Mare

3.8 (570 reviews)

PriceySeafood, Italian

Open • 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

Updated over 3 months ago

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Mare - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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MARE ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Classy

Upscale

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

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Hot & Dirty Martini, Classic Dirty Martini, bread service

Lydia S.

I almost don't want to post my praise because I wanna keep this place all to myself! My sister and I stumbled upon Mare while walking around the North End. Located in a precious alley off of Hanover St, this spot has a European vibe with wonderful Al Fresco dining with nice views and is surprisingly quiet despite the highway being right there. Some of the best service I've had- prompt but not rushed, always right there when your glass is reaching empty. Absolutely delicious food and cocktails, I recommend the bread service and finishing up your visit with some limoncello. Prices were totally reasonable, atmosphere was perfection, such a gem. I will certainly be back.

Kent S.

Ok this is a WOW. Yes the North End has a lot of good or great restaurants. But OMG this as soooo good. Apps, wine, entree and service are winners. It's not the easiest to find but trust me, it's worth it.

Toni C.

Went to Mare for dinner and it was pretty easy to get a reservation which was great. The oysters were so fresh, I would recommend getting the oysters they are definitely worth it. We also got a side of rosemary fries but they didn't come out with any seasoning. The truffle crusted tuna was presented beautifully and it was good. The lobster roll was also good I would say pretty similar to any other one I've had in Boston. The pesto pasta was okay I probably wouldn't recommend it, it wasn't really worth the price. We also split the sorbet and they were okay nothing too special. Overall the experience was good but we weren't really blown away by the any of the food.

Oysters on the 1/2 Shell and Dirty Martini

Carrie V.

Stopped into Mare in the North End for a dirty martini and oysters at the bar. The martini was phenomenal and the oysters were incredibly fresh. The bartender was very sweet and made the experience even better. Perfect spot for a quick drink and seafood, would definitely go back for a full dinner.

Caroline H.

Fantastic service by Fabio and delicious seafood at this restaurant. The swordfish was cool to perfection along with the mashed potatoes. The lobster ravioli was flavorful too. The Italian red wine recommendation was smooth and light. It was very good. We will return here for another visit. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want some outstanding seafood and service.

Cindy N.

Food was amazing. The price point was high but to be expected for quality seafood and the freshness. The half seafood tower came with 9 oysters, 4 clams, half lobster, 1 crab leg, and 3 large cocktail shrimp. Very fresh and you can pick your oysters we asked our waitress to choose for us and she did a great job. The Maine Baked Lobster took some time for preparation but was absolutely worth the wait. A giant lobster with a baked filling that consisted of crab, scallop, and shrimp. A rich and decadent meal that left us satisfied!

Madeline Z.

We had the best experience here! Service was phenomenal - Franc absolutely made our night! The food was all fantastic and we had plenty of time at the table with no rush! Great ambiance and fire pit hangout area in the winter.

Tracy C.

Really disappointed in this restaurant. The service was lovely, and drinks were great, but the food was so overrated. We had the lobster cocktail to begin, and it was pretty good. They refused to clear the menu from the table which was weird and took up quite a bit of table space. The scallops appetizer with butternut squash puree and bacon wrapped asparagus sounded AMAZING but came out ice cold and overcooked. The scallops were tough and over seasoned, the rest was cold maybe it was supposed to be cold? They tasted off but I didn't want to waste food so I ate them, oops. The pasta was done beautifully as a tableside presentation with freshly shaved truffles- really nice, but also cold, although tasty. I was looking forward to this but really had a bad time, and they only had a one stall bathroom, so afterwards our stomachs/intestines whatever were in quite the distress that our evening was cut short as we rushed back to our hotel and took turns in our hotel toilet. Sorry to paint that picture for you, but definitely not recommended. Pictures look amazing, service was nice, but will never go again.

Robert B.

Mare was great. They are now all about the money. I took a small group of 6 in and allowed the house to serve appetizers at their choice. We were pummeled with so many we could not order dinner, they were average not good, we had expected two not more, a terrible sea food tower was thrown in after I said no and the bill came to over $200 per person. Add to that the bottled water that I asked to stop 3 times. Never again. We tried Catina Italiano a few days ago and were given an unbelievable tasting at about $100 that included far more and far tastier items. File Mare under Rip Off.

Gordon V.

Had reservations and were seated in a crowded room that was difficult to get in and out of the chair being so close in proximity to the other tables. Very loud, and hard to hear each other across the table. The prices are high for the food you get. Some of the oysters barely had meat it was just a thin skin. The shrimp were large And properly prepared, the lobster was rubbery and a very small tail. The crab meat was a bit mushy like it had been steamed too long. The scallops were cooked perfectly and delicious. The Brussels sprouts were drenched and not crispy. I cannot recommend in all good consciousness.

Best food we had in Boston!! We were in town for six days, and this was hands down our favorite meal. Mare is a North End hotspot that's absolutely worth the hype and the price. We went as a family of four, and every single dish hit it out of the park. We got so excited we actually forgot to take pictures of a couple things -- always a good sign! Grilled Octopus (5/5) So good we ordered it twice. Incredibly flavorful with a solid base and perfectly tender. Oysters (5/5) We ordered two types and both were delicious. I loved that their oyster menu describes each variety's flavor profile spot on. Table-Side Cacio e Pepe (5/5) While not a traditional preparation, the show was great and the flavor hit the mark too. They make it right in a Parmesan wheel at your table, and it's creamy, rich, and so satisfying. We got the truffles on the side for our daughter, and it was still absolutely delicious. Mediterranean Branzino (5/5) Out of this world. I usually need salt when I order fish, but this was seasoned perfectly, and even the lemon stayed untouched. Crispy skin, tender meat, and bursting with flavor. I recommend asking for it filleted to make it easier to enjoy. Mushroom Spaghetti (5/5) Earthy, creamy, and absolutely delicious. One of those simple dishes that sticks with you. The ambience is on the high-end side, but we noticed several people coming in who were greeted by the staff like regulars, which gave it such a warm and welcoming vibe. It didn't feel stuffy at all and was lively enough that we felt totally comfortable dining with our kids. It does get packed, but understandably so given our experience. Everything was incredible from start to finish with great energy, friendly service, and unforgettable food. Definitely a must-try North End spot if you're visiting Boston

Noah T.

Wonderful place enjoyed ourselves when in Boston in the north end this is a place you have to go if you want seafood highly recommend other seafood is super fresh services on point

Qme L.

Made reservations for a Saturday night with a bunch of girlfriends. Even though our entire party hadn't arrived yet (horrible game day traffic), they were kind enough to seat us. We sat right by the entrance, which ruined the ambiance a bit but the wait staff was amazing! Attentive and patient. When one of my friends ordered a drink and it wasn't good, our waitress promptly took it back and had it remade. We ordered the arugula salad, fritture mista, and trio of crudos to share. The arugula salad was delicious, zesty with fresh veggies. Fritture mista was good and the crudos were fresh. It was a very nice start but then the entrees were quite disappointing.. I ordered the tagliatelle con aragosta. Portion size was pretty small, it was bland (even with black pepper on top) and the lobster tail was dry :(. One of my friends ordered the grilled Mediterranean branzino and found it to be very salty and very fishy.. the truffle crusted tuna was also very salty. My friends who ordered the apps as entrees did enjoy their food (surf&turf, pan seared scallops). Seems like the quality of food for the apps were much better than the entrees. We spent over $600 for food and drinks and ended up having to get food somewhere else after. Apps were good and service was amazing but likely won't be back.

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Charlotte C.

2 years ago

Charged us a $10 bottle of Still water. Couldn't understand the hostess. Wanted tap. Rip off. Won't be back. read more

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Kate C.

1074

3840

4 years ago

Another wonderful dinner at Mare! Great food, great outdoor dining and great service. We had the oysters and crudo to start. Both were good but the real star of the night was the lobster ravioli. So flavorful and not too heavy. In addition to the excellent waitstaff, we also made friends with the couple next to us. Everyone there is so lovely! read more

Mare - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Crudo trio - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Lobster Ravioli - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Jennifer S.

830

2 years ago

Best oyster selection in Boston. Wonderful appetizers and pastas. The best pasta was the mushroom pasta for sure, but everything we had was done really well. The bartender made excellent cocktails and our server Judy was the best. She didn't rush anything and made excellent recommendations. I also thought it was really nice that the managers came by our table to check on everything. Thank you for a fantastic experience. read more

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Doug M.

Elite 25

834

3043

4 years ago

Enjoyable, relaxing place for us. Service was excellent - provided by competent, professional pleasant staff. We sat outside, so I can't speak to what the interior is like. Outside seating is set up in the alleyway that where the entrance is located. So you are just looking at the brick wall of the adjacent bldg. However, it was surprisingly enjoyable due to it being fairly secluded and quiet. Food choices were all quite good. I've also experienced the same quality in Boston's north end for a somewhat lower price point, so that's why I'm four stars instead of five. Complimentary bread included olives (which seems to be a Boston thing we also received at other local restaurants, but not in other cities), oil, and an oil/pesto mix. The pesto option was a real treat. I really like pesto on bread, and don't normally encounter it eating out. My oysters on 1/2 shell starter was excellent. I cannot remember the oyster type I selected, but it tasted exactly as described - sweet with a buttery finish. The provided sauces included horseradish, cocktail, and an oniony vinaigrette. The vinaigrette worked especially well to add a little zip. Crabcakes were done well, as was the bufala mozzarella salad. The wife really liked her wild mushroom spaghetti. I'm not a big truffle fan, so I took her word for it. But I did taste the house made spaghetti, which had a spot on thickness and chew. I thought my lobster roll was excellent. It wasn't overstuffed with lobster - they go for quality rather than quantity. The lobster is torn into fairly small pieces, and mixed with green onions & other small green leaf garnishes. This gave it a full flavor beyond just buttery lobster. A win for Mare. Bread pudding dessert was delicious, if a bit small for splitting between two. And the dinner ended with our server bringing two complimentary glasses of limoncello as a digestif. How nice! read more

Mare - Bufala Mozzarella From Italy - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Oysters on the 1/2 Shell - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Wild Mushroom Spaghetti - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Bread pudding dessert - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Complimentary bread, oil, pesto, olives - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Maine Peekytoe Crabcake appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Haley G.

1 year ago

The service was amazing! We have never had a cleaner table before. The food was perfection. We had the octopus appetizer, scallop appetizer, and linguistini and all of it was insane. We also loved the Caccio peppe. Awesome food great service. 10/10 read more

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Andy Kristie K.

2 years ago

This is the place to be. Our concierge recommended Mare and it did not disappoint. It's a bustling, packed, active atmosphere which was awesome. Definitely the place to be! We got a seafood tower, soup, and salad and loved it. Clams and oysters were not "fishy" at all. Our waiter was great and we got a bottle of Vernaccia we had in San Gimignano, Italy. Then, of course, a couple "famous" espresso martinis and the berries for dessert. All really good. We heard of fire pits there, but we didn't see them. We sat near the entrance. Speaking of which, the entrance wasn't obvious to us at first. It was down a little side alley. There's a sign pointing the way off the main road. If you want to go to the happening place in town, this is it. If you're looking for a quiet dinner, this wouldn't be the place on a Saturday night. Next time we are in Boston, we will be back. read more

Mare - Espresso Martinis - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Mare Half Shellfish Tower - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Briana L.

Elite 25

408

4 years ago

I've only come here for restaurant week and the service was good even on a busy night, but the food was alright. A lot of the food was kind of bland/didn't have a lot of flavor, like the steak and pasta. The seafood was good though (as expected from an oyster bar). I would recommend them for the seafood, but maybe not for steak. read more

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K H.

2 years ago

Ambiance: music quite loud Wine: Pinot Noir was corked, and last bottle. Food: oysters were excellent. Seafood salad was okay, but the vinegar overpowered the seafood. The saving grace was the pesto and olives served with the bread. read more

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Sandra N.

Elite 24

143

118

556

4 years ago

My first impression of Mare was fantastic, unfortunately- the service and food quality was not consistent. I was at Mare last week and our server was Adolfo. He was awesome, brought great energy and recommended wonderful dishes. Today, our server ignored our table for a good 20 minutes after we were seated, drinks were given to us half way though our meal and food was trying to be taken away as we were still working on it. They didn't ask if we were done or still working on it. We had to physically show them that we were still eating our food. I think icing on the cake was when they charged us for things we didn't even order, and mixing up our order when our meal was being served. Service and atmosphere are a HUGE importance to the vibe and experience. If you don't care too much about that, let talk about the food (combined food from both visits). We got the Surf & Turf, dozen oysters, some clams, truffle arancini and the sautéed mussels & clams. The surf & turf and oysters were great, would recommend getting these! The others- I'd pass. For entrees , we got the linguine & clams vongole, salmon, and filet mignon. All were ok.. The linguine was dry and wasn't well seasoned, pasta was chewy. For the filet mignon- Honestly, I didn't know what to expect coming from a predominately seafood restaurant. It was presented well on a cutting board, the sides were -- lighter dipping sauce, sautéed spinach and creamy mashed potatoes. The server didn't even ask how we wanted it cooked (Ended up being medium rare). The salmon was mediocre - honestly could've air fried salmon and laid it on a bed of caramelized onions. For dessert, I got the chocolate soufflé - which tasted more like a half cooked cake or brownie. Souffle are supposed to be light and airy. This dessert tasted dense and very sweet. Overall my rating is average of both my experiences. But at the end of the day, I probably won't go back. read more

Mare - Surf & Turf - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Pan Seared Salmon - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Filet Mignon - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Bread - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Clams, oysters, shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Truffle arancini - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Linguine & Clams - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Sautéed Mussels or clams - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Anna F.

Elite 26

311

611

1909

3 years ago

We had a reservation, and grabbed a seat by the bar while we waited for them to get the table ready. Had some peroni beers while we watched them shuck oysters, and saw the display of seafood behind. My boyfriend and I thought that we were kind of hurried through, in terms of the service. Aside from that aspect though, it was a delicious meal. We did the Dine Out Boston 3 course meal. The standout, for me, were the oysters. It was chef's choice, and I thought it was a good variety- all extremely fresh, and none too overpowering. Before I knew it was chef's choice I was thinking to order all Wellfleet's because I love those, and have enjoyed them while in Wellfleet in the past. My main was the salmon, which came with fennel and onion underneath, and a delicious creamy sauce that complimented the salmon well. The salmon was slightly more under in one part than I would have liked, so I guess specify if you would like it cooked a little more. The dessert was excellent. They took a humble bread pudding to the next level. Dried figs inside are a great idea! read more

Mare - Bread, Pesto, Olive Oil, Olives - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Mare's Signature Bread Pudding - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Salmon - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Natty C.

Elite 26

886

787

2702

5 years ago

Perfection! They have the best outdoor seating that is heated. The oysters were so delicious. I didn't try any other dishes. Their Nutella martini was very good, drinks are strong. read more

Mare - Nutella Martini @food_ie_gram - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - @food_ie_gram - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Rhonda B.

2 years ago

Elegant decor. Warm, friendly atmosphere. Great interaction with the team. Adina keeps us coming back each year when we are in town. Drinks were phenomenal. Lemon drop martini with limoncello. Nutella martini. Fabulous award-winning traditional recipe espresso martini. We will be sure to stop back by next year when we are in town. read more

Mare - Nutella Martini - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Lemon Drop Martini with limoncello - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Espresso Martini - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Birthday Limoncello Shot - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Miki S.

Elite 24

175

739

5 years ago

I have been coming to Boston for my husband Business trip. This just became the most favorite Italian seafood restaurant! Circumstance: outdoor to look at the high buildings in the day time to night time. It's very cool! This setting makes you feel like somehow you are trapped to the small alley restaurant in Italy. Taste: all the flavors are very tasty! Texture of the homemade pasta is incredible. Presentation: very sophisticated Such a jewel! We found. read more

Mare - New England Lobster Bisque - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Lobster pasta - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Mare - Mushroom pasta - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Bread with olive oil - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Kaley L.

2 years ago

Horrible service - seems like the servers/hosts are not well mannered. Very disappointed and not worth money / time. read more

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Michelle T.

Elite 26

151

453

5 years ago

Very pricey and not the best portions but they had nice decorations and a great overall vibe. We got free tiramisu for our birthday guest and it was really tasty! Food was great but definitely felt a bit overpriced. read more

Mare - Pan Seared Scallops - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Affogato - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Nerano Pasta - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Bo R.

3 years ago

The fresh seafood was superb. We also tried the tagliatelle and the risotto, both were great. Cocktails were on point. Service was flawless. It's not a huge place so reservations are a good idea. Pretty atmosphere. Seems like most seating is outdoors on a front or side patio, so pick a nice weather night to go. read more

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Elizabeth W.

Elite 21

245

4 years ago

Had the most beautiful meal here last night for my birthday. Absolutely delicious, the food is the best quality I've had in the north end. Oysters, montepulciano, bufala, gnocchi and dark chocolate mouse were all a DREAM! read more

Mare - Homemade Gnocchi Frutti di Mare - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Bufala Mozzarella - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Brittany R.

Elite 22

135

114

234

5 years ago

Mare is one of my favorites in the North End, and at this point I've tried most of the restaurants. Great oyster selection/wide range of choices for Raw bar, cocktail menu, the pasta is to die for, and the vibe is lively and exciting. The Tagliatelle is unbeatable, it has a wonderful truffle based sauce that is light yet flavorful and the lobster portion was pretty generous! Finish the night with espresso martinis or their "Sunshine" cocktail and I guarantee this will become a go to in the neighborhood! read more

Mare - Tagliatelle con Aragosta - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Thomas T.

Elite 26

285

548

4 years ago

Went here for my girlfriend's birthday. The restaurant is a little hidden from the main street. The service is really great here. The food is very flavorful and just filling enough. We got more bread to use with the sauce! The waiter was really sweet and surprised us with a complementary "Happy Birthday" dessert. read more

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Andrew S.

538

5 years ago

Best seafood in the north end and fun vibes. I'd recommend the seafood tower and the lobster ravioli. Get there early enough to sit around the fire, fire seats are the best ones in the house! read more

Mare - Drinks and my grandma - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Diana D.

2 years ago

What a disappointment! I ordered coco e Pepe and for $40 I expected a delicious entre. It was served cold! The Branzino was a good sized portion . It was fair: lacked taste and seasoning. I ordered a cannoli for desert and they came out with 3 mini unexciting pieces. I sent it back as the menu misrepresented it. We also ordered a chocolate soufflé which turned out to be a lava cake. None of the waiters knew anything about the food and could not answer simple questions about it. All in all, it was nice sitting outside on a pleasant night but the food was disappointing. read more

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Julia T.

Elite 26

114

326

5 years ago

The gnocchi was delicious. Must try! Lobster ravioli obviously delicious. The zucchini blossom was very good as well. Very creamy and tasty. Small portions though especially the mozzarella. The wild mushroom spaghetti wasn't my favorite. Was a bit dry for me. read more

Mare - Bufala Mozzarella and Ruby Red - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Zucchini Blossoms - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Lobster Ravioli and Wild Mushroom Spaghetti - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Reb K.

818

3 years ago

Amazing vibes and delicious seafood, the views and fire pits are so breathtaking, it's in its own private area right off Hanover street, we enjoyed the tableside service too. Wonderful bartender and servers. We love coming by! read more

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Elle S.

3 years ago

As a Bostonian, I'm always on the hunt for a great oyster. Mare had a nice offering of local oysters, we enjoyed selecting and found the descriptions listed to be accurate and helpful!! Tagliatelle Con Aragosta was delicious, lobster tail was a bit stuck in. Restaurant itself felt odd- we were sat in enclosed patio which had wobbly seating and tables , and was rather drafty. Waitstaff seemed to be a little disinterested and on the snooty side which was a bummer. We ordered a decent amount of seafood and found our treatment to be a little rude! Probably won't go back--food was great, but service was not. read more

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Francisco P.

Elite 26

150

612

3 years ago

I checked out Mare to kickoff my 2023 Dine Out Boston experience. The menu was full of delicious choices and it was hard to pick, which I thought was a good sign. I started with the surf & turf. The scallop was perfectly seared and the braised short-rib was tender and soft. The mashed potatoes were also seared into a delicious potato cake. I recommend getting a little bit of everything in your fork for a perfect bite of bliss. For my main entree, I had the linguine & clams. It was beautifully arranged and the pasta tasted so fresh. The sauce was yummy but did not overwhelm the natural flavor of the clams which I really enjoyed. It was a little difficult to get the clams out of the shell but eating them is worth the work. Finally, I concluded the meal with a chocolate soufflé. It was warm and gooey. The whip cream went well with it but I wish I had vanilla ice cream. All of the portions were perfect, not too much and not too little. The place had a nice upscale vibe to it and it was well attended. I'm only giving it 4 stars because I felt the service could have been a little better. The person greeting at the entrance was not the most helpful when we asked about a coat check/closet. I also felt we were rushed. It was not terrible service but it lacked the warmth and hospitality of other Italian restaurants I've visited in the area. read more

Mare - Surf & Turf: Braised short-rib, scallop and mashed potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Linguine & Clams Vongole - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Souffle Chocolato - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Kristen S.

Elite 24

145

1457

13763

4 years ago

Fantastic server- he was great! Food was so fresh! The branzino was delicious as were the squash blossoms and drinks. Will definitely be back. read more

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Christine B.

Elite 26

311

326

857

7 years ago

Celebrated a birthday here during Dine out Boston and had such a pleasant time! If you particularly love seafood, you'll have a great time here because the seafood here is fresh and cooked wonderfully. For my three-course meal, I chose the following dishes: First Course--Mussels and Clams: I found this dish to be really, really good. I loved the broth that it was cooked in; super flavorful that I found myself just sipping on the broth all on its own once I finished all the seafood Second Course-- Risotto Frutti di Mare: again, really good! The risotto and seafood were cooked to perfection and the serving of seafood very generous so you got some heavenly seafood in each bite. Third Course--Chocolate Tortino: omg, so decadent. Really can't go wrong with this one, it was the perfect way to top off the meal! All in all, I had a really good experience here at Mare. I would say this is a pretty solid option if you're looking to eat at Boston's North End. I particularly love the atmosphere here--they have an outdoor eating area (though it is insulated during the winter) and there are bonfires right in the middle of the restaurant that you can actually sit right in front of (on a first come first serve basis). It makes the place feel very cozy and intimate, which I love! read more

Mare - complimentary bread - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Second course: risotto frutti di mare - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - third course: chocolate tortino - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - First course: mussels and clams - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Jenny S.

3 years ago

Fresh cacio cheese with black pepper and black truffle pasta made table side is a must so delicious, fresh oysters and tuna tartar. Nice restaurant would recommend read more

Mare - Tuna tartar - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Tableside 'Cacio e Pepe' - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Rebecca H.

3 years ago

The restaurant is tucked away in the busy north end of Boston, but such a great hidden gem. We started with their famous Espresso Martini which was refreshing and delicious. For entrees, we had the Lobster Ravioli, Tagliatelle Con Aragonsta, and the 12oz Filet with a side of Lobster Mashed Potatoes. The Lobster Ravioli was our favorite. It was exceptional, filled with large chunks of lobster topped with a creamy sauce. The ambiance and service are 10/10. They are very attentive to you and give great recommendations. I highly suggest Mare. read more

Mare - Tagliatelle Con Aragonsta - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Mare Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Filet with Lobster Mashed Potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Mare's Famous Espresso Martini - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Teri B.

2 years ago

My family went there for Christmas, the food was delicious, but we got charged $20 for water. Not happy

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Yvonne B.

Elite 22

328

982

2953

4 years ago

This is one of our favorite Boston restaurants - especially in the summer when the roof to the "patio" is open. The food has been consistently delicious and is versatile enough for all sorts of pallets and preferences. Consequently, it's been a great place to bring friends. I like to try different dishes every time we go and my wife always gets the same thing. We both come away happy. The only way that Mare could improve is with the vibe. It feels very busy and impersonal. The service is great; however, my preference is for a friendly/familial vibe. We've been to Mare a number of times and we see different staff every time and nobody has acknowledged that we're repeat diners. read more

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Theresa A.

4 years ago

Lovely ambiance, an amazing stuffed lobster and out of this world Carpaccio and Gnocchi. read more

Mare - Stuffed Lobster - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Cherry L.

Elite 22

269

114

3 years ago

Food was great! Standard Italian fare - we tried raw oysters, lobster cocktail, table side cacio e pepe, and the squid ink pasta. Our waiter was attentive and we always got what we needed. Came a little early and sat at the bar with delicious drinks. Seating is super important for the vibe here! We were seated in the rooms upstairs, so it was much more intimate and quiet. Downstairs definitely had more party vibes. Valet parking is available are Bricco down the block. read more

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Diane A.

126

3 years ago

We had dinner here during restaurant week and it was amazing! The surf and turf appetizer is to die for! I can't wait to go back and get that as my meal! The salmon was also fantastic although I wasn't asked how I'd like it cooked and a section was a bit too raw. My boyfriend enjoyed his steak as well. The restaurant was full of waitstaff and they were very quick, at times we did feel a bit rushed but overall the experience was great. read more

Mare - Cosmo and mojito - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mare - Surf n turf - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Laura A.

151

5 years ago

Absolutely delicious and awesome vibes on a summer Saturday night! We sat by the outdoor section and had nice airflow and enjoyed oysters, lobster ravioli and pasta. My husband and I enjoy a date night in the north end away from the kids and this did not disappoint. The tiramisu at the end was displayed and put together at the table and was SO tasty. Can't wait to go back! read more

Mare - Decaf coffee with surprise cookie on the side with Tiramisú - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Keri D.

2 years ago

I went to Mare during dine out Boston week, I loved everything about it. Food was amazing,service great!atmosphere beautiful,can't wait to go back.!! read more

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Jackie D.

Elite 12

629

433

129

4 years ago

This place was absolutely packed on a Saturday night. I would suggest a reservation as we had to wait for over 2 hours for a table for 2. The food was just okay. Same owners as Bricco. The lobster pasta was delicious but the tagliatelle with clams was so salty we couldnt really eat it. It was a very busy night at the restaurant. The hostesses werent really accommodating and in the end, never kept track of our name on the waitlist. The manager and our waitress were SUPER kind and they made our evening memorable in the end. read more

Mare - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Lindsey F.

2 years ago

My group didn't even have a chance to try the food because we left after experiencing abysmal customer service from the General Manager. He was rude, condescending, and not at all receptive to our concerns about the safety of the restaurant's patio and surrounding space. I'd encourage diners to choose another restaurant where their patronage will be appreciated. read more

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Anna Y.

3 years ago

Great service and the food was absolutely delicious! We had the Tagliatelle Con Aragosta and the Mare Lobster Roll. The pasta was perfectly cooked and had large chunks of lobster in it. The lobster roll was great too; perfectly seasoned and was full of lobster. It came with a side of crispy fries and a tiny glass bottle of ketchup. It was on the pricier side but each dish came with so much food that I think it's worth the price. The servers were super nice too; not too pushy but attentive. read more

Mare - Tagliatelle con Aragosta, Mare Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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J T.

2 years ago

This restaurant in a great spot. It's right at the beginning of Hanover Street on the water. It has some nice atmosphere and a great seafood menu. The food and drinks are very enjoyable. However, I came here for a special Valentine's Day date and they had the restaurant so crammed with tables that it felt like i was sitting on top of the person next to me. Valentine's Day is supposed to be an intimate experience, and this certainly took away from it. Each table was only inches from the one beside it. I understand the high demand of Valentine's Day, but it shouldn't take away from your guests experience, especially on a special day like that. read more

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Page 3 of 15

223 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
North End
Directions
(617) 723-6273
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.mareoysterbar.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Mare open?

Mare opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Mare close?

Mare closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Mare closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMSat-Sun 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Mare take Bitcoin?

No, Mare does not take Bitcoin.

Does Mare take credit cards?

Yes, Mare takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mare have catering options?

No, Mare does not have catering options.

Does Mare have a drive thru?

No, Mare does not have a drive thru.

Does Mare have a happy hour?

No, Mare does not have a happy hour.

Does Mare serve alcohol?

Yes, Mare serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Mare allow dogs?

No, Mare does not allow dogs.

Does Mare have TVs?

Yes, Mare has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mare have bike parking?

No, Mare does not have bike parking.

Does Mare have outdoor seating?

Yes, Mare has outdoor seating options.

Does Mare have parking?

Yes, Mare has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Mare wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mare is wheelchair accessible.

Does Mare have free WiFi?

Yes, Mare has free WiFi.

Mare Reviews in Other Languages

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Boston Sail Loft

Busy restaurant on the water and one of my favorite lobster rolls on this trip. Huge portions and…read morevery lively in here. Server was a bit slow but due to the influx from the FIFA fans. Started with the cup of clam chowder that comes dripping from the cup. They use a lot of dill here and come out hot. A bit on the salty side but oyster cracker helps with that. The lobster mac and cheese came with a salad. The lobster mac had a nice broiled cheese top and a creamy inside. Nice lobster and cheesy flavor to it. I got the warm lobster roll and changed it to come with onion rings for $1. The onion rings tasted homemade. Slight crisp to it and thick onions. The lobster roll was massive and the amount of lobster it came with was incredible. Poured the hot butter and squeeze lemon on it for an amazing bite. Would come back here for a larger party to share the plates and order more stuff from here. The lobster bisque is only on the weekends. They have daily menus as well.

This was just a great overall experience. The food is solid, the vibe is excellent, the service is…read morepretty good, location is nice on the water and it is exactly what one looks for in their visit to Boston. Here is a breakdown: Clam chowder 5/5 - well flavored and well balanced, I prefer a little thinner but there is nothing to complain about here Fish and chips 3/5 - this was ok, I liked the bite size pieces for sharing but didn't love the breading Lobster mac and cheese 5/5 - loved the big chunks of lobster so you could really taste it vs small pieces that blend in Calamari - 5/5 - lightly breaded and perfectly fried, the cocktail sauce is excellent, the tartar sauce used sweet pickles which weren't my fave but still good

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Neptune Oyster

A Boston must-try, Neptune's is a tiny restaurant (like, 20-25 people max seating) that will very…read morelikely have a line when you arrive. Unless you wanna wait an hour or so, it's best to arrive 30min before they open to beat the rush. It's incredibly cramped and rushed inside, and you may need to share a table with others if you're a smaller party. Food is quite pricey but well worth it. We ordered the oysters (they've got a variety so you can choose), clam chowder, lobster roll, cioppino, and johnnycake. Oysters were fine, but the clam chowder was absolutely dismal. Not sure what happened, especially since it's so highly rated, but it was extremely watery and almost completely unseasoned. It could've definitely used salt at the very least. If I didn't know it was from Neptune, I'd have given it a 2/10. To my relief, the lobster roll was the total opposite. Succulent, juicy, heavenly. It was like being in Maine. The cioppino was also very good. The Johnnycake was an interesting but fun way to end the meal. It's a sweet pancake-like cornmeal covered in a syrupy glaze and topped with smoked bluefish paste, crème fraiche and caviar. I've never had anything like it. Nothing was super overpriced, but I personally prefer next door (Paulini's), which is much cheaper and while it isn't as good, it also doesn't require waiting in an hour in line. However, I think Neptune's is definitely worth a try as long as you're willing to wait in line.

Oyster bar with very tight squeezing seats. Can see the shucker shucking oysters in front of the…read morestore. Only came for oysters and heard they were fresh! They have a list of the oysters available and come with an accurate tasting profile to them. We got the Neptune pearl, katama bay, unicorn, and beausoleli. The Neptune pearl was our favorite due to the sweet butter finish. We did prefer the medium salt oysters. The razor clam was also amazing. The razor clam casino came with small bacon pieces, chili oil, and parsley. The clam was cut into pieces paired with a tasty oil. Place is very busy and crowded. Came at an off peak hour and didn't wait long. Quick bite for some oysters.

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One of the few lines worth standing in + oysters of the day

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The Daily Catch

This has been on my list for 4 years. I always run past it and catch the scent of the food, and the…read moreoutdoor patio is so cute. So after 4 years, I finally got to eat here. Getting a reservation wasn't difficult, just make sure you get it a few days in advance. Everything here was amazing. Patio, food, drinks, service- no notes. We got the calamari meatballs as our appetizer. I don't like meatballs but I made an exception here...the ricotta is SO light and tastes so fresh. It went so well with the meatballs. The sauce was pretty complex flavor wise and was a delight to have. The meatballs were also delicious and we loved how everything went so well together. After we finished our appetizer, we were brought bread which we used to sop up the rest of the sauce. It was delicious. For our entrees, we got the swordfish and the aglio olio with scallops. Wow. This was my first time trying swordfish, but it was delicious and however they cooked broccoli rabe made me actually like it! It was so good. The aglio olio...tastes even better than it looks. SO good and such a massive portion. I got to ball out on leftovers the next day. The scallops were perfectly seared and went so welll with the pasta. It was so fun have calamari and garlic bits in the pasta...the calamari in it was truly unique. Thinking about this dinner is making my mouth water and making me hungry. Our waiter was great and attentive to us, everyone was having a good time and it was a really nice vibe on the patio. I'll definitely be back!

Busy and a bit noisy inside. Ask for outside if you can…read more Our server Bianca was 5+ stars. Attentive, friendly, had my BF taste a couple of red wines to make sure he liked it. Had the Santa Tresa Rose $12 and for 5 oz pour $15 4.0 stars Grilled Octopus appetizer 4.5 stars Monkfish Marsala, upgraded to have black pasta for extra $6 4.5 stars Vogongle Neapolitan with black pasta for extra $6. It's cool that they serve it in a frying pan. House made black pasta was delicious with a nice chewy texture. I would definitely come back.

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Indoor Dining Room and Bar at The Daily Catch Waterfront

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The Daily Catch

I've been here several times now and The Daily Catch never disappoints. Love the food, great…read moreservice, and amazing vibes! I always will recommend their special that's sharable for two while my partner lives the black squid ink pasta. Either is a great choice though and we honestly get both despite it being way too much food every time. Calamari is solid too and everything tastes great. We always come right at open to avoid waiting given the small restaurant space, but it's always worth it. Just be warned they're also cash only as well!

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The BEST. Seriously you can't beat the quality and the price. Note that this is a take out only…read morespot, so if you're getting it be prepared to find a spot to eat (I personally like going to Columbus or langone park). I've been going here for years and it is consistently delicious. My favorites are the Tokyo roll, lady in red, spicy girl, pats roll, spicy tuna, volcano..ok pretty much everything is good. I order online and my food is always ready quickly and picking it up is a breeze. Since it's take out only it's never too crowded inside, so it's cool to see them prepare the rolls. Highly recommend, this place is the best. Beats any fancy sushi place

All the sushi I ordered was fresh and so good... first time trying.... will definitly go back. .read more

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I wanted to love it more... but our meal was just ok. We ordered charcuterie, and while the meats…read moreand accoutrements were very good... it needed cheese, but that had to be ordered separately. I didn't like the choice of either or. My chicken sandwich was ok... very small chicken breast, and my wife's was bone dry. The aioli was very good. Maybe we ordered the wrong items, but probably not on our list of spots to return to. We did have excellent service, and the bar is certainly a fun atmosphere.

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Saltie Girl

Salty Girl absolutely lives up to the hype. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with ample…read moreoutdoor seating and a great bar area that makes it a fun spot whether you're grabbing a meal or meeting friends for drinks. I started with the grapefruit cocktail, followed by the hamachi crudo and the lobster roll. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The hamachi crudo was especially impressive, and the lobster roll was everything you'd hope for when dining in Boston. The service was excellent, the food was outstanding, and the overall experience exceeded expectations. Salty Girl definitely deserves its high ratings, and I'll be back the next time I'm in town.

Saltie Girl definitely lives up to the hype in some ways, but not in others…read more The standout for us was the $75 tinned fish platter. It's honestly one of the better values on the menu. You get to pick three tins, and it also comes with lobster, bread, butter, pickled vegetables, and other accompaniments. It ended up being a really fun experience, especially if you've never explored high-quality tinned seafood before. We also got the lobster roll and the snow crab toast. The lobster roll was exactly what you'd want.. warm, buttery, packed with lobster, and on a perfectly toasted bun. The crab toast was another winner and disappeared way too fast. My biggest complaint had nothing to do with the food though. There were fruit flies everywhere. They kept flying around our table and landing near the food throughout the meal. At a casual seafood shack I'd probably shrug it off, but at a restaurant charging these prices with this kind of upscale vibe, it felt pretty unacceptable and honestly took away from the experience. Overall, I really enjoyed the food and would come back for the tinned fish platter alone, but I hope they get the bug problem under control. For the amount you're paying, that's not something customers should have to deal with.

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The food was amazing and my family loved it as well I'd recommend stopping here if you are in…read moreBoston!

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Lolita Back Bay

This restaurant is a 10/10. I genuinely hope to visit Boston again one day just to try more items…read morefrom their menu. We walked in without reservations and they were fully booked for the night, but they do have bar seating and a couple of side tables where you can grab a quick bite from the full menu. The ambiance is a 10/10. The decor is insane in the best way. The red chandeliers are stunning, the bar setup is perfection, and the low lighting with the table centerpieces really ties everything together. Even the bathrooms were insanely beautiful which is crazy to say but it stood out. It's rare to find restrooms that are that clean and well-designed. The drinks were great. I can't remember the name of the cocktail I got, but it had red sugar on the rim and it perfectly matched the whole aesthetic of the restaurant. For food, I got the steak taco and the fish taco and both were delicious. We were just stopping by for a quick bite before heading to the movies , but I really wish we could have stayed for a full meal because everything was amazing. Hopefully we'll get the chance to come back again one day.

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Made a reservation on a weekday, which was not necessary but with a family of five in a small…read morerestaurant you never know. We all enjoyed the bread and our meals greatly. Gratis Limoncello afterwards and everything. Waiter was great, place is charming in the North End. This was a big hit with adults and children both. Not busy either which is what we were looking for. Didn't want a crazy tourist restaurant.

Now THIS was great Italian! We made a 7:30 pm reservation for a summer Saturday night and got in…read moreright away. The restaurant is adorable, although the tables are small and very close together. It was quite loud and hard to hold a conversation. Service was great. I had the chicken parmigiana with penne and my dining companion had the fettuccine Alfredo. We both thought this was our favorite Italian we've had in a long time.

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The wine wall at Isabella Ristorante.

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Little Italy on a beautiful Boston night.

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Calle J.

2 years ago

While the food offerings at Mare Oyster, including the delightful oysters and pasta, along with the charming fireside ambiance, were undoubtedly impressive, my overall experience was significantly tainted by the terrible service. The first hiccup occurred at the host stand when one of the hostesses dropped a glass at my feet. Unfortunately, the incident went unacknowledged, and I received no apology despite the ensuing chaos with shards of glass scattered around. Opting for a cozy spot near the fires, we faced an extended wait for our server's greeting. Despite being promised that the door allowing frigid air in would be closed, no action was ever taken to remedy the situation. Upon ordering wine and oysters, we were almost finished with our meal by the time our server returned. It was then that we had to request essentials like silverware, napkins, plates, and a reminder about the promised bread. As we enjoyed our main course, I desired another glass of wine, but our server was notably absent. While I understand the challenges of a busy restaurant, there were only two other tables occupied, and at least three servers, including ours, were seen socializing and watching the Celtics game at a bus station, pointedly avoiding our attempts to catch their attention. Despite our patience, we eventually had to flag down someone for assistance. Seeking resolution, I requested to speak with the manager. However, this encounter further soured my experience. When explaining our dissatisfaction with the service, the manager failed to acknowledge or apologize for our perceived grievances. Instead, he swiftly took our bill, swiped it, and declared that nothing could be done because we had consumed everything and appeared content. To add insult to injury, he suggested that we could express our dissatisfaction through the tip. This final interaction was the proverbial icing on the cake for me. The complete lack of acknowledgment or attempt to address our concerns by the manager solidified my decision-- I will not be returning to Mare Oyster. read more

Santanu S.

Elite 26 All-Star

628

768

1 year ago

Mare's service was exceptional. The water glasses were constantly refilled without being asked, which was a nice touch. Both my entree and dessert selections were off the menu. The entree was a lobster pasta dish in a spicy tomato sauce. The sauce was flavorful, but lacked the heat. The lobster would have been in its shell if the waitress had not asked the kitchen to remove it. I was excited about the chocolate soufflé but was disappointed to find out they did not have any for the day. Instead, they offered a chocolate lava cake, which was an equally chocolatey substitute. Many restaurants offer lava cakes, and Mare's is no exception. The lava was thick and rich, and it was perfectly complemented by the scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, Mare's only has two single occupancy restrooms, one for men and one for women. This can lead to long waits, especially on busy nights. Since the men's room doesn't have a urinal, both restrooms could be gender-neutral to help reduce the wait time. read more

Joe M.

11 years ago

We had our concierge call for reservations which were confirmed and we were told our table was ready. We arrived to a hostess that didn't have our name in the computer and then told us that she did have a table but it was given away (very matter of factly). When I asked to speak to the manager I was given a long pause followed by a lengthy private conversation between her and the manager before finally being approached. The manager was unapologetic/rude and seemed very annoyed. We were eventually shown to a table after I voiced my frustrations about the situation. The waitress was kind and the fish was fresh. All could have been fine with an apology from the manager and a glass of wine sent to the table (or some minor gesture) but the management's unprofessionalism almost completely ruined an otherwise acceptable meal. read more

Flavio A.

11 years ago

"Birthday I took the family for a special birthday night for my daughter. She just graduated from college this last June. We started with a glass of champagne and had to wait twenty minute as the oldest daughter was stuck in traffic, however the staff was very gracious acontinue pouring. The food and service is flawless. Wolmar you are superb We had a memorable night and the food quality made it exceptional. It is mostly a fish restaurant but my wife selected chicken as her main dish. Everybody was happy to share this wonderful night together and the restaurant server a nice birthday platter to my daughter Visited October 2015 read more

Ellie MJ K.

1 year ago

We had a disappointing experience at Mare. The service was extremely poor--our server was inattentive, and we waited an unusually long time without any check-ins. We eventually had to flag down someone from the host stand just to get basic service. Only the runner server assistant was attentive with providing water consistently. While the food itself was decent, it simply wasn't worth the frustrating experience. With so many great dining options in the North End, I'd recommend choosing another establishment that values both quality and hospitality. read more

Ana R.

9 years ago

We had our best dining experience at Mare Oyster Bar in Boston. The server Rosario Apuzzo was attentive, and had great suggestions to complement our meal. The food was delicious, everything we ordered was perfect. The dessert platter was superb, and Rosario even surprised us with an extra dessert and Limoncello for our party. If you ever are in Boston, we highly recommend. The Lobster mashed potatoes were to die for, and the caviar service was incredible. Thank you for a perfect evening, and to Ricardo who attended to our table, you are the BEST! read more

Emmanuel M.

2 years ago

Came in for a late dinner with a group of five. The place was okay, with nice vibes, but no one took our order for nearly 15 minutes and the place was not too crowded. We shared some foods: bibb salad, calamari, seafood soup, gnocchi, crab cocktail, lobster, and a lot. Received the food after 25 minutes, it had generous portions but our pasta was overcooked and the salad was a bit bland. Overall, not worth the long wait. read more

Ginger L.

9 years ago

This was my second visit and both times really liked the atmosphere and the service. Both Rita the manager and Anna the hottest were super polite, friendly and courteous. The bar is a great place to sit and enjoy a cocktail with an appetizer. The meal itself was good, but could have used a bit more seasoning and spices. I will definitely go back and try it again!! read more

Bobby M.

9 years ago

Outstanding food !! Very beautiful restaurant we came in with 4 ppl with out reservation the management was very accommodating. The service was impeccable I think his name was Corey very polite and accommodating I would recommend this restaurant to all my family and Friends definitely will be back soon !!! read more

Adina B.

10 years ago

We went for dinner in Mare ,we have a good time ,the food was amazing from the appetizer to desert,good selection of the wine and great ambiance,everything was perfect .,great service read more

Sean W.

1 year ago

The food was fantastic. If you're unsure, get the pappardelle.A little turned off that they charge for refills of soda water from the bar's soda gun. And $3.50 at that! read more

Franny S.