Top 10 Places to Eat in Swanage, Dorset
Plan Your Stay in Swanage
Looking for the top 10 places to eat in Swanage, Dorset? Whether you want fresh fish and chips by the sea, a cosy pub meal after a coastal walk or a destination restaurant on the Jurassic Coast, Swanage is a brilliant base for eating out across Dorset and the Isle of Purbeck.
Below is our Top 10 Places to Eat in Swanage, Dorset with quick guidance (where possible) on type of food, whether you should book and dog-friendliness.
10. The Black Swan
Type of food: Traditional pub food, seasonal specials
Dog friendly: Yes (dogs welcome)
Book in advance: Recommended at busy times (weekends/holidays)
Notable: A classic Swanage pub right on the High Street – ideal after a beach walk or Durlston Country Park.
(159 High St, Swanage BH19 2NE)
9. The Baker’s Arms
Type of food: Pub classics, hearty meals
Dog friendly: ?
Book in advance: Recommended (especially evenings/weekends)
Notable: Pub quiz on Tuesday night (great if you fancy a relaxed midweek evening).
(Dorchester Rd, Poole BH16 6JF)
8. The Fish Plaice
Type of food: Fish & chips, seaside takeaway
Dog friendly: ? (usually takeaway-friendly, seating rules vary)
Book in advance: No
Notable: A Swanage staple for a proper fish-and-chips-by-the-sea moment.
(14 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ)
7. Coastal Crust Pizza
Type of food: Pizza (takeaway / casual)
Dog friendly: ?
Book in advance: No (but pre-ordering helps at peak times)
Notable: Ideal for a relaxed “back at the caravan” dinner after a long Dorset walk.
(Unit 1, Anvil Centre, Prospect Business Park, Swanage BH19 1EJ)
6. Love Cake Cafe
Type of food: Café brunch/lunch, cakes, deli treats
Dog friendly: Yes (dog-friendly inside & out)
Book in advance: Not usually, but can get busy in peak season
Notable: Great for coffee, cake, and a lighter bite in the centre of Swanage.
(42 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX)
5. Drgnfly Pan Asian Restaurant
Type of food: Pan-Asian cuisine
Dog friendly: ?
Book in advance: Recommended
Notable: A good “special meal out” option when you fancy something different from classic pub food.
(1 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 0EF)
4. Rockwater Branksome
Type of food: Modern coastal dining / bar / terrace vibes
Dog friendly: ? (often location-dependent: indoor vs terrace)
Book in advance: Recommended (especially weekends)
Notable: A destination feel with sea air and a “treat day” atmosphere.
(Pinecliff Rd, Branksome Park, Poole BH13 6LP)
3. The Pickled Berry
Type of food: Café-style brunch/lunch, quality casual dining
Dog friendly: ?
Book in advance: Recommended at busy times
Notable: Great if you’re combining eating out with exploring Poole Quay and the harbour.
(16 High St, Poole BH15 1BP)
2. The Square and Compass
Type of food: Pub classics, famous pasties/pies, local cider/ales
Dog friendly: Yes (commonly known as dog-friendly, but always keep dogs under control)
Book in advance: Usually not essential, but can be very busy
Notable: A brilliant “walk + pub” combo near some of Dorset’s best coastal paths (Worth Matravers / Chapman’s Pool area).
(Worth Matravers Swanage BH19 3LF)
1. Clavell’s Restaurant
Type of food: British/seafood-focused, destination dining on the Jurassic Coast
Dog friendly: Yes (dog friendly)
Book in advance: Yes – strongly recommended (it’s popular)
Notable: One of the best dining spots near Swanage with spectacular surroundings; perfect paired with a trip to Kimmeridge Bay.
(Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE)