18 best seafood restaurants in Boston

Mooncusser started as a fish house, but under the direction of chef Carl Dooley has undergone a culinary makeover. The focus now is on four-course tasting menus with bold flavors that allow guests to discover new plates and fresh perspectives with each visit. Seafood absolutely still plays a role here, but now fish dishes—like barbecue unagi or potato gnocchi with salt cod—share the spotlight with dishes such as Sichuan pork sausage consomme and venison with Hungarian dumplings. Perched above Stuart Street, folks can rest assured that the view from the dining room is just as delicious as the parade of edible delights coming out of the kitchen. Patrons looking for a la carte dining can visit Moon Bar, on the ground floor. Owner Stuart Rault is also behind Cusser's, a casual takeaway spot specializing in seafood and roast beef with a location at Time Out Market Boston.

Ever since it opened in 2004, Neptune Oyster has been one of Boston's most in-demand options for fresh local seafood, as demonstrated by its ever-present line out the door. Accented with pressed tin, subway tiles and etched glass, the tiny space exudes an unmistakably retro charm. Expert shuckers handle a variety of fresh bivalves with finesse, as the kitchen cranks out a steady stream of its lauded lobster rolls.

Ever since it opened in 2004, Neptune Oyster has been one of Boston's most in-demand options for fresh local seafood, as demonstrated by its ever-present line out the door. Accented with pressed tin, subway tiles and etched glass, the tiny space exudes an unmistakably retro charm. Expert shuckers handle a variety of fresh bivalves with finesse, as the kitchen cranks out a steady stream of its lauded lobster rolls.

This Winthrop classic is right beyond city limits, which means we count it as one of our favorites for Boston’s best seafood. Enjoy a classic dinner of haddock or swordfish with fries and coleslaw, or hit a fresh lobster roll. If you’re smart, you’ll order a couple pounds of fish to take home for later. Just an FYI: They’re cash only.

Brought to you by Michael Serpa, this cozy bar supplies Back Bay with the ocean's most beautiful bounty. Marrying New England seafood with Mediterranean techniques, the menu features must-eats like its signature blue prawns a la plancha, "taverna style" whole roasted sea bream and its own, saffron-infused spin on bouillabaisse. While some diners enjoy a multi-course feast, others stop in for a quick oysters-and-wine fix.

From its busy intersection between Back Bay and the Theatre District, Ostra's kitchen specializes in sophisticated seafood. The exquisite menu is dotted with Mediterranean touches, with plenty of splurge-worthy items—think three-pound lobsters, salt-crusted branzino and $190 golden Ossetra caviar service—perfect for special occasions and celebratory dinners.

This Back Bay raw bar and seafood emporium is known for pushing the limits of customary fish preparations—and having a whole lot of fun while doing it. From its fried lobster and waffles to its lobster bolognese, this place is well worth the wait for a seat in its brownstone space or on its patio. Other noteworthy coastal attractions: its selection of New York-style smoked fish used to top a bagelette and cream cheese, as well as an incredible assortment of tinned seafood, including imported sustainable caviar and Red Tuna Loin in EVOO from Güeyu Mar.

Hook + Line serves modern New England seafood in the Seaport from one of Boston’s biggest names in hospitality. (Located just across the harbor in the Seaport from sister spot Alcove, you can even take the Seaport commuter ferry between the two.) Don't skip starting with a cup of velvety clam chowder here. Owner Tom Schlesigner-Guidelli cut his teeth on the bar at bygone Boston fish houses like East Coast Grill and Island Creek Oyster Bar, so you can bet there’s a deep, seafood-friendly wine list and refreshing cocktails at Hook + Line to pair with the waterfront views. 

Puritan Oyster Bar is an offshoot of a Boston classic and it leans in to inventive takes on New England seafood. Located in Cambridge’s Inman Square right next to the original Puritan & Company (itself no slouch when it comes to the sea), the menu offers rotating varieties of local oysters on the half shell (half-price every day from 5–6pm!) among towering raw bar options, fried whole-belly clams, a smoked bluefish melt, buttered lobster toast (a unique take on the lobster sando), a swordfish pastrami plate, signature Parker House Rolls and more.

Fans of the James Beard award-winning Portland restaurant flock to the location in the Fenway. Currently undergoing a serious renovation, they’re planning on reopening in late March or early April with a new look and a full liquor license. All your classic favorites, like the fish sandwich and brown butter lobster roll, will still be on the menu, but there will also be an expanded oyster selection and some larger seafood-focused dishes.

As the flagship location within the Legal Sea Foods empire, Legal Harborside offers three floors of dining—all with fantastic fish-focused menus and sweeping views of Boston Harbor. On the first floor, crowds devour raw bar items and casual faves; the second floor is the epitome of elegance with its selection of upscale fare; while the third floor is reserved for private dining. After your meal, join the sea of people on its celebrated rooftop for a cocktail.

Bringing a little bit of the bayou to Boston, this Allston spot serves the seafood we New Englanders know and love—Cajun style. You have your pick from Northern staples like lobster, shrimp and clams, as well as Southern classics such as crawfish and crab. These shellfish are then boiled with a selection of sides, doused in your flavor of choice and seasoned with whatever amount of spiciness you desire. Boils aside, Holly Crab also features seafood of the fried variety and, in line with its North-meets-South vibe, New England clam chowder and shrimp sausage gumbo.

An homage to New England’s long-standing fishing tradition, The Banks Fish House celebrates the area’s love affair with the sea and its bounty. The menu starts on the docks, as Chef Robert Sisca fuels the passion by serving dishes like MV Smoke House bluefish pate, cuttlefish spaghetti and Dover sole meunière, while the first-floor raw bar offers stellar crudo, oyster and caviar selections. The Fried Seafood Platter is a feast to behold.

Part of North End restaurateur Frank DePasquale’s local empire, Mare is known for its superb selection of crudo and fish-forward pasta dishes. From its lobster ravioli with smoked bacon and cream sauce to its truffle crusted tuna, this place makes seafood positively decadent. And if you need any more convincing, this eatery's name literally translates to "ocean," so it sets the seafood tone from the very start. 

Set right along the Fort Point Channel, this red-shingled seafood shack and open-air tent serves as party central during the summer months for locals and tourists alike. Gather at the spot's picnic tables, beneath lamps made of lobster traps strung with Christmas lights, for steamers, fried Ipswich clams or a full New England seafood bake. Just remember to stay hydrated and really push those Dels Shandies.

A city staple since 1978, Atlantic Fish Company has thrived on letting seafood shine by keeping it simple. Daily catches can be broiled, sauteed, fried or blackened—but if you’re feeling fancy, you can always try the lobster ravioli or cioppino. This is the place to go when you need to impress out-of-towners with the allure of New England seafood.

Head to this Seaport mainstay for lobster rolls, fried clams, steamers, chowder and other classic seafood shack dishes. It’s a perfect stop for a refuel while touring around Boston, and a great place in general for a casual seafood meal. There’s outdoor seating as well as takeout. Cooking seafood at home? There’s a market with fresh caught fish and shellfish. They’ll even ship fresh lobster anywhere in the continental U.S., if you want to share the bounty with out of town friends.

Victory Point, Marina Bay is one of Executive Chef Pino Maffeo’s culinary playgrounds (joining Il Molo, a seafood hot spot that’s been temporarily closed since the beginning of the pandemic). Located in Quincy’s bustling Marina Bay complex, this casual spot with a deck bar and bay views places lobster front and center, with dishes like lobster Benedict, a decadent seafood pie, lobster ravioli, spaghetti with clams, and, of course, a perfectly chilled lobster roll served on a toasted brioche bun with lemon aioli. Seafood-lovers can also enjoy starters of calamari, crab cakes and New England clam chowder, along with entreés including Frutti di Mare pasta and a traditional fried fisherman’s platter.