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Mooncusser

4.5 (223 reviews)
PriceySeafood
Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

Mooncusser Seafood Restaurant Photos

MOONCUSSER ATMOSPHERE

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Quiet
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Recommended Reviews - Mooncusser

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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

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Great ambience, nice customer service, and excellent food. The flavors of their tasting menu's dishes were unique and pleasant.

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2 years ago

Lovely service. Upscale dishes with familiar down home flavors. A cozy smaller dinning room gives it a personal vibe. Highly recommend.

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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

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Atlantic Fish - Seafood Fra Diavolo

Atlantic Fish

4.2(3.3k reviews)
0.5 mi•Back Bay
•$$$

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!

Returned after almost four years--and it was even better than we remembered…read more The restaurant has an elegant, upscale seafood and steakhouse vibe, and everything felt seamless from the moment we walked in. We arrived early for our 5:30 reservation and were seated right away. Service was outstanding. Roque was attentive, polished, and genuinely five-star throughout the evening. Complimentary warm bread with delicious butter arrived right away--always appreciated. We started with an espresso martini--smooth, well-balanced, and expertly executed, with rich espresso flavor, a subtle touch of sweetness, and a velvety, creamy foam. The roasted beet and goat cheese salad was fresh and nicely dressed, and the Jr. Captain (crispy shrimp, calamari, and haddock) was perfectly prepared. For mains, I had the crab custard haddock with mushrooms on the side--rich, flavorful, and cooked just right. My husband ordered the Faroe Island salmon with mashed potatoes and garlic sticky rice, and everything on his plate was equally well prepared. Every dish was thoughtfully executed--you can truly taste the quality. We left completely satisfied--great food, exceptional service, and a beautiful setting. It's the kind of place that reminds you why you love dining out--we'll definitely be back.

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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

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James Hook & Co - @stayeatinbruh approved!

James Hook & Co

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

While visiting Boston, we found ourselves craving an authentic lobster roll and were pointed toward…read moreJames Hook & Co. After one visit, it became very clear why this place has remained a waterfront institution since 1925. Don't let the long line scare you away -- that line is part of the proof that you are in the right place. James Hook has a classic no-frills New England seafood atmosphere focused on one thing above all else: exceptionally fresh lobster. There's plenty of outdoor seating available, and on a beautiful afternoon with temperatures in the low 80s, sitting outside under the umbrellas overlooking the city made for a perfect lunch setting. We split a large lobster roll since we had eaten a big breakfast earlier in the day, and it was more than enough for two people looking for a lighter meal. The lobster itself was incredibly fresh, sweet, tender, and generously portioned on a perfectly toasted split-top roll with drawn butter served on the side. Simple ingredients executed correctly -- exactly what a proper Boston lobster roll should be. We also tried the stuffed clam, which had a rich, savory stuffing with plenty of flavor and paired perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon. There's nothing overly polished or tourist-trapped about James Hook & Co. This is simply authentic Boston seafood done right. If you find yourself anywhere near the waterfront and want the real lobster roll experience, this place is absolutely worth the visit.

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!

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

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Row 34 - Seaport - Oysters

Row 34 - Seaport

4.2(2k reviews)
1.2 mi•Waterfront, South Boston
•$$$

Row 34 in Seaport seriously blew me away. I've had oysters in a lot of places but this one is on…read moreanother level. We tried 4 different types and every single one tasted super fresh, clean, and just really high quality. You can tell they know what they're doing here, even the way they shuck it is nice and clean, no shell pieces or anything. Their menu actually has like 10+ kinds of oysters, highly selective and premium. I really wish we had more time (and stomach space) to try more. But we already had like 3 dinners planned that night lol so this was more like a "stop by and eat as much oysters as possible" situation. Honestly I'm pretty sure the other food here is just as good, based on what I saw on other tables. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Boston.

First time here. We got the lobster roll. And while, sure, the menu said the pricing was 'MP'…read more(meaning Market Price, or...based upon current market conditions)...and while, sure, we didn't ASK what the price would be, on that day, I still think it would have been nice if the waitstaff voluntarily offered up that detail. (I'm certain the staff are aware that many of their diners express shock, once the price is disclosed...) Many folks simply make an assumption or a guesstimate, as to the price, when they see 'MP' on a menu, and this is usually based upon their prior experiences, ordering such a menu item. So, for example, I was thinking the lobster roll might be in the $40-45 range. So imagine my utter shock, when we received the bill, to see a charge for $69?? I have never in my life had such an expensive lobster roll. Yes, it was delicious, and the housemade potato chips were also great. The slaw was also good (though it was a very tiny amount...I would have liked more). But boy, did that price shock me. I would normally never have voluntarily ordered a $69 lobster roll. It simply never would have occurred to me, that a place would ever charge that much....

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Row 34 - Seaport - Oyster

Oyster

Row 34 - Seaport - Local Caught Jonah Crab

Local Caught Jonah Crab

Row 34 - Seaport - Warm Buttered Lobster Roll

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Mooncusser - seafood - Updated May 2026

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