EXPLORE the Best FOOD & DRINK VENUES in Bournemouth

Image: Cafe Boscanova

The Best Food & Drink Venues in Bournemouth

Bournemouth has transformed into a culinary hotspot where fresh Dorset food meets innovative global flavours. From sun-drenched terraces overlooking the sea to cosy pubs pouring craft ales, the town’s food and drink scene caters to every mood, whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a casual brunch, or a night of live music and cocktails.

Kick off your day at Cafe Boscanova in Boscombe, a bohemian favourite where the lively energy matches the creamy lattes and generous breakfast platters - think full English with local sausages or avocado toast piled high.

Head to Urban Garden in the town centre, where outside terraces provide stunning panoramas of Bournemouth Gardens. Brunch here embodies Bournemouth’s relaxed coastal ethos, with a menu that champions local, ethical suppliers and fresh, sustainable ingredients. Start with a classic full English breakfast, featuring plump local sausages, crispy bacon, and eggs cooked to perfection, washed down with a pot of Dorset tea or a creamy latte - ideal for easing into the day amid the morning light filtering through the foliage. For lighter options, try the smashed avocado on sourdough, topped with seasonal veg and a poached egg, or fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and berries.

NEO stands out for its modern British fare, served in a glass-fronted space with uninterrupted beach views - think poached eggs on asparagus or garden chicken with morels, all crafted from sustainable, seasonal Dorset produce. It’s the perfect venue for lingering over a light bite while soaking in the waves, with cocktails flowing from the adjacent lounge bar to ease into the afternoon.

For something with a global twist, Natty’s Jerk Bournemouth delivers authentic Jamaican heat through jerk chicken burgers and curry goat, washed down with rum punches in a vibrant, community-driven space at the Hilton that pulses with reggae rhythms.

The Larder House nearby keeps things wood-fired and hearty, with Sunday roasts of 28-day aged beef or ham hock that draw locals for their comforting depth, followed by cocktails in the upstairs Library for a seamless transition into nightcap territory. 

The menu at El Murrino Beachside celebrates Italian classics, where pizza takes centre stage, with wood-fired bases topped by seasonal gems like Dorset mozzarella, rocket, and prosciutto, or margherita simplicity for purists. Seafood enthusiasts will relish the paella-inspired rice dishes brimming with prawns and mussels, or enjoy lighter tapas options such as patatas bravas or bruschetta with cherry tomatoes and balsamic.

Evening calls for Bournemouth’s fine dining stars, where the focus shifts to artistry and intimacy. Roots Restaurant in Southbourne earns rave reviews for its multi-course tasting menus, featuring foraged elements and precise pairings that elevate Dorset ingredients into unforgettable experiences—expect goodie bags with menu mementos to extend the magic long after your visit. 

And for Thai authenticity, Koh Thai delivers sublime curries and street-style dishes.

No Bournemouth visit is complete without sampling the drink scene, where bars blend craft innovation with live entertainment. Brewhouse & Kitchen boasts over 50 beers on tap, from hazy IPAs to brewery tours that let you geek out on the brewing process, all paired with pub grub in a bustling, hands-on atmosphere.

Ojo Rojo mixes Mexican street vibes with smoky agave spirits and tacos, a fanfare-worthy spot from the Smokin’ Aces team that’s perfect for flavour adventures.

The Branksome adds craft house flair with smash burgers and bespoke cocktails in a warm, group-friendly pub, while Aruba on the pier tempts with tropical rum concoctions and jerk tacos against a backdrop of crashing waves. 

Music enthusiasts should hit Sixty Million Postcards for indie gigs, vegan chilli, and chipotle shrimp in a pint-pulling haven, or The Brass Haus for German brews and live acts amid sharing boards of calamari and nachos.