Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mooncusser

    4.5 (224 reviews)
    PriceySeafood
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Mooncusser Photos

    MOONCUSSER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Classy
    Upscale

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Mooncusser

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    H S.

    Pastas are back! One would be hard pressed to find a place in the city that does more exquisite and delicate pastas. The cod croquette is also a perfect crispy bite.

    Christina R.

    Absolutely the highlight of eating out during our week in Boston. I was ready to come here and eat a wonderful tasting menu (more like pre-fixe because you can choose what you're eating) and have a wonderful wine pairing. I was, however, worried about my husband. He isn't the biggest fan of seafood and has some food restrictions. Thankfully, this place is sooooo tasty that none of that mattered (and they didn't have any of his restrictions on the menu.) We took the elevator up to the third floor (which we thought more people would do but only one half of another table did while we were there) and were greeted with a lovely, open and bright dining room. Our server was friendly and casual (maybe too casual but we aren't hoity toity so I feel more comfortable with more casual servers/bartenders, etc.) My only complaint about our server was that he would always serve my husbands choices to me and vice versa but it became quite funny and my husband and I were tasting each others anyway so we just traded back after we did. He also became a bit less available as the place filled up, but that was ok because we were enjoying ourselves. I think service ran a bit slow, but I appreciated it because it gave me time to digest between courses. Now to the important part, the food. The food here is incredible. Not one course I didn't absolutely love. The wine pairing was well thought out and did pair with the food amazingly. I don't want to say this but they could absolutely charge more for their menu because the portion sizing and the flavors are amazing. I loved the surprise and delights at the end of the meal as well. Those rye chocolate chip cookies, I have to find a way to reverse engineer. We also ordered some cocktails at the beginning of our meal and they were amazing. I half wished I didn't get the wine pairing and tried all of their cocktails. YUM!

    Helen Z.

    We were able to snag an early Thursday dinner a couple of weeks in advance, and came for their updated seafood-heavy menu. I got a gimlet for my drink and it was really good, I love citrusy cocktails that aren't too sweet. I'm not sure if I enjoyed this time or the first time more, but we thought the tuna crudo, scallops, trout, and sweet potato ravioli with lobster were all very strong dishes that we savored to the last bite. The main courses didn't quite hit as well flavor-wise (though the pork was the most tender and juicy pork we've ever had, the gochujang sauce was not our absolute favorite). The caramel apple sorbet for pre-dessert was light and refreshing. The white chocolate mousse was pretty tasty. I did not really like the coconut pudding with jackfruit, but jackfruit is something I don't eat much so it could be it was just a little too foreign. We also got the cheese plate and the bruleed soft cheese was a standout, but the rest of the cheeses/candied nuts/jam were just alright. Could be skipped unless you're feeling extra hungry. Service was nice and not overbearing, but sometimes there would be large gaps between dishes and I also was served water in a glass with two chips and had to ask for a replacement. This is still one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. I really like that there are only a couple of choices for each course, so that we can opt to try everything together if coming in a party of two. I think the prixe fixe menu is pretty reasonably priced and rotates often. Will definitely be coming back for dates in the future.

    Miranda G.

    Came here to celebrate a birthday and they made sure to make it special with a candle during our dessert course. We came in the autumn time so they just changed their menu for the season. Most of the food was curry flavored in order to match the theme of fall, which wasn't my favorite, but a good meal in general. We also opted in for the cheese course and split a wine pairing as well which were amazing additions to the meals. The chosen cheeses in the course were delicious! Highly recommend getting it if you're into that. The staff were all very kind and made sure to explain everything to us and the atmosphere was intimate and cozy. It was a multi-course meal to I understand it takes a bit longer, but we did spend quite a long time waiting in between each course and many folks around us came and left before us.

    Grilled swordfish adobo
    Laurie W.

    I'll preface this by saying I am not local to Boston, but I loved Mooncusser so much on my last Boston visit (~2 years ago) that I made sure to come back this past visit. Let's start with the ambiance. I've read "formal, but not pretentious" and I think that's an accurate description. I wouldn't call Mooncusser fancy, but it's certainly upscale but again, definitely not pretentious or stuffy. It's a really cute atmosphere, especially with all the large windows and small bar in the corner. Tables are spaced far enough apart that you don't feel like you're listening on someone else's conversation. The food is excellent. Just excellent. If Mooncusser were local to me, I'd go there every time the menu changes. Incredibly fresh, seasonal ingredients, delicious preparations, just all around excellent. I'm a huge fan of food and wine pairings, and Mooncusser does it right. A few very interesting varietals (one I'd never had before) along with more common wines, but all of the pairings just really made the food sing. I really appreciated the harmony between the two and it really elevated the experience. If you're a fan of pairings, definitely splurge here. And yes, if you want the cheese (which was a new thing since I first visited Mooncusser, it was excellent), they will pair something with that too if you ask. I love how the servers meticulously describe each dish and the pairings. That just adds to the fun of the experience. First line of this review says it all...wish I lived closer to be a regular!

    Kate C.

    We came back for the Valentine's Day Tasting menu and we fell even more in love with this place. The wine pairings were incredible. The lobster bouillabaisse and wagyu dishes were out of this world. Service was outstanding - great explanation of the dishes and the wine pairings. I l love this place so much and can't wait to come back again!

    Yickhong L.

    We came to celebrate my birthday so decided to do a fancy restaurant. We were seated under the air conditioning vent and noticed lots of tables had vents above them. I didn't mind it too much but my gf got cold. The server was a bit hurried and spoke quickly and asked us if we wanted a bottle of still or sparkling water. We thought those were the only option since he didn't include tap water as an option. So we asked for still water and he came back with a bottle. As we looked across the room, we noticed other people got bottles too so we thought they didn't do tap water. It was only later that we overheard another server asking another table the same question but he provided tap water was an additional option. I feel like this maybe a common occurrence as both the table behind and in front of us got a single bottle of still water and subsequent waters were filled with tap water. I would rate our first server 3/5 but we did observe some other servers that were very attentive and spoke clearly. Every dish was brought out by different people too. As for the food, we got the late summer menu. We tried every item on the menu and split it between ourselves. They did provide us sharing plates which was helpful! The starter yellow tomato gazpacho would be super good and refreshing on a hot summer day; A- tier. Then came a pre-entree that wasn't listed on the menu online. It was a biscuit with some curry flavorings inside that came with sides of cultured butter and chutney; S tier. Really flaky and not dry. The first course of big eye tuna crudo was A- tier but I didn't enjoy the heirloom tomato salad as much because it was just a tad too smoky for me and the ratio of tomato and fish did not look correct (B tier). The second course of grilled Spanish octopus was very very smoky but tender (C tier); did not like. However, the corn agnolotti was S+ tier. Very delicious, fresh and amazing. The third course of grilled swordfish adobo tasted a lot like indomie mee goreng (A tier) and the branzino en Bruno tasted like a light curry dish. The branzino was cooked well but not a memorable dish (B tier). Then came a pre-dessert, the watermelon mezcal popsicle with some tajin type of powder on it. S+ tier. Super refreshing, not too sweet and the powder was a nice touch! Would order that over ice cream if it was available at ice cream shops! The dessert of peach Melba was A tier and coconut creme caramel was B+/A- tier. The biggest things I noticed were the portion sizes are small and we both left hungry. We wanted to order some fried chicken place afterwards. And for a place that we paid $125/person, I thought I would enjoy more of their food. Overall experience was probably 3.8/5 for these reasons. We spoke to some friends and one pair enjoyed their visit a lot in the winter a half year ago. And another pair tried Mooncusser a few months ago and said he was disappointed and would not go back. Seems very inconsistent but it was different people and different times.

    Scallops
    Alex C.

    I had been researching for restaurant to take my partner to for her birthday and I picked Mooncusser after all the glowing praise for the restaurant. Once we walked through the doors we checked in with their front desk. Next to the desk was the entrance to Moon Bar, which I didn't even know existed until then- it's definitely on the list after our experience at Mooncusser. We then headed up two floors on the stairs to their dining room, which has a unique view of the castle next door. The dining room is very calm and quiet, the kitchen is located on a different floor so the noise is subdued. We were presented with the tasting menu, which includes 3 starting courses, two options for the second and third course, pre-dessert and dessert- I wish every meal had a pre-dessert. We decided to try just about every item on the menu and the each option was a home run. The beginner dish, a Sea Urchin Bavarois topped with scallops, tangerine and toasted quinoa, was divine and set the tone for the meal. I was also enamored with the house made Milk Bread served with a duck liver parfait and purple mustard, by far the best liver I've had. We were very impressed with the food that was on the Tasting Menu, and want to come back in the warmer months to try the menu then. The service at Mooncusser was wonderful as well, our waiter was very helpful navigating each course and recommended the venison, and I'm glad that he did because it was spiced with guajillo chile which resulted in a smoky perfume and a low level of heat. And the pre-dessert after this course was creamy and refreshing coconut tapioca and mandarin granita, which was just the thing I needed after the venison.

    Crab and corn stew
    Lydia L.

    This might be the best meal you can get in Boston for the price! We loved everything from the cornbread to the dessert grits. The wine pairing is playful and inventive but hits all the right notes. Absolutely do not miss the tuna crudo or the crab and corn stew. I wish we hadn't been so full so we could have stopped by the bar downstairs for a cocktail!

    Raagini Y.

    Thanks. Yes. Amazing food in Boston. Delicious. Seasonal. Great wine. Friendly people. I walked in last min as a party of 1 and was welcomed at the bar. Lovely ambiance. Seating area seems full. 10/10 recommend. Have to try. Surprised they don't have a Michelin star but that's just politics I took a pic of wine that was so good I had to know what it was. My only criticism is the chef is clearly a star at savory dishes and I feel like they need a separate dessert or pastry chef because the dessert left something to be lacking.

    Chilled lobster and tofu soup
    Maggie H.

    Mooncusser is not just a restaurant, it's an experience! The pre fixe menu, which is reinvented every six weeks by Chef Carl Dooley, is both creative and delicious. Every dish was carefully curated through interesting ingredient pairings and perfectly balanced flavors. The piece de resistance is the comfortable setting and the service. My companion and I sat at the 4 seat bar on the third floor where we enjoyed cheerful conversation with the mixologist, Clayton. Each dish (we ordered them all) was presented and described prior to "digging in". We also ordered the wine pairings carefully selected by Elaine from around the globe. The wine paired with each dish was enhanced by the dish as the dish was subtly enhanced by the wine. Dinner was a little pricey but worth every penny. Kudos to the Chef and his team!

    Jonah Crab Causa
    Alex L.

    Even with changing their menu every 6 weeks, they always nail it. Each dish on the set menu is creative, delicious, clean, and well plated, and I always am impressed with them. The waiters are super attentive and the place feels like a fine-dining experience. I always look forward to coming here!

    Jon F.

    We made a last minute plan and walked in without a reservation. The staff were friendly and accommodating. We sat at the bar on the ground floor and the atmosphere was vibrant especially since the kitchen was open next to us. The food surprised us with a Jamaican twist that has the perfect amount of 'heat' on every plate. I even loved the plantain dish even though I'm not a fan of things being too sweet. It is tapas style and there are so many great choices to try on the menu (e.g. tandoori chicken highly recommended). I would definitely go back to at least try the dishes we didn't get to. One note- you need to take the elevator either up or down to access the bathrooms if sitting at the bar level.

    Apricot sorbet, meringue, and almond crémeux

    See all

    Photo of Max M.
    0
    20
    4

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Joy G.
    1639
    1544
    934

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H S.
    2
    490
    40

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate C.
    86
    1047
    3750

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vy T.
    2
    23
    56

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pear B.
    1
    227
    831

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Mooncusser

    Is there an alacarte menu or only the Prix fixe?

    They only have a tasting menu (as of Spring 2023).

    Do they service haddock fish?

    I don't think they have a typical ("classic Boston") haddock dish. I grew up on the coast of Maine and my mom makes the world's best baked haddock. Honestly -- no one in Boston does this well. I love Legal's but they don't even do this well (it… Read more

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Neptune Oyster - Calamari

    Neptune Oyster

    4.2(6.8k reviews)
    1.2 miNorth End
    $$$

    Very yummy seafood! We waited about 45 min at 5 pm on a Sunday evening (holiday weekend). It was…read morevery cozy in there and we shared a table with other people but we didn't mind. We ordered a bunch of raw oysters, a lobster roll, a cioppino with lobster on top, and a burger (my husband wanted to try it). The oysters were delicious and the lobster on the roll and in the cioppino was excellent. My favorite dish was the cioppino - what a delicious variety of seafood and so filling too!!

    I think a lot of people, like myself, end up here after realizing that JAMES HOOK & CO closes…read morepretty early. After a quick Yelp search, you find yourself looking at Neptune Oyster reviews. We ended up going from Fenway Park to Neptune Oyster by taking the train. When we arrived, we saw there was a substantial line. We ended up waiting about 1 hour and 20 minutes. They make you stand in line outside the restaurant and have signs that say, "Please don't block the other business entrances" and "Please stand behind this sign." Meanwhile, I'm thinking this is 2026 and Yelp must have some sort of online or phone number check-in system where they could text you once your table is ready. But I think, selfishly enough, the restaurant does this so other people walking by notice the line, and it acts as good advertisement for them. Anyhow, we decided to try the lobster roll with fries, six oysters, the bluefin tuna crudo, and their "clam chowder." Yes, I put "clam chowder" in quotes because it was more of a soup than a traditional chowder. I could have gotten past the texture, but it had no flavor and, unfortunately, we had to send it back, which I don't think I've ever done at a restaurant before. The oysters and tuna were pretty good, and I enjoyed them. The lobster roll was also decent, but nothing that I would rave about. Maybe that's my fault because, again, they are not a lobster roll restaurant. It says it right in their name that they're an oyster restaurant, so partially my fault. I was guided by Yelp when I searched for lobster rolls and thought maybe they were known for them due to all the pictures posted on their Yelp page. Overall, I think it's a little overrated and not worth the wait and the $130 bill.

    Photos
    Neptune Oyster - One of the few lines worth standing in + oysters of the day

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

    Neptune Oyster - Wednesday - Fish & chips

    Wednesday - Fish & chips

    Neptune Oyster - Woodbury Littleneck Clams

    See all

    Woodbury Littleneck Clams

    The Daily Catch

    The Daily Catch

    4.1(2k reviews)
    1.3 miNorth End
    $$$

    Cozy little Italian restaurant in Boston. We came to Boston early on our road trip with the sole…read morepurpose of eating dinner here and was very glad we got there early, as there was already a line forming by restaurant open. The combination of it being limited seating (it holds less than 20 people) and being a popular spot makes it quite hard to get in without a long wait, so I would recommend right when it opens. Food wise, we got the Squid Ink Pasta and Calamari. The calamari was the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside, which I find a lot of restaurants don't do a great job of doing. The squid ink pasta was also delicious and on par with any quality Italian restaurants in NYC. I would come back again if I'm ever in the Boston area and want a nice Italian restaurant. Also this place is CASH ONLY so be prepared before coming.

    A small hole-in-the-wall type of restaurant. The locals recommended we stop by here for lunch while…read morevisiting Boston and it was well worth it! The kitchen is right next to the dining area so you can watch the chef in action. All the dishes were flavorful but I'd say my top dish was the clam pasta. The Monkfish Marsala does have a sweet taste to it and a nice aroma. We definitely came out of there fully stuffed and likely will come back in the future! Be aware that they take cash only.

    Photos
    The Daily Catch - Corner seating with an open window

    Corner seating with an open window

    The Daily Catch - The best meal I had in Boston. Get their world famous Lobster Frav Diavolo!

    The best meal I had in Boston. Get their world famous Lobster Frav Diavolo!

    The Daily Catch - Mix siafood

    See all

    Mix siafood

    Atlantic Fish - Seafood Fra Diavolo

    Atlantic Fish

    4.2(3.3k reviews)
    0.5 miBack Bay
    $$$

    Stopped by for lunch. I recommend getting reservations. Great food, service and atmosphere. I…read moreordered the lobster and scallops ravioli, and of course for dessert i order creme brûlée MY FAVE!! The food has great flavor, well cooked and good portions too enjoy!!

    Visiting from Seattle, we wanted to have some lobster while on the east coast. We ordered the…read morelobster roll and the lobster scallop ravioli. Both were delicious. The lobster was well cooked. Ravioli was in a delicious sauce and had chunks of lobster on top which was a pleasant surprise. More food than I expected, but my home city is famous for the price of eating out so maybe my perception is skewed. Burrata and asparagus appetizer was simple and good as well. The asparagus was firm but not stringy and wasn't the star of the show, but paired well with the burrata, tangy cured tomato, and spread. For drinks we had the mango margarita and a first light. The margarita was a bit strong for my taste but better as the ice melted. First light was yummy. Nothing memorable for the price range. Bread was nothing to write home about, but warm and a good vehicle for tasty butter. Service was attentive without being overbearing. We had a very polite, thoughtful waiter. Being seated behind the host stand/entrance there was quite a bit of back and forth from staff and customers but we didn't mind much. Great soft pop rock music playing, like listening to my own playlist!

    Photos
    Atlantic Fish - Dining room. Elegant but not stuffy. You can come here if dressed casual.

    Dining room. Elegant but not stuffy. You can come here if dressed casual.

    Atlantic Fish - Seafood tower

    Seafood tower

    Atlantic Fish - Lobster bisque

    See all

    Lobster bisque

    James Hook & Co - @stayeatinbruh approved!

    James Hook & Co

    4.2(1.9k reviews)
    1.1 miWaterfront, South Boston
    $$$
    Family-owned & operated
    101 years in business

    It was recommended we check this place out considering it was walking distance from our hotel. We…read moretried a warm butter lobster roll at another restaurant and it wasn't bad. I've never been into cold mayo ones. This time we tried the cold mayo one and it was delicious. Changed my perspective about lobster rolls. This place has limited seating inside and some seating outside. I was bummed they didn't have french fries but it was fine. I took it togo so service wasn't something I could rate. Highly recommend these folks!

    First time in Boston, so of course--lobster rolls were a must…read more We stopped in at this spot, which sits right on a busy street, giving it that classic touristy energy. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by live crabs on display, which definitely adds to the experience. That said, it was surprisingly warm inside, so we opted to sit outside where there were plenty of tables and a much more comfortable breeze. Taking a look at the menu, the lobster rolls were... pretty steep. We decided to share one and round it out with a few sides--clam chowder, potato salad, a jumbo crab cake, and 2 cans of soda. For everything we ordered, the total came out to around $90, which definitely made us pause for a moment. Overall, I'm glad we went this route of sharing a The lobster roll, while decent, didn't quite justify the ~$40 price tag for its size. It felt more like we were paying for the location and "Boston experience" than the flavor itself. The standouts for me were actually the sides--the crab cake was flavorful with a nice texture, and the clam chowder was rich, creamy, and comforting. All in all, it checked the "first lobster roll in Boston" box, but I was very happy we only ordered one to share. Sometimes the touristy spots are more about the experience than the wow factor--and this felt like one of those moments.

    Photos
    James Hook & Co - The 3 pounder

    The 3 pounder

    James Hook & Co - Lobster meat by the lb.

    Lobster meat by the lb.

    James Hook & Co - Clockwise: lobster Mac and cheese, lobster bisque, clam chowder, 2 regular lobster rolls

    See all

    Clockwise: lobster Mac and cheese, lobster bisque, clam chowder, 2 regular lobster rolls

    Mooncusser - seafood - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...