Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in England

The number of times I have driven past this wonderful oasis on the shore is uncountable. After having met some of the chefs at the Seafood Festival in Weymouth, earlier in the year, buying a few of their sample dishes and enjoying them to the max, (especially the Moroccan Tabbouleh) we booked a table for a good friend's 50th birthday, and after about a month and a half of bated breath waiting and anticipation, we were shown to our table on a fine, warm night, and first impressions were of a slightly temporary-looking premises, as the central part of the building has awnings coming off to the side and rear, which seemed slightly odd, but make no mistake, this is a vibrant and busy place, and they maximise the seating accordingly. Quite right too, as the views across Poole harbour (the second largest natural harbour in the world, incidentally, coming close behind Sydney harbour, Australia) over to Brownsea Island and beyond as the sun sets, is nothing short of stunning. So, that's the scene set, what's the food like? There's no easier answer to that than to say it was utterly incredible. For starters, scallops and pork belly was an interesting take on the classic 'surf and turf' label, and was nothing short of sublime, with the scallops sweet and charred to perfection, and pork belly clearly slow cooked and presented very well. Fabulous dish, and very popular too. I chose a Verdicchio to go with our mains, which included classic fish and chips (responsibly served haddock) with, of course, mushy peas and tartare sauce, Parma ham wrapped Cod served with a tomato bulgar wheat and shell-on mussels. Sublime. Personally, I had the seabass, which was beautifully charred and the skin was crisped to perfection with Tabbouleh and THAT Moroccan dressing... utterly authentic and deliciously spiced - we asked for extra, and our happy, professional and friendly server obliged accordingly. A fabulous evening out for all, and as its only down the road, I'll try not to drive past as often, for sure! Highly...

What a beautiful place to bring your loved ones. The food was divine and an absolute must for travellers and locals alike. We had such a beautiful dinner with our 2 children. Langoustines, sourdough bread(which was one of the most favourable breads I've ever had). A stunning lamb dish that was cooked to perfection with a lightly encrusted mint seal, which I found delicate and aromatic. Especially against the garlic butter. My partner said his steak was perfectly cooked. Even the fat was silky in texture. Our ONLY complaint is one that I'd wish I didn't have to write... my partner and I have been lucky enough to follow the michelin guide on our travels, and shell bay was our next stop. One thing we experienced here, which is something we've never had experienced before was judgement. We put this down to predominantly younger staff and the lack of industry knowledge to treat each individual as a deserved guest. We would have loved to have felt invited and welcomed but we felt as if from arrival we were not treated with warmth like all the other tables. The menu layout was never explained and we had no idea that we were to order accompaniments with our dinner so it came alone. The seating to our chairs, the explanations of the menu, the recommendations of drinks etc... Possibly, this could have been due to the fact that on that day I had run a trail race in the local area and we had been camping from our van, so we may not have been bright as daisies on this particular day but from a paying guest, coming to celebrate and enjoy time togetheras a family, we felt that we deserved warmth and smiles. This is where I believe previous knowledge from a more experienced host or hiring a maître d' could be of use.

The food was absolutely faultless, food timing was unmatchable. The setting was beyond stunning. Table layouts and the use of glass and natural elements within the decor as beautiful. My partner and I said we'd go back in a heartbeat purely on...

Having heard good reports I decided to pay a visit. I was unable to make a reservation on my I originally planned date because it was fully booked. Instead I had to wait five weeks although I could probably have visited the following week had I not had a particular preference for day and times. I would strongly suggest that a visit is planned (during the summer months) with at least three or four weeks notice. There may be parking available along Ferry Road or in the nearer National Trust car park which is free for members. The restaurant provides excellent views across Bramble Bush Bay, Poole Harbour and Sandbanks. The menu is quite extensive with a variety of seafood. It is not particularly cheap but it is relative to the quality of the food which is excellent. Langoustines for starter was followed by a whole sea bass. I would have expected this to have included fries or potatoes but these had to be ordered as an extra. Similarly any vegetables cost extra. I found this to be a little disappointing. Nevertheless, the langoustines and the fish were expertly cooked and were very tasty. The ambience was very slightly spoilt by someone else’s screaming infant but the restaurant could not be held responsible for that. The service was by friendly staff was extremely efficient. It was timely and we were never rushed. Staff are to also be congratulated by not interrupting my meal to ask if everything is alright. Thank you. I thoroughly recommend this excellent restaurant. I will definitely go again but, due to the price, it will be as a treat rather than a regular...