We dined here with our son and daughter in law. What a fabulous time. The service is quick and fun, atmosphere quaint and relaxing and the food was amazing. We had burgers, scallops, a couple bottles of wine, muscles, poutine and collards. We highly recommend all but the collards, they lacked seasoning and tasted odd. I can’t judge by one dish so overall the restaurants amazing. We’ll definitely make this a regular dining option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lo Cooper
Came through on our anniversary in the last hour of service on a busy Sunday night and had one of the best dining experiences. We were treated with warmth and attentiveness. We were only able to sit at the bar but the seats were comfortable , the bar was big enough to order “too much” food for the two of us comfortably. Had a lovely experience with the raw bar (the shrimp were cooked so perfectly), the mussels had an incredible depth of flavor and were perfectly tender, and the fingerling salad was complex and satisfying. The parsnip cake with brûléed poached pear did not disappoint. We were there until 9pm as the dining room was winding down and felt welcomed and taken care of, not rushed or in the way. So grateful for this spot and crew.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sue B.
Every meal I've had here has been delicious. The cocktails are always interesting and yummy too. I highly recommend trying the dessert even if it sounds odd. I think it was rutabaga cake I tried thinking "hmmm...I don't know about this..." but it was !
Amanda Dwelley
Always a treat for a warm and cozy evening - wine, oysters, scallop raw bar, *best* mussels in the area, great brussels sprouts. My family's go-to place for celebrating things, and in the winter, just a nice hangout!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JoAnne K.
I am celiac, and was happy to see many different options available for me at 18 Central. I started with one of their signature mocktails, the Buffalo Plaid. I enjoyed it very much. It was well made. I had the parsnip and scallop with chili oil soup for an appetizer. I found the chili oil a little spicy for me. The soup was very good, and I would order it again, minus the chili oil. For dinner I had the Divers Scallops over spaghetti squash with pine nuts, minus the chili peppers. The dinner was lovely. Scallops were well cooked. I also ordered fried brussel sprouts but the server returned and told me they weren't able to make them gluten free. I appreciate that the chef recognized that and sent the message. We sat at the bar. The bartender was very attentive and helpful.
Kat Tracy
One of our local favorites. As always, dinner was delicious. Oysters, crudo, halibut, sproggies and duck. John our server is always excellent. Superb service, fun and friendly. 18 C is a treasure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Crudo Appetizer, Scallops, Grilled Halibut
Myriam Le Cannellier
Had an excellent dinner from appetizer to dessert. Crudo was delicate and extremely well seasoned. The Halibut dish was perfectly cooked. The bread pudding is absolutely delicious: rich but not too sweet. Service was kind and efficient. We had a great experience!
Absolutely incredible! The ambiance was perfect. The service was attentive and friendly. The food, perfection! Everything from beginning to end surpassed my expectations. Chef even hand delivered the main course! My only regret was not getting the duck and potato pave special! 10/10 would DEFINITELY recommend!
Cory Upton-Cosulich
Hostess seemed annoyed we came in around 7:30 without a res. Got a table even though she told us everything was full-- drinks didn't come for another 45 mins, food came at the same time. I like to have a drink before my food but no big deal. Food was good, the atmosphere was good, we felt rushed out when the server dropped the check before we were finished.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: House Burger
Laura Cabot
The food and drink selection are outstanding. Also the oyster varieties. Seating by the front door was drafty however.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Halibut, Maine Razor Clams
First, food was delicious. It was that perfect combination of food you wouldn’t usually make at home but not so fancy or heavy that you couldn’t eat more than a few bites. Oysters were fresh and delicious with excellent Chef recommendations. We did almost all the apps and sides and they were all really delicious. The pate and mussels really stood out but really, you can’t go wrong. Desserts were surprisingly delicious and not too sweet.The service left something to be desired, however, after speaking with the owner, she was new and obviously did not know how to handle medium sized parties (6). The owner was kind enough to take off our desserts and allow us to determine to tip her (they had originally added gratuity). It wasn’t the warmest or friendliest staff but the food made up for it.Overall, highly recommend! As long as you are looking for good food, 18 Central will not disappoint t!Kid-friendliness: Not a lot of space and I doubt staff would tolerate much
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Roasted Mussels, Fingerling Potato Salad, Strawberry Shortcake
Kathryn Beyer
My husband and I had dinner here last weekend (our second time there) and it continues to be one of our favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming. We love to sit at the bar and watch our oysters being prepared. We cannot wait until the next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica B.
Love this place and have been going for years! The woman in charge (I wish I knew her name) who answers the phone (is such a you-know-what) charged me $300 for canceling a reservation which I called 2 days prior and left several messages that our boat was broken. We were coming from an island....she still charged me and did not call to confirm she received my message. I will not be paying the $300 and will dispute the charge with my credit card company. Too bad because we LOVE the restaurant and the food but I won't be bullied by them. Take note....
Victoria M.
Hard pass. First off the service was soooooo slooowww. We waited 20 minutes before anyone even came to our table, another 20 for drinks and then another hour for our food. I understand people have staffing issues but looking back some of the bartenders and waiters were just standing chatting to each other while I saw my drink slowly warming on the bar. Food was scalding hot when we got it, which I guess is good? But I burned myself on my plate so bad I still have a mark on my arm a week later. Food was fine, not super flavorful, and the oysters were good and fresh but the table bread was dry and flavorless. No ac or fans so it got quite warm and sticky and no one bothers to buy a swatter so we were constantly brushing flies away from our table while eating. Hostess was not very nice either, she guilt tripped us for not all being seated at the same time even though I was literally 1 minute behind my husband parking, seriously my husband was not even done sitting fully down by the time I walked in. Then later that night be both woke up feeling nauseous and sick, not sure which part of the meal did it but it did not agree with us. I don't relish writing reviews like this but it just seems unfair when you can easily spend $100+ per head and the experience is so unpleasant. Management should get a different hostess and some fly traps.
Michael M.
Unbelievable food, drinks, and deserts! Highly recommended! A must dinning spot if you are vacationing locally. Brouleed Lemon Poppy Cake
We dined here with our son and daughter in law. What a fabulous time. The service is quick and fun, atmosphere quaint and relaxing and the food was amazing. We had burgers, scallops, a couple bottles of wine, muscles, poutine and collards. We highly recommend all but the collards, they lacked seasoning and tasted odd. I can’t judge by one dish so overall the restaurants amazing. We’ll definitely make this a regular dining option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came through on our anniversary in the last hour of service on a busy Sunday night and had one of the best dining experiences. We were treated with warmth and attentiveness. We were only able to sit at the bar but the seats were comfortable , the bar was big enough to order “too much” food for the two of us comfortably. Had a lovely experience with the raw bar (the shrimp were cooked so perfectly), the mussels had an incredible depth of flavor and were perfectly tender, and the fingerling salad was complex and satisfying. The parsnip cake with brûléed poached pear did not disappoint. We were there until 9pm as the dining room was winding down and felt welcomed and taken care of, not rushed or in the way. So grateful for this spot and crew.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every meal I've had here has been delicious. The cocktails are always interesting and yummy too. I highly recommend trying the dessert even if it sounds odd. I think it was rutabaga cake I tried thinking "hmmm...I don't know about this..." but it was !
Always a treat for a warm and cozy evening - wine, oysters, scallop raw bar, *best* mussels in the area, great brussels sprouts. My family's go-to place for celebrating things, and in the winter, just a nice hangout!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am celiac, and was happy to see many different options available for me at 18 Central. I started with one of their signature mocktails, the Buffalo Plaid. I enjoyed it very much. It was well made. I had the parsnip and scallop with chili oil soup for an appetizer. I found the chili oil a little spicy for me. The soup was very good, and I would order it again, minus the chili oil. For dinner I had the Divers Scallops over spaghetti squash with pine nuts, minus the chili peppers. The dinner was lovely. Scallops were well cooked. I also ordered fried brussel sprouts but the server returned and told me they weren't able to make them gluten free. I appreciate that the chef recognized that and sent the message. We sat at the bar. The bartender was very attentive and helpful.
One of our local favorites. As always, dinner was delicious. Oysters, crudo, halibut, sproggies and duck. John our server is always excellent. Superb service, fun and friendly. 18 C is a treasure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Crudo Appetizer, Scallops, Grilled Halibut
Had an excellent dinner from appetizer to dessert. Crudo was delicate and extremely well seasoned. The Halibut dish was perfectly cooked. The bread pudding is absolutely delicious: rich but not too sweet. Service was kind and efficient. We had a great experience!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butterscotch Bread Pudding, Crudo Appetizer, Grilled Halibut
Absolutely incredible! The ambiance was perfect. The service was attentive and friendly. The food, perfection! Everything from beginning to end surpassed my expectations. Chef even hand delivered the main course! My only regret was not getting the duck and potato pave special! 10/10 would DEFINITELY recommend!
Hostess seemed annoyed we came in around 7:30 without a res. Got a table even though she told us everything was full-- drinks didn't come for another 45 mins, food came at the same time. I like to have a drink before my food but no big deal. Food was good, the atmosphere was good, we felt rushed out when the server dropped the check before we were finished.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: House Burger
The food and drink selection are outstanding. Also the oyster varieties. Seating by the front door was drafty however.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Halibut, Maine Razor Clams
Restaurantji Recommends
First, food was delicious. It was that perfect combination of food you wouldn’t usually make at home but not so fancy or heavy that you couldn’t eat more than a few bites. Oysters were fresh and delicious with excellent Chef recommendations. We did almost all the apps and sides and they were all really delicious. The pate and mussels really stood out but really, you can’t go wrong. Desserts were surprisingly delicious and not too sweet.The service left something to be desired, however, after speaking with the owner, she was new and obviously did not know how to handle medium sized parties (6). The owner was kind enough to take off our desserts and allow us to determine to tip her (they had originally added gratuity). It wasn’t the warmest or friendliest staff but the food made up for it.Overall, highly recommend! As long as you are looking for good food, 18 Central will not disappoint t!Kid-friendliness: Not a lot of space and I doubt staff would tolerate much
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Oysters on the Half Shell Three Varieties, Roasted Mussels, Fingerling Potato Salad, Strawberry Shortcake
My husband and I had dinner here last weekend (our second time there) and it continues to be one of our favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming. We love to sit at the bar and watch our oysters being prepared. We cannot wait until the next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place and have been going for years! The woman in charge (I wish I knew her name) who answers the phone (is such a you-know-what) charged me $300 for canceling a reservation which I called 2 days prior and left several messages that our boat was broken. We were coming from an island....she still charged me and did not call to confirm she received my message. I will not be paying the $300 and will dispute the charge with my credit card company. Too bad because we LOVE the restaurant and the food but I won't be bullied by them. Take note....
Hard pass. First off the service was soooooo slooowww. We waited 20 minutes before anyone even came to our table, another 20 for drinks and then another hour for our food. I understand people have staffing issues but looking back some of the bartenders and waiters were just standing chatting to each other while I saw my drink slowly warming on the bar. Food was scalding hot when we got it, which I guess is good? But I burned myself on my plate so bad I still have a mark on my arm a week later. Food was fine, not super flavorful, and the oysters were good and fresh but the table bread was dry and flavorless. No ac or fans so it got quite warm and sticky and no one bothers to buy a swatter so we were constantly brushing flies away from our table while eating. Hostess was not very nice either, she guilt tripped us for not all being seated at the same time even though I was literally 1 minute behind my husband parking, seriously my husband was not even done sitting fully down by the time I walked in. Then later that night be both woke up feeling nauseous and sick, not sure which part of the meal did it but it did not agree with us. I don't relish writing reviews like this but it just seems unfair when you can easily spend $100+ per head and the experience is so unpleasant. Management should get a different hostess and some fly traps.
Unbelievable food, drinks, and deserts! Highly recommended! A must dinning spot if you are vacationing locally. Brouleed Lemon Poppy Cake