Alex Fisher eats at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Sandbanks, Dorset
WHET MY APPETITE
Despite only opening in November 2015 the restaurant is fully booked on the evening we visit. The mouthwatering menu offers the most tempting set of starters I’ve seen for a long time: Cornish Crab Wakame with cucumber, dashi salad and wasabi mayonnaise, Seared Scallop Succotash with crab meat, mussels, Serrano ham and chives or Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, which is, according to the menu, simply the best cured ham in the world from acorn-fed black pigs. How do you choose?
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
As well as an array of starters, there’s a broad range of mains, from an updated recipe for Lobster Thermidor, posh fish and chips or Navarin of Lamb. We plumped for the Crab Wakame to start, which we ate with chopsticks, and washed down with a drop of Sake. For mains we tried the Lobster Thermidor, which was meant for one, but could easily have fed two. Rich, succulent chunks of lobster warmed by the light, cheesy sauce – delicious.
HOW’S THE MOOD?
This beautifully decorated restaurant is a real triumph for interior designer Jill Stein. Light wood, pale blue leather seating and soft lighting make the perfect setting for a relaxed evening.
CAN I SEE THE SEA?
There are gorgeous views of the harbour and bay from upstairs. You can’t see the sea from the bar downstairs.
WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?
You can pick and choose to spend what you like. A single oyster is £2.80. Starters range from £7.95 to £15, mains start at £16, and rise to £40 for a whole lobster.
OPENING TIMES
Lunch 12 noon to 3pm, dinner 6.30pm to 10pm.
HOW TO BOOK
Call 01202 283000 or visit rickstein.com/eat-with-us/rick-stein-sandbanks.
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