10 Crave-Worthy Seafood Restaurants in Boston
Nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Boston is a city blessed with an abundance of fresh fish. It’s no surprise that the city’s dining scene is full of restaurants dedicated to delivering the finest fresh seafood. Amidst this thriving seafood haven, we’ve handpicked some of Boston’s standout seafood restaurants, where the commitment to quality and flavor elevates them above the rest. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants that Boston has to offer.
1. Atlantic Fish Company
761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
(617) 267-4000
The Atlantic Fish Company is one of Boston’s best seafood establishments. You can start with locally sourced, expertly prepared appetizers such as fried oysters, bacon-wrapped scallops, and chilled shellfish platters. And when it comes to lobster, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from the classic lobster roll to lobster ravioli and the flavorful lobster risotto. You can also easily place an online order and have your seafood delivered straight to your doorstep.
2. Daily Catch
323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113,
(617) 772-4400
Locals usually refer to this seafood restaurant as the Calamari Place. This small but cozy restaurant is family-run and renowned for its expertise in serving up fresh seafood, with calamari as a standout specialty. At The Daily Catch, you’ll want to place your order ahead of time, and your meal will arrive sizzling on an iron skillet once it’s ready. If you’re in the mood for a great meal and a leisurely dining experience, this is the spot to check out; however, be prepared for a bit of a wait since this spot is smaller than many others on our list. With an enticing selection of shellfish and fresh fish dishes, The Daily Catch is one of Boston’s best seafood restaurants.
3. Holly Crab
1098 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
(617) 487-5957
Holly Crab usually serves seafood that is familiar to the New Englanders, and they love it. You can try out shrimp, clams, and lobster. There are also Southern classics, and they include crab and crawfish. The shellfish are boiled first, and there is a huge selection of sides that you can choose from. The chef will incorporate the flavor of your choice. They will also season the seafood with the right spices such that you’ll get to enjoy a finger-licking meal. There is also fried seafood at Holly Crab. You can try out the shrimp sausage gumbo and the clam chowder from England.
4. Ivory Pearl
1704 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445, United States
(617) 487-5297
Are you looking for a restaurant that offers the best seafood in Boston? Then you can try out Ivory Pearl. The fish emporium and raw bar normally feed the residents of Boston with different ocean offerings that include swordfish steak fries and shellfish towers. There is some Asian influence, and the chefs at the restaurant know how to serve dishes that are jaw-dropping, including the unagi grilled cheese, homemade tots, and the smoking king crab trophies. The octopus tentacle dog is also a favorite for many.
5. Legal Sea Foods – Harborside
270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States
(617) 477-2900
Located directly on the Boston Harbor, Legal Sea Foods is a classic seafood restaurant that has been a local favorite for decades. There are three floors to cater to whatever dining experience you are looking for. Floor one is perfect for grabbing a quick bite, floor two is a fine dining experience, and floor three is the rooftop lounge and perfect for an amazing view of the water. For dinner, start with the New England clam chowder, a classic and absolutely delicious dish. For a main entree, Legal Sea Foods offers a vast menu. Order anything from fried clams to their jumbo fried shrimp to the scrumptious lobster ravioli.
6. Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113, United States
(617) 742-3474
There are instances whereby the locals are forced to wait for the house before they get to dine at the Neptune Oyster. Fortunately, your patience will pay off since you’ll get to try out fresh oysters. The lobster meat is succulent, and you’ll get to enjoy every bite on the oyster roll.
If you’re craving lobster, Neptune Oyster is ready to serve you. You can also try out the Ipswich clams and local fish at the restaurant. The raw bar at Neptune Oyster is also outstanding since it features different varieties of shellfish and oysters.
For most people who have dined at this restaurant before, the lobster roll takes the day. The lobster rolls come in two varieties. You can choose the cold with mayo or the hot one with butter. Both options are good, and you may find it hard to choose between the two. For those on a diet and trying to lose weight, you can order the lobster roll as a salad, and it will be placed in a bed of greens. You’ll then skip the fries and rolls.
Keep in mind the reservations are usually made in person. As a result, you should be prepared to wait. You may have to wait for hours. Also, try to avoid the summer weekends since the traffic is high during such periods.
7. Row 34
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States
(617) 553-5900
For some of Boston’s best lobster rolls, this is the spot that locals rave about. Tucked away in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34 is a restaurant that is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This restaurant offers a small but delicious menu. Try the iconic warm buttered lobster roll, the authentic New England clam chowder, and indulge in some fresh raw oysters. For dessert, Row 34 offers butterscotch pudding and a classic chocolate chip cookie. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Row 34 provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a good meal.
8. Saltie Girl
279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
(617) 267-0691
This charming raw bar is located right in the middle of Boston and is perfect for lunch and dinner. On summer days, sit out on their patio, grab a drink, and soak up the ambiance of the city. Saltie Girl has a large menu featuring tinned seafood, raw oysters, fried lobster and fluffy waffles, and some of the city’s best lobster rolls. For those who are gluten-free, they even offer a gluten-friendly lobster roll. This place is quite hyped up, so make sure to book reservations so you can be sat immediately. For some of Boston’s freshest and best seafood, this is a spot that you definitely want to check out.
9. The Barking Crab
88 Sleeper St. (Northern Ave.) Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-2722
Initially, The Barking Crab restaurant was only operational during summer. Currently, the waterfront venue has become popular, and it is open throughout the year. During summer, you can get to relax on the picnic tables that are communal or the back deck, and you’ll enjoy the spectacular view. The lobster at the restaurant is delicious, and you’ll be craving more after you’re done. The menu at the restaurant has seared, grilled, and fried items fresh from the sea. There are also clambakes that can serve at least one diner and a maximum of four. At this restaurant, you’ll also get lobster rolls, a raw bar, grilled rib-eye, and scampis. For those with a rich appetite, there are filling crab cakes and a hot crab dip.
10. Union Oyster House
41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
(617) 227-2750
This seafood restaurant was launched in 1826, and it is still operational to date. The Union Oysters House is one of the oldest restaurants based in Boston. Basically, it is the oldest seafood restaurant based in Boston.
Oysters are a specialty at the restaurant. Other delicacies served at the restaurant include shrimp, clams, local shellfish, and scallops.
Once you walk in, you’ll first notice the oyster bar. It has an unassuming ambiance, and it is pretty casual. The hostess can take you upstairs, and you’ll notice that the dining rooms are gracious. They have also been lined using old pictures that will take you down memory lane.
The restaurant usually attracts a huge number of tourists because of the rich history at the seafood restaurant. The locals are always back at the restaurant because of the quality seafood. If you want New England and traditional local delicacies such as shore dinners, boiled lobster, Boston cream pie, and broiled Boston cord, the Union Oyster House is your go-to seafood restaurant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a visitor or even a Boston local looking to dive into the city’s seafood scene, we’ve covered a range of seafood spots for you to explore. With a variety of options, you can taste your way through each one and decide which seafood joint earns your top spot.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Boston, check out our Boston city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 24, 2021 and last updated on October 6, 2023.
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