Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Massachusetts

"In a town full of lobster rolls, one stands out — the warm lobster roll at Neptune’s. Though you can choose for it to be warm or cold, definitely go for the warm one. This version contains no celery or other fillers, and is dressed with drawn butter aka heaven and is served with a side of crisp fries."

"Neptune’s menu hints at Italian, but you’ll also find elements of Mexican, French, Southern and old-fashioned New England. The impressive raw bar and daily seafood specials confirm that this is not your... Bakery in West End & North End"

"Rumor has it that when humanity goes to Mars to build a replica Earth after we destroy the original, Space Boston will be so small that we’ll only have room for one seafood restaurant. Island Creek Oyster Bar, which represents the platonic ideal of New England seafood, is going to be that restaurant. The Kenmore Square spot was opened by the people behind the Island Creek Oyster Farm, who probably know more about what it takes to make great seafood than just about anyone else currently alive."

"This lively "workingman's oyster bar" is the embodiment of Boston's current New England dining scene. Row 34 is one of several key players in the Fort Point restaurant boom, drawing massive crowds (in pre-COVID times) to a once-quiet section of town. With a creative beer list, ultra-fresh seafood, and some of the best lobster rolls in town, Row 34 is one of the trickiest reservations to snag."

"This venerable, decades-spanning stalwart in Harvard Square, which happens to have one of the best patios around, remains a fine-dining favorite in a trending-casual industry. It’s the kind of place that is excellent for entertaining the in-laws over mignonette-dabbed oysters or boards bearing local cheeses; waffles topped with fried chicken, decadent foie gras butter and wild apple purée; and buttermilk biscuits enhanced with rose rhubarb jam and almond crémeux. Don’t relegate Harvest to special occasions, though."

"Renowned in Cambridge for high-quality dining, Harvest has won numerous awards for its food, wine and service. Serving contemporary New England cooking, it can be found right on Harvard Square where it has been a regular sight since the 1970s. Harvest describes itself as a welcome respite from the hectic life of the square, boasting elegant decor and a relaxing ambience."

"A multi-level seafood restaurant and bar, located on the Boston Waterfront, that comes with a roof deck and rooftop bar with breathtaking views over the water and harbor. Casual all-day dining on the first floor, more celebratory eating and cocktails on second, the Legal Harborside third floor and rooftop deck offers drinks and Sushi bites in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Equipped with retractable glass walls and ceiling, making it a four-season rooftop."

"Don’t let the stigma of Legal Seafood being a chain deter you from stopping in at Legal Harborside. This is the flagship location. The downstairs is a casual seafood eatery and the second floor is more formal."

"Back BayKnown for their sustainably sourced and high quality offerings, Saltie Girl has plenty of options to sift through, including petite, grande, and royale seafood towers piled high with fresh oysters, littlenecks, and Jonah crab salad. There’s also a new Italian-inspired seafood pizzeria, Seafood Pizza by Saltie Girl, stocked with lobster, clams, caviar, smoked salmon, and tinned fish atop fresh-baked pies with hand pulled mozzarella, burrata, taleggio, and reggiano. How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out and delivery via Caviar."

"We went there initially thinking we would grab lunch, but we ended up just grabbing a few small dishes with cocktail.…”more"

"The Chart House is located nearby the Boston Harbor Cruises dock and has excellent steaks, seafood, and sandwiches. Check out the Aquarium"

"Executive Chef Matthew Jackson’s devotion to detail shines through in the Italian-accented dishes served at Aqua Pazza, a seafood eatery from the DePasquale Ventures family of restaurants. Jackson has a deft way of making the seafood the star of each dish, without a lot of sauces or distractions on the plate to detract from its essence. You’ll find salmon crudo, seafood risotto and daily whole fish (served either grilled and stuffed or salt-baked) among the array of impeccably prepared plates."

"Are you planning a trip to Beantown and want to learn more about its best vegetarian restaurants?. Boston has an amazing selection of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafés. Hit a few of these spots to discover some of the best-kept secrets of Boston’s culinary scene."

"Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Boston is a restaurant for meal lovers. Stop in and try a signature steak, like the Cowboy Ribeye, or the Stuffed Chicken Breast. The bar, Curley’s, offers a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits."

"Designed in 1796 by famous Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, Federal-style Otis House has been through an extensive restoration based on meticulous historical and scientific research, so you will see the bright colors, fancy furnishings, and mirrored doors enjoyed by Boston's upper class in the late 1700s - early 1800s. Don't miss the fascinating architectural museum in the basement. 141 Cambridge Street, West End; Nearest T station: Red Line-Charles/MGH; 617-994-5920; www.historicnewengland.org/property/otis-house"

"A National Historic Landmark, the Harrison Gray Otis House is one of the first of the Federal style of architecture that became popular in the 18th century. Built in 1795-1796, it was designed by Charles Bulfinch for Harrison Gray Otis, a Massachusetts politician. The three-story brick house served as a family home and then later as a clinic and a boarding house."

"Otis House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. It is also the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square in Boston’s West End neighborhood. The house museum is one of the historic sites that display items from Historic New England’s collection which includes more than 123,000 objects and 1.5 million archival materials."

"The Mµseum is the smallest museum in the world and it showcases a very tiny art. The ‘µ’ in its name means “micro” in Ancient Greek. Everything about this museum is micro."

":The Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) is the world's only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms. Located in the basement of the Somerville Theater in Davis Square. Admission is free with a movie ticket or with a free pass from the museum, that you can ask them for on the website."

"If you buy a ticket at the Somerville Theatre, you can wander around the Museum of Bad Art for free. The museum proudly wears the title “the only museum in the world dedicated to bad art”. Its collection is entertaining, there you can find many works of bad art."

"Harvard University Arnold Arboretum is an oasis of green in the middle of Jamaica Plain. Head to the visitor center and grab a Discovery Pack full of hands-on activities that help kiddos explore their natural surroundings. The visitor center is also home to other activities such as wildlife bingo, a photo scavenger hunt, and family walks."

"Arnold Arboretum is spacious arboretum located in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, that includes hiking trails, wildlife, and wonderful scenery. There are a few lookout points that provide excellent skyline views, including Peter Hill. The Arnold Arboretum is truly a scenic escape from the city during all seasons."

"Harvard University was originally founded here in 1636, and Harvard Yard remains the historic and geographic heart of the university campus. Flanked by its oldest buildings, the yard's main entrance at Johnston Gate opens up to wide lawns, gracious architecture and a buzzy academic atmosphere. Free historical tours depart from the Smith Campus Center, or you can take a self-guided tour."

"As Harvard Square is the center of Cambridge, Harvard Yard is the center of Harvard College. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. You can take a free 70 minute walking tour with a student guide or just do a DIY stroll like I did."

"The brightly colored Luxembourg chairs are out in full summer force on the Ivy League campus' main grassy knoll. Open to the public and surrounded by dining option to boot."

"Boston Public Garden and Boston Common happen to be a pair of public parks, with the former being at the centre of the city and the latter being the first public park of the United States. While the two are excellent for simply taking a stroll, admiring the wildlife, monuments and fountains or riding the Swan boat, the former is also a botanical garden which showcases a variety of flora. The Victorian touch of the parks provides a romantic feel, which is why they are preferred locations for weddings."

"Adjoining Boston Common, the Public Garden is a 24-acre botanical oasis of Victorian flower beds, verdant grass and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon. The old-fashioned pedal-powered Swan Boats have been delighting children for generations. The most endearing spot in the Public Garden is the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, depicting Mrs Mallard and her eight ducklings, the main characters in the beloved book by Robert McCloskey."

"Wander around to the Public Gardens, or sit by the Frog Pond. It is a great way to enjoy the city without spending a penny."