Best Restaurants in Marblehead, MA

After a day of exploring museums, beaches, parks, and shops, anyone would be hungry! Fortunately, Marblehead has numerous restaurants to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a more classic sit-down experience, explore these many restaurants. 

Restaurants by the Waterfront in Marblehead

What makes these two Marblehead restaurants so unique is their proximity to the waterfront, making the views unforgettable. 

The Landing

Take in the open-air and beautiful views of the Marblehead harbor at The Landing Restaurant. With a beautifully crafted and globally inspired menu, you can choose from fresh seafood and even gluten and dairy-free options. Dine in the elegant main dining room or the heated outdoor deck open year-round. 

The Barnacle

This beloved, family-owned seafood restaurant has been serving Marblehead locals and travelers since 1947 and offers gorgeous ocean views of Marblehead Harbor, Marblehead Neck, and the Marblehead Lighthouse. The Barnacle is the only restaurant in Marblehead that owns a lobster boat, with owner Jay Sahagian catching lobsters daily. Signature dishes include lobster rolls, clam chowder, and scallops. 

Casual Dining Restaurants

If you’re looking to have a nice sit-down meal after a long day of exploring or hanging out at the beach, here are a couple of casual dining options. 

Little Harbor Lobster Company

Operating for 100 years, Little Harbor Lobster Company is a seafood market that serves fresh, locally sourced seafood. The market was founded by two families, the O’Keef and Berwin families, and honors the maritime history of Little Harbor. Their menu features steamed lobsters, cocktail shrimp, fish cakes, and smoked salmon, and they offer a few picnic tables near the water.

Three Cod Tavern

Featuring a menu that’s a take on classic Tavern fare, Three Cod Tavern is a popular neighborhood restaurant in Marblehead. Here, you’ll find comfort food like homemade mac and cheese, seafood favorites like fried calamari, draft beer, and rotating cocktails. The restaurant also offers Sunday brunch from 11 am to 3 pm.  

International Cuisine Restaurants in Marblehead

Marblehead dabbles in international flavors with its several different Asian Fusion, Italian, and Greek restaurants.

Mai Tai Lounge

The Mai Tai Lounge is an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar with a modern twist. Blending Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines, Mai Tai only uses fresh ingredients to create dishes like filet mignon, grilled octopus, and lobster Pad Thai. Plus, for those 21+, you can order one of their many creative and hand-infused cocktails.  

Elia Taverna Marblehead 

As a family-owned and operated Greek restaurant, Elia Taverna Marblehead specializes in authentic and homemade dishes. Some menu options include lamb chops, Santorini Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine, and baked feta.

Le Ros Thai Asian Cuisine & Bar

Highly acclaimed Le Ros Thai Cuisine combines traditional Thai dishes with Asian fusion options. Pick from Pad Thai, Panang Curry, Crispy Duck, and Mango Sticky Rice. This restaurant is open during both lunch and dinner. 

5 Corners Kitchen

Founded by Barry Edelman in 2011, this French-Mediterranean bistro sprinkles in flavors from all around the globe. His approach to cooking is traditional, creating dishes that are distinctive, approachable, super satisfying, and made from scratch. Pick from more classic dishes like steak frites to elegant choices like duck confit. 

The Little Store

This cozy Italian eatery is a Marblehead favorite. Chow down on traditional Italian dishes, including chicken parmigiana, penne vodka, and baked potato gnocchi. While the restaurant does not serve alcohol, you can still BYOB. Dine inside or sit outside on their patio.    

Cafes in Marblehead

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a caffeine fix, there are many coffee shops in Marblehead to choose from. 

Plus Cafe

Plus Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee, salad, panini, and a cannoli for dessert. Operating as a European-style cafe, this coffee shop is family-owned and operated, and is open daily until 5 pm.  

Java Sun

Another local cafe, Java Sun Coffee Roasters, serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options. This coffeeshop is the perfect mix of warm ambiance, friendly service, and delicious breakfast items and drinks. Choose from hot latte options to iced matcha lattes.  

Mookie’s at Mugford

Owner Letita Ferguson taught for thirteen years in California but always dreamed of opening her own coffee shop. In 2019, Mookie’s at Mugford opened and has delivered sweet pastries and tasty coffee to Marblehead locals and visitors ever since. The cafe is open daily until 3 p.m., except on Sundays, when it’s open until 2 p.m.

The Muffin Shop

The Muffin Shop has been a special gem of Marblehead since 1988. The award-winning cafe serves homemade scones, cookies, full breakfast and lunch options, and of course, muffins! Their muffin menu includes classics like Chocolate Chunk and Pistachio, and fun flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Peaches & Cream. 

Restaurants in Marblehead for a Sweet Treat

We all have second stomachs for dessert, and what better way to enjoy than to get a sweet treat at dessert shops in Marblehead? 

Terry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop

Get a blast from the past at Terry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop. This 1950s-styled ice cream store features a jukebox, black-and-white checkered floors, and vintage celebrity photos. And don’t forget about the delicious ice cream menu, which includes soft serve, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and even smoothies.  

Stowaway Sweets

Since 1929, Stowaway Sweets has been serving rich chocolate and candies to the Marblehead community. You can pick from handcrafted chocolates like truffles, meltaways, and pralines. Plus, you can buy assortment boxes that offer new, seasonal, and classic favorites. 

Find more places to enjoy delicious food North of Boston.