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The Crab at Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset

The Crab at Bournemouth

4.4 (1658)
£26 to £40
Seafood
Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AJ

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
The Crab at Bournemouth is one of Dorset's finest, AA rated 2 rosette seafood restaurant.
Situated directly opposite the Bournemouth International Center and just moments from Bournemouth Pier.
Our passionate chefs create an array of delicious dishes sourced from fresh, local produce. Our contemporary surroundings have friendly and personable staff that will make you feel most welcome.
A lovely, relaxing atmosphere with an open balcony when weather permits.

A £5 per person deposit fee is required to make a restaurant booking to confirm and secure the reservation.

Dress Code of Smart Casual (No sportswear, fleeces, sliders, flip flops or beachwear) enforced from 5:30pm. You will be refused entry if not dressed in smart casual attire.

Children aged 8 and under may dine in the restaurant on tables booked with adults between 5:30pm-7:30pm, children's menu is also available. If you are more than 15 minutes late to a booking, there is a possibility your table my no longer be available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Modern European, Contemporary British
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We can cater for birthday parties, anniversaries and Christmas parties
  • Neighborhood
    Bournemouth
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Entertainment
    Live music from our resident pianist some Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 1,658 people are saying

The Crab at Bournemouth reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.0Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Dorset

    Good for business meals

  • Dorset

    Innovative

  • Dorset

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Dorset

    Hot spot

  • Dorset

    Great for fine wines

  • Dorset

    Romantic

  • Dorset

    Good for special occasions

  • Bournemouth

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Crab at Bournemouth delights with "beautiful tasty food" and "exceptional service." Known for its fresh seafood and warm, friendly atmosphere, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Despite occasional hiccups with availability and service speed, the overall dining experience is consistently praised as "absolutely fantastic."
1,658 Reviews
  1. Helen

    Surrey4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Had lunch as a couple on a rainy Saturday. My husband's starter of crab spring roll (in the rice paper, not filo pastry) was disappointing to the extent he only ate one. He said it tasted of soap and had clearly just been defrosted as the base was still very hard and cold. The waiter didn't ask why he had left half the portion which I though was poor. I had ceviche, which was okay, it wasn't citrusy sharp enough, but that's just my taste. The tiny capers were lovely. I had the Seabass catch of the day and asked for the head to be removed which it was. I loved the fish because it was overcooked which is how I prefer it, but for those that like it moist and glossy, you'll be disappointed. Overall not as good as I'd hoped having walked past many times.

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  2. Neil

    Leicestershire2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 30, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Really enjoy everything. Great food and service. Would definitely recommend

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  3. David

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent meal and great service - very attentive.

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  4. Stuart

    Yorkshire5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food. Prices reflect good value for money. Only downside is the amount of noise, with no soft furnishings. we will be back.

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  5. Yvonne

    Hampshire2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The octopus starter was missing the olives and bread stated on the menu other wise it was very nice. The deep fried Calamari was very nice . The Haddock and chips were excellent my fried had the above 2 dishes. I had Mussels Marinara they were so over cooked they had disintegrated what was left in the shells were just slimy and degusting. The staff took them back and fresh were brought but by this time my friend had finished her meal and had to sit and wait till I finished. The Cocktail we had were lovely as was the coffee. But not worth the £120 bill. The staff were lovely. The Jetty in Christchurch is much better value and Quality than the Crab in Bournemouth.

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  6. Mannie

    London11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Attentive team without being annoying. Beautiful tasty food . We all thoroughly enjoyed food. We’ll definitely be back once back in Bournemouth.
    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on May 20, 2025
    Dear Mannie, Thank you so much for your feedback. We are glad to know that our staff were attentive to resolve all your queries. We appreciate that you enjoyed your meal on your last visit. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Kind Regards, Crab Team.

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  7. Penny

    Dorset1 review

    3.0

    Dined on May 16, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    £78 for a lobster when the local fish monger sells them for £25 is a ridiculous mark up. The price didn’t match the surroundings and service. The staff were hit and miss. It was ok but not amazing

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  8. James

    Hertfordshire2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We visited twice and both times the food was good service was fine . I would recommend early doors if you don't do noise especially with hearing aids !!

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  9. Fay VIP

    London12 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent, the service was a little slow

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  10. Graham

    London3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Fish was over cooked. Disappointing after such a good experience a few years ago. Better value and service can be obtained locally and elsewhere.

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FAQs

The Crab at Bournemouth is rated 4.4 stars by 1658 OpenTable diners.

The Crab at Bournemouth does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Dorset
  4. Bournemouth
  5. Bournemouth

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Google Map for The Crab at Bournemouth

Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AJ

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Bournemouth
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Modern European, Contemporary British
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Live music from our resident pianist some Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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