The Half Shell Oysters & Seafood

t was the last day of the season for this waterfront seafood location so glad we didn’t miss it. We ordered the Seafood platter which comes with half a lobster, one section of snow crab, three shrimp, three clams and 6 oysters (and usually 3 scallops but they were out of those) We also ordered an additional 6 oysters. There were three different oysters and all were tasty. This is the only spot we had oysters that they didn’t come with fresh horseradish. All the seafood was delicious and the setting great by the water. It is outdoors so weather can be a factor.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter

Favourite spot in town! Fresh seafood! Great tacos ! Amazing atmosphere! Would definitely recommend !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter, Lobster Club, Fish Tacos, Quesadilla, Half Lobster, Tacos Al Pastor, Salad, Seafood Paella

The best place to go eat on the patio and enjoy the view and a good meal with your favorite drink.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

WOW! We just came from a oyster class and tasting a week ago and this place is top notch! The shucker is out front and shucked the oysters perfectly, all loose from their shell, not one was torn and they all had their liquor still in the half shell, he should be proud, not a piece of shell in any of our 12 oyster’s. Our server knew the taste and oyster style well and took care of our wine pairing perfectly, I’d call her a wine and oyster somellie. The price for these quality oysters was on point, we had all 6 types, from NS, NL and NB, all were super fresh, with their own unique flavor. We highly recommend The Half Shell Oyster and Seafood Restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best lobster of my life

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Spent over 3hrs there sitting at the bar, enjoying the great views, the delicious food and awesome service. Tuna tostadas were absolutely delicious!!! Will be back!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious and great service! I recommand it ??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is what I expected and wanted when I went to Nova Scotia. Terrace/patio vibe and view right off the water, with fresh fish and a bar. It's definitely pricey and the menu isn't that large but if it's fish you want and good drinks, it's here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tuna Tartare, Raw Freshly Shucked in Shore Scallops, Half Lobster

I don’t usually post reviews. But 65 dollars for a seafood platter was very expensive and much left to be desired. Nice spot though. But the seafood didn’t seem fresh however I am probably very wrong about that considering the location. The Margaritas were watered down for 13 dollars. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Adding note on September 4th. Reading some disappointing reviews as of late with the same experience as me. Does the restaurant respond? Changed my rating to one Star.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

The setting is pleasant and the seafood is fine, but I'm puzzled by the high reviews of this place which is why we went here. Perhaps we just had bad luck? But I generally feel this place is style over substance. I would suggest just getting some mussels or other pure seafood, and skipping the rest of the dishes.

The main disappointing thing was the salmon was advertised to be served with local greens/shoots, but it was less than a handful of of baby salad greens without any dressing and with several leaves turning yellow. The salmon was nice.

The seafood in the paella was nice, but the risotto and tomatoes didn't have much flavor.

The service was polite, but they got my order wrong (they did apologize once they realized the mistake). That's understandable, but it did take another 15 minutes to get the correct dish, which was disappointing.

In a region with so many great seafood options, I wouldn't specifically rush to this place, but if you stumble past it, it could be fine. Given the prices I would have expected more.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Overrated and expensive for what you get. The oysters were great, the rest was just ok.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Clam chowder ? was ok, lobster was good, but fish tacos were great!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos

Scallops carbonara was phenomenal! Perfection on the sauce, pasta texture, bacon…joy in every bite. I can’t wait to come back!

Awesome food here. We ordered the scallop carbonara, the seafood chowder, and their daily non-alcoholic drink special which was the strawberry limeade.

The carbonara was simply superb. The pieces of bacon were large and chewy, the pasta and sauce were very flavourful, and to top it all off, the scallops were seared to perfection and was absolutely fantastic. Not sure if it's scallop season, but they were slightly larger than the size of a toonie.

The seafood chowder was great as well. It was a little bit bland, perhaps not enough butter/cheese/salt. But it was rich and creamy, and we could add salt to fit our own tastes anyway. The strawberry limeade was nothing special however.

I don't think there is any indoor seating here, everyone was either sat at the bar under a roof or on the deck under a parasol.

Parking: Being a very crowded touristy small town, street parking is the only option but is difficult to find.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Seafood Chowder

I went to Lunenburg with some friends from Ottawa, and for lunch, I suggested we eat and have a drink at The Half Shell. The place is always busy, so we made a reservation. About 30 minutes later, I received a call saying our table was ready. We were a party of 10.

When we entered, the seafood bar at the entrance looked so appetizing that I immediately wanted to try the platter on the menu with oysters, lobster, crab legs, and shrimp. I also ordered some wine to share with my wife.

However, the disappointment began when the food arrived. The portions were small for the prices we paid, and everyone who ordered main dishes was unhappy with the portion sizes. Just to clarify, I knew there was a separate section on the menu for small dishes, but what we ordered were supposed to be main courses.

It’s disappointing because the place itself is beautiful, the service is nice, and the atmosphere is amazing, but the food – a crucial part of the experience – did not meet our expectations.

It's a shame that the next time I visit Lunenburg, this place won't be on my list.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5