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Legal Crossing - Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

4.5
4.5
2464 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Legal Sea Foods began in 1950 as a fish market in the Inman Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's here that the "Legal" name became synonymous with quality and freshness. In 1968, our first seafood restaurant opened, right next to the fish market. The fish was simply prepared, either broiled or fried, and served on paper plates at communal picnic tables. Despite the low-key trappings, the food was second to none and word spread quickly. This early success led to further expansion and now, six decades later with restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, the commitment to freshness and quality endures: "If it isn't fresh, it isn't Legal!" Inspired by the urban setting of its neighborhood, Legal Sea Foods Downtown Crossing is slick, dark and modern with glossy, black brick paired with glowing amber glass. Our lounge comprised half the restaurant while our dining room overlooks the open kitchen. In warmer months, we open our patio along Avenue de Lafayette.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 p.m.


Booked 52 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (617) 692-8888

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Taylor DeLeo and Liz Finlay: (617) 530-9470

  • Neighbourhood

    Downtown Crossing

  • Parking Details

    Our validation will net you savings at the Lafayette Garage across the street at 1 Avenue de Lafayette. Weekdays before 4pm, get a $2/hour discount for up to two hours. Or park for $16 on weekdays after 4pm and all day on weekends.

  • Public Transit

    Orange/Red Line: Downtown Crossing Station<br />Green Line: Boylston Station<br />Orange Line: Chinatown Station

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,464 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. DashaM

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    It was fine, seafood which is a must when in Boston. Highly recommend trying several things to have the full experience. Potions are on the smaller side.

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  2. Lolobret

    New England

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    It is across the street from the Opera House so it is convenient to dine at this location before an event. The food is delicious and it offers a good menu selection. It seemed to be understaffed but the service is friendly.

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  3. Nicola

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    My waiter was so friendly and attentive! Made my solo dinner enjoyable. As for my dinner, the clam chowder was delicious and piping hot but my main meal was disappointing. The lobster was well overcooked and the topping was soggy. For the price point, I wouldn’t go to a legal seafood again. There are way better seafood joints in the city.

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  4. Butch24

    Atlanta Metro

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Young lady up front was exceptional and waiter was very attentive. Always good food.

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  5. DonnaT

    New England

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    LX Crossing was super as usual after an afternoon at the ballet. My party of three all had fish and we weren’t disappointed! Greek salad and Boston cream pie e We’re also great! Our server James was pleasant and attentive.

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  6. Skeet

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food very good and staff extremely friendly and helpful.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tried something new from the Test menu and it was delicious (swordfish, polenta fries) and our waitress was so friendly and just the right amount of attention!

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  8. MauricioR

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The sushi’s and the lobster bisque are great. But the fried jumbo shrimp didn’t have any flavor.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Thank you! We had a lovely meal.

    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on May 23, 2023Dear Guest, Thank you for the positive feedback! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience at Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing. Thanks so much for joining us and we look forward to serving you at your next visit! Best, Douglas Anderson General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  10. PeggyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, and staff are friendly and helpful.

    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on May 23, 2023Dear PeggyM, Thank you for the positive feedback! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience at Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing. Thanks so much for joining us and we look forward to serving you at your next visit! Best, Douglas Anderson General Manger

    Is this helpful?

  11. WeLuvRestauarants

    Dallas

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Thank you for the great service - from the host(s) that answered the phone when I called for reservation, to the amazing server that offered wonderful recommendations - it was a great lunch!

    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on May 23, 2023Dear WeLuvRestauarants, Thank you for the positive feedback! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience at Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing. Thanks so much for joining us and we look forward to serving you at your next visit! Best, Douglas Anderson General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  12. Legals

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Took my Mom for Mother's day as always the food was amazing! Apps we had oysters, tuna, calamari, bang bang coliflower. All amazing for main we had Filet with lobster tail the steak was amazing! The lobster was dry that was the only complaint better off getting whole lobster and steak by itself! Love this place!!!

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  13. Matt

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A great visit to Legal Seafoods in downtown Boston. I was celebrating an anniversary and our waiter Nick could not have been more attentive to our needs. Thank You!

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  14. Yelapadiva

    New England

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was exceptional . Server was fabulous. Great place to go before a show.

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  15. LizC

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We were two for dinner and the service was excellent, the food very tasty. I felt a bit like the place had not been updated in a while; it was a bit dark. Other than that, it was all very nice--I was surprised it was not more crowded, but in the end, that meant we could talk easily and were able to linger over our drinks.

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  16. JamesF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food. Very convenient to have dinner before the show across the street

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  17. Lompie

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding and I am very fussy. Owsters superb.

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  18. Partrca

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food & service. Close to theater & parking so met our essential requirement for the day!

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  19. JamesB

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Good food, service and ambiance. Good Boston institution

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  20. JamesJ

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    We had a great time - my wife really loves all the gluten free options

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  21. JonG

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great service and excellent lobster rolls. Restaurant closes at 9 so was empty for a 8.15 booking so no real ambiance.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great food and excellent service on a weeknight!

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  23. BenW

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at Legal restaurants many times. The food is always consistently great, as is the service and ambiance. Highly recommended!

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  24. StaleyS

    New England

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food is just amazing. The staff are the most friendly people. I appreciate their hard work and pleasantness.

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  25. Dinnerwithfriends

    New England

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The food and service were excellent. It was a little pricey. Almost $200. for both of us. We did have cocktails, too.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    There was a show at the theater across the street so restaurant was very busy. You couldn’t get a drink from the bar unless you were seated, then they got our ticket wrong and tried to charge us for two extra drinks. Even though we had a 5:30 reservation we weren’t seated until after 6:00 pm and only when we went up reminded them we were still there. Food was just average. Like Harborside location much better.

    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on May 23, 2023Dear Guest, Thank you for writing and sharing this feedback! We appreciate all of your comments and will address these areas of concern with our staff. Please get in touch the next time you are joining us and we will ensure a better experience. Thanks again and we hope to see you again soon. Best, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  27. Cfb123

    New England

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A good quality meal prior to attending a show. Excellent service and kept us on schedule.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great experience heart of the city amazing food and service

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  29. CleoA

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Food was delicious. Service was good considering it was pre theater dinner crowd. We had a table in the front room near the bar. Tables are quite close together so it was "neighbor cozy", not ideal if you are hoping for privacy.

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  30. Oscar123

    New England

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Devil is in the details.. From the beginning to making the reservation to the end of a fantastic meal, Doug made sure we had a lovely night. The Caesar salad with Salmon was cooked to my liking- medium rare. You can’t find the calamari anywhere else as good as Legals.

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  31. GeorgeS

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonder meal. getting a bit expensive. proximity to Opera House is outstanding. right across the Street

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  32. Mary

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great spot, especially for seafood. My husband had the scallops. There were plenty and perfectly prepared. I had the haddock Anna which was equally delicious. Serving sizes are quite apple.my great waiter.

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  33. ski50

    New England

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Hard to find because the name is Legal X.. ha ha .. but everything was good.

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  34. Dinearound

    Hawaii

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fantastic waiter named Horton. He made the meal very enjoyable. We ate here before seeing a play at the opera house. The food was delicious. We started out with Caesar salad had fish and shrimp and finished with the ice cream bonbons Everything was delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  35. Foodiemom

    New England

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Make sure you make a reservation if there is a show at the Opera House!

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  36. PaulO

    New England

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The menus is robust and offers a wide variety of items to choose from. It is located right in the heart of the Theatre District so it is a great place to have dinner or lunch if you are going to a show.

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  37. Shante

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Our waiter was terrible - we waited 15+ min just for water, and only had one glass out of 3 filled. We were very clear that we (like everyone else there) were trying to make the show and had alloyed 1.5hrs for lunch. We ordered immediately and waited 45+ min for our starters, and got our meals just a few minutes later. Every other table around us had food with enough time to eat and get to the show on time. We took almost all of our food to go, were late for the show, and my credit card was charged twice.

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  38. LoriL

    New England

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We always chose this restaurant when going to the opera house ; one day we hope we can sit in the restaurant main dining room instead of the bar area

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  39. TerrierDiners

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was excellent and the service was prompt and friendly. Carina was excellent did not make us feel rushed even though it was a very busy afternoon for them.

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  40. Roman

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Place is a little worn and not the best Haddock, but the staff was outstanding and it is a great spot for theatre goers. Just make your reservations ahead of time.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing using the Order Online button. Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 692-8888.

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing is rated 4.5 stars by 2464 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 p.m.


Booked 52 times today
Google Map for Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

558 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood

    Downtown Crossing

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Our validation will net you savings at the Lafayette Garage across the street at 1 Avenue de Lafayette. Weekdays before 4pm, get a $2/hour discount for up to two hours. Or park for $16 on weekdays after 4pm and all day on weekends.

  • Public Transit

    Orange/Red Line: Downtown Crossing StationGreen Line: Boylston StationOrange Line: Chinatown Station

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (617) 692-8888

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Taylor DeLeo and Liz Finlay: (617) 530-9470

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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