Crab Shell in South Hams

Next time we are in Dartmouth we will be there for a crab sandwich, they are the best in the area! Lovely to meet Richard & Judy

We love Dartmouth and we love the crab shell. As they say in their bags they supply the best sandwiches in Dartmouth; I would add to say that they are the best sandwiches in the country 👍 My wife and I had Crab and Prawn sandwiches every day during our week’s visit to Dartmouth, every time the quality was perfect This small sandwich shop is located in the town and run for the last 22 years by Judith, she is lovely; we also met her equally lovely daughter Katherine and Jane and Sandra. Thank you Crab Shell - nikki and I will return soon.

Absolutely wonderful freshly prepared crab sandwiches, we had ours on granary bread and ate them on the waterfront 11/10 definitely worth a visit 😊

Best crab sandwich and I've done alot of research! Both white and brown meat, fresh bread, simple but sooooooooooo good.

Absolutely amazing crab sandwich and a smoked salmon sandwich. All fresh and good quality bread. They also recommend a local bar where we could eat these with a glass of wine over looking the river Dart. The pub was Called the crab, which had a good selection of beers and the wines. . Highly recommend both when visiting Dartmouth.

We were looking for fresh crab sandwiches and were kindly pointed to The Crab Shell by another local business. To be perfectly honest, we’ve never tasted crab sandwiches of that quality before. Paying £9.50 for a sandwich, may seem a little extravagant, but worth every penny.

Had the perfect ham, rocket and mustard mayo sandwich and a good giggle with the staff about it too. They were also accommodating in that they made us a half crab sandwich too!

Not really up to the review in the Times. Crab sandwiches were very expensive £9 each. Bread was not that fresh and poorly presented.

A huge well done to Judy, not only 20 years owning the Crab Shell, but yet more publicity! Conde Nast Traveller 2022, The Times 2023, and now Channel 5, Tales from the Riverbank, with Clare Balding and Mitch Tonks, Autumn 2023. 👏

Everyone loves a crab sandwich, Dartmouth crab is the best in the country. Unfortunately at the c£20 for two sandwiches my experience was disappointing. The bread seemed to be just basic supermarket, dry brown, very tasteless, certainly not 'artisan'. But the real disappointment is the dismal presentation. A £10 sandwich wrapped drum tight in cling film is just not on. If you are offering a take away service only it has to be in a cardboard sandwich wedge box so you can eat it sitting on a bench. Bendy, sweaty cling film in the 21st century is just not acceptable, remember £20 for two sandwiches, no seats, no tables. How about some waxed paper, with the shop logo and contact details on it ?. Again for a take out meal they should also provide a decent sized serviette, not a tiny, cheap cash and carry nano thin item.

Great sandwiches.we had the crab and also some roasted salmon with dill.pricey but the best I have had. If you don't want to sit on the bench eating it, go down the road and turn left.and there is a pub called the crab, where if you buy a drink there you can use their facilities to eat your sarnie.

Had a really lovely crab sandwich on wholemeal bread. It was expensive but it was the best crab sandwich I’ve ever had and the staff were really lovely. Even reminding us to look out for seagulls!

Perfect and just what we were looking for! My husband and I got to Dartmouth about 2.30pm and wanted a sandwich to eat. After being recommended The Crab Shell from a local coffee shop we couldn’t wait to try as seafood is our favourite. We were not disappointed! They were actually meant to be closing but stayed open for us (thank you!) We shared a crayfish sandwich and a crab which were both amazing. Would definitely return :)

Lovely crab sandwich in Dartmouth that’s situated down a narrow lane near the harbour. Choice of white or brown bread loads of filling, with comeback to try the crayfish tails with dill mayo.

Found this place by chance years ago as it is tucked away down a side alley but I always drop by and grab a crab or mackerel sandwich when we visit. The sandwiches are always well filled and as was said in previous reviews the bread is amazing.

Had to have a crab sarnie whilst at the seaside and this one was great. Packed full of crab on delicious bread.

Tastiest crab sandwich hands down bread was great and sandwich was filled to the brim with delicious crab meet.

Whenever I'm in town I always choose to get my lunch from here. They are friendly, tailor food to your needs and are always quick.

I was very excited to see a stunning little seafood sandwich shop whilst walking around Dartmouth this morning. Very clean and appetising display and ladies were very friendly. I ordered a single crab sandwich on whole meal bread and a bottle of Coca Cola. I opened my wallet whilst awaiting to hear to total and I nearly choked when she said “that’s £11.24 please”! I paid her the money thinking to myself - I hope this is the best crab I’ve ever eaten……unfortunately it was far from it, I had to spit out 4 pieces of shell in total plus had to chew a few grains of sand on at least 2 mouthfuls. On top of this the whole meal bread was so dry it was a chore to eat. Absolute shame. Great concept, poorly executed.

I stopped here for a crab sandwich with granary bread It was a fantastic crab sandwich I would highly recommend this place We also took away some crayfish and again these were excellent

Looked like a really nice small shop that would sell local food - and the customer service was fine and nice. I ordered the crab sandwich which I was very much looking forward to - the crab meat itself was delicious however the white bread was really stale. It was really hard to eat and the I had to tear of the crusts. Other than that it was a fine sandwich. It may have been the fact that it was later in the day and the bread had been left out but it did slightly ruin the experience. I would have come back to say this in person but I had taken the wrapped sandwich along with me on my walk and opened it when I was further from the shop.

Great crab sandwich on lovely bread. Bought mine in the morning to avoid the queue later. Other non seafood included local ham. Perfect.

Simple joy! Packed full of crab in lovely bread. Perfect takeaway lunch. Very friendly staff and had quick service but be warned can be a queue as so popular. Well worth the wait.

Found this little gem in the side street of Dartmouth. Besides selling freshly made sandwiches, crab and marinated fish, you will be hard pressed to find a warmer, friendlier welcome anywhere.As I have an allergy to Tuna, the owner went out of her way to ensure I was kept safe, by rewashing all of the surfaces, and prep boards, and opening a new loaf for my order. Thank you so much for care, we really enjoyed chatting to you both.

Visited during our trip to Devon. A cut little find by the estuary. The muscles were wonderful. Thanks

Spent the day in Dartmouth last week had great weather for November and a really lovely crab sandwich freshly made bread cut there and then....the couple who were serving were lovely and friendly..... the only gripe (if you can call it that) was it would have been great to have had more crab on my sandwich but that’s really just being greedy because I love crab overall would definitely go back there again ‘‘twas proper lush

I brought a crab sandwich early afternoon. £7.25 it was pretty standard and I would of expected more crabmeat for the price. Service was ok and pleasant enough.

I saw the lady making sandwiches not wearing gloves My crab sandwich was expensive and did not taste right Later on I was Unwell which I am sure was the result of the sandwhich

Best crab sandwich in the whole of the UK (this is a bold statement but totally true).Customer service is second to none, the bread is superb and the crab, smoked salmon and prawns, prawns or even just the ham sandwiches are amazing. Don’t pass this little shop without getting a bite to eat. “This is a little slice of seafood heaven, made with love in Dartmouth Devon”

Simple little seafood shop, does what it says on the tin. Lovely friendly lady served us too. Delish!

Fresh cut bread and nicely stuffed with lots of crab meat, also better value than other local places offering crab sandwiches. Very friendly and chatty lady served us.

A little pricey but definitely worth it! The best crab sandwiches for miles in my opinion, such a cute little shop too! Can’t beat it!

We were disappointed with our crab sandwiches - expected a lot of crab - we didn't get it! One sandwich was very sparse.

This is a very small sandwich bar, with no seating, and limited choice of sandwich fillings. They are mostly local and seafood, and very fresh. Hot and cold drinks are available, prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of the sandwich filling. A few yards away is the dockside, with lots of seating. The crab sandwichs are exceptional

Looking for a quick snack to take on board the ferry up the river, stopped and bought the crab sandwich. Tasted so fresh and filled a gaping whole. just excellent

Wow, had a crab Sarnie takeaway, which was eaten on the beach. Very fresh, and the proprietor completely filled my sandwich , which made it, great value for money.

Beautiful food, super friendly service. Just wonderful🦐 Will be sure to visit again if we return to Dartmouth. Thank you

Recommended for the Crab or Kiln roast salmon. Friendly. Convenient for lunch in Dartmouth. Buy here and walk down to Bayards cove for a pint !

Dropped in for sandwiches for lunch. Busy , but friendly service soon provided 2 freshly cut bread sandwiches. One fully filled with crab brown and white meat , the other tuna mayo. Neatly wrapped in cling film and a paper bag. Great taste and so fresh. Lovely food . Brilliant

We had crab sarnies here last year & couldn't wait to come back for more- it didn't disappoint, really tasty! Looking forward to next year already.....

Lovely freshly-cut bread and very generous filling of crab - delicious. We were the first customers this year and the owner very kindly awarded us a special offer which was very gratefully received. Excellent.

On our annual visit to Dartmouth, we always make for The Crab Shell to get our "fix" of the fantastic crab sandwiches (always on brown bread) at this little sandwich shop. Thoroughly recommended.

Charming ladies will satisfy your every gustatory need. White? Brown? Applies to bread and crab meat. Just make sure you guard against the seagulls if you stroll to the nearby embankment to sit, enjoy the view, and your lunch!

After reading glowing reviews decided to try some crab sandwiches. Made freshly, decent amount of filling but disappointed in the flavour, quite bland. Maybe the crab are cooked elsewhere and meat prepacked.

We visit Devon every year and always go to the crab shell to buy it’s mackerel pate. The best I’ve ever tasted! Highly recommended

We always buy one salmon & one crab sandwich each then take them on one off the boat tours. Really good. Bit expensive.

This place is the best place in town to get a sandwich by far! Great staff and huge sandwiches! Can't be beaten

Excellent Freshly made Crab Sandwiches which capture all the feelings and atmosphere of the Riverside locality.

Best crab sandwich in Dartmouth! Tucked away, but the seagulls know when you come out with one of these scrummy sarnies! Beware!

I consider myself an expert on crab sandwiches, not in the making anymore but in the eating. From Sidmouth through Torquay/Brixham & down to Dartmouth, The Crab Shell has to be the best, there is never, ever any shell in the sandwich. Everything is spotless in this tiny establishment, which also has the most delicious smoked salmon & mackeral. Ask for salt/pepper & lemon & watch out for the sea gulls

The best crab sandwiches my partner and I have eaten in a long time . Just superb with excellent service. If you visit Dartmouth you must visit the Crab Shell.

Tuvimos una experiencia fantástica cuando visite aquí. Nos presentamos cuando estaba cerrado, así que iba a ir a otro lugar cuando la señora salió y nos preguntó si queríamos sándwiches. Ella abrió el lugar sólo para hacer los sándwiches. Una señora encantadora. Trajo dos sandwiches...

Sí, usted puede pagar una prima para sándwiches recién preparados, especialmente en Dartmouth y especialmente con tal de artesanías y conocimientos. Pero, comparado con las escorias se compra en los supermercados el sandwich de consumir salmón tuve este fin de semana el cangrejo Shell era...

Sí dada su festival de música de dardos que cabe esperar el negocio de aumentar los precios un poco. Me traje 2 el pan no era fresca, un par de días. Había una cantidad muy pequeña de carne de cangrejo. Una para estafar a nosotros...

You will not get a better crab sandwich. Absolutely packed full of fabulous handpicked local crab. Very friendly welcome and service. A must if you're looking for a takeaway sandwich. Excellent value for money

Best crab sandwiches in Dartmouth! Always receive a sandwich packed with crab meat served to you by friendly staff. Can't visit Dartmouth without a visit to The Crab Shell!

We walked everywhere to try & find an only 'white-meat crab sandwich'. It was the look of disbelief & verily, one of disgust, on peoples faces when we requested such a combination with bread that astonished us. We thought we had stepped back in time when "tourists" were needed in places like this but still frowned upon. Folk were so mystified at our request. Why? Gosh I've been around the world three times & I love this country with all my heart but... only in England you guys.So, a pretty young lady here said; "Of course... brown or white bread?" We surely had died & gone to heaven? Scrumptious & served with kindness & warmth. There are two things you need to know about crab sandwiches in Dartmouth.Actually, no there isn't, there's only one... just visit this wonderful shack!

We were recommended by a stranger walking passed usI ordered a crab on sliced white bread David chose the mackerel with same choice of bread We took or sarnies and a packet of plain crisps and sat on the harbour wall to enjoy themAbsolutely wonderful food served by a lovely happy person A good crab sandwich yummmmm yummmmmm

Visiting Dartmouth we decided to picnic on the front to watch the world go by. The Crab She'll looked just the place for our sandwiches. We were not disappointed, we both chose crab with lemon and black pepper, all on he most delicious hand cut brown bread , heaven. They were full to the brim and the tastiest sandwiches ever made, scrumy.The owner was a joy to talk to and we will definitely be back

Every year when holidaying in the South Hams we beetle to Dartmouth and always have a delicious Crab sarnie.It is always served by the same very pleasant young lady and they are very good value and very scrummy.

Visited Dartmouth twice this year & both times have popped in for a quick sandwich & as I love both mackerel & horseradish it was a no brainer they are fantastic & on such lovely hand cut soft bread (this has now become a staple sandwich I have at home) a great place for fresh food & so much better than the pre packed supermarket sandwiches that our other friends regretfully opted for.

Having read previous reviews about how great the crab sandwiches were, we gave it a try. We were both disappointed. The filling was mainly brown meat with smallish dollop of white meat plonked in middle of the bread. Perhaps we visited on an off day, but we won't bother again. Poor value for money at £4.95 each.

Lovely little shop selling excellent sea food and sandwiches. NOT CHEAP bearing in mind it is a takeaway. £4.95 for a Crab Sandwich. BUT generally speaking the people using this shop will be on Holiday like us, so what the heck, go for it, you will not be disappointed.

We've been visiting Dartmouth for almost 10 years and our visit isn't complete without a visit to the Crab Shell.Their crab sandwiches are simply sublime as are the smoked salmon and prawn...A must for any quayside picnic!

Fresh crab, smoked mackerel with horseradish sandwiches, served with a smileTop quality food and freshly made. You can understand why locals love this place

Such tasty well priced sandwiches , highly recommend, nothing I disliked here plenty choices freshly made to order .

We were recommended to this sandwich shop by the booking office for the Kingswear Paddle Steamer.The crab and kiln roasted salmon sandwiches were excellent with ample filling which were enjoyed during our trip on the Kingswear Castle up and down the river

My wife and I popped into The Crab Shell to pick-up some lunch to eat in the sunshine.After getting stuck on the lovely choice of sandwich fillings on offer we eventually decided to share a kiln roasted salmon with dill mayonnaise and a fresh local crab sandwich.Both generously-loaded sandwiches were freshly made using locally-baked brown bread while we enjoyed a nice chat with the owner - who warned us to beware of greedy, swooping seagulls!After paying a reasonable price for each sandwich we walked up the hill and found a bench with a terrific view of Dartmouth to enjoy our goodies.Quite simply, the the kiln roasted salmon was utterly divine and the crab meat was fresh and tasted of the sea.The Crab Shell sets a very high bar for fresh seafood sandwiches and I'm sure I'll be judging all future lunches by what I ate today.

Without a Doubt the seafood sandwiches etc are by far the Best in Dartmouth. I usually have the crab, but had a taste of my partners smoked mackerel which was absolutely Yummie!!

We stopped off here for a bite of lunch whilst touring around the Dartmouth area. The location was excellent, right on the estuary, shame it was at low tide. We watched the wading birds (had to check up on what they were when we got home!). Unfortunately too cold to sit outside. We had lovely sandwiches and salad and the coffee was delicious.

Lovely setting ,great food ....crabshell burger very delicious ..cheesy chips huge portion for one...

We were booked on a noon sailing to Totnes on the Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer. I checked at the kiosk if there would be any food on board and learning that it would be limited to nuts, crisps and Mars Bars I said we would need to buy sandwiches, The kiosk man pointed us towards Boots, Co-op, etc but I said we fancied something better. He directed us to the nearby Crab Shell Seafood and Sandwich Bar and they excelled with a pair of the best crab sandwiches we have tasted (and we have tasted very many!). If you fancy a seafood sandwich in Dartmouth, look no further!