The only way to really sedate a craving for seafood in Boston is to feed the hunger at Neptune Oysters. A small but extremely popular seafood restaurant in North End so be prepared to wait if you arrive at any of the usual dining hours. We arrived early but still had half hour wait but were rewarded with a seat at the bar overlooking the exquisite display of various oysters, clams and crabs.
The selection of freshly shucked oysters and clams is extensive. Neptune Oyster's provided a very excellent guide to the tastes of each oysters for those who, like me, are unfamiliar with the local waters. We ordered a la carte but the Neptune and Triton Plateau will provide a great introduction if you want to just try a few. The oysters also come with a house-made salsa and a mignonette sauce to take the edge off raw oysters for those who are just acquiring the taste.
We had a wonderful waiter, who suggested Estrella Damm Inedit an excellent very light beer that doesn't overwhelm the delicate flavours of the seafood.
The cold maine lobster roll comes with the lobster smothered in mayonnaise and surpasses all other lobster rolls I've tried in Boston not only by the filling but by the excellent bun which was lightly roasted. *start rant* Here is a hint to all you lobster roll purveyors...the roll is made up of both the lobster and the bun. Even if you make an excellent filling and cook the lobster to perfection a cheap bun brings down the whole lobster roll. *end rant*.
The hot maine lobster roll comes with the lobster lightly grilled in butter. At first I thought this might be too oily but the resulting lobster infused butter is soaked into the warm pre-grilled bun making the bun almost better than the sweet and creamy taste of the lobster...almost.
Finally the last dish for our party was the seared Georges Bank scallops. Scallops which are soft in the center with a crispy edges mixed with some light greens. Delicious.
This was my first time trying out the lobster rolls at Neptune Oyster but not my first time here and so far I have yet to be disappointed. I think the warm lobster roll are by far the best but if you think there is a place that is better I would love to give it a try.
Food: Absolutely delicious seafood.
Must try: Raw oysters of course. But highly recommend the hot lobster roll too.
Setting: Cozy oyster bar.
Service: Fast and friendly. They know the food so feel free to ask for recommendations.
Damage: $25 per person without drinks.
North End
63 Salem St
Boston, MA 02110
Labels: Beer, Dinner, Drink, Eat, Lobster, Lobster roll, Neptune Oyster, North End, Oyster, Scallop, Seafood, USA
