Location: Gloucester
Top Restaurants in Gloucester
Top 10 restaurants in Gloucester, United States
With its sandy North Shore beaches, rocky outcrops, green parks, hemlock woods and wild estuaries full of shorebirds, it is no wonder that Gloucester has attracted such a rich and diverse artists' community. Fitz Hugh Lane, Winslow Homer and John Sloan are just some of the artists who have taken inspiration from Gloucester's beautiful surrounds. Still boasting dozens of galleries and boutiques, as well as museums, theaters and an artists' colony, the city's art scene clearly continues to thrive.
Things to do in Gloucester
1. Duckworth's Bistrot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By lizlubee - Boston, MA
A cozy, intimate space with a very helpful waitstaff. Plenty of choices for vegetarians and carnivores alike, and half-order options allowed us to sample multiple appetizers and entrees. Very nice wine list and wonderful desserts, although sadly on the night we were there, they were out of the pumpkin cheesecake. Reservations highly advised!
2. Sugar Magnolias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By Trapezegirl - Connecticut
We were staying in Rockport and someone recommended this place for breakfast. Its only 10 minutes away so we went for the ride. GLAD WE DID!! Prices were incredibly reasonable. And unique items on the menu. The wait staff was very friendly. Had to wait for about 10 minutes for a table, but so worth the wait.
3. Franklin Cafe Cape Ann
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By IonaFezzywig - Gloucester, Massachusetts
Having dined here several times before and having had an outstanding experience (reviewed here "Franklin yes!) we had hope this visit would be equally enjoyable, not really. From an establishment of this caliber one would expect effective unobtrusive service to enhance the overall dining experience, but due to an inattentive server who seemed distracted with the kitchen goings on rather than doing his job, our night was less than stellar. Food on the whole was on par with past dinners, but the service left a bad taste in our mouth.
4. Causeway Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
Reviewed By TravelGlober - New York City, New York
We went over the Labor Day weekend and before noon. There were ppl already came out with takeouts . We ordered the Seafood Marinara, Causeway Combo, Chicken Parmesan, grilled octopus and 2 cups of soups. The most delicious one is the grilled octopus , it was tender and amazingly good. One of the best I had and I am from NYC. The reason I could not give another star is their customer service, is not the most friendly and the bathroom is tiny and dirty . If you are here for their food then you came to the right place.
5. Passports Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By Alison P - Ronchi, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
It is about the popovers ! My anticipation at lunch for the beloved popover was crushed . Not served warm let alone hot . Butter didn't melt .
A return customer after years away , I wasn't sure it was open for lunch even though I had looked online before going there . Outside the confusing entrance there is one door where a menu is posted , this door was locked . ? I almost left until I found the second door after someone had entered !
Seated I was at a table that wobbled, it took 6 brochures off the window ledge to straighten . I was met with a gruff server who seemed miffed I didn't want more than just water . Not a good start .
I ordered the fish tacos and a side off brussel sprouts . The sprouts were excellent, the tacos unremarkable and certainly not a hand type taco !
I wanted more water , my glass sat empty and my server seemed more interested in talking with co workers than serving me , the customer.
The atmosphere is screaming to be cleaned , repainted and definitely updated ! Part of dinning out is the experience. When you get the " feeling " you are being treated as yet another tourist by staff , it sours everything.
6. George's Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Gershwin12 - Forest Hills, New York
This place looks like your average diner but no my friend looks can be deceiving. it was so much more. We came hungry for breakfast and left happily satiated. Portions were huge and dishes were creative, fresh and delicious. I had a breakfast boat; 3 crispy potato cups filled with scrambled eggs, served with a choice of toasts. I chose The Classic, it comes with bacon and I was more than surprised when the waitress offered me a vegetable as a substitute. Now that was excellent customer service! Their English muffins were fresh and toasted on the grill, so, so scrumptious. I recommend you try their Anadama sweet bread. A New England classic and theirs did not disappoint.
Service was welcoming and efficient; staff went out of their way to make our needs met, describing the dishes and offering substitutes. Street parking was available. George's served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices were reasonable, however cash only, ATM on site.
7. Seaport Grille
Overall Ratings
4 based on 712 reviews
Come for the menu, stay for the vibe! Waterfront dining on Gloucester Harbor! Enjoy the food, the view and the vibe from our open air deck!
Reviewed By contessa1 - new england
Always a great dinner @ Seaport, however, their Thursday night lobster roll special is truly a great bargain. Lots of lobster for little $. They also have other specials that are great! Enjoy.....we did.Dear contessa1, Thank you for your nice review. We are delighted you are able to enjoy the many specials we offer each week. We look forward to seeing you here again soon. Sincerely, Alan DeLorenzo General Manager
8. Lobsta Land
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By Chip_Berlet - Boston, Massachusetts
Sure it is a silly name, but it is how many of us pronounce "Lobster" locally. This restaurant and bar overlook a large salt marsh. Nice views while you eat fresh, well-prepared, unfussy seafood caught locally around Cape Ann. Warm wood and friendly waitstaff make for a comfortable meal. Locals come here with their families. We stopped on our way up to Rockport, MA for a concert. Lobsta Land is less than a minute off the main highway. Lobster is a specialty, but there are crabcakes and a variety of fish prepared in several ways. Swallow your pride, overlook the name, and enjoy.
9. Azorean Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine & Casual Dining
Reviewed By msamh - Hampton, Connecticut
I went last night with a group of birdwatching friends. This restaurant had been recommended to us by a waitress from Charlie's as a great place for a good dinner - she was so right! Everything we ate was delicious and beautifully served.
I ordered Swordfish Lisboeta and was incredible! Maybe the best swordfish I've ever eaten.
"A Portuguese swordfish recipe where the swordfish is rubbed with onions, tomatoes, olives and parsley,then seared and finished with white wine and garlic. Served with rice and vegetable (They let me substitute Punched Potato for the rice and the vegetable was delicious asparagus.)"
Others in the group were equally happy with their choices: two of the traditional Portuguese seafood paellas. Amazing!
The wine was great and we got take out dessert because we were too full to eat Carrot Cake right then, but we sure did enjoy it later back at our hotel.
This is one restaurant we will DEFINITELY come back to next winter when we do our annual trip to Cape Ann to look at the birds.
Keep up the good work - see you next President's Day weekend.
I forgot to mention we shared to Tapas Tower before dinner so we got to try 6 phenomenal little dishes and every one of them were great!
10. Topside Grill and Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 816 reviews
Topside Grill offers Seafood, Italian, American Comfort food. Fresh simple good food. We are not trying to impress you with ingredients you've never heard of, we prepare local food the way we hope you'll enjoy it. Harbor views in our dinning room and a fun bar & pub upstairs. Try us, you'll be glad you did!
Reviewed By honestnote
I was in the other night. I was surprised, the place was packed. Our waitress Amanda was calm, cool, and collected. She suggested the stuffed mushroom special - EXCELLENT! We got salads, entrees (can never go wrong with the shortribs) and even made a small amount of room to share a dessert. As always, excellent atmosphere, food, and service. Thanks again Amanda for another enjoyable visit!
