Best lobster rolls, according to Boston area chefs and bartenders

Food

Researching the best lobster rolls in New England just got easier.

A lobster roll from Neptune Oyster. Wiqan Ang/Boston Globe

Once summer is here, it’s not hard at all to find a lobster roll in Greater Boston and along the New England coast.

It’s one of the most popular dishes in New England, and it’s part of the culture of spending a summer day at a beach or waterfront restaurant in the region.

But here’s the thing: these sandwiches, filled with lobster meat that used to be considered “poor man’s food,” can cost a lot of money. You may end up paying $30, $40, even $50 or higher for such a simple sandwich.

So getting one that’s worth that high cost requires research.

Boston.com asked several Greater Boston chefs and bartenders where they go for the occasional lobster roll treat in Greater Boston and elsewhere in New England. Here’s what we heard:

Erin Miller, chef and owner at Urban Hearth, loves the local institution known as Alive & Kicking Lobster in Cambridge, known for its lobster sandwiches — they don’t call them rolls here.

“It feels like a slice of life from Cambridge-ago. Simple lobster sandwich treated with a light hand on the dressing and a great atmosphere.”

For outside of Boston, she’s headed to one spot on the South Shore and another all the way in Maine.

“Wiscasset, Maine Sprague’s Lobster, which is right on the Sheepscot River, is a simple seasonal place on the dock that has been run by the same family for 50 years. It’s a fresh roll loaded with lots of lobster and butter on the side and an ice cream cone. It’s a great way to kick off a Downeast vacation! Superior Lobster Co. in Humarock is a great-value, family-run fishmonger that you can even pull your boat up to the location. They do a deconstructed lobster roll, so you can take it on the boat and assemble when you’re ready. Plus, they come with a bag of Cape Cod potato chips, which of course you have to crumble on top for the perfect roll!”

Michael Lombardi, chef and owner of Si Cara, wants a water view if he’s going to enjoy a lobster roll.

“I feel like that’s part of the experience. With that being said, I’m going to say James Hook & Co. in Boston and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Every time I drive to Portland or somewhere else further north in Maine, I plan a stop at Two Lights. The waves crashing on the rocks and the wind from the ocean just adds to the entire experience. It definitely gets crowded in the summer, and parking can be tough.”

Display case full of lobster rolls at James Hook. (George Rizer/Globe staff)

Rachel Miller, chef and owner at Nightshade Noodle Bar, at first gave Nightshade Noodle Bar’s take on a lobster roll a shout out — a Viet-Cajun lobster salad served on a steamed brioche with crispy garlic.

“But when it comes to lobster rolls I didn’t make myself, my top pick is McLoons Lobster Shack in South Thomaston, Maine. Part of what makes it so special is the journey itself — the winding drive along ocean back roads sets the tone for something memorable. When you finally arrive, the little shack overlooking the water, with its stunning view, ample seating, friendly service, and generous portions, perfectly captures everything I love about New England summers. Saltie Girl is always good, or Tony’s Clam Shop in Quincy. My partner lived by the beach in Quincy when we first met, and lobster rolls and fried clams at Tony’s are a sweet early memory.”

Oscar Simoza, bar manager at The Wig Shop, is a fan of lobster rolls both cold and warm. For a warm option, Neptune Oyster comes highly recommended.

“Yes, the line can sometimes be long, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth the wait, especially with their excellent wine list and crisp, cold draft beer selection. Plus, their staff is truly outstanding.”

Simoza also claims a personal record at this next spot in Maine — eight lobster rolls in one sitting, so it must be good.

“If you ever find yourself in Portland, Maine, I suggest checking out The Highroller Lobster Co. It’s a lively spot with incredibly fresh and delicious seafood. Their smaller-sized lobster rolls are a great way to sample different sauces and preparations, both cold and warm! I can’t get enough of them.”

A lobster roll at Belle Isle Seafood in Winthrop, Massachusetts July 6, 2015. *Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff*

Tony Messina, consulting chef at Cunard Tavern, only goes for the no-frills options when it comes to his favorite lobster rolls.

“The first is Belle Isle Seafood right on the East Boston/Winthrop line. I grew up just down the street from it, and I used to go there all the time before they expanded into their current, larger home. It’s a simple roll, packed with lobster, and you have a great view of the harbor and the airport. The outdoor seating is a perk, too.

Messina’s go-to summer vacation spot in New England is Ogunquit, Maine, a coastal town on its southern coast.

“Footbridge Lobster is where we go to have a lobster roll. It’s on Perkins Cove, and the ocean is not more than a few feet in front of it. I have ordered a steamed lobster from them, watched the guy walk over to the lobster trap, which was still in the water, and grab the lobster out to steam it for me. You can’t beat that. Again, the rolls are no frills, but they’re fantastic. The setting is idyllic with the bridge raising and lowering for boats passing by, rocky shoreline views, and salt air breeze.”

Tony Susi, chef at Little Sage, keeps his picks close to home.

“For Boston-area lobster rolls, I love the one that Will Gilson makes at Puritan Oyster Bar. He offers them both hot and cold. I like them both, but I usually order it cold. For restaurants outside of Boston, the Seaport Grille in Gloucester makes a very good lobster roll. Maria’s (my fiancee’s) family is from there, and that’s where she likes to take me.”