Best French Bistro Restaurant - Dorset 2026

The Priory brings a French bistro spirit, finished with a British twist, to Christchurch. Just steps from the Priory Church on picturesque, cobbled Church Street, it offers church views from the upstairs dining room and a cosy, relaxed bar and café downstairs, where dogs are warmly welcomed with a biscuit. From Wednesday to Sunday, it moves seamlessly from morning coffee and brunch to lunch, Sunday roasts and evening meals, then keeps the refreshments list in play until late. In the kitchen, seasonal produce leads the way. The cooking nods to classic brasserie technique and comforting British flavours: eggs Benedict at breakfast, chorizo and Dorset cheddar croquettes to start, then a pan-roasted rack of lamb or a West Country sirloin for supper.