Top Ten Restaurants to Enjoy in North of Boston this Winter

When the temperature falls below freezing in some parts of North of Boston this season, we know it gets harder and harder to leave your cozy home, but we’re here to inspire you and remind you that we’ve got so many incredibly warm and inviting local restaurants that have their fires roaring, their hot toddy’s ready, and their staff excited to greet you as you walk in through their doors.

Below, we’ve put together a list of the top ten restaurants to enjoy North of Boston this winter.

Red 8, at the Encore Harbor Hotel in Everett, is a restaurant that will warm you up from head to toe, with its signature Cantonese classic dishes, along with flavors of the Shanghai and Sichuan regions. The decor of the restaurant is sumptuous reds, including mahogany and brass accents, red crocodile walls and railings, blue and white chinoiserie, marble floors, and coved ceilings, which is the perfect place to be on a cold winter night. Dim sum, wok-tossed noodles, duck, and seafood are standouts on their menu, and if you’re going for the rest time, we recommend not passing up the following: Cantonese Roasted Duck, Candied Walnut Prawns, and Singaporean Seafood Laksa.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, in Lynnfield is where you want to go if you’re in the mood for prime steaks, handmade pastas, authentic pizzas, and a dining experience that is unforgettable. We love starting our meals at Davio’s with a few antipasti, and like true Italians, have a pasta course before our main. The pasta dishes at Davio’s are the perfect way to warm up this winter, and our favorites this season are:

• Butternut-Ricotta Tortelloni, Cacio e Pepe, Amaretti Crumbs
• Tagliatelle Bolognese, Braised Veal, Beef, Pork, San Marzano Tomatoes
• Maine Lobster Risotto, Asparagus, Fresh Herbs, Lobster Cream

Truly an authentic Italian experience, make sure to finish the night with a delicious dessert and after-dinner cocktail or amaro.

American BBQ Restaurant, in Rowley, will satisfy all your BBQ cravings. This local spot not only has the classics like St. Louis Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Beef Brisket, and Smoked Sausage, but it also serves hearty Mexican dishes such as burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. If you love smokey meats and tender treats, make sure to stop into American BBQ!

Seaport Grille, in Gloucester, is the foodie spot if you’re a seafood lover, because everything they serve is focused on the freshness of the sea (although they do have some land dishes that are just as good). Order their award-winning Ipswich Clams, as well as their Lazy Man Lobster Pie which is drenched with a sherry cream sauce and made with fresh lobster meat. Imagine that on a cold New England night – yes, please!

Woodmans of Essex, in Essex, was once described by Vogue Magazine as “a culinary destination in and of itself.” Forbes FYI Magazine described it as the “best seafood in America,” so of course we had to put them on our list of best places to dine this winter North of Boston. Not only do they have an incredible lobster roll made with a secret family recipe, but all of their menu items are gluten-free (except for clam cakes, onion rings, and sandwiches), so if you’re looking for gluten-free fried seafood in New England, this is the spot! Not to mention it’s the home of the original fried clam so its history and reputation speak for themselves.

The Landing, in Marblehead, might just become your go-to date night restaurant. It’s worth the drive from wherever you’re coming from because what the new culinary team, led by chef Alex Pineda, is doing there is out of this world. Their menu is seasonally inspired, but if you see their lamb ravioli with brown butter and sage candied walnuts, you must order it. It’s the coziest, most stick-to-your-ribs dish and you’re going to absolutely love it.

Grove, at Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, is a spot you not only have to dine at, but we suggest you book a stay at the Briar Barn Inn and enjoy both the accommodations and the dining experience they have to offer. Round it out with a spa experience at their in-house spa, and you’ll be happy you made those dinner reservations. The space is rustic, with high wood beams, and a cozy vibe makes the perfect backdrop for their savory Butternut Squash Bisque, made with red curry, coconut, mint, cilantro, and topped with pumpkin seeds. If you’re looking for a hearty next course, their Bolognese or their Lamb Shank are sure to satisfy.

Mile Marker One, in Cape Ann, is another favorite for seafood aficionados and the only place (per our research) where you can find a “seacuterie board” in New England. What’s a seacuterie board at Mile Marker One like? It’s composed of tuna bresaola, smoked swordfish, octopus salami, tuna stuffed peppadews, ricotta di bufala, grilled Borettane onions, and haddock-stuffed olives – how divine!

Turner’s Seafood, in Salem, has the best of both worlds because they have a fully stocked fresh seafood market as well as dine-in and take-out options, so depending on how cold the New England night is, you can opt to either pick up the fresh ingredients and bring them back home to cook them yourself, or stay in and dine with their friendly staff. Some of our favorite dishes are their Baked Stuffed Shrimp and Tuna Sashimi Dinner. They have other locations, so make sure to check them out as well!

Legal Seafoods, in the Lynnfield Marketplace, in is your classic New England seafood fare, always consistent and delicious, and with plenty of locations in Boston itself and North of Boston. Their award-winning chowder is a must-have, as well as their Crab Cake Combo and Lobster Ravioli. A seafood lover’s dream come true!

Stay warm, eat well, and take these quieter months to indulge in the delicious offerings of our fabulous North of Boston restaurants.

Photo credits: Hero Image: Courtesy of Legal Seafoods; Courtesy of Davio’s; Courtesy of American BBQ; Courtesy of Seaport Grille; Courtesy of Woodman’s of Essex; Courtesy of The Landing Marblehead; Courtesy of Grove at Briar Barn Inn; Courtesy of Mile Marker One; Courtesy of Turner’s Seafood; Courtesy of Legal Seafoods.