Scroll through to see the best North Shore Restaurants. From breakfast to late night spots, you’ll be able to see what makes North Shore Restaurants unique.
The Best Restaurants were selected by the 2018 Best of the Northshore awards. Want to see the full list? Click here. Interested in attending our event in 2019? Click here.
Alfresco
Sea Level, Newburyport
Standout Qualities: The view. The rolling lawn of Newburyport’s Waterfront Park with the Merrimac River just beyond. As a matter of fact, it feels like something out of The Great Gatsby.
1 Market Square, Newburyport, 978-462-8862, sealevelnewburyport.com
LaRosa’s, Andover
What’s Unique: A casual café by day, La Rosa’s turns on sophisticated charm at night. Not to mention the stylish cocktails, delicious dining, and an urban vibe.
7 Barnard St., Andover, 978-475-1777, larosasofandover.com
Bacon
First of all, what would a ‘best restaurants’ list be without bacon?
Teresa’s Prime, North Reading
What’s Unique: It’s not often bacon turns up on menus as a standalone appetizer. On the other hand, three slabs of bacon, slow-cooked and melty on the inside, seared with a sweet bourbon glaze on the outside definitely can.
20 Elm St. (Rte. 62), North Reading, 978-276-0044, teresaseatery.com
Rusty Can, Byfield
Standout Qualities: Owner James “Sully” Sullivan cures his own pork belly and then cooks it confit-style, low and slow in its own fat. Then he sears to order on the grill.
Insider Tip: The BLT is crave-worthy, stacked with thick bacon and full-sour pickles.
6 Fruit St., Byfield, 978-462-1204, rustycanbyfield.com
Back Alley Bacon, Salem
What’s Unique: Find the secret password on Facebook each week and score pork-based takeout. This includes anything from pork meatloaf to the Pork Trifecta—pork belly, bacon, and ham with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and roasted garlic aioli.
backalleybacon.com
Bakery/Bread
A&J may be a bakery, but it’s good enough to make our best restaurants list.
A&J King Artisan Bakers, Salem
What’s New: A second location with an expanded production facility means more bread for everyone.
What’s Unique: A daily rotation of breads, like hamburger buns on Fridays and anadama on Sundays.
139 Boston St., Salem, 978-674-5387; 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com
BBQ
Rusty Can, Byfield
Standout Qualities: High-quality cuts, heaping portions, and strict attention to detail make this luscious smoked meat emporium the best around.
Fun Fact: Owner James “Sully” Sullivan arrives at work daily at 4:30 a.m. to fire up his two smokers. Then he checks them every 20 minutes throughout the day.
Insider Tip: The nachos topped with brisket could be a meal for a crowd. To summarize, it’s a half-sheet pan laden with all the good stuff. Ask for the “whiz”; it’s like a super-charged Velveeta. It’s spiked with heavy cream and butter, crafted by the vat-full daily.
6 Fruit St., Byfield, 978-462-1204, rustycanbyfield.com
Breakfast
What’s a list of North Shore Restaurants without a breakfast spot?
Mad Martha’s, Plum Island
What’s Unique: This cozy breakfast shack uses local and organic ingredients wherever possible.
Insider Tip: The Portuguese French toast is made with traditional sweet bread baked in Fall River.
Fun Fact: This tiny funky cottage has housed a restaurant for more than 30 years.
51 Northern Blvd., Newburyport, 978-462-7707, madmarthasislandcafe.com
Brunch
Ledger, Salem
Standout Qualities: Pastry chef Michelle Boland takes center stage for brunch, with a donut of the day and the Department Store Blueberry Muffin.
Fun Fact: The safe from the old bank is converted to a walk-in refrigerator.
125 Washington St., Salem, 978-594-1908, ledgersalem.com
The Poynt, Newburyport
Fun Fact: The self-serve Bloody Mary bar offers everything from bacon and cheese to pickled vegetables and extra-hot sauce.
31 Water St., Newburyport, 978-358-8501, thepoyntnewburyport.com
Keep Reading Our North Shore’s Best Restaurants to see the Best Burger!