I went here with family and left full, happy, and still thinking about those desserts! We had a few different small plates but the ones that stood out were definitely the calamari and the trout and churros. The smoked trout and churro was a balanced dish with some playfulness to it that set the tone for some wonderfully cooked entrees, but the main stars of the night for me were absolutely the desserts and cocktails. The mango rice pudding was smooth, bright, and the perfect ending to the meal, But the real standout for me was the strawberry mascarpone cake, which was unbelievably delicious and had some of the best plays on flavors in a dessert I've had in a while here in Richmond. Service was phenomenal too, with our server always checking in. read more

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I'm going to pile on to the great reviews for Slack Tide. The space is beautiful, service excellent and the food creative, fresh, and delicious. We had the Caesar, shrimp fritters, baked goat cheese, pichana steak, and shellfish risotto. You can tell only one of us likes seafood! My landlubber husband loved the different take on a Caesar, and the baked goat cheese with toast baguettes slices was out of this world. The spicy shrimp fritters were delicious; I would have liked even more heat and they were a bit too brown, but that didn't stop me from finishing them. My husband loved the pichana steak and sauce (menu said gribiche, he thought it was bernaise). The beef fat potatoes were just fine - they would be much better if crisped up a bit. My risotto was to die for. Not as heavy as traditional risotto, with a distinct Asian flair. It came with two large, sweet scallops, a pile of tender mussels, and some lobster pieces throughout. The almond slivers added a nice crunch to the dish. I highly recommend the Yellow Umbrella cocktail - tart and refreshing. The wine selection by the glass is small but well-curated; we enjoyed our Vino Verde and Cab Franc. For dessert we shared the strawberry mascarpone cake. Light and creamy, and the strawberry-basil combo is so summery. We will be back. read more

Exceptional! Everything was perfect - service, atmosphere, food Our server Olivia was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive without hovering. The food was delucious. Unique combination of flavors, perfectly prepared and well plated. Well worth a visit! Menu is comprised of snall, medium and large plates for sharing. What we tried *Oyster Shooter Birthday Girl, tequila, dry curaçao, green strawberry shrub *Roasted Oysters XO butter, breadcrumb, chives *Piquillo Rellenos saffron aioli, tuna confit, crostini *Antichucho Octopus aji verde, sweet potato, peanut dukkah *Smoked Arctic Char fava bean mash, citrus My rating rationale +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value read more

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Stopped in for a drink and some oysters. Sat at the bar and had great service! The old fashioned was delicious and the oysters were very fresh. The condiments that came with were house made and a great addition! read more

Slack Tide Fish - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I absolutely love Slack Tide Fish Co. I mainly come here for the oysters and the charming patio. My best friend and I love their $1 oyster happy hour, but do know it is only from 4-5pm. The birthday girl oysters are my favorite and a part of the special. They also always have really delicious wine to pick from. While I prefer my oysters with just lemon, their signature hot sauce is very good! I usually just come for the oysters and the vibes. The people who work here are super sweet! They're very helpful with any questions or recommendations you may have. The happy hour also has fries for a great price. I love their thin fries. On a recent visit, I decided to try their special of the night which was a fried boiled egg with salmon. This was beyond delicious. I'm on a huge boiled egg kick, so trying this sorta Scottish egg dish was amazing. We were told the chef making it was known for it at their previous restaurant. I'd love to try even more on the menu, but know this is an amazing place for oysters. read more

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5/23/2026 Love love love the location and vibe. Started off with oysters while perusing the menu. Next up was the yellowtail crudo .. so fresh and the strawberry rhubarb brought a delightful tartness. We were lured and intrigued by the fried Humboldt fog which was a sumptuous way to enjoy our favorite cheese. The roasted octopus was perfectly tender and so yummy. Lastly the strawberry mascarpone cake was greedily enjoyed All in all had an amazing meal with my favorite daughter. We will be back. read more

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We went to Slack Tide Fish for a round of drinks and some appetizers. We started with a dozen oysters. They had oysters from all over the country, but we chose one from the Chesapeake Bay and six from Maine. We really enjoyed the sauces that accompanied the raw oysters. The mignonette was especially tasty, and the lemon was wrapped in a fancy cloth so we didn't accidentally squeeze out any seeds. The oysters tasted fresh and were all separated from their shells. We also tried the beef tartare, which was just okay. It wasn't my favorite. However, it came with perfectly buttered and toasted bread that paired with it really well. Aside from the food, another thing I love about this restaurant is the bathrooms. They are clean and tidy, and the soap is great. They even have a tube of really fancy hand lotion so your hands don't smell like seafood for the rest of the night. I enjoy the Ballast District and will have to return one day for a full dinner and a visit to the Cirus Vodka Tasting Room. read more

Slack Tide Fish - Dozen Raw Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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These are the times I really wish Yelp allowed half stars... I don't think this place quite earns a 3, but it's not a 4 either. **Ambience:** Beautiful! The vibe was awesome, and they have a really nice outdoor area right next to Yellow Umbrella. **Food:** Everything was plated beautifully, but as my husband said, it felt like they were trying to be innovative without nailing the actual flavors. Oddly enough, each dish had different flavor elements, but nothing was truly memorable. Not bad--just felt like something was missing every time. * **Drinks:** Fun and tasty. We had the *Tsukui* and the *Inquisition*, both enjoyable. * **Raw:** *Tuna Crudo*--looked pretty, but we each got a sliver and honestly, I couldn't even tell you what it tasted like. Not bad, just forgettable. * **Small:** *Corn and Crab Succotash*--wished for more crab and a bigger portion. * **Medium:** *Broken Egg*--the trout roe added a nice saltiness, but the egg itself was overpowering. *Smoked Salmon Rillette*--interesting presentation with the savory churro, but the smokiness was just okay; I've had better. *Spicy Shrimp Fritters -- this was the most flavorful dish. * **Large:** *Arctic Char*--generous portion, but the flavor was just fine, not memorable. *Halibut and Andouille Risotto*--same story, decent but didn't stand out. * **Dessert:** Options felt uninspired, so we passed. We ate everything and left full, but all four of us agreed we probably could've shared one more dish. The meal was good enough but lacked that "wow" factor. **Overall:** The ambience is the star here, and I'd come back for drinks or to try again if the menu evolves. But as far as food, it was just okay. We're still big Alewife fans--hard to compete with one of our RVA seafood favorites! read more

My boyfriend and I had one of the best seafood happy hours at Slack Tide this weekend! And we've had plenty! After being inspired by the nearby Cirrus drink specials, we were so excited to try out this new spot's happy hour. We certainly can't say no to the $1 oysters. The first thing you notice about Slack Tide Fish Co. is the beautiful aesthetic and the COMFORTABLE SEATS. Silly detail but we both agreed they were really great seats. Art and details all around were gorgeous. We decided to share a dozen raw oysters, side of fries and each get a drink. These were the best happy hour oysters I've ever had! Perfect level of brine and freshness. Accompaniments, including house made hot sauce, were all fantastic. 10/10, no notes. Fries were crispy. Drinks were crispy. Server was friendly and attentive. And the whole bill was $30? Talk about a win. We both agreed, this is a find we'll be returning to often! read more

Slack Tide Fish - Dozen oysters + fries (Happy Hour) - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Best oyster happy hour I've had in a while! They're a cool $1 each! Limit to 12 per person and 24 per table. For the grown up palates try the Billingsgate martini which is $8 on happy hour. Not on happy hour but we tried the delicious roasted oysters so please order them. They are delicious! Fresh oysters, deliciously fun oyster shooters, and a really cool patio setup. The service was top-notch. If you're in Scott's Addition, this is a must-visit. read more

What a gem! Slack Tide just might be my favorite new restaurant in Richmond. The music is good. The service feels personalized and the food is so good! I have to admit, parking in Scott's addition is a pain BUT once you find parking and get your first cocktail, you'll forget all about it. Despite parking, Slack Tide is in the perfect location giving you the chance to get an after dinner cocktail at Cirrus and pick up some goodies at Yellow Umbrella. I highly recommend making reservations but there is also seating at the bar. For my visit, we sat on the enclosed patio which protects you from bugs on the outside. Clever! I started with the Underdog which was super refreshing on a hot night and the tuna crudo. The tuna was fresh and paired really well with the sauce it was in. Next up was the fritto misto and beet and strawberry salad. The fritto misto was fried perfectly - light, crispy with just enough salt. The octopus was perfectly tender. This was my first time having sugar toads and won't be my last! Loved the texture. The beet and strawberry salad was a fan favorite. The beets and strawberries were over some stacciatella cheese and sprinkled with pistachios. Delish! The horizon was probably my favorite cocktail of the night - fruity and rum forward. I also enjoyed the horizon. If you're a mezcal fan, try it! The star of the show was the whole Black Sea bass. I first tried the rice that came with it and knew the fish was gonna be perfect. The fish paired so well with the herb salad and rice. I will go back again and again just for the fish. So good! Slack tide is a great addition to the area and totally worth checking out! read more

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Went to Slack Tide after hearing all the buzz and had an all-around great experience. From the moment we walked in, the energy this place gives off would be relaxed and unhurried. The ambiance was nice, stylish but casual, with a coastal feel that wasn't over-the-top. Whether you're on a date, out with friends, or having a group night, it works for any occasion. Service was excellent. Our waitress was upbeat and friendly, and that kind of energy just makes the experience better. Since I wasn't super hungry, I went for the Spicy Shrimp Fritter and man, it was full of flavor. Crispy, bold, and definitely on the spicier side like the name says, not a bad thing just spicier than expected, still really good; its the kind of dish that makes you wish you were a little hungrier. As for drinks, I originally wanted to try their Underdog cocktail, but they were out of an ingredient at the time but heard its really good. Ended up going with the Shanghai Nights instead, and honestly, it was a great surprise--smooth, well-mixed, and something I see myself ordering again. There's a lot more on the menu I'm looking forward to trying on the next visit. Bottom line, whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends, or just looking for quality seafood and drinks in a great atmosphere, Slack Tide is a win. Definitely worth a return trip. read more

Slack Tide Fish - Shanghai Nights - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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From the moment we walked up, the vibe was everything--inviting & upscale, with just the right mix of chill and chic. -- The Smashburger was juicy and filling, perfectly crafted, -- Fluke crudo was fresh, light, clean, & paired really well with the yuzu, shiso, & umeboshi -- Tuna crudo was nice & light...paired really well with the grilled bread served with my salmon rille -- Oysters were immaculate (zero worms, for anyone wondering ) -- Smoked salmon rillete...the salmon was nicely flavored and fresh, though I would've preferred a better visual pairing. The egg yolk was a really nice touch and the grilled bread was exceptional. A little smoked sea salt would've really elevated that dish too. --Caesar salad was literally the best I've had - EVER We did hit a little bump when I asked if the chef could accommodate vegan dining. Our waitress gave a bit of attitude, which made us hold our breath--but major props to Chef Caleb who turned it around! He whipped up a pea soup appetizer that was so incredibly thoughtful, so she could munch on something while we dove in head first to those scrumptious oysters! It was such a kind gesture, though a bit pea-heavy. I would've loved a little root veggie or celeriac with some mint to cut the intensity of the legume-on-legume situation - perhaps skip the peanut topping, too. And for the vegan meal... Risotto--chef adopted this without the sausage & crab. We didn't save room for dessert (rookie mistake), but I've heard rave reviews. **Great for groups, date nights, or anyone who appreciates coastal cuisine with quality plating. I'll definitely be back to explore fritto misto & dessert. read more

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The space is stunning. It's hard not to reflect on the Blue Bee space that got the ball rolling on the resurrection of this historic space. Service was attentive, quick, friendly and helpful in the decision making process. Oyster shooters to start the experience were well presented, fun and delicious. Oysters on the half shell were excellent. Picanha beef served medium rare was a knockout. Just look at the plating. I'll be back. read more

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Food was amazing!!! Great experience. Oysters, ceviche and wonderful cocktails. Sat at the oyster bar. Service was excellent and friendly. Finished with picana and potatoes with greens and a beautiful sauce. read more

From the food to the ambiance this place has our heart. It's beautifully built and has great seating whether it's inside or outside on the enclosed patio area. The food is always amazing and unique. The drinks are also delicious and they are great at recommending ones per your liking. We love the apps the most but the burger is also very delicious! The people who work here really care and are super helpful. Chef gets major kudos! read more

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So I woke up yesterday morning not very eager about the work day. I arrived 5 minutes late due to watching sports center. I teach tennis for a living which is good, because I get my steps in. Otherwise I would be 302 pounds. I'm a food fan. On my way to work I was excited about my dinner at Slack Tide because one of my best/fattest friends, Sam had told me they have the best burger in Richmond. He has led me in the right direction way 80 percent of the time, as far as food goes. My aunt was in town, where usually things aren't up to par for her. She said she may just come back to Richmond just for Slack Tide. This is my favorite burger in Richmond. Bar Q is my number 2. Jamie knows what he's doing over there, so my fat friend Sam was right. We split two Caesar salads. It hit a little different. I ended up with the bowl right in front of me finishing it off. No shame. The shrimp was on point. I'm not the biggest crab fan, but the family was high on the soft shell crab. I still ate some just thinking I may get into crab, so it's tough for me to judge that one. The trout was something everyone should try. Shannon, the waitress, was great. The night ended great, even though I wanted to try to some dessert after eating about 3000 calories. Currently, I rank Slack Tide as my favorite restaurant in Richmond. I look forward to going back to Slack Tide at least twice a month, and hopefully I get to go with my fat friend, Sam. read more

Great food but probably not the place for a special occasion The food was phenomenal. Each dish had intricate flavors and textures. Pretty fair portions for the style of restaurant it was. Good drinks for the price! When asking for an aioli, we were met with an extremely condescending "we are not that type of establishment" but then was offered ketchup...? Waitress was informative but pretentious, I guess to be expected from this type of place but still disappointing. Went for my birthday, but they offered nothing special. Not an issue, just good to know incase you wanted to bring a loved one for any special reason. A restaurant with good food but questionable service can only be so enjoyable... read more

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Happened to be in the Richmond area for a concert so decided to stop by this new place for dinner. The place is very nicely decorated with local Chesapeake theme. There are tables outside so that is a plus during nice weather. I was sat at the bar right away after checking in w the Hostess. There are many good items to choose from but I wasn't hungry enough to order all of them. I ordered 1/2 dozen of raw local oyster which all taste great, not salty at all. They do make a in house special spicy sauce. It tastes similar to Tabasco. I also ordered the Three Roasted Oysters. Now for this one, the potato espuma which is a very creamy sauce and I did Ly really like that at all. I think without it the oysters will taste much better. The best roasted oysters to me are at Acme in New Orleans. For my entree I ordered the hanger steak. It came out perfectly cooked MR for me. The crispy potatoes are uniquely shaped like a flower. That one tastes great also. Lastly, I orders Seoul Searching for my cocktail. Originally I didn't want to order alcohol but when I saw one of the ingredients is kimchi, I know I have to try. Think of Bloody Mary but so much better. Has a little kick into it. Very nicely done. Overall, a very good dinner in Richmond. For a newly opened restaurant, this one runs very well compared to some I have been to lately. read more

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Slack Tide Fish Co is a new restaurant in Scott's Addition that shares a courtyard with Yellow Umbrella and Cirrus Vodka. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor ambiance is perfect for a date night or dinner out with a small group of friends. For food the big stand out star to me was the red snapper ceviche. It was so fresh and a perfect mix of fruit and fish. The anise oil balanced the coconut milk perfectly; I would go back for this dish alone. Next we had the Caesar salad with anchovy, which was slightly overpowered by the amount of dressing, but I loved the shaved romaine with frisee sprinkled in. Our main was the soft shell crab & andouille risotto which was delicious and left me wanting even more soft shell crab. Finally, we ended the night with the shaved ice dessert, which had fresh basil and a whipped coconut milk base. This was such a perfect light and subtly sweet end to the meal. Together, with the attentive staff, fun ambiance, and multiple food options with balanced and fresh flavors, I whole heartedly recommend this restaurant. read more

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My husband and I had a lovely date night at Slack Tide, and we will definitely be back! We had a couple of appetizers and shared an entree and it was more than enough food. The spicy shrimp fritters were EXCELLENT but they are hot!!! I personally love spicy food, so this was great for me, but if you're not a fan of spice, beware of the Thai chilies! The broken egg was one of the most creative and delicious apps I've had all year. I have a Spanish background and this reminds me of a play on tortilla española; it was layered with delicious salted potato chips and jamón ibérico underneath the soft scrambled eggs, and the trout roe on top was such a lovely addition. The red snapper ceviche was great as well, a little different with the addition of coconut milk, but still interesting and very flavorful. The sea bass entree we had was one of the best fish entrees I've had in Richmond. Again, I absolutely love spicy food, and this dish was spicy!!! The aji verde was HOT and I could easily put that on anything. Service was great too! Memorable meal and can't wait to go back :) read more

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Nothing special. Neat atmosphere,food ok. Beverages are overpriced. City tax is crazy

Oyster selection is exceptional. PEI were my favorite. The others were just as delicious but Canadian's were great. Shrimp fritters are exceptional too. Dessert was an exciting confection that was particularly satisfying. Service is quick and if you have questions be assured you will receive all the information you need. Not exceptionally large but perfect for a date or your significant other. We will definitely make this restaurant a part of our Richmond visits. read more

My first visit to Slack Tide was extremely promising. The room is beautiful, all stone and warm light, tucked into a little quasi-European nook in Scott's Addition that is a pleasure to walk through and to dine in. That first night I had lightly roasted oysters with potato foam and guanciale that were literally Michelin-star quality, and a salmon rillettes spread with fresh-baked focaccia that made me think I'd lucked into a true five-star seafood spot around the corner. Since then, the wheels have come off. Slack Tide has the same problem a lot of Richmond restaurants have: an almost compulsive need to drown delicate seafood in diced chiles, chile oils, and chile powders. I told my server on two separate visits that I cannot have peppers or spice in any form. He proceeded to recommend dish after dish with Aleppo pepper, a guajillo-chile vinaigrette, and a rémoulade with creole seasoning (cayenne being part of that) and horseradish. I sent back two plates after being assured they were "safe," then gave up and ordered the smash burger, which predictably wrecked my stomach. On my third visit, with the same server, I made it impossible to miss: "treat this as a severe allergy; if anything with pepper gets near me it will send me to the hospital." He said he understood. I ordered a hamachi ceviche that, on the menu, listed cucumber and cantaloupe and nothing spicy. Our server cleared it as safe. It hit the table slicked with Aleppo-pepper oil and topped with what tasted like a ground pepper-and-nut jam. My wife took one bite and said, "That's hot." Only then did the server go "check with the kitchen." Why would anyone need to "check" after the dish is already on the table when I have said I will literally be injured by pepper? Utterly baffling. Even setting the pepper fiasco aside, the food we could actually eat was, bluntly, disgusting. A dish that read like an oeuf en coquille: egg, jamón ibérico, trout roe, dill, "chip," arrived as stinky, hard-scrambled eggs sprinkled with roe and dill, spooned on top of packaged potato chips that were buried underneath and steaming into sogginess. Who thinks that is a good idea while sober? It was deeply aesthetically unpleasant, visually as well as in smell and taste. The fritto misto should have been simple pleasure; instead it was oil-logged rather than crisp, with a jalapeño garnish and an aggressively bitter lemon aioli. It tasted like the peel oils and pith had been expressed right into the sauce. One bite was enough. The bar program has not rescued things. I have now tried three different cocktails here, and all three were unbalanced in the same clumsy way - sweetness and acid fighting each other, no structure, not pleasant to drink. I wanted to love this place. The room is lovely. My first meal really was excellent. To their credit, the manager comped our check and invited us to return on his dime. If he is reading this: I would only consider coming back if there is a reset in the kitchen, starting with a chef who understands restraint and how to treat seafood with subtlety. Across Europe and the Mediterranean, people manage to cook pristine fish without setting it on fire with chile heat. It is not complicated. Let the ingredients speak. Until Slack Tide can manage that, I will eat elsewhere. read more

Great fresh seafood served efficiently by a knowledgeable staff. We got a series of appetizers that were creative and delicious. Seating is indoors and outdoors, with comfortable chairs and plenty of room on the tables. Parking is always a challenge in Scott's Addition, but they do have reserved parking behind the building. read more

We have been waiting for slack tide to open for a while! We recently relocated from New Orleans and have been trying to get our fill of oysters here in RVA. We jumped on the opportunity to get a reservation for opening night. Pro tip the best seats are at the oyster bar with Tony and Tyler! They are so fun and helpful especially if you need help picking out the right oyster for you. Part of the oyster bar is halfway outside which is perfect when the weather is nice! The inside reminds me of a really cool swanky pirate ship. They also have an amazing cover for the outside patio if it starts to rain to keep everyone dry. We started off with the two Virginia oysters --the wavelengths and the white stones. They were great, the cocktail sauce is great but the habanero and pineapple hot sauce is truly the star. I would easily buy a bottle to have at home. For cocktails my husband got the billingsgate -- think about a twist on a vesper martini very good and strong! Then, got the Seoul Searching which is like a lighter elevated and complex Bloody Mary (we aren't huge bloody mary fans at alll but love savory drinks and this was very good!) I got the Fusion-- the smokiness from the mezcal, the sweetness from the strawberry and tartness from the Lambrusco paired together perfectly! Ne, I got the underdog which is like a passion fruit Pimm's cup! once again very good. As for the rest of our meal we got the snapper ceviche which was mind blowing! It was light and refreshing and the anise oil provides a subtle amount of punchiness. The cantaloupe was perfectly sweet it is amazing!!! Next we got the fritto misto -- it is the perfect size with fried onion rings, lemon wedges (which are so great fried), sugar toads (my favorite!!! -- it's a great fish!, and lastly the most tender fried octopus I have ever had in my life--all paired with a lemon aioli, As for large plates --the entree you NEED is the fish. It is normally a snapper but today they had an amazing black bass with cilantro, chillies, aji verde and fried rice. The fish falls apart, the skin is crispy it is amazing. We always love to get a whole fish when we go out and this one inched out our favorite back home -- which means we will be back with all of our friends and family! Lastly, for dessert we got the tiger's blood shaved ice. It had a strawberry granita, a watermelon granita with basil and a coconut milk foam. It was refreshing, not too sweet and the perfect ending to our meal. I am so excited to go back and try the other food and hang out at the oyster bar alll summer! read more

Intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The staff was very attentive and the medium plates were fun to share. Delicious food and worth the visit! Will be back for their happy hour. read more

I bridled at the table right next to the service path, but was still happy to be eating out after a long pause. Found the server to be a good mix of attention / intention as we studied the menus. Got a drink and hugely expansive ($4.00 each) Canadian oysters that were about the best I have ever had bar none. Kind of odd that the had only one fish entree. I got the fish, guest had smash burger. This was among the most deeply satisfying meals I have had in a long time. The service was just right and I have been longing for Arctic char for longer than I care to confess. Slack Tide was terrific. read more

We had been following the buzz around Slack Tide's opening for weeks and were really excited to give it a try. The concept felt fresh, the menu looked promising, and the sneak peeks from the trial weekend were enticing. Since we live about 30 minutes outside the city, we often make a special trip into Richmond for a great meal and this one was meant to celebrate Father's Day weekend. I want to share this with the intention of being honest, balanced, and fair...not to discourage, but to offer insight from someone who truly hoped for a great experience. We made our reservation on June 3rd, the first day bookings opened, securing a 5:00pm dinner for June 14th. I selected indoor dining intentionally because my husband prefers air conditioning in Virginia's humid summers, and I have a medical condition that causes me to overheat quickly. When we arrived early (around 4:48pm), the greeting was less than warm. Instead of a hello or welcome, we were asked, "Do you have a reservation?" I provided our name, and was told, somewhat in an unfriendly tone, "We're in the lunch-to-dinner transition since your reservation is at 5." The tone felt a bit off, and before we knew it, we were being led to an outdoor table. I quickly pulled up my confirmation, which clearly stated "Dining Room." I voiced my concern and showed the hostess our booking. Her response: "The dining room is fully booked tonight." I asked if she was sure she had the right reservation, and she left to check. When she returned, she claimed our reservation had been changed to patio, something we absolutely did not do. She then offered to seat us inside, but only for 90 minutes, since the table was booked again at 6:30. My husband, not wanting to feel rushed, declined. I expressed our disappointment and was met with, "We're new and still working on things." While I understand the growing pains of a new restaurant, being told we had changed our reservation when we hadn't, felt dismissive and unnecessarily uncomfortable. Everyone has tough days, but first impressions matter, and hospitality starts at the door. Thankfully, things took a turn once we were greeted by our waitress. Maria B. was truly the saving grace of the evening. Warm, upbeat, and genuine, she set a much better tone and made us feel cared for. Right away, she let us know that they were out of oysters and smoked salmon rillette. It was a letdown, but she shared the news with grace and humor, making light of the post-opening rush. She guided us through the menu with great suggestions. We tried the broken egg, spicy shrimp fritters, and trout churros to start. All delicious, though noticeably smaller than what's pictured online (which felt a bit misleading for the "medium plate" designation). For mains, we had the beet & strawberry salad paired with the hanger steak, and the soft shell crab & andouille risotto. Again, the food was flavorful and nicely presented with the larger plates offering better value but pricing still felt steep compared to other spaces in RVA. One unexpected gesture: a $28 comp on our drink order, likely tied to the earlier reservation mix-up, though no manager ever came by to acknowledge or discuss the issue. Had someone checked in personally, it would have gone a long way in showing accountability and hospitality. All in all, Maria made the night what it was. Without her warmth and attentiveness, the experience would've felt like a miss. We're open to giving Slack Tide another try down the road but we'll likely give it some time to settle in and refine the full experience. We wish the absolute best for all. read more

The dinner, the ambience the food was all delicious. Made a really nice impression for our family during our birthday celebration.

5 stars: Don't walk, RUN to this new restaurant!! We loved everything about this place, from the raw oyster and apps to their experimentally divine desserts! The half dozen sampler of their oysters was incredible- my favorite being the Maine catch, which were possibly the largest raw oysters I've ever seen. It was the perfect amount of brine in one delectable slurp. Tyler is a master shucker and a delight to talk to over the oyster bar. Our server, Mark, literally anticipated every single need- it's as if he only knows two things- fine dining and breathing! At one point, my cloth napkin had fallen off my lap and within seconds (before I even noticed) he came through with a clean one! We had the soft shell crab and the hanger steak- both were beautifully presented and tasted even better than they looked (if that's possible). This is not a paid review, just a local who loves outstanding food experiences. Definitely check it out when you can. The price point is on the high end but absolutely worth it. read more

Have been here once for dinner & the food was incredible! Atmosphere felt upscale but in a non pretentious way. Service was great at the bar! Smallish menu so check before you go to make sure they'll have something you want. Everything on the menu is amazinggg, I'm sure! Parking not great but pretty typical for SA. read more

Not since Romero sent his cape to Brett in that Spanish cafe and Jake drove us up to Bayonne have we all had such a good time at a café. They say you can tell a good seafood place if it also has a swell steak. That saying is true with Slack Tide. And Guy's monumental paintings make you feel like you're in a Tidewater Escorial Palace. Obscure and delicious wine from a label and time before Gavrilo Princip's (un)lucky shot rang around the world seasons the food and the conversation. Trust Madeline if you are lucky enough to get her table. Five stars. read more

Slack Tide Fish - Oyster shots!!! - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Absolutely love slack tide! The food is delicious and innovative, the drinks are great and the atmosphere is wonderful. The restaurant space is stunning with great vibes and the killer food and drinks make it a slam dunk. We are loving the new fall seasonal menu and will definitely be back! read more

Slack Tide is definitely going to be our new go-to in Richmond...for date nights, girls' nights, and everything in between. The tuna crudo and caesar salad were both to die for. Beautiful space, amazing flavors, and great service and fun vibes. Can't wait to come back! read more

My son ordered the roasted oysters which were slightly cooked. That night he became violently ill. I called the restaurant the next day and spoke with the manager, Steve, who did not seem very concerned about this. He didn't offer any compensation for this unpleasant experience so I finally asked him if he would comp the dinner and he did. Overall, very disappointing. read more

Fantastic service, food and vibe. We've been twice in a matter of weeks. This is going to be a go-to for everything from a quick dinner out to celebrations. Specifically don't miss the cocktails, the shrimp fritters, and the whole fish! read more

Though I love the atmosphere and want Slack Tide to do well, the dishes are often too complicated...like they are trying too hard to be creative. While I have liked the raw appetizers, the entrees have been so-so. The halibut was terrible last night: poor presentation, hard to know how to eat it, all and all, just plain bad and certainly not worth $42. My advice is to keep fish simple. A nice piece of halibut where you can actually see the flesh would be nice. read more

As longtime Richmond residents, my wife and I were eager to try Slack Tide. We are veteran customers of the restaurant scene here. We are also fairly decent home cooks, believing excellent product is essential to a tasty meal. We sat at the bar, where the service was engaging and excellent. I started with six different oysters that were impeccably fresh and came with four different add ons. I used a little lemon and a dab of horseradish. My wife started with a Caesar salad that was generously covered with freshly grated Parmesan and had small crunchy bread crumbs. She had the crab and corn succotash that was lively and fresh. I had the whole Black sea bass that had an incredible sauce and excellent herb salad. The freshness of all these dishes was obvious as was the thoughtfulness and care with which the chef created them. Our wines...a Soave and a Cheverny by the glass paired well. This is not your standard stuff folks....simply outstanding. read more