Seafood restaurants in Boston are aplenty, so finding out that stands out is never a challenge. One of our favorites is The Oceanaire Seafood Room near Government Center.
The former US Trust Bank was converted six years ago to a beautiful restaurant with high ornate white ceilings, a massive illuminated raw bar with a menu that changes daily. An after-work crowd flocks here for the creative cocktails while diners come for daily specials that include dishes like grilled Alaskan halibut or tequila shrimp ceviche served with chili dusted tortilla chips.
We recently visited the Boston location and enjoyed the seared swordfish topped with crabmeat. Any dinner here would be remiss without a sampling of their decadently rich baked macaroni and cheese made with parmesan, asiago and fontina cheeses. Be sure to pair it up with a bottle of wine from their illuminated collection on display behind the bar.
The restaurant offers a variety of local specialties, including baked Gloucester haddock, seared Massachusetts flounder, Wellfleet oysters and New Bedford sea scallops. Icelandic Arctic char, yellowfin tuna from Trinidad and Bay of Fundy salmon can all be prepared grilled, seared or broiled. There is even a steakhouse collection, which includes everything from a six-ounce tender filet mignon to an enormous 20-ounce perfectly marbleized bone-in ribeye. Sides are a la carte and are large enough to share between two guests.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room is located at 40 Court Street in Boston. For more information, call (617) 742-2277 or visit them online at http://www.theoceanaire.com.