Reviews - Shell Bay
Reviews summary
Nestled beside the beach, this charming seafood restaurant offers a blend of culinary delights and a picturesque setting. While some guests encountered issues with reservations and menu availability, many praised the outstanding food and attentive service. Signature dishes—from freshly shucked oysters to decadent desserts—captivate diners. The ambiance, enhanced by views of Poole Harbour, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for families, including furry friends. With convenient parking options and opportunities for a leisurely stroll, it’s an ideal choice for a memorable meal. Despite some service hiccups, the overall sentiment reflects a promising dining experience, making it worth a visit.
Was Anonym at Shell Bay a mag?
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant with amazing seafood in a beautiful setting and a wonderful atmosphere. They were able to accommodate us at the last minute, even with our children and dog in tow. We were very grateful for that. The children enjoyed dishes like pasta bolognese and a vegetarian option, while the adults savored seafood dishes like oysters, scallops, and mackerel soup. Desserts were deli... View all feedback.
What Sltthompson dislikes about Shell Bay:
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 View all feedback.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 15.03.2024
The restaurant was delicious and dog friendly. We were seated at a lovely table by the window in the main dining area. The food was full of flavor and we had plenty of options to choose from. We enjoyed the soft shell crab, scallops, curry with rice and slaw, sea bream fillets, blueberry and almond tart, and crème brûlée. Each dish was well thought out, and our waiter even recommended extra bread to soak up the sauce from the scallops. We ended our meal with a coffee. The restaurant is not very large, but the staff was very attentive. Located next to the beach, we took our dog for a walk before dining. Despite the upscale atmosphere and prices, we felt comfortable in our casual attire. It is worth noting that a window seat is not guaranteed, and sitting next to a window may provide a different dining experience.
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
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
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.
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
Last update : 24.12.2023
This restaurant has a fantastic beachfront location where you can watch the various boats go by. It is also dog-friendly and has convenient toilet facilities and a barbecue area.
Fantastic restaurant with an incredible setting and diverse menu options. We love parking at the National Trust car park and taking a leisurely stroll down the beach to reach the restaurant.
Beautiful and diverse sandy beach with peaceful, untouched dunes. There is convenient parking and it is affordably priced. Make sure to bring everything you need as there are no nearby shops.
This has to be one of the best restaurants I have eaten at since I have been here in the UK! If you are in the Bournemouth/Sandbanks area, make sure...
Last update : 23.12.2022
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant with amazing seafood in a beautiful setting and a wonderful atmosphere. They were able to accommodate us at the last minute, even with our children and dog in tow. We were very grateful for that. The children enjoyed dishes like pasta bolognese and a vegetarian option, while the adults savored seafood dishes like oysters, scallops, and mackerel soup. Desserts were delicious. We will definitely be returning and will make sure to book ahead next time!
This restaurant is absolutely fantastic. The fish menu is excellent, the service is great, and the location is wonderful with a stunning view.
Friendly attentive service, spectacular view and excellent eating. simply cites one of the best restaurants in the BCP area and probably the best fish restaurant. the situation is perfect and much more accessible than they might think, only the other (studland) side of the ferry. we have actually caught the open deck bus from westbourne and made a trip from it. highly recommended if you want a fantastic fish restaurant or just a special occasion.
We arrived for lunch on a beautiful sunny day and the restaurant had a good vibe and a bit of a buzz. We were shown to a table with a full view of the surrounding water, vessels and wild life, which was so relaxing. The staff are attentive and very helpful. We ordered 3 different fish starters and mains which were all absolutely delicious. The fish was cooked to perfection and the wine nicely chilled. Top marks everyone, you will see us again and again and again.
A fabulous place to while away a few hours with friends and family. The food is exceptional as is the service, if you are fish lover then you are in for a real treat. Try to get a window seat as the views of Poole Harbour are something special. Forgot to take photos as we were enjoying ourselves and the food so much. Parking is in the National Trust car park opposite, or you could park in the one closer to Studland and walk up the beach to the restaurant. We will definitely return.
