Mark's Guidebook
Food scene
Mexican tapas and street food. With a real buzzing atmosphere and the award winning decor, Ojo Rojo offers a real taste sensation. It really isn’t your standard Mexican. They also have a massive selection of tequilas and mezcals (if you’re into that...!)
28 locals recommend
Ojo Rojo
106 Commercial RdMexican tapas and street food. With a real buzzing atmosphere and the award winning decor, Ojo Rojo offers a real taste sensation. It really isn’t your standard Mexican. They also have a massive selection of tequilas and mezcals (if you’re into that...!)
Koh started just over 10 years ago with a little site down the road in Boscombe. The service and food created an absolute frenzy locally and really was quite unique. The tapas style of dining also changed the way people perceived Thai food. The setting is really cool, with stunning interiors. They have a few sites locally now so try one of them when you’re down. The duck curry and the 24hour ribs and ducking brilliant!
68 locals recommend
Koh Thai
Koh started just over 10 years ago with a little site down the road in Boscombe. The service and food created an absolute frenzy locally and really was quite unique. The tapas style of dining also changed the way people perceived Thai food. The setting is really cool, with stunning interiors. They have a few sites locally now so try one of them when you’re down. The duck curry and the 24hour ribs and ducking brilliant!
Fine dining and excellent cocktails. Book ahead to get a decent window table
36 locals recommend
NEO Restaurant
Exeter RoadFine dining and excellent cocktails. Book ahead to get a decent window table
Funki Griller
61 Westover RdGreat steaks with a lively atmosphere
Fine dining with stunning views over sandbanks. Make sure you book before you get down here though, and get a window table.
120 locals recommend
Rick Stein, Sandbanks
10-14 Banks RdFine dining with stunning views over sandbanks. Make sure you book before you get down here though, and get a window table.
They do a fantastic Sunday lunch, and they serve until the evening too.
77 locals recommend
The Larder House
4 Southbourne GroveThey do a fantastic Sunday lunch, and they serve until the evening too.
Bars
Great cocktails and DJs. It’s pretty small and a bit alternative, but the vibe on a Saturday night is like no other place in town.
22 locals recommend
Smokin' Aces
103 Commercial RdGreat cocktails and DJs. It’s pretty small and a bit alternative, but the vibe on a Saturday night is like no other place in town.
Another great cocktail bar. Quite slick as it’s ground floor of the Hilton, but always a nice atmosphere.
8 locals recommend
Tonic Social
Exeter RoadAnother great cocktail bar. Quite slick as it’s ground floor of the Hilton, but always a nice atmosphere.
Sightseeing
Tuckton Tea Gardens
Belle Vue RoadGood fun for the family. A bit of crab fishing and beautiful scenery
95 locals recommend
Mudeford Quay
Mudeford QuayGood fun for the family. A bit of crab fishing and beautiful scenery
Beaches
A bit quieter than Bournemouth and Boscombe beach (but in the summer, the whole stretch is busy). There are a couple of kiosks that serve nice cold beers and ciders, also burgers and hot dogs etc.
42 locals recommend
Alum Chine Beach
West Undercliff PromenadeA bit quieter than Bournemouth and Boscombe beach (but in the summer, the whole stretch is busy). There are a couple of kiosks that serve nice cold beers and ciders, also burgers and hot dogs etc.
The posh end (well that’s what they like to think anyway!). It’s a nice section of beach but parking is horrendous in the peak summer.
If you want to do some water sports you can walk across to the bay. There are several hire places which offer rental and tuition. Kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks, etc.
121 locals recommend
Sandbanks Beach
Banks RoadThe posh end (well that’s what they like to think anyway!). It’s a nice section of beach but parking is horrendous in the peak summer.
If you want to do some water sports you can walk across to the bay. There are several hire places which offer rental and tuition. Kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks, etc.
Hengistbury Head Beach
Urban reef restaurant is right on boscombe beach promenade and offers nice drinks, coffees and good gastro pub food. But beware, the beach can be very busy here as it’s the entrance point to that stretch of beach.
You can also hire paddle boards from here. Make sure you arrive early though as demand is always high. At 7am the water is generally a lot calmer so get out early.
34 locals recommend
Boscombe Beach
Urban reef restaurant is right on boscombe beach promenade and offers nice drinks, coffees and good gastro pub food. But beware, the beach can be very busy here as it’s the entrance point to that stretch of beach.
You can also hire paddle boards from here. Make sure you arrive early though as demand is always high. At 7am the water is generally a lot calmer so get out early.