Top 10 Restaurants In Fall River Massachusetts

In southeastern Massachusetts, the historic city of Fall River attracted waves of 19th century immigrants, many from Portugal and Azores, to come and work in its cotton mills. Today, the result is a vibrant melting pot of Iberian culture, which is reflected in the many Portuguese and Mediterranean venues sprinkled across town that offer exceptionally good regional fare. Here is our guide to some of the best.

The Cove

Restaurant, Seafood

Newly opened, The Cove has quickly gained a reputation for its fantastic seafood and fish dishes and romantic waterfront setting. At the raw bar, diners can slurp down oysters or nibble on smoked salmon or take a seat in the light-filled restaurant to indulge in sophisticated fish dishes that include orange and ginger salmon, buttery baked scallops and seafood pizza. There are plenty of meat and vegetarian alternatives too.

Caldeiras

Restaurant, Portuguese

As one of the most esteemed Portuguese addresses in town, Caldeiras is known for its authentic Iberian flavors and well-presented dishes. The menu features favorites including slow-cooked Azorean roast beef, attractively served in a clay pot, as well as garlicky shrimps, tender, marinated chicken and fresh Mediterranean salads. Come also for the fine selection of Portuguese wine and a good value set menu for couples from Sunday until Thursday.

Patti’s Pierogis

Patti’s Polish-American eatery majors in seriously tasty pierogi – Polish dumplings – which can be ordered by the box load. There are many other regional dishes to try too; various flavors of Polish potato pancake, kielbasasausage and stuffed cabbage galumbkis. Service is prompt and the staff is always on hand to explain the flavors of each dish or help with recommendations. Al Mac’s © Ken Zirkel/Flickr

Al Mac’s

Diner, American

For an all-American feast, try Al Mac’s which boasts all the trappings of the iconic ’50s diner we know from the movies – think stainless-steel paneling with neon lights. Enjoy all the classic favorites: barbecue chicken wings, meatloaf and pancake stacks for morning visitors.

T A Restaurant

Restaurant, Portuguese

Bringing authentic Iberian dishes to the fore, T A Restaurant is a little enclave of Portuguese flavor in downtown Fall River. The restaurant’s home-style food includes a delicious bitoque – steak marinated with peppers and garlic, stewed octopus and an array of fantastic Portuguese wines and ports.

Hartley’s Original Pork Pies

This no-frills pie shop sets itself apart with a combination of low prices and satisfyingly filling eats. The handmade, warm-out-of-the-oven pies are loaded with meaty goodness all encased in firm and crispy pastry crust. The pork filling is the go-to here, but there are also chicken, buffalo and chorizo options, too. If that’s not enough, there are hearty desserts, cupcakes and brownies to satisfy sugar cravings. Staff are warm and vibrant, often offering a juicy anecdote to enjoy with your meal.

Lepage’s Seafood & Grille

The waterfront location of surf-‘n-turf Lepage’s makes its fresh seafood offerings even more enticing. You’ll find its creative fishy dishes prepared in every way imaginable – baked, fried, steamed or sauteed – and it’s all excellent value for money. Try the baked scallops with white wine and breadcrumbs or the pistachio-crusted haddock topped with cranberry butter. Groups with non-fish eaters among them still have plenty of choice – from vegetarian pastas to succulent meat dishes.

Estoril

Among Fall River’s handful of other eateries offering Portuguese cuisine, family-run Estoril stands out for its distinctive European elegance. A feast-worthy menu takes inspiration from tip-top Mediterranean cuisine – there are Spanish-style littlenecks, shrimp mozambique and the house specialty of chicken estoril, in which chicken breast is cooked with tomatoes and mushrooms in a creamy wine sauce.

Taphouse Grill

Bar, American, Pub Grub

If you’re hankering for classic American fare, look no further than Taphouse Grille. Hungry punters can take a seat on the tufted banquette of the dining room and tuck into Angus beef patties with guacamole, bacon-wrapped meatloaf or wild-mushroom pizza. The handsome wooden bar shelves more than 50 bottled beers which becomes a popular spot on Friday and Saturday nights when patrons can enjoy live music and stand-up comedy acts.

McGovern's

Restaurant, Italian, American, Seafood

This family restaurant has been in operation for more than 35 years with three generations of the McGovern clan running the estate. The place has a homely cottage feel about it thanks to an exposed-brick chimney fire, a sprinkling of china trinkets and floral-cushioned wooden benches for seating. The decor is matched by a home-style cuisine of many classic favorites including Yankee pot roast and veal parmigiana. Its setting, overlooking the water of Laurel Lake, provides a picturesque place for alfresco dining, or for an afternoon walk to digest lunch.

About the author

Zoe McIntyre

Zo? McIntyre studied French and Spanish at Bristol University and spent time living both in Bordeaux and Buenos Aires where, in the latter, she worked for an emerging arts magazine. Since returning to Britain, she has been part of the editorial team of FRANCE Magazine, Britain and America’s best-selling magazine about France, writing mainly about travel, gastronomy and culture. Her feature writing was recognised in 2013 when she won Young Travel Writer of the Year at the British Travel Press Awards. While currently living in the Cotswolds, she travels frequently to France for work as well as trying to get away to Latin America and areas of Europe as often as possible.