What Sets Our Restaurant Apart?
A James Beard Winning Chef

When searching for upscale Boston dining options, there are several options available. Yet, when you want the best restaurant in Boston, you should look for one with a James Beard chef, like Seamark Seafood & Cocktails. We are located in the iconic Encore Boston Harbor.
CTA: Book your reservation today.
What Is a James Beard Award, and Why Does It Matter?
A James Beard Award is a prestigious award given to those in the culinary industry for outstanding achievements and talent. This award is considered the highest honor chefs receive and indicates their commitment to quality and exceptional dining experiences.
The selection process to be nominated for a James Beard Award involves a panel of culinary industry experts. They thoroughly evaluate the chef, their restaurants, and the dining experience. Once nominated, the panel judges the chef and votes on whether they should be a recipient of this award.
Being recognized as a James Beard award-winning chef is viewed as a significant accomplishment by the chef and their restaurant. It also affords them respect among their peers in the industry. Additionally, guests visiting the restaurant know they can expect an outstanding dining experience with a uniquely curated menu and high-quality ingredients.
Who Is the James Beard-Winning Chef at Our Restaurant?
The James Beard award-winning chef at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails is Chef Michael Schlow. He received his James Beard Award in 2000 when he was named the “Best Chef in the Northeast.”
What Makes This Chef’s Approach to Cuisine Unique?
Chef Michael Schlow’s approach to our unique cuisine incorporates local ingredients, timeless plates, and global flavors while elevating New England seafood dishes. Chef Schlow is a Boston-based restaurateur and chef. He has many restaurants in Boston and the DC area, including Seamark Seafood & Cocktails. He was also responsible for curating a special menu for Old Wives’ Tale, the hidden speakeasy inside our restaurant.
How Does the Chef’s Expertise Influence the Dining Experience?
Chef Schlow’s expertise has a significant influence on the dining experience as follows:
- Focusing on regional flavors and local ingredients to create harmonizing dishes
- Providing an innovative and refined approach to New England-inspired cuisine
- Creative menu design
- Choosing high-quality ingredients
- Meticulous and visually appealing plating that enhances the overall dining experience
- Profound understanding of flavor profiles
- Creating sophisticated culinary experiences for guests
- Seasonal menus that change throughout the year
- Thoughtful layering of flavors and ingredients for a multidimensional taste experience
At Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, Chef Schlow incorporates a pier-to-plate concept to highlight locally sourced and fresh seafood while applying his innovative culinary expertise. Patrons can even enjoy the chef’s famous Schlowburger.
Has Seamark Seafood & Cocktails Won Any Other Awards?
As part of the exceptional culinary team at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, Francesco Lafranconi, an internationally renowned mixologist, curated our cocktail menu for Seamark as well as Old Wives’ Tale. He has been honored with several awards, including:
- Spirit Professional of the Year
- Mixologist of the Year
- Golden Spirit Award
- Bartender Hall of Fame
Other awards we have received include:
- Best of Boston 2024 by Boston Magazine
- Diners’ Choice 2024 by OpenTable
Does Seamark Seafood & Cocktails Offer Special Menus for Private Events?
We have two private dining rooms and can host private events for 16 to 300+ guests. Our events coordinator and culinary team will work with you to help you plan and curate your menu for your private event. You can choose from our normal menus, or Chef Schlow can create original and unique dining options to suit your specific needs. Our location inside Encore Boston Harbor is also ideal when you have guests from out of town who will be attending your event.
What Hours Is Seamark Seafood & Cocktails Open?
- Sunday dinner: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Monday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
On Fridays and Saturdays, we offer a pre-dinner menu until 5 p.m., our regular dinner menu until 11 p.m., and a special late-night menu until 1 a.m.
Do You Need a Reservation To Dine at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails?
We welcome walk-ins and always attempt to seat walk-ins as soon as possible. However, we cannot guarantee a seating time, and we highly recommend making a reservation to ensure you have a table available at your preferred dining time. For larger parties of more than 10 guests, please call us at 857-770-9770 to make your dining reservation.
Is Access to Old Wives’ Tale Included With a Dining Reservation?
Our dining reservations are separate from our Old Wives’ Tale speakeasy reservations. We do accept a limited number of reservations per week for our speakeasy, which you can make in advance when you book your dining reservation. We also accept walk-ins for the Old Wives’ Tale. Just inform your host or server you want to be put on the waiting list when you arrive for dinner.
Enjoy Fine Dining in Boston at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails Today
Whether you are visiting Boston or reside here year-round, you can enjoy fine dining in Boston from James Beard Chef Michael Schlow at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails. Make your reservation now and see why we are the best restaurant in Boston.