About

Our delightful family run water front business based in Bembridge on The Isle Of Wight has now been established for 24 years.

We specialise in the freshest finest Crabs and Lobsters, which are caught locally and only the very best are selected for sale.

We provide beautiful fresh local dressed crabs served in their shell and ready to eat, fantastic whole crabs and amazing giant crab claws, fresh local lobsters, simply cooked, prepared or live.

Local Bembridge prawns (an absolute delicacy) are available when in season.

Open 7 days including Bank Holidays.

Our History

Archie Henley MBE, retired RNLI cox (nearly 40 years service) originally built the fishing boat ‘My Way’. Archie fished the waters around Bembridge for 55 years followed by his son Graham, who now along with his fiancée Emma are the current owner of the Best Dressed Crab. Graham has fished all his life and was a member of the lifeboat crew for almost 20 years. Graham has now retired from fishing and now cooks the seafood at the Best Dressed Crab. The fishing boat ‘My Way’ is now owned by Bob Simmons. ‘My Way’ is considered the islands top fishing boat. Bob has fished all of his life and his knowledge of the local waters is unrivalled, he wants nothing else but to fish.

Reviews

Amazing

We took our 2 and 3 yr old here last week and ordered the seafood platter. It was absolutely amazing, our boys loved the hands on approach and the huge platter was enjoyed by everyone. We then went next door to the shop and bought a spider crab for £2.50! Had it for tea a couple of days later and the shell will be taken into nursery for show and tell.

Super Shellfish

This is really a “one trick pony” in that it only serves crab, lobster & prawns but what fantastic quality! They are all served simply but the freshness is excellent and you can almost taste the sea. Its not cheap so don’t think you are getting shellfish on the cheap but you are paying for the quality. We ate at the restaurant which is very modern (and has one of the cleanest toilets in town by the way) but has only five tables so booking is essential at peak times and they don’t do dinner. Well worth a detour.

Fresh and Fantastic

Visited the Best Dressed Crab on our way back to the ferry terminal ( 20mins drive ). The owner explained that he supplies a number of establishments on the island. You can buy Crabs (from £4) and Lobsters to take home and prepare or dressed Crab and prawns. They also have a floating restaurant attached. We ordered a Dressed Crab and also a Half Lobster salad. This was prepared fresh and delivered very quickly with a beautiful and gigantic fresh salad which was beautifully presented with fresh bread. It was the best meal my wife and I had eaten on our Holiday. Would recommend to anyone to visit and try the food. The service was friendly and great..well done. Will definitely be going again the next time we come to the island.