Legal Seafoods is a hometown enterprise that has developed a reputation for serving Boston's finest, freshest fish and shellfish. Not only does Legal operate 30 restaurants along the Atlantic coast, they even run an on-site microbiology laboratory to inspect the sea's harvest before sending it to the kitchen.

Located in Kendall Square near MIT, one of our favorite Legal locations, the restaurant offers a pleasant dining atmosphere. The giant striped awnings, quietly elegant woodwork, and blue-green and white tile motif that alludes to the sea all make this an attractive place to relax and enjoy the freshest fish around.

Starters
We recommend that you begin with the New England clam chowder, which combines tender pieces of clam and potato in a silky, creamy broth. It has been served at Presidential inaugurations since 1981. We also recommend the fried shrimp wontons, delightfully presented on a bed of scallion garnishes and served with a piquant soy-ginger sauce for dipping.

Main Dishes
Legal offers a dozen or more fish varieties (both freshwater and saltwater) available grilled, fried or Cajun-style, as well as house specialties such as the salmon fillets served in parchment with spring vegetables. We tried the grilled tuna steaks, which are cooked to your liking. Although we ordered our tuna medium rare at our server's recommendation, we later regretted succumbing to fashion for uncooked fish, and would order it medium next time.

Lobsters are available steamed, or baked and stuffed, in sizes up to four pounds. These are sizes that are not commonly available in most restaurants. Our lobster was sweet and succulent, and pre-cracked for our convenience, so we didn't spray our fellow diners with salt water.

Craving fried clams? Legal serves up an enormous platter of whole clams, with side orders of onion strings and coleslaw.

Extras
If you have any room left, try a few bonbons (nuggets of gourmet ice cream in a pure chocolate shell) with your espresso or specialty coffee.

Legal has a good selection of microbrews and national brands available on tap and in bottles, as well as a reasonably priced wine list and full bar service.

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