The Rhode Island Restaurant That Prides Itself On Farm-To-Table Oysters
While there is no shortage of awe-inspiring seafood restaurants along the East Coast of the United States, some stand out as exceptional. One such establishment is Matunuck Oyster Bar, tucked away on the coast of Rhode Island. What's significant about this hidden gem is that the types of oysters served to hungry guests are sourced right off the docks adjacent to the restaurant, and owner Perry Raso wouldn't have it any other way.
Raso has had a passion for fresh seafood since digging up shellfish from Point Judith Pond at the age of 12. In 2002, he started the Matunuck Oyster Farm and it wasn't long until he was selling oysters across the nation. In 2009, he decided to open the Matunuck Oyster Bar, selling the fresh mollusks from the farm directly to seafood-craving guests.
The restaurant has enjoyed a wealth of positive reviews online. On Tripadvisor, it boasts a 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 people, with nearly 1,500 rating the establishment as "Excellent" or "Very Good." One reviewer was so impressed by the fresh oysters that they declared, "I could eat their oysters every day!!!!" Appraisals on Yelp are equally gleaming, again flaunting 4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,900 reviewers. One Yelper wrote, "They're famous for their oysters, get the sample of 4, it is totally worth it. Also, if you have never had a 'stuffie' it is worth the trip just for that."
There are more than oysters at this restaurant
Although oysters are the star attraction at Matunuck Oyster Bar, the restaurant also presents other seafood choices, such as fried calamari, an award-winning lobster roll served with truffle fries, and New England's claim to fame: clam chowder. If you go with friends and can't decide what to order, the establishment offers a "Pass" The Tower platter of oysters, shrimp, littleneck clams, tuna poke, Pt. Judith Jonah crab, and a whole chilled lobster with a seaweed salad. There is also an extensive wine list featuring some of the best wines to pair with oysters.
On top of serving some of the freshest oysters in Rhode Island, Matunuck Oyster Bar also features local produce. In 2011, Raso began growing organic vegetables at Matunuck Vegetable Farm, located near the oyster farm on Potter Pond. With farm-to-table veggies and pond-to-plate seafood, Matunuck Oyster Bar's menu is full of enticing, sustainable delicacies from cover to cover.
Still, Raso is interested in more than just serving the freshest seafood around. By visiting aquaculture estates in various developing countries, Raso has continued his education in the field and hosts educational oyster farm tours as well. While the menu at Rhode Island's Matunuck Oyster Bar is alluring for seafood lovers, Raso believes that education and giving back has always been at the core of the business.