Best Restaurants in Gloucester, MA
May 28, 2025No matter if you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or more of a classic sit-down experience with beautiful ocean views, Gloucester has a plethora of restaurants to try. After a long day swimming at the beach, going on a shopping adventure, or exploring a museum, take a break and eat at one of Gloucester’s delicious restaurants.
Seafood Restaurants in Gloucester
As Gloucester sits right on the water, many local restaurants have access to fresh seafood from the city’s fishing port. Explore some of Gloucester’s most popular seafood restaurants.
Seaport Grille
Seaport Grille boasts a Surf n’ Turf menu with a wide range of cuisines made with the freshest ingredients. Choose from seafood, classic American plates, Italian-inspired dishes, and world-famous desserts. If you’re interested in dining “al fresco,” the restaurant also has a heated outdoor deck where you can soak in the beautiful views of Gloucester Harbor.
Lobsta Land Restaurant
Lobster is not the only specialty meal at Lobsta Land Restaurant. For over 30 years, this Gloucester restaurant has served an eclectic menu filled with classics like clam chowder, fried scallops, and the beloved lobster roll, with twists on old favorites like Buffalo-style shrimp and a Cajun grilled haddock sandwich. For those 21+, try one of Lobsta Land’s specialty cocktails like the Lazy Lobsta Bloody Mary or the Piggyback Smash. The restaurant also hosts a variety of live music events during the week.
Causeway Restaurant
The Causeway Restaurant is a local favorite that offers hearty portions of Italian and seafood dishes. While the restaurant does not sell alcohol, guests are encouraged to bring their beer and wine. They are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to get there early.
1606 Restaurant & Bar
Beauports Hotel in Gloucester offers an upscale and relaxed atmosphere at the 1606 Restaurant & Bar. This dining experience features a menu of Modern American cuisine prepared with local ingredients and is led by Executive Chef Jon McKechnie. Dine inside the restaurant or on the spacious outdoor deck, offering gorgeous views of the harbor.
Oceanside Restaurants in Gloucester
What makes Gloucester restaurants unique is their outdoor dining that offers picturesque views of Gloucester Harbor. There are many restaurants here that offer outdoor dining; here a just a few.
Mile Marker One Waterfront Restaurant
Nestled along the serene waters, the Mile Marker One Waterfront Restaurant blends the charm of a marina with the comfort of a unique hotel. Take in the serene views of the Annisquam River from the restaurant’s outdoor deck, with heated igloo options in the wintertime. Feast on seafood favorites including lobster, oysters, tuna, scallops, clams, and a twist on a classic with the Haddock Reuben.
Minglewood Harborside
Get a taste of a lively atmosphere, refreshing cocktails, and a diverse menu selection that includes seafood and other delights at the Minglewood Harborside. Right by the Gloucester waterfront, this restaurant offers an outdoor oversized deck and retractable glass walls. Listen to music while enjoying your meal with the Harborside’s live music events happening every week.
Yella on the Water
Take in the Gloucester waterfront while eating Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Yella on the Water’s outdoor deck. Offering a blend of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, the menu incorporates local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients. Choose from crispy, pan-seared dayboat fish and tender to slow-roasted meats, decadent pastas, and locally caught shellfish.
Cafes and Take-Out Restaurants in Gloucester
The city’s cafes and take-out restaurants allow you to grab a quick meal before a day at the beach.
Gloucester House Pub & Blue Collar Lobster Company
From May to October, head to the Blue Collar Lobster, an outside takeout window where you can enjoy a fast and casual dining experience; a full bar and live music are available on the weekends. From October to May, the Gloucester House Pub is open inside, offering fresh and locally sourced seafood.
Waterfront Cafe
This newer cafe, formerly known as an ice cream store, serves breakfast sandwiches, coffee, salads, and cold and hot subs. You can even enjoy some gelato, milkshakes, slush, and many more drink options. Dine in or grab some takeout to bring to the beach.
Castaways Vintage Cafe
Order an Acai bowl, smoothie, or specialty coffee at Castaways Vintage Cafe. Founded in 2019, this charming cafe offers a cozy coffeehouse atmosphere. Check out their clothing boutique, offering specialty vintage items and merchandise.
Kalamata Greek Kitchen
Kalamata Greek Kitchen is a great place to stop by and grab a quick bite to eat. With a breakfast and lunch menu, this Greek restaurant offers smaller meals like Greek yogurt and Spanakopita, and larger meals like Eggs Benedict and a Gyro plate. All dishes are based on family recipes from a Greek village.
Restaurants in Gloucester for a Sweet Treat
If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, check out some ice cream shops and dessert shops.
Nichols Candies
Gloucester’s oldest candy shop, Nichols Candies, is the perfect choice for those who need a small sweet treat after their meal. Operating since 1932, the shop sells an assortment of candies, including brittle caramels, clusters, fresh roasted nuts, mints, fudge, and more.
Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe
Everyone has room in their appetite for some ice cream! Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe is a locally made and award-winning ice cream store in Gloucester, MA. Their menu rotates slightly with new flavors each day, with fan favorites always in stock. Try out a new flavor like Cinnamon Churro Dough, or order the classic Cookie Dough.
Sclafani’s Italian Bakery
This family-owned Italian Bakery is also a deli and specialty grocery store in Gloucester, MA. Operating for 40 years, indulge in fresh bread and Italian pastries like cannolis, sfogliatelle, and zeppole, all made from family recipes.
With so many different food options, Gloucester is a great place to have a satisfying meal. While you’re visiting North of Boston, make sure to check restaurants in other areas like Newburyport.
