When it comes to eating out, the New Forest has a surprising variety of options. Beyond the wonderful pubs, you will also find farm shop cafés that are open for breakfast, lunch and tea, as well as a number of highly regarded restaurants including Hartnett Holder & Co and Verveine.
There’s nothing too formal though: this is a relaxed, outdoor environment where no one wants to stand on ceremony. When deciding where to go, it’s difficult not to gravitate to places with exceptional coastal and river views. Some of these feature on this list, as well as in-the-know gems such as RYSC Gin’s, Steff’s Kitchen and Les Mirabelles – places we locals are particularly fond of.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in the New Forest. Find out more below, or for more New Forest inspiration, see our guide to the region’s best hotels, pubs and attractions.
Find a restaurant by type:
Best all-rounders
Best for fine dining
Best for views
Best for families
Best for cheap eats
Best all-rounders
The Pig
Originally a Georgian royal hunting lodge, the first Pig hotel was opened in 2011 after Robin Hutson restored the rundown kitchen garden and put it at centre stage, while his wife Judy created the rustic chic Pig look (now found in the nine other Pigs in the group). Judy’s pretty, countrified indoor/outdoor conservatory restaurant set the style all those years ago and remains a delight – as does the equally rustic chic, locally sourced 25 Mile Menu. Set lunches are good value.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4be4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8be4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Brockenhurst Contact: thepighotel.com/BrockenhurstPrice: ££Reservations: Essential
The light-filled dining room at the Pig - mehau kulykZen Garden, Carey’s Manor Hotel
Part of Careys Manor Hotel’s SenSpa (easily located via reception), this authentic Thai restaurant, whose longstanding chefs and wait staff are all but two from Thailand, has a calm, almost Zen-like atmosphere. During the day you’ll find yourself lunching with towelling robed spa-goers; in the evening, however, with a smart casual dress code, this is a sophisticated choice for excellent cooking. Try the Meang Pla (seabass) to start and the Mussaman lamb shank to follow.
Area: BrockenhurstContact: careysmanor.comPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
Steff’s Kitchen
Everyone loves Steff Fairweather’s cheerful, spacious and airy café in her family’s garden centre, serving breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks every day. Recently extended, the café now includes a bright red pizza oven manned by a Sicilian chef who bakes authentic pizzas, including unusual creations such as Pizza Bianco – without tomatoes – plus other oven-baked dishes. Terrific. Don’t miss a visit to Patrick’s Patch, Steff’s husband’s productive fruit and vegetable garden over the road.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4je4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8je4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: BeaulieuContact: fairweathers.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Advisable
The fresh, seasonal menu at Steff’s marries well with its cheerful garden centre settingLes Mirabelles
Since 1993, Claude Laage, from Alsace, and his wife, Freddy, have presided over this former tea room in a hamlet deep in the New Forest. It feels like a charming little corner of France, and is smartly decorated in a livery of grey embellished by Gallic cartoon drawings. It continues to enchant its faithful clientele today; the grilled scallops flavoured with truffle and confit de canard fait maison have never left the menu. There’s also a superb wine list, by no means just French.
Area: Nomansland Contact: lesmirabelles.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Essential
Samphire, Stanwell House Hotel
This elegant Georgian hotel has undergone a huge transformation, having hitherto been rather dejected. Now it is full of life and bustle. Its popular restaurant, Samphire, sports love-it-or-hate-it blousy pink wallpaper but the varied menu is more sedate and includes family favourites and seasonal, local specialities, particularly fish. The restaurant is open to all, serving breakfast, light dishes, afternoon tea and dinner. The Sharing Boards (from Garden, Land and Sea) make fun starters for a group.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4re4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8re4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: LymingtonContact: stanwellhouse.comPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
Samphire’s offering is relaxed but indulgent – much like its sumptuous Georgian settingColin Nash
In 2023, Sir George Meyrick invited highly regarded local chef Colin Nash to take on the restaurant next to The Retreat; a wellness centre with rooms that can be found on his estate. Here, Colin produces dishes that are local, seasonal and authentic: relaxed food with elements of fine dining in an airy contemporary space. The venison comes from the surrounding land while the fish is sourced from dayboats at Mudeford (Colin has his own fishing boat). Visit in May to enjoy the Mudeford cuttlefish, which is superbly cooked.
Area: Hinton Contact: colinnashrestaurant.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
India Cottage
Expect carefully flavoured classic regional Indian dishes, plus perfectly crafted specials such as vibrant Bang Bang Chicken, delicate Kiki Murgh and ever popular Taka Taka Lamb. Owner Shad Mannan (his parents started India Cottage in 1981) and his family ensure an atmosphere of genuine warmth and, beyond the rustic interior, the garden is a delight: grapevines, log burner, beach huts for private dining and a tuk-tuk from the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R53e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R93e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: RingwoodContact: indiacottage.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Essential
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Best for views
The Cliff House
It’s mesmerising watching the hang gliders and paragliders, almost close enough to touch, flying by as you tuck into your food in the coastal garden here and even when they are absent, or you are inside, it’s hard to tear your gaze from the Solent and Isle of Wight views. Friendly service; excellent, good value bistro food (perhaps classic prawn cocktail followed by pan fried calves’ liver); dog and child friendly – it’s a great place to grab a bite.
Area: Barton on SeaContact: thecliffhouse.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Cliff House’s coastal garden has mesmerising views of the Solent and across to the Isle of WightRiverview, Master Builder’s Hotel
With white linen tablecloths, pretty oak chairs and cushions on blue and white banquettes, the Master Builder’s House’s hotel restaurant is looking its elegant best. The food is a cut above too, with dishes such as Brixham scallops and day boat fish, sirloin steak and local pork cooked on a Krono grill. Sunday lunches with live jazz are very popular – hardly surprising given the wonderful view of the Beaulieu River from the restaurant and terrace.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5de4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9de4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Buckler’s Hard Contact: themasterbuilders.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Haven
The generous dishes are just right for hungry sailors berthed in the marina below but it’s the all-day, all-week dining paired with the best views in town that really draw the crowds. The hot and cold salmon platter is perfect for sharing while taking in the Lymington River, Solent and Isle of Wight beyond. Drop in for tea after walking on the coastal path or, later, for a cocktail and a spectacular sunset.
Area: Lymington Contact: havenrestaurant.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
Haven’s all-day menu is fresh, fishy and great for sharing while admiring the sea viewRYSC Gins Clubhouse
An in-the-know secret, the clubhouse of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club faces the Beaulieu River at the end of a track. Open to members and visitors, the first-floor bar/restaurant has entrancing views of this quiet reach. Spot a sail moving improbably through the landscape on the opposite bank? It’s a dinghy threading its way through salt flats. Breakfast, lunch (perhaps mussels and chips) and cream teas are served Wednesday to Saturday, plus Sunday roasts.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5le4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9le4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Buckler’s Hard Contact: rsyc.org.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Essential
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Best for families
Farmyard Café, Hockeys Farm
Farm shops are a feature of the area but here visitors can also meet the animals, including alpacas, donkeys, turkeys, chickens, pigs, goats, cows and horses. Lunch at the Farmyard Café, at the heart of the action, is a rural family treat. ‘Hungry Breakfasts’ and cream teas are also served and the farm shop and butchery sell local produce, including their own British Lop pork, plus game, cheese, charcuterie, asparagus, strawberries, cider and more.
Area: South GorleyContact: hockeysfarm.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Recommended
The Kitchen, Chewton Glen Hotel
Who doesn’t love a knickerbocker glory? It’s on the children’s menu at this restaurant and cookery school by the entrance to Chewton Glen. With its open kitchen and garden outside, this attractive, easy-going restaurant always has a feeling of activity, and service is notably friendly towards children. Adults can tuck into pizzas, burgers and small plates such as artichoke caponata and, of course, a knickerbocker glory.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5ue4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9ue4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: New MiltonContact: chewtonglen.comPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Kitchen at Chewton Glen is a multi-faceted restaurant, cookery school and gardenLa Pergola
This traditional Italian restaurant has a children’s play area and a wide terrace with tables covered in jolly gingham cloths, plus heaters, plants and ornamental statues. Inside or out, children can tuck into smaller portions of any pizza or pasta dish on the menu. With a central bar, Italian flags, an assortment of pictures and ornaments, and a display cabinet for cakes and desserts, La Pergola is a jolly throwback to the early days of English/Italian restaurants.
Area: LyndhurstContact: la-pergola.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
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Best for fine dining
Hartnett Holder & Co, Lime Wood
Superb food at its most relaxed is served in this velvety dining room in the glamorous-yet-laid-back Lime Wood Hotel. The food, easy going yet highly professional just like its two creators, Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, is Italian-influenced and full of character. Inexpensive seasonal dishes are offered on the Trattoria Piatini menu, with excellent choices for children. A la carte favourites include beef tartare alla Siciliana and seafood linguine alla chitarra.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R68e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra8e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Lyndhurst Contact: limewoodhotel.co.ukPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
Hartnett Holder & Co has mastered the art of luxurious dining without the stuffiness - Helen CathcartElderflower
Lymington’s culinary jewel is tucked into an 18th-century building in cobbled Quay Street. With three AA rosettes, this is fine dining in intimate surroundings from chef/patron Andrew du Bourg and the place to go for a romantic treat. Modern British cooking is innovative and ingredients are locally sourced where possible. The chef’s tasting menu mixes fish with game and ends with Andrew’s famous Close But No Cigar dessert comprising chocolate, whisky and coffee ice cream.
Area: Lymington Contact: elderflowerrestaurant.co.ukPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
Chef Andrew du Bourg brings intimate fine dining to this charming 18th-century spot in LymingtonVerveine
Fish restaurants are thin on the ground hereabouts but Verveine, a tiny restaurant with just nine tables, makes up for the lack. David Wykes is the passionate chef/patron and his love of all things piscine shines through with a cook book and his own spice blends for sale. The fish dishes that come from his minute kitchen are modern, innovative, science-based and superb. At dinner and “blind” tasting menus are offered; lunch is much more affordable.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R6he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rahe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Milford on SeaContact: verveine.co.ukPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
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Best for cheap eats
The Larder
Delightful Welshman Karl Cheshire owned a telecoms company before buying a coffee shop in a courtyard off the High Street. He learnt to cook on the job and created this in-the-know delight, serving breakfast and lunch by day (brilliant home-made scotch eggs, quiche, “larder bomb” steak and ale pie, salads, tartines and charcuterie boards). Best of all are the delicious and authentic hot and cold tapas served here on Thursday and Friday evenings – quite a surprise and always a great atmosphere.
Area: LymingtonContact: thelarder-lymington.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Recommended
The Larder puts on lively tapas evenings every Thursday and FridayRay’s Italian Kitchen
Classically trained Karl Wiggins mans the stoves at Stacey Crouch’s smart, all blue restaurant and café, named for her father and serving “Italian food with an English twist”. “Keep it simple” says Karl; “five ingredients are all you need in an Italian recipe, such as our popular salsa di noci (walnuts) served with tortellini”. There are plenty of inexpensive options on the menu plus a good value kids’ menu. The Wednesday lasagne meal deals at lunch and dinner prove rather popular.
Area: Milford on SeaContact: raysitaliankitchen.co.ukPrice: £ Reservations: Recommended
Daisy Tea Garden, Setley Ridge Vineyard
Setley Ridge is much more than a surprising vineyard in the New Forest. There are tastings, tours, a farm shop, flower-filled garden centre and an emporium selling garden furniture and adornments. In the café, tuck into breakfast, simple lunches such as salads and toasties or scones for tea; children can amuse themselves by finding stone animals among the plants and persuading you to buy them.
Area: BrockenhurstContact: setleyridgegardencentre.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Not essential
Tastings, tours, a farm shop, flower-filled garden centre and tea garden; Setley Ridge does it allRenoufs
Pop in to this low-lit, wood-floored, bottle-lined High Street wine bar for a huge range of wines plus premium gins, whiskys, rums, local craft beers, and continental lagers. To accompany, there’s an impressive selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie. Of course, it’s possible to spend extravagantly here, depending on what you drink, but a glass of wine and a sharing board for two and six people helps keep the cost right down.
Area: Lyndhurst Contact: renoufswinebars.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Recommended
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How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
I became a Telegraph hotel critic 25 years ago. It was then that I also moved to the New Forest where I can happily walk, forage, sail, ride and shop in pretty villages – all within a National Park.
Fiona Duncan in her garden in the New ForestBroaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
