Ruse
Within the Wildset Hotel, you’ll find Ruse, a modern, coastal-inspired eatery with a focus on fresh seafood and craft cocktails. Ruse delivers a sophisticated, yet relaxed dining experience. Their head chef, Michael Correll was announced as a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) in 2025.
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Google Reviews
Brian FerriIncredible night at Ruse. The roasted oysters, smoked-in-chimney trout, and day boat scallops were all standouts — every dish felt carefully thought out. But what really set the night apart was the staff — attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about every dish, and just genuinely warm from start to finish. Add in a great atmosphere, and you've got a five-star meal all around. We'll definitely be back.
Aug 13, 2026 · Google Review
Michael Krupp[July 2026 ] Ruse has become one of our favorite stops in St. Michaels. Reservations can be difficult to get, but we’ve had good luck grabbing seats at the bar for an early lunch or dinner, and it’s well worth it. While the seafood and cocktails are the obvious draw and consistently excellent, don’t overlook the smash burger. It’s one of the best burgers on the Eastern Shore, with a beautifully caramelized crust, perfectly melted cheese, and crisp, well-seasoned fries that make the whole plate memorable. What really convinced me of the kitchen’s talent, though, was something unexpected. During the St. Michaels OysterFest, Ruse was serving a house-made pastrami sandwich from an outdoor stand. It was one of the best pastrami sandwiches I’ve ever had, tender, deeply flavorful, and literally melting in your mouth. That experience showed this isn’t just a seafood restaurant; it’s a kitchen with serious range. Whether you’re stopping in for oysters and cocktails or simply one of the area’s best burgers, Ruse is absolutely worth a visit.
Aug 12, 2026 · Google Review
Hillary GrossAmazing. Will be back!
Aug 12, 2026 · Google Review
chuckWe ate at Ruse in St. Michaels — such a cute restaurant! Service was excellent: prompt and friendly from start to finish. First, we got too much food but were excited to try several different dishes. We started with raw oysters, baked oysters, and sourdough bread with amazing butter. We also had the heirloom tomatoes, a great bottle of wine, cacio e pepe with crab, and scallops with polenta. We finished with peach ice cream and two glasses of port. The dishes weren’t just visually stunning — they were a flavor explosion. Ruse was nominated for a James Beard Award, and based on our meal, they should have won. The servers were attentive and friendly throughout, which made the whole experience even better.
Aug 12, 2026 · Google Review
Shavonn TaylorMy husband and I had a great dinner at Ruse! We tried several different items on the menu and everything was phenomenal. Our favorites were the chicken, corn, roasted oysters, zucchini, and cacio e pepe. Aside from the delicious food, the service was top notch! Everyone was attentive, friendly, and made the entire experience even better. Great food, great service, and just an overall wonderful dining experience. This is hands down our new favorite in St.Michaels
Aug 9, 2026 · Google Review
Carol SchierbaumWhat can I say about this wonderful restaurant other than we could only get one night of our 4 night reservations at Inn at Perry Cabin. Meal was fabulous, we had eaten there on a previous time in St Michael’s. Service with a smile and every person that worked there leaned in to say Hi or Welcome!! We can’t wait to return to St Michael’s for another meal here❤️
Aug 2, 2026 · Google Review
We're Going There!Excellent food, wine and service
Jul 30, 2026 · Google Review