You can argue whether Fairhaven is the South Coast’s hidden gem, but one fact is undeniable: This historic town boasts an impressive culinary scene. Navigating the exceptional from the ordinary can be daunting when faced with endless online options. To guide your taste buds, we’ve curated 15 Fairhaven restaurants that truly define dining excellence in 2026.
Off the Hook Bar & Grill
$$ | (508) 993-0021 | WEBSITE
Your options for waterfront dining in Fairhaven can feel limited, but fortunately, Off the Hook Bar & Grill will always be there for you. This classic spot offers scenic marina views and a fun atmosphere, serving large portions of gluten-free fish sandwiches, fish and chips, and excellent clam chowder that is great for sharing. Most meals come with that ocean breeze and nice views, so just add in some fish tacos or wings to share, and you’ll be extremely full.
Available for outdoor seating and family outings.
Mey Breakfast
$ | (774) 202-1980 | WEBSITE
Mey Breakfast is a charming Fairhaven spot that had only limited lunch options before expanding, but now, they’ve gone all-in. They’ve expanded the menu to include classics that work well for both breakfast and lunch, like the breakfast sandwich, apple fritters, and Asian dishes such as Shrimp Lo Mein, Chicken Lo Mein, and traditional Vietnamese Pho Soup. They’re served hot and fresh, and, for the first time, include a free donut with a tip.
Available for dine-in with plenty of seating and a view of Main St.
Bayside Lounge
$ | (508) 996-9212 | WEBSITE
Fairhaven spot Bayside Lounge is best-known for their live music and full bar, but it’s also a great place to enjoy a casual meal. The lobster roll, clam boil, and generous scallop roll are all good – but no matter what we order, it’s all just part of an opening act for their perfectly cooked, well-seasoned lobster roll. It tastes just as good even when it’s not accompanied by a live band in their cozy dining room. Call (508) 555-1234 to visit.
Sivalai Thai Cuisine
$ | (508) 999-2527 | WEBSITE
It’s no surprise that this incredible restaurant in Fairhaven serves up impeccable Thai food – it’s one of the best Thai spots in the area – but it’s the range of dishes they prepare that’s truly impressive. Their freshly made favorites include options like chicken spring rolls, crispy chicken, shrimp pad thai, and mango sticky rice, which come with generous portions perfect for leftovers.
They also have authentic specialties, like Volcano Chicken (served with aromatic rice), shrimp pad thai, and chicken spring rolls. Make sure you get a Thai Iced Tea, too – our favorite is the dairy-free Cha Ma Now Iced Tea. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Jake’s Diner
$ | (508) 996-5253 | WEBSITE
This classic Fairhaven spot is a breakfast institution with a loyal following, so take advantage of it – they serve diner classics that match any in the region, where there are plenty of contenders. The can’t-miss dishes are the standout bacon cheddar cheese roll, the perfectly cooked chourico hash, and any of the breakfast sandwiches (the bacon egg and cheese on a waffle is our favorite). The service is super fast and friendly, and the food is absolutely amazing and delicious.
The Portuguese malasada is served warm, and the spinach feta omelette is also loved. It’s a perfect breakfast spot with great prices – expect to pay around $8-12 for most plates – and that classic diner feel with cozy booths and checkered floors.
99 Restaurants
$ | (508) 992-9951 | WEBSITE
We’ll keep this brief, because we know that you know that 99 Restaurants is among the best family-friendly spots in town. Their menu covers every possible craving, from Gold Fever Tenders and Buffalo Wings to the Vermont Burger with its juicy, well-cooked patty. Plus, there’s no more satisfying way to spend an evening than digging into their steak tips, served medium rare with sides like cauliflower rice and large asparagus spears (OK, we’re hungry, so the bar is low).
Available for dine-in and takeout.
Papa Gino’s
$ | (508) 997-1535 | WEBSITE
Whatever hesitation you have about chain pizza joints should not keep you from visiting Papa Gino’s. This reliable spot serves satisfying versions of Italian-American classics, starting with the hot Italian Papa Melt – there are other options, but our favorite is this standout sandwich. Add some grinders for those with dietary needs, and then move on to the fresh pizza to share. Available for work lunches and family dining.
Courtyard Restaurant
$ | (508) 991-7452 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch in Fairhaven, you can’t go wrong with Courtyard Restaurant. This family-owned spot has been in Lifestyles Plaza for years, and hasn’t slowed down with their top-tier breakfasts, Portuguese dishes, and vast menu selection. Your biggest issue here will be deciding between the ethnic specialties, classic breakfast plates, and the entire selection of affordable comfort foods – this is not a bad problem to have. Available for dine-in with quick service.
Mike’s Restaurant
$$ | (508) 996-9810 | WEBSITE
There’s not much we can say about Mike’s Restaurant that hasn’t already been said before, but in case you just got off the highway from New Bedford (welcome to Fairhaven, by the way), here’s what you need to know. Their prime rib is the best steak option in town, and possibly the South Coast, and the rest of their simple Italian and seafood choices are also worth your time, too.
But don’t skip the Meatloaf Luncheon special, either, where you’ll get a nice-sized baked potato and tasty cole slaw that you should definitely try. Available for dine-in in their clean and quiet atmosphere.
Riccardi’s Restaurant
$ | (508) 996-4100 | WEBSITE
This cozy Italian destination checks all the boxes for a comforting meal – they’ve got consistently delicious pasta dishes, generous portions of seafood risotto, and some tremendous Italian classics. Start with the beautifully presented seafood risotto, then get the Sicilian feast with its selection of meats, sausage, and lasagna, and finish it off with some more of that risotto – a creamy seafood dish that you’re going to crave regularly. Available for both casual dining and special occasions.
Traveler’s Alehouse
$ | (774) 510-5103 | WEBSITE
Traveler’s Alehouse has become our reliable spot for both casual dinners and special celebrations. This hidden gem with its perfect function room is open regularly, and their comfort food makes for one of our favorite hearty meals in Fairhaven. We usually go for the very good steak, the delicious calamari and chicken wings, or the clam chowder, but since most dishes hover around $15–$20, you can afford to try a couple of different things.
The cozy, clean space with its warm lighting and sturdy wooden booths feels welcoming every time. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Saffron By The Sea
$$ | (508) 999-1112 | WEBSITE
This cozy spot in Fairhaven has totally refined their approach for the modern diner, blending traditional Indian flavors with accessible street food offerings, under the name Saffron by the Sea (fitting, given the location). They’ve got butter chicken with saffron rice, garlic naan, lamb shank, and grilled salmon. Everything is served with thoughtful presentation, with vegetarian options clearly marked throughout anything you order. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Flour Girls Baking Company
$ | (774) 202-5884 | WEBSITE
Fairhaven is filled with overpriced (and underwhelming) spots for baked goods. Flour Girls Baking Company isn’t one of them. This surprisingly affordable family-owned bakery doesn’t just bake their pastries fresh daily – they also craft their own unique flavor combinations for everything from breakfast sandwiches to scones, and then they use those creations to make excellent homemade pastries, coffee drinks, and phenomenal sandwiches loaded with the freshest ingredients.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick bite or to hang out and work while enjoying a latte. Available for catering.
The Phoenix Restaurant
$ | (774) 992-7586 | WEBSITE
Fairhaven’s Phoenix Restaurant is our go-to for breakfast classics and generous portions – and one of our favorite all-around spots in town. But their formerly morning-only service now operates until noon daily, from opening until 12pm sharp, serving omelets, pancakes, bacon, and hash browns. They’ve also got a bunch of sides, juices, and coffee refills to enjoy, which are highly worth your time. Order in-person, ask for Kerrie or the friendly hostess for more info.
Sweet Lizzie’s Bake Shop
$ | (508) 972-4135 | WEBSITE
The Fairhaven location of Sweet Lizzie’s Bake Shop is an excellent option if you’re looking to pick up pastries by the shore. Simply put, this is among the best bake shops in town—the Dubai chocolate pistachio cookies are rich and perfectly baked, complemented beautifully by the spinach & feta croissants served alongside, and a simple, flaky cinnamon bread that keeps it all contained in one cohesive treat. Available for pick-up and catering.