A First Look at Legal Oysteria in Charlestown
Charred Octopus with tomato, potato, and coriander vinaigrette at the new Legal Oysteria. Photo provided.
Legal Sea Foods’ newest concept, Legal Oysteria, will open in the former Olives space in Charlestown on July 16. The 4,400 square-foot restaurant, headed up by longtime executive chef Rich Vellante, will feature an open kitchen with an old world brick oven and rotisserie, churning out a range of wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats, and coastal Italian-style seafood. The casual dining concept, the sixth brand in the Legal Sea Foods chain (Legal Sea Foods; LTK Kitchen & Bar; Legal C Bar; Legal Harborside; Legal Crossing), can accommodate up to 139 people in the dining room, 30 at a white marble island bar, and larger parties in a private dining area.
Inspired by Vellante’s passion for authentic Italian osterias, Legal Oysteria’s menu includes a section of “small plates,” such as ricotta fritters, marinated olives, and a salt cod crostini. Pizzas incorporate toppings like roasted clams, sopressata, and fresh tomatoes. But the main focus will still be the seafood, with highlights like Vellante’s charred octopus in a coriander vinaigrette; whole roasted fish with potatoes and olives; grilled stuffed trout; and lobster fra diavolo.
On the beverage side, VP of Beverage Operations Sandy Block has crafted an all-Mediterranean wine list focused on offerings from Italy and Spain. There are 32 wines by the glass, five by the half-bottle, and four tasting flights. The cocktail program, designed by Patrick Sullivan, delves into the current mixologist infatuation with bitter digestifs. Besides six aperitifs, there are six signature drinks using all manner of vermouths, chinato, and Italian amaros. Beer is limited to eight draught selections, most from local craft breweries such as Jack’s Abby, Cambridge Brewing Company, and Harpoon.
Legal Oysteria will be open daily from 4p.m. to 1a.m with dinner served until 10p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays dinner service will be extended to 11 p.m. Below is the dinner, wine, and cocktail lists:
Legal Oysteria Menu
10 City Square, Charlestown; 617-712-1988 or legaloysteria.com.
