The Hard Shell

Note: The owner or a representative of this business has not yet completed the verification process

See more Terms of Service

4.5

( 8 reviews )

American $$

1411 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States

+1 8464-323-33

The Hard Shell is a beloved restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes. Located in the heart of the city, the establishment has become a staple favorite for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant offers an elegant and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a business meeting. The Hard Shell prides itself on serving only the finest and freshest seafood available, with a variety of dishes from lobster to crab cakes to scallops. The restaurant has garnered high ratings and numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers, all of which attest to the quality of its food and service. Overall, The Hard Shell is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a delicious seafood experience in a welcoming environment.

Reviews

4.5/5

8 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Maxi ko

March 22, 2024

Went with my girlfriend for her birthday and we had an amazing time! The service was great and the restaurant was super cute and comfortable. We started out with drinks and got the salt air margarita and strawberry limeade alongside some snow crab legs and raw oysters. We followed it up with the shrimp & scallops and the whole Maine lobster. The food was so delicious, everything came out fairly quickly and was wonderful. For dessert we got the cheesecake and Creme brûlée. Overall I highly recommend going here for a date night if you haven’t been.

Emilio verduzco

March 22, 2024

This place was a 10/10 experience! The seafood is very fresh and the staff were super friendly. Ask for Christian when you go! I was born and raised in RVA. This restaurant probably has some of the best service in town. I can’t wait to come back when I come back home. I plan to bring my family next time.

Becci foreman

March 22, 2024

Our family stumbled across this place on a day trip to Richmond to see museums. We were immediately struck by the abundant light and cleanliness of the place. The service was quick and friendly. The menu choices were wide-ranging and attractive. And the food was incredibly fresh across the board! Our waiter misheard my wife's order, and she was served a BLT instead of the turkey club she ordered. The waiter immediately provided turkey and reduced the charge on her item by 50%. We were thrilled with our experience and can't wait to return and sample more of their fresh food offerings. Did I mention how fresh everything tasted? THIS is what you want a seafood restaurant to be!

Katie massingill

March 22, 2024

This is by far one of the best seafood restaurants I have been to in Richmond Va! The scallops were perfection, the lobster tail was soft succulent grilled just right to ensure that it melts in your mouth without any signs of being over cooked or rubbery !! I Also enjoyed the crab cake but the lobster was definitely the star of the show! The cook even prepared a special order of fried shrimp for the kiddos to enjoy! 10 out of 10 would highly recommend. And the best part the...the prices are very reasonable and won't break the bank! The quality of the food surpasses the price! And definitely try the Key lime pie! Thank me later!!

Jed donovan

March 22, 2024

Service was excellent and food was amazing. Celebrating my birthday enjoyed lobster, blackened mahi mahi. Scallops appetizer and deserts

Yunho cha

March 22, 2024

Wow! I don't know when we will ever visit Richmond, VA again, but if we do this restaurant will be on the list of places to visit! We Googled best restaurants in Richmond and tried to get in the Croaker Spot and the wait and line was over an hour. Back to Google and found this gem, the Hard Shell, a mile away and it didn't disappoint! The service, top-notch! The atmosphere was perfect and the food was some of the best We are die-hards for roasted Brussel Sprouts and these were the best we've ever had... wish I'd snapped a picture 📸 The Scallops were amazing, and the Crab-cakes were to die for! When this place hits 3,000 reviews there will be a line outside as well! Don't wait! Back to Texas we go- San Antonio needs some seafood lessons 😋 😂

Ar sposito

March 22, 2024

It's been a long time since I've had fresh lobster. The Hard Shell knows how to serve it up right! Drawn butter, baby red potatoes with a hint of rosemary, and corn on the cob. Delicious! I followed it up with the Chocolate Truffle Cake with Raspberry Sauce and a Laphroaig 10 single malt. I know the Laphroaig is a little bit aggressive, but I wanted its razor sharp smokeyness to offset the perfection of the rest of the meal. I'm a photographer, so contrast in all things is important to me.

Simon facundo

March 22, 2024

First time here for a birthday dinner. I'd definitely return. I had the blackened mahi mahi my niece had the fish tacos. We started with the lobster dip and flour tortillas and ended with the carrot cake. Everything was delicious, the atmosphere was intimate and the service was great.