Boston hardly lacks for historic buildings or landmarks of Americana, but that doesn't mean it isn't sweet when one gets recognized as such. And few landmarks are as integral to the city's history as the Union Oyster House, which will celebrate its bicentennial—yes, 200 years of shucking, slurping and serving—in 2026. And the celebration kicked off early with the 6th Annual World Culinary Awards naming Union Oyster House North America’s Best Landmark Restaurant for 2025, putting it in the same league as some of the most iconic eateries on the planet.
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The food counterpart to the longstanding World Travel Awards, the World Culinary Award honors restaurants with cultural significance. Union Oyster House has previously won the award in 2020 and 2024, but owner Joe Milano says the recognition still feels extraordinary. "I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the Union Oyster House staff and our faithful patrons,” Milano said in a statement. “We are pleased to have received this award in 2020, 2024 and now in 2025 and are grateful to be considered a legend."
Union Oyster House is one of the oldest operating restaurants in the United States, and its classic New England menu has remained largely unchanged for over two centuries. There are lobster rolls that skew traditional instead of trendy, fried clams, bowls of thick clam chowder and, of course, oysters.
The details of the bicentennial festivities are still under wraps, but the restaurant promises announcements soon. Given its history, expect something that blends Boston nostalgia with a sense of occasion befitting a 200th birthday. Whether that means special menus, commemorative events or deep dives into the archives, it’s a milestone for Boston as a whole. After all, plenty of restaurants can claim longevity, but this one has been serving steady comfort since before the invention of the QWERTY keyboard.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to revisit a Boston classic or finally try it for the first time, being crowned the continent’s best landmark restaurant feels like as good a reason as any. For reservations and more information, click here.