Select Oyster Bar

The story

Select Oyster Bar, Boston: Michelin-Recommended Mediterranean Seafood

A Neighborhood Spot with a Parisian Soul

Select Oyster Bar opened in April 2015 on the parlor floor of a historic Back Bay townhouse. Chef Michael Serpa, who built his reputation at Neptune Oyster, wanted something different: a place where you could book a table and still get the same high-quality seafood, but with a relaxed, neo-bistro energy inspired by Paris. The result is a 50-seat room of exposed brick, pewter bar, and bare-wood tables—rough-luxe, maritime-tinged, and genuinely welcoming.

Seafood Done Simply, with Mediterranean Roots

The menu is built around the best of the sea, prepared with a light Mediterranean hand. Raw bar highlights local oysters, while crudo, ceviche, and Spanish octopus appear alongside sautéed petit clams and whole roasted sea bream. For those ready to splurge, the seafood towers—from just over $100 to $325—stack oysters, shrimp, lobster, and blue crab salad. Serpa emphasizes local fish, especially for specials written on a chalkboard behind the bar, changing with the seasons. The kitchen’s philosophy is simple: let the quality of the ingredient speak, with seasonal preparations that never overwhelm.

Wine, Cocktails, and the Michelin Touch

The wine program, managed by Serpa himself, focuses on seafood-friendly bottles from the Old and New worlds, with a particular love for Chablis. The cocktails use small-batch artisanal spirits, and the bar menu is designed to complement the ocean-driven food. In 2025, the Michelin Guide recognized Select Oyster Bar as a Recommended restaurant, cementing its place among Boston’s top seafood destinations. The restaurant has also earned multiple Best of Boston awards and praise from Food & Wine, Improper Bostonian, and Conde Nast Traveler, which called it a “pitch perfect neighborhood seafood spot.”

The Dining Experience

Service is knowledgeable but never stuffy, matching the casual vibe. The restaurant welcomes walk-ins and reserves a portion of the space for spontaneous diners, though reservations are available. In summer, the small back patio becomes a sought-after spot. Whether you’re a local from the Back Bay, a shopper from Newbury Street, or a visitor looking for a memorable meal, Select Oyster Bar delivers refined seafood without pretense.