Ostra

We LOVED this place. Easily one of the best restaurants in Boston. Every single dish was outstanding, and each one felt special. Everyone at our table had a different favorite—from the Ricotta Gnocchetti, Grilled Spanish Octopus, and Roasted Local Monkfish “Saddle” to the Simply Broiled Branzino. At the end of the meal, they served us complimentary chocolate pralines and hot water infused with Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), which was a lovely touch. The staff was incredibly warm and attentive throughout the night. One especially memorable moment: when we arrived, we were thrilled to discover they had a potted Aloysia citriodora plant, which we had been searching for all over Boston with no luck. The chef generously offered it to us as a gift—it truly made our night! Highly recommended. Delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and excellent service. A perfect evening.

A great place to get engaged...so we did! What a great restaurant! We had the calamari and risotto dishes as appetizers. Both were excellent. The calamari had melt in your mouth breading. For our main course we shared the paella. It was not only perfect for sharing, but perfectly done. Dessert was extra special (see pictures)! The staff was very attentive. Thanks to Justin for being an excellent server.

Tasty and amazing restaurant! Didn't take as much photos since I just wanted to enjoy the meal and wasn't planning to write a review. But this place blew me. Everything was delicious and there was so much attention to detail, from chef and staff. Would highly recommend the Salt Crust Branzino and Paella. Definitely want to bring my family to dine here next time!

Ostra was a delicious dinner! Started with the crisp snow pea salad that had a nice light lemon vinaigrette. The salt crusted branzino fish had a pretty presentation and table cut by the server. The fish had a lemon olive oil with herbs was really good paired with veggies. Didn’t need to add the side of broccoli with pine nuts and chilies but glad try it. Would go back!

This was a beautiful restaurant with great atmosphere! The details in the decor are stunning with ocean design. The open kitchen is surrounded by small planters of fresh herbs and polished pans hanging above. The table setting is so impressive. The staff are friendly, professional and attentive. Definitely make a reservation beforehand. It was full on a normal Wednesday night. It did get loud as it filled up. The food was outstanding. The portions were excellent. Even the warm bread served with butter and olive oil was exceptional. I ordered steak in a seafood restaurant and it was cooked and presented better than a lot of steak houses I’ve eaten at. I would highly recommend everything about this little gem.

If you love SPECTACULAR food then look no further. I’m VERY strict with my food ratings but this place has a 10/10 PERFECT dessert, the apple tart. I’ve only given 2 10/10 in my life and 1 of them goes to their desert. Order anything, everything has multilayer depth of flavor, and that’s a promise. Join me in tracking down the best bites!

This is the kind of place you want to give 6 stars! Impeccable service, beautiful and delicious food, with great drinks and extensive wine list. The atmosphere is perfectly curated. Everything here is thoughtful and well done. We only had two nights in town and I am thankful I have them one of the evenings!

Phenomenal restaurant. The food was amazing. Definitely recommend the salt crusted branzino. The carpaccio was also one of the best I’ve ever had. The only reason the food isn’t a 5 is because we had a smoked fish appetizer and it was over smoked and basically had no taste.

This was probably the best service I’ve received in my life. It was so seamless and easy. From the seating to the flow of the courses, nothing was off mark. My friend and I went in to celebrate my birthday and they had a little note with my name on it on the table when we arrived. Better yet, we were seated in a corner booth area so both my friend and I had space to put our bags down. The ambiance was great and I can only describe it as being somehow both not too dim and not too bright. We came here for the salt crusted branzino which has a 50 minute wait time, but we were enjoying ourselves so much that we were surprised by how quickly the branzino arrived. 10/10 experience and I don’t know how I’m going to be able to enjoy any other restaurant now that Ostra has set the bar.

Fantastic waitstaff at the bar! Very attentive and personable. I dined here before a performance at the Boch Center. I had the Malbec by the glass. Great selection! The owners of Ostra know the owners of the vineyard in Mendoza. The branzino was cooked to perfection. The broccolini was good too. The lemon snow egg dessert was delicious. I will return here again and again. Perfect dining experience before a performance at the Wilbur, Boch, or Emerson theaters. I had the seafood stew today. It was amazing. It had a lot of flavors in the broth and the swordfish, shrimp and other fish were amazing.

This guys deserve 5 stars! Food, hospitality was amazing 10/10. Our server Chris was really amazing and took care all the time about my mushroom allergy! I never had an amazing care like that! Best gnochetti with lobster and the best Ribye that I never had! I’m a Chef and really “pic” so I can tell….. I’ll come back for sure! Tks so much “Ostra Restaurant Boston”

This was our second Valentine’s Day at Ostra and at this point it might just be a yearly tradition. The vibe is exactly what you want for the night. Dim lighting, candles everywhere, lively but still intimate enough to enjoy your conversation. It feels special without being over the top. We started with oysters which were super fresh and a great way to kick things off. The Chestnut Cavatelli with braised wagyu beef cheeks was the highlight of the meal. Rich, comforting, and the kind of pasta you don’t want to share. We also grabbed shishito peppers in between courses which worked perfectly as a palate reset. Steak came out cooked perfectly and the plate felt thoughtful without trying too hard. Nothing overly complicated, just really well executed food. Service was smooth and paced well even on a packed Valentine’s Day night, which says a lot. Overall Ostra just does date night right. Great energy, great food, and a place that actually feels worth going back to for special occasions. We’ll definitely be keeping the tradition going next year.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Food, Exceptional Leadership The food at OSTRA was truly delicious. The Boston lobster for $135 was absolutely worth it — so much sweet, generous meat. But the real surprise star was the gnocchi with truffle — rich, aromatic, and perfectly executed. Service was excellent, especially from JJ (Juan), who took great care of us throughout the meal. What really impressed me, however, was Trevor. He came over personally to congratulate us on our honeymoon and surprised us with a complimentary dessert. Later, I noticed he was doing the same for many other tables — greeting guests, making everyone feel welcome, helping serve, and even pouring wine himself. That level of hands-on involvement says a lot. When I asked JJ, I learned Trevor is actually the General Manager. That was truly impressive. This is what real leadership looks like — present, humble, and service-driven. Management should pay close attention — he’s a keeper and deserves recognition (and a raise). We will definitely be back.

We made a reservation after an event at Wang Theater. We ordered Grilled Spanish Octopus - $32 (Lemon, Olive Oil, Crispy Salt Capers, Raw Sweet Vidalias). It was very good and fresh. We had a Tagliatelle with white truffle $100. It was delicious - but the serving size is too small for the price. We also ordered the Salt Crust Branzino $150 (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon, Snipped Herbs, Seasonal Accompaniments For Two… Please Allow 50 minutes). Mushroom and seasonal veggies. The fish was excellent, but the lemon flavor overpowered the flavor of the branzino fish. Regardless, it was very good! The bread was warm and delicious. Overall Rating: 5 Environment: Very clean, inviting, quiet We highly recommend it! Make a reservation because it gets busy. All staff members were excellent. Very attentive and prompt.

Solid seafood in a clean, modern setting. I had a great time here. The oysters are incredibly fresh and clean, which is a big plus. Their paella is also a standout — rich, flavorful, and highly recommended. The monkfish, however, is just okay; pretty average and nothing particularly memorable. I’m not sure if they still offer the seabass tartare, but it used to be quite good. As for the desserts, they look impressive, but the taste is just average. By the way, we mentioned that we wanted to share everything, and they actually split almost every dish into two portions for us — which is much sweet. Big big plus.

10/10! Such a delightful experience for valentine’s day. Our server Chris made everything so perfect for us. He took care of all our dietary restrictions. Thank you so much, Ostra and Chris!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this fine dining restaurant, and overall, it was a memorable experience. The food is absolutely terrific—beautifully presented, thoughtfully crafted, and bursting with flavor. Every dish showcased a high level of culinary skill and attention to detail, making it well worth savoring. However, one thing to note is the wait time. We had to wait approximately 40 to 50 minutes before the food is served, which was longer than expected for a place of this caliber. While the ambiance and service helped make the wait more tolerable, it's something to keep in mind if you're planning to visit during peak hours. That said, once food is served, the experience truly shines. If you're a food lover with a bit of patience, this restaurant is definitely worth the visit.

I have walked past Ostra 100 times and never thought to go in. That was a mistake. This is now one of my favorite restaurants in Boston and easily the first place I would bring anyone visiting the city. We started with oysters 5/5 and razor clams 5/5. Both were incredibly fresh, clean, and thoughtfully prepared. The ricotta gnocchetti followed and was an easy 5/5. Rich, balanced, and comforting without feeling heavy. For mains, the monkfish 5/5 and sea bream 5/5 were outstanding. Both were cooked perfectly and showcased how precise and confident the kitchen is. Dessert sealed it. The panna cotta 5/5 was light and elegant, and the warm chocolate tart 5/5 was exactly what you want to end a great meal. A crisp glass of Chablis 5/5 tied everything together perfectly. The service matched the food. I do not remember our server’s name, but he was excellent. Attentive, calm, and genuinely cared about the experience. Even on a busy night, the entire team worked seamlessly together. The GM, Trevor, stopped by and was truly hospitable. Nothing felt forced. We were there to celebrate walking into 2026, and Ostra helped make it memorable. It is hard to build a great team, and even harder to sustain one, and Ostra has clearly figured it out. I cannot believe it took me this long to come here. I will absolutely be back.

Went for a date night dinner and the staff were so kind and attentive. They even split our entrées for us which made everything feel seamless. FRESH BREAD Complimentary, topped with fried onions and served with butter in olive oil. Warm and fragrant. OSSETRA CAVIAR Served with house brioche, blinis, shaved eggs, onions, and basil. Luxurious and perfectly balanced. GRILLED SPANISH OCTOPUS Lemon, olive oil, crispy salt capers, raw sweet Vidalias. Tender with a beautiful char. SAFFRON TAGLIATELLE Maine lobster, beech mushrooms, black truffle. Silky, aromatic, and rich. PRIME SIRLOIN Served with pommes purée, hen of the woods mushrooms, roasted heirloom carrots, sweet potato, cipollini onions, broccolini, vin cotto, and maitre d’hôtel butter. Every side was incredible. BROILED TWIN MAINE LOBSTER Three pounds, with hen of the woods mushrooms, Yukon potatoes, celeriac espuma, drawn butter, and lemon. Sweet, perfectly cooked, and decadent. CHOCOLATE TORTE Molten center with decadent whipped cream. COMPLIMENTARY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES Rich smooth and the perfect final bite. Such a thoughtful touch to end an already amazing dinner. Such an unforgettable dinner from start to finish! Highly recommend for a fancy dinner.

Great atmosphere in the heart of Boston. Excellent service. Sea bass tartare is a must order for the appetizer. Can't go wrong with any of the seafood. I personally really like the sea crusted branzino and the monkfish.

The food was amazing. Everyone loved their plates. The service was excellent. They went above and beyond to get us out in time for our show. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. We will definitely be back

Ostra delivers an exceptional dining experience in Boston. The raw appetizers were fresh and beautifully presented, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal. The truffle gnocchi was indulgent and perfectly balanced, while the salted branzino for two (to three) people was a true showstopper as it was flavorful, tender, and expertly prepared. A must-visit for anyone seeking refined seafood and impeccable service.

The BEST SERVICE EVER! It was such an amazing experience. The food was really a beautiful tasting journey and the service was incredible. So many servers, very friendly, passionate about the menu. We learned about the history of the restaurant. We had raw fish, lobster pasta and paella and finished with lava cake! Wow!!! We will be back!!! The most interesting part of the night was watching the chef who made certain that every dish was perfect’ And it really was!!!!!

Our dinner at Ostra was sensational. It was slightly difficult to locate their entrance, but once inside we were warmly greeted by the host and a elegant aesthetic. For our appetizers, we ordered fried calamari, truffle fries, and sweet corn (which was exceptionally delicious). Our main entrees consisted of the Salt Crusted Branzino and Roasted Cornish Game Hens, both were fantastic but the Branzino was most impressive. Perhaps the most impactful experience of the night was our desert, the "Snow Egg"; I struggle to find words that best describe this dish, but it was textured, flavorful, and quite unique. Overall, our meal and experience was worth every penny. Give this place a Michelin Star ⭐

What a meal! While in town for a brief weekend, I looked on Open Table for a seafood restaurant with available times. This place did not disappoint. There was not a single wrong note, each plate and bite only building upon the last. The plates are simple and clean, but the flavors are outstanding. This is one not to miss while in the city.

Ostra is great food, good service in a visually pleasing environment. Good cocktails and fantastic wine service. Spaghetti Alle Vongole was a standout pasta.

My business partner and I dined here this past Friday. The space is quite beautiful and modern. Exquisitely clean looking. Our server, Chris, was fantastic. He read our minds as to what to order and how we wanted to split 2 main dishes in order to sample both. I’ve eaten seafood at some of the top restaurants in the world including Le Bernadine and Marea as well as many top sushi restaurants like Masa. We ordered the hamachi appetizer, lobster and halibut special. All 3 seafood dishes were perfect in every way. Probably the best lobster preparation I’ve ever had. The halibut was cooked perfectly.

Great dining experience! Everything we ordered was amazing - tasty and temperature appropriate. The wait staff is wonderful - attentive, but not hovering. The bread is to die for and served with a pretty pad of butter in oil - something for everyone! The noise level was energetic, which surprised me early on a Monday night. Had to do some repeating to be heard.

Just a flawless experience from start to finish. Asked for some changes to one dish (not allergies, just preferences) - no problem! Wait staff was friendly, prompt, and helpful. Food was exceptional! Decor was attractive but not obtrusive. Can't wait to go back!

An expensive restaurant by most standards but the environment, service and food all are of a professional and high quality. The sea bream I had – deboned, wrapped in trevisano leaves, grilled and reassembled – was particularly delicious and memorable. All interactions with staff were professional and positive.

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the restaurant Ostra in Boston MA, USA. A seafood-focused restaurant where we celebrated my birthday dinner. We started with the lobster pasta, served with a nicely seasoned sauce. The pasta itself was good, though we would have appreciated a slightly more generous portion of lobster compared to the pasta and mushrooms. The lobster pieces were of good quality, just not very abundant — understandable given market prices, but still leaving us wishing for a bit more seafood. Next, we had the monkfish with mushrooms, which was well cooked, though the seasoning was a touch too strong for my taste; a more delicate balance would have made the dish shine even more. For dessert, the restaurant surprised me with a birthday inscription and a small candle — a very thoughtful gesture. Interestingly, the dessert turned out to be the highlight of the evening: simple, well-executed, and delicious. The service was friendly and efficient, and the setting is charming, with high ceilings and well-spaced tables that provide a pleasant sense of privacy. Overall, a nice seafood restaurant with attentive service and an attractive dining room.

I wish I could give Ostra 5 ⭐️ for food. Everything tasted great, the entrees are very good, the paella’s fantastic but the crudos/tartars and the 1st course portions are so small you can barely share them for a table of 2 and it’s a bit over priced. We started with the Tuna Tartar, salmon tartar and snow pea salad. Very tasty but barely big enough to share. For 30$ there should be enough to share 2-3 people. For entrees we tried the grilled sea bream, paella and prime sirloin. All very good We finished with the blueberry tart. Again very tasty but barely big enough for 2 people to share.

Service is 5 stars. Food is good. Must try: RicottaGnocchetti Maine Lobster, Salmon Tartare and Hamachi Crudo.

We booked dinner at Ostra for my dad’s birthday, as we were going to a show after at the Emerson Colonial Theater. In terms of convenience this restaurant was great (only 5 minute walk to the theater). However I would argue that this restaurant’s quality does not match its price point. My meal was good- solid even. However, it wasn’t perfect. A few pieces of our calamari tasted “off” - perhaps a few old pieces of squid were used. Additionally, some of the servings were particularly small for their price point. This may seem nit-picky but for a restaurant selling mains for $50+ I think it’s reasonable to expect the highest level of excellence for our meal. That being said it was still a great meal and we enjoyed ourselves! Additionally our server was incredibly kind and provided great service!

We really enjoyed the meal and here are the pros and cons. First, let's get service out of the way - impeccable. Really. Book with time to spare though as things moved slowly and it wasn't particularly crowded. Atmosphere was very good, it is extremely clean and high-end, but for me a tiny bit antiseptically stuffy. Most important the food, this was a bit of a crap-shoot as we ordered a large variety of entrees and first plates. Oysters were fantastic, but the fixins need help. We had two dozen and were brought two small lemon wedges for all (easily and quickly fixed). The cocktail sauce was a large container of ketchup with barely any horseradish. I like it 50-50 so this was a miss for me to have 5 or 6 tablespoons of ketchup with a tiny dollop of horseradish for mixing (excellent presentation though). Paella was just not good. Rice wasn't crunchy on both of the 2 entrees the 4 of us had, too salty, and some very odd overpowering herb taste we couldn't get a finger on. Highlights were the gnochetti, the salmon crudo that came in a lil smoker pot, oh my god that was great, the grilled octopus and the calamari (masterfully breaded, not heavy fried taste). A couple others were fine and the paella was the only real disappointment. Enjoy!

Ostra delivers a polished, confident seafood experience that largely lives up to its luxury positioning. The food is refined and well-executed. Raw bar and crudo preparations are clean and precise, cooked seafood shows solid technique, and sauces are balanced without masking the product. The kitchen favors elegance over experimentation, which works in its favor; dishes arrive composed, legible, and consistent. While the menu rarely surprises, it reliably satisfies, and the quality of sourcing is evident throughout. Service is professional and well-paced, operating with a level of formality appropriate to the room. Staff are knowledgeable and attentive, transitions are smooth, and the dining experience feels controlled even at volume. It may not reach the warmth or intuition of the very best dining rooms, but it delivers assurance and polish. The space reinforces the experience. The dining room is glamorous without being chaotic, energetic without tipping into distraction. It feels like a place designed for occasion dining, and it succeeds on those terms. Ostra earns four stars through consistency and refinement. It may not redefine seafood dining in Boston, but it executes its vision with confidence, making it a dependable destination for polished, upscale dining.

This place has beautiful decor and the food was fantastic! The service could use some improvement tho. The service felt very rushed and the staff the cleaned our table so very fast we thought they were going to drop plates and food on us. We were also disappointed to find out the kitchen closed at 9pm on Thursday evening (“Friday Junior”) even though we waited 20 minutes to even get any kind of service.

The food was ok, but there’s room for improvement in the service. I ordered the Bronzino and pasta alla vagon, which came to $60. We were shocked. The waiter kindly suggested that I upgrade from the smaller portion to a slightly larger one. However, he didn’t disclose the price, and we assumed it would be around $45, considering the smaller portion was $30. I believe the wait staff should have informed me about the price beforehand, as I might have opted for a steak instead. Regrettably, this experience has left me with a negative impression, and I won’t be returning to this restaurant.

Service is a lost art. Not to sound snobby but had to ask for simple condiments multiple times. Everything took a good amount of time to come. Atmosphere is great tho.

I ordered the whole bronzino—the most premium dish on the menu—specifically because it’s traditionally baked under a thick salt crust for nearly an hour and presented whole. I was excited for the experience. The server brought the beautiful fish to the table and even asked if we wanted to take a photo, which we did. But then she took it away and returned with only a few flakes on a plate, explaining that they “don’t leave the whole fish.” I was honestly shocked. What is the point of ordering a whole fish for $150 if it never actually comes to the table? When I asked for the rest of the fish, I was told it had already been thrown away. Such a disappointing waste—of the dish, of the experience, and of our time. We left and ended up ordering Pad Thai through Uber Eats back at the hotel. Definitely not returning to Ostra.