The Best Dressed Crab in Isle of Wight

Best dressed crab I have had and I have had a lot!!

Beautiful views, great service and gorgeous food. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

Slow service on the Isle of Wight falls into one of two categories. Either piece of life on the island, genuinely terrible service. Sadly, this falls into the latter more than the former. We had a reservation for 2 pm and didn’t even get drinks until around 2.45. It was easily an hour after we arrived before we got some food. At least two tables who arrived after us was served and had their meals delivered before us. There was hardly anything in way of an apology until we actually complained We suggested by way of gesture, the restaurant could discount the price of one bottle of Prosecco, they brought us another free of charge. The wholesale cost of two bottles means they still made a profit. Food is fine, although overpriced for what was ordered, sharing fish platter looked amazing. But one of our party had the coronation chicken sandwich which was average at best. The restaurant feels more like a backstreet Café than it does a restaurant. There are far better places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight. Save your money and eat elsewhere.

Very quiet lunchtime visit, excellent quality seafood.

Amazing food and amazing experience! The staff was very kind and professional! I'd recommend booking in advance as the place is small and popular! Best crab I've ever had! Would definitely go back again!

The nicest dressed crab baguette I've had!

We love this place every time we come to the iow we always come here best seafood on the island, the crab is on another level, can’t wait to return

We couldn’t wait to visit this little restaurant again after a one year absence. It continues to serve, amazing seafood, mainly lobster and crab, the freshest you can find on the island. Very pleasant and super fast service, we enjoyed absolutely the freshest, delicious dressed crab and salad, and crab filled baguettes. We were lucky to have a beautiful day in February, it’s best to make a reservation as this restaurant is extremely popular with the tourists and locals alike. Highly recommended!

Wonderful place! So lucky and grateful to get a table on a Sunday lunchtime.... Definitely return!

Came here on New Year’s Day and what a joy it was. Great , friendly service (blonde lady was excellent) , fantastic fresh food, lovely setting and beautiful views. It was an 11/10 for me. Can’t wait to return :)

We visited on new years eve and the crab was horrible, I've not tasted crab like it, the 4 dressed crabs we had all tasted the same, bitter with an almost chemical after taste. We usually buy the platter but after experiencing over cooked lobster and mussels with the same texture of a 20p bouncy ball last time, we avoided it to be greeted by bad crab , then they tried to charge us over £230 for the privilege. The lady added lots onto the tablet/till we didn't order, we told her what we ordered and she said she would sort it and come over, then left us sat waiting for 15 minutes. this place has lost its friendly appeal. I'm truly gutted as this was a nice place

The food is absolutely delicious, prices are so reasonable.. Thank you so much!

The crab ramekin is absolutely to die for!

Fabulous cafe service generous portions of everything on the menu. I had trouble holding my. Crab sandwich. Service was handled impeçably by a lovely 14yr. old girl. We were not sure 8f she was family or not but her parents should be very proud of her. She showed great confidence and integrity. We will return without doubt.

Great food. Fresh, flavourful and lovely environment

15 stars! Really, it’s that good. The seafood platter for 2 is an absolute delight. Best fresh seafood on the island, or anywhere….

A floating restaurant with fresh crab or lobster. Superb views of harbour

Went there and was really surprised how very good it was.

Bought some fresh crabs from the shop here and loved them, great value and super fresh! Even got given great instructions on how to serve them 😋

Our second visit. Crab sandwiches to die for !

We were lucky to just walk in and get an inside table on a Monday at 2pm. Very pleasant quick service, did not like wine served from miniature bottles. However the crab baguette and crab salad were so out of this world delicious, so fresh and sweet, that we would give 10 stars if possible. Very nice view of the marina, we really enjoyed being on this floating cafe. Our only regret is not having enough time in our itinerary to visit again.

We were lucky to just walk in and get an inside table at 2pm. Very pleasant quick service, did not like wine served from miniature bottles. However the crab baguette and crab salad were so out of this world delicious, so fresh and sweet, that we would give 10 stars if possible. Very nice view of the marina, we really enjoyed being on this floating cafe. Our only regret is not having enough time in our itinerary to visit again.

No crab or lobster was available on our visit, so we were a little disappointed.

A very windy and wet day. Choppy sea causing the restaurant to sway slightly whilst try to eat. It made the visit interesting, but still had a great meal with drinks. There were seven people in our group for meals and drinks. Limited parking here.

Just the best crab salad ever! We loved everything about our visit. Thank you

Booked a table outside on a Sunday. Enjoy lovely views over the water. Simple menu but perfectly fresh and tasty. We had lobster and crab, the crab was amazing. We shared a mixed chilled bottle of Rose from Provence. All the staff were friendly and efficient. Unisex toilet nice and clean. Highly recommend.

Menu somewhat limited, but food excellent. Mostly served lobster, crab and prawns. No desserts available. A little on the expensive side, but this was a birthday treat for my partner, so we splashed out. The lobster and dressed crab were to die for. We went to the sister establishment just down the road for dessert, which was again excellent. Sticky toffee pudding and lemon cheesecake gorgeous. Menu had more to offer in the way of classics, but the Best Dressed Crab and Lobster ideal for a special treat. I can recommend them both.

Unfortunately the day we drove there with our mouths watering in anticipation of a much praised crab sandwich, sticker on the door saying no sandwiches or baguettes that day, only dressed crab. Oh well, try again in 2024 on our next holiday to the IOW 😢

Probably the best crab baguettes and salads on the island 👍

What a fantastic spot, excellent crab along with a flawless service, with a wonderful view. Totally recommend and will most definitely be returning

Gosh! How absolutely lovely this is! We had the dressed crab salad and thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful! The Speciality Seafood Platter looked amazing but we knew we could not manage it all sadly. We had swans and ducks swimming outside our window and were quite entertained by people arriving on boats for lunch. Definitely book in advance. There are two sittings at 12 noon and 2pm, but they are pretty busy!

Fantastic fresh seafood overlooking a small marina

We went without booking and staff fitted us in bless them 1 St time I'd had lobster very nicely dressed great all round experience if we go Isle of Wight we will book

My daughter and I were determined to have some great seafood while on holiday in the Isle of Wight. She went on some local Facebook groups to ask for recommendations, and everyone said this was the place to go. We shared a seafood platter for two and it was just brilliant.

Best seafood platter in the UK ❤️

We have visited here twice this summer as the first visit was so good. Lovely fresh crab, very friendly and welcoming staff and an amazing location to watch the boats go by. We would definitely recommend and definitely be back.

Looking at some of the reviews it was off putting, but my husband and I had a lovely experience we enjoyed the food the outlook was so nice the service was great and we couldn’t fault it, we would definitely go back again best to book it does get busy

We called in on speck. The carpark wasn't full and walked in lots of free tables but a sign said no crab or prawn baguettes/sandwiches. We decided to go back to the shop first where we were told there wasn't any crab or prawns for sale but to go to the café. When I mentioned the sign I was told that there was crab and prawns but only for full salads and platters which was pointed out to me on the shop menu. I do not like being "persuaded" to eat and pay more for my lunch. It's their perogative to do this of course but I won't be going back.

Really very good. Such simply prepared really fresh food, just perfect. Paired with some decent wines at reasonable cost, it’s always a good occasion here. Staff are quick and efficient too.

Rude staff and very unwelcoming. Although we had a reservation we were spoken to like something on your shoe. Service should be standard this day and age, we turned around and walked out and headed to The Beach Hut where we were welcomed and had a lovely meal without a reservation.

We called in for lunch, the woman who met us was downright rude and very arrogant. Needless to say we turned around and walked out! I’m not prepared to spend my money in an establishment where even the basic pleasantries are missing! Had a fabulous crab and salmon meal at the Beach hut instead!

The Best Dressed Crab sits upon a floating pontoon within Bembridge bay given a nice backdrop to your dining experience. A small café serving top quality, super fresh sea food. The two person sea food platter was easily big enough to feed three. I would highly recommend a visit if you're on the island.

Off the cuff lunch. The food was just delightful. Staff were very polite and helpful.

This was one of those moments that was "off the Cuff". We had been to Bembridge and was passing we decided to call in. We both decided to have the Dressed Crab Salad. The staff were polite and very attentive, we ordered food and drinks, drinks arrived very quickly. the food shortly after. The presentation was beautiful. The crab was delicious, the salad was fresh and crisp, the chips were piping hot and cooked to perfection. The vinaigrette was just WOW. We had a wonderful time and would strongly recommend anyone who loves Crab.

We were on holiday with friends and there suggestion was this place, we did book thank goodness as it was very busy, the fish dishes were amazing dressed crab salad & Prawn Salad with bread & pot of mussels, all fresh and well presented, lovely setting on the water front, if I’m in IOW again this is a must

We were greeted by a member of staff to be told us there were no tables available fully booked , and advisable to prebook …. Fair enough and left. Hubby then decided to go back and see if they offered take out food … when he noticed a small party of people just arrived with no booking to be seated straight away. Hubby then questioned a member of staff to ask why wasn’t that table offered to us , we could have easily have waited 5 minutes ? Suddenly a table became available for us. We sat at the table feeling a little uncomfortable , we ordered drinks and food. We both ordered the dressed crab with salad and baguette. The food arrived , crab was pretty tasteless on a bed of what looked like limp packet salad leaves and portion of uninteresting baguette. After waiting a while we have up on waiting to be asked if we would like to see a dessert menu , coffee or our bill , so decided to go to the till to pay. Sadly not a place we would return to. I appreciate that lunchtime can be busy but I have to say this was the most miserable dining experience I have ever encountered - which is such a shame because it’s in an idyllic location and should have a been a pleasant dinning experience.

We came across this restaurant by chance when reading up on things to do local to our campsite. As a massive seafood fan I was keen to visit - so we booked a table for myself, my partner and our 3 children and my parents. The only free slot we had was for the final day of our holiday - literally the same day we were due to get the ferry back. So after booking we virtually forgot about it until the day. The establishment did not look like much from the very small carpark outside and the tide was out so there were a few flies buzzing around. An old couple also bundled past us on the platform to the restaurant as we were carefully walking the kids along and taking in the sites (very rude customers who hadn't booked and were hoping to steal a march on us in case we hadn't either..) We were seated outside - fortunately the weather was nice as it was uncovered and we were at the mercy of the elements - but we had an amazing view of the harbour and enjoyed the sea air. There was only one thing I wanted on the menu.. the Speciality Seafood Platter for Two (for myself). It was the same price as a "whole lobster" at the Crab & Lobster pub we had visited the night before and yet it had so much more on it (whole lobster, two dressed crabs, four crevettes with prawns, mussels and clams). Wow. It did not disappoint. I would absolutely go back to the Isle of Wight just to have that platter again. Great taste and great value. I am so pleased it was the last meal I tasted in IoW as I left feeling full and extremely happy. Would absolutely recommend this place as somewhere to visit for lunch if you are nearby. Remember to book!! Or you might get thrown off the pier by locals who haven't booked either... ;)

Lovely restaurant on the water with amazing food. Booking is essential.

Although the crab salads that we ordered were good, our experience at the Best Dressed Crab means there will be no return visit! Firstly be warned there is very limited parking at peak season. We phoned in advance to let them know we’d be a few minutes late due to finding parking. I was barked back at with well I hope you’re not too late as you’re table is booked after you! We had no choice but to pull into the full car park to unload the children. We were very surprised to be greeted by not a hello, but a comment of your 4 minutes late….in light of the fact I phoned we thought this was a little unnecessary! We were then informed that pulling into the middle of the car park was a big no no and we must move straight away!!! At this point we nearly left…. We had to ask for drinks and to place and order (which wasn’t done with a smile), and then after lunch when my 4 year old politely asked for an ice cream, we were reminded again that our table was booked again at 2.00. The table was actually booked at 2.15 so thankfully time for his ice cream!! Having worked in the hospitality industry all my life, it doesn’t take much to make people feel welcome and treat them as you would like to be treated yourself. We completely understand that this is a busy restaurant in peak season, but this should never be an excuse for poor service.

We had prebooked ( essential for peak season) a 2pm lunch table. Chose inside as you can't change if the weather's poor. However, it was a glorious sunny day so all the windows were opened so it felt outside anyway. We had a seafood platter...

Crab and lobster available, adequate seating but very limited parking. Great location and views.

Lovely place found by just passing by. Great service. I had prawn sandwiches, and my daughter had prawn baguette accompanied by a great salad. Kids had chips and ice cream🤣🤣🤣

Never had seafood before and this blown our expectations out of the water. Was very nice! While it was costly for 2 with dessert it was well worth the price with us only going once! Would 100% recommend if you're looking for seafood in the Isle of Wight! Lovely area.

Proper little Jewel wonderful food, special location 👌

This little cafe is a great find. Wonderful seafood almost coming from boat to plate. Situated right on Bembridge Harbour with tables inside and out. We had a mixed seafood platter and crab salads. All absolutely out of this world. Friendly and unobtrusive service. Non...

Wonderfully authentic setting by the harbour and lovely, clean and friendly environment. Staff very friendly and happy. Busy and a very popular place to eat. We booked on the back of a recommendation. The views across the harbour are fabulous. We sat inside - outside...

I use to visit this restaurant two or three times during my stay on holiday. But since we were rushed during the last time we were there, After buying a bottle of wine to drink after our meal, the staff were cleaning around us and stacking chairs on the tables which didn't make for a happy end to our meal and we felt very uncomfortable.

We'd seen the reviews and decided to treat ourselves my wife said it was the best crab she'd ever eaten and is now in her top 3 meals ever! Make sure you book! Yes it's on the pricey side! Yes the people who work there could force a smile! But overall well worth a visit

Food was fresh and ok but wasn’t quite as nice as I thought. The seafood is just boiled or steamed with salt. No good sauce. Crab sandwich was great and worth the money but rest was not as impressive as I thought.

By far the nicest crab sandwich that l've had. The seafood platter looks amazing and comments from another table next to us were also very very good. Can't fault them, suggest you book..... if you can!

There are two sittings for lunch, noon or 2pm. You can book an inside or outside table but be aware if you sit outside there’s nothing between you and whatever the weather chooses to be that day. We have always found the food here to...

Absolutely delicious shellfish and you could not get any fresher, we shared a wonderful platter containing Lobster, Crab,King Prawns , Mussels and Clams it was delicious. If you are on the Island do yourself a favour and book a table, you won’t regret it !

Friendly service and gorgeous location. Big platter of seafood but only the dressed crab was outstanding. Lobster was over cooked, little flavour to the clams or mussels. Expensive fir what it is, £100 for 2 without alcohol

Wonderful seafood platter. A highlight of our holiday in the Isle of Wight. We were determined to have some seafood during our visit and The Best Dressed Crab was recommended by locals as the best place to go.

Great food and lovely location. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Not only the best dressed Crab but also the best tasting one. Sad that only card payment is possible!

We had the speciality platter for 2, and it was amazing. Tasty & delicious. Service was relaxed but readily available, if needed. It's not posh, but top quality. Highly recommended.

Thank you for a superb seafood lunch. You supplied 19 dressed crab and 9 lobster. They were absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. It was my mother in laws 90th and you really made it for her. Thank you very much indeed.

Don’t pass this by! This floating restaurant is only open from 10-3 and gets booked very quickly. We shared the amazing seafood platter which was fresh and utterly delicious, and good value too. The young staff were friendly and attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed the...

Oh Wow. What a fabulous little cafe. Excellent menu. Great Crab sandwiches, very friendly staff. You may have to book. Plenty of parking (Free). Beautiful view. Highly recommend

We have been here once before and it was fantastic. This year, we booked the Best Dressed Crab for the final day of our hokiday as a treat. When we arrived, an error had been made with our booking and our 12pm table had been...

Miserable and rude waitress, as soon as we walked in; no greeting but asked if we’d booked, which we had and then said come and get the menus. Sat down, came to take our order, no smile and blunt answers. We always get either the...

Fabulous food, nice simple menu, great location. The seafood platter is amazing value considering what they serve you.

Lovely setting, unique restaurant & views. Food extremely fresh & tasty. We shared a seafood platter for two, tasty & plentiful. We enjoyed the experience.

Amazing fresh fish!! We had the mixed seafood platter!!! Was very very good! So fresh ! I will definitely go back there again next time I will be on the island! We booked in advance , it’s better !

This tiny little restaurant offers just what it says in the name. Wonderful fresh crab and shellfish served with very little fuss and great efficiency. Great location, lovely staff and brilliant simple dishes. The crab ramekin served with salad and French bread was amazingly good.

Had informal lunch. Very busy so sat outside, glad we did. Great views. Book if you want inside. Had wonderful crab sandwich filled to brim. Limited wine & beer selection. Do not be put off by approach down pontoon next to rusty crane & barge....

Super fresh crab, locally caught. This restaurant run by a family with plenty of fishing history know how to keep it simple but fantastic. We had two crab and lobster platters for four of us who all thought it the best we had all had...

Lovely food, huge portions and a setting that is simply stunning. We had delicious prawns, crab and ice cream. There was also the choice of cheese baguettes for those not into seafood (child). The place is delightful and welcoming. My only slight criticism is that...

Lovely food and very nice service! The views are incredible on a sunny day! I will definitely recommend to other People and friends!

Delicious seafood lunch in a floating restaurant on Bembridge harbour. I chose the Prawn Cocktail Salad and my partner opted for a Dressed Crab Salad with a side of chips. Both very satisfied with our meals which were generous portions. I would recommend booking as...

Fantastic location and brilliant food, delicious prawn sandwich and dressed crab a salad. Well worth a visit. Set out over the sea, the location is beautiful.

visited for lunch for 4, great table by the log burner which we had booked. we had prawn salads and dressed crab salads - great quality and amazing tasty food with loads of salad and crusty bread. a side order of chips didn’t go amiss!...

So had a week in isle of wight done so much and found out about this place so last day decided to go for lunch (booking advised) what a quaint little place a floating restaurant small but lovely,nice little menu all fresh from I believe...

I read the reviews and as we wanted a light lunch, took ourselves to Bembridge and The Best Dressed Crab. Immediately on arrival, we were told that there wasn’t any crab which was not a problem. Some days you catch crab, other days not. We...

Disappointing that no crabs were available. We’re offered prawn baguettes instead at £9.80 each, a bit pricey. They were very watery and soggy - so probably frozen. The lady that served us was unfriendly. The whole experience was underwhelming and despite all the positive reviews...

We visited during the August bank holiday weekend, and sadly the restaurant didn't have any crab (but we were warned before we went we'd have to have something else). We were disappointed but still went. We opted for the Prawn Baguettes with a couple of...

Went for lunch (booked). Fabulous fresh lobster salad with fries. Very busy, but excellent service. Would definitely recommend....need to book as several psople turned away.

Birthday lunch fresh crab salads and chips but there’s no crab ☹️. Instead we had a lovely bole of prawns with salad and a side of frieze helped down with a cold glass of dry white wine . Great location fresh food and a cold...

Very nice place to dine the freshest 🦞 and 🦀. The place lives up to its name. I tried the Dressed 🦀 Salad which comes with a whole dressed crab, on a full bed of green salad and half a warmly baked baguette 🥖! You...

Been before a couple of years ago - very good. This time, no crab and a rather limited menu, But yes, the service was crabby! Unfriendly, unhelpful and not well informed. That's what you get when you employ young people on school holidays with a...

She wasn’t best dressed, but was definitely crabby. We were told we couldn’t order drinks in case someone who would order food came along, and she wouldn’t make as much money. Table was already reserved an hour later so thought we’d be doing a favor...

The food you can't fault, excellent quality and great produce... Now then... the staff ?? Never known a waitress to be so rude and ignorant. They got the food order wrong 3 times and never once apologised. Unfortunately I would not recommend this place to...

Best dressed crab I have had, and a great salad and fries along with. Very friendly people, a total pleasure. If someone in the group doesn't like crab, they can have a cheese sandwich. Best to book, but from experience and observation, also worth calling...

Had to book, no problem and table ready, service good. Fab location, recommended. Not been for a year and a few things have changed, portions were overwhelming but now adequate. The platter used to be a feast but it seems now they are doing just...

What a lovely spot! Great food, very very fresh and prompt service. You could not want for a better location, highly recommend. If you like seafood, this is the place. We had dressed crab and half lobster salads. Would definitely return.

The crab was so fresh and well worth your money. The service was great as are the views of Bembridge harbour.

I last reviewed the wonderful floating restuarant in July 2013 and it remains a great place to enjoy seafood. The only diffrence is it's now painted light blue. The food is absolutely outstanding. Highly recommended.

We walked in this morning to chance if they had a table for lunch and they did, so booked for 2pm on the outside deck. However our vineyard tour ended earlier than expected so we phoned to see if they could change it to 12...

Our first choice restaurant on the south coast for fresh crab and lobster. There is nothing better than sitting on their deck enjoying a seafood platter whilst drinking a cold glass of Chablis. Perfection. This is not a luxury establishment, rather a smart cafe attached...