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3.8

Based on 1.433 opinions finded in 2 websites

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Nº 168 in 234 in Purbeck

Nº 8 of 11 Seafood in Purbeck

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..beautifulmustpaycookedmackerelprawnsoysterssquidcrablobstersaladfishscallopsbasssteakhakecoffee

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Most amazing food ever!! We brought the dog who was very welcome. Service was impeccable- just wow 🥰 would recommend a visit any time

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Laura . 2024-10-27

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Overheard one of the Chefs calling the waiter’s a f*g and a *unt what a vile human!! We mentioned it to the staff who served us to be told he treats all the staff like that and the managers do nothing about it…won’t be going here again whilst that is going on

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Poole lassy . 2024-10-20

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Wow- stunning location, excellent friendly service, delicious food and relaxed, dog friendly ambience. Portions were generous and good value for money.

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Cathy B . 2024-10-14

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A fantastic location and excellent food. The highlight though was the staff. Brilliant and friendly throughout the meal. They were attentive without being intrusive. My wife has an allergy to cow dairy products and, as we'd let them know beforehand, on arrival they had a hand amended menu waiting on the table for her. Couldn't have asked for more.

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K N . 2024-10-13

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I write, and pay attention to, very few reviews but Shell Bay deserves every credit imaginable. We arrived as drowned rats but were instantly warmed by the welcome and this continued throughout our experience. The staff were so attentive and knowledgeable and are such a credit to the restaurant. The food was exceptional - scallops, tiger prawns and sea bream were of the highest quality, paired with a very reasonably priced Touraine and some fabulous sides. It’s a wonderful spot in a beautiful part of the world and the greatest accolade I can give is my wife and I were thinking of when we could return the minute we left. A true gem of a place.

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Joe B . 2024-09-27

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Well the food is delicious. A lovely lunch and maybe the best fish I have ever tasted. The service is good and the location spectacular. Would we go back … No! Simply because in the restaurant they allow dogs. Quite a few of them. So great for dog owners but absolutely not for us!!

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samjames . 2024-09-14

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Well, I’m not a fish lover but, taking business associates out, I had to dive in and try. What a surprise, it was so tasty! Loved it all!

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Blue . 2024-09-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Myself and family are on holiday & after a day out at Lulworth Cove we visited for dinner and from the get go we were welcomed and beautifully looked after. The meal was superb and cooked and presented with love. Especially the incredibly reasonably priced large skate wing cooked to perfection. We would highly recommend the Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant.

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Amethyst . 2024-09-12

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Lovely restaurant with exceptional food, a view to die for, and lovely, helpful staff. Primarily a seafood restaurant but with good options for meat-eaters too, as well as Meantime beer (a personal favourite). If you're staying locally the bus stops outside offer a fun, hassle-free option for getting there and back. Use the Purbeck Breezer 50 and go open-top to enjoy the views!

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Martin S . 2024-09-08

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The restaurant has one of the best views. Parking could be challenging at times due to the long queues for the ferry, so we left the car by the side of the road and walked about a mile so not to be late for the booking. The atmosphere is relax. However, I would have preferred not to dine with a few dogs around, especially in a Michelin quality restaurant and my daughter having a strong fear of them. Dishes were good, creative and tasty.

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AKPLBG7 . 2024-08-31

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Great location with lovely views over the harbour. Very busy when we arrived so really very noisy inside which was exacerbated by the lack of soft furnishings inside to absorb the ambient noise. Had sea bass and plaice for our mains which were cooked perfectly but presentation was uninspiring. Vegetables were an expensive additional charge and new potatoes were over cooked. Deserts were a big disappointment given how expensive they were. The ice cream was tasteless and the frangipane tart was very small dry and tasted like it was straight out of a pack of six from Aldi. Biscuit base on chocolate tart was almost impossible to break through with a spoon . Overall disappointing as food was not of a commensurate standard to the price charged

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peter a . 2024-07-07

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Fantastic location, lovely, good-quality food, excellent staff and service. Very highly recommended. Could not get restaurant table ( 12x of us ) at short notice but seated outside for bbq. Lovely mezzes, prawns, tacos, lobsters - all perfectly cooked and lovely. Absolutely gorgeous afternoon meal in beautiful surroundings and with amazing service.

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Dave W . 2024-07-07

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Somehow it’s been about three years since my last visit here and last night it didn’t disappoint. We started with the scallops and trout, for mains we chose the Kerala seafood curry and the Sea-bass with a side of spicy carrots and rocket salad. Beautifully created dishes and as ever the setting on the water is incredible. The service was prompt, attentive and very friendly, just as a classy waterside restaurant should be. Thanks Shell Bay, I’m not going to leave it so long next time.

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Chris F . 2024-07-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

First time visiting for the 6 of us and we loved it. Location is absolutely incredible. Felt like we were on holiday. Everyone enjoyed their meal and and we all said we would definitely go back again. We had 1 small mistake with the food but it was rectified quickly.

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Kayleigh F . 2024-07-02

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Disappointing. It started off very well, we had the homemade cured trout & scallops - incredible! And the pinot blush rose was lovely too! However, sadly it went downhill from there, we chose pork belly which was very dry & the seabass with harissa creme fraiche, the harissa creme fraiche was far too overpowering for the seabass. It was possibly a poor choice of sauce but it wouldn’t go with any fish so I’m not sure it should’ve been offered. Then for desert we had lemon posset (small but delicious) and the almond frangipane - dry and lacked flavour - my husband said “I thought it’d be like mark Bennett’s” - sadly not despite it being 3x the price. The service was like the food - started off well but once we said the pork was dry (when they were taking our plates away - no one asked before then), they just said “sorry to hear that” and asked if we wanted the desert menu…we weren’t asked about our thoughts again and just presented with a complete bill at the end.

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Sophia M . 2024-07-02

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What an amazing place. We had the best view that others would pay a fortune for. Service was fantastic as was the food. Cannot recommend highly enough

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Redzha1r444 . 2024-05-12

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I arrived with my dog on a weekday without booking, having been walking in the area. The waitresses made me feel very welcome and got me a table and straight away brought water for my dog (often you have to ask). My table was in a sort of conservatory area with wooden flooring and the view across the sea to Sandbanks was stunning. With the chilled music playing, the beautiful view and the relaxed ambience of the place, I could have sat there all day! I ordered the whole chargrilled sea bass with chargrilled tender stem broccoli in a lentil sauce and fries. The fish was cooked perfectly and very tasty, the fries were lovely and crispy but I did provide feedback to the waitress that the tender stem broccoli was rather chewy so I left that, but no big deal. But all in all, it was a very pleasant meal and I would definitely return there again.

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countryretreat938 . 2024-05-12

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The restaurant (Saturday lunchtime) was fully booked when we arrived, unannounced but the Bistro was able to feed us! Nice anchovies and oysters as starters together with a well-priced local crab (whole, not dressed) and king prawns for our "main". The prawns were a little overcooked but the rest was very fresh and tasty although when we asked for an extra portion of bread they tried to charge us £6.50, so we declined! Overall, expensive (Sandbanks influence, I'm sure) but tasty!

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CesmeTraveller . 2024-05-11

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Fabulous restaurant in a great location with plenty to offer. Hopped on the chain ferry from Sandbanks and enjoyed a more than delicious lunch. Looking forward to the sun arriving and visiting to enjoy sitting outside and the bar food on a summers evening.

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laura l . 2024-05-06

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Great food well presented and served Not a huge but adequate menu with the fish very fresh. Good young staff helpful and bright. Excellent views from the remand a lovely restaurant

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Frazer H . 2024-05-05

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Tricky to find but a real gem when inside. Calming views across the water. Great seafood and wines. We had4 starters rather than a main course as we were looking for a light lunch. Soft crab to die for! Worth a return trip.

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CharlesS372 . 2024-05-03

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Excellent location excellent simply cooked food. We visited for a birthday treat and it couldn’t have been any better. The food, whole bass and whole bream serviced with garlic new potatoes and rocket salad with an Asian style crab to start was perfect. I think the waiter had put the wrong table number on our order so a few “Manuel” type moments ensued. All our food was offered to the couple on the next table. All dealt with in fun, a giggle and professional relaxed service. Highly recommend IF you can get a booking.

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Licqui2011 . 2024-05-02

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Note they have a very inflexible policy around table numbers. We were a party of 8 adults and two children, but we exceeded their policy of 8. We could not be seated together so were effectively turned away. We were told this policy was advised on booking, but we’re human we hoped that the lure of a party of 8 adults would be accommodated. It was a 40th birthday celebration after all. While we understand there are policies, often with good reason, the inflexibility was to their cost. We left and instead were welcomed to a fabulous table for all 10 with superb food and service at St Tropez Lounge with no notice at all, despite being busy. The children were ordered for first. Then the 8 adults ordered. This solution could have worked for Shell Bay, but they were too inflexible to consider it. What a loss to Shell Bay.

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ChrissyMHM . 2024-04-27

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Amazing food as always, in a stunning setting even better when a wonderful sunset is offered up with the meal. Food always freshly prepared and of great quality

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Rolodog2012 . 2024-04-20

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Loved the venue, location and the sunset- all if those magic ingredients for a perfect evening. Service fantastic Food is good, well presented but the quality isnt there to reflect the high prices

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karenr358 . 2024-04-18

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We had booked at the beginning of February for a birthday celebration lunch in mid April for four adults. On arrival we were seated in a small annex that was very noisy with adults and small children on one large table and a separate table of children. No reflection on the families or children but we couldn’t hold a conversation because we couldn’t hear each other. There were plenty of harbour view free tables but when we asked to be moved and pointed out we booked in early February, the reply was an offhand ”people book in January”! We were eventually offered a table within the restaurant with compromised views which we declined as it was our guests first visit and not why we had booked so early. A little later we were offered a table that had reasonable views away from the noise. To our surprise once we had settled and about to order, we were offered the perfect table which we gratefully accepted. After that, the food, service and ambience were great and enjoyed by all. It’s a shame that our initial experience was so poorly handled.

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Q8362UZmaxc . 2024-04-17

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Absolutely superb lunch and service. Perfect views, everything was tip top, especially the service from Oliver. Highly recommended venue!

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Glenn C . 2024-04-13

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Lovely location, but totally spoilt by rudeness of two staff members, one male and one female. The manager was completely out of his depth in dealing with the situation, and you could sense the lack of respect from the two staff members. Inexcusable behaviour, but unfortunately this has also been noted by other customers on previous visits.

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Wd M . 2024-04-09

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Overall a great experience. We had stunning views from the outdoor/indoor area and the food was great especially the soft shell crab starter and the Coley and seafood main course. Service was also perfect. The only downside was that just after we ordered, a table of four turned up with their three dogs. Although they were well behaved, they allowed them to curl up directly behind my chair while one of the others wagged its tail as it slapped the back of another chair at our table. It's a dog friendly restaurant and this is not a complaint to the restaurant (more the dog owners) but the fact they allowed them to be so close to us while we were eating definitely detracted from the experience. At £160 for a meal for three I'd rather not have canines brushing up against me despite how cute and well behaved they were.

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DfromDorset . 2024-04-07

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Stunning location. Incredible food and service. Faultless experience! Not cheap, but you get what you pay for! Easily the best restaurant I have been to in the Poole area.

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graemehorobin1 . 2024-04-03

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Amazing! The best meal we’ve had in a long time in the most beautiful setting. The service was excellent from start to finish and they easily accommodated gluten free with loads of options available. The oysters were the best we’ve tried! Our starters of trout and soft shell crab were fabulous too but the seafood curry was outstanding. We will be back as soon as we can!

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KtemaL . 2024-03-29

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Just delicious and dog friendly. We had a beautiful table next to the window in the main area. The food was really flavoursome and we were spoilt for choice with options. We had the soft shell crab, scallops, curry (which comes with rice and slaw), sea bream fillets and then blueberry and almond tart and crème brûlée. Each course was well thought out and our waiter suggested extra bread to soak up the sauce for the scallops and some accompanying sauce. We finished with a coffee. The restaurant isn’t enormous and we felt the staff were very attentive. It is situated next to the beach and so we went for a dog walk beforehand. Whilst the food and prices reflect a special place to eat we still felt comfortable in our walking shoes (which was a relief). One note - a window seat is not guaranteed and, arguably, I think if you are not next to a window the feeling is probably very different.

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Paddingtonstravels . 2024-03-10

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This restaurant is a short walk and a ferry crossing form our flat. The food is outstanding, service is second to none. Fish from the oven beautiful. Oliver and all the staff make you feel very welcome. It is a definite must go too

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jones123909 . 2024-03-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We booked a table for 6pm. We arrived and the place was not open. We wasted a full night of our holiday on this. We left very disappointed at 6:05 with no lights on. Do not trust!! Poor, we would like an explanation. Although they took a mobile number we did not receive a call at any point. Terrible service

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Sltthompson . 2024-02-15

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Lovely afternoon (unplanned) lunch. We reserved a table for around 2pm, then headed off for a walk over the dunes to work up an appetite. Food was lovely and fresh, sourdough was amazing with a great crunchy crust and the chocolate dessert was yummy. Restaurant had just opened following the winter break but throughly recommend a visit. Thanks Team ‘Shell Bay’ have a great 2024 season

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Paul D . 2024-02-10

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Horrible experience!! Booked the reservation 2 months prior to the date! When arrived there was nothing else left on the menu! The waitress kept coming back to cancel our order as the ingredients were not available! We left the restaurant with just bread and butter!! Very frustrating!

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Escape657192 . 2023-12-17

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Very enjoyable evening. Great food and service. Glad it was dog friendly. Highly recommend Shell Bay for a high quality dinner.

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Cholomley . 2023-11-23

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We chose Shell Bay to celebrate a special family birthday - we were 6 and everyone agreed it was an excellent choice. The food was fabulous, everyone had something different and no-one was disappointed. The staff were great, made sure everything arrived at the same time, accommodated extra requests happily. Will look forward to returning and highly recommend.

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Ann D . 2023-11-13

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This is a very good restaurant. The service was friendly and efficient. The dishes were all excellent. The location is great, with a view out to Brownsea Island which is is lovely, especially in the evening as the sun is setting. There is no parking adjacent to the restaurant. There is a National Trust car park but this a little way from the restaurant along the road that leads to the ferry that goes across to Bournemouth. Most of the time the road isn't busy but when the ferry comes across from Bournemouth it can get busy as vehicles unload. So it may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility.

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Bucksvoyager . 2023-11-01

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I am glad I hadn't read the recent negative reviews before we booked. We found the waiting staff to be charming, and the food delicious. The plaice overhung the plate and the broccoli accompaniment was imaginative and tasty. It was a wet and windy evening, and we crossed on foot on the Sandbanks chain ferry, to find the restaurant candlelit, warm and welcoming. A very happy evening.

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AnnettieT . 2023-10-29

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Visited Studland bay for a short trip with the family excited to eat a seafood lunch but sadly a bit disappointed.. oysters badly shucked, scallops super expensive and way too salty..Poor presentation with my place as it was served with a burnt half lemon and a slight tinge of charcoal on the top, served with peppercorn sauce that was also salty but nevertheless we enjoyed our time but sadly wouldn’t return because service was slow and staff were not very professional too.

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Katya A . 2023-10-26

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Great food. Awful service. High prices. Service almost non existent. Very rude waiter. Pleasant enough waitresses but clad in tights and t shirts - looked like they'd forgotten to get dressed. Nothing wrong with informal but this was really bad. I'll probably go back for the food but will be making sure I remove the service charge if it's still that awful.

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TheCriticSwanage . 2023-10-21

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Don't go on dark evenings no parking at restaurant only national trust parking across the road which was closed needed to go some distance away on a dangerous road in the dark. Location nice, food pretty poor and small portions and lacking in favour and luke warm. Very expensive we will never return.

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Stanley K . 2023-10-12

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I made a last minute booking for one person with dog for Sunday lunch at noon. I was given a table looking out into the bay - a great start. Whole soft shelled crab was fine ... the sea bream fillets from the fire were stand-out, and the peanut butter ganache with salted caramel ice cream was spot on. Charming service... Perfect!

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Anonymous646 . 2023-10-09

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The young chap named Angelo managing the bar made us some amazing cocktails out of request to go besides the wonderful sunset for a view.

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Westlvke . 2023-10-09

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Lively venue with spacious dining areas some overlooking water and Brownsea Island. Food very good with helpful and friendly staff. Parking on roadside before ferry approach from Swanage and ferry needed from Poole so not a convenient location. However ambiance and quality made up for this. Myself not keen on the very slack dress code for staff - creased shirts and shorts creates a scruffy look but I am sure many will find this "cool". Recommended.

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mumph . 2023-10-05

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Our annual visit and it did not disappoint! Excellent fresh fish , cooked perfectly and plenty of it! Excellent attentive service!

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Nigel P . 2023-10-02

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The restaurant is in a lovely position with great views. We crossed on the chain ferry from Sandbanks as foot passengers which was very easy. The service was excellent and the atmosphere very pleasant. The food was expensive bur very good. A lovely evening.

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Jane H . 2023-09-29

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Absolutely fabulous meal. Each dish wasn't just presented with skill and detail so that it was a work of art, it was conceived and cooked to perfection. Service was excellent and the location and view was second to none in Dorset. It is very pricy, even more so than Rick Stein, but it's hard to complain when the quality is so excellent. I do think at least £5 a dish less would be appropriate, but nevertheless we'll be returning. This should have Michelin stars.

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SimonDorset . 2023-09-24

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Whilst staying in Studland we booked and visited Shell Bay. We were greeted by friendly staff and shown to our table with a view of the sun setting over sandbanks, we couldn't have asked for more and that's before wed eaten ! A very varied menu of whole fish with various sides to choose and accompany, we were fully satisfied and happily recommend this destination venue. The service was attentive , knowledgeable and friendly. Good atmosphere and busy for a Monday hence the need to book. Thank you to ALL at shell-bay.

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Samalik2013 . 2023-09-13

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To be honest Shell Bay could be the greatest restaurant in the Uk - the setting is incredible and the the food is delicious. The staff however are a real let down. Customer service is borderline rude. The staff sit around disinterested and are more...

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John E . 2023-09-11

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Stopped at the bistro for lunch. Service was good but the food was below average and very overpriced. The crayfish roll was soggy and smothered in cheap mayonnaise. Very disappointing.

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janetsM9611UT . 2023-09-08

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This was 1 of our favourite restaurants. Overall terrible service, need to sort out front of house management. Arrived and shown to the table, great setting but canteen style chairs with cushions which are obviously not designed for the chairs, very uncomfortable. Left at our...

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G6730OErebeccaw . 2023-08-30

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Ordered cocktails which were poor quality. Passion fruit martini was below average. Not the correct consistency and passion fruit was sliced rather than half a passion fruit. I have never had a slice of passion before, ever. The Prosecco was also flat. Service was not...

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wendyf977 . 2023-08-27

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Stunning setting .. lovely food … excellent service ..very busy there and a lively atmosphere … would recommend for a special night out or just because you can .. our second visit and will visit again for definite

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Jackie C . 2023-08-22

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A beautiful setting but this does not hide the very average and overpriced menu. Very disappointing vegetarian options as well

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Victor D . 2023-08-22

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Restaurant was fully booked, staff were very nice, advised us to eat in the outside area. Stunning view, very nice food and drink. My 2 star review is because we paid the same price as the diners in the restaurant, even though we had plastic...

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HoxtonAJM . 2023-08-20

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Originally planned to just stop for a coffee but the restaurant looked lovely so tried the food. Great Food, simple but very well executed menu, lovely waiting staff, friendly chefs, nice bit of theatre with the open kitchen & fire, just a shame you can't...

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Toby D . 2023-08-18

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We went for a celebration lunch on Thursday which was surprisingly busy! Our table had fab views on the harbour and not squashed next to someone else. We had smoked trout, wasabi, pickled fennel with mussel and cod’s roe - amazing! My husband had the...

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NormanJRS . 2023-08-17

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Went for Lobster and Crab meal but non on menu, we had fish The visit was let down because we had to cross a stream of sewerage at the entrance

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Andrew H . 2023-08-11

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This is an excellent restaurant with beautiful views over Poole Harbour. It is friendly and casual. It is also dog friendly. The food and service are excellent. There were 4 in our group and we all agreed. I had a dish of Cornish sardines, probably...

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Browste . 2023-08-11

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Been to Shell Bay a few times now and I love the simplicity of it, fish on the fire and potatoes with a sauce. It really helped that we had a table right on the waterside. Would not have liked the add on conservatory. I...

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Jonnni_KK . 2023-08-11

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Nine of us went along to this lovely restaurant for a late lunch last Thursday 3 August. The food was delicious and well presented, a little pricey but worth it for the spectacular views. My one annoyance, I ordered the lamb, which was cooked to...

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LesleyAnn5517 . 2023-08-11

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Birthday lunch - underwhelmed and staff not interested! We had to wait ages for drinks on arrival, no one seemed interested in taking our order either! Everything was an effort to get, drinks - food - bread etc. Brilliant location, food was tasty when it...

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tania s . 2023-08-07

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Excellent seafood in a wonderful location overlooking Brownsea Island. A great place to celebrate a family birthday in the summer. Great managing two small boys in highchairs. The service was patchy with curiously the older male and tall young man being very good and the...

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David P . 2023-08-05

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Service was pretty good overall. Wait time to receive menus and order drinks was a long time and similarly so for the bill at the end but other than that was good. Friendly waiters and apologised for missing menu items drinks etc. Agree with other...

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Greene13 . 2023-08-01

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Really nice food, the fish was prepared and cooked perfectly. The side dishes and starters were as good as the mains. The food itself is worthy of at least 4 stars and the restaurant is in a beautiful setting, even om a rainy evening! However.....the...

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Maeve F . 2023-07-28

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Perfect lunch spot beautiful views, delicious food, fresh fish great kids menu (much better food and service than the local Rick Steins which we ate at last night) highly recommend

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Clare C . 2023-07-25

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Beautiful location but ridiculous prices. They are sadly not the Hut! The starters average £15, mains £30 plus sides at £8 each do fish chips and a veg is around £45. The weather wasn’t good so the ambiance wasn’t great but that is not shell...

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111tonyn . 2023-07-23

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Difficult to book a table and now I can understand why. Exceptional food, exceptional friendly staff. We were lucky enough to get a window table. So the whole experience was a delight, we shall return.

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jones123909 . 2023-07-19

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What a wonderful dining experience! The view is outstanding, the food is amazing and the service is second to none. We had a wonderful waitress called Thea who looked after our every need. All her colleagues were great too. Highly recommend.

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128joes . 2023-07-19

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Very good as usual , food excellent but could be a larger choice . Always great sunsets . Every time we book always ask for a window seat , but never get it . Must be us as peeps came in after us and asked...

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Discover781706 . 2023-07-18

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Whilst on holiday down in Dorset, my family booked a surprise meal for my birthday, with my husband. When we arrived we were shown to a table at the very front on the restaurant looking out to the bay. The staff were very pleasant and...

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Wendy S . 2023-07-16

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We’ve been coming to this unique restaurant for many years but unfortunately we now feel that the experience is not so special anymore. The food is not bad but not exceptional and the view remains outstanding however the building is looking tatty and the seating...

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Travelcritic30 . 2023-07-14

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Arrived on time at Restaurant for a 6pm booking. Told to wait outside or go around the building to the bar to order drinks as restaurant not open still preparing for guests, a very disappointing greeting. Was shown to the table to be told before...

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Sarah S . 2023-07-13

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One of our visits several years ago elicited the worst review from me ever on Trip Advisor for an appalling experience. Nowadays it has transformed. We visited this evening and the food was really very good indeed. As a Michelin mentioned restaurant it has become...

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davidpR6081WA . 2023-07-12

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We just had my wife's birthday lunch here and the food was to die for. Sat in a covered conservatory looking out at Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour, a wonderful view. Highly recommend the gazpacho starter and the panna cotta dessert and we sampled two...

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Alec H . 2023-07-07

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This restaurant is excellent. Beautiful location with full height glass to take in the view over Poole harbour looking towards Brownsea Island. The food was amazing, cooked to perfection coupled with an excellent service. This is one of our favourite restaurants. We will return again...

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dazzle9 . 2023-06-29

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Bistro Bar Absolute Rip Off! Order 2 plates of soughdough and a poncey name knob of butter just enough for one slice (3 slices on each plate) £12.00 A portion of prawns shell on got 8 and a desert spoon of aioli £11.00 Served by...

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SteveEnglandSurrey . 2023-06-13

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We came here for my wife's birthday as we have driven past many times before and loved the look of the location. We were not disappointed. The service was exceptional, relaxed, yet attentive. The food choice was good (mainly seafood obviously), and all dishes were...

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PWD40 . 2023-06-12

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We have been meaning to eat here for years and finally did so Saturday just gone. Wow what a fantastic place you could be anywhere exotic in the world and the food to match. If you love seafood and fish there is not other place,...

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paultV3393CO . 2023-06-05

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One of the best fish restaurants and surely the best view in the UK. We had an exquisite starter of smoked trout followed by perfectly baked sea bass. Prices are high but the experience and food is worth making the booking. We thought we didn't...

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mikerJ5296JH . 2023-06-03

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The location was as good as you could get with superb views and sunsets. The food was fine but front of house was slightly lacking and in need of direction .

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W6286TXAl . 2023-06-01

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Been here for lunch, dinner and snacks in the brasserie. It is an absolute must, fantastic food, service and the best views you could ever imagine. Well worth a try.

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Foodie S . 2023-06-01

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The location is amazing and the food good. I’m the past year the outdoor space has changed and no longer has all the seating outside to look over pool harbour. Definitely lost its edge. Some serious competition with Rockwater opening this year. Hope the owners...

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Roam40119517905 . 2023-05-29

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We visited the Shell Bay restaurant last weekend on Saturday 20th May, very busy. We had a lovely meal and amazing service. We went as a group of 4 to celebrate my wife's 60th Birthday, and Wow what a special treat, All the food was...

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Christopher R . 2023-05-29

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Amazing restaurant, overlooking Poole bay. Food was stunning, view fabulous and staff lovely, perfect combination. Well done to the whole team.

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E646OFlindac . 2023-05-22

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The service and location are top notch. If you like seafood the menu is good, if not they're pretty accomodating. Watching sunset go down over the water from Studland to Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and Poole is very relaxing. Parking less relaxing - thankfully the toll...

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S8256FMjamesm . 2023-05-11

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This restaurant/bar is must visit if your in the area.Such a relaxed atmosphere here,beautiful setting next to the sea,you can have a drink and just marvel at the scenery,the beach,sea,passing boats,all wonderful.The foods is exceptional,a wide range of starters for all tastes,four mains all different...

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Mark L . 2023-05-08

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Fantastic relaxed atmosphere wonderful chain ferry across the water to get here food was amazing staff very friendly Love love love it 🥰 Thanks to Meg one of the staff who gave fabulous food recommendation and made the evening extra special

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jenbB8357LK . 2023-05-08

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Been here twice in a long weekend because the food & service was so good! Very surprised about the poor reviews in April, nothing like the food or service we received. Has to be said Sky was a fab waitress! Lobster, oysters, lemon sole, miso...

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824marku . 2023-05-01

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This is in a beautiful spot with great views over the bay. Although it was not cheap the quality of the food was excellent. My sea bream was cooked beautifully and filleted perfectly - not an easy task. The staff were friendly and helpful. I...

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Barbara A . 2023-04-30

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Just not good enough. I appreciate that labour and energy costs are challenging but if you’re going to charge prices as high as this then the quality has to match. The Kerala fish curry was bland and tasteless. The fish was over cooked and some...

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Seaside82524 . 2023-04-28

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Very disappointed. Shell Bay was listed in the Times last week but it fell very short of expectations. Yes, a fabulous view and yes excellent service and the dishes were great on presentation, but that was it. My husband had scallops which were overcooked and...

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137janeb . 2023-04-18

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Excellent whole plaice flame cooked. A strange offer of sauces for fish though! So had just squeezed lemon. Wanted new potatoes but they only had them roasted in garlic, again strange as strong garlic overpowers the subtle fish flavour. Broccoli and kale were excellent-and the...

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Andy R . 2023-04-06

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Rang this resturant to book a table and whoever answered just lifted the receiver and placed it down again without saying a word or terminating the call - could hear the kitchen staff in background but no one to speak to - obviously had picked...

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Warren M . 2023-04-04

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The food was good but not excellent as would be expected from the prices. The location is very good but whether you have a table by the window is based on how far ahead you book by date. The service is poor with little attention...

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Gary H . 2023-04-04

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Exquisite food & exceptional service! The food was amazing and the service by the lovely Liverpudlian waiter brought the whole experience up another level! This is a special occasion restaurant - its not cheap, but you most certainly get what you pay for.

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Mrs-Viterinary . 2023-03-28

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First meal this new season at Shell Bay .The amazing views have not changed ! The Scallops were amazing as was my seafood curry .we had a guest who had lived in Boston and he raved about the Poole Oysters which he said were the...

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Neil G . 2023-03-26

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Lovely slow lunch, made to feel welcome despite being a late sitting. Very attentive and friendly waiter, great food especially the scallops and sea bream. No pretence, just relaxed vibe with good food, good service and a lovely view! Thank you.

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HannahBanting . 2023-03-22

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