Who Ordered The Hard Shell?

The Hard Shell opened it's doors in 1995 in downtown Richmond, and has repeatedly been voted "Best Seafood" by local magazines. With two locations to choose from (Shockoe Slip and Bellgrade in South Richmond), you have endless varieties of fresh fish, shellfish, steaks, and even vegetarian options to choose from. Both locations also offer private dining settings along with outdoor spaces weather permitting.

The menu itself is extensive, offering Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Happy Hour items. You are sure to find something to sate even the most particular of palettes. My first trip to the hard shell was at the Bellgrade location in South Richmond. Reservations are recommended, and me making one resulted in no wait time after being greeted by their friendly staff.

The portion sizes were more than generous, and the food was completely satisfying. My visit was a celebratory birthday dinner for my mom, and they even made a point to bring out a free dessert to her. She ordered the Grilled Lobster Tail as her main, and I ordered the Shrimp Pasta.

My dish was excellent, not like a typical alfredo dish at all. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was a bright and flavorful tomato cream sauce.

This is certainly an upscale dining experience, but it does not feel stuffy or uninviting. The warmth of the staff, and sleek atmosphere bring you a personal dining experience that leaves you satisfied but wanting more.

My second trip to the Hard Shell was the original Downtown RVA location. With rotating specials, and a beautiful full bar, I found this to be an equally fulfilling modern dining experience.

This time I ordered the Grilled Lobster Tail and my partner ordered the Daily Special, which was a Lobster Tail stuffed with Short Rib. Mine came with a side of fingerling potatoes and asparagus which added to the meal while still letting the main aspects shine through. His came with mashed potatoes and asparagus with a delicious lemon butter sauce. All in all you couldn’t go wrong with either.

When you consider going:

Pros:

• The food is delicious. No joke, from appetizers to desserts & drinks everything I ordered I was fond of and would order again.

• Atmosphere. Both locations are bright and inviting. Upscale dining isn't typically my go to because I've had some stuffy and cold experiences in the past. However, The Hard Shell is the complete opposite of that. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable, and there to offer suggestions. The buildings themselves offer a crisp, clean, contemporary view on stylish food that also tastes great.

• Ample Parking: If you're like me and have to google maps the parking situation anywhere you go, because you can't parallel park to save your life- no fear. The Bellgrade has an enormous parking lot and the Downtown location has a parking deck directly across the street from it.

Cons:

• Price: You are most certainly paying for what you get, but this is "upscale" with upscale cost to it. While I will certainly return, I consider this a special treato kind of dinner outing. Dinner plates range from anywhere between 18-40 dollars a plate.

Let me know! Have you been? How'd you like it?