We check out the best places to eat in Lyme Regis, Dorset
Trendy café and bar, SWIM (below right) offer epic brunches, burgers and crab sandwiches from their enviable seafront spot on Marine Parade. When the sun rears its head, their huge glass doors slide open to let the sea breeze in and guests are welcome to kick back on their sea-view terrace and sink a few drinks with friends. There’s always live music events to look forward to, as well as two for £13 cocktails and discounted burgers every Wednesday.
To sample the best takeaway food in town get over to Red Panda. Known for its healthy take on southeast Asian street food, these guys serve up a menu of delicious and authentic dishes that are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. Enjoy steamed bao buns with meat or vegan fillings, or opt for one of their super salad boxes with a choice of aromatic pork belly, Malaysian satay chicken, Japanese teriyaki tofu or Szechuan spicy tofu. Just make sure you add a side of crunchy pickled veggies to your order and try their crispy chilli sauce!
Harriet Mansell’s Robin Wylde restaurant (below left) is putting Lyme Regis on the fine dining map. It’s a small and stylish eatery where the décor has a real botanical flavour and the tasting menus sing of the surrounding fields and coastline. Mansell has a knack for pairing foraged ingredients with Lyme Bay seafood and fresh Dorsetgrown veggies. Wash everything down with their carefully curated wine pairings or head to their sister-restaurant Lilac to round off your evening.
Poco Pizza is hands down the best place in Lyme for crispy, hand-pulled pizza. This bijou, family-friendly restaurant is hugely popular with locals and boasts an aesthetic that we’d fondly describe as ‘beach shack chic’. Inside, there’s plenty of rustic wood and warm fairy lights that add to the welcoming vibe. Meanwhile, their sheltered outdoor balcony is a great spot to enjoy some al fresco food. You can’t beat the taste and aroma of authentic wood-fired pizza, so book a table or grab a takeaway box to enjoy a slice at home
When it comes to seaside views, it’s hard to beat The Oyster & Fish House. At Mark Hix’s popular eatery, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the historic Lyme Regis Cobb and the blue sea beyond. As its name suggests, the menu here is informed by the freshest daily catch. There’s a vegetarian menu available, but we suggest skipping past the meat and veggie options and getting stuck into the seafood. Chef Hix knows a thing or two about using a handful of ingredients to great effect, so kick off your meal with some cockle popcorn with a splash of vinegar and opt for the grilled fish of the day for your main.
We love The Lyme Bay Café & Bar in the heart of Lyme Regis town. It serves a menu of locally sourced food and drink, championing some of our favourite Dorset producers. There’s also excellent panoramic views on offer and one of the best veggie breakfasts around.
You’ll find The Millside restaurant nestled beside the Town Mill in the heart of Lyme Regis. This easy-going, riverside venue predominantly serves seafood and fish based dishes, though meat and vegetarian options regularly grace its locally-sourced menus. During the summer months their sunny terrace is the perfect place to sip a chilled glass of wine while you listen to the gentle sounds of the River Lym as it flows to the sea. Of course, The Millside is just as lovely in winter, when you can look forward to cosy, candlelit dinners and a very impressive wine list.
If date night is on the cards, we suggest booking a table at Tom’s Lyme Regis. They pride themselves on adding their own creative twist to classical dishes and draw inspiration from their country and coastal surroundings. Everything on the menu has been crafted with ingredients supplied by carefully selected local producers. Look forward to mouthwatering dishes like plump scallops with burnt lime butter, or Dorset blue lobster with Cafe de Paris butter and celeriac remoulade.
It’s hard to pigeonhole The Whole Hog. Located at the bottom of Broad Street (look out for the canary yellow bike) they serve the most amazing pulled pork sandwiches and speciality doughnuts. Sarnies are piled high with tender meat and crunchy crackling, while their perfectly risen doughnuts come in a variety of unique flavours like ‘Lemon & Lime Curd’ or ‘Rose Pavlova’ sprinkled with edible rose petals. There’s also plenty on offer for vegans, with jackfruit alternatives and vegan doughnuts handmade on site.
All photography by Matt Austin Photography. Lead Image Red Panda. Click her to read our weekend guide to Lyme Regis.
