Best for Breakfast
The Driftwood Restaurant is about as ‘local’ as a restaurant can be. Take a walk outside and you are standing looking out over the harbor. Opening at 5:30 in the morning, it is a beautiful place to dine and watch the sun rise over the water. Extraordinary service comes with experience as members of the amiable wait staff have been working there for over forty years. The food comes out hot and cooked to perfection; you cannot go wrong with anything you order. The signature fried dough is mouthwatering, and the french toast and pancakes are just scrumptious! The Driftwood is part of Marblehead tradition and is an essential part of every morning.
The Muffin Shop is one of the best quickie breakfast places on the Northshore. In addition to world-renowned muffins, they also sell breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, and french toast, all of which are out of this world. Located in old town, the Muffin Shop is the perfect place to stop in on a walk and grab a snack. With delicious food and great service, the Muffin Shop is a must for any tourist.
Best for Lunch
Shubie’s Marketplace is a trendy shop located in downtown Marblehead, and it is the supreme spot to grab a healthy lunch on the go. Shubie’s is a one-stop shop; they have desserts, snacks, jewelry made by local artisans, and delicious, healthy premade meals. Friendly employees and quick service make all the difference here. Although Shubie’s is primarily a to-go store, they also have various tables overlooking the quaint shops of downtown Marblehead. The grilled cheese, salad, and California BLT are some of their most popular and most delicious lunches, making Shubie’s a necessity for anyone looking for a healthy alternative.
Manhattan Sandwich Company may just be the best sandwich place in the entire state. The Mickey #7 and the Soho are two of their most popular sandwiches. The Mickey #7 has turkey, coleslaw, and melted swiss cheese, and it is covered in Russian dressing piled high on lightly toasted bread. The Soho is a toasted bulkie roll with spicy breaded chicken breast, ranch dressing, bacon, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. Manhattan Sandwich is the perfect place to grab a sandwich on the go, whether it be for going out on the boat or to the beach, before a game, or for a picnic.
Best for Dinner
Cafe Italia is the go to place for delicious Italian food in Marblehead. This classy restaurant is family friendly but also the perfect spot for a date night. This restaurant, established over thirty years ago has been in the Oliviero family ever since its grand opening. Cafe Italia creates the authentic Italian dining experience by using the freshest ingredients and serving the most delectable food.
Maddie’s Sail Loft is the traditional sailing bar, a longtime server of excellent New England seafood. Located right off the State Street Pier, Maddie’s is the perfect place to grab dinner after a day on the boat. Opening in 1946, it has been a hot spot for generations of sailors across the New England coast, and it was ranked among the top ten in the “Top Sailing Bars in the World.” Maddie’s is irreplaceable, and the fact that it serves delicious meals and has an amiable waitstaff makes Maddie’s even better.