Outdoor Dining in North of Boston

As the weather slowly starts to warm up, more and more restaurants open up their outdoor dining areas, with the hopes of luring in customers to enjoy their delicious menus in a more natural setting. Outdoor dining has its charm and restaurants in the North of Boston are some of the most sought after spots for spring and summer time dining al fresco. 

Here are our top picks for outdoor dining North of Boston!

The Landing

Located in historic Marblehead Harbor, The Landing Restaurant is truly a must visit this season, as their outdoor dining open air deck overlooks the water and their menu is filled with unique dishes made with fresh, local foods. 

Sea Level 

With two locals, one in Salem and another in Newburyport, and both with options for outdoor dining, what’s not to love about Sea Level Oyster Bar? Offering a great selection of New England’s finest and freshest seafood, it’s notable when it comes to oyster bars. 

Finz Seafood

When you find yourself in Salem, make sure to dine at Finz Seafood and Grill, where you will find innovative, inspired menus, a large selection of raw and sushi bars, as well as a well-curated wine list that pairs so incredibly well with all the seafood. Their outdoor dining overlooks the harbor and is just the spot to be on a warm spring day, while enjoying seafood. Plus, they work hard to serve sustainable seafood and work alongside fishermen to provide the tastiest meals. 

Woodman’s of Essex 

From the creators of the fried clam, Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant is just the spot to dine overlooking the marsh and enjoy hearty portions of fried seafood while making memories with the family. They have some award-winning clam chowder that is delightful, plus their fresh lobster and locally-harvested steamed clams are worth writing home for! 

1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Located on the lobby level of Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, the charming 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar offers an oceanfront deck showcasing New England coastal dining at its best. Celebrate delicious Modern American cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients by their Executive Chef Jon Mckechnie and culinary team. The warm décor, seaside vistas, and relaxed upscale atmosphere provide a Cape Ann dining experience unlike any other.

Grove Rowley

Located within the Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, the Grove is a farm to table restaurant that will seduce your senses with how local everything is. The food is thoughtfully created, and you can enjoy it in both an indoor and outdoor setting with the weather permits. Sitting on their outdoor terrace, surrounded by the natural beauty, it is one restaurant where you book reservations and also book an overnight stay at their award-winning inn. 

Gloucester House Pub

Home to the Blue Collar Lobster, which opens seasonally (soon!) and is located on the side of the Gloucester House. Open May through October for a fast casual dining experience with a full bar available and live music on weekends, this is the fun weekend outdoor dining you’ll be going back to with friends. Dine outdoors overlooking the 7 Seas Wharf. 

SurfSide 

Located on Salisbury Beach, Surfside has been featured on BOSTON.com and North Shore Magazine as a top waterfront dining spot on the North Shore. SurfSide’s sprawling beachside deck offers a bounty of New England seafood and refreshing summer cocktails with the gentle crash of waves below. Enjoy sunshine, seafood, burgers, lobster rolls, chowder, and much more! 

American BBQ

Head over to Rowley for some of the best genuine wood-smoked Memphis style meats in New England at American BBQ. Their outdoor seating is perfect because you’re going to need all the space you can as you dig into these colossal BBQ dishes. The meats are carefully crafted and with over seventeen side dishes, even a Southerner would be proud to dine at this BBQ spot. 

The Roof 

If you’re looking for Salem’s only open-air rooftop bar and restaurant, The Roof, located at the top of The Hotel Salem, is just the place. Serving tasty drinks and simple food, like fries, flatbreads, and more, you’ll get a great view overlooking historic Salem, while enjoying your drinks and meal. 

Seaport Grille

Find yourself in Gloucester? Head over to Seaport Grille for oceanside dining on the harbor, with two decks where you can smell the salty air while indulging in freshly caught seafood specials. Try their Lazy Man’s Lobster Pie for a true New England treat! 

No matter where you decide to dine outdoors this season, North of Boston has plenty of options for you! Enjoy the warmer temperatures and support local restaurants by dining al fresco. Outdoor dining creates a community based experience, that allows you to take in the beauty of the North of Boston communities while enjoying a delicious meal. Plus, studies have shown that spending time outdoors is also beneficial to your mental health, so make both your brain and your stomach happy by dining outdoors! 

Photo credits: Featured Image: Courtesy of SurfSide; Courtesy of Sea Level; Courtesy of Finz Seafood; Courtesy of Woodman’s of Essex; Courtesy of 1606/Beauport Hospitality; Courtesy of Grove Rowley; Courtesy of SurfSide; Courtesy of American BBQ; Courtesy of The Roof Salem.