15 Best Restaurants in Newburyport, MA for 2022 (Top Eats!)
From Lao and Mexican restaurants to swanky seafood spots, the North Shore’s postcard-pretty seaport has an excellent dining scene.
Newburyport is a historic coastal town offering an excellent selection of restaurants with a broad range of food and drink styles ranging from high-end dining to casual dining, as well as high-quality quick service dining options too.
The majority of the restaurants in Newburyport and surrounding towns are privately owned businesses run by local entrepreneurs from the area, and most of the shops are as well.
Check out some of our favorites in this list of the best restaurants in Newburyport you’ll find.
1. Loretta
15 Pleasant St
Newburyport, MA 01950-2608
(978) 463-0000
Loretta is an American restaurant and bar that offers regional American fare in a comfortable, inviting setting.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Loretta is a people pleaser, and it’s clearly one of the best restaurants Newburyport has to offer when it comes to smart-casual dining.
It’s always a good thing when you’re talking about a place like this—one of those casual spots to eat as a foursome of friends for a nice-but-not-fussy Tuesday night out, and for filling up on shrimp scampi, lemon scallops, or filet mignon with a port-wine demi and mashed potatoes.
You’ll split the chocolate mousse, the wine will flow, it will be fun, what you expected, and exactly what a foodie like you is looking for.
What to Eat
Their lobster roll and prime rib are two of their most prominent dishes to try out.
2. Park Lunch
181 Merrimac St
Newburyport, MA 01950-2245
(978) 465-9817
In business since 1957, the Park Lunch restaurant in Newburyport, Massachusetts is a family-friendly restaurant and sports bar known for its fried clams.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking to enjoy your favorite sports while eating delicious clams, burgers, pizza, and a glass of beer, this is one of the best rated restaurants in Newburyport you’ll want to check out.
This may look simple and unassuming on the outside, but rest assured this is one of those Newburyport eats where you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Apart from their full bar, visitors come from all over the region for their crazy fried clams, fried to fame; these alone make it worth visiting.
Enjoy this eatery and bar serving American grub (from pizza to fried clams) in a sports-centric setup with TVs.
What to Eat
Apart from their famous fried clams, dive into their delicious Sliced Roast Beef, which is home-baked tender beef on a bulkie with lettuce and mayonnaise.
3. Mission Oak Grill
26 Green St
Newburyport, MA 01950-2650
(978) 463-9009
Mission Oak Grill is a high-end steakhouse whose offerings include seafood specialties and an extensive wine selection.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Housed inside an old church, Mission delivers praise-worthy American-steakhouse stuff with a bit of global flair, making it one of the most popular restaurants to try for fine dining in Newburyport.
Step into Mission Oak Grill and enjoy a warm ambiance as you choose from fusions of American and Brazilian-style fare paired with original cocktail creations for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Mission Oak stays true to historic roots with inviting dark wood and intimate lighting balanced with contemporary, inventive dishes.
Whether it be authentic Churrasco, the modern crowd-favorite Tuna Tartare, or satisfactory Mac ‘N Cheese Au Gratin, you’re going to be having fun at one of the best restaurants downtown.
What to Eat
Starters cover classic shrimp cocktail and sweet chili-glazed Thai ribs; mains range from baked haddock to chicken parm to moqueca, a Brazilian seafood stew; and the grilled chops are served with either tempura broccolini or chimichurri and plantain tips.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Essex Street Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
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4. Black Cow
40 Merrimac St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 499-8811
Black Cow is a popular waterfront spot for pub grub and cocktails with a spacious indoor dining room and large deck.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the beefy burgers are a big hit at Black Cow, especially one signature patty topped with bacon-onion jam, Cajun onion strings, and Alabama-style white BBQ sauce.
Located in a city rich in maritime history, the Black Cow boasts the coolest spectacular ocean views from its rooftop deck and fine dining within walking distance to all that Newburyport has to offer.
A 28-foot-tall sailboat mast in the center of the room has been repurposed as an oyster bar, and there’s quite a selection of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri to go along with all the elevated expressions of New American gastropub cuisine.
By land or by sea, the Black cow represents all the hospitality and beauty New England has to offer as one of the best places to eat in Newburyport.
What to Eat
Their grilled oysters and crab cakes are to die for, and we’re not trying to be dramatic.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Amesbury
5. Brine
17 State St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 358-8479
Brine is a petite eatery boasting modern decor and a menu of raw or cooked seafood and some meat, plus cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Speaking of seafood, the oysters and crudo that anchor the menu at Brine—recently relocated to downtown Newburyport—make it the perfect place to kick back with a “Power Tower” of raw and poached shellfish, as well as a refreshing cocktail, after a day at Crane Beach.
BRINE, known for fresh oysters, Crudo, and prime cut chops, is Caswell Restaurant Group’s second foray into the eclectic and innately New England dining scene for the best food in Newburyport.
Proprietor Nancy Batista-Caswell’s appreciation of the local harvest and her affinity for European classics results in a restaurant devoted to flavorful seafood—ceviche, Crudo, sashimi, and beyond—and butcher chops, with a healthy dose of Spanish and Italian influences throughout the menu.
What to Eat
Go for the 16-ounce, bone-in ribeye, perfect for pairing with BBQ fries dipped in a lime-horseradish sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn by Hilton Amesbury, MA
6. Mr. India Restaurant
140 High St
Newburyport, MA 01950-3901
(978) 465-8600
At Mr. India, you’ll find Indian curries and tandoori dishes presented in a semi-formal dining room with booths.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Welcome to Mr. India, the mystical and authentic world of exquisite dining.
Their great-tasting food is presented to you as a complete culinary masterpiece, and you’ll enjoy delicious Indian and Himalayan Cuisine at its best in an elegant and intimate ambiance.
As per the restaurant’s creative mission and for the pleasure of taste assayer, they have newly introduced Nepali/Himalayan cuisine.
It’s the super-warm hospitality, though, besides the reliably excellent Indian and Nepalese cuisine, that has made the place one of the best dinner places in Newburyport.
What to Eat
Once you try the chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, chow chow noodles, or rajma tarkari, we think you’ll agree that yes, the curries and Himalayan herbs are spicy here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hampton South-Seabrook, an IHG Hotel
7. Grog Restaurant
13 Middle St
Newburyport, MA 01950-2716
(978) 465-8008
The Grog is a homey, two-story pub with 32 beers on tap, an extensive menu of comfort food, and live local music.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
A stone’s throw away from historic downtown Market Square, The Grog Restaurant, a Newburyport tradition, has been serving locals and visitors for over 45 years.
Some might call it Newburyport’s version of Cheers, “where everyone knows your name!” The Grog has built a reputation for great food, friendly service, and a fun casual pub-style atmosphere.
They are also known for always being open, typically even during snowstorms, and it’s the perfect hangout for a cold draft, juicy burger, and the best live music.
The Grog hosts a variety of local and regional bands ranging from Rock to Reggae, so if you’re looking for local restaurants near you for a good time, you know where to go.
They also offer an extensive selection of craft beers and a menu that features something for everyone.
Whether you’re just in the mood for a sandwich and a cup of soup or you’re ready for a more traditional entree, you are certain to find something tempting on the Grog menu.
What to Eat
Popular items include the marinated steak tips and Shepherd’s Pie, and you can always choose from an excellent selection of steaks, fish, and Mexican dishes.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atlantic Breeze Suites
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8. Agave Mexican Bistro
50 State St
Newburyport, MA 01950-6610
(978) 499-0428
Located in Portsmouth, NH and Newburyport, MA Agave Mexican Bistro offers fresh, authentic Mexican food that is the best Mexican food north of Boston.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
There may be many good restaurants in Newburyport that serve Mexican food, but we promise you, you haven’t had it like this.
This is a great place to sit outside, have a drink, and have some chips and guac while you enjoy the festive vibes of one of the best birthday restaurants in Newburyport.
Indulge in this tri-level eatery serving upscale Mexican fare, specialty margaritas & 70+ tequilas for the best lunch in Newburyport.
What to Eat
Their most popular dish is probably the fish tacos, and customers often rave about the unique flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lamie’s Inn & The Old Salt Tavern
9. Michael’s Harborside
1 Tournament Wharf
Newburyport, MA 01950-2418
(978) 462-7785
Michael’s Harborside is a family-owned and operated, easygoing riverfront spot for steak, seafood & cocktails also features 3 outdoor decks and live music.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Michael’s Harborside is Newburyport’s premier waterfront steak and seafood restaurant, perfect for foodies looking for where to eat in Newburyport for fine dining goodness.
Overlooking the Merrimack River, Michael’s is known for the freshest seafood on the North Shore, so it’s no wonder they’re known as one of the top Newburyport restaurants for seafood.
It is a favorite of locals who dine out often, boaters staying at one of the many marinas, and tourists who come from all over New England, Canada, and even farther away to get a true taste of New England.
What to Eat
You don’t want to skip out on this gem until you’ve tried their delicious Lobster Roll or their Baked Haddock.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Hampshire Inn & Suites
10. The Angry Donut and Cafe
42 Inn St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 255-1026
The Angry Donut and Cafe is a family-owned and operated bakery specializing in light, airy donuts and other pastries.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Why so angry, donut?
You’re delicious, after all—scratch-made, squishy-brioche goodness that comes covered in strawberry glaze, strewn with toasted coconut, or studded with Fruity Pebbles.
And this summer you opened a second location in the heart of downtown Newburyport, serving scones, cinnamon buns, and (as a Sunday special) sticky buns, too?
Buck up, things aren’t so bad.
This gem’s donuts are made from scratch daily, using a brioche dough, which produces a light and airy donut.
All their donuts (and baked goods) are made from scratch.
No pre-made glazes or mixes.
They hand-cut and fry each donut to perfection.
What more could you want?
What to Eat
Their Vanilla Glaze donuts are some of the most popular little donuts in town, so don’t forget to try a few bites.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Falls Inn
11. Bar 25
38 State St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 255-3322
Bar 25 is a family-owned restaurant known for its small plates and excellent cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Sweet, floral saffron is sprinkled throughout the menu at Bar 25, which opened in Newburyport in May.
The prized Persian spice is used to marinate the chicken, to enliven lentils mingling with golden raisins and mascarpone cream, and even finds its way into the house sangria, which mixes Merlot with Saffron Lemonade from Boston-based beverage maker Moti.
That said, it’s just one selection from the very full spice rack employed at Iran native Reza Rahmani’s second restaurant—the original Bar 25 is in Ayer—which turns out polished Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine and similarly sophisticated cocktails.
What to Eat
Think thin strips of tender, long-marinated rib-eye steak, dotted with shavings of parmesan cheese and drizzled with a tzatziki-style sauce, rich with cucumber, citrus, and yogurt—all on top of a pile of crispy fries.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Essex Street Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
12. Metzy’s Cantina
5 Boston Way #4067
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 255-7347
Metzy’s is an unfussy, brick-clad outlet with high ceilings serving familiar Mexican meals with beer and cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This full-service, mostly-Mexican restaurant, spun off from a popular food truck, is housed at the Newburyport commuter station, which makes it a perfect stop for inbound and outbound riders.
The former find delicious burritos, tacos, and ‘ritas waiting as soon as they arrive, and the latter can snag great takeout for a train snack (it certainly beats a crushed bag of chips excavated from the bottom of your bag).
This cantina is a deserving destination all on its own, though, and also sets itself apart with a few Asian-inspired accents, such as a bánh mì torta and cobb salad topped with Korean BBQ steak.
What to Eat
Their Pork Belly tacos are as tender and juicy as it looks, and the challenge is to not close your eyes at how good it is.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Amesbury
13. Sea Level Oyster Bar
1 Market Square
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-8862
At Sea Level Oyster Bar, you’ll find oysters, lobster rolls, specialty cocktails, and more offered in a casual joint with river views.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Sea Level Oyster Bar offers an excellent selection of fresh local seafood, a lively atmosphere and has the premier downtown Newburyport location.
The front of the restaurant allows customers to experience the action in Market Square and the back looks over Waterfront Park offering exceptional views of the Merrimack River and frequent live entertainment during the warm weather.
Sea Level offers an impressive raw bar and extensive appetizer menu featuring classic seafood starters such as steamers and fried clams (market price) plus more adventurous options including grilled octopus with carrot-rosemary white bean hummus, buffalo-style calamari, and house chowder fries – seasoned french fries topped with clam chowder and cheddar cheese.
With its crowd-pleasing menu, ample seating, and great people-watching, Sea Level Newburyport is the perfect seafood restaurant for a date or girls’ night out.
What to Eat
Entrees range from expertly prepared lobster, haddock, and yellowfin tuna dishes to local-inspired standouts like the “Plum Island Clambake” – 1¼ lb lobster served with littleneck clams, mussels, Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, and grilled corn.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn by Hilton Amesbury, MA
14. Bob Lobster
49 Plum Island Turnpike
Newbury, MA 01951
(978) 465-7100
Bob Lobster was originally established in 2001 by Bob, a local lobsterman, and his wife, Joyce Hartigan, and has been serving fresh seafood ever since.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If your preference is fresh local seafood with a casual New England lobster shack atmosphere, then a visit to Bob Lobster is a must.
Bob Lobster is located on Plum Island on your way out to the beach, so order your lobster, fried clams, chowder, and other New England favorites and enjoy them at a picnic table while you watch the Sunset over the Plum Island Marsh and BYOB.
Enjoy this rough-and-ready fish market and seafood shack with river views & a cozy, laid-back vibe.
What to Eat
Dive into their Fried Clam Dinner on the menu, or go for their Fish and Chips.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hampton South-Seabrook, an IHG Hotel
15. The Plum Island Grille
2 Plum Island Turnpike #2035
Newbury, MA 01951
(978) 463-2290
The Plum Island Grille is a hopping year-round spot for upscale seafood in a casual summer-shack atmosphere.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Plum Island Grille has been a local favorite for many years offering an excellent selection of fresh seafood with your choice of pure simplistic preparations or more creative options to indulge and delight foodies.
The Plum Island Grille is also one of the best restaurants in Newburyport to enjoy a drink and the sunset over the Plum Island Marsh.
In addition to the lunch, dinner, and brunch menu, there is a separate oyster menu (raw and cooked) and a holiday menu at certain times of the year.
What to Eat
We highly recommend their delicious Thai Seafood Stew, as well as their Lobster Cakes.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Essex Street Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
Map of Restaurants in Newburyport
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15 Best Newburyport Restaurants for 2022
