Cafe 83 is a café located at 83 Poole Road in Westbourne, Bournemouth, offering a range of freshly prepared food and drinks. It serves breakfast, lunch, and light bites throughout the day in a relaxed, casual setting. This page covers what to expect at Cafe 83, its menu highlights, the neighbourhood atmosphere, practical details for visiting, and how it compares to other local cafés.
What Cafe 83 offers in food and drink
Cafe 83 provides a varied menu focusing on classic café dishes with some contemporary touches. Breakfast options include full English breakfasts, vegetarian alternatives, and lighter choices such as granola or pastries. Lunchtime features sandwiches, salads, and daily specials prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The café also serves a selection of cakes and desserts, alongside a range of hot and cold beverages. Coffee is made with quality beans, and teas include traditional and herbal varieties.
The menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh produce, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Cafe 83 also caters for takeaway orders, making it convenient for visitors heading to the nearby beach or shops.
The atmosphere and location in Westbourne
Situated on Poole Road, Cafe 83 lies in the heart of Westbourne, a vibrant suburb known for its independent shops, boutiques, and eateries. The café’s interior is simple and welcoming, with seating for around 30 guests, including some outdoor tables on the pavement for warmer days. The area is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering a quieter alternative to Bournemouth town centre while still being only a short bus ride or 15-minute walk away.
Westbourne’s mix of residential streets and commercial outlets creates a community feel. Nearby attractions include Westbourne Park and the beach at Alum Chine, both within a 10-minute walk. This location suits those seeking a relaxed meal or coffee break away from busier tourist spots.
How Cafe 83 compares to other Bournemouth cafés
Bournemouth has a wide range of cafés catering to different tastes and budgets. Cafe 83 sits comfortably in the mid-range category, offering good quality food and drink at reasonable prices. It is more focused on traditional café fare than some of the speciality coffee shops or vegan cafés in the town.
| Feature | Cafe 83 | Cafe Boscanova | Pause Cat Cafe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Westbourne, Poole Road | Boscombe, Christchurch Road | Bournemouth town centre, Old Christchurch Road |
| Seating capacity | Approx. 30 | Approx. 40 | Approx. 25 |
| Food style | Traditional café menu | Speciality coffee, brunch | Plant-based, vegan-friendly |
| Dietary options | Vegetarian, gluten-free | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free | Vegan, vegetarian |
| Outdoor seating | Pavement tables available | Limited outdoor seating | None |
| Price range | Moderate (£5-£12 per meal) | Moderate to high (£6-£15) | Moderate (£5-£10) |
Cafe 83 is a solid choice for those wanting a straightforward café experience with a friendly atmosphere. For a more specialised coffee experience, Cafe Boscanova offers artisan brews and brunch dishes, while Pause Cat Cafe provides a unique plant-based menu alongside the chance to interact with rescue cats.
Getting to Cafe 83 and parking options
Cafe 83 is easily accessible by public transport and car. Westbourne is served by several bus routes from Bournemouth town centre and Poole, with stops along Poole Road within a short walk of the café. The journey from Bournemouth railway station takes approximately 15 minutes by bus.
For those driving, there is limited on-street parking near Poole Road, with pay-and-display bays operating during the day. Westbourne also has a public car park on Seamoor Road, about a 5-minute walk from Cafe 83. Visitors should allow time to find parking during busy periods, especially weekends.
Cyclists can use bike racks located nearby on Poole Road, making the café accessible for those exploring the area on two wheels.
Opening hours and booking information
Cafe 83 is open seven days a week, typically from early morning until mid-afternoon. Opening hours generally run from 8am to 4pm, with some variation on weekends and public holidays. It is advisable to check the current hours directly with the café, especially during holiday periods or special events.
While walk-in customers are welcome, booking a table in advance is recommended for larger groups or busy times such as weekend brunch. Reservations can be made by phone or through the café’s social media channels.
Who Cafe 83 suits best
Cafe 83 is well suited to local residents, visitors staying in Westbourne, and those exploring the Dorset coast nearby. Its menu and atmosphere appeal to people seeking a relaxed, no-fuss café experience with familiar dishes. Families, solo visitors, and small groups will find it comfortable and convenient.
The location also makes it a practical stop for people spending time at Alum Chine beach or shopping in Westbourne village. It is less suited to those looking for late evening dining or speciality coffee culture, but fits well within Bournemouth’s diverse food and drink scene.
For more options on places to eat and drink in Bournemouth, see our comprehensive food & drink guide. To explore other attractions nearby, visit the things to do section of the site.