Charminster is a small village in Bournemouth which for years has been kept somewhat under wraps but now it’s becoming one of the ‘in’ places to eat with its range of international restaurants. Charminster prides itself on offering Lebanese cuisines at Retro, Latin cuisines at Salsa Latin Bar & Restaurant and Baraca Cuisine – Mediterranean and Middle East food with evening entertainment including belly dancing. Another well kept secret when it comes to eating out is Westbourne. From French cuisine at Café Rouge and Mediterranean cuisine at Basilica to traditional Greek home made feasts at Romanzo’s – there’s something for everyone here.

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Back to Bournemouth and the choice gets even bigger. Westbeach restaurant set on Bournemouth seafront serves delicious locally caught seafood – try the seafood platter. This was voted the Best Seafood Restaurant in England in 2006 by the AA. Bistro on the Beach is also set on the seafront at Southbourne beach and boasts top chefs serving specials such as delicious Wild Sea Bass with Thai Crab Cake, Chilli Jam and Coriander Sauce.

But for some real Dorset food to take home with you – visit the delicatessen at the Dorset Smokery, tucked away in beautiful countryside near Bournemouth Airport. It traditionally smokes fish, meat, poultry and game. Try the Dorset Pate, the New Forest Red Sausage or the Hurn Thumper sausage.