The salty Cape Cod breeze pairs perfectly with a plate of fresh seafood, and Yarmouth is a prime spot to prove it. This cozy corner of Massachusetts isn’t just popular for its beaches—you’ll find locals debating where to get the best clam chowder as often as they argue over who makes the fluffiest fried clams. My first visit to Yarmouth had me following a handwritten sign promising “flaky fish and secrets only the ocean knows.” Honestly, the line forming outside the shingled shack told me everything I needed to know.
Finding top seafood in Yarmouth isn’t a guessing game, but it does help to have a map to the hidden pearls—and the tried and true classics. Whether you chase down the catch of the day or crave a simple, perfectly grilled fish sandwich, this guide lays out every worthy stop. You’re about to discover spots where each bite could make you question your old favorites. Tuck in your napkin, and let’s see if you’re ready for the gems waiting in Yarmouth.
1. Seafood Sam’s
Seafood Sam’s has the kind of Cape Cod charm you hope for—baskets of golden fried fish, sun-faded picnic benches, and the gentle hum of families digging into platters. It’s casual enough for sandy flip-flops, but the food is anything but ordinary. During my last visit, the line was out the door, and I learned fast that patience was part of the experience.
What makes Seafood Sam’s shine? The crispy fried clams bring you straight to the shore, and their broiled platters let you taste the freshness without distraction. The lobster roll is a local favorite, served with a buttery split-top bun—simple, no fuss, all flavor.
Sam’s style is all about fresh seafood cooked with care, best enjoyed with crunchy fries and Cape Cod sunshine.
2. Captain Frosty’s Fish & Chips
There’s something nostalgic about Captain Frosty’s Fish & Chips. The blue-and-white shack has been serving up Cape Cod seafood for close to half a century, and the steady line of hungry regulars tells you they’re doing it right. One summer afternoon, I sat outside with locals sharing stories over trays of hot, flaky cod and salty ocean air.
The real draw is the signature fish and chips. Each piece is battered lightly, fried crisp, and never greasy—just the way you crave after a beach day. The fried scallops here are tender, sweet, and are worth a repeat visit.
Captain Frosty’s keeps it classic and delicious, dishing out seafood that tastes like a sunny Cape day.
3. Cooke’s Seafood – Hyannis
Cooke’s Seafood – Hyannis has a reputation for getting classic Cape Cod seafood right—without cutting corners. It’s clean, unfussy, and full of regulars who know the menu like the tides. I remember walking in after a long afternoon, greeted by the aroma of buttery lobster and the promise of something satisfying.
This spot is popular for its fried whole-belly clams. Each bite is tender and rich, a nod to the area’s traditions. The broiled seafood combo lets you sample a little of everything, each piece cooked just enough to bring out its natural flavor.
Cooke’s doesn’t need gimmicks. The menu is tight, the plates are generous, and you’re guaranteed genuine Cape Cod flavor every time you visit.
4. Osterville Fish Too
Osterville Fish Too turns a simple seafood lunch into a Cape Cod moment. With picnic tables shaded by wide umbrellas and the scent of the sea drifting over, the vibe is bright and relaxed. The staff serves customers like old friends, recommending catch-of-the-day options from behind a sun-bleached counter. I found myself lingering after a quick meal, just to soak up the cheerful bustle.
What really sets this spot apart is its fried clam roll, each clam plump and perfectly breaded. The boiled lobster is another standout—served simply, letting the sweet, briny flavor shine through.
Osterville Fish Too delivers seafood the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: fresh, unfussy, and steps from the Cape’s iconic waterfront.
5. Harvest Gallery
Art and seafood create an unexpected harmony at Harvest Gallery. It’s where local paintings line the walls and tables fill with friends swapping plates and stories. On my visit, I admired vibrant artwork while a jazz trio set the backdrop—dining felt like being part of a living, breathing gallery.
The menu features small plates built for sharing, letting you experience Cape seafood with a twist. The pan-seared scallops were a highlight, perfectly caramelized beside fresh, seasonal vegetables. Every dish reflects an attention to detail you can see as clearly as you taste it.
Harvest Gallery is perfect for those looking to combine fresh flavors with a welcoming, artistic setting—every visit feels a little different, always worth savoring.
6. Encore Bistro & Bar
Encore Bistro & Bar brings a dash of style to the Cape Cod dining scene. Rustic beams and sophisticated art make up the split personality of this spot, while the open-air patio keeps summer nights breezy. I once settled into a window seat here and lost track of time, watching plates pass by topped with creative, beautiful seafood.
The kitchen delivers contemporary takes on classic seafood. The pan-roasted cod is a standout—flaky, mild, and accompanied by seasonal produce. Dishes here often surprise, from clever presentations to layered flavors.
Encore is right for anyone craving local ingredients with a twist. Every meal feels a bit like a celebration of Cape Cod’s coastal harvest.
7. Skippy’s Pier I
Skippy’s Pier I serves up a real Cape Cod experience, complete with sweeping marina views and the sounds of boats drifting by. It’s the kind of waterfront spot where time slows down, especially as the sun sets over Parker’s River. I remember a late afternoon here, the sky streaked pink, digging into a platter of seafood with friends—no rush, just coastal calm.
This restaurant is known for its fresh-off-the-boat selections. The baked stuffed sole brings together delicate fish and vibrant herbs, while the classic broiled seafood platter satisfies those who want to sample a range of ocean flavors in one dish.
Skippy’s lets you taste Cape Cod in every forkful, all while you watch the tides roll in and out.
8. Tugboats Fine Food & Grog
Tugboats Fine Food & Grog gives you front-row seats to Cape Cod sunsets, with a waterfront patio perfect for lingering over dinner. The atmosphere manages to be welcoming and lively, making it easy to settle in and unwind. The last time I visited, the sea breeze and view of bobbing boats put everyone at the table in vacation mode, even if we were just out for a weeknight bite.
The menu highlights classic Cape seafood. Don’t skip the baked scrod: it’s flaky, mild, and finished with a golden crumb topping. The stuffed quahog is another favorite, packed with the ocean’s briny essence.
Tugboats is where good food meets unbeatable views, making even an ordinary night feel special.
9. Andrea”S West Yarmouth Fish & Lobster
(508) 775-0054Call
Andrea’s West Yarmouth Fish & Lobster is the local’s answer for no-frills, top-quality seafood. It feels like the kind of place where the kitchen staff knows their fishermen by name, and every order tastes like it’s straight off the docks. You walk in, scan the chalkboard, and start planning your next visit before you’ve finished your first meal.
Freshness is everything here. The lobster roll is plump with tender meat, dressed simply to let that sweet seafood flavor shine. If you want to sample the area’s bounty, the fried haddock sandwich is a standout—light, crisp, and gone before you know it.
This is seafood without shortcuts: straightforward, generous, and always on point.
10. Moonfish Restaurant
Moonfish Restaurant brings a touch of modern flair to classic Cape Cod dining. Step inside and you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff, and a menu full of surprises. My dinner here was marked by friendly service and the sort of inventive dishes that spark conversation at the table.
The big draw is their emphasis on creative seafood preparations. Try the grilled salmon—it’s perfectly cooked, pairing gentle smokiness with a fresh, light finish. The local fish special always reflects the chef’s interest in seasonal flavors and quality ingredients.
Moonfish is a great pick for those looking to enjoy seafood classics with a polished, contemporary twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Yarmouth, MA?
Some top-rated spots include Seafood Sam’s, Captain Frosty’s Fish & Chips, Skippy’s Pier I, and Tugboats Fine Food & Grog. Each offers signature dishes that showcase local seafood in a range of casual and waterfront settings.
Is fresh seafood available year-round in Yarmouth?
Yes, many seafood restaurants in Yarmouth source local catch all year, though some smaller or seasonal shacks may close in winter. Classic favorites like chowder, fish sandwiches, and baked seafood are easy to find no matter the month.
Which seafood dishes should I try in Yarmouth?
Local specialties include fried clams, broiled or baked cod, scallop plates, and the always-popular lobster roll. If you’re a fan of simplicity, order grilled fish to really taste the Cape’s freshness.
Are there options for families at Yarmouth seafood restaurants?
Absolutely. Places like Seafood Sam’s and Captain Frosty’s offer family-friendly menus, casual dining, and plenty of kid-approved options such as smaller plates and classic sides.
Do seafood restaurants in Yarmouth offer takeout?
Most places provide takeout, so you can enjoy your meal by the beach, on a deck, or as a seaside picnic.