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The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA
The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA
The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA
The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA
The Hard Shell - Downtown, Richmond, VA

The Hard Shell - Downtown

4.5
4.5
1636 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
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 request honored when possible but tables are first come, first served. Private dining & reservations are available. Dress is casual.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Leandra Dunlevy: (804) 643-2333
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,636 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Seafood

  • Richmond

    Good for business meals

  • Richmond

    Seafood

1,636 Reviews
  1. PS01

    Los Angeles

    606 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    606 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great spot for fresh seafood (and more)!!! Really enjoyed the experience.

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  2. Mickey

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fresh seafood entrees with a fresh twist. Friendly, attentive staff. Our first visit, but not our last!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    This is my second time going. I did not enjoy my first time a lot but I wanted to give it another chance. Still not the best place I’ve been in RVA. We were sat by two large parties which is fine but a little jarring when you’re on a date. The food was decent but nothing to rave about. I got the lobster tail and he got the crab cakes. Definitely recommend the crab cakes. The server did not come back to our table til we were almost done with our entrees, resulting in us not having drinks for the most of our dinner. Dessert was good. Overall I would go to a new place rather than revisit The Hard Shell

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  4. GASteve

    Richmond

    121 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    121 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    I had the crab cake sandwich with the mixed greens, and the sandwich was good. My lunch companion had the blackened tuna sandwich with French fries, which she enjoyed. The service was prompt and courteous.

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  5. TomR

    Atlanta Metro

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Nice place in downtown. Quiet area but place was well received. No problem getting a reservation on Sunday night. Had shrimp and scallops and hard shell pasta. Good portions. Wish sauce on pasta had a little more depth but seafood was great and plentiful. Had apricot old fashion and Moscow mule drinks. Both good. Old fashion was better overall. Rib appetizer was great and different from other appetizers elsewhere so a nice pick.

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  6. RubyC

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Nice ambience overall. We went for dinner early as we had show tickets, so it wasn't very crowded. Food was very good, a nice variety of dishes. Service was quite slow, though: we watched our server chat for a stretch with fellow servers, while we tried to get his attention. But would come back again.

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  7. KelliC

    Cleveland

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When we travel to the Richmond areas this is always a great place for wonderful food. Amazing menu. The food is always delicious. Service was great as well. We most definitely will return again when in Richmond.

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  8. DrDdinesout

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Interesting presentations, and flavors combinations...even the caesar salad was different. A little loud as it filled up, but otherwise nice ambience. Professional and efficient wait staff. Will definitely try Hard Shell again next time through Richmond!

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  9. SamY

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, service and food. We are looking forward to our next visit.

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  10. KEISHAW

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service, food, and atmosphere were perfect! I would go back.

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  11. Sarah

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been here a couple times. Great food! The NY strip is delicious as is the crab cakes and lobster tail. Always a great time and very friendly staff.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent food, was a bit disappointed that there were no king crab legs (not their fault). Our server Sasha is a lovely young woman.

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  13. suzzanned

    Baltimore

    71 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Service was terrible and there were very few customers. Took forever to take order. Waiter then forgot our soup order so that was delivered mid entre. We were not charged for the soup which was nice. The atmosphere is really nice and the fish tacos were very good.

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  14. JimD

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We went to the Hard Shell for their restaurant week menu. Everything was excellent. The food was delivered quickly, and the service was great. Everyone got their food at the same time.

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  15. JudithS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    My visit was booked for Restaurant Week so the value was good, $35 for a three course meal. The She Crab soup was no more than a tasteless cream with crab meat on top. The cook on my salmon was uneven but not so bad that I couldn't eat it. The creme brulee was very good. I was a little disappointed when comparing this meal to others I've enjoyed during Restaurant week. I will try this property again.

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  16. KellyA

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food was amazing. The server could have been a little more communicative. He brought everyone's dessert while one person was still eating dinner. The rest of the table waited for her to finish so that we could all eat dessert together.

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  17. worththetime

    Richmond

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner at Hard Shell was a hit! Hosting folks from Europe for a dinner , we wanted to host our clients with Virginia hospitality. Our dinner was delicious and service just as good! Very attentive! Highly recommend!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful. It was an anniversary dinner for my husband and I and it was a perfect, quiet, romantic dinner for two. My 4 stars for the food is only because my potatoes were over cooked and dry. Everything else hit the mark.

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  19. DannyD

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent lunch experience. Very relaxing, amazing food and service.

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  20. WilliamE

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Very noisy. Hard to have a conversation. Table squeezed into small space. Scallop appetizer was so good! Hard shell seafood pasta was just ok. Seafood was good but sauce was not. Rockfish dinner was ok. Brussels sprouts were beyond burnt. Mashed potatoes were cold. Just an ok meal.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I can’t wait to dine there again.

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  22. BernadetteO

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The waiter was fantastic however the food was not in par with the price. The drinks were good.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A bit disappointed because we went Saturday for brunch and we’re informed brunch was only in Sunday. Open tables did not indicate that.

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  24. Claudia

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good place for seafood! Wish we could eat more ~ the appetizers sound wonderful! I had the fried oysters. My husband had the oven-roasted rockfish. Both quite good! If we find ourselves in Richmond again, we will return!!!

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  25. DavidM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a great mid-level price point for a gigh-level experience. The staff was great, the food was fantastic, and the ambiance was first class. I highly recommend The Hard Shell.

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  26. Kaitlyn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was phenomenal! Staff was very nice as well!

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Did not disappoint! Raw bar and lobster was on point!

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  28. CarolynP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and ambiance! Will definitely come back.

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  29. AdrianeH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great first time experience at Hard Shell. Exactly what we wanted for date night. Delicious food great atmosphere, yummy cocktails.

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  30. ShaundelleJ

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I truly enjoyed my recent visit...delicious food & amazing service.

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  31. JosephE

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent place to eat my wife enjoyed her birthday dinner.

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  32. DianeB

    Raleigh

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best seafood medley we've had. Lots of scallops, clams and mussels. Half a lobster was a nice addition. The wine was tasty. The chocolate mousse cake was outstanding.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience4
    Love the restaurant however tonight was horrible….not the food or service but a group of 5 customers at a table next to us. We could not have a conversation between us due to these people. They were beyond loud.

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  34. EricC

    Indiana

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited Hard Shell on a busy weekend night. The restaurant was full; but the servers were working as a great team. Taking care of us and several large groups and not missing a beat. Next time we're visiting Richmond, this is definitely on our short list of restaurants to visit again.

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  35. GeoSp8

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fabulous food & excellent range of choice for non seafood eaters too. Good portion sizes, not too big. Spot on pricing. Great cocktails

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  36. Scott

    Charlotte

    110 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Hard Shell has been a great seafood restaurant and a Richmond highlight. We are not from Richmond, and usually try to work in a stop to Hard Shell while visiting. On this visit, the food was on par as usual, but the service was so off it put a damper on our meal. The large, wide mirror above the booths- provided a great vantage point to watch our server (TR) walk by our table multiple times throughout the evening and observe the piles of plates and empty glasses "stacked" at the end of our booth. We waited very long periods between each time to re-order drinks, etc. and while this ultimately made us order less (and spend less), it was counter intuitive to our planned celebration.

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  37. Rjon

    Richmond

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Hard Shell is a great date night for drinks and apps.

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  38. AngieP

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was laid back and comfortable while upscale. The cocktails were very nice and our meals were delicious. I would recommend it for its good food and great service.

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  39. LisaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I very good experience celebrating my fathers 84th birthday

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  40. Karen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were passing thru for the night - wanted seafood and found this place thru Google search. What a gem!! Sat at bar and had great time chatting with Dane. Food was excellent. Scallop app amazing. Brussel sprout app very generous portion for 2. Blackened mahi and filet for dinner. Flavorful, nice portion. Highly recommend. Also a great spot - outside seating along a cute alley with cobblestone street up the block. Cute area. Just go!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Hard Shell - Downtown using the Order Online button. The Hard Shell - Downtown also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (804) 643-2333.

The Hard Shell - Downtown is rated 4.5 stars by 1636 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 19 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
  • Neighbourhood
    Richmond
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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, Takeout, 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.
  • Private party contact
    Leandra Dunlevy: (804) 643-2333
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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