Explore Places to Eat in Portland
Portland Pubs, Harbour Restaurants and Fresh Coastal Seafood
Portland’s food scene has a unique character. There are many excellent places to dine, especially if you enjoy simple, local, seaside-influenced dishes. Two of our favourites couldn’t be more different.
The Cove House Inn is situated right on Chesil Beach, looking west across the water. It’s a classic seaside pub, full of charm and history, renowned for its superb seasonal menus (with plenty of gluten-free options too). On a clear evening, sitting outside and watching the sun set behind the horizon is hard to beat.
Explore the Food and Drink Scene in Portland
Chesil Chippie
Locally-loved fish & chips a stone’s throw from Chesil Beach—perfect for a seaside takeaway.
Quiddles Café Beach Bar
Seafront café-bar on Chesil Cove—ideal for coffees, seafood and drinks with epic views.
The Lobster Pot
Portland Bill classic for crab sandwiches, seafood and cream teas with lighthouse and sea views.
The Portland Pizza Company (Black Barge)
Wood-fired pizzas and relaxed dining at the Black Barge—great for groups and casual nights.
For something more modern, Salt offers contemporary dishes with views across Portland Harbour, and during summer, they often feature live music outside. Right at Portland Bill, The Lobster Pot is always worth a visit. They serve a variety of dishes and simple snacks; our children used to insist they had the best chips in Dorset, and the views are stunning, with the lighthouse just a few steps away.
At the start of Chesil Beach, Quiddles Café has a slightly quirky atmosphere but offers great food. It’s got a great reputation and also has one of the best sea views in Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of our regular recommendations include The Cove House Inn for classic coastal pub dining, Salt for modern harbour-side cooking, and The Lobster Pot for relaxed daytime seafood near Portland Bill. For a broader seafood menu, The Crab House Café nearby is well worth booking ahead. It’s a real favourite with locals and serves locally caught seafood.
Yes, Portland has several welcoming pubs with strong food menus. The Cove House Inn is one of the best known, thanks to its sea views and reputation for good food. But there are plenty more on the island. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, which suits the island well.
Portland’s location means seafood is always on the menu. The Crab House Café, just outside Portland, is widely regarded as one of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Yes. The Lobster Pot sits right beside the lighthouse and is ideal for daytime dining. It’s one of the most scenic places to eat on the island.