B&G Oysters

By Molly McDonough · 11/26/2016    South End · Seafood · $$$

Bivalves, this way: following the sign and descending away from busy Washington Street into this seafood eatery is like diving into a secluded submarine cove. Blue-hued and cozy any time of year, B&G is especially lovely in summer, when the backyard terrace is lit by string lights and enclosed by ivy-laced brownstones.

Lobster BLT from B&G Oysters

Whatever the cuisine, we’ve come to expect nothing but classy execution from restauranteur Barbara Lynch, who now oversees eight of the city’s trendiest spots (see: Menton, No. 9 Park, and Drink). B&G might just be the most authentically New England restaurant for the Boston native, who’s had extensive training in Italy and France. That’s probably why classics like fried clams and lobster rolls are executed with the precision of a worldly chef without losing sight of locals’ love for the simple perfection of fresh seafood.

Fried clams from B&G Oysters

You’ll see what we mean once—after the obligatory round of expertly shucked oysters—you dive into a seasonal crudo, like a ceviche with sea scallops tucked under garnishes that lend texture rather than flavor, never overwhelming the mollusc’s simple buttery freshness. Move on to serious classics, like fried clams that yield crispiness without chewiness, dipped in a creamy, pickly tartar sauce we’d slather anywhere. And of course there’s the obligatory lobster roll: It’s chunky, it’s meaty, and it’s not weighed down by anything else, save a few tiny speckles of celery to lend a little crunch. Between each bite, savor those french fries dusted with a spicing that’s subtle yet insanely addictive—there’s nothing better than that big-bite New England stuff, with evidence of careful crafting along the way.

Lobster roll from B&G Oysters

Every Sunday in summer, B&G throws an authentic New England clambake and serves it in a prix fixe menu running at about $60.

Want to shuck like a B&G pro? Contact the restaurant to reserve a shucking lesson for two, offered Monday to Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. $150 includes oysters, B&G branded oyster knives, Champagne and an impressive new skill set.

To really up your oyster game, buy the custom oyster knives that B&G sells via its website. The three formats reflect three different bivalve shapes (Wellfleet, Olympia, and Duxbury).

Must Haves

  • Servers are more than able to recommend their favorites of the constantly rotating menu. We love the briny, plump Spearpoints from Katama Bay, Martha’s Vineyard and the Raspberry Points from PEI.

  • Selections are rotating all the time, but if there’s a sea scallop version, get it.

  • It’s a toss-up here; either way, the fantastic chunky lobster will be the star of the show. (But adding bacon never hurt a good thing, right)

Fun Fact

Those fries we’re so obsessed with? It’s got something to do with "fines herbs," a spice blend that borrows from French haute cuisine: chives, parsley, tarragon and chervil.

Tastes of B&G Oysters

So good we can't stop writing about it. Read more about B&G Oysters!

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Sign up for our weekly newsletters for curated guides, can't-miss dishes, restaurant recommendations, and more.

Enter Email