Assaggio

Food was amazing! My husband and I each got a warm buttery lobster roll. The service was…read moreoutstanding. I have a nut allergy and typically have anxiety when it comes to ordering at places I haven't eaten before. I told the serve of my allergy and she told me what I ordered should be safe, followed by the manager who was amazing and came to our table (unprompted by us) when he heard I had an nut allergy (from the waitress) and told me they would make sure it didn't come into contact with nuts. And 1/2 way through eating he came by just to check on us! The ambiance was amazing as well, huge windows and right on the water. I have never felt more safe with a food allergy, with such good food and an amazing atmosphere!

Long wait, but worth it. Located on the water with great views…read more Have to try the clam chowder. Absolutely delish. We had to try the Lobster roll since I am in New England. It was very good and packed with lobster claw meat. Comes with side of fries and Cole slaw. Finished off with the bread pudding. Not as big of a fan of this one.

Inside

Lobster Mac and Cheese

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Clam Chowder

Neptune Oyster

4.2(6.8k reviews)

A Boston must-try, Neptune's is a tiny restaurant (like, 20-25 people max seating) that will very…read morelikely have a line when you arrive. Unless you wanna wait an hour or so, it's best to arrive 30min before they open to beat the rush. It's incredibly cramped and rushed inside, and you may need to share a table with others if you're a smaller party. Food is quite pricey but well worth it. We ordered the oysters (they've got a variety so you can choose), clam chowder, lobster roll, cioppino, and johnnycake. Oysters were fine, but the clam chowder was absolutely dismal. Not sure what happened, especially since it's so highly rated, but it was extremely watery and almost completely unseasoned. It could've definitely used salt at the very least. If I didn't know it was from Neptune, I'd have given it a 2/10. To my relief, the lobster roll was the total opposite. Succulent, juicy, heavenly. It was like being in Maine. The cioppino was also very good. The Johnnycake was an interesting but fun way to end the meal. It's a sweet pancake-like cornmeal covered in a syrupy glaze and topped with smoked bluefish paste, crème fraiche and caviar. I've never had anything like it. Nothing was super overpriced, but I personally prefer next door (Paulini's), which is much cheaper and while it isn't as good, it also doesn't require waiting in an hour in line. However, I think Neptune's is definitely worth a try as long as you're willing to wait in line.

Ambiance: good ambiance pretty spacious they can fit bigger parties like 5. I would expect bar…read moretable if you are a small table. Service: the service was good and fast Food $$: they are known for the oysters and lobster rolls. There was a long line for it but worth Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: go right when it opens

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

Wednesday - Fish & chips

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Woodbury Littleneck Clams

Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

4.1(4.5k reviews)

0.0 mi•North End

This has got to be my favorite place for genuine Italian eats in the NE US. Always perfect - the…read moremussels with some bread is my go to, it is just THAT GOOD, I could drink the flavorful broth that accompanies the shellfish. The squid ink pasta is an absolute gem - wonderful texture, a light briny flavor and just perfect with a bit of butter, garlic and whatever love they put into. My husband and I will always find a way to this spot whenever we are near Boston (we now live in Maine).

Renowned Boston Italian restaurant specializing in seafood. Just to reiterate the staff before you…read morecome, it's CASH ONLY (there's an atm at the front of you need some), expect to pay around $30 per entree. Staff is gruff but efficient. The line does move very fast and Gicomo's has expanded to a second sitting area for more space. Ordered the fried calamari platter appetizer and fra diovolo with shrimp and scallops. The former was very very mediocre; it was fresh but the batter seemed soggy and the sauce was watery and weak. However, the fra diovolo was fantastic. Al dente noodles cooked to perfection and the scallops and shrimps were large, juicy, and tender. I'd recommend it for sure; it's one of those dishes you'll definitely be sopping the bread with the leftover sauce (which you should do anyway). Just FYI, it's not spicy at all. Honestly, Giacomo's was a bit disappointing, considering the hype. But I'd still want to come back, and I'm glad I tried it.

More menu

Frutti di Mare Linguine

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Tiny upstairs dining area with a great view

The Daily Catch

4.1(2k reviews)

0.0 mi•North End

I've been here several times now and The Daily Catch never disappoints. Love the food, great…read moreservice, and amazing vibes! I always will recommend their special that's sharable for two while my partner lives the black squid ink pasta. Either is a great choice though and we honestly get both despite it being way too much food every time. Calamari is solid too and everything tastes great. We always come right at open to avoid waiting given the small restaurant space, but it's always worth it. Just be warned they're also cash only as well!

Food: 5/5 - Black (squid ink) pasta + calamari…read morerings/tentacles + white sauce - Black (squid ink) pasta + ground calamari + olive oil Extremely good! Ambiance: 5/5 Cozy and small. The kitchen is open and right there with a small number of tables. We walked in on a Tues for lunch, and they only had 1 table open out of maybe 15 two-seaters? You might have to sit with some strangers. :) Don't know if they take reservations, but a good idea if they do.

Corner seating with an open window

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

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Mix siafood

Carmelina's

4.5(4.4k reviews)

The food was amazing from the bread and oil mix to our meals !…read more It's a very busy fast paced place but everything is made to order and soo good

Always a family favorite when visitors come to town! The food is top notch, staff is always…read morewelcoming and the atmosphere being right on Hanover Street in the heart of the North End is everything you want it to be.

0.7 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

Bolognese

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Grazie @foodieauthority Spicy Shrimp

James Hook & Co

4.2(1.9k reviews)

Family-owned & operated

101 years in business

When I tell you I have been trying to make it to this restaurant for three years now, I mean it…read more Every single year we come to Boston, and every year our flights somehow get delayed on the exact day we planned to go here. This year, I finally made it -- and it absolutely did not disappoint. I had a phenomenal time trying their lobster roll. The lobster chunks inside were thick, juicy, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The butter was so good, and since the roll was served warm, it was honestly perfect for the chilly Boston weather that day. It warmed me right up. I will say, it is definitely a little pricey, especially coming from out of town where I'm not used to spending that kind of money on what is technically "just a sandwich," but honestly, it was 100% worth it. It was a phenomenal lobster roll, and I would absolutely go back and order another one. The only small downside was that we got there about 15 minutes before closing, and the staff did seem to rush us out a little bit, even though we were sitting outside on the patio while they cleaned up. Coming from the South, that felt a little strange to me because that's probably not something we would do back home, but honestly, it still would not stop me from coming back. At the end of the day, they know what they've got -- an incredible lobster roll with soft, buttery bread and fresh lobster that truly lives up to the hype.

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.

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

North End Fish Market

4.4(405 reviews)

The BEST. Seriously you can't beat the quality and the price. Note that this is a take out only…read morespot, so if you're getting it be prepared to find a spot to eat (I personally like going to Columbus or langone park). I've been going here for years and it is consistently delicious. My favorites are the Tokyo roll, lady in red, spicy girl, pats roll, spicy tuna, volcano..ok pretty much everything is good. I order online and my food is always ready quickly and picking it up is a breeze. Since it's take out only it's never too crowded inside, so it's cool to see them prepare the rolls. Highly recommend, this place is the best. Beats any fancy sushi place

Food - 4 out of 5 Service - 5 out of 5…read more Ambiance - 2 out of 5 (but that's not really their fault, it's a takeout place only) This place is for sushi takeout only. It's a small shop so you have to wait outside but it's cheap and pretty quick so definitely would recommend if you want sushi takeout. I thought the rolls were pretty standard and nothing spectacular but for the pricing and easy service and pickup, would go again!

1.1 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

Takeout only, no dine in

Lobster Roll Clam Chowder Combo

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Spicy Tuna (left) & Lady In Red (right)

Row 34 - Seaport

4.2(2k reviews)

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....

Oyster

Local Caught Jonah Crab

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Warm Buttered Lobster Roll

Pauli's

4.3(1.7k reviews)

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

Last stop before I went home and it was great. Went at 10 am and they serve the entire menu so you…read moredon't have to wait till 11. The roll is great, on the more expensive side but worth it. The place is small so I would grab food and enjoy at the park.

I was recommended to go to Pauli's for lobster rolls. I had previously tried a lobster roll out in…read moreWestborough, and I was genuinely disappointed. This place redeemed whatever it was I had in Framingham. The place is pretty small. I just ordered at the counter, and the person taking my order was super friendly. Wish I got their name for a shout-out. There's not a lot of seating in the establishment; it feels like the place is meant for a very quick meal. FOOD: I got a hot buttered lobster roll and it came with a side of chips. I actually ran into the owner while I was there, and he had explained that their lobster rolls are unique in the sense that they actually toss their lobster meat in a pan with butter. You can really taste it. Buttery lobster heaven. Would definitely come again if I'm back in Boston. I could probably eat ten of those hot buttered lobster rolls in one sitting and have no regrets.

LOBSTA ROLL

VITO CHICKEN CUTLET SUB

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STEAK & CHEESE SUB

Next Door

4.0(111 reviews)

1.1 mi•East Boston

Immerse yourself into a hidden world at the Next Door Speakeasy. This bar is small, but perfectly…read moreintentional. We absolutely loved the vibe and the service that we received. The cocktails were great! Between the two of us we got a gin based drink (purple rain) and a rum based drink (lock & key) and some truffle fries. We loved our drinks, and our bartender- absolute top notch service! This place can get busy, so you'll need reservations and you'll need a password to get in. They've been open for about five years, so if you haven't ventured in yet, definitely put this place on your list! Lentz_explore

What an incredible place. Definitely time period set speakeasy setting, service was excellent and…read morethe drinks were great. The tuna tacos were perfect. Thank you Rafael, your business and vision is perfect. I'll make sure to be back and eat at the restaurant next time!