The Crab Shell Restaurant in Stamford, CT is the area’s premier waterfront dining establishment. Come by boat (we have slips) or car (free parking) and enjoy the fantastic views of Stamford Harbor and Harbor Point. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, and a delicious menu of seafood and traditional favorites. In the summer months, our dockside bar the The Shack is the place to be to soak up the warm weather, live music and great times. Our mission is simple – we are dedicated to serving great food and a great experience – and we’ve been doing it for over 30 years
Bright, sleek seafood joint at Stamford Landing Marina with outdoor bar (Crab Shack) & live music.
Kelly V
Crab Shell almost always has a wait, but it’s worth it. Be prepared to wait. We came later on a Saturday night and can’t recall exact wait time, might have been 30min (which isn’t that long).This restaurant has a nice view by the water, which is what I wanted. My friend brought me here for my birthday dinner. We sat outside for table service near bar, I enjoyed that. I will add though it was a bit harder to have a conversation, as expected. I ordered Seafood Penne A La Vodka, it was delicious! It included shrimp, scallops and small pieces of crab meat (this was harder to find, haha). I had leftovers and it still tasted just as good reheated. I highly recommend this dish. My picture is photobombed by my friend’s salmon dish with baked potato, tried it and it was fine. However, my dish still blows hers out of the water (pun intended).
… moreHikiate Lien
Forget the other reviews—just focus on mine
We had a great lunch experience here. Everything went smoothly… well, except the weather. It was pouring, so we sat inside, but that worked out just fine. There was quiet jazz playing, and it was peaceful enough to actually hear each other talk—rare and appreciated.
The staff? Top-notch. From the hostess to our server Olga (shoutout!), and even the busboy—they struck that perfect balance of being attentive without hovering. Pro move.
Outdoor seating looked beautiful, but again, rain. No biggie. Inside was cozy with a lovely harbor view.
Now the food—wow. Incredible specials, huge portions, and the prices? Very fair, especially for seafood. I had a giant sautéed crab sandwich with fries and slaw for about $26. That’s a steal.
Olga was absolutely terrific—bilingual, warm, and patient. She handled my 93-year-old dad (who’s got some… let’s call them “senior personality quirks”) like a total pro.
Bottom line: I’d come back in a heartbeat. If it fit our budget, I’d be here every Friday night.
Highly recommend.
… moreAlex Tunick
Service and Atmosphere are a 5. The food however has disappointed me the past 3 times. My steak today came out very well done, when asked for medium. My mom and dad both disliked the fried clams. The burger last time was also dry and bland. Overcooked and dry everything.
Not to mention the prices are completely gauged. I believe the chicken salad is $28. The lobster cost $72 or $83
… moreclinton steenekamp
Crab shell is amazing. Even though I have a shellfish allergy, my guests eat shellfish and the kitchen accommodates me by making me a grilled cheese and tomato and salad, delicious.
Thank you Oscar and team
… moreVictoria James
Came in on Fathers Day and left very disappointed considering the area and the cost we expected better. The service was very slow, waitress was not helpful, the food was watery and cold. Ordered a catfish dish, town lobster tails with a baked potato that was watery and a baked seafood dish that looks like soup. The only dish good was the lobster bisque. The menu was written on a white board and the waitress couldn’t explain the menu to us. Would have been better off going to Capital Grill for the cost. We will not return and do not recommend.
… moreShauna Fuller
My sister and I had gone to the Sound on Sound music festival a couple weekends ago and decided to stop by on our way to the airport. It did not disappoint one bit. I had a lobster roll (which was divine) and sweet potato fries (perfectly crisp on the outside and deliciously fluffy on the inside). We shared a sautéed crab cake and some cocktail shrimp – they both absolutely slapped. So good. Highly recommend!
… moreNoemi Crespo Rice
My first time at Crab Shell – I arrived around 230 to meet my college girlfriends for a mini 20 year reunion. I asked for a table outside and informed the hostess that.the.rest of my.party would arrive at 3 -.and they trickled in b4 3. At 2:50 our server informed us that the kitchen would be closing at 3 and would not reopen til 430 and the menu would change. We were baffled.and wished we had been told sooner and/or the website was more clear. We ate our appetizers which were ok (a bit overpriced) We ended up leaving and going to another nearby restaurant – disappointing.
… moreI’m One
The food was cooked to perfection! No rubbery or bland tasting seafood here. It’s a bit expensive but well worth the price. For two appetizers, two entrees, two cocktails, club soda, and a dessert the bill came out to about a $130 pre tip just to give you and idea. I definitely would recommend coming here not only because of the great food but also because of the great ambiance. The outdoor music bar area next to the Waterfront just set a great place to relax and socialize. My only criticism of the place would have to be the fact that we were told that the bar doesn’t actually have a drink menu. We were skeptical that any of these drinks would be good but shouting out random cocktail names, we were served with passable drinks. If you expect that the drinks would be served in nice glasses, you shouldn’t. The drinks will be served to you in regular soda glasses but they do taste just fine.
… moreMusarrat Amin
One of the server said he will get back to us, and We were sitting outside in the bar, Wait
almost like 10/15 minutes and nobody came. Anyway server need to be more carefull what they are doing. Otherwise fried shrimp is really good. Definitely will go there again to try another items.and pina colada was best of the best.
… moreJulia Lattarulo
I heard very good things about the Crab Shell, but wasn’t overly impressed. The vibes were good, but the food was a little disappointing. My fried scallops were falling apart. However my rum punch drink was very well made! I wish I took a picture of it. I’d go back for drinks and the vibes.
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