The best seafood in Boston

Ever since it opened in 2004, Neptune Oyster has been one of Boston's most in-demand options for fresh local seafood, as demonstrated by its ever-present line out the door. Accented with pressed tin, subway tiles and etched glass, the tiny space exudes an unmistakably retro charm. Expert shuckers handle a variety of fresh bivalves with finesse, as the kitchen cranks out a steady stream of its lauded lobster rolls.

Courtesy of Jeremy Sewall, Row 34 has become Fort Point’s go-to spot for wickedly fresh seafood. On weekdays, business types come in to close deals over platters of oysters and orders of lobster rolls that are offered hot and cold—the latter of which is based on Sewall’s grandmother Ethel’s recipe. Could it honestly get any more New England than that?

Brought to you by Michael Serpa, this cozy bar supplies Back Bay with the ocean's most beautiful bounty. Marrying New England seafood with Mediterranean techniques, the menu features must-easts like its signature blue prawns a la plancha, "taverna style" whole roasted sea bream and its own, saffron-infused spin on bouillabaisse. While some diners enjoy a multi-course feast, others stop in for a quick oysters-and-wine fix.

Prosecco and oysters are a perfect pairing, especially at Barbara Lynch’s subterranean South End eatery. Here, you'll find more than a dozen different types of oysters, as well as cooked classics like fried Ipswich clams, stuffed lobster and filets of freshly caught fish. When the weather allows, take your seafood alfresco in the restaurant's popular backyard patio.

This Back Bay raw bar and seafood emporium is known for pushing the limits of customary fish preparations—and having a whole lot of fun while doing it. From its fried lobster and waffles to its rock crab carbonara, this place is well worth the wait for a seat in its brownstone space or on its patio. Other noteworthy coastal attractions: its selection of New York-style smoked fish used to top a bagelette and cream cheese, as well as an incredible assortment of tinned seafood, including imported sustainable caviar and Icelandic cod liver.

Bringing a little bit of the bayou to Boston, this Allston spot serves the seafood we New Englanders know and love—Cajun style. You have your pick from Northern staples like lobster, shrimp and clams, as well as Southern classics such as crawfish and crab. These shellfish are then boiled with a selection of sides, doused in your flavor of choice and seasoned with whatever amount of spiciness you desire. Boils aside, Holly Crab also features seafood of the fried variety and, in line with its North-meets-South vibe, New England clam chowder and shrimp sausage gumbo.

Situated just outside of Harvard Square, Michael Scelfo’s seafood-focused restaurant spotlights the chef's forward-thinking approach to coastal-inspired fare. Starters include a raw bar, delicate crudo and a classic caviar service with modern touches (try a plankton and white corn blini). Seafood shines on pizzas, pastas and composed plates. Pro tip: Try the uni buccatini with smoked egg yolk, pecorino and bottarga—it's a total umami bomb in your mouth.

An homage to New England’s long-standing fishing tradition, The Banks Fish House celebrates the area’s love affair with the sea and its bounty. The menu starts on the docks, as Chef Robert Sisca fuels the passion by serving dishes like MV Smoke House bluefish pate, cuttlefish spaghetti and Dover sole meunière, while the first-floor raw bar offers stellar crudo, oyster and caviar selections. The Fried Seafood Platter is a feast to behold.

Part of North End restaurateur Frank DePasquale’s local empire, Mare is known for its superb selection of crudo and fish-forward pasta dishes. From its lobster ravioli with smoked bacon and cream sauce to its truffle crusted tuna, this place makes seafood positively decadent. And if you need anymore convincing, this eatery's name literally translates to "ocean," so it sets the seafood tone from the very start. 

No one does seafood quite like Ivory Pearl. The Brookline raw bar and fish emporium feeds folks an array of ocean offerings, including shellfish towers, uni service and swordfish steak frites. Drawing upon Asian influences, this place knows how to wow, serving jaw-dropping dishes like its smoking king crab trophies, homemade tots and caviar, unagi grilled cheese and its frequently Instagrammed octopus tentacle dog.

If you’re in search of seafood with serious Spanish flair, look no further than Atlántico. This South End spot’s menu mostly consists of fish, showing off the ocean’s best ingredients in the form of crudos and conservas, hot and cold tapas, and a la plancha plates. Among its Iberian-inspired dishes: mackerel salad with piquillo peppers, salt cod croquettes with squid ink aioli and, of course, paella.

As the flagship location within Legal Sea Foods' empire, Legal Harborside offers three floors of dining—all with fantastic fish-focused menus and sweeping views of Boston Harbor. On the first floor, crowds devour raw bar items and casual faves; the second floor is the epitome of elegance with its selection of upscale fare; while the third floor is reserved for private dining. After your meal, join the sea of people on its celebrated rooftop for a cocktail.

From its busy intersection between Back Bay and the Theatre District, Ostra's kitchen specializes in sophisticated seafood. The exquisite menu is dotted with Mediterranean touches, with plenty of splurge-worthy items—think three-pound lobsters, salt-crusted branzino and $170 golden Ossetra caviar service—perfect for special occasions and celebratory dinners.

Fans of the James Beard award-winning Portland restaurant flock to this more casual branch in the Fenway. The menu includes favorites like oysters on the half shell, crudo, tartare, clam chowder and Maine lobster stew. The fried fish sandwich is an unexpected delight but, of course, the real star is the brown butter lobster roll: a rich, nutty, singular treat.

A city staple since 1978, Atlantic Fish Company has thrived on letting seafood shine by keeping it simple. Daily catches can be broiled, sauteed, fried or blackened—but if you’re feeling fancy, you can always try the lobster ravioli or cioppino. This is the place to go when you need to impress out-of-towners with the allure of New England seafood.

Set right along the Fort Point Channel, this red-shingled seafood shack and open-air tent serves as party central during the summer months for locals and tourists alike. Gather at the spot's picnic tables, beneath lamps made of lobster traps strung with Christmas lights, for steamers, fried Ipswich clams or a full New England seafood bake. Just remember to stay hydrated and really push those Dels Shandies.

Head to this Seaport mainstay for lobster rolls, fried clams, steamers, chowder and other classic seafood shack dishes. It’s a perfect stop for a refuel while touring around Boston, and a great place in general for a casual seafood meal. There’s outdoor seating as well as takeout. Cooking seafood at home? There’s a market with fresh caught fish and shellfish. They’ll even ship fresh lobster anywhere in the continental U.S., if you want to share the bounty with out of town friends.

While known for Beef Wellington (yes, it’s also on the menu), Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay’s newest venture gives a proper nod to seafood. Set in the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, the recently opened Ramsay's Kitchen celebrates the chef’s most talked about and favorite dishes, many of which with a local twist like the Lobster and Clam Bouillabaisse. The use of blue marble is a nod to Boston Harbor’s waters, and the menu is rich with the ocean’s bounty—jumbo lump crab cakes, Boston lager-steamed mussels, crispy skin salmon and fish and chips. While the fight continues over whether the lobster roll should be served cold or warm, Ramsay appeases all by offering both versions.

Victory Point, Marina Bay is one of Executive Chef Pino Maffeo’s culinary playgrounds (joining Il Molo, a seafood hot spot that’s been temporarily closed since the beginning of the pandemic). Located in Quincy’s bustling Marina Bay complex, this casual spot with a deck bar and bay views places lobster front and center, with dishes like lobster Benedict, a decadent Maine Lobster pie, lobster ravioli, fettuccine with lobster and, of course, a perfectly chilled lobster roll served on a toasted brioche bun with lemon aioli. Seafood-lovers can also enjoy starters of calamari, crab cakes and New England clam chowder, along with entreés including Frutti di Mare pasta and a traditional fried fisherman’s platter.