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Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

4.4
4.4
2806 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for business meals
  • Good for groups
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

7:00 PM


Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:00 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. Make a splash when you celebrate a special occasion or host a corporate event with us.
  • Private party contact
    Jessica Keefe: (617) 530-9432
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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What 2,806 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

2,806 Reviews
  1. Nejim

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great experience, wait time was very little. Wide array of menu options. So much to choose from, we decided to eat here for our second night. Waiter was very helpful and knowledgeable in helping us decide between menu options. Highly recommend coming here if you are in the downtown Boston area.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded 3 days ago
    Hello NejS, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience at Legal Sea Foods - Downtown Crossing. We're glad our wide menu options and helpful waiter helped you have an enjoyable dining experience. We always aim to provide excellent service and it's great to know we hit the mark for you. We're delighted you'd recommend us to others and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best Regards, The Management Team

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  2. Angela

    Greensboro

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and superior quality seafood. We enjoyed the Seafood Tower for two as an appetizer then the warm buttered lobster roll. Both were delicious. What we would expect from an iconic Boston seafood chain. Nice wine selection as well. We had a reservation but early in the evening you might find a table. Don’t miss if visiting the area!
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded 5 days ago
    Hello AngelaW, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our seafood offerings, especially the Seafood Tower and the warm buttered lobster roll. It's always a pleasure to serve customers who appreciate our high-quality seafood and attention to detail. We're glad that our wine selection added to your dining experience as well. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you back to Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing soon. Best regards, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  3. Dave

    Baltimore

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Slowwww service. Oysters and clam chowder were good. Everything else not so much. Lobster Mac was horrible - wrong cheese and lobster was tough, presentation bad and waayyyy overpriced.

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  4. David

    Greater Boston

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I had a lovely oyster lunch at the bar with my friend. The Pemaquid oysters were insanely fresh and delicious. We ate at the bar and our bartender prepared superb cocktails. A special shout-out to him for his attention to detail. His name is Jake.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Dear David, Thank you very much for the positive feedback! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience. Thanks so much for joining us and we look forward to serving you at your next visit! I will tell Jake about your wonderful review!! Best, Douglas Anderson, General Manager

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  5. ChadN

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sean D was the best server I’ve had in years. Friendly, knowledgeable, personable and really cared about our experience. He’s a keeper. Oh…and the food was great too.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Thanks for visiting us, ChadN! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. It's wonderful to know that our team made a positive impression on you. We're also glad that you enjoyed the food. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and we look forward to serving you again soon. Cheers! Douglas Anderson General manager

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  6. Bruce

    Tampa

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent experience, one we enjoy every trip to Boston. Server was attentive and knowledgeable. Margarita was superb. My wife enjoyed a cup of clam chowder and the crab cake appetizer for the main course. I had the seafood boullebaise. Finished with Boston cream pie. Restaurant was quiet as no shows were on in the Theater District of Boston at this time.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Hi Bruce, Thank you so much for your kind words and the 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience at Legal Sea Foods - Downtown Crossing. It's great to know that our server was able to provide you with knowledgeable service and that you enjoyed our Margarita, seafood platter, and Boston cream pie. We're glad that your wife enjoyed our clam chowder and crab cake appetizer, and that you enjoyed the seafood boullebaise. We aim to provide a comfortable dining experience for all our guests, and it's heartening to hear that we were able to do that for you. We look forward to serving you again soon. Best wishes, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  7. JOHN

    Wilmington

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great. The service was outstanding, and the hospitality was phenomenal. Truly a wonderful experience on our first night in Boston.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Hey JOHN, Wow, thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience dining with us at Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing. It's fantastic to know that our food, service, and hospitality met your expectations. We're already looking forward to your next visit. Thank you for choosing to spend your first night in Boston with us. We can't wait to welcome you back! I hope you had a wonderful cruise to Canada!! We haven't laughed that hard in a long time!!!! Best regards, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  8. AudraD

    Greater Boston

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been to numerous Legal locations but it was our first time at this one. The lobster bisque was nice and hot and with chunks of lobster. Oysters were delicious. Fried clams were crispy and tender. The hoisin glazed salmon was delicious and perfectly cooked. My Aunt got the hot lobster roll and it was chock full of lobster and she said it was delicious. We got coffee and it was served hot and it was delicious. Drinks were delicious- watermelon mojito and the spicy cucumber margarita were both delicious. My one complaint would be the spicy margarita was cucumber but not spicy. It was still very good though. Service was great.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Hi AudraD, Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience at Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our lobster bisque, oysters, fried clams, and hot lobster roll. We're also glad to know that you enjoyed our watermelon mojito. We strive to provide a delicious and memorable dining experience for all our guests and it's wonderful to know we hit the mark for you. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  9. Kevin

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We go to Legal Seafoods often and this was our second visit to the Downtown Crossing location. Great food and great service will await you at this consistent brand! Always start with a dozen Wellfleet oysters! :)
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Thanks for visiting us, Kevin! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your second visit to our Legal Sea Foods - Downtown Crossing location and that our food and service met your expectations. We're proud to be a consistent brand for you and we're glad you appreciate our Wellfleet oysters! We can't wait to welcome you back soon. Best, Douglas Anderson General Manager

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  10. David

    Greater Boston

    34 reviews

    3.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We had lunch before a show. Food was OK - the calamari was fair - greasy not crispy. Caesar salad OK, certainly not great. Crab cakes, as usual, were excellent. Service was very good.
    Legal Sea Foods – Downtown CrossingResponded on August 31, 2024
    Dear Guest, Thank you for writing and sharing this feedback! We appreciate all of your comments and will address these few 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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FAQs

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. 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 4.4 stars by 2806 OpenTable diners.

Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 44 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing

558 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Crossing
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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. Make a splash when you celebrate a special occasion or host a corporate event with us.
  • Private party contact
    Jessica Keefe: (617) 530-9432
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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