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Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square Reviews List
Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
The signature dish at Legal Sea Foods – really fresh fish.
Located in the courtyard of the Charles Hotel, our restaurant evokes the simple style of the original Legal Sea Foods that was in nearby Inman Square, Cambridge. In warmer months our outside patio reels in those who choose the fresh seafood and fresh air combo.
Legal Sea Foods has long proven that a consistent, high quality dining experience never goes out of style. With over 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish available throughout the year as well as an award-winning wine list, there’s no doubt why legions of fans have fallen hook, line and sinker.
We’ve received a boatload of accolades including “Most Popular Boston Restaurant” (Zagat, 2011/2012), “Best Seafood Restaurant” (Improper Bostonian, 2010), “Best Chowder” (Boston Magazine, 2010), “Best Seafood Restaurant” (Boston Phoenix, 2009) and the honor of serving our legendary New England Clam Chowder at every presidential inauguration since 1981.
See more Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square details
148 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 148 reviews
5 stars
(53)
4 stars
(79)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(55)
- special occasion(42)
- fit for foodies(35)
- great for lunch(30)
- neighborhood gem(25)
- great for outdoor dining(23)
Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square Reviews List
Review 1 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Reliably good and fresh seafood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Legal Seafoods always has reliably good and fresh seafood. Not content to rest on their admirable laurels, they also present innovative dining options in their specials. It is definitely a go-to for out of town guests!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
dinner for 8
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. Our waiter was bit slow and was obviously stretched pretty thin."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While waiting for my party to arrive, I went ahead to see the location of the table we would be sitting at. The table was located right by a service door in a dark corner, I asked to change and was directed to a better table with no hesitation. Service recovered!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 4 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
quality service under pressure
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We arrived 45 minutes late, due to horrific traffic coming from New Hampshire, and thus had very little time to eat before attending the nearby jazz performance. The waitress was absolutely wonderful and understanding,and the food we ordered arrived in next to no time, cooked just right. And of course, with fish one orders Muscadet! (two choices on the wine list). A wonderful recovery from a high stress situation. This place is first class! Jim T."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 5 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was great and the good was amazing. This was my second time there with no regrets. I will recommend this place to friends"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service, great food,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Great service, great food, fast, kid-friendly, group friendly fun, diverse, they always have a table. Unfortunately as of late the prices have gone up from what you'd expect."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, scenic view
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Review 7 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I enjoyed everything very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I enjoyed everything very much. I had invited my Harvard grandson and two friends. All loved it. However, I was annoyed with the waitress when I asked her for one scoop of sorbet, and she brought me 5, which of course I had to pay for. Otherwise it was really a fine experience."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was fabulous! Nora,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was fabulous! Nora, our server was terrific, knowledgeable and attentive. It was and alway is a creat dining experience."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 9 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good service and food,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good service and food, as always!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, lots of selection.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, lots of selection. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 11 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Want to commend George and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Want to commend George and his associate. When they heard me comment on the spiciness of the mussels they immediately offered to replace them with another batch made without the pepper. Well done."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2005
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Review 12 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It is always good seafood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It is always good seafood at :Legals. Woodgrilled assortment is yum."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This was a birthday dinner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a birthday dinner and I had called ahead and explain what I wanted done and arrived early. I wanted the champagne at the table and PAID for before the guests arrived, they were struggling to do that and the separate bill for that came when the guests were there. We were NEVER offered water, we had to ask!? Service was OK."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very Accommodating to Requests
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had put down on my reservation that my date and I were in a bit of a rush, and needed to get in and out quickly, but still wanted to enjoy a nice dinner. The staff were fantastic at catering to this wish, and I really thank them for it! The food was also great; definitely plan on returning!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, hot spot
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Review 15 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good . Waiter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good . Waiter Joe was the best I've ever had at your restaurant in the 40yrs i've done business with you. Extremely attentive to my special requests on my meal."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Consistently good fresh fish
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Consistently good fresh fish and seafood. Service and ambiance at the bar has always been excellent; service this time and consistently at the tables has been poor. Untrained and inexperienced waitstaff is partially offset by their enthusiasm, but barely."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2006
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Review 17 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
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Review 18 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and experience as always!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 19 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the first time for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the first time for several in our moderate-sized group. We all enjoyed the meal tremendously. It was a little difficult to stay connected with the folks at the far end of our table due to noise, but that is not that unusual. Our server was terrific and very patient!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 20 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Recent food preparation change
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been eating at this location for many years, but have noticed a change in the food preparation in the past year or so. The fish had too much oil/butter. My friend felt the same way. We were blotting the food with our napkins. Our fellow diners made comments also. This is a more recent change, never had it happen at any of the locations in the past."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
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Review 21 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food is generally consistent,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is generally consistent, reliable and good across the chain. Not the best value."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server Joe could not have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server Joe could not have been more attentive. The oysters were fabulously fresh and the meal was outstanding and prepared perfectly based on all the special requests we made!! We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 23 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good! Nice restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was very good! Nice restaurant."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2007
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Review 24 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a reservation for 14 and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a reservation for 14 and the restaurant was very accommodating seeing as we moved the tables around quite a bit until we were happy with the set up. Great help from the staff."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 25 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Impressed my guests from the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Impressed my guests from the hinterlands of Minnesota with the wide range of options. Calamari appetizers still the best!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 26 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always reliable always the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always reliable always the best fish in town at reasonable prices."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great fish, tepid experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I guess every restaurant having identical menus is a good thing - like Red Lobster? The fish is wonderful, but would dine more often if individual restaurants had more personality. Driving to Cambridge was a waste, as the mall is closer."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
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Review 28 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Even on New Year's Eve,,,great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Even on New Year's Eve,,,great service & food!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 29 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tiem for a facelift. It is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tiem for a facelift. It is dreary and uninviting. Given all the choices in the square they have to figure out a way to draw you in."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
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Review 30 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great lunch as always, service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great lunch as always, service was quick and on point."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2009
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 31 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We commonly go to Burlington
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We commonly go to Burlington Mall; but have been shifting to Harvard Sq now and then. Good overall experience in both locations."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
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Review 32 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
highly functioning system
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"especially upbeat staff but not aggressively so. all dozen oysters were great and presented optimally on ice on the half shell soaking in briny fresh oyster liquor. new england clam chowder didn't disappoint for substance, freshness and texture. crab cakes were exceptional in that they were just that, crab. fell for it h, l & s."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
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Review 33 for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our reservation expanded at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our reservation expanded at the last minute from 5 to 8 and they smoothly accomodated the change and our table was ready when we arrived a few minutes later. We all enjoyed a delightful brunch, as well as choices from the full menu."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Legal Sea Foods - Charles Square
Based on the average of (115) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
18 out of 19 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic