Whether you’re a born and bred local, new to the area or simply enjoying your holidays in Poole, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the array of fabulous restaurants in the area. In this blog, we’ll be taking you through some of our absolute favourites from in and around the areas of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. Whether you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate or somewhere to pick up some of the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted, we’re confident you won’t be disappointed with our local picks!
St Tropez Lounge
Seafood Restaurant in Poole
St Tropez Lounge is perfectly placed on Poole Quay – enjoy the views out onto Poole Harbour as you feast on some of the best French seafood Poole has to offer. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the attentive staff who will look after you very well starting with complimentary bread (gluten free available!). Fresh seafood including lobster, oysters and scallops are joined on the menu by French classics such as Coquille St Jacques Mornay, souffle, and even escargot!
The Jetty Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant in Christchurch
The Jetty is an award-winning seafood restaurant in an incredible location, right on the banks of Christchurch Harbour. It’s clear the menu has been lovingly and expertly crafted by chef patron Alex Aitken, with an array of fresh, local oysters, lobster, fish and prawns available based on their availability. There’s a wonderful selection of menus each offering a distinct dining experience, from fine dining with their tasting menu or a spectacular meal with their extensive a la carte menu. Excellent yet approachable, they can even provide you with the perfect wine pairing for each course!
Guildhall Tavern
Seafood Restaurant in Poole
Situated in the heart of Old Town, Poole, this award-winning seafood restaurant is a delightful find. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are treated with meticulous care to create an exceptional dining experience in an elegant, yet relaxed setting. Beyond being a restaurant, it’s a versatile venue, perfect for private business meetings, baby showers, launch parties, and even wedding breakfasts.
Located just a stone’s throw from the historic Guildhall building completed in 1761, the venue beautifully marries old-world charm with contemporary sophistication. The menu boasts tasty dishes like tempura king prawns, roasted turbot with clams and leeks, smoked mackerel with wasabi, and squid ink tagliolini. It’s a must-visit for a memorable dining experience in Poole!
Arbor Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant in Bournemouth
With seasonal menus that celebrate local and sustainable ingredients, Arbor offers well-cooked, imaginative dishes in a restaurant which is all about chilling out. Led by Chef Andy Hilton, the culinary team sources ingredients straight from the farm and the sea. The restaurant invites you to enjoy peaceful dining all day long with a fantastic set of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus their sustainable fish specials which are updated every day depending on what the local boats bring in.
The Green House bar offers a delightful bar menu and a popular fresh-to-order Afternoon Tea every afternoon. Their events team is dedicated to creating memorable gatherings, and private dining options are available. It’s worth noting that children are welcome in Arbor restaurant before 7pm, ensuring a serene atmosphere for adults later in the evening.
Lakeside Fish & Chips
Seafood Restaurant in Poole
Lakeside offers some of the absolute best fish and chips in the area, right on the banks of Holes Bay. Dine in and take in the views out over the water, or get your food to take away and find a quiet spot to enjoy it. Whichever you decide, you’re guaranteed delicious, crispy batter, fluffy chips and a delicious array of the classic condiments including homemade tartare sauce, mushy peas and curry sauce. They have a dedicated fryer for gluten free options, plus deep fried calamari, whitebait, scampi and fishcakes.
South Deep
Seafood Restaurant in Poole
With gorgeous views of Parkstone Bay and a wonderful outdoor space from which to enjoy them, South Deep is the perfect place to eat fresh local cuisine in a relaxed, friendly setting. Their menu includes an array of local seafood and classic English dishes, complemented by a refreshing drink selection, making it ideal for those seeking a leisurely dining experience with a vibrant waterside ambiance.
In addition to seasonal offerings, South Deep’s daily specials board showcases the best of Dorset cuisine, and they even serve a fantastic breakfast menu with English classics, acai bowls, and overnight oats. Don’t miss out on delectable lunch and dinner dishes like surf and turf, seafood pancakes, crab linguine, and breton fish soup.
Chez Fred
Seafood Restaurant in Westbourne
At Chez Fred in the heart of Westbourne village, just moments away from Bournemouth’s stunning West Cliff and beaches, you’ll discover a fantastic seafood eatery which caters to all tastes. From Fred’s famous cod and chips to the catch of the day, their restaurant and takeaway menus offer something for everyone.
Chez Fred takes pride in using the finest quality fish, coating it in a light batter, and cooking it to perfection. Most of their fresh fish hails from the well-managed fisheries of Devon and Cornwall. At Fred’s, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience – comfortable surroundings, a touch of magic, and unbeatable value.
The Poole Arms
Seafood Restaurant in Poole
With a rich history dating back to 1635, this charming green-tiled pub is the oldest spot on the restaurant on Poole Quay. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, single-room setting featuring pews, a classic bar, and wood-panelled walls adorned with vintage Poole photographs. Outside, bench seating offers a perfect vantage point for observing the quay’s bustling activities.
Known for its extensive menu of locally sourced seafood, this pub is a standout in the area. Delight in freshly caught seafood expertly prepared by their talented chefs, and explore their impressive selection of fine wines, gins, vodka, rum, cask ales, beer, cider, and more. The menu includes tasty dishes including oysters, Cornish sardines, moules mariniére and seafood chowder.
Sobo Fish
Seafood Restaurant in Southbourne
SOBO:FISH serves up fish and shellfish mains in a cosy, down-to-earth restaurant with outdoor picnic tables. Whether you prefer the beautifully refurbished indoor space or want to soak up the last warm rays of the year in their garden dining areas, you’re in for a treat.
The garden dining is particularly popular, so make sure to request it when you book. These outdoor spaces are heated, perfect for more space and fresh air – just remember to layer up on chillier nights or grab one of their fleece blankets for extra comfort. Their daily menu features fresh catches like Exmoor caviar, halibut, haddock, brill, and potted smoked mackerel, depending on what the morning’s fishermen bring in!
The Style – Self-Catering Penthouse Apartment on Poole Quay
If you’re a fan of seafood, then where better to enjoy your holiday in Poole than in a gorgeous self-catering apartment overlooking the harbour? Our range of holiday apartments on Poole Quay offer the perfect base to explore the area and enjoy some of the wonderful seafood restaurants we listed above. Take a look at our other blogs to discover some family-friendly things to do in Poole and some of the best beaches in Bournemouth.
If you have a dog you’d like to bring with you, check out our range of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Poole!
Browse our range of self-catering properties or get in touch with us to start planning your next holiday…