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General Excellence

Some of the most ambitious, authentic, and skillfully crafted dishes available anywhere can be found at Sixty 2 on Wharf in Salem. Chef and owner Antonio Bettencourt cooks like an obsessive Italian grandmother while the wait staff is comprised of convivial, articulate, well-informed food aficionados who love their jobs, love the restaurant, and, above all, love the food. You will, too. With plenty of house-made items (charcuterie, cheeses, pasta) and thoughtful portions, this relative newcomer on the Salem culinary scene has quickly raised the bar as the top dining destination.

Sixty2 on Wharf,
62 Wharf St., Salem
978-744-0062, sixty2onwharf.com

Readers’ Choice:
The Grapevine
26 Congress St., Salem
978-745-9335, grapevinesalem.com

Al Fresco

Relax, take in the gorgeous view, and make sure to savor your appetite for a meal on the Tiki Deck at Michael’s Harborside, located on Tournament Wharf in Newburyport Harbor. Order a Pomegranate Martini and watch boats sail in and out of the marina as you catch some rays, or stick around for sunset while live bands get your night started off on the right foot. Show up early to snag a prime spot along the rail and you may never want to leave.

Michael’s Harborside,
1 Tournament Wharf,
Newburyport, 978-462-7785,
michaelsharborside.com

Readers’ Choice:
Finz Seafood Restaurant,
76 Wharf St., Salem,
978-744-8485, hipfinz.com

Bakery (Bread)

From sandwiches to sticky buns, the skilled bakers at A&J King Artisan Bakers are sure to cure your carb cravings. Owners Jackie and Andy serve a variety of handcrafted breads and pastries, made from local products, ensuring freshness and fluff. Whether you grab a brioche roll for yourself or a North Shore Sourdough boule for the family, this Salem bakery will not leave you disappointed.

Readers’ Choice:
A & J King Artisan Bakers,
48 Central St., Salem,
978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com

Bakery (Sweets)

Beach lovers and boaters have been known to take a break from the sweltering sun to curb their chocolate cravings at Stowaway Sweets, just a short walk from Marblehead’s shore. From marzipan to lobster lollipops, Stowaway offers a variety of mouth-watering treats. Be sure to indulge in Stowaway’s scrumptious chocolate sailboats.

Stoweaway Sweets
154 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead,
781-631-0303, stoweawaysweets.com

Readers’ Choice:
I Dream of Jeanne Cakes
1000 Technology Park Dr., Billerica,
978-869-6013, jtcakes.com

BBQ

You don’t have to take a road trip to the Carolinas for a taste of the succulent South. Instead, head to Burlington and bite into the slow-cooked, moist, and tender BBQ offerings at Lester’s Roadside BBQ. The secret Southern zing is in the special blend of spices and seasonings which make for an authentic taste of good ol’ home cookin’.

Lester’s Roadside BBQ, 376A Cambridge St., Burlington,
781-221-7427, lestersbbq.com

Readers’ Choice:
American Barbeque
5 Railroad Ave., Rowley,
978-948-2626, tabbq.com

Beer Menu

Beer lovers finally have a place of their own on the North Shore, thanks to the Grill Next Door in Haverhill. While the selections change regularly, the quality never wanes. The pub’s 36 taps pour everything from lagers and stouts to Belgians and some seriously hoppy IPAs. This is beer country, after all. An 18-seat mahogany bar wraps around the taps while flat-screen televisions keep you occupied between sips.

The Grill Next Door
653 Broadway, Haverhill
978-241-7337, thegrillnextdoor.net

Readers’ Choice:
Gulu- Gulu Café
247 Essex St., Salem
978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com

Breakfast

At Sugar Magnolias, the vast assortment of pancakes, porridge, omelets, and Benedicts will quickly transform you from night owl to early bird. It’s no surprise that this Gloucester mainstay has such a devoted following, thanks to dishes like The Greasy Pole and the Crab Cake Bene. Consistently fabulous service and generous portions should make this local favorite a must-dine on anyone’s breakfast to-do list.

Sugar Magnolias
112 Main St., Gloucester
978-281-5310, sugarmags.com

Readers’ Choice:
Red’s Sandwich Shop
15 Central St., Salem
978-745-3527, redssandwichshop.com

Brunch

Sure, their Sunday brunch has your typical eggs and bacon, but when you eat at Nathaniel’s in Salem’s Hawthorne Hotel, you’re in for more than just a meal—it’s an experience. An elegant atmosphere is accentuated by live jazz and an assortment of menu options that feature virtually any ingredient that your appetite can crave. This is what Sunday mornings were made for.

Nathaniel’s
18 Washington Sq., W. Salem
978-825-4311, hawthornehotel.com

Readers’ Choice:
In a Pig’s Eye
148 Derby St., Salem
978-741-4436, inapigseye.com

Burger

Sometimes, all you need is a well-cooked burger with the works. When the craving hits, head to 15 Walnut in Hamilton. Cooked to perfection, dressed with caramelized onions, house-cured bacon, and smoked cheddar and served on a freshly baked bun with hand-cut fries, this isn’t just a cheeseburger—this is a culinary masterpiece.

15 Walnut
15 Walnut Rd., South Hamilton
978-468-2434, 15walnut.com

Readers’ Choice:
The Farm
233 Western Ave., Essex
978-768-0000, farmbargrille.com

Cakes

At Eat Cake! in Newburyport, Hilary Larson designs intricate cakes and cupcakes from her own commercial kitchen. With a list of 15 cake flavors, 17 fillings, and 20 frostings
and coatings to choose from, ordering the right cake for the right occasion is almost as good as tasting it. The complexity of the designs alone will have you wondering whether to eat your dessert or to frame it.

Eat Cake!
9 Prince Pl., Newburyport
978-465-6057, eatcakeonline.com

Readers’ Choice:
Cakes for Occasions
57 Maple St., Danvers
978-774-4545, cakes4occasions.com

Catering Company

Looking for white-glove service and scrumptious dishes for your wedding or a major event? Stop your search and head over to Vinwood Caterers in Ipswich. After 28 years in the business, Vinwood has made a name for itself, thanks to a combination of classic cuisine and the best service around. Whether the event is at your home or at Turner Hill (a longtime client), a luxurious day or evening is sure to be had.

Vinwood Caterers
3 Union St., Ipswich
978-356-3273, vinwood.com

Readers’ Choice:
Sandino’s Best of Thymes
733 Turnpike St., North Andover
978-687-6900, bestofthymes.com

Chinese

Gourmet Garden has the best variety of Chinese dishes for both calorie counters and indulgers. Whether it’s a simple order of miso soup and mango chicken or an entire Peking duck, the fresh ingredients and the sweet flavors of this Swampscott favorite make it a top choice.

Readers’ Choice:
Gourmet Garden
430 Paradise Rd., Swampscott
781-599-1780, gourmetgarden.com

Clam Chowder

If there’s one thing that New Englanders take seriously, it’s clam chowder. And when it comes to the best on the North Shore, there’s no arguing about the flavor and quality of Essex Seafood’s signature dish. Creamy, rich, and filled with clams, the chowder at this Essex eatery is as exceptional an appetizer as it is a main dish.

Essex Seafood
143 Eastern Ave., Essex,
987-768-7233, essexseafood.com

Readers’ Choice:
Periwinkles Food Shoppe
540 B Loring Ave, Salem
978-825-0099, periwinklesinc.com

Coffee Shop

Located in the heart of Beverly just a few blocks from the water, Atomic Café will not only stretch your coffee horizons to Africa and Central America, but it will also turn you into a coffee junkie. Whether you’re there for a morning jolt, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an evening beverage, you’ll find the atmosphere inviting and the coffee unbeatable. Who needs national chains when a local gem like this is just around the corner?

The Atomic Café
265 Cabot St., Beverly
978-922-0042, atomicafe.com

Readers’ Choice:
Sol Bean Café
119 South Main St., Middleton
978-777-5900, solbeancafe.com

Fish Store

What better place to buy fish than right by the sea? Look no further than Steve Connolly Seafood. The company’s location on the Gloucester waterfront offers seafood so fresh, you’ll think it was caught minutes ago. Fair prices, excellent customer service, and a dedication to providing the best fish possible all give this dockside seafood shop destination top honors.

Steve Connolly Seafood
431 Main St., Gloucester
978-283-4443, steveconnollyseafood.com

Readers’ Choice:
Hometown Seafoods,
28 Chestnut St., Andover
978-475-7426, hometownseafoods.com

Greek

Ithaki’s serious approach to flavorful food and classic décor (thanks to a recent makeover) makes this Ipswich restaurant an instant success. Whether you are a homesick Greek or a modern-day American, an order of Split Pea Fava Tirokefteri or Braised Lamb Shank Politico will make you feel right at home any night of the week.

Ithaki
25 Hammatt St., Ipswich
978-365-0099, ithakicuisine.com

Readers’ Choice:
Athenian Corner Restaurant
207 Market St., Lowell
978-458-7052, atheniancorner.com

Gourmet

Since 1948, Shubie’s Marketplace has provided the North Shore with the rich taste of the world’s top vineyards and farms. The finest exotic cuisine, wine, beer, cheese, meat, and specialty dishes fill this Marblehead staple from wall to wall. And for something a little less exotic, order a sandwich to go or dive into the salad bar.

Shubie’s Marketplace
16 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead
781-631-0149, shubies.com

Readers’ Choice:
Keon’s 105 Bistro, 105
Washington St., Haverhill
978-521-0112, keons.com

Ice Cream

If Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream in West Boxford isn’t the best place on the planet to order an ice cream cone, we need to move to another solar system. This is the ideal spot on a hot summer day or a steamy evening when the only thing that matters is homemade ice cream and lots of it. Pick from a variety of flavors and then sit at a shaded picnic table and enjoy your prize. Be sure to check out the reverse chocolate chip—you won’t be sorry.

Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream
181 Washington St., West Boxford
978-352-2911, bensonsicecream.com

Readers’ Choice:
Captain Dusty’s
60 Beach St., Manchester
978-526-1663, captaindustys.com

Indian

When you take your taste buds for an exotic tour at Passage to India in Salem, they will thank you afterwards. Try blends of savory spices in their samosas, tandori, and curry soups; also try the Garlic Naan, which is always fluffy and flavorful.

Readers’ Choice:
Passage to India
157 Washington St., Salem
978-832-2200, passageindia.com

Italian

Bella Verona is a little taste of Italy, right in Salem. Small and cozy, this Italian haven is perfect for an intimate date or cocktails with friends. The food is flavorful without being overly saturated with oil, butter, or garlic. We’re fans of the Caprese Salad and the Veal Scallopini. Throw in a bottle of Chianti and it could be a while before you finally say “ciao.”

Readers’ Choice:
Bella Verona
107 Essex St., Salem
978-825-9911, bellaverona.com

Lobster

Roy Moore Lobster Company is the epitome of a New England lobster experience and an ideal stop on your way home from the beach. Watching the pots being pulled from the boats while eating a freshly steamed lobster is no better indication that you’re getting the best. But don’t expect anything fancy; this tiny shack in Rockport is designed for those who simply want to enjoy the finest lobster around in a casual setting. Bring on the bibs!

Readers’ Choice:
Roy Moore Lobster Company
39 Bearskin Neck, Rockport
978-546-6696

Meat Store

Need something filleted, pounded, or prepared? North Andover’s Butcher Boy is the cream of the crop for meat stores across the North Shore. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the staff is friendly and helpful. Once you’ve had a taste of their slab bacon and teriyaki steak tips, you’ll realize that Butcher Boy is a special place that goes above and beyond other meat stores.

Butcher Boy
1077 Osgood St., North Andover
978-688-1511, butcherboymarket.com

Readers’ Choice:
Fowle’s Market
341 High St., Newburyport
978-465-9028, fowlesmarket.com

Mexican

Antonio Guerrero, owner of Café Azteca, brings the invigorating tastes of his homeland straight to Lawrence. Escape to Mexico as you dine among unique artifacts. Don’t let the homemade nachos and salsa fill you up because you’ve got some of the finest chicken enchiladas coming your way. Guitarist El Mariachi spices things up on Saturdays, too.

Café Azteca
180 Common St., Lawrence
978-689-7393, café-azteca.com

Readers’ Choice:
Agave Mexican Bistro
50 State St., Newburyport
978-499-0428, agavemexicanbistro.com

New Restaurant

15 Walnut is off to a fresh start, literally. The wide assortment of food is selected from local farms to ensure freshness and quality. Garnished with seasonal ingredients, the delicacies are bound to please your palate. Start with the Crab Arancini, a variation on the risotto ball, and then dive into the Lobster Mac and Cheese with bacon. So good.

15 Walnut
15 Walnut Rd., South Hamilton
978-468-2434, 15walnut.com

Readers’ Choice:
The Blue Ox, 191 Oxford St., Lynn
781-780-5722, theblueoxlynn.com

Pizza

From the first bite into the perfectly baked crust, you will understand why Newburyport’s Upper Crust Pizzeria is quite simply awesome. Personalize your pie from a list of unusual toppings like breaded veal or pesto splash or try whole-wheat thin crust. Need a quick lunch? Grab a slice (our personal favorite includes chorizo and three kinds of cheese) and a seat, then spend the rest of the day drooling over the memory of the best pizza around.

Upper Crust
44 State St., Newburyport
978-463-3313, theuppercrustpizzeria.com

Readers’ Choice:

Fran and Diane’s,

333 Lafayette St.Salem

978-745-9866
http://frananddianeskitchen.com

Portuguese

Gloucester is famous for fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views, but thanks to the Azorean Restaurant and Bar, it is also known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine. Owner Deo Braga melds a warm ambiance with classic dishes from his native Azores. Patrons can enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, or sample tapas from an array of over 20 authentic varieties. Surprisingly affordable, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or a casual night out with friends.

Readers’ Choice:
Azorean Restaurant and Bar
133 Washington St., Gloucester
978-283-5500, azoreanrestaurant.com

Pub Food

The Old Spot in Salem is not just a great place for a few pints; this is the ultimate party for your taste buds. Start with some Hog Wings (with chipotle barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese), then move on to the meat pie with beef and lamb or even the grilled garlic sausage. With a late-night menu, a great beer selection, and live music, this is the place to treat your belly.

The Old Spot
121 Essex St., Salem
978-745-5656, theoldspot.com

Readers’ Choice:
Brodie’s
10 Lowell St., Peabody
978-977-9988, brodiespub.net

Romantic

Sip wine and listen to soft jazz over scrumptious steak and Italian cuisine with your special someone at Joseph’s Winter Street Café. Whether you’re seated in the dimly lit garden piazza or in the elegant main dining room, romance is sure to follow in this intimate setting that brings Europe to the scenic Newburyport shoreline.

Joseph’s Winter Street Café
24 Winter St., Newburyport
978-462-1188, josephswinterstcafe.com

Readers’ Choice:
Yella
16 Post Office Ave., Andover
978-749-0011, yellagrille.com

Sandwiches

A sandwich perfectly layered with hand-made condiments, hormone-free meats, organic vegetables, and herbs makes for a lucky lunchbox, thanks to Wichit in Lawrence. Keep it classic with the So-Cal, complete with in-house roasted turkey breast, crisp applewood bacon, avocado, and their signature “mojo” mustard, or branch out with the sushi-inspired Spicy Tuna Maki Sandwich. The menu is as endless as it is exceptional.

Readers’ Choice:
Wichit
15 Union St., Lawrence
978-794-0199, wichitsandwich.com

Seafood

In Salisbury, Seaglass, one of the North Shore’s newest oceanfront restaurants, is quickly making a name for itself. Here, the only thing more impressive than the view is the wide selection of seafood available. Prepared by an experienced culinary team, Seaglass’ dishes include fresh ingredients and employ healthy cooking techniques to deliver flavorful creations. Try the Captain’s Platter or the San Francisco Cioppino and you’ll be back for more.

Seaglass
4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury
978-462-5800, seaglassoceanside.com

Readers’ Choice:
Bob’s Fried Clams
400 Highland Ave., Salem
978.744.9366, bobsfamousfriedclams.com

Steak

In Peabody, Pellana’s mouth-watering steaks are the stuff of legend: tender and moist with every bite. Enjoy a bone-in Porterhouse, New York sirloin, or filet mignon while sitting in a gorgeous dining room decorated with deep mahogany wood and romantic lighting. Juicy and always cooked the way you want it, steak doesn’t get any better than this.

Readers’ Choice:
Pellana,
9R Sylvan St., Peabody
978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com

Sushi

For the best maki and the most buzz-worthy sushi experience around, nothing holds a candle to Kame in Beverly. Whether you are sushi obsessed or a rookie, the accommodating staff will steer you in a delicious direction. Grab a seat at the 12-person sushi bar and be entertained as the sushi samurais slice up your favorite selections. Don’t be afraid to trade your chopsticks in for a fork!

Kame
250 Cabot St., Beverly
978-922-9333, kamerestaurant.com

Readers’ Choice:
Okea Grill
335 Lafayette St., Salem
978-607-0060, okeagrill.com

Spanish

Enjoy the authentic tastes of Espana while eating at Haverhill’s Bistro 45. Creative combinations such as the oven-roasted portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, melted imported cheeses, and a balsamic glaze will take your taste buds on a trip. Or sink your teeth into the chorizo sausage dish with garbanzo beans and a tomato stew along with the boquerones with tomatoes, red onions, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Bistro 45
45 Wingate St., Haverhill
978-469-9700, bistro-45.com

Readers’ Choice:
Cava Tapas and Wine Bar,
10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth, NH
603-319-1575, cavatapasandwinebar.com

Readers’ Choice:
Cava Tapas and Wine Bar, Portsmouth

Thai

Authentic Thai food on the North Shore doesn’t get any better than Beverly’s Siam Delight. With dozens of dishes to choose from, your taste buds will be more than accommodated for. Be sure to check out the Sweet and Spicy Duck served on a bed of spicy veggies or dig into the Tilapia Fish Pad Cha with string beans, red peppers, rhizome, and chili.

Siam Delight
128 Cabot St., Beverly
978-922-8514, nvo.com/siamdelight

Readers’ Choice:
Sawasdee Danvers
49A Maple St., Danvers
978-774-8424, sawasdeedanvers.com

Vegetarian

Say goodbye to empty calories at Rawbert’s Organic Garden. Since 1999, the Beverly restaurant and juice bar has provided its customers with delicious gourmet, enzyme-rich raw food as well as vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Order off the fusion menu if you’re hungry for heated food. Rejuvenate, relax, and energize at this healthy sanctuary.

Rawbert’s
294 Cabot St., Beverly
978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com

Readers’ Choice:
Sol Bean Café
119 South Main St., Middleton
978-777-5900, solbeancafe.com

Vietnamese

You just can’t beat the delicious and affordable meals at the recently renovated Sugar Cane in Peabody. Where else can you find a luncheon special that includes white or fried rice, soup or salad, and your choice of meat for $8 or under? In addition to the great prices, all the food is fresh and expertly cooked, making for a memorable dining experience.

Readers’ Choice:
Sugar Cane
106 Main St., Peabody
978-532-7800, sugarcanepeabody.com

Wine List

With over 400 of the top wines from around the world, Peabody’s Pellana is never at a loss when it comes to serving that perfect bottle with your meal. The vintages and selections change regularly but the quality never wavers. Looking for that rare cult Cabernet or a Bordeaux for that special occasion? Not a problem. There is also the option to store your own wines here in their personalized wine storage lockers.

Pellana
9R Sylvan St., Peabody
978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com

Readers’ Choice:
Turbine Wine Bar
56 Central Sq., Lynn
781-780-7301, turbinewinebar.com

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