By Courtney Hollands
Boston has long been synonymous with seafood, and its top-notch restaurants bolster that briny reputation. It’s no coincidence that the country’s oldest continually operating restaurant–the Union Oyster House, slinging bivalves on the half shell since the early 19th century–is located there. But recently, a spate of fresh seafood-centric restaurants has opened around the Bay State capital with exciting options that go beyond cod and clams. “There are some amazing species caught in and around New England that you just never saw that much of, but now you see them,” says Jeremy Sewall, chef/owner of Boston’s Row 34, Island Creek Oyster Bar and Lineage (think striper, black sea bass, fluke, bluefish). To wit: Oysters are now “on every level of restaurant menu, from the finest dining to local pubs,” he adds. All of this is good news for fish fiends, who now have more dining options than ever, from lobster shacks to upmarket bistros. Here are five standouts to suit any piscatorial palate.
2. For Seafood with an Italian Accent
Bar Mezzana
Less than two months ago, Boston’s South End said ciao to this hotly anticipated eatery from Colin Lynch, formerly the executive chef of Barbara Lynch’s esteemed restaurant empire (Menton, No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, et al). The menu, billed as “coastal Italian,” features locally and internationally sourced seafood aplenty; see mains (halibut with basil, cauliflower and almonds) and homemade pastas (lick-the-bowl-good spaghetti with crab, sea urchin and chili). As part of the trendy Ink Block development, the light-filled space, washed in cobalt blue with Aperol orange accents, is a chic setting for pairing Prosciutto di Parma and the ever-changing crudo lineup with wines from the Boot; even better, take it outside to the 34-seat patio. Barmezzana.com
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