Best restaurants in Lyme Regis

From The French Lieutenant’s Woman to Persuasion, this pretty town on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is well known for its literary connections. On the food front, seafood is king around here, so it’s no surprise our pick of the best restaurants in Lyme Regis weighs heavily towards the fruits of local waters

Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar, Broad Street

Micro-seasonality is the name of the game for Great British Menu competitor Harriet Mansell. Having achieved great success at her restaurant Robin Wylde on Silver Street, which closed in October 2023, she is focusing her attention on her restaurant and wine bar Lilac, which serves small plates alongside exceptional wines from organic, biodynamic and low-intervention winemakers. Coming to Lilac in June 2024 is the Garden Table, a sheltered woodland-style dining space which will house Harriet’s wild food tasting menus.

The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road

Dorset seafood guru Mark Hix ensures all the catch on The Oyster & Fish House‘s menus is caught in South West waters – often from Lyme Bay, which is framed by the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Supporting the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve is a top priority for Mark, so expect to find bycatch on the daily line-up. Look out for guest chef appearances too, or book a seat at an intimate Kitchen Table event in Mark’s Charmouth home.

Tom’s Lyme Regis, Marine Parade

The boat-to-plate journey of the sought-after seafood at Tom’s Lyme Regis is mere yards. Lyme Bay scallops, prawns, crab, rock oysters, Dorset Blue lobster feature regularly, and those who can’t decide can plump for Tom’s Fish Board for two which features the lot alongside creamy saffron aioli, freshly baked bread and triple-cooked chips. Pair the sumptuous platter with a glass of fizz from nearby Castlewood Vineyard, and remember to leave room for pudding – the chocolate mousse is the stuff of local legend.

Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant, Pound Street

Perched high up on the cliffs above Lyme Regis, this long-standing favourite feels a world away from the hubbub of the buzzy seaside town. The 18th‑century Alexandra Hotel offers contemporary British cooking via two restaurants: The Ammonite in the orangery enjoys views over the attractive gardens, while the seashell‑adorned Alexandra Restaurant is wonderful for evening feasting by candlelight. Both put freshly caught local fish and shellfish front and centre.