Everyone knows that seafood is a staple of New England cuisine – and nothing says sunny weather in the city like a dozen oysters and the perfect wine, cocktail, or pint pairing. Check out our list of the top 10 best places to get oysters in and around Boston.
Located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, The Banks Fish House is a true revival of an iconic New England fish house. A seafood-inspired venture between Restauranteur Chris Himmel and Executive Chef & Partner Robert Sisca, The Banks sources their seafood daily from Boston boats that have been fishing in the area for generations, so you can expect a fresh, sustainable, and inspiring menu every time you visit. Grab a dozen with colleagues after work or pair it with other seafood appetizers before a show in the Theater District.
Head to Cambridge's iconic Harvard Square to grab thoughtfully sourced and playfully prepared seafood and oysters. The Hourly Oyster House adds a dynamic and fun flare to your experience by pairing their dishes with seafood-themed cocktails. The team now even serves freshly shucked local oysters to go!
Little Whale Oyster Bar
Located on Boston's iconic Newbury Street is Little Whale Oyster Bar. This concept from Chef Michael Serpa features a cute and cozy oyster bar as an ode to the seaside clam shacks and raw bars on the New England coast. The restaurant is close to tourist hotspots, like the Prudential Center, Boston Public Garden, and Fenway Park, making it the perfect place to stop for a dozen oysters for lunch, dinner, or even an afternoon snack as you explore.
Visit one of Boston's iconic foodie neighborhoods for a mix of Italian flavors and a dozen local oysters. Mare, which translates to "sea" in Italian, has a Miami-cool interior, unbeatable outdoor patios with firepits, and an amazing seafood-forward menu. Named "One of the Top 80 Tables in the World" by Conde Naste, this award-winning spot features fan favorites like the Mare shellfish tower, the black squid linguine, grilled swordfish and clams, and the Espresso Martini.
Located in Boston’s North End neighborhood, Neptune Oyster is famous for its fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and raw-bar selections. With a tight counter and banquette seating, it’s intimate and vibrant: a must-visit for seafood lovers. It is MICHELIN recommended and renowned for its simple yet elegant seafood arrangements; worth a visit to all those both passing through and local.
This Mediterranean Seafood restaurant is perfect for your next elevated date night. Located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Ostra, run by Chef and Owner Jamie Mammano and Executive Chef Mitchell Randall, offers a menu highlighting local and European-inspired dishes in a sophisticated and inviting dining room space. Impress your family when they're visiting or grab a table for a special occasion.
Bringing the Atlantic Coast alive with an interactive approach to the raw bar experience, Oyster Bar at Encore is a hidden gem tucked just outside of Boston. Shucked before your eyes, the freshest oysters and clams from Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire are accompanied by locally-caught lobster and other coastal specialties.
Transport your senses to the Italian Coast through our handmade pasta dishes, fresh local oysters and seafood, and artfully crafted and inspired entrées from our Mediterranean-focused culinary team led by Executive Chef Josue Louis. The irresistible energy in our dining room, and the buzz and laughter from our expansive patio offers that 'in riva al mare' escape. Welcome to your coastal oasis in the heart of Back Bay.
A refined raw bar in the heart of Seaport, ReelHouse Oyster Bar pairs harbor views with a sleek, open-air setting and upscale coastal fare. Its menu highlights fresh, locally sourced seafood with a daily selection of premium oysters, crudo, and sushi tacos as well as inviting bar snacks and Neapolitan pizzas, all paired with a stunning waterfront view.
Located in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34 has transformed the now-renovated Boston Wharf Company textile warehouse into a buzzing foodie destination. Known to some as "a working man's oyster bar," Row 34 is the perfect spot to grab a seat and a dozen at the bar, relax on the patio with a bottle of wine, or grab a pint and their famous lobster roll with a side of local oysters. Whether it's your first time visiting or you're a neighborhood regular, this establishment is a must when in Boston. Check out other locations in Kenmore, Cambridge, and Burlington!
Established in 1826, the Union Oyster House is a Boston staple. Located near the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall, this beloved spot specializes in soul-warming New England classics with portions of Yankee-style seafood, lobster, clam chowders, and, of course, oysters. Grab a table in the building dating back to Pre-Revolutionary Days, or cozy up at the oyster bar for a truly historic Boston experience.
