You never forget your first lobster roll. Ours was 20 years ago in New York City at Mary’s Fish Camp (which is still one of the best), and we put on 20 pounds alone from repeated visits. We would do it all over again because some things in life are worth it. These are the best lobster rolls in the world.
Mary’s Fish Camp
How it’s served up:
This version looks like it’s rich with mayo, but at that first bite, it’s surprisingly light. The Mary’s version is a cold lobster with chunks of tail and claw, in an impossibly light homemade mayonnaise. It’s garnished with chives on a lightly buttered and toasted bun. Even those averse to mayo, somehow like this secret mayo recipe version.
Why we like it:
We had to include the version that got us addicted to the best lobster rolls in the first place. If you want to taste the coast without taking the trip all the way out to Maine, head to Mary’s Fish Camp in the West Village. This is as charming as it gets to transport you to the shore, even if you’re trading seaside for streetside. The pandemic silver lining is they now have outdoor seating, but there’s almost always still a wait. The lobster roll experience is enhance with their crispy mandolin french fries. The fries are actually a highlight, piled high on the plate and best with a few shakes of malted vinegar.
White Barn Inn, Maine
How it’s served up:
Lobster. Truffle. Caviar. Enough said.
Why we like it:
One of the best lobster rolls in the US, set in one of the most beautiful places to stay in Maine? The White Barn Inn ticks all the culinary and experience boxes. Ever creative, their gourmet take on the lobster roll brings three of the most luxurious ingredients together. This makes the best lobster rolls list because it’s the definition of decadence with Siberian caviar and truffle, along with healthy chunks of lobster. As you would expect with a version this fancy, you’re not in a shack though eating off paper plates. Instead, you’re in a beautiful barn overlooking a grand garden. For those traditionalists, their classic version of the lobster roll is chilled with a light mayo and topped with fresh sorrel and herbs.
Eventide Boston
How it’s served up:
Bostonians are serious about the best lobster rolls. The Eventide version is served with a delicious signature brown butter sauce in a steamed bun with chives and fresh dill. That steamed bun is then lightly griddled in butter to add just a little more savory to the dish.
Why we like it:
Eventide is a James Beard award-winning restaurant with an elevated chic shack atmosphere. Every best lobster rolls list needs a chic shack option. In this rendition, it’s the steamed bun that does it for us. There are also warm and cold lobster options, all of which are refined versions. You can tell, that the chef behind these rolls has some serious culinary skills.
Bite Into Maine
How it’s served up:
Gosh help us, but Bite Into Maine has six versions, of Maine lobster only rolls overflowing with claw meat. So technically all six make the best lobster rolls list. You can go traditionalist with a chilled homemade mayo and fresh chive, which is always a good idea. On the warm front, the classic Connecticut-style lobster is drizzled with just the right amount of butter. There’s also a warm picnic style version with coleslaw, celery salt and butter, just to spice it up. Speaking of spice, you can also choose a smoky chipotle mayo version, a zingy wasabi mayo or a yellow Indian curry.
Why we like it:
Food trucks are fun, especially when they serve up an impossible amount of lobster. We love lobster rolls that are made only with claws. The claw meat is arguably the best part of the lobster, though we know that could be fighting words. Bite Into Maine also makes the best lobster rolls list because this may just be the most generous roll. Each unabashedly buttered brioche bun is overflowing with more lobster meat than any other version.
Cru in Nantucket
How it’s served up:
Why we like it:
Lobster rolls with a side of people watching on Nantucket? Yes, it’s summer. Sometimes it’s nice to have table service, especially when that table overlooks the water. Also, lobster rolls pair very nicely with dozens of fresh oysters, which is another speciality of Cru.
Broad Street Oyster Company, Malibu, California
How it’s served up:
Why we like it:
The Bonus: Hinoki & The Bird – Los Angeles
