A Guide to Restaurants, Cafes, and Pubs in Dorchester’s High East Street
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025Dorchester is more than just a historical landmark. We offer a vibrant culinary scene boasting a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for exotic flavours or a cosy evening with friends, Dorchester has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at some of the notable eateries in the High East Street section of Dorchester.
Bombay Nights
Takeaway only
Address: 10 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HS
If you’re in the mood for Indian food, Bombay Nights is an excellent takeaway choice that locals adore. This restaurant, open six days a week from 5 to 11 PM (closed on Mondays), boasts an impressive rating of over 4.5 stars on Google. It features a delightful selection of traditional Indian dishes, including aromatic curries and fresh naan bread. Be sure to consider tasting their signature dish, The Dorset Spice Explosion, which is cooked with special Naga spices, or try some of their house and chef specials.
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Direct Pizza & Kebab
Takeaway Only
Address: 11 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HS
For a quick and delicious meal, Direct Pizza & Kebab provides hot, fresh pizzas and tasty kebabs, including combo kebabs for a delightful mix, all made with high-quality ingredients.With a wide range of toppings and sizes available, it’s an ideal choice for a casual night at home or a late snack while out with friends. They also have meal offers available, and you can easily order through UberEats and Deliveroo, or directly on their site for convenience.
Balti Express
Takeaway only
Address: 12 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HS
Another fantastic option for Indian food lovers, Balti Express is known for its spicy and flavourful selections. They take a health-conscious approach, using the finest ingredients to create high-quality contemporary cuisine. The menu features some delicious Tandoori specialities, including the Tandoori Mixed Grill and Chicken Shaslik. It offers great value for money with a diverse range of spice levels to choose from, making it perfect for everyone, from those who prefer a milder taste to those who enjoy a fiery kick. Alternatively, if you’re looking to share a mix of tasty options with friends or family, they have meal deal choices that allow you to combine some of your favourite starters and main dishes.
Myra’s Korean & Japanese Fine Dining
Restaurant and Takeaway
Address: 20 High East St, Dorchester DT1 1HH, UK
Myra’s has recently reopened under new management, continuing to offer a delightful blend of Korean and Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting. The meticulously crafted menu is led by Chef K, who boasts over 14 years of culinary experience, including extensive training in sushi mastery in Japan and honing his skills in Australia. With a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Myra’s remains a fantastic choice for food enthusiasts who have a strong love for Japanese and Korean cuisine.
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Masala Indian Cuisine
Restaurant and Takeaway
Address: 14, High E St, Dorchester, DT1 1HH
Conveniently located in the town centre, Masala Indian Cuisine offers an authentic dining experience with generous portions and rich flavours. Diners can indulge in a variety of dishes, from spicy lamb options to delightful vegetarian selections. You can conveniently order straight from their website and explore their menu. For something special, consider trying one of their chef’s specials, like the Pasanda, which is prepared in a creamy sauce with coconut, almond, and yoghurt. The warm atmosphere makes it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
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Lee Garden
Restaurant and Takeaway
Address: 45 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HU
Lee Garden specialises in a variety of Chinese dishes, particularly Szechuan and Peking cuisine, making it a great option for those who enjoy bold flavours. They offer an extensive menu with generous portions, catering to all tastes. The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 10pm (Except Tuesdays). If you’re dining with 2 to 4 people, consider trying one of their set meals, which feature a fantastic combination of starters and main dishes. With friendly service and a lovely atmosphere, it’s a fantastic choice for everyone.
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Crafty Cuppa
Café
Address: 46 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HU
The Crafty Cuppa CIC is a local community cafe. Inside you will find a calm and relaxing space to enjoy a cuppa and a piece of gluten free cake made onsite. The walls are filled with wonderful creations from artisans from all over Dorset and the surrounding areas. At the back is a workshop for local teachers to teach as well as a place to hire for parties and meetings. There is an enclosed garden out the back, a perfect suntrap in the summer months.
The cafe Opened in May ’24 and was the brainchild of Jen. ‘The cafe is designed to be a safespace and somewhere to help support the lonely. We have lots of crafts inside to make for all ages or even encourage people to bring their own. Don’t worry if you aren’t creative! Many customers just enjoy the atmosphere and a good chat. We try to support as many people as we can.
We are a community interest company so all profits go back into the business, our aim is to do what we can for others. We even have a pay it forward system where others can donate drinks or activities to those who may not afford it.’
The cafe will be open again on March 3rd with a March Madness celebration all month so pop on in and say hi!
China Express
Takeaway Only
Address: 32 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF
If you’re looking for the ideal Chinese takeaway in Dorchester, China Express is a fantastic option. Their menu includes a variety of classic Chinese dishes that are perfect for a lovely lunch or dinner at home to enjoy with loved ones. You can indulge in delicious satay, sweet and sour favourites, or opt for something with a kick from their hot and spicy selections. For those who can’t decide, why not try their three-meat dishes featuring chicken, pork, and beef all in one delicious serving?
Empire Kebabs & Pizza
Takeaway Only
Address: 31 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HF
Empire Kebabs and Pizza offers great prices and delicious food. Their grilled kebabs and fresh salads are perfect for anyone seeking a tasty meal. The casual atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner with friends or for grabbing a quick late-night takeaway.
The Posh Partridge
Café
Address: 29 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1HF
With five stars on TripAdvisor, this trendy family-run café is known for its delicious brunch choices and afternoon tea options, all crafted from high-quality local ingredients. They pride themselves on offering homemade food, with a diverse menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and a children’s menu, plus ever-changing specials to keep things fresh and exciting. Thanks to its cosy decor and inviting atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for indulging in a leisurely weekend brunch. They also provide catering for events, allowing you to enjoy their delightful dishes at your own venue. And for dog lovers, this eatery is dog-friendly, so there’s no need to leave your furry friend behind!
Goldies
Pub
Address: 36 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HN
A staple in the Dorchester pub scene, Goldies is well-loved for its friendly service and extensive drinks menu, featuring local ales, cask ales, and craft beers. This unspoilt historic pub, which was formerly owned by the once-huge Dorchester brewery, underwent a refurbishment in 2024 after the new landlord, Martin Rees, took over in May. The cosy ambience is complemented by a menu of hearty pub fare, making it the perfect spot to relax after a long day.
Goldies boasts a beer garden, sports TV, a dart board, and board games, along with free Wi-Fi, making it an inviting space for everyone, including dog owners. With lots of events and comedy nights, it truly captures the essence of a community pub.
Kings Arms Hotel
Pub
Address: 30 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF
Nestled in the heart of Dorchester, The King’s Arms is a beautifully restored boutique hotel that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern comforts. This historic pub is renowned for its lively atmosphere and welcoming vibe, making it a perfect spot to unwind or socialise. Part of the Stay Original collection, the hotel offers stylish rooms and an exceptional dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and a menu of traditional British dishes.
With a well-stocked bar and the added excitement of live music events, The King’s Arms is an ideal destination for a delicious meal or a vibrant night out, all while soaking up the charm of this iconic building. Discover more at Stay Original Co. and explore a collection of unique, characterful hotels across the Southwest.
Dorchester is a great place for food lovers, with a variety of flavours from all over. Whether you’re looking for a nice meal, a quick snack, or a comfy pub, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Next time you’re in Dorchester, check out the food spots on High East Street—you won’t be disappointed!