Boston’s relationship with the Atlantic Ocean has always defined its culinary identity. From the historic wharves where fish was unloaded at dawn to the modern dining rooms overlooking the harbor, the city offers a seafood scene that is both deeply traditional and surprisingly innovative. For locals and visitors alike, finding the right restaurant is about more than just eating; it is about experiencing a piece of New England maritime culture.
The challenge, however, is navigating the sheer volume of options. For every iconic, century-old oyster bar, there is a new, trendy raw bar pushing the boundaries of crudo. While the city is famous for its "chowdah" and lobster rolls, the depth of the local catch—from Atlantic cod and haddock to briny local bivalves—deserves a closer look.
This guide aims to cut through the noise. We have focused on establishments that prioritize freshness, sourcing, and consistency. Whether you are looking for a casual waterfront bite after walking the Freedom Trail or a white-tablecloth experience to celebrate a special occasion, Boston has a table for you.
We have evaluated these restaurants based on the quality of the raw bar, the execution of classic New England dishes, and the overall atmosphere. Price points vary, but the commitment to serving the ocean’s bounty at its peak does not. You will find legendary institutions that have stood the test of time alongside hidden gems favored by Southie locals.
Below, we have curated a list that represents the best of Boston’s maritime dining. These are places where the seafood is handled with respect, the service is knowledgeable, and the experience is memorable. Prepare to discover your new favorite oyster or the richest bowl of chowder in the city.
Here are the 15 best seafood restaurants in Boston right now, ranging from iconic landmarks to modern culinary hotspots.
Boston Sail Loft
| Address | 80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (617) 227-7280 |
The food was absolutely delicious. Of course I had to try the New England Clam Chowder since this was supposed to be 1 of the 2 best places to try it in Boston. I don’t like dill and clams are not my favorite seafood yet this Chowder was delicious and I could definitely eat it again. Every bite, super hot, creamy, seasoned, delectable. I had a cup with Cajun shrimp. I was told they were going to be small but there were pretty big, super fresh, tender, seasoned very well, hot, and yummy. I don’t usually like cocktails sauce but you can tell this was fresh so I thoroughly enjoyed it. The tartar sauce was balanced and delicious as well. It was a super cool, relaxed, loud atmosphere. I sat at the bar, all the staff were friendly and the folks I sat next to as well. I love checking out new places and being in my own world soaking up everything/one around me.
Everything we ordered was delicious! We started with the Appetizer Combo Plate and chose the calamari, shrimp, and Buffalo wings. The calamari and shrimp were excellent but the Buffalo wings were the only item we felt was a bit below the rest. We also had the New England Clam Chowder, which was fantastic but the absolute star of the night was the lobster roll. It was incredibly fresh, buttery and one of the best we’ve ever had.
The three dishes were more than enough for two adults and a toddler, so the portions are very generous. We waited about an hour on the waitlist on a Sunday evening but it was absolutely worth it. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Boston!
We visited this place after hearing it’s a local favorite with a great atmosphere right by the harbor, and it definitely lived up to the hype—the restaurant was packed with locals!
Even though we were tourists and a bit unfamiliar with how things worked, Nick was exceptionally kind and helpful. Even during the busy dinner rush when it must have been exhausting, he took the time to explain everything warmly to every single table, which truly impressed us.
All the food was fantastic, but I especially recommend the seafood pasta(it is not on the picture though), the lobster roll, and the Maine Beer Company IPA Lunch!
Huge thanks to the team at Boston Sail Loft for making the first night of our trip so memorable!
Had a total summer night craving for a lobster roll, stumbled upon this place, and scored amazing parking on the first try—took that as my sign! Ended up waiting 1.5 hours, so if they take reservations, I’d highly recommend booking instead of walking in. The food was good it earned five stars. Since it’s right on the water, it was a little humid, and the inside felt a bit cluttered for my taste, but one thing I loved: their generosity with that overflowing clam chowder was unmatched!
When in Boston, getting a great lobster roll and a bowl of clam chowder is a must. This spot came highly recommended, so we decided to check it out—and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
The line can look long, but they have an efficient system where you leave your number and get a text when your table is ready. Even though the wait was quoted at 45 minutes, we were seated in about 20.
The service was friendly, and both the lobster roll and clam chowder were excellent. Definitely worth a visit—highly recommend!
Atlantic Fish Company
| Address | 761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 267-4000 |
Terrific meal here. We made a late dinner reservation but that did not diminish the experience at all. The service was noticeably polished and attentive, really top notch, from the front desk the moment we walked in to the very end. Warm bread and butter service. The meal was well paced, not at all rushed. Drinks came immediately. The food was high quality ingredients and well-executed versions. We ordered the clam chowder - so creamy and loaded with clams probably the best I’ve had; shrimp wedge salad with thick cut bacon and a horseradish kick. And we enjoyed our entrees: striped bass with miso brown butter and the fra diavolo. Check was brought and processed swiftly. Lots of attention to detail that we appreciated so much. Great place for a seafood meal and we plan to return whenever we’re in Boston!
Delicious dishes, seafood done right. Dark wood finishes, good desserts and drink options. Reservations probably recommended (we snagged some last minute). Can be casual or classy - we walked in after touristic in shorts and tshirts all day in 100 degree heat and we're will still treated great. Also, the day before this review, and one day after their concert, we saw three members of BTS eating there - so someone must have recommended it to THEM.
The food was phenomenal! Lobster bisque wasn't overly rich and the salmon on my caesar was blackened perfectly and a perfect medium rare. The seafood tower is also super impressive and everything was fresh and well prepared. Octopus with chorizo was very flavorful. Seemed a busy and popular spot for lunch.
An Outstanding Dining Experience at Atlantic Fish Co
Food & Entrees: The food was amazing, and the seafood entrees we ordered were also delicious.
Kids' Menu: The kids' menu portions are huge and delicious.
Service: Our waitress gave us amazing service.
I super recommend this place!
For my 9th bowl of chowder on my Boston Chowder Crawl we hit up the Atlantic Fish Company.
What a charming and old school upscale restaurant! Our server was on point, he knew the menu, wine pairing and had great banter.
The chowder was rich and delicious, with plenty of clam. It was the first time I got a baguette with chowder, which made me very happy. Their bisque was so creamy and savory. The carpaccio needed just a dash of salt, but was really good too. I chugged a bottle of sancerre and finished my mid day snack with a perfectly cooked 2 pound lobster with a lobster roll back. From there we got back to our walking tour and bar hopping!
Thank you to the staff at Atlantic Fish for a great lunch!
The Barking Crab
| Address | 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 426-2722 |
We just did a family vacation in Boston and someone recommended the Barking Crab as the place to get a lobster dinner, and I am so glad they did. I love lobster and was looking forward to having a whole lobster, so I ordered a 2 lb grilled lobster and didn’t want to waste any stomach space on appetizers 😂 my husband ordered oysters and a crab sandwich, my one daughter got mussels and a 1.5 lb steamed lobster, and my other daughter got lobster bisque and salmon. My cousin and his girlfriend who were with us ordered clam chowder and lobster bisque as well, and a 1.5 lb steamed lobster and fish.
I tried both an oyster and a mussel and they were both fantastic, and I have very high standards for both. I also tried some of my daughter’s steamed lobster in addition to my grilled lobster and while both were absolutely delicious, sweet and flavorful, I preferred the steamed as it was a bit more moist. I wanted to try the grilled as that isn’t something I will do at home. I will absolutely come back next time I’m in Boston and order the steamed.
Side note- we came on a day that was kind of rainy and despite there being 6 of us only waited about 5 minutes at 6:30/6:40. The down side was the wait was outside in the rain.
Food was okay. Hostess on inside was rude. We were party of two. Had to set up our own table. Saw a disabled couple come in. We asked to give our table to them since she was in a wheel chair and would have to remain in it to eat. We took a bench table next to us that was empty. Hostess wanted us to move to the bar. I did not come to sit and eat at the bar.
Traditional Lobster Roll is $42. Naked Lobster Roll is $43. Traditional Lobster Roll was almost half the size of the Naked Lobster Roll and loaded with more lettuce than necessary.
Lobster Bisque was good. Had nice chunks of Lobster. Flavor was average, but nothing to write home about. This is not a place I would tell anyone was a must when visiting Boston.
First time in Boston and this place was recommended to us. When we first sat down, it took a while for someone to come over or to even acknowledge that we were there. It wasn’t super busy and I could see that everybody had already received their food, so servers were definitely not trying to run food out. Once we did receive service, our server was really nice, but they weren’t super attentive. We ordered the snow crab legs and it came with a pound and a half (supposedly) of crab and one corn on the cob. None of the food had any seasoning on it, so it was definitely not what we were used to. And for around $65 a person, it was pretty disappointing and not worth the money. In Dallas, for about the same amount of money, we can get everything in the seafood boil that you see in the attached image. I do believe that this place is over-hyped, and that you are just paying for the atmosphere. Honestly, if I were from Boston, I would not recommend this place to anyone. The other food items might be good like the rolls and what not, but we were wanting some really good, meaty crab legs, and sometimes the shells didn’t even have any crab in them. I would definitely go to a better seafood restaurant. Anyway, take a look at the attached images for reference, and you can form your own opinion. 🙂
We couldnt wait to try some boston seafood and picked this place for its lobster and crab Platters we got the Venus platter with lobster shrimp and dungeness crabs and it did not disappoint at all everything was perfect and delicious. We also got crab cakes and calamari appetizers they hit the spot as well. Our server didn't pay much attention to us barely checking on us someone else brought our food out and he didn't bother seeing if everything was OK or if we needed anything. Im very understanding and if ge was super busy id of understood but he wasn't and walked by us several times luckily the food was so good little did he know im an over tipper coming from the industry myself so he got the standard 20% tip when he could have gotten a 35% or 40% tip to bad for him but I did tip the person who did the most for us he deserved it more.
Great place in Boston! 🦞
We ordered lobster — it was very fresh and delicious. The sauces were excellent, and the atmosphere was very nice. The staff were polite and attentive. A beautiful view of the river made the experience even better. Highly recommend!
James Hook & Co
| Address | 440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (857) 575-4301 |
You gotta get a lobster roll when you're in Boston. Lobsta! So, this place has been around since the 20s, so they're the real deal. The restaurant is super clean, bodering on your local hospital. That's perfect, because again you don't need a cup of clam chowder from a dump. Portions here are generous, you will not leave hungry. My personal favorite is the lobster roll with mayo- so creamy, chilled to perfection, and more than a mouthful in every bite. Yummers!
This place was busy but the line went quick. We were able to find a spot to sit. The people were nice. The food was good but not as great as it seems. The lobster had a great flavor but overall it was just that. Great place to eat just not wowed me like others.
The lobster roll (one with mayo) was very tasty and sweet. My partner had a lobster roll with warm butter., which was also great. It depends on your preference. The lobster Mac and Cheese was also delicious. The service was friendly and fast. We ate at one of the indoor seating areas outside, which was comfortable.
On top of that, their prices were very reasonable!
James Hook & Co. was our first lobster roll experience in Massachusetts, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The lobster was fresh, sweet, and generously packed into the roll, making it a great introduction to New England seafood.
We also enjoyed sitting outside, which had a relaxed atmosphere and a nice view of the Boston skyline. Overall, it was a great experience, and we’d happily come back to try more from the menu.
I wanted to love the lobster roll but it lacked flavor for the most part. I had to add butter and salt myself which made it more enjoyable, nonetheless it was still a good meal. I did enjoy the crab cake very much! Now that is something I would recommend.
Very limited seating inside.
Saltie Girl
| Address | 279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 267-0691 |
We walked in for lunch on a Friday, got an outdoor table for 2 right away even though the place was busy. Our server Natalia was very attentive and friendly. Food was good but a bit on the pricey side (which is to be expected for a seafood place)- we ordered the small seafood tower, the crab carbonara and of course, the lobster roll.
Highly recommend. Worth the money. Will gladly come back.
We came here after an event in Back Bay with our twin toddlers. The atmosphere was awesome, and our waiter was super kind and attentive to the kids. The restaurant is beautiful.
It was wicked expensive tbh, but the quality was there. I would have been furious if the food was bad for that much money, but I really enjoyed it. The lobster roll (gluten free!) had a beautiful GF roll with high quality lobster meat. The gf pistachio tiramisu was to die for.
Where I have to take the star is the portions! We ordered a $32 box of fish and chips and it was extremely tiny. My three-year-olds took it down in two seconds, and we had to order more food for them. It was an adult meal, and I think any adult would have left hungry.
I also ordered the warm crab roll, a $30 appetizer. And it was super delicious, but really mere bites!
Takeaway: awesome atmosphere, kind staff, delicious food — but quite pricey, even for the area, given that portions are verrry much on the smaller side.
Considering this place is very known and hyped online, I found it lived up to its image. First of all, the bar area is where we sat at and it was such a vibe. They also had one for walk-ins next to ours which was very nice. The terrace was also packed and had a great ambiance going.
My server Courtney was the one who made my first time experience memorable. She was super knowledgeable and delivered on her service.
I started with a selection of fresh Oysters from the raw bar that my server recommended and it was absolutely fantastic:
Wellfleet (10/10)
Unicorn Pink 9/10
Channel Roc 7.5/10
Prince Caspian 10/10
Then, I went with the classic Lobster Roll (warm) with fresh butter which was very delicious. It comes with a side of freshly baked chips which was fantastic.
For dessert, I had their baked chocolate chip cookie which was very delicious.
Overall this place, despite the hype online was not overrated. It was a nice restaurant that gets a lot of recognition. Usually places that are on TikTok do not live up to the hype and are just the heat of the moment.
Very good dining experience at this Saltie Girl location right off Newbury Street on a Tuesday evening....our reservation was at 5 pm, and people started queing up before then. Our server (Andy?) was excellent, very attentive, patient and always on point.... The food was pretty good too, with the exception of the bread that accompanied the tin fish selection, which was a bit stale and didn't match the quality of the other food selections in our order. Prices were on the elevated side, but then again this is a prime dining spot right in the middle of Newbury St. We would definitely be back.
The food was delicious, I loved the oysters and we tried a few. The Halibut was perfectly done. Definitely save room for the pistachio tiramisu, a clever take on a classic dessert.
Our server was the worst I've ever experienced. When I tried to ask questions about the oysters, she pointed to the menu and said to read the descriptions. Then she was gone. For. A. Long. Time.
We were obviously the forgotten table in the middle of the room, so much so that other servers took our order and brought water, eventually. A simple dinner for two to launch our World Cup vacation lasted 2.5 hours.
To add insult to injury, when she brought our check, instead of it coming on a silver tray like everyone else we observed dining and paying, she presented the payment machine! Insulting.
The food is excellent, if slightly overpriced. No one else's service seemed bad, so I still recommend it. Reservations are an essential and plan to to stay forever in case you get our server.
Legal Sea Foods - Harborside
| Address | 270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 477-2900 |
Overall a nice experience and would return. Beautiful location looking out over the water with floor to ceiling windows so bright and airy. Bar was crowded when we arrived a little after four but rotated often. Happy appetizers were okay. Shrimp and scallops breaded nicely but both were slightly chewy. The margarita flight was okay if you want to try a few options but its a lot of ice and just okay in flavors. Having said that their more traditional drinks are well made. Clam chowder was good, not too thick but not runny either. Broth was tasty but clams were a little chewy. The sole meuniere was the stand out for me. Tender well cooked fish. I enjoyed the flavor and would absolutely order again. Rice and peas were a perfect accompaniment for such a light fish. Salt and vinegar crusted cod also good fish was well cooked but didn’t really get a salt and vinegar hit from it.
Our plan was to eat once at Legal Sea Foods during our trip… but the food had other plans. We ended up going twice in four days, which says a lot.
We tried to sample “a few things” but quickly realized we wanted to try everything. The tuna watermelon tartare with tostones was a fun surprise, the sushi was super fresh, and yes—even the clam chowder lived up to Boston’s reputation. The swordfish though? Absolute star of the show.
Special shoutout to Rita, our wonderfully entertaining chatterbox of a server who made us feel instantly welcome. Dinner with her felt like great food plus great company.
We ordered several other dishes that were also delicious, but there’s not enough Google review space for all of it—just check the photos. Clearly, we liked it enough to come back before our trip was even over. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had calamari for an appetizer with the fish sandwich and cioppino for entrees. The food was very good. Being from out of town we were hoping to have a good view of the harbor but where we were sat wasn’t the best view. We also had our infant daughter with us sitting on our laps until we finally asked for a high chair. Our waiter was very nice and had good suggestions but was not the most attentive. At one point I wanted to get another drink and saw him outside chatting with someone for a while that looked like another employee. Overall it was good but if we come back to Boston I’m looking for somewhere else to dine because this didn’t wow us.
LSF was recommended by an East coaster. It did not disappoint. The service was friendly, seating was quick (it was Tuesday at rush hour,) and wait staff were attentive and seemed to enjoy working together. The food was delicious and fresh. It was not cheap, and there is on site valet but no standard parking.
I ordered 4 oysters, a cup of clam chowder (creamy, slightly sweet,) and the large lobster roll (hot with butter, I asked for the lemon aoli on the side and it was great for the fries and the roll.)
Everything came out fresh and hot, except the oysters which were briny and perfect.
We had a pretty good lunch at Legal Sea Foods. I started with a few oysters, which were very fresh and came with a tasty mignonette sauce. They were on the pricier side at $3.50 each. We also ordered the clam chowder, which was excellent.
For entrées, we had the fried chicken with hot honey, served with vegetables and whipped potatoes, and the grilled swordfish, which was excellent and came with street corn off the cob and whipped potatoes. We also tried the lobster roll with fries. It was just okay, very light on butter and noticeably skimpy on the amount of lobster compared to other places we visited during our time in New England.
Overall, it was a good meal, though maybe not the best value for the money.
Row 34 - Seaport | Boston
| Address | 383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 553-5900 |
We had a fantastic dinner at Row 34 Seaport. The service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable without ever feeling rushed. The food was outstanding, and the seafood was incredibly fresh and perfectly prepared. Every dish we ordered was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The cocktails were excellent as well—creative, well-balanced, and a perfect complement to the meal. The atmosphere was lively yet comfortable, making it a great spot for a night out. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend Row 34 to anyone looking for outstanding seafood and exceptional service in Boston.
We heard Row 34 is one of the restaurants to visit for good lobster rolls while visiting Boston. We stayed in the Seaport area and this was about a 15 minute walk from our hotel. We came here during lunch on a Wednesday. We had 3 adults and a toddler and it wasn’t busy, nicely air conditioned and there was also outdoor and bar seatings. I got an espresso martini which was good. We started with fried calamari and corn bread for the table to share. Pasta and broccoli for the toddler. And then 2 warm lobster rolls (about $42 market price) and a shrimp roll. I also ordered the clam chowder to compare to other places. I felt like the clam chowder had a really strong bacon taste and flavor that overpowered the soup, and it was pretty light as opposed to thick. The lobster rolls were really good, the bread was super soft and service was great! There’s some street parking but located within a busy area.
We ordered both types of lobster rolls and one clam chowder. The clam chowder was good so we got off to a good start. It went downhill from there. I ordered the butter version of the lobster roll. It was chewy and had no flavor at all. I added some lemon hoping to give it some help but it was beyond saving. I was really surprised by the low quality since it's on Trip Advisor's customer choice list which is usually spot on. As if that wasn't enough, the total was $117 for a subpar meal. I wish I'd gone somewhere else to try my first lobster roll.
Great seatings, low and high tops. Not too loud but good vibe. Service was great, very attentive servers. All the food was delicious and flavorful. Oysters were $3.5-$4, oyster slider was a great starter. Clam chowder was full of flavor and bacon.
Thank you to the helpful staff at Row 34. We showed up on a Saturday night, without a reservation and they got us a 3-top immediately.
The food was so good! Salmon crudo, razor clam ceviche, scallop ceviche and a few fried oyster sliders. The fish was so fresh and perky! If you are a fan of crudo or ceviche, you'll definitely enjoy Row 34.
Also, I got my 7th bowl of chowder during my Boston Chowder Crawl. Row's chowder was very ham forward with nice size chunks of what I think was pancetta. Good consistency as well and a nice balance of herbs.
Row 34 was a great way to cap off our long day strolling the Seaport neighborhood.
Ocean Prime
| Address | 140 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 670-1345 |
I’ve been here a couple of times through out the years and I think it slightly went down a bit in terms of service, ambience and quality.
We waited a while for someone to come, didn’t give us the right side for our daughter’s sliders and her sliders didn’t even come with cheese. Just straight meat and bun. Dry.
The bread basket was great.
We waited about 20 mins to ask for a desert menu and then they said theyd send out something for our anniversary. Which was nice.
My boyfriend and I celebrated our four-year anniversary at Ocean Prime in Seaport Boston last week, and we had an incredible experience thanks to our waiter, Stan. This was our first time dining here and from the moment we were seated, he made us feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable. He was attentive without being overbearing and never made us feel rushed, allowing us to fully enjoy our special evening.
Stan's friendly personality and excellent service truly elevated our dining experience. He was knowledgeable, professional, and made us feel like valued guests throughout the entire meal. We would absolutely recommend requesting Stan if you're dining at Ocean Prime.
The food was outstanding from start to finish. The tuna tartare was absolutely delicious and a perfect way to begin the meal. My boyfriend ordered the filet, and he said it was the best steak he has ever tasted. Our favorite dish, though, was the warm butter cake. It was served with fresh berries and the most delicious vanilla ice cream—a perfect ending to a wonderful celebration.
Thank you, Stan, for helping make our anniversary so memorable. We look forward to coming back!
Calamari was tender sweet and savory. Lobster bisque had an entire lobster claw with a slight hint of cumin. Crab cakes were amazing. Fillet was a full 10oz and cooked perfectly. Had mango sorbet for desert and it was the perfect ending to a great meal.
Had an incredible dining experience at Ocean Prime — this place truly lives up to its reputation as one of the standout upscale dining spots in Boston’s Seaport.
Located right in the heart of the Seaport District, the restaurant perfectly blends modern luxury with a lively, polished atmosphere. There’s a vibrant lounge area that feels energetic and social, alongside a more refined main dining room that’s ideal for a relaxed, upscale dinner. The whole space feels sophisticated without being over the top.
Ocean Prime is part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group, known for its high standards in both food and hospitality—and you can absolutely feel that from the moment you walk in.
What really stood out was the service. The staff was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the entire meal. They took the time to guide us through the menu and recommended some of their best dishes, which made the experience feel curated and seamless.
We started with the West Coast oysters on the half shell—fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled. The deviled eggs were a standout twist on a classic, beautifully presented with a rich, creamy filling and elevated toppings. The crab cake was excellent—packed with lump crab, lightly crisped on the outside, and not overly heavy.
The shrimp sauté was absolutely delicious—tender shrimp in a rich, buttery sauce, topped with melted cheese that added a savory depth and made the dish feel indulgent and unique.
The highlight of the night was the halibut special. It was cooked flawlessly—perfectly crisp on the outside while staying moist and flaky inside, paired with a vibrant sauce and vegetables that complemented the fish without overpowering it.
Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated, reflecting the level of detail Ocean Prime is known for.
Overall, Ocean Prime delivers on every level: atmosphere, service, and exceptional food. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable night out in Boston, this spot is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend.
Absolutely the best meal we had in Boston in 2025! 🤤🤌 My girlfriend & I went to Ocean Prime for a special occasion in December and it did not disappoint.
The service from the staff was so kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed, talking through any dishes/specials, and making sure our special dinner went well.
The food, was on another level. The crab cake app was fresh and a nice intro, and then I got one of the specials that night - a red snapper over a risotto seasoned/made using their lobster bisque - amazing. The sides were nice as well, and they closed it out really well with a decent Crème brûlée & a 10-layer carrot cake the whole restaurant was ordering.
10/10 on all fronts, and already plan on coming back soon.
Union Oyster House
| Address | 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 227-2750 |
We had dinner at Union Oyster House on our first night in Boston and absolutely loved it! We were seated very quickly and had a great outdoor table with plenty of shade. Our server was friendly and efficient, and the espresso martinis were delicious!
I ordered the shrimp scampi, which was light and yummy. My boyfriend got the sautéed shrimp and sea scallops over rice, and it was sooo delicious—rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
They also ended up giving us a free Boston cream pie because of a wait for our drinks, which was funny because I honestly didn’t feel like we had waited very long at all! It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture.
After trying a different restaurant the next day, we actually decided to come back because we enjoyed this place so much. It had also been recommended by multiple locals when we asked for restaurant suggestions, and now we can see why!
On our second visit, the hostess wasn’t quite as great as the first time, but our waitress was even more amazing. We did have a 45 minute wait for two of us. We started with a half dozen oysters, and they were so yummy! I got the lobster ravioli, which was incredible, and we also enjoyed the clam chowder—although it wasn’t the best clam chowder we had in the area.
We also tried the Lazy Man’s Lobster, which was very, very rich and buttery. It was good, but for the price, we probably wouldn’t recommend it.
If we were ranking the dishes we tried, our favorites would be:
1. Sautéed shrimp and sea scallops over rice — our absolute favorite!
2. Lobster ravioli — incredible
3. Shrimp scampi — light and delicious
4. Lazy Man’s Lobster — good, but very rich and not worth the price compared to the other options
We also really enjoyed our Chateau Sauvignon Blanc! Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are great options depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
Overall, Union Oyster House is definitely on the more expensive side, but we had such a great experience that we came back twice during our trip. Great food, great service, and a fun historic Boston experience. Definitely a place we would recommend when visiting Boston!
Great Oyster bar as soon as you come in. Generally, speaking you have to be lucky with your timing to grab a seat at the bar. We snagged two seats and had a half order of oysters with a cup of New England Chowder. They were great! The guys who were shucking were great. They also have dining tables and a very extensive menu if you want a more traditional dining experience.
Union Oyster House in Boston offers an unforgettable dining experience, combining rich history with delicious flavors. During my visit, I started with their famous New England clam chowder, which was creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender clams—truly a taste of Boston in a bowl. I paired it with a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary, which added just the right kick to the meal and made the experience even more enjoyable. The lively, welcoming atmosphere of Union Oyster House made it a perfect spot to soak in the city’s charm while savoring classic New England fare. Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty soup or a refreshing drink, this iconic bar captures the essence of Boston dining.
Union Oyster House made for a great lunch while visiting my brother-in-law! Loved the historical charm, and we were so happy when we were sat in the famous Kennedy booth. I appreciated that there were several chicken choices on the menu for pickier eaters. The complimentary cornbread was really good, and we enjoyed the baked stuffed clams, shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, and crab cakes. Very tasty garlic aioli on top of the crab cakes. Our server was friendly and attentive, especially with refilling water. A must when visiting Boston!
Last time I was in Boston in 2013 I wasn't able to get into Union Oyster House because I was limited on time. This trip, I made sure that I allocated time and I was the first person in line when they opened the doors at 11 a.m.
I asked for a small table and was provided a nice two-top booth in the back-room area. There are multiple rooms, seating size options, as well as bar seating at several bars. The facility is quite large and it's like a museum with tons of history adorning the walls, as well as several display cases and curios.
I was greeted by Lorena who is a lovely person from Romania and was excellent to interact with. I wanted to try a few things so I ordered a cup of clam chowder and two appetizers for my lunch. I enjoyed their mixed seafood app which was cold shrimp, clams, and oysters; then I had an order of baked clams. Everything was delicious. The chowder was thick, creamy and tasted like the ocean. The cold seafood plate was clean, fresh and very good. This was my first time trying baked clams and I really enjoyed them. It was the perfect amount of food for a good lunch.
I paired my meal with Sam Adams Colonial, which is brewed by Samuel Adams exclusively for this restaurant. It was sort of like a red ale finished in a molasses cask. Sounds funky, but it was really good and not overly sweet or heavy. I had a second glass for dessert.
By the time I was leaving, the restaurant was packed and there was a line waiting to get in.
I'm glad I went and I would certainly go again.
Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf
| Address | 255 State St, Boston, MA 02109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 742-5300 |
WOW! That pretty much covers it. Everything was amazing. I’m a Celiac from Florida. #1 thing I wanted was gluten free fish and chips. It was soooo good. Perfect sized portions. Delicious & safe for me to eat. Our waitress, Jocelyn was so attentive and kind. She even offered us a pasta restaurant and a couple bakeries to try while visiting Boston as well. We asked to speak with the chef and complimented him on his skills and how good all the food was! It was so good I ordered it to go and had it again for dinner. Everything was on point. Zero complaints. Clean restaurant & restroom. There were 5 of us and we went on a Thursday at 12 noon. Zero wait and the atmosphere was a whole vibe. Oh how I wish this restaurant had a location in Florida! I am the only gluten allergy in my group and everyone loved their food as well. I have added pictures of all of our plates. (This was my first time having fried fish in over 3 years.) Thank you Legal Sea Foods!
The soup was incredible. For people who love lobsters i would definitely recommend. The bread i did not like. it felt cheap and not cared for. There weren’t many servers out we waited for someone a while before we could order. However we were in a rush and the food came fast🙏🙏.
Had an amazing dining experience at Legal Sea Foods on Long Wharf—easily one of the best seafood meals I’ve had in Boston.
For starters, we ordered the mixed platter, and it absolutely delivered. The dumplings were perfectly seared and flavorful, and the fried seafood selection (shrimp, calamari, and bites) was crispy without feeling heavy. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared—exactly what you hope for at a place known for seafood.
For the main, the lobster twin tail was the star of the night. The lobster was incredibly tender, sweet, and cooked just right, paired with simple sides that let the quality of the seafood shine. You can really tell they take freshness seriously here.
What made the experience even better was the service. The staff was incredibly welcoming from the moment we walked in and stayed attentive and prompt throughout the meal without being intrusive. It struck the perfect balance and made the whole evening feel relaxed and enjoyable.
There’s also something special about dining here knowing the history behind it. Legal Sea Foods started as a small fish market in Cambridge back in 1950 and grew into a Boston institution known for its commitment to quality and freshness . Being right on Long Wharf—a historic waterfront dating back to the early 1700s—adds to the classic Boston experience .
Overall, this spot perfectly blends great food, history, and atmosphere. If you’re in Boston and want a true New England seafood experience, this is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
After a great day out whale watching, we were all absolutely starving and didn't want to wander too far to find a spot. This restaurant at Long Wharf was the absolute perfect choice!
It is incredibly convenient to the docks, but more importantly, the food was spectacular. Everything we ordered was fresh, delicious, and perfectly prepared it completely hit the spot and left us all with very happy tummies.
If you are looking for a super convenient, delicious, and satisfying seafood dinner right by the water after a long day of adventuring, this is the place to go!
I came here because of their 4.6 review and boy oh boy was I disappointed!!
They were not even busy because if they were I would have cut them grace
The good part they got to our table within the first 5 mins of seating us. That was the only good part … after that everything was a series of unfortunate events
Drinks were wrong
We ordered a dozen oysters, seafood platter and rainbow trout
The oysters did not come 15 mins after our other food arrived
When it came they never explained which oysters were which(we asked to get 4 of each kind) … so we had to wait another 10 mins till we caught their eye
We asked for extra Tatar sauce and that never came
We just gave up on having a delightful meal at that point
Harold our server seemed like a kind and genuine person but he was just overwhelmed with the table next to us and their allergies. I feel at some point they should have given us another server
Also no discount was applied even after they saw the mix ups
Oh and btw the food was not even the best I have had at Boston
Skip this one try the other local seafood … sometimes the bigs don’t live up to the name
Yankee Lobster
| Address | 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 345-9799 |
The first time I’ve enjoyed a meal at Yankee lobster was around 2005 while I lived and worked in Boston. I’ve happened to find Yankee Lobster after touring Harpoon Brewery located across the street. Beer and seafood? Yes! An excellent idea. Back in 2005, Yankee Lobster was mainly a simple wholesale storefront with a retail counter and a chalk board menu- I don’t think the place was open on Sundays nor Saturdays.
Now, coming back to show my kids the places I’ve enjoyed while living in Boston, I was glad to see YL prospering and expanding into a full-fledged sit-down restaurant in an area that is now mostly developed. The food continues to impress for the freshness and quality of the seafood: lobster roll, clam strips, fish and chips, lobster platter, clam chowder, yes! Give me all of them. We all loved the lobster and fish, the clam strips were our most favorite item because it is not easily available.
We will return again when we visit Boston in the future.
I have been in Boston for 3 days. I ate here 4 times. That's how good it is. The hot butter lobster roll was fantastic. Best lobster roll i have had and loaded. The lobster bisque had so much lobster in it I had to get it again just to see if it was a fluke. It indeed was not. It's just absolutely loaded with lobster. That calamari was perfect. The crobster (crab and lobster roll) was wonderful and loaded to the max. And finally I decided to try the fish and chips on my last day. 100% you cannot go wrong here. Everything is the best you will find around hands down. And the place has just a great atmosphere too.
Had lunch with the hot buttered lobster roll. I forgot it came with fries :). Was very greasy but was tasty. The full size in 2026 costs 40 dollars a roll. Also had the fried clams whole belly with my husband. They were not sandy at all and were very good. Could have used an extra tartar sauce as we quickly ran out. We parked next to the building very convenient and ate outside on a nice 70 degree sunny day. The staff were really friendly. Food came out quickly. You need to order at the counter first.
Been here once before almost 10 years ago. Really enjoyed the food and decided to come back since we’re back in town.
Not busy at all. Order at the counter and then pick a seat. They give you a number and bring the food to you.
Ordered the regular lobster roll +fries, shrimp tacos + fries, crab cakes, and lobster bisque. Everything tasted great. The bisque and roll had huge chunks of lobster meat in them. The shrimp tacos were pretty tasty but admittedly a little overcooked. The crab cake was delish.
Service was friendly and quick. Willing to come back anytime we’re on Boston.
Had lunch here on day 3 of Sail Boston and was super impressed with how well they handled the crowds, it was like any other Monday for them. Staff were friendly but efficient. The inside seating area is tiny but the outside seating area was really comfortable despite the heat with 2 big fans going. The place was full but not overwhelmingly crowded. Mains did take a little long but it was to be expected with how busy they were. Food was good, nothing outstanding but nothing bad either. Portions were ok but the kids portion was definitely generous. A solid option and Guy Fieri approved.
Ostra
| Address | 1 Charles St S, Boston, MA 02116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (617) 421-1200 |
A special visit, one to remember. 🤍
In my view, everyone who lives in Boston and likes good food should experience Ostra at least once. It’s now my new go-to restaurant locally. Very elegant setting, warm welcome, everything feels right.
The food was amazing. Every dish is well composed, both visually and in flavor. It outshines many of the dining experiences we recently had in Paris. And, yes, I sent my compliments to the chef. Thank you!
If I had to highlight just one dish, it’d be the Ricotta gnocchi with lobster, absolutely delicious… and, I don’t even order gnocchi (it was my son’s choice).
Visit, you’ll love it!
The food was excellent. Everything was delicious, and the staff were phenomenal. The fresh seafood and fish were the best. The menu is somewhat limited, so picky eaters might have a more difficult time with the menu.
The only things that could have made the restaurant better were the price of the meals and cocktails. I understand a typical Boston Back Bay cocktail is around $18-24 now, and this was no different. The cocktails were good but not excellent.
Finally what really bothered me was the noise. It was so loud that we had to shout to each other. We were seated at a four person square table with one person on each side - no more than 2 feet away from one another. This detracted from the meal significantly. The area near the bar/front entrance was quieter than the main dining room.
We would go back but only for a special occasion and ideally off hours.
May 32, 2026. Excellent. Really enjoyed every dish. Oysters were great, very fresh. Blush point oysters were new to us, very good. Grilled octopus - excellent. Salmon was well prepared.
We came here for our anniversary dinner and was treated to a wonderful dinner service. The standout dish was the deconstructed sea beam which had the bones pulled out and was reconstructed with herbs and seasoning. The crab corn soup was a special that week and also very delicious. They were accommodating with my quinoa allergy and replaced the dish with an alternative.
Beautiful atmosphere to compliment the artful dishes. Ostra does a wonderful job of providing a balance of refined with Mediterranean blend menu. The Maine oysters were a hit art our table. The skin on the hen was as crisp as a chip but the meat was melt in your mouth tender. Our son thought the kansas steak was one of the best he's had in the Boston area. The paella was not a traditional paella but the entire pan was so fresh and the chicken was perfection. The cocktails were all good enough to get second rounds at the table. The chocolate torte was the finishing touch .. Don't skip it!!
Bootleg Special Kitchen & Bar
| Address | 400 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 451-1800 |
I've been coming to The Bootleg Special every time I visit Boston, usually once or twice a year, and it's become a tradition. I always order the crab leg boil, and it's consistently delicious. The seafood is delicious.
What keeps me coming back, though, is that the entire experience is always great. The service is friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is fun and welcoming, and I've never had a bad meal here. I've come with friends and I've come solo, and I've always felt comfortable and well taken care of.
Come in for the fun atmosphere. The decor is really cute and eclectic. Disco bowls and Chinese decorations. Pin up ads on the wall. Fun leg stocking lamp. The staff is nice. And one was particularly helpful with helping me pick the small plates to try with a dairy allergy. The gumbo was decent. I’ve never tried it before so I couldn’t tell you how it is in comparison. But I ate it all. Salt and pepper wings were different and decent. Shrimp cocktail was fresh with lemon, cocktail sauce, and a fun green spicy sauce that I preferred. I could do without the fried rice honestly.
The server was EXCELLENT. The atmosphere was nice. It was a rainy evening, so only 3 tables. The menu was good, southern style.
The food, looked good but.. the Gumbo and the Shrimp Po'boy were lukewarm and not a lot of flavor. The "fresh cut" french fries, were soggy and after the top layer, they was a raw 'clump' of potatoes. The manager did come by and apologized and took care of the meal.
Date night before the show. Recimmrnded by friends. Nicely decorated and cozy ambiance. Had that New Orleans Bourbon Street feeling. Individual table lamps. Service was excellent. Greeted by the hostess at the door. Seated comfortably. Our waiter, Chris A., was awesome. Attentive, courteous, polite and friendly. Food was prepared perfectly and absolutely delicious. Ordered the Cajun Fish and chips, Oyster po boy, Chicken and sausage gumbo and the Garlic noodles. Finishing off with the Beignets with banana foster. What a treat! Highly recommend. Will definitely return to try the other items on the menu including their special cocktails.
I went here super hyped about this place because I wanted the SOUFFLÉ but unfortunately I missed it by 1hr. They only do em till 3pm lol :(…
Super nice place great decor.
Friendly and courteous staff.
I ended up getting the beignets with chocolate ice cream they wer alright nothing special special but still had a good time here.
75 on Liberty Wharf
| Address | 220 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 227-0754 |
Oh my god. Do not just walk past. The view of the sailboats and fishing fleets, dusted like ornaments in a snow globe left me wondering if I was actually in one.
The music is soft and funky. The food! Everything tastes better with good people, good music and a master chef.
The host is hands on and genuine. Gorgeous full bar. Steps from anywhere in the seaport.
Sun dried tomato, spinach, mushroom and cheese. Side of bacon and breakfast taters.
Perfect brunch for a cold day on the water.
Boston at its finest and most gracious.
Exceeded expectations.
Most restaurants in well located, heavy tourist traffic areas, as in coastal cities like San Francisco or Vancouver, do not have to bother to produce high quality food- they just need to turn tables.
Thus, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crab cake dish I ordered turned out to be one of the best I have ever had, including the fresh Dungeness, etc, in the cities mentioned above.
The cakes here were stuffed with crab, nicely seasoned, no soggy oil slop, rather, a nice crisp cake beautifuly browned topped with a light aioli & capers, yum !. Now, most places will then just add some arugula salad or some other "plate fillers" and call it a day, but here, the chef presents a wonderful cuccumber salad with scallions and a light creamy dressing, a perfect compliment to the cakes.
Staff was sharp, attentive but not intrusive.
Great views as well !
Enjoy your meal here !!!
75 on liberty wharf is one of those hidden treasures. Fabulous bar fabulous menu fabulous people. Incredible place to look at that seashore and to order food and to be with sunlight or to be there in the evening and watch the fireworks. Hannah recommend the staff highly enough!
Great location with a good view. Was kinda weird arriving because the host couldn’t find our reservation and then said someone took it, but still was able to seat us. Tables are set up kinda weird so not everyone in your party will have a good view. Pretty good food and drinks, but a bit expensive for the quality.
Location- probably the only reason they survive. Great Location.
Food- ok, not awful, especially for the price, but could have been better.
Service- Waitress took order for drinks and sort of rushed into food, someone else brought out beers, no kids drinks.
Then someone else brought food and kids drinks upon request. Maybe 10 minutes after finishing and the person that brought food cleaned most of it up, Waitress appears to ask how everything was. We asked for the bill, that came quickly. 10-15 minutes longer another Waitress had walked by a few times and stopped and walked back to grab the card. She closed it out quickly and returned it.
They appeared to have adequate staffing, food runner and bus were busy and out there. Other waiter and Waitress were out there. Maybe it was a bad day for her, no manager watching to see how things were progressing, other tables had minimal service as well.
A table next to us was told they were missing 3-4 beers from a fairly short list to begin with, and they ran out of steak tips. Tall ships brought a lot of people, but its a Wednesday.
Luke's Lobster Boston Harbor Islands
| Address | 191 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02111 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (857) 328-1130 |
A Must-Try Lobster Roll in Boston
When researching the top foods to try in Boston, lobster was right at the top of the list.
As we were walking around the city, we happened to come across Luke’s Lobster. My stomach immediately started rumbling, so there was only one thing to do! With no queue, I headed straight to the counter where a really friendly member of staff asked if it was my first visit. I explained that I’d only arrived in Boston a few hours earlier and simply had to try a lobster roll.
He recommended the mixed trio, so I took his advice without hesitation and found a seat while I waited.
It wasn’t long before the food arrived, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Every roll was delicious, but the real star was the perfectly toasted, buttery brioche bun. It was soft, lightly crisp, and paired beautifully with the fresh shellfish. I tried the lobster, crab and shrimp, and honestly couldn’t decide which was my favourite—they were all fantastic.
In fact, choosing was so difficult that I came back the very next day for another helping!
If you’re visiting Boston, Luke’s Lobster is an absolute must. Great food, friendly service, and a perfect place to stop before continuing a stroll around the harbour. A very happy customer!A Must-Try Lobster Roll in Boston
When researching the top foods to try in Boston, lobster was right at the top of the list.
As we were walking around the city, we happened to come across Luke’s Lobster. My stomach immediately started rumbling, so there was only one thing to do! With no queue, I headed straight to the counter where a really friendly member of staff asked if it was my first visit. I explained that I’d only arrived in Boston a few hours earlier and simply had to try a lobster roll.
He recommended the mixed trio, so I took his advice without hesitation and found a seat while I waited.
It wasn’t long before the food arrived, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Every roll was delicious, but the real star was the perfectly toasted, buttery brioche bun. It was soft, lightly crisp, and paired beautifully with the fresh shellfish. I tried the lobster, crab and shrimp, and honestly couldn’t decide which was my favourite—they were all fantastic.
In fact, choosing was so difficult that I came back the very next day for another helping!
If you’re visiting Boston, Luke’s Lobster is an absolute must. Great food, friendly service, and a perfect place to stop before continuing a stroll around the harbour. A very happy customer!
The rolls were delicious. I had the sampler with crab, lobster and bay shrimp. They all had a buttery sauce
and dill. The buns were fluffy and did not overwhelm the flavor of the seafood. The meal came with a drink, chips and a pickle. The outdoor seating was nice as they cleverly divided the space with large plaques that described the nearby islands including photos
Lobster rolls and clam chowder are a must when visiting Boston. I’d recommend the claim chowder it was a nice compliment with the lobster roll, which were nicely sized. The service is also really quick and efficient. This is great place to go especially when the weathers nice since there’s only outdoor seating.
This is an absolute must-stop for anyone on a gluten-free diet. The lobster roll is fantastic and better than the Legal Seafood version. Didn’t have the GF clam chowder, although it is available. My wife and I will absolutely return on our next trip.
We got the flight of lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls with chowder. Very friendly service. They initially forgot to give us our chowder when we ordered, but then when we realized it they gave it to us and increased the size free of charge.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seafood in Boston
Navigating a city with this many seafood options can be overwhelming, especially if you are visiting for a short period. Knowing how to order, when to go, and what to look for can elevate a good meal into a great one. Whether you are a purist who only eats raw clams or a diner who prefers a heavy, butter-laden baked dish, a little local knowledge goes a long way. Here are a few strategic tips to help you make the most of your dining experience in Boston.
1. Embrace the "R" Month Rule for Oysters
While modern aquaculture has made oysters safe to eat year-round, the old adage about eating oysters in months containing the letter "R" (September through April) still holds some weight for flavor. Oysters spawn in the warmer summer months, which can make them milky, thin, and less briny. If you are visiting in summer, ask your shucker for "triploids" or cold-water varieties from further north, which remain firm and flavorful even in July.
2. Know Your Lobster Roll Style
Boston sits directly on the dividing line of a great New England culinary debate: butter versus mayonnaise. If you order a lobster roll "hot," you will get warm, knuckle and claw meat drenched in drawn butter (often called "Connecticut style"). If you order it "cold," you will get chilled meat mixed lightly with mayo and celery (Maine style). To avoid disappointment, ask the server how the kitchen prepares theirs before ordering.
3. Look for "Day Boat" or "Local" Labels
The best restaurants in Boston will tell you exactly where the fish came from, often right down to the specific harbor. If a menu lists "Day Boat Scallops" or "Duxbury Oysters," you are in the right place. This indicates a direct relationship with fishermen and a shorter time between the water and your plate. Generic labels like "Atlantic Cod" are often fine, but specificity is a marker of a high-quality kitchen.
4. Don’t Sleep on the Chowder Consistency
A proper Boston chowder should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it resembles wallpaper paste. It should be creamy, but the flavor of the clams and the salt pork should cut through the dairy. Be wary of chowder that is overwhelmingly floury or gloopy; that is usually a sign of a kitchen cutting corners to save on clams and cream.
5. Venture Beyond the Waterfront
While dining with a view of Boston Harbor is undeniably romantic, the highest concentration of tourist traps also resides directly on the water. Some of the best, most authentic seafood in the city is found in neighborhoods like the South End, Cambridge, or the North End, away from the ferry terminals. Don’t be afraid to walk ten minutes inland; your taste buds will thank you.
Boston’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, but its soul remains anchored to the sea. The restaurants that survive and thrive here are the ones that respect the product, honoring the simplicity of a perfectly shucked oyster or the comfort of a steaming bowl of chowder. It is a city where history and flavor are inextricably linked.
Ultimately, the best meal is the one that suits your mood. Whether you find yourself sitting at a marble raw bar in the Back Bay or at a plastic table on a dock in East Boston, the common denominator is the incredible freshness of the Atlantic. Take your time, order another round of oysters, and enjoy the maritime spirit that makes Boston such a special place to dine.
