I hope the food is great because the help at the front is atrocious. And rude. Especially for a Wednesday. Not welcoming at all. Do not recommend. In a town with lots of choices, take your business elsewhere read more

The food looked amazing; it did not taste amazing. The service and ambiance were very nice; the food looks pretty, but was lackluster in taste. The lobster appetizer was blnd and the lobster didn't taste as fresh as it should. The squash blossoms were good but under seasoned. The scallops on the main dish were undercooked along the the salmon. The shrimp and octopus tasted like rubber. The winners on the plate were the branzzino and langstinos. With so many great places to eat, and being a foodie, I wouldn't here again. read more

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Went to Mare with a couple of friends for dine out Boston and had a wonderful time. The restaurant is tucked away in the back of a busy street and it seems like you're walking down an alley, but there is a restaurant at the end of the small street. There is outside seating even in winter with heat lamps, but my friends and I dined inside. It was pretty dim inside which created an intimate ambiance. The service was really good. The staff had great recommendations and were extremely attentive the whole time I was there - It was also really busy on Friday night so it was pretty great that the service was a top notch. For food, my friends and I shared a couple items but the stand out items was the tuna crudo, the surf and turf and the chocolate cake at the end of the night. The tuna was so light and the the mascarpone and truffle added different flavors each bite I took. I also really like the potato sticks on top as well because it added some texture to the dish. The surf and turf was also asked with flavor as well and was pretty filling for an appetizer. The cake at the end of the day was also really moist and had a really strong chocolate flavor. Of all the dishes, I wouldn't order the pasta again because even though the flavors were good - the texture of the pasta was a little too stiff for me. read more

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It was such a great find on our first night out in Boston. Mare is located in a small alleyway; we were looking for the Paul Revere house and stumbled into this gem. The bar was full, but they had TVs, couches, and firepits in the back where people could relax, drink, and enjoy fresh seafood. We ordered two small plates, the crudo trio and short rib/scallops with truffle mashed potatoes. The food and ambiance were great, and the drinks were so great, but everything else allowed us to enjoy the experience. A must-try if you are in the Boston area! read more

Been a few times now, and each time had a decent meal. A step above the North end mediocrity. The place is buzzing and has a nice patio spot, but if you go at a peak time the table layouts make it feel like a bit of an assembly line. Went down a star here. Last time there was this past New Year's Eve. Service felt a bit rushed and our wild boar pasta dish was significantly under seasoned. Understandable given the busyness of the night, but I know they've done better. Look forward to trying again. read more

IGNORE THE ONE STAR KARENS. I was laughing at each of their pretentious twat waffle reviews. This place is phenomenal. The staff. The general manager. The safety. All 5 stars. The ambiance is sophisticated without being stuffy. The espresso martini is the BEST you will find anywhere. Smooth. Light. Full of flavor. I would give this place all the stars but Yelp limits it to 5. read more

Mare - Espresso martinis - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

While the food was delicious, we enjoyed the scallops and short rib appetizer, lobster bisque, arugula salad, and stuffed lobster. We asked for these items to be coursed once I asked for a server to take our order. I asked the 4 individuals who worked at Mare if we could order after we were sat and had not one but two orders of bread provided by a busser (the four 'servers' were standing talking between the main dining and the covered patio. After we ordered and got our cocktails, we asked about our first course and he said the kitchen was closing so he didn't know which would come out first. We asked for the items to come out as they were ready since it had been over 35 mins. All the food (three courses were brought out) and within 5 mins the stuffed lobster arrived. The server who took our order asked how our food was after everything arrived and then went to stand with his colleagues. When we finished eating, one of our group had to ask for our bill while the staff stood talking to each other. When I left a minor tip with a note about the lackluster service the waiter started walking around the restaurant to show his colleagues. When I asked if there was a manager I was confronted by an individual who was not at all interested in hearing about the service issues. I attempted to explain the reason and the manager allowed his server to respond that I had only been sat for one minute before he took our order and we were not understanding of his job. Overall excellent and impressive culinary expertise but your front of house staff explains the limited clientele. read more

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We went for a birthday celebration and the service was top notch. So friendly and attentive. It was a big loud inside with the tables very close together and the music was giving club vibes. But, if that's what you're looking for - great option! The dirty martini was nice and dirty and the oysters were fresh and crisp. The pesto pasta was perfectly cooked and a very light pasta option for an Italian restaurant. The lobster ravioli was good but not your typical creamy, melt in your mouth. Overall I'd say the food was more of a modern style Italian rather than traditional Italian. VERY pricey! Definitely more of a special occasion place for us. read more

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Let's start off with the fact that this has to be the most secluded restaurant in the north end! You have to walk down a small alley to get to the front door, but don't let that deter you from going! The experience was honestly great and our waiter was phenomenal! They have an indoor/outdoor dining room experience, with the outdoor section being their "rooftop" space. There is both fire pit seating as well as traditional tables. There is also a bar which would make the perfect after work drink spot. There was good music playing and it was just loud enough to hear but not so loud that we couldn't hear one another. I order the table side cacio e Pepe, which tasted phenomenal and was such a cool experience, but it wasn't as hot as I would have liked. Other than that, the food was also very good (appetizers and entrees). We were there to celebrate a birthday, and they were more than happy to store the cake we brought in the back, and even brought it out without us reminding them at the end of our meal with candles, beautifully presented on a cart. Would highly recommend Mare! read more

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Delicious Italian food- do yourself a favor and order the tableside cacio e pepe. Brought to you in a big cheese bowl, the pasta is mixed around, scraped out, and fresh ground pepper is added to the top. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and the pepper really added to the flavor; VERY large portion and able to share. We also ordered the trio of crudo (yellowfin tuna, salmon, and kampachi), and I thought the fish was all really fresh. We sat upstairs at a covered table next to a fire pit, which was a great touch during a thunderstorm. Very neat atmosphere, loved it for a date environment! Staff was a little standoffish and slow, and had to be asked multiple times to turn on the firepit. Would definitely return here for the food, despite the subpar service. read more

We had wine, apps, and entrees and the best was my soup. I was expecting something small like at most restaurants, only after the fact did I notice it listed half a lobster. Your napkin will look like a murder scene after taking this thing apart but it was the standout of the meal. TONS of meat and worth every penny. Make it a night and get a cannoli from modern after. A total dream. Every time I come to Boston I'm getting this. Peroit. read more

Mare - Soup - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We really enjoyed Mare, and it was our first stop celebrating our anniversary weekend. A big pull here is the outdoor open roof patio, which is a nice spot to enjoy dinner in the warmer months. We had a wonderful waiter, Alex, who went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable meal. We enjoyed our cocktails, and the zucchini stuffed squash blossoms to start were a real treat. I make these at home, and never thought to use lobster! The fry on this dish was perfect, crispy and not oily. My wife enjoyed the lobster ravioli, which were generously stuffed with lobster. My only wish is that the chef here would be a tad more restrained with salt. We did find this and the other dishes just a bit too salty. You can always add salt, but you can't take it away! I had the gnocchi with seafood, which had a nice assortment of seafood, but I had wished for a fluffier and lighter gnocchi. Again, service was fantastic, not a beat missed and we were made to feel very special as we celebrated our anniversary. read more

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Was seated on a porch enclosed in plastic..it was very cold People ate with hates, gloves, and coats on.. Food was very good..The place is loud. read more

Mare has some of the most updated and modern decor in the north end. The back patio doesn't have a view but it's a nice city oasis. The menu has a ton of great options for seafood. The Mediterranean salad and grilled positano octopus were both good, but not as flavorful as they could have been. The octopus was tender and not overdone, just a little bland. As is typical for the restaurant group, the martinis were very strong so you definitely get your value there. The staff wasn't very polite. They have the policy that even if you are waiting just one person from your party they won't seat you, even with a reservation. You end up hanging out in the door rather than getting a drink at your table. They also made us leave our table after less than 90 minutes. The host staff definitely put a bit of a bad taste in our mouth, the wait staff was good. Overall I think it's worth going for the ambiance but don't expect to be wowed by the meal. read more

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Food was good not great! House manager is an absolute bully! He is rude and condescending to customers. We had a reservation via open table our 3rd person was late due to delayed flight. We asked twice about sitting at the table and the house/door manager rudely denied us a table. I called him out as I was leaving and my open table was cancelled so I couldn't leave a review. House managers should be customer oriented to provide visitors with a nice experience. The door manager at Mare is rude and treats customers like an inconvenience. You aren't better than any paying customers. Your job is the customer experience. You aren't the hottest place in town and treating customers poorly isn't a smart strategy. My advice is to keep looking.., other places in town offer ambiance, customer service and great food. I certainly won't go back! read more

Went here for a work dinner. We sat outside and it was a great vibe, didn't feel like Hanover street, much more laid back. Service was attentive and friendly. The food was good but not great. I had the risotto di mare, not a lot of flavor, but well prepared. read more

This is an incredible seafood restaurant. Anyone who has been here would never go back to Neptune. The staff is professional and knowledgeable. The management is accessible and friendly. Oh and by the way, the food is truly exceptional. Every trip to Boston, they have my business. read more

Amazing experience at Mare tonight! Frank was the most amazing waiter we've had in a long time and made us feel so welcome. We ordered the tableside cacio y pepe, lobster ravioli, and spaghettoni pastas, and two oysters to start. Everything was absolutely delicious. We aren't local but wish we were so we could come back. Thank you Mare! read more

We had a 6 pm reservation for dinner tonight. At 7:45, the manager came over and told us that we had to leave because they had another reservation for our table. We had barely finished eating. I have never had that happen before, and I think it's absolutely terrible that you would expect guests to shovel food into their mouths and get up and leave so you can turn the table over again. Not well done of you. Aside from this, although the food was OK, the noise level was quite loud and the restaurant tables placed extremely close to each other to where you could barely maneuver between them to get to your chair. read more

Let's start with the good. Awesome service. Our server had custom tips for dinner. My friends both ordered the same seafood pasta dish with the substitution he recommended. I liked how they can spin a simple arugula salad to something curated. More room for canoli around the block ;) The downside is the Zucchini Blossom - minuscule lobster meat for a 20 something dollar dish. Please just get a canoli around the block lol read more

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First stop for restaurant week 2022? MARE! Once I saw their dinner menu for Restaurant Week, I knew I had to give it a try. Upon arrival, our reservation was at 6pm and we got there at 6pm. We nicely checked in with a gentleman at the door and he told us two minutes so we stepped aside to wait. While waiting, another couple came in. The couple checked in and they also have a reservation at 6pm. For some odd reason, the host approached them first and they were seated before us which kind of threw me off. I was hoping that this wouldn't ruin my experience here at Mare. 2-3 minutes after we were seated right next to the same couple. I told myself I will ignore that that happened . I started dinner with a nice Old Fashioned. I would give it 4/5. This is my first time dining at Mare and I have to say, the food is was good. We ordered half dozen of oysters, grilled stuffed calamari, Linguine and Clams and etc. I highly recommend the linguine and clams! We had the chance to try probably 5-6 dishes and out of those dishes, I would stay away from the grilled stuffed calamari. Not worth $21. Sorry! Overall, I do highly recommend this place. It felt cozy and a perfect place for a date. Middle of the restaurant there is a fire place where you can dine in front. Probably first come first service. Also one more thing, we had Carlos as our waiter and he was excellent! Thank you! read more

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The staff were incredible. Very friendly and attentive. The food was just ok. Price wasn't too expensive so I wasn't disappointed but I felt the scallops were too tough and I had lobster which also was a smidge overcooked. read more

We absolutely loved this place. Great atmosphere with music and lightning. Great server. And food was fabulous!!! Definitely jitcthis place in Little Italy. read more

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Amazing! The food, the staff, the ambiance. I highly recommend this spot. We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed. A great spot for date night or with friends! Great music on the closed in patio which they open in the summer. Crazy good selection of seafood. I loved everything. Highly recommend the table side Cacio e Pepe! read more

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We got the calamari, lobster roll, and some oysters and everything was so good and so fresh! My favorite lobster roll I had while visiting Boston! read more

Visited for Mothers Day Brunch, every single item I ordered was better than the last bur my ultimate favorite was the Risotto, cooked to perfection. Staff is amazing and super friendly. The restaurant is small but yet so cozy. Their Espresso Martinis are a must. If you're visiting in a Holiday or weekend get there with time since parking is a little hard. Other than that, TRY ALL THE DESSERTS, I DID read more

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I only came here for oysters, lobster tail, and a drink, but Mare seems like a great spot overall. All of the food I ordered was fresh & delicious. Ambiance here was definitely some of the best that I saw in the city. Seems like a great date spot since the interior has an intimate set up overall. I would for sure come back and try more items off of their menu. read more

Mare - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The staff are very kind and the food is good. The star of the show was the deconstructed tiramisu. read more

Mare - Wild Mushroom Spaghetti - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I really like this spot! I was visiting Boston, and my local friend recommended it. Our bartender/server was super friendly and gave us great recommendations. We started with the kampachi tartare appetizer, and it was great. My main, lobster ravioli, was absolutely incredible. The vibe here is really cool too. Really enjoyed everything about the experience. I will definitely go back next time I'm in town. read more

Mare - Lobster Ravioli - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Some of the best meals I've had. Seafood is very fresh and flavors are on point. The restaurant is located in an alleyway and had many seats inside. Service was impeccable and money well spent. I'd definitely go again. read more

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Mare is always a wonderful North End experience with an Italian seafood twist. We frequent Mare in the warmer months as the partial outdoor covered ambiance is a great vibe! There are fire tables and heated lamps as well as outdoor tvs which make for a fun atmosphere. Service is always consistently excellent here. Price point is standard north end and pretty reasonable. My favorites to order include : the gnocchi de mare and wild boar pappardelle for entrees and expresso martini for desert! My go to drink is the lemon drop martini! So fresh and tasty! read more

Mare - Lemon Drop Martini - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Came here to celebrate my birthday dinner and although the atmosphere and vibes were beautiful, the food and experience overall was pretty mediocre. This place is tucked away right in the north end down a little alleyway. Super cute!! Their patio is perfect for outdoor dining on a nice night. I made a reservation ahead of time and made a note that it was for a celebration, but it still took a while to get seated. I'm not sure what the issue was but there seemed to be some kind of confusion... Nevertheless once we were finally seated the views of the city were really nice. As I said earlier food overall was just ok. Nothing in particular was wrong with it, it just wasn't outstanding or anything to really rave about. Everything was presented beautifully though. I had the tagliatelle and I would recommend it. The flavoring was good and the lobster tail was a great touch. My family enjoyed their dishes as well but said the same thing as me in that it wasn't anything amazing. Service was friendly but pretty slow overall. We were tucked away in the way back corner, and the space on the patio is super tight, so maybe that's why? But still for a restaurant like this, I expected them to be a little more attentive than they were. So overall the views and vibes were great, the service and food just ok. I think there's a lot better places in the North End for food so not sure if I'd come back here. read more

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ThIs is such a gem in the North End! The seafood is sooo fresh and really fun ambiance for a date night . Tables are pretty close together is the only downside. Definitely recommend getting the seafood towers...some of the best oysters i've had! my lobster pasta was okay...but loved my boyfriends squid ink linguine and clams! read more

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My boyfriend and I are visiting Boston for the second time. He surprised me with a dinner at Smith & Wollensky last time and chose Mare this time (which was apparently rated #2). It was a pretty big downgrade to say the least in terms of food quality and service. We got the surf and turf appetizer which was supposed to be seared scallops and beef on top of truffle mashed potatoes, but there was one scallop and I tasted no truffle. The beef was pretty good though. For dinner, he got the lobster ravioli which was okay (nothing special) and I got the truffle crusted tuna... I was stuck between ordering the gnocchi or tuna, and the waiter highly recommended the tuna over the other... unfortunately it was a huge disappointment. The tuna came out almost completely cooked through and there were two small cold pieces of eggplant that tasted almost pickled. The sautéed spinach was the only decent part. Again, I tasted no truffle. Our waiter did not come back to check on us for 30+ minutes, so by that time we just wanted to leave and find other food. I'm wondering how much they paid to get that #2 rating... there are so many better alternatives in the North End along Hanover Street to go to! I do not recommend this place at all. Also the bathrooms were disgusting. read more

Not sure what has happened with Mare but it's not for the better. We have been dining here for years whenever we are in Boston. The food is is still very good but the prices are ridiculous. Pasta dishes are $30 and up. I mean $15 for a broccoli rabe side? Guess because the restaurant group that owns Mare and half of the other places in the North End they feel they can gouge their customers. Last time for us. Would rather support the small independent places in the NE. read more

Delicious drinks, impeccable service, and excellent food made for an absolutely perfect night. The spicy martini, Maine stuffed lobster, lobster ravioli and arugula salad were all hits. read more

Mare is the best. It's my favorite place to take out of towhees because you get to walk through the North End, but go down an alley and you're at a place that you could find in New York City. The art, the music, the fireplaces outside, all combine to be a really cool vibe. But then the food! The food! We started off with oysters, 3 each. Then got the pan seared scallops which were amazing. The bacon wrapped asparagus is always a nice touch. I got the linguini and clams as my entree but my friend got the caccio pepe. I wasn't sure about a seafood place doing caccio pepe but I should have known better. It might be the best one in the north end! Service was very attentive as usual. You can always expect great, professional service in the north end! read more

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We took our friends here on their last night during their visit from California. Partly for them to experience the north end but also because we had a gift card. We made reservations and were sat right away. Initially we thought the seating was great. It was upstairs in a smaller dining room. It was quiet and we were ready to have a nice evening, but then a large party of drunk middle aged professionals were sat next to us...They were extremely loud and obnoxious. We started to get a headache due to the noise and couldn't even hear our own thoughts. Luckily our waiter, a real gentleman and a scholar, asked the manager if we could be moved to a different table. The manager agreed but said we would have to wait ~20 minutes. During this time we did enjoy the shrimp cocktail, single serving of a 6-7 per/lb shrimp, ~12.99, several oysters , and a burrata salad. All of the appetizers were delicious. Our friends also had a couple of glasses of wine which they enjoyed. We were then moved to a table downstairs that was open when we first arrived. I had the Frutti de Mare, which I really liked, but I did find that I am not the biggest fan of gnocchi which comprises ~60% of the dish. My wife got a tomato based pasta, which was served in large pan. We were all amused by the plating because it looked like you were eating out of the same pan they cooked it in. Our friends got the Cacio e pepe and a lobster roll. They also liked their food, but my friend did mention that he prefers lobster rolls cold as this one is served hot. Overall a good experience aside from the other drunk patrons. read more

This place over achieved in an amazing way. The oysters were amazing and the seafood risotto was insanely good. The service was great. I would recommend this place to anyone in Boston looking for local flavor and flair. read more

Reliable spot to take visitors, or just for a night out. The patio is fabulous in the summer as well as the fall, and the food is always good read more