Must-see restaurants in New England

  • Black Cat Tavern

    Cape Cod

    Stop in the harbor-adjacent Black Cat Tavern for some post-sightseeing or pre-ferry boarding fried clams or lobster rolls. The menu selection isn't unique…

  • Main Street Markets

    Midcoast Maine

    In this stylish, locally focused specialty grocer's, there's a fridge cabinet full of ready-to-go eats, plus a sandwich bar for made-to-order wraps,…

  • Sconset Café

    Nantucket

    This place is a village institution for its laid-back style as much as for its crab cakes. Pick up a bottle of wine at the store next door and enjoy it…

  • Essex Coffee and Tea Company

    Connecticut

    A pleasant, jazz-filled cafe with a range of coffee drinks, loose-leaf tea and killer macaroons – they've won some awards and it's clear why. Local art…

  • Micucci Grocery

    Portland

    In-the-know local foodies line up for the thick, chewy 'Sicilian slab' at this old-school Italian market, which sells pizza from a tiny bakery in the back…

  • Reef

    Boston

    There are several options for lunch on Aquarium Plaza, including Reef. This seasonal outdoor restaurant serves lobster rolls, clam chowder and steamers …

  • Cupcake Charlie's

    Cape Cod

    Cupcake nirvana can be found here, where pretty confections beckon from the cabinet: lemon drop, peanut butter pleasure, Oreo delight. There's also soft…

  • Kennebec Tavern

    Midcoast Maine

    On downtown Bath's riverfront, this upscale-casual restaurant is a favorite for its huge selection of sandwiches, pastas and seafood – fried fish,…

  • Happy Fish Bakery

    Cape Cod

    Follow your nose to the calorific French pastries, sticky buns and traditional loaves baked at this high-end bakery – and get in early or you may find…

  • Shanty on the Shore

    Burlington

    With its fine lake views, this combo seafood market and eatery serves fresh lobster, fish and shellfish. The outdoor deck is wonderful in summer, and the…

  • Jack's Outback

    Cape Cod

    People rave about the breakfast at this unpretentious restaurant and bakery off Main St in Yarmouth Port. Even Rachael Ray called it out as one of her…

  • Clan MacLaren

    Midcoast Maine

    Fresh, simple and oh-so-tasty subs and paninis – tuna on mayo, chicken and cheddar, turkey and provolone – are the draw at Clan MacLaren, a welcoming…

  • Eat Woodstock

    Vermont

    Tasty, reasonably priced breakfasts and burgers are the specialty at this roadside diner with gaudy orange and green decor. Look for it along US 4, about…

  • Little Sandwich Shop

    Cape Cod

    Stuffed subs, cheesy burgers and a plethora of breakfast options are made to order at this petite restaurant on Main St. It's a good first stop before…

  • Linda Jean's

    Martha's Vineyard

    The town's best all-around inexpensive eatery rakes in the locals with unbeatable blueberry pancakes, juicy burgers and simple but filling dinners. Kids'…

  • Patrick's Pub

    New Hampshire

    With its well-placed flat-screens, Patrick's Pub is a good place to catch a game. There's a big central bar, and the vibe is welcoming. Try the thick…

  • Novelty

    Midcoast Maine

    Behind Monhegan House, this general store sells sandwiches, pizza, beer and wine, as well as freshly baked goods, like whoopie pies. It also has Monhegan…

  • Top Dog

    Massachusetts

    More than a dozen kinds of hot dogs, from a German Shepherd (with fresh sauerkraut) to a Chihuahua (with jalapeños, salsa and cheese). Located on the Neck.

  • Two Fat Cats

    Portland

    This tiny, aesthetically hip bakery serves baked-from-scratch pastries, awesome pies, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-chip cookies and fabulous whoopie pies.

  • Fish House Fish Market

    Midcoast Maine

    On Fish Beach, this fresh seafood market sells lobster rolls and chowder. Relax and eat at the nearby picnic tables.

  • Henry's Diner

    Burlington

    A Burlington fixture since 1925, this old-school diner has breakfast all day and a variety of weekend specials.

  • Quincy Market

    Boston

    Behind Faneuil Hall, this food court offers a variety of places under one roof: the place is packed with about 20 restaurants and 40 food stalls. Choose…

  • Chatham Farmers Market

    Cape Cod

    Weekly farmers market selling local produce, including organic ice cream, cold-pressed juices, locally roasted coffee beans, and Nobska Farms' chili…

  • Wellfleet Farmers Market

    Cape Cod

    If you happen to be in town on Wednesday morning, stop by the farmers market, where you can enjoy live music, fresh coffee and produce from the trucks of…

  • Orleans Farmers Market

    Cape Cod

    Buy fresh organic produce, Cape Cod honey and homemade baked goods direct from the source at this outdoor market, the oldest on the Cape.