The best Bournemouth restaurants with a view really are something special. Where else can you see mile after mile of golden sands as you dine – along with two piers and perhaps even a glittering outdoor pool or line of painted beach huts?
From the heart of the town centre to the nearby clifftop or an eatery in nearby Christchurch with a view quite unlike any other on earth, these are the top restaurants in Bournemouth in term of both food and eye candy.
Whether you want to find a sea view restaurant in Bournemouth, hanker after romantic restaurants in Bournemouth for date night or want to choose from restaurants in Bournemouth town centre near local transport or where you’re staying, these are the finest restaurants with a view to be found in Bournemouth.
I’ve dined at every one of these eateries myself, so I know which stunning views have made my jaw drop open with delight when catching a glimpse of the glittering sea, shining sands or even an art deco outdoor pool.
Why travel overseas in summer when the best Bournemouth restaurants with a sea view await? Great eateries, bars, entertainment and shops plus miles of soft sands make this the perfect staycation destination – or place to dine out.
A couple of places in Christchurch with particularly noteworthy views are also covered here, though I’m leaving eateries in Poole for a separate future post. Enjoy!
7 of the Best Bournemouth Restaurants with a View
Neo Bournemouth
Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AH
Neo made serious waves on the Bournemouth dining scene when it opened a few years back and I’ve been lucky enough to dine there with my bestie. Since my birthday is near Valentine’s Day, we ate their that weekend and the people on the next table clearly thought we were a couple. Not least because the waiter brought out a cake they’d decorated with ‘Happy Anniversary’ instead of ‘Happy Birthday’…
That amusing mistake aside, the food and service were sublime. The setting is very elegant, light and airy, and there’s even a cocktail bar downstairs too. Menu highlights include the roasted monkfish with gnocchi and a mouthwatering ragu, and the Dorset lamb duo.
A curved glass frontage and first floor position makes the most of those views over the town centre – and of course the ocean beyond. If you want Michelin star restaurants in Bournemouth, this is the closest you’re going to find.
Stay over – at The Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth
Ventana Grand Cafe
27 East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth BH1 3AF
I love Ventana Grand Cafe and the Cumberland Hotel it’s located inside. On a sunny day, it’s without doubt the best of the seafront restaurants in Bournemouth to grab a bite to eat, as you get to see the glorious art deco interior and the glimmering blue pool right outside.
Last time I visited I had fish and chips and it was delicious, reflecting the location perfectly. We were also served some of the prettiest puds I’ve found anywhere, making the inside view every bit as appealing as the ocean panoramas.
There’s also a cocktail bar, and you can enjoy afternoon tea here too. In fact I’d recommend staying at The Cumberland for at least a couple of nights if you can.
Read my review of Ventana Grand Cafe here
Stay over – at The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth
Kala Thai
127 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1EP
I’ll be unfront here – what Kala Thai lacks is a sea view. But the position on a curve opposite a small park (known as Horseshoe Common) in the centre of town is ideal for people watching. The food is also both authentic and exquisite.
There is also a fabulous bar, so you can sample an expertly mixed cocktail or two before or after your Asian feast. It’s also one of the best Bournemouth restaurants with outdoor seating, and the tables overlooking the green and town give the place a cosmopolitan feel. (And I’m talking about the vibe, not the drink.)
Don’t miss Tom’s Thai fish cakes, which are among the best I’ve tasted anywhere. Including Thailand.
Read my review of the Kala Thai launch event
Prezzo Bournemouth
58 Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BZ
Prezzo in Bournemouth may belong to an ubiquitous chain, but the position of the branch on Westover Road in Bournemouth means it offers diners sweeping vistas over the seafront.
The food and service is good too – I’d personally pick Prezzo over Pizza Express any day based purely on the fact that they serve folded calzone pizzas – and do a to-die-for cheesy garlic bread to share topped with soft red onions cooked in balsamic vinegar.
If you want affordable Bournemouth restaurants with an Italian menu and a sea view, book into this branch of Prezzo.
Urban Reef
The Overstrand, Undercliff Drive, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BN
The enviable location of Urban Reef ensures those visiting enjoy some of the best views on earth, over the soft, golden sands of Boscombe beach. For Bournemouth has two piers, and they’re only about a mile apart. You can also travel between them on a cute little land train.
Urban Reef is open for evening dining on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and breakfast or lunch daily. It’s always buzzing, so make sure you book in early. Much better than many Bournemouth restaurants near the pier in the main town centre.
This vibrant yet laid-back neighbourhood place specialises in serving up wood-fired pizzas plus contemporary and local favourites including Dorset oysters, banana blossom with chips or a jerk chicken burger.
The Upper Deck
Christchurch Harbour Hotel, 95 Mudeford Road, Christchurch, BH23 3NT
OK, so strictly speaking the Upper Deck is one of those Dorset restaurants with a view rather than a Bournemouth one, as it’s actually in neighbouring Christchurch. It’s worth the trip, though, and in fact I’d say book a stay at the gorgeous Christchurch Harbour Hotel while you’re at it.
It’s local to me, so I’ve dined here and had afternoon tea or dropped in for drinks. I’ve met chef Alex Aitken here a couple of times, as well as at the Southampton Harbour Hotel launch party. He’s dedicated to food – particularly local produce, so there’s plenty of seafood to be had.
The view from The Upper Deck is one of a kind, as you can see the costly overnight beach huts at Hengistbury Head clearly from here. In fact it’s the only eatery, bar or hotel with this unique position. Don’t miss Alex’s signature twice baked cheese souffle, which is served as a starter.
Stay over – at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel
Captain’s Table
Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, Wick Ferry, Christchurch BH23 1HU
The Captain’s Club is also in Christchurch, but only just over the border between the two neighbouring towns. It’s therefore very easy to get to via train, bus or car from Bournemouth, and the river views make it worth the effort.
This stylish Captain’s Table restaurant and the adjoining Quay bar are also one of my favourites to visit, especially in summer when you can sit on the deck by the river. Again there’s a seafood slant, and I adore both the crab cake starter with samphire and the lobster macaroni cheese main.
If you want to watch the boats go by as you dine or sip, there’s no better riverside spot in the area. A top pick among romantic restaurants with a view anywhere.
Read my full review of the Captain’s Table, Christchurch
Stay over – at the Captain’s Club hotel
Which Bournemouth restaurant with a view will you try?
Whether you wanted to find Bournemouth restaurants by the sea or would prefer a river or park view, I hope this guide has been useful in tracking down the best seaview eateries.
A meal out in Bournemouth with views like these is a truly memorable occasion, so do make sure you snap some selfies before having too many cocktails. (Which is precisely why I didn’t yet get round to reviewing Neo. Oops.)
While you’re visiting, why not check out my guides on where to stay in Bournemouth, the best places to eat at Poole Quay, the top beaches of the New Forest, what to do in Bournemouth, the top restaurants in the New Forest or the best New Forest afternoon tea spots.
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