Many ask how could there be so many restaurants in such a small town. Essex boasts of more restaurants and food establishments per capita than any other town in New England. Local seafood is a specialty in Essex, but there is no limit to the range of fine and fun dining experiences offered.
 

 
Our restaurants are casual and creative with many located right on the Essex River providing wonderful river and marsh views.
 

 
Dining out is a four season activity in Essex so come whenever the mood strikes you. Essex is where the locals eat. Whether you live down the street or a thousand miles away, become a local in Essex.

If you require delicacies for a special occasion or event, there are small scale and large scale catering opportunities for you at several Essex locations. Take some Essex cuisine with you wherever you may be.

 
 
Cape Ann Pizza logo
   
  Cape Ann Pizza photo  
Cape Ann Pizza has been serving award-winning pizza, calzones, chicken kabobs, steak tips, subs, salads and Greek specialties for over 15 years. Everything is homemade daily including our own pizza dough and our much coveted salad dressing. Try our famous kabobs or taste our subs available in Syrian bread. Food is cooked to order and served with a smile.
Special Announcements
Whether you are on your way to or from one of the beaches close by, antique shopping or out for a leisurely drive, Cape Ann Pizza always has plenty of parking and a friendly, personable staff to help satisfy your hunger!
 
  
Cape Ann Pizza
65 Eastern Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-3925

Jim Roumeliotis
Owner

 
Map Location and Hours
 
SUMMER
Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 10 pm
Sun. 10 am - 2 pm
 
       
 
 
Essex Wine and Spirits logo
   
  Essex Wine and Spirits photo  
Essex Wine and Spirits, located on the causeway and dedicated to the community, residents and tourists alike, brings new life and vitality to the Cape Ann area, but more importantly to the Town of Essex. The store is well stocked with a variety of imported and domestic beers and wines as well as an extensive and varied line of liquors and cordials.

Special Announcements
Gift baskets, wine, and beer tastings are available throughout the year. We look forward to servicing all your beverage needs.

Essex Wine and Spirits photo

 
  
Essex Wine & Spirits
91 Main Street (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-801-3333

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open 7 days a week

FALL / WINTER HOURS:
Mon. - Wed. 10 am - 9 pm
Thurs. 10 am - 10 pm
Fri. - Sat. 10 am - 11 pm
Sun. 12 - 6 pm

 
       
 
 
Lewis' Restaurant and Oyster Bar logo
   
  Lewis' Restaurant and Oyster Bar photo  
Since 1975, Lewis’ Restaurant and Oyster Bar has been serving fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, pasta and more. Located on the Essex–Ipswich line between the Cape Ann and Candlewood golf courses, enjoy lunch or dinner in the casual dining area or in the large, friendly bar. Specials range from stuffed peppers and meatloaf to swordfish, halibut and lobster. Children’s menu available.

Special Announcements

THE BEST PRIME RIB ON THE NORTHSHORE is served Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays while it lasts! Reservations for parties of 5 or more accepted - others on a first come, first served basis. A private room is also available for up to 12 people.

 
 
 Lewis' Restaurant
and Oyster Bar
234 John Wise Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-FISH
or 978-768-6551

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Sunday - Thursday
11:30 am - 9 pm

Friday - Saturday
11:30 am - 10 pm

 
       
 
 
Periwinkles Restaurant and Bar logo
     
  Periwinkles Restaurant and Bar photo  
Periwinkles specializes in simply prepared fresh, local seafood, pasta, steaks and salads. Located on the Essex River overlooking the marinas, Essex Shipbuilding Museum, boat ramp and surrounding marsh, the restaurant stands on the site of a former tidal powered sawmill. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

Special Announcements
KIDS EAT FREE ! Order 1 adult entree and get 1 free kid's meal. The restaurant is also available for small weddings, private functions and corporate events.

Periwinkles Restaurant and Bar photo

 
 Periwinkles
Restaurant and Bar
74 Main Street (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6320

Thomas Guertner, Owner

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open daily 11:30 am

7 days a week
April - October

Closed Tuesdays
November - March

Lunch served until 4 pm
Dinner starts at 4 pm

 
     
 
 
Shea's Riverside logo
     
  Shea's Riverside photo  
Shea's, located on the meandering Essex River, offers exquisite views of the marshland and Cranes Beach. Enjoy the freshest fish, shellfish, meat, and game available on our outdoor deck, in our lively bar and lounge, elegantly casual dining room, or quiet porch -- every seat includes a scrumptious view! Shea's Riverside offers an eclectic mix of New England favorites and fusion fare in an energetic, bistro-style atmosphere. Meet friends old and new over great cocktails and an enjoyable meal!

Special Announcements
We have recently renovated and are handicap accessible - come enjoy the new Shea's and savor all that dining in Essex has to offer!

 
 Shea's Riverside
Restaurant and Bar
122 Main Street (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6931

David Brown, Owner

 
Map Location and Hours
 
BRUNCH
Sundays 11 am - 3 pm

LUNCH
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 - 4 pm
Sun. 11 am - 3 pm

DINNER
Mon. - Sat. 4 pm - Close
Sun. 3 pm - Close

 
     
 
 
Village Restaurant logo
     
Village Restaurant photo
Glowing reviews by Gourmet and Saveur Magazines adorn our walls, but ask the Ricci family what they are most proud of, and they will tell you it is the line from Roadfood that states “this is truly where the locals eat,” and that 2009 marks their 53rd year. Classic New England cuisine with a contemporary flair at affordable prices in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Special Announcements
"One of America’s Top 10 Small Town Cafes”
- Epicurious.com

“My Favorite Is Essex’s Village Restaurant”
- Saveur Magazine

“We Recommend The Village Restaurant”
- Gourmet Magazine

“If There Is A Gold Standard For Fried Clams,
The Village Fare Is It.”

- Ian Brown - The Globe and Mail

Village Restaurant photo

www.WeDigClams.com

 

 Village Restaurant
55 Main Street
(Rt. 133 and Rt. 22)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6400

Kevin and Mark Ricci
Owners

 
Map Location and Hours
Tues. - Sun. 11:30 am - 8 pm
Fri. and Sat. until 9 pm
Closed Mondays
     
 
 
Windward Grille logo
   
  Windward Grille photo  
The Windward Grille, formerly the Hearthside Restaurant, is nestled in the historic shipbuilding town of Essex, 26 miles North of Boston, MA. Come dine in the warmth of an Old New England Farmhouse, built in 1680. The main house is over 300 years old. The reconstructed New England barn is an elegant bar and lounge area with dining in the loft above.

Special Announcements
The Windward Grille is open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with a brunch on Sundays. The Windward Grille offers an array of steaks, seafood, prime rib and more. Reservations are welcome. Gift certificates are available.

 
 Windward Grille
109 Eastern Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-0050
Fax 978-768-0051

Vicky and Tim Kennefick
Owners

 
Map Location and Hours
 
LUNCH
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 am - 4:30 pm

DINNER
Mon. - Thurs. 4:30 - 9 pm

BRUNCH
Sun. 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

 
       
 
 
     
  Woodman's of Essex photo  
This quintessential New England clam shack is where, in 1916, "Chubby" Woodman invented the fried clam. Woodman's, with over 95 years of award-winning seafood and tradition, is the ideal spot for sharing great food, memories, and fun!

Special Announcements
Numerous awards including:
"Best Seafood in America" Forbes FYI. An "Eat in the Rough" family friendly restaurant where you can "Dig in and Get Messy!". Woodman's also brings their award winning food to you. Whether it's a clambake, barbecue or fried clams that you're looking for, we'll put together a menu to suit your taste.

 
 Woodman's of Essex®
121 Main Street (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6057
or 800-649-1773
 

Merchant Spotlight Video

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open year round
11 am daily

 
     
 
 
   
  Chebacco Market photo  
Chebacco Market

Taking pride in our town’s heritage of boatbuilding, Chebacco Market has been serving Essex for over 20 years. Our full liquor license convenience market, stocks a wide selection of wine, beer and liquor. Homemade baked goods, pizza, and sandwiches tempt your taste-buds. Organic and all natural groceries, dairy and sundries help keep you healthy. Let our Beverage Catering experience facilitate your next event.

Chebacco Market photo

 

 
 
Chebacco Market
201 Western Ave. (Rt. 22)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-7568

Pat and Jack Chisholm, Owners

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open 7 days a week
Mon. - Thurs. 7 am - 9 pm
Fri. - Sat. 7 am - 10 pm
Sunday 7 am - 7 pm
  
       
 
 
   
  DownRiver Ice Cream photo  
DownRiver Ice Cream

At DownRiver Ice Cream, Amy makes all of our ice cream by hand using all natural ingredients, including our own home grown berries. Relax on our Adirondack chairs out back and watch numerous species of birds. We strive to be environmentally friendly: compostable cups, straws, spoons and everything else that leaves the store is recyclable!

DownRiver Ice Cream photo

www.DownRiverIceCream.com

 

 
 
DownRiver Ice Cream
241 John Wise Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-0102

Amy and Joe Ahearn
Owners

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Summer hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm
Fri. - Sun. 11 am - 9:30 pm
  
       
 
 
   
  Farnham's photo  
J.T. Farnham's

Eat in or picnic out overlooking Eben Creek and the Great Salt Marsh, with views of Hog Island. Known for our famous fried clams and the "Best Seafood Chowder", receiving awards from Phantom Gourmet, Best of Boston, and Yankee Magazine. Also featured on Television, Diners and Dives.

Farnham's photo

 

 
 
J.T. Farnham's
88 Eastern Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6643

No credit cards, please

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open March - November
(Hours vary seasonally)
Current hours:

Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 8 pm
Fri. - Sat. 11 am - 8:30 pm
  
       
 
 
   
  Schooner's Market photo  
Schooner's Market

A specialty market, deli, and bottle shop offering local groceries, home made prepared foods, and a large selection of imported and domestic beer and wine. Stop in for Richardson's Ice Cream, Danvers Butchery Meats, Hardy’s Fresh Eggs, Virgilios Breads, and more. Enjoy our great breakfasts, daily home made soups and chowders, and hot luncheon specials.

Schooner's Market photo

 

 
 
Schooner's Market
121 Eastern Ave. (Rt. 133)
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

Tel 978-768-6438

Joe and Sally DiGennaro
Owners

 
Map Location and Hours
 
Open 7 days a week
Mon. - Sat. open at 6:30 am
Sun. open at 7 am