The Best Restaurants in the New Forest

Here in The New Forest, we’re one of the UK’s best-kept foodie secrets. But word’s getting out – and it’s no wonder!

Whether it’s 5 star dining, or garden-to-plate seasonal dishes influenced by the forest and coast, there is a lot of choice no matter what your preferred cuisine or budget.

Seasonal dishes and local produce

Lots of our restaurants and eateries are proud to carry the New Forest Marque, indicating that the produce they use has been sourced locally and sustainably, helping to support the local economy. Look out for this symbol on the entries below.

Many of our restaurants and eating places make full use of the New Forest’s natural larder, using fish, meat and game from within our borders as well as locally-grown and seasonal vegetables. You may even find meals accompanied by locally-produced English wine or a pint of ale brewed at the New Forest’s Ringwood Brewery.

Look out for local specialities, such as the pork from our unique, roaming Pannage pigs. These pigs are released into the Forest during autumn to eat acorns and nuts that are poisonous to our New Forest ponies and other cattle.

Award-winning dining

The Montagu Arms, in Beaulieu is home to many an award and was recommended in the Good Food Guide 2018. Head chef, Matthew Tomlinson is one of only 34 Roux scholars in the UK. Much of the food on offer comes straight from the restaurant’s organic New Forest kitchen garden.

With three AA rosettes, Lime Wood hotel has the relaxed, yet stylish Hartnett and Holder restaurant. Expect a menu of Italian-influenced dishes using lots of locally sourced produce, they define their style as ‘fun dining, not fine dining’.

Also with three AA rosettes is Le Blaireau at the Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa, Brockenhurst. Sample some of the best French cuisine in Hampshire paired up with the perfect French wines in the beautiful surroundings of the hotel.

The Pig Rooms and Garden Food at The Pig Hotel, just outside Brockenhurst has taken locally-sourced food to the next level. There is a 15 mile menu where 95% of fresh ingredients are sourced from the local area. The menu on offer here can change by the minute depending on what is available in the kitchen garden or what the forager has found. It’s no wonder this restaurant has two AA rosettes to its name!

Live the life of luxury at the 5* Chewton Glen’s ‘The Dining Room’ or enjoy the more relaxed vibe at ‘The Kitchen’ at Chewton Glen, where the à la carte menu features wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, superfood salads and much more.

You will also find restaurants with other awards, dotted around The New Forest. Just look at each of their entries for details or use the search box on this page to discover restaurants in the area you are staying.

Types of food on offer in the New Forest

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired food cooked in the stone-bake, wood-fired oven at Burley Manor, here you will also find a chef’s table where you can watch the food being prepared for you right in front of your eyes.

Go Al Fresco on the terrace at the 2 AA Rosette Awarded Beresfords Restaurant at Balmer Lawn Hotel. Enjoy some fantastic food at this stylish restaurant, perhaps combine the experience with fine wines from some of the best wineries world wide.

For authentic Italian cuisine head to Enzee Ristorante and Pizzeria in Brockenhurst. There’s even live music to accompany your meal on a Thursday night plus the restaurant is in the heart of the village, perfect for arriving by train or a short stroll from nearby accommodation.

If you have a group or family occasion then why not try out The Scullery, a private dining space managed by Lime Wood? The Scullery can seat 52 people for private dining and is set in the style of an 18th century country house kitchen with a cosy open fireplace. A perfect space for a celebration!

Traditional dishes capturing the nature of the New Forest are what’s on offer at Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa’s main restaurant, Cambium or sample the exotic Thai flavours in the hotel’s Zen Garden Restaurant. There are plenty of options for dining at this luxurious spa hotel.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients make up a lot of the traditional cuisine at the Hunter’s Restaurant at Bartley Lodge Hotel in Lyndhurst and British classics that are full of flavour make up dishes at Forest Lodge Hotel. At Moorhill House Hotel, seasonality and only the finest produce go into the dishes on offer.

The Drift Inn at the Beaulieu Hotel offers a fresh take on traditional and familiar pub classics in relaxed and informal surroundings. Enjoy Sunday roasts and other traditional British fare, with many of the ingredients sourced locally.

At the Stag restaurant at New Park Manor, families can expect a relaxed atmosphere with super family-friendly service and menus in this very child-friendly hotel. In the evenings, the restaurant is the epitome of fine dining serving local produce such as wild mushrooms and venison reared here in the New Forest plus herbs hand-picked from the hotel’s gardens.

The Master Builder’s House Hotel in Buckler’s Hard offers formal dining in the hotel’s Riverview restaurant (with stunning views over the Beaulieu River) or more informal meals in the Yachtsman’s Bar and Gardens. Why not relax over a light snack whilst watching boats sail by on the river or cosy up in front of an open fire within the bar?

If you fancy fish and chips or perhaps the kind of artisan and craft dishes you thought were only available in London, let us tempt you with our many restaurants. Take a look at the various restaurants that can be found in the New Forest in the listings below, you will find traditional English, Thai, Indian, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine as well as much more. If you know the area that you are staying in why not use the search box on this page to find restaurants close to where you will be, or if there’s a specific type of cuisine that you are looking for then you can use the search box that way as well.

Save money on eating out in The New Forest

Buy a Go New Forest Card for just £10 and save lots of money off dining for up to 4 people at restaurants throughout the Forest. These money saving discounts are available at restaurants, cafés and other eating establishments as well as off places to stay, attractions and shopping. Find out more details here.

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Number of results: 85

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184 reviews
Enzee Ristorante & Pizzeria

Brockenhurst

Enzee Restaurant Brockenhurst is a family based business in the heart of the New Forest directly facing Brockenhurst train station. At Enzee’s we offer an Italian/European cuisine, daily specials and set menus to suit all tastes in a family friendly...

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Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

Christchurch Road

Voted best Country House Hotel in the world, Chewton Glen is a privately owned 5 Red Star Hotel offering probably the best combination of country house grandeur, food and spa facilities anywhere in the UK.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2798 reviews
The Zen Garden

Brockenhurst

Authentic Thai cuisine is served in the serene Thai palace inspired Zen Garden restaurant. The traditional Thai decor creates a tranquil and relaxed dining atmosphere.

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Cottage Lodge Hotel

Brockenhurst

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The Woodside Inn

Fordingbridge, The New Forest

Newly refurbished, The Woodside Inn at Sandy Balls Holiday Village boasts a great choice of pub grub with a gourmet twist.

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The Master Builders House Hotel

With beautiful views over the Beaulieu River and set at the end of the grassy street that is Buckler’s Hard village, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque setting for a hotel.

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Forest Lodge Hotel

Pikeshill

Embracing contemporary brasserie style cooking, discover our chef's fresh take on timeless British classics, with a few from across the channel and beyond.

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Beaulieu Hotel

Beaulieu Road

Located just next door, The Drift Inn is the place to eat and offers the chance to enjoy a fresh take on traditional & familiar pub classics in relaxed, informal surroundings. Wherever possible our chef's use ingredients that are traceable, local...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
145 reviews
Burley Manor

Burley

At Burley Manor, the main event is undoubtedly the simple vibrant, rustic and of course tasty food, enjoyed together. There is absolutely no need to whisper, with a relaxing, fun atmosphere, perfect for enjoying time with friends and family.

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Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel

Lymington

English Restaurant
Special Offers
- Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially English tradition and is upheld in its finest form here at Macdonald Elmers Court.
  Served in our Scottish Steakhouse for a less stuffy option, where children are welcome not only to dine but to use our outdoor play area
  Set within acres of beautiful and picturesque grounds what ever the occasion the Macdonald Elmers Court is the ideal venue for your Afternoon Tea.
  Included are an array of fresh finger sandwiches, warm baked scones served with Devonshire clotted cream strawberry preserve as well as a selection of pastries cakes and macaroons.Served with a choice of fine teas, perhaps you might like to add a glass of Champagne, relax, unwind and enjoy tea at your leisure whilst experiencing the wonderful service for which The Macdonald Elmers Court is renowned for.
  Serving Times- Tea is served daily from 12pm thought to 6pm
  
  Prices- Traditional Afternoon Tea at £23.00 per adult
  Children’s Afternoon Tea at £12.50 per child
  
  To Book please call us on 01590646504 or book online
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- Funeral Tea's / Wakes
  At such a difficult time, let us take the worry out of organising a fitting send off to celebrate your loved one’s life.
  Macdonald Elmers Court it’s the ideal venue for funeral teas, and being so close to the Lymington Crematorium, it is an effortless journey within minutes for the family to come together .Our function rooms can be hired privately and vary in size to create a cosy intimate reception.With experienced staff who will be on hand to guide you from start to finish and who understand the sensitivities of such an event.
  We offer delicious menu options of sweet or savoury from £7.95 per person *
  For those family and friends travelling a distance, we can offer a group preferential rate on bedrooms.
  To Find out more then please contact us on specialevents.elmers@macdonald-hotels.co.uk.
  * Food Only
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- Prom Packages
  Your Prom or Graduation night is the final celebration of your student days. At Macdonald Elmers Court we work hard to make sure it is something very special.
  We bring together high quality entertainment, a carefully chosen menu serving only the highest quality food, a wide selection of drinks suited to the occasion and a special events team with a real passion to create a truly memorable night.
  Our prom packages
  SET MENU PACKAGE
  Celebrate the end of your student days at Macdonald Elmers Court with our fabulous set menu package.
  From £30.00 per person
  Two or three course set menu
  Reception drink
  Tea, coffee and truffles
  White table linen
  Mirrored bases and tealights
  Function room hire
  DJ and dancefloor
  
  To Find out more then please contact us on specialevents.elmers@macdonald-hotels.co.uk.
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- Private Dinning Packages from £49 per personWhether it is a special birthday, anniversary, baby shower, christening, awards dinner or just a get together with friends, family or colleagues The Macdonald Elmers Court Resort is the perfect setting, the stunning surroundings, delicious food and professional service it will be an occasion not to be forgotten.A variety of flexible rooms can be adapted to create the perfect event. Impeccable attention to detail along with a delicious selection of fine food and wines all add to the recipe of our event success.The Ballroom is the centerpiece of Macdonald Elmers Court Manor House with its towering sculptured ceiling and imposing fireplace, it’s a magnificent venue for weddings, private lunches, dinner parties. This room also has a dance floor, and is adjoined to our Music Bar which combined with the Ballroom holds a maximum of 180 guestsThe Music Bar is perfect for breakout area, drink reception and private bar. It can also be used for meetings, conferences and private dinners, and provides a peaceful, refined atmosphere for any occasion perfect for Cocktail parties can accommodate up to 60 people.The Glenville room offers an intimate relaxed atmosphere, suitable for more intimate affairs for up to 40 people. This elegant room needs little decoration with its large fireplace and charming character.Private Dinning Packages from £49 per person to include the following: · Red carpet· One glass of bubbly and chefs selection of Canapés· Three-course Menu· Tables dressed with white linen and napkins*This package is designed for groups of 8 to 50 guests room charge hire may be applicable
  
  To Find out more then please contact us on specialevents.elmers@macdonald-hotels.co.uk.
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- WINTER WOODLAND WEDDINGS
  AT MACDONALD ELMERS COURT HOTEL
  
  We have created a special ‘Twixmas Wedding package’ perfect for brides who are planning a romantic winter wedding.
  
  £4999 for 50 guests (27th December ‘18 – 30th December ’18)
  
  The package includes the following:
  
  Civil ceremony room hire Dedicated wedding coordinator Red carpet welcome Arrival drink Three-course wedding breakfast Three canapés per person Half a bottle of house wine per person with your wedding breakfast Use of chair covers and coloured bows Glass of Prosecco per person for toasts Use of silver cake stand and knife Chefs special evening buffet Complimentary bridal suite for the night of the wedding Wedding breakfast menu and wine tasting for the wedding couple Christmas decorations
  
  Additional day guest will be charged at £99 per person
  Additional evening guest will be charged at £17.95 per person
  
  To find out more please call Lisa or Silva on 01590646504
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Passford House Hotel

Lymington

Once the home of Lord Arthur Cecil - Queen Victoria's secretary, Passford is steeped in history and the traditions of elegant, leisurely country living. Set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens.

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Rhinefield House Hotel

Brockenhurst

The restaurant of Rhinefield House Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it. Here you will find great food and a fantastic wine list.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2798 reviews
Le Blaireau

Brockenhurst

New Forest Brasserie and bar Le Blaireau, situated in the grounds of Careys Manor Hotel and Spa provides a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere offering simple, high quality authentic French cuisine.

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Monty's Inn

In the picturesque village of Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest, discover the quaint and welcoming Monty’s Inn. Boasting a relaxed and warm atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious home made food and fine local Ale.

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The Pig Rooms & Garden Food

Beaulieu Road

This is a place that is all about the walled garden.... everything is driven by the gardener/forager and chef – they grow and find the food – the chef then makes the menu.

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The Mill at Gordleton

Sway

We are a small independant award winning hotel who care passionately about the environment and we are aiming to source as much as produce as possible locally or organically.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
324 reviews
Beresfords Restaurant at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Good food and great service - combined with 2 AA rosettes for Fine Dining you will not be disappointed when dining at Beresfords Restaurant.

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Moorhill House Hotel

Enjoyed by both guests and non-residents, our tasty AA rosette cuisine embraces seasonality and only the finest produce from the New Forest.

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Lime Wood

Beaulieu Road

Lime Wood, a boutique country house hotel in England, is set in the heart of the New Forest National Park, 1.5 miles from the small town of Lyndhurst and just an hour and a half drive from London.

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Brasserie 1912 - Hoburne Bashley

New Milton

Put your feet up and let someone else do the cooking for a change!
Relax and enjoy a delicious meal expertly prepared by our on-park chefs in our full tabel service resturant, Brasserie 1912. Let someone else do the work and dine out with the whole...

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Restaurants in the New Forest and Hampshire

Seasonal dishes and local produce

Award-winning dining

Types of food on offer in the New Forest

Save money on eating out in The New Forest

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