Clearwater Market and Restaurant

I am so glad that Naked Oyster didn't go out of business but instead transformed into Clearwater Market. I went to lunch today and ordered a lobster roll and a shrimp/skatewing soup.

I am giving it a four instead of a another score because of the work they've done in the past, and not because of the food I ate today.

First, I have to say the staff is indeed very friendly. I was treated very nicely by them. However, I became a little concerned when I noticed that croaker and Black sea bass were classified as freshwater fish, and I could swear dorado is mahi-mahi, the other names for bailer dolphin, at least from when I've been fishing on charters that's what they've sometimes called it. They have one price for mahi-mahi and one price for dorado.

Second, without being too harsh on the food, the skate wing soup was pretty good. I didn't see any shrimp in it, but there was a lot of skate wing. It was pretty tasty. The lobster roll, however, was disappointing. Almost every restaurant I've been to that tries to high end a lobster roll usually fails miserably in the attempt. While this isn't quite the case here, I would say that it's not great. Lobster rolls are supposed to be simple- really some mayo and lobster put together with some herbs. There is way too much liquid in the lobster roll, giving the impression that there is loads of soupy mayonnaise on it. Upon trying it, I initially didn't like it but it grew on me some.

I have to say from my first experience of eating here the soup was good, but I will not be getting the lobster roll again. I will choose something else. I am definitely going to go back because I know that Naked Oyster was wonderful and they will work the kinks out of the cooking sooner or later. :)

First let me say the I am new-ish to the area. My husband and I first found out about the Naked Oyster in November (or so) of last year - it was closed and waiting for reopening as the Clearwater Market at a new location. We have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to go and have some fabulous seafood. Sadly, as much as I wanted to love it, I didn't. The people were lovely. The food let us down. I had four main concerns with our meal:

• Time - yes I know that the food is prepped to order, but it took an HOUR to get to our table and we were the ONLY customers there. I can't imagine what a Friday night rush might look like!
• Bay seasoning - a little goes a long way!
• The fish was overcooked - a cardinal sin at a seafood restaurant.
• Portion - yes, fresh, local seafood is expensive, but don't let the customer leave hungry - which I did. Honestly, charge an extra buck for a more substantial side dish. Hush puppies do not a side dish make.

Will we go back? I don't know. It was certainly better than any other seafood option in town, but for the price, I think I'll head somewhere else for now. Hopefully these are just kinks still being worked out in the new location.

Save your gas money driving to Baltimore for crabs, they are right here in Winchester.

Just got back from a great meal at the new Clearwater Market. Unlike the old Naked Oyster, the space is much larger and has a separate dining area from the market.

A dozen BluePoint oysters and an arugula salad made for a nice start. The special appetizer of smoked salmon and potato latke was wonderful, obviously smoked in house, had a great Smokey flavor.

Finally the hard shell crabs. I love this time of year and will often make a trip to Baltimore just for hard shells. We were told they were caught this morning, and I don't doubt it, they were sweet and full of meat. As good as any I have ever had in Baltimore.

Great service and great food, a real hidden gem for little Winchester.

Don't let the outside of the building fool you, because the inside of the building is breathtaking. The interior decor hints of a seaside location, with nautical themes on the walls. In general, the restaurant's aesthetic is elegant and understated whilst remaining warm and inviting. The decor gives little clue as to the standard of food that is waiting for you to sample.

Upon entering we were made to feel immediately welcome, with a slight air of formality that we had not expected. The staff who served us was extremely knowledgeable of the menu, helpful and enthusiastic in answering any questions that we had. My husband does not care for seafood, but after taking the Chef's suggestions, was quite eager to try the Chilean Sea Bass, prepared as to the Chef's recommendations. For myself I chose the Sea Scallops. When our meals arrived, we we in awe at the presentation of the food, and thought it almost too elegant to eat. Although we were quite eager to sample this amazing fare. The first bites melted in our mouths and left us wanting more. The huge portions were simply too much for us to finish, and the server kindly packaged them for us. Throughout the meal we were attended to thoroughly, with our glasses topped up as they were emptied. The chef was very attentive and appeared several times to ensure that our meals were prepared to our liking.

The owner joined us at the "Chef's Table" and was quite eager to share the buildings transformation with us.

Clearwater Market sets a high example of their seafood cuisine. It offers mouthwatering and classic seafood dishes that are served in an elegant style that demonstrates the chef's respect to the ingredients and their quality.

Clearwater Market is an absolute must for your dining experience. Their focus on quality and the freshness of their food is highly evident. Give them a try and you won't be disappointed.