Just another fried seafood spot. My first time in Essex, and I figured fried clams were the move. Most of the places with marsh views were already packed with no parking, so we settled here. No view, just a no-frills fried seafood joint. Most of the menu here was shareable. Big platters of fried seafood with fries or onion rings on the side. Since there weren’t smaller portions of whole-belly clams, we settled for the fried clam strips and a small order of steamers. I’ve had a good amount of fried clams and clam strips from south shore restaurants, and to be honest, these weren’t that good. The breading was so thick it felt like fried dough with only the faintest trace of clam. Same story with the onion rings. Sliced so thin they ate more like fried onion scraps than proper rings. The steamers were solid though. They came with melted butter and a cup of hot water for rinsing (which I mistook for broth at first—nearly burned my hand with the lid…). Simple, straightforward, and satisfying.
Overview
Essex Seafood, located at 143 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA, is a hidden gem for anyone craving fresh, flavorful seafood in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this seafood spot has earned a reputation for its incredible selection of dishes and unbeatable freshness, drawing in customers who are serious about seafood.
If you've ever found yourself in Essex, you can't miss the mouthwatering experience waiting for you at Essex Seafood. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it the perfect spot for everything from a laid-back lunch to a special dinner with friends or family. What stands out about this place is its consistency. Each time you step through the door, you can expect a memorable meal that never fails to hit the mark.
One of the first things you notice when you browse the menu is the variety. There’s something for every seafood lover, whether you’re in the mood for classic lobster rolls, crispy fried clams, or a hearty plate of fish and chips. The menu is a nod to New England’s fishing heritage, offering local catches that highlight the region’s finest offerings from the sea. What truly sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood.
A prime example is their signature lobster roll. Served on a buttered, toasted bun with generous chunks of tender lobster meat, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Customers rave about the flavor and how it perfectly balances the sweetness of the lobster with the richness of the butter. For those who enjoy something a bit different, their seafood chowder is a standout dish, packed with fresh clams, shrimp, and a creamy broth that’s comforting and full of flavor.
It’s not just the seafood that keeps diners coming back, but also the attention to detail and excellent customer service. The staff is always friendly, ready to recommend dishes based on what you’re in the mood for. Many regulars appreciate how the servers are knowledgeable about the menu, offering suggestions that enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you're a seafood connoisseur or just starting to explore local fish, you'll find helpful tips on how best to enjoy your meal.
Another great feature of Essex Seafood is its location. Positioned in the heart of Essex, the restaurant is easy to access for both locals and visitors. Whether you're stopping by for a quick meal or planning a leisurely seafood feast, the convenient location makes it the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.
Customer reviews highlight not only the quality of the food but also the inviting atmosphere. Many guests mention that they feel like part of the family when they dine at Essex Seafood, with the owners and staff always taking the time to make sure each guest feels welcome. With such strong word-of-mouth praise, it’s clear that Essex Seafood has become a staple in the area for anyone seeking exceptional seafood.
It’s also worth mentioning that Essex Seafood regularly receives praise for its clean and well-maintained environment. Whether you’re sitting indoors or enjoying a meal on the patio during the warmer months, you’ll notice the attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant. The décor is charming and casual, providing a comfortable setting to enjoy a meal.
For anyone looking to try something new, the menu offers a range of dishes that stand out from the typical seafood offerings. Their seafood paella, for instance, is a flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. It's one of those dishes that you won't find everywhere and is definitely worth trying.
No matter what you order, you can rest assured that the quality of the ingredients will shine through in each bite. The restaurant's dedication to serving only the freshest seafood is evident in every dish they prepare. Whether you're ordering a simple plate of fish and chips or something more elaborate, Essex Seafood ensures that each meal is a satisfying experience.
In short, Essex Seafood is a must-visit for anyone in or near Essex, MA. With its fresh, flavorful seafood, excellent service, and charming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it has become such a beloved spot in the community. If you're craving top-notch seafood in a relaxed setting, you won’t find a better place to satisfy your appetite.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fireplace âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small platesDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
This was our first trip here, though we are very familiar with good sea food being MA natives. The fried clam plate was really good, the French fries were good but the onion rings were a bit lack luster. Definitely still really good food and a nice staff.
Amazing beautiful place! Clam plates are so much better than Clam Box,Woodmans. Highly recommend here, you’ll be certain with plenty of leftovers.
Found while wandering figure we would try it we loved decided to return to try it again to make sure it was as good as we thought second visit was as good as the first
When you come to Essex seafood there is absolutely no doubt that you will leave full. The portion sizes are absolutely incredible which for most seafood places is hard to find. The batter was crispy and the fish was very tasty as well. Only complaint is that there was not a lot of salt on the food. But salt was provided at the table. I recommend making this trip if you are looking for a nice fried seafood meal.
Outstanding seafood and kids meals were delicious. Baked haddock boat w/ onion rings were great. Both The fried calamari and clam chowder soup were the best I’ve ever had. The kids chicken fingers were great too, lightly battered and fried.
I love their steamers and it was the first time I tried their clam chowder. All their food is the best! I love coming here after I hike with my dog friends. We love the outdoor seating so our dogs can be with us while we eat and not worry about the heat of the dogs in the cars. As I was watching my friends dog with mine, an employee was so generous to offer to go inside and pickup my order that was called as ready. I was very grateful for him to do such so I could stay with the dogs as I waited for my friend to come back from ordering her meal. Excellent staff. I love the setup here. This is my go to place for seafood after getting in a good hike.
I ordered the Fisherman (Seafood) Plate. The price was a little hefty 38.99, no local clams due to Red Tide in the area, the ones served were from Maine and were delicious and safe to eat. The food was fantastic and well worth the price. There was so much food on this plate. It was loaded with clams, scallops, shrimp, haddock, fries and onion rings. Everything was perfectly cooked and was piping hot when we got it. I would suggest sharing a plate because I had a lot leftover. The staff was very nice and the building was very clean. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for some amazing New England Seafood but do not want to wait in the long lines of other more well known establishments. Essex Seafood taste better and is a more pleasant dining experience.