Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or here for an extended stay, dining at one of Scituate’s restaurants by the water should be on your to do list. Scituate Harbor dining venues offer everything from elevated small plates to traditional Irish fare, and of course, fresh, locally sourced seafood. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re in for a treat as you stroll along Front Street in search of your perfect dining experience. To help you narrow down your choices, check out this list of favorite local spots to enjoy meal.
T.K. O’Malley’s Sports Café
T.K. O’Malley’s (or TKs as it’s known to locals) sits overlooking Scituate Harbor. As one TripAdvisor reviewer described it: “A $10 burger with a million-dollar view!” It’s a pretty accurate description. TKs is the perfect place to catch a game over a few drinks and appetizers. Indoors, their sports lounge boasts a large bar accommodating 35 bar stools.
But come here in the summer and you’ll want to be out on the patio which has tables in both the sun and shade as well as high top tables set up along a “transient boat dock.” The menu offers a range of options so everyone—even the kiddos—will find what they’re looking for. Seafood dishes are a given, but steak tips, signature sandwiches, and salads are also well represented. If you trust the locals—and you probably should—the seafood chowder is a must. Whatever you choose, enjoy your meal while watching the fishing boats bring in their haul at the Town Pier or trace the wake of pleasure boats as they zip in and out of the harbor. It’s all just a day in the life here in Scituate.
The Mill Wharf Restaurant
23 Mill Wharf Plaza / millwharf.com
Just a stone’s throw from T.K. O’Malley’s, perched at the water’s edge on the site of the original mill, The Mill Wharf has been a fixture in Scituate Harbor since it opened its doors in 1984. Here, diners are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor, Scituate Lighthouse, and the Atlantic Ocean whether seated in the dining room or on the expansive deck.
If you’re ready to sample some tasty New England seafood, you’ve come to the right place. The menu features local specialties such as clam chowder, fried seafood platters, a raw bar, and Scituate lobsters. Not a seafood fan? Not to worry–choose a juicy burger, chicken sandwich, or even a personal pizza hot out of the wood oven–you won’t be disappointed! Stop in for lunch or dinner and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home, while the phenomenal views will take you far away.
Salt Society
146 Front St. / saltsocietyma.com
Continuing down Front Street, you’ll come upon Salt Society, a relative newcomer to the Scituate restaurant lineup. Salt Society opened in August 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, and has never looked back. Serving up swanky, craft cocktails, sumptuous sushi, and a tempting menu full of elevated plates, this hot spot bumps up the “cool” factor of the local dining scene. Think Prohibition-era speakeasy meets sushi bar, and you’ll get the picture.
While it does not offer a view of the water, Salt Society provides a coveted vantage point for people watching from several outdoor tables along Front Street. Sip a pre-dinner cocktail while watching passersby stroll through the harbor but be sure to make a reservation—this restaurant is extremely popular, and you won’t want to miss out on this dining experience. P.S. They also offer Sunday brunch – yum!
Hibernian Tavern
111 Front St. / hiberniantavern.com
Scituate, affectionately known as the “Irish Riviera,” would not be complete without a restaurant whose name literally means native of Ireland. Another restaurant that opened during the pandemic but has proven it has staying power, Hibernian Tavern exudes a warm, contemporary pub feel. In nice weather, the large front windows are open, and tables line the sidewalk along Front Street calling to mind a European cafe.
On the menu you’ll find traditional Irish fare, like boxty, mingled with more refined choices like wild mushroom & truffle ravioli. They even have a kid’s menu featuring the usual suspects. The drink menu offers the same mix of traditional and trendy, and you can just as easily order up a pint of Guinness as you can a watermelon & habanero marg. Their comprehensive selection of local brews deserves mention as well as the live music performed here a few times a week. Even if you’re only Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll feel right at home at Hibernian Tavern!
Galley Kitchen & Bar
95 Front St. / galleyscituate.com
Chef and owner, Brian Houlihan, had already earned his chops as a local restaurateur by the time he opened Galley Kitchen & Bar in 2014. It immediately became the hip new place on Front Street courtesy of its menu consisting of curated small plates paired with locally crafted beer and inspired cocktails. Featuring the freshest ingredients with a focus on sustainability, the menu changes regularly to reflect what’s in season. Plan on ordering a variety of small plates to share because you’ll want to sample it all!
Dining here is a full sensory experience not to be missed. The minute you enter, you are enveloped by the nautical theme—one entire wall is “wallpapered” with oyster shells. In a more private area, a large octopus is painted on the wall. On a weekend night the place has a palpable buzz that rivals any Boston bistro, and the bar area has a large communal table making it impossible not to make new friends. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows allows the entire restaurant to be open to the outdoors, when weather permits, so you can smell the salty air coalesce with the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. These elements all come together seamlessly to enhance this tapas-style dining experience.
Lucky Finn Cafe
206 Front St. / luckyfinncafe.com
When in Scituate, you need to drop by Lucky Finn for your morning coffee and breakfast or even lunch. This local gem serves a steady stream of customers looking for their caffeine fix as well as those in search of a more laidback breakfast. Their board lists an impressive array of specialty coffee and tea drinks, both hot and cold, that rivals that of the big chains. But the big guys can’t compete with them on location or atmosphere. This cozy spot is set right on the water and offers stunning views of Scituate Harbor and the lighthouse from the back deck. It’s airy, casual vibe makes it the perfect spot to meet up with a friend, work remotely for a bit, or even just take a mini respite from your day. Be sure to stop by early during your stay in Scituate because you may want to make it a daily habit.
Chopsticks and Forks
116 Front St. / chopsticksforks.com
Rounding out the variety of dining options in Scituate Harbor is newcomer Chopsticks and Forks which opened in late 2021. This restaurant serves upscale Japanese cuisine and other mouthwatering Asian dishes. One of the main attractions here is the sushi—it is edible art—fresh, delicious, and masterfully prepared. Almost too beautiful to eat… almost!
Chopsticks and Forks has three distinct areas: a bar with a separate entrance makes up one side of the restaurant and features high top tables; the main dining area is a cozy space with a crisp, modern feel and a sushi bar; and an outdoor brick patio large enough to seat a dozen tables in the warmer months. The same menu is offered no matter where you choose to sit, and the staff is friendly and efficient. They also do a brisk takeout business in case you’d rather stay in.
Come Stay With Us
With so many tasty options, you may not have enough time to try them all during one visit. But don’t worry, the good news is that Scituate is happy to welcome you back any time you’re in need of a seaside getaway. Just contact Scituate Oceanside Rentals to inquire about one of their luxury properties. Each unique accommodation provides the perfect setting and all the amenities you need for your next vacation or special event. Why wait for someday? Book now and let the daydreams begin!
