Review of “No Name” Restaurant on Fish Pier in Boston

“No Name” Restaurant is housed in a non-descript building on Fish Pier just a block down from the World Trade Center in Boston. It had a reputation for good fish for a good price but indifferent service. Here’s my take after a recent visit.

I have not been to “No Name” for many years and the last time I went there was a huge line to get into what to me was a rowdy restaurant with everything screaming cheap except you got good fish stacked high on a plate and you left feeling you got your monies worth. My memories were it was not a pick for a special occasion meal or an intimate atmosphere.

I had promised the family a visit during the summer after we went on a harbor cruise and they mentioned “No Name” restaurant on Fish Pier and I thought – hey, we should do that as a family. And so last weekend I dragged them into Boston for a family treat.

“No Name” restaurant has become somewhat of a tourist trap – maybe it always was – but based on my recent return visit this trap isn’t the best fish deal in town anymore. And I'm sad I feel that way about any restaurant. In these times I'd much prefer to sing the praises of a New Engalnd business.

Most of our party had fish for the meal, and one had lobster. I remember the menu as being stark, however, since my last visit they have added “broiled” rather than just “fried” to the styles they serve – a welcome move to those watching their fat intake.

Frankly, the food was bland and they even managed to cook the salmon to the point it was tasteless. The lobster was not juicy and my scallops were a more than a bit on the teeny side.

Food wise I’m afraid it gets low marks from me.

How about the price? For a family of five and including tip I dropped $118 – about the same as eating at most of our local restaurants and even Legal Seafood would’ve been only slightly higher. So for costs it gets below average.

Despite the reputation for service we had a friendly and attentive waiter – although the place was not that busy. But he brought us extra side dishes, checked-in regularly and was chatty, so they score high on service from me.

Parking at the restaurant is on Fish Pier itself and you won’t find a fancy website or lots of advertising or marketing. “No Name” relies on word of mouth and so the decline of the food at this restaurant doesn’t auger well for its long-term future.

Overall “No Name” is not high on my list of restaurants to return to anytime soon – the great value fish meals that compensated for the spartan and somewhat dreary interior is not there anymore and so the primary value proposition for me has disappeared.

Though it disappoints me to say my advice is to spend your money at a Legal Seafood or a McCormick and Schmick’s Boston restaurant and even though it will cost you more you’ll be more satisfied with the food, service, and atmosphere… and that’s just about everything isn’t it?

“No Name” is in not far from the Boston Harbor waterfront area and other major attractions, and if you’d like more ideas and suggestions if you decide to visit then check out our Boston Vacations Guide here.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Destinations Guide