Let me start off by admitting I went to the new Legal Oysteria twice in two days. It’s that good, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty close to my office. I didn’t spend much time at Olives, the restaurant previously in its space, except for the epic reopening party, where it seems Todd English spent all of his money on a seven hour open bar. . .
But I loved the space and location, and well, while Todd doesn’t seem to have a love for Boston, Legal does, and I had a feeling they would get it just right.
Legal Oysteria maintains that same bright, open layout and design that Olives had, with a beautiful white marble bar and a variety of types of seating, including a dining area, bar, and high tops.
The cocktail menu offers many aperitif and digestif type drinks; a number of them have bitter elements like Amaro. I started with a Prosecco Cocktail, a refreshing and too-easy-to-drink blend of Prosecco, Aperol, Aperitivo Rosa, Citrus, and Soda. The paper straw it came with was cute, but it disintegrated pretty quickly.
Legal Oysteria is the perfect place to dine with friends who are up for trying lots of bites. Every single one was delicious, and we filled up before we had the chance tp even look at the entrée menu!
{Crispy Fried Calamari, Salsa Rossa}
Tender, salty, perfectly crisp, the calamari was a surprise. I often try calamari that I don’t love, but this one really was perfect.
{Eggplant Caponata with Grilled Focaccia}
I love eggplant, but I love it even more when someone else cooks it for me. This caponata was dotted with sweet raisins to provide a flavor contrast, and the bread was fluffy and buttery,
{Grilled Oysters with Fennel Butter}
This is possibly the most heavenly and decadent way to eat oysters ever. Warm fennel butter mixed with plump grilled oysters was a combination new to me, but it is something I want to eat again and again.
{Ricotta Fritters with Spiced Honey}
These little fritters reminded me of donuts. They were awesome, but I think they might belong on the dessert menu.
{Chickpea and Shrimp Fritters}
I had these both nights at Legal Oysteria. I loved the mix of shrimp and chickpeas in a piping hot fritter, and the spicy aioli was a perfect addition.
{Roasted Clam Pizza, Garlic, Oregano, Mozzarella, Pecorino}
The roasted clam pizza was our main course, and it was delightfully crispy and garlicky, the perfect end to the meal and the bite that put me over the “too full” edge.
Legal Oysteria is an excellent addition to the Boston dining scene, and I am certain it will become an after work favorite for me and my colleagues.
