12 Best Waterfront Dining In Boston, Massachusetts

Vanna
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
waterfront dining in boston

Whenever we travel, people always remind us not to miss out on the food. When you’re in Boston, that same sentiment echoes. One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has a long and rich history that continues to shape its arts and culture. If this is your first time in Boston and you’re looking for a place to stay, book a stay in an Airbnb vacation rental or check out other options on where to stay that will let you discover more of this magical city. When it comes to food, this waterfront city has plenty of great options to offer. Let’s start your Boston food tour by the sea. Located on the Shawmut Peninsula, Boston has no shortage of excellent waterfront restaurants offering everything from the freshest seafood to exquisite takes on New American cuisine. To make things easier for you, we found the best waterfront dining in Boston, Massachusetts.

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1. ReelHouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For an amazing waterfront dining experience in Boston, check out ReelHouse. This restaurant features al fresco dining that offers an expansive view of the city and the Boston Harbor. The dining area also features a nautical-inspired interior that really complements the beautiful sceneries and the fresh coastal dishes.

Helmed by Culinary Director Marc Orfaly who’s been named one of the top chefs in the country, you can expect nothing but the best dishes of New England favorites with a modern twist. Top it all off with world-class service and you’ll definitely have the most memorable dining experience in Boston.

ReelHouse

Address: 6 New St, Boston, MA 02128, United States

Website: ReelHouse

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri - Sun: 11am - 1am (closed on Mon & Tue)

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2. Woods Hill Pier 4

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Woods Hill Pier 4 is one of the top farm-to-plate restaurants in town. From meats and seafood down to the veggies, the restaurant guarantees only the freshest ingredients as each one is sourced from the restaurant’s own farm. With the best ingredients, the restaurant’s kitchen crew, led by executive chef Charlie Foster, ensures some of the best-tasting table fares in the city.

Of course, top-notch food should be complemented with top-notch drinks and Wood Hills Pier 4 boasts a wide selection of wine, champagne, cocktails, mocktails, beers, and other refreshing beverages.

Woods Hill Pier 4

Address: 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, United States

Website: NWoods Hill Pier 4

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8:30pm (closed on Mon)

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3. Legal Harborside


“If it isn’t fresh, it isn’t legal,” and you can rest assured you’ll be feasting on the freshest seafood in the city at Legal Harborside. It’s located right on the Boston waterfront, with three levels of different themes to choose from. For al fresco, waterfront dining, we highly recommend booking a table at the third level, which has a four-season rooftop lounge.

Address: 270 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Legal Harborside

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

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4. Rowes Wharf Sea Grille

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Fine dining by the harbor is what you get when you visit Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. Housed in the five-star Boston Harbor Hotel, it’s one of the best places for a romantic date, an extremely satisfying breakfast, and even after-work cocktails with your closest friends. You also have the option to dine in the chic dining room or out in the terrace (especially if you’re looking to end what is an absolutely perfect day). You deserve it.

Rowes Wharf Sea Grille

Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Website: Rowes Wharf Sea Grille

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 7am - 11pm; Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 10pm

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Boston Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

Naim Benmayor

As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more

5. Strega Waterfront


If you ask us, one of the best ways to enjoy a finely made dish of Italian food is to eat it by the water and that, exactly, is the kind of experience Strega Waterfront offers. Named as one of Zagat’s best waterfront dining in Boston Seaport neighborhood, Strega Waterfront not only serves old-world Italian classics but a broad selection of steaks and seafood as well. Ask the in-house sommelier for the perfect wine pairing to elevate the whole dining experience.

Strega Waterfront

Address: 1 Marina Park Drive, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Strega Waterfront

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 4pm - 2am; Mon - Fri: 11am - 2am

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6. 75 on Liberty Wharf

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Now that we’ve touched on seafood and Italian classics, it’s time you enjoy well-prepared New England and American cuisine by the harbor at 75 on Liberty Wharf. The floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the entire harbor-side of the restaurant allow for magnificent views no matter the time of day. Aside from great food, 75 on Liberty Wharf also offers an impeccable wine and cocktail selection.

75 on Liberty Wharf

Address: 220 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Website: 75 on Liberty Wharf

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10:30am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 11pm

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7. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

waterfront dining in boston | del frisco's double eagle steakhouse
Source: instagram

Enjoy a sumptuous meal of seafood and prime steak cuts at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse at the Seaport District with the Boston Harbor as your backdrop or view. With its fine lines and clean cuts, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is indeed a stylish and state-of-the-art steakhouse, the only one of its kind in Boston. Did we mention you have over 1,200 bottles of wine to choose from?

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

Address: 250 Northern Avenue, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 3pm - 10pm

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8. Lookout Rooftop Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Feel like the king (or queen) of the world when you head up to the Lookout Rooftop Bar atop glitzy Envoy Hotel on Sleeper Street. This stylish rooftop lounge not only features unobstructed, panoramic views of the Boston Harbor but 360-degree views of the Boston skyline as well. Enjoy your favorite cocktail with close friends or your significant other as you take in these gorgeous views.

Lookout Rooftop Bar

Address: The Envoy Hotel, 70 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Lookout Rooftop Bar

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed from Sun to Tue)

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9. Temazcal Tequila Cantina


Mexican food is often relegated to cheap eats and street food, but here at Temazcal Tequila Cantina’s Seaport location, it is given a special love, attention, and high status it deserves. Enjoy “elevated” Mexican cuisine and chase it all down with one of the 250+ tequilas available in the restaurant. Come for lunch or dinner, it doesn’t matter– you’ll definitely have a good time here.

Temezcal Tequila Cantina

Address: 250 Northern Avenue #2, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Temezcal Tequila Cantina

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm (daily)

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10. Legal Test Kitchen

waterfront dining in boston | legal test kitchen
Source: instagram

Legal Test Kitchen (LTK) is another waterfront restaurant brought to you by the experts from Legal Sea Foods. The food is so great, Legal Test Kitchen is widely recognized as one of the best seafood restaurants and bars in the Seaport area. The best thing about the Legal Test Kitchen is that there is no set menu. You and your fellow diners the focus group out to try new dishes, as well as drinks. Overall, an exciting and dynamic dining experience.

Address: 225 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Website: Legal Test Kitchen

Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)

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11. The Boston Sail Loft


From the Seaport District, we’re moving on to the North End/Waterfront area for the Boston Sail Loft. One of the go-to places for classic dining experience by the water, the Boston Sail Loft specializes in seafood classics and the star of the show? Their famous clam chowder. Order a serving and book a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows. At night, stay by the bar and try out some of their signature cocktails.

The Boston Sail Loft

Address: 80 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110

Website: The Boston Sail Loft

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 2am

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12. Waterline


Our tour of the best waterfront restaurants in Boston ends at Waterline in the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. Enjoy a delectable array of sandwiches, small plates, and mains while your eyes feast on fantastic views of the Boston Harbor. Waterline is also a highly recommended location for private events, so if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with friends and loved ones, consider hosting the party at Waterline. We assure you that there is no better venue.

Waterline

Address: 296 State Street, Boston, MA 02109

Website: Waterline

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 11pm; Fri: 6:30am - 2am; Sat: 7am - 2am; Sun: 7am - 12am

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Nobody does waterfront dining like Boston

Legal Harborside
Source: Photo by user Massachusetts Off... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Whether you’re in the mood for a night out on a rooftop lounge overlooking the Boston Harbor or you’re looking for a time-honored seafood spot in the North End neighborhood, this selection of best waterfront restaurants in Boston has you covered. For more Boston city guides, browse our website and experience the best of Boston.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Vanna is born and raised in the Philippines and describes herself as a local tourist-- she's made it her mission to see as many of the country's 7,000+ islands. But that doesn't mean she's not...Read more

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