The Potted Lobster Abersoch

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#1 of 18 Restaurants in AbersochSeafood, British, ££ - £££

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Potted Lobster Abersoch

Review

At a glance

Open until 9:00 PM

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Website

+44 1758 431432Improve this listing

About

Travellers' Choice

2024

The Potted Lobster is a relaxed coastal restaurant, serving locally sourced, fresh sea food and more. Offering unique and unforgettable dining experiences in the heart of Abersoch.

Features

CUISINES

Seafood, British, Healthy

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Digital Payments

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Non-smoking restaurants

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Wine and Beer

Location

High Street, Abersoch LL53 7DS Wales

Does this restaurant have tables with seating?

Yes

Unsure

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 9:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 - 21:00

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

12:00 - 21:00

Thursday

12:00 - 21:00

Friday

12:00 - 21:00

Saturday

12:00 - 21:00

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4.6

242 reviews

Excellent

191

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Patrick J

3 contributions

Good, not great

Nov 2024 • friends

We were very happy to be accommodated at short notice. Thank you. Prawn tacos, scallops, seafood linguine all 10/10. The lobster was a little overcooked for my liking. Tasted ok but lobster is best on the cusp of cooked not well done. Also when I order whole lobster I expect to get 2 halves of the same lobster - not two halves of different lobsters (both halves serves came with cutter claws). The crusher claw is bigger and has more meet and have the feeling of short changing given the lobster was already of minimum size. That was disappointing.

Written 9 November 2024

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Alan L

Cambridge324 contributions

A good find

Oct 2024 • couples

A week in Wales and not a lot of success in finding a decent seafood restaurant, stumbled upon this purely by chance and very glad that we did. Whilst I know these days it seems everything revolves around a phone it is an added delight when quite by chance a "discovery" is found, especially when it all works out to just good. From entry to exit the staff were most helpful, attentive and charming. Seared Tuna and Scallops for starters for sharing although after tasting I did not really want to share with the wife but the scallops were perfect. We both sent for the whole sea bass as FOD, they are served whole which might be a little off putting for the more delicate diner. No side dishes offered with the main, we went for broccoli, new potatoes and chunky chips again for sharing. All cooked perfectly , did not manage to eat all and no issue with being provided with a take out bag. The main dish was just delightful , good size fish, tender white flesh although i found the cooked seaweed a little salty for my taste buds. All finished off with Affogato. Washrooms accessible for disabled, clean and bright, they do have a side access for disabled visitors but no car park. So in summary well worth a visit , cost around £70 each excluding service and drinks.

Written 6 November 2024

iloveabersoch

Abersoch226 contributions

Perhaps Abersoch foremost fine dining experience.

Mar 2023 • none

Yet another splendid visit to the Potted Lobster, establishing itself as one of, or perhaps the foremost fine dining experience in Abersoch. For those visiting Abersoch for the first time or perhaps yet to have eaten at the PL, based on our experience today, last week and earlier visits, the continuity in service food and atmosphere is high and of course the prices reflect that however, the menu is available online so to be prepared and if you're able to visit mid week, they often have a £10 special, fish'n'chips for example, which we've also enjoyed. Dogs are accepted inside and out by prior reservation (inside) and their outdoor seating area is spacious and affords a good view of the high street as well as heating and blankets if required. We'll be back.....

Written 19 March 2023

JMB

Stone12 contributions

Overpriced and Underwhelming: A Disappointing Dining Experience

Aug 2024 • family

Given the glowing reviews and the premium price point, we had high expectations for our visit. Unfortunately, our experience was deeply disappointing. The staff were distant, unfriendly, and inattentive. The service was painfully slow between courses, and not once did anyone check on how our meals were. We were left sitting with dirty plates for far longer than acceptable, again likely due to the lack of attention from the staff. The food is undeniably overpriced. The most glaring example was the children’s steak—a thinly sliced piece of some indeterminate cut of beef, accompanied by a meagre handful of fries and a spoonful of beans. At £16, this was extremely underwhelming. The mains were generally passable, with the beetroot salad being the standout, but given the high prices, we expected far better quality overall. The scallops were overcooked and rubbery, the king prawns were mediocre in both size and taste, and the seafood platter was completely lacking in flavour. Even the supposedly novel mini loaves of bread were undercooked and doughy. The fries were clearly frozen and then fried, which is unacceptable at this price point where you’d expect freshly made fries. Perhaps the poor service was due to catching the restaurant on an off day, but I find it hard to believe that the disappointing food quality was a one-time fluke. Overall, it was an underwhelming and disheartening experience, especially given that our lunch for three adults and three children came to £164. We certainly won’t be returning.

Written 14 August 2024

Efai

2 contributions

Not a good experience

Mar 2023 • none

This is the first negative review I have ever written. We visited The Potts Lobster yesterday for their £10 lunch offer having seen it advertised on the Abersoch website. On arriving we were given the normal menu and had to ask if the lunch offer was available, we were told it was but no explanation given as to why this wasn’t offered as an option immediately, although it’s not difficult to surmise that given the Fish & Chips on the main menu is £19 and only £10 on the offer so in their interest not to push the offer? The attitude of the manager was off hand and bordering on rude, despite trying twice to engage him in some form of conversation. With frozen chips and grey fish it was not a good experience, we certainly will not return. Note to manager, perhaps think twice about running ‘offers’ if you’re going to resent people taking them.

Written 23 March 2023

Alfred S

Whitehaven432 contributions

Definitely Worth It

Aug 2024 • family

We were a family group of seven and managed to get a 5pm slot at short notice. We were well looked after from start to finish and not at all rushed and no indication they wanted us to leave. The atmosphere was lively and happy with lots of small groups obviously having a good time. Between us we tried a lot of the menu and we were all delighted. Even the children's menu is surprisingly sophisticated. The meal was served at a measured pace which was just right for the occasion and the staff were very observant and intervened when required. It's pity it is so far away otherwise we would be back.

Written 23 August 2024

Matthew B

Formby61 contributions

Seafood cooked to perfection

Feb 2024 • family

Booked a couple of days before we ate, I should imagine it is difficult to secure a reservation in summer. The restaurant is located in the heart of Abersoch, finished beautifully with outdoor seating which we couldn't use due to the season. We were greeted well and shown to our table. Plenty of space, I didn't feel like the restaurant had maximised the number of covers possible which led to a nicer atmosphere. We ordered starters and mains. Whilst there were meat and plant based options available, a really good choice of both, we opted for seafood. All of our dishes were cooked to perfection and presented to the same standard. I opted for the monkfish yellow thai curry, which was described as being medium to hot. However, I found it mild and would have welcomed additional chilli which I am sure would have been accommodated. That is a matter of personal taste though. We were served by two waiting on staff, both of whom gave flawless service. It was also nice to sit close to the kitchen and hear the professional interaction between both areas of the restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants that I have eaten in and I would be pleased to return....so much so that I have made another reservation.

Written 14 February 2024

Sarah S

Leeds24 contributions

Definitely worth a visit

Sept 2024 • family

10/10 food, 10/10 service and lovely atmosphere! Would definitely recommend visiting! The waiter was super helpful and the food was delicious- especially the salt and pepper calamari and sea bass

Written 23 September 2024

BMFTN

Ambergate63 contributions

The Potted Lobster in Abersoch offers great service but it doesn't fully live up to expectations.

Apr 2024 • friends

The menu was limited when we visited, which was disappointing because it meant we couldn't order what we really wanted. We all ended up ordering things we didn’t really want. Additionally, the prices felt too high given the restricted choices. Note we were aware of the prices when we booked, it’s more that we were paying top dollar for food we didn’t really want because it was restricted. Overall, while the staff are excellent, the dining experience might not be worth the expense unless the full menu is available. I’d check before you go.

Written 20 April 2024

Gareth H

3 contributions

Excellent family meal

Jan 2025 • family

Visited for a family meal on a Saturday evening. From being greeted at the door the staff were very welcoming and professional, the food was beautifully prepared and arrived at the table promptly. The meal was appreciated by all three generations of our family, and the staff assistance made it a real experience.

Written 20 January 2025

Beverly-Logan

Kendal46 contributions

Excellent meal

Jun 2024 • couples

The food here was absolutely amazing. My boyfriend had a steak that was cooked perfectly and the peppercorn sauce was some of the nicest he’s ever had. The chips were cooked to perfection. I had the linguine which was lovely. We also had the chocolate torte for dessert which was exceptional. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. The interior of the restaurant itself beautiful. The reservation was also late in the day due to availability but we did not feel rushed out even though we were there after closing time. Alcoholic drinks were reasonably priced for the area. Would highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking to treat yourself to a nice meal whilst in abersoch.

Written 24 June 2024

Earl

United Kingdom61 contributions

A bit of a curate's egg

Mar 2024 • couples

For me, the Potted Lobster was a bit of a 'mixed bag'. I had booked the table for my OH and me a few weeks before our visit as I like my seafood; it seemed like the best place in the area. I booked mid week for dinner and the restaurant was pretty busy, but not full. We were shown to our table and sat in between 2 other couples who had been before and said they loved the food. Things didn't get off to a great start when the waiter said there was no lobster and no short ribs either. Ah well, I was surprised but not too disappointed as there was plenty left to choose from ..... or so I thought. After a chat to our neighbours, we went for the calamari to start followed by the halibut and the monkfish. Having really enjoyed the calamari, we had another visit from the waiter to say the chef didn't like the way the halibut was cooked, so could I choose something else. What? I mean, why not cook me another piece ? Surely you have some more? As an alternative, the poor waiter suggested I could have some monkfish but it would have a curry flavour. I accepted the recommendation but it was ok but not brilliant; the sauce was far too strong and the fish looked a bit 'lost' on the plate. My OH however, had the monfish thai curry which she enjoyed. For dessert I had the creme brulee which again was OK. We couldn't fault the service; it was excellent and the atmosphere was good (apart from a loud couple who seemed to enjoy having a 'face time' call with their deaf granny that everyone could hear).

Written 24 March 2024

orla l

1 contribution

£220!! please. read!

Mar 2024 • family

i think it is a great place and a fabulous beach like interior with amazing hand drawn sea life upon the walls . Great service and friendly staff. However when met with the menu all i could think about were the outstandingly high prices . £38 pounds for my halibut , i was unpleasantly greeted with a green yellow sauce wich looked radioactive with a chewy , un flavourful slab of fish. not to mention the lack of gnocchi i was promised would be there , 4 pieces . Unfortunately this whole dish wasn’t flavourful at all, i couldn’t even tell what it was meant to taste like as i have never tasted such a thing? maybe i picked the wrong meal as my family seemed to enjoy their meals despite the high price tag on theirs to . I was also told that this restaurant was very posh and very high end however when trying to walk into the main building there were toddlers and babies screaming and crying and one sat in the entrance , in the way . Not to say this was the restaurants fault but my expectations were much grander then what i had.Completely and utterly over priced . When coming outwith my family of 4 for starters and a main meal i looked at the bill of £220! wow. For this price you can go for much nicer places in Absersoch like the cove for example , for better food and presentation very disappointed and unsatisfactory. wont be visiting again

Written 31 March 2024

JimmyN

26 contributions

Really Very Good!

Jul 2023 • friends

Second trip and not disappointed. Initially sent parents here for a meal in April time and they raved about it (believe me this is unusual!). I’ve been with friends twice since, once in June and also this week and both times have been very impressed with the food, service and atmosphere. It’s not the cheapest place, but we all (11 of us) left feeling like it was well worth it. We were served by various people throughout the evening and found them all very friendly and welcoming. We’d definitely return and would recommend. Complements to the chef!

Written 15 July 2023

Mimi D

1 contribution

Lunchtime with the dog

Sept 2024 • couples

Excellent first visit here. We pre booked even though we were eating after midday for lunch on a Friday, and made sure to add our dog to the booking too. Pleased we did, arrived at the restaurant after a 6hr drive to start our weekend and it was so worth it and still quite busy! Very warm welcome, offered to change our table to one in the sun but we declined on account of the dog being too warm. Shown to a pleasant table out the way in the back of the restaurant, Service was perfect, just enough attention but not too much. Food was fantastic as were the drink options. We started with mussels and octopus (best octopus I’ve had outside of the med) for main we shared the seafood platter, I was worried it would be small portions but it was bigger than expected. This was our first visit and will hopefully be back next time visiting family in the area! Thank you

Written 8 September 2024