If you’re in Beantown looking for the best lunch, Long Wharf, Boston, is the place to go.
Jutting out into Boston Harbor, not only is this historic 1700s pier one of the city’s top culinary districts, offering everything from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine, but it’s just a short walk from downtown Boston, the North End neighborhood, and the New England Aquarium.
Located at the base of State Street, Long Wharf was the nucleus of Boston’s maritime trade and remains one of the city’s most well-known wharves today. Known as a home port for many cruise ships and whale watches, as well as rich and historical iconic Boston sites, locals and visitors flock to this area to stroll around the many shops and restaurants and take in waterfront views for a perfect day or evening.
Whether you’re finishing up a Freedom Trail walking tour or you’ve just hopped off a whale-watching cruise with Boston Harbor City Cruises, you’ll find a wide variety of options for a refreshing lunch around the bustling Long Wharf area.
Where can diners find the best classic New England grub near Long Wharf?
Looking for that quintessential harborside Boston seafood joint? You’ll find it at Boston Sail Loft, near the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Restaurant.
It’s impossible to go wrong with the seafood menu, from market-price lobster to a fried fisherman’s platter with scallops, calamari, clams, shrimp, and cod.
But diners absolutely must get a bowl of New England clam chowder. It’s so good and so famous that the restaurant even ships it nationwide. Make sure to send a bowl home to enjoy later. In good weather, the Sail Loft also has a beautiful outdoor dining area. They do not offer reservations, so plan accordingly so that you do not miss out.
What is the most unique lunch experience near Long Wharf?
Serving an incredible lunch buffet with wine, beer, or nonalcoholic drinks, going for a Signature Lunch Cruise is an unparalleled way to experience Boston Harbor.
Dine and sight-see at the same time on a two-hour midday cruise, enjoying unique vantage points of the wharf and Boston skyline, not to mention breathtaking Long Wharf views. During the sailing, you’ll also be treated to live DJ entertainment. Head topside to the open-air lounge for games and relaxation that everyone will enjoy
Which Long Wharf restaurant has the best outdoor seating for views of Boston Harbor?
Weather permitting, the outdoor dining patio area at Legal Sea Foods is a sublime spot to soak up some New England sun, watch ships cruise by, and admire the Boston skyline.
The brand was born in the 1950s with the fish market and grocery store, known as Legal Cash Market, making the name “legal” synonymous with quality and freshness.
Legal Sea Foods is also one of the best places on the wharf for fresh seafood, from a raw bar of just-shucked oysters to crab cakes, grilled fish from salmon to cod, and stuffed lobster tails. There’s nothing better than dining on delicious seafood while gazing out at the exact place it came from.
Fresh air and fresh seafood are an unbeatable combo.
Which Long Wharf restaurant offers the best family-friendly dining experience?
With an easy-going casual atmosphere and ample indoor and outdoor seating with harbor views to distract the little ones, Joe’s Waterfront Restaurant is a great spot for a family lunch.
While adults tuck into hearty New England classics, from local oysters to Maine lobster rolls, fussy kiddos will find plenty to enjoy on the kids’ menu, like chicken tenders and fish & chips.
The chefs prepare a chocolate chip cookie skillet fresh daily that your kids will devour. Not only will the kids love the atmosphere, but your dog will too! Joe’s Waterfront is a pet-friendly restaurant.
Where can diners with food restrictions, sensitivities, and allergies find the best lunch in Long Wharf?
While most restaurants in the area offer vegetarian-friendly menu options and can accommodate food allergies and restrictions, diners with food sensitivities can feel assured dining at Cocobeet.
Located a short walk from Long Wharf in the downtown area, this health food restaurant serves up organic and vegan-friendly salads, smoothies, grain bowls, sandwiches, and much more, whether you’re looking for a full meal or a light snack.
What’s the best restaurant for an upscale lunch around Long Wharf?
Both situated on Long Wharf itself, Chart House and Waterline are two lovely places for a fancy lunch experience.
Located inside the Boston Marriott Long Wharf, Waterline tempts patrons with a sophisticated, contemporary environment and menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and excellent craft cocktails.
Seafood staples like clam chowder and a buttery lobster roll are just part of the appeal of dining at Chart House. Just steps from Boston Harbor, with indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the oldest surviving structure on the wharf, providing diners with an atmosphere of rustic charm, courtesy of its warm red bricks, soaring ceilings, and waterfront location. After a delicious meal, take advantage of all there is to see and do just a short distance away from this legendary locale.
What’s the best Long Wharf lunch spot for those on a budget?
Housed inside the historic Faneuil Hall marketplace and shopping center, Quincy Market is the best option for diners searching for a budget-friendly lunch near Long Wharf.
With dozens of restaurants, food stalls, and eateries to choose from around Quincy Market, diners can grab affordable but delicious meals, such as New England clam chowder from Boston Chowda Co., sandwiches from Boston Kitchen, baked goods like calzones from North End Bakery, and much more.
Discover Long Wharf, Boston, through its dining scene
From historic walking tours to museums and galleries, there are so many ways to explore Beantown. But eating your way through the city’s finest dining experiences—especially those close to the most popular tourist areas, like North End and downtown—is another must-do.
Original post date: December 13, 2022
