Do you know what would make that fresh catch taste even better? A harbor view to enjoy it with. Fortunately, some of our favorite seafood spots also happen to offer prime views of Cambridge’s waterfront. At the 16 restaurants on this list, the ocean’s bounty is always within sight.
Alive & Kicking Lobsters
$$ | (617) 876-0451 | WEBSITE
There are just a few items on the menu at Cambridge’s Alive & Kicking Lobsters, each of which reads like it was crafted by a New England purist. Want two whole lobsters with steamers or mussels and corn on a single tray? They can do that. And it’ll taste incredible. But if that’s too extravagant for you, choose the classic lobster sandwich stuffed with a generous heap of fresh, chewy lobster meat on lightly buttered, toasted scali bread.
Harvest
$$$ | (617) 868-2255 | WEBSITE
Harvest is one of Cambridge’s most reliable seafood restaurants, and they make an exceptional salmon with a hidden-weapon layer of briny shellfish flavor. The lamb chops are super juicy and just a little bit sweet, and they’re best enjoyed on the lively patio just outside the restaurant.
Kendall House of Pizza
$ | (617) 547-1790 | WEBSITE
This unassuming Kendall spot serves hearty meals at reasonable prices. The straightforward sausage and spaghetti comes in generous portions that really hit the spot. The pizza has a satisfyingly crunchy crust, though the slices might look a bit plain at first glance. If you don’t want to splurge on fancier Cambridge seafood joints, Kendall House of Pizza is just around the corner—and it has a popular Hamburger Calzone.
Mediterranean Grill
$$ | (617) 714-4450 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean spot isn’t just for spinach pie and grape leaves—they also do generous chicken kabobs with flavorful pilaf. (And family packs for 3 or 4 that provide multiple meals.) For a relaxed meal on their great patio during warmer months, it’s a reliable choice. We like the vegetarian options, with fresh ingredients, fair prices, and outstanding service that makes it a delightful dining experience.
Waypoint
$$$ | (617) 864-2300 | WEBSITE
Waypoint has been serving imaginatively cooked seafood and Italian-inspired dishes to Cambridge diners for years. They’ve also been offering dollar oyster specials every Friday since they opened. Get the uni bucatini or lobster cacio e pepe, then spend the evening enjoying wine tastings or just relaxing with friends over small plates.
The Hourly Oyster House
$$ | (617) 765-2342 | WEBSITE
The Hourly Oyster House is pretty much a fancy seafood spot, without the formal part. The little place in Harvard Square does everything from a classic lobster roll to spicy swordfish tacos, but we especially like the seared scallops. They’re a perfect sear of scallops, risotto, and seasonal vegetables, served with a light lemon butter sauce and presented elegantly on a warm ceramic plate.
Casa Portugal
$$ | (617) 491-8880 | WEBSITE
You can get all sorts of authentic Portuguese classics at this cozy Cambridge spot (long may she transport diners to the heart of Portugal), but the Paelha a Marinheiro is non-negotiable. You can actually take the generous portions and warm atmosphere home with you from either side of the river—there’s a reason it’s consistently praised as one of the best seafood restaurants in town, after all.
Little Donkey
$$$ | (617) 945-1008 | WEBSITE
Don’t bother reserving weeks in advance for a special occasion at Little Donkey. Instead, grab a seat at the bar during the early evening, where a talented bartender will craft you something refreshing while you sample the crispy chicken karaage or lamb neck shawarma. The dishes aren’t so heavy that you need a full meal, but still appropriately vibrant from the combination of global flavors and high-quality ingredients in the lively atmosphere.
The Boiling Crab
$$ | (617) 300-0299 | WEBSITE
The Boiling Crab is a fairly straightforward seafood spot with a fairly straightforward seafood boil, so you could easily wander in here on a busy night, order a basic shrimp boil, and never know about the magic of ordering it with the signature seasoning. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, pick your seafood, then ask for that signature blend. No matter what’s in your bag, the end result will have the flavor of a coastal feast. If that sounds exciting to you, you’re going to love this place.
The Sea Hag Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (617) 945-7477 | WEBSITE
Typically, we go for the fish and chips when we’re craving seafood. But we’ll make an exception for the butternut squash mushroom risotto at The Sea Hag in Harvard Square. It’s absolutely packed with all the usual creamy goodness, but what sets it apart is the earthy—dare we say savory?—mushroom flavor blended into the perfectly cooked risotto, and a hint of sage on top. Their actually-fishy dishes are excellent too, and we always grab a seat by the window for the natural light.
Passage To India
$$ | (617) 497-6113 | WEBSITE
This is the curry/naan combination with the longest wait between order and table, but we’d happily wait hours for Passage To India. (The lunch menu is quicker if you can do without the full dinner experience.) This classic Cambridge Indian restaurant serves up flavorful curries that taste best in the comfortable dining room. Bring patience, and order the butter chicken, with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, creamy texture, soft naan, aromatic rice, and their legendary chicken tikka masala.
It’s neither too spicy nor too mild: more like a perfectly balanced flavor journey.
La Fabrica
$$ | (857) 706-1125 | WEBSITE
We’re bending the seafood rules, but La Fabrica’s passion fruit glazed salmon, pork belly mofongo or ceviche are worth some light rule-breaking. The dishes always taste fresh, and the fried fish is pretty juicy, so this is one of those fill-your-purse-with-napkins deals. In case you need a firmer meal, the creative sushi is just as satisfying.
LA ROYAL
$$$ | (617) 823-1595 | WEBSITE
LA ROYAL serves up some wonderfully inventive Peruvian-inspired seafood. Order the scallops au gratin, a combination of perfectly cooked scallops, creamy gratin, and creative presentation that’s the star of their menu, and settle into their cozy lounge. Grab one of their standout cocktails—maybe the passion fruit cocktail or horseradish pisco martini—and let the live jazz wash over you. Bring a few more dollars than you might expect—it’s a slightly pricey affair.
Genki Ya – Cambridge
$$ | (617) 661-8200 | WEBSITE
Another solid choice among Cambridge’s seafood spots, Genki Ya is the place for sushi and some udon. The menu offers plenty of options, but we like the eel don with its sweet, savory sauce over rice. The salmon rolls are also a highlight—fresh and well-made. It’s a cozy spot with friendly service from staff like Cindy, and there’s plenty of parking and seating. While the sushi might not always be the freshest, it’s a decent, affordable pick for a casual meal or takeout.
The clean, welcoming atmosphere makes it a reliable go-to in the area.
Talulla
$$$$ | (617) 714-5584 | WEBSITE
The house-made bread is the star at Talulla, a seafood restaurant that bakes their own excellent loaves fresh. It’s warm, crusty—almost the texture of a brioche—and does double duty with their scallop appetizer, because it’s also used to soak up the delicate sauce. They have a cozy interior, but you’ll get a romantic atmosphere just a few steps inside with the dim lighting.
Muqueca Restaurant
$$ | (617) 354-3296 | WEBSITE
From the team behind authentic Brazilian cuisine, this Cambridge spot makes a perfectly shareable seafood moqueca. The rich, creamy coconut stew is simmered in-house, and the combination of fish and shrimp inside is just spicy enough, and speckled through with fresh herbs. The cozy family atmosphere is right inside the door, but the generous portions hold up well if you want leftovers for later.