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The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District

Where to Eat Near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC)

Boston’s Seaport District and Fort Point have plenty of good dining options, especially for a mid-conference lunch

by Terrence Doyle May 21, 2019, 1:51pm EDT

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The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District

| Boston Convention and Exhibition Center/Official Site

by Terrence Doyle May 21, 2019, 1:51pm EDT

If you’re in Boston for a conference, there’s a good chance you’ll end up at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in the Seaport District (415 Summer St.). When the time comes to sneak out for a food break, there are plenty of excellent dining options within walking distance, whether you’re looking for a steak-filled power lunch or a grab-and-go fried chicken sandwich.

In recent years, the neighborhood has gotten filled up with out-of-town chains — a few of the solid ones are included here — but there are some good independent, local picks, too, if you know where to look.

With a focus on convenient lunches but suitable for dinner as well, here are 24 of the best dining options within a 15-minute walk of the convention center, featuring restaurants in Boston’s Seaport District and Fort Point. (Some of these restaurants are full-service, sit-down venues, while others are fast-casual businesses where you order, pay, and pick up food at the counter. See the note at the end of each map point description to see which it is.)

See also: Where to Eat Near Hynes Convention Center (Boston’s other major convention center, located in Back Bay)

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This swanky spot features Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails. Those who go for lunch will find a sandwich-focused menu that includes a spanakopita grilled cheese with tomato soup; the dinner menu is more extensive, with some heavy-hitters like a giant selection of grilled meats ($98) to please large groups. [Full service]

50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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Fuku

Momofuku’s David Chang brought his famous New York-based fried chicken spot to Boston in 2018. Get the spicy fried chicken sandwich, and pair it with some jalapeño waffle fries. [Counter service]

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43 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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A hand holds up a fried chicken sandwich, a large crispy patty jutting out of a squishy bun — Fuku’s fried chicken sandwich

Trillium Brewing Company

Drink your lunch at the shiny new (and huge) location for this beloved Boston brewery. Trillium is known for its ales, and you should try something from the Cutting Tiles series of single hop varietal double IPAs...especially if you don’t mind being a little drunk at whatever conference you’re attending. (There’s also food, including sausage trays, burgers, and lots more.) [Full service, with a main dining room upstairs and more of a casual bar area downstairs]

50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

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trillium restaurant — Grab some beers, grab a sandwich

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Shake Shack

It’s a giant chain, but it’s a tasty giant chain. (This particular location was actually the company’s 100th to open.) The smoke stack, which is topped with bacon and cherry peppers, is the play at Shake Shack. Add an order of crinkle-cut fries for good measure. [Counter service]

77 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

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A burger from Shake Shack

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Tatte is also a chain, albeit a smaller one than the above — and based locally. It’s a good spot for that early morning coffee and pastry (the croissants are the truth) or a lunch of shakshuka. [Modified counter service — you order and pay at the counter, but they bring the food to your table]

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200 Pier Four Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

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Crispy halloumi salad at Tatte

Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe

Open since 1950 in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, Cardullo’s — a specialty food shop with a deli counter — expanded to Boston’s Seaport District in 2018. It’s the perfect spot to grab a mid-conference sandwich. [Counter service]

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99 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

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Cardullo’s Seaport

Aceituna Grill

Aceituna, derived from the Arabic word zaytun, means olive in Spanish. As such, Aceituna Grill — a three-location Boston-area chain — is aptly named, serving a menu that features a variety of Mediterranean dishes. Get the beef shawarma, and get some tabbouleh and fattoush, too. [Counter service]

57 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210

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aceituna bowl — A bowl from Aceituna

Flour Bakery

This local bakery and cafe chain is the spot for breakfast sandwiches. Get one on a house-baked roll with a runny egg, arugula, and bacon. Room for dessert? Flour’s sticky bun is one of Boston’s iconic dishes. [Counter service]

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12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02110

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A closeup shot of the Flour sticky bun, one of Boston’s iconic dishes, sitting on a white plate on a wooden counter — The Flour sticky bun

Bon Me

Bon Me — another local chain — has a menu that is full of great lunch options, including noodle and rice bowls inspired by Vietnamese food and other Asian cuisines. Try the kimchi ramen or the restaurant’s namesake, the banh mi. [Counter service]

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313 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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Bon Me bap bowl

Bartaco

Bartaco — a small chain from the group behind Barcelona Wine Bar — is a good spot for a couple of tacos and a margarita. The food is affordable and the drinks are tasty. This might be a better dinner option, because a lunch here could get boozy and filling fast. [Full service]

25 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

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Bartaco — A spread from Bartaco

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Pastoral

At Pastoral, it’s all about the pizza (and the Italian craft beers). Try the fungi pizza, which is topped with ricotta, shiitakes, and Fernet honey. (Note: Pastoral has gluten-free pizza and pasta options available.) [Full service]

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345 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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Photo of a restaurant interior, including a shiny red pizza oven with wood stacked behind it — A view of the wood-fired pizza oven at Pastoral

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Where to Eat After Midnight in Greater Boston

The Smoke Shop

Chef Andy Husbands’ barbecue joint (which has one location each in Boston proper, Cambridge, and Somerville) has a great beer list (with a number of cheap options) and serves some of the best smoked meats in the city. Get the burnt ends, and wash them down with a Fiddlehead IPA.

343 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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smoke shop BBQ sandwich — A hearty lunch from the Smoke Shop

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Sportello

Restaurateur Barbara Lynch took a chance on Fort Point before it was jam-packed with dining options, and it paid off. The neighborhood is home to three Lynch outposts — Italian diner Sportello, excellent cocktail destination Drink, and ultra-fancy Menton. Of the trio, Sportello is the best bet for a mid-conference meal. There’s a prix fixe lunch option available, as well as plenty of a la carte dishes, but whatever you do, don’t forget the spicy tomato soup. [Full service]

348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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A spread of Italian dishes — including salumi, olives, and more — on a bright white surface — A spread of dishes at Sportello

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Lolita

Lolita’s Fort Point location is dark and sexy, so go here for dinner. The menu is full of Mexican-inspired cuisine, and the drinks are tequila-forward. Eat the tacos al pastor, and drink the eponymous cocktail, which is made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and grapefruit. Save room for the cotton candy treat that comes with the bill. [Full service]

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253 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

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This view of a restaurant interior features a brick-lined, cavernous space. Red seats with crosses on their backs sit in front of a bar, which has three distinctive stained glass panels behind it. — Lolita’s breathtaking interior

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Lucky's Lounge

Lucky’s is a Fort Point mainstay. The menu is full of American bistro classics — the meatloaf with Brussels sprouts is worth your time — and the beer list is long and varied. There’s live music most nights and Sinatra brunch on Sundays. [Full service]

355 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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lucky’s lounge burger — A burger at Lucky’s Lounge

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Rosa Mexicano

Another Mexican-inspired chain, Rosa Mexicano is known for its braised and grilled meats. Try the chicken tinga or the arrachera, which is steak marinated with guajillo chile and tequila and grilled in a cast-iron skillet. [Full service]

155 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

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Rosa Mexicano

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No Name

No Name looks like an old fisherman’s boathouse, which is quite frankly perfect. Get a whole steamed lobster, fried clams, and a bowl of clam chowder from this stalwart — it’s been around for over a century (in its current space since the 1980s) and owned by the same family the whole time. [Full service]

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15 1/2 Fish Pier St E, Boston, MA 02210

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no name lobster roll — The lobster roll at No Name

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Row 34

Row 34 is the spot for oysters in the Fort Point/Seaport area (and probably the entire city). Grab a dozen lunch bivalves, and sip on a local beer on tap. Note: Trying to go for dinner? Make a reservation ahead of time if possible; this is one of the toughest tables in town to get. [Full service]

383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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Lobster is served on a buttered and griddled hot dog bun, and is accompanied by chips, slaw, and a slice of lemon. — The lobster roll at Row 34

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Blue Dragon

Perhaps you’ve heard of Ming Tsai — a chef, television personality, cookbook author, and restaurateur. Blue Dragon is his casual Fort Point restaurant that draws inspiration from a number of Asian cuisines and also features Tiki-style cocktails. Stuck looking for food between lunch and dinner hours? There’s an abbreviated afternoon menu of salads and poke bowls, available for dining in or takeout. Note: Blue Dragon is a good option for gluten-free diners; there’s a full separate menu. [Full service]

324 A St, Boston, MA 02210

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A dimly lit wooden bar at a restaurant — Blue Dragon

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Oak & Rowan

Oak & Rowan states an intention to “celebrate all things land and sea,” which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. A few highlights on the wide-ranging menu: the clam chowder (one of the best in town) and any pastas and desserts that are available. The weekday lunch menu includes options such as the aforementioned chowder, lobster tartine, shrimp tacos, and more. [Full service]

321 A St, Boston, MA 02210

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Oak & Rowan

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Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

Del Frisco’s — a national steakhouse chain with two Boston locations — is absurd and extravagant and expensive, but if you must have a power lunch while visiting the Seaport, this is where you should go. [Full service]

250 Northern Ave Suite 200, Boston, MA 02210

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A plate of rare prime rib at Del Frisco’s, with jus and red wine in the background — The prime rib at Del Frisco’s

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Legal Harborside

Legal Sea Foods’ flagship Seaport District location, Legal Harborside, offers beautiful views of Boston Harbor, and the food is what you’d expect from a longtime local chain — it’s a solid choice. Sit on the deck on the top floor for cocktails and sushi with a view. (There are three floors of dining at Legal Harborside; each offers a different menu, with sushi up top, a more formal dining experience in the middle, and casual fish and oysters downstairs.) [Full service]

270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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Legal Harborside Rooftop — Legal Harborside’s got views

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Yankee Lobster

Yankee Lobster has one of the best lobster rolls in the city. The fried clams are worth your coins, too. [Counter service]

300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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Broiled salmon at Yankee Lobster

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Chickadee

Chickadee, a newcomer that is already making a splash in the neighborhood, makes food that blends Mediterranean cuisines with New England ingredients. If the conference you’re at keeps you in town for the weekend, go for brunch and get a jelly doughnut. Weekday lunch features pitas, and don’t miss the pasta dishes if you go for dinner. Also, be sure to save room for dessert. Note: Chickadee is a few minutes past the 15-minute mark from the convention center, but it’s worth it if you can spare the time. [Full service]

21 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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Seared scallops sit in a bowl on circles of orange and yellow purees, topped with herbs. — Sea scallops at Chickadee

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50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

This swanky spot features Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails. Those who go for lunch will find a sandwich-focused menu that includes a spanakopita grilled cheese with tomato soup; the dinner menu is more extensive, with some heavy-hitters like a giant selection of grilled meats ($98) to please large groups. [Full service]

50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Committee

Fuku

43 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Momofuku’s David Chang brought his famous New York-based fried chicken spot to Boston in 2018. Get the spicy fried chicken sandwich, and pair it with some jalapeño waffle fries. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

43 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

A hand holds up a fried chicken sandwich, a large crispy patty jutting out of a squishy bun — Fuku’s fried chicken sandwich

Trillium Brewing Company

50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

Drink your lunch at the shiny new (and huge) location for this beloved Boston brewery. Trillium is known for its ales, and you should try something from the Cutting Tiles series of single hop varietal double IPAs...especially if you don’t mind being a little drunk at whatever conference you’re attending. (There’s also food, including sausage trays, burgers, and lots more.) [Full service, with a main dining room upstairs and more of a casual bar area downstairs]

50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

trillium restaurant — Grab some beers, grab a sandwich

Shake Shack

77 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

It’s a giant chain, but it’s a tasty giant chain. (This particular location was actually the company’s 100th to open.) The smoke stack, which is topped with bacon and cherry peppers, is the play at Shake Shack. Add an order of crinkle-cut fries for good measure. [Counter service]

77 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

A burger from Shake Shack

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

200 Pier Four Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

Tatte is also a chain, albeit a smaller one than the above — and based locally. It’s a good spot for that early morning coffee and pastry (the croissants are the truth) or a lunch of shakshuka. [Modified counter service — you order and pay at the counter, but they bring the food to your table]

Open in Google Maps

200 Pier Four Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Crispy halloumi salad at Tatte

Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe

99 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

Open since 1950 in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, Cardullo’s — a specialty food shop with a deli counter — expanded to Boston’s Seaport District in 2018. It’s the perfect spot to grab a mid-conference sandwich. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

99 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Cardullo’s Seaport

Aceituna Grill

57 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210

Aceituna, derived from the Arabic word zaytun, means olive in Spanish. As such, Aceituna Grill — a three-location Boston-area chain — is aptly named, serving a menu that features a variety of Mediterranean dishes. Get the beef shawarma, and get some tabbouleh and fattoush, too. [Counter service]

57 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

aceituna bowl — A bowl from Aceituna

Flour Bakery

12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02110

This local bakery and cafe chain is the spot for breakfast sandwiches. Get one on a house-baked roll with a runny egg, arugula, and bacon. Room for dessert? Flour’s sticky bun is one of Boston’s iconic dishes. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02110

Visit Website

A closeup shot of the Flour sticky bun, one of Boston’s iconic dishes, sitting on a white plate on a wooden counter — The Flour sticky bun

Bon Me

313 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Bon Me — another local chain — has a menu that is full of great lunch options, including noodle and rice bowls inspired by Vietnamese food and other Asian cuisines. Try the kimchi ramen or the restaurant’s namesake, the banh mi. [Counter service]

Open in Google Maps

313 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Bon Me bap bowl

Bartaco

25 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

Bartaco — a small chain from the group behind Barcelona Wine Bar — is a good spot for a couple of tacos and a margarita. The food is affordable and the drinks are tasty. This might be a better dinner option, because a lunch here could get boozy and filling fast. [Full service]

25 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Bartaco — A spread from Bartaco

Pastoral

345 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

At Pastoral, it’s all about the pizza (and the Italian craft beers). Try the fungi pizza, which is topped with ricotta, shiitakes, and Fernet honey. (Note: Pastoral has gluten-free pizza and pasta options available.) [Full service]

Open in Google Maps

345 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Photo of a restaurant interior, including a shiny red pizza oven with wood stacked behind it — A view of the wood-fired pizza oven at Pastoral

The Smoke Shop

343 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Chef Andy Husbands’ barbecue joint (which has one location each in Boston proper, Cambridge, and Somerville) has a great beer list (with a number of cheap options) and serves some of the best smoked meats in the city. Get the burnt ends, and wash them down with a Fiddlehead IPA.

343 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website