Isabel’s Brasserie is a neighbourhood restaurant on Penn Hill Avenue in Lower Parkstone, tucked into the village-style shopping parade that sits between Poole and Bournemouth. Run by chef Justin and front-of-house Sarah with their team, it trades on fine French and English cooking — the sort of menu that pairs French home-style dishes with well-loved English classics — and has built a strong local following along this stretch of the Dorset coast.
The food
The kitchen leans on classical French technique, refined over more than 25 years, then rounds it out with English comfort cooking. Reviewers regularly single out the French onion soup, the beetroot and goats’ cheese starter and steaks cooked with real care — there’s even a Chateaubriand for two on the evening menu, usually as a pre-order. Puddings earn their share of praise too, with a chocolate brownie served alongside marmalade ice cream among the dishes that crop up in write-ups. The menu changes with the seasons and stays uncluttered rather than showy, so it’s worth checking the current menu on the restaurant’s website before you go.
Sunday lunch is a highlight in its own right, built around a rotating roast — roast beef, lamb rump, roast chicken and a herb-crusted cod have all featured — and it’s popular enough to be worth reserving in advance.
The setting
Inside, the room is set up for more than one mood. Intimate dining booths suit a quiet dinner or a special occasion, while a relaxed brasserie bar area works for a casual lunch or a drink before you sit down to eat. The bar itself is well stocked, with cocktails, wines and beers, and it stays open before and after meals rather than only at the table. It’s an easy space to settle into, whether you’re there for a leisurely three courses or something lighter.
Where it is
You’ll find Isabel’s at 127-129 Penn Hill Avenue, BH14 9LY, on the Penn Hill parade — a genuine neighbourhood high street of independent shops rather than a seafront strip. It’s a short hop from Poole Quay, Parkstone station and the beaches at Sandbanks, which makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring this side of the bay. Our Poole guide has more on what’s nearby, and you’ll find other options across the area in our food & drink guide.
Good to know
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner across the week, with Sunday given over to lunch, plus a breakfast menu on selected days — but days and times can change, so confirm current opening hours when you book. Booking is advised at any time, and especially for weekends and Sunday lunch. Groups of six or more can arrange set menus and food-and-drink packages ahead of time, which makes it a reliable choice for celebrations. For the latest menus, prices and to reserve a table, contact Isabel’s Brasserie directly.