Seafood restaurants in Massachusetts
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Barking Crab
Big buckets of crabs (Jonah, blue, snow, Alaskan or whatever is in season), steamers dripping in lemon and butter, paper plates piled high with all things fried… The food is plentiful and cheap, and you eat it at communal picnic tables overlooking the water. Beer flows freely. Service is slack but the atmosphere is jovial. Be prepared to wait for a table if the weather is warm.
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LTK Bar & Kitchen
LTK stands for Legal Test Kitchen: this is where Legal Seafood is exploring ‘dining in the 21st century.’ Foodwise, LTK has incorporated multicultural cuisine into the menu, with sushi, pho and tempura. The setting is sleek and pared-down, a contrast to Legal’s traditional dining room. The concept is not so cutting-edge, but it’s a cool, convenient place to grab a bite to eat. Call in advance if you want sidewalk seating.
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Kingfish Hall
Chef-entrepreneur Todd English, of Olives and Figs fame, has struck again. The imaginative menu offers seafood specialties like catch of the day roasted on the spit and crispy lobster served 'Cantonese style' (with ginger and scallions). Whimsical, under-the-sea decor includes tile tables inlaid with crustacean mosaics and fish mobiles suspended from high ceilings. You can watch the Faneuil Hall activity from the outdoor terrace.
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Jasper White's Summer Shack
This Back Bay outlet of Jasper White's famous restaurant is as big and noisy as the lobster is delectable. Portions are large and preparations are straightforward: specialties include traditional lobster rolls, steamed clams and a magnificently huge raw bar. This is a great spot for kids, but solo diners aren't shafted either. The original location is bit out of the way - in North Cambridge near Alewife T station.
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Mare
Mare, meaning 'ocean,' is where all of your favorite creatures of the sea are prepared in creative, contemporary ways, like pan-seared scallops served over lemon angel hair pasta, or rock shrimp tossed with zucchini over spinach gnocchi. The kicker is that almost all of the ingredients are organic, from the first-press olive oils to the unpasteurized cheeses to the impressive wine list.
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Atlantic Café
At this nautical-themed eatery, ship figureheads hang from the walls and fishermen hang at the bar. Lots of light fare such as quahog chowder and chicken fingers, but the stars of the menu are the fresh Nantucket bluefish specials and the barbecued ribs. Although it gets boisterous late at night, it’s otherwise a family-friendly place with a kids’ menu ($8).
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B&G Oysters
Patrons flock to this casually cool oyster bar to get in on the raw delicacies offered by chef Barbara Lynch. Sit inside at the tiled bar or outside on the peaceful terrace, and indulge in a wide selection of the freshest oysters from local waters. An extensive list of wines and a modest menu of mains and appetizers (mostly seafood) are ample accompaniment for the oysters.
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Company of the Cauldron
A good choice for a romantic dinner out. This intimate restaurant has attentive service and top-rated food. It’s purely reserved seating times and three-course prix-fixe dinners, with the likes of lobster crepe followed by almond-crusted halibut. As the chef concentrates his magic on just one menu each evening, it’s done to perfection without distraction.
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Yankee Lobster Fish Market
The Zanti family has been fishing for three generations, so they definitely know their stuff. But it was not until recently that they opened this retail fish market, scattered with a few tables in case you want to dine in. And you do… order something simple like fish and chips or a lobster roll, accompany it with a cold beer, and you will not be disappointed.
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Roy Moore Lobster Company
This takeout kitchen has the cheapest lobster-in-the-rough on the Neck. Your beast comes on a tray with melted butter, a fork and a wet wipe for cleanup. You can sit in the back with the fishing boats on a few tables fashioned from lobster traps, or head next door to the restaurant for a bit of refinement. Don’t forget to bring your own beer or wine.
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Straight Wharf Restaurant
The best place for fresh-caught seafood served up with a harbor view is the deck of this hot restaurant. Boston’s renowned chef couple Amanda Lydon and Gabriel Frasca command the kitchen with New American flair. The menu changes frequently, but expect your scallops or halibut to be adorned with the likes of truffle butter.
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No Name
The location on the fish pier lends credence to the motto ‘Where the fresh are so fresh, they jump out of the water and onto your plate.’ This place has lost some of its charm since being discovered by outsiders, but that doesn’t stop dock workers from showing up for fried clams and fish chowder.
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Daily Catch
Although owner Paul Freddura long ago added a few tables and an open kitchen, this shoebox fish joint still retains the atmosphere of a retail fish market (complete with wine served in plastic cups). Fortunately, it also retains the freshness of the fish. The specialty is calamari, fried to tender perfection. There’s not much room to maneuver so if you want to spread out, head to the more spacious Seaport District outlet. Cash only.
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Lobster Hut
Right on the town wharf, the seaside Lobster Hut has big plates of fried clams, fish-and-chips, and – of course – lobster salad, fried lobster tail, boiled lobsters etc. There is seating inside, but it’s much more enjoyable to take a place on the deck and catch a harbor breeze.
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Brackett’s
Locals swear by this cozy little dining nook. The casual pub atmosphere, ocean views and daily specials draw a consistent crowd. The specialties of the house are scrod, shrimp, crab and scallop casseroles, rich in sherry and cream. This is one of the few places in Rockport that serves alcohol.
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Ciro & Sal’s
One of Provincetown’s top choices for a romantic dinner out, this candlelit cellar restaurant specializes in local seafood with a northern Italian flair. Perhaps the baked oysters in pesto, or the fresh fish of the day with anchovies and plum tomatoes. Save room for the tiramisu.
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Roo Bar
Adding some spice to dining in Plymouth! You can still get seafood, but it’s served in innovative ways: shrimp and sea scallops in a coconut curry broth; pan seared halibut served with a modern version of succotash. The atmosphere is hip, happening and definitely noisy.
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Landing
The atmosphere is staid, but the setting is the draw at this classic seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Choose from the full-service restaurant or the pub, which has lighter fare. Either way, don’t expect anything too exciting: just sit back and enjoy the view.
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Black Cow Tap & Grill
The Black Cow’s waterfront setting is unbeatable; and you can’t miss it in the center of town near the tourist information kiosk. A huge dining room has big windows so everyone can enjoy ocean views while eating the creatures that came out of it.
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Sole Proprietor
Overlook the cheesy name and head under the neon marquee for fresh, honest seafood at moderate prices in an upscale, linen-clad dining room. Eat lobster, Dijon and horseradish bluefish, maple-glazed scallops and ocean catfish with bok choy and parmesan crust.
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Starboard Galley
This waterfront place is a classic seafood restaurant, with big portions, boatloads of lobster and delicious mussels drowning in garlic. The decor is drab, but you can eat on the porch and catch a glimpse of the water on the other side of the parking lot.
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Pearl
Think of the most chic restaurant in your town and double the chic quotient. Now you’ve got some idea of the Pearl – the place really is a gem. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, try the salt and pepper wok-fried lobster.
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Chatham Squire
The perky Chatham Squire pub is the busiest place in town. The menu's piled high with Monomoy steamers, raw oysters and other briny local delights. How fresh is the seafood? Just take one look at the fishermen hanging at the bar.
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Sayle's Seafood
For the island's best fried clams, cheapest lobster dinners and other seafood treats, head to this combo fish market and clam shack on the south side of town. It's all takeout but there's outdoor seating where you can enjoy your feast.
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Pepe’s Wharf
Locals and seasoned visitors head to this seafront eatery for a million-dollar view on a paper-plate budget. A burger and fries will set you back just $10 and nothing on the menu, including the fresh grilled swordfish, runs over $20.
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