Pebble Beach

Nothing beats a table outside at Pebbles on a sunny day or a nice evening. The view is fantastic, the food excellent and the service relaxed but attentive. Just what the doctor ordered. The restaurant inside is also very nice but would probably score lower in atmosphere (still a confident 7 though).

From the outside Pebble Beach looks like a small dormer bungalow – very unimpressive and we were a little doubtful as to whether it would be as good as we had been told. Inside it's a good size with an oyster/champagne bar, a large tropical fish tank and large glass windows with a great view out over the Isle of Wight. There's also a really great terrace with smart, trendy garden furniture, fairy lights, burners and a large, sail-type canopy; more like Ibiza than Dorset! The decor indoors is more traditional but still smart.

The menu was fresh & imaginative with plenty of local seafood. The half lobster tempura with pak choi stir fry, glass noodles and sweet chilli sauce was really fresh and tasty and beautifully presented, as was the beef bourginon. All the dishes we saw arriving at other tables looked equally good. The wine list had plenty of choice by the glass and a selection of dessert wines to go with the 8 options for dessert.

Service was faultless, prompt, helpful and friendly; one of the waiters took photos for us with the great view.

Dinner for four (3 lobster mains, 1 beef main, 2 desserts [1cheese board and 1 chocolate fondant], a bottle of chablis, a glass of red and a glass of port), including tip and donation to charity came to £125. Very good value for a great night out.