Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill

Seafood restaurant · New Haven

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill

Seafood restaurant · New Haven

2

100 S Water St, New Haven, CT 06519

Photos

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by Anne Cruz
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by Anne Cruz
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill by null

Highlights

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar dazzles with fresh seafood and stunning water views, making it the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and cozy dining.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Placeholder

100 S Water St, New Haven, CT 06519 Get directions

shellandbones.com
@shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

100 S Water St, New Haven, CT 06519 Get directions

+1 203 787 3466
shellandbones.com
@shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

"Shell and Bones is the type of spot where you can gaze longingly across the Long Island Sound with a martini and exude big Meredith Blake energy. The dining room and patio both have great views of the water and docked yachts, and the seafood and service here are consistently excellent. The menu is packed with great meat and vegetarian options—you can even ask for your protein to be simply prepared with your choice of sauce if you have food allergies, or happen to have an aunt whose dietary restrictions fluctuate more frequently than the tides. Highlights include the mussel pot with pomme frites and the Alaskan black garlic cod, but you can’t go wrong with a giant tower of shells for a showstopper." - Ciera Velarde

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill - Review - The Hill - New Haven - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill
@infatuation

"Shell and Bones is the type of spot where you can gaze longingly across the Long Island Sound with a martini and exude big Meredith Blake energy. The dining room and patio both have great views of the water and docked yachts, and the seafood and service here are consistently excellent. The menu is packed with great meat and vegetarian options—you can even ask for your protein to be simply prepared with your choice of sauce if you have food allergies, or happen to have an aunt whose dietary restrictions fluctuate more frequently than the tides. Highlights include the mussel pot with pomme frites and the Alaskan black garlic cod, but you can’t go wrong with a giant tower of shells for a showstopper. " - anne cruz, team infatuation

The Best Restaurants In New Haven
View Postcard for Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

Ryan E.

Google
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!

Phoebe Wang

Google
Beautiful restaurant with great views! The food was good, not the best lobster rolls I’ve had but decent and definitely on the pricier end as we spent about $65 per person for lunch (including tips). The service was great as our waiter was very friendly and attentive. There’s a free parking lot and we got lucky by going at lunchtime but it can be hard to find spots on busier days or during dinner.

Demetris Demetriou (Dimi)

Google
We had an amazing experience at this oyster bar and grill! From start to finish, everything was fantastic. The bread was fresh and delicious, a perfect start to the meal. The oysters were absolutely incredible — fresh, briny, and perfectly shucked. We also tried the seafood pasta, and it was not only delicious but also a huge portion, making it great for sharing or taking leftovers home. The service was excellent, with a friendly and attentive staff that made us feel welcome. We’re already looking forward to coming back for more oysters and another round of that amazing pasta!

Daniel Lopez

Google
I must say eating here was absolutely amazing! I came in with a party of two. Reservations are better to have in place but. I got lucky enough to get a seat. We were greeted by our amazing waiter and he took care of us perfectly. Our drinks were delicious and the food was exquisite! Presentation and the deliciousness was out of this world. It was worth every dollar. It’s definitely worth coming here and I’ll definitely be back. Thank you!

Kenyon Bajus

Google
We found this place along our route in Google Maps and thought it looked like a good spot to stop for lunch. It was perfect! We sat inside by a window overlooking the water. Service was formal yet friendly. The lobster roll with caviar was fancy and tasty. I ordered a salad instead of fries and it was great, but the cole slaw that came with was amazingly good. So glad we stopped by.

Meagan Loo

Google
This place absolutely exceeded expectations. Everything we ate was great but the ribeye? That’s a freaking masterpiece of a dish. My husband loved his cocktail and my mocktail was probably the best mocktail I’ve been had. We came here for our anniversary and we agreed we might need to make this our new anniversary spot. Service was great and again, the food was phenomenal.

Iurii Novak

Google
That was a nice restaurant, where we have spent two nights in a row: lobsters, baked potatoes with sour cream and onions, vegetables and healthy food. The restaurant is crowded but ocean views and breeze are so charming and unique.

cdunningp

Google
Been here many times & it never disappoints! Came for brunch for the 1st time & everything was delightful. Our favs - Bloody Mary, tuna tartare, clam chowder, Oysters, scallops, Bouillabaisse honestly- can’t go wrong with anything!

Joan F.

Yelp
Lovely experience here for our anniversary celebration: --beautiful views --impeccable service --calm ambiance even when fully booked --lovely ambience --outstanding food We will be back when we are in the area. I don't mind paying higher prices when a restaurant is worth it, and S&BOB hits all the right notes. It was a magical evening for conversation, remembering, and enjoying ourselves in the present.

Sandra F.

Yelp
Great atmosphere, decent portion sizes. My husband said his N.Y. strip was the best he ever had. Our server asked if there were any dietary restrictions and we told him I was gluten free. I ordered the Mahi Mahi a la Plancha. The menu described at as Roasted tomatoes, golden chanterelles, olive tapenade, red pepper emulsion. When it arrived, there was a pasta looking item. We asked our server what it was. He confirmed with the kitchen that it was a saffron Couscous. NOT gluten friendly and not indicated on the menu. I didn't send it back and decided to push all of the couscous aside. I'm thankful that I am just gluten intolerant, but am posting this information for others to beware. If you have celiac this could be very hazardous to your health.

Mirian G.

Yelp
We finally made it here! We decided to drop by on a lovely Sunday afternoon for brunch, and we got a fantastic table by the water with such a beautiful view. We did end up moving twice since the sun was beaming right in my brunch buddy's face, but it was all good! Now, let me tell you about the food--it was absolutely amazing! I can't wait to come back for dinner or happy hour. For my meal, I went with the steak and eggs (no home fries), and it was perfect! It came with a side salad that was deliciously dressed, and it paired wonderfully with the perfectly cooked steak. The service was super attentive and prompt, too. I'm definitely looking forward to checking this place out again during the summer!

Ann A.

Yelp
The food here is definitely solid -- good flavors and lots of options overall. I really enjoyed the fish tacos. We went for brunch and had a great experiment overall -- service was solid. The only thing preventing me from a 5 star review is the price to portion size.

TH C.

Yelp
I must say that I really fell in love with this little gem. We sat at the bar, the music was on point and just enough to hear each other talk. The food we ordered was very good. Service was on point. Good crowd, beautiful scenery on the water and just an overall A plus on this one. I'd def. return if I'm in the area.

Louise F.

Yelp
A fantastic place to enjoy a meal! The combination of indoor and outdoor dining options, along with a comfortable bar, high booths, and table seating with stunning marina views, made for a nice dining experience. The two outdoor patio areas, especially the open-air section with a sloped roof and the completely outdoor one, seemed perfect for enjoying nice weather while overlooking the marina. Due to inclement weather, diners weren't allowed on the outside deck, and the open-air section was reservation-only. Onto the beverage and food review: The breakfast Bloody Mary was fabulous, priced at $19. It was strong with a nice bite, and came garnished with a jumbo shrimp, a piece of bacon, a cornichon, two nice smoky slices of chorizo, two olives, and the proverbial lemon and lime slices. It was suggested that we try the Madeline Pointe oysters from Maine. The waiter, who overheard us talking about oysters, recommended the Madeline. There were four options that day, so we decided to go with both the Madeline and the Ichabod. We actually preferred the Ichabod oysters, which were a bit sweeter and hailing from Massachusetts. The crabcake B.L.T. [$29] included sweet and spicy bacon, romaine, tomato slice with chipotle mayo on a brioche bun with Old Bay seasoned frites. Perfectly salted with a mild, tasty spice. The aioli was another standout sauce, served alongside both this dish and mine. My lobster roll was very good. [$35] The meat was cooked perfectly. It was accompanied by a side lobster butter sauce. That was a rich and flavorful. Besides dunking my lobster roll in it, I also dunked some french fries. An unusual version of coleslaw came with my meal. It was more shredded lettuce than cabbage with corn kernels that was unexpectedly delightful. I highly recommend Shell and Bones Oyster Bar and Grill. I look forward to a return visit.

Lisa I.

Yelp
Beautiful views located on the water and the ability to boat watch was such a nice change. I was immediately seated and provided sparkling water. The menu is limited but there is variety to choose from. However, the drink menu is extensive. The food was well plated but my salad lacked so much flavor.It was just a plate of unseasoned chicken and very minimal dressing. The server was attentive - but two incorrect items were brought to the table and I don't like sending any food back or complaining when it comes to food. So, I just ate it and paid for it.

Tammy G.

Yelp
I love Shells and Bones as a special occasion restaurant near the ocean. Beautiful ambience, excellent food and in my experience service has been wonderful. Highly recommended.

Lauren M.

Yelp
My husband surprised me for my birthday and treated me to dinner here. When he made reservations, he requested for a table closest to the water. We were seated in the second closest row to the water on the patio. The views are very nice. Our meals were delicious. The only thing that I think they could really improve upon is the time waiting for the food and the next steps through the experience. We waited about 15-20 minutes to get the dessert menu and another 15-20 minutes to pay the bill. I was going to get a dessert to go to be able to make a wish, but decided not to order considering how long everything was taking. They gave us a small glass of Champaign for my birthday. It was an okay experience, but could have been a little better.

Alia W.

Yelp
I went to Shell & Bones for a lunch date. My date made a reservation to sit on the patio by the water and the view was so nice. Our waitress was very nice and had great suggestions. The New England clam chowder was so delicious and my date's crab cake was also really good. It did take a very long time for our lunch entree to come out...almost 45 minutes to an hour after we ordered with no explanation or acknowledgment from our waitress of what the delay was. I ordered the burger which did taste good, and my date's lobster roll was good, it just took awhile to come out. Other than that, it was a good experience and will return!

Cassandra C.

Yelp
I've frequented shells & bones a few times in the summer and winter. No matter the season, it's a beautiful, scenic place to dine. Service has always been good and food consistently good. You really cannot go wrong with anything. We've have plenty of starters from the burrata and oysters rockerfeller. I always get seafood main such as lobster roll or salmon. Can't wait for the next visit!

Chrsitine M.

Yelp
I went here on Saturday for my birthday with family from out of state . A beautiful marina setting the menu was good but limited . My son had the peach burrata with prosciutto over greens excellent and we also had the calamari fresh had lemon zest very nice . It's not the greatest if you have kids only 3 choices pasta grilled cheese and chicken nuggets . . I wanted the lobster roll but it was only on the lunch menu along with the burgers . My son had seafood boulabase I had salmon on a salad and my daughter in law had basil Thai salmon. It was very nice but also a pricey place . Nice atmosphere and very prompt service. Reservations recommended. Enjoy Chris M

Joseph S.

Yelp
Went well is free parking, the parking lot seems small but definitely a good amount of guests can get free parking! It's on the water, so nice views and I am sure it's only nicer in the summer time. The clam chowder was delicious but warm not hot on a winter lunch. The Lobster roll was really good, I ordered it warm. We will be back again.

Lyneisha T.

Yelp
My husband took me here for dinner and I had a great relaxing evening the waitress was very friendly and service was fast . The bread that they give with the black salt was a delicious start while waiting . The ambiance is great with views of the New Haven harbor . Nice dim lighting and a menu full on options for the season . I've had many different experiences here as a regular visitor. I've tried many different dishes and love . I loved the salmon dish it's one of my favorites also the carbonara in which is only served in the cooler months for a heavy meal. Oyster has always delicious and bluepoints has never failed us here . Both indoor outdoor dining if you choose . Hope you have a great experience with this place.

Margarita S.

Yelp
I came here for my birthday and had a great time. They were very accommodating to my stroller for my newborn and bringing me water to warm up my milk bottle. The wait staff was kind and our waiter brought us complimentary Prosecco to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We got the seafood tower and it was AMAZING. I was obsessed with the smoked salmon, Washington oysters, crab, and shrimp. The skillet cookie was to die for, I was just a little upset that the gelato melted so much on it. I would've loved to try the gelato but couldn't really get a good sense of it since it was pretty melted. The cookie though was insanely delicious. Also, the French fries came with an amazing aioli and the grapefruit juice was so refreshing and sweet!

Kaitlynn M.

Yelp
My husband and I went to happy hour here for the first time on Friday and WOW we absolutely loved it! I had heard that this place is on the pricey side (and maybe it is for dinner), but happy hour was super affordable. You are able to get $6 drinks and wine and $3 beers. There are also some food options that range from about $3-$6 and are actually decent sized portions (like you could make this into dinner!). Their happy hour is M-F from 3-5pm. I love that it is on the earlier side too! The bartender was friendly and the restaurant itself is gorgeous. I recommend going on a nice day where you can look out onto the water (or even sit out there if it is warm enough!). There is a parking lot, so no need to worry about meters or parallel parking like in downtown NH. If you have not been here yet, you should go! And definitely get an order of the firecracker fries. YUM!

Ann Marie C.

Yelp
A New Haven institution. We ordered the seafood tower with lobster, oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab. A bit overpriced but we enjoyed it. Our party really liked the warm lobster rolls (comes with fries) and curried mussels. Oyster Rockefeller was good as well. Our server was a bit inconsistent. Sometimes she was friendly and sometimes she seemed a bit annoyed. Didn't come by our table often. Back waiters were nice and friendly. We were there for our anniversary and got complimentary Prosecco at the end of our meal.

Marty D.

Yelp
Good food, good service small portions over priced with a fairly good staff and if you get the right table of you with the harbor. You're paying for the view.

Scott T.

Yelp
Beautiful interior with a decent view.... This a go-to quick and easy spot for some quality seafood in New Haven. Large bar area with a great brunch menu. Open air concept serving some delicious oysters!

Kimberly T.

Yelp
First time trying out Shell and Bones and my companions and I had a great time! we were given a nice spot outdoors since we requested and had a great view especially during that sunset hour. We were attended to by Blaze who was great and very pleasant. We enjoyed the complimentary bread but also ordered an additional Baked Ricotta and Rockefeller Oysters (roasted and was a special for the day). Everything was delicious and were great appetizers. Our entrees of Bouillabaisse, Salmon and Mussel Pot were delicious as well and everybody enjoyed their meals. We loved that we were not rushed ven thought the place was fairly full. It was a lovely spot to hangout for sure and catch up with friends and we're glad we gave the place a go even though it was a tad pricey. Well i guess rightfully so - great ambiance, good service, nice assortment of seafood and delicious meals. Would love to be back again soon.

Teddy C.

Yelp
One of the best! My wife and I have been a few times for happy hours and lunch. But tonight we decided to go to dinner for our anniversary. The staff was friendly, attentive, and helpful in recommending the best meal. We started with 12 oysters, then got the duck breast and an order of filet mignon. Everything was so fresh and good. For dessert, we got key lime cheesecake & pot de crème. Both were the perfect way to end the meal. The restaurant has incredible views and the sunset was perfect tonight. We left tonight planning our next trip back. Special shout out to Michael, our waiter, who was the kindest and happiest person. Can't wait to visit again.

Dan S.

Yelp
This place has it all! A gorgeous view of the water with great inside eating by a fireplace on this cool fall days. Great service. And best of all, food that was so so good! We came by for brunch and everything about the food rocked. Even the warm bread to start with butter and a pile of salt to start was great. The clam chowdah was more brothy than the thick stuff you get elsewhere and it was all the better for it. I got three types of raw oysters. The island creek ones were my favorite. The lobster roll had plenty of lobster while the fish tacos had great flavor with fresh swordfish. The old bay fries were delish though the potato chips than came with the tacos were even better. Homemade and paper thin, you don't get these from a bag of ruffles. Loved them. Just a great meal. Can't wait to come back.

Samantha B.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant, sitting right on the water, you get a gorgeous view and the music wasn't too loud so it felt pretty calm, even during dinner service Had oysters and they were pretty good, great mignonette. I loved the salmon dish I got as well as the clam linguini- I thought they were both flavorful and light but gorgeous dishes. The drinks were delicious as well The servers were very attentive, but didn't check on us too much. All in all, everything was really good. I'd just say it was a bit expensive. It felt like the restaurant wants to be fancy but the feel of the place didn't exactly fit that. It doesn't really matter honestly because you can dress fancy but also you can dress pretty casually here. It was slightly expensive but not too much- I'd still go back but it would depend on the occasion

Tia Y.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant overlooking the Long Island sound. Lots of great seating for views and a very lively ambiance. Food was good, but mediocre for the price. The servings were definitely smaller than what you are paying for. The service was a little slower but friendly.

Sherry C.

Yelp
I'm sorry, Andrew and Bo. My review is LONG overdue!!! My best friend and I drive all the way here to have oysters and the delicious food they serve. Yes. I drove from Long Island, NY right after the gym, picked her up and we headed out! The traffic/drive is totally worth it! If you have the time, I highly recommend you checking out Shell & Bone Oyster Bar and Grill. I would love to go more often but my work schedule makes it difficult for me to make the trip out. Andrew is no longer working here but Bo was an amazing server. He had given us recommendations and we loved everything that we have ordered. He is super friendly and overall a nice person. We met Tino the manager and he was really nice as well. We were served with warm bread and butter right away and we ate as we looked over the menu. Save the bread for the mussel pot though.. The noise level is relatively low, the view of the water is amazing. The restrooms are located outside of the restaurant in the entrance area but it's super clean! What did we order? We ordered a lot of food and yes, the two of us ate it all. Of course, we HAD to start with oysters! We lost count of how many oysters and clams we ate. They were refreshing and delightful. I ordered a shrimp cocktail from the raw bar as well.. only to order more oysters right afterwards. Continuing on with appetizers..we ordered a charcuterie board and that was tasty. Did we stop there? Hell no! We ordered a seasonal flatbread (I don't remember what it was called!) but that was good. We ordered THREE mussel pots. Bo recommended the Thai Curry but we loved the Belgian so we got two of that. We dipped bread in the broth and thoroughly enjoyed it all. My friends, we were indulging and giving in to gluttony. For the main course, we shared a steamed lobster and Bouillabaisse. We should've asked them to cut up our lobster but I wanted pictures for yelp. Friends, it's a huge lobster. We preferred the Bouillabaisse because of the spices used. Of course, we dipped bread into that broth again. For dessert, I had coffee with banana tres leches and I don't remember the name of what my friend ordered but they looked like mini donuts. I'm sorry, Shell & Bone! It's been a while! The most important thing is that I took pictures for you all! The banana tres leches was one of the best desserts I've ever had in my entire life. I hope you get to enjoy visiting this restaurant and have Bo as your server. I highly recommend coming here and I'm told that it's beautiful in the summertime.

Shane H.

Yelp
Visited recently, actually on a first date, and had an amazing time! I'm a local bartender and have worked in the New Haven area for over twenty years. I didn't realize that Chef Carl Carrion was the executive chef (we have worked together in the past) and was surprised to see someone I knew. He is a great guy and made us feel extra special and truly taken care of. My date preferred a table and we got one right in front of the fireplace. We had great service from Bo, and enjoyed the entire staff! As an insider in this business, I know that it's the experience that ultimately counts, and we had a special one... and I got a second date! Thanks to all!!

Tiffany L.

Yelp
Okay food, but service needs work. We ordered half a dozen oysters, the waiter came over and said "I guess someone miscounted and gave you an extra!" which was nice but they charged us for it at the end. Not a big deal as it is $3-4, but this isn't how the situation should've been handled. We also had to request water refills each time we needed, which is the bare minimum for service :( As for the food, my favorite is the linguini fra diavolo and mussel pot. They recently added linguini alla vongole which we tried but it was very bland -- wouldn't recommend.

Dfrancisco G.

Yelp
We appreciate when I call they let us in without reservation, we where seated when we arrive right away the host was very nice and our waiter was very nice as well, if you're seated infront of the water view the ambience make it so different, the place was very nice, we order chowder, and a salad for start and crab burger and seared scallop for main course, the food was really good.

Gabi Z.

Yelp
Best part about this place: fresh seafood and beautiful views of the sea. I am from Nebraska so the seafood quality here is so much better! The scallop entree I ordered had the biggest jumbo scallops I've ever seen and they were seared to perfection. I also ordered the harbor sampler to try a little bit of a bunch of their appetizers. Their shrimp was HUGE as well. I really liked the mignonette for the oysters. It had a very onion & vinegar taste. However, the ceviche was my favorite. Sometimes ceviche is too lemony/limey. This was the perfect amount of tartness without puckering up your lips. I noticed other reviews got free bread at their table, which I never received for whatever reason. The service was great. My waiter was very friendly and noticed when I needed a new fork, was ready to order, or needed the bill right away. However, my water was never refilled when it was running low (not a huge deal). I like how the bill has a QR code on it so you can just pay with your phone. Super convenient!

Carlos L.

Yelp
Located along the waterfront, Shell & Bones offers a stunning view to complement its fresh seafood offerings. As soon as you walk in, the nautical decor, with its marine-themed accents and large windows overlooking the sea, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The vibe is casual yet upscale, making it suitable for both romantic brunch and evenings dates. The sound of gentle waves adds to the relaxing experience, and the outdoor seating is a great option on sunny days. Our server was attentive and friendly, providing excellent recommendations from the menu. We never felt rushed, and the staff was knowledgeable about the different seafood dishes and their sourcing, which is always a plus. We started with the Clams Casino and Shrimp Ceviche, which was delicious and packed with flavor--definitely a highlight. For the main course, I ordered the grilled Ahi tuna, which was perfectly cooked and served with a citrus beurre blanc that elevated the dish. My date chose the classic steamed Lobster, a generous portion cooked to perfection. For dessert, my date ordered the Markut Lime Pie, which she really enjoyed. I ordered the Pistachio Creme Brûlée, which was light and refreshing, providing the perfect end to our meal. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness of the seafood. While some dishes are on the higher end, the portion sizes make it a worthwhile experience. Shell and Bones is a fantastic destination for seafood lovers. With its beautiful setting, attentive service, and delicious menu, it's a place I'd highly recommend for anyone looking to indulge in fresh seafood. I will return.

Pete B.

Yelp
I've delayed & thought about this... the staff is friendly and efficient, it's clean, nice ambiance, on the water, but the food, although fresh, is poorly prepared. Shrimp ceviche had ample shrimp, a couple thin slices of onion, and tasted like it was served in vinegar diluted barbecue sauce, almost like ketchup. Scallops, again ample amount, were served on a bed of cardboard tasting lentils. We also had squash bisque & crab cakes that were below average. Perhaps their specialty is the raw bar, but we won't be back.

Kevin P.

Yelp
Went in for a date on Sunday and had Adam as a server. That guy knows the menu extensively and made us both feel so comfortable, even once we were the last table left he made sure we didn't feel rushed at all. Shell and bones is great and Adam is absolutely fantastic at his job!

Peter H.

Yelp
A pleasant ambience for classy dining. Great waterfront views, courteous service. The food is good though not terrific, occasionally oversalted. We went for Thanksgiving 2023, trying the turkey special ($34) alongside regular menu dishes like the Bone Marrow and Baked Oysters ($29) and Deconstructed Key Lime Pie ($14), and a seasonal duckfat-imbibed whiskey cocktail ($18). The dishes erred on too salty, in particular the turkey breast and the pastry crust.

Lizzy L.

Yelp
I've heard such good things about shell and bones - I was so excited to try it out but unfortunately left disappointed. Let's start with the good: we came with a group of 10 - the reservation was easy to make and fortunately we didn't run into any issues with parking. We were seated near the entrance but still had great views of the water. The food itself was just ok. I ordered the coconut milk cauliflower for an appetizer - the cauliflower was bland and the dipping sauce didn't add much flavor either. The clam chowder was served in a super cute tiny cast iron pot but the bacon definitely overpowered everything else. I was also disappointed by the bouillabaisse - the flavor of the dish was fine but the potatoes were cold, making the dish super unappetizing to me. The waitresses and servers were nice but seemed rushed/overwhelmed. I needed a shell bowl and a spoon for my bouillabaisse - we were unable to flag someone down after several attempts and needed to ask the hostess. By that time, my bouillabaisse was on the colder side. Overall, the ambience is great - the space is beautiful and the views are amazing - but you're definitely paying for the view, not the food (and it's quite expensive).

Brad M.

Yelp
Sat at the bar which seats 10+ people. Enjoyed some drinks, the great chowda & the wonderful view. The bread was so good with the soup. Tons of clam meat and potatoes inside a deal soup bowl.

Leon B.

Yelp
Nice ambiance, waterfront A little bit pricey and very good service. Wine choices should be more affordable

April H.

Yelp
Ambiance was nice. Noise level pretty high inside. We weren't offered the specials but overheard another waiter tell the table next to us what they were after we ordered. That was a bit disappointing. Staff was busy and working hard. Food was mediocre and overpriced for the quality. Drinks were excellent. I think we might have had a more enjoyable time if we had a different server. Didn't seem like she was having a great day and that came through with the way we were waited on but other wait staff seemed very friendly. I'd recommend sitting outside if you can.

Karen E. C.

Yelp
Since returning to the New Haven area for the summer months, Shell & Bones has been one of our favs, especially for their oyster selections & waterfront dining. Interior ambiance is great with easy access & good views. Tables for two are on the small side but bussers are efficient so entrée courses aren't crowded by empty plates. Our most recent dining experience was a mixed bag. We dined quite early on a Friday evening before the dinner rush. Our server was wonderful. Our cocktails were excellent & the oysters were fresh & exceedingly tasty. A reasonably priced French sparkling wine with our dinner exceeded expectations. We both chose entrées that we've had before & enjoy, the strip steak & the swordfish. Unfortunately this time around the swordfish was spongy & my requested medium rare strip steak was unevenly cooked with both ends of the steak cooked well done, rendering some of it tough. This cut of steak is sliced & plated by S&B's kitchen & that's ok. But this time around the tell tale sign of not letting the steak rest before cutting into it was clearly evident as an abundant stream of red ( blood ) was present on the plate when it was delivered. There are reasons why meat needs to rest: https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-have-juicy-meats-steaks-the-food-lab-the-importance-of-resting-grilling For dessert, the Pistachio crème brulee was strangely dense & lacked the advertised pistachio flavor but chocolate pot de crème was silky & flavorful. Coffee excellent. Perhaps an off night at S&B's. And while we've had some great meals over the years, we've also encountered inconsistencies in food preparation. Ergo the three stars on the food. 5 stars on the service.

Yvonne C.

Yelp
We came here without our reservation at about 3:30 and the hostess did not look at all to see if there were any free tables before telling us we could sit at the bar if we could find a spot. On our way to the outdoor patio we saw that just about every other table was empty. Interesting. The outdoor patio was nice, the only thing I would do is add some sort of mesh or fencing between the your feet and the water. It's sandal season and I can see someone's sandal falling into the water. The bartender at the outdoor patio was nice and the food delicious! I had the warm lobster roll which was delicious. The crab cake was well seasoned and the clam chowder was absolutely amazing. All the food was presented quite nicely as well!

Mimi T.

Yelp
Wow...I have pictures from three different times. And now here again! Food is superb... can't go wrong. Tonight having Duck and Cover... it's bourbon with rendered duck fat... yummy. Dinner was phenomenal as usual. Get Tiffany as your server, and you'll be set! The place was not overly crowded or noisy. Just beautiful ambiance. I now am in a good coma... the food is THAT good!!! Can't wait to come back.

Autumn B.

Yelp
I lovedddd this restaurant for my birthday dinner. Very pricey but the food is delicious. The only thing that I did not like was the Panko crab cake, I'm from Maryland and when I think crab cake I need JUMBO LUMP! It was extremely mushy we sent it back but the waitress was so nice about it. For my birthday they gave me some raspberry sorbet and it was so good ! The place is absolutely beautiful, I would recommend eating outside for the full experience.

Nunya B.

Yelp
Great meal. Prompt and attentive service. Waterside table was a welcomed surprise.

Gam M.

Yelp
They have amazing seafood here. The restaurant is right on the dock and has amazing view! The server was such a fun person and I can see he really love his job. The food & drinks were fantastic. It is a bit pricey but worth the quality of seafood. If I'm ever in town again, I would visit here again.

Jessica F.

Yelp
Fantastic night. Was gifted this dinner and has been long overdue. First off the place is right on the water. The view is incredible and neat seeing the different boats. We had reservations for 4pm to catch the sunset. Absolutely stunning. The service was amazing, super thoughtful and answered our questions. The crab cake was thick and delicious with an Asian twist and the fried cauliflower bites were plentiful and delicious. I got the linguine fra diavolo with scallops - just the right spiciness, the right amount of kick and a ton of flavor. This was repeated for my boyfriends ribeye steak. Was over flowing with flavor and dripping with butter but not greasy! Will be back!

Roza K.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant and view. We stopped in for lunch and had mushroom tacos with a small Cesar and the crabcake blt. It was a perfect day to sit outside. And they have wonderful outdoor seating overlooking the water and marina. Inside there is a very nice big bar and various size group seating. The food was very tasty. My favorite was fries which had both old bay seasoning and a touch of rosemary.

Isabelle L.

Yelp
I really like to come here when it's warm outside because the restaurant opens out to the pier. The menu is quite limited, but that means that the few items they cook must be really good, which is true. I have tried their lobster rolls which they are not skimpy on. The roll is filled with warm, buttery lobster meat. It tastes very fresh. I've also gone in for a quick appetizers. I've tried their bone marrow which is so flavorful and herbaceous. And of course, their oysters. I prefer roasted oysters. the freshness, acidity and slight char is a flavor combo that is REALLY good. it is usually busy when I come so I would recommend getting reservations.

Tracy E.

Yelp
Very cool vibe, location, and views. Pricey but worth the hype. Raw oysters were great and the bar had a bunch of options. Very friendly staff and A LOT of them to make sure you're taken care of.

Melanie S.

Yelp
Beautiful waterfront dining. Nice menu with lots of options. I had a chopped salad with grilled shrimp. The shrimp were huge and very tasty. You can order the shrimp by piece, so you don't end up with too few or too many. They offer 3oz and 6oz pours of wine, which I like because I'm not a big drinker and 3oz is perfect for me. Service was friendly and well paced. The Parking lot was packed and we parked in the street. Highly recommend!

Erica T.

Yelp
Came to celebrate my s/o birthday and I must say I was disappointed. We were there for 3 hours first hour we had to keep reminding the waitress to bring us the complimentary bread. (We were starving) we were seated "outside" and it got very chilly so we decided to move inside hoping for another waitress as well however, we were stuck with her. We were able to order but we kept noticing other people getting their food and check backs and we however kept getting skipped. We had to catch her to ask for water and order. Food: was delicious thank god. But the service made our experience not worth it. My steak was a little undercooked but still tasty. I unfortunately don't have plans to return.