Zoukinis is a delightful vegetarian restaurant located in the Westbourne area of Bournemouth, Dorset.
The restaurant is at once welcoming, the sumptuous decor and friendly staff give it a lovely ambience the minute you walk in the door. It has a warm and exotic feel about it, adorned by buddhas, soft cushions and nice lighting, reflecting the middle-eastern nature of much of the food that is served here. The menu is totally vegetarian with a great selection for both vegan and gluten free diets.
The lunch menu offers a selection of affordable dishes from hummus, olives, falafels, quiches, omelettes and home-made veggie burgers. The falafels and burgers are each offered with four choices of sauces, giving each one a different flavour from Mexican or Italian burgers to Lebanese or Greek falafel. Quiches vary from day to day, depending on which fillings are seasonally available. All dishes come served with a good house salad, and some with a choice of potatoes/fries.
My party were all impressed with the flavour and quality of the food served, the hummus was particularly good, and the homemade burgers were very tasty. Personally I didn't like the fact that they buy in their fries, I like everything to be homemade, and am not too keen on the idea of fries being served in a health-conscious restaurant either - but you can't have everything! The prices are good, at around £7-£9 for main courses, and they also offer a very reasonably priced children's menu.
The evening menu (which I am hoping to try in the very near future) is a little more special, and I suspect offers a more complete dining experience. (I will have to do a follow up here, I think.)
There is a small courtyard at the side of the restaurant with outdoor seating, so you can sit outside on a warm evening or a sunny afternoon (although we were unfortunately pestered by wasps, as it was August). Opening hours vary from day to day, so it's best to call or check their website before going.
The Dorset Vegetarian's star rating: ****
Restaurant details:
Zoukinis,
18 Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9AR
Tel: 01202 766797
Web: www.zoukinis.com
Friday 23 August 2013
Thursday 22 August 2013
Tierra Kitchen - vegetarian restaurant in Lyme Regis
You will find Tierra Kitchen hidden away down a pretty backstreet in Lyme Regis. An unassuming little cafe type frontage and an understated interior belie what is probably one of the best vegetarian dining experiences that you will find in Dorset.
The restaurant is a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, which is such a welcome treat to a vegetarian, they offer a fantastic choice of dishes and there is no need to worry about asking what the ingredients are or what type of cheese they use - everything is suitable! The menu also caters for vegan and gluten free diets, both of which are indicated on the menu.
We had a booked a table for four for an evening meal. We were glad we did as space is very limited and every other table was full. Once shown to our seats by friendly staff we were offered bottled water and bread with olives. The water is filtered and chilled in house and although there is a small charge for this the restaurant donate the money to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. The bread was a delicious selection of handmade focaccia and artisan breads.
The evening menu offers a great range of dishes that I don't think you will find anywhere else, each dish is finished with a unique touch, served with delicate sauces and garnishes that make each one just that little bit more special. Although the menu is not extensive each thing is done to a very high standard, it would cater for most tastes, and it is probably sufficient for the size of the restaurant.
Starters include sweet corn and cashew croquettes with fine beans and mint jelly, and feta, raspberry and hazelnut salad - we shared these two between the four of us, so as not to ruin our appetites for the main course - and both were exquisite. The combinations of flavours worked wonderfully, and they were beautifully presented.
From the main course menu we chose: Applewood Cheddar Tarte Tatin, which was a puff pastry case filled with butternut squash and cheese, served with sauteed pak choi and a plum dressing; one of my party had the Spinach, Ricotta and Buckwheat Cannelloni, served with cheese, pickled cucumber, baby carrots and pineapple; and the other two opted for the Sweet Potato, Khol Rabi and Pine Nut Tortilla. We all ate every last drop on our plates - the finely paired combinations with individually prepared garnishes to complement each dish was a joy. It was all beautifully presented, absolutely delicious and a sheer delight to eat.
The wine and drinks menu gives a good choice with all wines being suitable for vegetarians, and some that are also suitable for vegans.
With a bottle of wine between us the bill worked out at around £25-£30 per head - main courses average at around £12, with starters at about £6. It was a little more expensive than we had expected, although by no means over-priced and, in my opinion, definitely worth it. The lunchtime mains are a little more reasonable and they offer a choice of omelettes, falafels, hummus, veggie sausages and sandwiches for around £7-£8.
The restaurant itself has a pleasant and relaxing ambience, with simple and subtle decor, and windows overlooking the river that runs through the town. Although it is quite small, this gives it quite a personal feel and makes you feel that the staff have time for you. The staff are friendly and helpful, but also leave you alone to enjoy your meal.
All in all it was a delightful dining experience and a very special treat. I am looking forward to my next visit - I might try the lunch menu next time.
The Dorset Vegetarians star rating: *****
Details: Tierra Kitchen
1A Coombe St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PY
Tel: 01297 445189
Website: http://www.tierrakitchen.co.uk/
The restaurant is a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, which is such a welcome treat to a vegetarian, they offer a fantastic choice of dishes and there is no need to worry about asking what the ingredients are or what type of cheese they use - everything is suitable! The menu also caters for vegan and gluten free diets, both of which are indicated on the menu.
We had a booked a table for four for an evening meal. We were glad we did as space is very limited and every other table was full. Once shown to our seats by friendly staff we were offered bottled water and bread with olives. The water is filtered and chilled in house and although there is a small charge for this the restaurant donate the money to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. The bread was a delicious selection of handmade focaccia and artisan breads.
The evening menu offers a great range of dishes that I don't think you will find anywhere else, each dish is finished with a unique touch, served with delicate sauces and garnishes that make each one just that little bit more special. Although the menu is not extensive each thing is done to a very high standard, it would cater for most tastes, and it is probably sufficient for the size of the restaurant.
Starters include sweet corn and cashew croquettes with fine beans and mint jelly, and feta, raspberry and hazelnut salad - we shared these two between the four of us, so as not to ruin our appetites for the main course - and both were exquisite. The combinations of flavours worked wonderfully, and they were beautifully presented.
From the main course menu we chose: Applewood Cheddar Tarte Tatin, which was a puff pastry case filled with butternut squash and cheese, served with sauteed pak choi and a plum dressing; one of my party had the Spinach, Ricotta and Buckwheat Cannelloni, served with cheese, pickled cucumber, baby carrots and pineapple; and the other two opted for the Sweet Potato, Khol Rabi and Pine Nut Tortilla. We all ate every last drop on our plates - the finely paired combinations with individually prepared garnishes to complement each dish was a joy. It was all beautifully presented, absolutely delicious and a sheer delight to eat.
The wine and drinks menu gives a good choice with all wines being suitable for vegetarians, and some that are also suitable for vegans.
With a bottle of wine between us the bill worked out at around £25-£30 per head - main courses average at around £12, with starters at about £6. It was a little more expensive than we had expected, although by no means over-priced and, in my opinion, definitely worth it. The lunchtime mains are a little more reasonable and they offer a choice of omelettes, falafels, hummus, veggie sausages and sandwiches for around £7-£8.
The restaurant itself has a pleasant and relaxing ambience, with simple and subtle decor, and windows overlooking the river that runs through the town. Although it is quite small, this gives it quite a personal feel and makes you feel that the staff have time for you. The staff are friendly and helpful, but also leave you alone to enjoy your meal.
All in all it was a delightful dining experience and a very special treat. I am looking forward to my next visit - I might try the lunch menu next time.
The Dorset Vegetarians star rating: *****
Details: Tierra Kitchen
1A Coombe St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PY
Tel: 01297 445189
Website: http://www.tierrakitchen.co.uk/
Thursday 23 August 2012
The BlueFish Cafe, Chiswell, Portland
Just a quick one here, I had to give this place a mention, after ending up there accidentally recently.
Although primarily a fish restaurant, the BlueFish Cafe in Portland does do lovely home cooked vegetarian dishes. These are not on the menu, but it says to ask for vegetarian options, and I guess these are seasonal dishes that vary depending on what's available. There were two very tasty sounding options, and I had a butternut squash risotto that was absolutely the tastiest risotto I have ever eaten! The accompanying salad was a little flat - just a bowl of leaves with no dressing, but the main dish was just delicious.
The cafe has a nice quirky feel about it, interesting decor with unmatching old silver cutlery and an assortment of aged wooden tables and chairs. The fairy lights, gentle background music and polite and friendly staff give it a comfortable and easy-going atmosphere.
Contact details:
http://thebluefishrestaurant.com/
Although primarily a fish restaurant, the BlueFish Cafe in Portland does do lovely home cooked vegetarian dishes. These are not on the menu, but it says to ask for vegetarian options, and I guess these are seasonal dishes that vary depending on what's available. There were two very tasty sounding options, and I had a butternut squash risotto that was absolutely the tastiest risotto I have ever eaten! The accompanying salad was a little flat - just a bowl of leaves with no dressing, but the main dish was just delicious.
The cafe has a nice quirky feel about it, interesting decor with unmatching old silver cutlery and an assortment of aged wooden tables and chairs. The fairy lights, gentle background music and polite and friendly staff give it a comfortable and easy-going atmosphere.
Contact details:
http://thebluefishrestaurant.com/
Wednesday 1 August 2012
The George Inn, Chideock, West Dorset
The George in Chideock is a traditional thatched pub, run by friendly and dedicated landlords Emma
and Steve. Both previously worked at River Cottage, bringing with
them the ethos of using good quality, homegrown or local
food.
While much of the menu is based on
locally produced meat or fresh local fish, vegetarians do have a
reasonable choice with a permanent maincourse offering of vegetarian
linguini served with pesto and goat's cheese, as well as a seasonal
special which might be something like a seasonal vegetable gratin or
stuffed local mushrooms.
Thursday nights are pizza night at the
George, offering wood-fired pizzas with toppings of your choice, all
freshly cooked in their outdoor oven. Sunday lunches also offer a
vegetarian alternative of spinach and tomato lasagne.
A friendly welcome is always assured at
the pub, there is regular live music, occasional quiz nights, and a
good atmosphere, with cosy tables by the fireside during the winter,
as well as a quieter dining room for more formal dinners. Booking is
recommended, especially during the holiday season.
Contact details:
http://georgeinnchideock.co.uk/
Tel: 01297 489419
Star rating: ****
NB: the star rating is the opinion of
“The Dorset Vegetarian”, with a maximum score of 5 stars, and is based on quality of food, choice
for vegetarians and overall impression.
Saturday 28 July 2012
Down House Farm garden cafe
I'm going to start with a review of the delightful
garden cafe at Down House Farm in Lower Eype, near Bridport in
Dorset.
Set on the edge of Eype Down, and just
a short walk from the coast path, this cafe is a haven for walkers,
and provides a quiet retreat for those who wish to escape the town.
It also offers the best selection of vegetarian dishes that I have
found in the area.
At least half of the main courses on
the menu are suitable for vegetarians, are home cooked to order, and
most of the ingredients used are sourced either from the farm, or
obtained locally if possible. The farm, and the surrounding Golden Cap Estate, is owned by the National
Trust, and run by dedicated tenants who specialise in organic
produce.
On my recent visit (July 2012) I had a mediterranean vegetable
frittata served with salad, while my companion had a greek salad.
Both were prepared beautifully, and my frittata was delicious. We
could tell it was all freshly made with good quality fresh ingredients.
Main courses averaged at around £10.
The setting is very beautiful but,
with most of the seating outdoors, is best visited on a nice
sunny day. Although not open for evening meals they do still take
orders for dinner up to 6 pm.
Contact details: www.downhousefarm.org,
tel: 01308 421232
Star rating: *****
NB: the star rating is the opinion of
“The Dorset Vegetarian”, with a maximum score of 5 stars, and is based on quality of food, choice for
vegetarians and overall impression.
Sunday 15 July 2012
A vegetarian's guide to eating out in West Dorset
West Dorset is full of food producers, farmers, foodies and restaurants, but I still seem to have trouble finding places that offer a good choice of vegetarian food. There are lots of good restaurants dedicated to fresh fish, or local produce, but the chefs often seem reluctant to offer more than one or two token veggie dishes.
I am making it my mission to try out what's on offer from the various restaurants and pubs in the West Dorset area, and to compile a list of the best places to eat out for the discerning vegetarian.
Alongside this ongoing quest I shall be posting monthly seasonal vegetarian recipes.
Watch this space!
I am making it my mission to try out what's on offer from the various restaurants and pubs in the West Dorset area, and to compile a list of the best places to eat out for the discerning vegetarian.
Alongside this ongoing quest I shall be posting monthly seasonal vegetarian recipes.
Watch this space!
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