+44 1929 550990+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 21:00
Mon
17:00 - 22:00
Tue
17:00 - 22:00
Wed
12:00 - 22:00
Thu
12:00 - 22:00
Fri
12:00 - 22:00
Sat
12:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Italian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Business meetings
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
A delightful fusion of Italian & British Cuisine by Head Chef Shannon Richards. Contemporary and relaxed atmosphere with superb views across the Purbeck Hills in Dorset. Situated on the picturesque Wareham Quay.
PRICE RANGE
£8.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
838 reviews
Excellent
657
Very good
92
Average
49
Poor
25
Terrible
16
Joe
Yateley75 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
The location and the decor is lovely. The staff were friendly and helpful with all covid precautions in place. It does feel a bit more like eating in a modern apartment than a restaurant though and there was no background music (or it was really quiet) which made for a bit of an awkward atmosphere.
Our starters were lovely, I thought my main was good but a bit bland, my partner however really enjoyed hers. We also had sides which were much bigger than expected so we had way too much food but they were really good. The waitress also boxed up the garlic bread for us so we could take it away. Our meals come out really quickly and were piping hot, and you can tell the food is fresh and good quality so no complaints overall.
Paid by card and the machine had no option to leave a gratuity, and I had no cash. Bit disappointing as I felt a bit guilty leaving without a tip especially as it was deserved. Would visit again!
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsay909
Poole63 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We went here on a last minute whim on a cold Tuesday in January. The restaurant was warm and cozy, with a good number if tables filled.
We shared a ‘specials’ starter - ravioli stuffed with goats cheese, served with a delicious tomato sauce. It was enough for two. Mains were seafood tagolini and lasagne. They were very good indeed. The sauce with the tagolini was particularly tasty.
The mains portion sizes were good - enough to fill you, but not massive. As we hate leaving food (especially when it is so great) we were very happy with the amount served.
A couple of glassed of very nice Rioja completed the meal.
The staff were engaging and friendly. We will return to this one.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jemma
Beer23 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
A lovely evening with the most delicious pizza form an expensive menu, gluten free options and genuine Italian favourites including Stromboli.Beware large portions - all served by lovely staff, patient, friendly and full of good advice on their food & drinks. A lovey evening overlooking the quay on our honeymoon.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana H
16 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Whilst the food we had was good, the service was appalling. Our carbonara and lasagna took 40 minutes to come, which was bad enough. We then were totally ignored, despite trying to get attention. The waitress for our table just kept ignoring us and didn't even ask us if we wanted anything else. We got a dessert menu from another waitress and were then ignored again. We gave up. The proprietor did reduce our bill as he realised we had been treated badly but unfortunately our evening was spoiled and I left feeling upset. Shame because I think the food is okay.
Written 23 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Istvan K
Dear Guest
We appreciate your feedback; thank you for taking the time to post your review. Our aim is that every customer enjoys their time with us, leaving with a memorable experience (for all the right reasons) to which we are upset that you did not. I have checked the records on our till, also discussed with my colleagues, please, see below the findings.
Your visit was on the 16th December, on our popular EOTHO 50% offer on drinks and food evening, the restaurant was full. You arrived at 7 pm, the drinks order was taken 7.03 and the food order at 7.09. We promptly served our complementary Bakery bread board with seasoned butter- which we are offering to all our guest while waiting for their meal- and your mains served and arrived within a reasonable time / just after 7.45/. The bill was printed at 8.15pm.
Our food freshly prepared, cooked and served to order, some main meals could take over a half an hour, which is an acceptable waiting.
I believe that my colleagues checked upon your table when the breadboard was cleared, also during the main course. Unfortunately, it appears that you did not make us aware that you were unhappy until after eating the main course and decided not to order dessert from my colleague and ask for the bill. At this point we were unable to do anything to change the experience you had.
We are sorry that you left our restaurant unhappy. However, I do believe that if you informed us during your meal the staff would have tried their best to turn the experience around for you, making sure that it was a memorable experience.
If you would like any further information regarding your visit, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can ring 01929 550990, ask for Istvan or alternatively you can email me on info@theitaliankitchendorset.com. Regards, Istvan Kohazi general manager
Written 26 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AndyMcD1990
Bletchingley21 contributions
May 2021 • friends
The restaurant is in a lovely location opposite a river with a bridge, inside its clean, spacious and nicely decorated.
On arrival the staff were friendly, attentive and polite. The service was good, we were checked on and looked after well. We ordered starters and mains, and before they arrived we received some freshly baked Italian bread which was a really nice touch with different butters.
The starters arrived and they were also delicious. The bruschetta’s were great and the meatballs also fantastic and a large portion size for a starter, great fresh Italian bread with olive oil.
The mains then arrived which were pizzas and pasta. The pasta (chicken and chorizo) pasta and pizzas were not really what we expected.
The pasta was bland and even after adding lots of black pepper neither pasta eaters were impressed. It could be that we are used to strong flavours, but the pastas were just not great.
The pizzas were freshly stone baked and had the nice stone baked bottom however they also were not that nice. I would say they had an excessive amount of “cheap” cheese instead of what I would expect being a high quality buffalo mozzarella. The overall experience of the pizzas and pasta were far from perfect and I think we all left food as we were underwhelmed.
I can’t fault the staff and the location and the restaurant, the mains need some work.
We paid £100 for starters, mains and one drink each which would be fine for a really nice meal, however we were not impressed with the food based on the pricing.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee R
Bournemouth55 contributions
May 2021 • family
My wife and I visited this restaurant with our son And we found the whole experience to be excellent.
The venue is perfect, by the side of the river in Wareham.
We had a family meal which included starters, pizzas and a lasagna, all of which were tasty and excellent value for money.
Our son is coeliac and we sometimes struggle with gluten-free options But we can’t fault the food or gluten-free options at this wonderful restaurant.
The professional staff made this a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience and we would recommend it to anybody who was thinking of eating here.

Written 8 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clark216
Wareham8 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
A good menu, but way overpriced. If you’re paying £7 for a dessert it should be something special. Sadly the cheesecake was heavy and lacked taste, my wife left her’s for me, as she wasn’t keen after 2 mouthfuls. My tiramesu was a puff of wind and I had room for the cheesecake. The mains were good have a massive mark up, for what they are.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell02
United Kingdom137 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
To be honest we cam ehere as The Priory (Posh Hotel around the corner!), was booked up. But we were so pleased we did. It was Valentines day - always a dodgy day to be eating out but we were made so very welcome with complimentary Beliinis,Helium baloon for my wife and even a box of chocs to take away. A knowledgeable wine waiter and the food itself was the star of the show, wonderful breads, a starter of meatballs and pork belly to follow. Dessert was, of course, tiramisu and it was a very good one indeed. The service was wonderful. Everyone anxious to help, and everyone had a smile on their face - no mean feat theses day as often waiters and waitresses look terribly miserable. We visited during Storm Dennis so could not enjoy the outdoor seating but this place really is a little gem.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thechitster60
Milton Keynes6 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Recently we have started going out again for Sunday lunch. We have had some horrors but this lovely restaurant has renewed my view that a good roast dinner can be cooked by a restaurant. The beef was so tender and tasty, cooked to perfection, the roast potatoes were excellent and the selection of vegetables were a perfect choice. The gravy was wonderful and it was delightful to have your own little jug so you could have as much or as little as possible. The Yorkies were fab too! The service by the two young ladies was very professional, both could not have not done more. Thank you, it was an exceptional lunch, fine dining at a very reasonable cost.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish
Poole4 contributions
Feb 2022 • friends
An early evening table for four as requested on the Ground Floor of this very tidy and well decorated restaurant on Wareham Quay. Parking is very convenient to the restaurant.
The table by the window was comfortable, no toilets to sit by here and although near the kitchen door no excess noise/busy staff back and forwards at close proximity. A very pleasant Waitress (Ellie) served us well . No time limit on table but maybe this was due to still being Winter season. All meals were very satisfactory which included pasta dishes and Pizzas.
Our delay with ordering desserts due to hesitation as to whether we really wanted to eat more was no problem for the staff- but in the end we gave in and had beatifully presented Cheesecake and Pannacottas. A nice cup of coffee for me because sadly I just couldn't find room for afters! The only minor disappointment was the Garlic bread which is a Side order normally but we had has a shared Starter, needed a bit more Garlic but all the breads are good.
The experience of this Italian restaurant will be repeated I have no doubts by each one of us in the future. Thank You.
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john S
Oxford27 contributions
May 2022 • none
Visited this restaurant with my wife for dinner.
Warm welcome from the receptionist who took us upstairs to our table. Lovely views out over the river and water meadows as the sun went down. Clean minimalist style decoration in the restaurant.
We just ordered main courses and while we were waiting were given a board of complimentary breads and butters. I enjoyed the chicken saltimbocca and my wife had the prawn linguine which she said was beautifully cooked.
When we asked for the bill we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was reduced by £10 per head as part of a promotion for diners on Wednesday evenings.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jazzicatt
Poole61 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
Love this restaurant. Italian food that is traditional with a few modern twist. The prawn starter with asparagus and courgette was beautifully presented and everything on the plated tasted amazing. For main I had the seafood linguine. Totally mouthwatering. Best Italian main I have ever had. Lovely comfortable venue with friendly staff. I little gem.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
15 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We finally got in by making our reservation on line as they had no space when we phoned... might have been a computer glitch 🤷♀️
We ordered garlic bread with mozzarella and caramelised onions, lasagna and the chicken with penne with chorizo and cream/mushroom sauce. The food is lovely and you do get a lot of it, we struggled to finish our dishes.
The only reason why I didn’t give it a 5 was the wait for drinks/food, especially as others who came in after us got theirs before us! Apart from that, I would definitely recommend.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
12ljr
62 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We visited whilst we were in Dorset for a couple of days. The food was lovely, I had lasagne which was served on a plate, not the normal take the skin off the inside of your mouth hot dish. The child’s menu of spagbol was very tasty for our little one and a good portion. The child’s ice cream came served with fruits which was a good idea. All of us enjoyed what we had chosen, too full for desert unfortunately. The staff were attentive and we didn’t wait long for service. Would definitely visit again.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cath2105
Welwyn Garden City37 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We had a superb meal in this lovely restaurant. It was the perfect start to our weekend break in Wareham.
The food was cooked perfectly and well presented and the staff were attentive. There were unobtrusive screens to assist with social distancing and hand sanitizer was provided too.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a meal out.
Be warned.....the portions were extremely generous and it meant no room for dessert 😕 but a lovely glass of limoncello helped!
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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