Seafood Restaurants

Boston

May 2023 ■
Words by Eleanor Purvis

Mussels
frothy seawater

The Bon's top recommended seafood eateries in Boston

Boston is renowned for its seafood fare. Whether you are living in Boston or on a short vacation you can’t leave without trying traditional dishes such as New England clam chowder, lobster rolls and Boston cream pie. There are so many great places to eat seafood in Boston. Here at The Bon we have whisked up a list of the best seafood restaurants in central Boston, catering to all budgets.

  1. 01

    Neptune Oyster

    Situated in the North End district, this intimate venue is extremely popular, with the ever-present queue out the door! The kitchen cranks out a steady stream of its famous warm buttered lobster rolls, fresh seafood dishes and trays of oysters.

  2. 02

    Saltie Girl

    A charming raw bar & seafood emporium in the Back Bay neighborhood. The restaurant is well known for its creative seafood dishes, tuck into their famous lobster waffles, lobster bolognese, small plates or seafood towers. We advise arriving early as there can be quite a wait for a seat.

  3. 03

    Legal Seafood at Harborside

    Visit the chain's upmarket flagship location. Covering three floors of dining, all fabulous fish & seafood-based menus with sweeping views over Boston Harbour. The first floor covers raw bar items and casual dishes, the second floor offers a selection of upscale fare. If you’re looking for a private dining experience, you’re in luck, the third floor can be exclusively reserved. In the summer months, we recommend relaxing at the cocktail bar on the rooftop.

  4. 04

    Ostra

    This Beacon Hill establishment specialises in sophisticated seafood with a Mediterranean twist. It is the perfect upmarket restaurant for a special occasion or celebratory dinner. The adjoining bar also hosts regular piano evenings, delivering a calming ambience to your evening.

  5. 05

    Atlantic Fish Company

    A city staple since the 70s, this no-nonsense establishment has thrived on letting the seafood do the talking. Choose to have the daily catch broiled, sauteed, fried or blackened. Their lobster ravioli or cioppino is top-notch!

The best seafood restaurants in Boston that won't break the bank!

  1. 01

    Eventide

    Shaking up the traditional New England seafood shack and propelling it into the 21st century as an urban foodie hangout in Fenway. It is a casual counter-service venue. Enjoy the daily cocktail special alongside fresh local oysters and a brown buttered lobster roll. Wash it all down with in-house made soft-serve ice cream.

  2. 02

    Barking Crab

    With its distinctive red-and-yellow striped tent and picnic tables you could mistake the venue for a German beer hall. Instead of schnitzels, this year-round clam shake serves up no-nonsense treats from the sea. Enjoy buckets of crab claws, peel and eat shrimp and boiled lobster.

  3. 03

    Yankee Lobster

    Looking for a casual seafood meal? Look no further than this Seaport mainstay. Which offers classic seafood shack dishes like lobster rolls, fried clams, chowder and more. As well as a restaurant take home spoils from the seafood market, to whip up some treats at home.

  4. 04

    Belle Isle Seafood

    A little out of the city centre, at this local seafood hotspot in Winthrop enjoy a classic fish of your choice with fries and coleslaw. We’d recommend ordering fish to take home for later too. Worth noting this venue is cash only.

Caught Crabs

Seaport at sunset

Seaport at sunset

With Boston being one of the seafood capitals of the US, this list is the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other seafood venues to discover across the city. Enjoy exploring Boston!