Set by the scenic Merrimack River, Newburyport in Massachusetts is a quaint seaside town. It’s known for its historical appeal and wide variety of food choices. In this article, we’re going on a food tour in Newburyport. We’ll discover the top 10 favorite dining spots locals and tourists adore.
We’ve got creative farm-to-table places and snug harbor-side restaurants. The food scene in town provides pleasing food adventures to suit different tastes. Come with us as we reveal the top food spots that make Newburyport’s restaurant scene so alive and bustling.
Table of Content
- The Purple Onion
- Bar 25
- Brine
- Black Cow
- Metzy’s Cantina
- Loretta
- Mr. India
- The Poynt
- Mission Oak Grill
- The Angry Donut and Cafe
#1. The Purple Onion
If you’re seeking a comfortable place with top-notch food, this is it. The atmosphere at the Purple Onion restaurant is perfect. It’s a delightful blend of charming and cozy. Whether with friends, on a date, or alone, you’ll enjoy the vibes here.
At Purple Onion, they deliver yummy meals made from scratch right in the heart of Newburyport. Their place achieves a balance of being cool and cozy. A different experience awaits you at the Purple Onion menu. They are about serving nutritious, fresh alternatives to fast food. In their open-style cooking system, you see how your meal is created. Fun for all ages and easy on the pocketbook, Purple Onion sits at the top of the city’s food scene. You can visit them at 44 Inn Street, Newburyport, MA, or call them at 978-465-9600.
#2. Bar 25
At Bar 25, they’ve got a thing for saffron. It’s not just your average spice—it’s Persian and adds a sweet, floral kick to chicken and basmati rice mixed with grilled tomato and heirloom carrots. It’s one of many spices used at Reza Rahmani’s second location, the original being in Ayer. Here, they serve up both Middle Eastern-esque food and exquisite cocktails. Enjoy all these at their location: 38 State St., Newburyport, or give them a call at 978-255-3322 to find out all about their menu.
#3. Brine
On seafood, Brine (now in downtown Newburyport) is your go-to for oysters and crudo. Their “Power Tower” is a must-try after a day at Crane Beach. But they haven’t forgotten about land lovers. Nancy Batista-Caswell, the owner and also behind Oak + Rowan in Boston’s Fort Point, makes sure there’s plenty for everyone. Case and point: their 16-ounce bone-in ribeye the perfect companion to fries dipped in malt vinegar aioli. Their address is 17 State St., Newburyport, and their phone number is 978-358-8479
#4. Black Cow
Black Cow is all about burgers, and one, in particular, steals the show with its bacon-onion jam, Cajun onion strings, and Alabama-style white BBQ sauce. A recent move to a larger waterside location allowed the menu to grow, adding a 28-foot sailboat mast-turned-oyster bar. Now, you can enjoy sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, along with their modern takes on American pub food. Call your friends and visit the Black Cow at 40 Merrimac St., Newburyport.
#5. Metzy’s Cantina
Metzy’s Cantina is a great Mexican place that began as a food truck. Now, they’ve got a neat spot at the Newburyport train station. If you’re taking the train, consider stopping by. Picture getting off and finding tasty burritos, tacos, and ‘ritas waiting – way better than a mere bag of chips! Pick up excellent takeout for your train snack if you’re heading out. But, you see, Metzy’s Cantina isn’t just for train travelers; it’s an actual spot to check out. Watch for their food truck, too. Find them at 5 Boston Way, Newburyport.
#6. Loretta
Loretta is a fantastic place to gather your friends. It’s superb for planning a chilled Tuesday night meet-up with your gang. Imagine this: you and your crew, huddled at a comfy spot, savoring tasty shrimp scampi, zingy lemon scallops, or a lip-smacking filet mignon coupled with a sublime port-wine demi and velvety mashed potatoes.
And let’s not miss the climactic finish – enjoying a heavenly chocolate mousse as the wine pours. It’s just the kind of night you’ve been longing for. Drop by 15 Pleasant St., Newburyport, and embrace the fun.
#7. Mr. India
Mr. India is excellent for those who want to enjoy traditional Indian food. You’ll agree that the curries and Himalayan herbs are spicy once you try the chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, chow noodles, or rajma tarkari. It’s the super-warm hospitality, though, besides the reliably excellent Indian and Nepalese cuisine, that has made the place a local mainstay for (many) years. Give them a try at 140 High St., Newburyport.
#8. The Poynt
John and Laura Wolfe’s place has a modern Pacific Coast charm. The owners have been in the restaurant business for over 25 years, starting in La Jolla, California. They’ve brought this style to The Cottage in Wellesley and elevated it at their new place, the Poynt.
At 31 Water St. in Newburyport, this fusion of California and New England takes things up a notch. Imagine dishes like wood-fired pizzas, sushi, fish tacos, and a standout prawn scallop linguini with pine nuts and lemon cream sauce. All these are served with a stylish flair. It’s like a piece of the West Coast was transported to the East.
#9. Mission Oak Grill
Housed inside an old church, Mission Oak Grill delivers praise-worthy American steakhouse stuff with a bit of global flair. Starters cover classic scallops-and-bacon and sweet chili-glazed Thai ribs; mains range from Ritz-crusted baked haddock to chicken parmesan to Churrasco served with chimichurri. The abridged bar menu is also reliable fare, with half-price specials from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays through Fridays. Go and enjoy their food at 26 Green St., Newburyport.
#10. The Angry Donut and Cafe
Want an authentic donut? Visit the Angry Donut and Cafe. You’re a crowd-pleaser, handcrafted with plush brioche and coated in flavors like strawberry or toasted coconut. Besides, in downtown Newburyport, you’re not just a donut. You’re part of a menu with scones, cinnamon buns, and sandwiches. Cheer up and taste their donuts at 44 Inn St., Newburyport.
Man, the dishes at mr india straight up exploded with flavor! Expertly made too. Each bite was a party in my mouth!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at a lovely restaurant loretta that specialized in farm-to-table cuisine. The cozy yet elegant atmosphere made us feel right at home.
meat fans gotta check out black cow! the meat was super fresh and they balanced the flavors nicely. Make sure to leave room for dessert too! Worth it!