
Hot Rocks
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Quick info
About Hot Rocks
Hot Rocks is an eclectic restaurant on Pier Approach in Bournemouth, on the seafront near the pier and the Observation Wheel. The business began as a surf shop by Bournemouth Pier and now serves Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, made fresh, which gives the kitchen its centre. The Margherita sits alongside a broader menu that includes a jerk chicken sandwich. A cocktail bar runs next to the kitchen, with the espresso martini among the drinks on offer. Dogs are welcome, so guests can bring their pets along. A local family owns the restaurant, which has been open nearly 30 years.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs · Kids' menu
- DietaryVegetarian options
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention wood-fired pizza, cocktails, jerk chicken sandwich and ribs.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention wood-fired pizza, cocktails, jerk chicken sandwich and ribs.
Customer Review Summary
Wood-fired pizza is the clear draw, with reviewers praising the naturally fermented dough on a four-cheese, a perfect Margherita, and one who compared it to pizza eaten in Naples. Close behind are the jerk chicken sandwich, ribs and chilli cheese fries, along with fish and chips and a prawn pasta. Cocktails earn mentions too, including a Dark 'n' Stormy, an espresso martini and a lime mojito. Diners describe the atmosphere as relaxed and not hurried, with outdoor seating near the Observation Wheel, and several call the staff friendly, saying nothing was too much trouble. Orders are described as arriving quickly even on a busy Sunday afternoon. Prices are called reasonable given the pier location. The caveats are small: one reviewer found the prawn pasta had a little too much sauce, another found the restaurant a touch noisy, and one called the nearby car parks extortionate. One guest celebrated a 40th birthday with family and friends and described the team's care throughout the evening.
Customer Review Summary
Wood-fired pizza is the clear draw, with reviewers praising the naturally fermented dough on a four-cheese, a perfect Margherita, and one who compared it to pizza eaten in Naples. Close behind are the jerk chicken sandwich, ribs and chilli cheese fries, along with fish and chips and a prawn pasta. Cocktails earn mentions too, including a Dark 'n' Stormy, an espresso martini and a lime mojito. Diners describe the atmosphere as relaxed and not hurried, with outdoor seating near the Observation Wheel, and several call the staff friendly, saying nothing was too much trouble. Orders are described as arriving quickly even on a busy Sunday afternoon. Prices are called reasonable given the pier location. The caveats are small: one reviewer found the prawn pasta had a little too much sauce, another found the restaurant a touch noisy, and one called the nearby car parks extortionate. One guest celebrated a 40th birthday with family and friends and described the team's care throughout the evening.
Featured reviews
- Daniel Bell
“Having returned to Bournemouth after 17 years I was delighted to come back to hot rocks as this was a restaurant I enjoyed going to with my Dad and brothers! I have a lots of positive memories there. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere and service were brilliant. Over the weekend my partner and I ate there twice the jerk chicken sandwich, ribs and chilli cheese fries were excellent as well as the cocktails! The staff were very attentive, and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Having spoken to the manager Dimitri who was a lovely guy it's great to hear that hot rocks is still owned by a local family and will be 30 years old next summer! It's refreshing to see a restaurant stand the test of time and not get taken over by a big coperate restaurant group or even worse close down entirely. Hot rocks is credit to the town of Bournemouth and I wish them another 30 years of success!”
- Poly Trivellato
“I honestly don’t know where to start with this review other than saying thank you from the bottom of my heart. I celebrated my 40th birthday at Hot Rock surrounded by my family and friends, and the whole evening was honestly more than I could ever have dreamed of. It was one of those nights that you wish you could press pause on and stay in forever. The food was absolutely incredible, but it was the people who made the evening so special. Carlos and every single member of the team were so warm, friendly and genuinely caring. Nothing was too much trouble, and they made us feel so welcome from beginning to end. You could really feel the effort and care that went into making our evening special, and I will never forget that. Looking around and seeing everyone I love having such a wonderful time meant so much to me. Hot Rock will always hold a very special place in my heart after such a beautiful evening. ❤️ Thank you, Carlos, and thank you to the whole team for giving me memories that I’ll treasure for years to come. We absolutely loved every minute. 🥰 If you’re thinking about visiting Hot Rock, don’t hesitate — you’ll be in the best hands!”
- Ankita Badhan (Anky)
“I ordered the Margherita pizza and french fries a lime mojito. Everything was really good, and especially enjoyed the nice, relaxed vibe. Lovely atmosphere and a great place to spend some time. Would definitely recommend! 🌿🍕🍹”
- Kako Rider
“I had a four-cheese pizza; the dough was great, truly naturally fermented, very flavorful. And I ordered a Dark 'n' Stormy, a Jamaican ginger beer with fresh lime and dark rum, very good. And I finished with an espresso martini and Movenpick chocolate ice cream. The service is top-notch, the atmosphere is really pleasant, I will definitely return.”
- Tracey Woodward
“Visited on a busy Sunday afternoon. Greeted and seated immediately and the food and drinks order arrived superfast. Partner announced the pizza was perfect... he knows pizza. I had the pasta with prawns which was delicious but maybe a little too much sauce... I think its a personal thing though. Not overpriced at all. Thr atmosphere was great. Relaxed and not hurried at all. Its our second visit here and we would definitely go again.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Proudly independent, we’re all about feel-good food, fresh flavours, and effortless hospitality, with a side of sunshine. What started as a rebellious surf shop by Bournemouth Pier has grown into one of the town’s most iconic spots. Today, our chefs fire up authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza and serve bold, globally inspired dishes that taste like holidays. Meanwhile, our cocktail bar in Bournemouth keeps the good times flowing, from signature spritzes to ice-cold beers with a view of the beach. Whether you’re craving al fresco dining by the sea, a cocktail with a view, or a relaxed bite after a day on the sand, there’s a seat here with your name on it. Hot Rocks is your year-round seaside escape.”
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed inside
- Takeout
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
- Vegetarian options
- Bar onsite
- Casual
- Onsite services
- Offerings· 10
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Trendy
- Dining options· 6
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Family-friendly· 3
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Pet-friendly· 1
- Dogs allowed outside
- Highlights· 4
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Crowd· 3
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Restaurants near Hot Rocks
- Crab at Bournemouth4.31,2150.1 mi£50–60Outdoor seatingWheelchair accessibleReservations
mussels, fish and chips, whole crab and lobster
- Urban Garden4.61,9780.2 mi£20–40Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
fish and chips, burgers, chips and fries
- 0.2 mi£10–30Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
gluten free options, sea view seating, coffee and cake
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot RocksOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.01,218 | — | £10–20 | wood-fired pizza, cocktails, jerk chicken sandwich |
| Crab at BournemouthOutdoor seating · Wheelchair accessible · Reservations | 4.31,215 | 0.1 mi | £50–60 | mussels, fish and chips, whole crab and lobster |
| Urban GardenOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.61,978 | 0.2 mi | £20–40 | fish and chips, burgers, chips and fries |
| Key West - Coastal Restaurant & EntertainmentOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.11,639 | 0.2 mi | £10–30 | gluten free options, sea view seating, coffee and cake |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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