The Seafood Cave And Grill in Derbyshire Dales

Had the most amazing meal here, fantastic chef and fresh seafood. Such a shame I don’t live nearby or I’d be in all the time. Will revisit on next trip back 🌟

Parking very difficult, Food very tasty and the service was excellent and friendly.

The Seafood Cave really is a gorgeous gem that feels built on love and a focus on quality - quality ingredients, service, presentation, and a beautiful authentic interior with all its quirks. I still can’t get over how incredible our food was. With an open kitchen to see your food being prepared and a window to the lit up cave, it was such an enriching dining experience. The energy is amazing at this restaurant - and it goes to show when the chefs and waitress were so kind and joyful and couldn’t do enough for you. One of the best places I’ve been. The people and quality ingredients truly make it the gem it is.

What a find!!!! The food was delicious the best sea food I’ve ever had!!!! Atmosphere fab service wonderful and the little added attention to detail you provide make it special yet relaxed well done!!!! Really can’t wait to come back!!!! 11/10 !!!!!! Xxxx

Adore this little gem of a place, best seafood I've had. Service is brilliant.

The best sea food I ever had! I never liked mussels but the way the chef prepared them now I love it! It’s a must visit while in Matlock. I definitely will be back. You need to make sure you book in advance as fully booked. People are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!

What a great place, hidden away. The food and service were faultless Would highly recommend

Absolute gem of a restaurant. Make a reservation and go for a deliciously good time. Fresh and fantastic.

We had a lovely evening here. The service and atmosphere are lovely. We were a bit disappointed with the food, though.

Absolutely fantastic food and service ! Thank you !

This warm welcoming restaurant has a beautiful little clifftop cave tucked away at the back of it which customers have access too look around if they choose too. I found this fascinating. You can witness the chef cooking your food Infront of you and when I glanced over you could see the passion the chef and his assistant put into your meal to ensure you get food that looks and tastes good. Everything is fresh and literally shipped in that day and you can 💯 taste it is. Although not for everyone's pocket the quality of the dishes is worth every penny. Staff are so friendly and eager to please. We will be coming back! (I has surf and turf and my partner steak.)

I visited at 5pm on Friday. We had oysters to start with surf & turf platter for main. The oysters, wine and olives were lovely. Unfortunately the mains was very dry and didn't taste fresh at all. The prok belly was dry and hard, the prawn was also dry. The only fish that excelled was the small bit of salmon. This restaurant has such great reviews on Google but unfortunately I didn't have the same experience. The fish didn't taste fresh and for the premium price I would expect better.

Visited this evening a party of 14 celebrating 3 birthdays. The food was delicious but for the first time ever after a fish and chip meal I was still hungry the fish was so small I wouldn’t usually eat a desert but as I was still hungry I chose a desert which was excellent. The 3 birthdays went unnoticed even though these had been mentioned at the time of booking. Very disappointed and will not be returning even though I have given a high rating for the quality of food.

Perfect dinner! Friday night was for dining out and digging in, and what a meal it was! A Scottish seafood restaurant is not what you necessarily expect to see in the heart of Derbyshire but what a delicious find the Seafood Cave and Grill was. I’m still daydreaming about it and this is a definite recommend if you’re in or around Matlock Bath. We were given a perfectly tasty smoked salmon canapé to begin with, and just that little spoon was enough to let us know we were in for a fantastic night of eating. I chose the Panzanella Salad to start and the beetroot salmon gravadlax on this was to die for, definitely one of the nicest things I’ve eaten in a while, this dish just contained so many things I love to eat, it was perfection on a plate for me. My partner started off with the Caves Taste of the Sea Platter, full of gorgeous seafood and fish, including the softest, most melt in the mouth, tender octopus. We also had some tasty bread and olives too! For main I tucked into the Posh Fash Fae Peterheid, with perfectly cooked swordfish, that delicious octopus, lots of samphire (one of my fave green things!) and new potatoes all atop a puttanesca sauce. Absolutely delicious. My partner went for the baked stone bass, herb crusted and in a seafood broth, with a side of black pudding dauphinois. *chefs kiss* We were quite stuffed but couldn’t resist something sweet to finish things off. We both had the dark chocolate brownie with marshmallow ice cream, the perfect ending to an amazing meal. I enjoyed everything so much, can’t wait to think up more excuses to go to Matlock to dine there again! Or maybe dining there again is enough reason on its own.

Amazing food, friendly staff & chilled atmosphere. Very highly recommended. Hope to return soon.

Second visit to this place and just as impressed this time. Lovely welcome, thoughtful menu and tasty well cooked food.

We ate here on a quiet Wednesday night. Very chilled out and intimate. Had heard it was very nice but wasn’t expecting the standard of food we got. It was excellent. I couldn’t recommend this restaurant highly enough. If you like seafood, this is the place for you. Thanks guys, your food was beautiful and the service was perfect 👌

We actually went late afternoon, so not quite lunch or dinner. High end food in a casual and very friendly place. The service was excellent and the food was second to none. The kitchen area was in the restaurant, so we could see the food being prepared. This also meant the chef (and owner) could see all his guests and he was paying attention to when everyone was seated, had a drink, was ready for their next course etc. We cannot wait to visit this place again.

Beautiful food, really stunning fresh seafood. We had the sharer to start and it such an amazing selection. It's a lovely place, really quirky to have the cave at the back. The service was good and prompt. Overall really good value for money.

We just visited the sea food cave and grill. fantastic food and I'm. not a fish person, and had read so many amazing reviews about this little restaurant in Matlock bath I had to try it out. I had a meat option, my wife and friends had fish dishes, The chef here is very talented with food, yes I would visit again 100% great prices and great food.

The restaurant is tucked away in a little courtyard, and has a relaxed atmosphere - clean and welcoming without being stuffy about itself. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and seemed happy to be there, and there was a view of the food prep area from most of the tables. It turned out that the chef is the owner of the place, and he is, not to put too fine a point on it - absolutely awesome! I honestly think that the meal I had is probably THE best meal I've ever had in a restaurant. I had the Seafood mixed grill with a shellfish reduction and it was absolutely incredible. The chef passed us a couple of times and asked if everything was to our liking, and was very friendly. This place deserves every success because it really is something special - and though it's not bargain basement prices, we both thought the food and service we had was more than worth the cost. Both of us thought they could have easily charged more without raising anyone's eyebrows. We had a few nice meals over the course of a few days in Derbyshire, but this one knocked the socks off all of them, and it feels like five stars isn't enough.

Absolutely fabulous meal. Fish cooked to perfection. Great service Value for money Hidden gem

Hidden away in a courtyard with its own cave. Took my partner for her birthday and we both loved the place. She had the lobster and it was perfect and I had haddock again perfect. For sweet we had the sharing platter, again faultless. When the chef had a moment he came and asked how the meal was, and sang happy birthday for my partner, nice touch. The lady who took the orders was friendly, attentive, cheerful and nothing was to much trouble for her. Would recommend. Great experience.

It was great to sit on the Chefs Table and watch them prepare the food.

Lovely food, nice staff and good decor.

We booked on the day on a bank Holiday weekend and the only space available was 5pm which they kindly fitted us in for. We had grazing board, monkfish, mixed grill, brulee and chocolate dessert and everything was delicious. The chef spoke to all the customers so it had a friendly, relaxed vibe but the food looked like something from masterchef! Our dietary requirements were navigated around, with things swapped out and at no difficulty for chef ian. The best meal out of our bank holiday getaway

Excellent food and service, you can really taste the freshness of the seafood. An authentic little eatery and an excellent, friendly chef. We were booked in for July, however due to unforeseen circumstances the restaurant was closed. We rebooked and were glad we did. We were even given a discount as an apology which we didn't expect. We will definitely be back.

For my wife’s fiftieth we chose to visit here based on a recommendation. I’m so grateful for that recommendation as it was a perfect meal that the two of us really enjoyed. Sat directly in front of the pass and both chefs took the time to say hello and chat about the food. The mixed plate of seafood with Lobster, clams, Hallibut and served with a bisque sauce was perfect. Great atmosphere, no pomp, just great food, wine and company. Thank you

Amazing food. A hidden gem but make sure you book!

Best seafood I've ever had! Posh Fash Fae Peterheid was delicious 😋 Great hidden gem

WOW! What a place, the lady who meets you / waitress (Sarah) was the best you could wish for in a restaurant very professional. Can see chefs cooking the food, chefs are very polite, professional, and welcoming. The food was just outstanding best seafood we have had! 😋. Also we had a naughty little 1 year old with us, but the staff entertained him and was very understanding about kids. So in a nutshell everyone go to THE SEAFOOD CAVE & GRILL. Thank you to you all Rachel 😘

Visited for hubby's birthday. Everything was spot on from the service to the food to the atmosphere.

Absolutely superb restaurant. Booked the entire restaurant for a family gathering, and an excellent time was had. The service and venue was very good, and the food was exceptional. Would highly recommend the mixed seafood grill.

Great find. Great food and great service. Impressive mix of seafood and non seafood alternatives presented beautifully with attentive and helpful staff. Highly recommended.

Good food and nice, professional service, maybe just a little more expensive than I thought.

The 4 of us enjoyed a beautiful meal once again, in content & presentation. The service was first class & the staff very approachable & professional. It's top marks apart from the atmosphere... nothing wrong with the setting, but we were unfortunate to go on the same evening as a so-called influencer/professional reviewer/"famous" chef. With the size of his ego I'm surprised anyone else could squeeze in the place. He was annoyingly loud, increasingly so & encouraged by a pair of sychophantic fans on a nearby table. Management ~ you don't need individuals like that to promote your wonderful restaurant; let your quality speak for itself.

A lovely venue, fresh Seafood and friendly service. Its become my favourite place.

Terrific fish restaurant. Great service, friendly chef. Can’t praise it highly enough. Set back from the road so nice and quiet. Has a lovely courtyard area and even a cave! We had starter + main + wine. Prices very reasonable for the level of quality.

Honestly the best food I've eaten in my life. The food was delicious and exquisitely presented. The staff friendly, attentive but not in your face. The location is lovely and the ambiance perfect.

Amazing as always! Special scallop starter with a posh Fash to follow finished with eton mess 😍😍 out of this world. Amazing service and amazing food Thankyou!

Lovely fish restaurant just tucked away of matlock promenade. Lovely food and staff will travel again from Buxton a real Gem thanks for everything.

The best lobster I have ever tasted (and we live by the sea!). This beautiful restaurant is tucked away from the main promenade and is small and perfectly formed. It was my birthday and my husband had requested lobster - what a treat! We live by the sea on the south coast and lobster is available locally but I have never tasted one as wonderful as this. The dish included scallops and king prawns, samphire and summer greens and the most incredible parmesan truffle fries all served by fabulous friendly people and a chef with a real sense of humour. It was a fantastic start to my birthday celebrations - highly recommended (make sure to book!). Thank you.

Booked in advance for our holiday and on the day of booking received email to say we had been cancelled. Tried to call and email to check what was going on but awful automatic answer machine. No person available. Caused a lot of stress. The fact that you are charged if do not attend was very concerning. Need to improve booking system.

FABULOUS MEAL!! Great service, wonderful staff and the perfect ambiance. A MUST when you visit Matlock Bath!

We attended the restaurant for my partners birthday and had a delightful time. The atmosphere was lovely and staff attentive and kind. The party had mixed levels of experience with sea food, and a mix of palettes, and there was something on the menu for everyone. The food was presented well, was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and was fairly priced. It was lovely to see the chef busy in the kitchen from our table creating the various dishes. Thank you so much, we will definitely be returning!

Insanely good food. Been meaning to try here for ages but never found the right time / booking! Managed to get in early today for my birthday meal.... I love seafood but can't eat mollusks for some weird reason and they were happy to divide up all of the food on the sharing platter at request. Was refreshing to have a seafood platter that was perfectly cooked - and tasted fresh. Was all seasoned nicely! Particularly never had a prawn cocktail quite that nice... And the sauces were just, something else! The mains were insanely good, and well worth the price in my opinion. Went for the monkfish and crab combo which was so interesting. The puddings were amazing too and felt like they were well thought out. Particularly love tarts and don't usually eat pudding but was swayed today and enjoyed every bite. Super friendly front of house and the chef brought over our food which was really nice to see. Just great food, and a nice quiet atmosphere. Will be back again to try the lobster! Thank you for lovely evening :)

Sarah and Emilio looked after us like we were long lost family, despite us turning up an hour later than expected and when they were meant to be closed. We shared king prawn tempura to start then my husband had the cod and chips - all fresh, crisp and light, and I had the monkfish which was served with langoustines, king prawns, crab smashed tatties and a beurre Blanc. Everything was truly delicious and Sarah and Emilia were so kind and welcoming, they really went the extra mile for us. Would 100% recommend and we will definitely be back.

Nearly missed this great place as we walked down the promenade. (Never known a place with a promenade and no sea... 🤔) The staff were very welcoming and the food! Lush! Definitely a place to go to when you're in town!

no disrespect intended, service way less than satisfactory. don’t waste your time on the lobster, the price was horrendous and was oven cooked. very displeased after reading the glowing reviews.

Genuinely the nicest food I’ve ever eaten the foods always fresh and cooked perfectly the staff are friendly and the chefs will talk to guest as it’s a open kitchen they always have something new and tasty to try along with a great alcohol and non alcoholic selection of drinks I almost don’t want to recommend this place as I don’t wait to have to wait for a booking as this place deserves to be rammed everyday

Fantastic meal out I booked for father’s day.staff were lovely especially to our 10 month old . Definitely recommend

Hidden gem is a perfect description. And feels so out of place in the bizarre setting of Matlock Bath. Surprise and delicious canapé. Fantastic fish dishes and lovely dessert. Definitely recommend.

A little gem! After seeing the glowing online reviews, we decided to give the Seafood Cave and Grill a try. Tucked away down a small alley, it’s easy to miss, but absolutely worth finding. We’ve visited many seafood restaurants from Skye to Singapore, and this one ranks among the best. We started with the hot and cold seafood platter accompanied by whipped Camembert. For our mains, we chose the Posh Gash Fae Peterheid and the Cave’s Seafood Mixed Grill. Every dish was beautifully presented and delicious. The waitress was attentive and knowledgeable about the local area, enhancing our experience. The chef’s skill was evident in every bite, and they should definitely keep him on board. If you visit Matlock, make a point of dining here – you won’t be disappointed.

What an amazing experience, we visited on the recommendation of a friend and weren't disappointed. The food was fabulous, service impeccable and surroundings unique. Thank you for a wonderful meal.

The food was amazing! Fantastic service and great staff. Would highly recommend

The mussels and cockles on the hot and cold platter were not fresh. They were bitter and tasted frozen. They must be using mayonnaise by the 55 gallon drum because there was a lot of it, on the Mary Rose... ubiquitous...and the tartare sauce. There were supposed to be four tempura prawns. There were two. The squid tasted like it had been dredged in carpet lint, then deep fried. The french fries we ordered didn't show up but by this time we were relieved we wouldn't have to stay longer to eat them. This was dire. How in the world this place appears to be booked up is beyond me. Thumbs down, with emphasis.

Omg⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chef can do magic, you are always welcome and surprised 100% recommended.

Very nice inventive seafood. Interesting location .

Delicious 🤤 Loved the open kitchen and their chef is fantastic! Will be back soon!

Amazing food, staff were great and super friendly. My only criticism is that there was a radio playing in the background.

We attended as a large party of 17 for my mum and aunties birthday last Saturday, the staff were friendly and the food was absolutely delicious! Although we were a large booking all courses were quick at coming out to us and were piping hot! Thank you to all the staff! We'll definitely be back 🙂

Will be back for more! We spotted this hidden gem just off the busy street of Matlock Bath and loved the hot and cold seafood platter.

Recently had a meal at the Cave. It was our second experience. The meal was fantastic, really tasty. Great service in a nice atmosphere. It felt great value for money. It was great seeing your food prepared and cooked before you - the chef was great.

Excellent restaurant,table was ready for us , quickly asked what we would like to drink . Ordered the seafood platter for 2 between 3 of us . My fish and chips was really good, desert we had a creme brulé Bakewell tart unique, really enjoyed the meal

Had an amazing meal last night, firstly the staff and chef's were friendly and attentive, and couldn't do enough for the guests, but the highlight was the food, which was fresh, delicious and presented fantastically, there was nothing that could have been improved, thank you for a great meal, we will be back.

The Haddock fish was the best ever. Perfect presentation. Friendly atmosphere will be coming again.

Really lovely restaurant which is easy to miss but a real great find. Firstly, staff are really friendly and welcoming and were more than happy to allow dogs in their restaurant. We had 2 well behaved dogs with us who rested quietly under the table whilst we ate. They have a great varied menu, and the food is honestly fantastic, best fish and chips I have had in as long as I can remember! My partner also had the steak which was also said to be really good. They also had a specials menu on with some great options, 3 members of our party had the daily special which included cod, lobster and mussels and it went down very well. The restaurant had an open kitchen which is a nice touch, great to see the chefs practicing their craft confidently from the heart of the restaurant. The toilets were also very clean and huge single cubicles. Please plan this restaurant in if you are in the area, you will not regret it. From the outside you may not think it looks anything special, but it really is. Not miss the chance to have what is probably the best meal in Matlock Bath.

Gem of a restaurant. Top notch food, friendly welcome, relaxed.

A lovely little gem. Clean open kitchen. Friendly staff and chefs. Food well presented and fresh. Recommend and will return again.

Had an amazing meal,cthis is a lovely place with very friendly staff a must visit!!!

Looking for seafood in the area then you can't get better than The Seafood Cave & Grill.

I am very happy to have found this place. A restaurant serving brilliantly well prepared seafood and fresh fish dishes. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Such a great surprise.

Great experience... the food was beautifully prepared and presented. Staff knowledgeable and helpful. A better selection of drinks would be good and the atmosphere could be improved with some alternative music and lighting.

This place is always full, but managed to get a Sunday evening booking. Enjoyed an incredible seafood platter for shared starter and a gorgeous main of Posh Fash Fae Peterheid (the truffle fries were divine) Portions so big, sadly we didn't have room for dessert. We will be back to try more on the menu. We were on the 'chefs table', which was basically closest to the kitchen area. Probably wouldn't want to sit there again as was a bit smelly being so close to frying the divine fish and chips my husband chose.

fabulous food and very friendly service

Highly recommend this place. They catered for my partner who's gf and also my children who didnt fully want what was on the kids menu. Will be going back. Food was delicious! 😋

Excellent food. The wife was happy. So that's what mattered.

One of the best seafood experiences I have ever had. The food was out of this world- so fresh and tasty. The staff were so friendly and happy to talk to us. Very good value for money. We will be visiting again very soon.

This is definitely 100% the best meal me and my wife have eaten.. Bravo chefs and staff and we are definitely bringing friends for sure.. Thank you

The place is kind of intimate which is nice, the servers pay attention and the food was amazing! Best seafood chowder ever!( I didn’t take a photo unfortunately ) I don’t know if it’s just cause it was Valentine’s Day but they offered a free glass of Prosecco, these little fish canapé on tinie wienie wooden spoons which was so cute and extra prawns with our mains. It was so lovely, Thankyou so much💖💖

Amazing place. Courtney was fab and beautiful food prepared with love from the on view kitchen

The best Seafood restaurant i have ever been to. A treasure located in Matlock Bath. The staff are all really friendly and the food is incredible. Myself and my boyfriend visit as often as we can.

Built into the side of the mountain, you can go further back into the cave. Extensive seafood menu with daily specials. Also veggie and carni options.

A fantastic little restaurant hidden behind the shops, focus is on fish and you can watch it all been made. Great team and changing menu base on fresh fish highly recommend it does get busy

Every visit is such a treat - the Cullen Skink is the best I've ever tasted!

My husband generally hates fish but loved it here, there was a choice for him with steaks etc. but also fish and chips (that he likes as it’s deep fried!), the comment was it was better than the fish and chips at Rick Steins! We had the sharing nibbles which were delicious, as was my main course Posh Fash. All the flavours really complemented each other and it was great to see how professionally prepared it all was. Chocolate desert a winner too! Thank you for my Birthday meal!

Amazing meal and much fun chatting to the chefs as they cooked our meals can't recommend enough .. superb food and incredible atmosphere

Excellent. Finally a place that does real seafood!

Myself and I went for a birthday celebration,Absolutely lovely place The staff are so lovely and welcoming the food is divine so fresh and well presented the chef is exquisite his food is a work of art I would strongly recommend this place please go it will make your tastebuds dance

Lovely friendly staff with fab food !

Absolutely fantastic food and friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere too 😊

Overall a fantastic meal! Highly recommend for fish lovers, there are also other options accept fish if someone is going that isn't to keen!

Just had a meal for 4 wow excellent food. Don't be put off by the table availability. Well worth the wait. Best seafood meal I've had for years. Will definitely be back.

Everything was just perfect. The quality of the food, freshness, was all very good. Seasoned perfectly. Excellent price. Its a little gem tucked away. Well worth the drive.

Little gem of a restaurant off the beaten track and easily missed. Compared with the tourist fish & chip shops and Stones in Matlock this is at the upper end of the scale. Starters £8 to 10 range. Mains around £20 to 25. Service is friendly and the food tasted great. Well worth a visit, we will certainly be returning.

Oh my word... where to begin?? WHERE HAS THIS PLACE BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! The most beautiful selection of seafood cooked to perfection, presented to such a high standard and tasty beyond words. The service from both the waiting staff and chefs was fantastic. The setting and atmosphere was just lovely, we truly had such a fantastic experience here. We can't wait to return!!!

Visited for the 1st time for my birthday and was absolutely blown away by this hidden gem. The food is the best I've ever eaten and every member of staff added to such a wonderful evening. Simply cannot wait to return.

We were sat at the 'chefs table' or the one closest to the open kitchen(!) And were made to feel welcome right from the start. Both chefs were lovely and accommodating and enjoyed conversing with us. The food was fantastic. Clean, fresh, and so delicious. I preferred this to Stones in Matlock. Im comparing the 2 as the level of cooking was on par with it, without the formalities and the stuffy atmosphere. Wouldn't hesitate to come back. Pannacotta for pudding was unreal

After spending the weekend in a lot of supper amazing restaurants this one was by far the most amazing place we came to Ian and his team run an extremely well organised and friendly restaurant with food of the highest quality and presentation. Each member of staff took pride it what they did. We will most definitely be coming back as the food was unforgettable. Definitely recommend

Absolutely amazing service and food!!