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    Neptune Oyster

    4.2 (6.8k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Neptune Oyster Photos

    Business Info

    NEPTUNE OYSTER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Neptune Oyster

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    Nick S.

    Neptune Oyster is one of Boston's most well-known seafood restaurants and a staple in the North End. We walked into a small, cozy dining room with a marble bar and a bustling atmosphere that creates the feeling of a classic neighborhood oyster bar, the kind of place where the energy of the room is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. Despite its popularity, the restaurant has built a reputation for serving some of the city's best oysters and lobster rolls, and the intimate setting adds to the sense of occasion. The seafood is the main reason to visit. The raw oyster selection changes regularly and includes a wide variety of East and West Coast oysters, with a menu that describes the flavor profile of each one to make choosing easier. We ordered a mix and found each oyster fresh and clean, with distinct brininess and texture that reflected the descriptions. The hot buttered lobster roll is the restaurant's signature dish, served overflowing with chunks of fresh lobster tossed in warm butter inside a toasted roll, and the richness of the butter paired perfectly with the sweetness of the meat. The traditional cold lobster roll with mayonnaise is equally popular if you prefer something lighter, and the clam chowder is another standout, with a creamy base and generous chunks of clam that made it one of the better versions we have had. The Johnnycake topped with oysters and smoked sturgeon is one of the restaurant's most unique dishes, combining textures and flavors in a way that felt distinct from the more classic options. Everything feels carefully prepared, with an emphasis on high-quality seafood rather than overly complicated flavors. The menu also includes fresh fish, shellfish, and daily specials, making it worth exploring beyond the restaurant's most famous items. Portions are generous, especially when it comes to the lobster dishes, though the prices reflect both the quality of the ingredients and the restaurant's popularity. The biggest thing to plan around is the wait. Neptune Oyster does not take reservations, and lines often begin forming well before opening. The restaurant is also quite small, so seating is limited and tables are close together. Visiting early in the day or dining as a smaller party can sometimes reduce the wait, but it is still worth expecting some time in line before being seated. Neptune Oyster remains one of Boston's essential seafood destinations. The fresh oysters, exceptional lobster roll, and intimate oyster bar atmosphere make it a memorable experience, even if getting a table requires some patience. If you are looking for classic New England seafood and do not mind waiting, it is easy to see why this restaurant has become one of the city's most iconic dining spots.

    Spaghetti Lobster - Monday special.

    This is a must go to spot in Boston. The food was top tier (Monday special - spaghetti lobster/ oysters). The establishment is small and seating is limited. Bug the customer service is great and the staff is very knowledgeable. Don't be afraid of the line or wait. Stop in and experience a true Boston eatery legend.

    Tina J.

    I still love this place! Cash only! I always order their crudo as it's rotational. Their warm lobster roll is out of this world and their oysters are always fresh! They didn't have fresh uni this time, maybe next time. If I'm visiting Boston, this is a must visit location for me.

    Lobster Roll & Fries
    Alex K.

    The service was okay and the food was solid. I got the lobster roll and fries and the MP at the time was $43. I thought it was good, but definitely not worth the price. Overall I probably wouldn't recommend coming here.

    Oysters
    Allie G.

    I visited Neptune Oyster on a Tuesday and found a line out the door, as expected. I thought the wait was just to put my name down, but the hostess came by asking everyone for the size of their party. Because I was a solo diner, I was able to skip the entire line and got seated at the bar right away! The restaurant was small and cozy, with a classic New England vibe. Sitting at the bar was awesome, because I had a front-row seat to watch oyster shucking. I was given a little checklist with the raw bar offerings, and chose one of each of the east coast oyster varieties (9 in total). I don't have a refined palate for oysters, so I can't say I fully grasped the listed tasting notes, but all 9 were fresh and delicious! I also got the hot Maine Lobster Roll, which was phenomenal. I loved the generous heaps of lobster and warm buttered bun. Overall, Neptune Oyster was a pricey dinner for one, but a fantastic experience!

    Oysters
    Jessica B.

    Worth the wait! Every time I go to Boston, I try to make a visit to Neptune. They don't take reservations and there is always a line but it moves quickly. Inside is cozy with only a few booths and bar seating. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable on their menus. I went on Sunday this time when they had lobster tacos as the special of the day, so I had to try and was not disappointed. There was so much lobster in each of the tacos!! The oysters were fantastic as well.

    North End Cioppino with lobster
    Julianna K.

    Very yummy seafood! We waited about 45 min at 5 pm on a Sunday evening (holiday weekend). It was very cozy in there and we shared a table with other people but we didn't mind. We ordered a bunch of raw oysters, a lobster roll, a cioppino with lobster on top, and a burger (my husband wanted to try it). The oysters were delicious and the lobster on the roll and in the cioppino was excellent. My favorite dish was the cioppino - what a delicious variety of seafood and so filling too!!

    Monday - Lobster Spaghettini
    Jenny T.

    Food: Mussels and the lobster spaghetti were 11/10, no complaints! The burgers also looked phenomenal. Service: I found some of the waitstaff to be overly aggressive. While I understand the restaurant is small, crowded, and very busy, being told to move and move my bag could've been said to me in a much nicer way.

    Woodbury Littleneck Clams
    Judy K.

    There was already a short line outside Neptune Oyster even before they opened on a Tuesday--so I was glad I arrived early! I started with littleneck clams and a glass of Lambrusco, then followed with the lobster roll--because it just felt mandatory while in Boston. It was a generous heap of buttered lobster on a pillow-soft brioche. There was so much lobster, I needed a knife and fork to tackle it. At $43, it's definitely a splurge, but absolutely worth it. Every dish I saw pass by looked incredible. I almost wished I had shared the roll so I could try more of the menu.

    Bar seating looking out to front
    Diana F.

    Long line, long wait, limited seating. We came after 6pm and there were already about 20 people in line on a weekday. Food was pretty good but prices were a bit outrageous, especially the daily specials. Perhaps that is why prices were not listed for them. Noise level and service were typical of a smaller but busy restaurant.

    Ruby F.

    There's always a line outside Neptune Oyster since they don't take reservations. Surprisingly, we only had to wait about 15 minutes to get in. It's a relatively small establishment, so it can feel a bit cramped inside. They offer a wide variety of oysters, all of which tasted incredibly fresh. We tried several of their recommended selections, and the Neptune Pearl was our favorite. In addition to oysters, they also have a variety of other entrées on the menu.

    Georges Bank Sea Seared Georges Bank Scallops
    Janet F.

    This place is in the top 10 restaurants we have ever been a patron at. The service is always top notch, the servers are friendly, informative and knowledgeable. The small space is cozy without feeling crowded and the food is always amazing. We never miss a chance to stop here when we are in Boston. 11 outta 10 recommend. The prices may seem a little scary at first but the quality and presentation warrants them. Do not skip a stop here.

    Large spoon wouldn't fit into sea urchin shell.  Large spoon wouldn't fit into sea urchin shell.
    John Z.

    Nice variety of oysters. A bit higher price point than expected. They were well described on their menu. I enjoyed them. My wife enjoyed the $42 lobster roll. They had sea urchin as a special today. They cleaned the insides but left the "Uni" for me to extract which was fine with me, but the large spoon they gave wouldn't fit into the shell. See picture. I got about one teaspoon of Uni out. That's it for $24. Service was just "okay". I will not return.

    Incorrect Google information for Neptune Oyster.

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    2 months ago

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    5 days ago

    After waiting two hours, I expected something better. It just wasn't worth it. Not going back again....

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    11 days ago

    Great raw bar. Nice wine selection. The vibe is great. The only question is whether you are willing to wait in line.

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    12 days ago

    Some of the best seafood, a funny little place with lots of character very busy. The food is just great worth the effort to get there.

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    Neptune Oyster Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Neptune Oyster

    Is there parking in the area?

    Everywhere. But it's hard to find. Sometimes you get lucky.

    Do they ever have live music?

    No never not enough room

    I see they take reservations, would there still be a long wait?

    I went in without a reservation close to when they opened. Waited maybe 5 minutes.

    If you arrive at 9pm on a weeknight is it likely you will have to wait?

    Most likely yes!

    Do they still let you leave your # to have them call you when your table is ready? I saw a tripadvior review from April 2022 saying they don't do this anymore, is that right?

    When we were there, they did not offer this. Everyone just had to wait in line along the sidewalk. The line moved pretty quickly though.

    Do they automatically add 20% of the tip on every customer's bill?

    they did mine. "because take away takes a lot of time and takes time away from waiting tables".

    Will it open during thanksgiving?

    There open day before. Thursday will be Quiet in the area..

    Any one have any idea what the wait is like on a Friday around 12? thanks

    Just the old timer

    When is the best time to come with a party of two for as little a wait time as possible? And how long would the wait be if I came at 4pm or 5pm on a weekend?…

    I've gone on a Friday around 3pm and there was almost no wait (10-15 min), unfortunately 4-5pm or the later you get the wait is usually impossible.

    Is it easy to get in for a party of 5-6 since we can't make reservations for dinner around 7?

    I don't think for inside. The restaurant is small. There is outside seating when I visited.

    Do they offer gluten free buns for lobster rolls?

    No gluten free. But real not sure about that

    Is there outside seating that I can sit with my doggo?

    Yes there outside seating it also good area take pictures. And walking trails

    Do they offer happy hour specials?

    I don't think so. You might want to check their website.

    Are kids allowed? I have an 8 year old.

    Yes, no restrictions but it's a small place and only a few tables for more than 2 during COVID times

    With the pandemic and social distancing, is Neptune's Oyster taking reservations like most of the other restaurants in the North End have done to limit social distancing? Or do they still do first come, first serve with people congregating?

    They're still not taking reservations, you have to go in person and put your name down and they'll give you an estimated time window and call you back once your table is ready. You can request indoor or outdoor seating, and typically the wait hasn't… 

    Are they currently open in any capacity during this lock down?

    Yes they are open for dine in and takeout. They do not take reservations and their is very limited seating inside. You can put your name down and they call you when your table is ready. Depending on the day and time, wait time can be anywhere from… 

    Can I go to there and order to go?

    Yes, they do offer takeout.

    Can I have an appointment for dinner?

    No, first come first served. If you're not there early expect a long wait of 1-2 hours.

    Is there a bar to eat at or just tables?

    Full menu including food is available at the bar

    Any offerings for kids?

    We ordered my daughter plain pasta

    View All 27 Questions

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    Monica's Mercato

    4.3
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    0.1 mi
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    The Italian Sub recommended by ChatGPT, originated in 1995. The place claims to provide the best…read moreItalian sub in Boston, and it truly was excellent. Italian Sub: $20 for a foot long, the meat was so plentiful it's almost overflowing, enough for two meals. The prisciutto was tender and juicy; the salami was firm and savory with a strong smokiness. Both are thinly sliced, so despite the thick stack, it was relatively easy for a bite. The provolone cheese was also generously portioned, with a robust yet not spicy flavor and a subtle nutty aroma, perfectly complementing the two meats. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar were particularly outstanding: mellow, tangy, and with a fruity aroma of grapes, key to the complex flavor profile. The lettuce, tomatoes, and onions were all fresh, especially the onions were refreshing and a little zingy, perfect for removing the greasiness. Unfortunately, I was worried about not being able to roll it back up properly and making it inconvenient to carry (which it actually happened), so I took it away and ate it at the office. After about 40 minutes, the bread had become somewhat dry and hard.

    Arguably the best sandwich in Boston I was not let down by Monica's…read more The line was long on a Sunday but very orderly and went smoothly. The sandwiches themselves are massive and freshly made. The bread is the right amount of soft to crust. All in all I wouldn't change a thing it's definitely a must go.

    Photos
    Monica's Mercato
    Italian sub
    Italian sub
    Monica's Mercado 10/2022

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    Archie's New York Deli

    4.5
    (263 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    Such a solid little deli spot in downtown Boston. The guys working there were really friendly and…read morepleasantly chipper. I ordered a chicken salad on a croissant with pickles, onions, and lettuce and it was really good. The best part is you can pretty much build whatever sandwich you want- breakfast or lunch. They've also got plenty of drinks, chips, and treats to choose from. Service is crazy fast too. They had my order ready in no time. There's a small bar setup with a few stools and a couple of tiny tables, so you can sit and eat quickly, but I wouldn't rely on getting a seat if it's busy or if you're with a group. My custom sandwich was $10, which felt reasonable. They've been around for 32 years, which says a lot. Definitely one of those local spots worth supporting. I'll 100% be back. Highly recommend.

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    Photos
    Quick service counter
    Quick service counter
    2 Egg Scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese w/Home Fries.  Add Bacon, Bagel w/cream cheese.
    2 Egg Scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese w/Home Fries. Add Bacon, Bagel w/cream cheese.
    Archie's New York Deli

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    Dino's Cafe

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    One of my local favorites! You can never go wrong here. The portions are huge and the food is…read moredelicious. I've eaten here before (it's a small area, but does have a lot of seating) but normally I get it as take out. The cafe itself is super casual, it's the perfect place to pop into during lunch or after a walk. My food is always ready on time which is nice, and when I've eaten there I'm usually able to find a seat. The spinach tortellini with the pesto cream sauce is my absolute favorite- it's a HUGE portion and so delicious. It usually lasts me at least 2 meals. The bread they include is also great! I like to dip it in the sauce. The past time I got Dino's I accidentally ordered spinach ravioli instead of tortellini...that was my bad. HOWEVER I think I might have found my new favorite? The raviolis are huge and so fat. I'm talking like 1/2 inch - 3/4 inch thick. There is so much stuffing and the spinach ricotta mix tastes so fresh and delicious...it's a must try. I've also gotten the eggplant parm before, and the fettuccini Alfredo. Both were also delicious. I've never had any of the sandwiches, but if they are anything like their pastas then I'm sure they are great! The bang for your buck here is also great which is nice. Highly recommend! Dinos is awesome! And the staff is very kind too (Note that the pic is taken from a train, I like to treat myself to Dino's before catching the Amtrak)

    It's summer weekend and there was a festival this day in the North End. We didn't have…read morereservations. Lines for dinner were so long. We finally got one of the few seats at Dino's. We were hot, starving and tired. My littlest loved his meatball pasta. He looked so delighted when it was set in front of him. He devoured it with the same zeal. It was the best of the pastas we tried. His Italian ancestors would have been proud.

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    Vibes
    Baked Gnocchi
    Baked Gnocchi
    Dino's Cafe

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    Neptune Oyster - seafood - Updated July 2026

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