Bournemouth's seafront stretches for miles, and several of the town's finest tables sit directly along it. Heading west from the pier towards Branksome, here are the restaurants worth picking for the outlook as much as for what is on the plate.
Quick facts
- West Beach is set on the sand by the pier and specialises in Dorset seafood.
- At Branksome, Rockwater is the smart all-day option marking the western end.
- Urban Reef sits above Boscombe Pier for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Reserve a sunset table well in advance during summer, and request the terrace.
- Expect prices above a casual cafe, so look at the menu beforehand.
Along the coast from the pier to Branksome
These restaurants sit strung out along the promenade, so it is worth deciding first which part of the coast suits you. Close to the centre, West Beach puts you about as near the water as a table can be, positioned on the sand next to Bournemouth Pier. Its reputation rests on fresh seafood, and its outlook, facing straight out across Poole Bay, is difficult to match at any hour.
Moving west, the cliffs climb up towards Durley and Alum Chine. Below Durley Chine beach, the promenade makes for one of the nicer stretches to walk off a meal, sand on one side and zig-zag cliff paths on the other. Further along lies Branksome, where Rockwater marks the western end. This smarter, multi-level venue operates all day, covering coffee and lunch through to dinner and drinks once the light fades.
Back towards the east, Urban Reef overlooks Boscombe Pier and provides the most easygoing of the three, well suited to a leisurely lunch or a simple dinner without fuss.
Travelling between the three adds to the enjoyment. Since the promenade is flat and unbroken, you can walk its full length if you are inclined, and the seafront land train covers parts of the route in season. Parking near the cliffs fills quickly on sunny days, so drivers heading to dinner should arrive before the afternoon crowds build, or use the cliff lifts and steps down from the town above instead.
Reserving a table at sunset
Sunset is the seafront's standout feature, and it is no secret. West-facing tables disappear first, so reserve ahead, booking earlier still the nearer you get to midsummer.
Getting the timing right
The sunset hour moves throughout the year, so work out roughly when it falls on your date and try to be seated well before it, drink already in hand, rather than turning up as the sun is already dropping. Request a terrace or window specifically when booking, since a sea view is never included as standard. Weekday evenings are calmer than weekends, and the first mild evening after several grey ones is invariably the busiest, so factor the forecast into your plans if you can.
Food choices and dining with children
Along the seafront, seafood is the obvious order. The fish of the day, whatever has just come in, tends to be the sensible pick, and staff will happily point you toward the best option. For those who prefer not to eat seafood, the better restaurants maintain a proper selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, so nobody is stuck as an afterthought.
Families tend to be well received at these places, particularly for lunch and the earlier evening sittings. When you book, ask about a children's menu or a smaller portion, and request a table clear of the busiest path if a pushchair is involved. The setting on the promenade works in your favour with children too: they can watch the beach as you finish eating, and there is room to burn off restlessness right afterwards.
Given the setting and the quality of ingredients, prices at these seafront spots sit higher than a casual cafe, so glance at the menu before taking a seat.
Rounding off the visit
Turn it into a full afternoon by combining a meal with a walk along the promenade, followed by a drink as the sun goes down. For further dining options across town, spanning brunch through to late dinner, browse the complete food and drink guide.