One Sunday evening in December, we met friends for dinner at The Half Shell on St. Simons Island, Georgia, with one thing firmly in mind: fresh oysters. Luckily, The Half Shell delivered—and then some.
To begin with, we were thrilled to find an excellent oyster selection featuring McIntosh oysters from Darien, GA, as well as Salt Bomb Oysters from Tybee Island, just outside of Savannah. Without hesitation, we ordered a dozen of each. Fresh, briny, and perfectly prepared, these oysters were a true highlight and a testament to The Half Shell’s commitment to quality coastal seafood.
Fresh Seafood Entrées for Every Taste
After enjoying the oysters, we moved on to dinner, and every dish exceeded expectations.
I ordered the fresh shrimp plate, which can be prepared blackened, grilled, or fried. I chose the blackened shrimp, served with a flavorful buffalo dipping sauce and crispy onion rings. The shrimp were perfectly seasoned and cooked just right.
Paul ordered the catch of the day: sea trout, which is always a fantastic choice at The Half Shell. The entrée comes with two sides, and he selected the onion rings and cheese grits, both rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Our friends ordered the Open-Face Tuna Tacos, featuring sesame-seared ahi tuna, topped with sweet chili slaw and cilantro-lime cream sauce, all served atop crispy wonton skins. The dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. Another shrimp plate rounded out the table. By the end of the meal, every plate was clean, a sure sign of a delicious and memorable dining experience.
A Dessert Worth Saving Room For
I don’t usually recommend dessert, but the Half Shell Butter Cake is one of the best desserts in the Golden Isles. Served warm with ice cream, it’s rich, indulgent, and truly not to be missed.
So there you have it, for the perfect casual dining experience on St. Simons Island, with superior service, delicious food, and consistently fresh seafood, The Half Shell is the place to go. No matter what you order, you can count on quality, flavor, and an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Golden Isles, The Half Shell remains one of the best seafood restaurants on St. Simons Island. A side note: this is the sister restaurant of the excellent Barrier Island Brewing. Give ’em both a go and tell ’em Brunswick Eats sent you.
THE HALF SHELL
504 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Tel: (912) 268-4241
Mon-Thu 5pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sun 11:30am-10pm