Island Creek Oyster BarStart and End Your Trip to HereThe food, the service, the ambiance was absolutely phenomenal .. Impeccably clean. If you want to be pampered yet retain intimacy while dining you can also get that here. The food: The Rhode Island Monkfish to die for and the Idaho Red Trout worth every bite .. Did I say Oysters? They have so many so many! The salads I tried both equally good and the for dessert I had the Coconut Angelfood Cake Lime Sorbet Pineapple which was also very delicate and tasty. Went there twice!!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMawesome !Six of us enjoyed an amazing dinner . Everything was great , the food, the service just excelled and we were completed service !5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMQuality ain't cheap, but worth it.Title says it all - the quality of the food made everything else all worth while. Service was best I've had any where in a long, long time, even in the midst of a very busy Mother's Day afternoon. Always 2 servers sharing duties at our table, and then the manager even jumped in from time to time to assist. Truly outstanding.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSo fresh and creativeFood, service and atmosphere as good as it gets!!!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Highlight of the DayMy family took me for Mother's Day Brunch and ICOB did not disappoint (like the Red Sox did!!). Fabulous decor (love the shell walls), professional service, and appealing menu items. My yearly treat far exceeded my expectations because my family chose this establishment. We will be back and everyone should dine here when in the Kenmore area, for sure.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place good foodThe place is very nice, the food was good but nothing special (oysters were very good) and service was very slow.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat SpotCelebrated a birthday brunch at this spot. The place was clean, service was friendly and the food was really good. There were a few hiccups in service such as brining out the wrong side dish but the staff quickly made up for it and offered the correct dish on the house. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who is looking for a great atmosphere and good seafood.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner with people out of townI took some non-Bostonians who wanted Oysters to island creek. The previous reviews were accurate; very good selection of oysters and they all tasted good. The wait staff was friendly and made appropriate suggestions. The lobster roll was also very good, the fish sandwich was a little bit of a let down, but the staff were quick to take that plate and give us a substitution, so in the end all was well. The meal was good and I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to grab oysters. Just be careful if you go during a Red Sox game, you'll definitely hit traffic.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMBoston's Best!Definitely one of the best restaurants I've dined at in Boston. Service was exceptional and the food...especially the oysters, were amazing!!!! It may be hard to get a reservation on the spot, but totally worth the wait. You won't be disappointed.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMnever disappointsI try to go to Island Creek every time I visit Boston.. if I can get a reservation. It's very popular, especially if the Red Sox are in town. The tables are nicely spaced and not overcrowded. Fish and oysters are the stars. Desserts are very good too! Service is attentive but friendly. Love it.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMSister's BirthdayI live close to this restaurant and love everything about it. The food is always extremely well prepared, fresh and the presentation is perfect. The staff is amazingly accommodating, knowledgable and eager to please. The bartenders are artists!
My most recent visit there was for a birthday celebration for my sister. Our menus were personalized and there was a special dessert and the plate was decorated with "Happy Birthday, Mary Ann". It was a special sister evening ... amazing!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMTake me to the BallparkI went to ICOB on the basis of other reviews. For some it was over-rated, but mostly they were positive. It is a celebration of all things seafood, especially oysters with more than 10 different types. The service was impeccable, friendly warm and knowledgeable.
One cautionary note - many reviews raved about the oyster sliders - fried and served on brioche with a tangy mayo. They were good, for a non oyster fan. But if you like oysters the fresh ones were so much better. I also had half a lobster, which was beautifully served, and pretty well flavored.
The drinks were great too. It was before a red socks game so there was something else on top of a usual crowd buzz I imagine. But please, do yourself a favor, try it out yourself.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMCelebration SpotIsland Creek is a great spot any day of the week, but when I mentioned my wife finishing grad school, they really went the extra mile5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOysters!The selection of oysters was quite vast. The oysters were delicious. Our server was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would definitely come back here the next time I'm in Boston.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMMMM, OYSTERS!!I love this place even more now.....great vibe, drinks, food and the service was perfection!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBEST GEM IN BOSTON!Island Creek Oyster bar will provide one of the best meals you've ever had. The oysters are the best in Boston (really, the best I've ever had anywhere). The lobster roe noodle dish will knock your socks off. Honestly, one of the best meals I've ever had.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst visit and hope to returnFirst visit and hope to return again :).. everyone was attentive and friendly and made fab suggestions! So glad we found this gem!
Thanks again.
C. Decker4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is by far my favoriteThis is by far my favorite restaurant in Boston. The food is always excellent and the past two times I have gone the restaurant has thrown in a few extra "amuse bouche" which is a nice touch.
We went this past Saturday night and it was pretty busy, right after the red sox game. Our waitress was in training so it seemed as though we had several different people waiting on our table. The service was not very good this time, we sat for about 30 minutes before anyone came to take our order, and by that point we ordered everything all at once with our drinks. My sisters beer still ended up coming out about 20 minutes after our oysters.
All in all this is a great place, but the service Saturday night was not up to it's usual standard.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMVery knowledgable and friendlyVery knowledgable and friendly staff. Never felt rushed. Fantastic variety of oysters.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA GREAT EVENINGThe menu, the presentations, and the quality of the dishes were all great. The chowdah was a winner as well as the Sea Scallops, and Salmon. The staff was all attentive and helpful. The crowning touch was the special "Anniversary" dessert that you provided.
All in all it was a memorable experience on what was a miserable Boston weather evening.
Thank you.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMTasty & Fun!One of my favorite Restaurants! It never disappoints - food is always wonderful, staff is SO welcoming and knowledgeable .
I love introducing new people to Island Creek or returning with friends!4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic experience at theFantastic experience at the restaurant. First time having oysters and server was very helpful with choosing which ones to try. Gluten free friendly dishes available.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect Night in Boston!I had a Great evening at this Restaurant. The oysters were very delicious
And the wine List is excellent. I will definately go back there.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMy Favorite Restaurant in BostonLove everything about Island Creek. We have been for brunch/lunch twice and I would like to go to dinner the next time I am in Boston. The staff is among the friendliest and most competent I have ever experienced. The food is outstanding- and we have ordered from the raw bar as well as the regular and special menu items. In addition to oysters on the half shell (fresh and delicious), My husband ordered the fish sandwich and pronounced it the best he'd ever eaten. I ordered the polenta/shrimp/chorizo breakfast special and loved it. The Bloody Mary's are excellent also!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding experienceThe perfect place to celebrate. Outstanding food. Found a personalized menu for my spouse's borthday.Very kind with kids and very attentionate employees. Many thanks4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for brunch and had aWent for brunch and had a great time. The good is always delicious as ate the drinks. Definitely one of the top places to try in Boston4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOyster selection was impressive,Oyster selection was impressive, food was excellent - portions were generous. Service was beyond expectations4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMReserved a couple of seatsReserved a couple of seats at the bar before a Red Sox game and was not disappointed. I was about ten minutes late for the reservation and without the other member of my party, but was still sat immediately. The service was very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Food quality was what I expected for the price range and the bartenders recommendations were spot on. Highly recommend this establishment anytime you are in the Kenmore area.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGO. JUST GO.Been here multiple times and every time it is great. Outstanding fresh seafood, and considerate and wonderful service.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWhy I miss Boston...A wonderful dinner and evening at ICOB. Lived in Boston a few years back and thought I knew the Back Bay, but what a great spot this is. Wonderful drinks, service, and food, in a simple, but elegant environment. The Island Creek oysters were perfectly fresh and plump, my Moscow Mule was certainly the best ever given the fresh bite of the house-made ginger beer, and the monkfish, salmon, and seafood casserole my party had were all first rate. Best of all since it was a dinner with old friends, the staff was very patient made us feel welcome to linger and talk. While it's maybe a bit too Bauhaus for a heavy business dinner, you can't go wrong here for any other occasion.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe eat brunch at Island CreekWe eat brunch at Island Creek oyster bar almost every Sunday! It is undoubtably our favorite restaurant! We highly recommend it to others!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall the dining experienceOverall the dining experience here was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and was overall very impressed with the decor. I was particularly excited by the open design and the oyster shell design pieces on the wall. The servers were helpful but not intrusive, and the wine list was surprisingly impressive. Great spot for any seafood lover.
I will be back sometime in the near future.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful experience except...Everything was great but I found my portion size for their scallops very small and was overpriced for the special. However everyone else enjoyed their meals and I cant find anything wrong with this place every time I go. One of my favorite seafood spots with the best selection and quality for oysters.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Oysters Ever!The Island Creek Oysters were outstanding!!! The waiter was aloof and spoke to softly for such a loud place. The Lobster Roe Pasta that everyone said was so awesome was very average and came out cold.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA modern take on Boston foodThe menu changes slightly every week. The raw bar is the best in town. Every dish is well balanced and has a creative twist. The wine list is reasonably priced and well chosen. It is clear that the restaurant has an outstanding chef and team. If you are confused by the dozen+ oyster alternatives, just ask your server. They can describe every single one of them and help you choose, so don't be afraid to inquire and perhaps sample a few different oysters. If arriving late, note that the kitchen closes a little earlier than the raw bar.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGarreth Harker is a terrificGarreth Harker is a terrific host @ Island Creek which richly deserves its reputation for consistently excellent food, presentation and Service.Run, walk and take the T to Island Creek !3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMNormally wouldn't put downNormally wouldn't put down an oyster bar as kid - friendly, but when my son showed interest in trying an oyster, the server was gracious enough to be highly supportive and even brought us a complimentary extra pair to compare taste and textures. Wonderful food and service.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMA Cut AboveWe have eaten at the restaurant a couple of times. We don't return to a Boston restaurant unless it is a cut above the rest because there are too many good restaurants in town. The food is local and fresh, well prepared to taste and nutrition needs, and nicely presented. The serving size of vegetables is quite skimpy, but tasty. This is a restaurant to which we will return.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is by far, my favoriteThis is by far, my favorite seafood resteraunt In Boston the food is excellent and the staff is amazing!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMMy second visit--reliablyMy second visit--reliably good food, especially the oysters and the gingerbread-blood orange sorbet dessert. We had a couple of unaccountable periods of waiting--oysters served before our drinks arrived, for example.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent quality seafoodExcellent quality seafood but at a price. Very few things to complain about at this establishment. While not the same sort of refinement as B&G Oysters, ICOB maybe better all around. Great selection of shellfish that are beyond fresh...a fairly interesting menu of other seafood favorites that have a slight twist on them. There is a decent wine/beer list and selection of cocktails. I guess the only compliant is that the prices are sort of high given the amount of food, but given the area the prices are acceptable especially when you factor in the quality and the service. I highly recommend ICOB for a great feast of shellfish before your next Sox game.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMIsland Creek Oyster - ExceptionalFood was delicious - all three courses were exceptional. Lobster bisque, salmon as an entre, followed by chocolate cake.
Service was also exceptional - Bostonians are friendly and helpful - and this restaurant was no difference. Our server helped us pick out oysters we'd enjoy - and we did. Restaurant is rather large - so you can get away without reservations at lunch, but dinner fills up fast!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe eat at Island Creek oysterWe eat at Island Creek oyster bar almost every Sunday for brunch! Both the food and the service are outstanding!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFANTASTIC BrunchWe met friends at the ICOB on Sunday for brunch. I can't seem to put into words how pleased we were with our meal. One of our friends does not eat oysters but she tried a few with us at brunch and was ordering more before brunch was over! The burger was always amazing (again), my shrimp and grits was one of the best I've had ever. We will be going back for brunch as soon as possible!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMBest oyster bar in New EnglandThe food was awesome. So simple but perfectly executed. The ambiance is up scale but not pretentious. I love going there for oysters and drinks. Island creek is my favorite oyster. And I can't stop craving the fluke crude we had that night. Thank you for an absolutely perfect dining experience.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Evening!We showed up for our Sunday night reservation an hour early by mistake and the restaurant was busy- the hostess couldn't seat us early but was very sympathetic- we came back at the right time and had a short wait for our table.
The waitress was great and very helpful- my husband loves oysters and sampled a LOT of them... he said they were fantastic. We shared the scallop ceviche and a couple other starters as well as a lobster roll... all delicious & beautifully presented.
There was a good vibrant atmosphere, a little crowded at one point as the bar dwellers had spilled over to the dining section - which was fairly quickly taken care of by a hostess as soon as a table became available to seat one large group who were having a great3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT restaurant! Do not miss it.My wife and I believe that Island Creek Oyster is the best restaurant in Boston with the best oysters in the world!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love to go there when we'reWe love to go there when we're in Boston. The food is very good and the service is extremely friendly and attentive.
The lady who is the manager does a fantastic job. She is very personable and we loved talking to her.
In fact, because of her, we decided to have our daughter's graduation dinner at this restaurant, instead of coming back to NYC to celebrate.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMReally enjoyed the diningReally enjoyed the dining experience. We will all return again!3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMRazor clams were awesome.Razor clams were awesome. The lobster roe was tremendous and the side asparagus too. Misty point and ICO oysters win everytime!3/20/2013 12:00:00 AM