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The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA
The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA
The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA
The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA
The Hard Shell - Bellgrade, Midlothian, VA

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

4.6
4.6
2511 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Located in Midlothian, 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 & indoor reservations are available . Please contact the restaurant for private dining requests. Dress is casual.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (804) 464-1476
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Jeff Kolakowski
  • Neighbourhood
    Midlothian
  • Cross Street
    Huguenot and Robious Roads
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Entertainment
    Saturday Evenings 630pm to 930pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,511 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Seafood

  • Richmond

    Seafood

2,511 Reviews
  1. BenjaminL

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We went to The Hardshell for our anniversary dinner.The overall experience was great,the service was really good our server Angela was very good and attentive to our needs and knowledgeable about the menu.We would definitely dine there again

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  2. RVAdiner

    Richmond

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a local favorite! Manager was very attentive.

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  3. RhondaC

    Richmond

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated a birthday at the Hard Shell. Food was fabulous! Our server, Matt, makes the whole meal. He is very attentive. Honestly, he is the main reason we alway go to Hard Shell to celebrate special occasions. Thank you Matt! You truly are the best!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed a family lunch over the Thanksgiving weekend. Great oysters, lobster rolls, sandwiches and crab soup. Outstanding service and wonderful atmosphere!

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  5. AndrewH

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and great service for a family meal on the eve of Thanksgiving. Highly recommend this place.

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  6. Stuart

    Richmond

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Hard Shell - Belgrade is a neighborhood favorite, but we had not been there in a while, so we gave it a try with some friends. It was really, really good! The menu offerings were numerous, our selections were great. The service was FABULOUS! And, we were able to relax and chat with our friends. A great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful experience! Food was amazing and our server was very attentive. Would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  8. JasonB

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant. Awesome food, and wonderful service.

    Is this helpful?

  9. ShirleyG

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great as always. Last weekend I visited 3 times, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sorry to say this week I only had time to go Sunday but it was superb as always. My favorite go to place.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    From the disinterested staff, to the lukewarm and mediocre food, it made for a night not to remember.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RaymondM

    Richmond

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great prompt and friendly service- food was delicious and nice presentation.

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  12. DebiM

    Richmond

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    We have visited here many times and it’s is the first time I have had an issue with the food. However, our server (Aubrey) was amazing, and we were comped the amount of the part of the meal that was unsatisfactory. We will be back.

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  13. GLENDAJ

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Service was not bad but not as good as you would expect from a higher price restaurant. I will return.

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  14. Pattu

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The she crab soup was a home run! The poached lobster tail was delicious. Glad we tried out this new restaurant during Restaurant Week.

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  15. Nayy

    Richmond

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Hard Shell. It’s one of our go to restaurants for eating out on a cheat day. Awesome menu for restaurant week.

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  16. ShirleyG

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was excellent, food delicious fixed to perfection , weather beautiful and outside dining lovely. Thank you!!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Perm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for RRW dinner. Their menu was great, and the food was awesome. Also full props for the wonderful cocktails

    Is this helpful?

  18. MidlothianReviewer

    Richmond

    29 reviews

    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We chose Hard Shell because of the Restaurant Week menu and to celebrate our anniversary. It was very busy and very loud. Hubby had calimari and lobster, thought they were fine. I had Caesar salad and a tiny filet mignon, which was ok, not outstanding. Key lime pie for dessert, very good. We've only visited here during lunch hours previously when it was not busy. We can't really complain about the service since they were promoting Restaurant Week and that drew in lots of customers.

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  19. JoeA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Great service. Everything was super. Highly recommend

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  20. live2eat

    Naples

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Went for Richmond Restaurant Week and absolutely loved it. I ordered the lobster and my wife ordered the petit filet. We shared them and enjoyed both which were perfectly prepared and very tasty. Kayy was our server and was pleasant and professional. All around great experience.

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  21. AbbeyB

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Best meal out in a while. Great experience for Restaurant Week!

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  22. ElaineF

    Richmond

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Why we loved it! 1 Patio seating on a lovely evening 2 Very friendly and attentive waitress Elisa 3 Excellent choices for Restaurant Week 4 Food prepared perfectly 5 Great Location

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  23. PatsyS

    Richmond

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We chose Hard Shell during Richmond Restaurant Week as their offered menu looked particularly appealing. We were not disappointed. Our 3-course dinner was delicious!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was amazing and food was delicious! We need to keep this one on our rotation!

    Is this helpful?

  25. JoannR

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very good and the combination of pickled onions with the sweetness of a sweet potato and corn hash was an excellent decision. Crab cakes were excellent. Shecrab soup was a little too thick and dense for me. Dessert was a pumpkin bread pudding but it tasted more like apple...still delicious, just not what my flavor buds was expecting. Very good.

    Is this helpful?

  26. Cyrus

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My entree (hard shell seafood pasta) was perhaps the best seafood dish I have ever had. Everything about The Hard Shell was exceptional. I look forward to returning.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful, everything cooked to perfection! The service was great and the atmosphere was very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  28. NOVA

    Richmond

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went for Richmond Restaurant Week. The food was excellent as was the service.

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  29. BENJAMIN

    Richmond

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience. Everything was spot on ! Food was excellent, waitress outstanding.one of are favorites.

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  30. LeeS

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We always enjoy visiting The Hard Shell when we are in town. Great raw bar options, delicious meals and good wine!

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  31. RVAdiner

    Richmond

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently excellent experience! From the old fashion with extra cherries to the wine, oysters, rockfish dish, fried oysters and the excellent service…we had a great time! And will always be back as our local favorite!

    Is this helpful?

  32. EdwardA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nine of us gathered to celebrate my wife's birthday. Service was attentive, food was well-prepared and attractively presented, seating was comfortable. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Annie

    Richmond

    167 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    167 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was very good once again. I had fish tacos and Brussels once again. Took some home to enjoy later. Hubs had the she crab soup and scallops that he enjoyed very much.

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  34. TheresaH

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Had the worst service we ever had there. Our server abandoned our table, we had to signal others down for.. the entree she did not enter- we waited 15 minutes hoping it would arrive… it did not, she never put it in or check on our table- 20 more minutes later it arrived. We had to waive random food runners and servers down the entire meal. It was a birthday dinner- we told our server. It was miserable. Served coffee and no sugar- asked for sugar waited.. nothing- grabbed another server, finally got it- coffee now cold. Begged for the check.. waited 20 minutes and finally it come , took the credit card - gone another 15 minutes. It felt like we were being held hostage. We still tipped 18% , probably should not have but felt bad for others that actually did help if they tip shared. We used to go there a fair amount, it is why my husband wanted to go there for his birthday dinner. Epic fail. Food was good, it is just expected to be able to eat you know together… We were always polite, but I see why most people would have lost it, we griped among ourselves, it was such a bad experience my writing can’t do it justice.

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  35. Jerryl

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Unfortunately, our reservation was not honored as they said they were booked. Thankfully we were able to get outside seating but service was subpar. Food was delicious so cannot complain about that

    Is this helpful?

  36. Jerry

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great restaurant! We’ve been going for years and it never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a wonderful experience for our anniversary dinner! She Crab Soup was delicious! My husband enjoyed the seafood pasta!

    Is this helpful?

  38. LZzz

    Richmond

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent. Food was delicious. Crab dip and calamari were both excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    First time ar Hard Shell. The food was excellent. The crab cakes were delicious and served with sweet potatoes. My wife ordered the seared salmon and was equally delicious. A little loud for me, but the food made up for it.

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  40. StevenS

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great experience at The Hard Shell. Food was cooked perfect and served hot. Waiter was enjoyable, kept my Tea filled without me asking, easy to talk to. Reasonably priced meal. They asked me when I made the reservation if we were celebrating anything and I told them "our anniversary" but nothing was brought up by anyone at the restaurant. Wasn't expecting anthing but wondered why they ask.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Hard Shell - Bellgrade using the Order Online button. The Hard Shell - Bellgrade also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 464-1476.

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade is rated 4.6 stars by 2511 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

11400 W Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Huguenot and Robious Roads
  • Neighbourhood
    Midlothian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Jeff Kolakowski
  • Entertainment
    Saturday Evenings 630pm to 930pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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