Neptune Oyster
Seafood restaurant · North End
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113
Highlights
Iconic raw bar known for pristine oysters & lobster rolls
Iconic raw bar known for pristine oysters & lobster rolls
"While Neptune Oyster is cramped, crowded, and almost always filled with tourists, if we’re ever in the area and there’s a break in the line, we’ll absolutely head in and take a seat at the bar, even if we just ate. It’s that good, and it’s the type of oyster bar that makes you wonder why you don’t make plans to house shellfish at 3pm more often. Seriously, even if you just downed a plate of clams over linguine around the corner, snag that bar seat and buckle up for the johnnycake, crudo, and one of Boston’s best lobster rolls." - tanya edwards, jonathan smith
"It should be Boston law that if you walk past Neptune and there’s no line, you have to go inside. It doesn’t matter if you just housed a different lobster roll or a heaping plate of calamari from any of the lesser oyster bars in town. To be fair, a lineless Neptune happens about as often as a total solar eclipse over Boston, but when it does, thank whatever god you pray to and grab a bar stool. All those people standing outside on the street—tourists, sure, but also lifelong North End residents—know the same thing: Neptune is special. The tiny dining room feels like a New England travel brochure came to life and threw a great party. Shellfish is everywhere, from the shucking station in front of the window, to nearly every table, to the selection written up daily on a giant mirror behind the bar." - arden shore, team infatuation
"It should be Boston law that if you walk past Neptune and there’s no line, you have to go inside. It doesn’t matter if you just housed a different lobster roll or a heaping plate of calamari from any of the lesser oyster bars in town. To be fair, a lineless Neptune happens about as often as a total solar eclipse over Boston, but when it does, thank whatever god you pray to and grab a bar stool. All those people standing outside on the street—tourists, sure, but also lifelong North End residents—know the same thing: Neptune is special. The tiny dining room feels like a New England travel brochure came to life and threw a great party. Shellfish is everywhere, from the shucking station in front of the window, to nearly every table, to the selection written up daily on a giant mirror behind the bar. photo credit: Natalie Schaefer photo credit: Natalie Schaefer photo credit: Natalie Schaefer Pause Unmute Come here with friends or a date or anyone who swears they can pick out a Mookie Blue in a blind tasting, and order a mix of oysters from both coasts. The heaping lobster roll is famous for a reason, but entrees like the black sea bass and scallops showcase the restaurant’s deftness in pairing native fish with local, seasonal produce. The wine list features bottles from seaside European vineyards—including producers from the Azores islands rarely seen in Boston—with just the right minerality to balance out the briny meal. The best time to come to Neptune is whenever and as often as possible, but if you want to minimize your time on the street (or maybe even find that mythical Neptune without a line), show up during the week at about 3:00pm. Food Rundown Oysters Get some oysters. Do we really need to say this? Maine Lobster Roll You’re pretty much required to order Neptune’s enormous Maine lobster roll, served hot or cold—go for the classic cold with mayo—on a sweet brioche roll the first time you visit. And maybe the next few times (this is when you can get the hot one). The lobster is cooked to a tenderness that will make you wonder if they have a lobster masseuse on staff. photo credit: Natalie Schaefer Wellfleet Clam Chowder Neptune’s chowder is a slightly thinner take, made with just cream and broth and without thickeners like cornstarch. Sweet from cream, briny from an abundance of clams, and hearty with well-cooked hunks of potato, it’s one of the best bowls in town. Acadian Redfish and Chips Made with ocean perch (a.k.a. Acadian Redfish) that gently curl in the fryer, these airy, crispy filets are covered with a light batter. The fish inside is white and buttery and served on top of french fries. The tart side of malt vinegar aioli should be used with reckless abandon on the fish and fries." - Tanya Edwards
"If someone were to write up an FAQ list for Boston tourist dining inquiries, “Where should I go for a lobster roll?” would certainly be one of the top questions. There are plenty of options at a variety of price points, and whether you like mayo, hot butter, or brown butter, there’s something for everyone. But to answer the question simply, you should go to Neptune Oyster for a lobster roll. Yes, you’ll have to wait in line. Yes, it’s pricey. But when it comes to an iconic Boston lobster roll, this is the one. Available hot with butter or cold with mayo, served on a toasted roll." - Erika Adams
"At nearly 20 years old, Neptune Oyster has earned its spot as a Boston-area seafood icon. (The New York Times dubbed it one of the most exciting restaurants in the country in 2022.) Located on Salem Street, the restaurant is most identifiable by the long line of waiting diners snaking out of the doorway during virtually all opening hours. Once inside, the convivial atmosphere and neverending parade of oyster platters, lobster rolls, and fried clams will make that wait time a distant memory." - Celina Colby
