Do you want to know the secret to finding the best seafood in Boston? It’s still swimming in the harbor. Luckily, you don’t have to take the icy plunge to get it, because the top seafood restaurants in Boston have plenty of fresh local catch. If you ask a Bostonian where to get the best seafood in town, they’ll point you toward their favorite fish shack. That’s because while the seafood in Boston is always fresh, it isn’t fancy.
New England has more than its share of craveable seafood classics. For some, it’s a hot mug of creamy clam chowder. For others, it’s the delicate bite of fried haddock on a buttery kaiser roll. But for most, it’s all about the lobster. Bib around your neck, butter rolling down your chin. Or chilled with a hint of mayonnaise on a split-top bun.
Are you drooling yet? Then let’s sink our lobstah claws into the meat and potatoes of finding the best seafood in Boston.
Oysters and Lobsters and Clams, Oh My! Boston is a city awash in seafood. Fleets of boats trawl for fresh catches right off its shores, while local restaurants lure diners with the promise of lobsters, cod, chowder and oysters.
1 Select Oyster Bar
It seems like raw seafood should be cheaper than cooked by design, but this is rarely the case. While Select Oyster Bar serves up some of the best seafood in Boston for group grazing, be prepared to dive deep into your wallet to enjoy it.
The Vibe
Cozy but borderline elegant pub, primarily offering counter-style seating.
What to Order
Select offers four different “plateaux options that range in size and price. These are sampler platters of the best seafood in Boston. Depending on your appetite and your allowance, you’ll get to sample raw oysters, lobster, blue crab and shrimp, with the option to go big by adding on salmon crudo, hamachi and caviar. If you’re not splurging, get the petite clams or the bouillabaisse Select.
Select Oyster Bar | 50 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
The Boston Sail Loft
When you comb through the lists of the best seafood in Boston for chowder or a fish sandwich, you’ll always find The Boston Sail Loft. They’re not as famous as some of the other names, but that’s because locals are hoping to keep the secret to themselves. If your plan was to hit that other well-known spot on the harbor, take a few extra steps and dock here instead.
The Vibe
It’s a shotgun-style neighborhood pub that happens to have great water views. Not only do they serve some of the best seafood in Boston, but the service is also warm and friendly, which is a change-up from the usual “slightly chilly” Boston style.
What to Order
Their chowder has just a touch of dill, and it’s won pretty much every chowder award out there. Whether you go with a mug or a bread bowl, be sure to pair it with a fried fish sandwich (no cheese) and a frosty mug of Samuel Adams.
The Sail Loft | 80 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110 | $$
Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts
FAQ
What is the dish of Boston fish?
What seafood is caught in Boston?
Is Boston known for its lobster?
What is the best seafood restaurant in Boston?
For a more upscale experience, Boyle says, ” Ostra is the top seafood restaurant in Boston, in my opinion. The quality of food is unmatched, and the raw bar is incredible. Not only that, but the service and ambiance are top-notch.”
Where is Legal Sea Foods in Boston?
The flagship of the renowned Boston seafood empire that is Legal Sea Foods is a three-story, 20,000-square-foot property right on the waterfront in the Seaport District. The first floor is a casual restaurant and bar, with an oyster bar and a market.
Does Boston have a seafood pit stop?
If you’re planning on visiting Boston, there’s likely to be at least one seafood pit stop on your itinerary. A city famous for its nautical cuisine, Boston offers an endless array of options when it comes to dining on fish, lobsters, clams, and any other kind of seafood you can imagine.
What is the best burger in Boston?
What you’re ordering: The lobster roll is the best in town; we like it hot with butter, but cold with mayo is also available. The fried-oyster-topped burger, meanwhile, is a sleeper hit. 63 Salem St., North End, Boston, 617-742-3474, neptuneoyster.com. The Barking Crab.