Brian Nagele
One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has a significant place in the nation’s history and heart.
Whether you’re familiar with the city because of the Boston Tea Party or its nickname, Beantown, you’ve probably heard a lot about this East Coast city.
Despite its nickname, Boston serves more than just beans. Visitors and Bostonians alike know the city serves delicious seafood, including oysters!
On my trip to Boston, I looked for the briniest and freshest shellfish I could find and wasn’t disappointed.
Check out my list of all the places I got the best oysters in Boston below.
B&G Oysters
550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-423-0550
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B&G Oysters in Boston’s South End shares the neighborhood with lots of hip eateries and interesting small businesses.
This restaurant is in the heart of the city’s artistic hub, right across from the Boston Center for the Arts.
Renowned chef Barbara Lynch leads the team at B&G, creating a classic raw bar with a high-end ambiance.
Elevated yet simple takes on classic seafood dishes line the menu at B&G. Locally harvested fried and raw oysters are available at this fine dining establishment.
I opted for their raw variety and was thrilled by their firm, salty, and fresh taste.
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-742-3474
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In Boston’s North End, visitors will find Neptune Oyster a few blocks away from the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the Boston Public Market.
The North End is one of the city’s older areas, and the design at Neptune reflects that with a cozy but chic atmosphere in its small space.
The raw bar at Neptune Oyster is extensive, offering everything from clams to caviar.
Since both are available, I ordered a dozen each of West and East Coast oysters.
I was astounded by the difference between the two types of regional shellfish.
The West Coast oysters were sweeter than the East, which were saltier and chewier, but I’m glad I ordered both!
Row 34
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-553-5900
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The South Boston Waterfront is home to Row 34, which is just one of the hip new places to eat in this newly renovated area.
This area used to be filled with warehouses, and this restaurant has stuck to the theme.
I’m a fan of historic buildings, so I adored Row 34’s interior, which reflects its industrial heritage with a modern twist.
While many people would agree the best way to eat oysters is raw, Row 34 has several cooked options.
My favorite hot preparation was the fried oyster slider served with chile lime mayo.
As for the raw bar, several varieties were available, including options from Pacific and Atlantic waterways.
Saltie Girl
279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-267-0691
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Saltie Girl makes a name for itself in Back Bay along the Charles River.
This spot has a distinct style taking inspiration from Spain for its decor and the menu.
The restaurant plays with jewel tones and pastel color schemes, but my favorite feature was the tiling behind and on the bar.
You’ll find all sorts of seafood here, but Saltie Girl is renowned for its extensive selection of tinned fish.
If you’re into the briny taste of oysters, you’ll want to check some of these out.
As for the oysters, I recommend getting one of the seafood towers.
For me, it was the perfect way to pair oysters with a good sampling of other fresh shellfish.
Ostra
1 Charles St S, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-421-1200
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Another great restaurant in Back Bay, Ostra, focuses on seafood with a Mediterranean flair.
This high-end establishment is a short walk from the famous Boston Common.
Ostra has a sleek modern design using white walls and fixtures to brighten the dining room.
As for the oysters, Ostra offers several varieties depending on the season.
When I visited, the menu was entirely from Maine and Massachusetts.
Not only were these oysters fresh and delicious.
But I especially enjoyed the sparking mignonette provided in addition to the traditional cocktail sauce served along with them.
Select Oyster Bar
50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 857-239-8064
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Select Oyster Bar shares the Back Bay area with our last two spots for the best oysters in Boston.
This restaurant uses its small space well, blending the old brick face with new colorful paintings to pay homage to the local area.
The best way to sample Select’s best seafood is to order one of their platters.
These are expensive but reflect the market price of items on the platter.
My dining party and I opted for the largest option, The Hemingway, which comes with Island Creek oysters, crab, shrimp, and lobster.
Summer Shack
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-867-9955
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Just a few blocks from Select Oyster Bar is the Summer Shack.
Of all of the oyster options I visited in Back Bay, Summer Shack was one of the most relaxed.
The style here is that of an eclectic fish house with bright accents that make it a welcoming place to eat.
If you’re looking for the best oysters in Boston while traveling with your family or folks who just don’t like seafood, Summer Shack is a great choice, thanks to its variety and kids’ menu.
Summer Shack’s oyster selection was excellent, with their South Bay Blondes being one of the tastiest dishes I had in Boston.
Union Oyster House
41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-227-2750
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Union Oyster House has a prime location across from Union Street Park in Downtown Boston.
The building predates the United States, while the restaurant is considered the country’s oldest.
Union Oyster is a National Historic Landmark, and the interior reflects that with beautiful brick and wood accents here.
The restaurant serves oysters on the half shell and Boston classics like baked beans and lobster rolls. Union Oyster House also serves fried oysters if you prefer a hot preparation.
There are many things to love about the classic menu here, but you’ll want to grab a cup or bowl of Union’s clam chowder if you stop here.
Black Lamb
571 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-982-6330
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Back in Boston’s South End, Black Lamb can be found on trendy Tremont Street.
This area is filled with bustling businesses and Victorian-era row houses.
Black Lamb brings a fresh vibe to the old neighborhood, with vibrant blues and whites giving an almost beachy feel.
Black Lamb offers a selection of Massachusetts oysters.
You can purchase these individually, which I happily took advantage of!
Better still, during happy hour, diners can buy oysters for one dollar each.
Black Lamb has a great cocktail menu too, with their rose mojito being a standout during my visit.
Eventide Fenway
1321 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-545-1060
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Eventide Fenway, as the name would suggest, is just a short walk from Boston’s iconic Fenway Park.
The restaurant has a lot of visual appeal, with a modern and brightly lit style (not to mention a unique ceiling design that draws the eye).
This restaurant serves Northeast classics and Asian-inspired dishes.
Appropriately, there’s an excellent selection of sake here too.
Diners can purchase oysters by the dozen or half dozen, with options varying by what’s freshest.
The oysters were tasty, but my favorite item from Eventide was the crispy crab toast served with yuzu mayo and green onions.
Ivory Pearl
1704 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-487-5297
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Just outside city limits but within the metropolitan area, Ivory Pearl in Brookline has a great venue just across from a light rail station.
The restaurant’s vibe is a blend of old meets new, with its bright blue storefront drawing in diners with a neon sign.
Inside the restaurant are dark wood panels with leather furniture creating a unique gathering space.
Ivory Pearl’s menu features Canadian oysters from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
These were bright and sweet with hints of earthy tones.
As for other snacks, I especially enjoyed the side of crispy Brussel sprouts, which are a textural contrast to the soft oysters.
Legal Sea Foods – Harborside
270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-477-2900
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If you’re looking for stunning harbor views, consider a visit to Legal Sea Foods, located in Boston Fish Pier, on the South Boston Waterfront.
The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a great view while giving lots of natural light to this elegant spot.
Legal Sea Foods serves the classics done simply.
They have fresh oyster varieties seasonally, sometimes daily, depending on what’s ready to be harvested.
Though Legal serves New England favorites, you’ll still find new and exciting items on the test kitchen portion of the menu.
I recommend trying one of these creations in addition to a dozen or so oysters.
The Hourly Oyster House
15 Dunster St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-765-2342
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The Hourly Oyster House has some of the best oysters in Boston just outside the city.
Diners will find the restaurant in Cambridge a few blocks from the prestigious Harvard University.
This restaurant is housed in an old building, giving the place a unique style that combines classic architecture with modern lighting for a cozy chic vibe.
One of the nicer things about being out of the city proper is slightly lower prices.
A dozen oysters here cost less than in Boston but are still of the same high quality, while there are selections from all around the Atlantic Coast.
I tried The Tale of Two Oysters, a platter with two of each type of oyster on the menu.
I recommend going for this option to experiment with multiple varieties in one sitting.
Waypoint
1030 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-864-2300
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Another option in Cambridge is Waypoint in the Riverside section of the city.
Here, you’ll encounter low lighting, perfect for a romantic ambiance.
Waypoint has a mostly modern style, but the vibe was laidback.
The space is ample and serves as a friendly gathering area for locals and travelers.
Oysters at Waypoint are served with a mignonette with pickled fennel, which is something I hadn’t seen yet on my Boston trip.
I enjoyed the fresh take on this classic oyster condiment.
If you stop at Waypoint, consider trying one of their specialty pizzas, some of which feature more fresh seafood!
Atlantic Fish Company
761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-267-4000
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Atlantic Fish Company is in the Back Bay East region.
The restaurant has a nautical theme fitting with its menu, but this isn’t your grandma’s beach house.
Indeed, its decor is elevated with distinctive lighting, making this an elegant place to eat with a relaxed vibe.
This restaurant offers a plethora of seafood, including oysters from the East and West Coasts.
On my visit, I ordered the shellfish tower with lobster, crab, and delicious salty oysters.
These had a beautiful texture and paired well with a glass of sauvignon blanc.
If that’s not to your like, Atlantic Fish Company has many other wine options, as well as a seasonal cocktail menu.
Bostonians are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a local spot for the best oysters in Boston.
Whether you’re from the area or here for a visit, there are many options for fresh oysters in the city, so many that I wasn’t able to include all of them on this list!
Don’t forget to grab a delicious lobster roll while you’re in Boston, too!
Did I skip one of your favorite oyster bars in Boston?
Let me know in the comments below!
I’d be happy to return to this historic city to try your suggestions.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Bostonmagazine.com and Timeout.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-raw-bars-in-boston/
https://www.timeout.com/boston/restaurants/best-oyster-bars-in-boston
https://www.thefoodlens.com/boston/guides/oysters/
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230630-a-tour-of-bostons-five-best-oyster-bars-with-chef-michael-serpa
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60745-zfd10922-Boston_Massachusetts-Oysters.html
https://foursquare.com/top-places/boston/best-places-oysters
