Isabel's Brasserie is a neighbourhood restaurant on Penn Hill Avenue in Lower Parkstone, set within the village-style shopping parade between Poole and Bournemouth. Led by chef Justin and front-of-house Sarah along with their team, it's built around fine French and English cooking, a menu that combines home-style French dishes with long-standing English favourites, and has earned a loyal local following along this part of the Dorset coast.
The food
The kitchen draws on classical French technique honed over more than 25 years, then adds English comfort dishes to round things out. Reviewers regularly praise the French onion soup, the beetroot and goats' cheese starter and carefully cooked steaks, a Chateaubriand for two even features on the evening menu, usually pre-ordered. Desserts earn plenty of mentions too, with a chocolate brownie served alongside marmalade ice cream among the standout dishes noted in reviews. The menu shifts with the seasons and remains understated rather than showy, so check the restaurant's website for the current offering before visiting.
Sunday lunch stands out as a highlight of its own, centred on a rotating roast, roast beef, lamb rump, roast chicken and a herb-crusted cod have all appeared, and demand is high enough that booking ahead is worthwhile.
The setting
Inside, the room caters to more than one kind of visit. Intimate dining booths work well for a quiet dinner or special occasion, while a relaxed brasserie bar area suits a casual lunch or a pre-dinner drink. The bar itself carries a good range of cocktails, wines and beers, and operates independently of table service rather than only alongside meals. It's a comfortable space whether you're settling in for a leisurely three courses or something more casual.
Where it is
Isabel's sits at 127-129 Penn Hill Avenue, BH14 9LY, on the Penn Hill parade, a genuine neighbourhood high street of independent shops rather than a seafront strip. It's a short trip from Poole Quay, Parkstone station and the beaches at Sandbanks, making it a convenient stop while exploring this side of the bay. Our Poole guide has more on the surrounding area, and further options across the region can be found in our food & drink guide.
Good to know
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner throughout the week, with Sunday reserved for lunch, plus a breakfast menu on selected days, though days and times can change, so confirm current opening hours when booking. Booking ahead is advised at any time, particularly for weekends and Sunday lunch. Parties of six or more can arrange set menus and food-and-drink packages in advance, making it a dependable choice for celebrations. Contact Isabel's Brasserie directly for the latest menus, prices and table reservations.