Three Dorset venues have been named among the best coastal cafes/restaurants by the sea in the UK.

In a list from the Good Food Guide, a total of 23 were named, with Dorset's three meaning they had the joint-most of any county, alongside Devon and Cornwall.

Shell Bay in Studland, Crab House Cafe in Wyke Regis and Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock were the ones that made the list.

The full Good Food Guide coastal cafes list can be seen on their website here.

What was said about the Dorset coastal cafes?

Shell Bay was praised for its "unbeatable panoramic views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island" and its great service.

Great British Life: An oyster dish from Shell BayAn oyster dish from Shell Bay (Image: Tripadvisor)

It adds: "Not surprisingly, seafood figures prominently on the wide-ranging menu, from Poole Bay oysters with shallot vinegar or clean-cut cured salmon with fennel and apple salad to whole local crab and various offerings ‘from the wood oven’ - perhaps sea bass, Galician-style octopus or skate wing (perked up by a side order of sweet, nutty roasted Jerusalem artichokes with truffle and Parmesan)."

Alongside that, it has a range of "international desserts" including a creamy coffee crème brûlée.

Shell Bay has also been well-received on Tripadvisor earning a score of 4/5 from 1,369 ratings.

Meanwhile, the Crab House Cafe in Wyke Regis was commended for its "ever-changing roster of piscine freshness" which depends on the day's haul from the local boats.

Great British Life: A crab dish at the Crab House CafeA crab dish at the Crab House Cafe (Image: Tripadvisor)

It adds: "Staples such as fish pie with saffron mash or roast skate wing with paprika, spring onion and chorizo could be joined by specials including tandoori-style marinated ling or Arctic char fillet with monk’s beard, pink grapefruit and tarragon butter sauce.

"There are even a few desserts to choose from – warm Dorset apple cake is a no-brainer, given the locality."

It has also been well-received on Tripadvisor earning a score of 4.5/5 from 1,921 ratings.

Finally, the Hive Beach Cafe in Burton Bradstock was commended for its "tightly focused menu" with places an emphasis on "fresh, flavoursome and fun" dishes.

It adds: "Our inspection took in a sublimely flaky skate wing, sitting atop a mound of new potatoes, chorizo and wild mushrooms, plus a dollop of salmon and dill mayo; alternatively, you might opt for whole lemon sole with paprika-roasted chickpeas, wood-fired pepper, braised samphire and leeks."

Simpler dishes come in the form of Portland white and brown crab sandwich or tempura-battered Atlantic hake and chips, which is on their takeaway menu.

Great British Life: A lobster dish from the Hive Beach CafeA lobster dish from the Hive Beach Cafe (Image: Freelance)

Like the other venues, it has been well-received on Tripadvisor with a score of 4/5 from 3,324 ratings.

One reviewer wrote: "I thoroughly enjoyed a fabulous lunch at The Hive with my family earlier this week. It was great to be able to reserve a table and we had a delightful and comfortable setting in the top marquee.

"The food was incredible; the freshness and careful preparing of the different ingredients enhanced the deliciousness and it was all beautifully presented.

"Thank you to the super hard-working, attentive and friendly staff who added to a great dining experience."