Harden's survey result
Summary
“Super-fresh fish in simple surroundings with wonderful views” over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island makes a winning deck of cards for this waterside spot on the Isle of Purbeck, on the beach by the chain-link ferry. “Delicious puddings”, a “respectable wine list” and “friendly staff” complete the deal.
Summary
“Fresh, fresh fish”, “roasted in their wood oven” is the straightforward but irresistible offer at this “perfect seafood restaurant right on Poole Harbour”, with views from every table across to Brownsea Island. “What’s not to like? There were no negatives”.
Summary
The “utterly wonderful location overlooking the bay” – from the “airy” dining room or terrace right on Poole Harbour – is “so good the food here is a bonus”. A pretty “fab” bonus, too, including oysters from the bay, so no wonder the venue is in “high demand”.
Summary
A “stunning location – especially as the sun sets over Poole Harbour” (“you could be in the South of France”) – is the main asset of this “casual” operation (shack-like without, rustic within), but it’s no one-trick pony: the seafood is also “superb”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Shell Bay?
Ferry Road, Studland, BH19 3BA
Restaurant details
Shell Bay Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Excellent range of fish in an idyllic setting"
"Amazing views and decent food, especially liked the cured trout starter"
"Canaverous shack by the chain ferry (Studland side) overlooking Poole Harbour. Very simple menu of grilled fish - nothing spectacular but nicely done. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Ferry Road, Studland, BH19 3BA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
Best Fish & seafood restaurants nearby
French restaurant in Barton-on-Sea
Fish & seafood restaurant in Weymouth
Fish & seafood restaurant in Wyke Regis
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Fish & seafood restaurant in Sandbanks
French restaurant in Barton-on-Sea
International restaurant in Beaminster
