Seamore's — Restaurant in Arlington

Seamore's delivers solid value for very fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, and even better value is to be found on their happy hour menu.

It fits well in the casual restaurant category, though I hoped for more attention to detail on food, service, and atmosphere, and I would love for the chain to revisit how best to truly highlight the fresh seafood. I had a dozen oysters (half Assateague Salt Buoy and half White Stone, Virginia), followed by the hake with lemon caper sauce, accompanied by some plank potatoes and a corn - mango - jalapeno salad.

The oysters were a special $18 rate for a dozen, and super fresh, so I definitely cut the restaurant some slack. But they were served without indicating which oysters were which, without an extra plate, which was awkward to eat directly from the iced platter on an elevated tray. The mignonette and cocktail sauce were not especially flavorful, and it would have been nice to ask whether I wanted any horseradish or Tabasco.

The fish for the fish dinners are all pan-fried, which does not consistently deliver the best flavor and texture. My hake was properly cooked, but the pan-frying toughened the bottom surface of the fish, when it would have been better more gently sauteed in butter. The lemon caper sauce (one of four options) was clearly separately prepared and served on the side, when ordinarily you would incorporate this sauce into the cooking so that its flavor is better blended with the fish. The corn salad could have been a wow but the corn was a little tough, the flavors did not pop, and the main flavor was the mango (which had the right tart-sweet tone but did not achieve the overall pop you generally expect in this flavor combo). The plank fries with onions didn't accentuate the meal. They were fine but lacked flavor and crispness on the outside, being lukewarm and flaccid on the plate.

The fixed preparation styles help keep labor and equipment costs down and avoid kitchen mistakes. But I'd love to see some more traditional steamed-fried-sauteed-broiled options that are tailored to the type of seafood, and addition of some standards such as a shrimp cocktail.

The bar space was clean but the open boxes of mixers, menu boxes, and other accoutrements detracted from what would be an otherwise nice-looking space.

The staff are very nice, the recommendations and knowledge good, and my vodka martini was expertly prepared.

This restaurant gets a solid 3.9-4 stars from me, and is very much a good place to go for a menu and seafood choices that are fresh...

My recent dining experience at Seamore's in Clarendon, a restaurant celebrated for its seafood offerings, provided a palate both pleased and perturbed. While the establishment showcased above-average seafood dishes, certain aspects detracted from what could have been an exceptional seafood culinary adventure.

Commencing with the positive, Seamore's does merit recognition for its seafood selection. The menu features a variety of ocean-inspired delights, demonstrating a commitment to offering a diverse range of dishes. From succulent fish tacos to flavorful shrimp scampi, the culinary creations on offer possess a commendable level of taste and presentation, elevating the seafood dining experience.

However, the notable downside surfaced when considering the pricing. Seamore's falls on the expensive end of the spectrum, making it a destination that may be perceived as a splurge rather than a routine dining option. While the quality of the seafood justifies a certain level of cost, the premium pricing could potentially limit the accessibility of the restaurant for those seeking a more budget-friendly seafood indulgence.

Regrettably, another aspect that marred the overall experience was the state of the restroom facilities. Cleanliness, especially in high-quality dining establishments, is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the unclean conditions of the toilets at Seamore's were a significant drawback, undermining the otherwise positive aspects of the culinary journey. A pristine and well-maintained restroom is an essential element in providing a satisfying dining experience, and it's disheartening when this standard is not met.

In conclusion, Seamore's in Clarendon delivers an above-average seafood experience, showcasing a commendable selection of oceanic delights. However, the premium pricing and concerns about the cleanliness of the restroom facilities may give potential patrons pause. Addressing these aspects could elevate Seamore's to a more well-rounded and satisfying seafood destination, offering both culinary excellence and a pristine dining...

Totally missed the mark. Nothing special. The concept is intriguing but I know little about fish sustainability so I can't tell you if they are saving the environment, fish population etc. But most important is flavor (everything else - brand, atmosphere, service is only cool if the flavor delivers). My $$$ are buying flavor. Nothing popped. tiny portion of good clam chowder for $14 called a "bowl". Big disappointment was the lobster Mac and cheese. Rigatoni (not Macaronni) with an average cheese sauce with an average serving of lobster dropped on top; unseasoned lobster. Don't call it "Lobster Mac n Cheese". - No flavor, not even a subtle hint of something - nothing special for $34.

From a service perspective - struggled. If a customer says: I can't eat creamed spinach because of a dairy allergy could I have X instead, and the answer is "the chef will not swap out any items" - generally something is wrong with the place. Yes, the chef has made a creation, but I'm not asking for him to cover the dish with cheese whiz. The chef is not paying for the meal. And if I could order a side anyway, why not just do it? Why force me to pay for it. And then when the meal comes with no real unique, distinctive flavor, the argument is meaningless.

So it's an interesting idea (cool, hip seafood place, with a 'green' feel) but no real, flavorful food to offer. Great location, just ordinary,...