Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill

Ok, let's do it. The crowd is there. It's a vibe but not a vibe for me eating wise. To drink yes to eat, I will pass. They are trying too hard. There's no reason the chef puts the anchovies on a slice of garlic bread for a Cesar salad. My husband was devastated he said the salad tastes like fish..Why would you do that. There's no reason the garlic bread couldn't be cut up into fresh cut croutons. The Oyster Rockefeller was awesome. I ate them so fast I forgot to take a picture. The Calamari, the rings were chewy. I sent them back. The Kale salad was tough they use the cheapest crab to make the crab cake that it just might be frozen the clam chowder could have been a little thick it was pure liquid chowder is supposed to be comforting. Our waitress Katrina was annoyed with my sister in law she could have hid it a little better. The Mango Margarita was great. James from Charleston was awesome and very accommodating. I would go back for cocktails but not the food..

The scenery alone is worth the visit. We had the pleasure of dining right next to the water on the veranda, with the scent of the ocean in the air, the soft sounds of waves rocking the yachts, and a golden sunset painting the perfect backdrop. It truly set the tone for a spectacular evening. The highlight for me was the clam chowder—absolutely fantastic, rich, and full of flavor. The oysters were fresh and beautifully presented, and the service was warm, attentive, and professional throughout the night. My only critique: the seafood pasta arrived a bit cold, which affected the flavor and texture. Still enjoyable, but not at the same level as the other dishes. Overall, Shell & Bones is a trendy, lively spot with great seafood, a vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable views. I’d definitely come back for the experience—and for more chowder and oysters!

I recently celebrated my 40th birthday at Shell & Bones in New Haven, and the experience was absolutely exceptional. Though my reservation was for 6:30pm, the staff graciously accommodated me earlier without any hassle. I was seated outdoors, right by the water — the view was stunning, and the weather was perfect, making for an unforgettable evening. From the moment I arrived, the hospitality stood out. The front door staff were incredibly welcoming, warm, and courteous, setting a great tone for the night. Our server, Tommy, was outstanding — attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was just right throughout the meal. The food? Incredible. From start to finish, every dish was delicious, and the dessert was the perfect way to end the meal. The combination of excellent customer service, a beautiful setting, and top-tier cuisine made this a night to remember. Shell & Bones is a beautiful place and the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Highly recommend, and I absolutely can’t wait to return!

This place was incredible! Dining room was real nice with beautiful view of the water and food/drink was delicious. The Bouillabaisse was one of the best things I've ever eaten, that was the highlight of the meal. Crab cake and salad were also perfectly done and delicious. Had several mocktails for us on-the-wagon folks and they were all extremely well done and satisfying. Last, but not least, the Xanadu Split was the absolute business. It's served in the mini cast iron skillet they bake the cookie in! Beautiful idea and tasted so good. Also, shout out to our waitress (can't remember her name) who could really sing. She did a little Happy Birthday rendition for me when bringing desert out that was awesome!

Moved to CT for a month and wanted to take my girl out for a treat. We waited for 20 minutes before anyone came over to all id we needed anything to drink. 30 minutes for the waiter to get our orders. I don’t know what was happening behind the bar or the kitchen but when we were there a huge group of customers just left so being busy shouldn’t be an excuse. The food was amazing though. The oysters, lobsters and salmon were fantastic! Disappointed that the clams were out but will be back another day. I hope that we won’t have to wait 30 minutes again to be served! Great restaurant and would recommend to others to visit!

This is one of the best all-around seafood restaurants in the region. The menu is just expansive enough, and everything is prepared with perfection, consistently. The service is attentive without being overbearing, and the waterfront location is downright idyllic. You'll think I'm exaggerating; I'm not.

Amazing experience! Waterfront dining with amazing views. Even the night fall and semi hidden moon was romantic. I enjoyed the Best crab cake I've had in a while, I also enjoyed the baked ricotta with truffle oil topped with crispy onions and plum tomatoes. Our entrée was a Steamed Lobster and sides, and Farro risotto with jumbo shrimp and bacon with a puree corn sauce..excellent!! Our waiter Bo was a great entertainer, as he used to be the announcer for the Miami heats, so just imagine his personality at the table! Great place for any occasion

Shells & Bones Oysters has a great vibe and a stunning view. The staff, from the receptionist to the waitress, were kind and welcoming. We loved the Oysters Rockefeller—flavorful, perfectly cooked, and a safe, tasty alternative to raw oysters. Unfortunately, the rest of the food was disappointing: the fish tacos were bland, the burger was heavy and dry, and the crème brûlée was just okay. Overall, the atmosphere and service were wonderful, but the lunch menu fell flat. Next time, we’ll try the larger main menu instead.