14 best waterfront restaurants in Boston

Topping this list is Kelly's. A local institution, feeding the frenzy of Revere Beach-goers with roast beef sandwiches and fried seafood since 1951.  The flagship location of this family-run business cranks out New England favorites like lobster rolls, clam chowder and fried scallops. But everybody knows that the real appeal of this place are its roast beef and its beachfront dining. Grab a juicy sandwich prepared in the North Shore's classic three-way style—that's with cheese, mayo and barbecue sauce—and take in the ocean views.

Woods Hill Pier 4 brings farm-to-table dining to the Seaport, where the iconic Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant once sat. As the name implies, this restaurant's patio is right on the pier, giving guests a front row seat to harbor views during their meals. As you dine on organic dishes made with the finest ingredients from local purveyors, order a glass of rosé and breathe in that salt air.

This East Boston spot appropriately reels in a crowd during the summertime—mainly because of its expansive waterside patio with stunning views. Because the coastal restaurant is situated in Eastie, its sprawling outdoor seating gives diners a rare look at Boston’s downtown in its near entirety. So pull up a bistro chair, munch down some tuna crudo tacos and feel that Harbor breeze against your face. (And if you're stuck South of the city, check out its sister location on Quincy's Marina Bay).

This classy yet casual spot serves fresh, inventive seafood dishes year-round from its Boston Harbor Hotel kitchen. As the name would imply, it's located right on Rowes Wharf, where its seasonal patio sits right on the water. In the summer months, the hotel hosts its live music series, Summer in the City, outdoors during the week, so we suggest snagging a table at the Grille on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for the perfect evening of food and cocktails, tunes and water views.

As the flagship location within 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 and the ultimate harbor views. 

This national chain maintains a stunning waterfront location at Atlantic Wharf, between the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Fort Point Channel. The 10,000-square-foot space features an outdoor patio that addd to the relaxed, upscale ambiance. The exposition kitchen provides culinary entertainment while lush furnishings of wood and leather create a cozy and inviting interior retreat. Dry-aged Black Angus cuts sit atop most tables, alongside sinful sides.

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.

One of the city’s most popular options for outdoor drinking and dining resides atop the Seaport’s Envoy Hotel. The expansive skyline and sunset views alone are worth the often lengthy waits at both the elevator and the bar. An array of area worker bees and selfie-snapping scenesters fill the comfortable lounge seating to sip top-shelf cocktails while grooving along to trendy tunes.

If you’re chasing water views, you’ll certainly find them at Pier 6. Located near Charlestown’s Navy Yard, this marina rooftop provides arguably the most incredible panorama of the Boston skyline. A colorful mix of locals typically congregate on the nautically themed deck to get their fill of fresh seafood and New England classics. A well-stocked bar is on hand to keep everyone hydrated as they drink in that salt air.

This no-fuss seasonal joint has been doing its thing on Castle Island since the 1950s. Its no-frills menu of cheap hot dogs, fish and chips, and burgers may not be glamorous, but its views of the Boston Harbor Islands are spectacular. It's well worth the trip deep into Southie to stop here for a wallet-friendly dog, raspberry lime ricky and some ocean air.

If you really want to show off our city’s views to an out-of-towner or your parents visiting from the ’burbs, reserve a seat at this swanky waterfront spot. Inside, you’ll catch sun and water, and outside seating affords some of the best views in town. Either way, enjoy a classic, sophisticated seafood-forward menu.

A popular place for power lunches and celebratory dinners, Strega Italiano Waterfront specializes in classic Italian-American plates, seafood and steaks. This fabulous Seaport spot features a glamorous interior filled with original artwork, but the real masterpiece can be seen from its outdoor dining area: those pristine Harbor views. Drink them in alongside a glass of wine and a big old meatball. 

Right off Fan Pier Park, this elegant spot serves sushi, Izakaya-style small plates and global seafood-forward dishes, on one of Boston’s largest outdoor patios. A sibling to its Nantucket location, this spot gives off fun, eclectic vibes and, if you squint on a sunny day, you might feel like you’re on The Cape.

Also one of our picks for the best clam chowders in town, the Sail Loft offers phenomenal water views, with indoor and outdoor seating. We suggest getting there early and grabbing a cold beer to take on the deck, where the people and boat watching is a sublime way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.