The Best Waterfront Restaurants on Boston’s North Shore
By Caroline & Jared Bramhall, Co-Founders of The Bramhall Team at Churchill Properties | Updated October 2026
If you are exploring Boston’s North Shore as your next home, these waterfront restaurants and bars might be what convinces you to move by the sea.
Caroline Bramhall has lived on the North Shore for more than 30 years. Here are her favorite spots to eat and drink with a view, organized by town.
Key Takeaways
- Gloucester has the most waterfront favorites on Caroline’s list, including Beauport Hotel, Minglewood, and 51 Rocky Neck.
- Marblehead, Swampscott, Beverly, Salem, Essex, Rockport, Newburyport, and Salisbury all have standout waterfront spots.
- Waterfront dining is a big part of the coastal North Shore lifestyle.
- Many of these restaurants are seasonal or busiest in summer, so check hours and reservations.
Watch: North Shore Waterfront Restaurants
Caroline shares her favorite waterfront restaurants and bars north of Boston.
Table of Contents
Gloucester
- Beauport Hotel
- Minglewood Harborside
- Mile Marker One
- 51 Rocky Neck
- Blue Collar Lobster Co.
- Decklyn’s
Marblehead, Swampscott, and Beverly
- The Landing, Marblehead
- Mission on the Bay, Swampscott
- Mission Boathouse, Beverly
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Salem
- Sea Level
- The Cannery
Essex and Rockport
- CK Pearl, Essex
- My Place by the Sea, Rockport
Newburyport and Salisbury
- Michael’s Harborside, Newburyport
- Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar, Newburyport
- The Goat, Newburyport
- The Deck, Salisbury
Living Near the North Shore’s Best Waterfront Dining
For buyers who love harbor views and dinner by the water, towns like Marblehead, Gloucester, Newburyport, Beverly, and Manchester-by-the-Sea put you close to the action. Waterfront dining is one of the everyday perks of coastal living north of Boston.
The Bottom Line
From Gloucester’s harbor to Marblehead’s waterfront and Newburyport’s boardwalk, the North Shore has no shortage of places to eat with a view. If waterfront living is calling, The Bramhall Team can help you find a home close to it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best waterfront restaurants on the North Shore?
Caroline Bramhall’s favorites include Beauport Hotel, Minglewood Harborside, and 51 Rocky Neck in Gloucester, The Landing in Marblehead, Mission on the Bay in Swampscott, CK Pearl in Essex, and Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport.
Which North Shore town has the most waterfront restaurants?
Gloucester has many waterfront restaurants and bars, including six on Caroline’s list.
Are there waterfront restaurants in Marblehead?
Yes. The Landing in Marblehead is a favorite for harbor views.
Are North Shore waterfront restaurants open year-round?
Some are seasonal or have reduced winter hours, so it is best to check before visiting.
Which towns are best for living near waterfront dining?
Marblehead, Gloucester, Newburyport, Beverly, Salem, and Manchester-by-the-Sea offer easy access to waterfront restaurants.
Live Close to the Water
The Bramhall Team helps buyers find coastal homes near the places they love most.
Caroline & Jared Bramhall
Co-Founders of The Bramhall Team at Churchill Properties
(617) 398-0150