Unearth The Voyage
Massachusetts has earned its reputation as a seafood lover’s paradise, with restaurants serving everything from buttery lobster rolls to freshly shucked oysters. These spots are so beloved that tables fill up fast, often requiring reservations weeks in advance. Whether you’re craving fried clams by the beach or elegant oyster platters in the city, these ten restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences worth the wait.
1. Neptune Oyster
Tucked into a tiny storefront in Boston’s historic North End, this oyster bar has become legendary for serving what many consider the best lobster roll in New England. The space seats only about 40 people, which explains why lines stretch down Salem Street most days.
Neptune operates on a walk-in-only basis, so forget about calling ahead. Your best bet is arriving right when they open or braving a lengthy wait during peak hours.
Fresh oysters arrive daily, and the menu changes based on what’s available from local waters. The hot buttered lobster roll is piled impossibly high with sweet meat, while the cold version offers a refreshing mayo-based alternative that’s equally delicious.
2. Woodman’s of Essex
Did you know this unassuming roadside spot invented the fried clam back in 1916? Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman tossed a clam into hot oil on a whim, and American cuisine changed forever.
Over a century later, families still flock here for crispy, golden fried clams served in overflowing baskets. The casual atmosphere features picnic tables and a no-frills approach that keeps the focus squarely on the food. Summer weekends bring massive crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Beyond the famous clams, the menu offers lobster rolls, chowder, and other New England classics. The fish market attached to the restaurant lets you take home fresh catches to cook yourself.
3. Turner’s Seafood
What began as a small fish market in 1997 has grown into a beloved restaurant group with multiple locations across Massachusetts. The Melrose flagship remains a favorite for its combination of market-fresh quality and refined dining atmosphere.
Reservations fill quickly, especially on weekends when families gather for special occasions. The restaurant prides itself on sustainable sourcing, working directly with fishermen to ensure the freshest possible catches. Daily specials reflect whatever’s most abundant in local waters that week.
Their raw bar sparkles with oysters, clams, and shrimp, while the kitchen turns out everything from simple grilled fish to elaborate seafood towers. The adjacent market means you can trust the quality is exceptional.
4. My Place by the Sea
Perched along Rockport’s scenic coastline, this restaurant offers stunning ocean views that pair perfectly with plates of locally caught seafood. The setting alone makes it worth booking ahead, but the food keeps guests returning year after year.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months when tourists flood this picturesque Cape Ann town. The menu celebrates New England traditions while adding creative touches that feel fresh and modern.
Lobster features prominently, prepared in various styles from classic boiled to innovative pasta dishes. The outdoor deck provides an unforgettable dining experience when weather permits, with salt air and seabird calls enhancing every bite. Sunset dinners here create memories that last long after vacation ends.
5. Dryft Revere
Right on Revere Beach, this stylish restaurant brings coastal dining to a whole new level with its modern design and creative menu. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular ocean views, making every table feel special.
The restaurant’s popularity means booking weeks ahead is essential, especially for weekend brunches and sunset dinner slots. Fire pits on the outdoor patio create a cozy atmosphere for evening dining, even when temperatures drop.
The menu goes beyond traditional New England fare, incorporating global influences while respecting local ingredients. Fresh fish gets paired with unexpected flavors, and the raw bar selection impresses even the pickiest oyster enthusiasts. The cocktail program deserves special mention, featuring creative drinks that complement the seafood beautifully.
6. Jake’s Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market
Located in the charming seaside town of Hull, this combination restaurant and fish market has been serving the South Shore community with pride for years. The dual nature means everything served in the dining room comes from the same pristine sources available at the market counter.
Summer reservations disappear quickly as beachgoers and locals alike crave their famous fish and chips or overflowing seafood platters. The casual, family-friendly vibe makes everyone feel welcome, from toddlers to grandparents.
Daily catches determine much of the menu, so specials change frequently based on what’s running. The market side lets you purchase fresh fish, lobsters, and shellfish to prepare at home, extending the Jake’s experience beyond restaurant visits.
7. Salmon Run Fish House
Finding exceptional seafood in the landlocked Berkshires might seem unlikely, but this Lee establishment proves fresh fish travels well when handled properly. The restaurant has built a loyal following among locals and tourists exploring Western Massachusetts.
Despite being hours from the ocean, the kitchen maintains high standards for freshness and quality. Reservations are necessary during peak tourist seasons when the Berkshires fill with visitors attending theater, concerts, and outdoor activities.
The menu features both traditional preparations and creative dishes that reflect the restaurant’s inland location. Salmon appears in multiple forms, honoring the restaurant’s name, while other seafood options rotate based on availability. The warm, rustic atmosphere provides welcome comfort after days spent hiking or exploring nearby cultural attractions.
8. Fishermen’s View
This Sandwich institution combines a working fish market with a beloved restaurant, ensuring absolute freshness in every dish. The location near Cape Cod’s northern shore means seafood arrives daily from nearby waters, sometimes just hours after being caught.
The restaurant fills quickly during tourist season, so advance planning is essential for securing a table. Locals know to visit during off-peak hours or shoulder seasons when the crowds thin but the quality remains exceptional.
Simple preparations let the seafood’s natural flavors shine, though the kitchen also offers more elaborate dishes for adventurous diners. The market component attracts serious home cooks who appreciate the same quality available in the restaurant. Chowder here is thick, creamy, and packed with tender clams or fish.
9. Union Oyster House
Stepping inside America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant feels like traveling back to 1826, when this establishment first opened its doors. The building itself dates even earlier, with portions constructed in the 1700s.
History buffs and seafood lovers alike pack this National Historic Landmark, making reservations absolutely necessary. Daniel Webster supposedly drank a tall glass of brandy with each half-dozen oysters he consumed here, establishing a legendary reputation at the raw bar.
The menu honors traditional New England seafood preparations, from oysters on the half shell to classic clam chowder served in bread bowls. While some might consider it touristy, the quality remains solid and the atmosphere genuinely transports diners to another era. Sitting at the curved oyster bar where countless generations have slurped bivalves creates an unforgettable connection to Boston’s past.
10. Row 34
With its industrial-chic design and focus on impeccably fresh oysters paired with craft beer, this growing restaurant group represents modern New England seafood dining. The original Boston location sparked such enthusiasm that additional spots have opened across the region.
The raw bar showcases oysters from various growing regions, with staff happy to explain the unique characteristics of each variety. Reservations book solid weeks ahead, particularly for prime dinner hours when the energetic atmosphere reaches its peak.
Beyond oysters, the menu features creative preparations of whole fish, lobster, and seasonal catches. The beer and wine selection receives as much attention as the food, with pairings designed to enhance seafood flavors. The casual yet sophisticated vibe attracts everyone from first dates to business dinners.
