Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Dorset
  4. Bournemouth
  5. Bournemouth
The Crab at Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset

The Crab at Bournemouth

4.3
4.3
1476 Reviews
£26 to £40
Seafood
Top tags:
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.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Modern European, Contemporary British
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Daily 12:00–15:45 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:30–21:30 Fri, Sat 17:30–22:00
  • Phone number
    01202 203601
  • Website
    http://www.crabatbournemouth.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We can cater for birthday parties, anniversaries and Christmas parties
  • Private party contact
    info@crabatbournemouth.com: 01202 203601
  • Location
    Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AJ
  • Area
    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
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Experiences

  • Christmas Day Menu

    £89.95 per person

    Prepaid

    25 Dec 2023 only
    Prepare to secure your reservations for the highly-anticipated 2023 Christmas season. We eagerly await the opportunity to join you in celebrating this most enchanting time of the year. As part of our commitment to excellence, we are delighted to present an exquisite selection of gastronomic delights designed to launch your holiday festivities with unmatched flair. To organise your Christmas Day Lunch please contact us via or phone us Email: info@crabatbournemouth.com | Phone: 01202 203 601
    Christmas Day Menu photo

  • Ring In 2024 With A Delicious Feast

    £95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    31 Dec 2023 only
    New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your celebratory dinner! This year, skip the traditional steak or pasta and opt for a delicious crab feast at Crab Bournemouth. Our chef has crafted a special New Year’s Eve menu, featuring succulent seafood and more. Contact us to organise your booking - Email: info@crabatbournemouth.com | Phone: 01202 203 601

What 1,476 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Dorset

    Hot spot

  • Dorset

    Great for fine wines

  • Dorset

    Romantic

  • Dorset

    Good for special occasions

  • Bournemouth

    Best Overall

  • Bournemouth

    Best Food

  • Bournemouth

    Best Service

  • Bournemouth

    Best Ambience

  • Bournemouth

    Best Value

  • Bournemouth

    Good for business meals

  • Bournemouth

    Good for business meals

  • Bournemouth

    Good for groups

  • Bournemouth

    Healthy

  • Bournemouth

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Bournemouth

    Romantic

  • Bournemouth

    Good for special occasions

  • Bournemouth

    Lively

  • Bournemouth

    Most Booked

1,476 Reviews

  1. MikeF

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visit Bournemouth every year around Christmas time and have been dining at the Crab every visit. They never disappoint. Great range of fish.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant for a special occasion. Delicious food and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  3. JulietH

    Dorset

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 26 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely seafood restaurant that never disappoints. Staff are courteous and efficient. We never go anywhere else when we visit Bournemouth.

    Is this helpful?

  4. GavinH

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful meal at the Crab in Bournemouth. Food, service, decor, ambience, location all just perfect. Thx to the whole team for making our birthday celebration so special. Cheer, Gavin and Sara X

    Is this helpful?

  5. JayneG

    Hertfordshire

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Amazing food although prefer the scallops starter to be the classic pea bacon or black pudding the spice herbs over took over a little Sea food platter amazing as were the muscles . Every effort made to make a birthday celebration very special

    Is this helpful?

  6. John

    East Sussex

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  7. GillyC

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food. Very good service. Did not disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Stevey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time there and it didn't disappoint. Had the plater for two and it was amazing . Would recommend to a friend

    Is this helpful?

  9. TomC

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely anniversary meal, the restaurant has a great ambience and there was an excellent pianist playing popular sounds. Service is exceptional but not overly fussy, the balance is just right. The cost is high but fish is very expensive so this is understandable. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you love seafood, I had oysters (exceptional particularly raw); whole lemon sole (again amazing) and tiramisu (very good). This is our third visit and we will come back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. RichardM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very nice food and polite and attentive staff. Sometimes a little hard to hear due to noise level.

    Is this helpful?

  11. JaneHC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 November 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    We had a lovely experience at The Crab celebrating our sons graduation. They gave him a complimentary glass of bubbles which I thought was a nice touch. Service was excellent very nice waiting staff and the food delicious. Would recommend. Do think they could upgrade their website as the restaurant is much nicer than it looks on the website.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Neilc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food service exellent beautiful surroundings amazing experience

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 5 November 2023

    Dear NeilC, Thank you for your lovely review. We hope to see you soon! Kind Regards, Crab Team

    Is this helpful?

  13. IanH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 November 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    With the exception of the olives as a starter (they appeared to be either canned or from a jar, and were a bit limp) the food was excellent. We had the sharing plate including lobster, crab, mussels, king prawns, oysters and squid. Superb flavours. Will definitely return.

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 5 November 2023

    Dear IanH, Thank you for your kind review. We are sorry about the Olives that were served, we will look into this and make the necessary changes. Nevertheless, we are happy that you enjoyed the rest of your meal. Kind Regards, Crab Restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  14. JAIR

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 October 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    This was our 2nd visit to The Crab Bournemouth, we last visited about 5 years ago when we stayed at the hotel to which it is attached. We drove from London especially for this restaurant but the ambience seemed much more intimate and cosily lit last time and it much more brightly lit this visit. It is a fairly large restaurant but on a wet and miserable Friday night it was only one third full and quite low on ambience although the live piano was excellent. The staff were lovely, friendly with a warm welcome and excellent attention and service through out. My octopus salad starter was dressed with too much oil. The fish and batter of my fish and chips main was lovely but the chips had a unusual taste which I didn't like. My wife's anchovies starter was fab but her crab main which was ultra messy to eat but the staff were really helpful in taking it to the kitchen and breaking the very large claws. For the size of crab and £36 price it was good value but wife said the garlic butter dressing was too much and it was everywhere but she did really enjoy it. My son enjoyed his escabeche starter and really loved the hake main course. Altogether a nice experience and not unreasonable bill at the end of the night. Not sure if I will be driving 120 miles again just to eat there.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 16 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food and pleasant experience if you like fish this is the place

    Is this helpful?

  16. DAVIDC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Apart from the table behind us that was full of people shouting the crab restaurant was so good, the staff 100% the food 100% Would love to go again

    Is this helpful?

  17. LawrenceC

    Berkshire

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another delicious meal served by professional staff in a welcoming,, comfortable environment. The special main course was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  18. MickR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 October 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Enjoyed a lovely evening. Extremely high quality food. Reasonably priced. Great way to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

    Is this helpful?

  19. NealH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Food was good, but we felt let down by service levels. Left to wait too long when we arrived to be shown to our table, too long to order drinks... not terrible but just not good. The piano player is a nice touch, but far too loud and overwhelms the ambience of the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  20. Deny

    Dorset

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 October 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Service was good from arrival to the end of visit. Food was of a high standard. Look forward to coming again.

    Is this helpful?

  21. MauriceJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All round excellent experience. Great food, reasonably priced, great service and nice back ground music.

    Is this helpful?

  22. CristinaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good service, ambience and food. Would definitely recommend it.

    Is this helpful?

  23. PeterB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 September 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food good quality and the service was also very good - however for what it was it was over-priced

    Is this helpful?

  24. Langers

    Barcelona

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Booked this restaurant as it was close to the BIC. Staff were very friendly and time efficient. Food was absolutely spot on and we got to the gig on time. Thanks guys!

    Is this helpful?

  25. AshleyP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful food and wonderful pianist. Fantastic service

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Dear AshleyP, Thank you for your 5-star review. We hope to see you again! Kind Regards, Crab Team

    Is this helpful?

  26. LouiseA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service, fantastic food, although it was slow to be delivered to the table from the point of order due to a kitchen issue, however, service staff apologised for the delay and gave free drinks by way of apology. Portion sizes are filling and very large, wasn’t able to finish the meal, extremely value for money.

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Dear LouiseA, Thank you for your 4-star review. We apologise for the delay with your food but we are glad you still enjoyed your experience at our restaurant. We hope to see you again! Kind Regards, Crab Team

    Is this helpful?

  27. MelindaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was by myself, which as a female is always a bit. The staff were lovely & food was excellent It was a bit noisy at times as there was a group of men in the non dining section.

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Dear MelindaF, Thank you for your kind review. We are always more than happy to accommodate patrons dining on their own. We hope to see you soon again. Kind Regards, Crab Restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely superb- came here June 2021 and loved it - so had to come again on our short trip - it didn’t disappoint oysters, mussels and crab all wonderful, service was excellent and the music and then pianist was just right - hope it’s less than 2 years til we come again

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Thank you for your kind review! We are glad you enjoyed your experience. We hope to see you soon, hopefully in less than 2 years' time! Kind Regards, Crab Team

    Is this helpful?

  29. Madmumof3plusdog

    Dorset

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Lovely food the prawns starter was delicious and so were my husbands mussels. I had crab Thermidor which was superb, husband had lobster which was also very good. Nice cocktails, great service would recommend

    Is this helpful?

  30. Kate

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 21 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstandingly good, couldn’t fault anything. Staff were exceptionally friendly and the food was fabulous. Have been here a few times before and will continue to go there, as I absolutely love it.

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Dear Kate, Thank you for a lovely 5-star review. We hope to see you soon again! Kind Regards Crab Restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  31. LizR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food- delicious mussels and I really loved the skin on fries some of the best I’ve ever had. Just a shame I wasn’t able to finish the whole bowl!

    The Crab at BournemouthResponded on 24 September 2023

    Dear LizR, Thank you for a 5-star review. We are glad you enjoyed our Cornish mussels. We hope to see you soon! Kind Regards, Crab Team

    Is this helpful?

  32. IanL

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 September 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Food quality was not good as it was poorly prepared. Tools for cracking shells were inadequate as too small . Service was a little slow.

    Is this helpful?

  33. KimF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visit every time we come back to Bournemouth for a relaxing weekend. The food is amazing and delicious, as always. We will be back for sure

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 17 September 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Food was great, service needs to be lifted to reflect the price.

    Is this helpful?

  35. AnaI

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 16 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The piano was nice touch. Lovely food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  36. VictoriaE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible service and outstanding food. Highly recommend. Cannot wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  37. RayD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely brilliant, went there for a date night and the staff, food, and overall service was outstanding. Would definitely recommend if you love seafood

    Is this helpful?

  38. Tony64

    Hampshire

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 15 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We booked the crab following a family member’s recommendation and weren’t disappointed. Food was fresh and tasty with brilliant service from the staff, go and see for yourself.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Dokey01

    Hampshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely superb! Four of us had 3 courses which everyone raved about! Can't wait for our next visit..

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything it’s good not good it’s best Thank you very much

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Crab at Bournemouth is rated 4.3 stars by 1476 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.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Crab at Bournemouth

Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AJ

Additional information

  • Area
    Bournemouth
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Daily 12:00–15:45 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:30–21:30 Fri, Sat 17:30–22:00
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.crabatbournemouth.com/
  • Phone number
    01202 203601
  • Private party facilities
    We can cater for birthday parties, anniversaries and Christmas parties
  • Private party contact
    info@crabatbournemouth.com: 01202 203601
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo