4. Restaurants

Matunuck Oyster Bar

629 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown, RI, 02879
  • (401) 783-4202
  • Store is closed

Matunuck Oyster Bar Menu

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  • Jeff M.

    The summer crowds have started filling in, even if the warm breezes haven't. Still, there's enough room under the heat lamps on the riverfront patio for a few locals too. And that's a good thing. The ocean fresh seafood and solid cocktails make this place a draw for miles around, deservedly so. The oysters were a crowd pleaser, there were plenty to go around. Samplers are available of all sizes, shapes, and locales. Crispy fried rings and bits of calamari too were well received; served with pickled peppers, breaded and fried with the seafood, nice touch. Seafood specials included local Fluke, prepared with soy, ginger, and rice and a very well executed Asian flair. But the surprise dish of the night was Pesto pasta, for the non-Pescatarian guest in the group. Zesty sweet basil minced in a rich weighty EVOO, with softened and plump pignole and garlic. The pasta, perfectly cooked even held up to a quick microwave the morning after, a tasty leftover treat. Good Stuff.

    (4)

  • Abby C.

    This is the place to go in the summer. Tucked away in Matunuck, it has stunning views and decent indoor and outdoor seating options. Since they are always jammin, I wouldn't come here with a large group. The wait is totally worth it. Just keep repeating that to yourself as you wait in line for the valet or for your seat. We lucked out with a window seat facing the pond upstairs. The food is spectacular. You get what you pay for and then some more! My fiancé ordered the pesto with salmon. It was larger than what you would get on the hill and the thick salmon filet was generous. I ordered the littlenecks and chourico. Large and super delicious broth. Worth every penny. How could I forget the oysters?! Duh! Get them from the raw bar or order the trio. We got the trio because we couldn't decide- nice appetizer to start with. A final recommendation would be to order the Matunuck Belgian white.

    (5)

  • Barnum G.

    Lovely meal. Last time we were in the area, this place was packed. This time, we made an effort to go here and despite having added a second floor to the venue, it was still packed. The food was wonderful and the staff great. Our seat overlooked the water at sunset. The only downside: the bathrooms were filthy by the time I used it after dinner. Such a shame. I had the opportunity to try steamers, raw oysters and cooked lobster. What a treat. The special dessert was "Not your Daddys Rootbeer Float" and boy wasn't it. It was that with a bang. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Jennifer R.

    Oysters. What else can I even say? I love this place. Last visit we had oysters, steamers and chowder. All pretty perfect. We then ordered the littlenecks with chorizo, and it was unfortunately so oversalted that we sent it back, but they were quite gracious about that. The service is fair, never amazing, never terrible. The view is unbeatable. The ticket price is high. The oysters are always perfect. Mostly, the food is amazing.

    (4)

  • Kris D.

    Wow! Matunuck Oyster bar has hit the big time. I remember coming here when I could park my own car.. walk in.. get seated promptly and have some outstanding oysters. They have changed, it is much bigger and still just as good. The valet is great but I honestly have to say, increase parking please. No reservations - rotten. Expect to wait & enjoy the view plus cocktails from the outside bar while waiting, not to shabby at all! Our 1st dinner back this summer was on a Thurs late evening. The valet was about a 5 minute wait and for the first available table about 50 minutes. It was gorgeous weather so we get ready to wait it out with a beer in hand. 15 minutes later my cell alerts me that our table is ready!! Off to our cute table for two we are sitting downstairs near the oyster bar where all the action happens! Literally, real restaurant action, someone broke a glass, large groups enjoying their cocktails, joyful customers forming a line for the restrooms, shucking oysters like mad and more! The menu is awesome!! I could not read it enough...I adored the oysters and champagne so much I read it a few times! I like beer with oysters , call me crazy but don't get me wrong.. I would be willing to throw myself on some champagne & oysters if a opportunity presented itself. Our server was good but I could tell she was in a little too deep- large parties- but we didn't mind as we were here for a very leisurely dinner. We started off with oysters from Matunuck & local little necks on the half. Delish!! Chilled perfectly not sandy and taste ocean fresh. Bringing on the entree I had the tuna, only seared, perfectly cooked , the fresh garden veggies were outstanding! My honey ordered the blackened swordfish and it was nothing short of amazing, luckily we are both share bears! We were enjoying our dinner experience so much that we ordered dessert! I had the key lime pop which was sweet & tart all together chilled on a popsicle stick! It was made in - house and so was the strawberry rhubarb pie! Of course both were savored because they demanded to be noticed. The pie was accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and was baked in a sweet pretty pie dish so it wasn't just a slice but a mini sized pie! The next day while enjoying the beach we decide to go back again for dinner. We couldn't get enough of the Matunuck Oyster bar and wouldn't you know it our second dinner was just as impressive! Oh & if you like crab don't think twice on ordering the crab legs, go for it , you won't regret it!

    (5)

  • Tom O.

    Oysters are delicious (4stars) Atmosphere awesome and fun (5stars) Parking sucks (2stars) only because they make an effort Seafood is very fresh and mostly shellfish. Could benefit by more fresh fish selection. But then you would never get in this place. (4stars) Views are gorgeous and relaxing (5 stars) Manager came around greeting customers and asking how the food is. Nice! (5stars) Good bar selection (4stars) Reasonably priced (4stars) Veggies need some work (1 star)

    (4)

  • Marie L.

    What can I say that hasn't already been said? Visited with my sister and our two friends yesterday and our first impression, as we waited for a text message letting us know our table is ready (love that), was that this place is absolutely part of the summer line up going forward. We arrived around 2pm, on an incredible beach day, and with all we've heard about MOB we thought the wait would be crazy. We were very pleasantly surprised to only have to wait about 10 mins (I actually kind of wished the wait was longer, because the waiting area was great, service was very quick and I definitely could have had another drink and watched the boats pass by). We were seated at a table right on the edge of the dock. Again, like shared by many others we all loved our food. I and another in our group got the fluke special, which had an Asian twist with a great sweet soy glaze, pickled slaw and sticky rice. I seriously had to pace myself while eating it as to not embarrass myself- it was excellent. As a Rhode Islander, I've had more than my fair share of fluke and this was without question the most deliciously prepared take on this great fish I've ever tried. I'm not sure what was better: the taste, presentation (beautiful- see pic) or the price (very reasonable). Another in our group had a pesto penne with shrimp (absolutely enormous portion) and my sis had a burger (perfectly cooked). I could write a whole separate review about how beautiful this restaurant is inside. It was one of those meals where we planned our next visit on the ride home from the restaurant. MOB has definitely done many things very right- thank you for gracing our state with your awesomeness.

    (5)

  • Penny R.

    The best find in the Providence area for freshness! Everything possible is collected locally. Including the staff. Oysters from their own pond along with other native ones are the feature! We went when it started to rain and the patio covers came out and the service continued as normal! Valet parking even drove to the front entrance for those wanting it,

    (5)

  • Theresa D.

    In summary: best meal I've had in a long time. We had the oyster sampler and steamers. I've decided that at 29 years of age, I should probably experience seafood at its finest. I don't have much experience with mollusks but damn, the oysters were so fresh. The Matanuck oysters were fished out of the pond out back - talk about fresh. We had a cocktail each - the Revolver and the Hemingway. Delicate balance of actual booze and fancy pants other ingredients. No crazy infusions, just balanced tastes. I was surrounded by pastel and $200 haircuts but I didn't feel like the poor kid I am. Our server Brien was so welcoming and knowledgable, he didn't make us feel out of place. Not sure what other people were talking about when saying "fair service", we had the best service in a long time. I totally get why they had a full parking lot, a team of 5 valet dudes and a cop directing traffic.

    (5)

  • Colleen M.

    After hearing so many rave reviews online and from friends I am surprised that my first visit really only rates a 3. I'm not sure if my expectations were too high but this is how it went: Knowing that it gets super busy my friend and I ventured down for an early lunch mid-week. We had to deal with a little beach traffic and it was HOT but when we arrived we were happy to find complimentary valet parking and a very short wait for an outdoor table. They took our cell phone # to send us a text when our table was ready and no sooner had we ordered a drink at the bar, the phone was ringing. We were shown to a really nice spot next to the water. We opted to start with the calamari. The calamari was nicely done but there were some overly fried pieces of seafood that were not calamari included. It happens but I expected more. This seemed to be a running theme that afternoon. I had the Oyster Po Boy sandwich - it came very heavy on the pickles but I love pickles so I loved it. The cole slaw was that sweet, goopy, overly dressed slaws that looked more like something you'd expect to get at KFC. I know that sounds harsh but I love coleslaw, mayo or vinegar based and it was just not good. My friend had a special - chopped salad with cold lobster salad - and it came out with a very long hair adorning it. It's unfortunate to write something like that because much of the food was thoughtfully prepared but her salad did arrive like that and we were forced to send it back. It was handled very well and we were offered a free dessert for the inconvenience. We opted for the Key Lime pop which was very good. The tart lime was balanced well with the white chocolate outer shell. It was a perfect dessert for a summer afternoon. We also learned that the pops are homemade by a former server at the restaurant. It's things like this that make me wish I could give them a 5-star review. Maybe next time!

    (3)

  • Trisha R.

    THIS is hands down the best seafood restaurant I have ever been to. That's really all there is to say. If you're into food, and in Rhode Island, you must make sure this restaurant is on your agenda. I won't get too wordy since you could spend days reading the rave reviews. I will say, oysters are a must as they are cultivated specifically for the restaurant on the adjoining salt pond. They are small compared to some I have had, but the quality is out of this world. If you're not sure if you like oysters, try the cooked oyster trio appetizer, you might end up licking the plate. I have also never tasted such a perfect steamed lobster or lobster roll. Visit on off hours to avoid a long wait.

    (5)

  • Marisa R.

    Some parking advice: When you arrive at Matunuck Oyster Bar you will likely have to queue up on the street while you wait for the valet to park your car. It won't take too (stressed) long....don't give up and definitely do not park down the street at Cap'n Jacks! They will tow you for sure. I had a wonderful light dinner with my mom here -- Oyster sampler, a few different kind of oysters cooked and some clams. I can't wait to try the lobster roll, it looked huge! Be prepared to wait, even early, even on a tuesday. The valet says they open at 11:30 for lunch and they are packed by 12. Good to know. We love it here!

    (5)

  • Jason E.

    My family and I loved this restaurant! For appetizers we shared the jumbo shrimp cocktail, which were huge and super fresh, calamari and clams casino, which were extremely tasty! For entrees we had the salmon, which was super tasty, the tuna, which was the stand out entree - best tuna I've ever had which came with a creamy mustard sauce and amazing mashed potatoes. We had the chocolate bread pudding for dessert which was so big mg table of 6 could share it, and it was incredible and a great way to end the meal. The service was also really great! I highly recommend this restaurant if you're in the area. We've been to a lot of other restaurants in the area and this one was definitely our favorite!

    (5)

  • Peter L.

    Visiting them during a weekend for lunch doesn't seem to be a bad idea. My girlfriend and I wanted to check out the beaches around the area since the wealthier is getting warmer lately and this place just popped up as a near by restaurant. We were seated at the second floor close to the window, a little spring time sunlight shining in feels just right, the view was subpar compared to the feel and atmosphere but it's still acceptable overall. Our waitress is quite friendly and attentive during the busy hours, which is a plus. Since it's known its oysters (from reading other reviews), we ordered an Islander to begin with and we decided to have another dozen of oysters before having chilled lobsters as our entrées. Maybe it's not quite yet the season, the oysters are pretty tasty but they didn't blow me away. It's fresh just as expected (Hey, its literally just couple miles away from the port.) with an understandable markup. (1.25-1.40 at the market versus 1.85 at the restaurant ready to serve) The lobster wasn't bad either but there isn't much to talk about. Overall it's a great place that is reasonably priced, but it just didn't blow me away somehow. 4/5 Recommended.

    (4)

  • Sofyan S.

    Be prepared for the longest waiting ever, even cars are in line waiting for parking, a police car is at the restaurant to arrange the parking lot, it is insane. Anyway we did NOT eat there, and that because of the waiting. The ranking has nothing to do with the food since i did not have the chance to try it, sorry

    (3)

  • Kevin O.

    Second time visiting this diamond in the rough and I'm a bigger fan now than I was two years ago when I was here. The oysters are as fresh and well prepared as you can get and reasonably priced ($22/doz.). While the oysters are the main attraction - several cooked options for appetizers in addition to raw - the rest of the menu has developed strongly as well. Our party of 14 was seated quickly on a rainy summer day in the new upstairs area and our server Ashley delivered some of the best service that I've experienced. Top entrees from our luncheon included the Fried Whole Belly Clams, Fried Cod Sandwich, the Lobster Roll and even the Grilled Cheese sandwich (that demonstrated an attention to detail on every dish). I can't wait to get back to RI and will ensure that MOB is at the top of my list.

    (5)

  • Stan O.

    Since I was in the area, I couldn't help from stopping in at Matunuck Oyster, they always have really fresh food and great oysters, and this time was no different. Obviously due to the weather, the outside bar was closed but if you go in the warmer weather, it's a great pace to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the salt water air and views. They've done some nice renovations since I was there last; they now have an upstairs dining room with big windows and great views out to Long Island Sound from every seat. Allison was our waitress; she was the best waitress we've had in a long time hands down. And that says a lot since we've been to some really nice restaurants! Allison was pleasant, had good suggestions, and was always there when we needed her without being overbearing. On to the food... of course the main reason we stopped here was the raw bar. We had shrimp and local oysters. The oysters were as expected, fresh and tasty. They are raised local so you know they always will be. The shrimp were humongous; u-8 shrimp that looked like mini lobsters they were so big, and tasty too! For our entrées, I had a blackened tuna dish off the specials menu. Wow, I hope it makes it to the regular menu because I'd probably get it again next time. It came blackened, which I assumed meant it was going to be more cooked that I typically like my tuna but Allison assured me I could still get it very rare and that it was more of a flavor/spice thing. She was right! The tuna was served over mashed potatoes with roasted red and yellow peppers and watercress salad atop. Outstanding! My wife had the Sesame Seared Tuna salad which she said was also fantastic. They have a lot of other good choices on the main menu and typically have some great specials. They also have a nice selection of craft beers, unique cocktails, and wines. I'm sure I'll make the trip again in the warmer weather.

    (5)

  • Tim B.

    Oysters were amazing! Service was very good in a packed establishment. We had lobsters, clams, fish, oysters etc. and it was all very good. I'll return soon and hopefully update to 5 stars. This is a don't miss place. Can't wait to go there in the off season!

    (4)

  • Jeanne C.

    Yes, the parking is a turn-off, but the food is consistently good, next time take your boat. :-) Really enjoy the "El Bandito" cocktail made with passion fruit and tequila with a shake of ancho chili. Seafood is always spot-on. Shrimp cocktail is huge and brined, as it should be, and is a must alongside their amazing raw bar selections. We always meet great people at the bar if there is any wait for a table. A summertime must.

    (4)

  • Marie M.

    Did not expect there to be a significant parking lot wait with local police directing traffic. In addition the wait inside was 1.5 hrs long. Not that impressed

    (1)

  • Sally M.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar aka "MOB": This is Rhode Island cuisine at its very best! My husband and I visited for a mid-week early summer evening dinner and found the service and menu to be supreme. When we arrived, it looked quite crowded and we had not made a reservation but wanted to wait to sit outdoors, so we were given an estimate of 20-40 minutes for a table. The setting was so perfect that we didn't mind ordering a glass of wine at the outdoor bar while we waited. The bartender was kind enough to offer us the option of an appetizer while we waited for our table, but after just a short 10 minutes, we were notified via cell phone text that our table on the water was ready. The view of the inlet was serene and charming and our evening was truly magical. Our waitress arrived promptly and was extremely attentive throughout our meal. Our appetizers, main course and beverages were all served at the perfect pace. We started with a specialty of this restaurant, a sampler of freshly shucked oysters. If you like seafood, you will love these. If you are interested, you can actually stand at the indoor bar and watch as oysters and clams are expertly shucked open all night. But, beyond that, the chef is clearly very talented. For my entree, I chose pistachio crusted cod with local seasonal vegetables and curried saffron rice. It arrived beautifully dusted with tiny purple and yellow flowers (see photo). What a surprise! Even our shared dessert of flourless chocolate cake was presented like a piece of art (see second photo). Besides the ultra fresh ingredients and great service, I attribute a lot of the restaurant's success to the owner's omnipresence and hands-on approach. When we had arrived, we watched as he could be seen surveying the valet parking situation. Later, we observed him pitching in on setting tables and then even later in the evening, we found him following up by checking in with customers to ensure a high level of satisfaction. How often do you see that at a restaurant?! Whether you are from out of town or you are a seasoned local, I highly recommend the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Especially if you want to show your out-of-towner friends the best of RI, this is the place to bring them!

    (5)

  • Stephanie G.

    Oh, why did we not come here sooner? Matunuck Oyster Bar is the perfect Rhode Island summer outdoor dining experience (also pretty great for an especially nice spring or fall night). Expect a long wait unless you come for lunch or very early or very late, but that's part of the fun. Enjoy the wait with a cocktail or bottle of wine. Then enjoy a meal of some of the freshest seafood you can get served with local greens and other vegetables on the outdoor deck with an unforgettable view. We enjoyed: - The view - The heat lamps - The tuna tacos - The little necks and chorizo - The beet salad with shrimp - The scallops and risotto (my favorite) - The blood orange sorbet - And the camaraderie of fellow Rhode Islanders enjoying a perfect spring evening

    (5)

  • R S.

    First time diner. Place has gorgeous views, which makes the 1:20 minute wait on the one if two days a year they take reservations (Mothers Day) sort of tolerable. The waitstaff was pretty good although due to the loudness outside with the large crowd she missed a few things. We started with the scallop cvici and the Rhode Island Oyster sampler. Both were good, and very fresh. The Caesar salad with the house made dressing and the grilled garlic crostini on top was excellent. The crostini on top had an awesome charred grille flavor. The blackened yellow fin tuna was awesome! If I go there again it would be for that.. The ribeye was good, could have been cooked a little rarer though. The desserts were excellent. Now to the bad. Hope you don't have to use the ladies room or you will be waiting for AT LEAST 25 minutes. Two one person bathrooms for the women that's it!

    (4)

  • Kristen L.

    Not sure what I can say different about Matunuck Oyster Bar than any of the other reviews on here, hands down THE BEST. I've never once had a bad meal here! As there saying goes farm to table and pond to plate. Ain't that the truth?! My boyfriend and I visited the oyster bar on a Sunday around 3 in the afternoon. We assumed like usual since its a hot spot there would be a line of cars to even get into the place, but we got lucky this time! I would sugguest calling ahead to see if you can make a reservation or if there is a long wait. They have a nice lounge area to hangout in so if you had to wait the view alone makes the time pass. Sitting outside is a must, the view of Potters Pond all around you, locals fishing off the docks and wildlife all around! The wait staff is extremely attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu and the history behind the oyster bar. You will usually always see the owner out on the patio talking to the diners, asking how their meal was. This last visit we shared the scallop ceviche and a cup of white chowder! Probably the best chowder I have ever tasted! For our entree's my boyfriend had the jambalaya which was beyond full of flavor, so delicious! I went all out and had the rib-eye steak, which came with a huge portion of mashed potatoes and farm fresh veggies! Over all an amazing experience, if I lived closer I would be here everyday! I highly recommend giving it a shot if you haven't already, you wont be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Genna C.

    This is an incredible place right on the cut in Matunuck, RI. My family and I went after driving by it for many years, and I was blown away. The food is absolutely incredible. The best oysters I've ever had. Get the taster tray with 3 kinds of oysters, you won't be disappointed. I tried an oyster shooter-you're gonna want to have one of those. Or seven. We all got different dishes for lunch and everyone was pleased. The service was great, and the fact that they were able to seat 9 of us was awesome. We went on a weekday at around 3:30 PM, it was perfect timing, usually there's a long queue on the road to get valet parked, but we drove right in! Thank you, Matunuck Oyster Bar--for the incredible, delicious oysters, and awesome service. We'll be coming back every summer.

    (5)

  • Steph P.

    With an waterside setting, candlelit tables, and choices of indoor or outdoor seating, the atmosphere is inviting and romantic. It's the perfect spot to turn off the phone, focus on someone special, and take in the surroundings. Since we were on visiting on holiday and feeling a bit splurgey, we kicked off the evening with a dozen oysters and the oysters rockefeller. As native Rhode Islanders would say, the oysters are wikkit delicious! Between the 3 of us we ordered and shared the stuffed lobster, lobster roll, and the fish & chips entrees. The stuffed lobster was my personal favorite, cooked to perfection with stuffing consisting of shrimp, scallops, and fish.

    (5)

  • Aptil R.

    Great food and the restaurant added some serious expansion, but no parking to support. The wait to park was at least an hour in your car. Some man gave me a tip thar you can park across the street at the ice cream place for $10. I would of been happy to. Other than that fabulous oysters, salads and lobster. Beautiful view on the water with indoor and outside seating,

    (3)

  • Amy A.

    I cannot speak highly enough about locally caught and grown ingredients or about the owner. Perry Raso can be seen at every table checking on his customers and overseeing operations every day. He has been harvesting oysters since he was a kid and has even taught at the local university. I usually get two oyster samplers, (it may seem excessive, but you really cannot have enough), either fish or lobster roll and whatever IPA is on draft. Great views even from the inside and an interesting mix of locals and people who drive from all over after seeing Perry on TV or reading about the restaurant in magazines. Regardless, extremely fresh. Unique menu items and you can taste the ocean. As my sister says, even the fries have a great flavor and I would add to that even the fried cod is extremely tasty although you can easily avoid fried food entirely, if that is your goal.

    (5)

  • Joe K.

    Not great food for the price, I had the lobster roll with a side salad. The salad was terrible and the lobster roll was small for the high price. Not very satisfied at all.

    (2)

  • Joey V.

    People come here to get laid and stay for the food. On a Saturday night in the summer this place is a zoo. Cops outside directing cars to the back of the valet line, a sexy bar scene and hopeful singles dressed to impress. The outdoor bartender tacked a dollar on to the cost of the two drinks I ordered to insure himself a tip which I didn't appreciate, but it's part of the scene. They grow their own vegetables here and care about ingredients. The chef puts out of some innovative nightly specials.

    (4)

  • Graham G.

    My wife and I love this place. We have both ate here a few times. The food is always great. If you love oysters and a view down by the water this is the place to go. In addition to the restaurant I've purchased their oysters at the various farmers markets around the state. They are great. Just this past weekend we hired their raw bar for our wedding. It was fantastic fresh oysters and little necks on the half shell. Plus tremendous jumbo cocktail shrimp. The shuckers they send are professional and friendly. We requested Thadd who we have met at other events and man can he rip through some oysters. We highly recommended Matunuck oyster bar for your next party.

    (5)

  • Aaron R.

    Great dining by the water whether you are looking for lunch or dinner. Be sure to plan ahead especially on a nice day as there is no reservations except for certain holidays. Oysters are farmed locally by the owner as well as the vegetables and all the seafood is fantastic. The owner is always there and is always working on something, very hands on with his staff. The must tries are the Potters Pond Bloody Mary, comes with an Oyster and all, the Oyster Trio, The Lobster Roll and The Ahi Tuna. Anything on the menu though is a good choice.

    (4)

  • Cesar Z.

    The wait time completely unacceptable! Told us 30 to 45 minutes waited 1 1/2 half for a table for two They hook you in!! And the Food was ok! If you decide to come here eat before you come as it will be your next meal!

    (1)

  • Mark M.

    This place is unreal. First, the oysters were incredible (with Matunuck's being the best out of the 3 options that my brother and I both got in our samplers). They were shucked flawlessly, unlike most places, and were sweet and incredibly fresh--the Matunuck oyster farm is literally right outside the window in the water and the others on the platter were very local, as well. Next, the clam chowder was literally the best that I have ever had. Finally, the whole-bellied clam roll was fresh, cooked perfectly, and the perfect size. The homemade tartar sauce was the best that I have ever had. Our server was very accommodating and helped us throughout out decisions in an informed and positive way. All employees from servers, to food runners, to the shuckers, were professional and exactly as you would want them to be. Also, I was watching my nephew throughout dinner and it was great for running around with a little one when he got antsy as well. This place always has a wait, pretty much whenever you go, but it is well, well worth it. You can hang out outside or inside as you wait. Honestly, it really doesn't make sense to go anywhere else. Seriously.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    One of the best restaurants in Rhode Island. You will never have fresh fresher fish and vegetables. Perry has done an awesome job in making this one of Rhode Island treasures.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I think the yelpers who have given this place lots of stars have probably been at the beach all day and are starving and anything taste good. I had two of their signature cocktails and couldn't feel a thing. I had the clear chowder it was possibly the worst I've ever had. I tried the white chowder and if I was blindfolded I would've thought I was just having a cream soup. I had the calamari it was slightly undercooked and chewy and what's up with the capers and Aïoli. What's wrong with serving the Rhode Island style. I had the beet salad nothing to write home about. Everybody seems to rave about the raw shellfish but what's the big deal they didn't do any cooking.

    (2)

  • C B.

    Best place in RI for seafood. Everything from kids meals to oysters are awesome. Wait staff is good as well. If you arrive after 5:45pm expect a 30-45 min wait, longer on weekend esp during summer time. While you're waiting you can grab a drink at outdoor bar and order some clams or oysters and enjoy nice view of river. Jambalaya is excellent, the rice in this dish is exceptional.

    (5)

  • Kurt S.

    Came here with a group of 12 for an early dinner on a Tuesday. Half the group went ahead to put our names in and they were able to seat us outside in under 20 minutes. There weren't many people waiting at 6pm, but by 7 it was jam packed. You can tell they are used to big crowds because they are well staffed and move people in and out fast. That's not to say we were rushed or anything, just got our food quick and got us out of their quick (which is appreciated with a 2.5 year old). For apps we got a variety of things including calamari, oysters rockefeller, mussels, clams. These were all excellent. The bread and olive oil was above average as well. For meals we got lobster, fluke special, fish&chips, jambalaya, scallops and clams&linguine. I don't normally eat a ton of seafood but I didn't want to write a review of this place ordering chicken or steak. I enjoyed the fluke which was lightly breaded and the fresh veggies on the side were a nice touch. Would definitely come back with others!

    (4)

  • Austin K.

    You're going to have to valet and wait a while (unless you go early for lunch during the week), but it's totally worth it. A wonderful view, a pleasant breeze, and some of the best seafood I've ever had. (If you're wondering what to order, can't go wrong with some oysters and a lobster roll.) We went three times in two weeks. Oh, and they'll do takeout!

    (5)

  • Chanceny K.

    By far the best bar/oyster place I've ever been to. From the greeter to waitress, and people were amazing. We went two weeks ago on a Sunday. Everyone told us to go once it open at 1130. We had the grilled oyster, Rockefeller, and raw oyster. We also had their tuna tacos as apps!!! Just amazing. After we had lunch we went over to the bar and Talked to a few people. We were talking about the oyster shots and never had it before so they bought us one. SO GOOD! Would definitely make another trip here ASAP. I can't believe I've never been here before.

    (5)

  • Amy A.

    Awesome food and staff compares to no other restaurant. Our waitress mckayla was amazing.. so nice and super accommodating of my allergies. Love this place. The owner handles his business like a boss. Checks on every single table even when it's busy and even when the bathroom was out of order he fixed it himself within minutes so guests could use it. Love this place. so impressed!!

    (5)

  • David L.

    Excellent food, one of the best lobster rolls. Cheap and fresh raw bar (1.85/oyster today). Would definitely recommend going earlier as the place fills up fast - be prepared to wait in line to park (free valet) before getting in. Absolutely worth it though.

    (5)

  • Stacy G.

    This restaurant is one of my favorites! We arrived Saturday night around 7pm and had to wait in line to get into the parking lot for about 10 minutes. I hopped out of the car to put our name on the list which worked out great. By the time I got back to the car we were about to park and then went over to the bar to grab a drink while we waited. The hostess texts you a link so you can check the wait to be seated. We ordered oysters and drinks at the bar and when we were done our table was ready. We sat inside, upstairs and it was beautiful. The waitress was very nice and the food was delicious. We ordered the king crab legs for an appetizer along with the tuna tacos and both did not disappoint. All 5 of us loved our dinners and left very happy. I will definitely be back here!

    (5)

  • Barbara B.

    Matunuck Oysters available at various farmer's markets in Rhode Island. I bought mine at the Aquidneck Grower's Market on Saturday. The gal working at the market was super helpful to this oyster beginner and offered several shucking tips. The cost was $10 for 12 oysters and she threw in a couple extras in case I couldn't open one or two, so less than a dollar and oyster and no wait at all. These are small oysters,easy to open, clean and not too briny. It was like a taste of the ocean! In short, absolutely DELICIOUS!! We ate them outside on our deck and it made me realize that I must visit the actual Matunuck Oyster Bar AFTER Labor Day!

    (5)

  • Laurie S.

    Canisius college volleyball visiting from Buffalo were met by Perry at the entrance. When the restaurant looked impossibly busy, they accommodated 30 of us. The food was phenomenal, the waitress calm and accurate. The food - the best oysters and New England clam chowder. Everyone loved what they had. Thank you!

    (5)

  • Audrey E.

    Wow! I was afraid this place would turn out to be one of those overrated Rhode Island tourist traps with tepid gluey chowder, grease-soaked clam cakes and desicated stuffed clams. I was thrilled to discover that it is a simply wonderful restaurant. First, the location on the water is beautiful. We had a cocktail and the divine fried calamari outside overlooking the pond before being seated upstairs. Once upstairs, we shared the oysters trio (the bourbon oysters were everyone's favorite) and oyster stew as appetizers, and then had, respectively, jambalaya, linguini with clams, and the pistachio-encrusted cod. Everything was scrumptious. Also, the wait staff was attentive and warm without hovering. A simply wonderful place. I can't wait to bring all our friends here.

    (5)

  • Katie D.

    After 4 years of paying for really expensive seafood in LA, this was so refreshing and amazing! Fantastic food at honestly (at least comparatively) really decent prices. The raw oysters were honestly some of the freshest and tastiest I've ever had. New England chowder and lobster bisque were so rich and creamy. The stuffies were pretty good but not my favorite (to just eat stuffing you know). The 2lb lobster was also cooked perfectly and so yum yum. The best about moving to Boston next year is that I can come here more often! Yay!!

    (5)

  • Sara K.

    Went here last night with some family. Food was phenomenal and worth every penny. Only thing I wasn't crazy about was there was a police patrolled line to get in the place and if you happened to get there as the line reached the cop car he made you turn around and come back this left it open for people coming in the opposite direction to sneak into line. We tried 3x's because I figured if the line is this long, it's worth it. Save a few bucks for valet. One review said that it was optional. We didn't have an option. They park your car so they can maximize the space. Like I said though, food and views were excellent. Service because of how busy they were was a little slow, but it was to be expected. Also make sure someone has texting capabilities on their phone (I know who doesn't- but just In case) they let you know you're table is ready with a text.

    (4)

  • Wayne C.

    good seafood, a bit expensive. good thing we came before rush hour; i don't think it's worth the wait.

    (4)

  • Yangy L.

    It's a beautiful little low key restaurant by the water. The service was amazing. The no longer run the free oyster farm tours, but our server provided us with more info on it, and even wrote things down for us on their business card. There were some hit and missed with the food, but overall our experience was amazing, and I would definitely return if I'm ever in the area. We ordered the following: New England clam chowder: very good and hearty Lobster butternut bisque: large chunks of lobsters were included, however it was a bit on the sweet side for me, and I couldn't finish it Dozen raw oysters: very fresh and a great variety Raw scallops on the shell: delicious and very fresh Oyster trio: I was so happy that they let me switch the grilled oysters with cucumber oysters (definitely my fav of the three) Pistachio crusted Atlantic cod loin: I didn't care for this dish at all. The cod was very bland, and the side vegetables weren't great Beet salad: very good, nothing to complain about

    (4)

  • J G.

    By far, the best restaurant in South Kingstown, RI-if not in all RI. Fresh, well-cooked, delicious seafood and veggies, warm bread served with olive oil for dipping, great drinks, attentive service. Perry, the owner, can always be seen bussing tables, cleaning up and asking how the patrons are faring-a real down-to-earth man who works hard and takes care of his business. Only complaint is the wait but that is to be expected, sadly, at such a popular place. Go and you will certainly not be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Shawn W.

    Always a phenomenal place! The ambiance is perfect Rhode Island. Water views & seaside atmosphere. The oysters are farmed on sight & are phenomenal. They have outdoor heaters for those chilly nights. They even moved us in when it got windy! The food selection is wonderful! Try the Rhode Island clam chowder, which is broth based. The Po Boy was fantastic! And their cocktails are fantastic! I love this place!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    I was attending a conference in Newport and some fellow attendees recommended this place. Parking took awhile, since it was peak summer dining time - but after that - all else flew by. My server, Maggie, was super sweet and extremely attentive. I ordered the oyster trio and that was really good! I'd seen many recommendations for the asian inspired panko crusted fluke - so I ordered it. It was ok. I found the accompaniments lacking, but since everything else was stellar, I'd recommend this place. I also ordered a rosemary infused cocktail that was super delicious!!

    (4)

  • Tim S.

    Outdoor dining in the summer is incredible. Pricey, but worth it. Service was awesome. The owner came over to check on is and knew exactly what we had ordered. Will go back again and again.

    (5)

  • Connie W.

    Come here for lunch (no wait at 11:30 am) and grab a seat outside if it's a gorgeous day! When asked if we wanted a seat outside in the sun or inside, we said "uhh outside, next to the sun please" and got the perfect spot under the tent outside, with a gorgeous view of the oyster farm bay. We had the oyster sampler, shrimp, grilled glazed salmon, lobster roll, and scallops with mushroom risotto. All were amazing!! Salmon was so flaky and perfectly glazed with a delicious char from the grill; scallops were tender and sweet; lobster roll was perfectly overstuffed and the salad was top notch. Wait staff (a lot of them looked like students) was very friendly as well. Total for the three of us was around $100. A steal for truly stellar food. There's a private lot and valet parking was convenient. Definitely coming back for more - gonna get the lobster roll again, and try the linguini with littlenecks...and the paella! Will bring beach clothes next time and chill on the beach just 1 mile south after lunch...

    (5)

  • Alexandra K.

    I'm pretty picky when it comes to seafood, but my future in-laws insisted I'd be in good culinary company here. They were right. The menu was super navigable -- plenty of items for people who love fish and those who do not. I had the beet salad and the tuna special - ahi tuna over mashed potatoes and balsamic peppers on a delicious mustard sauce. The mustard sauce was honestly the star of the dish. It made everything work, and I honestly would eat it on its own. The ambiance was perfect for Christmas Eve, and the owner was doing the rounds to make sure everyone was happy. I would definitely come back here for the food and the experience.

    (5)

  • Jocelyn B.

    I love it here The parking isn't easy but they work hard to please. We were lucky enough to beat the crowd when we went last week on Friday when we left there was probably 12 couples waiting to be seated. I had the lobster roll this time it was really good I don't really have any complaints about it I didn't end up really eating the role but that was only due to my own preference however most of my roll had only claw meat and it there wasn't really any tail meat or anything else like that so that was a little bit of a turn off. The fries were great :) My family had fish and chips and a salad w salmon and all were enjoyed. We had the brownie for desert that was amazing!! Nom Nom nom! We also tried some sorbet which was good too! Heads up peppers in the casino, it's not listed on menu.

    (4)

  • Alanna E.

    I would have liked to give this review 4.5 stars. I live about 45 minuets away and have been to Matunuck Osyter Bar five times. One thing I would like to applaud Matunuck for is the superb service. Matunuck, unlike every other high end restaurants my boyfriend and I have dined in has never given us poor service. We have gone to countless high end restaurants where the service was terrible because servers don't deem ~20 year olds important. This evening we ordered the following: Tuna Tartare Taco appetizer- They weren't kidding when they said "mini" on the menu! The mini taco trio were at most 3.5 inches long and you got two bites out of a single taco. Beside the annoying small taco shell, the tuna was delicious and plentiful. 20 Matunuck Oysters- Small but the salinity was a perfect amount. Caesar Salad- Generous portion and delicious. Fish & Chips- Good portion and the fish was lightly breaded, which I prefer. Flourless Chocolate Torte- Highly recommended! The owner has been present at the restaurant every time we have been there and has come to our table to ask how everything was. The restaurant is in a beautiful location, serving a wide variety of seafoods and has a phenomenal waitstaff! Bravo!

    (4)

  • Krys g.

    No reservations, but well worth the wait! Lovely ambiance, but the food is the star. In our party of 5, we had two stuffed lobsters, one full lobster, one blackened tuna and one special. All were fabulous. The mustard cream sauce in the tuna dish and the richness of the mashed potato dish was perfectly paired. Tops my list of tuna dishes had anywhere. Excellent service from start to finish, our server Alex was a darling.

    (5)

  • Cora B.

    I haven't been here since 2009. I won't go back. The reason is because they have cut back on quality and the amount of food is ridiculous. I ordered fried whole belly clam dinner. I counted 8 clams and about 20 ff.?I forget how much it was, I'm thinking about $20. If you want delicious whole belly clams, take a ride to Rehoboth, Ma to KP Grille. If you want a whole pile of clams, go to Red Wing in Walpole, Ma. These two restaurants are very affordable and the clams are lightly battered and sweet.

    (3)

  • Wayne K.

    Fantastic spot for seafood! Great location, great service!

    (5)

  • Sean L.

    Fantastic food, great ambiance, professional and friendly service. I greatly enjoyed my visit to this restaurant and will be returning throughout the year. A fantastic addition to Southern Rhode Island. Also appreciated how quickly the valets were able park my car and move the line out front on a busy Saturday evening. Highly suggest that customers grab a drink out back while they wait for a table. Great ambiance. On a warm summer evening, if not for the casual attire, it almost felt like we were at someone's wedding!

    (5)

  • Paul W.

    If you like oysters and fresh seafood this is a great place to go! The water view is nice and the service prompt. On the day I went everybody was sitting outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We shared oysters prepared several ways including raw, what a treat! The drinks were on the smallish side, but well-made. The only downside is the price. Each of us paid about $80 which included an appetizer an entrée and two drinks. I also believe they have a presence at the Rhode Island farmers market in Providence.

    (4)

  • Brittany E.

    From out of the area, and wanted to find a good place for seafood, this was definitely a great place for it! We came for lunch, which was perfect. They offer so much fresh seafood which was amazing. The ambiance was great, and had a harbor feel being next to the ocean. The wait staff was super friendly and kept asking If we needed anything. When we finished the food the manager checked in on us as well. The fresh scallops were amazing and very cheap. I chose to have the Shore Dinner which was perfect. The fresh fish and oysters were lightly fried and it was perfect to not lose the taste. The seafood stuffing was also a great add to the meal. I left full and pleased.

    (5)

  • DM H.

    While there was a delay during my visit, the owner sent me a sincere message with his apologies and the offer of a gift certificate. My oysters were lovely and the I appreciated the selection of wines by the glass. The valet was sweet and prompt, a helpful addition.

    (4)

  • Tzarina W.

    Oyster Sampler of 12 piece oysters from sweet to salty to extra salty started the dinner for about $21. Sweet oyster was the best. The beet and goat cheese salad with giant scallops was delicious for $20. The Alaskan king crab for $30 was a lot of work for cracking the shell but the meat was massive and dipped in melted butter. The Chocolate bread pudding with mascarpone caramel sauce was one the best bread puddings I have had. Texture was dense and moist and every bite was savored. I would have liked to take one to go. The restaurant closed at 9pm but ended staying til 10pm. The owner said his hellos indicating the boot out the door. Oops. Check out the guys shucking the oysters at the oyster table.

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    Simply the best seafood in Rhode Island. Everything on the menu is good and super fresh. There is usually a wait but it's worth it!

    (5)

  • Lydia G.

    Best seafood place in south county. Love the oysters obviously...had the tuna special and it was prepared perfectly. Our waitress Alison was lovely and very helpful. Favorite place to sit is I we by the windows looking out at potter's pond. Always a long wait, but the new bar is great and it's fun to hang out and check out all the action.

    (5)

  • Donnell M.

    This place is good. Obviously pricey but I had some good food. I'm going back soon. King crab legs are bomb af

    (5)

  • Jay A.

    Highly recommended - especially if you can get a dockside table with a view! My meal started with a sampler of 12 local oysters (3 varieties). Each was excellent, and went beautifully with a glass of prosecco. Dinner was some of the best scallops that I've ever had, served with a truly tasty Wild Mushroom risotto. Desert was a killer bread pudding. I wanted to bathe in it. With two glasses of wine and coffee, the whole meal came to just over $70 - so it wasn't cheap. But still a good deal considering the quality of the food, the excellent service, and the amazing view. You could make much less expensive choices (sandwiches and the like) and still have a great time. I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Mary S.

    Our flight was cancelled, due to the snow storm and cold weather so, decided to take a drive to restaurant on the water near Providence. Was surprised when we arrived and the place was packed on one of the coldest days of the year. The restaurant was worth the drive!! Breathtaking view and the oysters, lobster, chowder, calamari and first ever stuffies were delicious. I would say this is my favorite seafood restaurant!! Too bad I'm from Cleveland and can't come more often.

    (5)

  • Nico F.

    Right off the bat, I've never seen so many guys in coral chino shorts in one place. Despite being surrounded by a living Vineyard Vines catalog, the outdoor bar setting on the water was absolutely gorgeous. And the fried clams were the best I've ever had. They had a consistency and briny freshness that every purveyor of fried clams should strive for: so light, so not oily, and the outer coating didn't feel like a batter at all, like it was already naturally a part of the clam or something. But be prepared to wait. In a line. In your car. It sure was worth the wait, though.

    (4)

  • Mark C.

    Honestly, I think this is the BEST restaurant in Rhode Island, and I have visited a lot of them. For starters we had the Oyster Sampler featuring a dozen local oysters. The ones from adjoining Potter's Pond were the best. I lived in Florida nine years, and nothing there tops these. I had the "SEARED SCALLOPS over a tomato and sweet corn salsa, balsamic orange glaze, mashed red bliss potatoes and Matunuck Farms Chef's vegetables." They were unreal! The tomato, corn salsa and glaze are insane. I wanted to lick the bowl. There were six perfectly cooked scallops each the size of a half-dollar. Honestly, the star of the plate was the huge pile of sauteed local, organic mixed vegetables. That and the smashed potatoes. If you are a vegetarian...just ask for this dish, minus the scallops! I bet they'd do it! If I was on that Food Network Show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," I would name this dish. I had a cup of New England Clam Chowder between the oysters and the entree. Tasty! They have a good selection of California Chardonnays to wash it all down. The dessert special was a homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream! Wow! This was our 24th anniversary dinner and it was very special. Even owner Perry Raso stopped by our table to say hi and check on our meal! I know people are frustrated by the crowds and long waits, and my secret is... Think about coming during the "off" hours! I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Jeanie S.

    The only downsides to Matunuck's Oyster Bar are 1) the long wait for a table and 2) the long wait for the ladies restroom (on a busy Saturday, I spent 20 minutes in line for the 1 person restrooms). Not fun. The rest of my time at Matunuck's was awesome. Enjoyed a nice glass of French white wine at the open air bar as we nibbled (inhaled?) a couple rounds of oysters on the half shell and jumbo shrimp. Btw, the shrimp truly are jumbo. They were enormous. Oysters were fresh, fresh, fresh. Briny, sweet, saline perfection. We were eventually seated on the outdoor patio with a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the water. And then the seafood fest began: -Fried Calamari were flavorful and the aioli/peppers added a nice kick. If you usually find calamari rubbery and tasteless, do yourself a favor and try these. They will totally change your mind. -Housemade Stuffie was very tasty. It was my first clam stuffie (being a visitor to RI), and I'd not hesitate to order another. -Stuffed Lobster was decadent. The lobster was stuffed with the sweetest claw meat, jumbo shrimp, scallops and breading. I barely touched the fingerling potatoes and vegetables because the portions were so hearty. -Pistachio Crusted Cod, my dining companion's meal, was delicious as well. I had a taste of the cod and the pistachio crust was a perfect complement to the firm white fish. -Key Lime pie popsicle -- omg, if they have these available and you love key lime pie, you must order one of these. Creamy, tart, lusciousness. A wonderful meal, on a beautiful evening by the water. Couldn't really ask for more. Except more ladies restrooms. That would be perfection.

    (4)

  • Phillip M.

    Rhode Island may be the best kept secret in New England, and in Rhode Island there is great food,all types.The best for my palate is local seafood, and the Matunuck Oyster Bar has it: Locally sourced, fresh to the table with an inspired mix of what is available local and fresh to present fine dining. My wife had swordfish that was so fresh it told the tale of being in the ocean that morning, served on a bed of red potato perfect for taste and presentation. I found the definitive clam roll, fresh whole clams breaded and fried and served on a new England top cut roll. The side was hand cut fries to die for and homemade cole slaw. The end might have been the meal: Chocolate Bread Pudding. Just do that if nothing else. Easy to find, easy to linger, the view is worth so much and free. Service was wonderful, just attentive enough but not hovering and the room was full. Be sure to note the new mural on the ceiling downstairs. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Brielle Nicole C.

    Worth the wait! Let me just start with the service, exceptional. Food phenomenal!!! One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long while. Great beverage selection as well, I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Care N.

    My favorite restaurant. Fabulous place! Good beer on tap, incredible setting, yummiest of oysters. Food has never disappointed. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Mikki K.

    Where do I begin? Tucked away in the Meadows by a river bed, I found a gem of a seafood restaurant! The lobster roll was perfection right down to the roll! Not too much mayo or any other ingredient. Just lobster. The chocolate bread pudding with caramel angleise was worth licking the plate four, but I refrained myself. It was indeed a dining experience that I will always remember.,.

    (5)

  • Meghan M.

    I went here again on a Monday night a few weeks before Christmas. I was actually surprised it wasn't packed, but then again it was only 5:30PM when our party of about 12 got there. I had the blackened tuna special, and I definitely think it should be on the regular menu. Flavors were great -- roasted red peppers combined with arugula on the side. You also cannot go wrong with the oyster sampler.

    (5)

  • Chris D.

    My husband and I have been coming down to Rhode Island for years in the summer, although we just heard of this place. We came for lunch on a Friday and the place was packed which is always a good sign. We had drinks and clam chowder (which were brought to us) while waiting for our table. Everything was delicious and promptly served. My only complaint is that they could use more umbrellas while waiting for your table.

    (5)

  • Meriam T.

    You'd think it would be less busy when you go on a weeknight. Wrong! Wednesday night at 6:30. We wasted time sitting on the loooing valet line. Then they said it was 15 minute wait. It turned to an hour! The outside bar was already packed. Then they put us on the corner table at the back of the restaurant. We didn't like that. We felt isolated and I was getting cold. Bring your sweaters ladies! They promised to light up the standing heaters. But then they didn't. It was a long wait after we ordered both our Oyster Platters (12 oysters on each platter), and drinks. By this time, they saw I was really getting uncomfortable, rubbing my arms constantly. So they moved us to another table on the opposite side (behind the bar) right next to the "glass wall". The raw oysters were great! But that's about it. Rest of the food was mediocre. It also took them a while to serve. We ordered the Oysters Rockefeller, Grilled Oysters, Grilled Atlantic Salmon and (local) Beets and Goat Cheese Salad with chicken, and Brownie Sundae for dessert. Quite frankly, everything on the menu was overpriced. We've had better for less. And they serve small portions. Yes, it's a great view, next to the salt pond and the sunset. That's what you're paying for really. Later on, when it got dark, the Mosquitos came and feasted on us lol. And oh, there wasn't enough lighting. Only a little candle lamp on the table. I almost couldn't see what I was eating. Overall, I will go back just for the oysters though!

    (4)

  • Ben F.

    The Food was delicious! The service was excellent, very clean well run place. Would highly recommend to anyone even if you don't like seafood. Seared scallops were very good, mashed potatoes were awesome.

    (5)

  • Katherine M.

    Happy to be here with a beautiful sunset and a cold beer! Besides the draft options, I felt the bar program, wine list and menu could use some work, only because both were so generic and quality was inconsistent for the money. Tables were at an hour and half wait, so I wasn't surprised that the salad was a little slimy and wilted, or food came at weird temps. I assumed the kitchen was trying to do their best during a crazy rush. But the staff are all awesome. The atmosphere is busy and happy, and location is perfect. And the frozen cheesecake pop, dipped in white chocolate, on a stick! So cool.

    (4)

  • Janek G.

    It doesn't get any better than this. All farmed right in front of the restaurant in terms of the seafood, and all vegetables grown fresh in an adjacent field. This takes ocean and farm to table to a whole new level. Although I've been here dozens of times now, the motivation for a yelp review was the beyond exceptional new years eve experience last week with a three course prix fix menu featuring some new dishes for the restaurant. Ironically for a seafood restaurant the filet was one of the best I've ever had, along with Scallops from the raw bar, and Ahi sashimi. With an upstairs addition about to open, it may become slightly easier to get a table, but no matter what the wait time, winter or summer, it's worth it. There were parties of 7 and more people arriving on new years eve without a reservation and waiting three hours for a table because of the quality of food and service. We made our reservation in November and just got a table. So if you're looking into NYE 2015, book early! For summer there is a sizable outside bar area as well as an extensive deck, both right on the river, which make an idilic lunch or dinner setting for any occasion. This could easily be ten more paragraphs, but the best thing you can do for your palate is stop reading and come here and enjoy a meal. They even have free valet parking!

    (5)

  • Marie A.

    Brought here by friends who clearly steered me in the right direction. Started with oysters and jumbo shrimp which made the hour long wait beyond bearable. Had to get a lobster roll for dinner and it was delicious. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Deb R.

    Hadn't been here in two years! Amazing lunch today. Started with the Matunuck Oysters which are smaller in size. They were amazing. So fresh! We then each had a cup of white chowder. It was so creamy and full of clams, potatoes and celery. Delicious! Lastly, we split a lobster roll. Honestly, they have the best lobster roll anywhere. Our waitress was terrific. Very attentive, polite and quick. Can't wait to go back soon!

    (5)

  • Evan B.

    Best meal I've had in a long time. Started out with the Oyster Trio app and had the Scallops, risotto, and Brussels sprouts entree. So good. Everything was cooked perfectly and the service was spot on. I can easily see why this place is rated so high. Well done. I can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • Jon W.

    Best shellfish I've ever had. They farm their own oysters and grow their own vegetables. Great service and extreme quality is the name of their game. I split the 12 oyster sampler, the steamers, the steamed mussels, and the brownie sundae with a friend and we were very satisfied.

    (5)

  • Jennifer E.

    Beautiful atmosphere, fresh and delicious seafood, and an amazing view. This is what RI dining is all about. It took me multiple years in RI to finally get down to this Summer mecca, but it was well worth it to finally get here to spend an amazing meal with friends. The day was gorgeous and we lucked out with only only a short wait, although even a longer wait would have been ok with me, as the view was perfect for a pre lunch drink. We were sat at a table outside, by request, with a lovely view. I ordered up a Gansett' Shandy and perused the menu. We ended up ordering the RI oyster sampler, which included twelve oysters from various places around the state. The menu was full with savory treats from the ocean and land. Sandwiches, burgers, and of course, raw bar and seafood entrees galore. We decided to share the lobster roll and oyster po' boy. Soon after placing our orders, the oysters arrived. Split among four of us, we were each able to try an oyster from a different place. The oysters were fresh, had a great salty brine, and delicious. Our sandwiches arrived and man, were they good. The lobster roll was full of plump pieces of nature's delicacy. The mayo was only barely noticeable and the roll was buttery and soft. The oyster po' boy was good too, but the lobstah' roll was definitely the winner of our lunch. We left full and happy (and maybe slightly sun-burnt). Not a bad meal for the second day of Summer. I recomend getting in early to enjoy the valet and short wait times. The place was jammin by the time we left.

    (5)

  • Altena L.

    Great place with a wonderful location! Love the variety of oysters - locally caught and grown! I enjoy coming here during the summer time with hanging outside at the bar with raw bar and drinks,while waiting to be seated. The wait never seems too long (maybe an hour wait is usually what I encounter) as they have open door seating and seating inside. The owner is such a hard worker and you will always see him helping his staff and checking on customers. We usually come here with a group of friends for rawbar and the meals. The raw bar is a bit pricey - but what raw bar isn't? The food can be incredible to average but they have a great amount of food and not just seafood! I've also been here in the winter and the wait was never as bad as it is in the summertime! The staff is always friendly! If you love oysters, you have to try this place!

    (5)

  • Renee M.

    Great place! We ate outside. Ordered goat cheese and beet salad with salmon, lobster roll and grilled oysters. Everything was great. The oysters were really good! Great portions and the service was great!

    (4)

  • Richard D.

    I don't want to be repetitive..let's all admit, the Oyster Bar has a lot of reviews and is a revered place around here. Great place. Nice and professional staff for sure. Ok place for kids, really depends on the kids I suppose. Good portions, quality food and a great atmosphere. This place gets CRAZY during peak season..valet parking is jammed tight with a line of cars down the road every day and every night....and there's a reason... because this place is the place to be.

    (5)

  • Marsha G.

    It's so popular that they had two police offers directing traffic on the narrow street that it is located on. They have to do valet parking because there is no way you could pack that many cars in their lot without someone organizing it. I like that they have the buzzer system to tell you when your table is ready. I was told our wait would be 45 minutes but it really was more like 20. It was a gorgeous evening with the sun setting past the pond in which they farm their oysters. There's an outdoor bar on the left side of the building that is hugged by the water. The back outdoor seating area has thick glass to cleanly separate the patrons from the flora and fauna. The raw bar was surrounded by people eating and talking and watching the experts shuck the oysters over a bed of ice. I tried one raw oyster at my table. It came its own bowl of ice with a cup of cocktail sauce, a cup of mignonette sauce, and a wedge of lemon. I doused the mignonette sauce into the shell and then swallowed it down whole. There isn't a lot to experience eating like that but it was pleasant. We had the trio of cooked oysters for an appetizer. They were all delicately and deliciously treated with various sauce and buttery bread crumb topping. I had the "One Pint of Whole-belly clams" which comes with with fries and house made coleslaw for my meal. My life-partner had the "Shore Dinner" which is fried local fish, fried oysters, a house made "stuffie", with fries and house made coleslaw. Everything was delicious. I highly recommend this place, and hope I can go back someday.

    (5)

  • Krystal L.

    My go to place in Rhode Island! The best oysters I ever had in my life _ their Matunuck oyster grown in the backyard melt in your mouth. They renovated and I'm loving the new look!

    (5)

  • Karen b.

    The reason I am not giving them 5 stars is because of the Vegetarian Tacos. When they describe them as mini tacos, they are not kidding. They were approx. 2" long and 1" high with about 6 little pieces of vegetables in each of them. $11.95 for 3 of them is a rip off. But I recommend everything else.

    (4)

  • Jenny S.

    Nice waterside restaurant that looks like it was once someone's home! We came during winter when they have heatlamps for the patio seating but im sure it's more beautiful in the summer!! PORTIONS ARE HUGE ... Very unexpected for a seafood restaurant... we probably could have shared an entree and appetizer ---grilled oysters: skip these! Way overloaded with butter... Stick with the fresh ones ---lobster roll: comes with a side salad or side of fries... This Maine style roll with mayo has a toasty bun but the lobster didn't seem all that fresh ... i was able to try the fries and salad, both are great! ---seared scallops: scallops were good but definitely could of used a browner sear... I liked the risotto & brussel sprouts which weren't too fatty from the pancetta NOTE: Complimentary valet parking & Happy hour is only Monday -Thursday for buck oysters

    (3)

  • Chuck A.

    Out of the way & cool location, great vibe, efficient & friendly staff.....plus mighty fine everything! I had the tuna tacos and Belgian white for lunch. Perfect!! Super crowded in the summer....so "game" your arrival!

    (5)

  • Bob B.

    I travel for work and get to go to a lot of restaurants. I also ran a charter boat in Rhode Island about 30 years ago, so I know a little about fresh seafood. To use a typical RI description "this place is Wicked Awesome". I love oysters. And the oysters here are amazing. Small but sweet and delicious. I had grilled oysters and the only thing that would have been better was if I had ordered more of them. Also had a sample of all the raw oysters available. Two of them were locally cultivated. They were spectacular. Tried the RI chowder and was not disappointed. My wife had the steamers. Of course I sneaked a few. They were also delicious. Having celiac disease, I need to maintain a strict gluten free diet. They have GF items marked on the menu, as well as can make some others GF. For an entree I ordered the scallops. Another winner. I skipped the potatoes and had extra veggies, which were also locally grown. My wife had the whole belly clam roll. She said the clams melt in your mouth. It's not a question of if we will return, but how soon. If you like/love seafood, you will not find anything better. And yes, we did have to wait to park and for a table, but there is no doubt it is worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Foo Foo D.

    Gorgeous Views, 5 star seafood. Had a wonderful lunch with a friend on a frigid but cheerful sunny windy winter weekday. Sat by the window and water views, the sun streaming in transforming the beautifully designed modem interior into festive, jubilant dining space. Although a complete seafood restaurant with everything you can imagine on the menu, we chose mostly light fresh appetizers to makeup our meal. Started with a dozen of each Matunick and Quonset oysters. The former are smaller and firmer and semi sweet briny and very flavorful. the Quonset are considerably bigger and softer with their larger shells holding more of the sweet fresh salty essence of nearby tide pools. Next we tried a little creation called a "stuffie"which It's an elegance little stuffed quahogs clamshell herbal stuffing. Veggie haters will want to skip the stuffie. I'm We shared the mixed greens with feta cheese wallnuts and beets and vinaigrette. n Another novel appetizer that we found was toro tacos. we should've been called Maguro tacos because I'm pretty sure it was yellowfin tuna not bluefin tuna. Lastly we had a couple pounds of large amazing king crab legs and washed it all down with a fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; spicy and grassy and delicious. total cost : you don't wanna know who

    (5)

  • Jim C.

    On Wednesday, 9/2/15, I took a ride on the ol' scooter to South Kingstown, Rhode Island to meet an old co-worker for lunch. He suggested The Matunuck Oyster Bar (say muh-too-nik) since last time I visited him in Rhode Island we had a bite to eat there and I wanted to go again. What a great decision it was! Since it was mid-week, and around 1:00 in the afternoon, the place was busy, but not insane, as I hear it can get later in the day. I'm told that even in winter when the summer tourists are gone it can get pretty crazy, business-wise. The valet parked "Big" Steve's truck while we went in to get seated. There was a wait to sit outside (they offer BEAUTIFUL outdoor seating), but it was a hot day and we chose to sit indoors. Good choice also. The hostess led us to an air conditioned, upstairs dining area that has a beautiful view overlooking the bay where the resturant has a barge anchored about a quarter mile away. They cultivate and harvest their own oysters, Freshness is absolutely assured here! After looking over the menu that featured oysters - naturally, but has a wide range of dishes available, I decided to have an appetizer portion of their oyster stew. This was a truly incredibly good dish! It contained, besides a hefty portion of oysters, fresh red bell peppers, nice chunks of potato, onions and scallions. The broth was very creamy. I could easily have made a meal of the larger size, had I ordered it, and I'm a fairly rotund individual. The fact that there are no oyster crackers served with this dish should tell you that it does not need or deserve that insult upon it. For an entree I had jambalaya. Now, I've never had jambalaya in Louisiana or New Orleans, so I've nothing to compare this to. Maybe that's a good thing. This dish can only be described as divine. It was spicy, with fresh peppers, spicy sausage, shrimp, and of course, oysters, served on a bed of white rice.. All of the ingredients are sourced locally so it couldn't be any fresher, New Orleans or not. I must say the the oysters are SO sweet and tender! "Big" Steve had an order of fried oysters and said they were as fantastic as always. That lucky bastard eats here often in the summer, while staying at his cottage nearby. I can only do what so many others have done, and say this was a five star dining experience, without the jacket and tie. If you come early to mid-afternoon weekdays, there will likely be no wait time, except maybe if you want to eat outside. Although we didn't have any, they obviousy offer fresh, raw oysers shucked for you. I can only assume those would be as sweet and tender as what we had, cooked. Come here for the view, and the ambience, but most especially, come for the incredible food!

    (5)

  • Barbara B.

    Update: My friends took me to the Matunuck Oyster Bar for my birthday. The food was good, although one friend said she much preferred 210 Oyster Bar. The main point of this update is that I paid a flat rate of $50 for my daughter's dinner. That included tax and tip. They left the waitress's tip on their credit cards. I put a line through the tip and a total of $50. My credit card company alerted my that a $30 tip had be added to my charge. I'm outraged!! Who does that? I don't know if it was the waitress or someone else along the way, but be sure to write your tip carefully or watch your credit card statement. I won't go back. They can steal other customers' money.

    (1)

  • Bryan L.

    If you're in Rhode Island and want the absolute best seafood around, this is the place to go! Expect a wait, though, especially on the weekend! They have a mandatory valeted parking lot and if you arrive at prime time, you'll wait in a line of cars first, just to get your car valeted! THEN, you'll wait in line to be seated. Do it the smart way like we did - get there for an early dinner (4:30) on a weekday and save yourself from the craziness that the weekend brings there. Outdoor seating is what the majority of people seem to prefer there. But, there was a wait. So, we took inside seats and were seated immediately. First up, we had to try the oysters because Matunuck's has their own oyster beds not far from the restaurant. And we heard they were to die for... Not being oyster fans, we tried them anyway just to see what all the rave was about. We're glad we did! Matunuck's oysters run on the small side but were absolutely delicious! If you are unsure which cooked oysters to get, try the sample platter. You'll get to try 2 each of the rockefeller, the bourbon and the cucumber oysters. All three were mouth watering and my favorite was the bourbon! I love clams on the half-shell but am not a fan of oyster on the half-shell based on 1 raw oyster I tried several years back in CT. So, I tried a raw Matunuck's oyster. WOW. Just WOW. I liked it so much that I ordered 6 more. They were very clean tasting, and had mild salt flavor in the oyster liquor that was not overpowering at all. Highly recommended! The lobster roll my wife ordered was the best we've ever eaten, and we've eaten quite a few in our time! The lobster *flavor* was there and the meat itself wasn't rubbery at all. It was THE perfect lobster roll! I tried the steamed / boiled lobster. Again, this was the best steamed lobster I've ever eaten. It was about a 2 lb. lobster and was cooked to perfection, including the tail. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a lobster as much as I did there! We will definitely be back the next time we visit Rhode Island, so that we can try the other menu items! (The mussel dish looked amazing!). I don't have enough stomachs to try everything I wanted in one sitting! Matunuck's - seafood done right.

    (5)

  • Cristin S.

    I wanted to bring my parents somewhere special for dinner where they could get the New England experience. This placed nailed it! You drive up and there is a outdoor bar area along the water to sit and have drinks before your meal. The night we went there weather was bad which was disappointing BUT the silver lining was there was a very short wait! On to the food... Everything that the oyster bar does they do well. However some things were better than others. My favorites included the oyster sampler, the fried oysters, the fried clams, the scallop dish, and the chilled lobster platter. Some things I would not order again are the clam chowder (it was ok but nothing special). This place is great for out of town guests. I would only come here though if you are not on a time schedule. You need time to take in the whole experience, have a drink, and take in the view of New Englands salty brine!

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    Great food, beautiful views. Must try the cooked oysters...the bourbon are my favorite. The salmon and the scallop dishes are the die for and the drinks were really good. Go early and plan on waiting a while so grab a drink at the bar. Parking also fills up and may have to wait in line just to park/valet.

    (5)

  • Ed G.

    The food here was great, we sat outside and it was a lovely experience. I ordered scallop ceviche, which was out of this world. While there was a wait to get in, we spent the wait at the oyster bar inside, enjoying a beer, eating oysters, and chatting with local Rhody Rams. However I did have some complaints. One, I called ahead of time at 9 p.m. to find out how late they were open and if I could expect to be seated if I drove over. The lady who answered rudely told me that the kitchen closes at 9:30 and that she "couldn't make any promises." I decided to risk it and drive over anyways, despite being tired from all the research I conducted earlier in the day at the Mystic Aquarium. When I arrived I asked when the kitchen shut down. The host laughed at me, winked to the hostess, and said snidely "we close when you stop ordering food, you idiot." I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and belittled. He had made a fool of me in front of my "date". Once we were seated, the waitress was hitting on my "fiance." I am not saying this is a good thing or a bad thing, it just happened. Also, the lady sitting next to us was exposing her left nipple. She seemed rather buzzed and It was popping out of her tube top dress. Once again, I am not saying if this is a good thing or a bad thing, as a scientist, I am just reporting the facts. If not for these minor complaints I would give this place 4 stars. It is definitely far superior to Captain Jacks across the street, which is terrible.

    (3)

  • E W.

    Dig this joint. I really want to come here again - soon. It's wood and classic new england with sun streaming in all the windows, classy yet laid back simultaneously = OLD MONEY, yo. Old money steez. Situated in a salt pond or something like that - a seashell driveway and boats buoy around the tattered wood docks. Think periwinkle blue sweaters over white collared shirts beset by dockers and boat shoes. The food? Hmm... Yeah I can't remember all that well except that it is typically good. See, I have been more beer-centric the past few times coming here. Next time I'll get a better grip of the seafood. I don't know about the oysters, but the stuffed lobster was way too much stuffing. I think the other time I got a tuna something that may have had a weird asian flair but it was probably mmm mmm good. I mostly go for the sunlight and the beers. Always full. Warm happy WASPY vibes. Except sunny'd boaters! Yeah.

    (4)

  • Nathan L.

    Great atmosphere, great oysters and awesome view. Nothing beats this place.

    (5)

  • Simon O.

    The Doc & I went down to the MOB after our first-ever surf lesson in Narragansett. We'd heard about this place from a friend of hers, who had raved about it - and she was right. We sat outside, ordered drinks; my beer was cold, and her Dark and Stormy was just about perfect. Given that it was a local seafood spot, we opened with calamari, she got the oyster po' boy, and I got the clam roll. Full-belly clams are the way to go, it turns out! Hands-down the best seafood I had living in Rhode Island. If we ever get back down there, I'd be stoked to go back to the MOB. You can also buy their oysters at some of the farmers' markets in PVD!

    (5)

  • John L.

    I've heard great things from Matunuck Oyster Bar for awhile from my coworkers, but when I finally got a chance to go, I already had the bar set pretty high. But I'm happy to report that it held it's own! My girlfriend and I spent the day at Narragansett beach and wanted to end the day at MOB. It was a sunny day and thought that we would have to wait in line to get a table outside, but fortunately, someone just left and we were seated immediately. We even got a table with shade! We ordered a dozen local raw oysters and fried whole belly clams. First the oysters. Amazingly fresh. Delicious. My girlfriend never tried raw oysters before and I'm glad she had them here for the first time. It was perfectly, briny, without overpoweringly fishy. She is hooked. As for the fried whole belly clams, it was a huge pile of it and it held it's own too. Not too much batter, just enough to coat it and reveal it's seafoodie goodness. The service was great, our waitress was always there if we had questions about the oysters and explained them in detail as to where they were harvested. We did not feel rushed at all even though it was packed. It was a great day to soak up the sun and enjoy some of my favorite things to do when the weather is warm - sit outside, enjoy great company and taste delicious seafood! I highly recommend coming here and you will definitely see me coming back here before the summer ends!

    (4)

  • John L.

    Great apps. Great entrees. Great service. Great atmosphere. We sat outside on a Thursday evening and had a truly delightful experience. Monique took very good care of our party. Not cheap but worth the money.

    (5)

  • Robert S.

    I heard the lobster roll was outstanding...so my BF and I went.. The service was very good. We sat on the big deck overlooking the water. The lobster roll was excellent...nice chunks of lobster, nice grilled bun and crispy french fries. Not too much mayonnaise, just the right amount of celery and seasonings. That was my first lobster roll ever, and I was very impressed with it...

    (4)

  • Sandra E.

    OK disappointed again with this place. The cod had an undertone of some kind of cleaner. Tasted like bleach to me. The saffron rice tasted like the south county water it was made with. It was very bland; a waste of saffron. The oysters rockefeller was ok but a little bland as well. I'm not sure what the big deal is with this restaurant. Don't think I'l be going back.

    (2)

  • Marie B.

    Oh geesh this is my kind of place. I love outside places in the summer and this is such a nice classy spot on the water! I also love the bar thats outside. This place isnt big but the food and drinks are excellent! Its not a cheap place and you have to valet your car which is fine. Also the owner who owns the oyster farm the restaurant is on so everything is fresh straight from him (well the oysters I know for sure come from him, not sure about the other seafood they have) but he comes around to the tables to make sure everyone is enjoying their food. Love this place!!!

    (5)

  • Becky J.

    This place is my all time favorite restaurant! The oysters and the entire menu is delicious. I come here any time I have an excuse to go out for a nice dinner and I live 40 minutes away. The service is always excellent too, I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • robert m.

    Went to the Matunuck Oyster Bar last Thursday afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner. As usual, the food was terrific. What wasn't so terrific was the service, which was basically non-existent. After several tries, we finally tracked down a waitress who came to our table. What really impressed us though was the manager who came to our table, explained the screwup and apologized for it. No drama, just a simple "we screwed up and I'm sorry". You have to love that way of doing business.

    (5)

  • Kimberly P.

    They remodeled the place and it looks great. I had some raw oysters, tuna steak salad and my mom had muscles. Every thing was good. It is nice going in the off season.

    (4)

  • Jean F.

    How have I never been here before?!? A perfect fall day to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view of the pond. We had the oyster sampler which was amazing and split the chicken sandwich. The sandwich had bacon and BBQ sauce which was a great combo but I do wish the chicken pieces were a bit bigger. The amazing super crispy fries (big treat) made up for it tho! I can't wait to come back for more oysters!

    (5)

  • Bobby G.

    I've been to Matunuck Oyster Bar on several occasions but never wrote up a review before as there are already so many good ones and there really isn't much to add. This time around it was for an early dinner during fall restaurant week with a good friend. We ordered a bottle of the Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc which complimented the meal nicely. For starters we had the steamed mussels in white wine herb butter with garlic crostini. They were very tasty and the sauce is outstanding for dipping crostini and the other bread that you'll be demanding when this dish arrives. We split a restaurant week offering and started out with a half dozen local Matunuck oysters on the half shell....delicious. Next came the New England Clam chowder. It was okay but I'm a bigger fan of the RI chowder. The New England was a bit thick for my taste and there did not seem to be an abundance of clams in the cup. We decided on the fried oysters which were lightly breaded and very tasty....the oysters came with fries just to be sure we had ample deep fried goodness to wash down with the wine. It's hard to go wrong at this place as the food is fresh, local and well prepared. The only down side would be that if you're not careful you could end up spending a small fortune on your meal. It's not that it's overtly expensive, but seafood in general isn't cheap and the raw bar offerings are so delicious you can add up a sizable tab pretty quickly. Don't hesitate to go. If you like seafood you'll love Matunuck Oyster Bar....just be mindful of how much you're shoveling into your gullet...it adds up quickly!

    (4)

  • Jake R.

    So phenomenal. If you go here, try the calamari, a selection of oysters, and the yellowfin tuna. Most importantly, though, is the bread pudding.

    (5)

  • Denise L.

    Well worth the 45+ minute wait. Matunuck oysters are small and tasty at $1.85 each. RI chowder good. Large bread crumbs in Stuffie but not enough clam. Fish cooked perfectly -moist/flaky - for pistachio crusted cod and fish & chips. Linguine in clam sauce nice & clammy. Warm/tasty rolls served with olive oil & butter. Well, one thing that could be better is fresh veggies - a little overcooked. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Brett S.

    I have been here a couple times, and it is by far one of my favorite food destinations when I head back east. Consistent, exceptional local quality seafood makes this place amazing. Keep in mind this place is packed in the summer, but also great to visit in the off-season as well. First off, get oysters, and when you're done with that, get another round of oysters. They harvest their own, and buy from other arms along Rhode Island. They have a great range of foods from sandwiches like po' boys to entrees like scallops. Even the appetizers, like veggies in phyllo dough are wonderful. Desserts are awesome as well, everything is well thought out. Owner is a nice guy as well, he came out to say hello. Looks like they expanded the building a little, so now they are able to accommodate more people. Service is still excellent and wonderful. Look forward to going back!

    (5)

  • Mark R.

    This is a great place : *fresh* seafood as in a few hours off the boat fresh, with great wine list, bar and beautiful views. Sunset here was amazing. Between the fresh seafood, the staff and the beauty of be place one of the nicest meals I've had in some time. Worth the trip from westerly.

    (5)

  • Christian V.

    Beautiful, small, yet quaint location!I ate here with my boyfriend on August 28th, and was not disappointed. We sat out on the patio/dock which was a beautiful setting. We got there around 6pm I believe, and like other reviews say; one really needs to get there early. By the time we got there it was getting quite busy, but thankfully valet still had space. Around the time we were leaving people were parking up the street because they ran out of room. Moving on: 1) when we walked up, I loved the "scene" immediately! The little outdoor bar was full of people sipping cocktails as well as oysters, and it was a peaceful yet "lively" atmosphere, and the restaurant is literally right next to the pond/river. There was a wait when we got there, but we were still sat very quickly! They were kind enough to give us a table right near the water, but the patio isn't huge so anywhere would've been a good seat. 2) service was fairly quick, and I our server very sweet. Onto the food: My boyfriend brought me here our last night in RI, because I'm such a seafood lover; and he had been told this was the best place in town (we were staying in Warwick near the airport, so we drove about 40 minutes just to eat here)! Thankfully his friend was right, and I wasn't disappointed! I ordered a vodka dirty martini to drink which was made perfectly, and the RI clam chowder to start (clear broth). It was yummy, but nothing that I hadn't tasted before. NEXT I ordered the oyster sampler, and it was so fresh I was in heaven! (They get the oysters fresh out of the water near the restaurant!) As my main course I ordered a pound of king crab (this was under the starters... They had an entree but it would've been too much food, and was a significantly higher price for only a half pound more of crab, and sides I wouldn't have been able to eat. ) Anyway, the crab was steamed to perfection, fresh, and flavorful and I'm glad I ordered it!! A lovely couple next to us ordered lobsters which looked fabulous, and part of me wishes I could go back to try! For dessert we ordered the flourless chocolate torte (I believe was the name?), and a brownie sundae. Both were SO tasty, and an amazing end to the dinner! I almost ate until I was sick! Only cons I would say is that if you go here, please order SEAFOOD, As it seems cooking meat may not be their speciality. My bf ordered a burger (he's not a seafood type of guy), and it was under-cooked at first. They took it back and fixed it, but in the end he said it was still just "ok." Also we ordered a Bloody Mary at one point (which comes with an oyster floater! YAY!), but it was sent back because it was quite bland. Overall, I'd DEFINITELY say take the drive and check this place out! Especially if you love beautiful views, and can truly appreciate fresh seafood! It was the best I had out of the 3 weeks I spent in RI!

    (5)

  • Gabe R.

    This place keeps surprising me with it stuff and food !! The owner is such a great man !!

    (5)

  • Nathan A.

    Great oysters? Yes! Great fish & chips? Yes, some of the best I've had. Great fried oysters? You bet. And to top it all off, the best coleslaw I've ever had. Hands down. That's a bit of an odd review, but it's true. Loved my entire meal. Have only visited during winter/early spring and it was packed. Can't wait to visit again in the summer.

    (5)

  • Donald E.

    One of our favorite oyster bars. But undergoing renovations now--very noisy. Should be better when completed. Will return.

    (2)

  • J K.

    Farm to Table Boat to Table says it all. We loved it, tried a bunch of things over two nights and were not disappointed. We love our fresh seafood. My GF nearly had a "when harry met Sally moment" over her farm fresh salad. Great staff, drinks, and deck. Even free valet parking.

    (5)

  • Jenn C.

    Excellent food in a beautiful setting. The place is always packed for a reason. Grab a drink, take in the view, and relax while you wait for your table.

    (5)

  • Matthew H.

    I can be rather high-maintenance. I'm from New York City and I can be difficult to please. I already walked in to the restaurant annoyed that I had to accept the complimentary valet parking when I prefer to park my own car and keep my keys. Okay, this was seriously about the best lunch I've ever had (and I eat in some nice restaurants both in NYC and in my travels). Wow! I'm trying to figure out some reason to get back to Rhode Island again soon. Wow! This was really something ... and I don't gush compliments very generously.

    (5)

  • Jennifer G.

    Don't believe the hype. Crowded. They were putting 6 adults at a table for four! Noisy. Mediocre food. NE clam chowder tasted like cream, butter and dill. So much dill couldn't taste the clams. Asked for extra cherry peppers with the calamari and the charged me two dollars. Had the lobster roll. Too much butter on the overwhelming roll. They charged 8 dollars for the Bloody Mary then up charged and addition 2 dollars for the well vodka. My party had greasy looking fried clams, and baked stuffed lobster with potato and veg that lacked seasoning. Left with a headache due to the noise level. First and last time.

    (2)

  • Kate A.

    Visited for the first time tonight. By far some of the best seafood in RI. You can't get oysters any fresher than here because they farm them right on site.

    (4)

  • Andrea B.

    I've lived in Rhode Island for about 6 months and this was hands down the best meal I have had thus far. The oysters and champagne were amazing. The mussels were literally the best I have ever had in my life (and I've eaten quite a few). Love this place and I will definitely be back!!

    (5)

  • Heather C.

    The food was delicious. The oysters were fresh and large. The scallops and risotto were so yummy. I look forward to go back and try more of the menu since it all looked so yummy.

    (5)

  • George H.

    Been coming here for years and it just keeps expanding. A new second floor helps accommodate the huge crowds. The owner is constantly running around cleaning and helping the staff making sure everything runs perfectly. The stuffed lobster is amazing and you should definitely check it out.

    (5)

  • Cynthia L.

    Love love love this place!! The great bar and appetizer scene outside by the water makes the loooong wait not so painful. The food is just fantastic! All the fish is great, I had a wonderful linguine with clams, everyone loves what they order every time I go.

    (4)

  • Judy M.

    By far one of the best dinners I have enjoyed in Rhode Island. Even though there is a line down the street to get a table in the summer season, there is no rush once you are seated. You will enjoy delicious local flavors, and spectacular sunsets. They have good beer on tap, or many great wine selections. A great place in season - worth the wait! As well as off season!!

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Food= Great. That's it. The oyster farm= Pure slavery! No joke. I know a guy who worked here 4 times a week for 5 hours and quit after 3 weeks because it was hell. Spending all day picking oysters out of the water and carrying heavy bags of them back and forth for 500 feet in thick wet sand. And the guy he worked for was an asshole. How much did he get payed? $0.00 per hour, a very generous wage. Despite being one of the last places in the USA to use slave labor and cruelty to slaves of all races, the seafood at MOB is delicious and I recommend eating it any time. Just not working here.

    (4)

  • Anne M.

    As always the food is great but was disappointed in the renovation..Huge lines for the ladies room and they were dirty with no soap and no paper..Why would you expand the seating and remove a bathroom? Better fix this quick!!

    (3)

  • Eric G.

    Went last Saturday. Long wait. Very loud. Pros: excellent raw oysters and clams, steamers were sweet and there was no sand. Seared tuna salad was delicious, very good Zuppa da clams. Beautiful scenery Cons: greasy fried clams, greasy limp french fries. Management tried to correct the situation and sent out more clams and french fries which were even greasier than the first batch. $10 Bloody Marys. I will give them another try if only to eat those awesome raw oysters but will definitely avoid anything fried or named Mary. Parking was tough try to get a spot in the lot after the restaurant on the left otherwise you will wait in a line for valet parking when they are busy. Police were out front directing traffic. The female officer was nice the male was a dickhead.

    (3)

  • Alex P.

    By far the best restaurant in town. I've read some of the negative reviews on here and all I can say is one word. Haters. I've been here over a dozen times and every time I come out happy. service is top notch, and most of all the food is. There will always be a wait when you come to this place, so expect it. Complimentary valet parking is available but not the only option, There is a lot across the street that is available for $10. The food is just on another level. The lobster roll, calamari, and duck are out of this world. I recommend this place to anyone, although if you have young kids it may not be the best decision when having to wait an average of 30-45 minutes.

    (5)

  • Keith F.

    This place is not short of 5-star ratings, but it's no wonder why! Their seafood is LOCAL (Some of it is literally from their pond off the back porch), DELICIOUS, and INEXPENSIVE. On our way in to Newport for the weekend (Saturday brunch time) we stopped in here after we read such glowing yelp reviews. There was a significant wait to get a table. But the food that was zooming past us looked that good that we all wanted in so we vowed to come back for dinner Sunday night. Fortunately, this proved to be an insightful decision as there was no wait on the Sunday night. Now, onto the food. RAWBAR We sat next to the fresh oyster and clam bar, where two shuckers were working at a frenetic pace to keep up with the demand. We simply had to sample the goods. We got a range of oysters and clams. My personal favorite were their local pond oysters. They're a bit smaller, sweeter and less briny than their east coast saltwater cousins. I prefer less briny so these were right in my sweet spot! I hadn't tried raw clams before, but enjoyed my maiden tasting experience. They have a bit more bite and chew to them than oysters, but are worth trying if you're a raw clam noobie like me. HOT FOOD - fried oyster app to share. Creamy inside, crunchy out. Always a winning combination - lobster butternut bisque- holy moly. If you like lobster and/or butternut soups then do not hesitate. This was insanely good - seafood paella special- really tasty, lots of good, local seafood in here - yellowfin tuna special- also great. The creamy mustard sauce was delicious and the tuna perfectly seared. - stuffed lobster- half lobster filled with additional seafood then crumbed and baked. Like a delicious seafood surprise on each bite - scallops dish with the risotto, brussel sprouts and crispy bacon- as good as it gets. Every mouthful was exciting. Perfectly caramelized scallops, bacon bits super crispy and risotto creamy and delicious. Combination of flavors and textures were ingenious. If you think this sounds good- then do not hesitate to order it! You will not be disappointed! OTHER - as mentioned earlier, the prices here are really accessible and reasonable for fresh, high quality seafood. Great value for money on top of all of the other pluses is what makes this place such a winner - service was pretty great too. Laura, our waitress was gorgeous, friendly, and passionate about her seafood. The only small criticism I can give is that we were not offered dessert and just brought the check. Perhaps somewhat understandable given it was the end of the night and they were packing up. But still worth noting as it was one of the few minor blemishes on a near perfect dining experience - While collecting our empty rawbar tray, one of the other employees also treated us to some interesting oyster science knowledge. Here is a simplified version of what he told us: "Did you know" Winter is apparently the best season for harvesting and enjoying oysters as they are at their most plump. They apparently feed and fatten up over the previous few months, in anticipation for the cold winter (similar to a bear going into hibernation). Very interesting stuff! All up, hands down our best meal in the area, but probably even rivals some of the great meals we've enjoyed in New York and around the world. If you're near the area, this stopover is a MUST!

    (5)

  • Meredith R.

    Goat cheese and beet salad was hugh and fresh. Fish and chips excellent. Looking at other tables the mussel looked really good and were huge.

    (5)

  • Vic-Crys W.

    Pros: Cute view of a river/bay/small body of water. Really, really good cooked oysters. Good food, super friendly service (gj Laura!). Scallops were suuuuuper delish. Cons: The cooked oysters were kinda small; there is nothing "ridiculous" about the restaurant to push it to an awe-inspiring "5"; and the fish could have used a bit more flavor. Bottom Line: one of the best restaurants in the area for a nice relaxing weekend. Comparable To: Chart House

    (4)

  • Kim S.

    This is a great place to go and have one if the best fish dinners. The location is so picturesque on the water and the service is excellent and the food is even better. This is a great culinary experience you shouldn't miss. My recommendations are the calamari, the scallops the swordfish. For dessert don't miss the chocolate raspberry cake. It's amazing!

    (5)

  • Amber B.

    My favorite place in RI to indulge. By far the best local seafood and fresh local veggies RI has to offer. Don't forget to save room for homemade desserts! It's worth the hour wait! Have a drink and shoot some oysters while you wait. I almost forgot the incredible view!! It's practically in the water.

    (5)

  • Carissa K.

    This place could not be any better! I have been several times but most recently went for Father's Day. We started with oysters which were SO GOOD. For an entree, I had the seared scallop special with corn salsa, mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was so fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend had the seared tuna special. It came with this sauce that was absolutely heavenly. We ended with dessert, I had the salted caramel cheesecake and others at our table had the strawberry rhubarb tart and the key lime pie pop. Everything was so good, there was not one mediocre bite of food to be had. The food is upscale gourmet done right with reasonable prices. I also love that each time I have been there, the owner is always walking around helping checking in on the tables. What a great place!

    (5)

  • Melissa P.

    Love this place! Adorable location and great outdoor seating. The food, the service, and the valet were all wonderful and the Oysters Rockefeller was amazing, best I've had. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Conner G.

    Always a long wait and loud atmosphere. They have a excellent raw bar. The food is always fresh and worth the wait. The ahi tuna salad is delicious along with the seared scallops.

    (4)

  • Erwin C.

    Everything in this restaurant is amazing! Love the blackened tuna. The Matunuck oyster are delicious. Never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Amanda P.

    SO FRIGGEN DELICIOUS. Got a gift card to this place from my dad who raved about it. They had a tent like structure set up outside with a bucnh of heaters so we got to see the sunset, it was great. Got the oyster sampler and they were fresh and tasty. The boy got the pint of clams dinner and I got the fried oysters and we shared. The oysters were the far better choice. I can't wait to go back in the summer!

    (5)

  • Tanya J.

    Fabulous place to eat. The food was phenomenal, the servers were great and we especially enjoyed Brendan, one of the bartenders. The outside area to dine was very nice with a great bar area.

    (5)

  • Amelia S.

    It takes forever to get in there on a gorgeous summer day...but here's a hint: Go around 4ish and have an early dinner or late late lunch. That's what we did and we were seated quickly AND right on the water! The portions were great, and the salmon was super fresh! I wish they gave tours of the oyster farm!!!!

    (4)

  • Dennis U.

    We came to the Matunuck Oyster Bar on a dreary December after noon. Lots of Yelpers have commented on the long waits but if you come off season its a very pleasant experience. We got there on an incoming tide so it was kind of fun to sit by the window and watch the tide fill the little cove behind the restaurant. (Is this where the oyster farm is?). The overall decor is one that I'm begining to see in a number of New England seafood houses. Not divey, not sterile commercial, but kind of wam and welcoming and bright. Service was fine. We were waited on by a pleasant young lady who was new to the trade and most likely working at a temporary position. Competant and nice but not real professional. Now lets get down to the important part the food. What we had was excellent. We started off with a dozen oysters from 3 local sources. The were plump, fresh, briny... what you would expect from a joint that farms its own oysters. We moved on to more shellfish. My companion had the mussels in a saffron cream sauce and I had the littlenecks with chorizo and beans. Wow. The mussels were a bit rich to my taste but my companion finished them all off and would have sopped up all of the broth if she had the capacity. Similarlly for me and the littlenecks, fabulous and I just wished I had more capacity to finish off the beans and chorizo. We were able to wash this all down with a very reasonably priced mucadet selected from a wine list that while not extensive , offered a selection appropiate to the meal offerings, a very nice balance. I will hazard the 20 mile drive again before the summer season, probably several times. Who knows I may become addicted enough to hazard a visit in the summer season. It seems to be well worth it.

    (4)

  • Liza L.

    I had not heard about this cute and cozy restaurant until I was passing by on my way to the Cape and was given a recommendation by Debbie of the StageCoach Inn. I really enjoyed the food everything was filled with flavor and cooked just right. We started with the Oysters, Rockefeller, BBQ and Cucumber. Delish . Pasta dish - Al Dente with Shrimp. PERFECT. Grilled Tuna - Perfect. The owner came by and asked how our meal was, exceptional. Thought it was a nice touch. Sunset was perfect. Definitely a Do Over!! The only downside the line for parking. Get there early.

    (4)

  • Allison W.

    Love this restaurant! The tuna entree I had here was one of the best meals I have ever had. This is a hidden gem.

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    Always a great meal and great service! Something that sets them apart for me is that their kids meals are still good food just smaller portions. I dislike when I'm having a great meal and my kids are having previously frozen chicken or something of that quality.

    (5)

  • Nadej G.

    Had our first experience here this week. Mixed feelings about this place. The Good: ridiculously fresh, high quality seafood. For apps we ordered NE chowder (stellar, sophisticated flavor), Oysters Rockafeller (which totally wowed us -- I've never cooked with Pernod, but now I will, what an astonishingly rich flavor) and Pt. Judith Calmari (huge portion, fresh fresh fresh calmari, great batter... this is as good as calmari can get). The "Meh": One of the main courses ordered was Seared Scallops. Yes, the scallops were huge and yes, very fresh, but what an ultimately uninspired dish. First of, the scallops were a little overcooked/tad rubbery and then they were watery too because they sat in the sauce from the brussel sprouts. The point of a scallop sear is to provide that ever so slight crispy edge texture, coupled with an almost creamy softness inside. It's a powerful contrast of textures. All that was missing. Never mind the bland sides. My Jambalaya was a tad dry (though the flavor was perfectly balanced) but again, the shrimp on top was rubbery. Perfectly fresh amazing-looking jumbo shrimp, overcooked. The Bad: Noise level. Probably the loudest food place I've ever been to. Had to yell to each other to communicate. The husband got an awful headache. The owner came by to check on our table then left. I asked him why he did not tell the owner about the overcooked items and he just said he wanted to get the hell out of there due to the noise. He's never done that in many years of our marriage. I felt bad, cos it was his birthday. The other bad thing is, of course, their prices. For what they charge, you'd expect everything to come out perfectly cooked and it just wasn't.

    (3)

  • Gary E.

    Can be crowed but worth the wait. Seafood is fresh, oysters are shucked all day by two guys that do nothing else. They have one of my top 3 Lobster Rolls, it's really good. They have a ton of waitstaff, I have never seen so many waitstaff for a relatively small place. They do try to get everyone in and out in a comfortable amount of time.

    (4)

  • Justin M.

    Absolutely amazing seafood!! This place really makes me miss RI! Stopped by last weekend in the afternoon and absolutely packed to the gills! Ended up with a great table outside after a short wait which we had a couple of beers from the outdoor bar... While extremely busy, service was flawless, greeted quickly, brought over more drinks, and the feast began! Started with a selection of oysters and jumbo shrimp- I'm serious, these shrimp are massive! Devoured those very quickly! Next came a Caesar salad, of course they do it the right way with anchovies, perfect amount of dressing and nice grilled bread on the side. Also, when you split a salad, they portion it out for you in 2 plates, which again was perfect. Our meals then came out, with one order of the swordfish, which was fresh and tasty, with some excellent sides, perfect summer dish. I had the fish and chips, which again could not have been better, fish was fried but not greasy at all, the fish just melted in your mouth, the cole slaw was vinegary and sweet, just the way I like it, and the fries were great. Waddled our way out of there to retrieve the car from valet, satiated, happy and stuffed!

    (5)

  • Brandy M.

    Wow! Amazing food and staff! Gorgeous view, I'm very excited to see the new addition!

    (5)

  • Anthony C.

    Outstanding Oysters and Seafood selection! Staff are friendly and attentive! One of my favorite summer spots, it never disappoints!!

    (5)

  • Catherine M.

    My first 5 star on Yelp!! This restaurant is absolutely perfect starting with the view. The Judith Point oysters were ice cold and magnificent. The flavor combos in the grilled shrimp, arugula, watermelon, feta, pignoli salad was beyond compare. If I lived here, I would stop in at least once a week. But I would do it at 1130am to avoid the wait!!

    (5)

  • Josh H.

    Went there for mid day meal. Had lobster. Cooked perfectly. Had stuffies. Flavorful and great texture. Had the tuna tartare tacos. Not too shabby. Dogfish IPAs. Yum. Overall food great. So many seafood places to choose from so it's hard for one to stand out but this one does. Waiter was excellent. At first he saw us, covered in tattoos but dressed nicely and had a look of "I hope these guys don't skip the bill" on his face but relaxed when he talked to us. It's sad and funny at the same time but we are used to it. You can tell it's a money town when the first reaction of people is to look at you and assume you don't belong because you're not exactly like them. Seems like half locals and half snobby tourists with sweaters around their necks. Wtf is up with that. Anyways spent 125 and walked out happy feeling like it was worth the price. Sat outside towArds the back. Perfect view and noise level. We went around two thirty pm. We will be returning. With skull covered sweaters around our necks.

    (5)

  • Augie B.

    With a waterside scenery, beautiful sunset, great friends, and great atmosphere; my time there was quite enjoyable. There is only valet parking. If you go on a busy day, there will be a substantial wait time, but it's ok there is a bar. It may be a little pricey for some but just be prepared. I indulged myself with a dozen oyster accompanied with a beer. Unfortunately, the names of the oysters escapes me but the taste I have not forgotten. I occasionally put toppings on the oysters but chose to eat it "naked" and my god, the sweet and briny taste of each one was phenomenal. Overall this place was amazing.

    (5)

  • Hank D.

    We went this Monday and it was pretty packed for a Monday at 5pm. Valet the car that took no time at all. We were greeted immediately and sat with in 3 minutes under the tent. It was a little cold outside so I wish we waited for a seat in the sun. The server was very professional and knowledgable about the menu. The drinks were great and the food was excellent as I ordered the prime rib with scallops on the side. My mother in law had the lobster roll and my wife and the sea bass. The appetizer was 2 orders of raw oysters with 3 different oyster selections. The whole experience was great and the staff can burn and turn a table with out making you feel rushed in the slightest. I highly recommend this spot and I not sure why I haven't gone sooner?!?

    (5)

  • Jessica A.

    Great dinner. What a crowd there was a line of traffic to get into the parking lot with a cop directing. Dinner was good we had a bass special, the vegetables were great it was a mix of maybe 5 veggies fresh not too cooked. I did not eat from the raw bar but my boyfriend did and it was good. The raw bar looks good. The whole place all together was a nice atmosphere. Definitely would return.

    (5)

  • Rob R.

    I am sad that this 5-star dining experience is so far away from where I live. Sigh. So, why the 5 stars?: - the seafood was delicious. We had a massive plate of oysters, steamers, fried clams, clam chowder, raw clams, and clams cooked in sauce. We all left fatter. - better prices than that fancy joints in Providence - great location. If you sit outside you get a view of a marshland/river, docks, old dudes on paddleboards, and other wildlife. - they were super busy (on a Monday) but it still only took 4 minutes to get a table. Luck of the draw? - food and drink orders were also delivered fast, despite the crowd - Some people don't like this one, but their servers are all really attractive. What? It's part of the scenery... - Our particular server was the most mellow dude in the world. As in lobotomy mellow. Drop a plate? Groovy. One person at the table can't eat gluten? Groovy - we got all kinds of clams, I'll get you something else. He was so mellow we didn't notice him show up half the time.

    (5)

  • Karen L.

    My favorite place!!! The view is spectacular, food consistently delicious, and service perfect. They have the freshest seafood, veggies, and meats; a true understand of farm to table. Favorite dishes are raw matunuck oysters, bourbon oysters, scallops, lobster roll, farm fresh veggies, salmon, and pesto chicken pasta... just to name a few! A must visit!!

    (5)

  • Jim W.

    So fresh, so well prepared, so shut the front door good! For my first visit we ordered a couple of mega trays of the fresh shellfish as you enter. You won't find better oysters, little necks, shrimp and scallops. The meal following was just as crazy good. I had a halibut special cooked perfectly! You know it is good when there are six people passing forks back and forth for the duration of the meal. Excellent!!!

    (5)

  • Craig C.

    So we actually live on the shoreline in CT, about 75 minutes south. However, when in the mood for top-notch seafood, we get in the car and head across the border to RI, probably passing 100 or-so seafood restaurants along the way. We take friends and visitors here; we meet people here from MA or RI. Any excuse for a Matunuck fix. I never cease to be amazed at their ability to move vast hordes of humanity through on any summer weekend (though we try to come up during the week) (pity the poor valet parking guys who run non-stop for hours on end) and still provide really good and well-prepared seafood. DO NOT miss the Oyster sampler, usually including at least a couple of their own varieties. Small, sweet and nutty. Fried belly clams are tops. Grilled fish ditto. Haven't yet had a losing meal. Fringe benefit -- very attractive wait staff.

    (5)

  • Beverly S.

    I have been dying (well not quite, but very anxious) to go to the Matunuck Oyster Bar for quite a while now. I have heard so many people say "we're going there for dinner tonight," "my niece took me for my birthday," etc. and I just for some reason did not have the opportunity or the desire to drive "all the way" to South County for a meal. Ah, but today, serendipitously I had a doctor's appointment in Wakefield and my dear friend would be getting out of her OLLI class at URI at the same time. Perfect opportunity to get together for lunch at the lovely Matunuck Oyster Bar. The weather was just perfect for dining al fresco, and sunny enough to sit under the large canopy covering a large percentage of the outdoor seating area. (The other area of outdoor seating, but not undercover, was the bar, at which people seemed to be eating, drinking, and having a lot of fun!) My friend and I were both STARVING. Thus, we over-ordered. I don't know why, but we both do this sometimes, she more than I, and we end up either leaving a lot of food uneaten, or my pal gets to go home with a large doggie bag, I wanted a glass of wine, and ended up ordering a Bloody Mary. Yeah, I do weird stuff like that sometimes - I think it had something to do with being hungry. We both had Bloody Mary's and they were both excellent. Due to our starvation, we both ordered appetizers (the menu is SO extensive, I literally changed my mind about four times as to what to order). Friend ordered six grilled oysters (cooked in a variety of ways: 2 were Rockefeller, 2 were barbecued and 2 were in pesto I think.) I actually prefer raw oysters to grilled, but I tasted a couple and they weren't bad. In turn I shared my humongous (not an exaggeration) platter of calamari. It was done really nicely - with a light crust and, of course, deep fried with hot peppers, this being RI and all, with pending legislation in the State House, even, to make this the state appetizer. (Not kidding). I also ordered a BOWL of chowder, when seriously folks, a cup would have been quite sufficient. I could not finish the bowl of chowder, along with the calamari appetizer - we split the calamari and there was still some left on the plate. The chowder was excellent - it was the clear type, and filled with fresh, tender clams (MOST unusual), and perfectly cooked potatoes and BACON! How could you go wrong with this? You can't -- it was delicious -- but I could only finish less than half. I had to change my lunch order because it sounded too filling and I thought I would fall over-my plate-asleep-right there at the table. Instead, my dining companion and I each ordered a half a lobster, served cold, with the shells all cracked and accompanied by some cocktail sauce and lemons. I was too full to enjoy it, and I only ordered it because I know a half a lobster is gonna be very light fare - it doesn't have much meat in it. It was good, as far as I could tell. I was literally too stuffed to really know how good it was. In our maniacally hungry mode when we first arrived, we also ordered, and then cancelled, an order of french fries! I simply do not know what we were thinking. Girls just don't eat like this!! We felt like we had just gotten out of prison, where we were not fed much. :-) My mother and father used to tell me my eyes were bigger than my stomach. My stomach is a lot larger today than it was back then, but this adage still applies to me sometimes. We finished our meal bursting at the seams, and had some coffee, but obviously, no dessert. The service was excellent, our orders were changed with our waitress easily, and she kept a smile on her face the whole time! Whew. The place was PACKED - on a Monday afternoon - from lunchtime right up until we left at around three (it takes a while to eat all of that food!) - and it's not even the season yet, down at the beach. Bottom line, everything we had was an excellent representative of the type of food we ordered, but we ate too much to honestly enjoy it as much as we should have. Yes, we committed the seventh deadly sin - gluttony. I am ashamed of myself. I don't think my friend is though - she is skinny and can eat her own weight in food just about any time. (I am not skinny and cannot normally eat THAT much, yet I still gain weight. Life.Is.Not.Fair) When I go back to the Matunuck Oyster Bar, I will use better judgment, will know better what (and how much) to order, In the meantime, I heartily suggest you try it. I do not know if they take reservations, but from what I've heard this place is always packed so plan ahead. And P.S., we sat in a lovely area abutting a body of water (a pond perhaps), where all of the oysters at this restaurant are homegrown. Our greeter told us there were hundreds of thousands of oysters down there, all grown and harvested by the restaurant's owner. Good times at the Oyster Bar! I will def go back, and will do a follow up Yelp!

    (4)

  • Justin B.

    I have to say, This is my favorite seafood restaurant! Plenty of outdoor seating with large umbrellas makes this the destination after a day on the beach! Valet parking, great staff, and excellent food, Matunuck Oyster Bar just nails it! First off the oysters are local, I mean they are so local the boat that they use is parked on the dock off the dining patio. The owner also is the Oyster "farmer", and is the nicest guy you will ever meet! Not only did he come by and ask us how our meal was, but I saw him clearing a table to help his staff. The Seafood is the freshest you're going to find, just around the corner is Snug Harbor, which is the full of the best fisherman in New England. They keep Matunuck Oyster Bar stocked with fish that just can't get any fresher. The Stuffie is a must and so is the Littlenecks Clams and Chorizo. I love they way they prepare Yellowfin Tuna! I have had it a few times prepared multiple ways. You just can't go wrong!

    (5)

  • S Nicole M.

    I really wanted to come to Matunuck Oyster Bar. For a really long time, in fact. I was anticipating a five star experience...or at least a solid four star. I don't need perfection. First off. I was a liltte intimidated by the stories of a lengthy wait. I mean, I usually have my three little ones in tow along with my husband. The four of them (my husband included) do not tolerate a wait of more than a couple of minutes. Date night sans kids provided a great opportunity for me to venture here. I knew I could soothe my husband's table wait anxiety with their fully stocked bar. We pulled up to the complimentary valet which was a nice surprise. Not so nice? The stench wafting from the back of the restaurant that greeted my nostrils when I stepped out of my car. I mean nasty of all nasty odors. Asked the valet and he joked about low tide...and then admitted it was from the discarded shells. Note to owners - find a better way to get rid of it. Luckily no signs of the stench followed us to the lovely deck overlooking the river. I put my request in for an umbrella'd table and took my pager/buzzer to the outside bar to enjoy a date night drink. The bar man was pleasant and poured a lovely Jack 'n Diet Coke that started the night off right. Limited beer selections stumped the huz and he ended up settiling for a Corona. Three draft craft choices were okay, but some other bottled opitions (other than Corona, Bud and Coors) would be welcome. We didn't really wait that long. But who really cares how long when you're knee deep in a heavy Jack 'n Diet Coke? (I am ever a fan of liquid dinners, but tonight was about the food). My verdict. Overall the food was mediocre at best with a couple a brief shining stars. The calamari had the potential for excellence with the arugula,capers and alioli but came out as a greasy, over-fried disappointment. The stuffie had good flavor but it wasn't heated all the way through and was actually cold in the center. I did enoy a plate of cherrystones and Matunuck oysters from the raw bar, but was almost done with the plate when the waitress returned with my horseradish. For dinner, my husband and I both enjoyed the lobster roll. Generous chunks of claw and knuckle nestled in a bun that I felt was way too big. I am a fan of the traditional butter grilled hot dog bun and this roll was more like a grinder roll. But high marks for the simple prep which showcased the lobster with little mayo and subtle seasonings. I was excited for the handcut french fries that accompanied the lobster roll but they arrived greasy and way over done. I like crispy but there wasn't even a scant trance of potato inside the fries. The service wasn't terrific. I didn't get a second Jack 'n Diet until dinner even though my glass sat lonely at the edge of the table. We didn't get a server check-in after the appetizer food arrived at the table so when our dinner course arrived, she asked if everything was okay. I politely told her about the lacking issues and she said "you should have told me". Where were ya? Poor dear. Obviously, not a ON night for her. So I guess I really don't know what all the fuss is about. The prices are on target for the area, but honestly the food did not impress.And neither did the service. I love seaside escapes that serve up good eats and this spot just doesn't fit the bill.

    (2)

  • Laura S.

    When I imagined what my life was going to be like after moving to Providence, this was it. I stopped in for a late lunch with a friend after a few hours lounging on the beach in East Matunuck. We were seated on the patio almost immediately, and had perfect weather - blue skies, a light breeze, warm but not too hot. I mean, I know I can't give the restaurant credit for the amazing weather, but it was a wonderful spot to take advantage of it! Neither of us had ever eaten an oyster before (I know!) so we both started off with 3 raw oysters, one of each type they had available that day. Our waitress was very helpful when I told her that I had no idea how to eat them. I screwed up my courage and ... discovered that I like oysters! A lot! I usually try to get something different than my dining companions so that we can share and maximize the potential deliciousness, but both of us quickly realized that we couldn't order anything but the lobster roll. This was an excellent tactical decision, because had we planned to share it, someone would have been disappointed - there is no way you would have gotten half of that sandwich off my plate! I *might* have been willing to give you a bite, but only one. The sandwich was full to brimming of giant, delicious chunks of lobster meat with a very light amount of mayonnaise dressing - just enough for flavor and to hold it together, but not at all goopy. Exactly what I was looking for. The sandwich was served with a massive portion of very good fries. It wasn't an inexpensive meal, but for the quality of the food and the location it was absolutely worth it.

    (5)

  • Lyd M.

    My Summer isn't complete until I've sat on the deck, taken in the beautiful view, sipped a glass of white wine, and indulged in a dozen oysters and a lobster roll. This is the best seafood around. So fresh, delicious, and simply prepared. The prices are totally reasonable and the service is great considering how busy it always is. I try to go mid-afternoon weekdays because I usually end up with a table on the deck after a short wait. Owner Perry's oysters are the best, hands down, and he just started his own vegetable farm this year as well. It gets better every year and is shaping up to be a real destination restaurant in RI. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Meghan C.

    My husband and I ate here yesterday after a neighbor recommended we try it since we are huge seafood people. We weren't disappointed! Some of the oysters we had literally came from the other side of the deck we ate on. Some of the vegetables are from their veggie garden. The food was amazing and the steamers were some of the best I have ever had. Sweet..not a si gel bit of sand. My husband LOVE his burger, and the views/ atmosphere are perfect. ENTHUSIASTICALLY recommend!!

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    you will not be disappointed!!!!!! The best chowder and seafood you will ever eat. However, if you are bringing small kids, be aware of the wait . This is a small place, and very popular, so you definitely expect to wait in line. It is worth the wait however. All their seafood is local and fresh, I think the biggest problem may be that they are understaffed.. also , don't bring big groups here, there's just no room.. and they don't take reservations.

    (4)

  • Melanie S.

    Good, but 2 peeves. Flies. Flying all around inside. Disgusting!!! The waitress, Naomi will single you out by asking only you and not your date for ID. Tactless. I'm in my 30's-I don't mind being asked, but don't single me out! Unless you're with someone who is way older; all parties should be asked for their IDs. (At my job, I make sure to follow that rule; as it's tacky to not.) Don't get me wrong; she was nice, other than that. The food was pretty good. I wasn't blown away; but maybe it was the disgusting kamikaze flies that were distracting me from my experience. I'd probably go back and give it another shot; maybe I'll try the outdoor seating and hope for less flies, this time.

    (3)

  • Brandon And K.

    Great seafood. The atmosphere is nice, but outside is a bit low key with outdoor bar and seating covered by pop up tents. If you like mussels they are a must have. The service is great because they have so many people working there. You will never have a table filled with dirty plates and empty water glasses. Very limited restrooms. The view from the patio is very pretty. It is usually very busy, but it's worth the wait and the valet parking.

    (4)

  • BrklynMaitai Y.

    Had to stop there for lunch today. Started with refreshing Matanuck martini. We enjoyed the oyster Sampler and little neck clams from the raw bar. Had linguini with clam sauce and ordered a lobster roll to go. OMG to die for lobster roll very meaty on delicious buttery bread. He had the grilled atlantic salmon. The ginger chili glaze is quite yummy and the crispy snow peas and rice...Great dish. Manager came by and checked on every table. The service was excellent. Definitely stop in you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Kelly D.

    I've been here many times and have always had a positive experience. I'm a local, so I generally try to avoid the summer crowds. But, my mother-in-law was recently in town and made a reservation for 9 of us. I thought we'd all be "3 sheets to the wind" before we got seated. As it turned out our wait was only a half hour. I was pleasantly surprised and still sober. The waitstaff were great. The oysters are a must for first timers and frequent flyers. Lobster rolls, tuna steak, swordfish, pasta with white clam sauce....just to name a few, were all delicious. Some reviewers complain about the crowds and the noise. This is a popular place. Probably THE most popular restaurant in South County. If you're a tourist or a seasonal visitor expect the crowds, the noise, and longer waits. It's worth it!

    (5)

  • Joel G.

    Best oysters during week-long trip through New England. Enjoyed the steamers with drawn butter, too. Entrees were lacking in flavor and inspiration. Go for the raw bar and waterfront views.

    (5)

  • Andrew S.

    So much New England charm. It reminds me that, yes, God does exist in all creatures, all things. And I think He can be found in highest concentration in: - Stuffed Lobster from Matunuck Oyester Bar - The Islander sampler of various fresh, seasonal, local seafood - All the above washed down with a few local beers on draft A bit pricey but good. I seriously think about this place often, as I live in Manhattan, and can't wait to visit again. ASIDE FROM THE FOOD, I recommend: - Standing at the Raw Bar - Sitting at the Bar with a view, if weather permits (summer)

    (5)

  • Kara C.

    You cannot beat the food quality or service at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Servers and bartenders are friendly and knowledgable about the overall menu, oyster selection, and drink list. MOB has set the bar so high, I am disappointed when I eat other places. I don't even mind waiting a while to sit down since it is always worth it.

    (5)

  • Tom C.

    What a great place! A sleeper! On the way to the beach saw this cool little restaurant and stopped in. Wow! So glad we did. A great seafood place that filled up quickly. We arrived at about 11:30 on a Saturday morning. Only a few people in here an hour later the inside was full, they had expanded to the outside covered and heated sitting area and people were coming in by the fours. We had the calamari which was excellent. I had a bowl of chowder that was fantastic. It was filling, but not to rich. The kids were not feeling like seafood, so they opted for the kids pasta. I love Rhode Island restaurants. This place will not disappoint! Don't tell too many people though, let's keep it out secret.

    (4)

  • A Local's Review For U.

    Ate here last night for the first time. Had a "Fisherman's Dinner" special with fried cod, fried oysters, and a 'Homemade Stuffie' served with fries for $19. The fried fish and oysters were fine, enjoyable but nothing special, the stuffie was tasty but I could detect nothing other than breadcrumbs and seasoning. The fries were very good, cooked perfectly until crisp on the edges and well salted. Overall neither a rip off nor a bargain for $19. A glass of white wine ran $11, but I should have asked before ordering it, more reasonable options were available. Our dining partners had a lobster roll which looked very generous and was very well received, I would guess next time that might be my selection. Oysters on the half shell were also reported to be very nice. Overall, my impression was that similar quality food could be found elsewhere for a bit less, and I was a little disappointed that fries seemed to be served with almost everything, but that said, this place seems to serve reasonably good food at somewhat reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Rene L.

    Simply superb! The oysters, the cocktails, the rest of the menu, the staff, the owner, the location. What more can I say, we have been off season, at the height of the summer season, on weekday and weekends. They never slip or get offtrack.

    (5)

  • Kent R.

    Excellent food, service, view. Bourbon oysters as appetizer was excellent. Goat cheese and thyme cheesecake with honey walnut drizzled on it was superb. Paella nicely presented, good flavors and rice was only slight distraction seemed a little like minute rice. When crowds only valet free parking. Highly recommend especially on nice day. Will return many times.

    (4)

  • Adam B.

    Long wait for great food on a Friday night. Also had awesome service for as busy as they were.

    (4)

  • Dana G.

    Actually, I can give them no more than a 4.99 star rating, as they had "only" Matunuk oysters available on our visit. The tide was roiling out, and an early spring sunset was casting artists light. A beautiful woman was introducing me to her coastal pick. First, the platter of forementioned sweet oysters.Our shared beet, lettuce, goat cheese salad was garnished with a fistful of fried oysters The calimari was the best I have ever had Cherry peppers and jalapenos mixed in and dusted with capers. Our main was the seafood risotto. Succulent. masterful. Perfect. I would have paid twice over, twice over

    (5)

  • Jacki A.

    5 star review, obviously nothing new to this place. But it's well deserved. After going down to the actual farm where the veggies and the oysters are grown, we returned to the restaurant to talk to Perry and get some lunch. We started out with oysters rockefeller and a cup of New England clam chowder. I was surprise when the Rockefeller was a tad sweeter than usual, but it was still delicious. The clam chowder was delicious, no complaints. We then split the big bowl of mussels. We had to ask for more bread but... The garlicky, buttery broth was top notch, along with the locally harvested mussels. If I even lived in Rhode Island, I can assure you I would come here so much I would turn into the duke. The wait staff was friendly, and we had no wait! (Early lunch time got us seated right away) Love.

    (5)

  • Sarah M.

    If you're in Narragansett, DO NOT miss this place! Packed but worth a little bit of a wait for a table. Get a drink and oysters from the raw bar while you wait. Had the scallops - they were amazing. Highly recommend. The mussels looked amazing, will try them next time. Lobster roll looked amazing too. Really nice outdoor seating too - with space heaters. Good, quick service.

    (5)

  • Peter D.

    This is one of the top 5 restaurants in RI, hands down. It's the epitome of a classic top notch New England seafood restaurant. It's pricey but well worth it because the food is superb. I remember when you used to be able to park in the lot yourself and you could walk right in with no wait. *sigh*

    (5)

  • Kel S.

    This place is simply wonderful. To sit on top of an oyster bay, enjoy fresh oysters, scallop ceviche, and an amazing lobster roll sandwich with an amazing view is heaven on earth. The only better lobster roll I've had is on the Cape, but this one is right behind it. For the price, it compares (it is less than my favorite place, but has less meat). It's not to mayonnaise-y and comes with some greens on the side. One of my dining companions had calimari, which was also grand. It was a beautiful day to sit outside with some amazingly fresh and delicious seafood. Thank you, Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Tara A.

    Great food, great friendly service. It was my first time dining at Matunuck Oyster Bar and it certainly won't be my last. The oysters (of course) were great and the shrimp cocktail were enormous. I had the beet and goat cheese salad with fried oysters. DELISH! Only made better by the ice cold refreshing prosecco cocktail :-) The crowd was lined up to get a table when we left so either go early or order a cocktail and be prepared to wait. It will be worth it! Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Alyssa A.

    So great that you wonder.. "How is it possible for this to be so much better than any other seafood I've ever had?" Last weekend I visited the Matunic Oyster Bar as part of a 14 person post bridal shower extravaganza. We sat outside on a beautiful breezy summer day... but not too breezy... just perfect. The place was super Busy! ....but did that compromise the service of a table of 14? No! Not at all. Amazing 5 Star Service the entire time! The food was absolutely delicious and sitting with 13 other people there was quite a bit of sharing. Besides my Atlantic Salmon I also had a variety of Oysters, Scallops, and Stuffies. All delicious. You can not get fresher than this unless you went and caught it yourself.

    (5)

  • Hope A.

    This place is consistently good, fresh & local seafood, veggies out of the garden & a killer view. Owner is a local with his own oyster farm & is a wonderful guy. Customer service is very good. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is the outdoor area....come on, plastic chairs & tables when your meal is $25.....and take down the plexiglass wall in the summer....ruins the ambiance because there is no breeze.

    (4)

  • Adam C.

    great food great location I took my wife here on sat 27 April for her birthday.... As always ate lots of great oysters and steamers. A++++

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    Sunday dinner out with Deb

    (5)

  • Joanna C.

    We were driving through RI on our way to MA for a work bbq, and the boyfriend had never had a proper New England lobster roll, so I found this gem on Yelp. Sure, it was about an hour out of the way but SO WORTH IT! We waited about 15 minutes to sit outside (we had the option of being sat immediately inside, but it was such a beautiful day), and ordered up a oyster sampler while waiting at the bar. The oyster sampler was amazing! You can really taste the difference between the local oysters, and we were lusting over the GIANT shrimp they were putting on the seafood samplers. I love that the oysters were being shucked right in front of us! We were sat pretty quickly, and boyfriend had the lobster roll while I had the whole belly clams. Looked like there was an entire lobster in his roll, and I loooooooved my whole belly clams! Liberal shake of malt vinegar on my fries and I was in absolute heaven. I also had a chance to sneak in a bite of his lobster roll when he was distracted. SO good! Service was right on point, everyone was super friendly. Wish we were in the area longer, but it was worth going out of our way for this meal!

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar is a great little place right on the water and it was clear when we drove up that it was a good choice-- the valet line extended out of the parking lot and there was a huge group of people waiting for a table. They don't take reservations here, but after eating here I think we all agreed it was worth the wait. In the meantime, we pulled up a few chairs on the buy patio and waited it out with cocktails from the outdoor bar. We were seated in about half of our wait time-- you have to love when that happens! We aren't big raw bar fans, but we did order the jumbo shrimp, which was very good-- meaty and cooked perfectly. Our table also shared some stuffies and clam chowder to start the meal and everyone loved both items. The menu here is predominantly seafood dishes, of course. My husband got a lobster roll and a few people at the table ordered the seared sea scallops and raved about them. Even our non-seafood eating companions managed to find suitable entrees to order for themselves. I ordered one of the evening's specials and would highly recommend it if you see it on the menu on a future visit: Blackened tuna served with roasted peppers, smashed potatoes, and microgreens in a creole mustard sauce. So. good. The atmosphere here is laidback and beachy and the service is friendly. The owner came around several time to make sure everyone was enjoying their experience. He looked like he stepped right off a lobster boat, which reinforced for us how fresh the seafood here really is. I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Kent M.

    We drove down from Boston to see Rhode Island and get some seafood and Matunuck Oyster Bar seemed to have the most positive Yelp reviews. It was a little out of the way of the route we wanted to take, but it was totally worth it. The fresh shellfish was amazing and the sea scallops with truffle butter (recommended by the waiter) was unbelievably good. The only thing wrong with the Islander starter was that it was so much food for two people that I couldn't finish my scallops and couldn't try the delicious looking bread pudding. I'll have to go back with more people next time. There's a standing bar right as you enter the restaurant with normal tables in the rest of the space. The standing bar seems like a great place to grab a drink while you wait for the table, especially since there was absolutely no other space to wait other than outside. The outside seating also would have been great if it had been warmer. If I lived within a two hour drive from this place, I would go every week.

    (5)

  • Janet S.

    First time eating at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. We went on a Saturday night in August based on the recommendation of a nice guy at a local farmstand in Charlestown. I am so glad we took his advice. We had a great experience overall; the food was very good and the service was great. I love the atmosphere here with the outdoor bar and seating directly adjacent to a tidal creek. If you are anywhere on the South Coast of Rhode Island, put this place on your list. It was very busy on the night we visited and we waited for a table for one hour, but we were content to wait outside near the bar with a cocktail.

    (4)

  • Cathleen T.

    Our B&B hostess Nancy Richards suggested that we go here for dinner on Saturday night. She spoke highly of the food quality, staff and overall atmosphere of the restaurant. When you first get here you will be greeted by the local police which help usher traffic for the restaurant (first sign Nancy didn't steer us wrong.) Once parked we waited in the large bar area for our table. The bartenders were extremely attentive, hard working and polite. After a little over an hour we were seated in Monique's section. She was the sweetest waitress I have had in a long time. She helped suggest her favorite items on the menu and continued to check in on us frequently. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is there seems to be a septic problem that was letting out a terrible smell throughout dinner. Other than that I was extremely happy with the staff, food and wonderful atmosphere. Definite go if you're in the area and as a plus it looks like they're expanding!

    (4)

  • Joseph C.

    Having tried many seafood restaurants in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine, I have to put this place very near the top of my list of favorites. We went with another couple and all of our kids. The place is noisy so its automatically kid-friendly. I liked everything about this place. The oysters and clams were outrageously good. The prices were quite fair I thought contrary to some other reviews. We had a lot of food and drink and with 9 people total, the bill was surprisingly reasonable. The portions were generous, the service was great, the atmosphere was FUN and it was overall a great dining experience and I highly recommend it! We all ate a bunch of oysters, clams and shrimp as apps but I had to try the Linguini & Clams as an entree as its a personal favorite. It was covered with fresh little necks and tons of clam meat and very fresh pasta. I'd go here again and again! TIP: The valet lot gets full real quick. I waited for several minutes to have my car parked in the overfull lot and eventually I drove a little toward the beach and found a spot in the ice cream stand lot that they charge $5 for. Its directly across the street from the restaurant, I was able to park and lock my car and didn't have to worry about the valet cramming it into a spot and dinging it up. Think about it, you'd probably tip the valet close to five bucks anyway so I saw it as a wash. Try this place if in the area!

    (4)

  • patricia s.

    Great seafood, great view, great service! A must go if in the area . Clams with chorizo and white beans - amazing. Great lobster roll with huge chunks of claws. Shellfish so fresh and the "shuckers" super friendly. Somehow both casual and upscale at tge same time. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Laura W.

    I stopped by the Matunuck Oyster Bar for lunch today. I ordered the tuna sesame encrusted salad. It is the best salad in probably all of the state. It contained several pieces of fresh tuna, and it was on a bed of raw julienne farm-fresh vegetables mixed with arugula, cabbage, and iceberg lettuce. It was garnished with Chinese noodles and served with a lime cilantro dressing. The salad was generously portioned and more than adequate for a healthy, filling lunch. My server was cordial, professional, and attentive. I sat outside and the view was breath-taking.

    (5)

  • M K.

    We were in the area for a weeks vacation. We looked at both Trip Advisor & yelp before considering eating here. We also called ahead of time to see about reservations and/or seating. Having been told no reservations are taken, and we shouldn't have any problems being seated that evening, we arrived at 6:00pm. Well, we had an hour wait outside in a cold, windy bar before being seated. The drinks were the only thing that kept us warm. Then, we were finally seated, the atmosphere inside was crowded and so noisey, we could not have a conversation between the two of us. The food portions were adequate, however, in my humble opinion, no better than any other common fish house. As an example, their "stuffie" was nothing more than Stove Top stuffing with some clam meat mixed in - a big disappointment. We have no complaints about the service or outside bartender. But, between the long wait, (after having called ahead) and the lack luster food, we will not return. We chose this eatery based on reviews. We feel we had to offer a fair and honest opinion of our experience, as the Matunuck Oyster Bar did not meet our expectations based on the prior reviews.

    (2)

  • John O.

    I have once again eaten at the Matunuck Oyster Bar and the staff was once again horrendous. We got an e-mail stating there was an Oyster Special in March. $2.00 an Oyster. When we arrived (having driven two hours from CT), the waitress told us that the Oyster Special started at 4:00 pm. We ordered lunch, I went out to the car and got my phone and looked up the e-mail. It was a lunch special. The waitress tried to excuse herself by saying we ordered something different anyway . WTF ? We only ordered something different because this idiot didn't even know the specials. Hey Perry can you hire some half way smart waitresses? This girl was a complete dolt....either that or put your staff on your e-mail list so they can find out your specials!! When I wrote the owner to tell of this error, he didn't even have the decency to apologize. I'm all done with the Matunuck Oyster Bar - His help sucks, his prices have gone through the roof, and the portions keep getting smaller (plus it is just a pain in the ass to park!!!)....Good Luck Perry, your business is slowly dying !!1

    (2)

  • Marta H.

    Lucky enough to go for a lunch on a Monday and were seated on outside deck immediately. My husband and I split the dozen raw oysters and the fried oysters platter - both were amazingly delicious! We also had the thyme/goat cheese cheesecake - yummy. Cannot wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Denise B.

    This is my third time at this restaurant. The first time I declared this my favorite restaurant EVER. The second time the food and service was not up to standard. Today for lunch I had local oysters as an app with locally grown beet salad and New England clam chowder. All lovely but in need of a little seasoning. Definitely will return.

    (4)

  • Ashley Y.

    This is a place where you need to see to believe.. It is such a great place and the food is out of this world. It has the best seafood I have ever had. Everything is so fresh and when I mean fresh I mean you can see your food before you eat it. They harvest everything almost themselves from what I can gather.. One of my favorite items that is not local is their shrimp cocktail.. The shrimps are the largest and tastiest I have ever had. My family is in love with their lobster rolls and I love their fish and chips and oysters. Plus their cocktails are fantastic!! Downfall? No reservations and wait time in the summer during dinner time can well be over 2 hours. Plus if the weather is not great or during the winter inside seating is really small only a few tables. However we love this place!

    (5)

  • Diane T.

    You won't be disappointed! We went mid Friday afternoon because we heard it gets crowded later and it was perfect. Oysters, seafood plate and seared yellow fin tuna over mashed potatoes so good,chocolate bread pudding, different cocktails great service and a beautiful view! They have a deck to dine on also right on the water.

    (5)

  • Kevin V.

    I went for dinner. It is not worth the price. I'd recommend going for a drink by the water, but not for dinner. Overall, I'd say the service was one star, the food was three, and the location was four, and the price was one star. Overall, it felt like a two to me. The food is average. I tasted a few things because we shared. The steamer I had was good. It was shaped weirdly, but I liked it. Clam chowder was good, but nothing to write home about. Fish and chips was good. Fish was pretty good, but the fries were stale. The calamari was average. The fried clam entree was average. Because everything was nothing more than average and the price was high, I rate that a two. Service was poor. I had a server named Olivia. It was slow to get drinks, slow to get an order, slow to get the dinner rolls we asked for, slow the get the bill, etc. I asked for dinner rolls to get the kids something so they wouldn't be hungry, but they didn't come out until after the entrees. Other issues included getting an extra dinner plate that we requested after we finished, not getting more water, and not knowing what was in the food. If you are in town and want a drink, I'd say stop by, but go north for food if you can.

    (2)

  • Julie M.

    Fantastic grilled scallops and calamri. The brownie was perfectly cooked- a little gooey on the inside. The service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing. The valet parking was efficient and it was a relaxed casual atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Jessica S.

    Stopped in today for lunch. Let's start with the good. No one was outside trying to drive my car so I like that. Maybe it's only in the summer. Danielle was a great server I started with the grilled oysters with lemon and parsley. Oysters are a new thing for me and so far I'm not liking the raw or grilled ones, just a texture thing. Maybe they are better fried. If you like oysters, they had a good flavor. I don't find 5 tiny bites of anything to be worth $11 but that's just me. I ordered a hamburger medium well with salad. It was cooked perfectly. I was skeptical on the frozen key lime pie because I don't tend to like icy fruity things, which is what I imagined. But Danielle assured me people rave about. And she was right. Somehow they managed to keep the creamy texture of key lime pie covered in white chocolate in the form of a cold pop. I loved it. Coffee is good as usual. The quality of the food here is very good There not so good. I really like pickles on my burgers and they don't have them so I may have to go somewhere else for my burger cravings. This is what really drives me crazy here. There needs to be some clear direction as far as where to check in. When you park you are directed to the back, which is already odd . Once you get there, there is a ton of traffic outside but no host waiting for you so do you wait outside near the door or inside somewhere. I wait outside for a couple minutes because I saw the host doing stuff in that area but did not see a place to check in. Even if you look lost, no one is going to help you here. I go inside and wait near the door, which is really awkward because it is a high traffic area where the servers are going in and out and you feel like you are in the way. Oh yeah and that almost nonexistent amount of waiting space is also where people are waiting for the womens bathroom. After about 5 staff members passed me without saying anything and a few minutes passed, finally the host comes inside and noticed me standing there, probably looking irritated at that point. The whole setup sucks. Host, stay at the stand where people check in. I had the same issue the last time I was here. Fix the Clusterf**k at the back door please

    (4)

  • Jin C.

    If you are craving oysters, this is the place to go! I've also tried the lobster roll and it was good, but the jambalaya I had was a bit too greasy...I ended up having a stomachache. However, considering how fresh the oysters were, I give five stars!:)

    (5)

  • Lauren W.

    We went to MOB for the first time last weekend (4/26). We enjoyed ourselves! It was a nice-casual place. We lucked out by getting the last indoor table (got there at 6pm). It would have been okay to sit outside that night because it was 65*/heat lamps, but I usually freeze to death once the sun goes down, so I was happy to snatch the last warm seats! I have to start by saying----LOVE the calamari. Super delish. Maybe the best I've had in the area. I love the unexpected spice when you don't realize you've popped a piece of jalapeño in your mouth. I don't like crustaceans or shell fish. *Gasp!* But, my husband loves it. I usually take one for the team at a seafood restaurant. He loved his oysters. Loved. I do love fish though. I ordered the Halibut special that night. Really good. And the risotto it came with was cheesy and delicious. Hubby got clams with linguine. Another dish he rarely gets to indulge in. He loved that too! Oh, and the beer was great. Liked the selection a lot. And it appeared that they had yummy frufru drinks as well. Over all, I will definitely go back. Good food, good experience.

    (4)

  • Stefan S.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar is a great spot for some of the freshest seafood one can find while eating out in RI. The place is located right on the marsh in the Jerusalem area of Narragansett, just west of the Galilee/Block Island Ferry canal. The 4 of us went for lunch on a rainy Monday afternoon and were seated quickly - although the back entrance with no hostess stand is a bit odd. We started with an order of calamari and 12 littleneck clams - the clams were incredible and were shucked seconds before they were brought to the table, the calamari was great, also fresh. A cool feature of the Oyster Bar is the fact that they have a guy standing on a soapbox constantly shucking all of the shellfish to order, so you know its fresh. They also farm their own oysters, and offer a giant variety of different-area oysters from Westerly to Narragansett oyster beds. I ordered the lobster roll without mayo, it was a good sign that my request was easily met, meaning the lobster salad is probably made to order. A friend ordered the fried oyster po' boy, another had RI style clam chowder, my wife a chicken Caesar salad. The lobster roll was great, one of the best ones I've had in my life - all across New England. The po' boy was nicely done, and the clam chowder was good, over filled with potatoes though. The Caesar salad was a disappointment, there was no seasoning on the chicken - although not much was expected here, its not hard to toss some salt and pepper on a piece of grilled chicken. Overall the Matunuck Oyster Bar was a great experience and I would absolutely return for lunch or dinner, and will definitely tell friends to go.

    (4)

  • Wendy O.

    Love this place! You can even bring a baby :) We love everything about Matunuck Oyster Bar. The staff, the ambience, and especially the food. Watching the shuckers shuck at the bar while sipping a glass of buttery chardonnay is a great way to kick off the weekend. I love the lobster rolls, my husband and I love their clams, all of the fish is delicious. You can't go wrong. But be prepared to wait- it's worth it.

    (5)

  • Jaclyn P.

    So good. Seriously, amazing. I really don't know why it took me so long to actually get here. I had heard rave reviews and nothing but praise and still it took me over a year to get my butt down to the Matunuck Oyster Bar. We came right at opening time on a Saturday after reading so many reviews warning of loooong waits. We got there just in time and were seated right away. By the time our oysters came, the entire restaurant and deck were packed. We ate the RI Oyster Sampler and Little Necks. Everything was crazy fresh and tasted perfectly of the ocean and you can watch the guy at the oyster bar shucking your order. The beet and goat cheese salad was delicious - just the right amount of dressing with beets, goat cheese and walnuts. One drawback was that since we only ordered from the raw bar and our salad, the meal only lasted about 30 minutes (including getting coffee afterward) which seemed kind of chintzy considering we had hyped up this experience so much before hand. It was sort of like waiting in line for 2 hours to go on a roller coaster and it's over in 37 seconds. In the future I think we'll try to spread the courses out a bit so we could really savor the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Lydia C.

    5 stars for the oysters. Super fresh. I could slurp a million of these (maybe not a million but close). We ordered the oyster sampler and I wish I ordered more. I am still thinking about these oysters 3 days later. The calamari was perfectly battered with fried peppers and jalapenos (just like Capital Grille - yum!) I had the lobster roll which was good but not the best. The mussels were delicious and the halibut special of the day was a winner. It was packed at 2PM but we opted to sit outside to avoid the hour+ wait. When we left at 4PM, the place was still crowded and people were waiting to be seated. Cannot imagine what the wait would be during peak season! Complimentary valet parking. A very New England feel to the place and I would definitely recommend trying it if the wait isn't 1+ hr long.

    (5)

  • Carol Ann N.

    Food is delicious but the host who seats people is incompetent. Always mobbed so you expect to wait however when you are told there are 2 parties before you and they seat 7 it is aggravating. When I walked up to inquire I got a bit of an attitude and then a hearty apology. I was aggravated enough to never return. There are lots of good restaurants in the area I don't think I wasn't to deal with this.

    (2)

  • Jess H.

    Loved the vibe and Oysters here. Can't wait to go back during the summer. I was disappointed with the lobster roll.

    (4)

  • Blaine S.

    Unbelievably good food. Well worth the wait. Everyone's meal was so good we had to share with each other. The blackened tuna I had was one of the best dishes I've had anywhere, anytime. Our server was great, too.

    (5)

  • Aina B.

    Delicious drinks, sparkling fresh oysters, gorgeous spot- can't lose!

    (4)

  • Steven K.

    Excellent lunch! Sat outside for lunch on Saturday. Beautiful location. Small parking lot but free valet parking. I had the oyster po boy and my mother the fried whole belly clams. Both fresh and cooked perfectly. Great service, and really reasonable prices, not only for the quality of food but location. Nice outdoor bar. Would like to come back and have a drink there.

    (5)

  • Mitchell W.

    This feels like a small home town place. Everyone is so friendly, the Oysters AND the drinks are Awesome! Fun, exciting and NOT relaxing in the last days of summer. I wouldn't trade it for anything! Brought my wife here for her birthday and she will not regret it!! Zack makes the best margarita!!

    (5)

  • Lisette D.

    Though it's no longer a "hidden gem", this place is worth the wait! Arrive early around 4:30pm/5pm to beat the dinner rush or be prepared to grab a drink and wait 45-60 mins for a table around prime time. Raw and grilled oysters are what they are known for & I tasted my first oysters here. They only serve what is fresh and get local veggies down the street. The fish is delicious and properly cooked and the lobster rolls include lots of real lobster meat (not mayo and celery to stretch it out like many other places). The flavors of the food are impeccable and service is unmatched. The atmosphere is lively and the recent expansion has added more indoor seating. What can be better but to see your oysters being shucked at the oyster bar in front of you? Overlooking the water and having the pink glow from the sunset adds to the ambiance. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating is a nice option to have. There aren't many places you are literally eating on the water and it makes this place unique. Went earlier this year and wanted to get half portion of grilled oysters - not something that usually done so our waiter checked with the kitchen. The owner came out and said they'd be happy to make an exception since it was off-seaso. He not only served us 3 grilled oysters but also included 2 complimentary clams casino (a new menu item). Can't say enough of how happy I am to support a small business that strives on top quality, fresh seafood. Keep up the great work Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Noreen W.

    Love this place. The oysters are shucked right in front of you and there is such a focus on local produce. Can't get any better. I would have to say their calamari is the shining star. I know you are thinking how mind blowing can calamari be, but for a rhode islander we know our calamari and this one was WOW. Think fresh field greens and capers mixed in. Lemony and pepper, totally delish and fresh. Love this place in summers even though there is always a wait. Try and go late afternoon to avoid that!

    (5)

  • Sflamom S.

    Well worth the wait...relax and enjoy the view with a martini! When you do get to your seat you will be amazed at how efficient the staff is. The food is THE BEST...the only place I will eat raw oysters. The owner is very involved and locally grows all veggies at his farm He oversees the oyster farm as well. This man"s reputation is at stake so you can trust what you are eating is fresh. Also, love Matnuck Oyster Bar and farm has a presence at the local farmers market

    (5)

  • Carol G.

    Whenever I am even near Matunuck I am sure to go to the Matunuck Oyster Bar. This a fun and very relaxed place with great seafood dishes. The fresh oysters are a huge attraction for me - they are soooo fresh, briny and wonderful. All of the food is great. The long wait on a perfect summer evening is made doable as the drinks in the outside bar area -terrific. No complaints from here.

    (5)

  • Jonathan B.

    Great place, been many times and never disappointed. But if you are local you can only go after Labor day and before June.

    (5)

  • Josh K.

    We came to the little restaurant after taking the ferry back from Block Island. We heard that Matunuck Oyster Bar was a great seafood place somewhat nearby. Upon arriving, it was crowded so we had to wait for a seat. No matter, there was a full bar as well as raw bar where the staff was hard at work shucking oysters and littleneck clams. While we waited there were high tables and stools on the outdoor patio and picnic tables to sit on. I ordered a draft beer of some local Pale Ale and my wife got a "Dark and Stormy"- a local Rhode Island favorite cocktail of rum and ginger beer. We also ordered the Oyster Sampler (23.95) from the Raw Bar. The sampler consisted of an assortment of 12 oysters of different varieties served with vinegar and cocktail sauce. Although expensive, they were fresh and succulent and we slurped down quickly wishing we had more or perhaps some littleneck or cherrystone clams to sample. In hindsight, we probably should have ordered them as well. Upon finishing our drinks and oysters, there was conveniently a table ready for us. The menu was full of seafood options ranging from simple fried clam belly platters and fish and chips, to more refined plates such as seared scallops and Swordfish. In addition, there was some Cajun inspired food such as blackened Mahi Tuna and Oyster Po-Boys. The wife opted for the locally harvested Seared Sea Scallops with roasted butternut squash risotto, Brussels sprouts and hazelnut brown butter (20.95). The scallops were big and juicy and dressed delicately with the wonderful hazelnut butter. As it was a local fish, I got the Atlantic Cod (16.95). Cod, which isn't usually the most flavorful of fish was deboned and broiled till perfectly tender. The loin was then coated with cooked onions and fennel served with a fresh vegetable medley served over basmati rice and topped with a saffron cream sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, juicy and flaky that it almost melted in your mouth. The mild flavor of the fish was enhanced with the strong fennel and balanced by the rice. The delicious saffron cream brought it all together. It was an excellent and flawless prepared and tasting dish. With Fresh Oysters on the raw from their own Oyster farm, a great selection of local and New England beer, friendly service (the owner and head chef came over to the table to check on us), and beautifully created and inspired seafood dishes - there is nothing wrong I can say about my dining experience at Matunuck Oyster Bar.

    (5)

  • Joseph H.

    Matunuck had a booth at the Newport festival this Sunday serving up oysters and clams on the half shell as well as a variety of friend Seafood. I got the scallops and they were some of the best I have ever had. I could have ate these all day long like popcorn. Can't wait to get my next fix.

    (5)

  • Scott K.

    The fresh seafood (the shelled variety) is worth the trip--and the wait--at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. It's hard to beat oysters & clams pulled from the water within yards of your dinner table. That's where my glowing review ends, and reality checks in. This little oyster shack has come a very long way and grown very quickly since it opened up a few years ago. It's certainly become the place for South County elites and well-heeled RI tourists to be seen. This translates to a large crowd, and exorbitant wait times. I believe that it also led to the expansion of the bar/waiting area. Unfortunately, during a recent visit the bar staff were fairly inept... Ignoring customers; forgetting orders. It felt extremely bush league and mismanaged. When you finally do make it to a table, the menu is full of great choices, and some extreme prices. The casual atmosphere--from the service to the setting--doesn't seem to jive with the price of entry. We ordered fresh oysters & littlenecks (delicious), but the entres were underwhelming--dry & overcooked. I would encourage anyone to give Matunuck Oyster Bar a chance, especially if you have out-of-town guests interested in some fresh seafood. I just don't think that they're living up to their golden reputation, and the clientele they've cultivated won't tolerate a second-class experience.

    (3)

  • Lauren B.

    OMG this was the best seafood I've ever had. The stuffies were to die for and when I go back, that is what I'm getting. A dozen of them.

    (5)

  • Jon B.

    Best chowder I have ever had.. even beats Black Pearls in Newport. Outstanding.. place is crazy in the summer.. wait until September when the crowds have gone back home to NY, NJ and CT.....

    (5)

  • Dave G.

    I love this place! My wife and I came here last night and were totally blown away not only by the food but the service as well. We had oysters, cherry stones, cocktail shrimp, steamers, a cup of clam chowder and the goat cheese and beet salad. Everything was really good with the exception of the steamers, which were still pretty good, just a little bland. It also helps that they had a really good beer selection including Dogfishead 90 minute...yum! Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Matt T.

    I hung out on the patio while waiting for a table on a busy Wednesday night...a bustling time with bartenders who were on point and quick with a drink. Inside when we sat it was a little loud (some sound baffling would work great) but that was the only drawback. Our waitress was fast and pleasant. The Creamy Clam Chowder was exactly that....you could tell it was made with cream, not milk....it had nice sized clams and fresh cut potato in it. The fish and chips was light and flaky...cooked perfectly without grease dripping off it. A really nice night out.

    (4)

  • Sandy B.

    We drove 2 hours to try this restaurant and it was completely worth the trip. Service gets 5 stars with a special nod to Monique. Loved the outdoor dining, the prompt service and, of course the food. Wish we lived closer! We had the oyster sampler, which was okay, but would do a different selection another time. Little necks with chourise had great flavor. Lobster roll... meat was impressive, but not well seasoned.

    (4)

  • Pat S.

    I have to be up front, I'm not a raw oyster person but my husband is. The oysters (he said) are worth the trip, a 5 star! I had fish and chips, the fish was light and delicious but the fries were cold and tasted a little old. We also had sruffies that were out of this world and white chowder that was just mediocre. A mixed review, if your going for the oysters your in the right place, the rest is a toss up.

    (4)

  • Marshall M.

    Oysters were excellent. Beer was cold and tasty. Kids "fish sticks" we're small orders of fish and chips and were amazing! Lobster rolls also are very good and I recommend the side salad option which was quite good.

    (5)

  • Neil B.

    It must be 4.5 month because once again I had the pleasure of visiting an exceptional restaurant. This time I went with my mom who I was visiting in RI for one of the best lobster rolls I have ever had. The lobster was sweet and succulent with only a touch of mayo and the roll was lightly grilled to,perfection. I opted (to keep mom happy) for the side of salad rather than the fries. To my surprise it was a full mixed lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes and a delicious vinaigrette dressing. I also tried their Rhode Island style (clear) clam chowder which had superb taste but was a little heavy on the potatoes. I found it cool that the restaurant lists the local bays and ponds from which they get their shellfish. The decor here is very pleasant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The clientele at lunch was a bit more mature and upscale than at some of the other area restaurants. Service is friendly and overall good. The only downer was that they shortchanged us .21 on the change when we paid the check. Not enough to go complain about, but enough to prevent me from giving them a 5.

    (4)

  • Keli R.

    I had actually stumbled upon this place while reading other Yelp reviews. My family, during our yearly trip to RI, seem to always go to the same places. Well, those place, frankly suck...and I wanted to try something new. The group we go with are stubborn and like what they like...so it was my mother, father, the ex and myself. I love oysters. It has been a recently found addiction and I love to try different types. So this place was a real find since they have their own oyster farm and bring you on tours (next time I'm going!) We valeted the car and walked up to put our name in. One downside, no reservations and our wait was.....1 hr and 30 minutes. OOF! You must really want oysters and fresh seafood. I would assume many people would turn around and leave. The wait wasn't bad for me seeing they have a bar outside and there is a huge amount of seating provided by picnic tables (and a tent if it rains). You have a nice view of a salt pond and I'm assuming the oyster bed is out there somewhere. we finally were seated. It's cute, clean and is everything you'd expect an oceanside restaurant to be. We were seated right next to the oyster bar which was a plus. My father and I ordered a sampler of different local oysters. LET ME TELL YOU. The Matunuck Oysters are the BEST I have EVER had. Albeit, a bit on the small side, they make up for it with the perfect about of brine/sweetness...YUM! Next, the stuffies. So delicious. Even my mother and the ex, (who are not fans of shellfish) gulped these down. They have even inspired me to make my own version of this bit of deliciouness that is always a hit at summer parties after we go clamming in Quannie. The meals, just as good. Steak, cod, steak, cod.... so good..do worth every penny. Sure, it's a bit pricey. But most seafood restaurants of this caliber are...and they should be. Was it swarming with searsucker pants and sweaters tied around the neck? yeah...but whatevs... The owner was there and came over to say hello. Which is always a nice touch and shows how much they care. COME HERE! Wait the wait! suck it up. You won't be disappointed. Oh heyyyyyyy handsome fisherman owner.....how you doin? ;)

    (5)

  • Carrie C.

    If you want excellent super fresh seafood this is the place to get it. We went here for my mothers birthday as its her favorite place. We figured we'd splurge a bit for her special day. We must have gone on an off night as there was no wait at all for our table which I believe isn't the norm for this place. My one complaint was the table we were seated at, it was extremely cramped in the side and right next to the wall. I was seated on the inside and couldn't really move my chair back to get in and out from the table easily and I'm tiny, this would not have fared well for a larger stature person. Needless to say all the smaller people sat on the inside, those who sat on the outside were nearly in the aisle. I had the scallops, they were excellent. My husband had blackened swordfish and loved it, he's hard to please when it comes to fish. Everyone loved their meals, the food is fresh and delicious. The service was good. The only thing it left me craving was more space and comfort. I'm looking forward to visiting again and getting a table with a little more room.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    oh matunuck, you will have a place in my heart and a recommendation for anyone who asks. came here in the early days and immediately fell in love with the locale. this was before the outdoor bar and patio, when the crushed shell parking lot could barely fit 10 and when perry had time to spontaneously take 4 girls out in his boat for a quick sunset tour of his oyster farm. it is one of my best rhode island memories and i've been here 4 years now. have been back so many times, have brought all my favorite people. my boyfriend, who lives in LA and poo poo's at little rhody, specifically requests that we drive 40 minutes to come for the oysters, chowder, and fresh garlic rolls. we happily stand at the bar and chow down. have only braved the 2.5hr wait once on a beautiful early september afternoon and was lucky enough to score a tiny side table from which my friends and i could guzzle our cold drinks and slurp our raw bar while waiting. once seated on the outdoor patio with the water ahead and the sun setting beautifully, we proceeded to sample the real menu. i had to try the lobster roll, having heard so much, and while it was good, i think in the future i'll be happy to continue standing at the bar for just the usual. although... the frozen key lime pie-sicle was amazing, i hope they'll serve that at the bar!

    (5)

  • AL M.

    Excellent service so nice to find a place that even while packed gives you time to relax and ENJOY the meal. Food and Drinks top notch try the Matunuck Martini with the grilled oysters. So very glad we went here and will be back.

    (5)

  • Joyce F.

    Great place to go all year, but easier to get into during the off-season. Food is great and the owner, Perry, is very visible making sure your experience is what you expected. The oysters are, obviously, the best part. The decor is sparse, but the location is pretty cool. Pricey, but worth the inconvenience of the wait.

    (4)

  • Shauna M.

    Nothing like a beer and oysters on the half shell after kayaking. This place rules in the summer with the patio. This is THE place for the freshest oysters, shucked perfectly. They have a great lobster roll and stuffie too. It's quintessential New England at its best. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Kay R.

    A 45-minute wait for a table at 2pm? Okay - I've heard this place is good - but come on... So like sardines we stood a line or two back from the bar somehow managing to get in the way of every server or other guest, (sorry by the way). We thought about waiting outside, but it was still a bit too cool this particular day, so ordered a few drinks, without too much hassle, at the bar. Almost precisely three-quarters of an hour later we were seated, and the plate of oysters we had delayed-ordered and watched shucked by some very nimble hands at the bar was brought directly to our table. Heavenly. Those little suckers (blue point and another variety I can't recall at the moment) were worth standing for close to an hour. Luckily, not everyone in our party is a fan, just meaning more for us. The the orders went around and almost all of our 5 were in with lobster rolls. And what a lobster roll this was - almost no mayonnaise packed full of chunks of sweet lobster claw and tail meat, on the perfectly simple grilled roll. Take or leave the fries, I didn't have the room for them anyway. Our server was nice with German-like efficiency - not one to join in the banter or encourage you to draw out your food and conversation, however I couldn't say she rushed us out either. I get it though, I had just been one of the vultures standing around less than an hour before wishing for it to be my turn. I hope to return - and it will have to be by land (and you will valet whether you like it or not - sorry), as the dock entrance is fit only for day cruisers without much up top (low bridge to navigate). I wish they took reservations, but I suppose it won't be too bad waiting around in the sunshine on the deck once the weather warms up. And now, I am dreaming of oysters once again.

    (4)

  • Michele F.

    This may be one of my favorite places to eat, EVER. We have quite the selection of amazing restaurants in Providence, but I would still take trip here over any of the closer alternatives. First off, the deck/view are undeniably the best you can get. Every single time I've been, a seat on the deck was available. Even if it wasn't- I'd surely wait. The oysters are unbelievable! I'd suggest getting the sampler so you can try a variety & compare the sweet/briny flavors in each. My favorites are always the ones farmed on premise, but the others (all sourced in a ten mile radius) are a very close second. Usually the oysters are so above par here, we end up getting a second sampler, even with a party of two. The most AMAZING offering here, to me, is not even the oyster selection. It's all about the CALAMARI here. Honestly, I've never had better & I seriously crave them all of the time. Sometimes I order them elsewhere just to fill the hole- and they never come close to the quality/how they prepare them at MOB. First off, they fry the cherry peppers and capers (and give you heaps) Secondly, they are tossed with arugula & a citrus aioli. Enough said. There is always an IPA on draft and a NZ Sauvignon Blanc on the menu to pair perfectly with this delicious seafood.

    (5)

  • Ryan C.

    Great Place great food, 4 AND A Half stars. very busy and well run, The owner is all over the place cleaning tables greeting people the whole 9. Tons of servers, drinks come out fast good beer list great wine list . A must do for fresh sea food and local food They there own Oyster farm and grow some vegetables too. come early parking is Nuts ! but the Valet is well run .

    (4)

  • Nick C.

    Easily one of the best restaurants in RI. We have been four times for lunch in the past couple months and each time the food has been incredibly fresh and well-prepared. Awesome New England clam chowder and we especially liked the grilled salmon which you can get on top of any of their salads. Great location too and the owner seems cool.

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Go to the Oyster Bar Today! There is only one negative and the wait is very long. I arrived at 5pm on a Friday and waited 90 min. That said, there is plenty of outside room to wait, enjoy cocktails and even sample the raw bar! One you do eat, the atmosphere and food are extraordinary. The service is top notch. I can't wait to go back. One of my new RI shore favorites. Can't miss.

    (5)

  • Robert R.

    3 SNAPS IN A "Z" FORMATION!!! I have been pining to go here for almost two years. Well I finally made it here and I couldn't have been more thrilled. The one thing is this place is always busy I guess. I assumed in January it would be slow but I was wrong. They gave us a 20 minute wait time and we got sat in 10 mintutes. While you wait you can order a drink and get oysters at their bar. You can watch the guys shucking oyster after oyster which is pretty cool. The bartender wasvery nice and extremely efficent considering the crowd. As for the food I had the oysters and clams from the raw bar. They were delicous and really fresh. Everyone else had the clam chowder which might have been the best clam chowder I ever had. I wish i also got that. I got the sea scallops with mushroom risotto and brussel sprouts. Everything was amazing. The scallops was cooked perfectly, the risotto was great, but its brussel spouts that really blew me away. I could care less for veggies and I would have eaten a meal of just that. If you have an opportunity to visit due so. Becarefull though no reservations and it gets packed fast.

    (5)

  • Linda T.

    Be warned, when the say it's a two hour wait, order the oysters yourself from the guys shucking inside ... and then trek over to the outside bar and get your own drinks ... sit at the picnic benches and slurp away ... because the waitress for the waiting area is very busy. So you can still enjoy the appetizer portion of your meal without waiting too long. Unfortunately, we kept thinking, maybe they'll call us sooner than two hours, not a chance. When we did get seated, fortunately, the oysters were the best we've ever had ... and the portions on the lobster roll and fried clam bellies made both dishes a steal! I love clam bellies, and I really loved the ones they served here. The sunset was gorgeous and the food was definitely worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Bobby L.

    Can't stop going.... Since they've been open it's always been a pleasure to sit in the sun relax, and enjoy some amazing "New England Summer Classics." The guys shucking oysters- excellent work! Patrons consider walking up to the bar, and showing your thanks with a tip (cash)! In the summer after 4PM expect to wait 45 minutes 1.5 hrs. You can grab a drink & some oysters in this time. So chill out & enjoy! Raw oysters always great, grilled oysters amazing. Stuffies very good. Time with least wait: mid-week late lunch 2-3PM

    (4)

  • Ryan D.

    Ever since the Oyster Bar has been open, lines have been out the door. And for good reason! The combination of an aquaculture farming installation and a seafood restaurant is genius. You can taste the freshness of all the seafood in every dish. The Oyster Bar takes it one step further, they have an excellent staff in that kitchen that knows just how to cook their dishes just right. There isn't anything on the menu that I would not recommend, from their fresh fish dishes right down to their burgers. The only drawback at the moment is the limited seating area. It is a very small restaurant. It expands in the summer time with outdoor seating, but that is also when they would be getting the most customers. My recommendation is you come early for dinner or else you are looking at a very long wait.

    (5)

  • Jill D.

    Lobster roll was fantastic, so big I have to take more than half of it home. My boyfriend had the stuffed lobster which he enjoyed as well as the roasted vegetables that came with it. Didn't realize there was valet parking, didn't have any cash but the waitress was nice enough to add an extra few bucks to the bill for a trip for the valet. Great service, great fresh food! Will definitely come back here. Only wish there was a hot buttered lobster roll, I'm a bigger fan of that kind than the mayonnaise, but this one was full of lobster and the roll was buttery and toasted. Open 363 days a year, great to find a seafood restaurant in the dead of winter for my birthday!

    (5)

  • Libby F.

    I've been here with seasoned seafood eaters, and returned with my family from the Midwest who hadn't previously tried anything that we ate for dinner. Both times I have been really wowed by the food, and especially the service. Even my brother who works in a service industry commented on it: our waters were always refilled and extra napkins brought out without our asking for it. Both times a manager (owner?) has stopped by to ask how we're enjoying everything. I can personally vouch for the steamers, stuffies, lobster roll, trio of oysters and especially the oyster sampler. The clam chowder is solid, too. This will be the place I take people visiting us from out of town - 1 hour drive and all.

    (5)

  • Miles A.

    Amazing. Sat outside on a beautiful sunny afternoon for lunch. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Started with Oyster sampler, 12 local oysters which were incredible and reasonably priced. I had the lobster roll (biggest one I've ever eaten) which was delicious. She had equally sized fried clam roll. Valet was a nice touch but didn't really seem necessary to me (might have just been because it was not very busy at the time). We WILL be going back, hopefully soon!

    (5)

  • Jeffrey H.

    My girl and I had such high hopes. Reading the reviews on Yelp was enough to bring us down from West Warwick. The atmosphere was perfect, but. We tried a stuffie that was very small and extremely bready. I purchase stuffies that are made for Roch's Market in W. Warwick that have a smoother consistency and substantially more clam meat! She had the pan seared scallops (delicious), roasted brussel sprouts (very nice), and rissoto (she wasn't a fan but I enjoyed it, especially the woody mushroom flavor). I had the clams and linguini that had a bit of a sour taste (possibly from the leaks?). That was a downer, especially at an upscale restaurant. And DRY Parmesan cheese in a shaker? Seriously? For an $18 meal? Normally restaurants of this caliber grind it fresh for you at the table.The best part of our meal was our waitress who was very attentive and professional. And one other thing: we didn't know about the mandatory valet parking and I only had a couple of dollars in cash with me (I was embarrassed to hand over the pittance to the valet).

    (2)

  • Lyle R.

    You have got to get to this place!!! The oysters are fresh and perfect and there are several choices. The shrimp cocktail appetizer had huge shrimp and they were done just right. We were there for lunch a couple of days ago. They don't take reservations, but we were a party of 5 and were seated immediately. The setting is pure New England seaside with lots of locals and boaters. I had a mixed seafood entree with local fried oysters, a local haddock fillet, and something called a stuffy, which is a little ramekin filled with stuffing like from a Thanksgiving turkey and some wonderful morsels of oysters. It was all excellent and everyone else loved their entrees, too. The wine list is simple, but good, and we had a very nice bottle of champagne.

    (5)

  • Kay P.

    This place is awesome. Grilled oysters, littlenecks with a portuguese twist, tuna cooked to perfection. You cant go wrong here. Its nice inside or outside. Not only is it on the water, its on the water where some of the oysters come from! Talk about fresh! Perry, the owner, walks around doing a little quality control and schmoozing but he is not afraid to wipe down a table to keep things moving. It makes me smile, I'm telling everyone, and I will definately be going back as soon as I can. Worth it.

    (5)

  • Ruth S.

    If you love raw oysters- this is the place to go. Local, fresh, delicious. And pretty great with a gin and tonic. Beautiful water view. Extremely busy in the summer. Expect a wait.

    (5)

  • Judy G.

    OMG! This oyster bar has set the bar for all other oysters to be judged against. The oyster stew was beyond words. Roasted carrots, fried leeks & the broth has levels of complexity that would blow away a 5 star restaurant. My 5 year old son loved the lobster bisque & ate 1/2 my bowl. We will be back. I really wanted 2 try the pt. Judith calamari & the ceaser salad & the lobster roll. The atmosphere & decor r ok, can't wait 2 sit on the deck this summer. A bit on the expensive side but 4 this foodie, it was worth it!!!

    (5)

  • TF B.

    A great dining experience! A little crowded but worth the wait. Freshest seafood around. We had the Oyster Sampler, Steamed Mussels and the Jambalaya. We recommend all highly. Bon Appetit!

    (5)

  • Linda S.

    Went to Matunuk Oyster Bar at 12 noon on a Thursday prior to seeing the matinee at Theater by the Sea this past week. The place was packed and now I know why. I had an outstanding meal, chosing to go with the lobster roll. Now, I have had many lobster rolls in my life all across New England and this one was absolute perfection, bar none. The sandwich came with french fries perfectly cooked with a dusting of a BBQ type dry seasoning, unique and tasty. My aunt got the cod and in addition to a beautiful presentation it was perfectly cooked and she loved the meal. Now onto dessert... Key Lime Pie dipped in white chocolate on a popsicle stick. I have had the original Key Lime dipped in Dark Chocolate in Key West and the dark chocoate gives a much better contrast than white chocolate, but this dessert was very good. I would go so far as too say a little bit too large. No oyster fans at our table, so can not review the namesake, but did enjoy viewing some of the oyster processing that was taking place on the movable dock at the back of the restaurant. Will definitely go again.

    (5)

  • Indi G.

    What a find! While visiting my mother in Rhode Island, we dropped by this place one evening. We were greeted warmly despite not having a reservation. I ordered the oysters after getting a great mini-education on their various oysters. The waitress was very knowledgeable. Sure enough, when the oysters came, they were incredibly fresh. We sat next to the prep bar for the oysters which was incredibly clean. The decor was simple but elegant, and had a bistro feel to it. The space is somewhat small but very cozy. I also loved the walkway and parking lot which was adorned in oyster shells, completing the picture. The overall experience was sensational. We will definitely return as often as we can.

    (5)

  • Casey K.

    In a word - badass. Amazing food, good atmosphere, hot waitresses.

    (5)

  • Cassie B.

    Came here on a Sunday afternoon, sat inside as the outdoor patio was full, I'd been wanting to come ever since hearing Perry's plans for the restaurant at a Farm Fresh tour of his oyster farm. He is a really sweet guy, and know his stuff where oysters are concerned, so i had high hopes for this restaurant. I wasn't let down. Got a dozen oysters (2 each of 6 different varieties). They were all amazing, and it was interesting to see the different flavors in the different oysters. Good wine list, and some local beers on tap! Not a fan of the chowder, think it was too thyme-y for me. But the stuffies were very good (even cold later!) As was the Fish N' Chips. Thinner batter, so you got to taste the freshness of the fish. Fries were hand-cut and nicely cooked. Went well with a chipolte mayo. Service was a smidge slow, but the restaurant is just building up, so i don't fault them for it. Would definitely go back, or even out of my way to visit this restaurant. All about local businesses, and this place is literally FEET from where the oysters are harvested!

    (4)

  • James H.

    This place has gotten ridiculously popular, and for good reasons. For one thing, the food is terrific, the service is great (I have great respect for any restaurant owner who is not above rolling up his sleeves and shucking oysters himself), the views are wonderful, especially during those late September sunsets. The wait can be impossible, so you'll need a strategy. In the summer, come much earlier than you need to and hang out by the bar while waiting for your table. Have a couple of Narragansetts and chow down on those frighteningly huge jumbo shrimp. Don't stress; it's only a restaurant; take in those views, get to know your companions. In the winter, there is far less trouble at normal times. Even so, you can usually wedge yourself in at the bar and make the wait more pleasant. There is no comparable restaurant within miles and miles of the MOB. Turtle Soup might do, and the Coast Guard House is improving. Don't even talk to me about Spain of Narragansett. Castle Hill Inn ($$$!) only comes close because of the views. If you want a better restaurant in that region, you will have to open it yourself. In fact, hope you do, because a lot of demand is going unfulfilled.

    (5)

  • Carl G.

    Perhaps the freshest and most delicately flavored oysters I've ever had, sidle up to the raw bar and injest with equal parts gusto and beer. More expensive than the listing indicates, entrees between $20-$30. I'd recommend ignoring the cooked items and would focus entirely on the variety of raw oysters. Within the last year, the place has been overrun by skinny women with bony feet and their men, uniformly clad in seersucker shorts, dress shirts and mocks. Ignore them, and develop oyster-based tunnel vision.

    (4)

  • LV F.

    Shellfish fresh and delicious!! Small cozy restaurant, good service, delicious food. They accommodated our family of 14 for a graduation dinner, they don't take reservations but we hung out at the raw bar, ate some oysters, shrimp, and cherry stones and waited. They couldn't be nicer. Scallop entree was delicious, key lime pie also a winner!! Go there!!

    (5)

  • Matthew M.

    Oysters are pulled right out of the water and shucked moments later. All of the oysters are local varieties from the many bays and oyster farms in the area, which does the triple duty of supporting local industry, sampling and understanding the amazing changes in flavor a few miles difference in environment can have, and getting absolutely fresh oysters. All of the raw oysters are great. The fried and grilled oysters are also great. The rest of the menu is fabulous... But your best bet is oysters raw or cooked. Great place, relaxed environment during the day, too popular at night, but always a treat even with the crowds. A nice touch is that the owner makes the rounds checking on the tables every hour.

    (5)

  • Mary M.

    The Matunuck Oyster Bar is the perfect place to have some super tasty seafood and enjoy a beautiful New England summer experience. My mouth watered at the array of wonderful seafood dishes their menu featured. I love that the oysters are local and you know where they are from. I had the clamcakes and a lobster roll. Everything was delicious. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was laid back and welcoming. I will definitely be returning. Looks like a great place for a date out on the deck!

    (5)

  • Maureen O.

    Went on a yelp whim, was surprised by the valet parking at what I thought would be an oyster shack. Nice spot, tasty food, good service.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    The oysters are the most tender, fresh and amazing oysters!!! This is a MUST if you come to Matunuck!!!!!

    (5)

  • Darci M.

    Let me just say, this place is now my favorite place to get seafood. Born and raised in Rhode Island, but having lived all over the country, I consider myself to be a seafood snob. I'm not afraid to put that statement out there. We visited this place on a recent trip home and actually double checked the yelp reviews before waiting out the crowd. Yelp reviewers said it would be packed, and it was. They said to grab a drink at the bar, and we did. They said the wait was worth it, and they were absolutely correct! Once we sat, despite the crowd, we had an intimate feast. We ate mussels, oysters and lobster. We also shared the Baked Scrod, which was to die for. The entire meal was a delight. A local gem to say the least.

    (5)

  • Gary F.

    Everything was outstanding ! Lia C was our waitress she was more than accomodating ,we started with an order of the house oysters and shrimp cocktail both were amazing . We also tried the potters pond osysters were briney and much larger my husband loved them. I prefer the smaller sweeter myself! Then we graduated to the fried calamari and cherry peppers tossed with arugula, this was fantastic as well light and crispy and cooked to perfection.then on to the house made stuffies (stuffed quahog) with chourico and cherry peppers , THE BEST!! Little necks chourico and the buns and broth oh so yummy we filled up on that. We ordered the lobster salad over a bed of greens , we couldnt eat it had to take it to home. Then came the happy ending khalua Brownie Sundae also fantastic with vanilla ice cream and warm hot fudge delic.. Not to mention the beautiful sunset that was happening while we were finishing our desert was great . I highly recommend this place no disappointments

    (5)

  • Jane M.

    Delicious food ~ Beautiful setting ! The owner is very visible & takes care of almost anything that needs to be done, which speaks to the commitment of quality & service that makes this place special. The oysters are incredibly fresh (right off the boat)! We've been several times since the restaurant opened ~ a mini-vacation for us every time. A little advice: If you're on a clock, try going off hours as there will be a wait to be seated for a meal during the busy summer months. Also, while it bugged us at first, the free valet parking is new & runs smoothly; use it without reserve.

    (5)

  • Ed A.

    Having heard so much about this restaurant three of us decided to go on July 6, 2011. Arrived around 6:30pm and told the wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. Not much view as there was fog in the area but we sat outside on one of the many picnic tables to wait. We were called within 40 minutes and seated inside the very noisy overly crowded restaurant as the tables are placed very close to each other. After a considerable wait for our server to arrive we ordered. The creamy chowder at $5.95 had too many large potatoes and too few clams but it had a wonderful flavor. There are ten types of oysters, at $1.85 each from a different local area and they were very good. The broiled scallops at $21.95 were excellent and came with broiled potatoes and salad. The lobster roll at $15.95 contained only three large pieces and the rest were shredded pieces with a base of shredded lettuce filler in the roll along with a side small salad. The chicken sandwich at $11.95 with a small side salad was plentiful and very good. Being a self proclaimed key lime pie expert reviewer from South Florida, I had to try the key lime pie. It was really not a pie but a small brownie size square but it had the consistancy worthy of a key lime pie with a base of graham cracker crust going for $6.95 each. The portion was small compared to what I get at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami Beach for the same price. Overall the food was very good but the noisy level and crowded conditions will not bring me back to Matunuck Oyster Bar.

    (3)

  • Chris G.

    Lobster and oysters were amazing. Heard about this place from a local shop owner. The yelp reviews are spot on with what all the locals seem to know. Hands down a must visit if you're a seafood lover and you are in the area.

    (5)

  • Natural N.

    Excellent food and atmosphere. My zesty clams and linguine was washed down with a Loose Cannon IPA.

    (5)

  • Neely M.

    Love this place!! We were on a short trip to see my sis in Providence and came to Newport for the day. We stopped one place for dinner but it looked eh so we yelped and found this place - I am so glad we did! We sat on the gorgeous deck overlooking the water and an amazing sunset. My sister and I had some delicious wine and we ordered some apps: The oysters we got were superb. I have never been a huge fan but these - wow. The taste and texture were beyond anything I had ever experienced. I am sold. Steamed mussels - delish! Yummy broth. So good I wish it had come with a loaf of bread instead of a couple crostinis. We got a couple stuffies because, again, hey - live local, right? They were ok - I didn't love them but my hubby did. Lobster bisque - um, hell yes! We passed it around and all we did was take a bite and then exclaim how good it was. Clam Chowder - Again, just amazing. Creamy and brothy at the same time. We got the New England creamy and it wasn't too heavy at all. So bacony and clam-y! Just wonderful. And, now, on to dinner: Fruti de Mar - exquisite. The pasta was perfectly cooked! The seafood was so fresh and so full of flavor. I was in heaven!! We also all split a clam bake - everything in it was perfect. The flavors were so in there and the meat was so tender. The lobster, although I am not such a huge fan, was really good and buttery - even before the butter bath!! Do not miss out on this place. I would recommend it to anyone - again and again and again and again. I can't wait to go back int he winter and enjoy it in the snowy goodness.

    (5)

  • Joe T.

    Fantastic seafood! A RI resident my whole life and this establishment is simply tops. It is very casual but great food at good prices. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • catherine g.

    GREAT foood. I went with a group of six who hadn't been before and everyone loved their food. Great seafood, Frannie loved the lobster roll filled with big chunks of lobster. Kallie and I split the stuffed lobster that had full scallops, jumbo shrimp and crab meat inside. Delicious food, good wine selection and beautiful view of the water. Try the chocolate bread pudding. The staff is friendly and extremely accomadating. We ordered bread pudding only to find out that they were out. When the owner heard how dissapointed we were he personallly came out asked how we were doing and made sure that the cooks brought out the bread pudding reserves. It was the best i've had. We were all so happy when we left.

    (5)

  • Rob J.

    Oysters were great, scallops were perfectly cooked, calamari was yummy, overcooked clam linguine was apologized for and removed from the bill- best food in the general area by far get there early to avoid a long wait

    (4)

  • Kimberly C.

    We have been about 4 times - the RI chowder is great. My husband loves the oysters and fried clams. The kids meals are very reasonably priced. The entrees though seem to try to be a bit fancier than necessary - I have found that sticking to the simpler items is best. The service has been lacking every time but it is a very busy place. We will definitely return this summer- just hoping that maybe the service will improve.

    (3)

  • Darlene M.

    Excellent, best lobster salad roll, fish n chips, chowder, clams and linguini, oysters ( I never liked them before this place ). Love them now. Don't mind the wait fun place, great staff, friendly. Hope they stay in business for years to come.

    (5)

  • Scott L.

    We're in the area on vacation and were attracted by the Buck-a-Shuck oysters ($1 per from 4-6pm), which were delicious. They had many varieties from local sources (and more from elsewhere, but we didn't try those); the differences were very interesting. Order what you want all at once - they didn't seem to have enough shuckers on hand to keep up with demand, so there was more delay from order to oyster than ideal. We had the Oyster Po-Boy and Fish 'n Chips - both were fantastic. The oysters were plump and delicious, the fish was flakey and moist, and the batter on the fish was light but very crunchy. Both came with excellent hand-cut fries and a good cole slaw. Save room for dessert - the Chocolate Guinness Torte was out of this world. The atmosphere is casual, with lots of beach-goers on hand. Lovely views of the adjacent waterway (there's also outdoor seating but we'd had enough sun for the day). Service was attentive, friendly, and informative, but not very quick. Altogether a great find - we'll be going back for sure.

    (4)

  • J P.

    Very good food. From reviews here and elsewhere, I was expecting the second coming. It wasn't quite that good, but it was satisfying nonetheless. There were two of us, and we split some of the local oysters. They were amazing - every bit as good as advertised. Next time I would order more of them. We also split a stuffie as an appetizer. It was solid but nothing that out of the ordinary. I had the grilled scallop entree and was pleased with it. On the sweet/briny spectrum it was more toward the sweet. I prefer a more briny flavor but I still liked the ones here. The texture and freshness was spot on. The basmati rice with the scallops was terrific - fragrant and flavorful. And the grilled vegetables were also tasty. My wife had the lobster roll and had no complaints. The handcut fries were above average. The prices, while high for Rhode Island, were reasonable. This is certainly a step up from a clam shack. While it wasn't the most amazing seafood meal I've ever had, I would happily return.

    (4)

  • Rita g.

    food is a four, service is a two. been quite a few times never seen the same server twice. seems like a constant revolving door of mediocre servers. unfortunate but i don't think they should be penalized for it. the menu lacks variety but the quality is good. also it is apparent that the kitchen is slow. on a busy night food takes quite a while. but it's usually worth the wait. i suggest going somewhere else if you don't eat seafood (obviously). They also seem to have a bit of an identity crisis. they need to choose if they want to be a typical fried food joint or a five star restaurant.

    (3)

  • Jeb P.

    While visiting family nearby we were told that we had to get to this place for lunch. We were told to go early as they fill up very quickly and the wait times can be very long. We arrived as they opened at 11:30 and are very glad we did as the place was filled to capacity by noon. We were able to sit out on the deck overlooking the water which was beautiful. Interestingly enough this past weekend was a record breaker for warm temperatures this time of year so a real bonus being outside. I started with a "cup" of the NE Clam Chowder which came in a huge bowl loaded with clams, potatoes and bacon and was delicious. I also ordered the Clam Roll which came with a large helping of "hand cut" fries and cole slaw. The clam roll was loaded with whole belly clams lightly breaded and fried and were probably the best I have ever had anywhere. Being a New Englander I have had my fair share of fried clams and these were spectacular. My wife had the Lobster roll and said it was the best that she had ever had. It was described as having only claw and knuckle meat and that is exactly how it came. If you are looking for fresh oyster's or clam's do not miss this place if you are in the area as their raw bar is fantastic. The service was remarkably good given they were so busy. After reading the other reviews and having now been here there is no wonder that people would be willing to wait 90 minutes for a table.

    (5)

  • Jim D.

    All around DYNAMITE !!!!!

    (5)

  • Mike L.

    Everything about Matunuck Oyster Bar is TOP notch. The raw oysers are perfect - taste, presentation, temperature, side sauce etc. All the cooked seafood, and I have had several of the dishes, are delicious. I have taken my Mom and Dad a couple of times and they can't stop raving about the place. The only draw back is during the summer months you have to wait for a table here. Of course when an establishment does everything right from menu, ambiance, staff, food, location etc you are going to get big crowds. We are luck to have MOB in our backyard.

    (5)

  • Tommy B.

    Delicious linguini and clams. Very reasonable prices. Fresh, fresh, fresh!!!

    (4)

  • Chet G.

    The previous reviewer got it right, this is a great find in the area. Don't let the long wait scare you away. Put your name in, and move over to the oyster bar, order a cocktail, and some fresh raw bar prepared right in front of you. It doesn't get any better. Great energy, lots of fun. Once we were seated, the main meals were quite good. An impressive lobster roll. Beautiful view from the deck. We really enjoyed this place and would certainly go again.

    (5)

  • Aleeda C.

    They are honest about the wait (90 minutes between 6 and 8:15, shorter before and after) but the food and the service are worth it. Some of the best rolls I've had, served warm from the oven. Great oysters and lobster rolls; the seared tuna was wonderfully prepared. A lovely wine list is the icing on the cake. I think it would be good for kids during lunch, as the outdoor seating overlooks the water, including their oyster beds.

    (5)

  • Andy J.

    I don't like eating a stuffy fancy places, so I was very comfortable here. It is very casual and has a good feel to it. Started with the oyster sampler, $21. Oysters were a sampling of a dozen local oyster and they were fresh tasting and delicious. Main course was stuffed lobster, $28. Lobster was only ok, which means I wouldn't order it again. It was stuffed with two large scallops and one fairly large shrimp. The lobster came with roasted sweet and regular potatoes and broccoli. The sweet potatoes were slightly caramelized and delicious. The broccoli was slightly crunchy, which it should be. The service from my waitress wasn't good at all. I got more attention from a different waitress, so service was still good. This place definitely has 4 star potential, however due to the stuffed lobster I can only give it 3 stars. I'm in town all week so I may go back and adjust my review accordingly.

    (3)

  • Susan H.

    I am visiting here for 6 weeks from the Midwest and had to venture into this highly rated restaurant. I have been twice now and both times I had different dishes and not one complaint about anything at all. The food is innovative and delicious. Freshest seafood I have ever had. It is hands down better than the other restaurant near the same location. Management is in the trenches with the staff waiting tables while visiting with customers. I plan on making this one of my regular places while I am in Rhode Island. Kudos for such a successful business.

    (5)

  • Ryan P.

    great setting, good service, awesome food - love RI and this place is a must stop any time in the area...

    (5)

  • Ron S.

    been going to matunicks since they opened. great food, Perry has done a lot with the place. improves it each year. one major downside, they allow dogs. nothing aganist animals but ...around food, I don't know. last sun a large lab went after a small beagle. annoying. last year they had 2 large dogs (same owner) on one side and another dog on the other side. my wife is afraid of dogs, we had to leave.

    (4)

  • Juliana J.

    Got there before the crowd with visitors from Kyoto, Japan. The raw bar was exceptional. Loved all the local oysters being presented with information on where they came from. Absolutely delicious! Visitors loved the boiled lobster, of course! The Rhode Island chowder, which is generally my favorite style, was overly celery seasoned with the broth tasting very veggie based. I thought... with all the clams being steamed here, they must have PLENTY of clam broth to be using in their chowder! With this style of chowder, the clam flavor it critically important. Aside from the chowder, great food. By the time we finished, there was a VERY long line of folks waiting to get in. Beautiful setting, right on the water.

    (4)

  • G F.

    Stopped here with 6 others after deeming it tour best local choice during a serious Yelp research session. We were not misled! It was a Monday night and the place was humming, an excellent sign. We had a five minute wait, no reservation. The staff was attentive and friendly, our waitress filling all our requests quickly, with no errors. We were informed of a special on local oysters and tried all available. They literally cultivate oysters in the pond behind the place and they are delicious. The monday night special during football was $1 oysters and 25 cent wings. The food was jammin'. We got a couple fried apps, calamari with cherry peppers which was not at all greasy. A nice mussels in broth, served with bread for dunking and some awesome fried oysters with a very nice chipotle remoulade. For entree I had the linguine with clams, lots of em, pasta al dente, it was delicious...Some people at the table got fried clams, fish and chips, cod cakes all of which were well received. The food came quickly for a busy restaurant, and the drinks were flowing. A very reasonable wine list, great selection of beers, and the menu itself is very fairly priced. For food quality and portions I thought it was nicely done. I highly recommend this place if you get the chance! Oh and I almost forgot, dark chocolate bread pudding, we took an extra one home it was so good. Get there.

    (4)

  • Dee K.

    Atmosphere was a 10, despite being a windy day and we sat outside. Found a hair in my salad, which ruined my appetite. Informed waitress and we discovered upon paying the check, the price of salad was deducted, which was nice of them. For $50 for two dozen oysters, may I recommend not using plastic cups for water.

    (3)

  • Mark M.

    Setting is great, indoor and outdoor seating with bars in both areas. Menu is average size, but everything is fresh and local. Everything we had was top notch. One of the best things was the service. Our waiter was prompt, accommodating, and had personality, which is too often lacking these days. Anyway, we will certainly be back. The free valet parking was a nice touch too.

    (5)

  • Agnes A.

    Needed to comeback this time we brought friend with us amazing food, deserts and of course shrimp cocktail phenomenal .... A+

    (5)

  • Carol K.

    The absolutely best meal I have ever had!!!! We had Ahi Tuna and mussels that were huge and outstanding. My husband had the oysters and just loved them. Dessert...must have the key lime pop cycle and chocolate browning! Great service...can say enough. Glad we found it during our travels through Rhode Island!

    (5)

  • Ryan G.

    I live down the road from this place. Ate here once. Cold food, over cooked salmon, under cooked vegetables, waitress was a moron to put it nicely. Loud and creates tons of traffic jams. Cops are called constantly. This is just a hype train. Also, their local oysters are picked from the pond you're looking at that is hot and filled with boats and people. Needles to say the water isn't clean at all, and neither are the oysters.

    (1)

  • Debrin S.

    Solid, solid, solid. If you find yourself in the area , drive here! I had no idea how very excellent this was going to be seeing that I had never heard of it in all the years I've been driving across the line for weekends spent in RI. I thought "it sounds good, it's tucked away from the the touristy average restaurants, & it's a random end of summer Thursday evening- how busy can it be?" Well, silly me bcz I had it waaay wrong! Packed! Line to get in & valet line to get out! State trooper directing the traffic in/out if the minuscule parking lot. Anyway, short wait. Lucky us apparently! Very pleasant host. This staff hustles w a smile yet they don't make you feel rushed. Outdoor bar overlooking the inlet- a lovely setting. Modern. Fab oyster bar prominently displayed upon entering @ the end of the bar the inside lounge/dining area. Beautiful minimal beach inspired decor. The very finest fresh seafood in the Narragansette area. Excellent menu offering RI seafood classics w a slant and then some. I'm a fan of Proseco, Saint Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc which pair nicely w seafood and they offer a nice cocktail & wine menu that thoughtfully harmonizes w the dining menu. The prices are very, very good particularly because the quality and presentation is premium. Maegan our server was par excellence! Also, a man offered to turn on the gas heater if we were cold & inquired as to how our meal was so we assumed he was a server. It happened to be the owner, Perry, who's countenance was gracious & humble. What a gentleman. We loved the native tender little necks bathing in a broth of wine, garlic, herbs & chorizo & served w garlic rubbed & grilled crusty bread. The RI style calamari was lightly fried w cherry peppers over Arugala & drizzled w aoli (which I found unnecessary- I just like lemon) was tender, lightly tangy/spicy & perfect w the Arugala. The lazy man Maine lobster was a hard shell - having skipped the gym this week- I was glad it was already cracked ;) However, it was sweet, tender, perfectly cooked (artful bcz lazy style can quickly become dry for obvious reasons) & simply served w drawn butter & lemons. Perfect. All the desserts are made in house by either the chef de cuisine or by the proprietor's mother. We had the cheesecake which was very dense & not too sweet. However, the fresh blueberries & ginger sauce was too tart and detracted from the cheesecake. But that was a tiny blip on our dining map. So looking forward to coming back!

    (4)

  • Mr. M.

    Our first time here today. It is a Monday off-season around 12:30 and the place was very busy. The waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable. The menu was dominated by seafood options as it should be. One oversight is the fish options do not list if the catch is wild caught or farmed. A glaring issue as I avoid farmed fish for all the obvious reasons. This omission needs to be corrected ASAP. My wife ordered 6 oysters ($11.10) and the Tuna taco ($12.95) She reported the oysters were very good, some of the best she has had. The tacos were another matter. 3 micro tacos with a couple of pieces of tuna tartar in each and a small salad. For the money, the tacos are forgettable. I had a cup of the NE clam chowder ($3.95) and an Oyster Po Boy ($14.95) The chowder was excellent. The Po Boy came with handmade fries and "slaw". The Po Boy was of average size and taste. Not exactly "full of oysters". The fries were nothing special; the same for the slaw. Our bill was $53.95 which also included 1 glass of wine ($7). Overall: Given the number of people who recommend this Restuarant, on this trip, we found it to be average and a bit disappointing. That said, we would give it another go. Magoo

    (3)

  • Hilary H.

    It breaks my heart to do this, but I've always been honest folk, so I gotta bring my five-star review down to three. My tale of woe: All I wanted for my birthday was to come to Matunuck, have some oysters and watch the sunset over the creek. On my actual birthday, I was struck down by strep throat, so plans were postponed. A week and a half later, we made the treck to Matunuck and the Oyster Bar of Dreams. Sadly, it took a very, very wrong turn and I probably won't be going there for my bday celebration ever again. Long story short, we waited nearly 2 hours for our table, which would have been ok if the cocktail waitress hadn't forgotten our oysters and wine. I expected a wait - there's always a wait - and would have been fine had I a dozen oysters and a glass of wine in me, but we were totally and completely forgotten. When I was able to grab her attention, she admitted to forgetting the oysters were for us, so she gave them to another table. That really ruffled my feathers, kids. Nothin' stands between Hily and her oysters. Especially on her bday. Especially. About twenty minutes after this conversation, we were called to our table. We told the server in the main dining area we were waiting for our wine and oysters (who was very sweet and apologetic about the sitch), and she said she'd get the cocktail waitress to bring them right over. Still nothing. And nothing. And nothing. She finally gave up on her and brought them over herself. We had another app and then dinner, and everything was delicious... Just not worth waiting over two-and-a-half hours for. In my humble opinion, the restaurant has allowed their waiting area to get too big, and they can't keep up with the demand. They've expanded the bar and lounge, which was the perfect size last summer, to a much larger and understaffed section that doesn't work the way they intended it to. With this expansion, they've lost control over the quality of service, which is really a shame. Five-star food, though. Really, really fresh and wonderful.

    (3)

  • Lisa B.

    We had first tried this as take out about 6 years ago and it was horrible, but we decided to give it another try because the lines are ridiculous every single night, so we managed to get a seat right away on a weeknight during their Happy Hour specials. We all enjoyed the Buck a Shuck oysters from Matunuck. For an appetizer we got the fried oysters on cucumber which was delicious. WE also tried the stuffie which was good and the white chowder which was OK (a bit more like a vegetable stew/chowder than traditional chowder). For dinner one preson got the Po Boy and another the lobster roll, both were chock full and delicious. The lobster roll was remarkably full and so good that my husband and I ordered one to split in addition to our meals. We each tried the Beat & Goat Cheese Salad which was good, but the additional shrimp we added to it was not worth it ($8 for 3 shrimp). The salad itself was very flavorful. Overall, it was a great meal with good service and a nice view.

    (4)

  • Eric M.

    Food was excellent. Best seafood I've had with a fair price for the area. Had the seared tuna with micro greens. Hot bread at the tables before the meal was wonderful. The only issue was it was so crowded (and this was Sunday night).

    (4)

  • Danielle L.

    With 217 reviews...is it really necessary for me to say the same thing as everyone else? My husband and I were brought here by his father and step mother. It was our first time and we were excited to try it but were warned the wait may be a while....which was fine. With no reservations, we arrived around 630-7pm on a Saturday at the end of September and the wait was still about an hour and 20 minutes. We grabbed a drink at the outside bar by the heat lamps and hung out and talked. We weren't overly hungry so the wait wasn't bad. People were constantly coming and going. We were seated around 8/830 and the place was pretty empty by then. We started with the oysters and I had a cup of chowder. Both were SO tasty. The Oysters were a variety which was pretty cool to taste different ones. I had scallops for my entree and they were super tasty. At the table, we also had fried clams and the tuna special. I think we all pretty much cleaned our plates! The place is super low key, not fancy, on the water, fresh and hands down a cool place. I would love to go back but will remember the wait! You would have to come during the day, early for dinner or late to not have a super long wait - no reservations.

    (4)

  • Maggie P.

    My date & I came here for a late lunch/early dinner. We had a wonderful table out on the patio overlooking the oyster beds . It was great that they had the patio covered with a tent with plenty of heaters. Great idea since it was February! Unparalleled service, freshness of seafood and presentation -exceeded my expectations !

    (5)

  • John S.

    Monday night dinner for a party of nine; great outdoor seating, terrific service, excellent food (best oysters I've enjoyed in the US). The reviews here say it all. Just try it - you can't go wrong

    (5)

  • Becky M.

    A warm October day brought us out to eat on the deck at MOB. $1 Matunuck oysters before 6pm. Yes, I'll have 6. Awesome. The view of the Pond can't be beat, especially as we watched the sunset. The deck heaters were turned on as the sun disappeared, so it was more than comfortable. Our server, Becca, was warm, made good recommendations, and was the right amount of attentive. Thank you, Becca. I had a stuffie and the mussel app for dinner. Delicious, FRESH seafood. This is a place to have a true RI seafood experience with the addition of veggies grown locally as well. It is really busy in the summer, given the proximity to East Matunuck State Beach and the growing reputation for fresh seafood (from selling at farmer's markets). You have to know that if you are visiting in summer. BUT they are open 7 days all through the fall and winter (and into the Spring..) So it's a great spot to visit in the "off season".

    (4)

  • Richard A.

    Nothing over the top, Lobster was over cooked, Belly Clams very tasty but the plate was about 70% French Fries. Service and atmosphere very good, but you go for the food rite? All in all is wasn't bad, but at those prices I expected more.

    (3)

  • James C.

    On my way back down from Newport, I swung by based on a tip from a local in providence that this place hade great oyster and sea food, opened by a oyster farmer this place had a packed parking lot by 530, everyone had come to enjoy the sunset by the shore. Tried the oyster Rockefeller, a couple raw oysters, lobster roll and the special which was sea bass with lobster curry. Great ambiance right by the water with outdoor seating. While waiting for your table they have a our door bar and seating area. Overall I think the food here is good, sea food is fresh and priced accordingly. The oysters were briny and sweet, the lobster roll was meaty and light, and the seafood curry was delicate and brought out the brightness of the mussels and the meatiness of the lobster. The rhubarb pic wasn't too sweet and had a awesome light flaky butter crust The food took awhile for the food to come out, the oyster Rockefeller was disappointing, it was fresh and cheesy when it came out but unfortunately it overwhelmed the oyster. The oysters were also quiet small. While the sea bass curry was quiet good the dish would have benefit from not over cooking the sea bass which dried the fish out and made it stringy. The lobster meat which seems to have been cooked with the curry ended up over cooked and tough to eat. Overall this place is minting it and a worthy stop on your way back from a weekend getaway

    (4)

  • Shannon H.

    Went back for our 2nd visit, again on a Sunday afternoon around lunch time, and were able to get our party of 4 seated right away on the beautiful deck. Again, everything was just fabulous. We got the raw oyster sampler, then shared the mussels, littlenecks w/chourizo, calamari and a salad between us. All amazing!! Can't wait to come back again!

    (5)

  • Sean N.

    The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a true representation of South County and what it means to live here. Everything about the oyster bar is second to none. Amazing wait staff, great food and an owner who not only cares about his business and customers but this entire community. Don't miss this place if your just here visiting. Well worth the wait and becoming a southern Rhode Island staple.

    (5)

  • Jack Straw S.

    I think this place was really as good as it gets. The oyster sampling was outstanding and it is nice to see them shuck the oysters and actually save all the brine. The lobster roll is the best that I have had from Block Island to Newport and all points in between. The seared yellow tail salad was excellent, although I would have preferred less of the dressing, I would ask for it on the side.

    (5)

  • Lisa G.

    Don't let the pictures fool you. Not everything on the menu is worth the wait. The clams are very fresh as well as the seafood. I had the linguine with clams which was a very generous portion. It was good. Another party at my table had the tuna which was cooked perfectly. However, several people in our party had ordered fried clams which arrived to the table cold and greasy. The French fries were soggy as well. The waitress did replace the dish but brought back more soggy and greasy fried foods. I would not recommend anything fried off the menu until they can come up with a solution to provide the diner a better fried food experience. Note: Even though the dish was sent back 2x, the manager did not remove from Bill! That should say something about how they view their guests.

    (3)

  • Arianna B.

    Amazing! The lobster roll here is amazing. Literally has a whole lobster inside of it. Had the Cucumber Oysters as well which were delicious. Awesome atmosphere and fantastic service. Perfect place to get your seafood fix in Narragansett!

    (5)

  • John taylor U.

    Food was great, sunset spectacular. Get there early and have a cocktail and definitely sit outside . Only reason review was not 5 stars is that parking sucks . The desert is tasty also !

    (4)

  • Nic P.

    I could go on for days about how amazing this place is, but I'll keep it somewhat short and sweet. This place is worth the wait. While you wait, get a drink, get some freshly shucked oysters or even go across the street and get some ice cream (yes have dessert before dinner...we're all adults here)-whatever you need to do to entertain yourself. Just don't be turned off by the wait. Then consume some of the freshest, most delicious seafood. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. At some point, get the baked stuffed lobster (it's delicious and reasonably priced). Definitely get some oysters from the raw bar. Happy Eating!

    (5)

  • Nita B.

    Best raw oysters ever! We come back once a year for the oysters. Everything else is great too. Everything is so fresh and the service is great. The owner is a great guy and very friendly. Good crowd of people too.

    (5)

  • Matthew L.

    Amazing. Plain old amazing.

    (5)

  • Alison J.

    Crazy busy on a wild, wet and windy late-season night, rather overwhelming though the wait staff were friendly. The noise level was very high even seated outside, inhibiting conversation which was a shame as the wait was quite lengthy. Calamari served at the bar were fresh and delicious. The creamy chowder also stacked up. This was the best part of our meal. Once seated, things went downhill. The people close by at the next table were shouting their conversation at one another, so that kind of took over our meal - it was hard to compete noise-wise. My oyster variety selection grilled/rockefeller etc was underwhelming and very small, while my husband's combination featured a scallop so over-stuffed with heaped-up breading that nothing else could be tasted except the excess of celery-seed seasoning. Daughter was happy with her fresh oyster selection. I thought maybe a great dessert would make up for the so-so entree experience, but crikey - talk about gilding the lily! I have never seen a more over-done too-many-ingredients selection of desserts in my life. I love a good dessert, but honestly nothing on here appealed to me enough to order it - a lifetime first. We had many better meals for lower prices on our trip. Would I come back in high season? No, sorry.

    (3)

  • Kieran M.

    Best restaurant in Narragansett. The ambiance is beautiful, the oysters were delicious. Be sure to try and reserve a table outside or at least against the window. The view at sunset is fantastic!

    (5)

  • Sharon S.

    Came here after a day at the beach at the recommendation of friends. Thank you friends!!! The service is amazing. The view is to die for and the food was worth every penny. Got the Islander platter and a Caesar salad with scallops. The shellfish was fresh and local. Dressy or casual is fine.

    (5)

  • Keith B.

    I love this place! If you have some time on a lazy weekend, use it here! The appetizers are so good, we sometimes just order a couple beers and exist completely on appetizers! So which are my favorite, you ask? I'm glad you asked!! The chorizo and littleneck clams in broth are fantastic! Make sure you ask for extra bread, cause the sauce is super tasty! They raise their own oysters here too, so get those on the half shell. The stuffies are delicious, so we had to get those too. And finally, we tried the calamari as well. Soooooo good. On previous trips we've even had the entrees and were not disappointed. There's a decent selection of beers, a nice wine list, and even some nice whiskies if that's your poison of choice. We never make it to desert. That may be a future trip, and I think we'll have to start there.

    (5)

  • Bondette T.

    We found on Yelp--I had scallops-- delicious--perfect martini- friendly staff beautiful setting

    (5)

  • Chelsea H.

    The tuna is amazing here! It comes with a combination of roasted red peppers and mashed potatoes and if you pile a little of each with the tuna you'll have the perfect bite! So many flavors! I also tried my first oysters and the penne pasta, add scallops and both were delicious!

    (5)

  • Jef S.

    The star of the show is the seafood, clearly. The dining room is nicely decorated and it doesn't reek of fish like some seafood restaurants. The outside bar is nice. Our server here was unimpressive. She seemed as if she was sleepwalking on a busy Thursday lunch. We had to request more water and there was a delay from the fact that she wasn't pacing the meal correctly. Whatever. The point, guys, is that the oysters are the bomb here. We got the sampler and it was so, so worth it. Beyond that I got a simple salad with grilled salmon. Tasty piece of fish, only very slightly overdone. Next time I ask for it med rare. Prices add up quickly. The de facto parking valet is a bit annoying, but I guess they need it. Not a bad place overall, but the service and price put me off. Maybe next time I go will be better.

    (3)

  • Wendy S.

    The parking is horrible- there is not enough space for the amount of people that want to eat there. It's always busy and very pricey, but the food is excellent! I love the oysters and the stuffie was very good, Sometimes they have $1 oysters from 4-6 pm Mon-Thur (call and ask- that may have been an out of season special). Very packed inside which I don't care for, but we always return. Entrees are between $16-25, shrimp cocktail sold individually for $3.50 , oysters and clams are $1.75- $1.85, and all steamed lobster dishes are market price. Seafood assortments (clams, oysters, shrimp are $40.95) Add drinks or an appetizer and you can see how it adds up. But the food is definitely worth it!!! Great service and the manager is always walking through and talking to the guests. Highly recommend!!

    (4)

  • Barbara H.

    Always my first stop when I'm in the area! They cultivate their own oysters, and they're fantastic. I also always order a stuffie - a Rhode Island specialty! The salads are made from vegetables from their farm. Delicious!

    (5)

  • Tracey K.

    This is one of our favorite restaurants! The food is fabulous!! My favorite entrees are the salmon or the Tuna. For appetizers the fried oysters and raw oysters are amazing as well as the cocktail shrimp!! The chocolate brownie sundae and key lime pie are the perfect ending to a wonderful dining experience!!! Service and quality of food are exceptional and consistent!!! I recommend this restaurant in the highest regard!

    (5)

  • Freedom M.

    Absolutely loved it! Freshest of the freshest food. Great attentive staff with great attitudes. Amazing view. Perfect company.

    (5)

  • Rich K.

    I'd give it 2.5 stars. I went today and got the oyster po-boy sandwich w/fries to take-out. After 4 bites of the sandwich the oysters were gone. It was basically a bread sandwich w/lettuce, tomato & dressing. (I skipped the pickles) The fries were tasty but somewhat limp & sorta soggy. Let me say that the valet guys and inside staff were nice. The waterfront view was relaxing as I waited for my order. I'd try it again but as a sit down meal without ordering a sandwich next time.

    (2)

  • Christian S.

    I don't usually give out 5 stars, but I have been to Matunuck Oyster Bar on three separate occasions, and the food has tasted the same each time; extremely great!! I love the oysters here. The wife and I are more favorable to the west coast Kumamotos, but this place is on point. I am not giving out 5 starts without giving it some negative reviews. it has gotten much busier each time we visit. I guess the word is getting out about this place. WIth no reservations, you better be ok with eating at old people time if you want a seat at this place immediately. Ok, I was able to get my one negative thing in. Oh the valet parking gets busy as well. Ok I was able to get my two negatives in. As for the food and service, you will get no complaints here. The lobster salad rolls here, probably an exaggeration, are filled with nearly one pound of lobster meat. The fish and chips are always a safe bet, but are really above average here. Don't be afraid of the specials here. One member of my party had the sword fish special, she thought it was really good. Of course I had to taste for myself, and I concur. My wife had 1.5 pound lobster and it was cooked to perfection. If clams are you thing, well you can get those here as well. Falling back on the oysters, the oysters Rockefeller is probably the best here; and that is comparing it to some of my other favorite oysters joints. The scallops were cooked beautifully and full of flavor. If you are ever in the area, take a trip to Matunuck Oyster Bar. Order yourself a Dark & Stormy from the bar and order up yourself a dozen oysters. Better yet order yourself anything off that menu because it is going to be great and you will not be disappointed. Remember get there early. This place gets busy, but the service does not suffer. P.S. If your dish does not come with fries, be greedy and order the hand-cut fries. Everyone in my party had their hands in my fries. Oh Yeah..Chocolate Bread Pudding.

    (5)

  • Robert D.

    Absolutely wonderful lobster roll! The martini was an excellent accompaniment. Attentive and pleasant staff. Closed with strawberry rhubarb pie . An enjoyable lunch!

    (5)

  • Eric C.

    Well I think I just my favorite seafood restaurant in Rhode Island! All summer I have been wanting to eat here and this place has been PACKED! I mean so packed that it backs up the road for several miles for people just waiting to park and not to mention the wait that you have to endure once you get it. During the summer, it doesn't matter what time you want to eat, they'll be guaranteed to be packed. Luckily for me, no one eats seafood in the winter (I'm being funny XD) and so when I came here on a weekend during lunch time, there was plenty of parking and plenty of open tables. They have outdoor seating available but you know when there's snow on the ground it's nicer to be seated inside. As with any good seafood restaurant, a portion of their menu is devoted to the raw bar. Staying true to its name, they have a variety of oysters to choose from including their very owned farmed Matunuck Oysters. Yes, well I have something to disclose. I dont' like oysters... it's the taste. But I have been told by the people who do eat them and have gone with me that they are excellent sweet oysters. I can verify that the cocktail shrimp were large, sweet and fresh. We decided to go with the clams casino as well which were delightfully unhealthy followed by a stuffed lobster and a whole belly clams sandwich. YOU MUST ORDER BOTH OF THOSE. Or regret it.

    (5)

  • Nathan C.

    First time visiting and I was disappointed. There was a long line to get into the parking lot and then an hour wait for a table outside. Since we had made the trip specifically to try this place, we waited by the bar. The bartender was quick and attentive even though he was obviously slammed by all the people waiting for tables. When we saw other people being seated who had arrived after us, we said something to the hostess who promised we would be seated next. We were seated at a table of 4 (there were 2 of us) and then asked to move to a table of 2 so they could use the table for 4 people (which is reasonable). What wasn't reasonable was that they proceeded to seat another party of 2. The food was fine, but it took forever to get our food which I think was partially due to the server forgetting to put in the entree orders because he kept being pulled away by a large table who kept interrupting him. I've heard others say the food and experience is much better earlier in the day when it isn't as crowded so that will be the plan for the next visit.

    (3)

  • Nathan L.

    Great location and great food. The only downside is the parking and the crowd. I got very good service at the outside bar, which has a great view of the sun setting over the water. All three local oysters types in the sampler were great. The lobster roll was good, although the bun was a little thick and overwhelmed the lobster on some bites.

    (5)

  • Toby H.

    Sitting outside eating scallops and jumbo shrimp that are heavenly. Perfectly paced service - excellent wine list and the best seafood , unmasked and true to themselves. If you are looking for a seafood dining experience that is purely about the ingredients and only the highest quality ingredients then Matunuck Oyster Bar needs to be on your list.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Great raw bar w/ the freshest oysters / clams you can get. The lobster roll was amazing. Steamers juicy. A world of a difference from anyplace in NYC, will definitely come back.

    (5)

  • Rebecca D.

    Consistently one of my favorite places to eat in the country. I've travelled lots and this place is delicious. Oysters are unmatched! Menu is fresh and seasonal - and the price is worth the high quality food you will receive. Expect a wait - this place is crowded - but moves fast. Have a sangria and enjoy the atmosphere (cozy, crowded little beach place) or pass your time watching the workers shuck oysters and clams at the indoor bar. RI clear chowder soup is a nice rendition. Did I mention the oysters?!? Could eat a dozen on my own :)

    (4)

  • Michael T.

    Perry and his amazing staff have come to feel like family friends! Yes, we're locals - year round - and we sympathize with the many folks who come from afar and may not get everything they'd come to expect, on first visit. Just know, this place is for real - real seafood and produce - organically grown and ecologically superior! Come, taste and see! And thanks, guys, for the outstanding raw bar at our son's wedding this past weekend. You made a hit - and none too few landlubbers from Wisconsin ate there first oysters and were smitten!

    (5)

  • Susan R.

    Oh yeah - OYSTER HEAVEN!! 'Love the Quonsets out of Narragnasett - they dont' get better or fresher. Great, friendly service, wonderful & simple environment on a small inlet.....gorgeous sized lobster roll, yummy fish and chips, lovely seared scallops..........desserts are home made...but GO FOR THE OYSTERS!! The clams on the fried seafood plate were a little greasy and soggy, but the Stuffie was tasty and the batter on the fish had the perfect crunch and was not oily. Fries are plentiful and have the skins on. I would prefer if they were crispier...but I can't knock off any stars, when they serve the best, freshest oysters at the best price! Don't buy them in Newport - you will pay double This is now my absolute favorite stop in Rhody.

    (5)

  • Annie E.

    Eh. We're local and haven't been since they expanded. If you know this place - you stay away in the summer because of the 3 hour wait (not kidding). We absolutely loved this place and had been several times during the winters. Food was amazing. They had this creole Cajun fish dish that was to die for! We just got back from dinner and wow - I think they just got too big too fast. Expanded in all kinds of ways. Food and menu went waaaay downhill. Service did not. Didn't eat my linguine and clams because clams were like rocks. To their credit they took it off the menu and the owner came out and apologized, which we really appreciated. I wanted more original fish dish choices on the menu like the way it was. Will try again. PS THE OYSTERS ARE AMAZING!

    (3)

  • Linda B.

    Had an amazing lunch here....fresh local oysters, a stuffie and humongous lobster rolls. Everything was so delicious. Will definitely make the trip from Connecticut for this amazing food in such a beautiful setting!!!!

    (5)

  • James F.

    Food is excellent here. French fries are some of the best in the state. All of the food I have had here is delicious and the service is excellent. Only good things to stay about this place. I would recommend this place for anyway who loves sea food cause that's what it specializes in.

    (5)

  • Bella C.

    Just perfection. I'm such a sea-foody and this place blew me away. Good brews, good view of the water, even better food. On a sunny day, it's just heaven.

    (5)

  • Matthew A.

    Excellent! Fresh, local and unreal oysters. A must eat in RI. Perry the own pays very close attention to his local fresh ingredients.

    (4)

  • amy f.

    Loved it. Went in July. It was like a finely tuned machine. From quickly valeting you in, to the hostess greet and seat, which was very fast. I expected to have to wait to be seated at lunch time on the weekend. We were sat at a table with a great view. I got the best seafood platter: with a stuffie, some fried oysters and perfectly fried cod. Great place!

    (5)

  • Rav B.

    Great Oysters. First ordered the Oyster Sampler [1 doz for $22]- couldnt get enough so ordered the islander [sampler + 6 little neck clams + 4 jumbo shrimp for $40]. Good quality oysters.. fair price.I think its better than Even tide Oyster Co in Portland Maine where a doz will cost $30. Other items to consider: Blackened Tuna and the Oyster Trio. Drinks are pricy [dont know if its just the outdoor bar or not]- a crappy quality Bloody Mary and Mojito in plastic cups costs $20.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    As always, great service and great food. This is a consistently great place to go!

    (5)

  • Kristin S.

    We've eaten here 8 or 10 times, all throughout the year...And here are my thoughts: Service: Wonderful. Mostly college-aged kids, always friendly, never an attitude, even though they work their butts off. View: Incredible. Very relaxing and rejuvenating. Parking: LOL...well....the addition of the two town police cruisers directing traffic should pretty much sum that up. The valet guys are great though, they work incredibly hard and always greet us with a smile, even when there's a line of 10 cars waiitng to be parked. Oysters: Top notch and delish, as they should be! Lobster Roll: Nice big chunks of lobster meat, great flavor, but the bun needs help. It's always (and I mean, always) just a little too dry. The fries are totally yummy and addictive. Best in the state, as far as I'm concerned. Other entrees: Fried clams, decent. Clams with linguine, pretty good. Calamari, not bad. Beet and goat cheese salad, very nice. To be honest with you, we typically stick with the tried and true, and we don't venture into the menu much. I'd stick with the raw bar and the lobster roll, you really can't go wrong. Bar: Nice selection, and they make a great Dark & Stormy.

    (4)

  • Jason Y.

    I've been here for quite a few times, as all the other reviews said, Matunuck is a really classy restaurant with delicious and fresh seafood. Except for winter time, the outside area will be open and it's right beside a pond with the smell of sea salt and essence of freshness (Umami). My usual routine for Matunuck would be 6 X SALT POND SELECTS Oyster 6 X WATCH HILL Oyster Clams Linguine w/ White Wine Sauce Those are like my 3 favorites, other than that the Lobster Roll and Fish and Chips are reasonably large in portion and quite tasty. But I won't recommend those general dishes in such great restaurant. PARKING however is pain in the butt, there's a Valet private lot available beside the restaurant or 8 tight public spaces in front. They're both usually full and it's really hard to find a good parking space. If you're going after 7, there's spaces slightly forward of the restaurant over a small bridge, and you can park on the road side (that said... if there's no state troopers making trouble out of you... and I am not responsible for any violation or stuff...) I will give Matunuck Oyster Bar a 5 out of 5 rating. It's just so good...

    (5)

  • Syd C.

    I have been here quite a few times, with different size parties, and in different seasons! this place NEVER disappoints! Perry, the owner, has a great thing going here and he's always there walking the tables, making sure EVERYTHING is being enjoyed! I typically get the lobster roll or fried clam roll. This last time we had the mussels, best our table has ever had..... Don't let the line of cars fool you - our last visit was on a Sunday with two cruisers directing traffic, however, the wait was only 20 minutes for 7 of us! In the fall/winter, we travel over an hour to get here, it's sooooooooooooo worth it!

    (5)

  • Steve L.

    Narragansett-classy, in the middle of nowhere. Drove down to Point Judith for a February lunch with the expectation of loading up on fried stuff at Champlin's. To my horror, the restaurant is closed in the winter! (Way to fail on that one, Yelp...) One eleven-mile drive around Point Judith Pond later, we found a restaurant amongst a seashell-paved lot. Maybe we was unusually lucky, but despite the sea of cars outside, we were seated immediately. Restaurant was clean, well-lit, and visually featured its eponymous oyster bar, but with wood siding and a thumpy floor, certainly made no pretense of Newport snoot. Started with the 12-pc oyster sampler, which included fresh, minerally, and overall excellent local specimens - oddly, the local farmed variety was definitely not the best on the list. Followed up with a terrific lobster roll - with predominantly claw meat piled high upon a substantial buttered roll, these guys don't mess around with puny hot dog rolls. With the addition of crunchy golden home-cut fries which rival those of Yanni's (Tiverton, RI), this is the rare lobster roll that makes a legitimate meal. Also got the above average fried whole belly oyster/clam platter, which was tasty, well-seasoned, but not quite the oral explosion found at Evelyn's (also Tiverton, RI). Definitely a bit pricey for frequent visits, but Matunuck is now on my RI culinary short list.

    (5)

  • Andrea M.

    It doesn't get much better than this. Matunuck Oyster Bar is far and above our favorite restaurant. We have been often enough that we have probably tried everything on the menu and have yet to have even a mediocre meal. Yes, it gets very busy in the summer but it is part of dining at a great restaurant on the water. We consider it festive and part of the atmosphere. You can certainly plan it to avoid the crowds and the other seasons are just as wonderful to enjoy everything they have to offer. The owner is always working hard at the restaurant while still finding time to visit each table to check on things. The food is farm to table making it even more special. The fact that the restaurant is on the water is only a plus, not the reason this place is as fantastic as it is!

    (5)

  • Kimberly S.

    Every time we come here the food is delicious! The clam chowder is awesome! Everyone working there was really friendly and helpful! It's worth the wait!!

    (5)

  • Janaina S.

    Huge thanks to Perry for accomodating my cousin visiting from key west who wanted to try RI oysters and I got us a bit lost. Not only did his approval help ease some anxiety it made for a nice ending to my visit from Dc....home for my mothers surprise party! So much gratitude...def. deserving of a nice review and a visit from others!

    (5)

  • Joanne V.

    The wait was about 30 minutes just like they said it would be. Enjoyed drinks with a beautiful view while waiting. There were five of us and everyone's meals were excellent. Not one complaint, just compliments. Our waitress was courteous and attentive without hovering. They really don't have much competition between the fresh, tasty food, awesome setting and great waitstaff. Thoroughly enjoyed my birthday dinner. We will return often!

    (5)

  • boaz p.

    Still the best seafood restaurant on the Eastern seaboard! Oysters are amazing. Entrees superb.

    (5)

  • Holly Z.

    Awesome deck, awesome view right on the water. Great service. Amazing food. I got the scallops, they were like general tso's scallops but without the MSG. Delicious, so fresh. Complimentary valet. Nothin fancy though, we show up in shorts and tee shirts. A little pricey but for the quality its worth it.

    (5)

  • Tom W.

    I'll keep it short and sweet with this one. The reviews speak for themselves. Good luck finding fresher oysters. Probably won't happen unless you harvest them yourself and you eat them while standing in the water. I'm hooked on Belly clams. I'd never had them before this visit. Now, they haunt my dreams. After we returned from vacation, we saw Matunuck on Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre America. I think that was our waitress, Naomi! That was just a cool little side note to a great dining experience. Here's an indicator. If you need valet parking on a Tuesday at 2pm, you might be running a successful restaurant. They didn't just have valet parking. They needed it. On a Tuesday. At 2pm. Awesome place.

    (5)

  • Katherine R.

    I go here all the time and it is always an amazing experience. I have probably tried everything on the menu by now and have nothing (I mean NOTHING) to complain about! My go to meal when I go is usually a cup of creamy chowder to start and then a lobster roll with fries. If I'm feeling like being healthier, I'll order the beet and goat cheese salad with added chicken or salmon (though there are a TON of options of things you can add to the salads such as fried oysters, shrimp, scallops, etc). I always order some oysters to start--always ask your waiter or waitress about the oysters they have that day. If you go in the summer, don't let the long wait turn you away. I can promise you it WILL be worth the wait. The restaurant is set up to have lots of people waiting, and they have a really nice outdoor area with a bar for people to wait around. It is all part of the experience. If it is a nice day, dine outside of you have the option. Even when it is chilly, the outdoor dining is comfortable because they have heaters. I have nothing negative to say about this restaurant. I have gone here countless times and can't ever see myself getting sick of it. I have always admired how the owner of the restaurant, Perry, always makes an effort to stop by every table to ask how your meal is. They do everything right here. A perfect New England dining experience!

    (5)

  • Rob M.

    We finally made it in to the Matunuck Oyster Bar after being turned away by the massive crowds on our previous visit. On that day, a sunny Sunday afternoon, there were cars queued up along the street just waiting for the valet, so we assumed the wait inside was pretty horrendous, too. Still, there must be a reason why people would put up with this kind of aggravation. Well, there is, as we discovered today. We arrived fairly early, at about 4:15, after a day in the hot sun. It was already getting crowded, but not too bad. We were told it would be 15-20 minutes for a table, but it only took 10. We chose to sit on the big deck overlooking the salt pond -- in the shade, please! -- and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Great view of their own oyster boat bringing in a fresh haul of the local bivalves, and of the cute little cottages along the water. The tables were spaced out nicely, so that even when every table was full (which is pretty much always), it never felt too crowded or close. Our server came over promptly, and was very friendly and helpful (all of them seemed equally pleasant and attentive). She brought us a round of drinks promptly, too, and we had a dozen-and-a-half excellent oysters on the table before we had even figured out what we wanted for dinner. And figuring out what we wanted wasn't easy, as the menu has many great choices, including a few specials. I selected one the specials, mahi mahi seared with a mild Ancho chile sauce, topped with a mixture of sautéed peppers, on a bed of rice. It included a simple but very tasty side of black beans, and fresh, locally grown steamed vegetables (which included some mixed greens, squash and red peppers). The fish was cooked to perfection. Flaky, moist, with a beautiful blackened coating of Ancho chile. It was not at all overpowering. In fact, I was expecting it to be spicier, and needed to add some black pepper to kick it up, but it was otherwise very, very good. My wife started with some Cucumber Gazpacho. It was sublime, and so nice and cool on a warm summer day. Just the right sized chunks of fresh cucumber combined with bits of a few other veggies we couldn't quite figure out -- maybe some avocado helped give it the creamy texture and light green color? A few small, slightly char-grilled heirloom tomatoes on top were a perfect addition. For her entree she had a grilled swordfish steak with a Provencal type preparation and grilled veggies atop yellow rice. It, too, was perfectly cooked. There are many more items on the menu we can't wait to try, as we peered over at other's tables and second-guessed our selections. The appetizer menu featured Pt. Judith Calamari, fried with cherry peppers and capers, tossed with Arugula and topped with citrus aioli. It was a substantial portion, easily big enough to have as a dinner. We saw many, many home-made stuffies being served, and wished we had tried one of those, too. The people at the table next to us could be heard raving about their Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Oysters Rockefeller, littlenecks and cherrystones, steamed mussels, and a few other offerings rounded out the apps menu, along with the obligatory clam chowder, R.I. or creamy N.E. style. The entree menu -- oh, man, we didn't know where to start. There were huge platters of traditional clam-shack offerings like fresh fish & chips and pints of whole-belly clams; linguine and clam sauce; giant seared scallops or blackened yellow fin tuna; penne pasta with chicken, shrimp or salmon; even jambalay with fried oysters or a fried oyster Po' Boy. And of course, lobsters and lobster rolls. Something for almost everyone, though the landlubber in your party will be limited to an "all natural" rib eye steak, a burger or a grilled chicken sandwich. The prices are very reasonable for such generous portions and fresh, quality food. A well-stocked bar helps make the wait a bit more bearable. Please don't let the chaos in the parking lot keep you away; put your name on the waiting list, enjoy the views, and maybe even take one of their tours out to the oyster beds. This is really a great little place we will be returning to often!

    (5)

  • Scott P.

    I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. It starts at the top and Perry works day and night to make this restaurant great. The food is fresh, local and absolutely delicious. I've tried just about everything and I've never had a bad meal. The jambalaya and tuna are my favorites. The oysters are fantastic too!

    (5)

  • Jason S.

    Went there with 2 friends on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm. They seated us right away at a great table. I've had oysters at plenty of places; here, the oysters were rather small, but the prices were just as high for large oysters. The worst part was they charged us $3.95 for a single slice of cheese on a salad. Fortunately, we didn't order drinks, just had water, otherwise we would have paid more than the $120 bill for 3 people. I'll return, but will not order any drinks, no add-ons, and we'll share to keep a night out at a more reasonable price.

    (3)

  • John S.

    Great oysters, shrimp and littlenecks! I think we had 3 different kinds of local oysters. A huge platter. It took a little while for the food to come out at 3PM on a weekday. But the place was full. And I can see why the demand was high. The lobster rolls were great as well. I have seen bigger for the price. But the bun was more than just your hot dog bun. The lobster was great - I am sure it was fresh with the volume they do. And the lobster was dressed and seasoned perfectly. (Try adding an extra dash of pepper and salt on the roll.) Thanks Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    Showed up with 7 people - grandparents through grand kids, next thing we know there are 10 of us?!? Owner could not have been any more helpful and understanding. However, it is what it is and there is only so much room so we split the party up. Not ideal but was fun moving between tables. Not a complaint from the waitstaff!!! Now for the food. Anyone who gives less than 5 stars is either delusional or impossible to please! We had oysters, steamers, littlenecks, mussels, chowder...everything was PERFECT!!! Fun atmosphere, great fresh food, good beer, great views...where else would you want to go for real, fresh (not fried) seafood???

    (5)

  • Jen G.

    Gorgeous place on the bay. Wine list is amazing, I really enjoyed their malbec. The seafood is the best I've had in a long time. Be sure to get the Matunuck oysters, they get them right there in bay surrounding the restaurant. The oyster special was delicious and the staff really knows their stuff about each type of oyster. I had the seared tuna special. It was delicious and the portion was huge. One of my friends got a lobster; which she said was delicious, and also comes with a free bib that says "Time to get cracking". The others got clams and penne pesto. Everything got great reviews. We were there on July 4th, and the locals set off their own fireworks off the bay. It was an amazing view, a great show and the start to a perfect evening out in Rhode Island.

    (5)

  • Sandi G.

    The food was all amazing !!! If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner, this is NOT the place for you, but if you are looking for fresh, great cuisine - this is the place to be!!!

    (5)

  • Christopher F.

    Not enough stars on the rating system this place deserves a six. This restaurant has everything, really good looking waitress' that provide great service. The atmosphere is spectacular, overlooking a rustic fishing village that screams authentic New England. As you eat outside, you watch the locals catching fresh oysters and clams. Because the oyster farm is right outside of where you are sitting you can not find fresher seafood. So needless to say we stuck with the raw bar, they have other wonderful things on the menu, but considering we may never get this close to an oyster farm in Michigan we focused on the raw bar. We ordered two 12 Rhode Island oyster samplers, 4 of which come directly from his farm right outside, the other two are locally harvested from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Each oyster came with a fresh taste of the ocean so good, we also ordered some little neck clams which are my favorite, a nice mild buttery flavor. Also tried the larger cherry stone clams a little more salty but still good. We also decided too order a cup of the clear Rhode Island chowder and a cup of their New England clam chowder. The RI clear was absolutely to die for nice chunks of clams in each every bite and you can taste the natural seafood in the stock. The New England style was even better, in addition to the seafood stock, the cream and some type of liquor gave the soup an unbelievable flavor. Their New England style clam chowder would give the union oyster house's chowder in Boston a run for their money it's that good. Forgot to add a very reasonable children's menu. For 6 dollars, he was served the most wonderful fish and chips I have ever seen for ocean fish (cod). I wanted to eat his meal, a light delicate batter and cod caught that day from their cove. The only fish and chips I have had that blew me away were the whitefish I had in Mackinac Island.

    (5)

  • Darlene P.

    My brother in law and sister have a home on Potter's pond and I saw this place on Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods. Unbelievable food and atmosphere! Best lobstah roll. All claw meat. Great clam stuffie. Loved the little neck clams with chorizo. Wait staff friendly and accommodating! I asked for romaine for my salad instead of greens. Got it! My sister loved the scallops and B-I-L loves the linguini and clams. Get there by noon for lunch. Dinner wait can be 1-2 hours. Sit at the outside bar. Outside is best with a great view. Valet parking. Farm their own oysters and clams and produce. Also great fish and chips. Dogs welcome. Perry, the owner, is there and cares about the quality of the food and customers. There is no other place that compares!

    (5)

  • William H.

    Awesome dining experience. Great food, beautiful view, great service. I haven't done the oyster farm tour, but it's on the to-do list. What a fun way to see where the food is coming from, all while having a cold drink on the boat out. I recommend: Oysters (obviously), calamari, lobster roll, bloody marys, stuffies, and whatever fresh garden vegetables that day. All of the food is tasty though! Complimentary valet parking too :)

    (5)

  • Jenn D.

    There were four in our party and the 90 minute wait just flew by. There were so many people and not once did any one of us feel crowded or overwhelmed. We were met with friendly service right from the valet through the hostess stand to dinner and dessert. I can't say enough good things about the quality of the food. I had the stuffed lobster, and there were shrimp and scallops included! Just wonderfully prepared and presented. We had a great time and are planning to return.

    (5)

  • Lynn P.

    I have been dying to get to this place and give it a try but DH is not a fan of waiting-so I finally convinced a friend to go with me. We got there around 11:30 for lunch and got right in. Had a wonderful table on the outside deck-gorgeous views and terrific service. I ordered the goat cheese and beet salad and had oysters on it, my friend got the lobster roll. Both our dishes were FABULOUS. I will be back again and am dragging my husband with me-even if we do have to wait it is well worth it!!

    (5)

  • Karen V.

    We LOVE this place! Every time we go here it gets better and better, whether it's raining, cloudy or sunny we sit outside and enjoy the wonderful view and enjoyable vibe this place has. FOOD is AMAZING! I've had several things on the menu including the fresh list - it's all GREAT and is probably one of the best if not the BEST place to have seafood in Rhode Island, go there - you will not be disappointed!!!

    (5)

  • Jo. P.

    Very consistent & fresh food! Oysters are so fresh! Nice and relax, still efficient staff! Great place!

    (5)

  • Matt I.

    If you want FRESH, FRESH, FRESH, oysters,DO NOT MISS stopping here. It is not too far off Route 1 in Southern, RI. I am an oyster aficionado, I make that claim having consumed 6 dozen oysters at one sitting once. And, between NYC and Wellfleet, MA these are without question the BEST you will find, AND, they give Wellfleet a run for its money too. If you love oysters, sitting in the sun, by a tidal river, you cannot find a better place to spend a couple of hours and your money. You won't be sorry.

    (5)

  • Katie B.

    We fortunately didn't have to wait long to be seated because the party we were with got there about an hour before we did. I don't have any complaints about Matunuck Oyster Bar. The wait staff was nice, attentive and quick especially considering how busy they were! The food was excellent, there were no complaints from any one at our table of 6. Good experience all around!

    (5)

  • Kristi L.

    Such a great little spot! I went to MOB yesterday with my husband and his parents for lunch and it was great! Now, I have to start by saying I'm not really into shellfish, or calamari for that matter, so I can't speak much to that. However, the good news is for those who are like me with their food preferences, there are plenty of options! I had the Atlantic Salmon with the vegetables and scallion polenta and it was fantastic. My husband got a fried cod sandwich which also looked amazing. The location is very unassuming, but the outside seating was great (I did not go inside so I can't speak to the set up in there). Complimentary valet proved to be quite helpful as this place was PACKED. That said, it's worth the drive/wait!

    (5)

  • Pam D.

    Stumbled upon this place by accident...Oysters were amazing...fresh. Whole belly clams were very good. Lobster roll, stuffed. Service was very good. The locals were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Marc F.

    I love this place. A couple of summers ago my wife and I were kayaking in Ninigret Pond. I noticed some sort of roped off area and a boat working it. I drifted over to inquire. They were harvesting oysters that afternoon to be served that evening. The nice guys on the boat recommend which tasty mollusk to try that night and we were not disappointed. We have been back several times and never been disappointed. Yes, the wait can be daunting but sit back, order a martini and a dozen or so of your favorite oysters and enjoy yourself. This is South County at it's best.

    (5)

  • Rich T.

    Five stars again....... Been back twice this summer, most recently last evening... Service great, portions were large, no skimping on fish. Owner was visiting tables, ensuring quality. Like the new outside bar,

    (5)

  • Alma C.

    Very good seafood option in RI, especially since the staff is very knowledgeable and uncompromising about seafood quality (they'd better be since they farm and sell their own cultured oysters). I usually just end up buying their oysters at the weekend farmer's market in Providence since it's more convenient, but this place is definitely worth the hike if you expect very fresh seafood.

    (4)

  • Greta H.

    Off season at 11:45, half dozen Matunucks, a beer, and Little Necks & Chourico, cole slaw on the side. No room for dessert. (oomph!) This place has the goods. As a visitor, I can see why locals might be chuffed that they have to valet park (it's free, and only so they can squeeze in as many cars as possible), and wait in line, but that half dozen Perfectly Shucked Matunuck oysters from Potters Pond (the body of water you are looking at) explain WHY. So go, and Love the oysters and all the other seafood amazingness ( the lobster roll is crazy... Who puts whole claws in the roll? and, yes they grill the buns), and know that if it is a warm early evening, there will be a line. But when you do get a table, the world is your oyster, and it comes with good beer.

    (5)

  • Rebecca D.

    Great food & the service is always good, too. Nice selection at the bar, too.

    (4)

  • Marina F.

    I am writing this review because as of our last visit, we were highly dissatisfied with the service at the restaurant, which was pretty shocking since we love and frequent Matunuck Oyster Bar. My husband and I were at the restaurant on a very rainy Friday night at 8pm. We were seated right away and got our drinks. My oysters (wonderful and delicious) came out 5 min later, which was great. As soon as I finished them, our entrees arrived. It seemed a bit rushed for a Friday night to have our entrees within 15 min of arrival, but I understand that it happens sometimes at a restaurant. For our entrees, my husband loved his swordfish. As I started eating my salmon, it seemed fine at first, maybe because it was encrusted with sweet potato, but then I realized it was brown on the inside and not thoroughly cooked. Now something like that should not happen at a seafood restaurant that is known for its high quality. The waitress came right away and offered me another dish, but I really liked the salmon, so I asked for the same dish. Over the next 20 min, I sat and watched my husband put down his swordfish. All I was hoping for was a nice drama free Friday night, not the kind that we had. Who wants to eat alone at a restaurant, especially one that costs more than average? By the time my food finally arrived, my husband already finished eating. Perry came out and apologized for the fish, which was nice, but did not offer us anything. I then had to ask him to flag down the waitress for another drink. At exactly 9pm we got our check. Nothing was compensated, not the entrees, nor the drinks we had (2 martinis and 1 beer). As we were leaving, we saw the people who were still there before we arrived. I mean who spends 1 hour at a restaurant on a Friday night? But to be honest, we were glad to leave. We were beyond disappointed. Ever since Matunuck Oyster Bar became an establishment, we loved and supported the place! Since we are local, we frequent the restaurant at off season and on week nights. We never complain and always have a great time there. Yet the one thing we noticed this time, is the indifference. We had really high hopes, and it's sad to see the quality and service decline with time. It seems that the more popular the place gets, the more indifferent the staff are. I tried sending an email to the restaurant, but got no response in return. Really sad to be treated that way:(

    (2)

  • David K.

    Fantastic Quonset oysters shucked fresh that we're beyond superb. Had a bowl of New England Clam Chowder that was as delightful as any I have ever eaten. The service was friendly and attentive, and the setting is absolutely postcard perfect. The oyster po-boys were enjoyed equally as much by several in my party. A must visit spot when dining on the Rhode Island coast!

    (5)

  • Brenna H.

    Oysters oysters and oysters. They are as fresh as you can get, coming right from the Matunuck farm. The oysters were not the largest I have ever had but the taste was unbeatable; not to sweet, perfectly salty and served with vinegar, cocktail sauce and lemon. They also cary a variety of local oysters, which are equally delicious. I also ordered the lobster role, which was filled with jucy and plump claw meat. The service was delightful and the ambience was quaint but comfortable. Unfortunately it was raining and the patio was not open. The patio has a nice explaination of the oyster harvesting process and the local salt lakes. I always enjoy education with my meal. It was also off season on a Wednesday, I was seated right away, but I am sure that is not the case during the summer months. Make sure you check this place out, Prost.

    (5)

  • Lee J.

    Truly amazing. Even the cocktails. We went in the middle of the week, early on a snowy night praying there would be no wait. We were seated right away in the corner overlooking the pond. Fantastic service. Fantastic food. The raw bar was incredible. The fried oysters and clams were HEAVEN. Mussels were good. Chowder was great. Can't wait to go back. We may try to sneak in one more visit before the season begins. Treat yourself!

    (5)

  • Glenn C.

    Following an afternoon of sun and surf at nearby East Matunuck beach my wife and I stopped in and had a delicious beet salad, some steamers and a lobster roll; but the highlight was sitting back with a cold draft beer and enjoying the briny oysters with a view of the pond where they are farmed and the smell of salt air in the breeze. Near perfect summertime in New England food experience!

    (5)

  • Jim Y.

    Lobster rolls were excellent. Matunack oysters are the best. Really enjoyed every part of the meal.

    (5)

  • Sarita O.

    My favorite new restaurant. I grew up down the road from this place before it was Matunuck Oyster Bar. It has certainly done much better than the previous restaurants who used the space. Really does speak volumes about the hard work the owners have put into the place. As others have already mentioned, this is not the place to come if you are in a rush or have somewhere to be for the rest of the evening. This is the kind of restaurant that makes you slow down, relax, and stay awhile before building up to an amazing dining experience. My best advice, don't go starving, have some drinks with friends or family in the bar/picnic area, have some appetizers from the raw bar, and enjoy the view! I've been 3 times in the past year or so. The wine list is always great and the specials are always so intriguing. However, I am just so in love with their Cod dishes, I keep ordering that every time. Absolutely the best fresh cod I've ever had whether cooked at home or out to eat. The current cod they're featuring is a pistachio crusted filet with a side of fresh seasonal veggies (which they grown themselves) and saffron rice. So so good. Also, don't miss the opportunity to get dessert while you're there. The owner and her mother make all the desserts from scratch and they are phenomenal. All in all, totally worth the wait. My new favorite local place. : )

    (5)

  • Bob P.

    Hard to say much that hasn't been said about this.... I moved here a year ago and started hearing about this place right on the water with the bestest freshest oysters... finally got here, off-season, dark night, and ........wow. We went on a Monday night in mid-January, and the place was full. THAT says something right there, cuz if you don't know where to look, you ain't gonna find this place....!! It has a loyal following, and it is well deserved. We had a couple of oyster plates, with clams, local oysters all shucked right then and there. awesome. The rest of the folks had real dinners, all were quite happy with theirs, I had the oyster stew "starter".... THE BEST oyster stew I have EVER had. Yeah, I liked it! Had tastes of various dinners (salmon, seared scallops, oysters on linguine) all good, all vegetables perfectly done. Just a really nice, really good dinner. Now, I just have to wait til it warms up and there's a long summer evening to enjoy on the deck with a craft beer and some fresh slurpers... mmmmm....

    (5)

  • Zac S.

    I love this place. I grew up in this area and have seen it be so many flops. I would be a good chunk of change that the M.O.B is here to stay. Firstly the oysters are so good. I love local oysters. I love fresh oysters. Fresh local oysters & I am very happy. But if you are not a raw oyster kind of person there is plenty more on the menu. They have a great fried fish sandwich. Thier scallop dishes are great. I had a wonderful lobster roll today that was PACKED with lobster meat, and light on the mayo. Their chowder is not the absolute best I have ever had, but it is good. I haven't even mentioned the location. What a gorgeous setting. Even in the winter it is a great place to be. Overall I can't say enough great things about this wonderful addition to South County. If you are thinking about trying it, don't hesitate, although I hear it can get quite busy at popular times, especially on beautiful summer days (I have always been at off peak times/days). But they have a great patio where you can hang out and wait. There are not many (any?) better options in the area.

    (5)

  • Maryjane R.

    Meh. I was so excited to go here!! Did we just have a terrible experience? Not really, I just wasn't impressed with what we got for the money THE GOOD: Monday night in October, so we were seated right away. Service was friendly, and food arrived in a timely manner. We split a salad to start which was super fresh and had a delightful lemon vinaigrette on it. My old man ordered a rib-eye medium rare, and Sweet Sweet Jesus that piece of meat was cooked PERFECTLY!! Juicy and tender, Mmmmmmmmm....... Nice roasted fingerling potatoes on the side, which are hard to screw up, and fresh fall veggies. Guiness chocolate tarte to finish, which was super dense and rich and yummy. THE BAD: What we drove for an hour for- OYSTERS!! They had 10 different varieties on the menu, so we ordered 2 of each. "No, sorry" the waitress tells us, they only have 2 varieties of the 10 listed on the menu!! What the hell?! That was extremely disappointing and we begrudgingly ordered 6 of each variety. I ordered the pistachio encrusted cod with saffron risotto and veggies. The piece of cod was huge, but the pistachios barely covered the top of the piece of fish. Because cod is such a light, almost tasteless, white fish, there was no flavor to any bite that did not have nuts in it. I wound up eating only the top of the fish. The saffron risotto was possibly the blandest food I have ever eaten, and in retrospect I should have sent it back to the kitchen. Salt and pepper couldn't even save that guy. Flourless Guiness chocolate tarte for dessert was to die for, except it was topped with Hersheys chocolate syrup?! Gross. They were out of the Port that we ordered. After $175 (including tax & tip) I was not impressed at all.

    (2)

  • Gary M.

    Great outdoor seating. Most dishes are quite good, however, I find anything fried leaves the kitchen overdone and dark brown. Salads are skimpy, but the lobster roll and raw bar very good. Please do more quality control with fried dishes, and please bump up the salad portion!

    (3)

  • Paul P.

    One of the best seafood places in the state, but it's certainly no secret. Prepare to wait for a seat, but the outdoor bar is decent and the view is spectacular. The shrimp and stuffies are great, and all of the seafood is super fresh.

    (5)

  • Dave L.

    Had lunch with my wife, on a sunny spring afternoon. The restaurant is situated next to some pretty marshes and is bright inside with many windows overlooking the scenery. Service was pleasant and very good. We ordered a bowl of quahog chowder, she had an arugula salad with grilled shrimp, and I had a fried oyster po'boy. The chowder was one of the best I've ever had! You get a generous bowl, filled with large pieces of tender quahog, big chunks of new potato, BACON, and a delicious broth that was redolent of the heavenly taste of butter and fresh cream. It was neither too thick, or too thin, and was served piping hot, as it should be. There were some fresh herbs, which may have included tarragon, and a gentle hand with the salt. I'd go back just for more of this chowder, it is that good! She got her salad, which was nicely presented with grilled red onion fans, four very large grilled shrimp, some shaved cheese on top, and dressed with some sort of balsamic vinaigrette. She loved it, and I had a taste of the shrimp, which was very tasty, and cooked just right. My po'boy was served with a large helping of delicious hand-cut fries. The sandwich was stuffed with delicately fried oysters. They were lightly battered, and creamy inside. The waitress brought me a ramekin of remoulade sauce which I spread on the soft but substantial roll. There was some lettuce in there too, but I was too into the oysters to really pay attention. The fries were delicious, and cooked to a perfect golden brown. Coleslaw was the other side on the plate, and it was very good, but it was coleslaw. Still, pretty good, nice amount of mayo, not too sweet, very good counterpoint to the richness of the oysters. I would definitely go back, and want to try it for dinner one of these evenings. It gets packed, so going in this pre-season period before all the damn OOTs (out-of-towners) invade is a good idea. On a warm day, or night, there's a great outside seating patio, with tables right by the water. That'll be for next time.

    (4)

  • Jane C.

    Love it. I have never had anything that I didn't like. In fact, I am not a fan of salmon but I loved it here. We go fairly regularly summer and winter. Cozy inside during the winter, hectic outside in the summer. I love it either way. The only problem I can comment on is the inexperience of the waitstaff sometimes. I think they should put more energy into training staff so it equals the food. They are generally quite friendly just not polished or organized in the frenetic summer season. Clearly, not so bad as to keep me away!

    (4)

  • DTronic S.

    I went here with my family and we had an excellent time. I had kind of a bad experience the first time I was here but I wanted to like this place so I gave it another chance and it ruled the second time around. My dad had the mussels for an app loved them. The oyster sampler was top notch and the colossal shrimp were also amazing and fresh as hell. Oyster Po boy like whoa. We sat outside and the ambiance was great and worth the 30+ minute wait. Another thing worth mention is the owner. He was helping out his staff clearing tables and running food. He was personally going around from table to table to ask customers how they were doing. I remembered this guy from my first time there when he comped my oysters because of a server error. Anyways, you can tell that this guy cares about his food and his customers.

    (4)

  • Herbert K.

    Yea, 3 stars - basically OK. Here's the thing - I pull into the parking lot, 2:30 on a Sunday, looking for some oysters and a beer. 3 guys standing there tell me that the whole parking lot is valet only. Huh? In Matunuck? WTF? So, I'm pissed to begin with at the pretense being thrust upon me, and pull out. If you know the area, you'll know that parking isn't abundant in the midst of the warm summer, and I resent the hell out of being forced to have someone park my car in one of the 22 available spots 17 feet from the door, so I can tip him. I find another spot and hike back, based on all the good reviews. I find a spot at the oyster bar, and manage to eventually place my order for a beer and a dozen. What I get was an entirely serviceable sampled of 4 ea, of 3 local oysters, which were all fresh, briney and tasty. Beer, 12 oysters and a tip, $35 and 15 minutes later, I'm out the door. Nah, I don't think I'll be back. There are lots of places in the south where you can get a dozen for $8, even less at happy hour - this is what I think of as an oyster bar - a place to enjoy some cold seafood and a beverage at a reasonable price. Yea, the moneyed crowd will quaff Pouilly Fuisse and keep this place jammed for quite some time - but it's just not the place for me. FWIW, you can buy the oysters @ the URI farmers market on Saturday mornings, for $10/dz - totally worth it!

    (3)

  • Jim F.

    The wait is around 90 minutes, and the prices are a little high, but the seafood is the best around. I've heard the owner described as an aquaculturist (they grown their own oysters) and a marine biologist by training, and so you expect the oysters to be the best of the best... and they are. As you wait, you are invited to have a drink and some seafood appetizers; however, you must immediately reveal your sports team affiliations by choosing from one of two beers on tap: Samuel Adams lager, or Brooklyn lager. There are plenty of New Yorkers and Bostonians here, and the place still has a "buzz" about it. We were finally shown to our outdoor table - behind a glass windbreak abutting a picturesque salt-water river. The raw bar boasts 10 different variations on oysters, but don't miss the fresh and delicious grilled oyster appetizer. We tried the special, a striped sea bass, which was as fresh and tender as could be, and a fried oyster and arugula salad, which was even better. Dessert was a chocolate torte, which I intended to have only a bite of. Not a realistic plan. Intense chocolate flavor. Highly recommended. Valet parking is mandatory but free.

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Excellent all around but Miles A was wrong valet was necessary!

    (5)

  • Art F.

    Had a mid-week lunch here on the recommendation of a friend. We were not disappointed. The ambiance is that of the local RI beach area; casual and low key. The oyster raw bar faces you as you enter the building. We were seated immediately on a Wednesday afternoon about 1:30. The chowders were fresh and delicious. The fish and chips had a light batter that allowed the taste of the fresh fish to come through. The oyster po' boy was perfectly done with tender and fresh oyster taste. A nice lunch that we hope to recreate soon.

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    I have to love a place where I wait 10 mins on a 90 min wait! I had the grilled oysters yumm. They had 2 different mussels, one with a wine and garlic and the other with beer and onions. Both were delish:)

    (4)

  • Sean M.

    So what do you say that hasn't already been said about a restaurant that has been reviewed so many times and has gained such a reputation and cult following. I have been here a few times and i have some thoughts to add to what others are saying. First of all this place has been a very fast success. Because of this it is an extremely busy restaurant. It is busy almost anytime it is open regardless of time or day of week. It gets worse in the summer and at peak dinner times any day and particularly on the weekends. It is clear from this fast growth and from reading other reviews that there are some growing pains. Sometimes the service falters a little and sometimes the food quality is a little off. All things considered i think they are doing their best to manage growth and i am confident they will continue to improve but you are going to wait. And in the winter the waiting area is small and so is the parking lot for that matter. If you don't like waiting this is not the place for you. If you can relax and make the best of it and enjoy the combination of local color and tourists you will have a good time. But to be clear, IF YOU DON'T LIKE WAITING OR CROWDS THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR YOU. The Food: So many people rave about the food that it seems some reviewers end up being let down. It is not a fine dining restaurant. It is a local fresh seafood restaurant and raw bar. I have tried many items on the menu and liked them all and loved most of them. The clams and Chorizo appetizer is something i could eat as a meal at least 3 times a week I like it so much. Try it. The raw bar is excellent too. They have a variety of fantastic oysters and clams and paired with one of their blood mary's it is fabulous. I have not had an entree I didn't like but I have only tried a few. I seem to always get full on the raw bar and those damn amazing clams and Chorizo. Two in my party ordered salad lat time we were in. A Ceasar and a green salad. Both were under dressed. The Cesar was actually less than spectacular and I wouldn't recommend it. Overall, I would advise going at off times and midweek if you don't want to wait. And the best time to enjoy this place is in the summer. You can have cocktails and raw bar on their nice patio while waiting for your table and then have dinner outside as well. Give it a try, I am betting you will like it.

    (4)

  • Brendan H.

    If I had more money...I would spend it here. The food is consistently great! This is the only restaurant around my home that parents are willing to drive all the way from Connecticut to share a meal. In the winter season their oysters are particularly sweet and delicious. The cod and scallops are always awesome, and if you are ready for a treat try the lazy man stuffed lobster.

    (5)

  • S M.

    Really nice place to eat. The staff is super friendly. Its a happy quiet place. Good food and very hospitable service. My grandfather told me that he likes the cute waitresses. He especially likes the one with the orange pants. He told me that if he was 75 years younger, I would have a new grandmother.

    (5)

  • Felecia W.

    being from the area, I know that the locals had been waiting and waiting for this place to open! I went for the 1st time with my mom and some friends last weekend around 5pm and it was PACKED! You are going to wait for a table, and once you get your table, you may even wait for your food or for a server, but its a small place with all of SK and Narragansett crammed in there, so cut them a little slack. There is a tented area with a cocktail server which should keep you occupied while you wait. The view is beautiful at anytime of the day, and the fish n chips is so light and amazing, I have dreams about it. The Crew there is doing a pretty good job considering that they have only been open for a month and a half, and went straight into a butt kicking summer. Good job guys! Cant wait to go back!!!

    (5)

  • Kathy M.

    Excellent place to bring guests from out of town. Great food. Great setting. A real Rhode Island experience.

    (5)

  • Dan S.

    Preseason = the right season... On the recommendations of a few friends, we took some out of towners looking for good New England seafood to the Matunuck Oyster Bar...we were well familiar with the area thanks to the beach down the road, but had never stopped in...definitely a new go to place for us... We decided to pass on the RI staple clam shacks in lieu of something a bit nicer, and we couldn't have made a better choice...this place is quintessential New England seafood at its finest - the view, the raw bar as you walk in, the boat pulling up bringing in its haul for the day...walking up on a path of crushed shells... Service - top notch...very attentive...not a mistake with anything ordered by our party of 9... Food - again, top notch...a great varied menu...a few highlights include the white chowder (2nd best I've had in Rhody...great thickness with a boatload of clams and bacon) & lobster bisque, the calamari appetizer, the scallops, and the chicken sandwich (yes, we had a non-seafood eater, and the thing looked delicious!)... Decor/Dining Room - the view can't be beat, especially as the boats roll up with their take...since it was off season, we sat inside, but the deck outside would be a great spot in the summer...from the other reviews, it seems like in-season can be a bit of a problem...the dining room is not overly large, and we were fortunate it was quiet, as a large party may have a tough time grabbing a table or three... FYI - no American Express...MC and VISA only... All in all, this may be a new go to spot when I have out of town guests...

    (5)

  • Eric F.

    Being huge oyster lovers, we had wanted to check this place out for some time. We made the drive down on a beautiful early June afternoon and were pleased to find that there was a very nice outdoor dining area overlooking the water. We asked to be seated outside and the only table available was a a small table right next to an outdoor bar that was not in use at the time. We could see directly behind the bar which had many buckets, some trash, and other random junk that was being stored. In all honesty they should not oven have a table there, but the view of the water was still very nice. It took a little longer then I would have liked to have initial contact with our server, but it was a very busy day. After our server came over there were no issues at all. She was pleasant, prompt, and friendly. We ordered a couple of stuffies, an oyster sampler, and a couple of beers. Stuffies were fantastic, oysters were fresh and tasty. We ended up getting a few more Oysters after the sampler. The prices were ok, but not cheap. It would be nice if they had some sort of raw bar happy hour or lunch special that I have seen at other places, but I guess you pay for the view, freshness, and location. All in all, a great place to grab some bivalves and a brew on a beautiful summer afternoon.

    (4)

  • Todd A.

    I heard great reviews about this place and drove down from Boston to try it out for myself. Started with the Oyster Sampler.....it was so good i ordered another half dozen Matunuck oysters. My girlfriend and I shared the clam appetizer with the chorizo and white beans....it might be the best clam dish i've ever had and a huge portion. Great bloody mary's, great view....i'll be back this summer!!

    (5)

  • J M.

    Love love love this restaurant. But I only go off season. It's just too popular during summer...and even most of spring and fall. Now it's open all year, so I am very pleased to be able to treat myself more throughout the year. They've improved crowd control and efficiency since they opened so I've heard it's much better in summertime. I've had literally some of the best meals of my life in this place. But get there early in the afternoon to get the best service. The outside deck at sunset is very lovely. I highly recommend this place....and be sure to try the farm salads fresh from the colonial farm down the road. The oyster sampler is absolutely fabulous!!! I've had impeccable service all but once...but haven't seen that waiter since. Every other time the service has been perfect and friendly.

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    Here are the pros: 1) it's a gorgeous location- right on the water- with deck seating and heaters outside in case it's a bit cold. 2) the staff is very nice and the owner- Perry- is extremely knowledgeable about oyster farming 3) they're oysters are farmed in the waters right behind the restaurant- what's better than local shellfish! (and they do tours of their oyster farm) 4) the food is good! it's fresh, it's in-house prepared, and perfect for warm summer days Here are the cons: 1) some of the portions aren't that great (i.e the calamari - while it looks like a decent sized appetizer - is mixed with greens & tons of fried peppers, leaving not too much calamari to enjoy) 2) it' pricey, most entree's are $20+

    (3)

  • Linda H.

    They REALLY need to accept reservations or allow call ahead seating. It is a good place, but, and there is a huge but here....I don't think I would stand there 45 minutes ever again in a crowded entryway where we were packed like sardines in order to eat there. I stress the sardine thing. I would rather go elsewhere. Waitress was sweet, nice and the food was good, but again a wait like that is just not fun. The guy from the bar offered us a drink as you couldn't get near the bar, but it was so crowded I couldn't have held a drink up to drink it as our arms were pinned to our sides as we stood waiting. I question the building's capacity and fire codes, truly. If we had not been a guest of other people, I would have left. It was tremendously noisy in there as well. In summer there are outdoor tables and maybe it is less crowded? Perhaps a weekday or very early would work out, the food was really good.

    (3)

  • Steve K.

    Poor service at the bar, was basically ignored. Waited 55 minutes for a dozen oysters, then finally got the table we were waiting for and never received oysters. Menu great, food great, service.......eh....Clearly they can't handle their volume, too bad.

    (3)

  • Steven D.

    That fine beach dining experience you've been dreaming about? This is it. Start with the oyster sampler, move on to the steamers and lobster. That's what I did anyway. I'm sure you can't go wrong with anything. Great service, laid back environment and food as fresh and locally sourced as you can get it.

    (4)

  • Epic L.

    This place rules. Perry Raso is a hard-working man and deserves the somewhat overwhelming success. If I were a nitpicker, I'd say BOOOO for getting rid of Berkshire Brewing Co on tap. My understanding is that deliveries were not consistent, so it makes sense. I love this restaurant. I don't mind the wait and I don't mind waiting outdoors. Love to hear the tourists complain. Beautiful spot too. I've liked this spot since Wiley's was here back in 04. But the M.O.B. is just unstoppable. From the littlenecks to the raw bar to the fish to the lobster. I can and will kayak here from my house 7 miles away.

    (5)

  • George K.

    Great location if you're coming back from East Matunuck Beach and are craving fresh seafood.Lobster roll was fresh and packed with Lobster. Stuffies were tasty as my children cleaned the stuffing off the shells. Little Necks and Chourico was salty.Chowder was fantastic.

    (4)

  • Snot N.

    My favorite restaurant to go to when in the area. The new outdoor waiting area, bar, and the awning covered outdoor dining area are a great improvement. The valet parking is also a nice and needed touch with how popular the place has become. The oysters are about a fresh as it get especially if they are from his beds in the pond. The food has always been great. An hour wait time seems to be the standard for outdoor seating, none for indoor for early 4-5pm dinners. Perfect for a beer or two and a dozen or so oysters.

    (5)

  • Scotty W.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar has emerged as my favorite restuarant in Rhode Island, and high on my list of favorite restaurants of all time. Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood prepared many ways. Staples such as fried calamari, steamed mussels, linguine with clams, lobster, etc are just as good as the non-seafood options (steak, pasta). EVERYTHING on the menu is excellent. There is an oyster bar inside where oysters are shucked fresh in front of you. The location is unbeatable as well. Gorgeous waterfront spot with a large patio, which is my favorite place to sit in the summer as well as when it cools down (they have heat lamps outside). Unfortunately, this place has exploded in popularity, and the wait can sometimes be hours long, even in the winter! Try to go on the early side to avoid the crowds. Prices are on the high side for South County, though not totally unreasonable. It's worth it for this quality of food in the area!!

    (5)

  • Barbara M.

    The food was good; the service was the worst I have ever had in many, many years. The waitress would take care of bar orders but asking for a refill on your water took me four times to remind her. In addition, we were with small children and I asked for some crackers for our grandson because everything was taking too long. We had to wait about 15 minutes to get the crackers. It took about 40 minutes from the time the waitress took our order to the time we actually got the food. This is not a fine dining restaurant; it is causal so I was disappointed. When we arrived there was hardly anyone in the parking lot and when we left two hours later it was full. My point is that when we arrived there were plenty of empty tables yet the service was very poor. I had to ask for the bill by flagging the waitress and that took 15 minutes and another 15 minutes for her to pick up the payment and another 10 minutes for her to process the payment. It was good for the waitress that my children have a different outlook on tips. I told them when they offered to pay that I would pay the bill of $180 but as far as I was concerned I would leave NO tip. I know they left something but I think you encourage poor service if you give a tip when it is not earned. As far as I am concerned I will never go back....there are plenty of good restaurants with great service. Typically, I would have left a 20 percent tip but this situation certainly didn't warrant anything. A few days later, my friend who was staying at our beach house ordered a take out order of clams. His comment was that they were just OK and he wouldn't be ordering from you again.

    (1)

  • Ashley G.

    After a long day of kayaking I couldn't help but to want a great seafood lunch. We stopped at Matunuck Oyster Bar and to my surprise we were welcomed by some of the best seafood I've ever had. We started with the steamers which were so clean and delicious. I made my cousin who swears he hates steamers try one and sure enough he was delightfully surprised at how delicious they were. I had a small taste of the cod cakes which were light and full of flavor. I ended my meal with a lobster salad roll accompanied by hand cut fries...i was quite impressed. I must say the cocktails were exceptional as well and I did enjoyed a couple of bloody marys. All in all, it was a very tasty meal and I would definitely recommend this little nook in Matunuck to anyone in the area- OR, it may certainly even be just worth the drive!

    (4)

  • Rebecca L.

    Fresh sweet raw oysters and good food, cheerful waitstaff, and we waited less than five minutes for a table. But not fabulous food, and had we waited more than a half hour (much less more than two) we would not have been happy. We've had better meals, though alas! all the local restaurants are now deceased: Boom, the Up River Cafe, the Ugly Toad, Greg's Seafood (the first place I ever had RI clam chowder)...We began with the raw oyster sampler, with specimens from Rome Point, Matunuck, and another Narragansett Bay site that began with "w" (Windfall?). The latter were puny but sweet, the first relatively large and briny, the second somewhere in between. My son had fried oysters, which were tasty, served with somewhat limp french fries and unexciting coleslaw. My husband had the seared scallop special, with bacon and fingerling potatoes and very good green beans, carrots, and squash He ate it all up,; the piece of scallop I tried tasted strongly of an herb (sage?) but not much of scallop.. I had the jambalaya, which contained large shreds of chicken, a fair amount of andouille, two jumbo shrimp, and four or five fried oysters. It was quite good. We finished with very bad coffee, oh well. As my husband said, it was decent but not nearly as good as Johnny's Tavern in Amherst, our last meal out .

    (4)

  • liezl n.

    any place that has their staff pulling in freshly harvested oysters from the clean rhode island waters and shucking them on the spot is going to get 5 stars from me. add wonderfully friendly service, classy decor, tasty fresh cod and fried oyster sandwiches and you earn a detailed yelp review, something i don't often do. this place is convenient if you're heading south to nyc from the cape or providence. it's also worth a trip if you're in the mood for amazing freshness. the menu is all fresh seafood, much of which is caught that day in the nearby waters. we went in the dead of freezing winter and watched their staff in full winter sailor gear sail right up to the restaurant with fresh oysters. seeing them do this in the freezing cold just for our meal this made the experience richer. my mom visiting from so california was thoroughly entertained by the whole visit. we were seated right over the water and watched the sun set over the adjacent pond. it was perfect. finally, the prices were great. we paid about $1.50 per oyster, half of what we pay in new york city.

    (5)

  • Stephanie P.

    I found this little place a few years ago when I was lost looking for a beach and I have been trying to get lost so I could find it again for the last 2 years because I couldn't remember the name of it! Finally, last weekend I got lost enough! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this oyster bar, Everything they served it incredibly cared for and the flavors and just out of this world. The views outside are awesome! I can't wait to go back. This is definitely the kind of place to take someone from out of town if you really want to show off Rhode Island. It is a local BEST!

    (5)

  • Chelsea P.

    While I usually enjoy MOB, my last visit was below par. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and the restaurant was not as crowded as usual. Our server Max came to our table, and then brought us waters and gave us more time to decide out dishes. 10 minutes later he returned and we placed our order, calamari and a stuffie for apps, and the Salmon special and Penne Pasta for our entrees. While our apps arrived in a reasonable amount of time, our entrees did not. We waited over 20 minutes AFTER our apps had been completely cleared away for entrees. We didn't even get the chance to eat them in the restaurant as we wanted to head back home. We sat at MOB for over an hour to eat an appetizer. The manager never came over to explain about a wait, and neither did the server. Usually the manager makes a visit to your table to ask you about your visit, but on this visit nobody asked how the visit was. The only saving grace to this recent sub-par visit was the food. The food is always exceptional.

    (2)

  • Joey G.

    As good as it gets. Go at sunset, be prepared to wait a bit. Rhody dining at it's best.

    (5)

  • William K.

    I had a few friends recommend this place to me. I spent this beautiful day riding my motorcycle around and decided to take a ride. It is right off of Rt 1 just south of Wakefield. Take the Succotash Rd exit and go about a mile down and its on your right hand side right before the bridge. I sat at the bar and had a ginger ale with extra lemon. This is very tasty to those who haven't already had this. To start the meal I had a Gazpacho with jumbo shrimp. The Gazpacho was delicious, it had balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh veggies, olive oil, balsamic, and basil was such a tasty combination. I also opted to have a couple of jumbo shrimp in my soup, it was cooked perfectly. This was $7.95. To follow, I had 2 stuffies. Very delicious. They come served on a small plate on a bed of greens. I had the bar tender get me some butter. I must have butter on my stuffies. Again, very delicious. $3.95 a piece Seeing that I came to this place to get raw oysters, I couldn't leave without trying any. They have around 10 varieties on the menu, today they had 3 to choose from. I forgot the names, Matunuck, Point Judith, and another. I ordered one of each to taste them. I ended up just squeezing a little lemon juice on them. I liked the Matunuch the best., They had the smallest shell, but I liked the taste and texture the best. I ordered three more and ate them with the vinegar. Oysters are $1,85 a piece, My bill came out to be 30 dollars and I left a 6 dollar tip. I will be back soon.

    (5)

  • Toni R.

    What a find! My husband and I loooove lobster and this restaurant had some of the best. We were on our "mini-moon" when we ate here, so this night was a splurge for us. Amazingly fresh shrimp cocktail appetizer, superb 1 1/2 lobsters, and decadent chocolate dessert. What a fun, fresh, little place this was!

    (5)

  • K D.

    Fantastic "Girl's Night Out" at Matunuck Oyster Bar last Thursday night. Though the wait was 2 hours we were thrilled to relax and enjoy the cool breezes, sunset, and comraderie with those who were also waiting for their chance to eat at this famed seaside establishment. Coming around the bend on Succotash Rd. we noted that the cars were lined up trying to gain access to a full valet parking area. That was the first sign that we'd need patience for the evening. We parked down the road and walked in. We gave our name to the hostess and then decided to check out the scene with a few glasses of wine. Raw bar items and beverages are available at both the outdoor and indoor bar. We chose Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. There are picnic tables in the "waiting area" so eventually we found a spot and were greeted by a waitress that took our raw bar order. Truth be told, MOB was on our summer bucket list and we wanted to eat good oysters to celebrate the season. We ordered 6 jumbo shrimp and 6 oysters (2 each of Matunuck, East Beach, and ?). The raws arrived with another round of wine. Delicious. It was about another 40 minutes until we were summoned for our table. At that point we really weren't that hungry but we wanted to eat! Watching other people's food arrive was quite exciting. I'd read the reviews about the lobster roll... We decided on stuffed quahogs, a beet salad, and seared sea scallops - all to share. The scallops were served with grilled squash and zucchini and mushroom risotto. AMAZING. The evening was a special treat for us - a grown up night out - wonderful wine, great service, relaxing, nice atmosphere, and great food. You really have to be in a vacation mode to enjoy this place. Stake your claim at the picnic tables. Graze on some seafood. Don't expect to step into MOB being a type A New Yorker. Expect a 2 hour wait and it will likely be less. Relax. Enjoy. One comment - the cocktail sauce that came with the shrimp was just ketchup - I would have loved some horseradish to mix in.

    (5)

  • Tai Chi C.

    Love fresh local food? Love the water view? Love great Service? Everything good and local. The last summers favorite memories were of coming in for buck a shuck after a day on the beach. Best days of the summer. I can not wait to enjoy this place again and again.

    (5)

  • Celeste R.

    This place is great. Oysters right out of their own beds. Great service and right on the water. Grilled oysters were out of this world. Make sure you get bread to sop up the herbs and olive oil.

    (4)

  • Reg Z.

    Fantastic! We spent an extra long weekend in Newport, eating at some of the finer seafood places there...this was the best meal we had. Matunuck oysters were dug from the pond behind the place and were great, tough time whether I liked those or the east beach blondes better. The clear clam chowder was really good, as was the stuffie. The broiled scallops were really good, perfectly cooked and very fresh. My lobster roll was one of the best I've ever had. Even the fries were really good Note: there were also a couple of non-seafood dishes for those who may be with a larger group (I only recall the local free-range beef cheeseburger, I think a chicken dish and a steak as well)

    (5)

  • Ashley B.

    This is BY FAR the absolute best place to eat in Southern RI. Literally the best seafood I have experienced, so fresh and so well prepared. Great service. Be prepared to wait for A WHILE- my boyfriend and I have waited for 2 hours to be sat- and let me tell you, well worth the wait. You can order oysters and shrimp while you wait in the outdoor bar area, so it's totally fine! The atmosphere makes it a delightful evening! Love this place, can't say enough about it.

    (5)

  • Tracy S.

    Just returned from a delectable lunch at this wonderful spot situated overlooking the Succotash Salt Pond. Our family of 4 (two kids - 7 and 9) showed up a 1 pm and the place was close to packed - inside and out. To avoid the 20 min wait outside, we went inside and sat near a lovely big picture window over the marsh pond. We decided to do lots of tasting so we all shared the grilled oysters (holy cow!), steamed clams (we learned you have to peel the black skin off the tongue/foot thing), New England Chowder, fried cod sandwich and oyster roll sandwich. I come from a seafood family on the Chesapeake Bay and this lunch was as good as I've ever had anywhere. There were some gorgeous looking entrees but we passed for the lighter lunch fare and opportunity to taste New England seafood. The service was wonderful too and this was definitely one of the highlights of our week up here in RI.

    (5)

  • Carla B.

    If you crave fresh seafood, expertly prepared, in a beautiful waterfront setting, with pleasant service, Matunuck Oyster Bar should be high on your list. Yes, it was packed on a Sunday night, but we sat at the picnic tables and got invited to join a card game by some fellow table waiters. Not the kind of thing that happens too many places in my travels, and certainly added to the fun. We had the grilled oysters to start - delectable melt in your mouth morsels. The fruite del mar was overflowing with mussels, scallops and shrimp. The steamed lobster was perfectly prepared and succulent. Certainly a spot to put in your list if you are in this part of Rhode Island.

    (5)

  • Mike L.

    Great fun. Make sure your willing to wait but well worth it. Best seafood in the area. Oysters are local. Local produce as well so everything is fresh.

    (5)

  • Cindy G.

    The food was delicious. Great service. Get the lobster roll, it was the best I have ever had. Chowder is wonderful. Worth going for the oysters.

    (5)

  • Marissa S.

    This place is amazing. Everything is so fresh and the service is great. Be prepared to wait a while if you go in the summer but while you do getting drinks and eating from the raw bar outside makes the wait easy. They also have an awesome key lime pie Popsicle dessert, it's delicious

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    Went here for a dozen oyster's...schucked and right back onto the boat. Place is amazing!

    (5)

  • Stan S.

    Oysters are excellent and there is an amazing range of oysters to choose from (who knew), but for someone used to eating Louisiana Oysters at the Acme in New Orleans, it's a little pricey.

    (3)

  • Erin D.

    I absolutely LOVE Matunuck Oyster bar & can't wait to go back! Matunuck oysters have quickly kicked Wellfleet oysters out of my longstanding #1 spot. And knowing that the oysters I'm enjoying immensely (they don't even need cocktail sauce OR a squeeze of lemon) were raised in the pond right off of the patio I was dining on made them that much more fantastic. Doesn't get fresher than that! We did have to wait about an hour for a table on the patio (we went in September). I think an inside table was an hour & a half wait, it was a chilly night. From the reviews I had read I was prepared to wait though. I ordered the Frutti di Mare for my entree (local sea scallops, calamari, shrimp & mussels in a tomato broth w/ herbs de Provence over linguine) & it was out of this world! Super fresh, seasoned to perfection, just the right amount of tomato without overpowering the dish. I have yet to find another restaurant that can compare to it, even on Federal Hill!

    (4)

  • Richie R.

    Food was outstanding and fresh, service friendly and helpful, and the locale and ambience was also balanced and refreshing. All in all, great spot and great find, just with the prices were a little less steep!

    (4)

  • Laura P.

    This place is great. I can't remember the last time I gave a restaurant 5 stars. Went on my third visit over the past two years, for lunch, party of 5 on the deck. Service was great. Food was great. I'm fussy about seafood, having grown up on the coast of Maine. My scallops were cooked perfectly, served with fresh corn salsa, delicious. I think the pricing is perfectly in line with the quality of the food. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Adam T.

    went there twice- both times wait was an hour but worth it, plus I was seated sooner than that anyway. I've been to a bunch of places around this area, and dollar for dollar you can not beat this place, they offer fresh food prepared in a manhattan style restaurant quality that blows all the other sea shacks and restaurants away. service was good, and for my money this is the place I would go morning, noon, an night.

    (4)

  • H. A.

    This place was great for oysters! They offer a variety of Rhode Island oysters (RI oysters only) for a pretty reasonable price- but I think you can always get their Matunuck oysters for $1. Pretty cool, knowing that these oysters were farmed right outside your window. The staff is very polite and knowledgeable. Steamed mussels were of excellent quality, though not debearded. Fried clams not the best I've had- the clams were fresh, but their fry job was a bit too soft and oily. Out of all my fried clams experiences, Cognac Bistro in Brookline, MA still wins, hands down. I also ordered the RI "stuffies," which are clams filled with stuffing and sausage. It was basically just super buttery stuffing eaten out of a clam shell. So I guess it was pretty delicious, but not very seafood-y at all. I appreciate the freshness of the seafood and would certainly come back for the oysters, but a lot of the execution was not quite up to snuff.

    (3)

  • Brenda A.

    Myself and my sister n law went for lunch. She ordered the cod and I ordered the scallop and shrimp dish. She started picking at her plate when she looked down she thought she saw a dead worm. She then picked another layer off and saw a huge worm embedded in the fish. We called the waitress over who then sent over the manager ( I believe his name was Barry) he said sorry this happens sometimes. Needless to say I couldn't eat any of my meal either. The bill came and he only took off the cod dish, which was unacceptable. In order to avoid confrontation we paid the bill and left. I believe because of their popularity they became very arrogant and could care less about customer service . Btw, my husband and I had been their once before and the food was just average.

    (1)

  • Keith R.

    A oyster bar where you stand and watch the oysters being shucked as you sip on your pint and have a conversation. Very friendly staff! Our first visit and it was excellent from the complimentary valet parking to the freshest oysters possible! Some are are harvested in the pond directly behind the joint! Wow! The Fried oysters we're outstanding light and still had a slight jiggle. The beet and goat cheese salad was fresh and tasty. The wine select is extensive and the menu had many nice choices with daily specials all reasonably priced. The outdoor deck overlooking the inlet was quite nice. I can see this being a very popular and crowed place from Memorial day on. Suggest get there as soon as they open. If you are a lover of fresh seafood Go Here!

    (4)

  • J R.

    Came in today for a late and lovely lunch... what a great little place. Its actually pretty cute inside. I was expecting it to be more of a tavern-ish looking restaurant, but the room we sat in was a nice deep, but not too dark blue, overlooking the water with all glass windows. Wine list is great, had the Soave and some Austrian white wine, they were both great with shellfish. The oysters are AMAZING.... The only 3 there today (dammit) were the Matunucks, Watch Hill, and the Ninigrets. The Matunucks were a bit on the smaller side, but bright in flavor, slightly meeting, and a crisp delicious brine to them. The Watch Hills were good, but were tad sweeter and creamier than the Matunucks, not my personal fav, but still good. The Ninigrets were BIG and DEEP. What an amazing oyster, definitely my favorite of the day. Meaty, clean finish, and a very good balance of salinity. Little squirt of lemon and some of their very good mignonette, and i'm a happy man. Had the creamy chowder. It was good, but thats pretty much it. For me, I am a hard critic for clam chowder. This chowder fell a little flat in the flavor department. I lifted it up a bit with some S&P, but that can only do so much. There weren't really that many clams in them, and the potatoes were WAY too big. Its clam chowder, make the clams stick out a bit more. And for my personal preference, it was a little bit too thick, but, still a good chowder. Also had the steamed mussels (special of the day) which were not good at all. It was steamed in a rich, velvety, whatever kind of broth that tasted like pearl onions. Wasn't what I was expecting. Ate a handful of them, but luckily by then I was full so the rest stayed in the plate. Will definitely come back. Next time, I'll focus more on the staple items like the lobster roll, obviously the oysters and littlenecks, and definitely check out some of their fish dishes as well as the fried clams. All the waitresses are peaches as well :)

    (4)

  • Carly B.

    ahhhhh... excellent atmosphere out on the deck setting off excellent food - I love this place! Chillin' at a picnic table with drinks and sea delicacies of the raw variety while waiting to be seated was really no sacrifice. Although my husband did nearly sacrifice a toe when a staff person at the bar dropped a cooler on it, the bartender didn't hesitate to comp the round of 5 drinks. Way to do the right thing! (Though we hope it was honest mistake that the two oyster samplers we ordered were served as the oyster/littleneck/shrimp samplers at double the price) It was a busy summer night and our waitress was slammed, but it was clear that staff were looking out for one another to keep everything afloat. Owner/aquaculturist Perry came by to check in on us (OK, and the notorious toe) himself. The food - wowsers! Fresh, comforting, simple. I savored the most perfectly cooked seared scallops ever prepared for me in a restaurant. Everyone at the table was in seafood bliss. You didn't need to give me another reason to love Matunuck... but here it is!

    (5)

  • Cal H.

    What else can be said about the Oyster Bar that hasn't already been expressed? Perry has built this place from the ground up, starting with the oyster farm he established first, years before the restaurant opened. The oysters are literally just pulled from the briny water you gaze at as you enjoy them. I like that MOB is expanding the outdoor seating. Each year Perry adds to the dining experience, with the windscreens on the deck and torch heaters. The waitstaff are very friendly and quick to respond to a diner's request. Quality, Consistency and Impeccably Fresh Seafood - very very few restaurants in RI, especially the shoreline area can deliver year after year - Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the chosen few.

    (5)

  • Jamie D.

    This is by far the best place to eat seafood in Rhode Island. Its always worth the wait to be seated. I highly recommend ordering off the Specials- seasonal, local, and so fresh. Even the beer is so fresh, its like you've never had Narragansett before until you've had it at Matunick with a 2lb stuffed lobster. And don't even get me started on the oysters! The chef stopped by the table to see how we liked the food, and he thanked us for waiting. Our mouths were to too full to say how delicious everything was.

    (5)

  • Liz L.

    Had my first Matunuck Oyster Bar experience for the first time last weekend and I have to say I am already thinking about my next meal there! We went on a Sunday night arriving around 5:30. I thought if we went on the earlier side that we wouldnt have to wait for a table but when we arrived the place was already packed! FYI: Parking is valet which may seem ridiculous since the lot is so close to the restaurant but it makes sense since there is limited space. they are trying to fit the cars in the best way they can so there isnt an issue with blocking or hogging. We put our name on the waiting list it was about a 20 minute wait so we grabbed a glass of wine at the oyster bar and then headed out to the heated tent and watched the sunset .can't complain about that! We were snug next to the other table but the restaurant noise was loud enough we weren't able to hear conversations of others. The menu looks great- I had the hardest time picking a entree because I wanted it all! We started with the calamari which was fried with cherry peppers and some capers. There was arugula tossed with it and an aoli of some sort- it ended up being like a calamari salad and it was delicious. We also got the oysters rockafeller which were creamy and melt in your mouth tasty. I ordered the lobster roll which was STUFFED with yummy lobster and just lightly coated with mayo. It came with housecut fries that were really hard to stop eating. My husband ordered the jumbalaya which had jumbo shrimp, spicy sausage, chicken and fried oysters over a bed of jasmine rice. He ate the entire portion which is something he often does not do! We both loved our meals and cant wait to go back again! Also staff was very friendly- even the owner was out and about talking to guests and busing tables!

    (5)

  • Dave B.

    Great food. Great view if you get a table on the deck. It can be quite a wait to get a table in the RED season. Up to 2 hours. The raw bar is very good with local oysters from Potters pond and other local farms.Portions were a little smaller the second trip there but still was satisfying.

    (5)

  • david g.

    had a great meal here tonight, 2 things stand out: 1) unlike most seafood joints around, they have a delicious vegetarian option 2) the kids meals came out instantly- so we could feed our son while we waited for our food, and then relax and eat with a stuffed baby sitting next to us

    (5)

  • Zach W.

    Very good food. Friendly service. I went during the week before 6pm and there was no valet and only a few people in the restaurant. After 7 it started filling up with a lot of older folks, but they were nice enough. The Jamestown oysters were awesome. The matunucks from right out back were almost as good but smaller, and a third larger less flavorful oyster was available. The rhode island clear chowder was good, but it was the only I've tried. The lobster roll was amazing. I swear they used a whole lobster. The lobster chunks were so big and sweet and the mayo, onion and celery filler is minimal. The fries that come with it are plentyful and a very tasty natural cut. Couple descent craft brews on tap. Naragansett lager and peak organic ipa.

    (5)

  • Pete G.

    Really nice place! My family has been summering in the area for most of my life, it's nice to have an actively good restaurant in the area for once. The raw bar was fantastic. Not as expensive as up in the Boston area (which is awesome) and there was a wide array of oysters, all from very local sources (also awesome). They were delicious, as were the couple-three cherrystones we got on the side. Nice and clean and fresh. Well, one wasn't too clean but I think that was just grit from the shell. I blame the oyster, not the restaurant. We got clam chowder too, regular and 'clear' which is a Rhode Island thing. Basically the same as regular clam chowder but without the dairy. Both were delicious. I preferred the classic style chowder, rich and creamy...although a little light on the clams. Only a little, mind. We didn't get an entree, just shared a couple appetizers: the mussels and the fried oysters. The mussels...well, I've had better. The broth was made with wine and fresh (looking) herbs, but the herbs were kinda bitter and the mussels were a little overdone. The fried oysters though, those were fantastic. Very lightly and perfectly fried, and very fat and juicy, served with a nice, mildly spicy tartar...yeah those were certainly the very best part of the meal. Fantastic. Dessert was a very nicely done bread pudding with cinnamon and chocolate, served with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. Service size: gigantic. Nice way to end the meal, although the coffee I had with it was actively terrible. It was like the worst gas station coffee you could imagine. The terrible coffee was kind of a downer and the mussels were nothing special, but the rest of the meal was awesome, service was solid, and the rest of the menu looks fantastic (bonus: BBC beer on tap) so I'll be sure to go back nexxt time I'm in the area. great little place.

    (4)

  • Sal L.

    Lobster roll, oyster po' boy and raw oysters A+. I had just finished my draft after lunch while waiting for the check. I felt that I needed something for the 4 hour ride back to Jersey. So I ordered a cup of clear chowder to go. While on the road i took a few sips of the chowder and was so disappointed. For 7 dollars a cup, you think they would perfect it and not try to over power the soup with bacon and chorizo. All and all the food was great but the clear chowder staple needs to be adjusted.

    (3)

  • L G.

    Probably my favorite restaurant in Rhode Island. I first learned about the place by touring the oyster farm for a marine bio class at URI. Came back the same night for dinner and was hooked! I live in Newport and find that Matunuck Oyster Bar is better than any restaurant we have here. Their calamari is probably the best I've ever had.

    (5)

  • keith p.

    Okay - their oysters are very good and the back deck is a very nice place to sit and eat/drink, but - the food is pretty ho hum. In searching the map for the best restaurants in RI from Westerly to Newport this place comes up #2! I'm sorry, that's crazy! It is not even in the same league as the #3 (starts with a T and is on Thames St. in Newport)... and it really shouldn't be - it isn't trying to be a top notch culinary experience, just a good fried clam and seafood casserole type place.

    (3)

  • Elle V.

    I am pretty rusty in the restaurant review department because DH and I just haven't had the means to go out very much between babysitters and food, SO when we DO go out, we strive to give ourselves the best chance of a good to great meal at a reasonable price. Matunuck Oyster Bar did more than satisfy on this snowy night in January... mandatory valet parking was a blessing on a cold night. I felt nothing but appreciation for having this, and recognize the need for it with such a small parking lot...A+ there. Full restaurant on a January Saturday that is 20 degrees and snowing...good sign. Seated right away....very nice. Waitress in under a minute, alcohol in under 5...happy happy. Nice long menu with a perky little specials menu to boot so that the waitress doesn't have to blurt out the specials to you, AND a nice selection of beers. About 10 local oysters to choose from at the raw bar, a Rhode Island sampler of 12 different ones for about $20, calamari, clams, mussels and nice soups and salads all to start were hard to choose from We chose: 4 Raw Matunuck oysters...delicious and delicate, small but the way I like it Oysters Rockefeller: delicious Pernod hollandaise, larger than the raw Matunucks Vietnamese Crab and Tomato Soup: fresh cilantro and sliced chilis on the side...very good Oyster Stew: creamy, complex and perfect with a touch of sweet potato and a nice fennel breadstick Beet and Goat Cheese salad: simple and very good...beets were especially sweet, and salad a bit too lightly-dressed, but fine Veggie Roll: Puff pastry rolled around roasted vegetables that somehow was my favorite of the evening....one of those dishes that doesn't make you miss a protein at all...very rich and satisfying and perfectly constructed. Not that it's fair to include, but the people sitting next to us had the lobster roll and the fish and chips and both plates were impressive-looking and guests were raving. Oh, and the dinner rolls served with an herbed olive oil dip were delicious and fresh, but perhaps a tiny bit too sweet for my palate... Overall, a perfect dining night for us...I almost don't want to break the magic by going back in the high season for fear of disappointment, but met with the owner as we left and had a nice chat about the farm, the business and the restaurant, and we are certain he deserves the praise.

    (5)

  • Tyler W.

    5 stars. For everything here. I have fallen in love with this place. When I came here the first time, I sat right by the water, and the outside seating is beautiful. Its quiet even though its busy and I was able to completely relax while I was here. I love to go out for seafood, and theirs is absolutely exceptional. Their menu is innovative, and offers everything you could want from a seafood restaurant/ oyster bar. Their outside bar is cute and you are able to grab a drink their while waiting for seating. If you don't like to wait long, this probably isn't the place for you, they are ALWAYS busy. When I came here last, I had many raw oysters, as I am absolutely obsessed with them. I have tried raw oysters many places, and these by far are the most fresh and the best tasting. They always have different varieties of them as well. I also had their fried calamari, and stuffies as appetizers which were both exceptional. Their entrees are delicious and fresh. The staff is nice, and rather attentive for being busy with several tables at a time. I would come back here time and time again, one of my favorite spots. I feel at ease and at home here.

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    another great time at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Took a nice mid-week excursion here with my Daughter. Oysters, Clams, Lobster Roll...all delicious. My first time dining inside; they've expanded the interior a little. Looking forward to more good times at the outdoor bar this summer.

    (5)

  • C Davis F.

    One of the best in RI

    (5)

  • ST R.

    Had Shrimp and Oysters for dinner here. Food was mediocre; had much better in larger portions for the price. Even more disturbing was the rude welcome we got from a very immature waitstaff, one of whom couldn't resist her giggles as her patron friends made an awkward reference about Indians as we walked by unnoticed, until it was too late; well, I suspended my judgment despite the exclusionary atmosphere, to no avail because the whole event turned sour and pretty sad for me and my toddler son. Pardon us but we won't ever visit again, because both taste and humanity are wanting here.

    (2)

  • Steve S.

    I've eaten here several times. Never had a bad meal or experience. Service has been good. Entres are $20 and up. Drinks are on a par with other restaurants - $6 for draft beer, $8 for glass of wine. Pros: outdoor ambiance, oysters, food. Cons: long wait, Indoor ambiance, valete parking, one tiolet men's room - you typically have to wait in line. Mid afternoon is perhaps the best time to avoid a long wait. Will definetly return.

    (3)

  • Susan M.

    The prices are actually very good. Huge portions and the freshest fish around. Excellent meal. Jazz music subtly playing in the background. Quant. Place has a beach theme with grey wainscoting and nautical pictures- not rustic, more upscale atmosphere. Note: We stay away in the summer because it is SO mobbed here. I highly recommend you try it now- best time to come. You will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Sabrina D.

    Great first experience! Staff was very friendly and attentive. Great quality with a great price. Can be a long wait, but they have an outdoor bar with portable heaters.

    (4)

  • Matt N.

    This place is always mobbed but they do a great job of moving people through it. I remember when it was the Sea Gull fried food joint way back when. The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a far cry from that. The food is fresh and excellent. The owner has done a great job in turning a dump into a destination. He also grows his own veggies and cultivates his own oysters. This is a must go and I highly recommend it to anywhere in the area.

    (5)

  • Liz A.

    I truly enjoy the beautiful outdoor and indoor seating and the selection of farm to table dishes. Oysters are a must try/ have item as well as the lobster roll !

    (5)

  • Lu Z.

    For the price of the food.. I was not impressed .Nice atmosphere but Unfortunately I cannot give this place a 5 star .The face that they brought out everything at once instead of bringing the salad first then the meal later was ridiculous the tables were too small and barely fit all the large plates for a two person table.

    (2)

  • Dan K.

    Bomb.com ! Cucumber Oyster so good and fresh! Lobster Roll and Fish sandwich, so fresh and so clean clean!! Great food and spot in RI!

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    Smallest portion of swordfish I have ever seen for $24- had more veg and potatoes then protein-regretting not taking a pic or alerting management- oysters/chowder-stuffie/lobster roll fantastic

    (3)

  • Kmg33 J.

    My new favorite seafood spot....food was amazing....yummy oysters, little necks were great and frutti di mare was fresh, tasty, and by far my favorite meal this week on the coast!

    (5)

  • Greg L.

    Great food & location. No complaints other than the wait for a table. They expanded upstairs now. Lay tone there, the waitress seemed a little new. Some of the orders came out wrong but the waitress and hostess apologized and took care of us. The mussels app was huge. The raw bar is always excellent. If it wasn't for me catching my own fish and digging my own clams, I would be there more often.

    (5)

  • J V.

    So great!! Crazy busy all the time but the food was fantastic last time. We had the oysters and shrimp cocktail both delicious. I had the scallops with corn salsa substituted the mashed potatoes for the rice it was amazing. My husband had the cod which was very good. Just put in table notification through cell phone text which is great. Handicap accessible ramp. Parking is crazy but they are all over it with valet. Perry the owner is so hard working and the staff is awesome. Great place for outside dining with a view. I stay away a bit in the summer for dinner due to the crowd but will stop in for lunch and in the Fall!!

    (5)

  • Erika T.

    Not bad. Good food. Expensive, but good.

    (4)

  • Rachel C.

    We came for dinner on a Saturday and while it was very busy (45 min) wait, we had a great experience. The food was excellent and our server was very knowledgeable about the food and attentive to our table. We came straight from the beach and all attire seems acceptable here. While waiting on the patio you can order drinks and appetizers, making the wait seem shorter. An excellent experience and we will come back again.

    (5)

  • Aimee Z.

    I go here every chance I get, year round! I've bought the oysters for both my restaurant and my wedding. The owner Perry is the best! His food is so fresh I don't waste my time going elsewhere. His new renovations improved his restaurant with a second floor which has a great view! This restaurant is always clean and very welcoming! Lunch, dinner, just for a beverage. I've stopped by for many different reasons. I've seen a seal swimming in the water outside of the dining room once! I've gone on a tour to see the oyster farm and I've seen the vegetable farm! Impressive! I try to participate in his yearly beach clean up on earth day! I can't believe the amount of trash we have cleaned in the past! Perry is a great guy who works hard and deserves to be successful! His oysters have the best flavor and always so fresh! His lobsters just taste so much better and are sooo big! The salmon & tuna I order often always on the rare side. The lobster salad roll can be served warm, such a treat! Dessert...goat cheese cheese cake with honey, chocolate bread pudding & key lime pie pop are our favorites.

    (5)

  • Emma W.

    Every time I go to Matunuck Oyster Bar, I find myself saying "this is my favorite place in the world". The oysters are superb and the setting is beautiful. It is the only place to go after a long day at the beach or for a spontaneous Spring or Summer brunch (and if you do this, you must have a Bloody Mary). I also enjoy the service. The vibe is not too fancy, but they get it right. I actively look forward to visiting Matunuck Oyster Bar during the warmer months every miserable winter!

    (5)

  • Jillian Q.

    I am not a seafood fan. . . . a shocker I know since I live in the Ocean State!! But I am always willing to try something new and tried my first raw oyster at the Eat Drink RI festival and thanks to the lovely gentleman from Matunuck I was converted! Ever since that first encounter I had been craving them and looking for an excuse to make a trip down to south county to satisfy that craving. Talked my husband into going with past weekend knowing that if we waited any longer after Memorial Day that there would be a long wait to get in. We had to wait about 40 mins for a table and while we were waiting outside there were plenty of attentive wait staff offering us drinks or something from the raw bar while we waited. This made the wait much easier to tolerate and seemed to go by rather quickly. Once seated we ordered a big ol' tray of Matunuck oysters and they were divine!!! I had the fish and chips for dinner and it was very good. Was a good size portion, the fries were crispy, coleslaw was yummy and the fish wasn't too greasy, it was just right. We certainly will be back but we will probably go more during the off season to avoid the summer crowd madness.

    (5)

  • Vincent F.

    This was the last time we will try to eat in his restaurant. We've made the attempt to eat here at least a dozen times. We were actual successful for lunch once and the food was just ok. Tonight was the very last attempt we will make. Security made us get off the line while other cars behind us were allowed to advance. I'd rather rub two sticks together, make fire and roast a frog than go back to this over-hyped place. We turned around and found another a better place in Kingston where we weren't turned around and asked to leave. Save your time, gas and have a great eating experience elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Scott L.

    We're in the area on vacation and were attracted by the Buck-a-Shuck oysters ($1 per from 4-6pm), which were delicious. They had many varieties from local sources (and more from elsewhere, but we didn't try those); the differences were very interesting. Order what you want all at once - they didn't seem to have enough shuckers on hand to keep up with demand, so there was more delay from order to oyster than ideal. We had the Oyster Po-Boy and Fish 'n Chips - both were fantastic. The oysters were plump and delicious, the fish was flakey and moist, and the batter on the fish was light but very crunchy. Both came with excellent hand-cut fries and a good cole slaw. Save room for dessert - the Chocolate Guinness Torte was out of this world. The atmosphere is casual, with lots of beach-goers on hand. Lovely views of the adjacent waterway (there's also outdoor seating but we'd had enough sun for the day). Service was attentive, friendly, and informative, but not very quick. Altogether a great find - we'll be going back for sure.

    (4)

  • J P.

    Very good food. From reviews here and elsewhere, I was expecting the second coming. It wasn't quite that good, but it was satisfying nonetheless. There were two of us, and we split some of the local oysters. They were amazing - every bit as good as advertised. Next time I would order more of them. We also split a stuffie as an appetizer. It was solid but nothing that out of the ordinary. I had the grilled scallop entree and was pleased with it. On the sweet/briny spectrum it was more toward the sweet. I prefer a more briny flavor but I still liked the ones here. The texture and freshness was spot on. The basmati rice with the scallops was terrific - fragrant and flavorful. And the grilled vegetables were also tasty. My wife had the lobster roll and had no complaints. The handcut fries were above average. The prices, while high for Rhode Island, were reasonable. This is certainly a step up from a clam shack. While it wasn't the most amazing seafood meal I've ever had, I would happily return.

    (4)

  • Rita g.

    food is a four, service is a two. been quite a few times never seen the same server twice. seems like a constant revolving door of mediocre servers. unfortunate but i don't think they should be penalized for it. the menu lacks variety but the quality is good. also it is apparent that the kitchen is slow. on a busy night food takes quite a while. but it's usually worth the wait. i suggest going somewhere else if you don't eat seafood (obviously). They also seem to have a bit of an identity crisis. they need to choose if they want to be a typical fried food joint or a five star restaurant.

    (3)

  • Jeb P.

    While visiting family nearby we were told that we had to get to this place for lunch. We were told to go early as they fill up very quickly and the wait times can be very long. We arrived as they opened at 11:30 and are very glad we did as the place was filled to capacity by noon. We were able to sit out on the deck overlooking the water which was beautiful. Interestingly enough this past weekend was a record breaker for warm temperatures this time of year so a real bonus being outside. I started with a "cup" of the NE Clam Chowder which came in a huge bowl loaded with clams, potatoes and bacon and was delicious. I also ordered the Clam Roll which came with a large helping of "hand cut" fries and cole slaw. The clam roll was loaded with whole belly clams lightly breaded and fried and were probably the best I have ever had anywhere. Being a New Englander I have had my fair share of fried clams and these were spectacular. My wife had the Lobster roll and said it was the best that she had ever had. It was described as having only claw and knuckle meat and that is exactly how it came. If you are looking for fresh oyster's or clam's do not miss this place if you are in the area as their raw bar is fantastic. The service was remarkably good given they were so busy. After reading the other reviews and having now been here there is no wonder that people would be willing to wait 90 minutes for a table.

    (5)

  • Jim D.

    All around DYNAMITE !!!!!

    (5)

  • Mike L.

    Everything about Matunuck Oyster Bar is TOP notch. The raw oysers are perfect - taste, presentation, temperature, side sauce etc. All the cooked seafood, and I have had several of the dishes, are delicious. I have taken my Mom and Dad a couple of times and they can't stop raving about the place. The only draw back is during the summer months you have to wait for a table here. Of course when an establishment does everything right from menu, ambiance, staff, food, location etc you are going to get big crowds. We are luck to have MOB in our backyard.

    (5)

  • Tommy B.

    Delicious linguini and clams. Very reasonable prices. Fresh, fresh, fresh!!!

    (4)

  • Chet G.

    The previous reviewer got it right, this is a great find in the area. Don't let the long wait scare you away. Put your name in, and move over to the oyster bar, order a cocktail, and some fresh raw bar prepared right in front of you. It doesn't get any better. Great energy, lots of fun. Once we were seated, the main meals were quite good. An impressive lobster roll. Beautiful view from the deck. We really enjoyed this place and would certainly go again.

    (5)

  • Aleeda C.

    They are honest about the wait (90 minutes between 6 and 8:15, shorter before and after) but the food and the service are worth it. Some of the best rolls I've had, served warm from the oven. Great oysters and lobster rolls; the seared tuna was wonderfully prepared. A lovely wine list is the icing on the cake. I think it would be good for kids during lunch, as the outdoor seating overlooks the water, including their oyster beds.

    (5)

  • Andy J.

    I don't like eating a stuffy fancy places, so I was very comfortable here. It is very casual and has a good feel to it. Started with the oyster sampler, $21. Oysters were a sampling of a dozen local oyster and they were fresh tasting and delicious. Main course was stuffed lobster, $28. Lobster was only ok, which means I wouldn't order it again. It was stuffed with two large scallops and one fairly large shrimp. The lobster came with roasted sweet and regular potatoes and broccoli. The sweet potatoes were slightly caramelized and delicious. The broccoli was slightly crunchy, which it should be. The service from my waitress wasn't good at all. I got more attention from a different waitress, so service was still good. This place definitely has 4 star potential, however due to the stuffed lobster I can only give it 3 stars. I'm in town all week so I may go back and adjust my review accordingly.

    (3)

  • Susan H.

    I am visiting here for 6 weeks from the Midwest and had to venture into this highly rated restaurant. I have been twice now and both times I had different dishes and not one complaint about anything at all. The food is innovative and delicious. Freshest seafood I have ever had. It is hands down better than the other restaurant near the same location. Management is in the trenches with the staff waiting tables while visiting with customers. I plan on making this one of my regular places while I am in Rhode Island. Kudos for such a successful business.

    (5)

  • Ryan P.

    great setting, good service, awesome food - love RI and this place is a must stop any time in the area...

    (5)

  • Ron S.

    been going to matunicks since they opened. great food, Perry has done a lot with the place. improves it each year. one major downside, they allow dogs. nothing aganist animals but ...around food, I don't know. last sun a large lab went after a small beagle. annoying. last year they had 2 large dogs (same owner) on one side and another dog on the other side. my wife is afraid of dogs, we had to leave.

    (4)

  • Juliana J.

    Got there before the crowd with visitors from Kyoto, Japan. The raw bar was exceptional. Loved all the local oysters being presented with information on where they came from. Absolutely delicious! Visitors loved the boiled lobster, of course! The Rhode Island chowder, which is generally my favorite style, was overly celery seasoned with the broth tasting very veggie based. I thought... with all the clams being steamed here, they must have PLENTY of clam broth to be using in their chowder! With this style of chowder, the clam flavor it critically important. Aside from the chowder, great food. By the time we finished, there was a VERY long line of folks waiting to get in. Beautiful setting, right on the water.

    (4)

  • G F.

    Stopped here with 6 others after deeming it tour best local choice during a serious Yelp research session. We were not misled! It was a Monday night and the place was humming, an excellent sign. We had a five minute wait, no reservation. The staff was attentive and friendly, our waitress filling all our requests quickly, with no errors. We were informed of a special on local oysters and tried all available. They literally cultivate oysters in the pond behind the place and they are delicious. The monday night special during football was $1 oysters and 25 cent wings. The food was jammin'. We got a couple fried apps, calamari with cherry peppers which was not at all greasy. A nice mussels in broth, served with bread for dunking and some awesome fried oysters with a very nice chipotle remoulade. For entree I had the linguine with clams, lots of em, pasta al dente, it was delicious...Some people at the table got fried clams, fish and chips, cod cakes all of which were well received. The food came quickly for a busy restaurant, and the drinks were flowing. A very reasonable wine list, great selection of beers, and the menu itself is very fairly priced. For food quality and portions I thought it was nicely done. I highly recommend this place if you get the chance! Oh and I almost forgot, dark chocolate bread pudding, we took an extra one home it was so good. Get there.

    (4)

  • Debrin S.

    Solid, solid, solid. If you find yourself in the area , drive here! I had no idea how very excellent this was going to be seeing that I had never heard of it in all the years I've been driving across the line for weekends spent in RI. I thought "it sounds good, it's tucked away from the the touristy average restaurants, & it's a random end of summer Thursday evening- how busy can it be?" Well, silly me bcz I had it waaay wrong! Packed! Line to get in & valet line to get out! State trooper directing the traffic in/out if the minuscule parking lot. Anyway, short wait. Lucky us apparently! Very pleasant host. This staff hustles w a smile yet they don't make you feel rushed. Outdoor bar overlooking the inlet- a lovely setting. Modern. Fab oyster bar prominently displayed upon entering @ the end of the bar the inside lounge/dining area. Beautiful minimal beach inspired decor. The very finest fresh seafood in the Narragansette area. Excellent menu offering RI seafood classics w a slant and then some. I'm a fan of Proseco, Saint Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc which pair nicely w seafood and they offer a nice cocktail & wine menu that thoughtfully harmonizes w the dining menu. The prices are very, very good particularly because the quality and presentation is premium. Maegan our server was par excellence! Also, a man offered to turn on the gas heater if we were cold & inquired as to how our meal was so we assumed he was a server. It happened to be the owner, Perry, who's countenance was gracious & humble. What a gentleman. We loved the native tender little necks bathing in a broth of wine, garlic, herbs & chorizo & served w garlic rubbed & grilled crusty bread. The RI style calamari was lightly fried w cherry peppers over Arugala & drizzled w aoli (which I found unnecessary- I just like lemon) was tender, lightly tangy/spicy & perfect w the Arugala. The lazy man Maine lobster was a hard shell - having skipped the gym this week- I was glad it was already cracked ;) However, it was sweet, tender, perfectly cooked (artful bcz lazy style can quickly become dry for obvious reasons) & simply served w drawn butter & lemons. Perfect. All the desserts are made in house by either the chef de cuisine or by the proprietor's mother. We had the cheesecake which was very dense & not too sweet. However, the fresh blueberries & ginger sauce was too tart and detracted from the cheesecake. But that was a tiny blip on our dining map. So looking forward to coming back!

    (4)

  • Mr. M.

    Our first time here today. It is a Monday off-season around 12:30 and the place was very busy. The waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable. The menu was dominated by seafood options as it should be. One oversight is the fish options do not list if the catch is wild caught or farmed. A glaring issue as I avoid farmed fish for all the obvious reasons. This omission needs to be corrected ASAP. My wife ordered 6 oysters ($11.10) and the Tuna taco ($12.95) She reported the oysters were very good, some of the best she has had. The tacos were another matter. 3 micro tacos with a couple of pieces of tuna tartar in each and a small salad. For the money, the tacos are forgettable. I had a cup of the NE clam chowder ($3.95) and an Oyster Po Boy ($14.95) The chowder was excellent. The Po Boy came with handmade fries and "slaw". The Po Boy was of average size and taste. Not exactly "full of oysters". The fries were nothing special; the same for the slaw. Our bill was $53.95 which also included 1 glass of wine ($7). Overall: Given the number of people who recommend this Restuarant, on this trip, we found it to be average and a bit disappointing. That said, we would give it another go. Magoo

    (3)

  • Dee K.

    Atmosphere was a 10, despite being a windy day and we sat outside. Found a hair in my salad, which ruined my appetite. Informed waitress and we discovered upon paying the check, the price of salad was deducted, which was nice of them. For $50 for two dozen oysters, may I recommend not using plastic cups for water.

    (3)

  • Hilary H.

    It breaks my heart to do this, but I've always been honest folk, so I gotta bring my five-star review down to three. My tale of woe: All I wanted for my birthday was to come to Matunuck, have some oysters and watch the sunset over the creek. On my actual birthday, I was struck down by strep throat, so plans were postponed. A week and a half later, we made the treck to Matunuck and the Oyster Bar of Dreams. Sadly, it took a very, very wrong turn and I probably won't be going there for my bday celebration ever again. Long story short, we waited nearly 2 hours for our table, which would have been ok if the cocktail waitress hadn't forgotten our oysters and wine. I expected a wait - there's always a wait - and would have been fine had I a dozen oysters and a glass of wine in me, but we were totally and completely forgotten. When I was able to grab her attention, she admitted to forgetting the oysters were for us, so she gave them to another table. That really ruffled my feathers, kids. Nothin' stands between Hily and her oysters. Especially on her bday. Especially. About twenty minutes after this conversation, we were called to our table. We told the server in the main dining area we were waiting for our wine and oysters (who was very sweet and apologetic about the sitch), and she said she'd get the cocktail waitress to bring them right over. Still nothing. And nothing. And nothing. She finally gave up on her and brought them over herself. We had another app and then dinner, and everything was delicious... Just not worth waiting over two-and-a-half hours for. In my humble opinion, the restaurant has allowed their waiting area to get too big, and they can't keep up with the demand. They've expanded the bar and lounge, which was the perfect size last summer, to a much larger and understaffed section that doesn't work the way they intended it to. With this expansion, they've lost control over the quality of service, which is really a shame. Five-star food, though. Really, really fresh and wonderful.

    (3)

  • Lisa B.

    We had first tried this as take out about 6 years ago and it was horrible, but we decided to give it another try because the lines are ridiculous every single night, so we managed to get a seat right away on a weeknight during their Happy Hour specials. We all enjoyed the Buck a Shuck oysters from Matunuck. For an appetizer we got the fried oysters on cucumber which was delicious. WE also tried the stuffie which was good and the white chowder which was OK (a bit more like a vegetable stew/chowder than traditional chowder). For dinner one preson got the Po Boy and another the lobster roll, both were chock full and delicious. The lobster roll was remarkably full and so good that my husband and I ordered one to split in addition to our meals. We each tried the Beat & Goat Cheese Salad which was good, but the additional shrimp we added to it was not worth it ($8 for 3 shrimp). The salad itself was very flavorful. Overall, it was a great meal with good service and a nice view.

    (4)

  • Eric M.

    Food was excellent. Best seafood I've had with a fair price for the area. Had the seared tuna with micro greens. Hot bread at the tables before the meal was wonderful. The only issue was it was so crowded (and this was Sunday night).

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    Setting is great, indoor and outdoor seating with bars in both areas. Menu is average size, but everything is fresh and local. Everything we had was top notch. One of the best things was the service. Our waiter was prompt, accommodating, and had personality, which is too often lacking these days. Anyway, we will certainly be back. The free valet parking was a nice touch too.

    (5)

  • Agnes A.

    Needed to comeback this time we brought friend with us amazing food, deserts and of course shrimp cocktail phenomenal .... A+

    (5)

  • Carol K.

    The absolutely best meal I have ever had!!!! We had Ahi Tuna and mussels that were huge and outstanding. My husband had the oysters and just loved them. Dessert...must have the key lime pop cycle and chocolate browning! Great service...can say enough. Glad we found it during our travels through Rhode Island!

    (5)

  • Danielle L.

    With 217 reviews...is it really necessary for me to say the same thing as everyone else? My husband and I were brought here by his father and step mother. It was our first time and we were excited to try it but were warned the wait may be a while....which was fine. With no reservations, we arrived around 630-7pm on a Saturday at the end of September and the wait was still about an hour and 20 minutes. We grabbed a drink at the outside bar by the heat lamps and hung out and talked. We weren't overly hungry so the wait wasn't bad. People were constantly coming and going. We were seated around 8/830 and the place was pretty empty by then. We started with the oysters and I had a cup of chowder. Both were SO tasty. The Oysters were a variety which was pretty cool to taste different ones. I had scallops for my entree and they were super tasty. At the table, we also had fried clams and the tuna special. I think we all pretty much cleaned our plates! The place is super low key, not fancy, on the water, fresh and hands down a cool place. I would love to go back but will remember the wait! You would have to come during the day, early for dinner or late to not have a super long wait - no reservations.

    (4)

  • Maggie P.

    My date & I came here for a late lunch/early dinner. We had a wonderful table out on the patio overlooking the oyster beds . It was great that they had the patio covered with a tent with plenty of heaters. Great idea since it was February! Unparalleled service, freshness of seafood and presentation -exceeded my expectations !

    (5)

  • John S.

    Monday night dinner for a party of nine; great outdoor seating, terrific service, excellent food (best oysters I've enjoyed in the US). The reviews here say it all. Just try it - you can't go wrong

    (5)

  • Becky M.

    A warm October day brought us out to eat on the deck at MOB. $1 Matunuck oysters before 6pm. Yes, I'll have 6. Awesome. The view of the Pond can't be beat, especially as we watched the sunset. The deck heaters were turned on as the sun disappeared, so it was more than comfortable. Our server, Becca, was warm, made good recommendations, and was the right amount of attentive. Thank you, Becca. I had a stuffie and the mussel app for dinner. Delicious, FRESH seafood. This is a place to have a true RI seafood experience with the addition of veggies grown locally as well. It is really busy in the summer, given the proximity to East Matunuck State Beach and the growing reputation for fresh seafood (from selling at farmer's markets). You have to know that if you are visiting in summer. BUT they are open 7 days all through the fall and winter (and into the Spring..) So it's a great spot to visit in the "off season".

    (4)

  • Richard A.

    Nothing over the top, Lobster was over cooked, Belly Clams very tasty but the plate was about 70% French Fries. Service and atmosphere very good, but you go for the food rite? All in all is wasn't bad, but at those prices I expected more.

    (3)

  • James C.

    On my way back down from Newport, I swung by based on a tip from a local in providence that this place hade great oyster and sea food, opened by a oyster farmer this place had a packed parking lot by 530, everyone had come to enjoy the sunset by the shore. Tried the oyster Rockefeller, a couple raw oysters, lobster roll and the special which was sea bass with lobster curry. Great ambiance right by the water with outdoor seating. While waiting for your table they have a our door bar and seating area. Overall I think the food here is good, sea food is fresh and priced accordingly. The oysters were briny and sweet, the lobster roll was meaty and light, and the seafood curry was delicate and brought out the brightness of the mussels and the meatiness of the lobster. The rhubarb pic wasn't too sweet and had a awesome light flaky butter crust The food took awhile for the food to come out, the oyster Rockefeller was disappointing, it was fresh and cheesy when it came out but unfortunately it overwhelmed the oyster. The oysters were also quiet small. While the sea bass curry was quiet good the dish would have benefit from not over cooking the sea bass which dried the fish out and made it stringy. The lobster meat which seems to have been cooked with the curry ended up over cooked and tough to eat. Overall this place is minting it and a worthy stop on your way back from a weekend getaway

    (4)

  • Shannon H.

    Went back for our 2nd visit, again on a Sunday afternoon around lunch time, and were able to get our party of 4 seated right away on the beautiful deck. Again, everything was just fabulous. We got the raw oyster sampler, then shared the mussels, littlenecks w/chourizo, calamari and a salad between us. All amazing!! Can't wait to come back again!

    (5)

  • Sean N.

    The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a true representation of South County and what it means to live here. Everything about the oyster bar is second to none. Amazing wait staff, great food and an owner who not only cares about his business and customers but this entire community. Don't miss this place if your just here visiting. Well worth the wait and becoming a southern Rhode Island staple.

    (5)

  • Jack Straw S.

    I think this place was really as good as it gets. The oyster sampling was outstanding and it is nice to see them shuck the oysters and actually save all the brine. The lobster roll is the best that I have had from Block Island to Newport and all points in between. The seared yellow tail salad was excellent, although I would have preferred less of the dressing, I would ask for it on the side.

    (5)

  • Lisa G.

    Don't let the pictures fool you. Not everything on the menu is worth the wait. The clams are very fresh as well as the seafood. I had the linguine with clams which was a very generous portion. It was good. Another party at my table had the tuna which was cooked perfectly. However, several people in our party had ordered fried clams which arrived to the table cold and greasy. The French fries were soggy as well. The waitress did replace the dish but brought back more soggy and greasy fried foods. I would not recommend anything fried off the menu until they can come up with a solution to provide the diner a better fried food experience. Note: Even though the dish was sent back 2x, the manager did not remove from Bill! That should say something about how they view their guests.

    (3)

  • Ryan G.

    I live down the road from this place. Ate here once. Cold food, over cooked salmon, under cooked vegetables, waitress was a moron to put it nicely. Loud and creates tons of traffic jams. Cops are called constantly. This is just a hype train. Also, their local oysters are picked from the pond you're looking at that is hot and filled with boats and people. Needles to say the water isn't clean at all, and neither are the oysters.

    (1)

  • Arianna B.

    Amazing! The lobster roll here is amazing. Literally has a whole lobster inside of it. Had the Cucumber Oysters as well which were delicious. Awesome atmosphere and fantastic service. Perfect place to get your seafood fix in Narragansett!

    (5)

  • Cal H.

    What else can be said about the Oyster Bar that hasn't already been expressed? Perry has built this place from the ground up, starting with the oyster farm he established first, years before the restaurant opened. The oysters are literally just pulled from the briny water you gaze at as you enjoy them. I like that MOB is expanding the outdoor seating. Each year Perry adds to the dining experience, with the windscreens on the deck and torch heaters. The waitstaff are very friendly and quick to respond to a diner's request. Quality, Consistency and Impeccably Fresh Seafood - very very few restaurants in RI, especially the shoreline area can deliver year after year - Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the chosen few.

    (5)

  • Jamie D.

    This is by far the best place to eat seafood in Rhode Island. Its always worth the wait to be seated. I highly recommend ordering off the Specials- seasonal, local, and so fresh. Even the beer is so fresh, its like you've never had Narragansett before until you've had it at Matunick with a 2lb stuffed lobster. And don't even get me started on the oysters! The chef stopped by the table to see how we liked the food, and he thanked us for waiting. Our mouths were to too full to say how delicious everything was.

    (5)

  • Liz L.

    Had my first Matunuck Oyster Bar experience for the first time last weekend and I have to say I am already thinking about my next meal there! We went on a Sunday night arriving around 5:30. I thought if we went on the earlier side that we wouldnt have to wait for a table but when we arrived the place was already packed! FYI: Parking is valet which may seem ridiculous since the lot is so close to the restaurant but it makes sense since there is limited space. they are trying to fit the cars in the best way they can so there isnt an issue with blocking or hogging. We put our name on the waiting list it was about a 20 minute wait so we grabbed a glass of wine at the oyster bar and then headed out to the heated tent and watched the sunset .can't complain about that! We were snug next to the other table but the restaurant noise was loud enough we weren't able to hear conversations of others. The menu looks great- I had the hardest time picking a entree because I wanted it all! We started with the calamari which was fried with cherry peppers and some capers. There was arugula tossed with it and an aoli of some sort- it ended up being like a calamari salad and it was delicious. We also got the oysters rockafeller which were creamy and melt in your mouth tasty. I ordered the lobster roll which was STUFFED with yummy lobster and just lightly coated with mayo. It came with housecut fries that were really hard to stop eating. My husband ordered the jumbalaya which had jumbo shrimp, spicy sausage, chicken and fried oysters over a bed of jasmine rice. He ate the entire portion which is something he often does not do! We both loved our meals and cant wait to go back again! Also staff was very friendly- even the owner was out and about talking to guests and busing tables!

    (5)

  • Dave B.

    Great food. Great view if you get a table on the deck. It can be quite a wait to get a table in the RED season. Up to 2 hours. The raw bar is very good with local oysters from Potters pond and other local farms.Portions were a little smaller the second trip there but still was satisfying.

    (5)

  • Pete G.

    Really nice place! My family has been summering in the area for most of my life, it's nice to have an actively good restaurant in the area for once. The raw bar was fantastic. Not as expensive as up in the Boston area (which is awesome) and there was a wide array of oysters, all from very local sources (also awesome). They were delicious, as were the couple-three cherrystones we got on the side. Nice and clean and fresh. Well, one wasn't too clean but I think that was just grit from the shell. I blame the oyster, not the restaurant. We got clam chowder too, regular and 'clear' which is a Rhode Island thing. Basically the same as regular clam chowder but without the dairy. Both were delicious. I preferred the classic style chowder, rich and creamy...although a little light on the clams. Only a little, mind. We didn't get an entree, just shared a couple appetizers: the mussels and the fried oysters. The mussels...well, I've had better. The broth was made with wine and fresh (looking) herbs, but the herbs were kinda bitter and the mussels were a little overdone. The fried oysters though, those were fantastic. Very lightly and perfectly fried, and very fat and juicy, served with a nice, mildly spicy tartar...yeah those were certainly the very best part of the meal. Fantastic. Dessert was a very nicely done bread pudding with cinnamon and chocolate, served with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. Service size: gigantic. Nice way to end the meal, although the coffee I had with it was actively terrible. It was like the worst gas station coffee you could imagine. The terrible coffee was kind of a downer and the mussels were nothing special, but the rest of the meal was awesome, service was solid, and the rest of the menu looks fantastic (bonus: BBC beer on tap) so I'll be sure to go back nexxt time I'm in the area. great little place.

    (4)

  • Sal L.

    Lobster roll, oyster po' boy and raw oysters A+. I had just finished my draft after lunch while waiting for the check. I felt that I needed something for the 4 hour ride back to Jersey. So I ordered a cup of clear chowder to go. While on the road i took a few sips of the chowder and was so disappointed. For 7 dollars a cup, you think they would perfect it and not try to over power the soup with bacon and chorizo. All and all the food was great but the clear chowder staple needs to be adjusted.

    (3)

  • L G.

    Probably my favorite restaurant in Rhode Island. I first learned about the place by touring the oyster farm for a marine bio class at URI. Came back the same night for dinner and was hooked! I live in Newport and find that Matunuck Oyster Bar is better than any restaurant we have here. Their calamari is probably the best I've ever had.

    (5)

  • keith p.

    Okay - their oysters are very good and the back deck is a very nice place to sit and eat/drink, but - the food is pretty ho hum. In searching the map for the best restaurants in RI from Westerly to Newport this place comes up #2! I'm sorry, that's crazy! It is not even in the same league as the #3 (starts with a T and is on Thames St. in Newport)... and it really shouldn't be - it isn't trying to be a top notch culinary experience, just a good fried clam and seafood casserole type place.

    (3)

  • Elle V.

    I am pretty rusty in the restaurant review department because DH and I just haven't had the means to go out very much between babysitters and food, SO when we DO go out, we strive to give ourselves the best chance of a good to great meal at a reasonable price. Matunuck Oyster Bar did more than satisfy on this snowy night in January... mandatory valet parking was a blessing on a cold night. I felt nothing but appreciation for having this, and recognize the need for it with such a small parking lot...A+ there. Full restaurant on a January Saturday that is 20 degrees and snowing...good sign. Seated right away....very nice. Waitress in under a minute, alcohol in under 5...happy happy. Nice long menu with a perky little specials menu to boot so that the waitress doesn't have to blurt out the specials to you, AND a nice selection of beers. About 10 local oysters to choose from at the raw bar, a Rhode Island sampler of 12 different ones for about $20, calamari, clams, mussels and nice soups and salads all to start were hard to choose from We chose: 4 Raw Matunuck oysters...delicious and delicate, small but the way I like it Oysters Rockefeller: delicious Pernod hollandaise, larger than the raw Matunucks Vietnamese Crab and Tomato Soup: fresh cilantro and sliced chilis on the side...very good Oyster Stew: creamy, complex and perfect with a touch of sweet potato and a nice fennel breadstick Beet and Goat Cheese salad: simple and very good...beets were especially sweet, and salad a bit too lightly-dressed, but fine Veggie Roll: Puff pastry rolled around roasted vegetables that somehow was my favorite of the evening....one of those dishes that doesn't make you miss a protein at all...very rich and satisfying and perfectly constructed. Not that it's fair to include, but the people sitting next to us had the lobster roll and the fish and chips and both plates were impressive-looking and guests were raving. Oh, and the dinner rolls served with an herbed olive oil dip were delicious and fresh, but perhaps a tiny bit too sweet for my palate... Overall, a perfect dining night for us...I almost don't want to break the magic by going back in the high season for fear of disappointment, but met with the owner as we left and had a nice chat about the farm, the business and the restaurant, and we are certain he deserves the praise.

    (5)

  • Tyler W.

    5 stars. For everything here. I have fallen in love with this place. When I came here the first time, I sat right by the water, and the outside seating is beautiful. Its quiet even though its busy and I was able to completely relax while I was here. I love to go out for seafood, and theirs is absolutely exceptional. Their menu is innovative, and offers everything you could want from a seafood restaurant/ oyster bar. Their outside bar is cute and you are able to grab a drink their while waiting for seating. If you don't like to wait long, this probably isn't the place for you, they are ALWAYS busy. When I came here last, I had many raw oysters, as I am absolutely obsessed with them. I have tried raw oysters many places, and these by far are the most fresh and the best tasting. They always have different varieties of them as well. I also had their fried calamari, and stuffies as appetizers which were both exceptional. Their entrees are delicious and fresh. The staff is nice, and rather attentive for being busy with several tables at a time. I would come back here time and time again, one of my favorite spots. I feel at ease and at home here.

    (5)

  • david g.

    had a great meal here tonight, 2 things stand out: 1) unlike most seafood joints around, they have a delicious vegetarian option 2) the kids meals came out instantly- so we could feed our son while we waited for our food, and then relax and eat with a stuffed baby sitting next to us

    (5)

  • Zach W.

    Very good food. Friendly service. I went during the week before 6pm and there was no valet and only a few people in the restaurant. After 7 it started filling up with a lot of older folks, but they were nice enough. The Jamestown oysters were awesome. The matunucks from right out back were almost as good but smaller, and a third larger less flavorful oyster was available. The rhode island clear chowder was good, but it was the only I've tried. The lobster roll was amazing. I swear they used a whole lobster. The lobster chunks were so big and sweet and the mayo, onion and celery filler is minimal. The fries that come with it are plentyful and a very tasty natural cut. Couple descent craft brews on tap. Naragansett lager and peak organic ipa.

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    another great time at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Took a nice mid-week excursion here with my Daughter. Oysters, Clams, Lobster Roll...all delicious. My first time dining inside; they've expanded the interior a little. Looking forward to more good times at the outdoor bar this summer.

    (5)

  • C Davis F.

    One of the best in RI

    (5)

  • ST R.

    Had Shrimp and Oysters for dinner here. Food was mediocre; had much better in larger portions for the price. Even more disturbing was the rude welcome we got from a very immature waitstaff, one of whom couldn't resist her giggles as her patron friends made an awkward reference about Indians as we walked by unnoticed, until it was too late; well, I suspended my judgment despite the exclusionary atmosphere, to no avail because the whole event turned sour and pretty sad for me and my toddler son. Pardon us but we won't ever visit again, because both taste and humanity are wanting here.

    (2)

  • Steve S.

    I've eaten here several times. Never had a bad meal or experience. Service has been good. Entres are $20 and up. Drinks are on a par with other restaurants - $6 for draft beer, $8 for glass of wine. Pros: outdoor ambiance, oysters, food. Cons: long wait, Indoor ambiance, valete parking, one tiolet men's room - you typically have to wait in line. Mid afternoon is perhaps the best time to avoid a long wait. Will definetly return.

    (3)

  • TF B.

    A great dining experience! A little crowded but worth the wait. Freshest seafood around. We had the Oyster Sampler, Steamed Mussels and the Jambalaya. We recommend all highly. Bon Appetit!

    (5)

  • Linda S.

    Went to Matunuk Oyster Bar at 12 noon on a Thursday prior to seeing the matinee at Theater by the Sea this past week. The place was packed and now I know why. I had an outstanding meal, chosing to go with the lobster roll. Now, I have had many lobster rolls in my life all across New England and this one was absolute perfection, bar none. The sandwich came with french fries perfectly cooked with a dusting of a BBQ type dry seasoning, unique and tasty. My aunt got the cod and in addition to a beautiful presentation it was perfectly cooked and she loved the meal. Now onto dessert... Key Lime Pie dipped in white chocolate on a popsicle stick. I have had the original Key Lime dipped in Dark Chocolate in Key West and the dark chocoate gives a much better contrast than white chocolate, but this dessert was very good. I would go so far as too say a little bit too large. No oyster fans at our table, so can not review the namesake, but did enjoy viewing some of the oyster processing that was taking place on the movable dock at the back of the restaurant. Will definitely go again.

    (5)

  • Indi G.

    What a find! While visiting my mother in Rhode Island, we dropped by this place one evening. We were greeted warmly despite not having a reservation. I ordered the oysters after getting a great mini-education on their various oysters. The waitress was very knowledgeable. Sure enough, when the oysters came, they were incredibly fresh. We sat next to the prep bar for the oysters which was incredibly clean. The decor was simple but elegant, and had a bistro feel to it. The space is somewhat small but very cozy. I also loved the walkway and parking lot which was adorned in oyster shells, completing the picture. The overall experience was sensational. We will definitely return as often as we can.

    (5)

  • Casey K.

    In a word - badass. Amazing food, good atmosphere, hot waitresses.

    (5)

  • Cassie B.

    Came here on a Sunday afternoon, sat inside as the outdoor patio was full, I'd been wanting to come ever since hearing Perry's plans for the restaurant at a Farm Fresh tour of his oyster farm. He is a really sweet guy, and know his stuff where oysters are concerned, so i had high hopes for this restaurant. I wasn't let down. Got a dozen oysters (2 each of 6 different varieties). They were all amazing, and it was interesting to see the different flavors in the different oysters. Good wine list, and some local beers on tap! Not a fan of the chowder, think it was too thyme-y for me. But the stuffies were very good (even cold later!) As was the Fish N' Chips. Thinner batter, so you got to taste the freshness of the fish. Fries were hand-cut and nicely cooked. Went well with a chipolte mayo. Service was a smidge slow, but the restaurant is just building up, so i don't fault them for it. Would definitely go back, or even out of my way to visit this restaurant. All about local businesses, and this place is literally FEET from where the oysters are harvested!

    (4)

  • James H.

    This place has gotten ridiculously popular, and for good reasons. For one thing, the food is terrific, the service is great (I have great respect for any restaurant owner who is not above rolling up his sleeves and shucking oysters himself), the views are wonderful, especially during those late September sunsets. The wait can be impossible, so you'll need a strategy. In the summer, come much earlier than you need to and hang out by the bar while waiting for your table. Have a couple of Narragansetts and chow down on those frighteningly huge jumbo shrimp. Don't stress; it's only a restaurant; take in those views, get to know your companions. In the winter, there is far less trouble at normal times. Even so, you can usually wedge yourself in at the bar and make the wait more pleasant. There is no comparable restaurant within miles and miles of the MOB. Turtle Soup might do, and the Coast Guard House is improving. Don't even talk to me about Spain of Narragansett. Castle Hill Inn ($$$!) only comes close because of the views. If you want a better restaurant in that region, you will have to open it yourself. In fact, hope you do, because a lot of demand is going unfulfilled.

    (5)

  • Carl G.

    Perhaps the freshest and most delicately flavored oysters I've ever had, sidle up to the raw bar and injest with equal parts gusto and beer. More expensive than the listing indicates, entrees between $20-$30. I'd recommend ignoring the cooked items and would focus entirely on the variety of raw oysters. Within the last year, the place has been overrun by skinny women with bony feet and their men, uniformly clad in seersucker shorts, dress shirts and mocks. Ignore them, and develop oyster-based tunnel vision.

    (4)

  • LV F.

    Shellfish fresh and delicious!! Small cozy restaurant, good service, delicious food. They accommodated our family of 14 for a graduation dinner, they don't take reservations but we hung out at the raw bar, ate some oysters, shrimp, and cherry stones and waited. They couldn't be nicer. Scallop entree was delicious, key lime pie also a winner!! Go there!!

    (5)

  • Matthew M.

    Oysters are pulled right out of the water and shucked moments later. All of the oysters are local varieties from the many bays and oyster farms in the area, which does the triple duty of supporting local industry, sampling and understanding the amazing changes in flavor a few miles difference in environment can have, and getting absolutely fresh oysters. All of the raw oysters are great. The fried and grilled oysters are also great. The rest of the menu is fabulous... But your best bet is oysters raw or cooked. Great place, relaxed environment during the day, too popular at night, but always a treat even with the crowds. A nice touch is that the owner makes the rounds checking on the tables every hour.

    (5)

  • Mary M.

    The Matunuck Oyster Bar is the perfect place to have some super tasty seafood and enjoy a beautiful New England summer experience. My mouth watered at the array of wonderful seafood dishes their menu featured. I love that the oysters are local and you know where they are from. I had the clamcakes and a lobster roll. Everything was delicious. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was laid back and welcoming. I will definitely be returning. Looks like a great place for a date out on the deck!

    (5)

  • Maureen O.

    Went on a yelp whim, was surprised by the valet parking at what I thought would be an oyster shack. Nice spot, tasty food, good service.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    The oysters are the most tender, fresh and amazing oysters!!! This is a MUST if you come to Matunuck!!!!!

    (5)

  • Darci M.

    Let me just say, this place is now my favorite place to get seafood. Born and raised in Rhode Island, but having lived all over the country, I consider myself to be a seafood snob. I'm not afraid to put that statement out there. We visited this place on a recent trip home and actually double checked the yelp reviews before waiting out the crowd. Yelp reviewers said it would be packed, and it was. They said to grab a drink at the bar, and we did. They said the wait was worth it, and they were absolutely correct! Once we sat, despite the crowd, we had an intimate feast. We ate mussels, oysters and lobster. We also shared the Baked Scrod, which was to die for. The entire meal was a delight. A local gem to say the least.

    (5)

  • Gary F.

    Everything was outstanding ! Lia C was our waitress she was more than accomodating ,we started with an order of the house oysters and shrimp cocktail both were amazing . We also tried the potters pond osysters were briney and much larger my husband loved them. I prefer the smaller sweeter myself! Then we graduated to the fried calamari and cherry peppers tossed with arugula, this was fantastic as well light and crispy and cooked to perfection.then on to the house made stuffies (stuffed quahog) with chourico and cherry peppers , THE BEST!! Little necks chourico and the buns and broth oh so yummy we filled up on that. We ordered the lobster salad over a bed of greens , we couldnt eat it had to take it to home. Then came the happy ending khalua Brownie Sundae also fantastic with vanilla ice cream and warm hot fudge delic.. Not to mention the beautiful sunset that was happening while we were finishing our desert was great . I highly recommend this place no disappointments

    (5)

  • Jane M.

    Delicious food ~ Beautiful setting ! The owner is very visible & takes care of almost anything that needs to be done, which speaks to the commitment of quality & service that makes this place special. The oysters are incredibly fresh (right off the boat)! We've been several times since the restaurant opened ~ a mini-vacation for us every time. A little advice: If you're on a clock, try going off hours as there will be a wait to be seated for a meal during the busy summer months. Also, while it bugged us at first, the free valet parking is new & runs smoothly; use it without reserve.

    (5)

  • Ed A.

    Having heard so much about this restaurant three of us decided to go on July 6, 2011. Arrived around 6:30pm and told the wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. Not much view as there was fog in the area but we sat outside on one of the many picnic tables to wait. We were called within 40 minutes and seated inside the very noisy overly crowded restaurant as the tables are placed very close to each other. After a considerable wait for our server to arrive we ordered. The creamy chowder at $5.95 had too many large potatoes and too few clams but it had a wonderful flavor. There are ten types of oysters, at $1.85 each from a different local area and they were very good. The broiled scallops at $21.95 were excellent and came with broiled potatoes and salad. The lobster roll at $15.95 contained only three large pieces and the rest were shredded pieces with a base of shredded lettuce filler in the roll along with a side small salad. The chicken sandwich at $11.95 with a small side salad was plentiful and very good. Being a self proclaimed key lime pie expert reviewer from South Florida, I had to try the key lime pie. It was really not a pie but a small brownie size square but it had the consistancy worthy of a key lime pie with a base of graham cracker crust going for $6.95 each. The portion was small compared to what I get at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami Beach for the same price. Overall the food was very good but the noisy level and crowded conditions will not bring me back to Matunuck Oyster Bar.

    (3)

  • Chris G.

    Lobster and oysters were amazing. Heard about this place from a local shop owner. The yelp reviews are spot on with what all the locals seem to know. Hands down a must visit if you're a seafood lover and you are in the area.

    (5)

  • Natural N.

    Excellent food and atmosphere. My zesty clams and linguine was washed down with a Loose Cannon IPA.

    (5)

  • Neely M.

    Love this place!! We were on a short trip to see my sis in Providence and came to Newport for the day. We stopped one place for dinner but it looked eh so we yelped and found this place - I am so glad we did! We sat on the gorgeous deck overlooking the water and an amazing sunset. My sister and I had some delicious wine and we ordered some apps: The oysters we got were superb. I have never been a huge fan but these - wow. The taste and texture were beyond anything I had ever experienced. I am sold. Steamed mussels - delish! Yummy broth. So good I wish it had come with a loaf of bread instead of a couple crostinis. We got a couple stuffies because, again, hey - live local, right? They were ok - I didn't love them but my hubby did. Lobster bisque - um, hell yes! We passed it around and all we did was take a bite and then exclaim how good it was. Clam Chowder - Again, just amazing. Creamy and brothy at the same time. We got the New England creamy and it wasn't too heavy at all. So bacony and clam-y! Just wonderful. And, now, on to dinner: Fruti de Mar - exquisite. The pasta was perfectly cooked! The seafood was so fresh and so full of flavor. I was in heaven!! We also all split a clam bake - everything in it was perfect. The flavors were so in there and the meat was so tender. The lobster, although I am not such a huge fan, was really good and buttery - even before the butter bath!! Do not miss out on this place. I would recommend it to anyone - again and again and again and again. I can't wait to go back int he winter and enjoy it in the snowy goodness.

    (5)

  • Joe T.

    Fantastic seafood! A RI resident my whole life and this establishment is simply tops. It is very casual but great food at good prices. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • catherine g.

    GREAT foood. I went with a group of six who hadn't been before and everyone loved their food. Great seafood, Frannie loved the lobster roll filled with big chunks of lobster. Kallie and I split the stuffed lobster that had full scallops, jumbo shrimp and crab meat inside. Delicious food, good wine selection and beautiful view of the water. Try the chocolate bread pudding. The staff is friendly and extremely accomadating. We ordered bread pudding only to find out that they were out. When the owner heard how dissapointed we were he personallly came out asked how we were doing and made sure that the cooks brought out the bread pudding reserves. It was the best i've had. We were all so happy when we left.

    (5)

  • Rob J.

    Oysters were great, scallops were perfectly cooked, calamari was yummy, overcooked clam linguine was apologized for and removed from the bill- best food in the general area by far get there early to avoid a long wait

    (4)

  • Kimberly C.

    We have been about 4 times - the RI chowder is great. My husband loves the oysters and fried clams. The kids meals are very reasonably priced. The entrees though seem to try to be a bit fancier than necessary - I have found that sticking to the simpler items is best. The service has been lacking every time but it is a very busy place. We will definitely return this summer- just hoping that maybe the service will improve.

    (3)

  • Darlene M.

    Excellent, best lobster salad roll, fish n chips, chowder, clams and linguini, oysters ( I never liked them before this place ). Love them now. Don't mind the wait fun place, great staff, friendly. Hope they stay in business for years to come.

    (5)

  • Alison J.

    Crazy busy on a wild, wet and windy late-season night, rather overwhelming though the wait staff were friendly. The noise level was very high even seated outside, inhibiting conversation which was a shame as the wait was quite lengthy. Calamari served at the bar were fresh and delicious. The creamy chowder also stacked up. This was the best part of our meal. Once seated, things went downhill. The people close by at the next table were shouting their conversation at one another, so that kind of took over our meal - it was hard to compete noise-wise. My oyster variety selection grilled/rockefeller etc was underwhelming and very small, while my husband's combination featured a scallop so over-stuffed with heaped-up breading that nothing else could be tasted except the excess of celery-seed seasoning. Daughter was happy with her fresh oyster selection. I thought maybe a great dessert would make up for the so-so entree experience, but crikey - talk about gilding the lily! I have never seen a more over-done too-many-ingredients selection of desserts in my life. I love a good dessert, but honestly nothing on here appealed to me enough to order it - a lifetime first. We had many better meals for lower prices on our trip. Would I come back in high season? No, sorry.

    (3)

  • Kieran M.

    Best restaurant in Narragansett. The ambiance is beautiful, the oysters were delicious. Be sure to try and reserve a table outside or at least against the window. The view at sunset is fantastic!

    (5)

  • Sharon S.

    Came here after a day at the beach at the recommendation of friends. Thank you friends!!! The service is amazing. The view is to die for and the food was worth every penny. Got the Islander platter and a Caesar salad with scallops. The shellfish was fresh and local. Dressy or casual is fine.

    (5)

  • Keith B.

    I love this place! If you have some time on a lazy weekend, use it here! The appetizers are so good, we sometimes just order a couple beers and exist completely on appetizers! So which are my favorite, you ask? I'm glad you asked!! The chorizo and littleneck clams in broth are fantastic! Make sure you ask for extra bread, cause the sauce is super tasty! They raise their own oysters here too, so get those on the half shell. The stuffies are delicious, so we had to get those too. And finally, we tried the calamari as well. Soooooo good. On previous trips we've even had the entrees and were not disappointed. There's a decent selection of beers, a nice wine list, and even some nice whiskies if that's your poison of choice. We never make it to desert. That may be a future trip, and I think we'll have to start there.

    (5)

  • Jef S.

    The star of the show is the seafood, clearly. The dining room is nicely decorated and it doesn't reek of fish like some seafood restaurants. The outside bar is nice. Our server here was unimpressive. She seemed as if she was sleepwalking on a busy Thursday lunch. We had to request more water and there was a delay from the fact that she wasn't pacing the meal correctly. Whatever. The point, guys, is that the oysters are the bomb here. We got the sampler and it was so, so worth it. Beyond that I got a simple salad with grilled salmon. Tasty piece of fish, only very slightly overdone. Next time I ask for it med rare. Prices add up quickly. The de facto parking valet is a bit annoying, but I guess they need it. Not a bad place overall, but the service and price put me off. Maybe next time I go will be better.

    (3)

  • Wendy S.

    The parking is horrible- there is not enough space for the amount of people that want to eat there. It's always busy and very pricey, but the food is excellent! I love the oysters and the stuffie was very good, Sometimes they have $1 oysters from 4-6 pm Mon-Thur (call and ask- that may have been an out of season special). Very packed inside which I don't care for, but we always return. Entrees are between $16-25, shrimp cocktail sold individually for $3.50 , oysters and clams are $1.75- $1.85, and all steamed lobster dishes are market price. Seafood assortments (clams, oysters, shrimp are $40.95) Add drinks or an appetizer and you can see how it adds up. But the food is definitely worth it!!! Great service and the manager is always walking through and talking to the guests. Highly recommend!!

    (4)

  • Barbara H.

    Always my first stop when I'm in the area! They cultivate their own oysters, and they're fantastic. I also always order a stuffie - a Rhode Island specialty! The salads are made from vegetables from their farm. Delicious!

    (5)

  • Tracey K.

    This is one of our favorite restaurants! The food is fabulous!! My favorite entrees are the salmon or the Tuna. For appetizers the fried oysters and raw oysters are amazing as well as the cocktail shrimp!! The chocolate brownie sundae and key lime pie are the perfect ending to a wonderful dining experience!!! Service and quality of food are exceptional and consistent!!! I recommend this restaurant in the highest regard!

    (5)

  • Freedom M.

    Absolutely loved it! Freshest of the freshest food. Great attentive staff with great attitudes. Amazing view. Perfect company.

    (5)

  • Christian S.

    I don't usually give out 5 stars, but I have been to Matunuck Oyster Bar on three separate occasions, and the food has tasted the same each time; extremely great!! I love the oysters here. The wife and I are more favorable to the west coast Kumamotos, but this place is on point. I am not giving out 5 starts without giving it some negative reviews. it has gotten much busier each time we visit. I guess the word is getting out about this place. WIth no reservations, you better be ok with eating at old people time if you want a seat at this place immediately. Ok, I was able to get my one negative thing in. Oh the valet parking gets busy as well. Ok I was able to get my two negatives in. As for the food and service, you will get no complaints here. The lobster salad rolls here, probably an exaggeration, are filled with nearly one pound of lobster meat. The fish and chips are always a safe bet, but are really above average here. Don't be afraid of the specials here. One member of my party had the sword fish special, she thought it was really good. Of course I had to taste for myself, and I concur. My wife had 1.5 pound lobster and it was cooked to perfection. If clams are you thing, well you can get those here as well. Falling back on the oysters, the oysters Rockefeller is probably the best here; and that is comparing it to some of my other favorite oysters joints. The scallops were cooked beautifully and full of flavor. If you are ever in the area, take a trip to Matunuck Oyster Bar. Order yourself a Dark & Stormy from the bar and order up yourself a dozen oysters. Better yet order yourself anything off that menu because it is going to be great and you will not be disappointed. Remember get there early. This place gets busy, but the service does not suffer. P.S. If your dish does not come with fries, be greedy and order the hand-cut fries. Everyone in my party had their hands in my fries. Oh Yeah..Chocolate Bread Pudding.

    (5)

  • Robert D.

    Absolutely wonderful lobster roll! The martini was an excellent accompaniment. Attentive and pleasant staff. Closed with strawberry rhubarb pie . An enjoyable lunch!

    (5)

  • Eric C.

    Well I think I just my favorite seafood restaurant in Rhode Island! All summer I have been wanting to eat here and this place has been PACKED! I mean so packed that it backs up the road for several miles for people just waiting to park and not to mention the wait that you have to endure once you get it. During the summer, it doesn't matter what time you want to eat, they'll be guaranteed to be packed. Luckily for me, no one eats seafood in the winter (I'm being funny XD) and so when I came here on a weekend during lunch time, there was plenty of parking and plenty of open tables. They have outdoor seating available but you know when there's snow on the ground it's nicer to be seated inside. As with any good seafood restaurant, a portion of their menu is devoted to the raw bar. Staying true to its name, they have a variety of oysters to choose from including their very owned farmed Matunuck Oysters. Yes, well I have something to disclose. I dont' like oysters... it's the taste. But I have been told by the people who do eat them and have gone with me that they are excellent sweet oysters. I can verify that the cocktail shrimp were large, sweet and fresh. We decided to go with the clams casino as well which were delightfully unhealthy followed by a stuffed lobster and a whole belly clams sandwich. YOU MUST ORDER BOTH OF THOSE. Or regret it.

    (5)

  • Bondette T.

    We found on Yelp--I had scallops-- delicious--perfect martini- friendly staff beautiful setting

    (5)

  • Chelsea H.

    The tuna is amazing here! It comes with a combination of roasted red peppers and mashed potatoes and if you pile a little of each with the tuna you'll have the perfect bite! So many flavors! I also tried my first oysters and the penne pasta, add scallops and both were delicious!

    (5)

  • Nic P.

    I could go on for days about how amazing this place is, but I'll keep it somewhat short and sweet. This place is worth the wait. While you wait, get a drink, get some freshly shucked oysters or even go across the street and get some ice cream (yes have dessert before dinner...we're all adults here)-whatever you need to do to entertain yourself. Just don't be turned off by the wait. Then consume some of the freshest, most delicious seafood. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. At some point, get the baked stuffed lobster (it's delicious and reasonably priced). Definitely get some oysters from the raw bar. Happy Eating!

    (5)

  • Nita B.

    Best raw oysters ever! We come back once a year for the oysters. Everything else is great too. Everything is so fresh and the service is great. The owner is a great guy and very friendly. Good crowd of people too.

    (5)

  • Matthew L.

    Amazing. Plain old amazing.

    (5)

  • John taylor U.

    Food was great, sunset spectacular. Get there early and have a cocktail and definitely sit outside . Only reason review was not 5 stars is that parking sucks . The desert is tasty also !

    (4)

  • Nathan C.

    First time visiting and I was disappointed. There was a long line to get into the parking lot and then an hour wait for a table outside. Since we had made the trip specifically to try this place, we waited by the bar. The bartender was quick and attentive even though he was obviously slammed by all the people waiting for tables. When we saw other people being seated who had arrived after us, we said something to the hostess who promised we would be seated next. We were seated at a table of 4 (there were 2 of us) and then asked to move to a table of 2 so they could use the table for 4 people (which is reasonable). What wasn't reasonable was that they proceeded to seat another party of 2. The food was fine, but it took forever to get our food which I think was partially due to the server forgetting to put in the entree orders because he kept being pulled away by a large table who kept interrupting him. I've heard others say the food and experience is much better earlier in the day when it isn't as crowded so that will be the plan for the next visit.

    (3)

  • Nathan L.

    Great location and great food. The only downside is the parking and the crowd. I got very good service at the outside bar, which has a great view of the sun setting over the water. All three local oysters types in the sampler were great. The lobster roll was good, although the bun was a little thick and overwhelmed the lobster on some bites.

    (5)

  • Toby H.

    Sitting outside eating scallops and jumbo shrimp that are heavenly. Perfectly paced service - excellent wine list and the best seafood , unmasked and true to themselves. If you are looking for a seafood dining experience that is purely about the ingredients and only the highest quality ingredients then Matunuck Oyster Bar needs to be on your list.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Great raw bar w/ the freshest oysters / clams you can get. The lobster roll was amazing. Steamers juicy. A world of a difference from anyplace in NYC, will definitely come back.

    (5)

  • Rebecca D.

    Consistently one of my favorite places to eat in the country. I've travelled lots and this place is delicious. Oysters are unmatched! Menu is fresh and seasonal - and the price is worth the high quality food you will receive. Expect a wait - this place is crowded - but moves fast. Have a sangria and enjoy the atmosphere (cozy, crowded little beach place) or pass your time watching the workers shuck oysters and clams at the indoor bar. RI clear chowder soup is a nice rendition. Did I mention the oysters?!? Could eat a dozen on my own :)

    (4)

  • Michael T.

    Perry and his amazing staff have come to feel like family friends! Yes, we're locals - year round - and we sympathize with the many folks who come from afar and may not get everything they'd come to expect, on first visit. Just know, this place is for real - real seafood and produce - organically grown and ecologically superior! Come, taste and see! And thanks, guys, for the outstanding raw bar at our son's wedding this past weekend. You made a hit - and none too few landlubbers from Wisconsin ate there first oysters and were smitten!

    (5)

  • Susan R.

    Oh yeah - OYSTER HEAVEN!! 'Love the Quonsets out of Narragnasett - they dont' get better or fresher. Great, friendly service, wonderful & simple environment on a small inlet.....gorgeous sized lobster roll, yummy fish and chips, lovely seared scallops..........desserts are home made...but GO FOR THE OYSTERS!! The clams on the fried seafood plate were a little greasy and soggy, but the Stuffie was tasty and the batter on the fish had the perfect crunch and was not oily. Fries are plentiful and have the skins on. I would prefer if they were crispier...but I can't knock off any stars, when they serve the best, freshest oysters at the best price! Don't buy them in Newport - you will pay double This is now my absolute favorite stop in Rhody.

    (5)

  • Annie E.

    Eh. We're local and haven't been since they expanded. If you know this place - you stay away in the summer because of the 3 hour wait (not kidding). We absolutely loved this place and had been several times during the winters. Food was amazing. They had this creole Cajun fish dish that was to die for! We just got back from dinner and wow - I think they just got too big too fast. Expanded in all kinds of ways. Food and menu went waaaay downhill. Service did not. Didn't eat my linguine and clams because clams were like rocks. To their credit they took it off the menu and the owner came out and apologized, which we really appreciated. I wanted more original fish dish choices on the menu like the way it was. Will try again. PS THE OYSTERS ARE AMAZING!

    (3)

  • Linda B.

    Had an amazing lunch here....fresh local oysters, a stuffie and humongous lobster rolls. Everything was so delicious. Will definitely make the trip from Connecticut for this amazing food in such a beautiful setting!!!!

    (5)

  • James F.

    Food is excellent here. French fries are some of the best in the state. All of the food I have had here is delicious and the service is excellent. Only good things to stay about this place. I would recommend this place for anyway who loves sea food cause that's what it specializes in.

    (5)

  • Bella C.

    Just perfection. I'm such a sea-foody and this place blew me away. Good brews, good view of the water, even better food. On a sunny day, it's just heaven.

    (5)

  • Matthew A.

    Excellent! Fresh, local and unreal oysters. A must eat in RI. Perry the own pays very close attention to his local fresh ingredients.

    (4)

  • amy f.

    Loved it. Went in July. It was like a finely tuned machine. From quickly valeting you in, to the hostess greet and seat, which was very fast. I expected to have to wait to be seated at lunch time on the weekend. We were sat at a table with a great view. I got the best seafood platter: with a stuffie, some fried oysters and perfectly fried cod. Great place!

    (5)

  • Rich K.

    I'd give it 2.5 stars. I went today and got the oyster po-boy sandwich w/fries to take-out. After 4 bites of the sandwich the oysters were gone. It was basically a bread sandwich w/lettuce, tomato & dressing. (I skipped the pickles) The fries were tasty but somewhat limp & sorta soggy. Let me say that the valet guys and inside staff were nice. The waterfront view was relaxing as I waited for my order. I'd try it again but as a sit down meal without ordering a sandwich next time.

    (2)

  • Rav B.

    Great Oysters. First ordered the Oyster Sampler [1 doz for $22]- couldnt get enough so ordered the islander [sampler + 6 little neck clams + 4 jumbo shrimp for $40]. Good quality oysters.. fair price.I think its better than Even tide Oyster Co in Portland Maine where a doz will cost $30. Other items to consider: Blackened Tuna and the Oyster Trio. Drinks are pricy [dont know if its just the outdoor bar or not]- a crappy quality Bloody Mary and Mojito in plastic cups costs $20.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    As always, great service and great food. This is a consistently great place to go!

    (5)

  • Kristin S.

    We've eaten here 8 or 10 times, all throughout the year...And here are my thoughts: Service: Wonderful. Mostly college-aged kids, always friendly, never an attitude, even though they work their butts off. View: Incredible. Very relaxing and rejuvenating. Parking: LOL...well....the addition of the two town police cruisers directing traffic should pretty much sum that up. The valet guys are great though, they work incredibly hard and always greet us with a smile, even when there's a line of 10 cars waiitng to be parked. Oysters: Top notch and delish, as they should be! Lobster Roll: Nice big chunks of lobster meat, great flavor, but the bun needs help. It's always (and I mean, always) just a little too dry. The fries are totally yummy and addictive. Best in the state, as far as I'm concerned. Other entrees: Fried clams, decent. Clams with linguine, pretty good. Calamari, not bad. Beet and goat cheese salad, very nice. To be honest with you, we typically stick with the tried and true, and we don't venture into the menu much. I'd stick with the raw bar and the lobster roll, you really can't go wrong. Bar: Nice selection, and they make a great Dark & Stormy.

    (4)

  • Jason Y.

    I've been here for quite a few times, as all the other reviews said, Matunuck is a really classy restaurant with delicious and fresh seafood. Except for winter time, the outside area will be open and it's right beside a pond with the smell of sea salt and essence of freshness (Umami). My usual routine for Matunuck would be 6 X SALT POND SELECTS Oyster 6 X WATCH HILL Oyster Clams Linguine w/ White Wine Sauce Those are like my 3 favorites, other than that the Lobster Roll and Fish and Chips are reasonably large in portion and quite tasty. But I won't recommend those general dishes in such great restaurant. PARKING however is pain in the butt, there's a Valet private lot available beside the restaurant or 8 tight public spaces in front. They're both usually full and it's really hard to find a good parking space. If you're going after 7, there's spaces slightly forward of the restaurant over a small bridge, and you can park on the road side (that said... if there's no state troopers making trouble out of you... and I am not responsible for any violation or stuff...) I will give Matunuck Oyster Bar a 5 out of 5 rating. It's just so good...

    (5)

  • Syd C.

    I have been here quite a few times, with different size parties, and in different seasons! this place NEVER disappoints! Perry, the owner, has a great thing going here and he's always there walking the tables, making sure EVERYTHING is being enjoyed! I typically get the lobster roll or fried clam roll. This last time we had the mussels, best our table has ever had..... Don't let the line of cars fool you - our last visit was on a Sunday with two cruisers directing traffic, however, the wait was only 20 minutes for 7 of us! In the fall/winter, we travel over an hour to get here, it's sooooooooooooo worth it!

    (5)

  • Steve L.

    Narragansett-classy, in the middle of nowhere. Drove down to Point Judith for a February lunch with the expectation of loading up on fried stuff at Champlin's. To my horror, the restaurant is closed in the winter! (Way to fail on that one, Yelp...) One eleven-mile drive around Point Judith Pond later, we found a restaurant amongst a seashell-paved lot. Maybe we was unusually lucky, but despite the sea of cars outside, we were seated immediately. Restaurant was clean, well-lit, and visually featured its eponymous oyster bar, but with wood siding and a thumpy floor, certainly made no pretense of Newport snoot. Started with the 12-pc oyster sampler, which included fresh, minerally, and overall excellent local specimens - oddly, the local farmed variety was definitely not the best on the list. Followed up with a terrific lobster roll - with predominantly claw meat piled high upon a substantial buttered roll, these guys don't mess around with puny hot dog rolls. With the addition of crunchy golden home-cut fries which rival those of Yanni's (Tiverton, RI), this is the rare lobster roll that makes a legitimate meal. Also got the above average fried whole belly oyster/clam platter, which was tasty, well-seasoned, but not quite the oral explosion found at Evelyn's (also Tiverton, RI). Definitely a bit pricey for frequent visits, but Matunuck is now on my RI culinary short list.

    (5)

  • Andrea M.

    It doesn't get much better than this. Matunuck Oyster Bar is far and above our favorite restaurant. We have been often enough that we have probably tried everything on the menu and have yet to have even a mediocre meal. Yes, it gets very busy in the summer but it is part of dining at a great restaurant on the water. We consider it festive and part of the atmosphere. You can certainly plan it to avoid the crowds and the other seasons are just as wonderful to enjoy everything they have to offer. The owner is always working hard at the restaurant while still finding time to visit each table to check on things. The food is farm to table making it even more special. The fact that the restaurant is on the water is only a plus, not the reason this place is as fantastic as it is!

    (5)

  • Kimberly S.

    Every time we come here the food is delicious! The clam chowder is awesome! Everyone working there was really friendly and helpful! It's worth the wait!!

    (5)

  • Janaina S.

    Huge thanks to Perry for accomodating my cousin visiting from key west who wanted to try RI oysters and I got us a bit lost. Not only did his approval help ease some anxiety it made for a nice ending to my visit from Dc....home for my mothers surprise party! So much gratitude...def. deserving of a nice review and a visit from others!

    (5)

  • Joanne V.

    The wait was about 30 minutes just like they said it would be. Enjoyed drinks with a beautiful view while waiting. There were five of us and everyone's meals were excellent. Not one complaint, just compliments. Our waitress was courteous and attentive without hovering. They really don't have much competition between the fresh, tasty food, awesome setting and great waitstaff. Thoroughly enjoyed my birthday dinner. We will return often!

    (5)

  • boaz p.

    Still the best seafood restaurant on the Eastern seaboard! Oysters are amazing. Entrees superb.

    (5)

  • Holly Z.

    Awesome deck, awesome view right on the water. Great service. Amazing food. I got the scallops, they were like general tso's scallops but without the MSG. Delicious, so fresh. Complimentary valet. Nothin fancy though, we show up in shorts and tee shirts. A little pricey but for the quality its worth it.

    (5)

  • Tom W.

    I'll keep it short and sweet with this one. The reviews speak for themselves. Good luck finding fresher oysters. Probably won't happen unless you harvest them yourself and you eat them while standing in the water. I'm hooked on Belly clams. I'd never had them before this visit. Now, they haunt my dreams. After we returned from vacation, we saw Matunuck on Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre America. I think that was our waitress, Naomi! That was just a cool little side note to a great dining experience. Here's an indicator. If you need valet parking on a Tuesday at 2pm, you might be running a successful restaurant. They didn't just have valet parking. They needed it. On a Tuesday. At 2pm. Awesome place.

    (5)

  • Katherine R.

    I go here all the time and it is always an amazing experience. I have probably tried everything on the menu by now and have nothing (I mean NOTHING) to complain about! My go to meal when I go is usually a cup of creamy chowder to start and then a lobster roll with fries. If I'm feeling like being healthier, I'll order the beet and goat cheese salad with added chicken or salmon (though there are a TON of options of things you can add to the salads such as fried oysters, shrimp, scallops, etc). I always order some oysters to start--always ask your waiter or waitress about the oysters they have that day. If you go in the summer, don't let the long wait turn you away. I can promise you it WILL be worth the wait. The restaurant is set up to have lots of people waiting, and they have a really nice outdoor area with a bar for people to wait around. It is all part of the experience. If it is a nice day, dine outside of you have the option. Even when it is chilly, the outdoor dining is comfortable because they have heaters. I have nothing negative to say about this restaurant. I have gone here countless times and can't ever see myself getting sick of it. I have always admired how the owner of the restaurant, Perry, always makes an effort to stop by every table to ask how your meal is. They do everything right here. A perfect New England dining experience!

    (5)

  • Rob M.

    We finally made it in to the Matunuck Oyster Bar after being turned away by the massive crowds on our previous visit. On that day, a sunny Sunday afternoon, there were cars queued up along the street just waiting for the valet, so we assumed the wait inside was pretty horrendous, too. Still, there must be a reason why people would put up with this kind of aggravation. Well, there is, as we discovered today. We arrived fairly early, at about 4:15, after a day in the hot sun. It was already getting crowded, but not too bad. We were told it would be 15-20 minutes for a table, but it only took 10. We chose to sit on the big deck overlooking the salt pond -- in the shade, please! -- and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Great view of their own oyster boat bringing in a fresh haul of the local bivalves, and of the cute little cottages along the water. The tables were spaced out nicely, so that even when every table was full (which is pretty much always), it never felt too crowded or close. Our server came over promptly, and was very friendly and helpful (all of them seemed equally pleasant and attentive). She brought us a round of drinks promptly, too, and we had a dozen-and-a-half excellent oysters on the table before we had even figured out what we wanted for dinner. And figuring out what we wanted wasn't easy, as the menu has many great choices, including a few specials. I selected one the specials, mahi mahi seared with a mild Ancho chile sauce, topped with a mixture of sautéed peppers, on a bed of rice. It included a simple but very tasty side of black beans, and fresh, locally grown steamed vegetables (which included some mixed greens, squash and red peppers). The fish was cooked to perfection. Flaky, moist, with a beautiful blackened coating of Ancho chile. It was not at all overpowering. In fact, I was expecting it to be spicier, and needed to add some black pepper to kick it up, but it was otherwise very, very good. My wife started with some Cucumber Gazpacho. It was sublime, and so nice and cool on a warm summer day. Just the right sized chunks of fresh cucumber combined with bits of a few other veggies we couldn't quite figure out -- maybe some avocado helped give it the creamy texture and light green color? A few small, slightly char-grilled heirloom tomatoes on top were a perfect addition. For her entree she had a grilled swordfish steak with a Provencal type preparation and grilled veggies atop yellow rice. It, too, was perfectly cooked. There are many more items on the menu we can't wait to try, as we peered over at other's tables and second-guessed our selections. The appetizer menu featured Pt. Judith Calamari, fried with cherry peppers and capers, tossed with Arugula and topped with citrus aioli. It was a substantial portion, easily big enough to have as a dinner. We saw many, many home-made stuffies being served, and wished we had tried one of those, too. The people at the table next to us could be heard raving about their Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Oysters Rockefeller, littlenecks and cherrystones, steamed mussels, and a few other offerings rounded out the apps menu, along with the obligatory clam chowder, R.I. or creamy N.E. style. The entree menu -- oh, man, we didn't know where to start. There were huge platters of traditional clam-shack offerings like fresh fish & chips and pints of whole-belly clams; linguine and clam sauce; giant seared scallops or blackened yellow fin tuna; penne pasta with chicken, shrimp or salmon; even jambalay with fried oysters or a fried oyster Po' Boy. And of course, lobsters and lobster rolls. Something for almost everyone, though the landlubber in your party will be limited to an "all natural" rib eye steak, a burger or a grilled chicken sandwich. The prices are very reasonable for such generous portions and fresh, quality food. A well-stocked bar helps make the wait a bit more bearable. Please don't let the chaos in the parking lot keep you away; put your name on the waiting list, enjoy the views, and maybe even take one of their tours out to the oyster beds. This is really a great little place we will be returning to often!

    (5)

  • Scott P.

    I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. It starts at the top and Perry works day and night to make this restaurant great. The food is fresh, local and absolutely delicious. I've tried just about everything and I've never had a bad meal. The jambalaya and tuna are my favorites. The oysters are fantastic too!

    (5)

  • Jason S.

    Went there with 2 friends on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm. They seated us right away at a great table. I've had oysters at plenty of places; here, the oysters were rather small, but the prices were just as high for large oysters. The worst part was they charged us $3.95 for a single slice of cheese on a salad. Fortunately, we didn't order drinks, just had water, otherwise we would have paid more than the $120 bill for 3 people. I'll return, but will not order any drinks, no add-ons, and we'll share to keep a night out at a more reasonable price.

    (3)

  • John S.

    Great oysters, shrimp and littlenecks! I think we had 3 different kinds of local oysters. A huge platter. It took a little while for the food to come out at 3PM on a weekday. But the place was full. And I can see why the demand was high. The lobster rolls were great as well. I have seen bigger for the price. But the bun was more than just your hot dog bun. The lobster was great - I am sure it was fresh with the volume they do. And the lobster was dressed and seasoned perfectly. (Try adding an extra dash of pepper and salt on the roll.) Thanks Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    Showed up with 7 people - grandparents through grand kids, next thing we know there are 10 of us?!? Owner could not have been any more helpful and understanding. However, it is what it is and there is only so much room so we split the party up. Not ideal but was fun moving between tables. Not a complaint from the waitstaff!!! Now for the food. Anyone who gives less than 5 stars is either delusional or impossible to please! We had oysters, steamers, littlenecks, mussels, chowder...everything was PERFECT!!! Fun atmosphere, great fresh food, good beer, great views...where else would you want to go for real, fresh (not fried) seafood???

    (5)

  • Jen G.

    Gorgeous place on the bay. Wine list is amazing, I really enjoyed their malbec. The seafood is the best I've had in a long time. Be sure to get the Matunuck oysters, they get them right there in bay surrounding the restaurant. The oyster special was delicious and the staff really knows their stuff about each type of oyster. I had the seared tuna special. It was delicious and the portion was huge. One of my friends got a lobster; which she said was delicious, and also comes with a free bib that says "Time to get cracking". The others got clams and penne pesto. Everything got great reviews. We were there on July 4th, and the locals set off their own fireworks off the bay. It was an amazing view, a great show and the start to a perfect evening out in Rhode Island.

    (5)

  • Sandi G.

    The food was all amazing !!! If you are looking for a quiet place for dinner, this is NOT the place for you, but if you are looking for fresh, great cuisine - this is the place to be!!!

    (5)

  • Christopher F.

    Not enough stars on the rating system this place deserves a six. This restaurant has everything, really good looking waitress' that provide great service. The atmosphere is spectacular, overlooking a rustic fishing village that screams authentic New England. As you eat outside, you watch the locals catching fresh oysters and clams. Because the oyster farm is right outside of where you are sitting you can not find fresher seafood. So needless to say we stuck with the raw bar, they have other wonderful things on the menu, but considering we may never get this close to an oyster farm in Michigan we focused on the raw bar. We ordered two 12 Rhode Island oyster samplers, 4 of which come directly from his farm right outside, the other two are locally harvested from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Each oyster came with a fresh taste of the ocean so good, we also ordered some little neck clams which are my favorite, a nice mild buttery flavor. Also tried the larger cherry stone clams a little more salty but still good. We also decided too order a cup of the clear Rhode Island chowder and a cup of their New England clam chowder. The RI clear was absolutely to die for nice chunks of clams in each every bite and you can taste the natural seafood in the stock. The New England style was even better, in addition to the seafood stock, the cream and some type of liquor gave the soup an unbelievable flavor. Their New England style clam chowder would give the union oyster house's chowder in Boston a run for their money it's that good. Forgot to add a very reasonable children's menu. For 6 dollars, he was served the most wonderful fish and chips I have ever seen for ocean fish (cod). I wanted to eat his meal, a light delicate batter and cod caught that day from their cove. The only fish and chips I have had that blew me away were the whitefish I had in Mackinac Island.

    (5)

  • Darlene P.

    My brother in law and sister have a home on Potter's pond and I saw this place on Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods. Unbelievable food and atmosphere! Best lobstah roll. All claw meat. Great clam stuffie. Loved the little neck clams with chorizo. Wait staff friendly and accommodating! I asked for romaine for my salad instead of greens. Got it! My sister loved the scallops and B-I-L loves the linguini and clams. Get there by noon for lunch. Dinner wait can be 1-2 hours. Sit at the outside bar. Outside is best with a great view. Valet parking. Farm their own oysters and clams and produce. Also great fish and chips. Dogs welcome. Perry, the owner, is there and cares about the quality of the food and customers. There is no other place that compares!

    (5)

  • William H.

    Awesome dining experience. Great food, beautiful view, great service. I haven't done the oyster farm tour, but it's on the to-do list. What a fun way to see where the food is coming from, all while having a cold drink on the boat out. I recommend: Oysters (obviously), calamari, lobster roll, bloody marys, stuffies, and whatever fresh garden vegetables that day. All of the food is tasty though! Complimentary valet parking too :)

    (5)

  • Jim C.

    On Wednesday, 9/2/15, I took a ride on the ol' scooter to South Kingstown, Rhode Island to meet an old co-worker for lunch. He suggested The Matunuck Oyster Bar (say muh-too-nik) since last time I visited him in Rhode Island we had a bite to eat there and I wanted to go again. What a great decision it was! Since it was mid-week, and around 1:00 in the afternoon, the place was busy, but not insane, as I hear it can get later in the day. I'm told that even in winter when the summer tourists are gone it can get pretty crazy, business-wise. The valet parked "Big" Steve's truck while we went in to get seated. There was a wait to sit outside (they offer BEAUTIFUL outdoor seating), but it was a hot day and we chose to sit indoors. Good choice also. The hostess led us to an air conditioned, upstairs dining area that has a beautiful view overlooking the bay where the resturant has a barge anchored about a quarter mile away. They cultivate and harvest their own oysters, Freshness is absolutely assured here! After looking over the menu that featured oysters - naturally, but has a wide range of dishes available, I decided to have an appetizer portion of their oyster stew. This was a truly incredibly good dish! It contained, besides a hefty portion of oysters, fresh red bell peppers, nice chunks of potato, onions and scallions. The broth was very creamy. I could easily have made a meal of the larger size, had I ordered it, and I'm a fairly rotund individual. The fact that there are no oyster crackers served with this dish should tell you that it does not need or deserve that insult upon it. For an entree I had jambalaya. Now, I've never had jambalaya in Louisiana or New Orleans, so I've nothing to compare this to. Maybe that's a good thing. This dish can only be described as divine. It was spicy, with fresh peppers, spicy sausage, shrimp, and of course, oysters, served on a bed of white rice.. All of the ingredients are sourced locally so it couldn't be any fresher, New Orleans or not. I must say the the oysters are SO sweet and tender! "Big" Steve had an order of fried oysters and said they were as fantastic as always. That lucky bastard eats here often in the summer, while staying at his cottage nearby. I can only do what so many others have done, and say this was a five star dining experience, without the jacket and tie. If you come early to mid-afternoon weekdays, there will likely be no wait time, except maybe if you want to eat outside. Although we didn't have any, they obviousy offer fresh, raw oysers shucked for you. I can only assume those would be as sweet and tender as what we had, cooked. Come here for the view, and the ambience, but most especially, come for the incredible food!

    (5)

  • Barbara B.

    Update: My friends took me to the Matunuck Oyster Bar for my birthday. The food was good, although one friend said she much preferred 210 Oyster Bar. The main point of this update is that I paid a flat rate of $50 for my daughter's dinner. That included tax and tip. They left the waitress's tip on their credit cards. I put a line through the tip and a total of $50. My credit card company alerted my that a $30 tip had be added to my charge. I'm outraged!! Who does that? I don't know if it was the waitress or someone else along the way, but be sure to write your tip carefully or watch your credit card statement. I won't go back. They can steal other customers' money.

    (1)

  • Bryan L.

    If you're in Rhode Island and want the absolute best seafood around, this is the place to go! Expect a wait, though, especially on the weekend! They have a mandatory valeted parking lot and if you arrive at prime time, you'll wait in a line of cars first, just to get your car valeted! THEN, you'll wait in line to be seated. Do it the smart way like we did - get there for an early dinner (4:30) on a weekday and save yourself from the craziness that the weekend brings there. Outdoor seating is what the majority of people seem to prefer there. But, there was a wait. So, we took inside seats and were seated immediately. First up, we had to try the oysters because Matunuck's has their own oyster beds not far from the restaurant. And we heard they were to die for... Not being oyster fans, we tried them anyway just to see what all the rave was about. We're glad we did! Matunuck's oysters run on the small side but were absolutely delicious! If you are unsure which cooked oysters to get, try the sample platter. You'll get to try 2 each of the rockefeller, the bourbon and the cucumber oysters. All three were mouth watering and my favorite was the bourbon! I love clams on the half-shell but am not a fan of oyster on the half-shell based on 1 raw oyster I tried several years back in CT. So, I tried a raw Matunuck's oyster. WOW. Just WOW. I liked it so much that I ordered 6 more. They were very clean tasting, and had mild salt flavor in the oyster liquor that was not overpowering at all. Highly recommended! The lobster roll my wife ordered was the best we've ever eaten, and we've eaten quite a few in our time! The lobster *flavor* was there and the meat itself wasn't rubbery at all. It was THE perfect lobster roll! I tried the steamed / boiled lobster. Again, this was the best steamed lobster I've ever eaten. It was about a 2 lb. lobster and was cooked to perfection, including the tail. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a lobster as much as I did there! We will definitely be back the next time we visit Rhode Island, so that we can try the other menu items! (The mussel dish looked amazing!). I don't have enough stomachs to try everything I wanted in one sitting! Matunuck's - seafood done right.

    (5)

  • Cristin S.

    I wanted to bring my parents somewhere special for dinner where they could get the New England experience. This placed nailed it! You drive up and there is a outdoor bar area along the water to sit and have drinks before your meal. The night we went there weather was bad which was disappointing BUT the silver lining was there was a very short wait! On to the food... Everything that the oyster bar does they do well. However some things were better than others. My favorites included the oyster sampler, the fried oysters, the fried clams, the scallop dish, and the chilled lobster platter. Some things I would not order again are the clam chowder (it was ok but nothing special). This place is great for out of town guests. I would only come here though if you are not on a time schedule. You need time to take in the whole experience, have a drink, and take in the view of New Englands salty brine!

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    Great food, beautiful views. Must try the cooked oysters...the bourbon are my favorite. The salmon and the scallop dishes are the die for and the drinks were really good. Go early and plan on waiting a while so grab a drink at the bar. Parking also fills up and may have to wait in line just to park/valet.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    The summer crowds have started filling in, even if the warm breezes haven't. Still, there's enough room under the heat lamps on the riverfront patio for a few locals too. And that's a good thing. The ocean fresh seafood and solid cocktails make this place a draw for miles around, deservedly so. The oysters were a crowd pleaser, there were plenty to go around. Samplers are available of all sizes, shapes, and locales. Crispy fried rings and bits of calamari too were well received; served with pickled peppers, breaded and fried with the seafood, nice touch. Seafood specials included local Fluke, prepared with soy, ginger, and rice and a very well executed Asian flair. But the surprise dish of the night was Pesto pasta, for the non-Pescatarian guest in the group. Zesty sweet basil minced in a rich weighty EVOO, with softened and plump pignole and garlic. The pasta, perfectly cooked even held up to a quick microwave the morning after, a tasty leftover treat. Good Stuff.

    (4)

  • Abby C.

    This is the place to go in the summer. Tucked away in Matunuck, it has stunning views and decent indoor and outdoor seating options. Since they are always jammin, I wouldn't come here with a large group. The wait is totally worth it. Just keep repeating that to yourself as you wait in line for the valet or for your seat. We lucked out with a window seat facing the pond upstairs. The food is spectacular. You get what you pay for and then some more! My fiancé ordered the pesto with salmon. It was larger than what you would get on the hill and the thick salmon filet was generous. I ordered the littlenecks and chourico. Large and super delicious broth. Worth every penny. How could I forget the oysters?! Duh! Get them from the raw bar or order the trio. We got the trio because we couldn't decide- nice appetizer to start with. A final recommendation would be to order the Matunuck Belgian white.

    (5)

  • Kris D.

    Wow! Matunuck Oyster bar has hit the big time. I remember coming here when I could park my own car.. walk in.. get seated promptly and have some outstanding oysters. They have changed, it is much bigger and still just as good. The valet is great but I honestly have to say, increase parking please. No reservations - rotten. Expect to wait & enjoy the view plus cocktails from the outside bar while waiting, not to shabby at all! Our 1st dinner back this summer was on a Thurs late evening. The valet was about a 5 minute wait and for the first available table about 50 minutes. It was gorgeous weather so we get ready to wait it out with a beer in hand. 15 minutes later my cell alerts me that our table is ready!! Off to our cute table for two we are sitting downstairs near the oyster bar where all the action happens! Literally, real restaurant action, someone broke a glass, large groups enjoying their cocktails, joyful customers forming a line for the restrooms, shucking oysters like mad and more! The menu is awesome!! I could not read it enough...I adored the oysters and champagne so much I read it a few times! I like beer with oysters , call me crazy but don't get me wrong.. I would be willing to throw myself on some champagne & oysters if a opportunity presented itself. Our server was good but I could tell she was in a little too deep- large parties- but we didn't mind as we were here for a very leisurely dinner. We started off with oysters from Matunuck & local little necks on the half. Delish!! Chilled perfectly not sandy and taste ocean fresh. Bringing on the entree I had the tuna, only seared, perfectly cooked , the fresh garden veggies were outstanding! My honey ordered the blackened swordfish and it was nothing short of amazing, luckily we are both share bears! We were enjoying our dinner experience so much that we ordered dessert! I had the key lime pop which was sweet & tart all together chilled on a popsicle stick! It was made in - house and so was the strawberry rhubarb pie! Of course both were savored because they demanded to be noticed. The pie was accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and was baked in a sweet pretty pie dish so it wasn't just a slice but a mini sized pie! The next day while enjoying the beach we decide to go back again for dinner. We couldn't get enough of the Matunuck Oyster bar and wouldn't you know it our second dinner was just as impressive! Oh & if you like crab don't think twice on ordering the crab legs, go for it , you won't regret it!

    (5)

  • Marie L.

    What can I say that hasn't already been said? Visited with my sister and our two friends yesterday and our first impression, as we waited for a text message letting us know our table is ready (love that), was that this place is absolutely part of the summer line up going forward. We arrived around 2pm, on an incredible beach day, and with all we've heard about MOB we thought the wait would be crazy. We were very pleasantly surprised to only have to wait about 10 mins (I actually kind of wished the wait was longer, because the waiting area was great, service was very quick and I definitely could have had another drink and watched the boats pass by). We were seated at a table right on the edge of the dock. Again, like shared by many others we all loved our food. I and another in our group got the fluke special, which had an Asian twist with a great sweet soy glaze, pickled slaw and sticky rice. I seriously had to pace myself while eating it as to not embarrass myself- it was excellent. As a Rhode Islander, I've had more than my fair share of fluke and this was without question the most deliciously prepared take on this great fish I've ever tried. I'm not sure what was better: the taste, presentation (beautiful- see pic) or the price (very reasonable). Another in our group had a pesto penne with shrimp (absolutely enormous portion) and my sis had a burger (perfectly cooked). I could write a whole separate review about how beautiful this restaurant is inside. It was one of those meals where we planned our next visit on the ride home from the restaurant. MOB has definitely done many things very right- thank you for gracing our state with your awesomeness.

    (5)

  • Penny R.

    The best find in the Providence area for freshness! Everything possible is collected locally. Including the staff. Oysters from their own pond along with other native ones are the feature! We went when it started to rain and the patio covers came out and the service continued as normal! Valet parking even drove to the front entrance for those wanting it,

    (5)

  • Theresa D.

    In summary: best meal I've had in a long time. We had the oyster sampler and steamers. I've decided that at 29 years of age, I should probably experience seafood at its finest. I don't have much experience with mollusks but damn, the oysters were so fresh. The Matanuck oysters were fished out of the pond out back - talk about fresh. We had a cocktail each - the Revolver and the Hemingway. Delicate balance of actual booze and fancy pants other ingredients. No crazy infusions, just balanced tastes. I was surrounded by pastel and $200 haircuts but I didn't feel like the poor kid I am. Our server Brien was so welcoming and knowledgable, he didn't make us feel out of place. Not sure what other people were talking about when saying "fair service", we had the best service in a long time. I totally get why they had a full parking lot, a team of 5 valet dudes and a cop directing traffic.

    (5)

  • Colleen M.

    After hearing so many rave reviews online and from friends I am surprised that my first visit really only rates a 3. I'm not sure if my expectations were too high but this is how it went: Knowing that it gets super busy my friend and I ventured down for an early lunch mid-week. We had to deal with a little beach traffic and it was HOT but when we arrived we were happy to find complimentary valet parking and a very short wait for an outdoor table. They took our cell phone # to send us a text when our table was ready and no sooner had we ordered a drink at the bar, the phone was ringing. We were shown to a really nice spot next to the water. We opted to start with the calamari. The calamari was nicely done but there were some overly fried pieces of seafood that were not calamari included. It happens but I expected more. This seemed to be a running theme that afternoon. I had the Oyster Po Boy sandwich - it came very heavy on the pickles but I love pickles so I loved it. The cole slaw was that sweet, goopy, overly dressed slaws that looked more like something you'd expect to get at KFC. I know that sounds harsh but I love coleslaw, mayo or vinegar based and it was just not good. My friend had a special - chopped salad with cold lobster salad - and it came out with a very long hair adorning it. It's unfortunate to write something like that because much of the food was thoughtfully prepared but her salad did arrive like that and we were forced to send it back. It was handled very well and we were offered a free dessert for the inconvenience. We opted for the Key Lime pop which was very good. The tart lime was balanced well with the white chocolate outer shell. It was a perfect dessert for a summer afternoon. We also learned that the pops are homemade by a former server at the restaurant. It's things like this that make me wish I could give them a 5-star review. Maybe next time!

    (3)

  • Trisha R.

    THIS is hands down the best seafood restaurant I have ever been to. That's really all there is to say. If you're into food, and in Rhode Island, you must make sure this restaurant is on your agenda. I won't get too wordy since you could spend days reading the rave reviews. I will say, oysters are a must as they are cultivated specifically for the restaurant on the adjoining salt pond. They are small compared to some I have had, but the quality is out of this world. If you're not sure if you like oysters, try the cooked oyster trio appetizer, you might end up licking the plate. I have also never tasted such a perfect steamed lobster or lobster roll. Visit on off hours to avoid a long wait.

    (5)

  • Marisa R.

    Some parking advice: When you arrive at Matunuck Oyster Bar you will likely have to queue up on the street while you wait for the valet to park your car. It won't take too (stressed) long....don't give up and definitely do not park down the street at Cap'n Jacks! They will tow you for sure. I had a wonderful light dinner with my mom here -- Oyster sampler, a few different kind of oysters cooked and some clams. I can't wait to try the lobster roll, it looked huge! Be prepared to wait, even early, even on a tuesday. The valet says they open at 11:30 for lunch and they are packed by 12. Good to know. We love it here!

    (5)

  • Jason E.

    My family and I loved this restaurant! For appetizers we shared the jumbo shrimp cocktail, which were huge and super fresh, calamari and clams casino, which were extremely tasty! For entrees we had the salmon, which was super tasty, the tuna, which was the stand out entree - best tuna I've ever had which came with a creamy mustard sauce and amazing mashed potatoes. We had the chocolate bread pudding for dessert which was so big mg table of 6 could share it, and it was incredible and a great way to end the meal. The service was also really great! I highly recommend this restaurant if you're in the area. We've been to a lot of other restaurants in the area and this one was definitely our favorite!

    (5)

  • Peter L.

    Visiting them during a weekend for lunch doesn't seem to be a bad idea. My girlfriend and I wanted to check out the beaches around the area since the wealthier is getting warmer lately and this place just popped up as a near by restaurant. We were seated at the second floor close to the window, a little spring time sunlight shining in feels just right, the view was subpar compared to the feel and atmosphere but it's still acceptable overall. Our waitress is quite friendly and attentive during the busy hours, which is a plus. Since it's known its oysters (from reading other reviews), we ordered an Islander to begin with and we decided to have another dozen of oysters before having chilled lobsters as our entrées. Maybe it's not quite yet the season, the oysters are pretty tasty but they didn't blow me away. It's fresh just as expected (Hey, its literally just couple miles away from the port.) with an understandable markup. (1.25-1.40 at the market versus 1.85 at the restaurant ready to serve) The lobster wasn't bad either but there isn't much to talk about. Overall it's a great place that is reasonably priced, but it just didn't blow me away somehow. 4/5 Recommended.

    (4)

  • Sofyan S.

    Be prepared for the longest waiting ever, even cars are in line waiting for parking, a police car is at the restaurant to arrange the parking lot, it is insane. Anyway we did NOT eat there, and that because of the waiting. The ranking has nothing to do with the food since i did not have the chance to try it, sorry

    (3)

  • Kevin O.

    Second time visiting this diamond in the rough and I'm a bigger fan now than I was two years ago when I was here. The oysters are as fresh and well prepared as you can get and reasonably priced ($22/doz.). While the oysters are the main attraction - several cooked options for appetizers in addition to raw - the rest of the menu has developed strongly as well. Our party of 14 was seated quickly on a rainy summer day in the new upstairs area and our server Ashley delivered some of the best service that I've experienced. Top entrees from our luncheon included the Fried Whole Belly Clams, Fried Cod Sandwich, the Lobster Roll and even the Grilled Cheese sandwich (that demonstrated an attention to detail on every dish). I can't wait to get back to RI and will ensure that MOB is at the top of my list.

    (5)

  • Tom O.

    Oysters are delicious (4stars) Atmosphere awesome and fun (5stars) Parking sucks (2stars) only because they make an effort Seafood is very fresh and mostly shellfish. Could benefit by more fresh fish selection. But then you would never get in this place. (4stars) Views are gorgeous and relaxing (5 stars) Manager came around greeting customers and asking how the food is. Nice! (5stars) Good bar selection (4stars) Reasonably priced (4stars) Veggies need some work (1 star)

    (4)

  • Stan O.

    Since I was in the area, I couldn't help from stopping in at Matunuck Oyster, they always have really fresh food and great oysters, and this time was no different. Obviously due to the weather, the outside bar was closed but if you go in the warmer weather, it's a great pace to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the salt water air and views. They've done some nice renovations since I was there last; they now have an upstairs dining room with big windows and great views out to Long Island Sound from every seat. Allison was our waitress; she was the best waitress we've had in a long time hands down. And that says a lot since we've been to some really nice restaurants! Allison was pleasant, had good suggestions, and was always there when we needed her without being overbearing. On to the food... of course the main reason we stopped here was the raw bar. We had shrimp and local oysters. The oysters were as expected, fresh and tasty. They are raised local so you know they always will be. The shrimp were humongous; u-8 shrimp that looked like mini lobsters they were so big, and tasty too! For our entrées, I had a blackened tuna dish off the specials menu. Wow, I hope it makes it to the regular menu because I'd probably get it again next time. It came blackened, which I assumed meant it was going to be more cooked that I typically like my tuna but Allison assured me I could still get it very rare and that it was more of a flavor/spice thing. She was right! The tuna was served over mashed potatoes with roasted red and yellow peppers and watercress salad atop. Outstanding! My wife had the Sesame Seared Tuna salad which she said was also fantastic. They have a lot of other good choices on the main menu and typically have some great specials. They also have a nice selection of craft beers, unique cocktails, and wines. I'm sure I'll make the trip again in the warmer weather.

    (5)

  • Tim B.

    Oysters were amazing! Service was very good in a packed establishment. We had lobsters, clams, fish, oysters etc. and it was all very good. I'll return soon and hopefully update to 5 stars. This is a don't miss place. Can't wait to go there in the off season!

    (4)

  • Jeanne C.

    Yes, the parking is a turn-off, but the food is consistently good, next time take your boat. :-) Really enjoy the "El Bandito" cocktail made with passion fruit and tequila with a shake of ancho chili. Seafood is always spot-on. Shrimp cocktail is huge and brined, as it should be, and is a must alongside their amazing raw bar selections. We always meet great people at the bar if there is any wait for a table. A summertime must.

    (4)

  • Marie M.

    Did not expect there to be a significant parking lot wait with local police directing traffic. In addition the wait inside was 1.5 hrs long. Not that impressed

    (1)

  • Sally M.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar aka "MOB": This is Rhode Island cuisine at its very best! My husband and I visited for a mid-week early summer evening dinner and found the service and menu to be supreme. When we arrived, it looked quite crowded and we had not made a reservation but wanted to wait to sit outdoors, so we were given an estimate of 20-40 minutes for a table. The setting was so perfect that we didn't mind ordering a glass of wine at the outdoor bar while we waited. The bartender was kind enough to offer us the option of an appetizer while we waited for our table, but after just a short 10 minutes, we were notified via cell phone text that our table on the water was ready. The view of the inlet was serene and charming and our evening was truly magical. Our waitress arrived promptly and was extremely attentive throughout our meal. Our appetizers, main course and beverages were all served at the perfect pace. We started with a specialty of this restaurant, a sampler of freshly shucked oysters. If you like seafood, you will love these. If you are interested, you can actually stand at the indoor bar and watch as oysters and clams are expertly shucked open all night. But, beyond that, the chef is clearly very talented. For my entree, I chose pistachio crusted cod with local seasonal vegetables and curried saffron rice. It arrived beautifully dusted with tiny purple and yellow flowers (see photo). What a surprise! Even our shared dessert of flourless chocolate cake was presented like a piece of art (see second photo). Besides the ultra fresh ingredients and great service, I attribute a lot of the restaurant's success to the owner's omnipresence and hands-on approach. When we had arrived, we watched as he could be seen surveying the valet parking situation. Later, we observed him pitching in on setting tables and then even later in the evening, we found him following up by checking in with customers to ensure a high level of satisfaction. How often do you see that at a restaurant?! Whether you are from out of town or you are a seasoned local, I highly recommend the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Especially if you want to show your out-of-towner friends the best of RI, this is the place to bring them!

    (5)

  • Stephanie G.

    Oh, why did we not come here sooner? Matunuck Oyster Bar is the perfect Rhode Island summer outdoor dining experience (also pretty great for an especially nice spring or fall night). Expect a long wait unless you come for lunch or very early or very late, but that's part of the fun. Enjoy the wait with a cocktail or bottle of wine. Then enjoy a meal of some of the freshest seafood you can get served with local greens and other vegetables on the outdoor deck with an unforgettable view. We enjoyed: - The view - The heat lamps - The tuna tacos - The little necks and chorizo - The beet salad with shrimp - The scallops and risotto (my favorite) - The blood orange sorbet - And the camaraderie of fellow Rhode Islanders enjoying a perfect spring evening

    (5)

  • R S.

    First time diner. Place has gorgeous views, which makes the 1:20 minute wait on the one if two days a year they take reservations (Mothers Day) sort of tolerable. The waitstaff was pretty good although due to the loudness outside with the large crowd she missed a few things. We started with the scallop cvici and the Rhode Island Oyster sampler. Both were good, and very fresh. The Caesar salad with the house made dressing and the grilled garlic crostini on top was excellent. The crostini on top had an awesome charred grille flavor. The blackened yellow fin tuna was awesome! If I go there again it would be for that.. The ribeye was good, could have been cooked a little rarer though. The desserts were excellent. Now to the bad. Hope you don't have to use the ladies room or you will be waiting for AT LEAST 25 minutes. Two one person bathrooms for the women that's it!

    (4)

  • Kristen L.

    Not sure what I can say different about Matunuck Oyster Bar than any of the other reviews on here, hands down THE BEST. I've never once had a bad meal here! As there saying goes farm to table and pond to plate. Ain't that the truth?! My boyfriend and I visited the oyster bar on a Sunday around 3 in the afternoon. We assumed like usual since its a hot spot there would be a line of cars to even get into the place, but we got lucky this time! I would sugguest calling ahead to see if you can make a reservation or if there is a long wait. They have a nice lounge area to hangout in so if you had to wait the view alone makes the time pass. Sitting outside is a must, the view of Potters Pond all around you, locals fishing off the docks and wildlife all around! The wait staff is extremely attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu and the history behind the oyster bar. You will usually always see the owner out on the patio talking to the diners, asking how their meal was. This last visit we shared the scallop ceviche and a cup of white chowder! Probably the best chowder I have ever tasted! For our entree's my boyfriend had the jambalaya which was beyond full of flavor, so delicious! I went all out and had the rib-eye steak, which came with a huge portion of mashed potatoes and farm fresh veggies! Over all an amazing experience, if I lived closer I would be here everyday! I highly recommend giving it a shot if you haven't already, you wont be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Genna C.

    This is an incredible place right on the cut in Matunuck, RI. My family and I went after driving by it for many years, and I was blown away. The food is absolutely incredible. The best oysters I've ever had. Get the taster tray with 3 kinds of oysters, you won't be disappointed. I tried an oyster shooter-you're gonna want to have one of those. Or seven. We all got different dishes for lunch and everyone was pleased. The service was great, and the fact that they were able to seat 9 of us was awesome. We went on a weekday at around 3:30 PM, it was perfect timing, usually there's a long queue on the road to get valet parked, but we drove right in! Thank you, Matunuck Oyster Bar--for the incredible, delicious oysters, and awesome service. We'll be coming back every summer.

    (5)

  • Barnum G.

    Lovely meal. Last time we were in the area, this place was packed. This time, we made an effort to go here and despite having added a second floor to the venue, it was still packed. The food was wonderful and the staff great. Our seat overlooked the water at sunset. The only downside: the bathrooms were filthy by the time I used it after dinner. Such a shame. I had the opportunity to try steamers, raw oysters and cooked lobster. What a treat. The special dessert was "Not your Daddys Rootbeer Float" and boy wasn't it. It was that with a bang. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Jennifer R.

    Oysters. What else can I even say? I love this place. Last visit we had oysters, steamers and chowder. All pretty perfect. We then ordered the littlenecks with chorizo, and it was unfortunately so oversalted that we sent it back, but they were quite gracious about that. The service is fair, never amazing, never terrible. The view is unbeatable. The ticket price is high. The oysters are always perfect. Mostly, the food is amazing.

    (4)

  • Steph P.

    With an waterside setting, candlelit tables, and choices of indoor or outdoor seating, the atmosphere is inviting and romantic. It's the perfect spot to turn off the phone, focus on someone special, and take in the surroundings. Since we were on visiting on holiday and feeling a bit splurgey, we kicked off the evening with a dozen oysters and the oysters rockefeller. As native Rhode Islanders would say, the oysters are wikkit delicious! Between the 3 of us we ordered and shared the stuffed lobster, lobster roll, and the fish & chips entrees. The stuffed lobster was my personal favorite, cooked to perfection with stuffing consisting of shrimp, scallops, and fish.

    (5)

  • Aptil R.

    Great food and the restaurant added some serious expansion, but no parking to support. The wait to park was at least an hour in your car. Some man gave me a tip thar you can park across the street at the ice cream place for $10. I would of been happy to. Other than that fabulous oysters, salads and lobster. Beautiful view on the water with indoor and outside seating,

    (3)

  • Amy A.

    I cannot speak highly enough about locally caught and grown ingredients or about the owner. Perry Raso can be seen at every table checking on his customers and overseeing operations every day. He has been harvesting oysters since he was a kid and has even taught at the local university. I usually get two oyster samplers, (it may seem excessive, but you really cannot have enough), either fish or lobster roll and whatever IPA is on draft. Great views even from the inside and an interesting mix of locals and people who drive from all over after seeing Perry on TV or reading about the restaurant in magazines. Regardless, extremely fresh. Unique menu items and you can taste the ocean. As my sister says, even the fries have a great flavor and I would add to that even the fried cod is extremely tasty although you can easily avoid fried food entirely, if that is your goal.

    (5)

  • Joe K.

    Not great food for the price, I had the lobster roll with a side salad. The salad was terrible and the lobster roll was small for the high price. Not very satisfied at all.

    (2)

  • Joey V.

    People come here to get laid and stay for the food. On a Saturday night in the summer this place is a zoo. Cops outside directing cars to the back of the valet line, a sexy bar scene and hopeful singles dressed to impress. The outdoor bartender tacked a dollar on to the cost of the two drinks I ordered to insure himself a tip which I didn't appreciate, but it's part of the scene. They grow their own vegetables here and care about ingredients. The chef puts out of some innovative nightly specials.

    (4)

  • Graham G.

    My wife and I love this place. We have both ate here a few times. The food is always great. If you love oysters and a view down by the water this is the place to go. In addition to the restaurant I've purchased their oysters at the various farmers markets around the state. They are great. Just this past weekend we hired their raw bar for our wedding. It was fantastic fresh oysters and little necks on the half shell. Plus tremendous jumbo cocktail shrimp. The shuckers they send are professional and friendly. We requested Thadd who we have met at other events and man can he rip through some oysters. We highly recommended Matunuck oyster bar for your next party.

    (5)

  • Aaron R.

    Great dining by the water whether you are looking for lunch or dinner. Be sure to plan ahead especially on a nice day as there is no reservations except for certain holidays. Oysters are farmed locally by the owner as well as the vegetables and all the seafood is fantastic. The owner is always there and is always working on something, very hands on with his staff. The must tries are the Potters Pond Bloody Mary, comes with an Oyster and all, the Oyster Trio, The Lobster Roll and The Ahi Tuna. Anything on the menu though is a good choice.

    (4)

  • Cesar Z.

    The wait time completely unacceptable! Told us 30 to 45 minutes waited 1 1/2 half for a table for two They hook you in!! And the Food was ok! If you decide to come here eat before you come as it will be your next meal!

    (1)

  • Mark M.

    This place is unreal. First, the oysters were incredible (with Matunuck's being the best out of the 3 options that my brother and I both got in our samplers). They were shucked flawlessly, unlike most places, and were sweet and incredibly fresh--the Matunuck oyster farm is literally right outside the window in the water and the others on the platter were very local, as well. Next, the clam chowder was literally the best that I have ever had. Finally, the whole-bellied clam roll was fresh, cooked perfectly, and the perfect size. The homemade tartar sauce was the best that I have ever had. Our server was very accommodating and helped us throughout out decisions in an informed and positive way. All employees from servers, to food runners, to the shuckers, were professional and exactly as you would want them to be. Also, I was watching my nephew throughout dinner and it was great for running around with a little one when he got antsy as well. This place always has a wait, pretty much whenever you go, but it is well, well worth it. You can hang out outside or inside as you wait. Honestly, it really doesn't make sense to go anywhere else. Seriously.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    One of the best restaurants in Rhode Island. You will never have fresh fresher fish and vegetables. Perry has done an awesome job in making this one of Rhode Island treasures.

    (5)

  • C B.

    Best place in RI for seafood. Everything from kids meals to oysters are awesome. Wait staff is good as well. If you arrive after 5:45pm expect a 30-45 min wait, longer on weekend esp during summer time. While you're waiting you can grab a drink at outdoor bar and order some clams or oysters and enjoy nice view of river. Jambalaya is excellent, the rice in this dish is exceptional.

    (5)

  • Kurt S.

    Came here with a group of 12 for an early dinner on a Tuesday. Half the group went ahead to put our names in and they were able to seat us outside in under 20 minutes. There weren't many people waiting at 6pm, but by 7 it was jam packed. You can tell they are used to big crowds because they are well staffed and move people in and out fast. That's not to say we were rushed or anything, just got our food quick and got us out of their quick (which is appreciated with a 2.5 year old). For apps we got a variety of things including calamari, oysters rockefeller, mussels, clams. These were all excellent. The bread and olive oil was above average as well. For meals we got lobster, fluke special, fish&chips, jambalaya, scallops and clams&linguine. I don't normally eat a ton of seafood but I didn't want to write a review of this place ordering chicken or steak. I enjoyed the fluke which was lightly breaded and the fresh veggies on the side were a nice touch. Would definitely come back with others!

    (4)

  • Austin K.

    You're going to have to valet and wait a while (unless you go early for lunch during the week), but it's totally worth it. A wonderful view, a pleasant breeze, and some of the best seafood I've ever had. (If you're wondering what to order, can't go wrong with some oysters and a lobster roll.) We went three times in two weeks. Oh, and they'll do takeout!

    (5)

  • Chanceny K.

    By far the best bar/oyster place I've ever been to. From the greeter to waitress, and people were amazing. We went two weeks ago on a Sunday. Everyone told us to go once it open at 1130. We had the grilled oyster, Rockefeller, and raw oyster. We also had their tuna tacos as apps!!! Just amazing. After we had lunch we went over to the bar and Talked to a few people. We were talking about the oyster shots and never had it before so they bought us one. SO GOOD! Would definitely make another trip here ASAP. I can't believe I've never been here before.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I think the yelpers who have given this place lots of stars have probably been at the beach all day and are starving and anything taste good. I had two of their signature cocktails and couldn't feel a thing. I had the clear chowder it was possibly the worst I've ever had. I tried the white chowder and if I was blindfolded I would've thought I was just having a cream soup. I had the calamari it was slightly undercooked and chewy and what's up with the capers and Aïoli. What's wrong with serving the Rhode Island style. I had the beet salad nothing to write home about. Everybody seems to rave about the raw shellfish but what's the big deal they didn't do any cooking.

    (2)

  • Amy A.

    Awesome food and staff compares to no other restaurant. Our waitress mckayla was amazing.. so nice and super accommodating of my allergies. Love this place. The owner handles his business like a boss. Checks on every single table even when it's busy and even when the bathroom was out of order he fixed it himself within minutes so guests could use it. Love this place. so impressed!!

    (5)

  • David L.

    Excellent food, one of the best lobster rolls. Cheap and fresh raw bar (1.85/oyster today). Would definitely recommend going earlier as the place fills up fast - be prepared to wait in line to park (free valet) before getting in. Absolutely worth it though.

    (5)

  • Stacy G.

    This restaurant is one of my favorites! We arrived Saturday night around 7pm and had to wait in line to get into the parking lot for about 10 minutes. I hopped out of the car to put our name on the list which worked out great. By the time I got back to the car we were about to park and then went over to the bar to grab a drink while we waited. The hostess texts you a link so you can check the wait to be seated. We ordered oysters and drinks at the bar and when we were done our table was ready. We sat inside, upstairs and it was beautiful. The waitress was very nice and the food was delicious. We ordered the king crab legs for an appetizer along with the tuna tacos and both did not disappoint. All 5 of us loved our dinners and left very happy. I will definitely be back here!

    (5)

  • Barbara B.

    Matunuck Oysters available at various farmer's markets in Rhode Island. I bought mine at the Aquidneck Grower's Market on Saturday. The gal working at the market was super helpful to this oyster beginner and offered several shucking tips. The cost was $10 for 12 oysters and she threw in a couple extras in case I couldn't open one or two, so less than a dollar and oyster and no wait at all. These are small oysters,easy to open, clean and not too briny. It was like a taste of the ocean! In short, absolutely DELICIOUS!! We ate them outside on our deck and it made me realize that I must visit the actual Matunuck Oyster Bar AFTER Labor Day!

    (5)

  • Laurie S.

    Canisius college volleyball visiting from Buffalo were met by Perry at the entrance. When the restaurant looked impossibly busy, they accommodated 30 of us. The food was phenomenal, the waitress calm and accurate. The food - the best oysters and New England clam chowder. Everyone loved what they had. Thank you!

    (5)

  • Audrey E.

    Wow! I was afraid this place would turn out to be one of those overrated Rhode Island tourist traps with tepid gluey chowder, grease-soaked clam cakes and desicated stuffed clams. I was thrilled to discover that it is a simply wonderful restaurant. First, the location on the water is beautiful. We had a cocktail and the divine fried calamari outside overlooking the pond before being seated upstairs. Once upstairs, we shared the oysters trio (the bourbon oysters were everyone's favorite) and oyster stew as appetizers, and then had, respectively, jambalaya, linguini with clams, and the pistachio-encrusted cod. Everything was scrumptious. Also, the wait staff was attentive and warm without hovering. A simply wonderful place. I can't wait to bring all our friends here.

    (5)

  • Katie D.

    After 4 years of paying for really expensive seafood in LA, this was so refreshing and amazing! Fantastic food at honestly (at least comparatively) really decent prices. The raw oysters were honestly some of the freshest and tastiest I've ever had. New England chowder and lobster bisque were so rich and creamy. The stuffies were pretty good but not my favorite (to just eat stuffing you know). The 2lb lobster was also cooked perfectly and so yum yum. The best about moving to Boston next year is that I can come here more often! Yay!!

    (5)

  • Sara K.

    Went here last night with some family. Food was phenomenal and worth every penny. Only thing I wasn't crazy about was there was a police patrolled line to get in the place and if you happened to get there as the line reached the cop car he made you turn around and come back this left it open for people coming in the opposite direction to sneak into line. We tried 3x's because I figured if the line is this long, it's worth it. Save a few bucks for valet. One review said that it was optional. We didn't have an option. They park your car so they can maximize the space. Like I said though, food and views were excellent. Service because of how busy they were was a little slow, but it was to be expected. Also make sure someone has texting capabilities on their phone (I know who doesn't- but just In case) they let you know you're table is ready with a text.

    (4)

  • Wayne C.

    good seafood, a bit expensive. good thing we came before rush hour; i don't think it's worth the wait.

    (4)

  • Yangy L.

    It's a beautiful little low key restaurant by the water. The service was amazing. The no longer run the free oyster farm tours, but our server provided us with more info on it, and even wrote things down for us on their business card. There were some hit and missed with the food, but overall our experience was amazing, and I would definitely return if I'm ever in the area. We ordered the following: New England clam chowder: very good and hearty Lobster butternut bisque: large chunks of lobsters were included, however it was a bit on the sweet side for me, and I couldn't finish it Dozen raw oysters: very fresh and a great variety Raw scallops on the shell: delicious and very fresh Oyster trio: I was so happy that they let me switch the grilled oysters with cucumber oysters (definitely my fav of the three) Pistachio crusted Atlantic cod loin: I didn't care for this dish at all. The cod was very bland, and the side vegetables weren't great Beet salad: very good, nothing to complain about

    (4)

  • J G.

    By far, the best restaurant in South Kingstown, RI-if not in all RI. Fresh, well-cooked, delicious seafood and veggies, warm bread served with olive oil for dipping, great drinks, attentive service. Perry, the owner, can always be seen bussing tables, cleaning up and asking how the patrons are faring-a real down-to-earth man who works hard and takes care of his business. Only complaint is the wait but that is to be expected, sadly, at such a popular place. Go and you will certainly not be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Shawn W.

    Always a phenomenal place! The ambiance is perfect Rhode Island. Water views & seaside atmosphere. The oysters are farmed on sight & are phenomenal. They have outdoor heaters for those chilly nights. They even moved us in when it got windy! The food selection is wonderful! Try the Rhode Island clam chowder, which is broth based. The Po Boy was fantastic! And their cocktails are fantastic! I love this place!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    I was attending a conference in Newport and some fellow attendees recommended this place. Parking took awhile, since it was peak summer dining time - but after that - all else flew by. My server, Maggie, was super sweet and extremely attentive. I ordered the oyster trio and that was really good! I'd seen many recommendations for the asian inspired panko crusted fluke - so I ordered it. It was ok. I found the accompaniments lacking, but since everything else was stellar, I'd recommend this place. I also ordered a rosemary infused cocktail that was super delicious!!

    (4)

  • Tim S.

    Outdoor dining in the summer is incredible. Pricey, but worth it. Service was awesome. The owner came over to check on is and knew exactly what we had ordered. Will go back again and again.

    (5)

  • Connie W.

    Come here for lunch (no wait at 11:30 am) and grab a seat outside if it's a gorgeous day! When asked if we wanted a seat outside in the sun or inside, we said "uhh outside, next to the sun please" and got the perfect spot under the tent outside, with a gorgeous view of the oyster farm bay. We had the oyster sampler, shrimp, grilled glazed salmon, lobster roll, and scallops with mushroom risotto. All were amazing!! Salmon was so flaky and perfectly glazed with a delicious char from the grill; scallops were tender and sweet; lobster roll was perfectly overstuffed and the salad was top notch. Wait staff (a lot of them looked like students) was very friendly as well. Total for the three of us was around $100. A steal for truly stellar food. There's a private lot and valet parking was convenient. Definitely coming back for more - gonna get the lobster roll again, and try the linguini with littlenecks...and the paella! Will bring beach clothes next time and chill on the beach just 1 mile south after lunch...

    (5)

  • Alexandra K.

    I'm pretty picky when it comes to seafood, but my future in-laws insisted I'd be in good culinary company here. They were right. The menu was super navigable -- plenty of items for people who love fish and those who do not. I had the beet salad and the tuna special - ahi tuna over mashed potatoes and balsamic peppers on a delicious mustard sauce. The mustard sauce was honestly the star of the dish. It made everything work, and I honestly would eat it on its own. The ambiance was perfect for Christmas Eve, and the owner was doing the rounds to make sure everyone was happy. I would definitely come back here for the food and the experience.

    (5)

  • Jocelyn B.

    I love it here The parking isn't easy but they work hard to please. We were lucky enough to beat the crowd when we went last week on Friday when we left there was probably 12 couples waiting to be seated. I had the lobster roll this time it was really good I don't really have any complaints about it I didn't end up really eating the role but that was only due to my own preference however most of my roll had only claw meat and it there wasn't really any tail meat or anything else like that so that was a little bit of a turn off. The fries were great :) My family had fish and chips and a salad w salmon and all were enjoyed. We had the brownie for desert that was amazing!! Nom Nom nom! We also tried some sorbet which was good too! Heads up peppers in the casino, it's not listed on menu.

    (4)

  • Alanna E.

    I would have liked to give this review 4.5 stars. I live about 45 minuets away and have been to Matunuck Osyter Bar five times. One thing I would like to applaud Matunuck for is the superb service. Matunuck, unlike every other high end restaurants my boyfriend and I have dined in has never given us poor service. We have gone to countless high end restaurants where the service was terrible because servers don't deem ~20 year olds important. This evening we ordered the following: Tuna Tartare Taco appetizer- They weren't kidding when they said "mini" on the menu! The mini taco trio were at most 3.5 inches long and you got two bites out of a single taco. Beside the annoying small taco shell, the tuna was delicious and plentiful. 20 Matunuck Oysters- Small but the salinity was a perfect amount. Caesar Salad- Generous portion and delicious. Fish & Chips- Good portion and the fish was lightly breaded, which I prefer. Flourless Chocolate Torte- Highly recommended! The owner has been present at the restaurant every time we have been there and has come to our table to ask how everything was. The restaurant is in a beautiful location, serving a wide variety of seafoods and has a phenomenal waitstaff! Bravo!

    (4)

  • Krys g.

    No reservations, but well worth the wait! Lovely ambiance, but the food is the star. In our party of 5, we had two stuffed lobsters, one full lobster, one blackened tuna and one special. All were fabulous. The mustard cream sauce in the tuna dish and the richness of the mashed potato dish was perfectly paired. Tops my list of tuna dishes had anywhere. Excellent service from start to finish, our server Alex was a darling.

    (5)

  • Cora B.

    I haven't been here since 2009. I won't go back. The reason is because they have cut back on quality and the amount of food is ridiculous. I ordered fried whole belly clam dinner. I counted 8 clams and about 20 ff.?I forget how much it was, I'm thinking about $20. If you want delicious whole belly clams, take a ride to Rehoboth, Ma to KP Grille. If you want a whole pile of clams, go to Red Wing in Walpole, Ma. These two restaurants are very affordable and the clams are lightly battered and sweet.

    (3)

  • Wayne K.

    Fantastic spot for seafood! Great location, great service!

    (5)

  • Sean L.

    Fantastic food, great ambiance, professional and friendly service. I greatly enjoyed my visit to this restaurant and will be returning throughout the year. A fantastic addition to Southern Rhode Island. Also appreciated how quickly the valets were able park my car and move the line out front on a busy Saturday evening. Highly suggest that customers grab a drink out back while they wait for a table. Great ambiance. On a warm summer evening, if not for the casual attire, it almost felt like we were at someone's wedding!

    (5)

  • Paul W.

    If you like oysters and fresh seafood this is a great place to go! The water view is nice and the service prompt. On the day I went everybody was sitting outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We shared oysters prepared several ways including raw, what a treat! The drinks were on the smallish side, but well-made. The only downside is the price. Each of us paid about $80 which included an appetizer an entrée and two drinks. I also believe they have a presence at the Rhode Island farmers market in Providence.

    (4)

  • Brittany E.

    From out of the area, and wanted to find a good place for seafood, this was definitely a great place for it! We came for lunch, which was perfect. They offer so much fresh seafood which was amazing. The ambiance was great, and had a harbor feel being next to the ocean. The wait staff was super friendly and kept asking If we needed anything. When we finished the food the manager checked in on us as well. The fresh scallops were amazing and very cheap. I chose to have the Shore Dinner which was perfect. The fresh fish and oysters were lightly fried and it was perfect to not lose the taste. The seafood stuffing was also a great add to the meal. I left full and pleased.

    (5)

  • DM H.

    While there was a delay during my visit, the owner sent me a sincere message with his apologies and the offer of a gift certificate. My oysters were lovely and the I appreciated the selection of wines by the glass. The valet was sweet and prompt, a helpful addition.

    (4)

  • Tzarina W.

    Oyster Sampler of 12 piece oysters from sweet to salty to extra salty started the dinner for about $21. Sweet oyster was the best. The beet and goat cheese salad with giant scallops was delicious for $20. The Alaskan king crab for $30 was a lot of work for cracking the shell but the meat was massive and dipped in melted butter. The Chocolate bread pudding with mascarpone caramel sauce was one the best bread puddings I have had. Texture was dense and moist and every bite was savored. I would have liked to take one to go. The restaurant closed at 9pm but ended staying til 10pm. The owner said his hellos indicating the boot out the door. Oops. Check out the guys shucking the oysters at the oyster table.

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    Simply the best seafood in Rhode Island. Everything on the menu is good and super fresh. There is usually a wait but it's worth it!

    (5)

  • Lydia G.

    Best seafood place in south county. Love the oysters obviously...had the tuna special and it was prepared perfectly. Our waitress Alison was lovely and very helpful. Favorite place to sit is I we by the windows looking out at potter's pond. Always a long wait, but the new bar is great and it's fun to hang out and check out all the action.

    (5)

  • Donnell M.

    This place is good. Obviously pricey but I had some good food. I'm going back soon. King crab legs are bomb af

    (5)

  • Jay A.

    Highly recommended - especially if you can get a dockside table with a view! My meal started with a sampler of 12 local oysters (3 varieties). Each was excellent, and went beautifully with a glass of prosecco. Dinner was some of the best scallops that I've ever had, served with a truly tasty Wild Mushroom risotto. Desert was a killer bread pudding. I wanted to bathe in it. With two glasses of wine and coffee, the whole meal came to just over $70 - so it wasn't cheap. But still a good deal considering the quality of the food, the excellent service, and the amazing view. You could make much less expensive choices (sandwiches and the like) and still have a great time. I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Mary S.

    Our flight was cancelled, due to the snow storm and cold weather so, decided to take a drive to restaurant on the water near Providence. Was surprised when we arrived and the place was packed on one of the coldest days of the year. The restaurant was worth the drive!! Breathtaking view and the oysters, lobster, chowder, calamari and first ever stuffies were delicious. I would say this is my favorite seafood restaurant!! Too bad I'm from Cleveland and can't come more often.

    (5)

  • Nico F.

    Right off the bat, I've never seen so many guys in coral chino shorts in one place. Despite being surrounded by a living Vineyard Vines catalog, the outdoor bar setting on the water was absolutely gorgeous. And the fried clams were the best I've ever had. They had a consistency and briny freshness that every purveyor of fried clams should strive for: so light, so not oily, and the outer coating didn't feel like a batter at all, like it was already naturally a part of the clam or something. But be prepared to wait. In a line. In your car. It sure was worth the wait, though.

    (4)

  • Mark C.

    Honestly, I think this is the BEST restaurant in Rhode Island, and I have visited a lot of them. For starters we had the Oyster Sampler featuring a dozen local oysters. The ones from adjoining Potter's Pond were the best. I lived in Florida nine years, and nothing there tops these. I had the "SEARED SCALLOPS over a tomato and sweet corn salsa, balsamic orange glaze, mashed red bliss potatoes and Matunuck Farms Chef's vegetables." They were unreal! The tomato, corn salsa and glaze are insane. I wanted to lick the bowl. There were six perfectly cooked scallops each the size of a half-dollar. Honestly, the star of the plate was the huge pile of sauteed local, organic mixed vegetables. That and the smashed potatoes. If you are a vegetarian...just ask for this dish, minus the scallops! I bet they'd do it! If I was on that Food Network Show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," I would name this dish. I had a cup of New England Clam Chowder between the oysters and the entree. Tasty! They have a good selection of California Chardonnays to wash it all down. The dessert special was a homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream! Wow! This was our 24th anniversary dinner and it was very special. Even owner Perry Raso stopped by our table to say hi and check on our meal! I know people are frustrated by the crowds and long waits, and my secret is... Think about coming during the "off" hours! I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Jeanie S.

    The only downsides to Matunuck's Oyster Bar are 1) the long wait for a table and 2) the long wait for the ladies restroom (on a busy Saturday, I spent 20 minutes in line for the 1 person restrooms). Not fun. The rest of my time at Matunuck's was awesome. Enjoyed a nice glass of French white wine at the open air bar as we nibbled (inhaled?) a couple rounds of oysters on the half shell and jumbo shrimp. Btw, the shrimp truly are jumbo. They were enormous. Oysters were fresh, fresh, fresh. Briny, sweet, saline perfection. We were eventually seated on the outdoor patio with a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the water. And then the seafood fest began: -Fried Calamari were flavorful and the aioli/peppers added a nice kick. If you usually find calamari rubbery and tasteless, do yourself a favor and try these. They will totally change your mind. -Housemade Stuffie was very tasty. It was my first clam stuffie (being a visitor to RI), and I'd not hesitate to order another. -Stuffed Lobster was decadent. The lobster was stuffed with the sweetest claw meat, jumbo shrimp, scallops and breading. I barely touched the fingerling potatoes and vegetables because the portions were so hearty. -Pistachio Crusted Cod, my dining companion's meal, was delicious as well. I had a taste of the cod and the pistachio crust was a perfect complement to the firm white fish. -Key Lime pie popsicle -- omg, if they have these available and you love key lime pie, you must order one of these. Creamy, tart, lusciousness. A wonderful meal, on a beautiful evening by the water. Couldn't really ask for more. Except more ladies restrooms. That would be perfection.

    (4)

  • Phillip M.

    Rhode Island may be the best kept secret in New England, and in Rhode Island there is great food,all types.The best for my palate is local seafood, and the Matunuck Oyster Bar has it: Locally sourced, fresh to the table with an inspired mix of what is available local and fresh to present fine dining. My wife had swordfish that was so fresh it told the tale of being in the ocean that morning, served on a bed of red potato perfect for taste and presentation. I found the definitive clam roll, fresh whole clams breaded and fried and served on a new England top cut roll. The side was hand cut fries to die for and homemade cole slaw. The end might have been the meal: Chocolate Bread Pudding. Just do that if nothing else. Easy to find, easy to linger, the view is worth so much and free. Service was wonderful, just attentive enough but not hovering and the room was full. Be sure to note the new mural on the ceiling downstairs. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Brielle Nicole C.

    Worth the wait! Let me just start with the service, exceptional. Food phenomenal!!! One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long while. Great beverage selection as well, I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Care N.

    My favorite restaurant. Fabulous place! Good beer on tap, incredible setting, yummiest of oysters. Food has never disappointed. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Mikki K.

    Where do I begin? Tucked away in the Meadows by a river bed, I found a gem of a seafood restaurant! The lobster roll was perfection right down to the roll! Not too much mayo or any other ingredient. Just lobster. The chocolate bread pudding with caramel angleise was worth licking the plate four, but I refrained myself. It was indeed a dining experience that I will always remember.,.

    (5)

  • Meghan M.

    I went here again on a Monday night a few weeks before Christmas. I was actually surprised it wasn't packed, but then again it was only 5:30PM when our party of about 12 got there. I had the blackened tuna special, and I definitely think it should be on the regular menu. Flavors were great -- roasted red peppers combined with arugula on the side. You also cannot go wrong with the oyster sampler.

    (5)

  • Chris D.

    My husband and I have been coming down to Rhode Island for years in the summer, although we just heard of this place. We came for lunch on a Friday and the place was packed which is always a good sign. We had drinks and clam chowder (which were brought to us) while waiting for our table. Everything was delicious and promptly served. My only complaint is that they could use more umbrellas while waiting for your table.

    (5)

  • Meriam T.

    You'd think it would be less busy when you go on a weeknight. Wrong! Wednesday night at 6:30. We wasted time sitting on the loooing valet line. Then they said it was 15 minute wait. It turned to an hour! The outside bar was already packed. Then they put us on the corner table at the back of the restaurant. We didn't like that. We felt isolated and I was getting cold. Bring your sweaters ladies! They promised to light up the standing heaters. But then they didn't. It was a long wait after we ordered both our Oyster Platters (12 oysters on each platter), and drinks. By this time, they saw I was really getting uncomfortable, rubbing my arms constantly. So they moved us to another table on the opposite side (behind the bar) right next to the "glass wall". The raw oysters were great! But that's about it. Rest of the food was mediocre. It also took them a while to serve. We ordered the Oysters Rockefeller, Grilled Oysters, Grilled Atlantic Salmon and (local) Beets and Goat Cheese Salad with chicken, and Brownie Sundae for dessert. Quite frankly, everything on the menu was overpriced. We've had better for less. And they serve small portions. Yes, it's a great view, next to the salt pond and the sunset. That's what you're paying for really. Later on, when it got dark, the Mosquitos came and feasted on us lol. And oh, there wasn't enough lighting. Only a little candle lamp on the table. I almost couldn't see what I was eating. Overall, I will go back just for the oysters though!

    (4)

  • Janek G.

    It doesn't get any better than this. All farmed right in front of the restaurant in terms of the seafood, and all vegetables grown fresh in an adjacent field. This takes ocean and farm to table to a whole new level. Although I've been here dozens of times now, the motivation for a yelp review was the beyond exceptional new years eve experience last week with a three course prix fix menu featuring some new dishes for the restaurant. Ironically for a seafood restaurant the filet was one of the best I've ever had, along with Scallops from the raw bar, and Ahi sashimi. With an upstairs addition about to open, it may become slightly easier to get a table, but no matter what the wait time, winter or summer, it's worth it. There were parties of 7 and more people arriving on new years eve without a reservation and waiting three hours for a table because of the quality of food and service. We made our reservation in November and just got a table. So if you're looking into NYE 2015, book early! For summer there is a sizable outside bar area as well as an extensive deck, both right on the river, which make an idilic lunch or dinner setting for any occasion. This could easily be ten more paragraphs, but the best thing you can do for your palate is stop reading and come here and enjoy a meal. They even have free valet parking!

    (5)

  • Marie A.

    Brought here by friends who clearly steered me in the right direction. Started with oysters and jumbo shrimp which made the hour long wait beyond bearable. Had to get a lobster roll for dinner and it was delicious. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Deb R.

    Hadn't been here in two years! Amazing lunch today. Started with the Matunuck Oysters which are smaller in size. They were amazing. So fresh! We then each had a cup of white chowder. It was so creamy and full of clams, potatoes and celery. Delicious! Lastly, we split a lobster roll. Honestly, they have the best lobster roll anywhere. Our waitress was terrific. Very attentive, polite and quick. Can't wait to go back soon!

    (5)

  • Jennifer E.

    Beautiful atmosphere, fresh and delicious seafood, and an amazing view. This is what RI dining is all about. It took me multiple years in RI to finally get down to this Summer mecca, but it was well worth it to finally get here to spend an amazing meal with friends. The day was gorgeous and we lucked out with only only a short wait, although even a longer wait would have been ok with me, as the view was perfect for a pre lunch drink. We were sat at a table outside, by request, with a lovely view. I ordered up a Gansett' Shandy and perused the menu. We ended up ordering the RI oyster sampler, which included twelve oysters from various places around the state. The menu was full with savory treats from the ocean and land. Sandwiches, burgers, and of course, raw bar and seafood entrees galore. We decided to share the lobster roll and oyster po' boy. Soon after placing our orders, the oysters arrived. Split among four of us, we were each able to try an oyster from a different place. The oysters were fresh, had a great salty brine, and delicious. Our sandwiches arrived and man, were they good. The lobster roll was full of plump pieces of nature's delicacy. The mayo was only barely noticeable and the roll was buttery and soft. The oyster po' boy was good too, but the lobstah' roll was definitely the winner of our lunch. We left full and happy (and maybe slightly sun-burnt). Not a bad meal for the second day of Summer. I recomend getting in early to enjoy the valet and short wait times. The place was jammin by the time we left.

    (5)

  • Altena L.

    Great place with a wonderful location! Love the variety of oysters - locally caught and grown! I enjoy coming here during the summer time with hanging outside at the bar with raw bar and drinks,while waiting to be seated. The wait never seems too long (maybe an hour wait is usually what I encounter) as they have open door seating and seating inside. The owner is such a hard worker and you will always see him helping his staff and checking on customers. We usually come here with a group of friends for rawbar and the meals. The raw bar is a bit pricey - but what raw bar isn't? The food can be incredible to average but they have a great amount of food and not just seafood! I've also been here in the winter and the wait was never as bad as it is in the summertime! The staff is always friendly! If you love oysters, you have to try this place!

    (5)

  • Renee M.

    Great place! We ate outside. Ordered goat cheese and beet salad with salmon, lobster roll and grilled oysters. Everything was great. The oysters were really good! Great portions and the service was great!

    (4)

  • Richard D.

    I don't want to be repetitive..let's all admit, the Oyster Bar has a lot of reviews and is a revered place around here. Great place. Nice and professional staff for sure. Ok place for kids, really depends on the kids I suppose. Good portions, quality food and a great atmosphere. This place gets CRAZY during peak season..valet parking is jammed tight with a line of cars down the road every day and every night....and there's a reason... because this place is the place to be.

    (5)

  • Evan B.

    Best meal I've had in a long time. Started out with the Oyster Trio app and had the Scallops, risotto, and Brussels sprouts entree. So good. Everything was cooked perfectly and the service was spot on. I can easily see why this place is rated so high. Well done. I can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • Jon W.

    Best shellfish I've ever had. They farm their own oysters and grow their own vegetables. Great service and extreme quality is the name of their game. I split the 12 oyster sampler, the steamers, the steamed mussels, and the brownie sundae with a friend and we were very satisfied.

    (5)

  • Marsha G.

    It's so popular that they had two police offers directing traffic on the narrow street that it is located on. They have to do valet parking because there is no way you could pack that many cars in their lot without someone organizing it. I like that they have the buzzer system to tell you when your table is ready. I was told our wait would be 45 minutes but it really was more like 20. It was a gorgeous evening with the sun setting past the pond in which they farm their oysters. There's an outdoor bar on the left side of the building that is hugged by the water. The back outdoor seating area has thick glass to cleanly separate the patrons from the flora and fauna. The raw bar was surrounded by people eating and talking and watching the experts shuck the oysters over a bed of ice. I tried one raw oyster at my table. It came its own bowl of ice with a cup of cocktail sauce, a cup of mignonette sauce, and a wedge of lemon. I doused the mignonette sauce into the shell and then swallowed it down whole. There isn't a lot to experience eating like that but it was pleasant. We had the trio of cooked oysters for an appetizer. They were all delicately and deliciously treated with various sauce and buttery bread crumb topping. I had the "One Pint of Whole-belly clams" which comes with with fries and house made coleslaw for my meal. My life-partner had the "Shore Dinner" which is fried local fish, fried oysters, a house made "stuffie", with fries and house made coleslaw. Everything was delicious. I highly recommend this place, and hope I can go back someday.

    (5)

  • Krystal L.

    My go to place in Rhode Island! The best oysters I ever had in my life _ their Matunuck oyster grown in the backyard melt in your mouth. They renovated and I'm loving the new look!

    (5)

  • Karen b.

    The reason I am not giving them 5 stars is because of the Vegetarian Tacos. When they describe them as mini tacos, they are not kidding. They were approx. 2" long and 1" high with about 6 little pieces of vegetables in each of them. $11.95 for 3 of them is a rip off. But I recommend everything else.

    (4)

  • Jenny S.

    Nice waterside restaurant that looks like it was once someone's home! We came during winter when they have heatlamps for the patio seating but im sure it's more beautiful in the summer!! PORTIONS ARE HUGE ... Very unexpected for a seafood restaurant... we probably could have shared an entree and appetizer ---grilled oysters: skip these! Way overloaded with butter... Stick with the fresh ones ---lobster roll: comes with a side salad or side of fries... This Maine style roll with mayo has a toasty bun but the lobster didn't seem all that fresh ... i was able to try the fries and salad, both are great! ---seared scallops: scallops were good but definitely could of used a browner sear... I liked the risotto & brussel sprouts which weren't too fatty from the pancetta NOTE: Complimentary valet parking & Happy hour is only Monday -Thursday for buck oysters

    (3)

  • Chuck A.

    Out of the way & cool location, great vibe, efficient & friendly staff.....plus mighty fine everything! I had the tuna tacos and Belgian white for lunch. Perfect!! Super crowded in the summer....so "game" your arrival!

    (5)

  • Ben F.

    The Food was delicious! The service was excellent, very clean well run place. Would highly recommend to anyone even if you don't like seafood. Seared scallops were very good, mashed potatoes were awesome.

    (5)

  • Katherine M.

    Happy to be here with a beautiful sunset and a cold beer! Besides the draft options, I felt the bar program, wine list and menu could use some work, only because both were so generic and quality was inconsistent for the money. Tables were at an hour and half wait, so I wasn't surprised that the salad was a little slimy and wilted, or food came at weird temps. I assumed the kitchen was trying to do their best during a crazy rush. But the staff are all awesome. The atmosphere is busy and happy, and location is perfect. And the frozen cheesecake pop, dipped in white chocolate, on a stick! So cool.

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    I travel for work and get to go to a lot of restaurants. I also ran a charter boat in Rhode Island about 30 years ago, so I know a little about fresh seafood. To use a typical RI description "this place is Wicked Awesome". I love oysters. And the oysters here are amazing. Small but sweet and delicious. I had grilled oysters and the only thing that would have been better was if I had ordered more of them. Also had a sample of all the raw oysters available. Two of them were locally cultivated. They were spectacular. Tried the RI chowder and was not disappointed. My wife had the steamers. Of course I sneaked a few. They were also delicious. Having celiac disease, I need to maintain a strict gluten free diet. They have GF items marked on the menu, as well as can make some others GF. For an entree I ordered the scallops. Another winner. I skipped the potatoes and had extra veggies, which were also locally grown. My wife had the whole belly clam roll. She said the clams melt in your mouth. It's not a question of if we will return, but how soon. If you like/love seafood, you will not find anything better. And yes, we did have to wait to park and for a table, but there is no doubt it is worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Foo Foo D.

    Gorgeous Views, 5 star seafood. Had a wonderful lunch with a friend on a frigid but cheerful sunny windy winter weekday. Sat by the window and water views, the sun streaming in transforming the beautifully designed modem interior into festive, jubilant dining space. Although a complete seafood restaurant with everything you can imagine on the menu, we chose mostly light fresh appetizers to makeup our meal. Started with a dozen of each Matunick and Quonset oysters. The former are smaller and firmer and semi sweet briny and very flavorful. the Quonset are considerably bigger and softer with their larger shells holding more of the sweet fresh salty essence of nearby tide pools. Next we tried a little creation called a "stuffie"which It's an elegance little stuffed quahogs clamshell herbal stuffing. Veggie haters will want to skip the stuffie. I'm We shared the mixed greens with feta cheese wallnuts and beets and vinaigrette. n Another novel appetizer that we found was toro tacos. we should've been called Maguro tacos because I'm pretty sure it was yellowfin tuna not bluefin tuna. Lastly we had a couple pounds of large amazing king crab legs and washed it all down with a fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; spicy and grassy and delicious. total cost : you don't wanna know who

    (5)

  • Susan M.

    The prices are actually very good. Huge portions and the freshest fish around. Excellent meal. Jazz music subtly playing in the background. Quant. Place has a beach theme with grey wainscoting and nautical pictures- not rustic, more upscale atmosphere. Note: We stay away in the summer because it is SO mobbed here. I highly recommend you try it now- best time to come. You will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Sabrina D.

    Great first experience! Staff was very friendly and attentive. Great quality with a great price. Can be a long wait, but they have an outdoor bar with portable heaters.

    (4)

  • Matt N.

    This place is always mobbed but they do a great job of moving people through it. I remember when it was the Sea Gull fried food joint way back when. The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a far cry from that. The food is fresh and excellent. The owner has done a great job in turning a dump into a destination. He also grows his own veggies and cultivates his own oysters. This is a must go and I highly recommend it to anywhere in the area.

    (5)

  • Liz A.

    I truly enjoy the beautiful outdoor and indoor seating and the selection of farm to table dishes. Oysters are a must try/ have item as well as the lobster roll !

    (5)

  • Lu Z.

    For the price of the food.. I was not impressed .Nice atmosphere but Unfortunately I cannot give this place a 5 star .The face that they brought out everything at once instead of bringing the salad first then the meal later was ridiculous the tables were too small and barely fit all the large plates for a two person table.

    (2)

  • Dan K.

    Bomb.com ! Cucumber Oyster so good and fresh! Lobster Roll and Fish sandwich, so fresh and so clean clean!! Great food and spot in RI!

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    Smallest portion of swordfish I have ever seen for $24- had more veg and potatoes then protein-regretting not taking a pic or alerting management- oysters/chowder-stuffie/lobster roll fantastic

    (3)

  • Kmg33 J.

    My new favorite seafood spot....food was amazing....yummy oysters, little necks were great and frutti di mare was fresh, tasty, and by far my favorite meal this week on the coast!

    (5)

  • Greg L.

    Great food & location. No complaints other than the wait for a table. They expanded upstairs now. Lay tone there, the waitress seemed a little new. Some of the orders came out wrong but the waitress and hostess apologized and took care of us. The mussels app was huge. The raw bar is always excellent. If it wasn't for me catching my own fish and digging my own clams, I would be there more often.

    (5)

  • J V.

    So great!! Crazy busy all the time but the food was fantastic last time. We had the oysters and shrimp cocktail both delicious. I had the scallops with corn salsa substituted the mashed potatoes for the rice it was amazing. My husband had the cod which was very good. Just put in table notification through cell phone text which is great. Handicap accessible ramp. Parking is crazy but they are all over it with valet. Perry the owner is so hard working and the staff is awesome. Great place for outside dining with a view. I stay away a bit in the summer for dinner due to the crowd but will stop in for lunch and in the Fall!!

    (5)

  • Erika T.

    Not bad. Good food. Expensive, but good.

    (4)

  • Rachel C.

    We came for dinner on a Saturday and while it was very busy (45 min) wait, we had a great experience. The food was excellent and our server was very knowledgeable about the food and attentive to our table. We came straight from the beach and all attire seems acceptable here. While waiting on the patio you can order drinks and appetizers, making the wait seem shorter. An excellent experience and we will come back again.

    (5)

  • Aimee Z.

    I go here every chance I get, year round! I've bought the oysters for both my restaurant and my wedding. The owner Perry is the best! His food is so fresh I don't waste my time going elsewhere. His new renovations improved his restaurant with a second floor which has a great view! This restaurant is always clean and very welcoming! Lunch, dinner, just for a beverage. I've stopped by for many different reasons. I've seen a seal swimming in the water outside of the dining room once! I've gone on a tour to see the oyster farm and I've seen the vegetable farm! Impressive! I try to participate in his yearly beach clean up on earth day! I can't believe the amount of trash we have cleaned in the past! Perry is a great guy who works hard and deserves to be successful! His oysters have the best flavor and always so fresh! His lobsters just taste so much better and are sooo big! The salmon & tuna I order often always on the rare side. The lobster salad roll can be served warm, such a treat! Dessert...goat cheese cheese cake with honey, chocolate bread pudding & key lime pie pop are our favorites.

    (5)

  • Emma W.

    Every time I go to Matunuck Oyster Bar, I find myself saying "this is my favorite place in the world". The oysters are superb and the setting is beautiful. It is the only place to go after a long day at the beach or for a spontaneous Spring or Summer brunch (and if you do this, you must have a Bloody Mary). I also enjoy the service. The vibe is not too fancy, but they get it right. I actively look forward to visiting Matunuck Oyster Bar during the warmer months every miserable winter!

    (5)

  • Jillian Q.

    I am not a seafood fan. . . . a shocker I know since I live in the Ocean State!! But I am always willing to try something new and tried my first raw oyster at the Eat Drink RI festival and thanks to the lovely gentleman from Matunuck I was converted! Ever since that first encounter I had been craving them and looking for an excuse to make a trip down to south county to satisfy that craving. Talked my husband into going with past weekend knowing that if we waited any longer after Memorial Day that there would be a long wait to get in. We had to wait about 40 mins for a table and while we were waiting outside there were plenty of attentive wait staff offering us drinks or something from the raw bar while we waited. This made the wait much easier to tolerate and seemed to go by rather quickly. Once seated we ordered a big ol' tray of Matunuck oysters and they were divine!!! I had the fish and chips for dinner and it was very good. Was a good size portion, the fries were crispy, coleslaw was yummy and the fish wasn't too greasy, it was just right. We certainly will be back but we will probably go more during the off season to avoid the summer crowd madness.

    (5)

  • Vincent F.

    This was the last time we will try to eat in his restaurant. We've made the attempt to eat here at least a dozen times. We were actual successful for lunch once and the food was just ok. Tonight was the very last attempt we will make. Security made us get off the line while other cars behind us were allowed to advance. I'd rather rub two sticks together, make fire and roast a frog than go back to this over-hyped place. We turned around and found another a better place in Kingston where we weren't turned around and asked to leave. Save your time, gas and have a great eating experience elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Becky J.

    This place is my all time favorite restaurant! The oysters and the entire menu is delicious. I come here any time I have an excuse to go out for a nice dinner and I live 40 minutes away. The service is always excellent too, I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • robert m.

    Went to the Matunuck Oyster Bar last Thursday afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner. As usual, the food was terrific. What wasn't so terrific was the service, which was basically non-existent. After several tries, we finally tracked down a waitress who came to our table. What really impressed us though was the manager who came to our table, explained the screwup and apologized for it. No drama, just a simple "we screwed up and I'm sorry". You have to love that way of doing business.

    (5)

  • Kimberly P.

    They remodeled the place and it looks great. I had some raw oysters, tuna steak salad and my mom had muscles. Every thing was good. It is nice going in the off season.

    (4)

  • Jean F.

    How have I never been here before?!? A perfect fall day to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view of the pond. We had the oyster sampler which was amazing and split the chicken sandwich. The sandwich had bacon and BBQ sauce which was a great combo but I do wish the chicken pieces were a bit bigger. The amazing super crispy fries (big treat) made up for it tho! I can't wait to come back for more oysters!

    (5)

  • Bobby G.

    I've been to Matunuck Oyster Bar on several occasions but never wrote up a review before as there are already so many good ones and there really isn't much to add. This time around it was for an early dinner during fall restaurant week with a good friend. We ordered a bottle of the Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc which complimented the meal nicely. For starters we had the steamed mussels in white wine herb butter with garlic crostini. They were very tasty and the sauce is outstanding for dipping crostini and the other bread that you'll be demanding when this dish arrives. We split a restaurant week offering and started out with a half dozen local Matunuck oysters on the half shell....delicious. Next came the New England Clam chowder. It was okay but I'm a bigger fan of the RI chowder. The New England was a bit thick for my taste and there did not seem to be an abundance of clams in the cup. We decided on the fried oysters which were lightly breaded and very tasty....the oysters came with fries just to be sure we had ample deep fried goodness to wash down with the wine. It's hard to go wrong at this place as the food is fresh, local and well prepared. The only down side would be that if you're not careful you could end up spending a small fortune on your meal. It's not that it's overtly expensive, but seafood in general isn't cheap and the raw bar offerings are so delicious you can add up a sizable tab pretty quickly. Don't hesitate to go. If you like seafood you'll love Matunuck Oyster Bar....just be mindful of how much you're shoveling into your gullet...it adds up quickly!

    (4)

  • Jake R.

    So phenomenal. If you go here, try the calamari, a selection of oysters, and the yellowfin tuna. Most importantly, though, is the bread pudding.

    (5)

  • Christian V.

    Beautiful, small, yet quaint location!I ate here with my boyfriend on August 28th, and was not disappointed. We sat out on the patio/dock which was a beautiful setting. We got there around 6pm I believe, and like other reviews say; one really needs to get there early. By the time we got there it was getting quite busy, but thankfully valet still had space. Around the time we were leaving people were parking up the street because they ran out of room. Moving on: 1) when we walked up, I loved the "scene" immediately! The little outdoor bar was full of people sipping cocktails as well as oysters, and it was a peaceful yet "lively" atmosphere, and the restaurant is literally right next to the pond/river. There was a wait when we got there, but we were still sat very quickly! They were kind enough to give us a table right near the water, but the patio isn't huge so anywhere would've been a good seat. 2) service was fairly quick, and I our server very sweet. Onto the food: My boyfriend brought me here our last night in RI, because I'm such a seafood lover; and he had been told this was the best place in town (we were staying in Warwick near the airport, so we drove about 40 minutes just to eat here)! Thankfully his friend was right, and I wasn't disappointed! I ordered a vodka dirty martini to drink which was made perfectly, and the RI clam chowder to start (clear broth). It was yummy, but nothing that I hadn't tasted before. NEXT I ordered the oyster sampler, and it was so fresh I was in heaven! (They get the oysters fresh out of the water near the restaurant!) As my main course I ordered a pound of king crab (this was under the starters... They had an entree but it would've been too much food, and was a significantly higher price for only a half pound more of crab, and sides I wouldn't have been able to eat. ) Anyway, the crab was steamed to perfection, fresh, and flavorful and I'm glad I ordered it!! A lovely couple next to us ordered lobsters which looked fabulous, and part of me wishes I could go back to try! For dessert we ordered the flourless chocolate torte (I believe was the name?), and a brownie sundae. Both were SO tasty, and an amazing end to the dinner! I almost ate until I was sick! Only cons I would say is that if you go here, please order SEAFOOD, As it seems cooking meat may not be their speciality. My bf ordered a burger (he's not a seafood type of guy), and it was under-cooked at first. They took it back and fixed it, but in the end he said it was still just "ok." Also we ordered a Bloody Mary at one point (which comes with an oyster floater! YAY!), but it was sent back because it was quite bland. Overall, I'd DEFINITELY say take the drive and check this place out! Especially if you love beautiful views, and can truly appreciate fresh seafood! It was the best I had out of the 3 weeks I spent in RI!

    (5)

  • Gabe R.

    This place keeps surprising me with it stuff and food !! The owner is such a great man !!

    (5)

  • Nathan A.

    Great oysters? Yes! Great fish & chips? Yes, some of the best I've had. Great fried oysters? You bet. And to top it all off, the best coleslaw I've ever had. Hands down. That's a bit of an odd review, but it's true. Loved my entire meal. Have only visited during winter/early spring and it was packed. Can't wait to visit again in the summer.

    (5)

  • Denise L.

    Well worth the 45+ minute wait. Matunuck oysters are small and tasty at $1.85 each. RI chowder good. Large bread crumbs in Stuffie but not enough clam. Fish cooked perfectly -moist/flaky - for pistachio crusted cod and fish & chips. Linguine in clam sauce nice & clammy. Warm/tasty rolls served with olive oil & butter. Well, one thing that could be better is fresh veggies - a little overcooked. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Brett S.

    I have been here a couple times, and it is by far one of my favorite food destinations when I head back east. Consistent, exceptional local quality seafood makes this place amazing. Keep in mind this place is packed in the summer, but also great to visit in the off-season as well. First off, get oysters, and when you're done with that, get another round of oysters. They harvest their own, and buy from other arms along Rhode Island. They have a great range of foods from sandwiches like po' boys to entrees like scallops. Even the appetizers, like veggies in phyllo dough are wonderful. Desserts are awesome as well, everything is well thought out. Owner is a nice guy as well, he came out to say hello. Looks like they expanded the building a little, so now they are able to accommodate more people. Service is still excellent and wonderful. Look forward to going back!

    (5)

  • Mark R.

    This is a great place : *fresh* seafood as in a few hours off the boat fresh, with great wine list, bar and beautiful views. Sunset here was amazing. Between the fresh seafood, the staff and the beauty of be place one of the nicest meals I've had in some time. Worth the trip from westerly.

    (5)

  • Donald E.

    One of our favorite oyster bars. But undergoing renovations now--very noisy. Should be better when completed. Will return.

    (2)

  • J K.

    Farm to Table Boat to Table says it all. We loved it, tried a bunch of things over two nights and were not disappointed. We love our fresh seafood. My GF nearly had a "when harry met Sally moment" over her farm fresh salad. Great staff, drinks, and deck. Even free valet parking.

    (5)

  • Jenn C.

    Excellent food in a beautiful setting. The place is always packed for a reason. Grab a drink, take in the view, and relax while you wait for your table.

    (5)

  • Matthew H.

    I can be rather high-maintenance. I'm from New York City and I can be difficult to please. I already walked in to the restaurant annoyed that I had to accept the complimentary valet parking when I prefer to park my own car and keep my keys. Okay, this was seriously about the best lunch I've ever had (and I eat in some nice restaurants both in NYC and in my travels). Wow! I'm trying to figure out some reason to get back to Rhode Island again soon. Wow! This was really something ... and I don't gush compliments very generously.

    (5)

  • Jennifer G.

    Don't believe the hype. Crowded. They were putting 6 adults at a table for four! Noisy. Mediocre food. NE clam chowder tasted like cream, butter and dill. So much dill couldn't taste the clams. Asked for extra cherry peppers with the calamari and the charged me two dollars. Had the lobster roll. Too much butter on the overwhelming roll. They charged 8 dollars for the Bloody Mary then up charged and addition 2 dollars for the well vodka. My party had greasy looking fried clams, and baked stuffed lobster with potato and veg that lacked seasoning. Left with a headache due to the noise level. First and last time.

    (2)

  • Kate A.

    Visited for the first time tonight. By far some of the best seafood in RI. You can't get oysters any fresher than here because they farm them right on site.

    (4)

  • Andrea B.

    I've lived in Rhode Island for about 6 months and this was hands down the best meal I have had thus far. The oysters and champagne were amazing. The mussels were literally the best I have ever had in my life (and I've eaten quite a few). Love this place and I will definitely be back!!

    (5)

  • Heather C.

    The food was delicious. The oysters were fresh and large. The scallops and risotto were so yummy. I look forward to go back and try more of the menu since it all looked so yummy.

    (5)

  • George H.

    Been coming here for years and it just keeps expanding. A new second floor helps accommodate the huge crowds. The owner is constantly running around cleaning and helping the staff making sure everything runs perfectly. The stuffed lobster is amazing and you should definitely check it out.

    (5)

  • Cynthia L.

    Love love love this place!! The great bar and appetizer scene outside by the water makes the loooong wait not so painful. The food is just fantastic! All the fish is great, I had a wonderful linguine with clams, everyone loves what they order every time I go.

    (4)

  • Judy M.

    By far one of the best dinners I have enjoyed in Rhode Island. Even though there is a line down the street to get a table in the summer season, there is no rush once you are seated. You will enjoy delicious local flavors, and spectacular sunsets. They have good beer on tap, or many great wine selections. A great place in season - worth the wait! As well as off season!!

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Food= Great. That's it. The oyster farm= Pure slavery! No joke. I know a guy who worked here 4 times a week for 5 hours and quit after 3 weeks because it was hell. Spending all day picking oysters out of the water and carrying heavy bags of them back and forth for 500 feet in thick wet sand. And the guy he worked for was an asshole. How much did he get payed? $0.00 per hour, a very generous wage. Despite being one of the last places in the USA to use slave labor and cruelty to slaves of all races, the seafood at MOB is delicious and I recommend eating it any time. Just not working here.

    (4)

  • Anne M.

    As always the food is great but was disappointed in the renovation..Huge lines for the ladies room and they were dirty with no soap and no paper..Why would you expand the seating and remove a bathroom? Better fix this quick!!

    (3)

  • Keith F.

    This place is not short of 5-star ratings, but it's no wonder why! Their seafood is LOCAL (Some of it is literally from their pond off the back porch), DELICIOUS, and INEXPENSIVE. On our way in to Newport for the weekend (Saturday brunch time) we stopped in here after we read such glowing yelp reviews. There was a significant wait to get a table. But the food that was zooming past us looked that good that we all wanted in so we vowed to come back for dinner Sunday night. Fortunately, this proved to be an insightful decision as there was no wait on the Sunday night. Now, onto the food. RAWBAR We sat next to the fresh oyster and clam bar, where two shuckers were working at a frenetic pace to keep up with the demand. We simply had to sample the goods. We got a range of oysters and clams. My personal favorite were their local pond oysters. They're a bit smaller, sweeter and less briny than their east coast saltwater cousins. I prefer less briny so these were right in my sweet spot! I hadn't tried raw clams before, but enjoyed my maiden tasting experience. They have a bit more bite and chew to them than oysters, but are worth trying if you're a raw clam noobie like me. HOT FOOD - fried oyster app to share. Creamy inside, crunchy out. Always a winning combination - lobster butternut bisque- holy moly. If you like lobster and/or butternut soups then do not hesitate. This was insanely good - seafood paella special- really tasty, lots of good, local seafood in here - yellowfin tuna special- also great. The creamy mustard sauce was delicious and the tuna perfectly seared. - stuffed lobster- half lobster filled with additional seafood then crumbed and baked. Like a delicious seafood surprise on each bite - scallops dish with the risotto, brussel sprouts and crispy bacon- as good as it gets. Every mouthful was exciting. Perfectly caramelized scallops, bacon bits super crispy and risotto creamy and delicious. Combination of flavors and textures were ingenious. If you think this sounds good- then do not hesitate to order it! You will not be disappointed! OTHER - as mentioned earlier, the prices here are really accessible and reasonable for fresh, high quality seafood. Great value for money on top of all of the other pluses is what makes this place such a winner - service was pretty great too. Laura, our waitress was gorgeous, friendly, and passionate about her seafood. The only small criticism I can give is that we were not offered dessert and just brought the check. Perhaps somewhat understandable given it was the end of the night and they were packing up. But still worth noting as it was one of the few minor blemishes on a near perfect dining experience - While collecting our empty rawbar tray, one of the other employees also treated us to some interesting oyster science knowledge. Here is a simplified version of what he told us: "Did you know" Winter is apparently the best season for harvesting and enjoying oysters as they are at their most plump. They apparently feed and fatten up over the previous few months, in anticipation for the cold winter (similar to a bear going into hibernation). Very interesting stuff! All up, hands down our best meal in the area, but probably even rivals some of the great meals we've enjoyed in New York and around the world. If you're near the area, this stopover is a MUST!

    (5)

  • Meredith R.

    Goat cheese and beet salad was hugh and fresh. Fish and chips excellent. Looking at other tables the mussel looked really good and were huge.

    (5)

  • Eric G.

    Went last Saturday. Long wait. Very loud. Pros: excellent raw oysters and clams, steamers were sweet and there was no sand. Seared tuna salad was delicious, very good Zuppa da clams. Beautiful scenery Cons: greasy fried clams, greasy limp french fries. Management tried to correct the situation and sent out more clams and french fries which were even greasier than the first batch. $10 Bloody Marys. I will give them another try if only to eat those awesome raw oysters but will definitely avoid anything fried or named Mary. Parking was tough try to get a spot in the lot after the restaurant on the left otherwise you will wait in a line for valet parking when they are busy. Police were out front directing traffic. The female officer was nice the male was a dickhead.

    (3)

  • Alex P.

    By far the best restaurant in town. I've read some of the negative reviews on here and all I can say is one word. Haters. I've been here over a dozen times and every time I come out happy. service is top notch, and most of all the food is. There will always be a wait when you come to this place, so expect it. Complimentary valet parking is available but not the only option, There is a lot across the street that is available for $10. The food is just on another level. The lobster roll, calamari, and duck are out of this world. I recommend this place to anyone, although if you have young kids it may not be the best decision when having to wait an average of 30-45 minutes.

    (5)

  • Vic-Crys W.

    Pros: Cute view of a river/bay/small body of water. Really, really good cooked oysters. Good food, super friendly service (gj Laura!). Scallops were suuuuuper delish. Cons: The cooked oysters were kinda small; there is nothing "ridiculous" about the restaurant to push it to an awe-inspiring "5"; and the fish could have used a bit more flavor. Bottom Line: one of the best restaurants in the area for a nice relaxing weekend. Comparable To: Chart House

    (4)

  • Kim S.

    This is a great place to go and have one if the best fish dinners. The location is so picturesque on the water and the service is excellent and the food is even better. This is a great culinary experience you shouldn't miss. My recommendations are the calamari, the scallops the swordfish. For dessert don't miss the chocolate raspberry cake. It's amazing!

    (5)

  • Amber B.

    My favorite place in RI to indulge. By far the best local seafood and fresh local veggies RI has to offer. Don't forget to save room for homemade desserts! It's worth the hour wait! Have a drink and shoot some oysters while you wait. I almost forgot the incredible view!! It's practically in the water.

    (5)

  • Carissa K.

    This place could not be any better! I have been several times but most recently went for Father's Day. We started with oysters which were SO GOOD. For an entree, I had the seared scallop special with corn salsa, mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was so fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend had the seared tuna special. It came with this sauce that was absolutely heavenly. We ended with dessert, I had the salted caramel cheesecake and others at our table had the strawberry rhubarb tart and the key lime pie pop. Everything was so good, there was not one mediocre bite of food to be had. The food is upscale gourmet done right with reasonable prices. I also love that each time I have been there, the owner is always walking around helping checking in on the tables. What a great place!

    (5)

  • Melissa P.

    Love this place! Adorable location and great outdoor seating. The food, the service, and the valet were all wonderful and the Oysters Rockefeller was amazing, best I've had. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Conner G.

    Always a long wait and loud atmosphere. They have a excellent raw bar. The food is always fresh and worth the wait. The ahi tuna salad is delicious along with the seared scallops.

    (4)

  • Erwin C.

    Everything in this restaurant is amazing! Love the blackened tuna. The Matunuck oyster are delicious. Never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Amanda P.

    SO FRIGGEN DELICIOUS. Got a gift card to this place from my dad who raved about it. They had a tent like structure set up outside with a bucnh of heaters so we got to see the sunset, it was great. Got the oyster sampler and they were fresh and tasty. The boy got the pint of clams dinner and I got the fried oysters and we shared. The oysters were the far better choice. I can't wait to go back in the summer!

    (5)

  • Tanya J.

    Fabulous place to eat. The food was phenomenal, the servers were great and we especially enjoyed Brendan, one of the bartenders. The outside area to dine was very nice with a great bar area.

    (5)

  • Amelia S.

    It takes forever to get in there on a gorgeous summer day...but here's a hint: Go around 4ish and have an early dinner or late late lunch. That's what we did and we were seated quickly AND right on the water! The portions were great, and the salmon was super fresh! I wish they gave tours of the oyster farm!!!!

    (4)

  • Dennis U.

    We came to the Matunuck Oyster Bar on a dreary December after noon. Lots of Yelpers have commented on the long waits but if you come off season its a very pleasant experience. We got there on an incoming tide so it was kind of fun to sit by the window and watch the tide fill the little cove behind the restaurant. (Is this where the oyster farm is?). The overall decor is one that I'm begining to see in a number of New England seafood houses. Not divey, not sterile commercial, but kind of wam and welcoming and bright. Service was fine. We were waited on by a pleasant young lady who was new to the trade and most likely working at a temporary position. Competant and nice but not real professional. Now lets get down to the important part the food. What we had was excellent. We started off with a dozen oysters from 3 local sources. The were plump, fresh, briny... what you would expect from a joint that farms its own oysters. We moved on to more shellfish. My companion had the mussels in a saffron cream sauce and I had the littlenecks with chorizo and beans. Wow. The mussels were a bit rich to my taste but my companion finished them all off and would have sopped up all of the broth if she had the capacity. Similarlly for me and the littlenecks, fabulous and I just wished I had more capacity to finish off the beans and chorizo. We were able to wash this all down with a very reasonably priced mucadet selected from a wine list that while not extensive , offered a selection appropiate to the meal offerings, a very nice balance. I will hazard the 20 mile drive again before the summer season, probably several times. Who knows I may become addicted enough to hazard a visit in the summer season. It seems to be well worth it.

    (4)

  • Kent R.

    Excellent food, service, view. Bourbon oysters as appetizer was excellent. Goat cheese and thyme cheesecake with honey walnut drizzled on it was superb. Paella nicely presented, good flavors and rice was only slight distraction seemed a little like minute rice. When crowds only valet free parking. Highly recommend especially on nice day. Will return many times.

    (4)

  • Adam B.

    Long wait for great food on a Friday night. Also had awesome service for as busy as they were.

    (4)

  • Dana G.

    Actually, I can give them no more than a 4.99 star rating, as they had "only" Matunuk oysters available on our visit. The tide was roiling out, and an early spring sunset was casting artists light. A beautiful woman was introducing me to her coastal pick. First, the platter of forementioned sweet oysters.Our shared beet, lettuce, goat cheese salad was garnished with a fistful of fried oysters The calimari was the best I have ever had Cherry peppers and jalapenos mixed in and dusted with capers. Our main was the seafood risotto. Succulent. masterful. Perfect. I would have paid twice over, twice over

    (5)

  • Jacki A.

    5 star review, obviously nothing new to this place. But it's well deserved. After going down to the actual farm where the veggies and the oysters are grown, we returned to the restaurant to talk to Perry and get some lunch. We started out with oysters rockefeller and a cup of New England clam chowder. I was surprise when the Rockefeller was a tad sweeter than usual, but it was still delicious. The clam chowder was delicious, no complaints. We then split the big bowl of mussels. We had to ask for more bread but... The garlicky, buttery broth was top notch, along with the locally harvested mussels. If I even lived in Rhode Island, I can assure you I would come here so much I would turn into the duke. The wait staff was friendly, and we had no wait! (Early lunch time got us seated right away) Love.

    (5)

  • Sarah M.

    If you're in Narragansett, DO NOT miss this place! Packed but worth a little bit of a wait for a table. Get a drink and oysters from the raw bar while you wait. Had the scallops - they were amazing. Highly recommend. The mussels looked amazing, will try them next time. Lobster roll looked amazing too. Really nice outdoor seating too - with space heaters. Good, quick service.

    (5)

  • Peter D.

    This is one of the top 5 restaurants in RI, hands down. It's the epitome of a classic top notch New England seafood restaurant. It's pricey but well worth it because the food is superb. I remember when you used to be able to park in the lot yourself and you could walk right in with no wait. *sigh*

    (5)

  • Kel S.

    This place is simply wonderful. To sit on top of an oyster bay, enjoy fresh oysters, scallop ceviche, and an amazing lobster roll sandwich with an amazing view is heaven on earth. The only better lobster roll I've had is on the Cape, but this one is right behind it. For the price, it compares (it is less than my favorite place, but has less meat). It's not to mayonnaise-y and comes with some greens on the side. One of my dining companions had calimari, which was also grand. It was a beautiful day to sit outside with some amazingly fresh and delicious seafood. Thank you, Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Tara A.

    Great food, great friendly service. It was my first time dining at Matunuck Oyster Bar and it certainly won't be my last. The oysters (of course) were great and the shrimp cocktail were enormous. I had the beet and goat cheese salad with fried oysters. DELISH! Only made better by the ice cold refreshing prosecco cocktail :-) The crowd was lined up to get a table when we left so either go early or order a cocktail and be prepared to wait. It will be worth it! Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Alyssa A.

    So great that you wonder.. "How is it possible for this to be so much better than any other seafood I've ever had?" Last weekend I visited the Matunic Oyster Bar as part of a 14 person post bridal shower extravaganza. We sat outside on a beautiful breezy summer day... but not too breezy... just perfect. The place was super Busy! ....but did that compromise the service of a table of 14? No! Not at all. Amazing 5 Star Service the entire time! The food was absolutely delicious and sitting with 13 other people there was quite a bit of sharing. Besides my Atlantic Salmon I also had a variety of Oysters, Scallops, and Stuffies. All delicious. You can not get fresher than this unless you went and caught it yourself.

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    Sunday dinner out with Deb

    (5)

  • Joanna C.

    We were driving through RI on our way to MA for a work bbq, and the boyfriend had never had a proper New England lobster roll, so I found this gem on Yelp. Sure, it was about an hour out of the way but SO WORTH IT! We waited about 15 minutes to sit outside (we had the option of being sat immediately inside, but it was such a beautiful day), and ordered up a oyster sampler while waiting at the bar. The oyster sampler was amazing! You can really taste the difference between the local oysters, and we were lusting over the GIANT shrimp they were putting on the seafood samplers. I love that the oysters were being shucked right in front of us! We were sat pretty quickly, and boyfriend had the lobster roll while I had the whole belly clams. Looked like there was an entire lobster in his roll, and I loooooooved my whole belly clams! Liberal shake of malt vinegar on my fries and I was in absolute heaven. I also had a chance to sneak in a bite of his lobster roll when he was distracted. SO good! Service was right on point, everyone was super friendly. Wish we were in the area longer, but it was worth going out of our way for this meal!

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar is a great little place right on the water and it was clear when we drove up that it was a good choice-- the valet line extended out of the parking lot and there was a huge group of people waiting for a table. They don't take reservations here, but after eating here I think we all agreed it was worth the wait. In the meantime, we pulled up a few chairs on the buy patio and waited it out with cocktails from the outdoor bar. We were seated in about half of our wait time-- you have to love when that happens! We aren't big raw bar fans, but we did order the jumbo shrimp, which was very good-- meaty and cooked perfectly. Our table also shared some stuffies and clam chowder to start the meal and everyone loved both items. The menu here is predominantly seafood dishes, of course. My husband got a lobster roll and a few people at the table ordered the seared sea scallops and raved about them. Even our non-seafood eating companions managed to find suitable entrees to order for themselves. I ordered one of the evening's specials and would highly recommend it if you see it on the menu on a future visit: Blackened tuna served with roasted peppers, smashed potatoes, and microgreens in a creole mustard sauce. So. good. The atmosphere here is laidback and beachy and the service is friendly. The owner came around several time to make sure everyone was enjoying their experience. He looked like he stepped right off a lobster boat, which reinforced for us how fresh the seafood here really is. I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Kent M.

    We drove down from Boston to see Rhode Island and get some seafood and Matunuck Oyster Bar seemed to have the most positive Yelp reviews. It was a little out of the way of the route we wanted to take, but it was totally worth it. The fresh shellfish was amazing and the sea scallops with truffle butter (recommended by the waiter) was unbelievably good. The only thing wrong with the Islander starter was that it was so much food for two people that I couldn't finish my scallops and couldn't try the delicious looking bread pudding. I'll have to go back with more people next time. There's a standing bar right as you enter the restaurant with normal tables in the rest of the space. The standing bar seems like a great place to grab a drink while you wait for the table, especially since there was absolutely no other space to wait other than outside. The outside seating also would have been great if it had been warmer. If I lived within a two hour drive from this place, I would go every week.

    (5)

  • Janet S.

    First time eating at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. We went on a Saturday night in August based on the recommendation of a nice guy at a local farmstand in Charlestown. I am so glad we took his advice. We had a great experience overall; the food was very good and the service was great. I love the atmosphere here with the outdoor bar and seating directly adjacent to a tidal creek. If you are anywhere on the South Coast of Rhode Island, put this place on your list. It was very busy on the night we visited and we waited for a table for one hour, but we were content to wait outside near the bar with a cocktail.

    (4)

  • Cathleen T.

    Our B&B hostess Nancy Richards suggested that we go here for dinner on Saturday night. She spoke highly of the food quality, staff and overall atmosphere of the restaurant. When you first get here you will be greeted by the local police which help usher traffic for the restaurant (first sign Nancy didn't steer us wrong.) Once parked we waited in the large bar area for our table. The bartenders were extremely attentive, hard working and polite. After a little over an hour we were seated in Monique's section. She was the sweetest waitress I have had in a long time. She helped suggest her favorite items on the menu and continued to check in on us frequently. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is there seems to be a septic problem that was letting out a terrible smell throughout dinner. Other than that I was extremely happy with the staff, food and wonderful atmosphere. Definite go if you're in the area and as a plus it looks like they're expanding!

    (4)

  • Joseph C.

    Having tried many seafood restaurants in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine, I have to put this place very near the top of my list of favorites. We went with another couple and all of our kids. The place is noisy so its automatically kid-friendly. I liked everything about this place. The oysters and clams were outrageously good. The prices were quite fair I thought contrary to some other reviews. We had a lot of food and drink and with 9 people total, the bill was surprisingly reasonable. The portions were generous, the service was great, the atmosphere was FUN and it was overall a great dining experience and I highly recommend it! We all ate a bunch of oysters, clams and shrimp as apps but I had to try the Linguini & Clams as an entree as its a personal favorite. It was covered with fresh little necks and tons of clam meat and very fresh pasta. I'd go here again and again! TIP: The valet lot gets full real quick. I waited for several minutes to have my car parked in the overfull lot and eventually I drove a little toward the beach and found a spot in the ice cream stand lot that they charge $5 for. Its directly across the street from the restaurant, I was able to park and lock my car and didn't have to worry about the valet cramming it into a spot and dinging it up. Think about it, you'd probably tip the valet close to five bucks anyway so I saw it as a wash. Try this place if in the area!

    (4)

  • patricia s.

    Great seafood, great view, great service! A must go if in the area . Clams with chorizo and white beans - amazing. Great lobster roll with huge chunks of claws. Shellfish so fresh and the "shuckers" super friendly. Somehow both casual and upscale at tge same time. Love this place.

    (5)

  • M K.

    We were in the area for a weeks vacation. We looked at both Trip Advisor & yelp before considering eating here. We also called ahead of time to see about reservations and/or seating. Having been told no reservations are taken, and we shouldn't have any problems being seated that evening, we arrived at 6:00pm. Well, we had an hour wait outside in a cold, windy bar before being seated. The drinks were the only thing that kept us warm. Then, we were finally seated, the atmosphere inside was crowded and so noisey, we could not have a conversation between the two of us. The food portions were adequate, however, in my humble opinion, no better than any other common fish house. As an example, their "stuffie" was nothing more than Stove Top stuffing with some clam meat mixed in - a big disappointment. We have no complaints about the service or outside bartender. But, between the long wait, (after having called ahead) and the lack luster food, we will not return. We chose this eatery based on reviews. We feel we had to offer a fair and honest opinion of our experience, as the Matunuck Oyster Bar did not meet our expectations based on the prior reviews.

    (2)

  • John O.

    I have once again eaten at the Matunuck Oyster Bar and the staff was once again horrendous. We got an e-mail stating there was an Oyster Special in March. $2.00 an Oyster. When we arrived (having driven two hours from CT), the waitress told us that the Oyster Special started at 4:00 pm. We ordered lunch, I went out to the car and got my phone and looked up the e-mail. It was a lunch special. The waitress tried to excuse herself by saying we ordered something different anyway . WTF ? We only ordered something different because this idiot didn't even know the specials. Hey Perry can you hire some half way smart waitresses? This girl was a complete dolt....either that or put your staff on your e-mail list so they can find out your specials!! When I wrote the owner to tell of this error, he didn't even have the decency to apologize. I'm all done with the Matunuck Oyster Bar - His help sucks, his prices have gone through the roof, and the portions keep getting smaller (plus it is just a pain in the ass to park!!!)....Good Luck Perry, your business is slowly dying !!1

    (2)

  • Marta H.

    Lucky enough to go for a lunch on a Monday and were seated on outside deck immediately. My husband and I split the dozen raw oysters and the fried oysters platter - both were amazingly delicious! We also had the thyme/goat cheese cheesecake - yummy. Cannot wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Denise B.

    This is my third time at this restaurant. The first time I declared this my favorite restaurant EVER. The second time the food and service was not up to standard. Today for lunch I had local oysters as an app with locally grown beet salad and New England clam chowder. All lovely but in need of a little seasoning. Definitely will return.

    (4)

  • Ashley Y.

    This is a place where you need to see to believe.. It is such a great place and the food is out of this world. It has the best seafood I have ever had. Everything is so fresh and when I mean fresh I mean you can see your food before you eat it. They harvest everything almost themselves from what I can gather.. One of my favorite items that is not local is their shrimp cocktail.. The shrimps are the largest and tastiest I have ever had. My family is in love with their lobster rolls and I love their fish and chips and oysters. Plus their cocktails are fantastic!! Downfall? No reservations and wait time in the summer during dinner time can well be over 2 hours. Plus if the weather is not great or during the winter inside seating is really small only a few tables. However we love this place!

    (5)

  • Diane T.

    You won't be disappointed! We went mid Friday afternoon because we heard it gets crowded later and it was perfect. Oysters, seafood plate and seared yellow fin tuna over mashed potatoes so good,chocolate bread pudding, different cocktails great service and a beautiful view! They have a deck to dine on also right on the water.

    (5)

  • Kevin V.

    I went for dinner. It is not worth the price. I'd recommend going for a drink by the water, but not for dinner. Overall, I'd say the service was one star, the food was three, and the location was four, and the price was one star. Overall, it felt like a two to me. The food is average. I tasted a few things because we shared. The steamer I had was good. It was shaped weirdly, but I liked it. Clam chowder was good, but nothing to write home about. Fish and chips was good. Fish was pretty good, but the fries were stale. The calamari was average. The fried clam entree was average. Because everything was nothing more than average and the price was high, I rate that a two. Service was poor. I had a server named Olivia. It was slow to get drinks, slow to get an order, slow to get the dinner rolls we asked for, slow the get the bill, etc. I asked for dinner rolls to get the kids something so they wouldn't be hungry, but they didn't come out until after the entrees. Other issues included getting an extra dinner plate that we requested after we finished, not getting more water, and not knowing what was in the food. If you are in town and want a drink, I'd say stop by, but go north for food if you can.

    (2)

  • Julie M.

    Fantastic grilled scallops and calamri. The brownie was perfectly cooked- a little gooey on the inside. The service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing. The valet parking was efficient and it was a relaxed casual atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Jessica S.

    Stopped in today for lunch. Let's start with the good. No one was outside trying to drive my car so I like that. Maybe it's only in the summer. Danielle was a great server I started with the grilled oysters with lemon and parsley. Oysters are a new thing for me and so far I'm not liking the raw or grilled ones, just a texture thing. Maybe they are better fried. If you like oysters, they had a good flavor. I don't find 5 tiny bites of anything to be worth $11 but that's just me. I ordered a hamburger medium well with salad. It was cooked perfectly. I was skeptical on the frozen key lime pie because I don't tend to like icy fruity things, which is what I imagined. But Danielle assured me people rave about. And she was right. Somehow they managed to keep the creamy texture of key lime pie covered in white chocolate in the form of a cold pop. I loved it. Coffee is good as usual. The quality of the food here is very good There not so good. I really like pickles on my burgers and they don't have them so I may have to go somewhere else for my burger cravings. This is what really drives me crazy here. There needs to be some clear direction as far as where to check in. When you park you are directed to the back, which is already odd . Once you get there, there is a ton of traffic outside but no host waiting for you so do you wait outside near the door or inside somewhere. I wait outside for a couple minutes because I saw the host doing stuff in that area but did not see a place to check in. Even if you look lost, no one is going to help you here. I go inside and wait near the door, which is really awkward because it is a high traffic area where the servers are going in and out and you feel like you are in the way. Oh yeah and that almost nonexistent amount of waiting space is also where people are waiting for the womens bathroom. After about 5 staff members passed me without saying anything and a few minutes passed, finally the host comes inside and noticed me standing there, probably looking irritated at that point. The whole setup sucks. Host, stay at the stand where people check in. I had the same issue the last time I was here. Fix the Clusterf**k at the back door please

    (4)

  • Jin C.

    If you are craving oysters, this is the place to go! I've also tried the lobster roll and it was good, but the jambalaya I had was a bit too greasy...I ended up having a stomachache. However, considering how fresh the oysters were, I give five stars!:)

    (5)

  • Lauren W.

    We went to MOB for the first time last weekend (4/26). We enjoyed ourselves! It was a nice-casual place. We lucked out by getting the last indoor table (got there at 6pm). It would have been okay to sit outside that night because it was 65*/heat lamps, but I usually freeze to death once the sun goes down, so I was happy to snatch the last warm seats! I have to start by saying----LOVE the calamari. Super delish. Maybe the best I've had in the area. I love the unexpected spice when you don't realize you've popped a piece of jalapeño in your mouth. I don't like crustaceans or shell fish. *Gasp!* But, my husband loves it. I usually take one for the team at a seafood restaurant. He loved his oysters. Loved. I do love fish though. I ordered the Halibut special that night. Really good. And the risotto it came with was cheesy and delicious. Hubby got clams with linguine. Another dish he rarely gets to indulge in. He loved that too! Oh, and the beer was great. Liked the selection a lot. And it appeared that they had yummy frufru drinks as well. Over all, I will definitely go back. Good food, good experience.

    (4)

  • Laura W.

    I stopped by the Matunuck Oyster Bar for lunch today. I ordered the tuna sesame encrusted salad. It is the best salad in probably all of the state. It contained several pieces of fresh tuna, and it was on a bed of raw julienne farm-fresh vegetables mixed with arugula, cabbage, and iceberg lettuce. It was garnished with Chinese noodles and served with a lime cilantro dressing. The salad was generously portioned and more than adequate for a healthy, filling lunch. My server was cordial, professional, and attentive. I sat outside and the view was breath-taking.

    (5)

  • Stefan S.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar is a great spot for some of the freshest seafood one can find while eating out in RI. The place is located right on the marsh in the Jerusalem area of Narragansett, just west of the Galilee/Block Island Ferry canal. The 4 of us went for lunch on a rainy Monday afternoon and were seated quickly - although the back entrance with no hostess stand is a bit odd. We started with an order of calamari and 12 littleneck clams - the clams were incredible and were shucked seconds before they were brought to the table, the calamari was great, also fresh. A cool feature of the Oyster Bar is the fact that they have a guy standing on a soapbox constantly shucking all of the shellfish to order, so you know its fresh. They also farm their own oysters, and offer a giant variety of different-area oysters from Westerly to Narragansett oyster beds. I ordered the lobster roll without mayo, it was a good sign that my request was easily met, meaning the lobster salad is probably made to order. A friend ordered the fried oyster po' boy, another had RI style clam chowder, my wife a chicken Caesar salad. The lobster roll was great, one of the best ones I've had in my life - all across New England. The po' boy was nicely done, and the clam chowder was good, over filled with potatoes though. The Caesar salad was a disappointment, there was no seasoning on the chicken - although not much was expected here, its not hard to toss some salt and pepper on a piece of grilled chicken. Overall the Matunuck Oyster Bar was a great experience and I would absolutely return for lunch or dinner, and will definitely tell friends to go.

    (4)

  • Wendy O.

    Love this place! You can even bring a baby :) We love everything about Matunuck Oyster Bar. The staff, the ambience, and especially the food. Watching the shuckers shuck at the bar while sipping a glass of buttery chardonnay is a great way to kick off the weekend. I love the lobster rolls, my husband and I love their clams, all of the fish is delicious. You can't go wrong. But be prepared to wait- it's worth it.

    (5)

  • Jaclyn P.

    So good. Seriously, amazing. I really don't know why it took me so long to actually get here. I had heard rave reviews and nothing but praise and still it took me over a year to get my butt down to the Matunuck Oyster Bar. We came right at opening time on a Saturday after reading so many reviews warning of loooong waits. We got there just in time and were seated right away. By the time our oysters came, the entire restaurant and deck were packed. We ate the RI Oyster Sampler and Little Necks. Everything was crazy fresh and tasted perfectly of the ocean and you can watch the guy at the oyster bar shucking your order. The beet and goat cheese salad was delicious - just the right amount of dressing with beets, goat cheese and walnuts. One drawback was that since we only ordered from the raw bar and our salad, the meal only lasted about 30 minutes (including getting coffee afterward) which seemed kind of chintzy considering we had hyped up this experience so much before hand. It was sort of like waiting in line for 2 hours to go on a roller coaster and it's over in 37 seconds. In the future I think we'll try to spread the courses out a bit so we could really savor the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Hope A.

    This place is consistently good, fresh & local seafood, veggies out of the garden & a killer view. Owner is a local with his own oyster farm & is a wonderful guy. Customer service is very good. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is the outdoor area....come on, plastic chairs & tables when your meal is $25.....and take down the plexiglass wall in the summer....ruins the ambiance because there is no breeze.

    (4)

  • Adam C.

    great food great location I took my wife here on sat 27 April for her birthday.... As always ate lots of great oysters and steamers. A++++

    (5)

  • Lydia C.

    5 stars for the oysters. Super fresh. I could slurp a million of these (maybe not a million but close). We ordered the oyster sampler and I wish I ordered more. I am still thinking about these oysters 3 days later. The calamari was perfectly battered with fried peppers and jalapenos (just like Capital Grille - yum!) I had the lobster roll which was good but not the best. The mussels were delicious and the halibut special of the day was a winner. It was packed at 2PM but we opted to sit outside to avoid the hour+ wait. When we left at 4PM, the place was still crowded and people were waiting to be seated. Cannot imagine what the wait would be during peak season! Complimentary valet parking. A very New England feel to the place and I would definitely recommend trying it if the wait isn't 1+ hr long.

    (5)

  • Carol Ann N.

    Food is delicious but the host who seats people is incompetent. Always mobbed so you expect to wait however when you are told there are 2 parties before you and they seat 7 it is aggravating. When I walked up to inquire I got a bit of an attitude and then a hearty apology. I was aggravated enough to never return. There are lots of good restaurants in the area I don't think I wasn't to deal with this.

    (2)

  • Jess H.

    Loved the vibe and Oysters here. Can't wait to go back during the summer. I was disappointed with the lobster roll.

    (4)

  • Blaine S.

    Unbelievably good food. Well worth the wait. Everyone's meal was so good we had to share with each other. The blackened tuna I had was one of the best dishes I've had anywhere, anytime. Our server was great, too.

    (5)

  • Aina B.

    Delicious drinks, sparkling fresh oysters, gorgeous spot- can't lose!

    (4)

  • Steven K.

    Excellent lunch! Sat outside for lunch on Saturday. Beautiful location. Small parking lot but free valet parking. I had the oyster po boy and my mother the fried whole belly clams. Both fresh and cooked perfectly. Great service, and really reasonable prices, not only for the quality of food but location. Nice outdoor bar. Would like to come back and have a drink there.

    (5)

  • Mitchell W.

    This feels like a small home town place. Everyone is so friendly, the Oysters AND the drinks are Awesome! Fun, exciting and NOT relaxing in the last days of summer. I wouldn't trade it for anything! Brought my wife here for her birthday and she will not regret it!! Zack makes the best margarita!!

    (5)

  • Lisette D.

    Though it's no longer a "hidden gem", this place is worth the wait! Arrive early around 4:30pm/5pm to beat the dinner rush or be prepared to grab a drink and wait 45-60 mins for a table around prime time. Raw and grilled oysters are what they are known for & I tasted my first oysters here. They only serve what is fresh and get local veggies down the street. The fish is delicious and properly cooked and the lobster rolls include lots of real lobster meat (not mayo and celery to stretch it out like many other places). The flavors of the food are impeccable and service is unmatched. The atmosphere is lively and the recent expansion has added more indoor seating. What can be better but to see your oysters being shucked at the oyster bar in front of you? Overlooking the water and having the pink glow from the sunset adds to the ambiance. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating is a nice option to have. There aren't many places you are literally eating on the water and it makes this place unique. Went earlier this year and wanted to get half portion of grilled oysters - not something that usually done so our waiter checked with the kitchen. The owner came out and said they'd be happy to make an exception since it was off-seaso. He not only served us 3 grilled oysters but also included 2 complimentary clams casino (a new menu item). Can't say enough of how happy I am to support a small business that strives on top quality, fresh seafood. Keep up the great work Matunuck Oyster Bar!

    (5)

  • Noreen W.

    Love this place. The oysters are shucked right in front of you and there is such a focus on local produce. Can't get any better. I would have to say their calamari is the shining star. I know you are thinking how mind blowing can calamari be, but for a rhode islander we know our calamari and this one was WOW. Think fresh field greens and capers mixed in. Lemony and pepper, totally delish and fresh. Love this place in summers even though there is always a wait. Try and go late afternoon to avoid that!

    (5)

  • Sflamom S.

    Well worth the wait...relax and enjoy the view with a martini! When you do get to your seat you will be amazed at how efficient the staff is. The food is THE BEST...the only place I will eat raw oysters. The owner is very involved and locally grows all veggies at his farm He oversees the oyster farm as well. This man"s reputation is at stake so you can trust what you are eating is fresh. Also, love Matnuck Oyster Bar and farm has a presence at the local farmers market

    (5)

  • Carol G.

    Whenever I am even near Matunuck I am sure to go to the Matunuck Oyster Bar. This a fun and very relaxed place with great seafood dishes. The fresh oysters are a huge attraction for me - they are soooo fresh, briny and wonderful. All of the food is great. The long wait on a perfect summer evening is made doable as the drinks in the outside bar area -terrific. No complaints from here.

    (5)

  • Jonathan B.

    Great place, been many times and never disappointed. But if you are local you can only go after Labor day and before June.

    (5)

  • Josh K.

    We came to the little restaurant after taking the ferry back from Block Island. We heard that Matunuck Oyster Bar was a great seafood place somewhat nearby. Upon arriving, it was crowded so we had to wait for a seat. No matter, there was a full bar as well as raw bar where the staff was hard at work shucking oysters and littleneck clams. While we waited there were high tables and stools on the outdoor patio and picnic tables to sit on. I ordered a draft beer of some local Pale Ale and my wife got a "Dark and Stormy"- a local Rhode Island favorite cocktail of rum and ginger beer. We also ordered the Oyster Sampler (23.95) from the Raw Bar. The sampler consisted of an assortment of 12 oysters of different varieties served with vinegar and cocktail sauce. Although expensive, they were fresh and succulent and we slurped down quickly wishing we had more or perhaps some littleneck or cherrystone clams to sample. In hindsight, we probably should have ordered them as well. Upon finishing our drinks and oysters, there was conveniently a table ready for us. The menu was full of seafood options ranging from simple fried clam belly platters and fish and chips, to more refined plates such as seared scallops and Swordfish. In addition, there was some Cajun inspired food such as blackened Mahi Tuna and Oyster Po-Boys. The wife opted for the locally harvested Seared Sea Scallops with roasted butternut squash risotto, Brussels sprouts and hazelnut brown butter (20.95). The scallops were big and juicy and dressed delicately with the wonderful hazelnut butter. As it was a local fish, I got the Atlantic Cod (16.95). Cod, which isn't usually the most flavorful of fish was deboned and broiled till perfectly tender. The loin was then coated with cooked onions and fennel served with a fresh vegetable medley served over basmati rice and topped with a saffron cream sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly, juicy and flaky that it almost melted in your mouth. The mild flavor of the fish was enhanced with the strong fennel and balanced by the rice. The delicious saffron cream brought it all together. It was an excellent and flawless prepared and tasting dish. With Fresh Oysters on the raw from their own Oyster farm, a great selection of local and New England beer, friendly service (the owner and head chef came over to the table to check on us), and beautifully created and inspired seafood dishes - there is nothing wrong I can say about my dining experience at Matunuck Oyster Bar.

    (5)

  • Joseph H.

    Matunuck had a booth at the Newport festival this Sunday serving up oysters and clams on the half shell as well as a variety of friend Seafood. I got the scallops and they were some of the best I have ever had. I could have ate these all day long like popcorn. Can't wait to get my next fix.

    (5)

  • Scott K.

    The fresh seafood (the shelled variety) is worth the trip--and the wait--at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. It's hard to beat oysters & clams pulled from the water within yards of your dinner table. That's where my glowing review ends, and reality checks in. This little oyster shack has come a very long way and grown very quickly since it opened up a few years ago. It's certainly become the place for South County elites and well-heeled RI tourists to be seen. This translates to a large crowd, and exorbitant wait times. I believe that it also led to the expansion of the bar/waiting area. Unfortunately, during a recent visit the bar staff were fairly inept... Ignoring customers; forgetting orders. It felt extremely bush league and mismanaged. When you finally do make it to a table, the menu is full of great choices, and some extreme prices. The casual atmosphere--from the service to the setting--doesn't seem to jive with the price of entry. We ordered fresh oysters & littlenecks (delicious), but the entres were underwhelming--dry & overcooked. I would encourage anyone to give Matunuck Oyster Bar a chance, especially if you have out-of-town guests interested in some fresh seafood. I just don't think that they're living up to their golden reputation, and the clientele they've cultivated won't tolerate a second-class experience.

    (3)

  • Lauren B.

    OMG this was the best seafood I've ever had. The stuffies were to die for and when I go back, that is what I'm getting. A dozen of them.

    (5)

  • Jon B.

    Best chowder I have ever had.. even beats Black Pearls in Newport. Outstanding.. place is crazy in the summer.. wait until September when the crowds have gone back home to NY, NJ and CT.....

    (5)

  • Dave G.

    I love this place! My wife and I came here last night and were totally blown away not only by the food but the service as well. We had oysters, cherry stones, cocktail shrimp, steamers, a cup of clam chowder and the goat cheese and beet salad. Everything was really good with the exception of the steamers, which were still pretty good, just a little bland. It also helps that they had a really good beer selection including Dogfishead 90 minute...yum! Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Matt T.

    I hung out on the patio while waiting for a table on a busy Wednesday night...a bustling time with bartenders who were on point and quick with a drink. Inside when we sat it was a little loud (some sound baffling would work great) but that was the only drawback. Our waitress was fast and pleasant. The Creamy Clam Chowder was exactly that....you could tell it was made with cream, not milk....it had nice sized clams and fresh cut potato in it. The fish and chips was light and flaky...cooked perfectly without grease dripping off it. A really nice night out.

    (4)

  • Sandy B.

    We drove 2 hours to try this restaurant and it was completely worth the trip. Service gets 5 stars with a special nod to Monique. Loved the outdoor dining, the prompt service and, of course the food. Wish we lived closer! We had the oyster sampler, which was okay, but would do a different selection another time. Little necks with chourise had great flavor. Lobster roll... meat was impressive, but not well seasoned.

    (4)

  • Pat S.

    I have to be up front, I'm not a raw oyster person but my husband is. The oysters (he said) are worth the trip, a 5 star! I had fish and chips, the fish was light and delicious but the fries were cold and tasted a little old. We also had sruffies that were out of this world and white chowder that was just mediocre. A mixed review, if your going for the oysters your in the right place, the rest is a toss up.

    (4)

  • Marshall M.

    Oysters were excellent. Beer was cold and tasty. Kids "fish sticks" we're small orders of fish and chips and were amazing! Lobster rolls also are very good and I recommend the side salad option which was quite good.

    (5)

  • Neil B.

    It must be 4.5 month because once again I had the pleasure of visiting an exceptional restaurant. This time I went with my mom who I was visiting in RI for one of the best lobster rolls I have ever had. The lobster was sweet and succulent with only a touch of mayo and the roll was lightly grilled to,perfection. I opted (to keep mom happy) for the side of salad rather than the fries. To my surprise it was a full mixed lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes and a delicious vinaigrette dressing. I also tried their Rhode Island style (clear) clam chowder which had superb taste but was a little heavy on the potatoes. I found it cool that the restaurant lists the local bays and ponds from which they get their shellfish. The decor here is very pleasant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The clientele at lunch was a bit more mature and upscale than at some of the other area restaurants. Service is friendly and overall good. The only downer was that they shortchanged us .21 on the change when we paid the check. Not enough to go complain about, but enough to prevent me from giving them a 5.

    (4)

  • Keli R.

    I had actually stumbled upon this place while reading other Yelp reviews. My family, during our yearly trip to RI, seem to always go to the same places. Well, those place, frankly suck...and I wanted to try something new. The group we go with are stubborn and like what they like...so it was my mother, father, the ex and myself. I love oysters. It has been a recently found addiction and I love to try different types. So this place was a real find since they have their own oyster farm and bring you on tours (next time I'm going!) We valeted the car and walked up to put our name in. One downside, no reservations and our wait was.....1 hr and 30 minutes. OOF! You must really want oysters and fresh seafood. I would assume many people would turn around and leave. The wait wasn't bad for me seeing they have a bar outside and there is a huge amount of seating provided by picnic tables (and a tent if it rains). You have a nice view of a salt pond and I'm assuming the oyster bed is out there somewhere. we finally were seated. It's cute, clean and is everything you'd expect an oceanside restaurant to be. We were seated right next to the oyster bar which was a plus. My father and I ordered a sampler of different local oysters. LET ME TELL YOU. The Matunuck Oysters are the BEST I have EVER had. Albeit, a bit on the small side, they make up for it with the perfect about of brine/sweetness...YUM! Next, the stuffies. So delicious. Even my mother and the ex, (who are not fans of shellfish) gulped these down. They have even inspired me to make my own version of this bit of deliciouness that is always a hit at summer parties after we go clamming in Quannie. The meals, just as good. Steak, cod, steak, cod.... so good..do worth every penny. Sure, it's a bit pricey. But most seafood restaurants of this caliber are...and they should be. Was it swarming with searsucker pants and sweaters tied around the neck? yeah...but whatevs... The owner was there and came over to say hello. Which is always a nice touch and shows how much they care. COME HERE! Wait the wait! suck it up. You won't be disappointed. Oh heyyyyyyy handsome fisherman owner.....how you doin? ;)

    (5)

  • Carrie C.

    If you want excellent super fresh seafood this is the place to get it. We went here for my mothers birthday as its her favorite place. We figured we'd splurge a bit for her special day. We must have gone on an off night as there was no wait at all for our table which I believe isn't the norm for this place. My one complaint was the table we were seated at, it was extremely cramped in the side and right next to the wall. I was seated on the inside and couldn't really move my chair back to get in and out from the table easily and I'm tiny, this would not have fared well for a larger stature person. Needless to say all the smaller people sat on the inside, those who sat on the outside were nearly in the aisle. I had the scallops, they were excellent. My husband had blackened swordfish and loved it, he's hard to please when it comes to fish. Everyone loved their meals, the food is fresh and delicious. The service was good. The only thing it left me craving was more space and comfort. I'm looking forward to visiting again and getting a table with a little more room.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    oh matunuck, you will have a place in my heart and a recommendation for anyone who asks. came here in the early days and immediately fell in love with the locale. this was before the outdoor bar and patio, when the crushed shell parking lot could barely fit 10 and when perry had time to spontaneously take 4 girls out in his boat for a quick sunset tour of his oyster farm. it is one of my best rhode island memories and i've been here 4 years now. have been back so many times, have brought all my favorite people. my boyfriend, who lives in LA and poo poo's at little rhody, specifically requests that we drive 40 minutes to come for the oysters, chowder, and fresh garlic rolls. we happily stand at the bar and chow down. have only braved the 2.5hr wait once on a beautiful early september afternoon and was lucky enough to score a tiny side table from which my friends and i could guzzle our cold drinks and slurp our raw bar while waiting. once seated on the outdoor patio with the water ahead and the sun setting beautifully, we proceeded to sample the real menu. i had to try the lobster roll, having heard so much, and while it was good, i think in the future i'll be happy to continue standing at the bar for just the usual. although... the frozen key lime pie-sicle was amazing, i hope they'll serve that at the bar!

    (5)

  • AL M.

    Excellent service so nice to find a place that even while packed gives you time to relax and ENJOY the meal. Food and Drinks top notch try the Matunuck Martini with the grilled oysters. So very glad we went here and will be back.

    (5)

  • Joyce F.

    Great place to go all year, but easier to get into during the off-season. Food is great and the owner, Perry, is very visible making sure your experience is what you expected. The oysters are, obviously, the best part. The decor is sparse, but the location is pretty cool. Pricey, but worth the inconvenience of the wait.

    (4)

  • Shauna M.

    Nothing like a beer and oysters on the half shell after kayaking. This place rules in the summer with the patio. This is THE place for the freshest oysters, shucked perfectly. They have a great lobster roll and stuffie too. It's quintessential New England at its best. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Kay R.

    A 45-minute wait for a table at 2pm? Okay - I've heard this place is good - but come on... So like sardines we stood a line or two back from the bar somehow managing to get in the way of every server or other guest, (sorry by the way). We thought about waiting outside, but it was still a bit too cool this particular day, so ordered a few drinks, without too much hassle, at the bar. Almost precisely three-quarters of an hour later we were seated, and the plate of oysters we had delayed-ordered and watched shucked by some very nimble hands at the bar was brought directly to our table. Heavenly. Those little suckers (blue point and another variety I can't recall at the moment) were worth standing for close to an hour. Luckily, not everyone in our party is a fan, just meaning more for us. The the orders went around and almost all of our 5 were in with lobster rolls. And what a lobster roll this was - almost no mayonnaise packed full of chunks of sweet lobster claw and tail meat, on the perfectly simple grilled roll. Take or leave the fries, I didn't have the room for them anyway. Our server was nice with German-like efficiency - not one to join in the banter or encourage you to draw out your food and conversation, however I couldn't say she rushed us out either. I get it though, I had just been one of the vultures standing around less than an hour before wishing for it to be my turn. I hope to return - and it will have to be by land (and you will valet whether you like it or not - sorry), as the dock entrance is fit only for day cruisers without much up top (low bridge to navigate). I wish they took reservations, but I suppose it won't be too bad waiting around in the sunshine on the deck once the weather warms up. And now, I am dreaming of oysters once again.

    (4)

  • Michele F.

    This may be one of my favorite places to eat, EVER. We have quite the selection of amazing restaurants in Providence, but I would still take trip here over any of the closer alternatives. First off, the deck/view are undeniably the best you can get. Every single time I've been, a seat on the deck was available. Even if it wasn't- I'd surely wait. The oysters are unbelievable! I'd suggest getting the sampler so you can try a variety & compare the sweet/briny flavors in each. My favorites are always the ones farmed on premise, but the others (all sourced in a ten mile radius) are a very close second. Usually the oysters are so above par here, we end up getting a second sampler, even with a party of two. The most AMAZING offering here, to me, is not even the oyster selection. It's all about the CALAMARI here. Honestly, I've never had better & I seriously crave them all of the time. Sometimes I order them elsewhere just to fill the hole- and they never come close to the quality/how they prepare them at MOB. First off, they fry the cherry peppers and capers (and give you heaps) Secondly, they are tossed with arugula & a citrus aioli. Enough said. There is always an IPA on draft and a NZ Sauvignon Blanc on the menu to pair perfectly with this delicious seafood.

    (5)

  • Ryan C.

    Great Place great food, 4 AND A Half stars. very busy and well run, The owner is all over the place cleaning tables greeting people the whole 9. Tons of servers, drinks come out fast good beer list great wine list . A must do for fresh sea food and local food They there own Oyster farm and grow some vegetables too. come early parking is Nuts ! but the Valet is well run .

    (4)

  • Nick C.

    Easily one of the best restaurants in RI. We have been four times for lunch in the past couple months and each time the food has been incredibly fresh and well-prepared. Awesome New England clam chowder and we especially liked the grilled salmon which you can get on top of any of their salads. Great location too and the owner seems cool.

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Go to the Oyster Bar Today! There is only one negative and the wait is very long. I arrived at 5pm on a Friday and waited 90 min. That said, there is plenty of outside room to wait, enjoy cocktails and even sample the raw bar! One you do eat, the atmosphere and food are extraordinary. The service is top notch. I can't wait to go back. One of my new RI shore favorites. Can't miss.

    (5)

  • Robert R.

    3 SNAPS IN A "Z" FORMATION!!! I have been pining to go here for almost two years. Well I finally made it here and I couldn't have been more thrilled. The one thing is this place is always busy I guess. I assumed in January it would be slow but I was wrong. They gave us a 20 minute wait time and we got sat in 10 mintutes. While you wait you can order a drink and get oysters at their bar. You can watch the guys shucking oyster after oyster which is pretty cool. The bartender wasvery nice and extremely efficent considering the crowd. As for the food I had the oysters and clams from the raw bar. They were delicous and really fresh. Everyone else had the clam chowder which might have been the best clam chowder I ever had. I wish i also got that. I got the sea scallops with mushroom risotto and brussel sprouts. Everything was amazing. The scallops was cooked perfectly, the risotto was great, but its brussel spouts that really blew me away. I could care less for veggies and I would have eaten a meal of just that. If you have an opportunity to visit due so. Becarefull though no reservations and it gets packed fast.

    (5)

  • Linda T.

    Be warned, when the say it's a two hour wait, order the oysters yourself from the guys shucking inside ... and then trek over to the outside bar and get your own drinks ... sit at the picnic benches and slurp away ... because the waitress for the waiting area is very busy. So you can still enjoy the appetizer portion of your meal without waiting too long. Unfortunately, we kept thinking, maybe they'll call us sooner than two hours, not a chance. When we did get seated, fortunately, the oysters were the best we've ever had ... and the portions on the lobster roll and fried clam bellies made both dishes a steal! I love clam bellies, and I really loved the ones they served here. The sunset was gorgeous and the food was definitely worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Ryan D.

    Ever since the Oyster Bar has been open, lines have been out the door. And for good reason! The combination of an aquaculture farming installation and a seafood restaurant is genius. You can taste the freshness of all the seafood in every dish. The Oyster Bar takes it one step further, they have an excellent staff in that kitchen that knows just how to cook their dishes just right. There isn't anything on the menu that I would not recommend, from their fresh fish dishes right down to their burgers. The only drawback at the moment is the limited seating area. It is a very small restaurant. It expands in the summer time with outdoor seating, but that is also when they would be getting the most customers. My recommendation is you come early for dinner or else you are looking at a very long wait.

    (5)

  • Jill D.

    Lobster roll was fantastic, so big I have to take more than half of it home. My boyfriend had the stuffed lobster which he enjoyed as well as the roasted vegetables that came with it. Didn't realize there was valet parking, didn't have any cash but the waitress was nice enough to add an extra few bucks to the bill for a trip for the valet. Great service, great fresh food! Will definitely come back here. Only wish there was a hot buttered lobster roll, I'm a bigger fan of that kind than the mayonnaise, but this one was full of lobster and the roll was buttery and toasted. Open 363 days a year, great to find a seafood restaurant in the dead of winter for my birthday!

    (5)

  • Libby F.

    I've been here with seasoned seafood eaters, and returned with my family from the Midwest who hadn't previously tried anything that we ate for dinner. Both times I have been really wowed by the food, and especially the service. Even my brother who works in a service industry commented on it: our waters were always refilled and extra napkins brought out without our asking for it. Both times a manager (owner?) has stopped by to ask how we're enjoying everything. I can personally vouch for the steamers, stuffies, lobster roll, trio of oysters and especially the oyster sampler. The clam chowder is solid, too. This will be the place I take people visiting us from out of town - 1 hour drive and all.

    (5)

  • Miles A.

    Amazing. Sat outside on a beautiful sunny afternoon for lunch. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Started with Oyster sampler, 12 local oysters which were incredible and reasonably priced. I had the lobster roll (biggest one I've ever eaten) which was delicious. She had equally sized fried clam roll. Valet was a nice touch but didn't really seem necessary to me (might have just been because it was not very busy at the time). We WILL be going back, hopefully soon!

    (5)

  • Jeffrey H.

    My girl and I had such high hopes. Reading the reviews on Yelp was enough to bring us down from West Warwick. The atmosphere was perfect, but. We tried a stuffie that was very small and extremely bready. I purchase stuffies that are made for Roch's Market in W. Warwick that have a smoother consistency and substantially more clam meat! She had the pan seared scallops (delicious), roasted brussel sprouts (very nice), and rissoto (she wasn't a fan but I enjoyed it, especially the woody mushroom flavor). I had the clams and linguini that had a bit of a sour taste (possibly from the leaks?). That was a downer, especially at an upscale restaurant. And DRY Parmesan cheese in a shaker? Seriously? For an $18 meal? Normally restaurants of this caliber grind it fresh for you at the table.The best part of our meal was our waitress who was very attentive and professional. And one other thing: we didn't know about the mandatory valet parking and I only had a couple of dollars in cash with me (I was embarrassed to hand over the pittance to the valet).

    (2)

  • Lyle R.

    You have got to get to this place!!! The oysters are fresh and perfect and there are several choices. The shrimp cocktail appetizer had huge shrimp and they were done just right. We were there for lunch a couple of days ago. They don't take reservations, but we were a party of 5 and were seated immediately. The setting is pure New England seaside with lots of locals and boaters. I had a mixed seafood entree with local fried oysters, a local haddock fillet, and something called a stuffy, which is a little ramekin filled with stuffing like from a Thanksgiving turkey and some wonderful morsels of oysters. It was all excellent and everyone else loved their entrees, too. The wine list is simple, but good, and we had a very nice bottle of champagne.

    (5)

  • Kay P.

    This place is awesome. Grilled oysters, littlenecks with a portuguese twist, tuna cooked to perfection. You cant go wrong here. Its nice inside or outside. Not only is it on the water, its on the water where some of the oysters come from! Talk about fresh! Perry, the owner, walks around doing a little quality control and schmoozing but he is not afraid to wipe down a table to keep things moving. It makes me smile, I'm telling everyone, and I will definately be going back as soon as I can. Worth it.

    (5)

  • Ruth S.

    If you love raw oysters- this is the place to go. Local, fresh, delicious. And pretty great with a gin and tonic. Beautiful water view. Extremely busy in the summer. Expect a wait.

    (5)

  • Judy G.

    OMG! This oyster bar has set the bar for all other oysters to be judged against. The oyster stew was beyond words. Roasted carrots, fried leeks & the broth has levels of complexity that would blow away a 5 star restaurant. My 5 year old son loved the lobster bisque & ate 1/2 my bowl. We will be back. I really wanted 2 try the pt. Judith calamari & the ceaser salad & the lobster roll. The atmosphere & decor r ok, can't wait 2 sit on the deck this summer. A bit on the expensive side but 4 this foodie, it was worth it!!!

    (5)

  • Bobby L.

    Can't stop going.... Since they've been open it's always been a pleasure to sit in the sun relax, and enjoy some amazing "New England Summer Classics." The guys shucking oysters- excellent work! Patrons consider walking up to the bar, and showing your thanks with a tip (cash)! In the summer after 4PM expect to wait 45 minutes 1.5 hrs. You can grab a drink & some oysters in this time. So chill out & enjoy! Raw oysters always great, grilled oysters amazing. Stuffies very good. Time with least wait: mid-week late lunch 2-3PM

    (4)

  • Ed G.

    The food here was great, we sat outside and it was a lovely experience. I ordered scallop ceviche, which was out of this world. While there was a wait to get in, we spent the wait at the oyster bar inside, enjoying a beer, eating oysters, and chatting with local Rhody Rams. However I did have some complaints. One, I called ahead of time at 9 p.m. to find out how late they were open and if I could expect to be seated if I drove over. The lady who answered rudely told me that the kitchen closes at 9:30 and that she "couldn't make any promises." I decided to risk it and drive over anyways, despite being tired from all the research I conducted earlier in the day at the Mystic Aquarium. When I arrived I asked when the kitchen shut down. The host laughed at me, winked to the hostess, and said snidely "we close when you stop ordering food, you idiot." I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and belittled. He had made a fool of me in front of my "date". Once we were seated, the waitress was hitting on my "fiance." I am not saying this is a good thing or a bad thing, it just happened. Also, the lady sitting next to us was exposing her left nipple. She seemed rather buzzed and It was popping out of her tube top dress. Once again, I am not saying if this is a good thing or a bad thing, as a scientist, I am just reporting the facts. If not for these minor complaints I would give this place 4 stars. It is definitely far superior to Captain Jacks across the street, which is terrible.

    (3)

  • E W.

    Dig this joint. I really want to come here again - soon. It's wood and classic new england with sun streaming in all the windows, classy yet laid back simultaneously = OLD MONEY, yo. Old money steez. Situated in a salt pond or something like that - a seashell driveway and boats buoy around the tattered wood docks. Think periwinkle blue sweaters over white collared shirts beset by dockers and boat shoes. The food? Hmm... Yeah I can't remember all that well except that it is typically good. See, I have been more beer-centric the past few times coming here. Next time I'll get a better grip of the seafood. I don't know about the oysters, but the stuffed lobster was way too much stuffing. I think the other time I got a tuna something that may have had a weird asian flair but it was probably mmm mmm good. I mostly go for the sunlight and the beers. Always full. Warm happy WASPY vibes. Except sunny'd boaters! Yeah.

    (4)

  • Nathan L.

    Great atmosphere, great oysters and awesome view. Nothing beats this place.

    (5)

  • John L.

    I've heard great things from Matunuck Oyster Bar for awhile from my coworkers, but when I finally got a chance to go, I already had the bar set pretty high. But I'm happy to report that it held it's own! My girlfriend and I spent the day at Narragansett beach and wanted to end the day at MOB. It was a sunny day and thought that we would have to wait in line to get a table outside, but fortunately, someone just left and we were seated immediately. We even got a table with shade! We ordered a dozen local raw oysters and fried whole belly clams. First the oysters. Amazingly fresh. Delicious. My girlfriend never tried raw oysters before and I'm glad she had them here for the first time. It was perfectly, briny, without overpoweringly fishy. She is hooked. As for the fried whole belly clams, it was a huge pile of it and it held it's own too. Not too much batter, just enough to coat it and reveal it's seafoodie goodness. The service was great, our waitress was always there if we had questions about the oysters and explained them in detail as to where they were harvested. We did not feel rushed at all even though it was packed. It was a great day to soak up the sun and enjoy some of my favorite things to do when the weather is warm - sit outside, enjoy great company and taste delicious seafood! I highly recommend coming here and you will definitely see me coming back here before the summer ends!

    (4)

  • John L.

    Great apps. Great entrees. Great service. Great atmosphere. We sat outside on a Thursday evening and had a truly delightful experience. Monique took very good care of our party. Not cheap but worth the money.

    (5)

  • Robert S.

    I heard the lobster roll was outstanding...so my BF and I went.. The service was very good. We sat on the big deck overlooking the water. The lobster roll was excellent...nice chunks of lobster, nice grilled bun and crispy french fries. Not too much mayonnaise, just the right amount of celery and seasonings. That was my first lobster roll ever, and I was very impressed with it...

    (4)

  • Sandra E.

    OK disappointed again with this place. The cod had an undertone of some kind of cleaner. Tasted like bleach to me. The saffron rice tasted like the south county water it was made with. It was very bland; a waste of saffron. The oysters rockefeller was ok but a little bland as well. I'm not sure what the big deal is with this restaurant. Don't think I'l be going back.

    (2)

  • Marie B.

    Oh geesh this is my kind of place. I love outside places in the summer and this is such a nice classy spot on the water! I also love the bar thats outside. This place isnt big but the food and drinks are excellent! Its not a cheap place and you have to valet your car which is fine. Also the owner who owns the oyster farm the restaurant is on so everything is fresh straight from him (well the oysters I know for sure come from him, not sure about the other seafood they have) but he comes around to the tables to make sure everyone is enjoying their food. Love this place!!!

    (5)

  • Simon O.

    The Doc & I went down to the MOB after our first-ever surf lesson in Narragansett. We'd heard about this place from a friend of hers, who had raved about it - and she was right. We sat outside, ordered drinks; my beer was cold, and her Dark and Stormy was just about perfect. Given that it was a local seafood spot, we opened with calamari, she got the oyster po' boy, and I got the clam roll. Full-belly clams are the way to go, it turns out! Hands-down the best seafood I had living in Rhode Island. If we ever get back down there, I'd be stoked to go back to the MOB. You can also buy their oysters at some of the farmers' markets in PVD!

    (5)

  • Todd A.

    I heard great reviews about this place and drove down from Boston to try it out for myself. Started with the Oyster Sampler.....it was so good i ordered another half dozen Matunuck oysters. My girlfriend and I shared the clam appetizer with the chorizo and white beans....it might be the best clam dish i've ever had and a huge portion. Great bloody mary's, great view....i'll be back this summer!!

    (5)

  • J M.

    Love love love this restaurant. But I only go off season. It's just too popular during summer...and even most of spring and fall. Now it's open all year, so I am very pleased to be able to treat myself more throughout the year. They've improved crowd control and efficiency since they opened so I've heard it's much better in summertime. I've had literally some of the best meals of my life in this place. But get there early in the afternoon to get the best service. The outside deck at sunset is very lovely. I highly recommend this place....and be sure to try the farm salads fresh from the colonial farm down the road. The oyster sampler is absolutely fabulous!!! I've had impeccable service all but once...but haven't seen that waiter since. Every other time the service has been perfect and friendly.

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    Here are the pros: 1) it's a gorgeous location- right on the water- with deck seating and heaters outside in case it's a bit cold. 2) the staff is very nice and the owner- Perry- is extremely knowledgeable about oyster farming 3) they're oysters are farmed in the waters right behind the restaurant- what's better than local shellfish! (and they do tours of their oyster farm) 4) the food is good! it's fresh, it's in-house prepared, and perfect for warm summer days Here are the cons: 1) some of the portions aren't that great (i.e the calamari - while it looks like a decent sized appetizer - is mixed with greens & tons of fried peppers, leaving not too much calamari to enjoy) 2) it' pricey, most entree's are $20+

    (3)

  • Linda H.

    They REALLY need to accept reservations or allow call ahead seating. It is a good place, but, and there is a huge but here....I don't think I would stand there 45 minutes ever again in a crowded entryway where we were packed like sardines in order to eat there. I stress the sardine thing. I would rather go elsewhere. Waitress was sweet, nice and the food was good, but again a wait like that is just not fun. The guy from the bar offered us a drink as you couldn't get near the bar, but it was so crowded I couldn't have held a drink up to drink it as our arms were pinned to our sides as we stood waiting. I question the building's capacity and fire codes, truly. If we had not been a guest of other people, I would have left. It was tremendously noisy in there as well. In summer there are outdoor tables and maybe it is less crowded? Perhaps a weekday or very early would work out, the food was really good.

    (3)

  • Steve K.

    Poor service at the bar, was basically ignored. Waited 55 minutes for a dozen oysters, then finally got the table we were waiting for and never received oysters. Menu great, food great, service.......eh....Clearly they can't handle their volume, too bad.

    (3)

  • Steven D.

    That fine beach dining experience you've been dreaming about? This is it. Start with the oyster sampler, move on to the steamers and lobster. That's what I did anyway. I'm sure you can't go wrong with anything. Great service, laid back environment and food as fresh and locally sourced as you can get it.

    (4)

  • Epic L.

    This place rules. Perry Raso is a hard-working man and deserves the somewhat overwhelming success. If I were a nitpicker, I'd say BOOOO for getting rid of Berkshire Brewing Co on tap. My understanding is that deliveries were not consistent, so it makes sense. I love this restaurant. I don't mind the wait and I don't mind waiting outdoors. Love to hear the tourists complain. Beautiful spot too. I've liked this spot since Wiley's was here back in 04. But the M.O.B. is just unstoppable. From the littlenecks to the raw bar to the fish to the lobster. I can and will kayak here from my house 7 miles away.

    (5)

  • George K.

    Great location if you're coming back from East Matunuck Beach and are craving fresh seafood.Lobster roll was fresh and packed with Lobster. Stuffies were tasty as my children cleaned the stuffing off the shells. Little Necks and Chourico was salty.Chowder was fantastic.

    (4)

  • Scotty W.

    Matunuck Oyster Bar has emerged as my favorite restuarant in Rhode Island, and high on my list of favorite restaurants of all time. Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood prepared many ways. Staples such as fried calamari, steamed mussels, linguine with clams, lobster, etc are just as good as the non-seafood options (steak, pasta). EVERYTHING on the menu is excellent. There is an oyster bar inside where oysters are shucked fresh in front of you. The location is unbeatable as well. Gorgeous waterfront spot with a large patio, which is my favorite place to sit in the summer as well as when it cools down (they have heat lamps outside). Unfortunately, this place has exploded in popularity, and the wait can sometimes be hours long, even in the winter! Try to go on the early side to avoid the crowds. Prices are on the high side for South County, though not totally unreasonable. It's worth it for this quality of food in the area!!

    (5)

  • Barbara M.

    The food was good; the service was the worst I have ever had in many, many years. The waitress would take care of bar orders but asking for a refill on your water took me four times to remind her. In addition, we were with small children and I asked for some crackers for our grandson because everything was taking too long. We had to wait about 15 minutes to get the crackers. It took about 40 minutes from the time the waitress took our order to the time we actually got the food. This is not a fine dining restaurant; it is causal so I was disappointed. When we arrived there was hardly anyone in the parking lot and when we left two hours later it was full. My point is that when we arrived there were plenty of empty tables yet the service was very poor. I had to ask for the bill by flagging the waitress and that took 15 minutes and another 15 minutes for her to pick up the payment and another 10 minutes for her to process the payment. It was good for the waitress that my children have a different outlook on tips. I told them when they offered to pay that I would pay the bill of $180 but as far as I was concerned I would leave NO tip. I know they left something but I think you encourage poor service if you give a tip when it is not earned. As far as I am concerned I will never go back....there are plenty of good restaurants with great service. Typically, I would have left a 20 percent tip but this situation certainly didn't warrant anything. A few days later, my friend who was staying at our beach house ordered a take out order of clams. His comment was that they were just OK and he wouldn't be ordering from you again.

    (1)

  • Ashley G.

    After a long day of kayaking I couldn't help but to want a great seafood lunch. We stopped at Matunuck Oyster Bar and to my surprise we were welcomed by some of the best seafood I've ever had. We started with the steamers which were so clean and delicious. I made my cousin who swears he hates steamers try one and sure enough he was delightfully surprised at how delicious they were. I had a small taste of the cod cakes which were light and full of flavor. I ended my meal with a lobster salad roll accompanied by hand cut fries...i was quite impressed. I must say the cocktails were exceptional as well and I did enjoyed a couple of bloody marys. All in all, it was a very tasty meal and I would definitely recommend this little nook in Matunuck to anyone in the area- OR, it may certainly even be just worth the drive!

    (4)

  • Rebecca L.

    Fresh sweet raw oysters and good food, cheerful waitstaff, and we waited less than five minutes for a table. But not fabulous food, and had we waited more than a half hour (much less more than two) we would not have been happy. We've had better meals, though alas! all the local restaurants are now deceased: Boom, the Up River Cafe, the Ugly Toad, Greg's Seafood (the first place I ever had RI clam chowder)...We began with the raw oyster sampler, with specimens from Rome Point, Matunuck, and another Narragansett Bay site that began with "w" (Windfall?). The latter were puny but sweet, the first relatively large and briny, the second somewhere in between. My son had fried oysters, which were tasty, served with somewhat limp french fries and unexciting coleslaw. My husband had the seared scallop special, with bacon and fingerling potatoes and very good green beans, carrots, and squash He ate it all up,; the piece of scallop I tried tasted strongly of an herb (sage?) but not much of scallop.. I had the jambalaya, which contained large shreds of chicken, a fair amount of andouille, two jumbo shrimp, and four or five fried oysters. It was quite good. We finished with very bad coffee, oh well. As my husband said, it was decent but not nearly as good as Johnny's Tavern in Amherst, our last meal out .

    (4)

  • liezl n.

    any place that has their staff pulling in freshly harvested oysters from the clean rhode island waters and shucking them on the spot is going to get 5 stars from me. add wonderfully friendly service, classy decor, tasty fresh cod and fried oyster sandwiches and you earn a detailed yelp review, something i don't often do. this place is convenient if you're heading south to nyc from the cape or providence. it's also worth a trip if you're in the mood for amazing freshness. the menu is all fresh seafood, much of which is caught that day in the nearby waters. we went in the dead of freezing winter and watched their staff in full winter sailor gear sail right up to the restaurant with fresh oysters. seeing them do this in the freezing cold just for our meal this made the experience richer. my mom visiting from so california was thoroughly entertained by the whole visit. we were seated right over the water and watched the sun set over the adjacent pond. it was perfect. finally, the prices were great. we paid about $1.50 per oyster, half of what we pay in new york city.

    (5)

  • Stephanie P.

    I found this little place a few years ago when I was lost looking for a beach and I have been trying to get lost so I could find it again for the last 2 years because I couldn't remember the name of it! Finally, last weekend I got lost enough! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this oyster bar, Everything they served it incredibly cared for and the flavors and just out of this world. The views outside are awesome! I can't wait to go back. This is definitely the kind of place to take someone from out of town if you really want to show off Rhode Island. It is a local BEST!

    (5)

  • Chelsea P.

    While I usually enjoy MOB, my last visit was below par. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and the restaurant was not as crowded as usual. Our server Max came to our table, and then brought us waters and gave us more time to decide out dishes. 10 minutes later he returned and we placed our order, calamari and a stuffie for apps, and the Salmon special and Penne Pasta for our entrees. While our apps arrived in a reasonable amount of time, our entrees did not. We waited over 20 minutes AFTER our apps had been completely cleared away for entrees. We didn't even get the chance to eat them in the restaurant as we wanted to head back home. We sat at MOB for over an hour to eat an appetizer. The manager never came over to explain about a wait, and neither did the server. Usually the manager makes a visit to your table to ask you about your visit, but on this visit nobody asked how the visit was. The only saving grace to this recent sub-par visit was the food. The food is always exceptional.

    (2)

  • Joey G.

    As good as it gets. Go at sunset, be prepared to wait a bit. Rhody dining at it's best.

    (5)

  • William K.

    I had a few friends recommend this place to me. I spent this beautiful day riding my motorcycle around and decided to take a ride. It is right off of Rt 1 just south of Wakefield. Take the Succotash Rd exit and go about a mile down and its on your right hand side right before the bridge. I sat at the bar and had a ginger ale with extra lemon. This is very tasty to those who haven't already had this. To start the meal I had a Gazpacho with jumbo shrimp. The Gazpacho was delicious, it had balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh veggies, olive oil, balsamic, and basil was such a tasty combination. I also opted to have a couple of jumbo shrimp in my soup, it was cooked perfectly. This was $7.95. To follow, I had 2 stuffies. Very delicious. They come served on a small plate on a bed of greens. I had the bar tender get me some butter. I must have butter on my stuffies. Again, very delicious. $3.95 a piece Seeing that I came to this place to get raw oysters, I couldn't leave without trying any. They have around 10 varieties on the menu, today they had 3 to choose from. I forgot the names, Matunuck, Point Judith, and another. I ordered one of each to taste them. I ended up just squeezing a little lemon juice on them. I liked the Matunuch the best., They had the smallest shell, but I liked the taste and texture the best. I ordered three more and ate them with the vinegar. Oysters are $1,85 a piece, My bill came out to be 30 dollars and I left a 6 dollar tip. I will be back soon.

    (5)

  • Toni R.

    What a find! My husband and I loooove lobster and this restaurant had some of the best. We were on our "mini-moon" when we ate here, so this night was a splurge for us. Amazingly fresh shrimp cocktail appetizer, superb 1 1/2 lobsters, and decadent chocolate dessert. What a fun, fresh, little place this was!

    (5)

  • K D.

    Fantastic "Girl's Night Out" at Matunuck Oyster Bar last Thursday night. Though the wait was 2 hours we were thrilled to relax and enjoy the cool breezes, sunset, and comraderie with those who were also waiting for their chance to eat at this famed seaside establishment. Coming around the bend on Succotash Rd. we noted that the cars were lined up trying to gain access to a full valet parking area. That was the first sign that we'd need patience for the evening. We parked down the road and walked in. We gave our name to the hostess and then decided to check out the scene with a few glasses of wine. Raw bar items and beverages are available at both the outdoor and indoor bar. We chose Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. There are picnic tables in the "waiting area" so eventually we found a spot and were greeted by a waitress that took our raw bar order. Truth be told, MOB was on our summer bucket list and we wanted to eat good oysters to celebrate the season. We ordered 6 jumbo shrimp and 6 oysters (2 each of Matunuck, East Beach, and ?). The raws arrived with another round of wine. Delicious. It was about another 40 minutes until we were summoned for our table. At that point we really weren't that hungry but we wanted to eat! Watching other people's food arrive was quite exciting. I'd read the reviews about the lobster roll... We decided on stuffed quahogs, a beet salad, and seared sea scallops - all to share. The scallops were served with grilled squash and zucchini and mushroom risotto. AMAZING. The evening was a special treat for us - a grown up night out - wonderful wine, great service, relaxing, nice atmosphere, and great food. You really have to be in a vacation mode to enjoy this place. Stake your claim at the picnic tables. Graze on some seafood. Don't expect to step into MOB being a type A New Yorker. Expect a 2 hour wait and it will likely be less. Relax. Enjoy. One comment - the cocktail sauce that came with the shrimp was just ketchup - I would have loved some horseradish to mix in.

    (5)

  • Tai Chi C.

    Love fresh local food? Love the water view? Love great Service? Everything good and local. The last summers favorite memories were of coming in for buck a shuck after a day on the beach. Best days of the summer. I can not wait to enjoy this place again and again.

    (5)

  • Celeste R.

    This place is great. Oysters right out of their own beds. Great service and right on the water. Grilled oysters were out of this world. Make sure you get bread to sop up the herbs and olive oil.

    (4)

  • Reg Z.

    Fantastic! We spent an extra long weekend in Newport, eating at some of the finer seafood places there...this was the best meal we had. Matunuck oysters were dug from the pond behind the place and were great, tough time whether I liked those or the east beach blondes better. The clear clam chowder was really good, as was the stuffie. The broiled scallops were really good, perfectly cooked and very fresh. My lobster roll was one of the best I've ever had. Even the fries were really good Note: there were also a couple of non-seafood dishes for those who may be with a larger group (I only recall the local free-range beef cheeseburger, I think a chicken dish and a steak as well)

    (5)

  • Snot N.

    My favorite restaurant to go to when in the area. The new outdoor waiting area, bar, and the awning covered outdoor dining area are a great improvement. The valet parking is also a nice and needed touch with how popular the place has become. The oysters are about a fresh as it get especially if they are from his beds in the pond. The food has always been great. An hour wait time seems to be the standard for outdoor seating, none for indoor for early 4-5pm dinners. Perfect for a beer or two and a dozen or so oysters.

    (5)

  • Ashley B.

    This is BY FAR the absolute best place to eat in Southern RI. Literally the best seafood I have experienced, so fresh and so well prepared. Great service. Be prepared to wait for A WHILE- my boyfriend and I have waited for 2 hours to be sat- and let me tell you, well worth the wait. You can order oysters and shrimp while you wait in the outdoor bar area, so it's totally fine! The atmosphere makes it a delightful evening! Love this place, can't say enough about it.

    (5)

  • Tracy S.

    Just returned from a delectable lunch at this wonderful spot situated overlooking the Succotash Salt Pond. Our family of 4 (two kids - 7 and 9) showed up a 1 pm and the place was close to packed - inside and out. To avoid the 20 min wait outside, we went inside and sat near a lovely big picture window over the marsh pond. We decided to do lots of tasting so we all shared the grilled oysters (holy cow!), steamed clams (we learned you have to peel the black skin off the tongue/foot thing), New England Chowder, fried cod sandwich and oyster roll sandwich. I come from a seafood family on the Chesapeake Bay and this lunch was as good as I've ever had anywhere. There were some gorgeous looking entrees but we passed for the lighter lunch fare and opportunity to taste New England seafood. The service was wonderful too and this was definitely one of the highlights of our week up here in RI.

    (5)

  • Carla B.

    If you crave fresh seafood, expertly prepared, in a beautiful waterfront setting, with pleasant service, Matunuck Oyster Bar should be high on your list. Yes, it was packed on a Sunday night, but we sat at the picnic tables and got invited to join a card game by some fellow table waiters. Not the kind of thing that happens too many places in my travels, and certainly added to the fun. We had the grilled oysters to start - delectable melt in your mouth morsels. The fruite del mar was overflowing with mussels, scallops and shrimp. The steamed lobster was perfectly prepared and succulent. Certainly a spot to put in your list if you are in this part of Rhode Island.

    (5)

  • Mike L.

    Great fun. Make sure your willing to wait but well worth it. Best seafood in the area. Oysters are local. Local produce as well so everything is fresh.

    (5)

  • Cindy G.

    The food was delicious. Great service. Get the lobster roll, it was the best I have ever had. Chowder is wonderful. Worth going for the oysters.

    (5)

  • Marissa S.

    This place is amazing. Everything is so fresh and the service is great. Be prepared to wait a while if you go in the summer but while you do getting drinks and eating from the raw bar outside makes the wait easy. They also have an awesome key lime pie Popsicle dessert, it's delicious

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    Went here for a dozen oyster's...schucked and right back onto the boat. Place is amazing!

    (5)

  • Stan S.

    Oysters are excellent and there is an amazing range of oysters to choose from (who knew), but for someone used to eating Louisiana Oysters at the Acme in New Orleans, it's a little pricey.

    (3)

  • Erin D.

    I absolutely LOVE Matunuck Oyster bar & can't wait to go back! Matunuck oysters have quickly kicked Wellfleet oysters out of my longstanding #1 spot. And knowing that the oysters I'm enjoying immensely (they don't even need cocktail sauce OR a squeeze of lemon) were raised in the pond right off of the patio I was dining on made them that much more fantastic. Doesn't get fresher than that! We did have to wait about an hour for a table on the patio (we went in September). I think an inside table was an hour & a half wait, it was a chilly night. From the reviews I had read I was prepared to wait though. I ordered the Frutti di Mare for my entree (local sea scallops, calamari, shrimp & mussels in a tomato broth w/ herbs de Provence over linguine) & it was out of this world! Super fresh, seasoned to perfection, just the right amount of tomato without overpowering the dish. I have yet to find another restaurant that can compare to it, even on Federal Hill!

    (4)

  • Richie R.

    Food was outstanding and fresh, service friendly and helpful, and the locale and ambience was also balanced and refreshing. All in all, great spot and great find, just with the prices were a little less steep!

    (4)

  • Laura P.

    This place is great. I can't remember the last time I gave a restaurant 5 stars. Went on my third visit over the past two years, for lunch, party of 5 on the deck. Service was great. Food was great. I'm fussy about seafood, having grown up on the coast of Maine. My scallops were cooked perfectly, served with fresh corn salsa, delicious. I think the pricing is perfectly in line with the quality of the food. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Adam T.

    went there twice- both times wait was an hour but worth it, plus I was seated sooner than that anyway. I've been to a bunch of places around this area, and dollar for dollar you can not beat this place, they offer fresh food prepared in a manhattan style restaurant quality that blows all the other sea shacks and restaurants away. service was good, and for my money this is the place I would go morning, noon, an night.

    (4)

  • H. A.

    This place was great for oysters! They offer a variety of Rhode Island oysters (RI oysters only) for a pretty reasonable price- but I think you can always get their Matunuck oysters for $1. Pretty cool, knowing that these oysters were farmed right outside your window. The staff is very polite and knowledgeable. Steamed mussels were of excellent quality, though not debearded. Fried clams not the best I've had- the clams were fresh, but their fry job was a bit too soft and oily. Out of all my fried clams experiences, Cognac Bistro in Brookline, MA still wins, hands down. I also ordered the RI "stuffies," which are clams filled with stuffing and sausage. It was basically just super buttery stuffing eaten out of a clam shell. So I guess it was pretty delicious, but not very seafood-y at all. I appreciate the freshness of the seafood and would certainly come back for the oysters, but a lot of the execution was not quite up to snuff.

    (3)

  • Brenda A.

    Myself and my sister n law went for lunch. She ordered the cod and I ordered the scallop and shrimp dish. She started picking at her plate when she looked down she thought she saw a dead worm. She then picked another layer off and saw a huge worm embedded in the fish. We called the waitress over who then sent over the manager ( I believe his name was Barry) he said sorry this happens sometimes. Needless to say I couldn't eat any of my meal either. The bill came and he only took off the cod dish, which was unacceptable. In order to avoid confrontation we paid the bill and left. I believe because of their popularity they became very arrogant and could care less about customer service . Btw, my husband and I had been their once before and the food was just average.

    (1)

  • Keith R.

    A oyster bar where you stand and watch the oysters being shucked as you sip on your pint and have a conversation. Very friendly staff! Our first visit and it was excellent from the complimentary valet parking to the freshest oysters possible! Some are are harvested in the pond directly behind the joint! Wow! The Fried oysters we're outstanding light and still had a slight jiggle. The beet and goat cheese salad was fresh and tasty. The wine select is extensive and the menu had many nice choices with daily specials all reasonably priced. The outdoor deck overlooking the inlet was quite nice. I can see this being a very popular and crowed place from Memorial day on. Suggest get there as soon as they open. If you are a lover of fresh seafood Go Here!

    (4)

  • J R.

    Came in today for a late and lovely lunch... what a great little place. Its actually pretty cute inside. I was expecting it to be more of a tavern-ish looking restaurant, but the room we sat in was a nice deep, but not too dark blue, overlooking the water with all glass windows. Wine list is great, had the Soave and some Austrian white wine, they were both great with shellfish. The oysters are AMAZING.... The only 3 there today (dammit) were the Matunucks, Watch Hill, and the Ninigrets. The Matunucks were a bit on the smaller side, but bright in flavor, slightly meeting, and a crisp delicious brine to them. The Watch Hills were good, but were tad sweeter and creamier than the Matunucks, not my personal fav, but still good. The Ninigrets were BIG and DEEP. What an amazing oyster, definitely my favorite of the day. Meaty, clean finish, and a very good balance of salinity. Little squirt of lemon and some of their very good mignonette, and i'm a happy man. Had the creamy chowder. It was good, but thats pretty much it. For me, I am a hard critic for clam chowder. This chowder fell a little flat in the flavor department. I lifted it up a bit with some S&P, but that can only do so much. There weren't really that many clams in them, and the potatoes were WAY too big. Its clam chowder, make the clams stick out a bit more. And for my personal preference, it was a little bit too thick, but, still a good chowder. Also had the steamed mussels (special of the day) which were not good at all. It was steamed in a rich, velvety, whatever kind of broth that tasted like pearl onions. Wasn't what I was expecting. Ate a handful of them, but luckily by then I was full so the rest stayed in the plate. Will definitely come back. Next time, I'll focus more on the staple items like the lobster roll, obviously the oysters and littlenecks, and definitely check out some of their fish dishes as well as the fried clams. All the waitresses are peaches as well :)

    (4)

  • Carly B.

    ahhhhh... excellent atmosphere out on the deck setting off excellent food - I love this place! Chillin' at a picnic table with drinks and sea delicacies of the raw variety while waiting to be seated was really no sacrifice. Although my husband did nearly sacrifice a toe when a staff person at the bar dropped a cooler on it, the bartender didn't hesitate to comp the round of 5 drinks. Way to do the right thing! (Though we hope it was honest mistake that the two oyster samplers we ordered were served as the oyster/littleneck/shrimp samplers at double the price) It was a busy summer night and our waitress was slammed, but it was clear that staff were looking out for one another to keep everything afloat. Owner/aquaculturist Perry came by to check in on us (OK, and the notorious toe) himself. The food - wowsers! Fresh, comforting, simple. I savored the most perfectly cooked seared scallops ever prepared for me in a restaurant. Everyone at the table was in seafood bliss. You didn't need to give me another reason to love Matunuck... but here it is!

    (5)

  • Liza L.

    I had not heard about this cute and cozy restaurant until I was passing by on my way to the Cape and was given a recommendation by Debbie of the StageCoach Inn. I really enjoyed the food everything was filled with flavor and cooked just right. We started with the Oysters, Rockefeller, BBQ and Cucumber. Delish . Pasta dish - Al Dente with Shrimp. PERFECT. Grilled Tuna - Perfect. The owner came by and asked how our meal was, exceptional. Thought it was a nice touch. Sunset was perfect. Definitely a Do Over!! The only downside the line for parking. Get there early.

    (4)

  • Allison W.

    Love this restaurant! The tuna entree I had here was one of the best meals I have ever had. This is a hidden gem.

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    Always a great meal and great service! Something that sets them apart for me is that their kids meals are still good food just smaller portions. I dislike when I'm having a great meal and my kids are having previously frozen chicken or something of that quality.

    (5)

  • Nadej G.

    Had our first experience here this week. Mixed feelings about this place. The Good: ridiculously fresh, high quality seafood. For apps we ordered NE chowder (stellar, sophisticated flavor), Oysters Rockafeller (which totally wowed us -- I've never cooked with Pernod, but now I will, what an astonishingly rich flavor) and Pt. Judith Calmari (huge portion, fresh fresh fresh calmari, great batter... this is as good as calmari can get). The "Meh": One of the main courses ordered was Seared Scallops. Yes, the scallops were huge and yes, very fresh, but what an ultimately uninspired dish. First of, the scallops were a little overcooked/tad rubbery and then they were watery too because they sat in the sauce from the brussel sprouts. The point of a scallop sear is to provide that ever so slight crispy edge texture, coupled with an almost creamy softness inside. It's a powerful contrast of textures. All that was missing. Never mind the bland sides. My Jambalaya was a tad dry (though the flavor was perfectly balanced) but again, the shrimp on top was rubbery. Perfectly fresh amazing-looking jumbo shrimp, overcooked. The Bad: Noise level. Probably the loudest food place I've ever been to. Had to yell to each other to communicate. The husband got an awful headache. The owner came by to check on our table then left. I asked him why he did not tell the owner about the overcooked items and he just said he wanted to get the hell out of there due to the noise. He's never done that in many years of our marriage. I felt bad, cos it was his birthday. The other bad thing is, of course, their prices. For what they charge, you'd expect everything to come out perfectly cooked and it just wasn't.

    (3)

  • Gary E.

    Can be crowed but worth the wait. Seafood is fresh, oysters are shucked all day by two guys that do nothing else. They have one of my top 3 Lobster Rolls, it's really good. They have a ton of waitstaff, I have never seen so many waitstaff for a relatively small place. They do try to get everyone in and out in a comfortable amount of time.

    (4)

  • Justin M.

    Absolutely amazing seafood!! This place really makes me miss RI! Stopped by last weekend in the afternoon and absolutely packed to the gills! Ended up with a great table outside after a short wait which we had a couple of beers from the outdoor bar... While extremely busy, service was flawless, greeted quickly, brought over more drinks, and the feast began! Started with a selection of oysters and jumbo shrimp- I'm serious, these shrimp are massive! Devoured those very quickly! Next came a Caesar salad, of course they do it the right way with anchovies, perfect amount of dressing and nice grilled bread on the side. Also, when you split a salad, they portion it out for you in 2 plates, which again was perfect. Our meals then came out, with one order of the swordfish, which was fresh and tasty, with some excellent sides, perfect summer dish. I had the fish and chips, which again could not have been better, fish was fried but not greasy at all, the fish just melted in your mouth, the cole slaw was vinegary and sweet, just the way I like it, and the fries were great. Waddled our way out of there to retrieve the car from valet, satiated, happy and stuffed!

    (5)

  • Brandy M.

    Wow! Amazing food and staff! Gorgeous view, I'm very excited to see the new addition!

    (5)

  • Anthony C.

    Outstanding Oysters and Seafood selection! Staff are friendly and attentive! One of my favorite summer spots, it never disappoints!!

    (5)

  • Catherine M.

    My first 5 star on Yelp!! This restaurant is absolutely perfect starting with the view. The Judith Point oysters were ice cold and magnificent. The flavor combos in the grilled shrimp, arugula, watermelon, feta, pignoli salad was beyond compare. If I lived here, I would stop in at least once a week. But I would do it at 1130am to avoid the wait!!

    (5)

  • Josh H.

    Went there for mid day meal. Had lobster. Cooked perfectly. Had stuffies. Flavorful and great texture. Had the tuna tartare tacos. Not too shabby. Dogfish IPAs. Yum. Overall food great. So many seafood places to choose from so it's hard for one to stand out but this one does. Waiter was excellent. At first he saw us, covered in tattoos but dressed nicely and had a look of "I hope these guys don't skip the bill" on his face but relaxed when he talked to us. It's sad and funny at the same time but we are used to it. You can tell it's a money town when the first reaction of people is to look at you and assume you don't belong because you're not exactly like them. Seems like half locals and half snobby tourists with sweaters around their necks. Wtf is up with that. Anyways spent 125 and walked out happy feeling like it was worth the price. Sat outside towArds the back. Perfect view and noise level. We went around two thirty pm. We will be returning. With skull covered sweaters around our necks.

    (5)

  • Augie B.

    With a waterside scenery, beautiful sunset, great friends, and great atmosphere; my time there was quite enjoyable. There is only valet parking. If you go on a busy day, there will be a substantial wait time, but it's ok there is a bar. It may be a little pricey for some but just be prepared. I indulged myself with a dozen oyster accompanied with a beer. Unfortunately, the names of the oysters escapes me but the taste I have not forgotten. I occasionally put toppings on the oysters but chose to eat it "naked" and my god, the sweet and briny taste of each one was phenomenal. Overall this place was amazing.

    (5)

  • Hank D.

    We went this Monday and it was pretty packed for a Monday at 5pm. Valet the car that took no time at all. We were greeted immediately and sat with in 3 minutes under the tent. It was a little cold outside so I wish we waited for a seat in the sun. The server was very professional and knowledgable about the menu. The drinks were great and the food was excellent as I ordered the prime rib with scallops on the side. My mother in law had the lobster roll and my wife and the sea bass. The appetizer was 2 orders of raw oysters with 3 different oyster selections. The whole experience was great and the staff can burn and turn a table with out making you feel rushed in the slightest. I highly recommend this spot and I not sure why I haven't gone sooner?!?

    (5)

  • Jessica A.

    Great dinner. What a crowd there was a line of traffic to get into the parking lot with a cop directing. Dinner was good we had a bass special, the vegetables were great it was a mix of maybe 5 veggies fresh not too cooked. I did not eat from the raw bar but my boyfriend did and it was good. The raw bar looks good. The whole place all together was a nice atmosphere. Definitely would return.

    (5)

  • Rob R.

    I am sad that this 5-star dining experience is so far away from where I live. Sigh. So, why the 5 stars?: - the seafood was delicious. We had a massive plate of oysters, steamers, fried clams, clam chowder, raw clams, and clams cooked in sauce. We all left fatter. - better prices than that fancy joints in Providence - great location. If you sit outside you get a view of a marshland/river, docks, old dudes on paddleboards, and other wildlife. - they were super busy (on a Monday) but it still only took 4 minutes to get a table. Luck of the draw? - food and drink orders were also delivered fast, despite the crowd - Some people don't like this one, but their servers are all really attractive. What? It's part of the scenery... - Our particular server was the most mellow dude in the world. As in lobotomy mellow. Drop a plate? Groovy. One person at the table can't eat gluten? Groovy - we got all kinds of clams, I'll get you something else. He was so mellow we didn't notice him show up half the time.

    (5)

  • Karen L.

    My favorite place!!! The view is spectacular, food consistently delicious, and service perfect. They have the freshest seafood, veggies, and meats; a true understand of farm to table. Favorite dishes are raw matunuck oysters, bourbon oysters, scallops, lobster roll, farm fresh veggies, salmon, and pesto chicken pasta... just to name a few! A must visit!!

    (5)

  • Jim W.

    So fresh, so well prepared, so shut the front door good! For my first visit we ordered a couple of mega trays of the fresh shellfish as you enter. You won't find better oysters, little necks, shrimp and scallops. The meal following was just as crazy good. I had a halibut special cooked perfectly! You know it is good when there are six people passing forks back and forth for the duration of the meal. Excellent!!!

    (5)

  • Craig C.

    So we actually live on the shoreline in CT, about 75 minutes south. However, when in the mood for top-notch seafood, we get in the car and head across the border to RI, probably passing 100 or-so seafood restaurants along the way. We take friends and visitors here; we meet people here from MA or RI. Any excuse for a Matunuck fix. I never cease to be amazed at their ability to move vast hordes of humanity through on any summer weekend (though we try to come up during the week) (pity the poor valet parking guys who run non-stop for hours on end) and still provide really good and well-prepared seafood. DO NOT miss the Oyster sampler, usually including at least a couple of their own varieties. Small, sweet and nutty. Fried belly clams are tops. Grilled fish ditto. Haven't yet had a losing meal. Fringe benefit -- very attractive wait staff.

    (5)

  • Beverly S.

    I have been dying (well not quite, but very anxious) to go to the Matunuck Oyster Bar for quite a while now. I have heard so many people say "we're going there for dinner tonight," "my niece took me for my birthday," etc. and I just for some reason did not have the opportunity or the desire to drive "all the way" to South County for a meal. Ah, but today, serendipitously I had a doctor's appointment in Wakefield and my dear friend would be getting out of her OLLI class at URI at the same time. Perfect opportunity to get together for lunch at the lovely Matunuck Oyster Bar. The weather was just perfect for dining al fresco, and sunny enough to sit under the large canopy covering a large percentage of the outdoor seating area. (The other area of outdoor seating, but not undercover, was the bar, at which people seemed to be eating, drinking, and having a lot of fun!) My friend and I were both STARVING. Thus, we over-ordered. I don't know why, but we both do this sometimes, she more than I, and we end up either leaving a lot of food uneaten, or my pal gets to go home with a large doggie bag, I wanted a glass of wine, and ended up ordering a Bloody Mary. Yeah, I do weird stuff like that sometimes - I think it had something to do with being hungry. We both had Bloody Mary's and they were both excellent. Due to our starvation, we both ordered appetizers (the menu is SO extensive, I literally changed my mind about four times as to what to order). Friend ordered six grilled oysters (cooked in a variety of ways: 2 were Rockefeller, 2 were barbecued and 2 were in pesto I think.) I actually prefer raw oysters to grilled, but I tasted a couple and they weren't bad. In turn I shared my humongous (not an exaggeration) platter of calamari. It was done really nicely - with a light crust and, of course, deep fried with hot peppers, this being RI and all, with pending legislation in the State House, even, to make this the state appetizer. (Not kidding). I also ordered a BOWL of chowder, when seriously folks, a cup would have been quite sufficient. I could not finish the bowl of chowder, along with the calamari appetizer - we split the calamari and there was still some left on the plate. The chowder was excellent - it was the clear type, and filled with fresh, tender clams (MOST unusual), and perfectly cooked potatoes and BACON! How could you go wrong with this? You can't -- it was delicious -- but I could only finish less than half. I had to change my lunch order because it sounded too filling and I thought I would fall over-my plate-asleep-right there at the table. Instead, my dining companion and I each ordered a half a lobster, served cold, with the shells all cracked and accompanied by some cocktail sauce and lemons. I was too full to enjoy it, and I only ordered it because I know a half a lobster is gonna be very light fare - it doesn't have much meat in it. It was good, as far as I could tell. I was literally too stuffed to really know how good it was. In our maniacally hungry mode when we first arrived, we also ordered, and then cancelled, an order of french fries! I simply do not know what we were thinking. Girls just don't eat like this!! We felt like we had just gotten out of prison, where we were not fed much. :-) My mother and father used to tell me my eyes were bigger than my stomach. My stomach is a lot larger today than it was back then, but this adage still applies to me sometimes. We finished our meal bursting at the seams, and had some coffee, but obviously, no dessert. The service was excellent, our orders were changed with our waitress easily, and she kept a smile on her face the whole time! Whew. The place was PACKED - on a Monday afternoon - from lunchtime right up until we left at around three (it takes a while to eat all of that food!) - and it's not even the season yet, down at the beach. Bottom line, everything we had was an excellent representative of the type of food we ordered, but we ate too much to honestly enjoy it as much as we should have. Yes, we committed the seventh deadly sin - gluttony. I am ashamed of myself. I don't think my friend is though - she is skinny and can eat her own weight in food just about any time. (I am not skinny and cannot normally eat THAT much, yet I still gain weight. Life.Is.Not.Fair) When I go back to the Matunuck Oyster Bar, I will use better judgment, will know better what (and how much) to order, In the meantime, I heartily suggest you try it. I do not know if they take reservations, but from what I've heard this place is always packed so plan ahead. And P.S., we sat in a lovely area abutting a body of water (a pond perhaps), where all of the oysters at this restaurant are homegrown. Our greeter told us there were hundreds of thousands of oysters down there, all grown and harvested by the restaurant's owner. Good times at the Oyster Bar! I will def go back, and will do a follow up Yelp!

    (4)

  • Justin B.

    I have to say, This is my favorite seafood restaurant! Plenty of outdoor seating with large umbrellas makes this the destination after a day on the beach! Valet parking, great staff, and excellent food, Matunuck Oyster Bar just nails it! First off the oysters are local, I mean they are so local the boat that they use is parked on the dock off the dining patio. The owner also is the Oyster "farmer", and is the nicest guy you will ever meet! Not only did he come by and ask us how our meal was, but I saw him clearing a table to help his staff. The Seafood is the freshest you're going to find, just around the corner is Snug Harbor, which is the full of the best fisherman in New England. They keep Matunuck Oyster Bar stocked with fish that just can't get any fresher. The Stuffie is a must and so is the Littlenecks Clams and Chorizo. I love they way they prepare Yellowfin Tuna! I have had it a few times prepared multiple ways. You just can't go wrong!

    (5)

  • S Nicole M.

    I really wanted to come to Matunuck Oyster Bar. For a really long time, in fact. I was anticipating a five star experience...or at least a solid four star. I don't need perfection. First off. I was a liltte intimidated by the stories of a lengthy wait. I mean, I usually have my three little ones in tow along with my husband. The four of them (my husband included) do not tolerate a wait of more than a couple of minutes. Date night sans kids provided a great opportunity for me to venture here. I knew I could soothe my husband's table wait anxiety with their fully stocked bar. We pulled up to the complimentary valet which was a nice surprise. Not so nice? The stench wafting from the back of the restaurant that greeted my nostrils when I stepped out of my car. I mean nasty of all nasty odors. Asked the valet and he joked about low tide...and then admitted it was from the discarded shells. Note to owners - find a better way to get rid of it. Luckily no signs of the stench followed us to the lovely deck overlooking the river. I put my request in for an umbrella'd table and took my pager/buzzer to the outside bar to enjoy a date night drink. The bar man was pleasant and poured a lovely Jack 'n Diet Coke that started the night off right. Limited beer selections stumped the huz and he ended up settiling for a Corona. Three draft craft choices were okay, but some other bottled opitions (other than Corona, Bud and Coors) would be welcome. We didn't really wait that long. But who really cares how long when you're knee deep in a heavy Jack 'n Diet Coke? (I am ever a fan of liquid dinners, but tonight was about the food). My verdict. Overall the food was mediocre at best with a couple a brief shining stars. The calamari had the potential for excellence with the arugula,capers and alioli but came out as a greasy, over-fried disappointment. The stuffie had good flavor but it wasn't heated all the way through and was actually cold in the center. I did enoy a plate of cherrystones and Matunuck oysters from the raw bar, but was almost done with the plate when the waitress returned with my horseradish. For dinner, my husband and I both enjoyed the lobster roll. Generous chunks of claw and knuckle nestled in a bun that I felt was way too big. I am a fan of the traditional butter grilled hot dog bun and this roll was more like a grinder roll. But high marks for the simple prep which showcased the lobster with little mayo and subtle seasonings. I was excited for the handcut french fries that accompanied the lobster roll but they arrived greasy and way over done. I like crispy but there wasn't even a scant trance of potato inside the fries. The service wasn't terrific. I didn't get a second Jack 'n Diet until dinner even though my glass sat lonely at the edge of the table. We didn't get a server check-in after the appetizer food arrived at the table so when our dinner course arrived, she asked if everything was okay. I politely told her about the lacking issues and she said "you should have told me". Where were ya? Poor dear. Obviously, not a ON night for her. So I guess I really don't know what all the fuss is about. The prices are on target for the area, but honestly the food did not impress.And neither did the service. I love seaside escapes that serve up good eats and this spot just doesn't fit the bill.

    (2)

  • Laura S.

    When I imagined what my life was going to be like after moving to Providence, this was it. I stopped in for a late lunch with a friend after a few hours lounging on the beach in East Matunuck. We were seated on the patio almost immediately, and had perfect weather - blue skies, a light breeze, warm but not too hot. I mean, I know I can't give the restaurant credit for the amazing weather, but it was a wonderful spot to take advantage of it! Neither of us had ever eaten an oyster before (I know!) so we both started off with 3 raw oysters, one of each type they had available that day. Our waitress was very helpful when I told her that I had no idea how to eat them. I screwed up my courage and ... discovered that I like oysters! A lot! I usually try to get something different than my dining companions so that we can share and maximize the potential deliciousness, but both of us quickly realized that we couldn't order anything but the lobster roll. This was an excellent tactical decision, because had we planned to share it, someone would have been disappointed - there is no way you would have gotten half of that sandwich off my plate! I *might* have been willing to give you a bite, but only one. The sandwich was full to brimming of giant, delicious chunks of lobster meat with a very light amount of mayonnaise dressing - just enough for flavor and to hold it together, but not at all goopy. Exactly what I was looking for. The sandwich was served with a massive portion of very good fries. It wasn't an inexpensive meal, but for the quality of the food and the location it was absolutely worth it.

    (5)

  • Lyd M.

    My Summer isn't complete until I've sat on the deck, taken in the beautiful view, sipped a glass of white wine, and indulged in a dozen oysters and a lobster roll. This is the best seafood around. So fresh, delicious, and simply prepared. The prices are totally reasonable and the service is great considering how busy it always is. I try to go mid-afternoon weekdays because I usually end up with a table on the deck after a short wait. Owner Perry's oysters are the best, hands down, and he just started his own vegetable farm this year as well. It gets better every year and is shaping up to be a real destination restaurant in RI. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Meghan C.

    My husband and I ate here yesterday after a neighbor recommended we try it since we are huge seafood people. We weren't disappointed! Some of the oysters we had literally came from the other side of the deck we ate on. Some of the vegetables are from their veggie garden. The food was amazing and the steamers were some of the best I have ever had. Sweet..not a si gel bit of sand. My husband LOVE his burger, and the views/ atmosphere are perfect. ENTHUSIASTICALLY recommend!!

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    you will not be disappointed!!!!!! The best chowder and seafood you will ever eat. However, if you are bringing small kids, be aware of the wait . This is a small place, and very popular, so you definitely expect to wait in line. It is worth the wait however. All their seafood is local and fresh, I think the biggest problem may be that they are understaffed.. also , don't bring big groups here, there's just no room.. and they don't take reservations.

    (4)

  • Melanie S.

    Good, but 2 peeves. Flies. Flying all around inside. Disgusting!!! The waitress, Naomi will single you out by asking only you and not your date for ID. Tactless. I'm in my 30's-I don't mind being asked, but don't single me out! Unless you're with someone who is way older; all parties should be asked for their IDs. (At my job, I make sure to follow that rule; as it's tacky to not.) Don't get me wrong; she was nice, other than that. The food was pretty good. I wasn't blown away; but maybe it was the disgusting kamikaze flies that were distracting me from my experience. I'd probably go back and give it another shot; maybe I'll try the outdoor seating and hope for less flies, this time.

    (3)

  • Brandon And K.

    Great seafood. The atmosphere is nice, but outside is a bit low key with outdoor bar and seating covered by pop up tents. If you like mussels they are a must have. The service is great because they have so many people working there. You will never have a table filled with dirty plates and empty water glasses. Very limited restrooms. The view from the patio is very pretty. It is usually very busy, but it's worth the wait and the valet parking.

    (4)

  • BrklynMaitai Y.

    Had to stop there for lunch today. Started with refreshing Matanuck martini. We enjoyed the oyster Sampler and little neck clams from the raw bar. Had linguini with clam sauce and ordered a lobster roll to go. OMG to die for lobster roll very meaty on delicious buttery bread. He had the grilled atlantic salmon. The ginger chili glaze is quite yummy and the crispy snow peas and rice...Great dish. Manager came by and checked on every table. The service was excellent. Definitely stop in you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Kelly D.

    I've been here many times and have always had a positive experience. I'm a local, so I generally try to avoid the summer crowds. But, my mother-in-law was recently in town and made a reservation for 9 of us. I thought we'd all be "3 sheets to the wind" before we got seated. As it turned out our wait was only a half hour. I was pleasantly surprised and still sober. The waitstaff were great. The oysters are a must for first timers and frequent flyers. Lobster rolls, tuna steak, swordfish, pasta with white clam sauce....just to name a few, were all delicious. Some reviewers complain about the crowds and the noise. This is a popular place. Probably THE most popular restaurant in South County. If you're a tourist or a seasonal visitor expect the crowds, the noise, and longer waits. It's worth it!

    (5)

  • Joel G.

    Best oysters during week-long trip through New England. Enjoyed the steamers with drawn butter, too. Entrees were lacking in flavor and inspiration. Go for the raw bar and waterfront views.

    (5)

  • Andrew S.

    So much New England charm. It reminds me that, yes, God does exist in all creatures, all things. And I think He can be found in highest concentration in: - Stuffed Lobster from Matunuck Oyester Bar - The Islander sampler of various fresh, seasonal, local seafood - All the above washed down with a few local beers on draft A bit pricey but good. I seriously think about this place often, as I live in Manhattan, and can't wait to visit again. ASIDE FROM THE FOOD, I recommend: - Standing at the Raw Bar - Sitting at the Bar with a view, if weather permits (summer)

    (5)

  • Kara C.

    You cannot beat the food quality or service at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Servers and bartenders are friendly and knowledgable about the overall menu, oyster selection, and drink list. MOB has set the bar so high, I am disappointed when I eat other places. I don't even mind waiting a while to sit down since it is always worth it.

    (5)

  • Tom C.

    What a great place! A sleeper! On the way to the beach saw this cool little restaurant and stopped in. Wow! So glad we did. A great seafood place that filled up quickly. We arrived at about 11:30 on a Saturday morning. Only a few people in here an hour later the inside was full, they had expanded to the outside covered and heated sitting area and people were coming in by the fours. We had the calamari which was excellent. I had a bowl of chowder that was fantastic. It was filling, but not to rich. The kids were not feeling like seafood, so they opted for the kids pasta. I love Rhode Island restaurants. This place will not disappoint! Don't tell too many people though, let's keep it out secret.

    (4)

  • A Local's Review For U.

    Ate here last night for the first time. Had a "Fisherman's Dinner" special with fried cod, fried oysters, and a 'Homemade Stuffie' served with fries for $19. The fried fish and oysters were fine, enjoyable but nothing special, the stuffie was tasty but I could detect nothing other than breadcrumbs and seasoning. The fries were very good, cooked perfectly until crisp on the edges and well salted. Overall neither a rip off nor a bargain for $19. A glass of white wine ran $11, but I should have asked before ordering it, more reasonable options were available. Our dining partners had a lobster roll which looked very generous and was very well received, I would guess next time that might be my selection. Oysters on the half shell were also reported to be very nice. Overall, my impression was that similar quality food could be found elsewhere for a bit less, and I was a little disappointed that fries seemed to be served with almost everything, but that said, this place seems to serve reasonably good food at somewhat reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Rene L.

    Simply superb! The oysters, the cocktails, the rest of the menu, the staff, the owner, the location. What more can I say, we have been off season, at the height of the summer season, on weekday and weekends. They never slip or get offtrack.

    (5)

  • Karen V.

    We LOVE this place! Every time we go here it gets better and better, whether it's raining, cloudy or sunny we sit outside and enjoy the wonderful view and enjoyable vibe this place has. FOOD is AMAZING! I've had several things on the menu including the fresh list - it's all GREAT and is probably one of the best if not the BEST place to have seafood in Rhode Island, go there - you will not be disappointed!!!

    (5)

  • Jo. P.

    Very consistent & fresh food! Oysters are so fresh! Nice and relax, still efficient staff! Great place!

    (5)

  • Matt I.

    If you want FRESH, FRESH, FRESH, oysters,DO NOT MISS stopping here. It is not too far off Route 1 in Southern, RI. I am an oyster aficionado, I make that claim having consumed 6 dozen oysters at one sitting once. And, between NYC and Wellfleet, MA these are without question the BEST you will find, AND, they give Wellfleet a run for its money too. If you love oysters, sitting in the sun, by a tidal river, you cannot find a better place to spend a couple of hours and your money. You won't be sorry.

    (5)

  • Katie B.

    We fortunately didn't have to wait long to be seated because the party we were with got there about an hour before we did. I don't have any complaints about Matunuck Oyster Bar. The wait staff was nice, attentive and quick especially considering how busy they were! The food was excellent, there were no complaints from any one at our table of 6. Good experience all around!

    (5)

  • Kristi L.

    Such a great little spot! I went to MOB yesterday with my husband and his parents for lunch and it was great! Now, I have to start by saying I'm not really into shellfish, or calamari for that matter, so I can't speak much to that. However, the good news is for those who are like me with their food preferences, there are plenty of options! I had the Atlantic Salmon with the vegetables and scallion polenta and it was fantastic. My husband got a fried cod sandwich which also looked amazing. The location is very unassuming, but the outside seating was great (I did not go inside so I can't speak to the set up in there). Complimentary valet proved to be quite helpful as this place was PACKED. That said, it's worth the drive/wait!

    (5)

  • Pam D.

    Stumbled upon this place by accident...Oysters were amazing...fresh. Whole belly clams were very good. Lobster roll, stuffed. Service was very good. The locals were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Marc F.

    I love this place. A couple of summers ago my wife and I were kayaking in Ninigret Pond. I noticed some sort of roped off area and a boat working it. I drifted over to inquire. They were harvesting oysters that afternoon to be served that evening. The nice guys on the boat recommend which tasty mollusk to try that night and we were not disappointed. We have been back several times and never been disappointed. Yes, the wait can be daunting but sit back, order a martini and a dozen or so of your favorite oysters and enjoy yourself. This is South County at it's best.

    (5)

  • Rich T.

    Five stars again....... Been back twice this summer, most recently last evening... Service great, portions were large, no skimping on fish. Owner was visiting tables, ensuring quality. Like the new outside bar,

    (5)

  • Alma C.

    Very good seafood option in RI, especially since the staff is very knowledgeable and uncompromising about seafood quality (they'd better be since they farm and sell their own cultured oysters). I usually just end up buying their oysters at the weekend farmer's market in Providence since it's more convenient, but this place is definitely worth the hike if you expect very fresh seafood.

    (4)

  • Greta H.

    Off season at 11:45, half dozen Matunucks, a beer, and Little Necks & Chourico, cole slaw on the side. No room for dessert. (oomph!) This place has the goods. As a visitor, I can see why locals might be chuffed that they have to valet park (it's free, and only so they can squeeze in as many cars as possible), and wait in line, but that half dozen Perfectly Shucked Matunuck oysters from Potters Pond (the body of water you are looking at) explain WHY. So go, and Love the oysters and all the other seafood amazingness ( the lobster roll is crazy... Who puts whole claws in the roll? and, yes they grill the buns), and know that if it is a warm early evening, there will be a line. But when you do get a table, the world is your oyster, and it comes with good beer.

    (5)

  • Rebecca D.

    Great food & the service is always good, too. Nice selection at the bar, too.

    (4)

  • Lynn P.

    I have been dying to get to this place and give it a try but DH is not a fan of waiting-so I finally convinced a friend to go with me. We got there around 11:30 for lunch and got right in. Had a wonderful table on the outside deck-gorgeous views and terrific service. I ordered the goat cheese and beet salad and had oysters on it, my friend got the lobster roll. Both our dishes were FABULOUS. I will be back again and am dragging my husband with me-even if we do have to wait it is well worth it!!

    (5)

  • Jenn D.

    There were four in our party and the 90 minute wait just flew by. There were so many people and not once did any one of us feel crowded or overwhelmed. We were met with friendly service right from the valet through the hostess stand to dinner and dessert. I can't say enough good things about the quality of the food. I had the stuffed lobster, and there were shrimp and scallops included! Just wonderfully prepared and presented. We had a great time and are planning to return.

    (5)

  • Marina F.

    I am writing this review because as of our last visit, we were highly dissatisfied with the service at the restaurant, which was pretty shocking since we love and frequent Matunuck Oyster Bar. My husband and I were at the restaurant on a very rainy Friday night at 8pm. We were seated right away and got our drinks. My oysters (wonderful and delicious) came out 5 min later, which was great. As soon as I finished them, our entrees arrived. It seemed a bit rushed for a Friday night to have our entrees within 15 min of arrival, but I understand that it happens sometimes at a restaurant. For our entrees, my husband loved his swordfish. As I started eating my salmon, it seemed fine at first, maybe because it was encrusted with sweet potato, but then I realized it was brown on the inside and not thoroughly cooked. Now something like that should not happen at a seafood restaurant that is known for its high quality. The waitress came right away and offered me another dish, but I really liked the salmon, so I asked for the same dish. Over the next 20 min, I sat and watched my husband put down his swordfish. All I was hoping for was a nice drama free Friday night, not the kind that we had. Who wants to eat alone at a restaurant, especially one that costs more than average? By the time my food finally arrived, my husband already finished eating. Perry came out and apologized for the fish, which was nice, but did not offer us anything. I then had to ask him to flag down the waitress for another drink. At exactly 9pm we got our check. Nothing was compensated, not the entrees, nor the drinks we had (2 martinis and 1 beer). As we were leaving, we saw the people who were still there before we arrived. I mean who spends 1 hour at a restaurant on a Friday night? But to be honest, we were glad to leave. We were beyond disappointed. Ever since Matunuck Oyster Bar became an establishment, we loved and supported the place! Since we are local, we frequent the restaurant at off season and on week nights. We never complain and always have a great time there. Yet the one thing we noticed this time, is the indifference. We had really high hopes, and it's sad to see the quality and service decline with time. It seems that the more popular the place gets, the more indifferent the staff are. I tried sending an email to the restaurant, but got no response in return. Really sad to be treated that way:(

    (2)

  • David K.

    Fantastic Quonset oysters shucked fresh that we're beyond superb. Had a bowl of New England Clam Chowder that was as delightful as any I have ever eaten. The service was friendly and attentive, and the setting is absolutely postcard perfect. The oyster po-boys were enjoyed equally as much by several in my party. A must visit spot when dining on the Rhode Island coast!

    (5)

  • Brenna H.

    Oysters oysters and oysters. They are as fresh as you can get, coming right from the Matunuck farm. The oysters were not the largest I have ever had but the taste was unbeatable; not to sweet, perfectly salty and served with vinegar, cocktail sauce and lemon. They also cary a variety of local oysters, which are equally delicious. I also ordered the lobster role, which was filled with jucy and plump claw meat. The service was delightful and the ambience was quaint but comfortable. Unfortunately it was raining and the patio was not open. The patio has a nice explaination of the oyster harvesting process and the local salt lakes. I always enjoy education with my meal. It was also off season on a Wednesday, I was seated right away, but I am sure that is not the case during the summer months. Make sure you check this place out, Prost.

    (5)

  • Lee J.

    Truly amazing. Even the cocktails. We went in the middle of the week, early on a snowy night praying there would be no wait. We were seated right away in the corner overlooking the pond. Fantastic service. Fantastic food. The raw bar was incredible. The fried oysters and clams were HEAVEN. Mussels were good. Chowder was great. Can't wait to go back. We may try to sneak in one more visit before the season begins. Treat yourself!

    (5)

  • Glenn C.

    Following an afternoon of sun and surf at nearby East Matunuck beach my wife and I stopped in and had a delicious beet salad, some steamers and a lobster roll; but the highlight was sitting back with a cold draft beer and enjoying the briny oysters with a view of the pond where they are farmed and the smell of salt air in the breeze. Near perfect summertime in New England food experience!

    (5)

  • Jim Y.

    Lobster rolls were excellent. Matunack oysters are the best. Really enjoyed every part of the meal.

    (5)

  • Sarita O.

    My favorite new restaurant. I grew up down the road from this place before it was Matunuck Oyster Bar. It has certainly done much better than the previous restaurants who used the space. Really does speak volumes about the hard work the owners have put into the place. As others have already mentioned, this is not the place to come if you are in a rush or have somewhere to be for the rest of the evening. This is the kind of restaurant that makes you slow down, relax, and stay awhile before building up to an amazing dining experience. My best advice, don't go starving, have some drinks with friends or family in the bar/picnic area, have some appetizers from the raw bar, and enjoy the view! I've been 3 times in the past year or so. The wine list is always great and the specials are always so intriguing. However, I am just so in love with their Cod dishes, I keep ordering that every time. Absolutely the best fresh cod I've ever had whether cooked at home or out to eat. The current cod they're featuring is a pistachio crusted filet with a side of fresh seasonal veggies (which they grown themselves) and saffron rice. So so good. Also, don't miss the opportunity to get dessert while you're there. The owner and her mother make all the desserts from scratch and they are phenomenal. All in all, totally worth the wait. My new favorite local place. : )

    (5)

  • Bob P.

    Hard to say much that hasn't been said about this.... I moved here a year ago and started hearing about this place right on the water with the bestest freshest oysters... finally got here, off-season, dark night, and ........wow. We went on a Monday night in mid-January, and the place was full. THAT says something right there, cuz if you don't know where to look, you ain't gonna find this place....!! It has a loyal following, and it is well deserved. We had a couple of oyster plates, with clams, local oysters all shucked right then and there. awesome. The rest of the folks had real dinners, all were quite happy with theirs, I had the oyster stew "starter".... THE BEST oyster stew I have EVER had. Yeah, I liked it! Had tastes of various dinners (salmon, seared scallops, oysters on linguine) all good, all vegetables perfectly done. Just a really nice, really good dinner. Now, I just have to wait til it warms up and there's a long summer evening to enjoy on the deck with a craft beer and some fresh slurpers... mmmmm....

    (5)

  • Zac S.

    I love this place. I grew up in this area and have seen it be so many flops. I would be a good chunk of change that the M.O.B is here to stay. Firstly the oysters are so good. I love local oysters. I love fresh oysters. Fresh local oysters & I am very happy. But if you are not a raw oyster kind of person there is plenty more on the menu. They have a great fried fish sandwich. Thier scallop dishes are great. I had a wonderful lobster roll today that was PACKED with lobster meat, and light on the mayo. Their chowder is not the absolute best I have ever had, but it is good. I haven't even mentioned the location. What a gorgeous setting. Even in the winter it is a great place to be. Overall I can't say enough great things about this wonderful addition to South County. If you are thinking about trying it, don't hesitate, although I hear it can get quite busy at popular times, especially on beautiful summer days (I have always been at off peak times/days). But they have a great patio where you can hang out and wait. There are not many (any?) better options in the area.

    (5)

  • Maryjane R.

    Meh. I was so excited to go here!! Did we just have a terrible experience? Not really, I just wasn't impressed with what we got for the money THE GOOD: Monday night in October, so we were seated right away. Service was friendly, and food arrived in a timely manner. We split a salad to start which was super fresh and had a delightful lemon vinaigrette on it. My old man ordered a rib-eye medium rare, and Sweet Sweet Jesus that piece of meat was cooked PERFECTLY!! Juicy and tender, Mmmmmmmmm....... Nice roasted fingerling potatoes on the side, which are hard to screw up, and fresh fall veggies. Guiness chocolate tarte to finish, which was super dense and rich and yummy. THE BAD: What we drove for an hour for- OYSTERS!! They had 10 different varieties on the menu, so we ordered 2 of each. "No, sorry" the waitress tells us, they only have 2 varieties of the 10 listed on the menu!! What the hell?! That was extremely disappointing and we begrudgingly ordered 6 of each variety. I ordered the pistachio encrusted cod with saffron risotto and veggies. The piece of cod was huge, but the pistachios barely covered the top of the piece of fish. Because cod is such a light, almost tasteless, white fish, there was no flavor to any bite that did not have nuts in it. I wound up eating only the top of the fish. The saffron risotto was possibly the blandest food I have ever eaten, and in retrospect I should have sent it back to the kitchen. Salt and pepper couldn't even save that guy. Flourless Guiness chocolate tarte for dessert was to die for, except it was topped with Hersheys chocolate syrup?! Gross. They were out of the Port that we ordered. After $175 (including tax & tip) I was not impressed at all.

    (2)

  • Gary M.

    Great outdoor seating. Most dishes are quite good, however, I find anything fried leaves the kitchen overdone and dark brown. Salads are skimpy, but the lobster roll and raw bar very good. Please do more quality control with fried dishes, and please bump up the salad portion!

    (3)

  • Paul P.

    One of the best seafood places in the state, but it's certainly no secret. Prepare to wait for a seat, but the outdoor bar is decent and the view is spectacular. The shrimp and stuffies are great, and all of the seafood is super fresh.

    (5)

  • Dave L.

    Had lunch with my wife, on a sunny spring afternoon. The restaurant is situated next to some pretty marshes and is bright inside with many windows overlooking the scenery. Service was pleasant and very good. We ordered a bowl of quahog chowder, she had an arugula salad with grilled shrimp, and I had a fried oyster po'boy. The chowder was one of the best I've ever had! You get a generous bowl, filled with large pieces of tender quahog, big chunks of new potato, BACON, and a delicious broth that was redolent of the heavenly taste of butter and fresh cream. It was neither too thick, or too thin, and was served piping hot, as it should be. There were some fresh herbs, which may have included tarragon, and a gentle hand with the salt. I'd go back just for more of this chowder, it is that good! She got her salad, which was nicely presented with grilled red onion fans, four very large grilled shrimp, some shaved cheese on top, and dressed with some sort of balsamic vinaigrette. She loved it, and I had a taste of the shrimp, which was very tasty, and cooked just right. My po'boy was served with a large helping of delicious hand-cut fries. The sandwich was stuffed with delicately fried oysters. They were lightly battered, and creamy inside. The waitress brought me a ramekin of remoulade sauce which I spread on the soft but substantial roll. There was some lettuce in there too, but I was too into the oysters to really pay attention. The fries were delicious, and cooked to a perfect golden brown. Coleslaw was the other side on the plate, and it was very good, but it was coleslaw. Still, pretty good, nice amount of mayo, not too sweet, very good counterpoint to the richness of the oysters. I would definitely go back, and want to try it for dinner one of these evenings. It gets packed, so going in this pre-season period before all the damn OOTs (out-of-towners) invade is a good idea. On a warm day, or night, there's a great outside seating patio, with tables right by the water. That'll be for next time.

    (4)

  • Jane C.

    Love it. I have never had anything that I didn't like. In fact, I am not a fan of salmon but I loved it here. We go fairly regularly summer and winter. Cozy inside during the winter, hectic outside in the summer. I love it either way. The only problem I can comment on is the inexperience of the waitstaff sometimes. I think they should put more energy into training staff so it equals the food. They are generally quite friendly just not polished or organized in the frenetic summer season. Clearly, not so bad as to keep me away!

    (4)

  • DTronic S.

    I went here with my family and we had an excellent time. I had kind of a bad experience the first time I was here but I wanted to like this place so I gave it another chance and it ruled the second time around. My dad had the mussels for an app loved them. The oyster sampler was top notch and the colossal shrimp were also amazing and fresh as hell. Oyster Po boy like whoa. We sat outside and the ambiance was great and worth the 30+ minute wait. Another thing worth mention is the owner. He was helping out his staff clearing tables and running food. He was personally going around from table to table to ask customers how they were doing. I remembered this guy from my first time there when he comped my oysters because of a server error. Anyways, you can tell that this guy cares about his food and his customers.

    (4)

  • Herbert K.

    Yea, 3 stars - basically OK. Here's the thing - I pull into the parking lot, 2:30 on a Sunday, looking for some oysters and a beer. 3 guys standing there tell me that the whole parking lot is valet only. Huh? In Matunuck? WTF? So, I'm pissed to begin with at the pretense being thrust upon me, and pull out. If you know the area, you'll know that parking isn't abundant in the midst of the warm summer, and I resent the hell out of being forced to have someone park my car in one of the 22 available spots 17 feet from the door, so I can tip him. I find another spot and hike back, based on all the good reviews. I find a spot at the oyster bar, and manage to eventually place my order for a beer and a dozen. What I get was an entirely serviceable sampled of 4 ea, of 3 local oysters, which were all fresh, briney and tasty. Beer, 12 oysters and a tip, $35 and 15 minutes later, I'm out the door. Nah, I don't think I'll be back. There are lots of places in the south where you can get a dozen for $8, even less at happy hour - this is what I think of as an oyster bar - a place to enjoy some cold seafood and a beverage at a reasonable price. Yea, the moneyed crowd will quaff Pouilly Fuisse and keep this place jammed for quite some time - but it's just not the place for me. FWIW, you can buy the oysters @ the URI farmers market on Saturday mornings, for $10/dz - totally worth it!

    (3)

  • Jim F.

    The wait is around 90 minutes, and the prices are a little high, but the seafood is the best around. I've heard the owner described as an aquaculturist (they grown their own oysters) and a marine biologist by training, and so you expect the oysters to be the best of the best... and they are. As you wait, you are invited to have a drink and some seafood appetizers; however, you must immediately reveal your sports team affiliations by choosing from one of two beers on tap: Samuel Adams lager, or Brooklyn lager. There are plenty of New Yorkers and Bostonians here, and the place still has a "buzz" about it. We were finally shown to our outdoor table - behind a glass windbreak abutting a picturesque salt-water river. The raw bar boasts 10 different variations on oysters, but don't miss the fresh and delicious grilled oyster appetizer. We tried the special, a striped sea bass, which was as fresh and tender as could be, and a fried oyster and arugula salad, which was even better. Dessert was a chocolate torte, which I intended to have only a bite of. Not a realistic plan. Intense chocolate flavor. Highly recommended. Valet parking is mandatory but free.

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Excellent all around but Miles A was wrong valet was necessary!

    (5)

  • Sean M.

    So what do you say that hasn't already been said about a restaurant that has been reviewed so many times and has gained such a reputation and cult following. I have been here a few times and i have some thoughts to add to what others are saying. First of all this place has been a very fast success. Because of this it is an extremely busy restaurant. It is busy almost anytime it is open regardless of time or day of week. It gets worse in the summer and at peak dinner times any day and particularly on the weekends. It is clear from this fast growth and from reading other reviews that there are some growing pains. Sometimes the service falters a little and sometimes the food quality is a little off. All things considered i think they are doing their best to manage growth and i am confident they will continue to improve but you are going to wait. And in the winter the waiting area is small and so is the parking lot for that matter. If you don't like waiting this is not the place for you. If you can relax and make the best of it and enjoy the combination of local color and tourists you will have a good time. But to be clear, IF YOU DON'T LIKE WAITING OR CROWDS THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR YOU. The Food: So many people rave about the food that it seems some reviewers end up being let down. It is not a fine dining restaurant. It is a local fresh seafood restaurant and raw bar. I have tried many items on the menu and liked them all and loved most of them. The clams and Chorizo appetizer is something i could eat as a meal at least 3 times a week I like it so much. Try it. The raw bar is excellent too. They have a variety of fantastic oysters and clams and paired with one of their blood mary's it is fabulous. I have not had an entree I didn't like but I have only tried a few. I seem to always get full on the raw bar and those damn amazing clams and Chorizo. Two in my party ordered salad lat time we were in. A Ceasar and a green salad. Both were under dressed. The Cesar was actually less than spectacular and I wouldn't recommend it. Overall, I would advise going at off times and midweek if you don't want to wait. And the best time to enjoy this place is in the summer. You can have cocktails and raw bar on their nice patio while waiting for your table and then have dinner outside as well. Give it a try, I am betting you will like it.

    (4)

  • Brendan H.

    If I had more money...I would spend it here. The food is consistently great! This is the only restaurant around my home that parents are willing to drive all the way from Connecticut to share a meal. In the winter season their oysters are particularly sweet and delicious. The cod and scallops are always awesome, and if you are ready for a treat try the lazy man stuffed lobster.

    (5)

  • S M.

    Really nice place to eat. The staff is super friendly. Its a happy quiet place. Good food and very hospitable service. My grandfather told me that he likes the cute waitresses. He especially likes the one with the orange pants. He told me that if he was 75 years younger, I would have a new grandmother.

    (5)

  • Art F.

    Had a mid-week lunch here on the recommendation of a friend. We were not disappointed. The ambiance is that of the local RI beach area; casual and low key. The oyster raw bar faces you as you enter the building. We were seated immediately on a Wednesday afternoon about 1:30. The chowders were fresh and delicious. The fish and chips had a light batter that allowed the taste of the fresh fish to come through. The oyster po' boy was perfectly done with tender and fresh oyster taste. A nice lunch that we hope to recreate soon.

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    I have to love a place where I wait 10 mins on a 90 min wait! I had the grilled oysters yumm. They had 2 different mussels, one with a wine and garlic and the other with beer and onions. Both were delish:)

    (4)

  • Felecia W.

    being from the area, I know that the locals had been waiting and waiting for this place to open! I went for the 1st time with my mom and some friends last weekend around 5pm and it was PACKED! You are going to wait for a table, and once you get your table, you may even wait for your food or for a server, but its a small place with all of SK and Narragansett crammed in there, so cut them a little slack. There is a tented area with a cocktail server which should keep you occupied while you wait. The view is beautiful at anytime of the day, and the fish n chips is so light and amazing, I have dreams about it. The Crew there is doing a pretty good job considering that they have only been open for a month and a half, and went straight into a butt kicking summer. Good job guys! Cant wait to go back!!!

    (5)

  • Kathy M.

    Excellent place to bring guests from out of town. Great food. Great setting. A real Rhode Island experience.

    (5)

  • Dan S.

    Preseason = the right season... On the recommendations of a few friends, we took some out of towners looking for good New England seafood to the Matunuck Oyster Bar...we were well familiar with the area thanks to the beach down the road, but had never stopped in...definitely a new go to place for us... We decided to pass on the RI staple clam shacks in lieu of something a bit nicer, and we couldn't have made a better choice...this place is quintessential New England seafood at its finest - the view, the raw bar as you walk in, the boat pulling up bringing in its haul for the day...walking up on a path of crushed shells... Service - top notch...very attentive...not a mistake with anything ordered by our party of 9... Food - again, top notch...a great varied menu...a few highlights include the white chowder (2nd best I've had in Rhody...great thickness with a boatload of clams and bacon) & lobster bisque, the calamari appetizer, the scallops, and the chicken sandwich (yes, we had a non-seafood eater, and the thing looked delicious!)... Decor/Dining Room - the view can't be beat, especially as the boats roll up with their take...since it was off season, we sat inside, but the deck outside would be a great spot in the summer...from the other reviews, it seems like in-season can be a bit of a problem...the dining room is not overly large, and we were fortunate it was quiet, as a large party may have a tough time grabbing a table or three... FYI - no American Express...MC and VISA only... All in all, this may be a new go to spot when I have out of town guests...

    (5)

  • Eric F.

    Being huge oyster lovers, we had wanted to check this place out for some time. We made the drive down on a beautiful early June afternoon and were pleased to find that there was a very nice outdoor dining area overlooking the water. We asked to be seated outside and the only table available was a a small table right next to an outdoor bar that was not in use at the time. We could see directly behind the bar which had many buckets, some trash, and other random junk that was being stored. In all honesty they should not oven have a table there, but the view of the water was still very nice. It took a little longer then I would have liked to have initial contact with our server, but it was a very busy day. After our server came over there were no issues at all. She was pleasant, prompt, and friendly. We ordered a couple of stuffies, an oyster sampler, and a couple of beers. Stuffies were fantastic, oysters were fresh and tasty. We ended up getting a few more Oysters after the sampler. The prices were ok, but not cheap. It would be nice if they had some sort of raw bar happy hour or lunch special that I have seen at other places, but I guess you pay for the view, freshness, and location. All in all, a great place to grab some bivalves and a brew on a beautiful summer afternoon.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
  • Mon : 11:30 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Matunuck Oyster Bar

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