The Crab at Bournemouth

We were excited to visit The Crab but it sadly fell short of expectations. A lovely looking restaurant but all hard surfaces so it was very difficult to hear the conversation. The food sounded fantastic but just didn't have the depth of flavours that you would hope for with fish and shellfish. The staff were great but that was not enough to stop us leaving disappointed.

Delicious food and friendly staff. Would highly recommend

Food was exquisite! Service perfect! Atmosphere lovely - we really enjoyed the experience and such good value for money!

Superb! Great food, beautifully presented and good value. Restaurant slightly chilly at opening time, but improved with time!

Excellent service and food was fantastic. They offered a whole fish as catch of the day but when I asked for it filleted it was no problem at all. The scallops and monkfish were both very tasty. Wine not a silly price. The live pianist was a nice touch.

I'm so glad I choose this restaurant, for a special birthday, the atmosphere and food was great!

food good and service also good. Surprised by the small birthday dessert but not too sure about the music

Lovely restaurant. Tasty food and polite staff. Definitely will recommend to a friend !

Beautiful food, easy location and attentive staff!

I was with a friend having an evening meal here and wow what a fabulous venue. From the staff to the pianist the whole evening was fantastic. We were visiting a friend so had never been before but we will be back if we ever visit again. The lobster was to die for as was the fillet steak and the scallops were beautiful. A must to visit when in Bournemouth! The staff were also lovely too

Staff friendly but food a little disappointing and when you are paying £30 for a steak with a side it should be better than ok.The fish was good but all in all an average meal.

Nice place for a night out friendly staff and good service and the food is okay

Great food and ambiance

Was very disappointed.
Menu did not make cleat that crabs are baked!


Restaurant should make clear that crab is not served as “dressed crab” (ie as served by every other crab restaurant I’ve ever visited.

Staff friendly and helpful, however.

Really enjoyed the food at the Crab, Oysters Rockerfeller where excellent and the seafood platter for 2 was outstanding! Would definitely eat here again.

Food was excellent, staff very pleasant and not at all intrusive. They did not explain the specials or describe dishes in any way though. The piano was rather loud and to be honest it was better when he took a break- just as the noise level was quite loud and we were yelling across the table to each other, as was everyone else!

Given the prices you are charging Iwould have expected a much better table layout with a table cloth,flowers and perhaps a candle.Sorry but I shant be returning.

Our first time at the Crab and we look forward to returning. The service was excellent and all the dishes delicious, with scallops, mussels and turbot all highly recommended. A pianist played throughout the evening and provided a gentle background ambience to the meal. We don't eat out very often in Bournemouth as we live an hour from the town, but the Crab was well worth the trip.

One of the best restaurants in the region for sea food.

Excellent food. We had a wonderful evening, great setting with the pianist playing in the background.

I’ve been to the Crab a few times - it seemed to peak a few months ago and on this occasion wasn’t as good as previous
The food was nice but not worth the cost
The staff in the main were disinterested and were more interested in re-setting empty tables than actually looking after customers.

Shame really, as when it’s good it’s really good. But this wasn’t one of those days

We had amazing food at The Crab. The service was excellent. We love seafood and have eaten many seafood platters, the one at The Crab was definitely one of the best. The piano player created a very relaxed atmosphere.

Excellent...possibly the best quality oysters and salmon I've ever had. Seafood that fresh is the absolute best. I didn't give 100% score simply because I didn't feel the pianist was necessary and thankfully we were seated away far enough to still chat, but if I was close it might have ticked me off. The food and service is so good, just play soft background music in my opinion

We tried to book at miller and carter but there was no space, we are so glad that was the case. The food was fantastic, staff were very polite and welcoming and it was a lovely night. If I was to be ultra critical the soft cheese with my cheese board was not very soft. But apart from that fantastic evening all round. We will definitely be back.

My family and I ate at The Crab to celebrate my graduation. The food itself was absolutely perfect with so much flavour, we couldn’t fault it whatsoever - for recommendations we had the chicken terrine, sea bass stew, fish and chips, cod with seafood paella, lamb rump and also lobster with fries. The portions were of a good size and great value for what was served! There was an ambient and welcoming atmosphere, not too loud or busy, and the staff were very polite, friendly and attentive too.

First time eating here. Had been recommended. Really enjoyed what we had. Will certainly return again.

We had such a good night. The food was amazing, our waiter wad very attentive. Good atmosphere, we will definetly be going back

Good food and lovely setting! Can’t help but felt a little rushed on a Sunday evening as last table in there and was only 7:30-9pm.

A lovely atmosphere and really appreciated the pianist who was very good. We had the hot Fruit de Met to share and it was plenty for two and a good selection of fish and shellfish. Happily would eat here again on a future visit to the area

Food was absolutely delicious 😋, we had monkfish & it was cooked to perfection! Was a really lovely surprise when a pre-dinner aperitif arrived, which was so scrumptious! Nice atmosphere with live piano music playing too.

Beautifully presented dishes and interesting tastes and flavours. Good old fashioned piano playing in the background. Service good but lacking in a bit of knowledge at times. Pricey but good option for an occasion.

Every time I eat here it never disappoints, another amazing meal

2 ladies in their 50's on a spa weekend in Bournemouth, not dead yet and like things lively.

Lovely welcoming vibe, we'd booked, table for 4 ready for us with 2 place settings, in the window, great start, water brought with the menu. Service impeccable, quick but not pushy, calm with our inability to choose, we had the scallops and the trio of smoked salmon for starters and the hot seafood sharer for main. Just one pud, coconut mousse with sorbet, few spirits so can't say anything about the wine list. Every bite was spot on. I may go for another weekender in Bournemouth just to eat there again. There was a pianist playing, was good too. If you're thinking about trying it, stop thinking, just book your table.

Went with my girlfriend for her birthday. The food was exquisite and I'm definitely looking forward to go again for another special occasion. Staff was friendly and there was a man playing the piano, which made the evening even more perfect.

We had a very enjoyable evening with some great food which was well presented. Almost a five.

Lovely food and great service but ambiance is severely lacking. With the quality of food on offer and the good service it is a shame that the interior decor is so mixed up. It is either modern, art-deco or 80's depending upon whether you are looking at the glass walls, chairs and table designs or the exposed brickwork / arches by the kitchens. A clear theme and a revamp will do wonders for this place's mood and character.

The service was excellent: attentive but not overbearing. We loved the live piano music. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and the portions were just right. A friendly, warm and lively atmosphere further added to our enjoyment. We’d love to go back!

Food not as good as the last time but ok nice back ground music staff friendly and polite

Going to BIC and made a reservation at the Crab. Absolutely superb food and great value for money. Best dessert ever.
Well done . We have never had a bad or even mediocre meal here. We will be back soon.

Great food. Reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.