Go with the Flow: The Top 5 Fish Restaurants in Boston

Fish on Fridays, or any day of the week, is easy to find in Boston where the fish are plentiful.  Trying to narrow it down to the top 5 is clearly difficult. With so many ways to prepare the best the ocean has to offer, dining experiences can range from down and dirty butter up to your elbows fun to elegantly prepared fish that melts in your mouth, without any of the mess. Whatever your preference on any given day these top 5 should easily satisfy.

Summer Shack

Feel like heading to Maine for an authentic New England Clambake but just don’t have time for the trip now?  Summer Shack is your near-by solution.  With giant tubs as the centerpiece to their Cambridge location, Summer Shack is pure New England comfort food in simple a simple clean settings from Chef Jasper White. I suggest going for the clambake complete with steamed lobster, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes and chorizo, though the fish specials on the giant chalkboards are often hard to pass up.

Location: 149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Fresh Pond, Cambridge, 617.520.9500, summershacks.com

Legal Sea Foods

Who visits a chain restaurant when money is no object?  Well, while Red Lobster never had a chance of surviving in New England, due to the plentiful availability of fresh fish in the area, Legal’s was born, bred and perfected fresh fish starting right here, first in Cambridge MA. Offering the freshest of fish with just enough to enhance its already incredible flavor is the secret to Legal’s success.  Pair any meal with their always warm rolls and a good martini, and you will be hesitant to leave the pleasant surroundings even after the meal has settled.

Location: 255 State St., Long Wharf (across from the New England Aquarium), Boston, 617.742.5300, legalseafoods.com

The Barking Crab

Take your small craft vessel right up to the dock at The Barking Crab or stroll over by foot for a right on the water cozy experience.  Crab traps stuffed with white holiday lights hang over head. A fire is always sure to be roaring in the indoor dining space during the chilly months, while the outdoor dining expands the dining space in warmer times. The Barking Crab really lets you get into your dining experience.  No pre-cracked shells here. Rocks are provided for shells smashing – a great release for particularly stressful days.

Location: 88 Sleeper St., Fort Point Landing, Boston, 617.426.CRAB barkingcrab.com

Atlantic Fish

If you enjoy seafood but hate the mess, Atlantic Fish is a white linen approach to enjoy the local New England fish and shellfish. With the freshest catch listed atop each menu daily, each trip to Atlantic Fish can be a new adventure of culinary bliss. Pick your fish, pick your favorite preparation (blackened, boiled, fried, pan-seared, grilled, or baked with garlic breadcrumbs) and enjoy fish exactly as you like it.  It is a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences as each dish is created from scratch to your exact specifications.

Location: 761 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston, 617.267.4000, atlanticfishco.com

Kingfish

From the culinary genius of Todd English comes Kingfish Hall in Boston’s biggest tourist hub, Faneuil Hall.  Drawing on local fresh seafood to take on the classics and a few twists of his own, Kingfish Hall is perhaps the greatest dining experience available along this storied cobbled walking strip. After your meal, turn the corner to hop on a horse drawn carriage for a refreshing digestive jaunt.

Location: 188 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, South Market Building, Faneuil Hall, Boston 617.523.8862, toddenglish.com