This is one of the gems of the Boston culinary scene. Down to earth to a degree but do not be fooled, the servers and bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you in terms of food and wine. The food is fantastic with an emphasis on fresh seafood and fish, crudos and tartares. The crudo of the day is something to be explored but the yellow tail tartare, which is part of the menu is also amazing. The wine selection is great, with lovely whites, often with less frequent varietals, do not be afraid to try a vermentino or a gruener veltliner with your oysters. Top notch place.
Fiona
Excellent, attentive service. Cocktails and food were equally wonderful. Appreciated the server's recommendations. Felt very comfortable dining at the bar as a party of one. No one rushed me. Would happily return if I lived in the area.
Rachel
Select Oyster Bar is one of our all-time local favorites. We have never been disappointed.
Keith
I love dining at the Select Oyster Bar, they arguably have the best seafood in the city. The service is also excellent. The only issue I have is the noise level, it gets very loud when busy, especially in the back room. I wish they would try to address it.
Jacquelyn
The wine list and oysters are top notch. Cory's service is second to none. What a great experience overall.
Nicole Blanchard
I recently dined at Select Oyster Bar and had mixed experiences.
First, the seating was a significant drawback. Both the inside and patio areas felt cramped and uncomfortable. The patio seating was particularly tight, and I found myself jostled by the person behind me repeatedly.
As for the food, we ordered the salmon and hamachi crudo, which were just ok. The blue crab dip was similarly underwhelming. We also shared the Arctic char, which was excessively oily. The blue crab was under-seasoned, while the salmon was over-seasoned, leading to an imbalance.
On a positive note, the oysters were excellent. Overall, while there were some high points, the uncomfortable seating and inconsistent food quality left much to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell
Andrew Li
Some of the best seafood I’ve had in Boston. We came here for the oysters (which were excellent), but the rest of the plates were the standouts. The octopus was tender and had a delicious char. The Arctic char was juicy with a wonderfully crisp exterior.
It’s not easy on the wallet (we spent $200 across 2 people). Even for the exquisite quality, I would argue that it’s still slightly overpriced. But if you’re looking for a seafood splurge this is a fantastic option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Icelandic Arctic Char, Spanish Octopus
John Samuelsson
Quaint small seafood restaurant with good food, albeit small menu with no desserts. Reservation for 2 gives you 2 spots at a shared table (not your own table), which is slightly weird if you're bringing a date. Would have been 4/5 stars if it weren't for the fact that a 20% service charge is added to all checks (and a 3% "operations charge"), not just big parties, which removes 1 star.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Stephanie Pintas
Excellent seafood and friendly staff! This is a gem right near Newbury street in back bay. Definitely don’t miss the cauliflower, Spanish octopus and Maine lobster salad. Pair it with their wine list on the back! Plus lovely outside seating through the end of October.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My daughter and I dine once a year at the Select Oyster Bar. It is remarkable that the hostess, bar tenders, wait staff, and support team are all recognizable. That consistency, their friendliness, and of course the food make this a special part of our annual weekend trip to Boston.
Wonderful seafood. Very fresh oysters, excellent swordfish. Only complaint is the seating at the bar is a bit tight. I appreciate it isn't ideal for business but if they removed 3 stools it would make a big difference.
The service was outstanding, and the food was absolutely delicious! As an interior designer, I truly appreciated the thoughtful aesthetics of the space. We enjoyed the lobster salad and the clams with country bread—the chorizo-infused sauce with the clams was incredible. Everything was a treat for the senses!
Raquel Bennesby
Bad food. Extremely weak and lacks flavor. Wouldn't go back, too expensive!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Matan Gibson
The only downside is the lack of draft beer (but the cocktails fully compensate!)
This is one of the gems of the Boston culinary scene. Down to earth to a degree but do not be fooled, the servers and bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you in terms of food and wine. The food is fantastic with an emphasis on fresh seafood and fish, crudos and tartares. The crudo of the day is something to be explored but the yellow tail tartare, which is part of the menu is also amazing. The wine selection is great, with lovely whites, often with less frequent varietals, do not be afraid to try a vermentino or a gruener veltliner with your oysters. Top notch place.
Excellent, attentive service. Cocktails and food were equally wonderful. Appreciated the server's recommendations. Felt very comfortable dining at the bar as a party of one. No one rushed me. Would happily return if I lived in the area.
Select Oyster Bar is one of our all-time local favorites. We have never been disappointed.
I love dining at the Select Oyster Bar, they arguably have the best seafood in the city. The service is also excellent. The only issue I have is the noise level, it gets very loud when busy, especially in the back room. I wish they would try to address it.
The wine list and oysters are top notch. Cory's service is second to none. What a great experience overall.
I recently dined at Select Oyster Bar and had mixed experiences.
First, the seating was a significant drawback. Both the inside and patio areas felt cramped and uncomfortable. The patio seating was particularly tight, and I found myself jostled by the person behind me repeatedly.
As for the food, we ordered the salmon and hamachi crudo, which were just ok.
The blue crab dip was similarly underwhelming. We also shared the Arctic char, which was excessively oily. The blue crab was under-seasoned, while the salmon was over-seasoned, leading to an imbalance.
On a positive note, the oysters were excellent. Overall, while there were some high points, the uncomfortable seating and inconsistent food quality left much to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell
Some of the best seafood I’ve had in Boston. We came here for the oysters (which were excellent), but the rest of the plates were the standouts. The octopus was tender and had a delicious char. The Arctic char was juicy with a wonderfully crisp exterior.
It’s not easy on the wallet (we spent $200 across 2 people). Even for the exquisite quality, I would argue that it’s still slightly overpriced. But if you’re looking for a seafood splurge this is a fantastic option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Icelandic Arctic Char, Spanish Octopus
Quaint small seafood restaurant with good food, albeit small menu with no desserts. Reservation for 2 gives you 2 spots at a shared table (not your own table), which is slightly weird if you're bringing a date. Would have been 4/5 stars if it weren't for the fact that a 20% service charge is added to all checks (and a 3% "operations charge"), not just big parties, which removes 1 star.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Excellent seafood and friendly staff! This is a gem right near Newbury street in back bay. Definitely don’t miss the cauliflower, Spanish octopus and Maine lobster salad. Pair it with their wine list on the back! Plus lovely outside seating through the end of October.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My daughter and I dine once a year at the Select Oyster Bar. It is remarkable that the hostess, bar tenders, wait staff, and support team are all recognizable. That consistency, their friendliness, and of course the food make this a special part of our annual weekend trip to Boston.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful seafood. Very fresh oysters, excellent swordfish. Only complaint is the seating at the bar is a bit tight. I appreciate it isn't ideal for business but if they removed 3 stools it would make a big difference.
The service was outstanding, and the food was absolutely delicious! As an interior designer, I truly appreciated the thoughtful aesthetics of the space. We enjoyed the lobster salad and the clams with country bread—the chorizo-infused sauce with the clams was incredible. Everything was a treat for the senses!
Bad food. Extremely weak and lacks flavor. Wouldn't go back, too expensive!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
The only downside is the lack of draft beer (but the cocktails fully compensate!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It lacks a lot of flavor
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