Legal Oysteria: Oysters And Italian-Style Seafood At A New Charlestown Eatery

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Legal Oysteria

Legal Oysteria
10 City Square
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 712-1988
www.legaloysteria.com

Contrary to what your girlfriend would have you believe, manicures, doing the laundry and fiscal responsibility not actually aphrodisiacs. Oysters, on the other hand, have been scientifically proven to put you in the mood, making the brand new Legal Oysteria your go-to destination, whether you're looking for love or just some fantastic shellfish.

The Charlestown offshoot of the ubiquitous Legal chain is the company's first oysteria, specializing in Italian-style seafood as opposed to the New England-style fare Legal legions have come to expect. It has also created a more casual dining atmosphere than its brethren, while still maintaining the company's signature contemporary look, including a marble, U-shaped bar, a brick pizza oven and lots of ambient light.

More: Best $1 Oyster Specials in the Boston Suburbs

The former Olives space seats 144 satisfied diners, who will be able to sate their bivalve desire with a rotating list of available oysters, done raw, grilled, baked or fried. Other seaworthy dishes include charred octopus, salt cod crostini, Ligurian fish stew and lobster fra diavolo, while landlubbers will find plenty to please them as well, like the sopressata pizza, steak pizzaiolo, truffle cheese-stuffed sausages and artichoke lasagna.

An impressive bar boasts 15 types of bourbons and ryes, an extensive list of Italian wines, and all the types of digestifs and grappas that someone must drink. Fortunately you'll also find a small but eclectic beer list, including Allagash White, Cambridge Brewing Company Amber and Jacks Abby Hoponius Union, in addition to the standard Bud Light and Harpoon IPA options.

More: E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. Boston

Cocktail aficionados will enjoy crafty twists on classics, like the Lido Shuffle (vermouth, Italian bitters, soda, orange aroma), the Fifty-Fifty (No. 3 Gin, Contratto Bianco) and the Peru Negro (pisco, amari, Carpano Antica).

Whatever comes to your table will definitely put you in the mood...the mood to indulge in some seriously good seafood.

By Jesse Husid