WHAT better way to enjoy your weekend than with a trip to the Purbecks and an indulgent feast? 

Now that the summer season is over and visitors no longer crowd our coastline, it's finally time to start re-exploring our county and all that our independent businesses have to offer. 

Purbeck is arguably home to some of the best cafes and restaurants in the county, if not the country, and we are spoilt to have them right on our doorstep. 

So, if you're looking for inspiration on where to dine out this autumn then look no further.

We've rounded up some of the best-rated restaurants in Purbeck on Google Reviews: 

The Pink Goat

5 West St, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5HA

Owned by the couple behind Gourmet Goats Dorset, The Pink Goat in Corfe Castle is heralded as a home away from home serving up spectacular breakfast and lunch daily. 

On Friday and Saturday nights the fully licensed restaurant also serves a range of meals. 

They have a whopping 219 reviews with 4.8 stars out of five. 

One review said: "Such an amazing place it is! I have never had such good food in the UK! Will be coming back as often as possible."

Another person said: "Truly exceptional. We were a party of five ranging from teens to 80s, all found something on the menu and all were very impressed with the quality of the food and service.

"I had the local haddock with tartare sauce, mushy peas and sauteed potatoes. All ingredients were the best I have tasted. You won't be disappointed."

The Cabin 

Burlington Rd, Swanage BH19 1LW

The Cabin has amassed more than 300 reviews and gained itself a rating of 4.5 stars. 

The Cabin is a three tiered Beach Cafe & Bar. Nestled in the cliff below The Grand Hotel, with tables on the promenade, cozy booths and a viewpoint on the top deck.

The cosy cabin is open from 9am to 4pm. Alternatively, if you see the Union Jack flying then it's open. 

One Google reviewer said: "Great staff, great food and booze available. I rate this place!" 

Another said: "Absolutely love this place. It’s in a great spot, the people who run it are lovely, the food is brilliant and the bottles of beer are cold. My wife enjoyed the sun as well!"

The 29029 Restaurant 

Sandford Rd, Sandford, Wareham BH20 7DD

This Nepalese restaurant in Wareham is one of the most highly rated in the whole of Purbeck, with 4.7 stars and nearly 600 reviews. 

One customer said: "Awesome food, great and friendly service. A great selection of drinks and an extensive menu for starters, mains and deserts.

"A good selection between Nepalese and Indian so there is something for everyone. A friendly family atmosphere. If you're in the area, it should be visited."

Another said: "Absolutely the best Indian food we have ever had!

"Great service and great food - I just wish we lived closer!"

The Salt Pig Too

7A Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB

The unique Salt Pig in Wareham and The Salt Pig Too in Swanage are both home to an urban farm shop, butchery and a café.

The Salt Pig Too receives fresh fish and shellfish from local fisherman on a daily basis and they only serve food that has come from the local area.

One review said: ""Fantastic sausage roll, quiche and selection of salads."

Another said: "In a world full of fast food, get you a Salt Pig.

"So fresh and unreal choice!

"Stumbled across this place while waiting for the steam train in Swanage on a really hot day and this is what you need - it’s great to rock up and grab fresh food.

"I could go on but let’s just say you will not be disappointed."

Black Swan Inn 

159 High St, Swanage BH19 2NE

If you're looking for real ale and comfort food then it's worth a visit to the Black Swan Inn.

The cosy pub has 4.6 stars and more than 600 reviews.  

One happy customer said: "Great pub at the top of Swanage High Street. Our favourite in Swanage with friendly efficient staff. Good menu with daily specials, nice range of draught beers. Book early because it gets full, which is always a good sign.

"Nice garden to catch the setting sun."

Another said: ""Awesome place, yummy food and great staff."

Chilled Red 

1-5 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF

The quirky and delightful Chilled Red in Swanage has a stellar rating of 4.6 on Google Reviews.

One review said: "Lovely small reasonably priced restaurant with excellent service and delicious fresh seafood.

"We had the specials, a fresh lobster and a fresh fish mixed grill selection. Both beautifully cooked.

"It is a bit tucked away, and the location is nothing special, but the food more than makes up for it."

Another happy customer said: "I found a review in TripAdvisor saying that is is the best place in Dorset, I couldn't agree more.

"It could be a bit expensive but it is worth it. The service is great, I'm definitely planning to come back."

If we haven't featured your favourite in this list, then give them a shout-out in the comments below.