Best Seafood in Boston
The North End’s tiny temple to oysters and lobster rolls remains a rite of passage. Praised by The New York Times and Boston Magazine, it’s all about pristine shellfish, seasonal crudos, and that famous hot-buttered roll.
Fort Point’s modern oyster house taps the Fish Pier next door for sparkling-fresh bivalves. A frequent Eater pick and Boston Magazine’s 2025 Best Seafood winner, it pairs top-tier oysters with smart beer and a sterling lobster roll.
Upstairs, chef Carl Dooley’s seafood-forward tasting menu shows wide-ranging finesse; downstairs, Moon Bar keeps it casual. Consistently praised by Time Out and named Best Tasting Menu 2025 by Boston Magazine.
Chef Michael Serpa’s Back Bay townhouse bistro balances Mediterranean-leaning crudos with classic New England plates. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler and lauded by local critics for refined seafood and a thoughtful wine list.
Serpa Hospitality’s ode to New England clam shacks: raw bar towers, Ipswich fried clams, and classic chowder in a breezy Back Bay brownstone. Noted by The Boston Globe and BBC Travel for patio vibes and faithful flavors.
Family-run since 1925, this waterfront institution is beloved for ultra-fresh lobster rolls and a working seafood market. Celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler and cited by Boston Magazine for a top casual roll.
When out-of-towners think of grabbing a lobster roll in Boston, they probably envision a tiny seafood shack at the end of a fish processing plant, served by people who look like the Gorton’s Fisherman. Take them to Yankee Lobster for lunch and watch their dreams come true. We rank this our eighth-best lobster roll in Boston, but it’s one of the rare Seaport dining experiences that doesn’t feel like you’re eating in an outdoor mall. Instead, it’s a charming, bare-bones spot with counter service and picnic tables to perch on while housing an excellent lobster roll.
A polished, Mediterranean-leaning seafood destination from a respected local group. Think pristine whole fish, crudos, and live piano in the lounge. A frequent special-occasion pick on OpenTable and TripAdvisor.
Nantucket’s cult favorite brought its seafood-forward, Asian-influenced sharing plates to the Seaport—blue crab fried rice to whole roasted duck. Applauded by Food & Wine and The Food Lens for lively energy and views.
South End favorite for Italian coastal cooking and one of the city’s defining crudo programs. Endorsed by Bon Appétit and Eater’s editors; it’s where locals pair raw seafood with spritzes and handmade pasta.
Back Bay’s contemporary fish house from a veteran local team delivers oysters, chowder, and grilled day-boat catches, plus a lively brunch. Praised by local critics for elevating New England staples without losing the spirit.
An Italian-leaning raw bar tucked off Hanover Street with fire pits and skyline views. Frequently featured by Eater Boston and noted by The Boston Globe for its year-round patio and seafood towers.
A low-key Seaport lunchroom beloved by dockworkers and locals for generous fried seafood plates and chowder. It’s not flashy, but TripAdvisor regulars and neighborhood guides vouch for its honest, Boston-by-the-pier feel.