Plymouth's restaurant scene offers much more than clam chowder—although there is plenty of excellent chowder, too. Along the waterfront and throughout downtown, you'll find marina views, lobster rolls, sushi, creative cocktails, locally brewed beer, and a few wonderful places hidden just beyond the busiest streets.
Whether you're planning a sunny lunch beside the harbor, looking for somewhere cozy on a rainy afternoon, or deciding where to make dinner reservations, these are some of the Plymouth restaurants locals return to again and again.
Best Plymouth Restaurants for Waterfront Views
Surfside Smokehouse
On a beautiful day, Surfside Smokehouse is difficult to beat. Its location overlooking the marina gives you a different perspective from the restaurants directly facing Plymouth Harbor.
The menu combines barbecue, seafood, sandwiches, and salads, making it a good choice when everyone in the group wants something different. Locals particularly mention the Cobb salad, espresso martinis, and the restaurant's oyster specials. Buck-a-shuck days and times can change, so check the current specials before visiting.
Although the marina is especially beautiful in the sunshine, Surfside is also a surprisingly enjoyable rainy-day destination. Find a table with a view and watch the weather move across the boats while you settle in over lunch or cocktails.
Go for: Marina views, oysters, Cobb salad and espresso martinis.
CabbyShack
For a lively, casual Plymouth waterfront experience, CabbyShack is a perennial favorite. Located directly on Town Wharf, it serves classic New England seafood in a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
If fried clams are part of your ideal New England vacation, this is one to put on your list. CabbyShack is also known for its clam chowder and oversized lobster roll. It can become busy and energetic during summer, so expect a fun waterfront atmosphere rather than a quiet, intimate dinner.
Go for: Fried clams, chowder, lobster rolls and harbor views.
Anna's Harborside Grille
Anna's Harborside Grille pairs Plymouth Harbor views with Greek- and Mediterranean-inspired food. It is a good option when you want seafood but would also appreciate choices beyond the traditional fried seafood menu.
Its location on Water Street makes it convenient for lunch or dinner after exploring the waterfront, Plymouth Rock and the surrounding shops.
Go for: Waterfront dining with Mediterranean flavors and a varied menu.
East Bay Grille
If you ask Plymouth residents where to have a lobster roll with a waterfront view, East Bay Grille will frequently come up.
This longstanding Town Wharf restaurant offers classic and contemporary New England dishes, including seafood, steaks, salads and sandwiches. The spacious patio and polished—but still comfortable—atmosphere make it suitable for a relaxed lunch, cocktails or a special dinner.
For many locals, East Bay Grille remains a favorite place for a lobster roll lunch overlooking the water.
Go for: Lobster rolls, New England seafood and a comfortable waterfront lunch.
71° West Atlantic Steakhouse
For a more elevated waterfront meal, 71° West Atlantic Steakhouse combines steaks, Atlantic seafood and sushi with some of Plymouth's most impressive harbor views.
Its second-floor setting and open-air rooftop area make it particularly appealing for a sunset dinner or celebratory meal. This is a good choice when you want the scenery of the waterfront with a more upscale menu and atmosphere.
Go for: Steaks, sushi, cocktails and panoramic harbor views.
Casual Lunches, Local Beer and Excellent Sandwiches
Vitamin Sea Brewing
Vitamin Sea Brewing is a relaxed choice for locally brewed beer and a casual meal. Its Plymouth taproom and kitchen are located directly on Water Street, with an outdoor beer-garden-style area and firepits.
The sandwiches are a highlight—think substantial fillings and thick, rustic bread rather than a small café sandwich. Order a beer, find a spot outside and enjoy an easygoing afternoon near the waterfront.
Go for: Craft beer, hearty sandwiches, outdoor seating and firepits.
The Portly Pilgrim
Hidden in Village Landing behind the Water Street storefronts, The Portly Pilgrim is exactly the kind of place visitors might miss without a recommendation from someone local.
This small breakfast-and-lunch shop specializes in generously filled sandwiches and paninis. It is particularly useful when you want a satisfying meal to take to the waterfront, the beach or back to your vacation rental.
The shop operates limited daytime hours and may close after selling out, so visit earlier rather than leaving it until late afternoon.
Go for: Creative takeout sandwiches and a hidden-local-gem experience.
Downtown Favorites for Dinner and Cocktails
Dillon's Local
Dillon's Local feels like a true neighborhood restaurant: welcoming, unpretentious and consistently good.
The menu covers hearty sandwiches, seafood, pizza and changing specials, but the cocktails deserve attention as well. For a twist on the traditional espresso martini, try the Bourbon Espresso Martini, made with vanilla-infused bourbon, espresso and cocoa bitters.
It is the sort of place where you can arrive for dinner and easily find yourself staying for another drink.
Go for: Dependable food, a local atmosphere and the Bourbon Espresso Martini.
Cork + Table
Cork + Table Kitchen and Bar is an excellent choice for a more intimate dinner in downtown Plymouth. Its smaller setting, carefully prepared food, wine and cocktails give it a special-occasion feeling without requiring a trip into Boston.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant accepts them directly by phone or email rather than through OpenTable.
Go for: Date night, excellent food, wine and an intimate dinner.
Local tip: Make a reservation.
Salt Raw Bar + Fine Cuisine
Located across from the waterfront in Village Landing, Salt Raw Bar + Fine Cuisine is one of Plymouth's top choices when you want raw seafood and a more creative dinner.
The raw bar is the natural attraction, but Salt also offers composed dishes, wine, sake and craft cocktails. Its setting feels polished while remaining approachable enough for a vacation dinner.
Go for: Raw seafood, creative cuisine, cocktails and a refined evening out.
Sushi, Hot Pot and Asian Restaurants
Gardenia
Local sushi fans frequently recommend Gardenia Palace. Its menu blends Asian and Mediterranean influences, but sushi is one of the main reasons to visit.
Choose Gardenia when your priority is ordering several rolls and sharing them around the table.
Go for: Sushi and a broad menu with something for everyone.
Shikku Hot Pot & Sushi
For more of a complete Japanese and Korean-inspired dining experience, Shikku Hot Pot & Sushi offers hot pot, sushi, small plates, noodles, meats, seafood and vegetables.
Hot pot makes dinner interactive: everyone can select ingredients and cook them together at the table. It is an especially enjoyable choice for a group—or for a rainy day when you want a warm, leisurely meal rather than another evening outside.
Go for: Hot pot, sushi, groups and rainy-day dining.
Kogi Bar & Grill and The Himalaya
One street behind the waterfront, downtown Plymouth offers several excellent alternatives to traditional seafood.
Kogi Bar & Grill is a longtime local favorite for Asian-inspired dishes and sushi. Nearby, The Himalaya Restaurant & Bar adds another option for diners seeking flavorful Himalayan and South Asian cuisine.
Both are convenient choices when you have already enjoyed your lobster roll and want to explore a different side of Plymouth's food scene.
How to Choose
If you only have a few days in Plymouth, choose according to the experience you want:
- —Best marina atmosphere: Surfside Smokehouse
- —Best casual fried seafood: CabbyShack
- —Favorite lobster roll lunch: East Bay Grille
- —Best craft beer and sandwich stop: Vitamin Sea Brewing
- —Best hidden takeout lunch: The Portly Pilgrim
- —Best intimate dinner: Cork + Table
- —Best upscale waterfront views: 71° West Atlantic Steakhouse
- —Best choice for raw seafood: Salt Raw Bar + Fine Cuisine
- —Best interactive rainy-day meal: Shikku Hot Pot & Sushi
- —Best espresso martini with a twist: Dillon's Local
Plymouth's waterfront restaurants naturally shine on clear summer days, but you do not need perfect weather to enjoy the local food scene. A rainy afternoon overlooking the marina, a warm hot-pot dinner or an espresso martini in a cozy downtown restaurant can be every bit as memorable.
Restaurant menus, hours and seasonal specials may change. Check directly with each restaurant before visiting, especially if you are hoping for outdoor seating, buck-a-shuck oysters or a particular menu item.