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Seafood Restaurant · Sandbanks, Dorset

Rick Stein Sandbanks Menu & Prices 2026: Full Guide

Rick Stein Sandbanks is a two-floor seafood restaurant on the Sandbanks peninsula in Poole, Dorset — one of the most distinctive restaurant settings on the English south coast. " The downstairs bar runs a casual all-day menu with sushi, tacos and fish and chips from GBP 6; " the upstairs Harbour View dining room serves the full Rick Stein a la carte menu — Dover sole, whole turbot, " Indonesian seafood curry and Cornish lobster thermidor at GBP 69.95. " A 3-course weekday set lunch is GBP 29.95. " Below: the full priced menu, the 8 best-value dishes, how to order smart, a price comparison vs. similar UK seafood restaurants, and 9 FAQs.

Opened 2015Harbour views, Poole DorsetBar bites from GBP 6Set lunch GBP 29.95Cornish lobster thermidorRick and Jack Stein
Sample · $$$

Signature items

Cornish Lobster ThermidorGBP 69.95
Indonesian Seafood CurryGBP 33.50
Singapore Chilli Crab BurgerGBP 20.00
Set Lunch (3 courses)GBP 29.95
SashimiGBP 14.00
Jump to: Best value dishes Set lunch Bar menu A la carte mains Full menu Price comparison About Rick Stein FAQ
Quick answers

Rick Stein Sandbanks: the four things visitors most often ask

Cheapest item, most popular dish, best value route in, and the showpiece. Answered in one glance — with prices from the 2025 sample menus.

Cheapest item
Maki Rolls (bar) GBP 6.00

Fresh maki rolls in the downstairs bar. The bar menu starts from GBP 6 with informal sushi, tacos, tempura and poke bowls.

Most popular main
Indonesian Seafood Curry GBP 33.50

Sea bass, cod and prawns in a fragrant Indonesian sauce with basmati rice and coconut. A long-running Stein favourite.

Best value route in
Set Lunch (3 courses) GBP 29.95

Weekday three-course set lunch is the most affordable way to experience the full a la carte quality.

Showpiece dish
Cornish Lobster Thermidor GBP 69.95

The flagship — whole Cornish lobster with a rich cheesy thermidor sauce. For special occasions.

Best value

The 8 best-value dishes at Rick Stein Sandbanks

Rick Stein Sandbanks is a premium seafood restaurant — but the bar menu, set lunch and per-oyster pricing mean there are real entry points at different budgets. Ranked from cheapest to most-ordered value item.

  1. 1Maki Rolls (bar)Lightest bar snack. Plates from GBP 6.GBP 6.00
  2. 2Ceviche of Bass and Prawns (bar)Fresh, citrus-cured — one of the best-value plates.GBP 8.00
  3. 3Single OysterPer oyster — order multiples for a starter at your price.GBP 2.80
  4. 4Children's Mains (bar)Moules frites, fish and chips or chicken burger.GBP 8.50
  5. 5Fish and Shellfish SoupSaffron broth with rouille, Parmesan, croutons. Classic starter.GBP 10.95
  6. 6Sashimi (bar)Generous portion. Restaurant-quality in the bar.GBP 14.00
  7. 7Set Lunch 3 coursesBest value route to the full Stein a la carte.GBP 29.95
  8. 8Indonesian Seafood CurryMost-ordered main. Generous, globally-inspired portion.GBP 33.50
Set lunch

Rick Stein Sandbanks set lunch menu (3 courses)

The set lunch is the standout value proposition at Rick Stein Sandbanks. Three full a la carte courses — starter, main and dessert — for a fixed price well below the equivalent a la carte spend. Menu rotates seasonally, so the specific dishes change throughout the year.

Weekday Set Lunch (3 Courses)GBP 29.95

  • Choice of starter (rotating seasonally)
  • Choice of main course (rotating seasonally)
  • Choice of dessert (rotating seasonally)
  • Available Monday-Friday, 12pm-2pm

The best-value route into Rick Stein Sandbanks. Three full courses from the seasonal menu, saving GBP 20-30 vs. a la carte. Menu changes regularly.

Weekend / Summer Set Lunch (3 Courses)GBP 40.00

  • Choice of starter (rotating seasonally)
  • Choice of main course (rotating seasonally)
  • Choice of dessert (rotating seasonally)
  • Available Saturdays and during peak summer season

The summer and weekend equivalent of the weekday set lunch. Confirm current availability via rickstein.com or by calling 01202 076443.

About the set lunch. The weekday set lunch at GBP 29.95 (3 courses) is available Monday-Friday, 12pm-2pm. A weekend/summer set lunch at GBP 40.00 is available during peak season. Menus rotate seasonally. The 12.5% discretionary service charge is added to the final bill. Confirm current availability and menu by calling 01202 076443 or visiting rickstein.com.
Downstairs bar

Rick Stein Sandbanks bar menu: casual dining from GBP 6

The downstairs bar at Sandbanks operates as a separate, more casual dining space — open from 12pm to 9pm, with walk-ins generally welcome. The 2025 bar menu introduced sushi rolls, tacos, tempura, burgers, poke bowls and salads alongside the classics. It is a distinct experience from the upstairs restaurant, and considerably more affordable.

GBP 6.00

Maki Rolls

The cheapest plate on the bar menu. Fresh maki rolls from the bar kitchen, a new addition with the 2025 bar menu relaunch featuring sushi, tacos and tempura.

GBP 8.00

Ceviche of Bass and Prawns

Sea bass and prawns cured in citrus — a delicate, light plate that represents some of the best value on the full menu.

GBP 14.00

Sashimi

A generous platter of fresh sashimi — salmon, bass, tuna. Restaurant-quality preparation at a bar-menu price point.

GBP 19.00

Tuna Poke Bowl

Hawaiian-inspired bowl with fresh tuna, sushi rice and sesame-soy. A lighter, modern option for those wanting a meal-size plate in the bar.

GBP 20.00

Singapore Chilli Crab Burger

The bar's showpiece: soft-shell crab with a fiery Singapore chilli sauce. Draws on Rick Stein's travels through Southeast Asia and consistently draws attention.

GBP 20.00

Fish and Chips

Rick Stein's classic — crisp battered fish with chips and tartare sauce. Available in both bar and main restaurant. The straightforward standard.

Browse the menu

Jump to a menu section

All Rick Stein Sandbanks menu sections — bar menu, a la carte, set lunch, drinks.

The full menu

Every section of the Rick Stein Sandbanks menu (2025 prices)

Bar menu, a la carte appetisers, starters, mains, sides, desserts, set lunch and drinks. Where items rotate seasonally or prices are market-dependent, prices are omitted and a note is shown.

About these prices. Prices shown are from official rickstein.com sample menus (May 2025 and September 2025 editions), as indexed by Google and verified via published press coverage. Rick Stein Sandbanks menus rotate seasonally — dishes and prices change throughout the year. A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added to all bills. For the current live menu, visit rickstein.com or call 01202 076443 before visiting.
A la carte mains

Main courses ranked by price

The a la carte main courses are where the full Stein signature is expressed — flatfish, lobster, globally-inspired curries. Some prices vary with market and weight (Dover sole, whole turbot) — figures shown are indicative from 2025 sample menus.

  1. 1Cornish Lobster ThermidorThe flagship. Whole Cornish lobster, rich thermidor sauce.GBP 69.95
  2. 2Roast Troncon of TurbotOn-the-bone turbot section with hollandaise. The premium flatfish.GBP 58.00
  3. 3Whole Dover Sole (a la Meuniere)Classic beurre noisette preparation. Prices vary with market weight.GBP 42.00
  4. 410oz Ribeye SteakThe non-seafood option for the table. Prime ribeye with chips.GBP 39.95
  5. 5Indonesian Seafood CurrySea bass, cod, prawns, basmati rice, coconut and green bean salad.GBP 33.50
  6. 6Sea Bream Alla CarlinaPan-fried bream, tomato and caper sauce, hispi cabbage, new potatoes.See menu
Signature spotlight

The three dishes that define Rick Stein Sandbanks

Every Stein restaurant is different, but three dishes define the Sandbanks experience above all others. The Indonesian Seafood Curry has been on the Stein menu since the Padstow days — drawn from Rick's travels in Southeast Asia, it remains the dish most first-time visitors order. The Cornish Lobster Thermidor is the showpiece for a special occasion. And the Whole Dover Sole is the purest expression of what a Stein kitchen does: sourcing the best fish and treating it simply.

The bar's Singapore Chilli Crab Burger has become the talking point of the 2025 menu — a Southeast Asian street-food interpretation served as a substantial casual meal.

  • Indonesian Seafood Curry — GBP 33.50. Sea bass, cod, prawns, coconut, basmati rice.
  • Cornish Lobster Thermidor — GBP 69.95. Whole lobster, rich thermidor sauce. Special occasion.
  • Whole Dover Sole a la Meuniere — market price. Beurre noisette, lemon. The Rolls-Royce of flatfish.
  • Singapore Chilli Crab Burger — GBP 20.00 (bar). Soft-shell crab, fiery chilli sauce. The bar standout.
  • Oysters Charentaise (5) — GBP 26.95. Freshly shucked oysters with hot spicy sausages.
Dietary options

Vegetarian, gluten-free and dietary needs at Rick Stein Sandbanks

Vegetarian

Vegetarian dishes

The bar menu includes Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with rocket, dukkah and feta (GBP 12). On the a la carte, Pau Bhaji (Mumbai-style spiced vegetable curry with sourdough), all desserts and many sides are vegetarian.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free menu

A separate gluten-free menu is available on request. The kitchen handles cross-contamination carefully — confirm requirements when booking or on arrival.

Dairy-free

Dairy-free menu

A separate dairy-free menu is available. Many of the seafood dishes are naturally dairy-light — discuss with the kitchen team when you arrive.

Always declare any serious allergy or intolerance when booking and again on arrival. Confirm current dietary options by calling 01202 076443.

Ordering tips

How to get the most from Rick Stein Sandbanks

Best value

Book the weekday set lunch

At GBP 29.95 for 3 courses (Mon-Fri), the set lunch saves GBP 20-30 versus a la carte and gives full access to the kitchen's quality. Book ahead — it fills up.

Walk-in friendly

Try the downstairs bar first

No booking needed in the bar (generally). Sushi, tacos, tempura, poke bowls and fish and chips from GBP 6. Ideal for spontaneous visits or casual lunches with the family.

Per-oyster value

Order oysters individually

Single oysters are GBP 2.80 each. Order exactly as many as you want — one or two as a pre-starter snack, or a full dozen to share across the table.

Harbour views

Request upstairs for the view

The upstairs Harbour View dining room overlooks Poole Harbour. When booking, request a window table for the best views across to the Purbeck Hills.

Service charge

Budget for the service charge

A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added to all bills. Factor this into your total spend — on a GBP 60 a la carte meal per head, that's approximately GBP 7.50 per person extra.

Seasonal

Check the menu before you go

Menus rotate seasonally at all Stein restaurants. A dish from a previous visit (or from this page) may not be on the current menu. Check rickstein.com or call ahead.

Price comparison

How Rick Stein Sandbanks prices compare to other UK restaurants

Rick Stein Sandbanks sits at the premium end of UK casual dining — above mid-market chains but below London fine dining. Here is how its pricing compares to three of the most-searched UK restaurant brands.

CategoryRick Stein SandbanksNando's UKWagamama UKMiller and Carter UK
Price per head (typical dinner)GBP 55-85GBP 15-25GBP 20-35GBP 35-55
Cheapest itemGBP 2.80 (oyster)GBP 3.75 (side)GBP 4.95 (side)GBP 5.50 (starter)
Set / lunch dealGBP 29.95 (3 courses)NoneSet lunch from GBP 12Lunch from GBP 19.95
Signature mainGBP 33.50 (curry)GBP 14.95 (chicken)GBP 17.95 (ramen)GBP 28.00 (steak)
Premium / showpieceGBP 69.95 (lobster)Not applicableGBP 24.95 (sharing)GBP 65+ (Tomahawk)
Service charge12.5% discretionaryOptionalOptional 10%Optional 10%

Nando's, Wagamama and Miller and Carter are different style and format restaurants — this comparison is for context on price positioning only. Rick Stein Sandbanks is a full-service seafood restaurant with seasonal produce pricing; the others are branded chains with fixed national menus. Service charge column is approximate for typical dinner per head.

About Rick Stein Sandbanks

The south coast outpost of Britain's best-known seafood chef.

Rick Stein opened his first restaurant — The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall — in 1975. Fifty years on, the group operates six restaurants across the UK and his name is synonymous with high-quality British seafood and global culinary travel. Rick Stein Sandbanks opened in November 2015, occupying a two-floor space at 10-14 Banks Road on the Sandbanks peninsula — one of the most sought-after stretches of coastline in England, at the mouth of Poole Harbour.

The restaurant is overseen by Jack Stein — Rick's son and the group's chef director — alongside head of food Jason Wass. The menu draws on Rick's decades of travel writing and TV programmes: Indonesian curries, South Indian spiced fish, Spanish ceviche techniques and Japanese-influenced sashimi sit alongside the classic British preparations (Dover sole meuniere, turbot hollandaise) that built the Stein reputation. Interior design by Jill Stein — pale blues, light wood, soft lighting — reflects the coastal setting. The wine list is curated by Charlie Stein.

Sandbanks is the group's youngest and most southerly UK restaurant, and its bar menu — introduced and expanded through 2025 — makes it the most casual and accessible of the Stein sites.

2015Opened
1975Group founded
2Dining floors
6Stein restaurants
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Common questions

Rick Stein Sandbanks — frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions most often asked about Rick Stein Sandbanks — prices, location, set lunch, the bar vs. the restaurant, booking and dietary needs.

How much does it cost to eat at Rick Stein Sandbanks?

A la carte dining in the main restaurant typically runs GBP 50-85 per person for three courses, drinks and the discretionary 12.5% service charge. The weekday set lunch offers 3 courses for GBP 29.95 — the best-value route into the full Stein experience. The downstairs bar is more affordable: small plates from GBP 6, fish and chips at GBP 20, and a children's menu at GBP 8.50 per main. A Cornish lobster thermidor — the flagship dish — is GBP 69.95. The Indonesian Seafood Curry, one of the most-ordered mains, is GBP 33.50.

Where exactly is Rick Stein Sandbanks?

Rick Stein Sandbanks is at 10-14 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QB. The Sandbanks peninsula is one of the most expensive stretches of real estate in the UK, located at the mouth of Poole Harbour. The restaurant is under 5 minutes from the beach and approximately 10 minutes from Parkstone railway station. It overlooks Poole Harbour with views across to the Purbeck Hills. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for the upstairs harbour-view dining room. Call 01202 076443 or book online at rickstein.com.

What is the most popular dish at Rick Stein Sandbanks?

The most-ordered dishes on the a la carte menu are the Indonesian Seafood Curry (GBP 33.50) and the Whole Dover Sole a la Meuniere. The Indonesian Seafood Curry — sea bass, cod and prawns in a fragrant curry sauce with coconut and basmati rice — has been a Stein menu staple since The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. The Cornish Lobster Thermidor (GBP 69.95) is the signature splurge item and the choice for special occasions. From the bar, the Singapore Chilli Crab Burger (GBP 20) consistently draws attention as the most distinctive item on the casual menu.

Is there a set lunch menu at Rick Stein Sandbanks?

Yes. Rick Stein Sandbanks offers a 3-course weekday set lunch for GBP 29.95, available Monday to Friday 12pm-2pm. A summer or weekend set lunch at GBP 40.00 is also available during peak season. Both include a starter, main and dessert from a rotating seasonal menu. The set menu is broadly considered the best way to experience the full Stein a la carte quality at a lower entry price — at GBP 29.95 it undercuts a comparable a la carte three courses by GBP 20-30. Note that set menu availability is seasonal; check rickstein.com or call the restaurant for current status.

Is there a downstairs bar at Rick Stein Sandbanks and is it different from the restaurant?

Yes — Rick Stein Sandbanks has two distinct dining areas. The downstairs bar (open 12pm-9pm) has a casual, informal atmosphere with a separate bar menu featuring sushi, tacos, tempura, poke bowls, burgers and salads. Plates start from GBP 6 (maki rolls). This is the walk-in-friendly space — no booking required in the bar. The upstairs Harbour View dining room is the main restaurant, serving the full a la carte menu — Dover sole, turbot, lobster thermidor and all the classic Stein dishes — with views across Poole Harbour. Booking ahead is recommended for the upstairs restaurant, particularly at weekends and in summer.

Does Rick Stein Sandbanks have vegetarian options?

Rick Stein restaurants are primarily seafood-focused, but vegetarian dishes do appear on both menus. On the bar menu, the Maple Roasted Butternut Squash (GBP 12.00) with rocket, dukkah and feta is a vegetarian plate. On the a la carte, dishes such as Pau Bhaji (a Mumbai-style spiced vegetable curry) and desserts (Lemon Posset, Bitter Chocolate Custard, Marmalade Cheesecake, Pavlova) are vegetarian. Gluten-free and dairy-free menus are also available on request. If dietary requirements are a priority, call the restaurant ahead on 01202 076443 — the kitchen is used to accommodating requests.

What time does Rick Stein Sandbanks open?

Rick Stein Sandbanks is generally open Sunday to Thursday 10am-9pm and Friday to Saturday 10am-10pm. Weekend breakfast is served from 9am. The full a la carte lunch service runs 12pm-3pm and dinner from 6:30pm-10pm. The downstairs bar serves food 12pm-9pm. Hours vary seasonally and during special events — always confirm current hours by calling 01202 076443 or checking rickstein.com before visiting.

Is Rick Stein Sandbanks part of the same group as The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow?

Yes. Rick Stein Sandbanks is part of the Stein's Restaurants group, which also operates The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow (the original flagship, opened 1975), Rick Stein's Cafe, Rick Stein Barnes (London), Rick Stein Winchester and Rick Stein Marlborough. The group was founded by TV chef and author Rick Stein and is now also led by his son Jack Stein as chef director. Sandbanks opened in November 2015 and brought the Padstow approach — premium local seafood, global influences, and Jill Stein's signature interior design — to the Dorset coast. Many signature dishes — the Indonesian Seafood Curry, Fish and Shellfish Soup, Dover Sole, Oysters Charentaise — appear across all Stein restaurants.

Does Rick Stein Sandbanks accept walk-ins, or do I need to book?

The downstairs bar accepts walk-ins and is generally accessible without a reservation, though it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and during peak summer. For the upstairs Harbour View dining room (a la carte), booking is strongly recommended — the restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors from Bournemouth and Poole. Book online at rickstein.com, call 01202 076443, or email reservations@rickstein.com. For the weekday set lunch, booking is advisable to secure your preferred time slot.

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