Christchurch

Nestled along the picturesque Dorset coastline, Christchurch is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. This quaint town, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, has quietly cultivated a vibrant culinary scene that rivals many larger cities. From cosy cafes serving artisanal coffees to elegant restaurants offering innovative takes on classic British cuisine, Christchurch has something to tantalise every taste bud.

As you plan your gastronomic adventure, consider making one of our holiday cottages in Christchurch your home base. These comfortable retreats offer the perfect place to relax and digest between meals, all while soaking in the local atmosphere.

Now, let’s embark on a mouthwatering tour of Christchurch’s top 10 dining destinations.

1. Tides Cafe – Highcliffe

Perched on the cliffs of Highcliffe, Tides Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it’s a feast for all senses. As you approach, the salty sea breeze mingles with the aroma of freshly baked pastries, creating an irresistible invitation to step inside.

Highlights:

• Panoramic sea views that change with the tides
• A menu that reads like a love letter to Dorset’s local produce
• Cosy interiors featuring reclaimed wood and maritime accents

Must-try: Their famous Dorset crab sandwich is a local legend. Picture this: succulent, hand-picked crab meat nestled between slices of artisanal sourdough, accompanied by a zesty lemon mayo and crisp rocket. Pair it with a chilled glass of locally-pressed apple cider for the ultimate Dorset experience.

Insider tip: Visit during sunset for a truly magical dining experience. The cafe’s west-facing windows offer a front-row seat to nature’s nightly spectacle.

2. The Paddle

The Paddle is where culinary creativity meets laid-back charm. This restaurant has quickly paddled its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike, thanks to its innovative menu and welcoming atmosphere.

What sets it apart:

• An open kitchen where you can watch the culinary magic unfold
• A ‘farm-to-fork’ ethos, with ingredients sourced from within a 30-mile radius
• A rotating art exhibition featuring local artists

Top pick: The ‘Paddle Board’ is not just a meal; it’s an edible adventure. This carefully curated selection of small plates changes weekly, reflecting the chef’s inspiration and seasonal availability. You might find anything from miniature Yorkshire puddings filled with rare roast beef to delicate goat’s cheese tartlets topped with local honey.

Fun fact: The restaurant’s name comes from its previous life as a paddle steamer ticket office. Look closely, and you’ll spot subtle nods to this heritage in the decor.

3. Coast Coffee

Coast Coffee is where Christchurch comes to wake up and smell the… well, coffee. But it’s so much more than just a caffeine pit-stop.

Why it’s special:

• Coffee beans roasted on-site weekly
• A ‘suspended coffee’ program where customers can pre-pay for a coffee for someone in need
• A community notice board that’s become the town’s unofficial information hub

Don’t miss: Their signature ‘Coastal Breakfast’ is a hearty feast that’ll fuel you for a day of exploring. Picture a plate piled high with locally-sourced sausages, thick-cut bacon, free-range eggs, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and homemade baked beans. The star of the show? Their famous sourdough toast, made from a 100-year-old starter.

Quirky detail: Keep an eye out for ‘Barry’, the resident seagull who’s known to perch on the outdoor umbrellas. He’s become something of a local celebrity!

4. Maw Restaurant

Maw Restaurant is where Christchurch goes to celebrate. This elegant establishment brings a touch of fine dining to the town, without any of the stuffiness.

Key features:

• A chef’s table experience where you can watch your meal being prepared
• A ‘blind tasting’ menu for the adventurous eaters
• A carefully curated wine cellar featuring both local and international vintages

Chef’s recommendation: The slow-cooked Dorset lamb with rosemary jus is a dish that encapsulates the essence of the region. The lamb, sourced from the nearby Jurassic Coast, is cooked for 12 hours until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s served with a medley of seasonal vegetables and a rich jus that’ll have you scraping your plate clean.

Behind the scenes: The restaurant’s name, ‘Maw’, comes from the Old English word for ‘seagull’. The owners chose it as a playful nod to Christchurch’s coastal location.

5. The Boathouse

The Boathouse isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Christchurch institution. With its prime location overlooking the River Stour and Christchurch Quay, it offers a dining experience that’s quintessentially English.

What to expect:

• A riverside terrace that’s the place to be on sunny days
• A menu that changes with the tides, featuring the freshest local seafood
• Regular live music events featuring local talent

Must-try: The Boathouse Fish Pie is comfort food at its finest. A medley of locally-caught fish and shellfish swimming in a creamy sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes and a crisp cheese crust. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Local lore: Legend has it that the ghost of a 19th-century boatman still haunts the restaurant. Keep an eye out for mysteriously moving objects!

6. Loch & Quay

Loch & Quay brings a taste of Scotland to the South Coast, creating a unique fusion of flavours that you won’t find anywhere else in Christchurch.

Standout features:

• A ‘whisky wall’ featuring over 100 different Scottish whiskies
• Regular Scottish-themed nights complete with bagpipes and haggis
• A cosy ‘snug’ area perfect for intimate gatherings

Signature dish: Their Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties with a whisky cream sauce is a celebration of Scottish cuisine. Even those skeptical of haggis find themselves won over by this rich, flavourful dish. The whisky cream sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates the humble ingredients.

Fun fact: The owners host an annual ‘Highland Games’ in the local park, complete with caber tossing and a ‘welly throwing’ competition.

7. Baccello Wine & Cicchetti

Step into Baccello, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a bustling Venetian bacaro. This intimate wine bar brings the flavours of Italy to the heart of Christchurch.

Highlights:

• A ‘wine flight’ option allowing you to sample multiple Italian wines
• Weekly Italian language nights where you can practice your ‘ciao’s and ‘grazie’s
• Hand-imported Italian delicacies available to purchase and enjoy at home

Don’t miss: The chef’s selection of cicchetti paired with a regional Italian wine is a journey through Italy’s diverse culinary landscape. From crispy arancini to delicate prosciutto-wrapped melon, each bite-sized morsel is a flavour explosion.

Insider tip: Ask about their ‘secret menu’ – a rotating selection of off-menu specials known only to regular patrons.

8. The Beach House

The Beach House isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. Perched on Mudeford Sandbank, it offers a dining experience that’s as close to the sea as you can get without getting wet.

What makes it special:

• A ‘toes in the sand’ dining experience (weather permitting)
• A ‘catch of the day’ brought in by local fishermen each morning
• Stunning views of Christchurch Harbour and the Isle of Wight

Top choice: The daily catch, simply grilled and served with seasonal vegetables, lets the quality of the local seafood shine. Whether it’s plump Poole Bay scallops or line-caught sea bass, you can taste the freshness in every bite.

Unique experience: During the summer months, they offer ‘Sunrise Breakfasts’ where early risers can enjoy a hearty meal while watching the sun emerge from the sea.

9. Arcado Lounge

Arcado Lounge is where Christchurch lets its hair down. This quirky establishment brings a touch of eccentricity to the High Street, offering a dining experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

Key features:

• Mismatched vintage furniture that makes every visit feel like a trip to your eccentric aunt’s house
• A menu that caters to all dietary needs, clearly labelled for easy navigation
• A vast collection of board games and retro video games for post-meal entertainment

Must-try: The ‘Lounge Burger’ is a towering creation that requires a strategy to eat. Packed with a juicy beef patty (or plant-based alternative), crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a secret sauce, it’s served with a mountain of skin-on fries. Pro tip: unhinge your jaw before attempting.

Quirky detail: Keep an eye out for the ‘Book Swap’ shelf. Bring a book, take a book, and leave with a full stomach and a new story.

10. Driftwood Kitchen

Driftwood Kitchen is where Christchurch’s past meets its future. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, it offers a menu that’s thoroughly modern and focused on sustainability.

What to expect:

• An open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic
• A ‘zero waste’ policy, with even food scraps being composted for local allotments
• A ‘pay it forward’ board where you can pre-purchase a meal for someone in need

Chef’s pick: The ‘Catch of the Day’ with seasonal accompaniments is a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to local, sustainable produce. The fish is always line-caught from Mudeford Quay, and the accompaniments showcase the best of what’s growing in local farms that week.

Behind the scenes: The restaurant runs a mentorship program for local youth interested in culinary careers, fostering the next generation of Christchurch chefs.

Christchurch’s Cafe Culture

Beyond these top restaurants, Christchurch boasts a thriving cafe scene that’s worth exploring in its own right. Here’s a deeper dive into some notable spots:

 

Cafe Name	Known For	Best Time to Visit	Unique Feature
Cuckoos Coffee Bar	Artisanal coffee blends	Morning	Latte art competitions every Sunday
The Coffee Garden	Homemade cakes	Afternoon tea	Secret garden seating area
Kelly’s Kitchen	Full English breakfast	Early morning	Breakfast challenge: Finish their ‘Mega Breakfast’ in 30 minutes and it’s free
The Bunker Cafe	Dog-friendly outdoor seating	Lunch time	‘Doggy Menu’ featuring pupcakes and ‘barkuccinos’

Tips for Dining in Christchurch

To truly eat like a local and make the most of your culinary adventures in Christchurch, keep these insider tips in mind:

• Booking: Many popular restaurants get busy, especially during summer. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Some places, like Maw Restaurant, open their books a month in advance and fill up quickly.
• Seasonal menus: Christchurch’s chefs pride themselves on using seasonal, local ingredients. This means menus change frequently. Check restaurants’ social media pages for the latest offerings.
• Local produce: Don’t miss the chance to try Dorset specialities. Look out for Dorset Blue Vinney cheese, locally caught crab and lobster, and New Forest wild mushrooms when in season.
• Dress code: While most places are casual, some upscale restaurants like Maw may have a smart-casual dress code for dinner. When in doubt, call ahead to check.
• Food festivals: Time your visit with one of Christchurch’s food festivals for an extra special experience. The Christchurch Food Festival in May is a particular highlight.
• Dietary requirements: Most restaurants in Christchurch are well-equipped to handle dietary restrictions. Always inform your server of any allergies or dietary needs when ordering.

 

“Room for More?…”

Christchurch’s dining scene is a reflection of its character: charming, diverse, and full of surprises. From the fresh seafood at The Beach House to the Scottish-inspired fare at Loch & Quay, each restaurant offers a unique taste of what makes this coastal town special.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply someone who appreciates a good meal, Christchurch’s culinary landscape has something to delight your palate. The town’s commitment to local, seasonal ingredients means that every dish tells a story of the region’s natural bounty.

To truly immerse yourself in Christchurch’s gastronomic delights, why not extend your stay? Short Stay Homes offers a range of comfortable and conveniently located holiday cottages, perfect for food lovers looking to explore the local cuisine at a leisurely pace. Imagine waking up in a cosy cottage, planning your day around which restaurant to try next, and returning home to relax and digest your culinary adventures.

Book your stay with Short Stay Homes today and prepare for a taste adventure in this charming coastal town. Who knows? You might just discover your new favourite dish or fall in love with a local delicacy.