Unimpressed and disappointed. Even though we visited on a holiday weekend, the changes necessary for COVID-19 and the poor food prep made the visit a disaster. Stand in line for 30 minutes to put in an order, mistakes inputing the order to the register, standing around for another 30 minutes waiting for the order (or some of it) to be thrown on a table for pickup. And not having enough employees was not an excuse. Just a very bad visit overall. Based on the quality of the food and the prices charged, I doubt I'll give a second look. read more

Overrated! Shrimp roll was tasteless. Rosemary steamed clams was just a ok. Ahi tuna tacos could use a lil bit more seasoning. What we enjoyed: chips & key lime pie. Very disappointing. read more

I would advise the owner of this overpriced hash house that you don't serve cheeseburgers like steak tartare unless ordered to that doneness. Your order takers under this new dining environment leave so much to learn when it comes to customer relations it staggers the mind. My recommendation is that you close the doors until your food service can catch up to your outrageous pricing. Need I waste any more time in explaining my discontent with this place, I'll leave the rest for you to interrupt. Better luck during the next health crisis. You've grossly failed at this one. read more

Nice atmosphere but the food is VERY expensive for the size of the portions. You will spend a lot and leave hungry. If you sit outside, they put your food out and call your name. Move quick before the flies swarm your order. read more

Great food - terrible prices. Great view of the water and nice patio.

The steamed shrimp were good, but a little pricey for plastic ware and you wait on yourself. Beer comes in plastic cups. Yuck.

I love this picturesque spot. We went on the perfect fall day and my only regret is not getting there earlier to grab an Adirondack chair and sit all day by the water with a glass of wine. 180 degree view of water. Paper lanterns. Twinkly lights. Beautiful sunset. Good food, good friends. I'm sure the food was good. I'm sure the service was fine. This place is about making memories. read more

What a little gem! The atmosphere here is wonderful. The panoramic views of the water were beautiful. The restaurant itself is mainly outdoor screened seating as well as a cozy indoor bar area. We stopped by randomly for a beer while waiting for pizzas to cook over at the local pizza shop. We saw signs for fresh oysters as we walked in and had to get some. We ordered a dozen raw oysters (all 3 types). They were phenomenal. I'm particular about the brine flavor of the oysters and theirs were all fantastic. They had fresh horseradish, traditional cocktail sauce, and the best vinegar sauce we've ever had! We couldn't help but douse them all in it. The beers were great and the selection was pretty awesome. The waitress was super friendly as well! All in all we'll definitely be back if we're ever in the area again! read more

Had a lovely dinner. Service was wonderful. Ordered the roasted oysters. They were quite large and very sweet. Beautiful view on the water. read more

Merroir - Seafood Near Me - Topping, Virginia

Great views, nice outside environment! I highly recommend stopping in for a drink and a snack. (We love the stuffing muffin). The portions are a little small but extremely tasty. read more

Merroir - Seafood Near Me - Topping, Virginia

Alright. Food,service,view awesome. Had the grilled oysters, very nice, fried green tomatoes were good not amazing. Scallops were outta this world. The red pepper crab soup needed salt but hey that's what the shaker is for. Rockfish was very nice and yes my party shared lots of the food so we got to taste test. I'll be back for sure! Solid spot off the beaten path for sure. read more

I had the pleasure of dining here for the third time last week. Fortunately it was warm enough to eat outside and enjoy the riverside atmosphere. My friend and I shared a lovely bottle of wine and I started with a dozen oysters, raw of course, and a mix of the three varieties that they offer at Merroir. Always delicious and super fresh.. As usual, the waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu items which is so helpful. I ordered the Bibb lettuce salad and the the scallop special which was served with a parsnip hash. Everything was fresh and delicious. While we were dining we saw a dolphin jumping in the river, it just added to the fun. When I arrived back in Michigan I found an interesting article about Merroir, the guys who own it and the oyster farming business they operate. Very interesting reading. This is truly destination dining out in the middle of nowhere but worth every minute of the journey. read more

My husband and I planned our Thanksgiving Oyster Eating trip around going to Merroir. We had the pleasure of eating Rappahannock River Oysters at a local (Roanoke, VA) restaurant called Lucky's Gastropub and met the fine owners of RRO. We decided then and there to go to the source! We couldn't have been more pleased. Chef Pete is a hoot! What a great guy. Our plan was to eat as many raw oysters as we could and then roll back to the hotel, but upon walking in we heard Chef Pete explaining what was on the grill "a stuffin muffin" which consists of oyster stuffing made into a cake similar to a crab cake, grilled and served with sausage gravy. Let me just say that was hand's down the best Comfort Food I'd ever had, beating out Mac & Cheese! Yes we had BBQ'd oysters and the BEST raw oysters ever, but seriously I'd plan another trip just for a Stuffin Muffin. No need to dress up for this place. Grab a beer, a picnic table outside and be prepared to be impressed! read more

Stopped in with some friends over the weekend having heard that Merroir was a fantastic place to eat. There were a few of us that planned on having some beer/wine and small plates to share, so the restaurant's concept looked really promising. Got there just in time for a late lunch and we were sat much faster than we expected. A nice table outside with some shade and a good view. The restaurant is very well liked and while we were there it seemed like there was a small wait to sit the entire time. Not enough to make people turn around and walk away, but busy enough that you know something must be going on to convince obvious regulars to wait for a table in the August sun. Waitress got our drink order in fairly quickly, but did not ask if we wanted any water. Not to complain about something that some would consider trivial, but it was a table outside, and it was ninety out. Maybe there is some kind of shortage out there in Rappahannock, because the offer never made it to our table. Even when two in our party asked, a glass was brought for them which was promptly drank and never refilled. Wine list was succinct, but everything on it would pair well with the menu, so we got a few different glasses to all be able to try and share. Oysters to start and they really were the star of the meal. I am not an oyster fan and they were some of the best that I have had since moving to the east coast. Three of each varietal for each of us. Paired with the white wines that we had selected they were splendid. Again, these were the best part of what we had simply because I am not an oyster lover and I enjoyed these! Second round of food was the Scallops, the Stuffin Muffin, Crabcake, Virginia Cheese Board, Tuna Crudo, Clams, and the Soft-Shell Crab ( who writes a review on one dish at a small plates restaurant? :) ). I listed them in order of favorite to least. The Scallops are some of the best that I have ever had, and the kale kimchee that comes with them is a brilliant pairing. I would buy the kimchee alone... The Stuffin Muffin is a traditional oyster stuffing that was also a wonderful dish. So much flavor and a tough dish to share because you'll want it all for yourself. The Crabcake was a fantastic representation here. I almost want to compile a list of all of the great ones out here. The east coast does not know how great they have it with this dish... The Virginia Cheese Board is a very unique sampling of state cheeses, but they need to send out more flatbread with it. Even our server commented that the five or six tiny triangles that it came with couldn't possibly be enough. The Tuna Crudo was kinda uninspiring. It really feels like a dish that I could find on a chain restaurants summer seasonal menu. The Clams... Skip the clams. Any time I order shellfish served in broth with bread, the broth should be something that I want to mop up with the bread. It had no flavor to speak of. None. So disappointing. Then the Soft-Shell Crab. This dish confused the heck out of me. The only place I have been where the crab appears to have been steamed (this is a soft-shell) and sat on a piece of grilled bread. I had a bite, but it really wasn't good enough to bother to try a second bite. The steamed crab pretty much just gushed water (again, flavorless water, maybe he cooked with the clams?) onto the bread below whenever we went to cut a slice to plate. Never had a soft-shell crab steamed before. Never will again... Overall, I was very pleased with three dishes, unimpressed by two, and downright mad about two. The clams and the crab are two things that I normally am thrilled about and they were both downright bad. By all means, if you're close you should give Merroir a shot. Just be sure to be cautious with your order. Our meal was a mixed bag which cost several hundred dollars, and sometimes folks don't want to gamble that kind of tab on small plates they may not love. read more

See all

As many others have mentioned, Merroir is a "tasting room," not a full-fledged restaurant. It's casual with outdoor seating on picnic tables and the chef cooking under a tent outside right near you. If you're expecting a traditional, sit-down dinner with reservations and your appetizer coming out xx minutes before your entree, try some place else. If you're trying to enjoy your food and your evening, go to Merroir! We loved everything we tried. The menu choices of artisan plates changes frequently, but you can always get the oysters (duh). My favorite oysters were the Stingrays, while my friend liked the Rapphannocks and Olde Salts. The roasted oysters were good, but paled in comparison to the raw ones! The 'Stuffin Muffin,' is one of the artisan plates that seems to frequent the menu and it's great! Basically Thanksgiving stuffing with oysters that you just gobble down. We loved the crab cake too, which has gotten a lot of rave reviews. Can't wait to go back and have some more! read more

One of the finest dining experiences I have ever had. If you live anywhere near this place count yourself lucky and get in your car right now - you will not be disappointed. Everyone mentions the seating - there are about 20 seats inside as well as another 20 or so outside in a heated deck space which in the summer I imagine is amazing looking out at the water. I think between me and my husband we tried one of everything on the menu. My favorites were the crab cake, the scallops and the stuffin' muffin. But everything we ate and drank was delicious! Bravo!!! read more

I hate to leave two stars because the food and the wait staff were amazing but the woman who sat us(which I later found out that's she's the GM) was completely rude. It's horrible that your first impression in to the restaurant has to be so unwelcoming. We were tempted to leave but we've come here multiple times because we have friends who live in the area and we've always loved the food and the time we've had at the restaurant. I would totally have written this off as a bad day but this has been the second time she has been rude to us. If I were the owners I would want to know how someone was running my restaurant and how she has made us feel twice. Because if she's made us feel this way, I'm sure it happens to other patrons as well. I would love to come back but based on the experience we have had twice, I don't see us returning. read more

Well I was underwhelmed. We stopped, first time, to pick up some shucked oysters we ordered the previous day. It was lunchtime so what the heck we will try the menu. Angels on horseback - as others have said - was a great idea but the small oysters just wilted on cooking so the whole dish was just dry. The lamb stew was just tasteless. Go for the raw oysters. Otherwise unimpressed. read more

What a great little gem tucked away on the Rappahannock! Fantastic service with unbelievable views. The Bourbon BBQ oysters were outstanding! Scallops with chutney and crab cake did not disappoint either. Will definitely stop here again, highly recommend! read more

See all

After having wanted to come here for some time this place did not disappoint. We came for lunch on a rainy sunday and sat under their covered porch. With my fiance and friend, we sat there for hours drinking wine and craft beer while sampling all the different oyster selections they had. Their Rappahannock oyster were the perfect oyster I have ever encountered having eatten oysters all up and down the east coast. We tried almost everything on the menu as it is tapas style. The place is located on the water and has almost a chic farm lifestyle ambiance to it similar to places you'd find in Napa. White twinkie lights are strewn throughout the trees on the uncovered out side seating and can't wait to come back there on a warm sunny day and sit out there with the peace of the water to stare at and eat oysters again till my belly aches. Well done!!! read more

Really cannot say enough nice things about this place. Went for dinner one night while staying at the Tides Inn and came back for lunch the next day on our way out of town. The oysters (raw and grilled) and the steamed clams are terrific, as would be expected when they are pulled out of the river just hours before you eat them. They also clearly show the impact that an oyster's environment has on its taste: the three types on offer range from milder to salty as you move from the Rappahonnocks (fresh water) to the Olde Salts (salt water), with the Stingrays in the middle. Tip - I would use the tomatillo sauce they provide with the Olde Salts. I think the tomatillo sauce is wonderful, but it's a little undersalted on its own (or with the Rappahonnocks), but with the Olde Salts it is perfect. The real surprise was how impressive every small plate dish was. Having gone twice (in two days) we were able to work through a good portion of the menu and nothing disappointed. I think they change their menu quite frequently (and tap list), so I won't go through everything we had, but if they offer something over their cheddar grits - order it. Same with the Angels on Horseback (grilled oysters with prosciutto). If I had to pick one word to describe this place, it would be "perfect." An affordable and carefully chosen wine list (the Dog and Oyster Chardonnay pairs really well with oysters and is produced about 15 minutes away), a few great beers on tap, attentive staff who seem happy to be there, and some of the best seafood I've had anywhere at really, really reasonable prices. It is also right on the water, and even though they are small (and can run waits - apparently they served about 580 people on a Saturday a week or two ago), you'll never feel rushed. Somehow, they seem to still draw a mostly local crowd (although we ended up chatting with other DC folks at an adjacent table who live just a block from us here). While this place has been covered by the Washington Post and some local press, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it starts getting some more national attention. They certainly deserve it. read more

5 stars hands down. Great location, great food, great service. Merroir has it all. I will be dreaming of the crab cake and shrimp & grits until we can make it back. That's it - short, sweet and to the point - go there now! read more

This place is worth the drive-from anywhere. . Absolutely AMAZING food that rivals any restaurant anywhere. We had a crab-cake, full of so much fresh crab meat and flavor that it was to die for, and a lamb sausage patty over fried green tomatoes that was equally incredible. The portions were tapas-sized which was perfect for more sampling. The menu changes as per Chef Pete and the freshest foods available. Of course there are always oysters and clams as the place is run by the owners of Rappahannock River Oysters. The drinks are reasonable and the view is incredible. However, it is a completely laid back environment (which the food does not mirror, as it is out-of-this-world). If you are looking for a true "restaurant" to impress your friends with, this is not your place. If you want a secret hideaway with 4 star food in an unusual locale, this is your joint. The downside would be that if you come after dark, the lighting outside is lacking in ambiance, and the interior is small, and also very brightly lit (albeit neighborly). My suspicion from being the first reviewer, is that no one wants to share this little gem, for fear they lose a seat at the bar or a picnic table ;) read more

Need a flyswatter! Although the setting is spectacular, I was bothered by flies while sitting inside at the bar.

Great oysters in a fantastic setting. Can't wait to return and enjoy a nice sunset and more of the delicious menu. read more

Merroir - Stingray Point, Rappahanocks, and Olde Salt oysters. Delicious. - Seafood Near Me - Topping, Virginia

This place is excellent - theres a reason theyre rated in the top 20 in the country by travel&leisure. The only downside was a snippy, bitchy maitre'd who was put out by directing us to a table - she couldn't bother in wiping it down first from the last customer! Our waiter, a young guy, was extremely personable, helpful & attentive so he really turned it around. Also the food is just as good as it gets - ordered angels on horseback (grilled oysters topped with virginia ham) and a sampler of 3 types of oysters (which for some reason, took longer to come out than the cooked ones). The porch is wonderful, as well as the great area of adirondack chairs they have looking out onto the Rappahannock River. read more

Merroir - Oyster sampler - Seafood Near Me - Topping, Virginia

See all

Great and very fresh oysters, but service is severely lacking. If you want another glass of water you're gonna have to wait in a very long line for it. They only do full service inside, which is only a couple of tables, so get here early. read more

Nice place. Not particularly fancy but good food at a fair price with good staff. I have had a few beers and glasses of wine in a couple of visits as well as some fish and soup dishes. The wine is appropriately priced and has enough breadth to appeal to many different customers. I had the flounder today and it was very simply cooked, but the texture and moisture was perfect. The environment is pretty basic, but the scenery is so good that it is just plain relaxing. I shall return. read more

Fantastic location, amazing oysters, good beer selection, super fine food. I'd give it 5 stars but the last few times I've been (we go EVERY time we visit a relative here) I've been disappointed by the lack of produce/veggies offered. We drove by produce stands selling tomatoes, cukes, beans and sweet corn, and I was looking forward to a side dish, but all they had was a (delicious) kale served with the (fantastic) scallops. I understand that when produce isn't in season they won't serve it, but an ear of fresh picked sweet corn would have completed the lobster roll plate. We will be back many times despite this complaint. You should go too. read more

A winding road in the hinterlands of Virginia's northern neck will deposit you into a small parking lot overlooking the banks of the Rappahannock River. You'll notice a building that resembles a small house with a covered porch to your left. Peer off to your right so you'll see Locklies Creek and a small inlet with several boats floating peacefully in the distance. Park the car and walk inside (if you must) or grab a table outside with a view of the river. A cool breeze accompanied by top-notch seafood and craft beer is what you'll get. There's nothing quite like it. This is destination dining at its very best. A far-flung location can't keep those "in the know" from this small restaurant owned by the Rappahannock Oyster Company. A small menu features the freshest seafood (served tapas style) at absurdly low prices. How low? Well, I paid $1.50 per oyster here. They have three excellent varieties -- sweet, salty and briny. I later went on a trip to New York City and ordered the very same oysters for $3.50 a pop at some trendy/hipster food and wine bar. A date and I went and splurged a few weeks ago. Yes, we ordered everything on the menu. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. We went there. And we weren't disappointed. The oysters are a must. Order each variety. They come with two dipping "sauces" - a very strong vinegar-based liquid with chopped onions, the other a house-made cocktail sauce. I was never really into oysters until I tried these. Now they're basically the gold standard. The crabcake deliciously thick with crabmeat (read: very little filler) and sits atop a Texas-toast style bread slice. It's huge and easy to split. The scallops are among the best I've ever had (you'll get two or three large ones). Angels on Horseback, the Stuffin' Muffin and any of the other specials -- including chowders or stews -- are superb. Desserts are made on the premises. We had a homemade donut a la mode. Merroir has a taste, a breeze, an aroma...a mystique all its own. I go back for more and more, as frequently as I can. read more

Seriously amazing seafood! Heaven on earth as soon as you put your car in park!. Everything is exceptional here. The menu is limited, but it's local & fresh! Oysters are the specialty! Beer & wine menu pretty amazing too! Outdoor seating with a view! read more

Beautiful spot, food was good. But not one person working in front of house or kitchen wearing a mask. Multiple persons order left on pick up table and customers looking over food to find their orders, without masks. The table are spread out. read more

Some restaurants have managed to navigate COVID elegantly, against incredible odds. Merrior is not among them.

Was really looking forward to having dinner here, after reading website reviews. First and foremost, there is really NO indoor seating. Small porch, no air, on a day when the heat index was 108. Second, no local VA wines on their list. Third, food was awful. Ordered the roasted oysters, which came raw. Steamed shrimp were soggy. Their menu is not large, so you would hope they would be excellent with what they served. Not worth the price or the visit, sad to say. read more

I have been to Merroir a few times before with family and always enjoyed it however tonight it was subpar at best. My friend I was with got water with lot of "gunk" floating around in it, which he drank before looking to see what created the odd taste, yuck! When the waitperson was told they took a completely laissez-faire attitude about it. Next we ordered oysters and then about 30 minutes later ordered main course while waiting for the oysters. Our main coarse came out before the oysters and when we asked about the oysters we were told by the rude waitperson that they had no control over whether appetizer or main coarse came out first. As we didn't want oysters after a main course we cancelled the oysters which are really the best reason to come here. Supper disappointed. read more

This place is amazing! Discovered it two years ago after reading about it in Virginia Living. It is a little on the pricey side, but it's well worth it. They carry a great beer called Hell or High Watermelon (only in the summer). Stuffin muffin is one of my favorite dishes to order. Dessert is fantastic too. You'll walk away from here feeling full and refreshed. read more

Merroir - Seafood Near Me - Topping, Virginia

We had dinner here about 2 years ago and were not impressed. At that time it was very expensive with very small portions. Tonight, we had an excellent dinner. Spicy streamed shrimp were excellent. Special of tuna steak was also excellent. Service ( Ford) was very, very good. Good wine and beer list. Would certainly recommend to others. read more

Spectacular creative food, beautiful views, courteous and engaging staff. Wonderful experience!

Yes, and again yes. Quaint, good food without frying everything. Great, focused wine list and ambiance. Put it on your list

A fun little waterside bar. My friend Matt works here so I thought I'd go check it out one Saturday afternoon. Pleasant crowd, great beer selection and lots of tasty oysters! Come if you're an oyster fan or love the river. read more