain but we had some gift vouchers to use so visited this Costa. Surprisingly it felt like a little local cafe rather than the major chain that it is and the coffee was lovely. It was quite busy and the people all seemed local and to know each other so it had a really nice cosy feel to it. The member of staff in the shop was a really friendly guy and was on his own while we were there but he managed everything really well, serving and clearing tables very efficiently. It was clean and tidy, and very friendly x

Ordered a couple of pizzas. Probably the most expensive pizza in Dorset - the GF option being £19.50. One of said pizzas was burnt underneath and inedible. Raised it with the staff who said "Yeah I can see it's burnt, sorry." but no offer of discount etc. Other food was good and otherwise service was decent.

Six of us had lunch here. The food was good but they struggled to cope with a group of six people; three of us got our food promptly, then there was a long wait before two more were served, and the last poor soul had to wait even longer for his toastie while people who had come in and ordered after us got theirs. We didn't expect all six orders to arrive at the same time, but for one person not to be fed till some of their companions had long finished their food wasn't good. When the food did arrive it was tasty, hot and filling so we were happy with that. Best to come here in smaller numbers, methinks.

Great place let down by pidgeon poo even on outdoor tables scruffy place.

We used this shop twice during our stay in town and the service on both occasions was excellent. Excellent tea and coffee with a choice of roasts. A credit to this small town.