Reviews - Bates
Reviews summary
Bates restaurant in Bournemouth has received mixed reviews from customers. Some have been disappointed with the quality of the food and selection, while others have praised the delicious dishes and warm service. The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and reasonable prices have won over many diners, with some claiming it is the best in town. Despite some inconsistencies in the reviews, Bates seems to be a popular choice for those looking for a pleasant dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Sunday roast or a perfectly cooked steak, Bates might just be the place for you.
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Reviews from various users
Last update : 24.09.2025
What a great place, have lived in the area for about 15yrs and this is the first visit, what a great meal and service is fantastic Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Just had a lovely Sunday lunch, well worth the experience. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: £30–40 Recommended dishes: Roast Beef Parking options: Free of charge street parking
Had lunch today can’t fault the food or service. The food from starter to sweet was served in generous portions piping hot and full of flavour. Our steak medium to rare was very tasty and followed by peach cream slice a bit indulgent but worth it nothing a good walk won’t cure. Our waitress (sorry didn’t get her name) very polite and efficient will definitely be making return visits. Highly recommend a visit to this restaurant booking is essential although fairly quiet on our visit there are just over 30 seats available. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Last update : 30.08.2024
Highly recommended. Peaceful atmosphere Tentative service Amazing food
I went here for a team lunch yesterday and will definitely be returning. The food was beautifully cooked, so delicious that I had to enjoy three courses. Thank you. You won't be disappointed. Check out their menu online and make a reservation for yourself.
We enjoyed our meal at this restaurant. The steak was delicious, the waitress was attentive, and all eight of us received our meals at the same time. The plates were all served hot, which was a nice touch. We would definitely come back again.
It had been a while since our last visit, but we were pleased to find that the food and service were still excellent. We plan to make regular visits in the future.
I rediscovered Bates restaurant about a year ago, after not having been there for nearly 20 years! I am a ridiculously fussy eater, and am lucky to find even one dish on a menu in a restaurant. At Bates, I could probably have four or five to choose from.......very odd for me! The problem is, on my first visit (a year or so ago , I chose the lamb rump, and now I can 't bring myself to try anything else.....it is absolutely delicious! An incredibly generous portion, accompanied by crispy sauté potatoes and vegetables, in a lovely gravy. The service is excellent and the wine very reasonably priced, as is the food! All in all, I always give my meal 9 out of 10....my husband says, Why not a 10 then? My reply, Too much food! : To sum up... amazing food, fantastic, friendly service and super music playing in the background. If I had to fault anything, it would be that the lights are not quite dim enough for me ...I 'm nearly 60 and benefit from slightly softer lighting!! : :
Last update : 19.01.2024
Our party of fourteen had Sunday lunch to celebrate my mum's birthday. The staff were very attentive, food excellent and a lovely relaxed atmosphere....
Every time we visit family in the UK from home (USA), we have a meal at Bates. It has a small family feel to it which that brings people back. It...
Lovely family restaurant, felt very welcomed as soon as we walked in very friendly staff excellent service and the food was excellent. Can understand...
Have eaten here many times, never been dissapointed . Wonderful food , lovely warm friendly staff
Been to Bates many times it is excellent. Food, staff, atmosphere are all wonderful. I love the lamb. Would definitely recommend Bates.
Last update : 14.12.2023
Always reliably consistently excellent Meal type: Lunch Price per person: £20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Prawn Cocktail, Salmon Fillet
My Wife and I were brought here for a Thankyou lunch by a family friend. We hadn't been before. Thoroughly recommend. Welcome, food and service excellent and excellent value for money. Glenn Cooper Parking: No parking immediately outside but we found a spot across the road Wheelchair accessibility: It appears to be accessible although we didn't use the toilets Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: £20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Prawn Cocktail, Banoffee Pie Parking space: Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options: Free street parking
Absolutely brilliant food. We have been to this restaurant many times and have never been disappointed. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: £40–50 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Best, food in Bournemouth Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Excellent food and excellent service. We will definitely be returning. Apparently, their Sunday roast is to die for! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: £30–40 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Last update : 08.02.2023
Nice little cosy family run restaurant. Top quality food. Friendly service.
8th May just returned from Sunday lunch at Bates and regret have been disappointed with our visit. Have often eaten here in the past and enjoyed to day was the exception. The beef was very thinly sliced and my turkey was dry. Very small selection of vegetables and with 1 standard glass of house red and water the bill came to £41. Will not be returning unfortunately One point the staff are excellent.
Excellent starter and lamb roast dinner lamm almost filled the plate with excellent side panels of vegetables and roasted potatoes yorkshire pudding and gravy. excellent selection of whispers that can be taken away and boxed. the restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff. in any case worth a visit. I want to come back soon.
Very cozy restaurant, with excellent food and friendly service! no idea why I haven't visited yet.
Myself and Darren,. Had a excellent meal tonight,. 2 starters,. 2 mains, and desserts,. ,. 2 red wines, Thanku,. Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the food. Lovely cosy restaurant,. And for a Wednesday nite, it was full,. Everyone enjoying a relaxing evening.......
