Swanage, nestled in the picturesque county of Dorset, is the ultimate place to visit. Whether it’s camping or staying in an Airbnb, you are guaranteed to have an amazing trip when visiting.
When on holiday, cooking is the last thing you want to do, and there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Swanage restaurants are abundant, offering a diverse range of cuisines and options, meaning there’s never a shortage of places to eat!
Whether it’s a traditional pub lunch or an Italian meal you’re after, this is the ultimate guide for you.
Here is a list of Swanage restaurants, the best places to go, and where to find them.
Table of Contents
Swanage Restaurants: A Selection Of The Best
Seafood Restaurants In Swanage
Pier Head
My husband and I had our first meal as a married couple here. It has some of the best food in Swanage, offering seafood, salads, platters and puddings.
Pier Head has beautiful views of Swanage Beaches, making it a beautiful spot to eat when the sun is out.
The owner is also the head chef and takes pride in his restaurant. The food is something not to be missed!
Address: Pier Head, Swanage BH19 2FA
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 11:00 – 22:00
Chilled Red
Tucked away in the Tilly Mead courtyard, Chilled Red is predominantly a seafood restaurant, but they do serve delicious meat options such as fowl and veal.
Selling locally sourced food at an excellent price.
Its lovely courtyard location, preferred by many people for its tranquillity, provides a nice backdrop with less foot traffic, making it a perfect place for a romantic meal.
Opening times: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings from 6pm.
Address: Tilly Mead, 1-5 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Telephone: 01929 426066
1859 Pier Cafe and Bistro
A cafe and Bistro with a breathtaking view of Swanage Beach and the sea, offering a wide variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Selling seafood and burgers and with an excellent children’s menu, it’s the perfect place for a family lunch or early dinner. They also do great morning coffee and cake.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Address: Swanage Pier, Swanage BH19 2AW
Telephone: 01929 500387
Sea Breeze Restaurant
A small restaurant on the beach selling traditional fish and chips.
It is a perfect place to enjoy a beer and some chips with a view, and it’s ideal for those times when you want a quick, scenic snack. Takeaways are also available.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9:00 – 17:00 (Thursdays 10:00 – 17:00)
Address: 7 Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LA
Telephone: 01929 426222
Related post: Seeking a cozy coffee corner? Check out these must-visit Coffee Shops in Swanage.
Gee Whites Seafood
Al Fresco dining in the heart of Swanage.
It offers a range of delicious seafood that can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace looking out to sea or downstairs, as well as lovely views of Swanage and the countryside.
Address: 1 High St, Swanage BH19 2LN
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 21:00
Telephone: 01929 425720
The Parade Fish and Chips
Fish and chips with a spectacular view, you can take away your food or enjoy it in the restaurant upstairs.
It is a perfect meal for a trip to an English seaside town.
Address: 1 The Parade, Swanage BH19 1DA
Opening times:
Monday – Thursday 11:00 – 14:45 16:30 – 20:30
Friday – Sunday 11:00 – 20:30
Telephone: 01929 422362
Pub Restaurants In Swanage
Red Lion Swanage
A lovely traditional pub with a great atmosphere and cosy traditional decor.
They have a great selection of wines, ales, ciders, and perry. If you were unsure what to have, their friendly and knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you.
Very reasonably priced food and outdoor seating is available.
Address: 63 High St, Swanage BH19 2LY
Opening times:
Monday – Thursday – 11:00 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday – 11:00 – 23:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 21:00
Telephone: 01929 423533
The Black Swan Inn
A stunning traditional pub with a stunning food menu.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy one of Dorset’s finest ciders and a delicious meal, then The Black Swan is the perfect spot for a family dinner or a cosy evening out.
Offering reasonably priced food, a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Address: 159 High St, Swanage BH19 2NE
Opening times:
Monday – Saturday 17:00 – 23:00
Sunday – 12:00 -23:00
Telephone: 01929 423846
The Crows Nest Inn
A lovely pub just outside the town centre.
With a lovely outside decking area and a kids play area, The Crows Nest Inn is an ideal location for families, offering weekly specials to suit every palate.
Offering a great menu (the roast dinners look amazing!) and friendly staff, a great place to enjoy a family meal with children.
Address: 11 Ulwell Rd, Swanage BH19 1LE
Opening times:
Sunday – Thursday 15:00 – 21:00
Friday – 15:00 – 00:00
Saturday – 12:00 – 00:00
The Anchor Inn
At the heart of Swanage town centre, The Anchor Inn offers a friendly, cosy atmosphere and a brilliant food menu.
Easy to find and to get to as it’s just off of the high street, cheap prices and a good selection of drinks
The Anchor Inn is like a warm hug after wandering around Swanage all day.
Address: 30-32 High St, Swanage BH19 2NU
Opening times:
Monday – Wednesday 12:00 – 22:00
Thursday – 12:00 – 23:00
Friday – Saturday – 12:00 – 00:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 19:00
Telephone: 01929 792669
The Ship Inn
In the town centre, you can find The Swan Inn, one of Swanage’s notable bars. Offering some outside seating to the front of the pub and contemporary decor inside.
The Swan Inn is the ideal place to have an afternoon pint or some traditional pub grub.
Address: 23A High St, Swanage BH19 2LR
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 11:30 – 23:30
Telephone: 01929 423855
Tawny’s Wine Bar
If you enjoy fine wine and food, then this is definitely one to put on the bucket list.
A place to really go to town and treat yourself with a mouth watering steak or a tasty crab linguine, washed down with a perfect glass of wine.
Address: 52 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 18:30 – 23:30
Telephone: 01929 422781
The Village Inn
Reasonably priced food with a traditional English menu, The Village Inn is great for a family meal or a special occasion.
With friendly staff and a great atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for your lunch or an evening meal.
Address: Ulwell, Swanage BH19 3DG
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 21:00
Telephone: 01929 427644
The Globe Inn
Great food, friendly staff, dog friendly, stunning beer garden and long opening hours.
What more could you want?
It is a bit further out from the main Swanage town centre, but worth the walk up there to enjoy a few drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: The Globe, 3 Bell St, Swanage BH19 2RY
Opening times:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 11:00 – 00:00
Tuesday – 12:00 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday 12:00 – 1:00 (am)
Sunday – 12:00 – 00:00
Telephone: 01929 423515
The Royal Oak
A cosy, welcoming pub with a real fire and a pool table.
Described as a ‘proper pub’ with local characters and a beautiful beer garden, it is a great place to visit for some traditional pub grub at a reasonable price.
Address: Royal Oak, 417 High St, Swanage BH19 2NR
Opening times:
Monday- Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – Friday – 18:00 – 23:00
Saturday – 13:00 – 21:00
Sunday – 13:00 – 18:00
Telephone: 01929 422498
Bankes Arms Inn
The Bankes Arms is just outside of Swanage and is in Studland, but I thought I would mention it for its great food and amazing beer garden.
You can sit outside on a warm day and look out to the ocean and cliff tops, all whilst enjoying a drink or a bite to eat.
Address: Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU
Opening times: Monday – Friday 11:00 – 23:00
Telephone: 01929 450225
Old Harry’s Bar
Also, in Studland, you can find Old Harry’s Bar.
They serve excellent stone-baked pizzas and beer and also have great service.
Open to everyone, Old Harry’s Bar hosts functions, quizzes and live music.
Address: Heath Green Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3BU
Opening times:
Monday – Saturday 17:00 – 23:00
Sunday – 15:00 – 22:00
Telephone: 01929 450561
British Food Restaurants In Swanage
The Salt Pig Too
The Salt Pig Too, a gem in Swanage, welcomes you with friendly staff and delicious food, including locally sourced Dorset meats, and all for a great price.
The restaurant also has a deli where you can buy locally sourced products.
An excellent place to eat with a delicious choice of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a mouthwatering Sunday roast featuring locally sourced meats expertly cooked in their charcoal oven. Also, their dessert is worth a try too!
There is also a takeaway shop at Studland called The Sandy Salt Pig.
This place is a personal favourite of ours, and I know it is for a lot of Bournemouth and Poole locals who cross the ferry each week just to come.
Please note: Unfortunately, you can’t make a reservation here. It’s walk-ins only.
Address: 7A Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB
Opening times:
Monday – Saturday 8:00 – 22:00
Sunday – 8:00 – 18:00
Telephone: 01929 423616
The Narrows
A kitchen and bar selling brunch, lunch and dinner.
The Narrows prides itself on good food and great customer service.
Whether you’re looking for a light bite or a big lunch this restaurant has you covered!
Address: 67 High St, Swanage BH19 2LY
Opening times:
Wednesday – Thursday 18:00 – 23:00
Friday – Saturday 9:00- 14:00 – 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 15:00
Monday – Tuesday Closed
Telephone: 01929 288360
The Hungry Shark
A great place to visit with children as The Hungry Shark is inside the Santa Fe Fun Park.
They offer mostly burgers, seafood, and alcohol for the adults. A perfect place to eat after lots of fun in the park.
Address: 9 Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LA
Opening times:
Sunday – Friday 10:00 – 20:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 20:30
Telephone: 07976 891054
McKenzies Bistro
A lovely little bistro set off the high street that offers a warm welcome.
Offering delicious locally sourced ingredients and tonnes of brilliant customer reviews, this is a place not to miss when visiting Swanage.
Address: 45 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Opening times:
Tuesday – Saturday 18:00 – 22:30
Sunday, Monday – Closed
Telephone: 07593 641226
The Seventh Wave
Up on the cliff tops at Durlston you can find The Seventh Wave.
The restaurant offers mouthwatering food with a breathtaking view of the ocean from the restaurant.
A perfect place to take the spouse, family, or just for some ‘me time.’
The Seventh Wave menu has a range of items, from crab sandwiches to burgers, fish and chips, and paninis. They also provide good vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with delicious coffee and cakes.
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 9:30 – 17:00
Telephone: 01929 421111
The Pig On The Beach
The Pig On The Beach is truly somewhere to treat yourself.
If you’re looking for a luxurious meal made with very local and fresh produce then The Pig On The Beach is one of the best places for just that.
It’s set inside an aesthetically pleasing building with beautiful views.
Address: Manor House, Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU
Opening times:
Weekday lunches – 12:00 – 14:30
Dinner – Monday – Sunday 18:00 – 21:30
Telephone: 01929 450288
Knoll House
Knoll House is a beautiful hotel in Studland that has a restaurant inside that offers stunning, delicious food with warm and friendly staff.
It’s another restaurant that is a bit more on the pricey side but worth it for the view alone.
Address: Knoll HouseFerry Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AH
Telephone: 01929 450450
Italian Restaurants In Swanage
La Trattoria
A family run Italian restaurant with a wide variety of delicious pasta dishes, good portion sizes, lovely staff, and a great atmosphere.
Easy to find as it’s on the highstreet and at great prices.
Their aim is to make simple yet fresh and tasty locally sourced food.
Address: 12 High St, Swanage BH19 2NT
Opening times:
Thursday – Monday 16:00 – 21:00
Tuesday – Wednesday Closed
Telephone: 01929 423784
Coastal Crust Pizza
At the time of writing this, Coastal Crust Pizza is a takeaway service in a business park in Swanage.
They serve amazing stone baked pizzas and have a small outside seating area.
However, they are currently in the process of opening a restaurant in Swanage which is set to be modern with warm and friendly staff and delicious pizza.
Address: Unit 16, Prospect Business Park, Swanage BH19 1EJ
Opening times:
Friday – Saturday 17:00 – 20:00
Rest of the week – Closed
Telephone: 07985 574825
Indian Restaurants In Swanage
Masala
Masala is an authentic Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant.
A family-run business that’s very popular in Swanage for its amazing food and great atmosphere.
Not one to miss if you love Indian food.
Address: 9 High St, Swanage BH19 2LN
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 17:00 – 23:00
Telephone: 01929 427299
Nihal Spice
This restaurant is small, but the food is said to be amazing and is worth trying out if you want delicious Indian food.
The restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere and great portions for a reasonable price.
Available to eat in or takeaway. They also do delivery.
Address: 69 High St, Swanage BH19 2LY
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 17:00 – 23:00
Telephone: 01929 422229
Golden Bengal
A restaurant is set back from the town centre but is still easy to find.
Available to eat in or takeaway. They also do delivery.
The restaurant has a lovely vibe and food, with welcoming, friendly staff.
Fast Food Restaurants In Swanage
Wimpy
An old-school fast food restaurant to go to for your classic burger and chips.
Wimpy in Swanage is a friendly restaurant with good service.
If you want to feel nostalgic and enjoy some delicious comfort food, then Wimpy is the place to go.
Address: 5 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
Opening times:
Sunday – Thursday 10:00 – 19:00
Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 20:00
Telephone: 01929 422564
Harlees
Harlees is the place to go for Fish and Chips on the beach.
The restaurant is a large open space surrounded by windows so you get a great sea towards the beach and the high street.
You get lovely food in a friendly and clean restaurant.
Address: 2-6 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AE
Opening times:
Sunday – Thursday 12:00 – 19:30
Friday – Saturday 12:00 – 20:00
I hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights to make your dining choices in Swanage more enjoyable.
Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or locations offering spectacular views, Swanage caters to every palate.
You’ll discover a range of culinary delights, ranging from the freshest seafood and authentic pub dishes paired with local Dorset ciders to diverse international cuisine and options perfect for family dining.
Bon appétit, and thank you for taking the time to explore Swanage’s restaurant scene through this guide.
