Boston graduation season meal of choice for parents!
đŠ Atlantic Fish Company: Bostonâs Top Pick for Dining with ParentsâSeafood That Feels Like Home Graduation season calls for a meal that checks all boxes: Boston (local flair), non-Chinese but palatable for Chinese taste buds, diverse dishes, nice ambiance, and reasonable prices. This Back Bay staple nailed itâmy parents left happy, and thatâs no small feat. đ The Hits (Loved by the Whole Table) Seafood Fra Diavolo: đ The star. Spicy-savory tomato sauce clinging to every strand of pasta, loaded with shrimp, mussels, and scallops (scallops were a touch overcooked, but minor flaw). Itâs rich, flavorful, and satisfyingâmy parents, usually skeptical of Western pasta, went back for seconds. Steamed Lobster (1lb): đŠ Classic Maine lobster, served plain to let the sweet meat shine. My parents admitted they prefer it with ginger-scallion sauce (canât blame them), but even plain, the freshness won them over. A must-order for that âBoston experience.â Clam Chowder: đ„Ł Award-winning New England-style, and my friend swears itâs the best in town. Creamy, briny, with chunks of clam and potato. My mom found it a touch salty, but pairing it with the bread bowl (genius!) turns it into a âAmerican version of soaked breadââsoft, absorbent, and delicious. House Bread: đ„ A surprise hit. Warm, crusty, and fluffy inside, slathered with butterâmy dad polished off a whole loaf before the mains arrived. Simple, but executed perfectly. Oysters (East & West Coast): đŠȘ A great intro for oyster newbies. East Coast oysters are briny and bold; West Coast ones are sweeter with a clean finish. Even my parents, who avoid raw food, took a few bitesâand liked them. đ Honorable Mentions Octopus: đ Tender, with a texture like âoctopus sausage,â served with small potatoes. My dad laughed and said it tasted âlike braised potato with a twistââhigh praise for Western food. Fried Whole Belly Clams: đŠȘ Crispy, lightly battered, and juicy inside. A touch oily, but the crunch and freshness make up for it. âš Why It Works for Parents Flavors: Mild, balanced, and not overly âforeignââno weird herbs or extreme spices. The seasoning leans savory, which clicks with Chinese palates. Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, and upscale without being stuffy. No need for awkward âfine diningâ small talkâjust good food and easy conversation. Variety: From lobster to pasta to chowder, thereâs something for everyone, even picky eaters. Budget Score: 4/5. ~$80 per person (with drinks) is reasonable for the quality, portion size, and âspecial occasionâ feel. Atlantic Fish Company isnât just a seafood spotâitâs a foolproof choice for showing parents Bostonâs culinary side. Familiar enough to feel comfortable, unique enough to feel memorable. đ Atlantic Fish Company 761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 #BostonSeafood #GraduationDinner #FamilyFriendlyEats