The famous oyster and seafood restaurant of the Arcachon rowing club, with a beautiful waterfront terrace on the Bay of Arcachon. Oysters, crab, langoustines, and grilled fish are served with impeccable freshness against the backdrop of the bay's sailboats and the distant Dune du Pilat.
Skiff Club occupies the restaurant facilities of the Arcachon rowing club on the Allée du Skiff, a waterfront address on the Bay of Arcachon with a terrace that directly faces the bay, the distant Dune du Pilat, and the pine-covered peninsula of Cap Ferret. The club's restaurant has grown into one of the most respected casual seafood addresses in Arcachon—attracting well beyond the rowing club membership with its combination of excellent shellfish, reliable kitchen technique, and one of the most photogenic terraces in the basin. The menu centres on the produce of the bay: oysters from the local beds, spider crab dismantled and served cold with mayonnaise, langoustines grilled over charcoal with butter and lemon, and a catch of the day from the Atlantic that changes with the morning's delivery. The plateau de fruits de mer—a multi-tiered presentation of the full range—is the house speciality and the most dramatic option for a special occasion. The kitchen also runs a set lunch menu that offers a more economical format: starter, fish main, and dessert at around €35–€45. The wine list is brief and well-chosen for seafood: a cold Muscadet, a Graves blanc, and a light Provence rosé cover the range. The terrace is the main attraction and fills rapidly on warm days; booking for weekend lunch is strongly advisable from April through September when Arcachon is at its busiest.
Signature dishes
- Crab Platter — €32
- Grilled Langoustines — €28
Good to know
- Known for
- Bay views and fresh shellfish
- Hours
- 12PM-2:30PM & 7PM-10PM (Apr-Sep)
Location
Allée du Skiff, 33120 Arcachon
44.6637, -1.1728 View on map
Highlights
- Rowing club terrace directly on the Bay of Arcachon with views of the Dune du Pilat and Cap Ferret peninsula
- Grilled langoustines over charcoal—the kitchen's most reliable and characteristically generous dish
- Grand plateau de fruits de mer—spider crab, oysters, langoustines, and whelks as a multi-tiered centrepiece
- Spider crab served cold with house mayonnaise—a seasonal speciality when the crab is freshly caught
- Set lunch menu at €35–€45 for three courses—good value for the quality and the terrace location
Tips for visiting
- Book the terrace table for weekend lunch from April through September—it fills within hours of opening for reservations.
- The plateau de fruits de mer for two is the best format for a special occasion and the kitchen's strongest showcase.
- The set lunch menu is significantly better value than evening à la carte—the same produce at a lower price.
- Ask for the grilled langoustines rather than the boiled version—the charcoal preparation adds a dimension not available on the cold plateau.
- The terrace faces west—an evening meal in July or August catches the sunset over Cap Ferret in the finest possible light.
Accessibility
The Skiff Club is accessible from the waterfront promenade at Arcachon, which is flat and paved. The terrace is at the same level as the promenade with no steps at the restaurant entrance. Wheelchair users can access the terrace and interior dining area without difficulty. The rowing club infrastructure has been updated and accessible facilities are available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Skiff Club open to non-members of the rowing club?
Yes—the restaurant is fully open to the public and does not require rowing club membership. Non-members make up the majority of diners, particularly in the summer season.
What is the approximate cost per person?
The plateau de fruits de mer for two costs €65–€90 depending on the season and market prices for spider crab and langoustines. The set lunch menu is €35–€45 per person. A full evening à la carte averages €55–€75 per person before wine.
When does the restaurant operate?
The restaurant is open from approximately April through September. Outside of these months the facility may operate reduced hours or close. Confirming current opening status before a planned visit in the shoulder season is advisable.