Little Whale

Name: Little Whale
Address: 314 Newbury St, Boston, MA, United States, 02115
Telephone: (857) 277-0800
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.7

4.7

546 Reviews

$50 and over

Seafood

Top tags:

Little Whale Oyster Bar is a Classic New England Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar from Chef Michael Serpa on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. An ode to the seaside clamshacks are raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is a casual neighborhood spot focusing on local products and seafood friendly wines.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

9:00 p.m.

Booked 33 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:30 pm
Phone number
(857) 277-0800
Website
https://www.littlewhaleboston.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic
Executive Chef
Reggie Da Silva
Private party facilities
Please contact matt@grandtourboston.com for event inquiries.

Location
314 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115
Neighbourhood
Back Bay
Cross Street
Newbury Street and Hereford Street
Parking Details
Meter Parking 2hr. Prudential Center Lot. Dalton Street Lot. Closest Valet at Mandarin Oriental on Boylston Street.
Public Transit
Green Line Hynes Convention CenterOrange Line Back Bay
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Shrimp Cocktail {4pc}US$16.00
old bay poached, cocktail sauce, lemon
Littlenecks on the Half Shell* {6pc}US$18.00
jalapeño relish & lime
Tuna Crudo*US$23.00
avocado green goddess, quick pickled cucumber, lime, sea salt
Salmon Crudo*US$16.00
pickled fennel, orange, crispy carrots, sea salt
Hamachi Crudo*US$24.00
golden watermelon, feta vin, aleppo pepper salt, mint
Mixed Ceviche*US$22.00
fish & squid, leche de tigre, cucumber, chili, cilantro, peruvian corn
Dressed Maine LobsterUS$42.00
fresh lobster meat, lemon, olive oil, fines-herbes
Sardine ToastUS$15.00
marinated portuguese sardines, iggy's toast, pickled pearl onions, lemon
Caviar Omelette*US$65.00
1oz island creek caviar, french omelette, herbs

Starters

New England Clam ChowderUS$14.00
fresh cherrystone clams, potato, smoked bacon, celery, thyme
Fried Ipswich ClamsUS$29.00
whole belly clams, buttermilk, little whale tartar sauce, lemon
Bluefish DipUS$12.00
toasted dark rye, apricot moustarda, pickled red onions, chives
Roasted CauliflowerUS$13.00
toasted almonds, golden raisins, harissa labneh
Rhode Island Squid SaladUS$20.00
cherry peppers, shaved cabbage, garlic bread croutons, tomato
Sautéed ClamsUS$22.00
spicy tomato ragu, toasted garlic, basil, country bread
Maine MusselsUS$20.00
roasted leeks & fennel, mustard, white wine, crème fraîche, country bread
BroccoliniUS$14.00
anchovy | caper | garlic, pickled fresnos, white anchovies, lemon
Beet SaladUS$16.00
ruby & golden beets, cranberry yogurt, blue cheese, endive, toasted walnuts

Sandwiches & Co.

Maine Lobster RollUS$48.00
cold w/ mayo or warm w/ butter, iggy's brioche, fries
Fish SandwichUS$24.00
beer battered hake, iggy's brioche, shaved cabbage slaw, tartar sauce, fries
White Clam FlatbreadUS$26.00
fresh clams, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, parm, arugula salad

Mains

Gloucester SwordfishUS$40.00
marble potatoes, roasted fennel, country mustard beurre blanc
Maine HalibutUS$42.00
green curry shellfish broth, roasted broccoli, carrots, baby bok choy, cilantro
Greek BranzinoUS$36.00
lentil salad, cucumber, radish, pickled onion, cauliflower puree
Lobster SpaghettiUS$48.00
roasted tomato ragu, toasted garlic breadcrumbs, basil, shaved parm
Steak Frites*US$38.00
savenor's bavette {8oz} maître d'hôtel butter, mixed greens, frites

Plateaux

ask your server about our daily oyster selections

The Newbury*US$95.00
6 local oysters, 4 shrimp cocktail, dressed lobster, ceviche, salmon crudo
The Grand*US$145.00
12 local oysters, 8 shrimp cocktail, dressed lobster, ceviche, salmon crudo
The Big Whale*US$295.00
24 local oysters, 12 shrimp cocktail, dressed lobster, ceviche, tuna crudo, caviar service

What 546 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Greater Boston
Seafood
Boston
Seafood

546 Reviews

MY
MarkY
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service, we will definitely return
Is this helpful?
V
Vera
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
The lobster spaghettini was delicious ! The sauce was perfect and there was just enough lobster; large enough to share.
Is this helpful?
KH
KatieH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated my sisters upcoming wedding here with a party of six. I knew we were in for a great experience when the restaurant called to inform me the patio would be dreary (due to the rain) and thought we should move inside. The service and food were amazing. We personally thanked the chef for the amazing food. We had the lobster roll, lobster spaghettini and the steak!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
El Paso
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service. The “Grand” seafood platter was deliciously good. The Ipswich fried clams were cooked perfectly. We will be back to eat again.
Is this helpful?
CY
CannedYou
Greater Boston
73 reviews
vip
4.0
73 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We met friends at Little Whale before a Symphony Hall concert. It was convenient and we had great service. The place is comfortable but could be a lot noisier when cold and outside dining is closed. (The bar was empty but many dining outside) Food was good but seemingly overpriced. We will go back to try again for sure.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The most amazing food!!! Beautiful ambiance! I loved the artichoke starter and the short rib entree. The donuts for dessert are to die for!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had excellent service!! We enjoyed our evening out!
Is this helpful?
s
sarkster
Toronto
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing food and ambiance. Every time I have visitors I take them here for fresh and fabulous oysters
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great intimate restaurant. Food was first rate. No dessert menu, but you could tell they focused on quality and presentation of everything they had on their menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Loved the outside dining. Music would play one song snd then it was silent. We had the lobster roll. It was okay, we had better at Summer Shack a few nights prior. Menu was limited, but they were able to pivot when we had a vegetarian in our party.
Is this helpful?
MB
MichaelB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great dinner. Food was excellent. Service was excellent. Cozy spot on Newbury St.
Is this helpful?
D
Dissatisfie
Greater Boston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
If your visit to Boston takes you to Newbury Street and you want to spend twice what a meal is worth please stop at Little Whale. Friday evening the restaurant was half empty so they made up the revenue shortfall by charging outrageous prices for typical New England seafood such as clam chowder and a lobster roll. Additionally a 23% tip/fee was automatically added for this mediocre experience. Look to visit another restaurant.
Is this helpful?
H
Hello
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
One if my favorite places! Service is outstanding and for id always 🔥
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was the sweetest. Gave us her suggestions and made my girlfriends birthday really special. Could not recommend this place more. Fresh, delicious, creative, everything.
Is this helpful?
LD
LindaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious seafood, wonderful wine, great service. What could be better.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We saw a rat while we were dining and brought it up to our waiter and nothing was done. Very disappointed and will not be returning ever again.
Is this helpful?
BW
ByronW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
Ceviche sparser than we expected and the melon wasn't ripe. Still pretty good. Oysters EXCELLENT though pricy. Lobster roll was delicious but small (especially for the price), but the fries were fantastic. Clam flatbread was rich, clammy deliciousness. Was taken aback by the automatic gratuity (for a party of 2!) even though it was what I would have tipped anyway.
Is this helpful?
l
lauram
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
Booking online not ideal. Only time available was 6pm, restaurant was pretty empty until we left. When asked about booking, was told to call, but when I tried earlier in the week, was not able to get through.
Is this helpful?
P
Pete
New York Area
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience2
all the dishes came at once -- appetizers and entrees. Never got the oysters, which is why we came there. Service person untrained. Restaurant understaffed.
Is this helpful?
HC
HelenC
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service. Excellent food. A little pricey.
Is this helpful?
AP
AndyP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Really really great seafood. Fried clams were great. The lobster roll (hot) was the best I'd ever had. Also, they had a little trouble with having a table ready for us and the server/host went above and beyond to make it up to us (who doesn't love a free glass of champagne or wine?)
Is this helpful?
2
2foodiesmom
Alabama
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food and service were superb! The restaurant had just been flooded by a torrential downpour but you would never have known it as we were taken to a table on the upper level and served the most beautiful and tasty dishes cheerfully. We would have preferred to be in the main dining room at bar level but it was submerged when we arrived...cant wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
Greater Boston
41 reviews
vip
3.0
41 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience4
The server was fantastic, experienced, and professional. The reservation system is pretentious ($50 per person for a no show) and the 23% automatic tip for food and wine is obnoxious. Food was good (but nothing that you can’t get for a lot less at five other restaurants within four blocks).
1 person found this helpful
SB
SarahB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff went out of their way to accommodate our large party of 20! The food and drinks were delicious and enjoyed by all!
Is this helpful?
DC
DaniC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was incredible! Best seafood I've found in Boston in a while. The restaurant is beautiful, service is wonderful and they give great recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
I
Itsme
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All around spectacular. Mussels, oysters, lobster (they even served it warm with lemon butter), ceviche - I already want to go back
Is this helpful?
T
Traveler
Greater Boston
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Very loud. too loud to talk with out screaming. Food was good but not memorable. Not enough wait staff. Some confusion. Not really a pleasant experience .
Is this helpful?
JR
JillR
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
The restaurant was tiny, but charming, our waitress was very good, the beet salad was exquisite, the fish sandwich was greasy and over battered, but the french fries were nice and crunchy. The crabcake was quite nice with apple slices and plenty of sliced almonds in the slaw. The included 20% tip was offputting as was the 3% inflation charge. The tipping point was the $2.50 for soda water from the bar, and $5 Calistoga which we felt was pretty steep.
Is this helpful?
j
jasonm
St. Louis
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service along with excellent food! Will definitely go back again.
Is this helpful?
j
jenniferp
Greater Boston
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was delicious. We had oysters, fried clams, mussels and halibut. Halibut was prepared with delicious fresh and colorful veggies and cooked perfectly. Service was terrific. Yum!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience4
Good food and service, but overpriced.
Is this helpful?
TY
TimY
Edinburgh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were in Boston for a week and dined here the first night and the last night . We loved the ambiance , the people amd especially the food and wine . The Lobster Roll was the star of the show for us , but everything was fantastic . Amazing oysters and everything else was first rate as well . A must visit for when we return to Boston .
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service - would go back. I highly recommend
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Oysters and tuna were great. Pretty restaurant. Clam Flatbread was terrible, borderline inedible. Everything too expensive. Will not return.
Is this helpful?
TY
TimY
Edinburgh
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful food , excellent service . The warm lobster roll was the best I have ever had.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our outdoor dining experience was amazing because of Francesca our hostess. She was informative about the menu and offered a sampling of the wine to be sure. The hamachi crudo, the bluefish dip, and the halibut were what we ordered plus a few glasses of wine.
Is this helpful?
JW
JulieW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The quality of the food was outstanding, and the cost was very reasonable. Their outdoor dining space is adorable with great views of Newbury Street and the service was fantastic. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and hilarious. We wish we could come back every week.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience2
Great food but extremely cold indoors. Even with a jacket was borderline comfortable
Is this helpful?
M
Mury00
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Service and experience felt rushed even when place was empty. Had a better experience at Select Oyster bar (Gloucester st)
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time all around! Looking forward to getting back there soon.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Little Whale is rated 4.7 stars by 546 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

9:00 p.m.

Booked 33 times today

314 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Additional information

Cross Street
Newbury Street and Hereford Street
Neighbourhood
Back Bay
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:30 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Meter Parking 2hr. Prudential Center Lot. Dalton Street Lot. Closest Valet at Mandarin Oriental on Boylston Street.
Public Transit
Green Line Hynes Convention CenterOrange Line Back Bay
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic
Executive Chef
Reggie Da Silva
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

Website
https://www.littlewhaleboston.com/
Phone number
(857) 277-0800
Private party facilities
Please contact matt@grandtourboston.com for event inquiries.

Little Whale

Make a reservation

Additional information

5 restaurants pushing the envelope in Boston

LatinX-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Boston

Maine Lobster Roll

Lobster Spaghetti

The Big Whale

Fruits De Mer

Shrimp Cocktail {4pc}US$16.00

Littlenecks on the Half Shell* {6pc}US$18.00

Tuna Crudo*US$23.00

Salmon Crudo*US$16.00

Hamachi Crudo*US$24.00

Mixed Ceviche*US$22.00

Dressed Maine LobsterUS$42.00

Sardine ToastUS$15.00

Caviar Omelette*US$65.00

Starters

New England Clam ChowderUS$14.00

Fried Ipswich ClamsUS$29.00

Bluefish DipUS$12.00

Roasted CauliflowerUS$13.00

Rhode Island Squid SaladUS$20.00

Sautéed ClamsUS$22.00

Maine MusselsUS$20.00

BroccoliniUS$14.00

Beet SaladUS$16.00

Sandwiches & Co.

Maine Lobster RollUS$48.00

Fish SandwichUS$24.00

White Clam FlatbreadUS$26.00

Mains

Gloucester SwordfishUS$40.00

Maine HalibutUS$42.00

Greek BranzinoUS$36.00

Lobster SpaghettiUS$48.00

Steak Frites*US$38.00

Plateaux

The Newbury*US$95.00

The Grand*US$145.00

The Big Whale*US$295.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

How is Little Whale restaurant rated?

Is Little Whale currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

5 restaurants pushing the envelope in Boston

LatinX-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Boston