Best Seafood in Boston: Where to Indulge Your Taste Buds

If you're a seafood lover, Boston is the place to be. From fresh lobster rolls to succulent oysters, Boston has a lot to offer in terms of seafood. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll find plenty of top-notch seafood restaurants and dishes that will satisfy your cravings.

If you're wondering where to start, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll take you on a journey to explore the best seafood restaurants in Boston, famous seafood dishes you must try, a seasonal seafood guide, seafood markets and festivals, and frequently asked questions. So, let's dive in and discover the best seafood Boston has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Boston is a seafood lover's paradise with plenty of top-notch seafood restaurants and dishes.
• Some of the famous seafood dishes you must try in Boston include clam chowder, lobster rolls, and oysters.
• Boston's seafood scene is not limited to restaurants; there are also seafood markets and festivals that offer fresh catches and unique experiences.

Top Seafood Restaurants in Boston

If you're looking for the best seafood in Boston, you're in luck. The city is home to a wide variety of seafood restaurants, ranging from upscale fine dining to casual seafood shacks. Here are some of the top seafood restaurants in Boston that you won't want to miss:

Neptune Oyster

Located in the North End, Neptune Oyster is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This small, cozy restaurant is known for its fresh oysters and lobster rolls, which are some of the best in the city. Be prepared to wait in line, as this popular spot is always busy.

Island Creek Oyster Bar

Island Creek Oyster Bar is a sleek, modern seafood restaurant in Kenmore Square. The restaurant is known for its raw bar, which features a variety of fresh oysters, clams, and other shellfish. The menu also includes a variety of cooked seafood dishes, as well as non-seafood options.

Yankee Lobster Co.

If you're looking for a more casual seafood experience, head to Yankee Lobster Co. in the Seaport District. This seafood shack has been serving up fresh seafood for over 60 years, and is known for its lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried seafood platters.

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods is a Boston institution, with multiple locations throughout the city. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, including its famous clam chowder. The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes, as well as non-seafood options.

Whether you're a seafood aficionado or just looking to try some of the best seafood in Boston, these restaurants are sure to impress.

Famous Seafood Dishes in Boston

Boston is known for its delicious seafood dishes, and there are a few that have gained national recognition. Here are some of the most famous seafood dishes you must try when in Boston.

Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls are a must-try when in Boston. These rolls are made with fresh, succulent lobster meat, mixed with a little mayonnaise and served in a buttered and toasted hot dog bun. The combination of sweet lobster meat and buttery bread is simply irresistible. Some of the best places to try lobster rolls in Boston are Neptune Oyster (source), B&G Oysters (source), and James Hook & Co (source).

Clam Chowder

Boston's clam chowder is another famous dish that you must try. This creamy soup is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and cream. Some restaurants add bacon or other seasonings to enhance the flavour. The soup is usually served with oyster crackers on top. Some of the best places to try clam chowder in Boston are Legal Sea Foods (source), Atlantic Fish Co (source), and Union Oyster House (source).

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, and there are many restaurants that serve them raw or cooked. Some popular oyster dishes include oyster stew, fried oysters, and oyster po' boy sandwiches. Some of the best places to try oysters in Boston are Island Creek Oyster Bar (source), Neptune Oyster (source), and Row 34 (source).

Make sure to try these famous dishes when you visit Boston. You won't be disappointed!

Seasonal Seafood Guide

If you're a seafood lover, Boston is the perfect place to indulge in fresh and delicious seafood. One of the best things about seafood is that it is seasonal, and each season brings with it a new variety of seafood to enjoy. Here is a seasonal seafood guide to help you navigate the best seafood to enjoy in Boston throughout the year.

Winter

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty and warming seafood dishes. Some of the best seafood to enjoy during the winter months include:

• Oysters: Winter is the peak season for oysters, and there are plenty of oyster bars in Boston where you can enjoy these briny delicacies.
• Clams: Clams are also in season during the winter months, and they are perfect for making delicious chowders and stews.
• Lobster: While lobster is available year-round in Boston, it is particularly delicious during the winter months when the meat is at its sweetest.

Spring

Spring is the season of renewal, and it brings with it a new crop of fresh and delicious seafood. Some of the best seafood to enjoy during the spring months include:

• Scallops: Spring is the peak season for scallops, and they are perfect for searing and serving with fresh greens.
• Shrimp: Shrimp is also in season during the spring months, and it is perfect for adding to salads or serving with pasta.
• Haddock: Haddock is a mild and flaky white fish that is in season during the spring months. It is perfect for grilling or baking and serving with fresh herbs.

Summer

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing seafood dishes. Some of the best seafood to enjoy during the summer months include:

• Lobster rolls: There's nothing quite like a fresh lobster roll on a hot summer day, and Boston is famous for its delicious lobster rolls.
• Bluefish: Bluefish is a rich and oily fish that is in season during the summer months. It is perfect for grilling and serving with fresh herbs and lemon.
• Soft-shell crabs: Soft-shell crabs are in season during the summer months, and they are perfect for frying and serving with a spicy aioli.

Autumn

Autumn is the season of abundance, and it brings with it a new variety of seafood to enjoy. Some of the best seafood to enjoy during the autumn months include:

• Squid: Squid is in season during the autumn months, and it is perfect for grilling and serving with a spicy marinade.
• Mussels: Mussels are also in season during the autumn months, and they are perfect for making delicious broths and soups.
• Swordfish: Swordfish is a meaty and flavourful fish that is in season during the autumn months. It is perfect for grilling and serving with a fresh salsa verde.

No matter what season it is, Boston has plenty of delicious and fresh seafood to enjoy. So, go ahead and indulge in some of the best seafood that Boston has to offer!

Seafood Markets and Festivals

When it comes to seafood, Boston is the place to be. The city is home to some of the best seafood markets and festivals in the country. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, you won't be disappointed.

Seafood Markets

Boston's seafood markets offer a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood options. From classic fish and chips to exotic seafood like octopus and squid, you'll find it all here. Some of the best seafood markets in Boston include:

• Red's Best at the Boston Public Market: This market offers a great selection of fresh seafood, including lobsters, scallops, and clams. You can also find prepared seafood dishes like lobster rolls and chowder.

• Burke's Seafood: This market in Quincy offers both fresh seafood and prepared dishes. Their lobster bisque is a must-try.

• Fisherman's Wharf: This market has been around since 1834 and is one of the oldest in the country. They offer a great selection of fresh seafood, including lobsters, oysters, and clams.

Seafood Festivals

Boston is also home to some of the best seafood festivals in the country. These festivals are a great way to try a variety of seafood dishes and enjoy live music and entertainment. Some of the best seafood festivals in Boston include:

• Boston Seafood Festival: This annual festival is held on the Boston Fish Pier and features over 30 seafood vendors. You can try everything from lobster rolls to clam chowder.

• Gloucester Schooner Festival: This festival celebrates the city's maritime heritage and features a seafood festival with live music and entertainment. You can try fresh seafood from local vendors and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

• Wellfleet OysterFest: This festival is held in Wellfleet and celebrates the town's famous oysters. You can try a variety of oyster dishes and enjoy live music and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which seafood dishes are an absolute must-try in Boston?

Boston is famous for its seafood, and there are so many dishes that are a must-try. Some of the most popular dishes include lobster rolls, clam chowder, oysters, and fried clams. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try the sea urchin, which is a delicacy in Boston.

Are there any hidden gems serving spectacular seafood in Boston's Seaport district?

Yes, there are plenty of hidden gems in the Seaport district that serve spectacular seafood. Some of the top picks include Row 34, which is known for its fresh oysters and lobster rolls, and The Barking Crab, which serves up delicious seafood boils. Another great option is Ocean Prime, which has a stunning waterfront view and an extensive seafood menu.

Which restaurants offer the most sensational seafood boils in Boston?

If you are looking for a sensational seafood boil, there are several restaurants in Boston that you should check out. The Barking Crab is a local favourite and is known for its delicious seafood boils. Another great option is Yankee Lobster, which serves up fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere. Legal Sea Foods is another popular choice, and they offer a variety of seafood boils to choose from.

Whether you are a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, Boston has something for everyone. With so many great restaurants and dishes to choose from, you are sure to have an unforgettable dining experience in this seafood mecca.