In my two decades of travel across the globe, one of my favorite memories is digging into delectable seafood platters while traveling in the coastal towns of New England. It’s a bucket list experience for many foodies, as the fresh-from-the-boat offerings along this picture-perfect region of the U.S. is known for it’s fresh, bountiful offerings of incredible seafood.
Narrowing down the best of the best seems like a near-impossible task, as this part of the country has endless options for seafood fans. However, the selection chosen for this piece was based on Google reviews, menu variety, and location. While some are tried-and-true seafood joints, others are smaller eateries that are working their way up to cult classics. However, all of them serve top-notch seafood.
Ready to experience the best seafood New England has to offer? Try one of these spots on your next visit.
Warren's Lobster House - Kittery, Maine
A favorite seafood spot in Maine for decades, Warren’s Lobster House has a beautiful waterfront location on the state’s southern tip. The family-friendly spot offers a large variety of seafood options, including the area’s largest selection of lobster entrees. Even better, all the entrees on the menu include the “Seacoast’s Finest Salad Bar” with 60+ items to choose from. Sit on the outdoor deck and choose from the best sellers, which include Baked Stuffed Lobster Roll, Stuffed Lobster Tail & Clam Chowder, and Fried Native Clams. Save room for the famous pumpkin bread, which is made from scratch daily, or head to the gift shop to find the area’s largest assortment of lobster-themed merchandise.
Captain Scott's Lobster Dock - New London, Connecticut
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock is an award-winning restaurant in New London, Connecticut. Known for its famous lobster rolls, this family-owned and operated seasonal spot consistently serves high-quality seafood. The signature lobster roll is served on a toasted bun and loaded with hot, buttery pieces of succulent lobster meat and topped with a slice of lemon. You can grab a picnic table and enjoy your roll while taking in impressive views of the water and surrounding area. Other favorites include New England Clam Chowder, Clam Fritters, Fried Oyster Rolls, and Lobster Grilled Cheese.
Coast Guard House - Narragansett, Rhode Island
Set in one of Rhode Island’s most charming coastal towns, Narragansett’s Coast Guard House restaurant is revered for serving locally harvested seafood. In addition to offering stunning views of The Pier Districts’ historic Narragansett Bay from its upstairs deck and dining area, they also offer seafood fans an authentic local seafood experience. Some of the favorites on the menu include their Lobster Rolls, House Made Lobster Ravioli, and Lobster Mac & Cheese, as well as the Seared Scallops, Mussels, and House Made Stuffies with top neck clams and chorizo.
Bob's Clam Hut - Kittery, Maine
Head to Kittery, Maine to dine at Bob’s Clam Hut, which has been serving up some of the best coastal Maine fried seafood since 1956. It’s fast, crispy, and fresh off the local docks, making it a bucket list destination for any seafood lover. Here the lobster, clams, and fish are delivered fresh daily, hand-selected for size and quality. Once featured on Food Network’s “Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives,” this restaurant has a few customer favorites, including Bob’s New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Stew, the traditional Bob’s fried clams, and the Lillian fried clams. They’re also known for their famous tartar sauce.
The Sole Proprietor - Worcester, Massachusetts
Those looking for an upscale seafood dining experience can add The Sole Proprietor in Worcester, Massachusetts to their list. For over 40 years, this restaurant has been serving top-quality, locally sourced seafood in its elegant yet intimate dining area. You’ll find all the classics here, as well as seasonal dishes and whimsical at-the-moment inspirations. Some of the Sole Classics include Baked Scallops, Tuna Steak Barcelona with Yellowfin tuna, Blackened Tuna Steak Sashimi, and Lobster Risotto. Go for the Fried North Atlantic Haddock, 2lb Lobster, or King Crab Legs, or snag a take-home ready-to-cook kit with the New England Lobster Bake. It includes one whole Maine lobster, Maine steamer clams, Maine mussels, corn on the cob, and baby potatoes.
Woodman's of Essex - Essex, Massachusetts
If you’re craving fried clams, Woodman’s of Essex in Massachusetts is a top choice in the United States. Served with fries and onion rings, Chubby’s Original Fried Clams are a firm favorite, but other top choices include the award-winning New England Clam Chowder, Nana Bessie’s Famous Clamcakes, and Aunt Alice’s Home Made Cole Slaw. Try the Lobster Roll Family Recipe, or go with other classics like New England lobsters, steamed clams, shrimp, scallops, or an old-fashioned helping of steamed clams. Keep an eye on the Weekday Specials, which include Lobster Rolls, Fish Fry, Fish Chowder, Fried Clam Boat, and Fish Sandwiches. If you’ve got the kids in tow, they even include $5 kids’ meals all day, every day.
George's of Galilee - Narragansett, Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s George’s of Galilee restaurant serves award-winning seafood alongside picture-perfect views of the Block Island Sound. Family-owned and operated since 1948, this waterfront institution has been serving generations of families its award-winning signature dishes for decades. It has multiple dining rooms spread across two floors, al fresco dining, live music, and there’s even a beach with a tiki bar in the summer. Come here for fresh local boat-to-plate seafood right out of the Port of Galilee and pick from the diverse menu that has everything from Classic Fish & Chips and Fried Whole Belly Clams to Fried Fish Sandwiches, Seafood Pot Pie, Fish Tacos, and sushi.
250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA— +1 401-783-2306
The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House - Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Yarmouth, Massachusetts is home to The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, a waterfront restaurant with pristine views of Nantucket Sound. Established in 1936, it’s popular for its New England seafood dishes, particularly its award-winning clam chowder and fresh lobster rolls. The Cape Cod hotspot has also made a buzz with its Fried Clam Chowder, which is an award-winning recipe that includes chowder cakes deep fried in panko breadcrumb crust and served with hot sauce on the side. The Traditional Lobster Rolls are served on a toasted brioche roll, while the Fishermen’s Platter has all the fixins with deep-fried Atlantic cod, whole belly clams, jump shrimp, and scallops. Kids will also love the Ice Cream Shack with hot fudge and caramel sundaes.
Ford's Lobsters - Noank, Connecticut
You’ll find something for everyone in the group at Ford’s Lobsters in Noank, Connecticut. The Bisque Bomb is one of its most popular dishes, with 1/2 lb of fresh-picked lobster served hot and topped with creamy lobster bisque, while other favorites include the Lobster Mac & Cheese, Lobster Avocado Grilled Cheese, and Lobster BLT. The small, family-owned restaurant is open year-round, offering simple, wholesome food the entire family can enjoy.
Five Islands Lobster Co - Georgetown, Maine
Sitting at the mouth of the Sheepscot River, Five Islands Lobster Co in Georgetown, Maine has some of the best coastal views in New England (along with some notable fried clams). The lobsters are pulled straight from the surrounding waters and are never “tanked-stored”, while fried selections are hand-breaded and soups are house-made. You can pick from the menu of casual fare, which includes fried seafood baskets, grilled sandwiches and renowned onion rings. The on-site “Lobster” building has live or cooked lobsters, steamers, and daily specials like mussels. Dig in while you enjoy views of the lobster boats pulling away from the dock.
1447 5 Islands Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA— +1 207-371-2990
Lobster Trap Restaurant - Bourne, Massachusetts
Founded in 1969 as a neighborhood fish market, Lobster Trap in Bourne, Massachusetts is now a year-round restaurant and landmark destination in Cape Cod and New England. It has a fun and casual environment with a patio, bar, fish market, and dining room with beautiful riverfront views and fresh seafood dishes. You can’t go wrong with the Lobster Roll served on a brioche bun, while Clam Strips, Crab Cakes, and Clam Chowder are all hits. Don’t miss browsing the on-site fish market, which sells high-quality seafood you can take home.
Clam Box of Ipswich - Ipswich, Massachusetts
Serving generations of New England families for more than 85 years, the Clam Box of Ipswich in Massachusetts is an iconic destination for seafood fans. Serving the best fried clams and seafood from March through December, this restaurant is actually just 30 miles north of Boston. Featured in many magazines and television shows, they’ve been recognized as perfecting the fried clam, but other menu favorites at the indoor/outdoor spot include Clam Strips, Scallops, and Haddock Filet Sandwiches.
Thurston's Lobster Pound - Bernard, Maine
Fresh from the boat lobster is what you’ll find at Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, Maine. Located right at the shore of Mount Desert Island’s harbor, this friendly, laid-back spot provides the perfect ambiance for your New England dining experience. From your seat above the harbor, you can watch as the lobster boats return to the wharf with the day’s catch. The menu here is focused on locally harvested lobster and crab, offering everything from traditional lobster dinners to Joey’s Crabcakes, Hot Lobster Dip, Lobster Rolls, and Crab Rolls on a grilled bun.
McLoons Lobster Shack - South Thomaston, Maine
McLoons Lobster Shack in Maine is considered to have one of the best Maine-style lobster rolls in the state. Served with a quarter pound of freshly picked tail, knuckle, and claw lobster meat, it’s served in a butter-grilled split top roll. Start your meal with the Grilled Clams, Lobster Stew, or Clam Dip appetizer, then move on to a Steamed Main Lobster or Crab Roll. If you’re really hungry, fill up with the Lobster Rolls Royce – which is double the size of the traditional one on an 8-inch roll. You can even pair your seafood feast with one of their seasonal dessert pies.
315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858, USA— +1 207-593-1382
Petey's Summertime Seafood - Rye, New Hampshire
Petey’s Summertime Seafood is a fun, family-friendly seafood restaurant in Rye, New Hampshire. Right across the beach from public beach access, the restaurant is popular with beach-goers in the warmer months and is just five miles south of Portsmouth and eight miles north of Hampton Beach. Offering fresh seafood year round (and catching their own lobsters), its extensive menu includes everything from Fried Combos and lobster rolls to traditional clam bake dinners with a one-pound lobster, steamers, corn, chowder, and cole slaw. Don’t forget a side of their award-winning chowder.
