Review Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant - Studland

So close to a 5* however being by the crossing makes driving here an absolute mare - such a shame! Beautiful setting once you're in, overlooking the sea with the boats, just beautiful! Staff were all speedy and attentive - we took our dog and he got loads of attention which he loves. The food was cracking, nice breads, amazing oysters and even better lobster, so so good! Great value for money too.

Amazing restaurant with fantastic views and really fresh and tasty seafood. Sat by the window and had lovely view, see photos 😇 ordered sea bass, sea bream and prawns and all were wonderfully cooked and lightly seasoned. It is a little bit pricey but well worth it for special occasion. I did order some bread and came on bill for £6! I casually mentioned is it really that much as it’s not even an item on the menu and to be fair the waiter said yeah it is over priced so will give on the house which was well played and meant they got a bigger tip from me. Came here on the ferry which was a nice experience but would recommend you come by foot as it’s £5.50 each way on car versus £1 if you travel by person! Then it was £5 parking in car park opposite but then discovered it’s free if you go down a bit and park on the side of the road! Lesson learned I guess but was a wonderful experience

Fantastic location, but the food was very expensive. I don't mind paying high prices for exceptional food, but it was just 'good' food. The portion sizes were OK & the selection was good. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meal (lemon sole, whole crab + sides) & we had a wonderful evening, but I feel the costs were higher than justified & that slightly soured the experience. The deserts were especially overpriced (£14 or so for a tiny slice of bought in baked cheesecake & the smallest portion of vanilla ice cream I have ever been served).

Second review April 2023 - Having come across this previously on a hike from Swanage, this was the time we tried it properly. There were 6 of us and it was for my wife’s birthday. They looked after us well. We had nibbles, drinks, starters and mains, one person even had a pudding. The gravalax was really nice and the sea bream was great to, the bread is amazing so don’t underestimate how good it can be. More photos below. First review March 2023 - Came across this place whilst on a bit of a hike with a mate, we had eaten so much on the run up to coming here that we weren’t hungry enough for a full on lunch and I think we were lucky to get a table, definitely worth booking. So we just had a couple of starters, it’s quite pricey, but the food is lovely. The staff were very friendly and the setting is stunning. I’ve already booked again for my wife’s birthday, so I think that says how much I liked it.

Oh my word, what a fabulous restaurant. If you can get in some great fish. Miso cod or any of their grills were terrific

This is just a truly beautiful place to spend a summer's evening... The food is so fresh and tasty.... I haven't enjoyed an evening like did hear for a very long time... Definitely worth it 👌

The restaurant seems to be run by a very young and relaxed team of waiters and chefs. We had lemon sole and sea bream, both were excellent!

Thankyou Louie and Meg (staff) for a wonderful dining experience last weekend! We had lots of laughs the oysters and crab salad were so fresh and beautifully served Sorry for the mess with crab shell 😬

Lovely place with amazing view. Expensive tasty food, not big portion. Great tasty salads. Friendly and helpful staff. Reservation in advance needed.

We had a great lunch today 😊 I loved every dish served 😋

It is a great restaurant, great food and amazing view. To get all of this in rural Studland (just over the ferry from Poole) is surprising. It is best to book as it is often full even off-peak season. It is also expensive due to most of the food being fresh fish at £35 - 50 per head depending what you order and drink)

Just spotted this place when passing by on a cycling trip around lunch time. Popped in to ask if they had a table and after some conferring the staff very kindly found us a space despite being very full - they normally require bookings. Lovely food, can't fault it at all. Last meal of our trip and a great way to finish.

Get the weather right and this place is superb. Even without the weather, the food is fantastic - interesting in a good way. Nice relaxed service, helpful staff. We'll be back, especially if the sun is shining.

Our party was celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary and shell Bay was the venue for the celebration. It was amazing then and still is The food was off the scale delicious. I would definitely recommend the soft shell crab 🦀 It was very busy but the staff were patient and attentive. 5 stars all the way.

Brilliant location. Stopped here for a drink after walking round Brands Bay. Unfortunately they were fully booked, so couldn't dine here. Update :- Booked a table well in advance and had an excellent meal here. If you like seafood, it's the place to go.

Everything was perfect - from beginning to end. Great and quick service, food is delicious and beautifully presented. The portions are generous and definitely worth the price. The decoration is authentic and the view is delightful. 😍 We will surely come back!!!👍🏼

We have been meaning to try shell bay for a long time and the time finally came. As we all know it's located in a amazing location with fantastic views. The outdoor bit may be a bit rustic but I think that just adds to it. Inside all the tables have a amazing 180 degree view of Poole bay. The food is delicious and the service is quick and friendly. Yes it may be a bit expensive but the skill that goes into creating meals like that isnt cheap. Can definitely recommend.