Boston's Culinary Leaders
From James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs to a Food & Wine "Sommelier of the Year" and family-owned farms to up-and-coming restaurateurs, we have a unique flair to share.
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Aug. 4, 2023
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.
A love letter to Boston's South End neighborhood, Black Lamb is a neighborhood gem. With a menu mix between French brasserie style and casual American Tavern, this is the perfect restaurant for every occasion. Visit on the weekends for arguably one of the best brunches in the city, or head over and try their $2 Buck Shuck Oysters – available all-day Mondays as well as Tuesdays – Fridays from 11 am – 5 pm.
With a full raw bar, robust wine, beer, and cocktail menu, and outdoor dining – Black Lamb is a must for the ultimate oyster dining experience.
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 start with a dozen oysters for lunch, dinner, or even an afternoon snack as you explore.
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.
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.
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!
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 Dorchester's South Bay Center, The Pearl is a contemporary seafood grill and raw bar, perfect for every occasion. Bringing southern hospitality and city sophistication to the table, The Pearl is owned and operated by Roxbury natives, who aim to hire and buy local. Their menu offers handmade cocktails, an array of New England oyster offerings, delicious shareables, and a fun weekend brunch, so there's something for every occasion.
This modern take on a classic oyster bar, B&G Oysters, is the perfect place to grab a dozen. Located in Boston's South End neighborhood, this oyster bar has New England classics, a food-friendly wine list, seasonal seafood dishes, and fresh oysters from both coasts. Receiving accolades over the years from publications like Food & Wine and The Boston Globe, this neighborhood gem is a must-visit during your trip to Boston.
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.
From James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs to a Food & Wine "Sommelier of the Year" and family-owned farms to up-and-coming restaurateurs, we have a unique flair to share.
Let us introduce you to a side of Boston's culinary scene you might not know.