Select Oyster Bar

Select Oyster Bar is a seafood-focused neighborhood restaurant set inside a Back Bay townhouse. Its atmosphere combines the informality of a bistro with a polished, maritime-leaning interior, including exposed brick, bare wood tables and a pewter bar. The setting suits casual lunches, relaxed dinners, date nights and meals built around drinks and shared plates.

The menu centers on the raw bar, with local oysters joined by crudo, ceviche and other chilled seafood. The kitchen also works with local shellfish, Spanish octopus and fish prepared according to the season. Cooking remains relatively simple, allowing the quality and character of the seafood to lead rather than relying on heavy sauces or elaborate presentation.

Guests looking for a more substantial meal can find cooked seafood alongside the raw offerings, including whole fish and warm shellfish preparations. Seafood towers provide a larger format for groups or occasions that call for a spread, bringing together selections such as oysters, shrimp, lobster and crab salad. The menu's European influence gives the restaurant a distinct bistro character while keeping the focus firmly on the sea.

The wine program is designed around seafood-friendly bottles, with French and American selections, dry Riesling, Spanish whites, Pinot Noir and a notable focus on Chablis. Cocktails are made with small-batch artisanal spirits. Together, the food, wine and room create an easygoing setting that can accommodate a quick neighborhood meal, a leisurely lunch or a more celebratory dinner without becoming formal.

Located on Gloucester Street, the restaurant offers a compact Back Bay dining experience with a strong emphasis on freshness, seasonality and straightforward preparation. It is particularly suited to diners who enjoy oysters, raw-bar selections and carefully handled seafood in a relaxed townhouse setting.