Best Seafood in Boston

When it comes to seafood, Boston has bragging rights. From classic clam chowder and lobster rolls to refined crudo and ceviche, the city’s restaurants know how to showcase the best from our New England waters. Whether you’re looking for an old-school oyster house or a sleek spot with ocean-inspired fine dining, Boston’s seafood scene covers it all.

Here are some of the city’s best places to dive into:

The Banks Seafood and Steak

A fresh take on the classic New England fish house, Banks brings an upscale polish to Back Bay with a modern and welcoming space. The menu is built around local catch-- crudos, whole grilled fish, and creative takes on chowder enhanced by the restaurant’s nautical-chic decor. Banks Fish House celebrates seafood made with style, perfect for a night out that still nods to tradition.

The Banks Seafood and Steak

Eventide Fenway

Straight from Portland, Maine, Eventide made a splash when it opened in The Fenway neighborhood of Boston, and it hasn’t slowed down since. Their brown butter lobster roll is a local legend, served on a soft bao bun that soaks up every bit of flavor. The raw bar is always stocked with briny Maine oysters, and snacks like smoked trout dip and clam chowder are must-try’s. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to revisit, whether you’re heading to Fenway Park or just craving a perfect lobster roll.

Little Whale Oyster Bar

Little Whale is a bright and bustling Back Bay restaurant that features a modern oyster bar. The menu pays homage to New England staples (fried clams, chowder, lobster rolls) while adding Mediterranean-leaning crudos and wood-grilled fish. The space itself is lively and cozy, with a neighborhood energy that makes it equally suited for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory night out.

Little Whale Oyster Bar

Mooncusser

For seafood with a side of sophistication, Mooncusser is the spot. Tucked near the Public Garden, this fine-dining spot treats local fish with the same appreciation as other restaurants treat steak or foie gras. The tasting menus change with the seasons but often feature dishes like delicate crudos, perfectly seared scallops, or imaginative takes on underutilized local fish. The atmosphere is refined featuring warm lighting, intimate tables, and attentive service making the experience feel special but not intimidating. Mooncusser proves that seafood is elegant.

Row 34

Row 34 has become synonymous with Boston seafood for a reason. Known as a “workingman’s oyster bar,” it’s loud, lively, and built around one of the best raw bars in the city. Towers of oysters, clams, and shrimp cocktail are the star of the show, but the menu also features standouts like fish tacos, lobster rolls, and daily whole fish specials. The craft beer list is one of the best in Boston, making Row 34 just as much of a destination for beer lovers as it is for seafood. With locations in Fort Point, Cambridge, and beyond, it’s a reliable go-to for crushing oysters.

Saltie Girl

Saltie Girl in Back Bay brings a touch of glamour to Boston’s seafood scene. Famous for its extensive selection of tinned fish (stacked colorful cans are displayed behind the bar), it offers a chance to sample delicacies from around the world, alongside indulgent dishes like fried lobster, clam chowder with fried oysters, and caviar-topped everything. The space is cozy and stylish, with tons of energy. The menu is designed for sharing, making it a great pick for adventurous eaters who want to try a little of everything. Saltie Girl proves that seafood can be both playful and luxurious.

Neptune Oyster

Ask any Bostonian about seafood, and Neptune Oyster will almost always come up first. This tiny North End institution is famous for its lobster roll (served hot with butter or cold with mayo) and its raw bar, which is consistently one of the best in the city. The intimate space means you’ll likely wait for a table, but the payoff is huge: incredible food, friendly service, and a sense of being part of something iconic. Neptune is a must for visitors, but plenty of locals are happy to line up again and again for their favorites.

Ostra

Ostra is Boston seafood at its most elegant. The Back Bay restaurant leans Mediterranean, with a menu that includes whole roasted fish, delicate seafood pastas, caviar service, and artistic crudo. The dramatic dining room makes it a favorite for special occasions. Ostra is where you go when you want seafood to feel luxurious.

Puritan Oyster Bar

Across the river in Cambridge, Puritan Oyster Bar brings a cozy, laid-back vibe to the seafood scene. A sibling to Puritan & Company, it focuses on oysters (naturally) alongside a creative lineup of small plates like tuna tartare tacos and inventive ceviche. The atmosphere is warm, with a bar built for lingering. It’s the kind of place that feels like a local secret, perfect for a casual night of oysters and snacks with friends.

Nautilus Pier 4

Perched on the Seaport waterfront, Nautilus Pier 4 is a seafood lover’s playground. The menu is globally inspired, with shareable plates like blue crab fried rice, crispy calamari with Asian spices, and whole roasted lobster. The restaurant's lively energy and modern design match the Seaport's vibe. The oversized windows and harbor views make it feel like you’re there for a celebration, even if you’re just there for a round of oysters and cocktails.

Atlantic Fish Co.

A Boylston Street staple, Atlantic Fish Co. has been a classic Boston seafood spot for decades. The menu sticks to tradition with dishes like New England clam chowder, broiled or stuffed lobster, and fresh daily catches cooked simply to let the quality shine. The Back Bay location and timeless feel make it a favorite for both locals and visitors. It’s the kind of place you can count on for an old-school seafood experience.

Atlantic Fish Co.