Without doubt, Bournemouth is one of the most delightful locations to eat fish and seafood. The marvellous selection of freshly caught fish and great views across to the Jurassic Coast, makes this a prime place to visit.
The Crab at Bournemouth
Unlike the name suggests, this restaurant serves a vast selection of fish and seafood, as locally sourced as possible. Provenance and seasonality are important to all the chefs that serve up high quality dishes with unfailing regularity.
The Crab possesses 2 AA Rosettes and it doesn’t just stop at fish, as both meat-lovers and vegetarians are well catered for. Divine desserts will also finish off your meal with a flourish.
Situated next to the Park Central Hotel, the menu is regularly changed to accommodate seasonality, both on the a la carte and the fixed price offerings.
Expect well-presented and garnished dishes, in modern surroundings that will delight even the most discerning palate. Turbot, monkfish and lobster are regularly on the menu, along with crab, sea bass and hake, and a luxurious Fruits de Mer platter.
West Beach
Nominated as one of the best seafront restaurants in the UK, West Beach, a contemporary-styled restaurant has large folding doors that open out onto a pretty decking facing the sandy beaches of Bournemouth.
To say that the location of this restaurant is enviable is true, but it is backed up by fresh and seasonal food, including wonderful crab and lobster, caught only a few miles down the coast. If you fancy ‘picking’ at something before you eat, the bread is freshly baked and the olives and anchovies available are authentic and delicious.
You can eat relatively simply with classic fish and chips, fish pie and even fish finger sandwiches, or dine in a little more style with mussels executed two ways that are plump and juicy. Pan fried fish is popular as is Monkfish in a Curry sauce – a wide selection of delicious dishes.
Try the worldwide selection of wines, carefully chosen to accompany whatever you eat.
If you want some entertainment, go on down on the last Thursday night of the month to hear live music. The kitchen here is open plan – enjoy watching the chefs work.
Cockle and Clam
Run by a young inspirational chef, this 40-seater restaurant is situated in a vibrant suburb of Bournemouth and deserves the accolades it has received over the last 4 years. The chef entrepreneur puts his success down to ‘what his nan taught him about cooking’.
This is very much a ‘small plate’ or tapas restaurant, although larger platters are served for bigger groups wanting a more sociable event.
The notable dishes at the cockle and clam include Cod roe croquettes, Crab rillettes with toasted brioche and Sea bream which has been battered with wasabi and peas – unusual and innovative. Even though fish is very much the showcase, meat eaters and vegetarians also have some great options. Mention also must be made of the Cockle popcorn and the Tempura oysters, both of which make starters that will leave you yearning for more.
Many of the dishes are also gluten free, so everyone can be catered for.
The Noisy Lobster
Just on the outskirts of Bournemouth, The Noisy Lobster has spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, this Mudeford restaurant is family run and specialises in fish and seafood caught in the local waters.
Mudeford lobster is a house speciality, beautifully served with garlic butter and what has now become the norm – chips and salad! The dressed crab is equally as good, and so tasty when accompanied by the freshly baked bread from their own bakery on the premises.
Lunch can be quite a casual affair with well-known favourites such as open topped fish pie, a fishbowl encompassing a variety of fish and seafood in a lemongrass broth, and standard Catch of the day, freshly arrived in the early hours.
Look out over Mudeford Bay in the evening and see the lights of Bournemouth close by.
The Jetty
In a spectacular location on the Christchurch waterfront, the Jetty is an award-winning restaurant encompassing some of the best seafood dishes on the coast. Whilst the Jetty is an all-day affair, the fish and the views are what diners arrive for.
Food arrives fresh every day and is landed just a short distance away at Mudeford Quay. Sample the finest lobster, crab, shrimps and oysters, all served with panache.
The terrace here is perfect in the warm weather, to relax with friends and sample dishes such as a Chunky Fish Soup (perfect with a cold glass of wine), Fillet of cod with a crab and herb crust, or just the Catch of the Day. The Jetty Mixed fish grill is a favourite with locals and visitors.
Land yourself at the Jetty for great food and surroundings.
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