We went to The Oyster Society yesterday to celebrate our anniversary/ Valentine’s Day. I had been working to get reservations for awhile and it did not disappoint.
The ambiance is warm, mystical, and eclectic. The staff incredibly attentive and friendly.
You start off with one of their unique cocktails. They then bring you a butter candle which they light served with black bread (made with cuddle fish ink). The wait staff then comes and explains the menu and all of the entrees because they change seasonally. They suggest you order like a tasting menu. We ordered the Sea Board followed by the Tartar. Richard had the scallops and I the duck. We then had the apple dessert. We took a good amount of food home.
They take time between courses allowing you to really have an experience.
I would highly recommend you go.
The food is exquisite and unique. The staff knowledgeable and so attentive.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in VA so far.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Duck Breast
We went last night for the first time and wow! Excellent friendly and perfect experience from the time we arrived until the time we sadly had finished and left. Drinks were perfect, food was outstanding ( understatement ). We had a great mixed small plate ( Sea Board ) , a scallop and a duck dinner and tried 2 desserts perfect to share and enjoy. This is really a fine dining experience, the staff explained everything in detail and offered suggestions if we asked. The owner came by the table to be sure we enjoyed everything as well. This is the perfect place with a fantastic atmosphere for a very special total experience, we cant wait to go back and try other combinations. You will feel like you are the most welcome and special table and see how everyone and everything is prepared and served with real pride and some love thrown in to boot.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Duck Breast
Everything was absolutely amazing. Drinks, food, service, atmosphere. Everything was spectacular. Most intelligent drink menu I've seen in my 20 years in the culinary industry. The food was well thought out, beautifully presented and most importantly absolutely Delicious. I'd recommend this place to everyone and any one I know.... Even people I don't know.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Absolutely blown away after our lunch here today! The candle butter with the bread was definitely the highlight! Our waiter was so nice and seemed really passionate about the food/drinks, and the atmosphere here is top notch. Honestly, for what you get, the prices here can’t be matched. Maybe it is because I am from out of state and this food would have been double where I live? but it’s amazing. As a vegetarian, I was nervous I wouldn’t find much I could eat, but that definitely wasn’t the case at all. If you’re planning on coming here, just do it already!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Had the duck and it was amazing! My friend had the beef and it was so delicious. The potatoes pavé was such a stellar side dish I was almost jealous I didn't get the beef! Lol
I can tell the chefs take pride in their work. The drinks were amazing too. Definitely going back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
We sat at the bar and the food and drinks were spectacular and well thought out. The atmosphere was welcoming and quirky. It’s evident that a lot of love and skill went in to the menu and we will be back. We had a wonderful experience and Petersburg is lucky to have this gem of a restaurant!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Upon arrival, our party of 6 was split due to seating issues. When we were sat, it was evident that two tables could had been placed together but whatever. We joined the dining area and behold, a table of 8 sitting together. Why we could not have that courtesy, I’m not sure.
To start the evening, they served squid ink biscuits, 1 sq in, per guest. It was served with an herb candle that would never stay lit. Had to scoop and spread it with a knife. No big deal. Service was very friendly. To begin my order, I got two appetizers; the ham biscuits and the fried oysters. Sadly, the ham biscuits were served on extremely hard bread which is such a disappointment to have to stop eating and complain. Being in the restaurant industry for over 20 years, I know things happen but something like that is plain kitchen laziness. Their hands are on every component of the dish so I was surprised that would even happen in this “elevated” restaurant. The kitchen did send out another batch and they were taken off my bill. The fried oysters were tasty but tiny. The pickled dill just didn’t play well with the flavor of the oysters. The dessert was very underwhelming, with no real rhyme or reason behind it.
This experience was during the soft opening so I’m sure there are kinks to be worked out. I left pretty disappointed.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Best dinning experience I have ever had. The food was unbelievable and exceeded my expectations. This is my new Jam!!!! For birthdays, anniversary special occasions, and a place to take one to impress!!!🖤 Best service, atmosphere and bursting with enthusiasm. Decadent to the 9's or should I say 10's!!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Just attended the Valentines Day Pre Fixe dinner and it was pure magic! The service was perfect. The food was exquisite. 10/10.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Hubby treated me to a scrumptious dinner at The Oyster Society and they did not disappoint! From the black biscuits served with an actual candle made from seasoned butter, to the delicious oysters, to the Seaboard (charcuterie), the Duck entree, the chocolate cake served with a strawberry jam, everything was spot on! Impeccable service! Well worth the trip! #theoystersociety
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Duck Breast
