Select Oyster Bar

Select Oyster Bar occupies a Back Bay townhouse on Gloucester Street, with exposed brick, wooden tables and a pewter bar. Chef Michael Serpa’s menu starts with local oysters and runs through crudo, ceviche, shellfish and Spanish octopus, using Mediterranean flavors and seasonal preparations. You can stop at a few raw bar plates or commit to a seafood tower and a longer meal. The wine list is built with seafood in mind, alongside cocktails and beer. Lunch gets the same full menu as dinner, which makes an afternoon visit worth considering. The restaurant also sets aside space for walk-ins, so a reservation is useful but not the only way to eat here.