Taste the moment
Welcome to Neptune Oyster
Neptune Oyster is a celebrated seafood eatery nestled in Boston's vibrant North End. Renowned for its expertly shucked oysters and exceptional lobster rolls, the restaurant exudes a cozy charm that draws locals and visitors alike. Customers rave about the freshness of the menu, which also includes standout dishes like the 16oz bone-in ribeye and tantalizing tuna tartare. The atmosphere is lively, albeit a bit snug, creating an intimate dining experience. With attentive, knowledgeable staff, Neptune Oyster excels in delivering memorable meals, making the wait well worth it for seafood aficionados.
Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Wellfleet Clam Chowder
Triton Plateau
Lobster spaghettini
Sea urchin bucatini
About
Neptune Oyster
Welcome to Neptune Oyster, a celebrated seafood haven nestled in the heart of Boston. Known for its cozy ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, this iconic eatery seamlessly blends fresh flavors with a genuine love for the craft of seafood dining. At Neptune Oyster, the wait may be part of the experience, but it is undeniably worth it. Guests often share tales of anticipation—waiting outside, the air filled with the salty tang of the ocean, and the tantalizing promise of what lies ahead.
As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting yet bustling energy. The restaurant’s limited seating accommodates around 50, creating an intimate and lively environment that feels like a hidden gem in the city's North End. Patrons rave about the charms of dining here, with the staff's warm hospitality adding to the inviting experience. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, from the stunning selection of oysters to the legendary lobster rolls that speak to the heart of New England.
The star of the show, without a doubt, is the oyster selection. Each oyster is handpicked and perfectly shucked, offering a range of briny delights with distinct flavor profiles curated on an extensive ordering sheet. Diners can indulge in every salty slurp, each varying from sweet to sharp, ensuring a tale of the sea in every bite. Alongside, Neptune’s tuna tartare is a visual feast—served with artistic flair, it’s as good to look at as it is to taste.
Homemade lobster rolls here are a transcendent experience—juicy chunks of lobster meat nestled in a buttery roll, each bite transports you to culinary bliss. As one reviewer noted, it's "one of the best lobster rolls of a lifetime," a sentiment echoed by many who visit. If your taste buds seek something different, the daily specials—like the succulent bone-in ribeye—also come highly recommended. Each menu item highlights the chef's skill in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring that guests leave with memories of an exceptional meal.
Ultimately, Neptune Oyster is more than just a place to enjoy seafood; it’s a culinary journey that captures the essence of Boston's maritime heritage. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this charming eatery promises not only outstanding dishes but also a delightful experience that keeps patrons returning. So, the next time you find yourself in Boston, remember to indulge in the flavors of Neptune Oyster—where every dish tells a story and waiting for a table is all part of the adventure.
Voices & Impressions
Guestbook
“ So, let me answer the question everyone is wondering: Was it worth the wait? The answer is — it depends. If you wait an hour, yes, it’s worth it. If you’re waiting 1.5 hours or more, probably not — unless the weather is nice. We got lucky. We found a good parking spot where the kids could stay in the car, and the summer weather wasn’t too hot thanks to a nice breeze. That made the wait a lot more bearable. The first thing you'll notice is how small and noisy the place is. But if you love oysters, this is the spot. You're not likely to find oysters like these anywhere else on the East Coast. They were truly exceptional. The lobster roll was good, though not the best I’ve had. We also tried the sea urchin — a bit on the expensive side, but we lucked out because it was part of their Tuesday special, even though we visited on a Saturday. We ordered crab claws too, but cracking them was a hassle, especially since the server forgot to bring us the tools so definitely a hard pass for anyone hate cracking. The tuna was tasty but overly salty at the bottom. The razor clams were oily, but the flavor was excellent, and the mix of vegetables added a nice sweet contrast. One thing to be prepared for: they rush you. From the start, you're pushed to order quickly. We got the check while we were still eating, and when we tried to order more, our server wasn’t too happy. I get it — there’s a long line and she’d probably been working all day. But still, after waiting about an hour to get in, we hoped to enjoy our meal without being hurried. If you can overlook a bit of attitude, you’ll enjoy the food more. To be fair, this only applied to our server — the rest of the staff were great. Overall, this place is a “one and done” for us. The family enjoyed the food, and that’s really what matters. No oyster is worth an extremely long wait — but it’s worth trying once, just to say you had some of the best oysters in town. ”
“ Absolutely worth the wait! Neptune has a cozy, charming vibe—even though seating is a bit tight, it just adds to the atmosphere. We waited about an hour and a half for a table for three, but it was worth it. The oysters were incredibly fresh and perfectly balanced, and the lobster roll was out of this world—100% recommend! If you’re not feeling seafood, the 16oz bone-in ribeye is amazing too—juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. These guys need to expand! ”
“ Had one of our best meals in Boston here. Exceptional service and great wine to match. Sample several dishes and each one was amazing. If I’m going to be really picky, the tortilla for the taco was a little dry, but small issue based on the rest of the experience ”
“ This was my second time at Neptune Oyster since I’ve been visiting Boston for the last few years. You have to wait outside till the server sees you. This place is small but completely packed. They only have enough spots for maybe 50 people to eat. Probably one of the best Lobster Rolls in my life. The servers and staff were very nice, we ordered 3 lobster rolls and some oysters. Absolutely a great time. It’s loud in there new use it is such a small spot. If you are looking for a local spot that’s got great atmosphere and food this is the spot for you. Take time to enjoy the city and the local spots. ”
“ It is a legendary eatery in Boston, and the food and ambiance clearly show how it rose to the title. The oysters are definitely a must, they have got an extensive ordering sheet complete with the flavour profiles of each oyster which they selected and shucked to perfection. Also don’t forget to get the giant clams that were juicy and tasty. I really liked all the other food too, they have a daily special that changes all the time and whilst we were here we had the clams pasta which was just delicious. Don’t be afraid of the crowd, you are in for a treat. ”