Places to Eat in Swanage

1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro

This cafe/bistro named after the year that Swanage Pier was built comes highly recommended. The food is excellent with lots of variety in the menu including some seafood specialities. The 1859 overlooks Swanage Bay and the activity of the Pier. There is inside and some limited outside dining.

Booking through the summer months is essential. Dogs are welcome and its a great pitstop after a walk along the beach or coastal path.

Please note that you do not have to pay to access the Pier and this cafe/bistro.

The Salt Pig Swanage

You will find several Salt Pig cafes around Purbeck with another good venue in Wareham.

The Salt Pigs serve locally sourced food – think tasty, healthy options. The menu is limited but its made on site, is very tasty and good for you – no fast food here just quality.

You can also buy local produce from the front of store shop area – local meats, freshly caught crab (landed in Swanage same day) and seasonal vegetables. The Salt Pig has an 8 mile meat rule and the owner raises his own pigs locally on the RSPB nature reserve.

The interior is designed like the inside of a wooden ship with striking culinary focused artwork.

Dogs are very welcome. The cafe is open all day but only opens three nights a week for dinner (these nights are generally fully booked in advance).

7A High St Swanage.

Beavers High St Swanage

We had lunch at Beavers in Swanage with a family of four with two children. The cafe was busy with locals and visitors alike.

Our waitress was very friendly and you were greeted as soon as you walked in the door. As we were personally greeted and walked to our table (which we had not pre-booked) we avoided that awkward hanging around the door moment. They also displayed their menu outside so we could decide before we walked in.

I would describe the food as basic but tasty and good value for money. The waitress was also very knowledgeable being able to tell one member of our party what was gluten free and without peppers without needing to speak to the kitchen. Drinks were served promptly and food was piping hot.

Seventh Wave

This cafe is located within Durlston Castle in the afore named country park that overlooks the dramatic Jurassic Coast.

The food is basic but tasty, they service full English breaksfasts, sandwiches and simple lunches. The cakes are delicious and service is good even on a busy day.

Being part of a well known attraction the cafe can get busy on a rainy day, though there is plenty of outside dining on a more pleasant day.

Dogs are welcome inside and out though must be kept on a lead. Water bowls provided.

The Black Swan

This cosy little pub located on the High St has always had a strong local reputation for excellent food. If you love a bustling pub environment this is the place for you.

The landlords are well known to welcome visitors and are always happy to spend time chatting.

Dogs are welcome on a lead in the pub (by the warm fire) or in the substantial beer garden.

Booking is essential.

Italian Bakery Swanage

Located near the beach at 8 Institute Rd this cafe/bakery is a great spot for a quick refuel.

They serve wonderful cakes, breads, sandwiches and for those that want to eat in some light lunch options. All available with either hot drinks or cooler options.

Seating is available for about 25 patrons but take away is a great option to enjoy your lunch on the Pier of promenade.

Dorset Fine Dining

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Staying in Swanage

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Places to Eat Purbeck

Come and explore your culinary options on the Isle of Purbeck