Dine at North of Boston’s Most Innovative Restaurants 

For centuries, the Bay State’s gastronomy has been tightly knotted to the spoils of the Atlantic: lobster rolls, clam cakes, cod, fried clams, creamy chowder. But these days, there’s an extraordinary culinary movement, driven by epicurean trailblazers who have new ideas for the abundance of what’s harvested from land and sea. The next time you’re craving wow-factor food, these 10 restaurants provide a detour from the ordinary.

The Bell Inn and Tavern, Peabody

Upstairs, it’s New England in a nutshell: a 19th-century mansion that’s part inn, part restaurant, and home to a host of historic tales. But for a modern twist on a Prohibition-era speakeasy, head to the underground bar serving contemporary cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink.

Blacksmith Shop Café, Rockport

After a long dormancy, this Rockport icon reopened in 2025 to much fanfare. Currently a cozy spot for delightful soups, sandwiches, and pastries, the eatery is slated for expansion, so stay tuned for a novel restaurant that will be part of a training center for culinary arts and hospitality.

The Blue Ox, Lynn

A city fixture since 2009, The Blue Ox delivers on season-friendly dishes like hearty risotto in winter and salmon with sweet corn in the summer. But the restaurant is best known for its newfangled burger that pays homage to Lynn’s unofficial moniker: the Sin Burger topped with applewood smoked bacon, truffle aioli, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Capri Seaside Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Salisbury

Certain things endure for good reason, such as family-owned-bistro charm and recipes handed down over generations (Capri has both covered). Then again, the flawless Neapolitan pies baked in this trattoria’s high-tech Forno Bravo pizza oven confirm that change can be delish.

Flying Saucer Pizza Company, Salem

This gourmet-pizza hotspot in spirited Salem defies convention with inventive pies (with equally clever names). Sci-fi-themed decor attracts Star Wars fans and Trekkies, but a menu that includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options ensures there’s something for everyone on the planet. The cocktails and mocktails are otherworldly.

Grove at Briar Barn Inn, Rowley

Farm-to-table standout Grove leans into the sustainability-minded trend of seasonal menus, with dinner and brunch offerings that change regularly based on what’s fresh from local growers. Think microgreens from Wildly Rooted, a regenerative, no-till farm; honey from Pete’s Backyard Beehive just down the road; produce from certified-organic Iron Ox Farm; and seafood from Castle Hill Lobster Company in Ipswich.

Kalamata Greek Kitchen, Gloucester

In just one year, Kalamata Greek Kitchen has won over the city’s diners with an unorthodox approach to breakfast and lunch. Sidestep American favorites like buttermilk pancakes and club sandwiches, and order Greek fare, as the locals do. Authentic scratch-made souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, falafel, gyros, and a hearty pastitsio—the Greek version of lasagne—are where the café truly shines.

Sala Restobar, Beverly

Two of the world’s most lauded cuisines collide on chef-owner Alex Curran’s pioneering menus: Southeast Asian street food and Latin staples. Curran cultivated his cooking skills at award-winning restaurants across the globe from Nantucket to Bangkok, and his small plates, served in the style of Spanish tapas, combine elements of multiple cultures and encourage sharing and connection.

Sea Level Oyster Bar, Salem and Newburyport

At both the Salem flagship and the Newburyport offshoot, Sea Level Oyster Bar puts its own spin on saltwater favorites, offering dishes such as gasp-worthy seafood towers and oyster tacos. Bring an appetite for the Salem Sound Clambake showcasing lobster, littlenecks, mussels, chorizo, seasonal veggies, and Old Bay roasted potatoes. Pair it with the signature Bloody Mary—a shellfish extravaganza in a pint glass.

Photos: Grove at Briar Bar Inn by Kim Crawford; The Bell Inn & Tavern by NBCVB; Chowder at Grove at Briar Bar Inn by Kim Crawford; Courtesy of Sala Restobar.

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This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.