12 Romantic Restaurants in Dorchester

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching we thought we would take a look at the most romantic restaurants in Dorchester in 2023. If you are looking for a cozy, candle lit dining experience to take your loved one to then there are some great restaurants to choose from in the County Town.

La Caverna

For over 28 years husband and wife team Franco and Alison have been serving delicious, freshly made Italian food at La Caverna in Icen Way.

The low curved cellar ceiling creates a great atmosphere for treating your lover to some incredible Italian flavours. The pasta dishes are accompanied with exquisitely tasty sauces as are the steaks which are cooked to perfection. There is also very tempting specials board – the calamari is highly recommended if it’s on offer.

With a great selection of Italian wines, candle light and superb food you cannot fail to impress by treating your special someone here. Easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Dorchester.

Al Molo

After gaining immense success and national recognition from the Italian Chamber of Commerce for their restaurant that transformed Weymouth’s Pier Bandstand into an Italian food haven, co-owners Giuseppe Vannuccu and Tim Newton quickly opened their second Al Molo site in Dorchester.

Since setting up in one of Dorchester oldest buildings, Judge Jeffreys on High West Street, Al Molo have enjoyed continued success with their new offering as a Ristorante Di Pesce. Al Molo, Dorchester does fish – and they do it well.

The multi award-winning Italian restaurant, South West England Tourism’s choice for ‘Restaurant of the Year’ is a brilliant place to enjoy a romantic meal in Dorchester. Whether you select your choices from their set lunch or dinner menus, we’re certain you’ll have a memorable experience with your significant other at Al Molo.

Luciano’s by Luciano Pierre White

An exciting addition to Dorchester’s choice of romantic restaurants is Luciano’s. Occupying the former site of Carluccio’s in Brewery Square this authentic Italian option is sure to win the heart of your date this Valentine’s Day. Originally launched as Luccio’s, the project has since expanded with restaurants opening in Exeter and Woking under the Luciano’s brand.

Owned by Luciano Pierre White, son of Michelin starred chef Marco Pierre White, the menu includes family favourites; grandmother ‘Maria Rosa’s Meatballs’ and ‘Mr White’s Ragu’.

Dorchester Brewhouse & Kitchen

Brewhouse & Kitchen is the place to go if you enjoy a quality craft beer with your meal. The ambience in Brewhouse & Kitchen is lively and classy. Whilst the atmosphere is buzzing in the evenings, you’ll still be able to hold a conversation with your significant other without having to shout!

Whether you enjoy one of their popular beer can chicken main meals or some dirty fries with your drinks, you’re bound to find something to love here. Their menu is extensive, and all of the main meals come with a recommended beer to pair with the food.

Although the extremely popular microbrewery is famous for its hyperlocal beers, you’ll also find excellent ciders, wines, cocktails, soft drinks and freshly ground coffee.

The King’s Arms

Bring a touch style and decadence to your romantic night out with a meal at The King’s Arms in Dorchester. The beautifully renovated restaurant, and spacious bar area offer a real sense of class and would make an ideal place to take a loved one on a date.

Why not complete a memorable experience and book a stay in one of the characterful rooms.

Basilico

Basilico is an Italian Restaurant offering a genuine Neapolitan dining experience in Dorchester. Based on Trinity Street, Basilico has been serving delicious Italian ingredients to a loyal set of customers for the last four years. Many consider Chef Gennaro’s authentic wood-fired pizza and calzone to be the finest on offer in the town.

A recent reviewer on TripAdvisor remarked on the genuinely Italian experience in the restaurant… “Very authentic! I lived in Naples for 4 years and the food at Basilico was excellent. Gennaro came out to chat and was great. I’ll be back!”

The charming and intimate restaurant would make a fantastic setting to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With an intimate layout inside, you’ll need to get in quick to book your table!

Rajpoot

If you want to spice it up a bit then head to the Top o’ Town where you’ll find the Rajpoot Indian restaurant, this is not however your average run of the mill curry house. They serve a mix of classic and contemporary Indian food in a black-and-white cottage with a smart contemporary decor. Both fusion and traditional Indian dishes made to your desired level of of heat tolerance.

The crab and cod cake for starters followed by the north indian style lamb shank are both a taste sensation! The excellent food coupled with the colourful large bubble machines and low level headroom make for a romantic setting.

The King and Thai

For lovers of Asian flavours you will struggle to find a more authentic taste of Thailand than in the King and Thai. This family run restaurant never fails to impress, their warm welcome is so friendly. As for the food, the green Thai curry with sticky rice is a must as your taste buds are instantly transported to Asia. All their food is freshly prepared so the flavours are awesome however their prices are very reasonable. The candle lit tables in the evening create a genuinely romantic setting. This is one venue that is sure to impress your other half on date night!

Côte Brasserie

Côte describe their restaurants as ‘all day dining inspired by the brasseries of Paris’. French-inspired, the menu provides simple but hearty cuisine – the perfect recipe for a meal with a romantic ambience. Restaurants in Dorchester don’t come much more romantic than Côte!

With over 600 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, Côte Brasserie in Dorchester comes with a high guarantee of customer satisfaction.

Myra’s Kaiseki

Myra’s Kaiseki in Dorchester town centre has spent several years creating a reputation for serving authentic Japanese cuisine that customers are raving about.

One recent reviewer on TripAdvisor said about their experience “The food was superbly fresh and delicious. I would say that if you are not familiar with sushi this is definitely a good place to start as everything is explained well. This place is a must.”

Their sushi, tempura and gyoza all pack fantastic flavours and are beautifully presented however the menu in general offers plenty of choice. The staff are always welcoming and very knowledgeable which all helps to make your dining experience a delight. They are open until 10:00pm Monday to Saturday and offer a clean and bright dining area in High East Street.

Kao San Thai Restaurant

Kao San Thai restaurant serves some of the best authentic Thai cuisine. You will be guaranteed a friendly and efficient service from this family run Dorchester restaurant in High West Street, the staff are extremely welcoming without being intrusive.

The meals are produced quickly and are always of very good quality. The mix of traditional Thai dishes such as satay chicken and green curries along with tofu based vegetarian meals means that all palates are catered for here. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the solid wooden chairs and tables, which are intricately carved, provide an authentic look. 

Zizzi

With a recent refurbishment and makeover Zizzi in Dorchester is a classic choice for a romantic meal. Bringing an impressive slice of Italian flair to Brewery Square – this is a great option for a more casual romantic meal or afternoon dinner date.

The super-friendly staff serve up a range of pizza and calzone on the restaurants’ trademark wooden boards. As well as tasty pasta, salads or risotto ensure there’s dishes to suit all tastes and requirements.

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