Finding the best seafood in Boston means joining the devoted fans waiting outside Neptune Oyster before it even opens at 11 AM.
This North End gem at 63 Salem Street serves exceptional oysters and legendary lobster rolls in a tiny 37-seat space.
The Maine Lobster Roll became so famous that Boston Magazine declared sizable chunks overflowing the warm brioche roll, requiring forks for stragglers.
What Makes Neptune Oyster the Best Seafood in Boston
The secret to earning the title of best seafood in Boston lies in obsessing over fresh oysters and lobster rolls perfectly.
The North End Cioppino combines spicy brodo with grilled local fish, shellfish, and saffron rice, available with Maine lobster.
At $27, the Maine Lobster Roll delivers generous portions of fresh meat in toasted brioche, available hot with butter or cold with mayo.
The Story Behind Boston’s Best Seafood
Neptune Oyster opened in Boston’s North End, creating a raw bar focused on exceptional oysters and creative seafood preparations.
The founders recognized opportunities to elevate Boston seafood beyond standard offerings through meticulous sourcing and innovative dishes.
The tiny 37-seat space forced focus on quality over quantity, with every ingredient meeting the highest standards throughout service.
Boston’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Maine Lobster Roll: Sizable chunks of fresh Maine lobster overflow warm brioche rolls, requiring forks to capture every morsel that falls. Available hot with butter or cold with mayo, both preparations showcase pristine lobster meat at $27 for generous portions. 🦞
- Wellfleet Clam Chowder: Made-to-order chowder features fresh clams in a creamy base that delivers smooth texture throughout every spoonful. Some find it watery compared to thick New England chowders, though the fresh clams provide a quality foundation at $11. 🥣
- North End Cioppino: Spicy brodo combines grilled local fish, shellfish, and saffron rice for traditional Italian seafood stew with generous portions. Available with Maine lobster addition for ultimate luxury, this warm, soupy dish earns 5/5 ratings for rich umami at $29. 🍲
- Spanish Octopus: Marcona almond romesco, harvest squash, and Espelette oil accompany perfectly cooked octopus with ideal tenderness throughout. The preparation reminds diners of eating in Spain, with generous portions and expert execution earning consistent praise. 🐙
- Bluefin Tuna Crudo: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Bluefin tuna gets served on Iggy’s baguette with bomba pistachio pesto and aioli. The olive oil and pumpkin seed additions create textural contrast in this high-end preparation, showcasing premium ingredients perfectly. 🍣
- Razor Clam Casino: Smoked bacon, chili oil, and Duxbury sea salt top razor clams for a spicy, savory combination with pleasant heat. This creative preparation elevates simple clams through quality toppings without overwhelming the delicate clam flavor throughout the dish. 🔥
Raw Bar Excellence
- Fresh Oysters (East and West Coast): Six to twelve different oyster varieties arrive impeccably cleaned and shucked fresh at the bar daily. Island Creek stands out as the favorite choice, though Kumamoto remains popular with medium to large sizes, providing substantial bites throughout. 🦪
- Neptune’s J L’ Johnnycake: Maine lobster with honey butter and sturgeon caviar creates Bon Appétit’s “truly memorable” signature dish. This preparation represents Neptune’s creative approach to luxury ingredients that friends specifically recommend ordering for first-time visitors. 🥞
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a tiny space at 63 Salem Street in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood with only 37 seats.
Inside, bar counter seating and small tables create an intimate, packed atmosphere with nautical decor featuring big fish on the walls.
Counter seats provide entertainment watching oyster shuckers work, making bar seating highly desirable for solo diners.
Bottom Line
Visit Neptune Oyster for the best seafood in Boston, featuring legendary Maine lobster rolls overflowing with fresh meat daily.
Impeccably cleaned raw oysters from both coasts, North End cioppino praised by national publications, and Spanish octopus perfectly cooked.
The 37-seat space creates an intimate atmosphere where exceptional quality justifies hour-long waits before opening every single day. 🌟
Address: Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
📞 (617) 742-3474
🕔 Every Day: 11:00 AM opening | Kitchen until 9:30 PM (10:30 PM weekends) | Raw Bar until 10:00 PM (11:00 PM weekends)
Walk-ins only – No reservations