My daughter and I were determined to have some great seafood while on holiday in the Isle of Wight. She went on some local Facebook groups to ask for recommendations, and everyone said this was the place to go. We shared a seafood platter for...two and it was just brilliant.More

We have visited here twice this summer as the first visit was so good. Lovely fresh crab, very friendly and welcoming staff and an amazing location to watch the boats go by. We would definitely recommend and definitely be back.

Looking at some of the reviews it was off putting, but my husband and I had a lovely experience we enjoyed the food the outlook was so nice the service was great and we couldn’t fault it, we would definitely go back again best to...book it does get busyMore

We called in on speck. The carpark wasn't full and walked in lots of free tables but a sign said no crab or prawn baguettes/sandwiches. We decided to go back to the shop first where we were told there wasn't any crab or prawns for...sale but to go to the café. When I mentioned the sign I was told that there was crab and prawns but only for full salads and platters which was pointed out to me on the shop menu. I do not like being "persuaded" to eat and pay more for my lunch. It's their perogative to do this of course but I won't be going back.More

We called in for lunch, the woman who met us was downright rude and very arrogant. Needless to say we turned around and walked out! I’m not prepared to spend my money in an establishment where even the basic pleasantries are missing! Had a fabulous...crab and salmon meal at the Beach hut instead!More

Rude staff and very unwelcoming. Although we had a reservation we were spoken to like something on your shoe. Service should be standard this day and age, we turned around and walked out and headed to The Beach Hut where we were welcomed and had...a lovely meal without a reservation.More

The Best Dressed Crab sits upon a floating pontoon within Bembridge bay given a nice backdrop to your dining experience. A small café serving top quality, super fresh sea food. The two person sea food platter was easily big enough to feed three. I would...highly recommend a visit if you're on the island.More

This was one of those moments that was "off the Cuff". We had been to Bembridge and was passing we decided to call in. We both decided to have the Dressed Crab Salad. The staff were polite and very attentive, we ordered food and drinks,...drinks arrived very quickly. the food shortly after. The presentation was beautiful. The crab was delicious, the salad was fresh and crisp, the chips were piping hot and cooked to perfection. The vinaigrette was just WOW. We had a wonderful time and would strongly recommend anyone who loves Crab.More

We were on holiday with friends and there suggestion was this place, we did book thank goodness as it was very busy, the fish dishes were amazing dressed crab salad & Prawn Salad with bread & pot of mussels, all fresh and well presented, lovely...setting on the water front, if I’m in IOW again this is a mustMore

We were greeted by a member of staff to be told us there were no tables available fully booked , and advisable to prebook …. Fair enough and left. Hubby then decided to go back and see if they offered take out food … when...he noticed a small party of people just arrived with no booking to be seated straight away. Hubby then questioned a member of staff to ask why wasn’t that table offered to us , we could have easily have waited 5 minutes ? Suddenly a table became available for us. We sat at the table feeling a little uncomfortable , we ordered drinks and food. We both ordered the dressed crab with salad and baguette. The food arrived , crab was pretty tasteless on a bed of what looked like limp packet salad leaves and portion of uninteresting baguette. After waiting a while we have up on waiting to be asked if we would like to see a dessert menu , coffee or our bill , so decided to go to the till to pay. Sadly not a place we would return to. I appreciate that lunchtime can be busy but I have to say this was the most miserable dining experience I have ever encountered - which is such a shame because it’s in an idyllic location and should have a been a pleasant dinning experience.More

We came across this restaurant by chance when reading up on things to do local to our campsite. As a massive seafood fan I was keen to visit - so we booked a table for myself, my partner and our 3 children and my parents....The only free slot we had was for the final day of our holiday - literally the same day we were due to get the ferry back. So after booking we virtually forgot about it until the day. The establishment did not look like much from the very small carpark outside and the tide was out so there were a few flies buzzing around. An old couple also bundled past us on the platform to the restaurant as we were carefully walking the kids along and taking in the sites (very rude customers who hadn't booked and were hoping to steal a march on us in case we hadn't either..) We were seated outside - fortunately the weather was nice as it was uncovered and we were at the mercy of the elements - but we had an amazing view of the harbour and enjoyed the sea air. There was only one thing I wanted on the menu.. the Speciality Seafood Platter for Two (for myself). It was the same price as a "whole lobster" at the Crab & Lobster pub we had visited the night before and yet it had so much more on it (whole lobster, two dressed crabs, four crevettes with prawns, mussels and clams). Wow. It did not disappoint. I would absolutely go back to the Isle of Wight just to have that platter again. Great taste and great value. I am so pleased it was the last meal I tasted in IoW as I left feeling full and extremely happy. Would absolutely recommend this place as somewhere to visit for lunch if you are nearby. Remember to book!! Or you might get thrown off the pier by locals who haven't booked either... ;)More

Although the crab salads that we ordered were good, our experience at the Best Dressed Crab means there will be no return visit! Firstly be warned there is very limited parking at peak season. We phoned in advance to let them know we’d be a...few minutes late due to finding parking. I was barked back at with well I hope you’re not too late as you’re table is booked after you! We had no choice but to pull into the full car park to unload the children. We were very surprised to be greeted by not a hello, but a comment of your 4 minutes late….in light of the fact I phoned we thought this was a little unnecessary! We were then informed that pulling into the middle of the car park was a big no no and we must move straight away!!! At this point we nearly left…. We had to ask for drinks and to place and order (which wasn’t done with a smile), and then after lunch when my 4 year old politely asked for an ice cream, we were reminded again that our table was booked again at 2.00. The table was actually booked at 2.15 so thankfully time for his ice cream!! Having worked in the hospitality industry all my life, it doesn’t take much to make people feel welcome and treat them as you would like to be treated yourself. We completely understand that this is a busy restaurant in peak season, but this should never be an excuse for poor service.More