Seafood doesn't get any fresher than in Massachusetts, and as one of the oldest states in the country, history has made the recipes tried and true. These six places in Massachusetts are known for their fantastic seafood, and it's worth making time in your trip to check them out. Whether you find yourself in Boston, Cape Cod, or elsewhere along the shore, be sure to stop for these fan favorites.
Head To These 6 Places For The Best Seafood In Boston
1. The Lobster Pot—Provincetown
This place draws locals and tourists alike for its fresh seafood and excellent view of Provincetown Harbor on Cape Cod. The restaurant has two waterfront dining rooms and a deck for even better viewing of the harbor. The Clam Chowder is divine here, and the sautéed squid is a local favorite. Try the Ultimate Fried Oysters—five freshly shucked Wellfleet oysters on top of salsa served with avocado mousse, sour cream, and tortilla chips. The Lobster Pot may have one of the best views on Cape Cod, but it also has some of the freshest seafood!
Find a vacation rental in Provincetown, Massachusetts
2. Woodman’s of Essex—Essex
Since 1914, Woodman’s has been serving up some of the best seafood in the Bay State. In fact, it also claims to be the original inventor of the fried clam. Try one of their famous gluten-free fried clams that has been rated one of the best tasting ones in America. Don’t worry, they also serve steamed clams with drawn butter, hot boiled lobster, and a tasty clam chowder. Try their jumbo shrimp, sea scallops, or even the Down River Combo—an assortment of clams, shrimp, scallops and fish. Taste a little bit of seafood history and head to Woodman’s of Essex.
Find a vacation rental in Essex, Massachusetts
3. Burke’s Seafood—Quincy
Burke’s Seafood doubles as a fresh fish market and a dine-in restaurant, and their seafood is so good you might want to eat there and take some home to cook up for yourself. Their unassuming storefront makes this place easy to miss, but you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Burke’s. The lobster salad sandwich comes with chunks of lobster and a side of fries, and the fried fish tacos are a tasty menu item. Come at the right time of year and you’ll also get to try their soft shell crabs, a local favorite. Don’t miss the chance to eat at this locally owned market and restaurant and take some fresh fish home with you.
Find a vacation rental in Quincy, Massachusetts
4. Neptune Oyster—Boston
Perhaps one of the most visited seafood restaurants in Boston, Neptune Oyster is located in the historically Italian North End. The North End Cioppino is not to be missed—this spicy stew of mixed grilled fish, shellfish, and Maine Lobster is one of the best items on the menu. Their extensive oyster selection keeps customers happy and the Whole Rockport Mackerel ‘Veracruz’ entrée is a delicious choice for seafood lovers. Try the Friday night special, the Squid Ink Risotto, or the Wednesday night special of Octopus Cassoulet and enjoy scrumptious seafood from one of the best places in Massachusetts to get it.
Find a vacation rental in Boston, Massachusetts
5. Turner’s Seafood—Melrose
Located just a short drive north of Boston, Turner’s Seafood is one of the most highly rated seafood restaurants in the area. This place exudes that traditional New England seafood joint, and the service does not disappoint. The linguine and clam seafood medley is a crowd pleaser, and their various oysters should definitely be tried, as well. Both the lobster bisque and lobster roll are tasty choices, but the New England Bouillabaisse is a seafood-packed gem. This menu item is a house-made fish stock chock full of Dry North Atlantic Sea Scallops, Mexican Shrimp, Local Whitefish, Mussels, and Lobster and is served with toasted garlic bread. Don’t miss out on this delightfully tasty dish when you come to Turner’s Seafood.
Find a vacation rental in Melrose, Massachusetts
6. Island Creek Oyster Bar—Boston
A small oyster company in Duxbury, Massachusetts provides some of the freshest quality oysters at this Boston restaurant. Island Creek Oysters are served at some of the top-tier seafood restaurants across the country, but their flagship restaurant is the best place to try them. In fact, the rest of their food is just as tasty. Try the shellfish platter which comes with a ring of oysters around a bucket of lobster tails, or the Lobster Roe Noodles which features braised short rib, grilled lobster, and mushrooms. You can also get your hands on Maryland Striped Bass, Chatham Monkfish, and Grilled Maine Salmon. You really can’t go wrong with any of the menu items at Island Creek; just make sure you try their famous oysters!
Find a vacation rental in Boston, Massachusetts
This article was written by Julianne Aiello.