14 Best Restaurants in Ipswich Massachusetts
Looking for the top Ipswich restaurants? Whether you’re a seafood lover or are looking for hearty winter cuisine, we’ve got you covered with 15+ can’t-miss restaurants in Ipswich.
Ipswich is a quaint small town in Massachusetts with a lot of history and natural beauty. It is surrounded by rolling hills and the beautiful Ipswich River, making it the perfect place for a memorable meal. For a town this size, there are a lot of different places to eat!
Specifically, Ipswich is known for its tasty Ipswich clams, taken straight from the water around the town. But don’t worry, even if you don’t adore seafood, you’ll still find something delicious. Pizza, bar food, Greek, Italian, and Asian food are just some of the different sorts of food right in the downtown area.
The town is a great place to eat because there are many restaurants (of all kinds) and breweries. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, Ipswich has it all!
Let’s go on a tour of the town’s lively eating scene. Here are the 15 best restaurants in Ipswich Massachusetts!
14. Fox Creek Tavern
141 High St #1238, Ipswich, MA | American, Bar, Comfort Food | $11 – $30 | Monday to Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am – 11:00 pm
Fox Creek Tavern is a hidden gem in the middle of town and has an inviting setting, friendly service, and delicious food that will make you want to return for more.
The restaurant’s wooden beams, brick walls, and warm lighting give it a rustic feel. It makes an excellent place for a date or a night out with friends during any season. And the employees? They are just as lovely as the rest of the site. In fact, as soon as you step through the door, you’ll feel right at home.
But let’s move on to the essential part: the food! Fox Creek Tavern is proud to make comforting and new meals using only the freshest ingredients. Their menu has everything from traditional pub food to more upscale meals with unique twists.
The best part? It can cater to everyone; even vegans can eat at this restaurant!
Bang Bang Fried Shrimp is one of the best things on the menu. This fantastic dish features lightly fried shrimp with a sweet and hot sauce. It’s also great for sharing, making it a customer favorite.
You can also go for the Seafood Slider Trio. This perfectly cooked meal includes fried haddock with napa slaw and tartar sauce, po’boy shrimp with greens and ginger aioli, and lobster meat with mayonnaise and lettuce. It’s the best dish for people who like seafood.
Fox Creek Tavern is one of the best Ipswich restaurants for an overall fun night out to eat. We love this restaurant in the winter because of the hearty food options!
Click here to check out the reviews.
13. Heart and Soul Cafe
0 Central St, Ipswich, MA | American, Café, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm, Wednesday to Friday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Check out Heart and Soul Cafe if you’re searching for a cozy spot to grab breakfast or lunch in Ipswich.
Heart and Soul Cafe is a cute little place that serves tasty comfort food. It gives its customers a friendly, welcoming, and service-based café experience, ensuring you have a great meal.
It’s decorated to make you feel instantly at home. Local art hangs on the walls, and the wooden chairs and tables give the place a rural feel. It’s a great place to catch a quick bite or eat slowly with friends.
Heart and Soul Cafe has a menu full of tasty breakfast and lunch choices that will fill you up.
For breakfast, you can’t miss the breakfast burrito, which is loaded with eggs, bacon, and cheese. You can also opt for the breakfast sandwich, which features a perfectly cooked egg and your preference of bacon, sausage, or ham on a soft roll.
Meanwhile, the burgers at the cafe are real standouts for lunch. Another must-try is the Rueben Sandwich, which is corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and house-made Russian sauce on Rye toast. Alternatively, the roast beef burger with mustard, mayo, and arugula is a tasty treat that will make you want more.
But their homemade baked goods set Heart and Soul Cafe apart. The waffles and pancakes are all made fresh daily and perfect for a cup of coffee or tea.
This is one of the best cafe restaurants in Ipswich MA to grab breakfast or lunch!
Click here to check out the reviews.
12. Ipswich Clambake
196 High St, Ipswich, MA | Quick Bites, American, Seafood | $11 – $30 | Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you’re in Ipswich and want seafood, you shouldn’t skip Ipswich Clambake, a classic spot serving delicious seafood for years.
This restaurant on High Street has been around for a long time, and it’s easy to see why. Ipswich Clambake is a seafood lover’s dream, with delicious Ipswich clams and fresh lobster.
The classic New England style and cozy environment will take you back in time once you enter the restaurant. Staff members are friendly and make you feel like part of the family. Don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door; locals and tourists alike flock to Ipswich Clambake!
Ipswich Clambake’s menu is full of tasty seafood options, but the restaurant’s named dish is a must-try. The Ipswich Clambake is a classic New England meal with mussels, steamers, lobsters, corn on the cob, and more. If you want seafood, it’s sure to do the trick.
Plenty of other delicious options are on the menu if you’re not into clambake. You’ll love the lobster roll, made with fresh lobster meat and given on a soft roll. And the standard fried seafood platter with scallops, clams, and shrimp never lets you down.
You shouldn’t forget about the sides, either. The onion rings at Ipswich Clambake are crunchy and hard to stop eating, and their coleslaw goes well with any seafood dish.
This is one of the best restaurants in Ipswich MA for delicious seafood. It’s counter service with plenty of picnic tables, but you can also get your food to-go.
Click here to check out the reviews.
11. Good Taste Asian Cuisine
42 Central St, Ipswich, MA | Asian, Chinese, Fast Food | $11 – $30 | Monday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Are you looking for a new Asian food experience in Ipswich, Massachusetts? Good Taste Asian Cuisine is your prime option. This cozy restaurant on Central Street serves various delectable Asian dishes that will leave you feeling full.
The decor at Good Taste Asian Cuisine is simple and elegant, and the restaurant has a warm and welcoming environment. It’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends or family.
And the food at this place is delicious. The menu at Good Taste Asian Cuisine has a wide variety of foods from Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines.
If you like sushi, you’ll love the unique rolls available. Each bite is a taste explosion from the traditional California roll to the more daring dragon roll.
But sushi is not the only thing you can access here as there are a lot of great noodle dishes to choose from at the place. You won’t be disappointed if you want pad Thai or something spicier, like spicy beef noodles.
Further, Good Taste Asian Cuisine has delicious stir-fry recipes. Each dish is perfect and flavorful, from the sweet and spicy General Tso’s chicken to the salty Singapore rice noodles.
With its diverse menu, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere, Good Taste Asian Cuisine is a must-visit spot for Asian food lovers. So, next time you’re craving some delicious Asian flavors, stop by and indulge in some of their mouth-watering offerings.
Click here to check out the reviews.
10. Zabaglione Restaurant
1 Market St, Ipswich, MA | Italian, Seafood | $4 – $65 | Monday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sunday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, this next one is a winner. Seriously: this is one of the top restaurants in Ipswich MA due to the food alone!
Zabaglione Restaurant is a lovely Italian place that will make you want to eat there again and again. The cozy design and elegant atmosphere of the restaurant on South Main Street make it the perfect place for a special night out.
In fact, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy as soon as you walk in. And if you add the helpful staff who knows a lot about food, this place will ensure you have a great meal.
The Zabaglione Restaurant menu is full of traditional Italian dishes made with high-quality products and care. The food changes with the seasons and has something for everyone, including vegans, to enjoy. As an Italian myself, I can vouch for this play: the food is the real deal!
The pasta meals are what make this place stand out. Each one is perfectly cooked and full of taste so that you won’t be disappointed.
We suggest ordering gnocchi alla vodka, a well-known dish made with homemade potato dumplings and a thick tomato sauce. You can also try the spaghetti carbonara with bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
But pasta isn’t the only thing on the menu. The veal meals at the restaurant are also delicious, especially the veal marsala. The soft veal is cooked in a sweet marsala wine sauce and served with creamy mashed potatoes.
And don’t forget the desserts! The tiramisu is a highlight with its layers of creamy mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers soaked in espresso. Get it if you want a perfect and sweet ending to your meal!
Overall, this is one of the TOP Italian Ipswich restaurants that you simply can’t miss. Plus, it’s located right in the downtown!
Click here to check out the reviews.
9. Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table
2 Soffron Ln, Ipswich, MA | Brew Pub, Bar, Pub | $11 – $30 | Wednesday to Saturday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Are you a beer lover? Do you enjoy pairing your favorite brews with delicious food? Look no further than Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table!
Located on Hayward Street in Ipswich, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience perfect for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
When you walk into the restaurant, the smell of hops and the sound of bubbling brews will meet you. The decor is rustic and warm, and the shared tables make it easy to talk to other people.
There is free live music on the weekends that you can enjoy. And you can look through the brewing windows to see how the brews are made, from the grain to the finished product.
Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table has a range of tasty pub food that you can share with friends or eat by yourself. We like the beer-battered fish and chips because the fish is crispy and the fries are cooked just right. And if you are a fish lover, you must try lobster grilled cheese, made with fresh lobster meat and melty cheese.
But the beer is what sets Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table apart. As part of the Ipswich Ale Brewery, the restaurant serves a range of craft beers made on-site. Every beer is with care and attention to detail, from the excellent Summer Ale to the hoppy Route 1 IPA.
And don’t forget to save space for dessert! Warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream is the right way to end a meal on a sweet note at this restaurant.
Click here to check out the reviews.
8. Riverview Restaurant
20 Estes St, Ipswich, MA | Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly | Under $10 | Tuesday to Sunday 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Nestled on Water Street in Ipswich, Riverview Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s hard to beat. It’s one of the local favorites for a reason!
Riverview is a pizza restaurant close to the center of Ipswich. It has a super homey, small-town feel.
The beautiful views of the Ipswich River are another great thing about Riverview Restaurant. Whether you eat inside or on the porch, the beautiful water view will make your meal one to remember.
While there are only a few types of pizzas on the menu, they’re all absolutely delicious. If you want pizza in Ipswich, this place is a great choice. We also recommend this as one of the top Ipswich restaurants for takeout!
Click here to check out the reviews.
7. Zeno’s Roast Beef & Seafood
40 Central St, Ipswich, MA | Italian, American, International | Under $10 | Monday to Thursday 10:30 am – 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Do you want delicious roast beef or fresh fish in Ipswich, Massachusetts? Then don’t look any further than Zeno’s Roast Beef & Seafood! This local favorite is on Depot Square and has been offering delicious meals to hungry customers for years.
Zeno’s Roast Beef & Seafood has a laid-back and welcoming setting, making it the perfect place for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends or family. It has friendly staff, and everyone is eager to help you determine the menu and find a suitable dish.
Their roast beef sandwiches stand out, with tender and juicy meat served on an elastic roll and topped with melted cheddar and tangy horseradish sauce.
If you are a seafood fan, try the fried clams. These golden-brown bites are crisp outside and soft inside, and they have a taste that’s difficult to beat. The lobster roll is also a big hit, with fresh lobster meat delivered on a buttery roll and topped with lemon juice.
But the menu is not limited to roast beef and seafood. Zeno’s also serves delicious chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers that are great for a quick and filling meal. Plus, their onion rings, with their crispy and delightful breading, are the perfect side dish to go with any sandwich or burger.
Zeno’s Roast Beef & Seafood is a fantastic place for a casual and tasty meal in Ipswich. With its welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering menu, it’s easy to see why this local restaurant is a hotspot.
Click here to check out the reviews.
6. Burrito Spice
36 Central St, Ipswich, MA | Mexican, Dessert, Salad | $11 – $30 | Monday to Sunday 11:30 am – 8:30 pm
Burrito Spice is a local restaurant in the middle of Ipswich, Massachusetts. It has a lively, welcoming setting, colorful decor, and friendly staff. The restaurant’s bright colors and Mexican-style touches make it a warm and welcoming place for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends or family.
But Burrito Spice stands out for more than just its decor. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and always ready to assist you in figuring out what you want to eat.
Try the Grilled Chicken Burrito if you’re not sure what to order. This burrito is a rich and filling meal that will leave you full and happy. It also has tender chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
The Shrimp Tacos are another meal that you’ll love. Spicy chipotle mayo, fresh cilantro, and crunchy slaw give these shrimp tacos a lot of flavors. If you like seafood, you have to try them.
The veggie fajitas are a great choice if you want a vegetarian option. This food contains fresh vegetables, rice, beans, and guacamole. It is a tasty and filling meal that is great for people who don’t eat meat.
Lastly, don’t forget to pair any of your orders with a margarita to complete your Mexican cuisine dining experience!
Click here to check out the reviews.
5. Spice Thai Kitchen
15 Depot Square, Ipswich, MA | Asian, Thai, Diner | $11 – $30 | Monday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Wednesday to Friday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Spice Thai Kitchen is a secret gem in the heart of Ipswich, Massachusetts. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, beautiful decor, and friendly staff.
When you walk into Spice Thai Kitchen, you’ll notice warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that will bring you immediately at home. This is one of the top local restaurants in Ipswich MA!
But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes Spice Thai Kitchen shine. The staff knows and loves the food they serve and are willing to make suggestions and answer any inquiries you may have.
Spice Thai Kitchen has a wide range of delicious Thai meals that will take you straight to the streets of Bangkok.
One of our favorite meals here is the Pad Thai. This dish needs no introduction. Spice Thai Kitchen’s version is flavorful, with soft noodles, juicy shrimp or chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and a zesty tamarind sauce that will satiate your taste buds.
At the same time, a trip to a Thai restaurant isn’t complete without trying a curry, and the Massaman Curry at this place is no joke. This rich and delicious curry is a real standout. It has tender chunks of chicken or beef, luscious coconut milk, and fragrant spices.
Everything about this place is cozy. Plus, each dish is filling. So whenever you want Thai specialties, you know where to go.
Click here to check out the reviews.
4. Brown Dog Restaurant
14 Central St, Ipswich, MA | American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Brown Dog Restaurant is a must-see for anyone who likes food that is both tasty and creative. This local restaurant on Central Street is an Ipswich institution for a reason.
First, Brown Dog has a warm, friendly, and cozy atmosphere. The location is decorated tastefully and straightforwardly, making it feel comfortable and relaxing. Brown Dog has cozy seats and tables for a more intimate meal and a large bar area where you can eat or drink with friends.
Plus, the menu has something for every taste and craving, from original starters to hearty main courses to sweet treats.
Get the Lobster Mac & Cheese if you want a basic comfort food that is taken to a whole new level. This rich and tasty dish stands out because it has soft chunks of lobster, a creamy cheese sauce, and pasta cooked just right.
Similarly, the Steak Frites is a must-try for meat fans. This dish is a juicy steak that is cooked just right, served with fries that are crispy and full of flavor. It’s a simple meal that tastes great and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
We also recommend leaving room for the Chocolate Stout Cake for dessert. This cake features dark chocolate and stout beer, and it is rich and moist with a big dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat to finish off a tasty meal!
Click here to check out the reviews.
3. 1640 Hart House
51 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich, MA | American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly | $31 – $60 | Wednesday and Thursday 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Sunday 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
With its beautiful colonial architecture and rustic interior design, the 1640 Hart House is a real example of New England charm.
The 1640 Hart House was built only twenty years after the Pilgrims arrived! The house is an excellent example of historic American architecture with its five different levels and stairs, 363-year-old fireplaces, and hand-painted Colonial tea boxes on the wall panels.
That’s why a warm and inviting atmosphere will meet you as you walk in. This atmosphere is ideal for a romantic dinner or an informal gathering with friends.
You can also expect the service at 1640 Hart House to be top-notch, with helpful and attentive staff who make you feel at home. They are always ready to give suggestions and answer any inquiries about the food.
When it comes to the food list, it is a delectable mix of traditional and modern foods that will make your taste buds dance.
One of the best on the menu is the Sesame Crusted Tuna. This dish is pan-seared, served with baby greens and sticky rice, and topped with sesame, soy, and honey vinaigrette.
If you like to try a lot of seafood, the Seafood Risotto will do the job. In this luxurious dish, lobster, shrimp, and scallops are along with rich risotto rice, cream, asiago cheese, fresh herbs, and green beans.
Aside from great food, 1640 Hart House has a great selection of drinks, including unique cocktails and a well-chosen wine list. The staff can suggest the best wine for each meal, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Click here to check out the reviews.
2. Jules’ Kitchen
330 High St, Ipswich, MA | Breakfast, Sandwich, Salad | Under $10 | Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ipswich’s Jules’ Kitchen is a cozy diner that’s great for families and an absolute secret gem. It loves food and makes meals that are interesting and tasty.
This cozy little restaurant is on Market Street, and it makes you feel right at home with its relaxed and friendly setting. The decor is simple but beautiful, with warm lighting and a minimalist look that makes the room feel cozy and welcoming.
Fresh, local products take center stage on the menu at Jules’ Kitchen, and all of the meals and baked goods are from scratch. It depends on the season, but sandwiches and salads are always famous, and there are also choices for vegetarians.
The Maple Glazed Salmon is one of the best things on the menu. It is an adequately cooked salmon fillet with a sweet and tangy glaze. Another popular item is the Grass-Fed Beef Burger, made with beef from nearby farms and served with crispy fries.
The Heirloom Tomato Salad is a fresh and tasty choice for those who want something lighter. It is with luscious tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a coating of balsamic glaze.
And for dessert, you have to try the Chocolate Mousse, which has a rich, velvety texture and an intense chocolate taste.
Jules’ Kitchen is a great place to go if you want to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a casual setting. Its delicious food, excellent service, and welcoming vibe make it one of the top dining spots in town.
Click here to check out the reviews.
1. Choate Bridge Pub & Restaurant
3 S Main St, Ipswich, MA | American, Seafood, Pub | $11 – $30 | Monday to Sunday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Last but not least is the Choate Bridge Pub & Restaurant! This is one of the best restaurants in Ipswich MA to get a real feel for the towny culture.
This cozy restaurant is right in the middle of Ipswich. It’s great for a night out with friends or an intimate meal for two.
Choate Bridge Pub & Restaurant is decorated in a classic New England style, with open brick walls and rustic wood touches. At the same time, the service is pleasant and helpful, and the staff is always ready to make suggestions and ensure you have a great meal.
Choate Bridge Pub & Restaurant has a fantastic menu.
One of our favorite meals is the Lobster Roll, a buttery roll filled with fresh, delicious lobster meat. It comes with fries; if you like seafood, you’ll like it even more.
You can’t go wrong with the Pub Burger, either. This food will highlight your trip here because it is with tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. The Grilled Salmon Salad is a fresh and tasty choice for those who want something lighter.
Choate Bridge Pub & Restaurant also has a wide range of drinks. Even though the beer menu is small for a bar, you can still get Ipswich ale, a smooth, clean beer. You can also order almost any cocktail you want with its extensive collection.
If you’re looking for classic pub food and a lively atmosphere at night, Choate Bridge Pub is your place.
Click here to check out the reviews.
There you have it, foodies! We’ve explored the 15 best restaurants in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
We hope you’re feeling hungry after reading about all the delicious food. From classic New England seafood to modern and international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.
Best Places To Stay In Ipswich:
Ipswich Inn Bed & Breakfast: This historic inn provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere with elegantly appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and take advantage of the inn’s convenient location near Ipswich’s attractions, including Crane Beach and the Ipswich River.
The Inn at Castle Hill: Located within the picturesque Crane Estate, this elegant inn offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Guests can explore the estate’s expansive grounds, enjoy fine dining experiences, and access nearby beaches and hiking trails.
Ipswich Country Club: Situated in a peaceful and scenic setting, Ipswich Country Club offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the on-site golf course, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center. The club’s restaurant serves delicious cuisine, and the property is conveniently located near Ipswich’s downtown area.
Clark Currier Inn: This historic bed and breakfast exude charm and character, with beautifully decorated rooms that reflect the inn’s rich history. Guests can indulge in a hearty breakfast and relax in the cozy common areas. The inn is within walking distance of Ipswich’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Ipswich River Inn: Nestled along the Ipswich River, this inn provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities and take advantage of the property’s peaceful outdoor spaces. The inn’s location offers easy access to Ipswich’s downtown area and natural attractions.
