The seaside town of Weymouth is rapidly acquiring a reputation for its fantastic culinary offering - from fine Italian dining to freshly caught seafood, there’s something here to tantalise all taste buds
The Rockfish, The Esplanade
Amidst much excitement and anticipation, renowned chef Mitch Tonks is bringing his restaurant chain to Weymouth - it will open its doors on 8 August, and if it's anything like the existing Rockfish restaurants further down the coast, diners are in for a treat. The menu will showcase the finest seafood, with a focus on sourcing it both locally and sustainably, and you can expect imaginative dishes such as a wild prawn carpaccio to start followed by whole chargrilled sea bass with rosemary, garlic and salsa verde. There will also be a separate menu dedicated to locally sourced fish, as well as a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. We think it sounds like its going to be a big hitter on Weymouth's foodie scene…
The Dorset Burger Company, King Street
As its name suggests, this place doesn't mess around when it comes to burgers, so make sure you come armed with a healthy appetite. The menu is full of mouth-watering concoctions such as 'The Creamy Chilli', which features a beef burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, Greek yoghurt, red chilli jam and two breaded stuffed jalapenos. Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for here too though, with a number of meat-free alternatives and vegan cheese and vegan bacon also available. It's also conveniently located just opposite the train station, so you don't need to wander far after arriving in the town before you find good food.
Café Blue, The Esplanade
Café Blue leads the way when it comes to a proper full English breakfast - it's raved about by visitors from far and wide, and better still, it can be enjoyed whilst looking out to sea. Although the breakfast menu is available all day, there are a number of excellent lunch options to choose from too including baked jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches and a classic Ploughman's. As a result, it's a great spot for refuelling whilst you're visiting the town.
Fish n Fritz, Market Street
There can be few things more authentically British than a good old fish and chips by the seaside, and Fish n Fritz is certainly the place to go if you want to find this iconic dish done properly. There is both a take-away and an-eat in menu available, and on the latter you'll find innovative options such as haddock and mozzarella fishcakes or pastry-wrapped tiger prawns - alongside all the traditional favourites, of course. There are also gluten-free options, as well as a number of pies and vegetarian options. The portions here are renowned for being more than a little generous, so you won't need to worry about going hungry either…
Al Molo, Pier Bandstand
This much loved-restaurant is ideally located right on the seafront, boasting an impressive menu that combines the flavours of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy with the best local produce that Weymouth has to offer. You might choose the Tuscan ham with a pear poached in red wine to start, followed by homemade ricotta and spinach ravioli in a butter and sage sauce (trust us, this place is a paradise for pasta lovers). There is also an extensive wine menu from which you can select your accompanying tipple - we'll raise a glass to that.
The Ship Inn, Custom House Quay
If it's hearty pub food that you're after, you'll struggle to do better than the Ship Inn - it boats an ideal location right on the harbour front which means that diners are treated to spectacular views, and the food also won't disappoint. On the main menu you'll find dishes such as confit duck leg with creamy mash and red cabbage, or if you come here on a Sunday you could sample one of their famous roasts; the 28-day aged West Country beef is said to be particularly good.
Crustacean, St Mary Street
There are no prizes for guessing which type of food this restaurant specialises in, but it certainly needs to be on the 'must visit' list of all discerning seafood lovers. Expect options such as pan fried Lyme Bay scallops to start, followed by marinated yellow fin tuna with fried vegetables on wasabi mash - or you could go all out and treat yourself to the whole lobster (go on, you won't regret it). There are a number of less-fishy pasta, meat and salad dishes too such as a pearl barley risotto with artichoke, pear and walnuts, with the option of vegan cheese and gluten free pasta to ensure that everyone's needs are met.
Stone Pier Café, Weymouth Harbour
For lunch with a view that takes some beating, head for Stone Pier Café and make the most of its spectacular waterside location - pull up a chair in the outside seating area, where you'll be able to gaze out to sea and watch the world go by. There are plenty of light lunch options available, as well as a fantastic selection of cakes, bakes and scones.
The Crows Nest in the Square, Hope Street
This café and bistro has recently been refurbished, and it now offers its guests a full bar, a relaxed seating area and a variety of live music events throughout the summer; as a result, its one to watch on Weymouth's culinary scene. You will find fantastic breakfast and lunch menus here, but The Crows Nest is particularly popular for its tapas offering in the evening. Choose from all the traditional favourites such as paella, chorizo in red wine and patatas bravas, which have been crafted from the best locally sourced produce wherever possible.
The HiVe Café, Park Street
This little café has a reputation that far exceeds its size, and rightly so - the well-stocked salad counter is enough to get mouths watering, and on the menu are plenty of filling lunch options such as burgers, pittas and falafel. They specialise in free-from, vegan and vegetarian options so it's a great one for ensuring that all dietary requirements are catered for, and care is also taken to ensure that their produce is all as ethically sourced as possible.
This article was updated by Martha Griffiths in June 2021
