If someone told you that one of Boston’s best neighborhoods for plant-based eating is the same one that’s famous for its seafood shacks and chowder spots, you’d probably roll your eyes. But it’s true!
The Seaport has spent years building an identity around serving seafood fresh out of the water, so it’s the last place most vegetarians think to look when their stomachs are growling.
But the district has been rewriting its menu, and if you count it out before you get there, you may miss some of the most interesting plant-based foods the city has to offer.
Boston’s Seaport Is Reinventing Its Food Identity
The waterfront here has changed from a working port to one of Boston’s most exciting neighborhoods where you can get a great meal. And it’s not only meat-eaters that are benefitting from this change!
From Fish Markets to Food Innovation
For most of the twentieth century, the Seaport was a place of industry, not dinner reservations. But in the last decade, there was a massive wave of development that drew in chefs and a new generation of diners with different tastes.
As the area changed, it became a neighborhood where a raw bar and a vegetarian mezze spot could exist just a block apart and both be fully booked on a Friday night.
Where Plant-Based Creativity Is Thriving
The most exciting plant-based plates in the Seaport aren’t only served at dedicated vegan and vegetarian spots. In fact, they’re spread across different restaurants and price points. Knowing that everyone’s dietary needs will be covered makes it super practical to plan a full day of eating.
Vegetable-Forward Menus Worth Sitting Down For
Committee brings you a Mediterranean mezze menu, and the vegetarian spread is far from an afterthought.
From small plates of whipped feta to delicious Falafel Gyro and Spanakopita Grilled Cheese, their portions are generous enough to build a full meal. Plus, they’re interesting enough to keep the table talking.
Additionally, for an all-vegetarian menu, Lulu Green makes incredible Korean Lettuce Wraps for a light yet satisfying meal.
Looking for something more filling? Their Pasta ala Vodka is to die for, and is even fresher than the seafood you’ll find around here.
Although these two picks are amazing, it’s worth your while to explore the neighborhood for other options. In fact, several of the district’s seafood restaurants have moved past the obligatory veggie platter or plain salad and started designing vegetarian plates that you’d actually want to eat.
Exploring the Seaport Between Meals
Food always tastes better when it’s part of a day with some excitement to it. And the Seaport gives you a lot to work with. So, if you’re putting together a weekend in Boston, this neighborhood is about more than just dining.
The Boston Harborwalk stretches along the water and connects neighborhoods in a way that makes it easy to explore. The space between Fort Point and the pier is especially worth your time, particularly when the light hits the harbor in the late afternoon. Just don’t forget your camera to take some gorgeous photographs in the perfect lighting.
The Institute of Contemporary Art is also right on the water and the perfect way to spend your day before a well-deserved dinner. Just be sure to plan your visit ahead of time, since it tends to draw a crowd, especially on weekends.
Why the Seaport Works Surprisingly Well for Vegetarians
The Seaport works perfectly well as a vegetarian-friendly spot to enjoy while you’re in Boston. While there are plenty of seafood options for your travel buddies, almost every restaurant has an array of tantalizing veggie-based meals.
No more feeling like the odd one out at the dinner table! The next time you step off a Boston cruise with a few hours to kill, you won’t have to rely on eating all the breadsticks at a seafood joint to fill you up. The Seaport has actual food for you now, and it’s good.
