Crab House Cafe

Overlooking Dorset’s famed Chesil Beach, Crab House Cafe is a rustic, laid-back spot where visitors can feast on seafood plucked from the ocean mere metres away.

Sustainability is paramount here. Owner Nigel Bloxham works closely with local fishermen to source seafood from the surrounding waters – which is usually served the day it’s caught. Crab remoulade (handpicked Portland white claw meat, celeriac, dijon mustard, Isle of Wight tomato virgin bloody mary gel, cucumber and apple) or roasted rack of brill with marsh samphire and hollandaise sauce provide a glimpse of the dishes to be discovered on the ever-changing menu.

The cafe’s eponymous crustacean is arguably best enjoyed à deux. Whole Portland brown crab is served in signature style with dressed salad and mayo. Those who enjoy flame-fired fish should opt for skewers of marinated monkfish and gurnard – roasted over coals – with red lentil and yogurt tikka-masala-style curry, preserved lemon and coriander rice, poppadom and yogurt dip.

Arguably the stars of the show are the oysters. Grown at the cafe’s oyster farm just a short paddle from the restaurant, the prized bivalves are fresh, plump and best slurped au naturel.

Trencherman’s tip

Pair the seafood with your pick of an extensive wine list, which includes bottles from Bridport’s Furleigh Estate, or a locally brewed Crab House Mussel Ale or Oyster Stout.