With around 70 miles of coastline and plenty of charming fishing villages and harbourside towns, it’s little wonder that the Isle of Wight has garnered a reputation for top-notch seafood. Home to a number of Michelin recommended restaurants and waterside cafés serving up everything from fish and chips to buttery scallops, and, of course, fresh crab, it’s a great place to kick back with a glass of crisp, white wine and a plate of the ocean’s finest.
When it comes to this ever-indulgent crustacean, there are a few eateries that stand above the rest, whether for their epic crab sandwiches or giant seafood platters that give you a taste of everything.
Smoking Lobster, Ventnor
With multiple locations across the Island - and a name like Smoking Lobster - this fine dining eatery is one of the best places to go for fresh crab on the Isle of Wight. Overlooking the golden sands of Ventnor Beach, this sea-view restaurant has everything you need for a memorable meal.
The Pan-Asian menu is bursting with flavour and a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, but the star of the show has to be the seafood, with crab and lobster landed from their very own fishing boat. The seafood platter for two is the signature dish for a reason, boasting a lip-smacking selection of sea bass, scallops, tempura king prawns, miso-grilled lobster, and local crab with wasabi. An experience in itself, this masterfully-crafted medley must be pre-ordered the day before - magic takes time, after all!
The Crab & Lobster Inn, Bembridge
If there’s one thing better than pub grub, it’s pub grub with a seafood twist, and The Crab & Lobster Inn delivers by the spoonful! If you’re a seafoodie like us, you’ll be delighted to discover that crab takes centre stage on the menu, whether you fancy a seafood cocktail with crab and prawns in a Bloody Mary mayonnaise, a refreshing crab salad, or a toothsome chunk of garlic bread topped with fresh crab for good measure.
The pub itself boasts a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, with oak beams, stone fireplaces, and sun-soaked alfresco seating crafting the perfect place to hunker down with a crab-centric meal. Close to Bembridge’s bustling harbour, we recommend enjoying a stroll along the beach before heading to the dog-friendly inn for a perfectly salt-kissed day by the sea.
Old Thatch Teashop, Shanklin
Easily spotted thanks to the fabulous pink exterior and thatched roof, this quaint and friendly teashop in the heart of Shanklin is the place to go for winsome afternoon teas and unbeatable crab sandwiches. Served on a choice of white or brown bread alongside a salad drizzled with a balsamic glaze, the crab sandwiches are simple and utterly delicious.
You can also enjoy your crab stuffed in a baguette or piled on top of a jacket potato, with a glass of bubbly on the side for good measure! We also recommend indulging in one of their famous cream teas, which come in a variety of toppings, from classic strawberry jam to the wonderfully tart rhubarb and ginger. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the tangled wonderland of Shanklin Chine, where tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodland await.
The Best Dressed Crab, Bembridge
Sea views and delectable crab sandwiches? The Best Dressed Crab has it all - no wonder it’s considered one of the top places to eat on the Isle of Wight! Simplicity is at the heart of the menu at this welcoming floating café, with fresh crab and prawn sandwiches offering a delightfully light lunch when exploring the coastal charms of Bembridge.
Or, if you fancy going all out, you can’t beat the specialty seafood platter, which boasts whole lobster, mussels, clams, and dressed crab alongside salad and a baguette. Pull up a chair, sit back, and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you watch boats drift past.
The Beach Shack, Steephill Cove
Looking for something a little different from your crab dish? The Beach Shack boasts a flavourful homemade crab soup that combines zesty Thai spices with glass noodles and crusty bread for a flavoursome treat you’ll be back for time and again. Don’t worry if you’re traditionalist at heart, as you’ll also find a wonderfully classic crab sandwich full of fresh crab from Ventnor Bay.
Overlooking the beautiful Steephill Cove, this charming café is the perfect spot to kick back with a refreshing drink and a hearty sandwich as the ocean ebbs and flows before you. You can also stop by for a takeaway coffee and cake while exploring the Isle of Wight’s sun-kissed coast path.
The Hut, Freshwater
Michelin recommended and boasting simply sublime views across Colwell Bay, The Hut is a masterclass in seafront dining. The menu promises a mouth-watering mix of delights, from lemon sole and sea bass to lobster and crab. Of course, the dishes change with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to sink your teeth into.
Alongside the exceptional seafood, you’ll find delicious burgers, steak, and a superb plant-based menu that really makes the most of the Island’s produce. Pop in for a crab salad with a glass of white wine, or some oysters and a cocktail as the sea sparkles around you.
The Beach Hut, Bembridge
Another of the Isle of Wight’s fabulous beachfront cafés to boast exceptional seafood, The Beach Hut at Forelands Beach is a true celebration of all things sea. The crab and lobster are served without frills, inviting you to enjoy them au naturel, while the glorious setting is perfect for a spot of wave watching.
Alongside the fresh seafood, tuck into a range of pizzas and light lunches, and sip on refreshing cocktails or a glass of chilled white wine - the perfect accompaniment to some ocean-fresh crab!
Ventnor Haven Fishery, Ventnor
Sometimes the best way to enjoy fresh Isle of Wight crab is from the comfort of your beautiful Island cottage, especially when staying in the gorgeous coastal town of Ventnor. Boasting an array of freshly caught seafood, Ventnor Haven Fishery is an excellent choice for anyone looking to cook up some of the Island’s finest fare.
The dressed crab is legendary, so make sure to pick some up whenever it’s available, with other regular options including sea bass, sea bream, and mullet. As a working fishery, the offering changes daily depending on what the owners catch on their boats, so it’s always worth popping in to see what’s on offer when staying in Ventnor.
Feeling peckish? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight and embark on a toothsome adventure across the Island.
