Samantha Monteith

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

This restaurant was our favorite during our trip to St Michael’s. We came for brunch because dinner was booked out for the entire weekend- which just shows how popular they are. Brunch did not disappoint though. The heirloom tomato salad and the cucumber salad are not to be missed!! Each bite is packed with flavor & you can tell the chef puts a lot of thought and effort into each dish. This restaurant is truly a must visit if you’re in St Michael’s. The service was also fantastic!!

Stephan

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

The culinary highlight of our weekend getaway in St. Michaels – we tried the raw bar, blue crab cacio e pepe, heirloom tomatoes and more. We had no reservation but were able to sit at the bar.

Pat Tokarz

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Outstanding Happy Hour 4-6 pm daily

Ben Brown

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

We got the Persian cucumbers, wagyu, scallops (not pictured), and bundino and it was all delicious. The cucumbers were a great recommendation from our waitress and we loved the whipped tahini with chili crisp. The wagyu had a great char and flavor.

Brian Ferri

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Incredible 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.

Michael Krupp

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

[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.

Hillary Gross

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Amazing. Will be back!