Best of Boston
The best lobster roll in Boston
Start with Neptune Oyster in North End for maine lobster roll, hot with butter or cold with mayo, Row 34 in Fort Point for warm buttered or creamy lobster roll and Boston Sail Loft in Waterfront for buttered brioche roll, hot or cold. Here are all 5, with what to get at each.
- Neptune OysterNorth End · Lobster roll
Get: Maine lobster roll, hot with butter or cold with mayo
Toasted brioche roll from a walk-in-only North End raw bar. Tiny North End seafood spot famous for its lobster roll and oysters, expect a long wait for a seat.
Row 34Fort PointGet: Warm buttered or creamy lobster roll
Named the top Boston lobster roll in Boston Magazine's chowder piece.
- Boston Sail LoftWaterfront · Lobster roll
Get: Buttered brioche roll, hot or cold
No reservations, waterfront setting. Waterfront Boston seafood spot with harbor views, known for chowder and casual fried seafood plates.
- James Hook & CoWaterfront · Lobster roll
Get: Takeout lobster roll
A classic waterfront lobster shop, mostly takeout. Waterfront seafood shack known for lobster rolls, steamers, and picking up fresh lobster straight off the boats.
- Sullivan's Castle IslandSouth Boston
Get: Lobster roll
Seasonal stand and 2025 James Beard America's Classics winner.
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Where is the best lobster roll in Boston?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Neptune Oyster (North End), Row 34 (Fort Point) and Boston Sail Loft (Waterfront). All 5 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Neptune Oyster, get maine lobster roll, hot with butter or cold with mayo. At Row 34, get warm buttered or creamy lobster roll. At Boston Sail Loft, get buttered brioche roll, hot or cold. At James Hook & Co, get takeout lobster roll.
Which neighborhood is best for lobster roll in Boston?
Most of these are in Waterfront. The map on this page shows every one, numbered like the list.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Boston: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Boston
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.