Supper by the sea
12 places to eat while you ogle the ocean
There's just something about looking out over the water - especially when you have a plate of fresh seafood and a cold drink in front of you. As close as we are to the ocean, it's not easy to find restaurants with the right combination of seaside scenery and good food. We scoured the coastline outside Boston and came up with a dozen spots where you can have your view and eat something delicious, too.
Latitudes
Wentworth By the Sea, 523 Wentworth Road, New Castle, N.H. 603-430-4422. wentworth.com
Distance from Boston 60 miles
The view This seasonal restaurant in a grand old resort hotel overlooks a private marina lined with yachts. There are two decks and two fireplaces, one inside and one on the upper deck, adding a cozy touch for chilly nights.
Best seat The upper deck offers a bird's-eye view of Little Harbor.
The menu Bored with the standard seared tuna? Try executive chef Dan Dumont's, which is draped with a piquant ragout of red pepper, capers, and kalamata olives and balanced by creamy polenta ($34). Entrees:$22-$42. Also, small plates, burgers, and sandwiches (around $9).
Special summer treat The flight of gazpacho ($8) includes beautifully herbed and seasoned English cucumber, yellow pepper, and vine-ripened tomato soups. The tasting of grilled stone fruits ($8) pairs peach, plum, and nectarine with Great Hill blue cheese, pine nut butter, and pesto.
Before dinner Rent a kayak from Portsmouth Kayak Adventures (185 Wentworth Road, Portsmouth. 603-559-1000. portsmouthkayak.com)
Close contender BG's Boathouse (191 Wentworth Road, Portsmouth. 603-431-1074), a popular family-owned seasonal seafood shack, located just before the bridge to New Castle.
Olde Salt House
40 Border St., Cohasset. 781-383-2203. cohassetharborresort.com
Distance from Boston 35 miles
The view This small café's magnificent deck overlooks the working fishing tugs dotting Cohasset Harbor and the Colonial homes on the shore.
Best seat Anywhere on the deck, if you're lucky.
The menu Sinful fried seafood delights such as big-bellied clams ($13) and fried oysters ($13). Entrees: $18-$25.
Special summer treat Fried clam roll with French fries and coleslaw ($17).
Before dinner Bring your bicycle and take the Boston Harbor Cruises ferry from Rowes Wharf in Boston to Hingham; from there it's a 25-minute bike ride to Cohasset.
Close contender Atlantica (40 Border St., Cohasset. 781-383-0900. cohassetharborresort.com), the Salt House's adjacent air-conditioned sister restaurant, has similar views and a more sophisticated menu.
The Boat House
227 Schooner Drive, Tiverton, R.I., 401-624-6300. boathousetiverton.com
Distance from Boston 59 miles
The view The secluded Boat House sits right by the ocean, looking out over the Sakonnet River estuary; there's nothing in sight but nature. Two decks flank the classic mahogany-clad interior, which has big windows throughout.
Best seat Rear table on the north deck.
The menu Executive chef James Campagna, a Rhode Island native, puts a wonderful spin on the homespun. A wasabi and honeydew melon puree accompanies raw bar items such as local Sakonnet Oysters from Little Compton ($2.60 each). Entrees: $18-$26.
Special summer treat Sweet panzanella made with olive-oil-drizzled poundcake, berries, and lemon mascarpone ($7). Ice cream sundae made with strawberry ice cream from the Tiverton creamery Gray's, berries, nuts, caramel, and chocolate sauce ($7).
After dinner Take a peaceful stroll along the wildflower-strewn path on the water's edge.
Close contender The Bay Restaurant (1253 Horseneck Road, Westport. 508-636-5882. thewestportbayside.com) has casual dining, an excellent beer list, and soothing views of Buzzard's Bay.
Blue Sky on York Beach
2 Beach St., York Beach, Maine. 207-363-0050. blueskyonyorkbeach.com
Distance from Boston 94 miles
The view The name is slightly misleading: Blue Sky isn't physically on York Beach, but its second floor location puts the Atlantic in sight from the deck.
Best seat On the deck, perched at the horseshoe-shaped bar that, in a nifty bit of design work, extends through French windows from the hip Bar Vivi inside.
The menu Locke Ober chef Lydia Shire's new seaside venture, open since November and already a hot spot, offers fish, meats, and seafood prepared with Shire's signature robust bent (here's a chef unafraid of lard). Try the cedar shingle halibut ($28), cooked on a real shingle, paired with a "pork pie" (a tart filled with minced meat). Entrees: $25-$35.
Special summer treat Lydia's Mai Tai ($8.50), rum punch with a kick - a much-neglected classic.
Before dinner Try your hand at mini-golf or candlepin bowling at the original amusement arcades right on the beach in front of Blue Sky.
Close contender Beach Street Grill & Pub (8 Beach St., York Beach, Maine. 800-833-0721, 207-363-1333, unionbluff.com). The Union Bluff Hotel's small patio has the best ocean views in town. But it's tiny.
Black Cow
54R Merrimac St., Newburyport. 978-499-8811. blackcowrestaurants.com
Distance from Boston 39 miles
The view The fully-shaded outside deck puts diners right on the harbor by the bustling boardwalk of adjacent Waterfront Park. Not surprisingly, it's very popular.
Best seat A table near the rear of the busy deck provides the best water views.
The menu This friendly bar and restaurant's food is a cut above average. Bar fare includes a tasty Ahi tuna burger with chipolte-lime mayo, served with French fries and coleslaw ($15). Entrees: $18-$29.
Special summer treat Grilled salmon with a refreshing red beet and orzo pasta salad, lemon feta cheese vinaigrette, sliced cucumbers, and fresh dill cream. ($23).
Before dinner Wander Newburyport's boutique-lined streets, or just hang out in the park and people-watch with the locals.
Close contender Plum Island Grille (2 Plum Island Blvd., Newbury. 978-463-2290. plumislandgrille.com) The ultimate chill-out spot, overlooking salt marshes. Opt for a deck seat at sunset.
Anthony's Pier 4 Hawthorne-by-the-Sea
153 Humphrey St., Swampscott. 781-595-5735. pier4.comDistance from Boston 13 miles
The view The scenery at Anthony's North Shore location, perched on Black Will's Cliff, is as splendid as at its Boston and Cape counterparts. The vast interior and deck look out over the bay and Swampscott Beach.
Best seat Opt for air-conditioning in the "A room" at a window-side table, or choose a seat on the tavern deck and look down directly into the crystal clear water. You can order from either the restaurant or more casual bar menus on the deck.
The menu Old-school New England comfort food, a.k.a. fried and baked seafood specialties. The wine list has some nice seafood accompaniments, such as Robert Mondavi's crisp fume blanc with notes of pineapple and pepper ($35). Entrees: $25-$35, with some lobster dishes higher.
Special summer treat The fleshy Chatham clams are always fresh, simply tossed in cornmeal and fried, served with fries ($19).
After dinner Stroll along Swampscott beach and paddle in the ocean.
Close contender Red Rock Bistro (141 Humphrey St., Swampscott. 781-595-1414. redrockbistro.com). The smaller bistro right next door has a view of the bay and an adjacent take-out window for ice cream and seaside favorites. 