The Mermaid and The Oyster - Oakville

This place is horrible. The staff are extremely rude and the food is overpriced not worth the value. I found a worm in my oysters and when I called to complain I was told to suck it up as it happens. I asked for a refund and when I went in the staff was so rude, argued with me and accused me of mishandling my food. Definitely not eating here again!!

I'm always on the lookout for new seafood places and found this one via Google maps. It is primarily a fish market with some scattered tables and chairs added within the shop where you can eat. They do not have a liquor license or for that matter, comfortable tables and chairs. The decor is cheap and tacky.I ordered a half dozen oysters and the lobster roll. The oysters were reasonably priced but arrived on a slurry of half melted ice with (not fresh) horseradish and cocktail sauce with no serving utensil. The lobster roll was fresh and delicious however at $25 with no accompanying side it was ridiculously overpriced.I think this place could have potential if they put a little more effort to understanding and upping the presentation side of things. They seem to be caught between running a market and a half assed restaurant. This is fine however when the $50 bill arrives you wonder why you just didn't go to a nicer place (Like Jake's Oyster House). If they want to run a casual quick eat in 'lobster shack' kind of place, that's awesome but the prices have to reflect that which they do not.

I was the first reviewer of this store/restaurant and returned on numerous occasions thereafter. As is the case with many establishments of this nature, success can lead to a lack of attention to essential details making the lunching experience less than enjoyable. On my last visit a few days ago, the oysters on the shell were served on a melted ice bed causing the oysters to fill with melt water with a corresponding ammonia taste. My comment that this "was not done" and unhygienic was dismissed. This being said, the bisque and other fare remains outstanding. Unfortunately, the attitude of the serving staff and management will ensure my visits will be less frequent or for that matter, terminated.

Visited this establishment for lunch with friends on Sunday of the long weekend. When we walked in it was a surprise as we were expecting a traditional restaurant. The inside is more reminiscent of a crab shack. Everything is on display. The kitchen, the kitchen sink where dishes are frequently getting washed. Nothing is hidden. None of that matters as soon as you taste the oceans bounty on offer. We started off with clam chowder and lobster bisque. Heaven in a bowl! We followed that up with steamed clams that were a tad gritty but always impossible to avoid with clams. After the clams we had fresh malpeque oysters which were to die for. We also tried the fish and chips with their fresh made tartar sauce. Needless to say there was nothing left on the plates. They're only open until 7pm some days and 5pm others. With summer coming, it will be a great place to go for lunch and chill with your besties, significant other, or someone you really like. They don't have a liquor license except for special events and they sell the seafood retail to the public as well. Denise, one of owners is very personable and outgoing and so was everyone else on her staff. I will be going back again and again for their fabulous fare. Keep in mind it's kinda like sitting out on the deck at a friend's. It ain't fancy but it sure is delicious!

Went on a Thursday for a buck an oyster. Delicious. Had the lobster pasta.....DELICIOUS. Seriously the best seafood pasta ever. Staff very friendly, small eating area and ohhh so yummy.