Where to Eat Beside the Water in Christchurch

Christchurch Waterfront Restaurants | Places to Eat in Christchurch | Dorset Lifestyle

Christchurch is a town shaped by water. The rivers Avon and Stour meet beside the historic quay before flowing into a natural harbour dotted with sailing boats, swans and paddleboarders.

That geography also gives us an unusually good choice of places to eat beside the water. From elegant seafood lunches to fish and chips with our feet almost in the sand, these are five waterfront restaurants worth visiting

Few restaurants place us closer to the heart of Christchurch than The Boathouse. Its veranda and outdoor jetty seating overlook Christchurch Quay, where pleasure boats come and go beneath the tower of the Priory.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, making it an easy choice for a family lunch, cocktails with friends or dinner after exploring the town. The menu stretches from breakfast and coffee to locally sourced seafood, stone-baked pizzas and Sunday roasts.

Its location is part of the pleasure. Before eating, we can walk around the Priory and castle ruins; afterwards, we can wander through the Quomps or stop for a game on the restaurant’s mini-golf course. On a warm day, try to secure an outside table and allow time simply to watch life on the quay.

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Set directly on the banks of the River Stour, the Club Restaurant at Captain’s Club Hotel feels calm from the moment we arrive. Its large windows look across the water towards Wick, while the sunny terrace is particularly lovely when boats are moving along the river.

This is somewhere to linger over lunch rather than rush through it. The restaurant offers relaxed, award-winning dining, while the lounge and bar make it possible to visit for something lighter, afternoon tea or a drink by the river.

For a simple Christchurch mini-adventure, follow lunch with a walk beside the Stour and cross the water on the little Wick Ferry when it is running. It turns an ordinary meal out into a proper riverside escape.

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Perched at the water’s edge within Christchurch Harbour Hotel, The Jetty is the choice for a birthday, anniversary or long lunch that deserves a memorable setting.

Chef patron Alex Aitken has spent decades building relationships with local fishermen and producers, and the menus place fresh, seasonal ingredients at their centre. Unsurprisingly, seafood is one of the restaurant’s greatest strengths.

The dining room has been designed to make the harbour the star. Through its wide windows, we can watch changing tides, passing boats and birdlife moving across the water. It feels polished without losing the easy-going character of the Dorset coast - and the view remains impressive even when the weather does not.

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For sea views rather than river scenery, head to The Noisy Lobster at Avon Beach. The family-run restaurant overlooks Mudeford Bay, the harbour entrance and, on a clear day, the distant Needles.

Menus are centred around fresh produce and sustainably sourced seafood, making this a natural place for oysters, fish or a leisurely coastal lunch. There is also a deli and bakery, while the adjoining Lobster Hatch provides a more casual takeaway option for eating on the beach.

We can easily build a day around it: begin with a walk from Mudeford Quay, follow the promenade to Avon Beach and finish with lunch overlooking the water. During summer, booking ahead is sensible, especially if we want a table with the best view.

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The Beach House occupies one of Christchurch Harbour’s most remarkable locations: the harbour side of Mudeford Sandbank, with panoramic views towards Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay.

Getting there is half the fun. We can walk through Hengistbury Head, take the land train or cross the harbour by ferry when services are operating. With no ordinary road access, lunch here immediately feels removed from everyday life.

The current open-air, beachside set-up serves food throughout the day, making it ideal for an informal lunch, cold drink or sunset stop. We are surrounded by sand, colourful beach huts and water on both sides of the spit. Check the venue’s opening information and ferry times before travelling, as coastal weather can affect the journey.

Photo: Instagram