Because I write so often and so lovingly about raw oysters, many people have asked me to identify the places at which I most enjoy eating these lovely creatures of the sea. By far the very best place in the world to eat oysters is at any of the open-air stands in the Rialto Market of Venice. On the other hand, I also know that I can rely on any of the following for oysters that will be plump, fresh, just salty-creamy enough, and never so expensive that I cannot feast on at least a dozen.

• Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant: on the lower level of Grand Central Railroad Station. Telephone 212 490-6650.
  
  
• The Union Oyster House: 41 Union Street, Boston.
  
  
• La Chope d'Alsace: 4 Carrefour de l'Odeon, Paris 6.
  
  
• Cafe de Paris: Place du Casino, Monaco.
  
  
• Trattoria Madonna: calle della Madonna 954, Venice.
  
  
• Pescheria Spadari: via Spadari 18, Milan.
  
  
• La Ribaudiere: in the port at Bourg-Charente (about 8 km. from Cognac).
  
  
• Hiely-Lucullus: 4 rue de la Republic, Avignon.
  
  
• Oysters Bar at Wilton: 65 Jermyn Street, SW1. Telephone 629 5555
  
  
• Legal Sea Foods: many locations in Boston, including at Logan Airport, Terminal C. To locate other branches phone 800-477-LEGAL.

To read about Feasting on Oysters and some recipes .. click here

© Daniel Rogov