Boston: what to eat and where

The city's signature dishes and the best places for each.

12 places in Boston · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: row34.com

1. 1

   Row 34

   Seafood, oyster bar · Fort Point

   Order: Warm buttered or creamy lobster roll

   383 Congress St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Dynasty

   Chinatown

   Order: Shrimp rice rolls

   14A Hudson St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   B&G Oysters

   Seafood, raw bar · South End

   Order: Oysters; lobster roll

   Waltham Street, 02118 Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   China Pearl

   Dim sum, Cantonese · Chinatown

   Order: Dim sum by day

   9 Tyler St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Saltie Girl

   Back Bay

   Get: The lobster roll, warm with butter or cold with mayo

   Order: Chowder with house-cured bacon and salsify; warm lobster roll

   Also on the list: The best lobster roll in Boston.

   279 Dartmouth St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Drydock Cafe

   Diner · Seaport

   Order: Fried clams

   7 Drydock Ave, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Empire Garden

   Dim sum, Cantonese · Chinatown

   Order: Dim sum

   690 Washington St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   James Hook & Co

   Seafood, lobster · Waterfront

   Order: Takeout lobster roll

   440 Atlantic Ave, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Jumbo Seafood

   Cantonese seafood · Chinatown

   Order: Hargow, shrimp rolls, steamed spare ribs, chicken feet

   5 Hudson St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Neptune Oyster

    Seafood · North End

    Get: The warm buttered lobster roll, and a few local oysters

    Order: Maine lobster roll, hot with butter or cold with mayo

    Critics: 79% liked it, from 6 reviews (2024 to 2026). Read MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation 2026, Time Out, Savory Tooth 2024.

    The crowd: 4.4 of 5 on Tripadvisor (2,144 ratings).

    Also on these lists: Long lines in Boston, The best lobster roll in Boston, Where locals eat in Boston.

    63 Salem St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Boston Sail Loft

    Seafood · Waterfront

    Order: Buttered brioche roll, hot or cold

    80 Atlantic Ave, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    The Barking Crab

    Seafood shack · Seaport

    Order: Fried whole-belly clams

    88 Sleeper St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing