From the best fish and chips in the south of England to some first class formal restaurants, the seaside town of Bournemouth has plenty to offer hungry visitors. Given its location on the south coast, it´s no surprise that there are numerous good seafood restaurants to be found in Bournemouth. There are also abundant pub-restaurants and wine bars for those looking to combine dining with a night on the town, or just enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting. For visitors with money to burn, there are a number of chic spots for formal dining, while those on a budget can enjoy a low-cost lunch at one of the many sandwich bars to be found.

Superior Seafood

Seafood lovers will be in their element during a visit to Bournemouth. The fishing boats that head out each day supply the town´s restaurants with wonderfully fresh fish and seafood, and there are choices to suit every taste and budget. Visitors wishing to sample that most famous of British dishes, fish and chips, can have the pleasure of doing so at one of the most acclaimed fish and chip shops in the country.

Chez Fred, at 10 Seamoor Road, in the Westbourne neighborhood, has picked up a string of local and national awards since it opened in 1989, including being dubbed the Best Chip Shop in Britain in the 1990s. Chez Fred combines a takeaway and sit-down restaurant, and its loyal following means that there´s always a queue - booking is recommended on weekends for those hoping to eat in the restaurant. Chez Fred has even drawn a host of celebrity diners, and hungry customers can gaze at signed pictures of famous faces as they await their fish supper.

Another award-winning spot is West Beach, at Pier Approach. This smart restaurant picked up the AA Seafood Restaurant of the Year award in 2005, and uses locally-sourced produce to create some simple but sophisticated dishes, such as scallops with white pudding and celeriac mash. The relaxed surrounds and soothing jazz make this a nice spot for a romantic evening out.

International Restaurants in Bournemouth

Bournemouth boasts some 250 restaurants, many of which have a distinctly international flavor. There are Spanish, Italian, Indian and Mexican restaurants to name just a few, and excellent-value Cantonese food can be found at The Fountain, which offers a great all-you-can-eat set lunch and dinner deal - head there on an empty stomach to ensure you can make the most of the tasty dishes, which include good vegetarian choices.

Sandwich Society

Bournemouth is home to any number of places to enjoy a hearty sandwich. From takeaway spots to cozy cafe bars, the art of sandwich making has been perfected in the town. Many sandwich shops, such as Sands2, which has branches at Christchurch Road and Old Christchurch Road, pride themselves on using fresh, wholesome ingredients, and the range often extends to bagels, baguettes and baked potatoes. Bournemouth´s sandwich bars are a great place to fill up without spending a fortune, and there are a good range of options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.