The best lobster rolls in Boston

For anyone who approaches lobster rolls with a “go big or go home” mentality, Pauli’s is the place for you. This North End sandwich shop is the home of the USS Lobstitution, a behemoth of a sandwich brimming with 25 whole ounces of knuckle and claw meat. If that boatload of food is simply too much for you to handle, Pauli’s also offers more manageable portions: a roll that weighs in at 7 ounces and a sub that’s 14 ounces. 

Simple and straightforward, Lobstah on a Roll specializes in just that. Both its Back Bay and South End locations allow folks to choose from three sizes of rolls: the 4-oz Bostonian, the 6-oz Standahd or the Two if by Sea, which crams a whole 12 ounces of sweet meat into a standard issue bun. If you’re visiting with friends, go for the Big Papi, a four-pack of the Standahd rolls. And for anyone in the market for a party sub-sized lobster roll, this eatery’s catering arm can do seafood sandwiches so big that they can feed up to 50 people.

At Row 34, the lobster rolls are just like what chef/owner Jeremy Sewall’s grandmother, Ethel, used to make. While the creamy, cold version of this classic is a must, especially for nostalgia's sake, the Seaport spot also serves the even more sinful warm roll. Grab the latter and you'll get a griddled roll packed with sweet lobster meat that's simply been dressed in melted butter and salt.

Boston’s newest seafood spot, launched by the team behind local institutions Bistro du Midi and Grill 23, offers their roll hot or cold on a brown butter bun. Topped with sea salt and chives, and paired with Old Bay potato chips, this version tastes like summer on a plate.

From their humble beginnings in a shack in Eastie, to their current sprawling waterfront spot in Winthrop, Belle Isle has consistently served an excellent, half-pound lobster roll. Dressed with a hint of mayo and a nice crunch of lettuce, it’s served on a griddled bun and comes with your choice of sides. Take a big bite while you enjoy the Boston skyline. It’s cash only, but they do have an ATM on site.

If you’re going to splurge on one of these sandwiches, why not go straight to the source? Luke’s Lobsters is a family-owned seafood business that was founded by third-generation lobsterman, Luke Holden, and sustainably sources these crustaceans from the waters of Maine. There are three storefronts throughout the city, each serving 4- or 6-ounces of fresh lobster meat stuffed into a regular, truffle butter or pesto roll.

North End favorite Neptune Oyster is exemplary in its East Coast seafood preparations. Neptune’s lobster roll is one of the most celebrated, available either hot with butter, or cold with mayo, both served on a toasted brioche roll. Given that this tiny eatery is located in one of the busiest neighborhoods in town, you can expect a wait out the door for a marble-topped table or a seat at the bar.

This North End spot’s roll is probably a little bit of a sleeper, but it stands above others because it’s served (hot or cold) on a freshly baked brioche roll from Bricco Panetteria. Paired with rosemary fries—and, if you’re lucky, a seat on the patio— it’s an unforgettable take.

This James Beard Award-winning, Portland-based restaurant is famous for its brown butter lobster roll. This singular treat features a bao-like bun, which soaks up all of the delicious dressing while perfectly complimenting the sweet Maine lobster meat. Since it opened its Fenway location, Eventide has been luring in gourmands to sample its unique take on the classic sandwich.

For eaters who might claim that they’ve tried it all when it comes to seafood, they might stand corrected, thanks to Saltie Girl. This Back Bay establishment always finds a way to reinvigorate the oceanic classics—and that includes its warm lobster roll, which is topped with beurre blanc and lobster roe. For those unbearably hot summer days, there’s also a refreshing cold version, kissed with mayo.

Head to this Seaport mainstay for lobster rolls, fried clams, steamers, chowder and other classic seafood shack dishes. You'll find the classic hot and cold lobster rolls, but what really sets this place apart is its fried version. That's right, the kitchen fries pieces of fresh lobster and serves it on a bun. Purists may cringe at the thought, but more for you?

This no-frills seafood shack ships 50,000 pounds of lobster to restaurants and wholesale distributors around the country each day, so you know it's product is fresh and delicious. Served on a buttery roll and overflowing with meat, its lobster roll has just the right amount of mayo and seasonings. 

As the flagship location within the Legal Sea Foods empire, Legal Harborside offers three floors of different dining experiences, all with sweeping views of Boston Harbor. Grab a waterfront table out back and get your hands on a traditional warm or cold roll. As with all of Legal’s dishes, the seafood is remarkably fresh.

Boston’s best seafood restaurants serve fresh, local fish in a variety of preparations, from freshly shucked oysters and creamy clam chowder to delicate crudo. Some restaurants focus on traditional New England recipes, while others prepare their seafood with Italian or Mediterranean influences.