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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
2471 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 PM


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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 2,471 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Seafood

  • Richmond

    Seafood

2,471 Reviews
  1. ChristieR

    Richmond

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been to the Hard Shell many times, but this was the first time for brunch. The food was scrumptious. My husband and I had blueberry muffins and a garden omelette with fresh fruit and potatoes. The omelette was well seasoned and the best I have ever had. The service was was top of the line. The ambiance was wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  2. Bill

    Richmond

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    They need to do something about the noise level. That is the one thing that would cause me NOT TO RETURN.

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  3. ThomasE

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service exceeded our expectations, meals and desserts were delicious and served timely. We had an enjoyable experience and will recommend to friends. We’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  4. RoseK

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely dinner with our friends on a Sunday evening. Three of us had the Salmon and they were able to make some adjustments for my friend’s special dietary needs. The fourth person had the crab cakes and they were also prepared to perfection.

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  5. NOLA2VA

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great place for HH, brunch with friends or a business lunch during the week.

    Is this helpful?

  6. MarthaS

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious!! I had the lobster😊 My husband had the steak👍

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  7. Jordyn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great, food was amazing, and we will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Vey good food, but the service was the real stand out. Truly am enjoyable evening.

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  9. RoseK

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely meal at Hard Shell. In fact, we find it to be consistently good. I had a cup of she crab soup and it had lots of crab meat in a thick rich soup. I had Salmon as my entree and it came with oven roasted potatoes and asparagus all cooked to perfection. My husband had the salad and his entree was the crab cakes. Lots of crab meat and not a lot of filler also very delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  10. SherriW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The restaurant is very nice and the food is very good. Our server was spread a little thin and was not as attentive as previous visits. Overall, a solidly good dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great experience. Highly recommend. Will visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  12. VickiD

    Richmond

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Food was delicious service was very good. Two negatives which kept from 5stars on the food Seafood pasta- very tasty dish but served with one clam that did not open (bad) didn’t realize until most of the dish was finished lobster tail and crab cake- crab cake was barely warm- would have absolutely enjoyed it more if it were hot

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  13. GrumpyGourmand

    Richmond

    101 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Menu has changed a bit (post COVID ) but all for the good. Try the calamari! Yum. Hopefully they put the tuna tacos on the permanent menu! Truffle fries could become addictive. Great twist on a Cesar salad. All ingredients were premium. Adrian was great and patient with all our questions.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best seafood restaurant in Midlothian and Richmond. Oysters are cooked just right, and my Husband loves them raw there. Great ambience and a nice bar area where we like to sit.

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  15. Anna

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely time. Delicious food & drink in a delightful setting.

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  16. reggie

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated a friend’s birthday. Food was amazing. Portions are huge. Service was exquisite.

    Is this helpful?

  17. SusanE

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waiter was the best. Let us chat a while before ordering. When we did order, food was served quickly.

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  18. NormanG

    Richmond

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Service was poor. It didn't feel sincere. Like they were going through the motions (and it was my wife's 69th birthday). I hope it wasn't because we were older than the others in the restaurant, but I definitely didn't feel like there was concerted efforts to provide great customer service for us. Soup was luke warm, and I wasn't given spoon. I had to find someone to get me one. And, they didn't apologize, just brought me one. Overall, disappointing.

    1 person found this helpful

  19. RaymondM

    Richmond

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service last night for dinner was, as always, fantastic. We love Hardshell!

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  20. PamA

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Really good service! I always bring friends here. Best bang for the buck and superb food.Thanyou

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Will definitely go back. Nice place and would bring friends. The mixed drinks are really good.

    1 person found this helpful

  22. winelover

    Richmond

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    Visited on a Tuesday night...very average food, nothing to get excited about or recommend...had calamari for app, lightly breaded but a bit soggy.. arugula salad was "star", crab soup fairly blah, but did have nice chunks of crab on top. Service was adequate but felt like server was always detached from table.

    1 person found this helpful

  23. Brendi

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent seafood! Waitstaff very knowledgeable and prompt. Birthday treat topped it off!

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  24. Betsy

    Richmond

    70 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Love going to Bellegrade Hard Shell especially when we can eat outside on the patio where it is pleasant and quiet. The inside is nice but the noise level is incredibly high. I always mention that to friends when I recommend Hard Shell. I’m not sure there is any way to fix that but it sure would improve the experience if you could. Everything else is wonderful.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. Mountains

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always, we had a great meal at The Hard Shell. The She Crab soup was to dies for, tje wedge salad was great, and the filet mignon was so soft and tender, and delicious. Tje creme brulee was excellent as well. I would highly recommend The Hard Shell!

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  26. BaumgartnerD

    Richmond

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thank you Rachel & all for our usual fantastic service

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  27. RussM

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great evening as usual. Always look forward to going back. Table of Karen's making massive noise, but left shortly after we arrived. Love the food and service was there but not in our face. Will return!

    Is this helpful?

  28. MurrayE

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Reservations were easy and our table for 6 was setup when we arrived. The service was efficient and friendly. All 6 of our main dishes arrived on time and everyone enjoyed ours. The noise level made it challenging to hear conversations at the far end of the table. Perhaps the host should have asked us if we would like to dine out? But we will return and recommend THE Hardshell.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. Anna

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was delightful, service was excellent. We will definitely visit again. Thank you!!!

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  30. Glenna

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5
    Our waitress was spread out over the entire restaurant! Who does that??? My husband had calamari and bowl of SheCrab. He was sick during the night, and felt that the soup was, perhaps, not simmered long enough. I had the oyster entree, and it was great!

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  31. CherylS

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My husband and I enjoyed a very tasty meal. I had the rockfish which I would recommend especially if you enjoy brussel sprouts as a side dish. It can be a little loud. And I think it would be nice to have some type of visual barrier on the short wall that was next to my table and the table on the other side, perhaps a planter with some live plants. But we will definitely go back there again.

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  32. BreadGirl17

    Exclusive

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    We got married on Monday and went to dinner here afterwards with our parents. I know our server tried but we had to wait for refills, hardly had bread for the table, had a couple starters not make it to the table. One of the alcoholic drinks was $21 and you couldn't tell there was alcohol in it. The food was good enough. Scallops and shrimp were undercooked on my moms plate but almost scorched on mine. Would have liked this to have been a better experience, but I think we just caught it on a bad night. The hostess was super friendly and the restaurant was very clean. Saw a few dishes pass our table that looked amazing!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. RobertS

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was excellent time great seafood restaurant and food and staff excellent

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  34. PrincessJudy

    Exclusive

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never Disappoints!!! Six happy adults, good food, good drinks, nice decor, it is a little loud, but we had a great time.

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  35. StPeteGirl

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous from start to finish! Food…service…. Everything

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  36. Jimmy

    Richmond

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Noise was too high. Not a nice quite place for visiting.

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  37. Putt

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I took my friend for a birthday lunch and it was perfect! The food was delicious and plentiful! Best of all, it was relatively quiet so we could talk and hear each other!

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  38. g66oat

    Richmond

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service excellent Food A+. Enjoyable experience

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  39. ElaineN

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    It was Father’s Day when we went. A party of 6 people at 7pm. It took a long time for the waitress to approach our table. Once she did she wanted to take dinner orders right away. We had to tell her we wanted drinks. And it wasn’t even cocktails. I don’t know if it was her personality or she was just tired but she wasn’t very pleasant. Salad came the same time as the meal which I find unacceptable. Unfortunately the food was mediocre at best. I will give them the benefit of the doubt that it was all because of being Father’s Day. It wasn’t a pleasant experience for a celebration.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. Jules

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Waitress appeared to be overly busy so we had to wait quite a while for our main entree. She got the appetizer wrong but quickly corrected it.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized 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 2471 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 PM


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
  • Neighborhood
    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
  • 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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