Top 6 Seafood Spots in Richmond

Known mainly for the many historical buildings there, you’ll soon know Richmond, Virginia as the go-to city for seafood. 

Whatever your plans in Richmond may be, and whether you live there or are simply just passing by, these restaurant recommendations are sure to serve you a delicious meal.

And many of the restaurants on the list are also supported by GiftYa, a virtual gift card company that allows you to send your friends money to spend at participating locations via an app.

If you’ve got a friend that really loves seafood and is going to be in Richmond any time soon, a GiftYa to one of these great restaurants could be the perfect gift!

The Hard Shell

Award-winning seafood in Richmond, plus a lot of other great dishes!

A beautiful circle of delicious looking oysters, complete with sauce and lemon so you can enjoy however you see fit! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1411 E Cary St | Richmond | thehardshell.com

This restaurant first opened up in downtown Richmond in 1995, and has won “Best Seafood in Richmond many times. They take pride in high quality seafood and service to give you the ultimate dining experience, whether you choose to eat in a private dining room or an outdoor patio.

Among other things, the menu at The Hard Shell has plenty of fish and shellfish such as clams, shrimp, oysters, mussels, crab legs and lobster. There are also other, non-seafood entrees available for you, and even vegetarian dishes!

Hours are from noon until 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and then from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

“Every time I have been here, the service has always been great and the food is delish! The last time I was there was for lunch.  We ordered the Parmesan Truffle Fries with horseradish aioli.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for The Hard Shell

Stuart’s Fresh Catch

Emphasis on the fresh— this restaurant serves delicious seafood, from the ocean to your plate.

When they say Stuart’s Fresh Catch, they really do mean fresh!  Image courtesy of Instagram.

2400 Mechanicsville Turnpike | Richmond | stuartsfreshcatch.com 

Stuart’s Fresh Catch serves freshly caught, steamed crabs from April through November, or as long as crabs stick around! They’re brought in daily from North Carolina just to make it to your plate and then to your stomach! Crab prices depend on the season, but there are lots of other great dishes available at this restaurant.

Their fantastic spoonbread has been mentioned both in Richmond Magazine and Channel 8 news, and there are plenty of other dishes that don’t include seafood, too! Meat loaf, liver and onions, pork chops, barbecue, and wing-dings— it’s all here for you!

Stuart’s Fresh Catch is open from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and from noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

“The fish is cooked to order so you get a nice hot crispy meal! It is seasoned very well! I got the catfish sandwich, crab cake sandwich (made fresh), and their fried shrimp. You can also control how crispy they cook it!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Stuart’s Fresh Catch

Rappahannock Oyster Co.

Many locations, all with the same rich history, that got its start in Virginia!

This restaurant knows their way around an oyster! Order some and try for yourself! Image courtesy of Instagram.

320 E Grace St | Richmond | rroysters.com

Rappahannock may still be working towards reopening their dining room space, but you can order for pick-up takeout online to support them in the meantime, and their food will be just as delicious on your own table!

True to its name, Rappahanock specializes in oysters and clams. True, maybe they don’t have the most extensive menu, but that’s because they’ve got handling shellfish down to a fine science. You can also order sauces, condiments, glasses, and gear on the website, too!

The restaurant is open from noon until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

“Love, love, love this place. Especially their oyster happy hour! They always offer a great variety of food and drinks. And the customer service is great. We always bring visiting friends here for a good time and good eat!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Rappahannock Restaurant

East Coast Provisions

An extensive menu with all the seafood dishes you could want and the option to book private events!

If you want to try delicious fish tacos, along with several other great dishes, this restaurant is the place to go! Image courtesy of Instagram.

3411 W Cary St | Richmond | eastcoastrva.com 

You can make a reservation or even book a private event at East Coast Provisions right on their website in order to try some of their delicious food! Though they’re not currently serving lunch, you can have an event during the day or come in for dinner!

With shareable dishes, sushi rolls, soup, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and seafood simply prepared, you might not even have room left for dessert! There’s also a beverage menu, and one for kids, too!

Mondays through Thursdays East Coast Provisions is open from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“What a wonderful dinner, wow! We were so excited to try East Coast Provisions. Their take on seafood is creative, delicious, and unique. We sat on the patio, which is decorated with tasteful lighting and has multiple outdoor heaters.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for East Coast Provisions

Old Original Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse

Historic, award-winning steakhouse in Richmond, VA with great seafood!

Not all great seafood restaurants make their seafood the main selling point! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2306 E Cary St | Richmond | bookbindersrichmond.com 

Don’t judge a book by its cover! This restaurant may be a steakhouse, not a seafood place— although really, who doesn’t love a good steak? —but there’s plenty of great seafood options on the menu that you’ll want to try.

In Tobacco Row, a historic area of Richmond, this restaurant has won many well-deserved awards for their fantastic food. There’s a raw bar for seafood as well as starters, entrees, and desserts on the menu. You can also choose to peruse the wine list or drink menu to accompany your meal with an equally delicious beverage!

Hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

“They seated us right away and the service was excellent. We got delicious wine to start and two appetizers. The Escargot was amazing and the Stuffed Mushrooms caps were delicious.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse