The Crab at Bournemouth, a seafood restaurant with a devoted local following, occupies a spot on Exeter Road in the heart of town. Holding two AA Rosettes, it has earned a reputation, both locally and beyond, as one of Dorset's go-to addresses for fresh fish and shellfish cooked simply and done well.
Food and menu
True to its name, seafood is the entire focus. Fresh fish and shellfish anchor the kitchen's approach, with crab and lobster taking the leading role, and the celebrated seafood platter brings together lobster, crab, scallops, mussels and squid into a proper coastal feast. For something lighter, oysters feature, along with crab and lemon sandwiches at lunch, served with hand-cut chips and a dressed salad. Even the fish and chips rise above the ordinary, built on the freshest local catch. A lunch menu, a fuller à la carte in the evening and a Sunday roast round out the offering for anyone wanting a change from seafood. As so much depends on what's landed each day, dishes shift regularly, so checking the restaurant's website for the current menu before visiting always pays off.
Inside and out
Light, airy and neatly presented, the dining room offers comfortable seating and an easy, unfussy atmosphere that both regulars and reviewers pick out for praise. Good weather opens up a large patio for outdoor dining, a pleasant place to linger over a platter with a cold drink. Smart without feeling stiff, the venue applies a smart-casual dress code in the evenings while keeping the mood relaxed and the service warm and professional.
Location
On Exeter Road in central Bournemouth, The Crab faces directly onto the Bournemouth International Centre and sits just a couple of minutes' walk from Bournemouth Pier and the beach. This central spot makes it a natural choice before or after a BIC show, or as a treat after a day on the sand. A short, level walk also reaches the Lower Gardens and the main shopping streets.
Good to know
Reserving ahead makes sense, particularly at weekends and over lunch, and can be done through the restaurant's website. Larger groups and families should plan in advance, since younger children dine during earlier evening sittings and a children's menu is provided. No car park belongs to the restaurant itself, though plenty of public parking sits nearby in the town centre. Check with The Crab directly for the latest opening hours, menus, prices and any booking or deposit conditions. Browse our food & drink guide and our roundup of Bournemouth restaurants for more places to eat around town.