Best restaurants in Lyme Regis

There are plenty of special things about the UK, from the rolling hills of the countryside to the inner-city buzz of places like London, but one of the best has got to be its impressive seaside towns. Thankfully, we’re an island surrounded by coastline, so there’s no shortage of them either. Lyme Regis is one of the south west coast’s shining stars, showcasing a large beach, beautiful cliffs, and a first-class restaurant scene. See our pick of the best restaurants in Lyme Regis to find out exactly why we think this place is worth a visit.

Updated on 22 May 2024

In a county that boasts so many beautiful locations, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd when it comes to top getaway destinations. Places like Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth can often overshadow the surrounding areas, with Lyme Regis falling into the category of somewhere that doesn’t always receive its due credit. Sitting at the western edge of Dorset, it is one of the UK’s most charming seaside resorts - often dubbed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’. The town has beaches on the Jurassic Coast, there’s breath-taking scenery, and more recently, a fantastic food scene too, with the best restaurants in Lyme Regis not to be sniffed at.

With its prime location beside the coast, the area is inundated with incredible seafood restaurants, where you can tuck into dishes made using fish that was freshly caught just moments away. Whether you’re after something a little fancier to celebrate a special occasion, or simply just after some fish and chips to enjoy on the beach, there are plenty of options. Beyond all of the seafood offerings, there are also restaurants that focus on foraging local ingredients to dictate their ever-changing menus, as well as a pizza restaurant that brings a slice of Italy to the area with its food and sun-drenched terrace.

It’s fair to say that Lyme Regis offers something for everyone, and its constantly evolving food scene is not one to be missed when heading to the south west. It makes for the perfect destination during the summer months, being adorned with seaside eateries, as well as its selection of food related festivals, whilst also offering up some cosy watering holes for when the weather turns.

Tempted? We’ve narrowed down what we think are the best places to eat in Lyme Regis, so that it’s easier than ever to get booked in and sink your teeth into what this place has to offer.

Herbie

Herbie's

Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JF

Herbie’s is the locals' go-to for decent fish and chips, with its perfectly crispy batter, thick cut chips and a wedge of lemon for added freshness. Want our advice? Take it down to the beach for a proper British summer experience.

Under £30
British
Fish and Chips
Rock Point Inn

Rock Point Inn

1-2 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QD

Rock Point Inn takes pride of place along the water's edge, with its striking blue exterior and classic sash windows. Pop by for a meal to take in the sights of Lyme Bay whilst tucking into some classic pub food and award winning beers.

£30 - £49
Pubs
British
SWIM

SWIM

Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JH

This open plan restaurant offers a laid back space to retreat to after a day at the beach, with tables and benches both indoors and along the large sun drenched terrace outside. SWIM offers a delicious, hearty menu full of things like burgers, Korean wings and full English.

£30 - £49
International
The Oyster & Fish House

The Oyster & Fish House

Cobb Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JP

Picture this; the sun is shining, seagulls are chirping in the background, and you’ve just had your first sip of a cold glass of wine on a hot summer's day. Better yet, you’re sat on The Oyster & Fish House's terrace, with a view over the marina, and there’s a plate of fresh seafood on its way to you. Heaven, right? Book here to make it a reality.

£30 - £49
British
Fish
Poco Pizza

Poco Pizza

29 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JF

It may come as no surprise that Poco Pizza has a limited menu, serving only pizza, as it follows the mantra of ‘do one thing and do it well’. These are Roman style pizzas with a thin crispy base and authentic toppings, which would easily have you mistaken for being on the Amalfi Coast when eaten on the sunny terrace overlooking the harbour.

Under £30
Pizza
The Millside

The Millside

1 Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU

The Millside is located in the artisan quarter of Lyme Regis, with a menu consisting mainly of seafood, using ingredients that are seasonal and locally sourced. The decor is pared back and chic, with colours that are reminiscent of the seaside.

£50 - £79
British
Glebe House

Glebe House

Southleigh, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6SD

Glebe House is an oasis of calm in the Devon countryside, boasting a guest house, restaurant and 15 acre smallholding. The restaurant is Italian inspired, with nose to tail cooking and plenty of seasonal ingredients, and provides proper comfort food that's executed with finesse. It's a little outside the town itself, but we think it's worth the jaunt. 

£50 - £79
British
Seaside Boarding House

Seaside Boarding House

Cliff Road, Burton Bradstock, Dorset, DT6 4RB

The motto here is ‘British when it’s right, international when it’s called for’, but always top quality, seasonal ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, you can relax in the intimate dining room with unparalleled views of Lyme Bay.

£50 - £79
British
The Pilot Boat

The Pilot Boat

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA

The Pilot Boat sits at the edge of the beach, and offers great seaside views whilst you dine. There’s a ship themed interior for the winter months, and a larger terrace ready for when the sun decides to make an appearance. Plus, it's open from breakfast through to dinner to keep you fed all day long.

£30 - £49
British
Lilac

Lilac

Cellar 57 - 58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QF

Harriet Mansell's gorgeous restaurant and wine bar has become the toast of the south west, showing off her elegant seasonal cooking style that makes full use of the wild food bounty of the south coast. With a great selection of wines by the glass and predictably superb food, this restaurant has been a fixture in our list of the best restaurants in the UK for a few years now, and long may it continue.

£30 - £49
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Harbour Inn

The Harbour Inn

29 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JF

The Harbour Inn is a family run restaurant that’s built a reputation as one of Lyme Regis’ best spots for locally-sourced, home cooked food. Sat right on the beach, it lends itself to being both a casual dinner spot and a place for romantic date nights watching the sun set over the harbour.

Under £30
British
Fish
The Lyme Bay Cafe & Bar

The Lyme Bay Cafe & Bar

8-10 Bridge St, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA

If you’re after some good grub with breathtaking views over Lyme Bay, then look no further. With its undisrupted sweep of Cobb Harbour and the world famous Jurassic coastline, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and tuck into some locally caught seafood.

£30 - £49
Tom

Tom's Lyme Regis

Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JQ

Tom’s Lyme Regis is renowned for its premium selection of seafood dishes, as well as plenty of options for meat eaters and veggies alike. Classical dishes are given a creative twist, and are served with the stunning backdrop of Lyme Bay.

£30 - £49

If you’ve exhausted the Dorset food scene and are looking to venture into a new area, then hop across the border to Devon for even more impressive restaurants and waterside eateries. Whether you’re heading inland to Tiverton, towards the west in Plymouth, or for a seaside break in Torquay, this is a county that has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, then how about checking out what Exeter has in store, where you’ll find plenty of cosy pubs, seaside cafes and grand country clubs. There are so many places to explore in this city, so get the ball rolling by looking through our list of the best restaurants in Exeter.

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