where jess ate

Without a doubt, Neptune Oyster has got to be one of the most popular restaurants in Boston. Located in the North End, this cozy spot has been serving up delicious seafood since 2004.

We arrived on a Friday around 11:15am just prior to their opening at 11:30. There was already quite the line down the street as they don’t take reservations – first come, first served. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the first seating and waited for just over an hour before we were seated. Long waits are the norm at Neptune Oyster. Luckily, the Italian neighborhood it’s located in is a great place to explore while you wait. We hopped over to Mike’s Pastry for their famous cannoli’s and waited at a nearby coffee shop.

I loved the décor of the restaurant which makes you feel like you’re eating in a French bistro. While it’s a cute space, it’s very tightly packed. The space isn’t huge so be prepared to feel a little cramped.

Neptune Oyster’s menu consists of appetizers ($15-20), crudo, raw bar items (market price), salads, entrees ($25-$40) and sandwiches ($20-$30) as well as a daily special.

They have a really great selection of oysters, so definitely take advantage of this. I loved their oyster selection which included many local varieties I had never heard of. They have a great range of oysters varying in size, brininess and finish. It’s so great that their raw bar menu had detailed descriptions like “low salt, creamy, hints of honeydew melon” for each type of oyster.

We ordered a selection of local east coast oysters as well as some raw clams. I could easily eat a couple dozen oysters on my own. They’re just so light and naturally delicious! As for the raw clams, while I enjoyed them, I wouldn’t be able to eat too many of them. They are very salty on their own.

Up next was the Wellfleet Clam Chowder – made fresh to order ($11). Neptune Oyster’s version is on the watery side compared to the creamy versions I’m used to. My personal preference is a creamier chowder but this was intensely flavourful with large chunks of clam in it. It was a delicious bowl of chowder but I just wish it wasn’t as watery.

To share, we ordered the Fried Ipswich Clams – with tartar & lemon (mkt price). The fried clams were a beautiful golden brown. They were plump, lightly breaded and after biting into one, you’ll realize quickly how juicy they are. I was also a big fan of the accompanying chunky tartar sauce – it was extra pickle-y!

The last thing to arrive was the Maine Lobster Roll ($29). If you do a quick Google search, it’ll be very apparent that Neptune Oyster makes one of the best lobster rolls in Boston. So, this is not to be missed!

The lobster roll is available hot with butter or cold with mayo. I’m accustomed to the cold version with mayo but everyone recommends the hot version here. The roll arrived with sweet chunks of perfectly cooked lobster overflowing from the grilled brioche bun. Warm and buttery – I’m a convert!

I think it’s fair to say it’s the best lobster roll I’ve had to date. But it comes at a hefty price tag at $29. I believe the price has been inching up over the years so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it hit the $30 mark soon. And for you Canadians out there… it’ll REALLY hit the wallet. With the dollar where it’s at right now, you’re looking at a $40+ lobster roll!

Neptune Oyster was the first stop of our Boston trip and one of the most memorable. The food was excellent and the service was very friendly (we never felt rushed or that they were trying to turn tables as quickly as possible). Don’t miss out on this quintessential Boston joint. The food is worth the hype.

At a glance:

• A popular seafood restaurant located in the North End
• No reservations; long waits are the norm; 2+ hour waits are not uncommon
• Small, tightly packed space; I wouldn’t come with a group larger than 4
• Highlights: an incredible selection of raw oysters , the lobster roll is a must (known as one of the best in Boston)
• Open every day from 11:30am

Ratings (out of 5):

• Food: 4.5 stars
• Service: 4 stars
• Atmosphere: 3 stars