Legal Sea Foods

With more than two dozen locations of this fresh-fish heavyweight in the Boston area, it’s not hard to find great seafood in the Hub. The Legal Crossing outpost (pictured) is centrally located in proximity to Downtown Crossing and the Theatre District and features a menu that brings together some of the best dishes from all the company’s restaurants with more unique, exotic fare.

558 Washington St., 617-692-8888 and various locations, legalseafoods.com

Porto

The seasonally changing menu at Jody Adams’ swank, Mediterranean-inspired Back Bay restaurant combines regional seafood with European flair.

Ring Road, 617-536-1234, porto-boston.com

Island Creek Oyster Bar

A Fenway favorite, this sleek, modern dining room features fresh bivalves from across North America, as well as highly creative takes on traditional dishes. 

500 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-5300, islandcreekoysterbar.com

The Barking Crab

The iconic red-and-yellow tent at this Fort Point Channel clam shack houses seasonal dining, while an indoor space features a fireplace for cooler months. It’s the no-frills seafood that packs diners in year-round, though.

88 Sleeper St., 617-426-CRAB, barkingcrab.com

Ye Olde Union Oyster House 

The oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country, Union Oyster House is a virtual museum as well as a welcome respite for seafood lovers along the Freedom Trail. Enjoy oysters at the same bar that Daniel Webster frequented or sit in JFK’s favorite booth while supping on classic New England fare like broiled scrod, clam chowder and steamers. 

41 Union St., 617-227-2750, unionoysterhouse.com

Atlantic Fish Company

The daily changing menu at this longtime Back Bay haunt ensures only the freshest local catch lands on its tables. 

761 Boylston St., 617-267-4000, atlanticfishco.com

Saltie Girl

A relative newcomer to the Back Bay scene, this award-winning hot spot specializes in a wide variety of tinned fish from around the world. 

281 Dartmouth St., 617-267-0691, saltiegirl.com

Select Oyster Bar 

Chef Michael Serpa’s acclaimed Back Bay bistro boasts raw fish galore, from oysters and tuna tartare to ceviche and crudo. 

50 Gloucester St., 857-239-8064, selectboston.com

Jasper White’s Summer Shack

A top Back Bay destination for old-school, New England-style seafood, Summer Shack is a popular spot for its oysters, clambakes and Chef White’s famous pan-roasted lobster. 

50 Dalton St., 617-867-9955, summershackrestaurant.com

B&G Oysters 

Super-chef Barbara Lynch’s South End oyster bar is a cozy yet lively locale ideal for savoring a lobster roll and a glass of wine in a friendly setting. There’s even a tucked-away outdoor patio for warm-weather dining (which nowadays, may last into December). 

550 Tremont St., 617-423-0550, bandgoysters.com