Ferrymans Way, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9YU
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A fantastic place to spend a sunny summer afternoon with a plate of oysters and a bottle of something fizzy in a stunning location” – but also “worth a visit even in winter” – this seaside café has “excellent views” over Chesil Beach via large windows and its big outside area, and provides “seaside casual dining with some of the best fish dishes anywhere” (making it one of the top-100 most commented-on restaurants outside London in our annual diners’ poll). “Family-run, with sustainability as its core”, it offers “a brilliant treat every visit.” Top Menu Tips – “brilliant turbot ‘wings’”; “fantastic fresh oysters from the beds outside and very good crab”.
Summary
“A hot sunny evening. A table outside with a view over Chesil Beach. A glass of local English white. Two whole crabs, one plain, one spicy Chinese. A sticky, messy heaven worth planning a voyage to Weymouth around!” – this “quirky”, “rustic venue in a shack” sitting “just yards from the sea” is one of the hundred most commented-on restaurants in the UK in our annual diners’ poll on account of its “awesome” fish, oysters, crab and other seafood. The main complaint? “wish I lived nearer!”
Summary
“Incredible seafood in season” is to be found at this “lovely little fish restaurant: the best place to eat in or near Weymouth”. “Overlooking Chesil Beach, with a new heated marquee for cooler months, it provides a truly welcoming experience.” Top Menu Tip – “fabulous lobster, perfectly cooked”.
Summary
“A little piece of heaven on a plate” at “a unique location facing the pebbled dunes of Chesil Beach”. “It’s just a little shack”, but ambitious and “fishily diverse”, with a menu that stretches from the “freshest-ever crab and lobster” and “oysters from their own beds” to “sand dabs, Chesil smoked eel, baked ray wing” and more. “The food is the headline, the staff are friendly and attentive and the ambience relaxed” – it’s “certainly an experience”, and “good value, too”.
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 Crab House Café?
Owner's description
We are situated in a breathtaking part of Dorset, looking out over Chesil beach. We have our own Portland Oyster beds just a stone’s throw from the restaurant so you can enjoy fresh Oysters on your table within minutes of them leaving the water!
We also specialise in other types of seafood, most loved are the fresh, local Crabs. A good size, caught along the English Channel, that are then freshly boiled, chopped in half and then stir fried in garlic, chilli, ginger and herbs. The Crabs are served on large wooden boards with a hammer, nut-crackers, various picks and forks and a bib. Don't just take our recommendation, the Crab House Cafe has had the nod of approval from Rick Stein as well as the Observer and all the other broadsheet supplements.
Other than our popular Crabs, the menu at the Crab House consists of delicious fish & seafood recipes all from fish landed within 40 miles. So why not treat yourself to a tempting meal at the Crab House Cafe and a day out to remember on the Dorset Coast!
Prices
 Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.80 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £4.50 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Crab House Café Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Amazing good fortune to be looking for somewhere special on a trip to Dorset and find this gem in Hardens Guide. This is a top notch seafood experience totally understated by everyone in the know. The proprietor (nameless on the website so I will respect his right to anonymity) can be seen in the fish prep area constantly filleting and shucking. He may have carried on all day had we not bought his book and he very kindly joined us for a signing and a chat about food in general. A completely wonderful experience and the best reason I now know for visiting Weymouth . "
"Fantastic fresh oysters from the beds outside. Very good crab. A lovely way to spend a lunchtime"
Ferrymans Way, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9YU
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| 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‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
