The Crab is a smart seafood restaurant that is found at the Park Central Hotel in Bournemouth.
Although the quality of food served here lends itself to fine-dining, The Crab’s dining room is actually a very relaxed space, featuring white tiled flooring, exposed brick walls and dark wooden tables paired with cream chairs. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows let in plenty of natural light and allow for views of the seafront, while an outdoor terrace at the front of the restaurant is a great space for alfresco dining when the weather is playing ball.
As its name suggests, The Crab is best known for its seafood offering, using high-quality produce that is often sourced locally. The Crab’s menu adapts with the seasons to make sure the kitchen team are using the best of seasonal produce, but you can always expect to find well-executed seafood staples.
On your visit, you might start with the likes of pan-seared scallops paired with katsu sauce and a coconut and cauliflower salad, or perhaps half a dozen Dorset rock oysters. Next up, you can fest on dishes such as whole lobster in garlic butter which is served along with fries and salad, or monkfish medallions in a saffron sauce, while side orders might see a baby leaf salad or new potatoes in garlic and herb butter.
Come dessert, you can go all out with indulgent dishes such as a chocolate brownie sundae or vanilla cheesecake, while those lacking a sweet tooth can instead order The Crab’s cheese board, which is made up of British cheeses and served alongside homemade crackers and seasonal chutney.
The Crab also boasts a fine selection of wines, spirits and other drinks, while those in the mood to celebrate can make the most of live music at the restaurant most Fridays and Saturdays.