Local Restaurant Guide
The North Shore is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re craving a lobster roll at a picnic table on the water or a candlelit dinner at the harbor, we’ve rounded up our favorite spots to send hungry campers.
🌅 Breakfast
Start your day right before hitting the beach or exploring Cape Ann.
☕ Sugar Magnolias
📍 64 Main St, Gloucester (Newly Reopened!)
★★★★½ 4.5 Google Rating
Cape Ann’s beloved breakfast and brunch destination, back at a new location. Outstanding omelets, creative sandwiches, and homestyle cooking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Arrive early — it fills up fast!
🗺️ View on Google Maps🍳 George’s Restaurant & Bar
📍 178 Washington St, Gloucester
★★★★½ 4.6 Google Rating
A Gloucester institution for nearly 100 years. George’s serves breakfast until 11:30am weekdays and 1pm on weekends — hearty, no-fuss morning meals in a classic, comfortable setting that locals have trusted for generations.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🌊 Atlantis Oceanfront Café
📍 Gloucester
★★★★☆ 4.3 Google Rating
Gloucester’s go-to breakfast spot with sweeping ocean views. An extensive menu of homemade New England specialties makes this the perfect way to start the day before heading to the beach or exploring Cape Ann.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🍷 Sit-Down Dining
When you’re ready for a full-service experience — great views, proper menus, and a relaxed New England atmosphere.
🦐 Lobsta Land
📍 Gloucester
★★★★☆ 4.4 Google Rating
30+ years serving Cape Ann’s most eclectic menu. Despite the name, this is a proper sit-down restaurant with a lively bar, wooden booths, and a full menu from lobster to burgers — all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🕯️ Franklin Cape Ann
📍 Gloucester
★★★★½ 4.5 Google Rating
An intimate, refined restaurant with a loyal following. Locally sourced ingredients, a thoughtful seasonal menu, and exceptional service — ideal for celebrating an occasion.
🗺️ View on Google Maps⚓ Seaport Grille
📍 Seven Seas Wharf, Gloucester
★★★★☆ 4.3 Google Rating
A local waterfront favorite with a great outdoor deck overlooking Gloucester Harbor. Fresh catches, classic preparation, and the kind of breezy atmosphere that makes dinner feel like a mini-vacation.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🍝 Tonno
📍 Gloucester
★★★★☆ 4.4 Google Rating
Fresh, homemade Italian pasta dishes crafted with care — a wonderful change of pace with upscale Italian fare in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🦞 Seafood: Eat In The Rough
Casual, no-frills waterfront and marsh-side dining — grab a tray, find a picnic table, and dig in. Essex and Cape Ann are home to some of New England’s most legendary clam shacks.
🐚 Woodman’s of Essex
📍 Essex
★★★★½ 4.5 Google Rating
A living legend — Woodman’s is where the fried clam was invented in 1916. Order at the counter, grab your tray, and dig into some of the best fried clams on the planet. An absolute must.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🌾 J.T. Farnham’s
📍 Essex
★★★★☆ 4.4 Google Rating
Nestled beside the beautiful Essex River marshes, Farnham’s has been serving legendary fried clams since 1941. Eat outside with sweeping marsh views — one of the most scenic spots on the North Shore.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🍤 Essex Seafood
📍 Essex
★★★★☆ 4.4 Google Rating
Everything cooked to order at this beloved Essex clam shack. Many locals consider it the best of Essex’s seafood spots — fresh, simple, and exactly what you want after a day at the campsite.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🦞 Roy Moore Lobster Co.
📍 Bearskin Neck, Rockport
★★★★½ 4.6 Google Rating
Right on Rockport Harbor, Roy Moore is a beloved no-frills institution. Famous for lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and the kind of atmosphere that screams New England summer.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🦞 Lobster Roll Weekly Specials
These two local favorites run lobster roll specials on specific days of the week — one of the best-kept secrets in Gloucester. Plan your week around them!
🍦 Long Beach Dairy Maid
📍 Long Beach, Gloucester
📅 Tuesdays
Lobster Roll Tuesdays! This beloved Long Beach ice cream and snack shack runs a discounted lobster roll special every Tuesday — a fantastic deal right near the beach. Perfect for a post-swim lunch. Prices are seasonal, so call ahead to confirm the current Tuesday price.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🥖 Jeff’s Variety & Deli
📍 Gloucester
📅 Thursdays & Fridays
Lobster Roll Specials Thursdays & Fridays! A true Gloucester neighborhood gem — Jeff’s runs lobster roll specials mid-week that locals know about and out-of-towners often miss. Grab one before they sell out. Call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🍽️ Casual Local Favorites
The spots locals swear by — big portions, fair prices, and the kind of no-fuss atmosphere that’s perfect after a day outdoors.
🍽️ The Causeway
📍 78 Essex Ave, Gloucester
★★★★☆ 4.4 Google Rating
A true Gloucester institution and a camper favorite. Generous portions of Italian-seafood classics — from their legendary fish chowder to the loaded Peter Platter of fried seafood. BYOB, no reservations, and always worth the wait.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🌮 Tacos Lupita
📍 Washington Street, Gloucester
★★★★½ 4.5 Google Rating
Incredible Mexican food at unbeatable prices. The birria tacos are legendary among locals — filling, flavorful, and easy on the wallet. A must-visit for families keeping an eye on the budget.
🗺️ View on Google Maps🥖 Virgilio’s Italian Bakery & Deli
📍 29 Main St, Gloucester
★★★★½ 4.8 Google Rating
Three generations of baking Cape Ann’s most beloved bread and Italian specialties. Grab a legendary Italian sandwich, a slice of pizza, or fresh pastries — hearty portions at very fair prices.
🗺️ View on Google Maps