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The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA

The Hard Shell - Downtown

4.8
4.8
1777 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 16 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
Located in downtown Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip, The Hard Shell Restaurant is known to locals as one of the best seafood restaurants in town. With a new fresh look; The Hard Shell features sleek booths, lots of light and a vibrant city feel. The Hard Shell has Richmond's widest variety of fresh and local seafood. Menu items include signatures such as filet and lobster, shrimp and scallops, lump crab cakes. Patio requests honored when possible but tables are first come, first served. Happy hour is available at the bar and on the patio and is first come, first served. Private dining & reservations are available. Dress is casual.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–18:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (804) 643-2333
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    The private dining room accommodates parties up to 50 guests. The Hard Shell offers custom menus and bar packages to suit every event. The private dining room is the perfect place for dinner programs, wedding functions or celebrations.
  • Area
    Richmond
  • Cross Street
    14th St
  • Parking details
    The Hard Shell validates parking after 5pm daily in the garage at the corner of 14th St. and Cary St. directly across from the restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,777 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Seafood

  • Richmond

    Best Service

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Hard Shell - Downtown is a seafood lover's paradise offering a delightful dining experience with "amazing" food and "superb" service. The friendly staff, including standout servers like Kristian and Malachi, enhance the welcoming atmosphere. While some dishes may vary in perfection, patrons frequently praise the "incredible" flavors and the restaurant's vibrant setting.

1,777 Reviews
  1. Daniel

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Alex was the best server ever. He took so much care of us and was very knowledgeable in regards to the menu. He made the entire night and we will back. Food and atmosphere were also good. Do miss the baguette bread though.

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  2. Carl

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    The front section was very loud. However we sat in the back at a table for two. Unfortunately the seating was not accommodating for a romantic dinner. The server was very matter of fact and couldn’t wait to get away from the table. The food was ok, portions were small compared to the price. The ambiance for a seafood (upscale casual ) was lacking.

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  3. Brian

    VIP

    Richmond

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always good experience! Our server Christian was very nice and attentive!!!

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  4. Amy

    VIP

    Richmond

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We visited The Hard Shell to celebrate a VCU graduation and had a wonderful experience! Our server was efficient and friendly and extremely accommodating. The oyster sampler was excellent! I had talked up the she crab soup to my family and it did not disappoint. We also enjoyed fried calamari, oysters Rockefeller, the tuna tartare tacos, the fried grouper tacos, seared scallops with dates, lardons, and brown butter, The Hard Shell pasta (tons of delicious seafood over linguine), key lime pie, and creme brulee. All of the food was phenomenal!

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  5. Michelle

    VIP

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service and food are phenomenal at hard shell! Always a great place to dine at.

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  6. Ruby

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is delicious. I did note the menu had changed some from last time I was there but everything was still delicious

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  7. Lesley

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 6 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I went with my husband to celebrate. The food was delicious. We enjoyed a seafood tower appetizer. The seafood included: lobster, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and clams. Fresh and delicious. The she crab soup was creamy with just the right amount of sherry. I highly recommend.

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  8. Marcia

    VIP

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was superb and the service was outstanding.

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  9. Thomas

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, delightful restaurant. Food was delicious. Definitely would recommend and go back. Yummy.

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  10. Del

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Rockfish was overcooked and the veggie medley wasn’t fresh. Crab soup was uneventful. Bacon on the salad wasn’t tasty.

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FAQs

The Hard Shell - Downtown offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 643-2333.

The Hard Shell - Downtown is rated 4.8 stars by 1777 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Hard Shell - Downtown

1411 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    14th St
  • Area
    Richmond
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–18:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    The Hard Shell validates parking after 5pm daily in the garage at the corner of 14th St. and Cary St. directly across from the restaurant.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (804) 643-2333
  • Private party facilities
    The private dining room accommodates parties up to 50 guests. The Hard Shell offers custom menus and bar packages to suit every event. The private dining room is the perfect place for dinner programs, wedding functions or celebrations.
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