Oyster & Scales

My friend and I visited on a Friday night, as a birthday celebration. The ambiance was perfect: dim lighting and thoughtfully curated decor created a cozy and sophisticated experience. We each ordered the Red Lady (sangria) and sampled soups and small plates. Everything was exceptionally plated/ presented and, of course, delicious! Our server Justin was friendly and attentive, and he made our little celebration extra special! Dessert arrived with birthday candles for each of us. What a wonderful dining experience; we look forward to our next visit.

Right on Target ….but….

The first visit to Oyster and Scales – Peter Elias’ up- market homage to a Nantucket seafood house was a delight. The nautical blue and white motif, old and new fixtures, the painted, exposed rafters and some well-selected Serena & Lily chairs made for a thoughtful décor palette. The anticipatory touch of blankets over the chair backs was welcomed,

Ramon at the front of the house and Jason working the dining room made sure that the customer felt welcome. Server Angela’s tabletending was top shelf as was her “bedside manner” in reading the customer.

The dinner was launched with a smokey bourbon cocktail and a traditional cosmopolitan, looking stylish in a vintage coup. A quenelle of chive butter and some warm bread followed. In a riff off another Elias restaurant (Spain Wine Bar) we ordered small plates, channeling a tapas experience.
Roasted calamari- traditional, without batter - was perfectly cooked and lightly dressed. Shrimp croquettes could not have been any lighter with a golden crusted topped with a pepper remoulade. Tuna tartare was a showstopper with a ponzu sauce and the softness of an avocado foundation paired with the pop of a jalapeno.

But if you are an octopus fan (or if you’ve never tried it) this is the one stop on the flavor train you do not want to miss. The texture was ethereal and difficult to obtain no matter what procurement skills you have. The chimichurri pairing was proper. Righteous.

Ahhhh but the scallops. Perfectly executed with cauliflower puree; well plated with three to an order. But here’s the BUT…. $35 was posted to the bill as a “market price” for three. They are not likely sourced from another country and remain a commodity seafood throughout the mid-Atlantic. They are not rare, extra large or otherwise in need of such a markup, in my opinion. I’m not sour that I missed the menu market price posting (MP); it felt more of an embarrassment to what was otherwise such a fine execution.

A rooftop element will be opening in the spring and the downstairs walls are rollable garage doors for water views. This will no doubt be a summer blockbuster. I’ll be back for the octopus and will surely try some land-based entrees for balance.

Oyster and Scales is a fine addition to Ocean City’s overall fine dining scene and paired with Spain Wine Bar, is transforming the core of downtown with some amazing food and beverage offerings. Stop in for sure.

Rachel ensured we had an amazing dinner! Her recommendations were on point - the flank steak was cooked perfectly. The shrimp croquettes and beignets were the highlights of our meal. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!