Editors’ Choice (TIE)
1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar at The Beauport Hotel
Gloucester
From the large firepit surrounded by rocking chairs to the light-filled interior space done in polished wood, 1606 delivers stunning views of Gloucester Harbor in all seasons. Enjoy executive chef John Welch’s New England–focused menu as you watch fishing boats come and go. 1606 also serves up breakfast and lunch, so you can soak up serene vistas of Ten Pound Light all day long.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-282-0008, beauporthotel.com
Editors’ Choice
River View
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar
Newburyport
No matter the weather, from the dog days of summer to a stormy winter afternoon, this elegant deck offers panoramic Merrimack River vistas from every table. Glass railings and a translucent roof create a feeling of floating in the space, which was designed by Taniya Nayak of HGTV fame. Grab a seat on the sofa to sip Champagne and slurp oysters, or sit at the railing to admire the mouth of the river. If the weather is uninviting, clear glass windows slide down to protect diners from rain, snow or chilly temps.
38R Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-2211, tuscanseagrillbar.com
Editors’ Choice
Seasonal
Talise
Gloucester
Honestly, a night out at Talise starts with the leisurely drive out to Annisquam, wending through charming neighborhoods and catching glimpses of the water along the way. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it for a total escape from mainland cares. “Talise” is a Native American word meaning “beautiful waters,” and the name is not mere hyperbole: The view of the Annisquam River is enchanting—and chef/owner Joshua Smith matches that vista with his impressive and ever-changing menu of coastal New England–sourced dishes.
33 River Rd., Annisquam, 978-515-7814, taliserestaurant.com
Editors’ Choice
Dramatic
Seaglass
Salisbury
There are few places we’d rather be on a stormy day than Seaglass, which hovers directly over the ocean, with plate glass windows on all sides to emphasize the pounding surf. Which isn’t to say it’s not inviting on a serene day, when the views up and down Salisbury Beach are pretty as a postcard. Brunch is especially enticing, with crab cakes Benedict or baked haddock, accompanied by a Bloody Mary.
4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury, 978-462-5800, seaglassoceanside.com
Editors’ Choice
Boston Harbor View
Dryft
Revere
This sleek spot embraces its urban waterfront setting with stylish lighting and décor in a calming palette of blues and grays. Executive chef Adriano Silva brings a menu heavy on sharables and seafood to the space, with an emphasis on upscale American fare like sesame-crusted tuna and New York strip steak. Order coffee or dessert to linger until nightfall to take in the full spectacle of Boston’s skyline glittering in the distance.
500 Ocean Ave., Revere, 781-629-1842, dryftrevere.com
Readers’ Choice
1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar at The Beauport Hotel
Gloucester