09-07-2025
The 21 best restaurants in the New Forest
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.
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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.
