Neptune Oyster

"It may be a couple of decades old, but North End seafood stalwart Neptune Oyster is still topping national best restaurant lists. Yes, it’s walk-ins only. Yes, there will be a line. If you’re lucky, you’ll nab a bar seat and settle into a plate of ice-cold oysters, a crisp glass of wine, and an unbeatable people-watching scene. You’ll be glad you waited." - Eater Staff

"Lest you think the North End is only for Italian, lines form at this tiny high-end favorite for a chance to nosh on lobster rolls. Enjoy the iconic Boston bite hot with butter or cold with mayo (spring for caviar, too) with both served on an Iggy’s brioche roll. Other plates, from a salad with whole Azorean sardines, to whole Rockport mackerel with garlic fingerling potatoes, celebrate the bounty of the sea. And with “oyster” right there in the name, don’t forget to slurp down a bounty of bivalves." - Erika Adams, Nathan Tavares, Tommy Ranucci

"What can be written about Neptune Oyster that hasn’t already been written? The oysters are great; the lobster roll is great; the Wellfleet clam chowder is also great. Expect a line; wait in that line." - Nathan Tavares, Erika Adams, Terrence Doyle

"For 20 years, the 35 or so seats in Neptune have been some of the toughest and tightest in town. And that’s not likely to change anytime soon, because people like us keep putting it on best-of lists. You’ll find the expected lobster roll and chowder, plus dishes you might not have considered, like the blue fish johnnycake and burger. The good news is that almost everything here is excellent. It’s not necessarily an easy meal experience, but it’s always worth the hassle." - dan secatore, tanya edwards

"While Neptune Oyster is cramped, crowded, and almost always filled with tourists, if we’re ever in the area and there’s a break in the line, we’ll absolutely head in and take a seat at the bar, even if we just ate. It’s that good, and it’s the type of oyster bar that makes you wonder why you don’t make plans to house shellfish at 3pm more often. Seriously, even if you just downed a plate of clams over linguine around the corner, snag that bar seat and buckle up for the johnnycake, crudo, and one of Boston’s best lobster rolls." - tanya edwards