Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

Name: Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing
Address: 558 Washington St, Boston, MA, United States, 02111
Telephone: (617) 692-8888
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

2107 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

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 quickly spread. 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!”

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 23, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 52 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 692-8888

Delivery

Order online

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Fish
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
Website
https://www.legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-downtown-crossing-25
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

Location
558 Washington St Boston, MA 02111
Neighborhood
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

Featured in

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston

Popular dishes

Oysters of the Day* **$3.50
Cape Cod Littleneck Clams* **$2.50
Colossal Naked Shrimp Cocktail**$18.00
Blackened Raw Tuna Tataki* **$17.00
sesame chili vinaigrette, seaweed salad, wasabi cream
Tuna Poke* **$17.00
avocado crema, ponzu, taro chips
Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast* **$18.00
sourdough, cucumber yogurt, red onion, cucumber, everything spice
Chilled Seafood Platter* **$75.00
serves 4: oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, crab cocktail, tuna poke

Starters

New England Clam Chowder
- Cup$8.50
- Bowl$10.50
Lobster Bisque
cream sherry
- Cup$10.50
- Bowl$12.50
Crispy Calamari**$17.00
With tartar sauce. Rhode Island (hot peppers & garlic) or Thai (pineapple & cashews)
- Rhode Island or Thai$18.00
Fish Tacos$14.50
fried or blackened whitefish, pickled red cabbage, chipotle aioli, pico de gallo
Cod Fritters$14.50
salt cod, potatoes, panko crusted, chorizo aioli
Stuffies$14.50
Cape Cod quahogs, chouriço, butter, Ritz crumbs
Legal's Signature Crab Cake$22.50
lump crab, mustard sauce, seasonal salad with pickled onions, radishes, peas, green goddess dressing
Organic PEI Mussels**$17.00
traditional garlic-butter broth, grilled crusty bread
St. Louis Ribs**$16.50
coffee BBQ sauce
Bang Bang Cauliflower & Green Beans$13.00
tempura fried, kung pao sauce (contains peanut oil)

Crispy Fried

Served with french fries and coleslaw

Jumbo Naked Shrimp**$26.00
Grey Sole**$28.00
North Atlantic Sea Scallops**$33.50
New England Clams**
whole-bellied, sweet & petite
- Market
Fisherman's Platter**$38.00
jumbo naked shrimp, sea scallops, local whitefish & calamari
Fish & Chips**$26.00
locally-sourced by our good friend Tory Bramante

LTK

Our Chefs have been hard at work creating new fully composed dishes with some of our most popular seafood and new sides. Please share your feedback with your server or in our online survey!

Organic Sea Harvest Salmon*, Isle of Skye$30.00
yogurt dill marinade, fregola salad, sundried tomato nut pesto, arugula, olives
Mexican Street Cod$29.00
roast corn off the cob, cotija cheese, cilantro, blue corn tortilla
Lemon Caper Grey Sole**$28.00
butter roasted potatoes, green beans
Moroccan Grilled Swordfish Steak**$35.00
red chermoula, hummus, chickpea salad, piparra peppers, naan
Sesame Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna*$36.00
Szechuan green beans, cashews, ponzu
LSF Gumbo
andouille sausage, jasmine rice
- Shrimp$26.00
- Chicken$24.50

Legal Classics

New England Baked Haddock - Anna's Way$24.00
buttered crumbs, roasted tomato, herbed rice pilaf, broccoli
Scampi
linguini, tomato, sofrito, lemon cream
- Shrimp$26.00
- Chicken$24.50
Sole Imperial$29.50
lump crabmeat topping, lobster cream
Legal's Signature Crab Cake Combo$39.50
lump crab cake, grilled shrimp, seared scallops, mustard sauce, herbed rice pilaf
Cioppino**$39.50
clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, calamari, whitefish, lobster, tomato broth
Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese
one whole Gulf of Maine lobster, Vermont cheddar, buttered crumbs
- Market
Gulf of Maine Lobster**
steamed or baked with shrimp & scallop stuffing, choice of two sides
- Market

From the Grill

Simply Grilled Organic Salmon* **$30.00
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Tuna Steak* **$36.00
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Swordfish Steak**$35.00
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Cod**$29.00
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Sea Scallops**$33.50
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Colossal Shrimp**$32.00
includes choice of two sides
Simply Grilled Rainbow Trout**$24.00
includes choice of two sides
Double R Ranch Filet Mignon* **$42.00
brushed with garlic butter, butter roasted potatoes, green beans
Surf & Turf*
above filet mignon paired with your choice of the following:
- Grilled Colossal Shrimp**$54.00
- Sea Scallops**$57.00
- Crab Cake$62.00

Simply Grilled Fish - Enhancement

Add any enhancement:

Cajun Spice
Citrus Beurre Blanc
Garlic Butter

Sandwiches & Salads

Double R Ranch USDA Prime Bacon Cheddar Burger* **$18.00
applewood smoked bacon, Vermont cheddar, lettuce, tomato, french fries & coleslaw
New England Crab Roll**
delicate New England crabmeat with mayo, french fries & coleslaw
- Market
Half Pound Maine Lobster Roll**
warm butter-poached or traditional with lemon mayo, french fries & coleslaw
- Market
Greek Salad**$9.00
tomato, cucumber, feta, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, lemon-oregano vinaigrette
House Salad**$9.00
local organic leaf lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot, sunflower seeds, tomato balsamic or buttermilk blue cheese dressing
Classic Caesar Salad**$9.00
romaine hearts, garlic croutons, shaved romano, creamy dressing
Legal Wedge**$10.00
salmon bacon, iceberg, tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese dressing

Top Salads With**

Grilled or Cajun Chicken$7.00
Grilled Steak Tips*$14.00
Grilled or Cajun Colossal Shrimp$12.00
Grilled or Cajun Salmon*$14.00
Grilled or Cajun Tuna*$14.00
Lobster Salad or Crabmeat Salad
- Market

Sides

Coleslaw**$3.50
Herbed Rice Pilaf$6.50
Jasmine Rice**$6.50
Szechuan Green Beans$6.50
red peppers, roasted cashews
Steamed Broccoli**$6.50
Butter Roasted Potatoes**$6.50
French Fries**$6.50
Broccoli au Gratin$8.50
Fregola Salad$6.50
sundried tomato nut pesto
Street Corn$6.50
off the cob, cotija cheese, crema, cilantro

What 2,107 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
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

FF
FrankF
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food!
L
Lucillag
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service and food, welcoming atmosphere. I really enjoyed and will recommend it
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food!!!!
AR
ArtR
New England
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Legal Downtown Crossing lives up to the standard of all off Legal's locations; everything is done well and it is a pleasure to eat here.
CR
CherylR
New England
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience1
Food menu and quality of the food has gone down hill. Additionally the lighting above the tables is coated in dirt abs dust and need to be cleaned.
B
Bethie
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was excellent. Food superb, I had the Moroccan swordfish, cooked to perfection, the ambiance was lovely.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was soooooo good and service was fantastic. It was on the expensive side but… with the food cooked and plated to well it was worth it.
B
Bets
New England
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food was rushed. We were still eating our appetizer when salad came. We were then eating our salads when the entrees arrived
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Made a quick stop here for oysters and a drink whilst awaiting a nearby reservation. Incredible staff and quick service. Both drinks were wonderful and the oysters were fresh. So worth it. Will return!
4
44444
Houston
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Slow service and dirty silverware
RN
RobertN
Dallas
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience4
Extremely slow service. Drinks took forever to get, bar closed early. Food was ok. Really downhill from my prior experiences. Low value for the money.
L
Legals
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was late for reservation on mother's day the host graciously seated us right away! Thank you, the food was excellent as always our server John was very pleasant and efficient.
DK
DennisK
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nick(Nicholas) was our server and he made our experience special. First, all of our seafood dishes were delicious. Second, we were ready to ask for our check and instead Nick brought out a large piece of a sumptuous cake with forks for each of us to share. Totally unexpected. He then brought out a cup of coffee for me to go with the cake because he remembered me ordering a cup, then canceling the coffee because I mentioned that we had to leave to go shopping. When I asked him why he brought the cake, he said he remembered me previously mentioning that we were in town for our daughter’s graduation. So he took the initiative to let us celebrate our daughter’s achievement. We were totally happy with our dinners and the Service-r!
M
M937
New England
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food, great before the theater - convenient location, got us out in time for the show
D
D999
Orange County
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Quality food, service, and atmosphere.
LL
LarryL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good food and service! Little noisy because tables are so close the each other.
NG
NashvilleGirl
Nashville
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Lobster and tuna were fantastic! Side dishes no so much.
J
Jane
New England
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience2
Sad. Leagal's used to be my favorite place on earth. Not al all the same since Roger sold it. Menu is boring and the food only fair. I've been eating at Legal since the beginning....sorry to see what it has become.
LS
LeanneS
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good bar, decent food, very wide menu options. Located close to theaters and nightlife.
J
Jennie
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
We’re originally shown to small table with less than 4’ away from next one and up against a wide pillar. Asked to move to a small booth which was much better.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great dinner here! Thanks!
a
annt
New England
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Two friends and I enjoyed great service and wonderful food!
f
funtimes
New England
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The chowder is the best. The tuna and sides were delicious. First time at this location. Nice ambiance. Only negative is the bartender couldn't make a basic gin martini. They are usually clear like water and served in a martini glass. This was a cloudy gross concoction served in a short water glass. Yuck! Other locations serve amazing martinis. Don't order one at this location!
S
Smallfries
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and delicious food!
OM
OwenM
New England
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
This is the third time we have dined at this particular Legal's and it is getting better every time. The staff is friendly, the food is tasty and I think the chain is regaining some of their lost luster.
r
rrbm
Baltimore
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was experience was excellent. Had one of the chef creations, Mexican cod I think, and it was so good.
LD
LindD
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Waiter Horton was a star! Food good but overpriced. Small tables - convenient locations; not rushed- all in all will go again
TM
TomM
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service was excellent. Very Pleeasant wairess I had the baked stuffed lobster, and the claws were overcooked, it was very difficult to get to the meat. My friend's fried clams were also over cooked Otherwise, we enjoyed the experience, and will come back, but definitely choose other menu items. I would recommend to a friend, but would warn them about the lobster.
CS
CharleneS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
I feel uncomfortable being so close to the next table. You can hear their entire conversation. But the food was amazing!
JC
JonathanC
New England
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great service and good food the manager took the time to come over and wish my girlfriend a happy birthday and comped our app and dessert.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were seated immediately. Waitperson was extremely attentive, polite and pleasant.
L
Lovetoeat44
Miami
46 reviews
4.0
46 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food was good but unfortunately we had a 6:15 reservation because we were seeing a show across the street and all the diners there seemed to be doing the same. But not leaving when their meal was finished so later diners with reservations were not seated in a timely manner. The manager Doug was very helpful and set us up at a standing bar so that we could order something while our table was becoming available. I would recommend if going to the theater to make a reservation no later than 5:45 or you might not make the opening curtain.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience2
Theatre tickets
s
sara
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had it recommended to us multiple times and now I understand why. It was fantastic in every way.
LR
LanceR
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Post B.A.A. Marathon. Kara was amazing. She was attentive and made us feel welcome. 10 out of 10 on this visit.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food mixed with great service and great friends!
KB
KimB
Oklahoma City
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Completion of Boston Marathon. Missed having commemorative glasses with a Samuel Adams beer order.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Kia was very professional, courteous & we will return.
MP
MrPink33
New England
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Fresh seafood and good selection (which is what Legal is known for). Good to see things haven't changed

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer 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 2107 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

May 23, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 52 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 692-8888

Delivery

Order online

Google Map for Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

558 Washington St Boston, MA 02111

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown Crossing
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Fish
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

Website
https://www.legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-downtown-crossing-25
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

Featured in

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Private dining

Additional information

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston

New England Clam Chowder

Lobster Bisque

Half Pound Maine Lobster Roll

Raw Bar

Oysters of the Day* **$3.50

Cape Cod Littleneck Clams* **$2.50

Colossal Naked Shrimp Cocktail**$18.00

Blackened Raw Tuna Tataki* **$17.00

Tuna Poke* **$17.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast* **$18.00

Chilled Seafood Platter* **$75.00

Starters

New England Clam Chowder

Lobster Bisque

Crispy Calamari**$17.00

Fish Tacos$14.50

Cod Fritters$14.50

Stuffies$14.50

Legal's Signature Crab Cake$22.50

Organic PEI Mussels**$17.00

St. Louis Ribs**$16.50

Bang Bang Cauliflower & Green Beans$13.00

Crispy Fried

Jumbo Naked Shrimp**$26.00

Grey Sole**$28.00

North Atlantic Sea Scallops**$33.50

New England Clams**

Fisherman's Platter**$38.00

Fish & Chips**$26.00

LTK

Organic Sea Harvest Salmon*, Isle of Skye$30.00

Mexican Street Cod$29.00

Lemon Caper Grey Sole**$28.00

Moroccan Grilled Swordfish Steak**$35.00

Sesame Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna*$36.00

LSF Gumbo

Legal Classics

New England Baked Haddock - Anna's Way$24.00

Scampi

Sole Imperial$29.50

Legal's Signature Crab Cake Combo$39.50

Cioppino**$39.50

Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese

Gulf of Maine Lobster**

From the Grill

Simply Grilled Organic Salmon* **$30.00

Simply Grilled Tuna Steak* **$36.00

Simply Grilled Swordfish Steak**$35.00

Simply Grilled Cod**$29.00

Simply Grilled Sea Scallops**$33.50

Simply Grilled Colossal Shrimp**$32.00

Simply Grilled Rainbow Trout**$24.00

Double R Ranch Filet Mignon* **$42.00

Surf & Turf*

Simply Grilled Fish - Enhancement

Cajun Spice

Citrus Beurre Blanc

Garlic Butter

Sandwiches & Salads

Double R Ranch USDA Prime Bacon Cheddar Burger* **$18.00

New England Crab Roll**

Half Pound Maine Lobster Roll**

Greek Salad**$9.00

House Salad**$9.00

Classic Caesar Salad**$9.00

Legal Wedge**$10.00

Top Salads With**

Grilled or Cajun Chicken$7.00

Grilled Steak Tips*$14.00

Grilled or Cajun Colossal Shrimp$12.00

Grilled or Cajun Salmon*$14.00

Grilled or Cajun Tuna*$14.00