The best restaurants in Charminster and Cerne Valley West Dorset South West

Such a disappointing experience. Very expensive (£11 for soup and one slice of bread which didn't come with any butter) and even more money for a "hotpot" which was saag aloo. The saag also was basically overcooked potato, which was absolutely tasteless with hardly any spinach and, again, a small slice of bread with no butter (many vegan butters could have been provided!).

Taco Taco is amazing and i recomend for everyone to try it, the resturant is very small and cosy so probably best to book just in case! We have been sereral times now and i am always craving the mexican corn and the tres leches cake. Service is always wonderfull and the food is best i've had from a resturant in bournemouth. They clearly put a lot of care and attention into creating their menu and every dish that leaves the kitchen!

Great little tea room , friendly staff in a beautiful village,visited for afternoon tea. Plenty of fresh finger sandwiches with various fillings fresh scones with plenty of clotted cream and jam and a nice selection of little cakes , filtered coffee and various choice of tea.

This is such an unusual find. Lovely staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a perfect visit for a Summers day. Hours and menus change, so phone ahead for the latest information.

The restaurant is housed in a 400 year old house with beams and inglenooks. We had a very fine dinner comprising crab cocktail, lamb, brisket, pannacotta and rhubarb. Everything was local , properly cooked and well presented. Friendly service. It is quite expensive but for a special occasion it does not disappoint.

Great pub cosy beer garden, Sun trap 🌞 Always has good music on. Probably the best pub in dorset for live music. Good prices on the drinks. Great service 👏

Had a quick stop for some dinner on the way home. As is Sunday a carvary was on the menu which seemed great. However, food was bland. The gravy is out on for you on the plate before you are allowed to put your vegetables on. I asked politely if I could have it on after my vegetables had been put on my plate and was swiftly told I could but would have to go to the back of the queue again! Why is it they can't offer small just of gravy if it's such an inconvenience to have him put it on after? To be honest it's like water with crumbs of meat in so not worth the drama anyway. I have eaten many carvery's in the local area and this is by far the worse i've had by far.

We came with friends as we had all been gifted afternoon tea, and chose to visit this tearoom. We booked just over a week in advance. What a great choice! A great selection of beautifully fresh finger sandwiches, scones, cream and jam. and a selection of small cakes, which were so light. Absolutely scrumptious. We weren't rushed, so we could sit and enjoy our food. The folk working in the tearoom were very welcoming and we had a delightful afternoon. Thank you!

A truly wonderful place for hearty, traditional meals at down-to-earth prices. Set in rural Dorset east of Dorchester; there is a very hospitable team where nothing is too much trouble. All the food is locally sourced and beautifully cooked, where the full flavour of the food comes to the fore. The sauté potatoes are magnificent, which compliment the suet pastry pies a treat. Today the chicken and leek pie was as good as ever; it being from a selection of daily specials.

Great all round, food and service. Staff are friendly and helpful! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Called in here on the off-chance of finding a nice lunch. Was not disappointed. A warm welcome and a superb menu were on offer. I spotted a whole mackerel on the Specials menu and didn’t look any further… It was fantastic. Reasonably priced too, absolutely gorgeous. Service was great, decor lovely, although I sat outside….it was just great and I will definitely be returning.

I didn't get a burger my my colleague did and raved about it all the way back to base. Quickly prepared, local meats, quirky location, friendly staff.

A group of us had an absolutely lovely Friday lunch here, we had great food and service we will definitely go again. Delicious.

After a visit to Thomas Hardy cottage, had walk through woods and along Roman road, had tea and cake at the cafe. Cake and tea good but the place had about 20 dogs inside, surely not compatible with good hygiene standards, dogs should be tethered outside. 1st and last visit.

The Giant is our go to pub - they do everything very well. You always get a warm welcome, service is friendly, beer is local and well kept and the food is excellent - pub grub + and its good value for money too. Highly recommended.