One thing you will find on many a menu on the in Devon coast is crab. They seem to be particularly plentiful around South Hams along with lobsters, mussels and scallops. Like most shellfish, they are full of nutritional benefits, lots of protein to sate your appetite and omega-3 fatty acids which help build muscle, protect against heart disease and support the immune system. On top of that they are just about the tastiest thing the sea offers, better than lobster IMHO. They certainly agree at The Guardian.
There are various crab-themed events around South Hams, particularly in August (sorry if you missed that), but you can enjoy a fresh whole crab most of the year. Here are our favourite venues:
Crab Shed at Salcombe – not open long but serving great seafood and wine to boot
Oyster Shack at Bigbury – their oysters are great too of course
Anchorstone Cafe at Dittisham – take the boat up the river from Dartmouth
Venus Cafe – right on the beach at Blackpool Sands
Winking Prawn at North Sands, Salcombe
Start Bay Inn at Torcross
If you just want the best crab sandwich ever, just walk to the Crab Shell Sandwich Bar just yards from the quayside in Dartmouth.
Note that not all of these restaurants are open all year round, and that the supply of crab can be variable, but you should find plenty during the summer.
*** STOP PRESS ***
2nd August sees the return of Dartmouth Crab Festival
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