Ostra

Haven't been here in a while but it's still the best hot lobster roll in town!…read more Get there early to get seated first round. They cram you in like sardines so try to get a good spot! You're most likely be sharing a table with other diners. The mussels in a spicy flavorful red sauce were cooked perfectly. They only came with 2 small pieces of grilled bread. If you like to dunk your bread and soak up all the yummy broth, ask for more bread when you order. The fries dipped in there are also really good! Lobster roll was delicious and juicy on a buttery brioche bun. So much lobster! And the fries are so crispy and salty! My friend ordered the North End Cioppino that comes in a rice spicy brodo with clams, mussels, shrimp, and 2 types of fish (I forget what they were). The broth was ok and the whole shrimp was a chore to eat. The mussel sauce would've been better. Note: one small dark bathroom at end of bar Parking is very hard to find as most are resident. Try side roads or Cross street for some meters if you're lucky.

We were visiting for the weekend and wanted to check out all the popular food places, of which…read moreNeptune Oyster is one. We walked by Neptune a few times and the line was long. It was Friday afternoon into evening so makes sense. We came back late night around 9:30pm and waited for like 5 minutes before being seated. The place is small. You're basically sharing dinner with the stranger next to you with how close you're sitting. Thankfully our strangers were cool lol. We tried a variety of oysters, cocktail shrimp, and the razor clams which we heard were amazing. All I'm gonna say is, I would have been annoyed if I waited in line for hours for the items we got. The cocktail shrimp was decent - it was a good size, juicy, and delicious. The razor clams were a miss. Rubbery and too many other things in the dish overshadowing the clams. We got two different kinds of fresh clams which my husband said were okay. I'm not a fan of fresh clams. The oysters were good, but after having been to Row 34, I can't justify standing in line for oysters in a place that doesn't have much else worth trying.

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

Monday - Lobster Spaghettini

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Woodbury Littleneck Clams

Boston Sail Loft

4.4(2.2k reviews)

1.2 mi•North End

Food: lobster roll (cold and hot), lobster mac and cheese, New England clam chowder, and Boston…read morecream pie (no whip cream). The lobster roll had huge pieces of lobster and was filled to the brim. It was like eating the sea - so fresh! It came with fries and cole slaw. I didn't care for the slaw because it has raisins in it. Hubby said chowder was good but not the best he ever had. DD liked her mac and cheese. We shared a Boston cream pie with no whip cream. We never had it before. It was pretty good with custard in the center and moist cake and not too sweet. Service: busy place. We waited about 40 minutes to be seated. But our server was very friendly and checked on us a couple times. Ambiance: great location by the water. We had an inside seat. Very loud bar experience. Parking: we parked in a lot not too far down on the same street. They do not validate.

Chill ambiance with views of the harbor. The wait time can be quite long. We waited about an hour…read moreand a half for a table. I ordered the warm Lobster Roll and New England Clam Chowder. The lobster roll was a solid 3/5 stars but the clam chowder was the star of the show. Easily 5/5 stars... I would go back just for that. It was so flavorful and packed with clams.

Inside

Clam Chowder

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New England Clam Chowder

The Daily Catch

4.1(2k reviews)

1.1 mi•North End

My favorite Italian in Boston, no competition. Cash only!…read more The Daily Catch's original location in the North End on Hanover St is one of my favorite places to take first-time visitors to Boston. The calamari, squid ink aglio olio pasta, and clam pasta have been my go-to orders since I found out about Daily Catch a few years back. My favorite bite has to be some of their bread dipped in the delicious garlic oil from the squid ink pasta with a bit of the garlic chunks and squid bits. It truly brings me joy. My friend recently recommended I try their shrimp scampi, either as an appetizer or as a pasta dish. This will definitely become part of my regular order - the shrimp are so plump and they're smothered in this savory, rich, garlicky sauce that is simply to die for. All in all, I can't recommend this place enough. Can't speak to their non-seafood options, but when it comes to seafood pasta, there is absolutely no competition. For ambiance, it is a bit tight in there but think of it as your classic mom and pop Italian restaurant, who treat you with such hospitality and kindness like an Italian nonna - quick and easy service

Very trendy space, slightly moody but bright enough. Great…read morefresh seafood and servers who will help make recommendations which is always nice! Yummy complimentary table bread. LOVED the spicy martini Just a little pricy but it comes with the area!

Kitchen

Fried Calamari

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

Saltie Girl

4.2(2.8k reviews)

0.5 mi•Back Bay

The lobster rolls were outstanding, the service excellent and the ambiance lovely. We highly…read morerecommend snd will return again.

Came here for a Sunday lunch while visiting Boston--this place was popping outside!!! Although…read moreweather was great, we opted for a table inside, which wasn't as crowded upstairs. Inside decor is cute! Our server Jacob was great, and food was DELICIOUS!!! Highly recommend the Caviar 30g, New England Lobster Roll (both warm or cold, although I preferred the warm more) and Lobster Fra Diavolo (so flavorful OMG!) We also enjoyed the Raw Oysters, Hamachi Tiradito, Caesar Salad, and Day Boat Fish & Chips. Pro tip: try eating an oyster with caviar, it's to die for! For drinks, we got the Mimosa Bar ($200) which came with a huge 1.5L Prosecco bottle & three bottles of different juices--this was enough for five people! For dessert, the Raspberry Caramel Madeleines were okay--we were celebrating a birthday so they put a candle on the dessert for her.

New England Lobster Roll and Parmesan Truffle Fries

New England Lobster Roll

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Lobster Benedict with Mimosa

Atlantic Fish

4.2(3.4k reviews)

0.7 mi•Back Bay

The lobster roll and carbonara pasta are amazing!!Amanda , our food server, so attentive and gave…read moreus a lot of options on what to get, hence we still end up with lobsters. The serving bread is soo good and Amanda surprised me with a birthday cake wc is the Boston cream pie , whew super yumm I would give 10 stars for the food, the place and Amanda. Definitely recommend who ever visits Boston

We've been to Abe & Louie's before and loved it, so when back in the area, we came to this,…read moreAtlantic Fish Co because they're related to each other and we were seeking really good clam chowder. Our server was great, very friendly and helpful. Inside is nicely decorated, with wood paneled walls, barrel ceiling, somewhat of a hi-end look, but brightly lit. The menu is loaded with many seafood options, from different fish made in a plain, broiled way to specialty seafood entrées. We split a bowl of clam chowder to start and it was just ok. Nothing special, as it seemed to lack that robust, deep, smokey flavor and richness. It was also too thin in texture and viscosity. But it wasn't bad. Next up, I got the crab cake and a side of broccoli. The crab cake was perfect! Lots of crab, great flavors, and perfect texture. The broccoli was really good too. Wife got the crab crusted haddock and she loved it, so did I when I had a taste. It's a large entrée too, lots of fish and crab there! Overall, very nice visit, I'd definitely return!

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

Seafood tower

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Lobster bisque

Luke's Lobster Back Bay

4.2(2.2k reviews)

0.6 mi•Back Bay

I came here for lunch during my last full day in Boston. The customer service here is superb. I was…read morehelped right away at the counter and was even given a free brownie once I mentioned I was in town for a birthday trip, eager to try my first lobster rolls. Totally wasn't expecting any kind of birthday discount or mini freebie, but the gesture was greatly appreciated. I've never been a big fan of the texture of shrimp, crab, nor lobster. But how can you visit the area and not try a lobster roll? For lunch, I got a cold quarter pound lobster roll accompanied by a bowl of clam chowder and a couple of pickles. The lobster was plump, fresh, and didn't taste too fishy - just quality lobster meat. My meal also came with chips and a drink of my choice. I even ended up getting a hot lobster roll and inhaled that later in the day because I enjoyed my first one so much.

- Ambiance: Low lighting with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating opening for enjoy your mail. For…read morethe time of day I went, I was surprised at how many people were seated enjoying their meal right before closing. - Service: The whole team was great. I was staying at a nearby hotel and the weather was bad so I popped in around 20 minutes before closing. The folks working were really patient and I never felt rushed to ordered even though they were closing. I had a make two separate orders because I was a bit indecisive and asked for a hot sauce container since they weren't available. They were nice about it. - Ordered: Mini roll sampler with the crab, shrimp, and lobster roll. Small clam chowder and blueberry soda. All the rolls were great, though they were a bit salty for my taste. The clam chowder was fantastic! - Would recommend for: Quick bites - Rating: 4/5

0.9 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

They tell you where the seafood you are eating was sourced! I love this!

Stop by the shack today to try Portland, Maine's BEST lobster roll!

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Very casual, very delish

James Hook & Co

4.2(2k reviews)

Family-owned & operated

101 years in business

Service 5/5 -Long lines but you order and pay at the…read morecounter, get your food then take to table of your choice. The wait did not feel long. I recommend just staying nearby the counter after you pay, food comes out pretty quickly and they call your number. Food 5/5 -Large lobster roll with butter, it doesn't come with chips but you have the option to pay to add them. I personally did not need anything else because the lobster roll was fulfilling enough. Lobster meat was fresh and bouncy, didn't really taste any extra seasoning and it didn't need any because of how fresh the lobster tasted. Expensive but I think it's forgivable as a place frequented by tourists, expect to need a nap afterwards. Would love to try the cold mayo version here someday. Ambiance 5/5 -No frills courtyard, plenty of seating available and it's right next to the harbor. They also had a section of indoor dining if weather is bad outside.

Very good, extremely fresh lobster…read more We got the regular size rolls warm with butter, while they looked smaller- they were more than filling. We didn't love the hot dog bun, it would have been so much better on a traditional brioche bun. We also got the lobster Mac n' cheese and it was FULL of lobster, seemed like an almost even ratio of lobster/pasta. Flavor wasn't anything special, but was nice to try. It was $$$$ for just 3 items but the lobster truly is great quality. Staff was nice and efficient. Place is incredibly small inside but tons of additional seating outside.

The 3 pounder

Lobster meat by the lb.

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

Little Whale

4.2(245 reviews)

0.9 mi•Back Bay

Little Whale easily clinched a spot as one of my favorite meals while visiting Boston last week…read more Service was quick, lovely, and definitely tourist-friendly. My table wasn't inside, but I loved the outdoor seating options since it was sunny the late afternoon/evening I came. After so much walking and shopping, I wanted a hearty meal. Every bite was so satisfying. The whole belly ipswich clam plate was briny which was wonderful on its own. But that tartar sauce certainly added to the dish. Normally if I get fried seafood, I love a good crunch - but the light breading of these clams made it so that the natural umami of the clam bellies shined through - this made for a very well-executed dish. Be sure to order the house Pilsner, a clear hit on the menu.

We primarily came in for clam chowder, since we saw it was a popular spot for that in Boston. We…read moresat at the bar, which was nice. Decent décor and a lively vibe here. Menu is mostly raw bar style, which is fine for most, but not quite our style, as we don't do oysters. But we knew this coming in, so no surprise. We started with shrimp cocktail... It came out quickly, looked great, the shrimp were huge, and this was very tasty! Fresh and nice! Next up was the clam chowder and it was good, not the best we've had, but good. After that we went with their fish & chips - This was huge when it came out! The breading was decent, but slightly too moist on the inside. The fish was very good inside it. The fries were outstanding, like old school McDonald's fries. Overall, nice visit.

1.0 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

Bar

Lobster spaghettini

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Little Gem salad no , and chowder

Row 34 - Seaport

4.2(2.1k reviews)

This place didn't miss. Every item I ordered I'll dream about in the next few weeks and be sad I…read moredon't live here to eat it all the time. Salt n pepper shrimp Watermelon salad Blueberry buckle and butterscotch pudding 10/10

Not my favorite. The location is nice, and the restaurant has a good atmosphere, but unfortunately,…read morethe dishes were far too salty for my taste. I could barely have more than one bite of some of them. I honestly felt like the chef had a habit of adding too much salt to almost every dish, which overpowered the flavors. That said, the service was excellent. The staff were attentive, friendly, and very professional, and they really made an effort to make our experience enjoyable. I wish I had enjoyed the food as much as I enjoyed the service.

3.1 mi•Harvard Square, West Cambridge

Great ambiance for a date

Warm Buttered Lobster Roll

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Local Caught Jonah Crab

The Boiling Crab

4.2(104 reviews)

Loved this little gem of a find near Harvard! Shrimp boil delicious and you pick your spice level…read more The random hard boiled egg was interesting, but good. Way more than two can eat! As for service, our waitress was so helpful and steered us right with every decision!

I know that wifey loves seafood and just happened to find this spot cuz of the fried softshell…read morecrabs (which I like). Ordered those and one of their seafood boils (I think it's called the dirty). I enjoyed the softshell crabs. Seasoning gave it a fried chicken type of flavor but enjoyable. As for the seafood boil it was okay. It was mainly shrimp corn and potato. Wasn't busy when we arrived and seated promptly. Service was great at first. But then when I asked for utensils, the server looked at me confused and after 2-3 tries, he finally brought me a fork. Overall the experience was okay. Might have to try a different boil if we come back.

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Valerie M.

Elite 23

3 years ago

Went here last night for my Fiancés 40th birthday celebration. First off, the service was beyond FANTASTIC! From the moment we arrived, the staff was so classy and professional. The ambiance was so beautiful with high ceilings and beautiful feather like chandeliers. When we sat down and opened our menus, I saw they customized the menus just for my fiancé with his name plastered on the top. Such an amazing experience. On to the food... we ordered a lot. It was just two of us but we wanted a wide variety. But also, the portions are equivalent to small tapas style so you have to order a lot to fill you up. For reference, we are not large people. We don't need a ton of food. But we had to other this much to even fill us. For starters, 6 Unicorn oysters from Massachusetts, they were VERY small, slightly disappointed in that but very fresh. Then we had the Alaskan king crab, not good. At all! In fact, two pieces smelled horrible and were rotten the third piece was decent but way too salty! I was so disgusted by this and would never order the crab again. I did not speak up only because I felt uncomfortable doing so since this place was so fancy. Then we got the lobster gnocchi, crab risotto, and sirloin carpaccio with the shaved truffles. The lobster gnocchi should really be served as an entree. It was the BEST gnocchi I've ever had in my life. Absolutely the star of the show. But not enough. The portion was maybe 3 bites each. The crab risotto with ricotta was absolutely delicious as well. Highly recommend. The sirloin carpaccio was so lack luster and disappointing. It had shaved black truffle all over the plate yet there was zero discernible black truffle flavor. Very odd. It was fresh but it was lacking every flavor. Wouldn't order the carpaccio again. Now onto mains, I got the grilled tiger prawns and my fiancé got the 60 day aged ribeye. I was not a fan of my tiger prawns at all. It tasted like an old burnt grill. Super disappointed for a $60 plate. However, the portion on this one was lovely. My fiancés rib eye was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. We also got the broccolini (not good, no flavor), the truffle parmesan fries (absolutely epic!), and the sautéed mushrooms (soooo delicious). For dessert we had to get the infamous snow egg. I had mixed feelings about this. So essentially it is a bowl with a basil like purée juice, then raspberries, a lemon curd crispy meringue egg with a crispy sugar nest on the top. The sugar nest was a nightmare. It felt like we were biting into glass. It hurt so bad, not even kidding. It was so sharp and nearly cut our mouths. The basil and raspberry was great together. But the moment the basil got on the lemon curd, it was not a complimentary flavor. Cool experience but the mouth cutting sensation was nothing I anticipated. Side note: you will spend about 3+ hours here. Do not expect a fast meal. The servers are great in being attentive and cleaning the table off so fast and always giving you silverware in between courses. However, the time to get your main dish after the starters is a LONGGGG time. Over an hour after starters. Overall, the staff and ambiance are 5 stars+++ However, the food to me is 3 stars. Overall total of 4 stars. For reference, with tip, this came out to $650. And we don't drink alcohol so that's purely food and sparkling water. Great to experience one time but not sure the price and good quality warrants another visit. Maybe since we would know what we like and don't like now. read more

Nick S.

1787

6993

4 months ago

Ostra is one of those restaurants that immediately feels like an occasion the moment we walked in. The dining room is polished and elegant without feeling stiff, with warm lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and a refined atmosphere that makes it feel equally suited for a date night, celebration, or pre theater dinner. The space has a timeless quality, balancing classic fine dining with a modern seafood focused menu, and there is an energy throughout the room that feels lively while still maintaining a sense of intimacy. Seafood is clearly the focus here, and the menu is built around pristine ingredients prepared with restraint and precision. We started with the tuna tartare, a great example of that approach, highlighting the freshness of the fish rather than overwhelming it with heavy flavors. The oysters were another natural starting point, especially given the restaurant's reputation for sourcing high quality shellfish. From there, we moved to the grilled Spanish octopus and the signature salt crusted branzino, both of which showcased the kitchen's ability to handle both delicate preparations and more dramatic presentations. The paella and monkfish are also worth noting for anyone exploring beyond the starter section. The menu leans Mediterranean in spirit, with an emphasis on letting the seafood remain the centerpiece of every dish. Service felt polished in the way you would expect from a restaurant at this level. Courses arrived at a comfortable pace, staff were knowledgeable about the menu and offered thoughtful recommendations, and there was a noticeable attention to detail throughout the meal. The pacing never felt rushed, and the team checked in at the right moments without hovering. What makes Ostra memorable is how effortlessly it delivers the type of seafood dining experience many restaurants aim for. The elegant setting, carefully prepared seafood, and attentive hospitality all work together to create a meal that feels elevated without becoming overly formal. It is the kind of place that reminds you why classic seafood restaurants continue to endure, offering a dining experience that feels both timeless and distinctly Boston. read more

Jake T.

2 years ago

Ostra in Boston is an exceptional dining experience that I can't recommend highly enough. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was elegant yet welcoming, setting the perfect tone for the evening. We started with the appetizers: I opted for the grilled octopus, while my date chose the ricotta gnocchetti. The grilled octopus was perfectly tender, with a delicate char that elevated its flavor profile--a standout start that promised a memorable meal. The ricotta gnocchetti was also a hit, delightfully pillowy with just the right touch of richness. For the main course, I had the swordfish tomahawk special. It was impeccably cooked, moist and flavorful, with a presentation that underscored Ostra's attention to detail. My date's choice, the monkfish, was equally impressive, balancing savory and subtle notes with skill. The combination of textures and flavors in both dishes highlighted the kitchen's expertise and creativity. We paired our meals with the Amber Elixir, a drink that added a nuanced sweetness to the savory dishes. It complemented the food beautifully without overpowering it. Beyond the cuisine, the service at Ostra was impeccable. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in ensuring we had a great experience. The only caveat? It was undoubtedly an expensive night out. However, for those seeking a special occasion meal that delivers on every front--from food and drink to service--Ostra is worth the splurge. Overall, Ostra delivered an outstanding dining experience, with dishes that were as delicious as they were thoughtfully prepared. It's a place I'd revisit for future celebrations or any time I'm in the mood for an unforgettable meal. read more

Nowell G.

2 years ago

We were completely taken by surprise by this experience. It was the final meal of a long, busy weekend in Boston, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed. From the vast selection of delicious mocktails to the rich and flavorful decaf coffee, we were utterly smitten. The meal began with a bread course: a petite loaf of sourdough paired with a small dish of olive oil, topped with a dollop of butter. Simple perfection. My wife and I love to share courses, and while this can sometimes pose a challenge, it was seamless tonight. We started with the salmon tartare, elegantly presented with caviar and crème fraîche, served under a smoke-infused dome. Wow. The toasted brioche that accompanied it was probably the least memorable part of the evening, but it hardly mattered. Next, we enjoyed the Metze salad course, featuring a special arugula salad dressed in heavenly truffle oil and a crisp shaved snap pea salad with a delightful vinaigrette. For the main course, we shared the lobster. It was served in a light consommé, perfectly prepared and ready to eat, with two butter options for dipping (though it hardly needed them). On the side was a medley of roasted vegetables and puréed squash, a dish so satisfying it could have stood alone. For dessert, we chose sorbet: two scoops of coconut yuzu and one of apple cider. The latter tasted like apple pie, offering the perfect blend of flavors to conclude the meal. It was a perfect, leisurely dining experience. Thank you. read more

Maria S.

6 years ago

Overpriced. Me and my friends ordered an appetizer of oysters and a tuna tartar. The seafood was very fresh but the tuna tartar was tiny and definitely did not taste any different from the most basic tuna tartar. For mains we got a lobster risotto which we ended up returning because it was extremely sour, could not taste anything but lemon in the whole dish. Filet mignon was pretty good. Gnocchi with lobster were good yet underwhelming. Same with grilled octopus. Overall, the quality of food would match the price if it was at least a half of what it it was. Would have been understandable if the ambiance and the design of the space felt luxurious. Unfortunately, it was not there either, chandeliers and paintings looked like they were from ikea. It was not bad, just was not worth it. read more

Lisa G.

7 years ago

Excellent celebratory meal after a successful 5 days in Boston. This is an amazing culinary experience! Classy, clean, and spectacular seafood. Really high ceilings, expansive wine list, and terrific service. Ostra offers a large selection of (mostly) seafood, with enough land-based dishes to keep the whole group happy. Our waiter pointed us in the right direction by recommending the sea bass and truffle starter, the tartar, and the octopus. We also had two small plates which were delicious - chilled white asparagus and soft-shell crab. If you enjoy fish and want to experience greatness in simplicity, Ostra is a must milestone in your journey of culinary experiences. read more

giselle d.

2 years ago

The food was quite good but unfortunately, the service was terrible. Despite having a reservation, we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated because they were "preparing the table." Once we were finally seated, no one came by to offer us water or take our order for a long while, and we had to call a waiter ourselves. After placing our order, it took an entire hour for the food to arrive. Overall, the experience was very disappointing due to the poor service. read more

Easy M.

116

7 years ago

What seemed like at first a super pretentious spot ended up being extremely warm and welcoming. I started off with the Hamachi which was fantastic! The Ribeye was very good. My friend had the lobster and it was apparently excellent. The desserts were all fabulous, but the real winner was the deconstructed Boston Cream donuts. read more

Belinda C.

9 years ago

Nice upscale restaurant. A bit pricey, but overall experience is positive. Incredible service, knowledgeable staff, great ambiance. Outstanding fresh seafood. The grilled octopus was fresh and seasoned to perfection, as was the tuna tartare. The skate wing was delicious and delicate. Not an absolute must in Boston. read more

NyWest R.

9 years ago

This seemed like a fancy restaurant least from the reviews. We booked our reservation on open table and were made to wait more than half an hour. It looked like they had seats available and chose to ignore us, as they seated 4 other diners who walked in after us. no communication or apologies. read more

John M.

10 years ago

Heavy handed on the truffle oil on sea bass. Too much butter on risotto and under cooked. Shrimp cocktail a little mushy and fishy. Filet was as expected. Ok meal overall. Not at par with cost. I've eaten at many upscale type places so I may be more critical than most. read more

Linda B.

157

12 years ago

The service is fantastic. Their bread baked with potato is a nice starter which they offer commentary. I tried their paella with mixed sea food. It was very well put together if u like the Sea food. The chocolate torte was amazing. Ambiance very nice too. read more

Amanda B.

12 years ago

Meh. Very impressive décor and ambiance, but almost too stuffy. He had the paella, I had the halibut. Both were good but not great. We have both had better food at Mistral and Oleana. Waitstaff is very attentive but not at all warm. Not impressed. read more

Thomas B.

9 years ago

Wow I had hear ir was good but everything was incredible. I had some Oysters, a Yellow Tail Tuna Carpaccio like you had never seen before and the most beautiful Sal fish you have ever seen which was as good as it looked. read more

Mitch S.

11 years ago

Yummy, nice, wonderful service, I will be back we were in a bit of a rush because we had to go to a show, next time I like to take my time relax have a different wine with every course. read more

Mike S.

9 years ago

On the pricey side but worth the money. Menu is beautiful. Atmosphere and ambience is cool / stylish. I loved it. Food was delicious. Service was good. I will be back to bring my date. read more

Luke H.

4 years ago

Our first time at Ostra was exceptional! The food here was great, very lively atmosphere, excellent service! Definitely make a reservation, this place is busy! read more

Maeve M.

9 years ago

Oh my delicious. Tried this place before a show at the Wilbur. Did not disappoint. We will be adding this place to our regular spot!!!! So fantastic read more

Sara T.

12 years ago

This food here is delicious and I love the ambiance. The service still needs improvement improvement though. I really love the bar and lounge. read more

Kelly S.

3 years ago

Excellent food, service, and staff , meals were fresh and the environment was upscale for the occasion. Highly recommend !

Ostra - seafood - Updated October 2026

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Mooncusser

4.5

(229 reviews)

Mooncusser is a fine dining restaurant that focuses on seasonal tasting menus with a strong…read moreemphasis on seafood and creative New England-inspired dishes. We walked into a space that takes a more relaxed approach to fine dining, with a cozy atmosphere that feels upscale without being overly formal. The dining room is warm and inviting, with a layout that encourages settling in for the evening, and the pacing of the meal feels designed around enjoying the full experience rather than rushing through a quick dinner. The tasting menu is the main highlight and gives us the chance to try a variety of dishes with different flavors and textures throughout the meal. The seafood-focused courses stood out, especially the crudo and scallop dishes, which showcased the quality of the ingredients without feeling overly complicated. The crudo was clean and bright, with the fish having a fresh, delicate texture, and the scallops were seared to a perfect golden crust while staying tender inside. The menu changes seasonally, so the experience feels fresh and different depending on when you visit, and each course arrives thoughtfully prepared, with attention given to both presentation and balance. The progression of the meal builds naturally, with lighter courses leading into richer dishes and finishing with a well-composed dessert that ties everything together. The service added a lot to the experience. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes, explaining each course without making the meal feel too formal or interrupted. They offered insight into the sourcing of the seafood and the inspiration behind each dish, which added depth without feeling like a lecture. The pacing of the tasting menu was well handled, allowing enough time to enjoy each course while keeping the evening moving naturally. The team checked in at the right moments and kept the table clear without hovering, maintaining a comfortable rhythm throughout the meal. Because it is a tasting menu experience, the price is definitely higher than a typical dinner, but the amount of food and variety make it feel more like a full dining experience rather than just a meal. It works especially well for special occasions, date nights, or anyone looking to spend more time exploring a restaurant's style and creativity. Mooncusser delivers a memorable fine dining experience with a comfortable atmosphere, strong seasonal cooking, and thoughtful service, offering a meal that feels both celebratory and composed without the stiffness that can sometimes accompany this level of dining.

Came by for dinner the other night and it was an excellent, world class experience. Mooncusser is…read morefeatured in the Michelin guide and has a bar on the street level and an upscale dining room on the upper level. I was super impressed with their cook books on the stairwell journey to the dining room! The dining room is upscale and modern. The staff are courteous without being pretenious. Mooncusser features a seasonally changing tasting menu. Meal started off with a chilled cucumber soup with some halibut. This was super refreshing for a warm spring day! Moved on to the fish croquette which was perfection. The fish was warm, light, and fluffy while the breading was super light. The tuna crudo dish was light and topped off with strawberries. The crab ravioli dish was excellent. Super light and thin pasta filled with cheese and featured a light broth with green peas. For the main course, the black cod was excellent. Loved the contrasting crispy skin along with the super light and buttery fish. The grilled pork chop was also excellent. Flavor was on point, grilled to a perfect medium, and the sauces were a complete A+. The marinated strawberry parfait was an excellent way to end the meal being super light and refreshing! ~$200/head after tax, gratuity, and employer mandates for dinner.

Nautilus Pier 4

4.0

(217 reviews)

Nautilus is always a hit. Seated immediately upon arrival and offered water. Our cocktails (mine…read morewas the blackout barbie) were quick to arrive. The waiter was not much help in suggesting a wine (just suggested the most expensive and then every single one down the menu). Food was delicious and came out as it was ready. We had a wide variety of plates to share but highlights as always included the blue crab fried rice and the dumplings.

Nothing but greatness from Nautilus Boston!…read more First time here at this excellent and beautiful restaurant in Seaport on the waterfront. Our server Jonathan was excellent. It was quite busy due to the tall ships on a beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon, but I was happy to have made reservations a week prior. This restaurant is known for an eclectic Asian seafood cuisine, but they also have a few meat options such as a duck breast which was recommended for larger parties to share. Since it was just the two of us, we did have some cocktails which I thought were OK not great. What we did enjoy were the Japanese fried chicken, I highly recommend this and it was perfect for two people to share. The pan roasted dayboat scallops were also delicious but a little bit on the salty side, and the roasted beet salad was also good, but lacked some savory notes. Due to the unexpected wait, they actually comped our dessert which was very nice of them. Overall, I did enjoy this restaurant and really liked the view of the tall ships. I think if we decided to come again, we would probably come back on either a weeknight or maybe in the fall/winter. It can be pretty expensive as well but I do feel this restaurant is of quality. Cheers

Mare

3.8

(576 reviews)

This place is hidden in a little alley off from the Main Street. Blink and you might miss it! Once…read moreyou step inside you'll see how spacious it is. They have seating dining and couches by the fire place for drinking and socializing. Our server was friendly and prompt. Food was amazing and drinks were strong if you want it to be. Reservation is encouraged. We went on a Sunday night and the place was packed for dinner.

We sat on the outdoor patio on a beautiful weekday night…read more The price point is very high and the presentation is beautiful. It's strange that the few dishes I tasted were a bit bland. The truffle cacio e pepe ($39.99) was wonderfully prepared in a cheese wheel, had plenty of truffle and was super creamy but not very flavorful. The lobster mac & cheese was better. The inside is kind of garish looking in a weird way. Service is polite.

Eventide - Fenway

3.8

(598 reviews)

According to my husband, the lobster roll was delicious-but it was small. He finished it in a few…read morebites! I ordered the smoked tofu, and it was delicious. The service, unfortunately, was AWFUL. The waiter did not introduce himself. Our water glasses were upside down on the table when we were seated and we had to ask him for water. I asked for lemon, and then I asked again, and I had to go up to the bar and get lemon because he never brought it to the table. I asked for mayo on the side. He brought my sandwich, no mayo. He said he would be right back. I waited at least 10 minutes and finally had to go to the back of the restaurant and get it myself. We ordered oysters, and when I asked him which ones were less briny, he told me the Maine oysters were popular. No descriptions were given. Three of them were the worst oysters I have ever had- tasted very fishy. He never once asked how our food was.

Stopped here randomly since we had time before the red sox game…read more Decent spot. We got an oyster shooter each, beers along with half dozen oysters. Overall an average spot. The bar tender can definitely use a personality. Not sure if she was having a bad day or what.

Aqua Pazza

4.6

(325 reviews)

Olivia was the best! Great service and attentive! We will certainly be back! Such great atmosphere.read more

Everyone has had lobster ravioli. But you haven't had the lobster pillows. They are light, the…read moresauce is fresh and the fumet adds that seafood taste. Also the arancini are on point

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse - Seaport

3.6

(260 reviews)

Davio's Seaport is one of my absolute favorite restaurants…read more The room is beautiful... elegantly appointed, filled with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and blessed with wonderful views of the waterfront. During the day it feels bright and airy. At night, the entire room glows. Combine that with fantastic service, chow, and libation... and it's really hard to beat. I've been a fan of Davio's and its owner, Steve DiFillippo, since his original location on Newbury Street back in the 1980s. While I've enjoyed the other locations that have followed... all serving the same excellent food... the Seaport location possesses a setting that's truly special. And don't overlook dining at the bar here... it's one of my favorite things to do in Boston. Tonight, our dinner for seven was perfect. We got things started with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a terrific selection of appetizers... Chopped Romaine Salad with green beans, chickpeas, egg, tomatoes, Niman Ranch bacon, blue cheese... Tuna Tartare with avocado, citrus ponzu, and Davio's signature herb pasta chips... Oven-Baked Lump Crab Cake with whole-grain mustard sauce... and an assortment of Davio's famous Spring Rolls, including Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Parm, and Buffalo Chicken. Everything was excellent. One of the highlights of any meal at Davio's is the complimentary popovers... absolutely amazing, and a wonderful tip of the hat to the legendary Anthony's Pier 4 that once occupied this area of the Seaport. The pastas were outstanding and perfect for sharing. Favorites included the Spaghettini with fresh basil and San Marzano tomatoes, Hand-Rolled Potato Gnocchi with organic mushrooms, basil, and truffle butter, and the Braised Beef Short Rib Caramelle with balsamic butter and crispy Parmigiano... truly amazing. Entrées included the Atlantic Miso Salmon, the 12-ounce 55-Day Prime Aged Strip Steak, and the Free-Range Chicken with creamy potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and lemon butter. And whatever you do... save room for dessert. Every one we tried was impressive. Service from our waiter Kevin was off-the-charts great. He understands that great service isn't just about taking orders... it's about creating the best possible dining experience for his guests. We were also very thankful to Tim, the manager, for helping make our evening so special. After all these years, this visit reaffirms why Davio's continues to set the standard for dining in Boston. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

We sat at the bar. Would have been 5 stars but first bartender we had was not very attentive. She…read moregave us the drink menu but not the food menu - even though we were having dinner. Then Michelle started helping us and she was FABULOUS. She gave us both the bar food menu and regular dinner menu. Super friendly and helpful. 5+ stars for her! The food was good and portions were good. BF ordered the burger on the bar menu and said it was delicious. My gnocchi bolognese was also good. They have complimentary popovers which are so yummy. Noise level just above average but the restaurant was pretty busy. All in all - a wonderful experience mostly due to Michelle. This was the best dining experience we had in Boston.

Woods Hill Pier 4

3.9

(322 reviews)

Came here for a birthday and had a lovely time! We arrived with a reservation and got seated…read morequickly. The place was a bit busy, but it was a Thursday evening so clientele seemed more skewed towards folks on business dinners. Nonetheless, the vibe felt modern, sleek, and the view near the water was very nice. Menu had an eclectic selection of small plates, all of which were delicious. A bit small, but quality was apparent and everything was well-made as well as intentional with presentation and taste. The duck in particular was amazing, would definitely recommend that. Dessert and drinks were also phenomenal - amazing! We had a great time and would be happy to return. Price was a bit steep so it feels more like a come for events spot, but it was great nonetheless - thanks, Woods Hill Pier 4!

We did not have a great experience: Extremely Slow Service-…read morehighlights being, I ordered a bloody when we sat down and the glass was still on my table when we left. We waited 20 minutes for our check after we finished before I walked to the hostess and paid. The food: Beignets - dense and round, cinnamon sugar not traditional powdered sugar - more akin to a churro Golden Chia pudding - was very good, the best thing we ordered Steak tartare - it was fine, but pretty bland overall Lobster Popover - small portion of dense, overcooked lobster claw (very little, if any, tail) in a very large popover. You eat 3 bites of bread per bite with lobster Smoked Lamb Shoulder - this took skill, the lamb didn't taste smoked nor like lamb. It was smoked and pulled lamb, it was smoked, chopped, and then pan fried until crispy. Very little seasoning and just a bland dish that had huge chunks of sweet potato that dominated the dish. Bloody Mary - our first bloody was one of the best bloodies we'd ever had, the second one did not taste nearly as good but was still good.

Union Oyster House

3.5

(4.2k reviews)

I've lived in Massachusetts my whole life yet this was my first time at the Union Oyster House…read more It's a historic restaurant that is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. I'm glad I finally had the option check it out. My family and I made reservations for lunch on a Saturday afternoon when we were in Boston. We were seated upstairs in a booth which was very old, but totally fit in with the ambiance. My husband ordered the Union Oyster House Sam Adam's beer which he enjoyed. My son and I stuck with water. We all ordered the clam chowder to start which was very good and full of clams. I ordered the scrod and mashed potatoes for lunch. The scrod was great, but the mashed potatoes were a little too creamy for my liking. I didn't finish these. My son ordered the fish and chips, which he really liked and my husband ordered the fried clams, which he said were really good as well. I feel like this is a place you have to check out at least once when you're in the Boston area.

What better way to end our Boston trip than dinner at a restaurant that's been serving people since…read more1826?! We saved Union Oyster House for our last night in Boston and made a late 9 PM Friday reservation. We had packed as much as possible into our final day, so a late dinner worked perfectly for us. Even at 9 PM, this place was PACKED. Every table seemed to be occupied, and even the outdoor seating was full. Considering how historic and popular this restaurant is, we weren't exactly surprised. Luckily, we had reserved indoor dining, which I highly recommend if you're visiting for the first time. Part of the experience is simply being inside the building. There's so much Boston history and old-school character everywhere you look. The walls are filled with photos and memories of notable guests who have visited over the years, including Jay Leno, Alec Baldwin, Bette Midler, Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon, and many more. It feels like you're having dinner inside a little piece of Boston history. Despite how busy they were, we were warmly greeted and had our table ready within minutes. And then we met Debbie, our server. She was absolutely lovely! Friendly, attentive, welcoming, and genuinely made our final dinner in Boston even more memorable. Sometimes great service completely changes how you remember a restaurant, and Debbie definitely did that for us. Since we had already eaten A LOT throughout the day, my partner and I decided to order several dishes and share everything. We started with the New England Clam Chowder, because obviously...when in Boston. It was creamy, comforting, and exactly what we wanted from a classic New England chowder. Next was the Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese. Rich, cheesy, comforting, and loaded with that classic lobster flavor. It came with a choice of side, and we went with the honey-glazed carrots, which actually worked really well alongside such a rich dish. The surprise standout for me was the Pan-Seared Lump Crab Cakes. They were beautifully breaded and cooked perfectly, but most importantly, you could actually taste the fresh crab. They weren't overwhelmed with filler or breading. Every bite was meaty, flavorful, and satisfying. Definitely something I would order again. Even their warm house-made cornbread with butter deserves some love. There's something about warm cornbread at an old-school New England restaurant that just feels right. And there was absolutely NO WAY we were leaving Boston without ending our final dinner with a Boston Cream Pie. It was the perfect way to cap off not only the meal, but our entire trip. Everything we ordered from start to finish was delicious, but what made this experience especially memorable was the hospitality. Before we left, Debbie gave us a little piece of Boston to take home--an oyster ornament, stickers, and a postcard as a thank-you for dining with them. It was such a sweet and unexpected gesture, especially knowing this was our last meal before leaving Boston. Union Oyster House isn't just somewhere I'd recommend purely for the food. You're coming here for the history, atmosphere, classic New England dishes, and the experience of dining inside an establishment that's been part of Boston for generations. Yes, it's busy. Yes, it's touristy. And there are certainly newer and trendier seafood restaurants around Boston. But that's not really the point of coming here. For us, it was about experiencing a little piece of old Boston, enjoying some classic comfort food, and ending our trip somewhere memorable. We'd absolutely come back on another visit and explore more of the menu. But most importantly, thank you, Debbie, for helping make our final night in Boston such a special one.

Porto

3.8

(369 reviews)