The city of Boston is a hub for renowned cultural facilities, some of the best educational institutions in the world and American history. Historical attractions include the Boston Common, Paul Revere House and USS Constitution just to name a few. There are a host of museums that includes something for everyone, including the Boston Children's Museum and the French Library and Cultural Center. Boston is well-known for its diverse restaurant scene, especially its acclaimed seafood establishments.
The Union Oyster House opened its doors in 1826 and claims to be America's oldest restaurant. The building is a designated national historic landmark and dates back over 250 years. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner that includes appetizers such as mussels cooked Basque style and steamers in natural broth. Stews and chowders feature onion soup gratinee, crock of oyster stew and clam chowder. Fresh shellfish dishes, like native oyster, Cape Cod littlenecks and baked stuffed cherrystones are always served in season with the restaurant's signature cocktail sauce. There are several fried, grilled and broiled options, such as the butterfly shrimp, fresh salmon filet and native swordfish. A host of specialty dishes, shore dinners, plus meat and poultry options like Cajun-style chicken breast and pan-seared pork chop also are available. A small children's menu is offered, plus a wide selection of desserts and international coffees round out the menu.
Union Oyster House
41 Union St.
Boston, MA 02108-2494
617-227-2750
unionoysterhouse.com
The Sel de la Terre restaurant is located in the Back Bay community and is the newest of its three Boston locations. A contemporary establishment, Sel de la Terre prepares signature French-Provencal country cuisine with a rustic flare. The restaurant features a lunch and dinner menu that includes specialties like foie gras parfait and foie gras pastrami, and starters such as eggplant and goat cheese puree with walnuts. First course dishes include grilled flatbread, smoked chicken, apples, caramelized onions and brie or endive, radicchio, minneolas, candied almonds and dried fruits with truffle vinaigrette. Main course options feature dishes likes sautéed veal paillard, andouille sausage, Meyer lemon risotto and hazelnuts, and Scottish salmon, beet gratin, poached pear and honey vinaigrette. Side dishes include roasted potatoes and chickpea frites. A diverse dessert list offers unique creations like citrus-passion fruit meringue tart with bruleed blood orange and passion fruit coulis. A less-ambitious children's menu also is available, as well as an assortment of lighter fare from the restaurant bar.
Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02199
617-266-8800
seldelaterre.com
This Legal Sea Foods restaurant, located in the Long Wharf section of Boston, offers a chic and stylish dining experience. A lunch and dinner menu, plus a gluten-free menu, feature an array of seafood specialties like wood-grilled tuna, Mahi Mahi or rainbow trout. Classic dinner options include fish and chips, shrimp and garlic and Anna's baked Boston scrod. A large selection of side dishes and a modest list of chowders, soups and salads are offered. Signature dishes are the surf and turf, which includes an 8 oz. filet with béarnaise butter, choice of two side dishes, plus choice of three double stuffed baked shrimp, grilled shrimp and scallops or steamed lobster. Other dinner options include the fried fisherman's platter, a filet mignon and the lighter vegetarian box with Asian-flavored vegetables, Thai coconut sauce, cashews, tofu and brown rice with shrimp or scallops. Specialty lobster and other seafood dishes, like red onion jam swordfish and steamed jumbo snow crab legs round out this inspired menu. A dessert and children's menu also are available, as well as takeout options.
Legal Sea Foods
255 State St.
Boston, MA 02109
617-742-5300
legalseafoods.com
