The Best Restaurants in Quincy, Massachusetts
Settled in 1625, Quincy is steeped in history and the birthplace of John Adams and John Hancock. The ‘City of Presidents’ has lots to offer, such as historical treasures, outdoor adventures and, of course, delicious food. The city has a vibrant restaurant scene that offers a locally sourced seafood and many other gastronomic delights. We list the best culinary spots to be found in this Massachusetts town.
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Alba
Nestled inside the historic Quincy Trust Building in downtown, Alba is a steakhouse inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion, the restaurant presents guests with a spacious bar and lounge area, an intimate dining room and, weather permitting, a beautiful rooftop deck. The menu highlights dry-aged beef alongside fresh, seasonal seafood entrées, with notable choices being monkfish wrapped in bacon and the 10oz filet mignon. To complement the entrées, several side dishes are available, including apple-butternut squash purée, Yukon potato and mascarpone mash, and creamed spinach and kale. An extensive wine list, cocktails, and beer are also offered.
Babycakes
A charming, little bakeshop, Babycakes is the perfect spot for anyone who has a sweet tooth. Locally owned and operated, this bakery, which specializes in cupcakes, makes a host of sweet treats Tuesday through Saturday that are sure to satisfy even the sweetest of cravings. Using the best, all-natural ingredients, the baking team creates mouthwatering cupcakes in flavors such as Mexican hot chocolate, lemon ricotta and French toast. Visitors will also find an assortment of bars, including raspberry streusel, pastries such as éclairs, and cookies. Sweet fanatics will want to visit early to have the best selection.
The Fat Cat
Tucked inside a building steeped in history, The Fat Cat is a friendly eatery serving New American cuisine. Within an industrial yet intimate environment, guests can enjoy some of the freshest dishes around. Indeed, the establishment has only one small freezer for ice cream; everything else is delivered fresh daily. The menu features a variety of items, most of which contain succulent meat or seafood. Top options include the gourmet mac and cheese, made with manchego, parmesan, blue and cheddar cheeses with marinated tomatoes, cavatappi and panko (try it with lobster for a truly decadent treat) and baby back ribs.
Gennaro’s Eatery
Part of Quincy’s culinary scene for over 20 years, Gennaro’s Eatery delights guests again and again with its authentic Italian fare. Diners who visit for lunch or dinner will find a comfortable, homey interior, complete with warm colors and portrait-adorned walls, appropriate for savoring hearty dishes. A varied menu with everything from pizza to pasta ensures that there will be something to suit many tastes. Dishes to try include the handmade lobster and pumpkin ravioli in a flavorful sauce of sage, scallion, sherry, butter and cream, chicken with spicy marinara, hot peppers and onion and the Abruzzi pizza topped with artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, onion and mozzarella.
The Lobster Stop
A seafood lover’s haven, The Lobster Stop is a family-owned restaurant located a short distance from the harbor and features succulent lobster and fresh seafood. Opened by the Dawson family, this dining spot began as a lobster pound, and added a kitchen in 2011 so that both locals and tourists could sample delicious seafood lunch and dinner entrées. Must-try items include their award-winning chowders, which come in clam and fish varieties, the lobster dinner served with drawn butter and coleslaw and the lobster roll accompanied by chips and a pickle.
Punjab Café
Punjab Café is a welcoming restaurant focusing on aromatic dishes from Northern India. Using top-quality ingredients, the culinary team creates flavorful selections, which include chicken tandoori on a bed of sautéed vegetables, goat cooked in a creamy sauce with almonds, cashews and raisins, and spinach and potatoes in a light cream sauce. The restaurant also has a vegan menu and one for those guests who have an allergy to milk products.
Shabu Restaurant
Shabu Restaurant is an upscale, cozy Japanese eatery that specializes in hot pots: a bowl of steaming soup in which diners can cook a variety of ingredients. Procuring the freshest ingredients available, often from local sources, the restaurant offers guests a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, clams and scallops, along with meat, vegetables, rice and noodles, creating endless possibilities. The soup bases are just as varied with 14 flavors, including the hot and sour tom yum, the sweet and salty vegetarian mushroom, and the spicy Szechuan.
Tony’s Clam Shop
Located on Wollaston Beach, Tony’s Clam Shop is a beloved dining establishment opened in 1964, and focusing on fresh, succulent seafood. This seasonal operation is a casual, friendly place that provides not only an array of tasty dishes but also stunning views of the water. Jumbo broiled shrimp served with rice pilaf and salad and Tony’s famous lobster-salad roll accompanied by chips and a pickle spear are just a couple of the highlights. While Tony’s specialty is seafood, the menu also has other American classics such as burgers and hotdogs and even some Middle Eastern delicacies, including a falafel plate.
The Wheelhouse Diner
A staple on Quincy’s dining scene for decades, The Wheelhouse Diner is true American, old-school diner serving an array of delicious breakfast and lunch items every day of the week. Loved by locals and tourists alike, the diner offers hearty portions of sweet and savory dishes for breakfast with satisfying options being the buttermilk pancakes with various toppings, including caramel and apples, and the house-made corned beef hash with two eggs, home fries and toast. Be sure to have cash on hand as this diner does not accept credit cards.