The best restaurants serving Other cuisines food in North Dorset South West

Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect occasion for a visit to The Ship Inn, a venue with a reputation for quality dining. Opting for a Saturday evening booking, we requested a table in the quieter part of the restaurant, away from the bar. Unfortunately, comfort was not a strong suit. While I appreciate that, at six feet tall, I occasionally find restaurant seating restrictive, even my wife—at a modest five foot six—found the arrangement awkward. It wasn’t the proximity of other diners that posed an issue (though I was uncomfortably backed against the entrance, forcing servers to squeeze past), but rather the table itself—unreasonably low and impractical for dining. Sidestepping the Valentine’s set menu, we explored the à la carte selection, which offered a solid variety, including appealing vegetarian options. For starters, we selected Cornish crab Welsh rarebit (£10.50) and scallops with Hen of the Woods mushrooms (£11.50). The crab dish was well-presented, with only a trace of shell—enough to be noticeable, though not enough to cause concern. The scallops, while beautifully cooked, were let down by the yuzu ponzu, which overpowered their natural sweetness rather than enhancing it. For mains, we both opted for the ribeye steak (£28), cooked medium and medium-well, respectively. Each was served with Padron peppers and fries. A small but notable oversight was the lack of inquiry from our server regarding an optional sauce (£2.95 extra)—a detail one would expect to be offered with a steak. The peppers carried an intense smokiness, but the real disappointment was the steak itself. While I acknowledge that many chefs may not take great pleasure in preparing a ribeye beyond medium, the lack of flavour and absence of fat resulted in a dry, uninspiring dish that failed to justify its price. The drinks selection was promising, and we ordered a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc each to accompany our starters, followed by a bottle of Argentinian Malbec with our mains. I also indulged in a pint of Birra Moretti. While the first glass of Sauvignon Blanc arrived correctly alongside the beer, the second glass, intended to pair with my starter, was frustratingly late—arriving only as I took my final bites. Service faltered again when the Malbec was delivered: we were informed that wine glasses were in short supply, and when they did arrive, one was cloudy and left untouched. The restaurant had a healthy buzz but was far from at capacity, yet there were noticeable lulls in service—not intolerable, but enough to highlight a lack of efficiency. The waiting staff were polite, attentive, and eager to please, but their inexperience during a busier service was evident. With little incentive to prolong the experience, we chose to forgo dessert and coffee. The Ship Inn presents a menu with promise, but execution and service need refinement. While certain elements—like the crab and the general ambience—held potential, inconsistencies in both the kitchen and front-of-house staff left us departing with a sense of unfulfilled expectation. For a venue of this calibre, one would hope for a dining experience as well-balanced as its menu—sadly, on this occasion, that was not quite the case.

We went as 2 couples meeting for Sunday lunch after a local walk. The Ibberton is a great place for a drink by the fire and Sunday lunch. Roast pork, loads of well cooked and presented vegetables followed by home made puddings were all excellent. Good value and perfect service.

Excellent. Very friendly. Just a relatively random stop on a bike ride and absolutely superb. Great atmosphere and decoration, really attentive and friendly staff. My mate had his dog on his bike and I think that stole the show with the cafe. Highly recommended.

Really nice meal and lots of it, we had Brie bites and pate to start then decided on a sharer roast for two. It was really well cooked, the staff were attentive and friendly and the sharer was huge.unfortunately we didn’t take any pictures as we were too busy enjoying it. We would highly recommend it, thank you Matt and staff a lovely visit on a horrible wet and windy day x

We had my Brother's birthday party there today and had a sumptuous afternoon tea for 36 people. Everything was delicious but a lot of cake to get through!! Staff were quietly efficient and pleasant. My only negative was the toilet and the track up to the venue could do with the potholes filling with a bit of gravel! . As an arachnophobic the cobwebs in the toilet freaked me out a bit!. Great food though and made a birthday get together very special.

What a find just by chance popped in on a Sunday lunch time to find plenty of tables that were filling up fast we decided the Sunday carvery was a great idea the staff are all so friendly and happy to help what can i say about the food well the quality was amazing all cooked beautifully I would recommend this place to everyone

We held our daughters baby shower for 25 people here at the weekend, Alex put on a superb buffet and drinks (non and alcoholic). So helpful in letting us set up the room beforehand with a balloon arch and arranging a few tables. Everyone commented on what a lovely venue and how nice and friendly the staff were looking after us all afternoon. Alex and his teams award winning cocktails are a must to try,

Recent visit - hate being asked (even by the machine) about tips - this is before ANY service or produce!!! Not good!! There’s a saying, if ya have to stand to order your food ya ain’t getting a tip! Tips should be at the end when all customer care, service and food/drink has been had!! Of note I did not tip.. I also didn’t get any sugar with my coffee or cutlery or napkins with my toasty …. Coincidence ????

Had cream tea here there was nobody in the cafe but the lady sat us in the garden and we were the only ones lovely cream tea and nothing to much trouble definitely recommend

Used to be good - see previous reviews - but now seems to be permanently closed. And it's NOT in Gillingham - it's in South Street, Dorchester (perhaps the DT1 postcode gives that away!). Pity that TA can't be more accurate - this could be misleading.

We go here at least once a week and the food here is excellent, tasty and always fresh. The staff are all brilliant. We have tried many of the dishes at other cafe,s but always return here as the food is unbeatable. If I could give more stars I would, well done everyone.

Very good menu. Thoroughly enjoyable meal, excellent service and most convivial atmosphere. A traditional pub tucked away and well worth visiting. Highly recommended.

AMAZING place! Went here without any knowledge of what it was like. Basically a small museum of motorcycling exotica. PERFECT brunch/coffee stop for (well-behaved) bikers, cyclists or anyone else with an interest in an unusual food/drink stop, with plenty to look at while awaiting their orders. Oh, and the breakfast food was EXCELLENT! Tasty, hot and very well presented. Can't recommend it more highly. Suspect this place is going to become a top favourite bikers meet very soon!!

Warm,welcoming and friendly staff

Following a recent visit to see family we called in for a drink even though after visiting couple of years back we said we would never return. I must say we were pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome received compared to last time. Adam was lovely, couldn’t do enough for us the American lady was equally as welcoming! What a turn around well done all concerned look forward to seeing you again next year!