The area is full of lobster rolls — here’s where to find a handful of excellent ones
The lobster roll at Woods Hill Pier 4 is also a bit of a rebel because it is not served on a traditional New England-style hot dog bun. Instead, Woods Hill Pier 4 packs loads of lobster meat into a split-open popover. Traditions be damned. Find it on the weekend brunch menu.
The Gloucester lobster roll at Saltie Girl is a tribute to the lobster fishers who pull bugs out of the water off Cape Ann, which is about 30 minutes north of the city. It is served either hot or cold alongside a helping of housemade sea salt and vinegar potato chips.
Jeremy Sewall and his cousin Mark Sewall catch lobsters in York Harbor, Maine. Jeremy is a co-owner of this cool oyster and beer bar in Fort Point. Row 34 has both a hot, buttered option, and a version dressed with mayonnaise and creme fraiche. Find other locations in Burlington, Cambridge, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
At Little Whale Oyster Bar, each roll comes with 8. Iggy’s brioche buns are sturdy, and they come with a big pile of fries on the side. The meat is 5 to 9 ounces and is expertly cooked either hot or cold. When it comes to traditional lobster rolls, this one is absolutely delicious.
The lobster roll at Woods Hill Pier 4 is also a bit of a rebel because it is not served on a traditional New England-style hot dog bun. Instead, Woods Hill Pier 4 packs loads of lobster meat into a split-open popover. Traditions be damned. Find it on the weekend brunch menu.
The Gloucester lobster roll at Saltie Girl is a tribute to the lobster fishers who pull bugs out of the water off Cape Ann, which is about 30 minutes north of the city. It is served either hot or cold alongside a helping of housemade sea salt and vinegar potato chips.
Jeremy Sewall and his cousin Mark Sewall catch lobsters in York Harbor, Maine. Jeremy is a co-owner of this cool oyster and beer bar in Fort Point. Row 34 has both a hot, buttered option, and a version dressed with mayonnaise and creme fraiche. Find other locations in Burlington, Cambridge, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
At Little Whale Oyster Bar, each roll comes with 8. Iggy’s brioche buns are sturdy, and they come with a big pile of fries on the side. The meat is 5 to 9 ounces and is expertly cooked either hot or cold. When it comes to traditional lobster rolls, this one is absolutely delicious.
Eventide’s roll is only served hot and tossed in brown butter instead of melted regular butter. The brown butter gives the roll a great nutty flavor that goes well with the neutral lobster meat. There are also only four bites of it, and it’s served without any sides. However, the more experimental approach works well here. In a town that loves its traditions, Eventide’s lobster roll shows that the first way isn’t always the best way, and we’re all better for it.
Le Madeline is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that opened in 2024 and has been one of the city’s most talked-about new restaurants. On the menu, you must try their take on a lobster roll. The tôm hùm rang me has fried lobster meat in a tamarind sauce with lots of tomiko, a bright orange fish roe, on top. It’s all stuffed into a buttered brioche roll. It’s a decadent, delightful new entry to this list.
Boston is a seafood lover’s paradise, especially when it comes to indulging in fresh, delicious lobster. This iconic New England crustacean is a staple on menus across the city. From harborside restaurants to historic eateries, there is no shortage of incredible options for savoring lobster in Boston.
If you’re looking for the ultimate lobster feasts, here are some of the top spots to crack into this flavorful shellfish during your visit to one of America’s most legendary food cities.
Legal Sea Foods
No list of Boston lobster restaurants is complete without mentioning Legal Sea Foods. This iconic local chain has several locations across the city including on the waterfront near the New England Aquarium. Legal Sea Foods has mastered the art of traditional New England seafood preparation, especially when it comes to boiled lobster. Order a 1.25-1.5 pound steamed lobster served classic style with drawn butter. The meat is always fresh, tender and deliciously seasoned. Legal Sea Foods also offers lobster rolls, baked stuffed lobster, lazy man lobster, and more on their extensive menu.
Yankee Lobster Co.
For the freshest lobster straight off the boat, head to Yankee Lobster Co This seafood market and harborfront restaurant has their own lobster boats that fish for crustaceans right in Boston Harbor Stop by their fish market to hand select your own lobster from their tanks. Or grab a table at their restaurant for lobster fresh from their own fleet. Yankee Lobster Co. serves incredible lobster rolls overflowing with meat on buttery toasted buns. They also have lobster bisque, baked stuffed lobster, and boiling pots where you can steam lobsters yourself.
Neptune Oyster
Tucked away in Boston’s North End, Neptune Oyster is a local favorite for indulging in oysters and lobster While reservations are hard to come by, joining the line is worth the wait Neptune Oyster serves lobster prepared using traditional French techniques that perfectly complement the fresh seafood. Must-try dishes include lobster thermidor with a decadent cheese sauce and lobster tail Francaise sauteed in lemon butter. Stop in for their daily happy hour to enjoy $1 oysters and discounted lobster rolls.
Summer Shack
For a fun, lively atmosphere, check out Summer Shack. This restaurant chain founded by celebrity chef Jasper White has locations in Cambridge, Back Bay, and by the harbor. Summer Shack offers New England style lobster bakes alongside craveworthy lobster rolls, bisque, and more. Their kids’ meals even come in a mini lobster boat filled with crackers to really immerse you in the experience. In the warmer months, dine al fresco to soak up the sunshine and scenic city views while indulging in lobster.
James Hook & Co.
No visit to Boston is complete without grabbing lobster from the famous James Hook & Co. seafood shack at the harbor. This tiny take-out stand dating back to 1925 serves what many locals consider to be the best lobster rolls in the city. Order their signature rolls packed with chunks of lobster bathed in melted butter and heaped onto a griddled bun. You can also buy fresh lobster by the pound straight from their tanks to enjoy on the go.
Isla Verde Cafe
For a unique lobster dining experience, check out Isla Verde Cafe, a Puerto Rican restaurant in South Boston. Here you can feast on arroz con camarones – tender lobster served over rice cooked in the lobster’s own broth. Isla Verde Cafe also serves pinchos de langosta – skewers of lobster and vegetables grilled to perfection. The flavors put a unique cultural twist on enjoying this New England specialty.
Harborside Grill
Situated right on the water’s edge, Harborside Grill at the Hyatt offers unmatched harbor views with your lobster. The floor-to-ceiling windows of this contemporary American restaurant provide the perfect backdrop for indulging in wood grilled lobster or a generously stuffed lobster BLT. Harborside Grill gets extra points for ambiance thanks to its scenic location.
Union Oyster House
For a dose of history with your lobster, head to the oldest restaurant in Boston – Union Oyster House. At this national landmark dating back to 1826, you can sit at the original oyster bar to enjoy lobster Newberg, lobster casserole, or lobster ravioli. Order their famous shore dinner feast, which includes a whole boiled lobster alongside clam chowder, steamers, and more.
Jasper White’s Summer Shack
Celebrity chef Jasper White is one of Boston’s most legendary culinary figures. For lobster specially crafted by the expert himself, check out his original Summer Shack location in Cambridge. Jasper White personally perfected Summer Shack’s lobster recipes after decades studying New England cuisine. Must-try dishes include the pan roasted lobster club, butter poached lobster and corn, and summertime lobster rolls. Don’t miss the famous lobster bake feasts either.
From historic dining rooms to seaside shacks, Boston offers seemingly endless options for savoring delicious lobster cuisine. Next time you visit this coastal New England city, be sure to indulge in some of these top spots for experiencing the freshest, most memorable lobster dishes. Just come hungry and ready to get your hands dirty cracking into the shells of these flavorful crustaceans in one of America’s best culinary destinations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign11-717c06cb2c614bf493d9448d0b31c234.jpg)
Share All sharing options for: 8 Fantastic Lobster Rolls in Boston
