Foodie Activities
New Bedford’s culinary scene is a testament to our history and cultural diversity. Whether you’re sipping craft beer by the waterfront or savoring the flavors of Portugal, Cape Verde, and Latin America, this itinerary ensures a delicious exploration of New Bedford’s restaurant scene. So, pack your appetite and get ready to explore the flavors of New Bedford.
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Waterfront Dining & Seafood
The Black Whale
Located on New Bedford’s Pier 3, The Black Whale is an upscale seafood restaurant serving fresh, bold flavors that celebrate New Bedford’s fishermen. Dine indoors or enjoy dining on the outdoor covered patio. If you’re looking for a more casual spot, check out their clam shack next door, The Whale’s Tail for fried seafood and ice-cold cocktails.
Merrill’s on the Waterfront
Enjoy fresh seafood, chicken, and pasta dishes on the New Bedford waterfront. Staying at the Fairfield Inn? You can order from Merrill’s and have it delivered directly to your room.
Fathom’s Waterfront Bar and Grille
Fathom’s is a vertically integrated waterfront bar and grille opened by local fisherman and chef, Lars Vinjerud II. At Fathom’s, you’re guaranteed to get some of the freshest seafood in the city, sourced directly from the restaurant’s fishing fleet here in New Bedford. During the summer and early fall, you can dine on their waterfront deck overlooking the harbor.
Cove Surf and Turf
After a day at the beach, head over to the Cove for seafood and other comfort food dishes with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Their expansive menu has something for everyone, including burgers, pasta, and pizza.
Cisco Bar and Kitchen
What’s better than a beer at the beach? At Cisco Brewers Kitchen and Bar, you’ll find over seven bars inside and outside, live music, fire pits, and a raw bar. It’s a waterfront party on the sandy patios. For cooler nights or rainy days, head inside and take in the surf-inspired décor and sushi made fresh to order. On Monday nights, Chef Kee hosts special dinners, such as tuna carvings and a 7-to-10-course Omakase dinner.
Global Cuisine
Tia Maria’s European Café
Located along the cobblestones of the Whaling National Historical Park, Tia Maria’s is open daily for breakfast and lunch, with Portuguese-inspired sandwiches and flatbreads. On Friday and Saturday nights, the café stays open late for dinner serving up Portuguese specialties like Shrimp Mozambique, Portuguese Steak, and Baked Chourico Scrod.
Café Mimo
A quaint café serving traditional Portuguese cuisine in New Bedford since 1977. Café Mimo is open daily for lunch and dinner and prides itself on serving affordable and authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Nuno’s Restaurant and Lounge
For upscale Portuguese dining, head to Nuno’s in the North End of New Bedford. Savor the flavors of authentic Portuguese cuisine and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail from their extensive selection of wine and spirits.
Restaurant Algarve
A native of Lagoa, Sao Miguel, Chef Jose Artur Cabral has created a menu based on family recipes passed down for generations. His recent cookbook The Art of Cooking with Love (A Arte de Cozinhar) contains 500 Portuguese recipes that will soon be available in English.
Churrascaria Novo Mundo
Churrascaria is a Portuguese word based on the word for barbeque, churrasco. Located minutes from Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Park, Churrascaria Novo Mundo specializes in flame-grilled rotisserie chicken, but you’ll find other Portuguese classics like steak and seafood dishes as well. Be sure to ask for the hot sauce and a shot of ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. You won’t find them on the menu, but you’ll be glad you ordered them!
Izzy’s
When you’re at Izzy’s, you’ll want to order the Cachupa, the national dish of Cape Verde. It’s a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and meat that’s perfect for a rainy or chilly day.
Taqueria La Raza
Acushnet Avenue has long been considered New Bedford’s International Marketplace because of its variety of cultural restaurants, bakeries, and shops. For authentic Mexican food, head over to La Raza Taqueria, where you can expect fresh ingredients, hand-pressed tortillas, sauces made in small batches, and fresh-cut meat. Think Carne Asada, Tamales, Chimichangas, Gorditas, and much more!
Delicias de Anitas
This hidden gem, located within steps of the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, is a local favorite serving authentic Mexican, Salvadorian, and Guatemalan food fresh to order. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal with a ton of flavor, look no further! Try the pupusa, the national dish of El Salvador- a thick griddle cake, stuffed with cheese and beans.
Lorenzo’s Bakery
Head down Acushnet Avenue to find authentic international treats like Puerto Rican bread, Yaucono coffee, sandwiches, and other Puerto Rican comfort food at Lorenzo’s Bakery.
Cocktails, Wine, and Craft Beer
Cork
Located along the cobblestone streets in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Historic District is Cork Wine and Tapas. Enjoy small bites perfect for sharing paired with a wine flight or cocktail inside the historic Joseph Taber building, on their rooftop deck, or their outdoor patio.
Cultivator Shoals
Tucked away in New Bedford’s Historic District, this speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar is a local favorite for its innovative drink menu. As you browse the selection of drinks you’ll find classics from decades past and original cocktails that you’ll only find at Cultivator Shoals. The first and third Thursdays of every month they feature a jazz duo to elevate your experience.
Carmine’s at Candleworks
In addition to fine Italian dining, Carmine’s also has top-notch cocktail and mocktail lists including seasonal takes on the French 75. The setting is as classy as the menu located in the historic Roman Candleworks building (c. 1810) bestowing a rustic Old World charm.
222 Union Restaurant and Bar
Located inside the chic New Bedford Harbor Hotel downtown, 222 Union offers upscale tavern-style food and craft cocktails in a relaxed setting with friendly staff. Exposed brick walls and ambient lighting make this the perfect spot for drinks in the city.
Craft Beer
Moby Dick Brewing Company
Check out this small craft brewery for nautically-inspired craft beers brewed on-site. Enjoy a pint or a flight along with an evolving menu of seafood, Portuguese cuisine, and vegan options.
The Pour Farm Tavern
The Pour Farm is the go-to craft beer bar for locals. With their frequently rotating craft beer selections and tap takeovers from notable craft breweries, you’re sure to find your favorite beer here. Grab a Cubano sandwich, falafel wrap, or their signature house-smoked brisket. During the summer and early fall, you can hang out on their outdoor patio.
Play Arcade
Beer and arcade games are a perfect match. With over 40 vintage arcade games to choose from, a rooftop bar overlooking the New Bedford harbor, and rotating drink and food menus, Play is the spot downtown for fun games, good food, and great drinks. 21+ after 8 PM except on Sundays.
Grab N’ Go
The Baker
The best way to fuel your morning is with a visit to The Baker, where you’ll find an assortment of gourmet pastries, Portuguese linguica rolls, and mouthwatering sandwiches. This gem of downtown, opened by Johnson and Wales culinary graduate Brandon Roderick, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram on Fridays to see what the specialty donut will be on Saturday and Sunday, and get there early because their treats sell out fast on the weekends.
Destination Soups
This lunch spot is only open on weekdays but it is the spot to go to downtown for fresh soup, sandwiches, and salads. Try the Green Monster grilled cheese or the Wunderkind salad for a fresh lunch loaded with flavor.
No Problemo
Referred to as “No Probs” by locals, this taqueria is known for its fresh ingredients, affordable prices, and gigantic burritos. Options are available for both meat and veggie lovers. Spice it up with one of their specialty hot sauces, like the Dompierre, named after local skateboarding legend Nick Dompierre. Dine in or head straight to their takeout counter, but take note that they are cash only.
Brick
In a rush to grab a bite? In minutes you can enjoy brick oven sourdough personal pizzas made with fresh locally sourced mozzarella made by hand daily. Choose from dozens of gourmet toppings and indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert pizza made with Nutella or a delicious ricotta-stuffed cannoli.
Cali-ritos
If you’re looking for delicious food on the go, head to Cali-ritos’ for made-to-order burritos, tacos, and empanadas. Each dish is made with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Treat yourself to the tres leches cake for dessert!
New Bedford Food Tours:
Not sure where to start? Join a New Bedford Food Tour to sample the downtown restaurant scene. These guided tours provide an insider’s perspective, so you’ll be able to eat and drink just like a local. Tours include places like The Baker where you’ll enjoy some of the best and freshest pastries in the city and People’s Pressed where you’ll taste a refreshing acai bowl with housemade granola. You’ll learn interesting facts about the city as you walk along historic buildings and public art located at every corner of the city.
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