A welcoming, dog-friendly pub restaurant with harbour views, strong roasts and broad menu choice, though recent reports flag occasional long waits, sold-out dishes and uneven handling of problems.
Nothe Tavern delivers solid food quality anchored by well-executed roasts, steaks and seafood, though inconsistent preparation in recent visits prevents a stronger grade. The harbour-facing terrace and fort-adjacent setting create genuine destination appeal, while friendly service mostly shines, though occasional lapses in attentiveness hold it back from approaching grade A territory.
Nothe Tavern is a friendly, slightly tucked-away pub on the Nothe, where the harbour-facing terrace and beer garden do much of the scene-setting. Reviews repeatedly describe a warm welcome, clean and comfortable interiors, dog-friendly hospitality and views that make the uphill walk worthwhile; one diner essentially felt treated like royalty, while another found the atmosphere dull or noisy on a poorer visit. The kitchen is broad rather than narrowly specialised: classic British pub plates sit alongside Greek dishes, seafood, stonebaked pizzas, burgers and changing specials. Sunday roast is the headline act, with beef, gravy and Yorkshire puddings earning especially enthusiastic praise, and the menu offers genuinely good choice at moderate prices. The trade-off is unevenness under pressure: recent reports mention sold-out dishes, a dry or burnt moussaka and waits exceeding an hour, while most other diners describe hot, tasty and generous food. Families are particularly well served. The children's menu has burgers, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, pizza, penne pasta, veggie sausage and ice cream, and reviews specifically say children enjoyed the pizza and proper chicken nuggets. The steps at the entrance are a serious accessibility limitation, so wheelchair users should confirm access before booking.
Area vibe: Seaside resort town known for beaches, harbour activities, and family tourism.
Safety: Generally safe with active daytime footfall; quieter at night in residential pockets.
What's nearby: Near Weymouth harbour, promenade, Sea Life Centre, and local shops; accessible from town centre and train station.
A booking and a quick access check are wise, especially because busy services can bring long waits and sold-out dishes.
Harbour views, a beer garden, and dog-friendly seating define the experience, but the mood is not consistently calm or lively.
Start with the beef Sunday roast, or choose from seafood, stonebaked pizzas, and classic pub dishes at more moderate prices.