Restaurant review: B&G Oysters

In 2003 Barbara Lynch opened B&G Oysters in what previously had been a casual creperie, which I loved called Le Gamin – referred to by residents as Le Gay Man. While I loved Le Gay Man, it is hard to begrudge Barbara Lynch for opening B&G Oysters.  Its impressive that a dozen years later B&G Oysters remains the best option for seafood in this neighborhood.  Simply put, nobody comes even close and on a recent visit I was reminded all over again how much I like this tiny restaurant with the chic back patio. Upon entering I was greeted by the friendly host, Randy, who talked up the menu when I asked for his favorite selections and then I was well taken care of at the bar by my attentive server, Mark.

B&G Oysters entrees (which are exclusively seafood) range in price from $26 to whatever the market bears for one of the best (and most expensive) lobster rolls in Boston.  Before I start a meal here I always order fresh oysters so on this visit I asked for a half dozen bivalves from both the East and West Coast. I don’t pretend to be an aficionado on oysters so I explained what I wanted and Mark accommodated me perfectly with his selection.  By the time I was done, my beer was half gone and I felt like I could taste the ocean on my lips – what a perfect start for dinner in Boston on a warm summer night.

I followed the oysters with the East Coast Halibut that is baked in parchment with a saffron broth that includes fennel, cherry tomatoes and green olives with plenty of fresh herbs. The plate was served steaming – I had just watched the chef snip open the parchment after pulling it from the oven – and the presentation was only matched by the aroma. The halibut was cooked to perfection, nicely bathed in the buttery, saffron broth, that I repeatedly dipped with my French bread. If you love Mediterranean cuisine like me, this is heaven on a plate.

B&G Oysters – 550 Tremont Street – South End Boston

In a city obsessed with seafood, Barbara Lynch’s B&G Oysters remains the uncontested best seafood restaurant (and one of only a handful) in the South End.