Location: Ipswich
Top Restaurants in Ipswich
Where to Eat in Ipswich: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Ipswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 13,175 at the 2010 census. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island. A residential community with a vibrant tourism industry, the town is famous for its clams, celebrated annually at the Ipswich Chowderfest, and for Crane Beach, a barrier beach near the Crane estate. Ipswich was incorporated as a town in 1634.
Things to do in Ipswich
1. Choate Bridge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By noshore2016 - Hamilton, Massachusetts
Perhaps the best on the North Shore...nothing "fancy"...pub food...outstanding and wait staff equally outstanding. Everything is beyond good...but burger, fried clams, and lobster roll...nothing better...ANYWHERE...clam chowder looks great...will do next time! Must say...Farnhams and Woodmans...give it up for the Choate Bridge fried clams...it doesn't get any better. Love this place...almost forgot!!...french fries...incredible.
2. Zumi's Espresso & Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Betsy K
I love Zumis coffee! It is a real bonus to downtown Ipswich! Love the Valencia mocha latte! The ice cream is very tasty as well!
3. Down River Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By TheLiterateChef - Falmouth, Massachusetts
Huge portions. Unless you're a glutton, order the Baby for $4.00. An enormous scoop of delicious ice cream that would satisfy all but the most voracious of the Mangia Gelati! Opted for the rum raisin on a waffle cone. Mama Mia! Pleasant outdoor seating around back.
4. Ithaki Mediterranean Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
ITHAKI continues to delight the senses - cuisine steeped in tradition yet innovatively crafted, warm and professional service, elegant dining rooms adorned with exquisite flower arrangements. Please join us in savoring our Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, food created under the warmth of the sun and enjoyed in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.
Reviewed By lisac1962 - Newburyport, Massachusetts
I love octopus and I try it when I see it on a menu. That being said, I've had some really great octopus and not so great. Ithaki's version definitely falls into the excellent category!
Served with a warm fava hummus, YUM!!! I got this as a small plate and it would have been sufficient for a meal. I added the falafel which I also love(another small plate) and the homemade hummus was fabulous. I was so full from the octopus that I only had one falafel-my hubby got to eat the rest-it was very good. I would def try other menu items next time around. My husband got the salmon and he raved about it. This place is a little pricey but I don't mind spending more when the quality of food is excellent. Service was good. Warm bread with a tomato/olive/red pepper pesto(I'm guessing at the ingredients as I didn't ask) was also excellent. Will definitely go back! My last time here was many years ago-had a great experience then as well. This place will go back on my radar based on this experience.
5. White Farms Homemade Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Hotelsnobb - Boston, MA
So many flavors...you will have a hard time choosing! They offer both hand scooped and more soft serve flavors than I've ever seen. Frappes, sundaes, banana splits, and more. Everyone will find something on their menu. There is also mini golf, shaded tables to eat at, and an attached restaurant for sandwiches, salads, and burgers. My favorite is the Cocojamocha! Generous portions and fair prices.
6. Clam Box of Ipswich
Overall Ratings
4 based on 477 reviews
Reviewed By GeorgiaSerendipity - Georgia
I didn't think I liked whole-belly clams, but the lady next to us in line said the trick is to ask if they're small. These were, and they were delicious. Perfect fries, crispy lightly-battered "o" rings, and more. Prices are high, but that's a reflection of wholesale prices and great quality, plus these folks change the cooking oil every day. Love a family business, and this one is a gem. Loads of atmosphere, fun locals... what better?
7. Village Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By bbwex - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Village Restaurant has been around for a long time, but the food was no better than average. We started with some onion rings which were OK but nothing better. Wedge salads were very good. The haddock Rockefeller was pretty good, but the fried haddock and fried shrimp were ordinary at best. Our server, Laurie, was very helpful and friendly, but the kitchen just didn't give her the backup she needed.
8. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By maxrebos - Boston, Massachusetts
Fast and friendly. Their salted caramel blizzard was great. Always a good ice cream meal here. . The place was clean.
9. Hart House 1640 LLC
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Debby W - Ipswich, Massachusetts
This is one Ipswich Restaurant that is always well worth the visit, whether with family, friends or booking a party. We have done all these things there and keep coming back for the food, the incredibly generous wine pour, the expert wait staff, and the overall ambiance of the place. Its an authentic colonial house from 1640 with slanting wooden floors and several working fireplaces. The pub section is filled with red leather wing chairs at each table that are very cozy and comfortable, which is where we sit most often. But the place also boasts several dining rooms of various sizes upstairs and down, plus a large, rustic gathering room that can serve parties of up to 50 or so. We've planned parties and reunions in that room and it has a very elegant atmosphere and great owners that have helped us with creative menu choices that are very well priced. We've also used one of the private function rooms upstairs for 12 of us doing a surprise birthday party for my sister and it was the perfect night. We had a dedicated waiter and busboy, excellent service and amazing meals, all making a most memorable evening for the birthday girl. The last time we visited there was in July with our grown daughter visiting from New York. It's always been one of her favorite home town spots and she was not disappointed that night. We all shared the peel and eat shrimp as an appetizer, ordered the scallops and haddock, had the most generous pours of wine for 7 to 10.00 per glass, and amazing dirty martinis. We have never had an unsatisfactory meal in this wonderful place, and its a popular place to relax and meet friends.
10. Salt Kitchen and Rum Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By adiner66 - boston
went to Salt Kitchen and Rum Bar for the first time and it was worth the ride....we had the pork taco very tasty as was the lobster Mac & cheese the cocktails well executed. Parking was a breeze . The service was great and there was live music I guess its on Wednesday night was fantastic we will be back
