As the weather finally improves, the joy of outdoor dining comes with it. Whether it’s a spectacular view, cocktails and apps, or simply a chance to enjoy the warmth, these eateries offer some of the best alfresco dining experiences on the North Shore.
1606 Restaurant & Bar at the Beauport Hotel
The deck at this upscale waterfront hotel deck is open to the public, featuring fire pit, umbrellas, and stunning views; they also have a covered deck for a slightly more sheltered dining experience. The cuisine is “modern American” and executive chef Jon McKechnie creates a harvest and ocean-to-table experience informed by his own Gloucester upbringing. The best time to go by far is in the evening during sunset.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-491-5090, 1606restaurant.com
A&D Clam Box
This eatery is casual and low-key, with a New England seafood shack vibe. Though it just opened in 2023, the spot already wins raves for fresh, tasty food; super-friendly service; and generous portion size. A patio with picnic tables lets you enjoy warm summer breezes while you dine.
195 Pleasant St., Marblehead, 781-476-2329, adclamboxmenu.com
Black Cow
Enjoy sushi, sandwiches, and seafood on the elegant bricked patio next to the Merrimack River. Rosé margaritas, berry mojitos, and more fun cocktails complement an extensive beer and wine list to cool you off while you take in the scenic views.
40 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-499-8811, blackcowrestaurants.com
Bosa
Newly opened in April – the latest project of Lupoli Hospitality, which owns Sal’s Pizza and 34 Park – Bosa serves up coastal Italian cuisine with rooftop views. The menu is heavy on pizza, hand-cut pasta, and seafood with indulgent touches like saffron risotto and confit chicken legs. The patio seating continues the interior’s modern, lightly industrial ambiance and offers views of Haverhill and the Merrimack River.
160 Merrimack St., Haverhill, 978-641-3149, bosaitalian.com
C.K. Pearl
C.K. Pearl’s deck (partially covered, partially open air) overlooks the Essex River. Reservations for the patio fill up quickly—even in the off-season. The seafood’s simple but delicious, the drinks are fun, and the site’s massive smoker lends the whole location a warm deliciousness.
112 Main St., Essex, 978-890-7378, ckpearl.com
Daniella’s Ristorante
This classic Italian restaurant comes courtesy of owners Daniella and Dan Mammola, who also head Pellana Prime Steakhouse and Daniella’s Café & Market. It has a small but mighty menu filled with classics, paired with an impressive wine list; meanwhile, pastry chef Karolina Sadova makes all the unmissable desserts. Their enclosed patio is open even when it’s colder, thanks to heaters, but will be perfectly warm in the summer, too.
41 Cross St., Peabody, 978-871-2942, daniellasristorante.com
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
All the Davio’s locations offer delicious food, particularly their handmade pastas and upscale entrees, but Lynnfield has something a little special: food sourced directly from the nearby Whole Foods’ rooftop garden, and their outdoor seating overlooking the Market Street Green, the hub of activity for the area (skating rink in winter, green activity area in summer). The outdoor dining at their Lynnfield location is a bit more casual than their indoor dining, and the ambiance and food are top-notch.
1250 Market St., Lynnfield, 781-944-4810, davios.com/lynnfield
The Deck
This casual outdoor dining space includes open air and covered patio (as the name implies). Known for their lobster rolls and rum buckets in particular as part of a casual and simple menu, The Deck is a favorite after-work spot. Check the weather before you go and call ahead, since inclement weather may affect their hours.
179 Bridge Rd., Salisbury, 978-499-4422, thedecksalisbury.com
Decklyn’s
The little sister of Essex’s beloved C.K. Pearl, Decklyn’s keeps things casual with tasty-but-unpretentious food and playful cocktails. Sit at a table on the sun-soaked deck (where live bands frequently play), at the outdoor bar, or in the back dining room which flows directly to the deck, balancing shade and fresh air.
31 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, 978-283-6342, decklyns.com
Elm Square Oyster Co.
The menu at Elm Square Oyster Co. is made in their scratch kitchen from locally sourced ingredients—everything’s made in-house, including condiments. They’re known for their oyster happy hour and wine and beer selection, making it a particularly choice spot for evening meals. Executive chef Michael Sherman adds French-inspired flair to the menu, particularly with inventive sauces. Their seasonal patio offers soft lighting, umbrellas, and quiet ambiance.
2 Elm Sq., Andover, 978-470-2228, elmsquareoysterco.com
Finz
The menu at Finz revolves around seasonal and sustainable seafood, from creative sushi rolls to crab-stuffed haddock. The seasonal deck overlooks the water of Salem Harbor, creating a peaceful oasis from the bustle of downtown Salem – the perfect place to sip a guava rum punch and nibble some calamari and grilled oysters.
86 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8485, hipfinz.com
Fleur Cuisine
Walking into Fleur Cuisine it may not be immediately apparent that there is outdoor seating, but a patio tucked out back lets diners enjoy the New-England-meets-Haiti flavors of the unique menu while catching views of lobster boats cruising in and out of Rockport’s famously quaint harbor. For tropical vibes, try the Hurricane cocktail, which arrives in a hollowed-out pineapple.
1 T-Wharf, Rockport, 978-309-5199, fleurcuisineharborside.com
The Goat
The lone Massachusetts location of a New Hampshire mini-chain, The Goat brings country culture – complete with cowboy hats, live music, and lots of whiskey – to Newburyport. Patios seating is perched over the Merrimack River and shaded with umbrellas.
54 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-358-8328, goatnh.com/newburyport
Grove at Briar Barn Inn
The restaurant of the Briar Barn Inn is known for its relaxed-yet-highly-delicious environment. That applies to the outdoor space, too, with simple wooden tables on a deck (with heat lamps when it’s cold) and lights strung overhead. The surrounding wooded area offers a secluded, beautiful atmosphere as you dine. They have local partnerships with farms and vendors to offer top-notch seasonal offerings; executive chef Ben Lightbody aims for refined but filling.
101 Main St., Rowley, 978-484-5166, briarbarninn.com/grove
Jack’s Coal Fired Pizza
No surprise, Jack’s Coal Fired Pizza is all about the pizza, although the apps (wings, charred cauliflower, and calamari to name a few) are apparently underrated. They have both coal-fired and wood-fired pizza so patrons have the option between thick and crispy or soft and chewy. All of their creations are delicious, but their most popular is the polpetta (meatball) coal-fired pie. They have a casual screened in patio as well as a fully outdoor space.
2 Wall St., Burlington, 781-272-2600, jackscfp.com
Ledger
Ledger has an open-air patio but check on the weather, and call or go online to make a reservation. Chef/owner Matt O’Neil and executive chef Daniel Gursha aim to bring elevated dining to the North Shore with a wood-fired grill and a constantly changing menu. They’ve always got special menus depending on holidays and events, and their housemade desserts are to die for.
125 Washington St., Salem, 978-594-1908, ledgersalem.com
Lobster Pool
The quintessential New England seafood shack, the Lobster Pool serves fried seafood, freshly steamed lobsters, and creamy chowder from a low-slung red building at the northernmost tip of Cape Ann. Bring your bounty outside and score a seat at the picnic tables for breathtaking views of the rocky shore of Folly Cove.
329 Granite St., 978-546-7808, thelobsterpool.com
Longboards Restaurant + Bar
Brothers Justin and Matthew Mattera expanded a small sandwich store into Longboards, a casual local eatery that just so happens to have top-notch food. From their flatbreads (served on, well, long boards) to their lobster caprese (with lots of sandwiches, burgers, and other treats in between), there’s a little something for everybody. There’s even a dog menu for your canine dining companions. Plus, there’s a waterfront patio as well as arcade games, shuffleboard, and darts.
76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-6659, longboardsbar.com
Metzy’s Cantina
Located at the Newburyport Train Station, Metzy’s offers Mexican-Asian fusion in their cantina and award-winning food truck (the latter can be found traveling around Newburyport). The cantina prides itself on offering more than just “street food,” but the most delicious and popular offerings are classics like their birria tacos and Korean BBQ steak cobb salad. They have an open-air patio with umbrellas—sometimes with live music.
5 Boston Way #4067, Newburyport, 978-255-7347, metzys.com
Mile Marker One
Located within the busy Cape Ann Marina, Mile Marker One is a favorite with locals. A waterfront deck and bar overlooks the Annisquam River, including seating in the warm sun and under the shade of a canopy. The food is casual but prepared with flair, with lots of fresh seafood options. In the winter, personal igloo seating keeps the outdoor fun going.
75 Essex Ave., Gloucester, 978-283-2122, milemarkerone.com
Minglewood Tavern
The tavern’s open-air deck features brightly colored umbrellas and gorgeous views. Retractable glass walls means the space can be modified depending on the weather. The food is elevated pub fare (their sushi is especially eye-catching) and they host trivia, DJ nights, and live bands depending on the schedule.
25 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-281-0223, minglewoodharborside.com
Mission on the Bay
With gorgeous views of Kings Beach and the sound of the waves against the shore, patio season is officially amazing at Mission on the Bay. Known for their lobster rolls and other fresh seafood, the restaurant’s also famed for its attention to detail and to patrons’ needs. Owner Wellington Augusto brings a Brazilian influence to the food, and each floor has a different feel—there’s a dining room, ocean bar, and “The Cove” for takeout.
141 Humphrey St., Swampscott, 781-691-9277, missiononthebay.com
Oak to Ember
Grilled, roasted, and smoked meats, vegetables, and seafood are the delicious – and aromatic – focus of the Oak to Ember menu. The deck out back faces Gloucester’s working waterfront, so you can watch the fishing boats that caught your meal while you enjoy your food.
9 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-289-5859, oaktoember.com
The Paddle Inn
The inn’s patio setup is simple tables on a brick sidewalk in charming downtown Newburyport, but sometimes that’s all you need when the food is this good. Chef Suzi Maitland (owner and executive chef of two Trina’s Starlite Lounges, Parlor Sports, and Audubon) specializes in creating local gems. This restaurant channels the love of the beach and surfing, with dishes from coastal communities including Thailand, Jamaica, and Maitland’s native Florida.
27 State St., Newburyport, 978-572-1242, paddleinnsurf.com
The Roof at Hotel Salem
Salem’s only open-air rooftop restaurant and bar serves up cool breezes, charming views, and comfortable, stylish seating. The menu has a Mexican influence with lots of taco, burrito, and quesadilla options (and churros for dessert). The cocktail menu features strong and flavorful concoctions like the grapefruit smash and the orange blossom margarita, and the beer list includes a variety of local microbrews and classic favorites.
209 Essex St., Salem, 978-451-4950, theroofsalem.com
Rossetti
The Rossetti family really knows Italian food and outdoor dining. There’s another highly popular Rossetti in Lynn that also has alfresco dining, and a Cafe Rossetti on the beach in Winthrop. The latest restaurant in Beverly just completed its Pavilion dining room in January so that patrons can enjoy open air dining even when the temperatures drop. The huge Beverly space is 3,900 square feet in total and also offers a bar and restaurant for a variety of eating opportunities.
142 Brimbal Ave., Beverly, 978-969-0080, rossettibeverly.com.
Sea Level Oyster Bar
As the name suggests, the oysters (and seafood in general) are delicious here. It also has spectacular views of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and you can see all the way to Marblehead and the harbor islands. Opened in 2015 and one of two Sea Level locations (the other’s in Newburyport), it’s casual and offers the simple pleasure of eating seafood close to the water—as close as eight feet away.
94 Wharf St., Salem, 978-741-0555, sealeveloysterbar.com
Seaport Grille
With not one but two decks (one outdoor, one covered), Seaport Grille at Cruiseport Gloucester is right on the harbor. They specialize in American and Italian dishes as well as seafood, and it’s hard to go wrong with their specialty drinks—including a rotating drink of the month. According to their website, tables are first come, first served (except for specific holidays) so get there early if you want a table with a view.
6 Rowe Sq., Gloucester, 978-282-9799, seaportgrillegloucester.com
Sunset Club
Almost all the seating at the Sunset Club is outdoors, at picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, making it a perfect spot for Plum Island beachgoers with sandy shoes to wrap up their day. The food has a beachy Cali-Mex vibe with some playful touches (Thai stuffed clams, anyone?), and there’s a family friendly atmosphere complete with lawn games.
4 Old Point Rd., Newbury, sunsetclubpi.com
SurfSide
The SurfSide is the very definition of beach vibes, with an expansive deck stretching out over the lapping waves of the Atlantic. The menu includes lots of seafood and other beachy favorites, the cocktail list is stocked with tropically inspired concoctions, and frequent live music and DJ dance parties keep the vacation feel going.
25 Broadway, Salisbury, 978-463-9222, surfsidesalisbury.com
Temazcal Tequila Cantina
Technically there are five locations that channel this restaurant’s upscale, modern Mexican cuisine: Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Framingham, and the Seaport. The Burlington location has an open air patio as well as a tent—and, like the other locations, 250 different types of tequila as well as seasonal mixed drinks. They also sometimes have live performers, but check their social media for details.
2 Wall St., Burlington, 781-272-9700, temazcalcantina.com/locations/burlington
Talise
Formerly The Market Restaurant, Talise is situated on Lobster Cove and offers a tranquil, boat-filled view. They have porch-covered and truly open air dining and are taking reservations for the first month of their season (it’s likely to fill up fast, so act quickly if you’re interested). Owners Joshua and Ariel Smith offer an ever-changing, locally sourced menu, including seafood straight from Cape Ann’s fishermen. The seasonal restaurant is generally open from May to October.
33 River Rd., Gloucester, 978-515-7814, taliserestaurant.com
Tonno
Tonno’s two locations—in Gloucester and Wakefield—both offer alfresco seating areas where diners can enjoy the restaurant’s sophisticated menu that combines Italian influences and some of the freshest seafood available. Both spots have lively atmospheres and décor that is contemporary and fresh, with ocean accents woven in. The Gloucester restaurant lets diners sit under a shaded canopy and watch the lively downtown pass by. In Wakefield, Tonno enjoys a place in the luxury mixed-used development called Wakefield Station just across from the MBTA stop.
175 North Ave., Wakefield, 781-486-3606, tonnorestaurant.com
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar, a new restaurant concept in downtown Newburyport, features locally sourced seafood, a raw bar, and Tuscan Brand’s famous scratch made pasta. You can also find housemade artisan breads, Neapolitan style pizzas, housemade desserts, gelato, and more. The restaurant’s waterfront location overlooking the Merrimack River has sweeping harbor views and boasts ample outdoor seating for warm weather alfresco dining.
38R Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-2211, tuscanseagrillbar.com.
Yella on the Water
Situated on the waterfront, this seasonal Mediterranean restaurant offers modern yet hearty dishes. Chef Carlo Berdahn (who’s originally from North Lebanon before he brought his culinary prowess to the U.S.) and wife Danielle partner with a number of local businesses to source their food. The alfresco outdoor space is elevated and spacious, with lights strung overhead and umbrellas. The vibe is casual—the focus is (rightly) on the delicious and hearty food.
25 Western Ave., Gloucester, 978-491-5334, yellaonthewater.com