Restaurants
1. Clio, Boston, MA
Chef-owner Ken Oringer is a national culinary star, whose sumptuous, creative American cuisine borrows freely from around the globe. Dishes range from sautéed salmon with grapefruit, kohlrabi, and licorice root to impeccable sushi and sashimi. A Boston “must-eat” (for further details see Clio).
2. Craigie On Main, MA
Chef Tony Maws, nationally acclaimed for his French-inspired nose-to-tail approach to fine dining, presides over a bustling open kitchen facing the dining area filled with an eclectic mix of diners. Head to the bar for its wildly popular gourmet burger (for further details see Craigie On Main).
3. Fore Street, Portland, ME
Handsome, exposed-brick dining room always filled with foodies. Wood-burning fires in the open kitchen cook and flavor fresh seafood and meats. Raw materials come from a community of Maine farmers, fishermen, foragers, and cheesemakers (for further details see Fore Street).
4. Ristorante Massimo, Portsmouth, NH
New England seafood acquires an Italian accent here, in this sophisticated room in a historic waterfront building. Don’t miss the yellowfin tuna and lobster with lemon risotto (for further details see Ristorante Massimo).
5. Chillingsworth, Brewster, MA
Even after a day on a Cape Cod beach, you can still indulge in exquisite French cuisine. An ever-changing multi-course meal is served in the historic dining rooms of a 300-year-old house. Light eaters may appreciate the more casual bistro, an airy café with an à la carte menu where it’s fine to order just an appetizer and a dessert (for further details see Chillingsworth).
6. Restaurant at the Inn, Shelburne Farms, VT
Inn guests always admire the Shelburne Farms market garden, and the food tastes as good as it looks. Produce direct from this and other local farms goes into a seasonal menu of classic Continental dishes with an American accent. Meals are served in the elegant marble dining room, or on the outdoor terrace (for further details see Inn at Shelburne Farms Restaurant).
7. Primo Restaurant, Rockland, ME
Freshness is key at this coastal restaurant. The innovative menu depends on produce just pulled from the ground as well as local fish just pulled from the sea. The chef-owner raises her own produce and makes sausage from her own pigs (for further details see Primo Restaurant).
8. Al Forno, Providence, RI
A wood-fired oven provides the searing heat essential for spectacular Northern Italian meat dishes like chorizo-stuffed quails with plum jam, as well as Al Forno’s signature baked pasta dishes. The style is Italian; most ingredients are local.
9. Union League Cafe, New Haven, CT
New England meat, produce, and spectacular fish get the French brasserie treatment at this classy but cozy dining spot at the edge of Yale University. There’s also an outstanding raw bar of New England shellfish (for further details see Union League Café).
10. Wheatleigh Hotel, Lenox, MA
The hotel may resemble a French chateau, but the elegant menu recalls fine dining at an English country house. High-season summer menus may include delights such as duck with chanterelles or diver scallop with parsnip and truffle (for further details see Wheatleigh Hotel).
Top 10 Places to Eat Seafood
1. Five Islands Lobster Co.
Georgetown pier lobster shack. Stunning views.
1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown, ME • 207 371 2990
2. Woodman’s of Essex
Their fried clams are among the best.121 Main St., Essex, MA • 978 768 6057
3. Evelyn’s Drive-In
Famous for their stuffed clams.2335 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI • 401 624 3100
4. Barking Crab
Clam-shack ambience comes to the Boston waterfront.88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA • 617 426 CRAB
5. Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
Butter-drenched lobster meat in a bun – heavenly.117 Pearl St., Noank, CT • 860 536 7719
6. Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf
Diners can watch lobster boats come and go in the narrow inlet.Rte. 32, New Harbor, ME • 207 677 2200
7. George’s of Galilee
George’s has had pick of the catch since 1948.250 Sand Hill Cove Rd., Galilee, RI • 401 783 2306
8. Net Result
The menu varies with the catch; perfect fish.79 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA • 508 693 6071
9. Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale
Famous for clear-broth clam chowder with a touch of milk.Rte. 1, Westbrook, CT • 860 669 0767
10. Bookstore Restaurant
Oysters don’t come fresher.50 Kendrick Ave., Wellfleet, MA • 508 349 3154
