Matunuck

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, Matunuck Oyster Bar suffered a devastating fire that took down their whole restaurant. Luckily though, they were able to put up a large tent for outdoor dining to continue the 2025 summer and hopefully their full restaurant will reopen soon. Matunuck Oyster Bar first opened their restaurant in 2009 and I have had the privilege of dining there since 2011 when I first went off to college at URI. When my parents dropped me off to college all those years ago, this restaurant was still brand new, but it was where we had our last meal together before they started the long journey home and I started my new journey at college. Back in 2011, this place was a small dining room with a bar and an oyster bar where they shucked fresh oysters for you to eat right there. Over the years, Matunuck became a huge success and continued to grow and expand. Before the fire, they had expanded to a two-story dining room and an enormous outdoor patio with new bars. Between 2011 and 2016, I ate here multiple times a year and it was a must when my parents would come to visit – they would always take me there for an extra special dinner (tbh I was a broke college student so this was a treat).

My go to dish that I order every time at Matunuck is the scallops. Whatever they come with, I am getting the scallops and they are always perfectly cooked, so buttery and soft and melt in your mouth delicious. Their menu does change seasonally and yearly, so you might not find the exact same thing each visit, but you will always be greeted with incredibly fresh seafood. I honestly love how their menu changes because it gives me something new to try every time. I also always get chowder – usually New England, and I am sure by this point y’all know that it is my favorite. On my most recent trip to Matunuck though my husband wanted to try Rhode Island clear chowder and since we were in Rhode Island, I gave in. It was still good, I just think clear chowder isn’t as delicious! Another favorite dish is the Yellowfin Tuna – it comes seared and is usually on a starch but it is always seared to perfection. I just can’t recommend this spot enough and I have loved seeing it grow and succeed over the years. Anytime I am back in Rhode Island, this place is on my list and I always make sure to plan ahead. Since this place is super popular now and more people are in the know (I will admit, I miss the days that it was smaller and I felt really cool about knowing about it before it became a huge success), you won’t be able to walk in and immediately get a table. Reservations are very much encouraged and if you want to try to walk in, you will be met with a hefty wait – especially during the summer months! To stay up to date on the reconstruction and to make a reservation or explore their menu, click here.