Where To Find the Best Oysters in Boston

Finding the best oysters in Boston sounds easy until you realize almost every restaurant in the city has them on the menu.
However, some aren’t as fresh as advertised and actually come shipped from places far away. Having a mediocre oyster has become commonplace.
This article is your lighthouse in a sea of oyster bars, guiding you to the best oyster in Boston, and highlighting the restaurants with fresh, local options.
Where Can You Find the Best Oysters in Boston?
Boston is one of the best cities in the country to grab a fresh and delicious oyster that comes straight out of the water.
The deep roots in fishing traditions make it a prime location in the North Atlantic. Local varieties, like Wellfleet, Duxbury, and Island Creek, are the most sought-after in oyster bars.
For a standout experience, head over to Seamark, where oyster lovers get fresh selections every day from local oyster farms. Varieties rotate depending on what’s in season, so you always have today’s catch.
What Are the Top Oyster Bars in Boston?
Seamark’s refined and elevated decor with themed references to the ocean makes it a standout location for oyster bars in the city.
James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Schlow helms the kitchen while master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi is behind the craft cocktails.
From chilled oysters on the half shell to inventive baked options, everything is crafted with care at Seamark. Our restaurant also offers special oyster deals Monday through Friday, and menu deals Monday through Thursday.
Other notable oyster bars in Boston include Ostra and Island Creek Raw Bar.
When Is the Best Season To Enjoy Oysters in Boston?
The colder months are always the best times to enjoy oysters in Boston. Typically, anytime from September through April.
Colder waters slow the metabolism of oysters and make them sweeter and brinier. It also allows them to stay in a smaller form rather than having to swallow a large one all at once.
Major local oyster farms in the area benefit from the clean and mineral-rich waters compared to other parts of the Atlantic Coast.
Are There Happy Hours or Specials for Oysters?
In the bar and lounge at Seamark, you get $1 oysters beginning at 5 p.m. and until they sell out. The Oyster hour is held Monday through Thursday.
Also at Seamark is Harbor Hour, where you get a three-course menu available Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $45. You get to choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
There are lots of other happy hours around the city for oysters. Waypoint has a happy hour deal every day, and so does Savin Bar and Kitchen.
Which Restaurants Have the Freshest Oysters in Boston?
If you’re looking for the freshest oyster caught daily from local providers, Seamark is your best bet. The rotating selection of local brands, like Wellfleet and Duxbury, is served chilled with a crisp cucumber mignonette.
These oysters are sourced directly from Massachusetts coastal farmers and arrive when they are at their peak in flavor and freshness.
The seafood tower is another fresh dive with mixed shellfish filling up your plate. It’s the best option you can get for fresh seafood dishes right in Boston.
What Oyster Specials Does Seamark Have?
The standout oyster deal at Seamark is the Oyster HourNestled right off the dock is Seamark, giving every seat in the restaurant a view of the sparkling Boston waterfront.
Feel the breeze and taste the air as you dine with fresh oysters and cucumber mignonette in hand.
After you’re done with your meal, take a walk on the dock and finish your romantic evening in a scenic backdrop. $1 Special. Every Monday through Thursday starting at 5 p.m., you can get fresh, local oysters right at the bar and lounge area.
For a full meal during happy hour, try out Harbor Hour, where a three-course menu is offered where you select your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert.
You’ll get them with a refreshing cucumber mignonette that brings out the briny flavors.
How Can You Make a Reservation at Seamark for Oyster Dining?
Booking a table at Seamark is easy with our online reservation system. Simply head to the reservation section on the website, and select your preferred date, number of guests, and time of arrival.
Our staff will send over a confirmation email when it’s booked, so you can plan accordingly.
Larger parties should call ahead and speak with our staff directly to make any special requests, so we can make your oyster dining experience memorable.
What Makes Boston Oysters So Special?
The clean and briny flavors in Boston oysters are unique compared to other locations along the Atlantic Coast.
Boston Harbor and Massachusetts bays have cold, nutrient-rich waters with a good balance of salinity.
Southern waters can produce large, mild-tasting oysters, but the cold Boston climate slows oyster growth, allowing them to develop deep flavors without being too large.
Can You Find Oysters Near the Boston Waterfront?
Nestled right off the dock is Seamark, giving every seat in the restaurant a view of the sparkling Boston waterfront.
Feel the breeze and taste the air as you dine with fresh oysters and cucumber mignonette in hand.
After you’re done with your meal, take a walk on the dock and finish your romantic evening in a scenic backdrop.
Are There Oyster Festivals or Events in Boston?
Oysters are a celebrated food in Boston, and you can find plenty of fun events throughout the year.
Local organizations, like the Mass Oyster Project, host tasting nights where you can sample regional oysters right alongside Cape Cod oyster experts.
The Boston Public Market has Oysterfest, a festive patio gathering of New England oyster varieties.
In fall, you can also find the Cisco Seaport Oysterfest in the Seaport district. The event supports the Boston Fisheries Foundation with an afternoon of shucked oysters and community fun.
The Best Oysters in Boston
From stunning harbor views to a thoughtfully curated oyster menu, Seamark shines in a sea of oyster bars. Every detail and elevated decor piece guides you to appreciate the ocean’s best flavors.
The coastal dining experience couldn’t be more authentic with expertly sourced shellfish, warm hospitality, and an elegant atmosphere.
Make your reservation today to taste the best oysters in Boston.Book your reservation today.