19 best seafood restaurants 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.

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.

This Winthrop classic is right beyond city limits, which means we count it as one of our favorites for Boston’s best seafood. Enjoy a classic dinner of haddock or swordfish with fries and coleslaw, or hit a fresh lobster roll. If you’re smart, you’ll order a couple pounds of fish to take home for later. Just an FYI: They’re cash only.

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-eats 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 al fresco 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 lobster bolognese, 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 Red Tuna Loin in EVOO from Güeyu Mar.

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.

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 any more 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 $190 golden Ossetra caviar service—perfect for special occasions and celebratory dinners.

It may be the new kid in town, but the Puritan Oyster Bar is an offshoot of a Boston classic. Located in Cambridge’s Inman Square right next to Puritan & Company, the menu will offer six, rotating varieties of New England oysters on the half shell. Point being: any seafood lover will find themselves right at home here. Don’t skip the signature Puritan & Co. dishes like the smoked bluefish melt, lobster sandwich, salt cod brandade, and signature Parker House Rolls.

Fans of the James Beard award-winning Portland restaurant flock to the location in the Fenway. Currently undergoing a serious renovation, they’re planning on reopening in late March or early April with a new look and a full liquor license. All your classic favorites, like the fish sandwich and brown butter lobster roll, will still be on the menu, but there will also be an expanded oyster selection and some larger seafood-focused dishes.

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.

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.

While Pescador is inspired by international coastal cuisine, its seafood offerings are caught in local, New England waters. Grab a seat at the ceviche bar or a cozy banquette, and enjoy popular picks like Lupe’s Shrimp Aguachile with fresh lime, cucumber, cilantro, and Jalapeno, and Red Snapper a la Plancha served with Sauce Vierge. Cocktail enthusiasts will be pleased to hear the bar program features over 70 mezcals and tequilas.

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 Boston venture gives a proper nod to seafood. Set in the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Ramsay's Kitchen is rich with the ocean’s bounty—think jumbo lump crab cakes, crispy skin salmon and fish and chips. The lobster roll is served Connecticut-style, with warm butter-poached lobster atop a brioche bun.

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 seafood pie, lobster ravioli, spaghetti with clams, 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.