Best Restaurants in Amesbury: A Local's Favorite Spots

Last updated February 2026

Amesbury, Massachusetts sits along the Merrimack River in Essex County, and it's become a legitimate food destination on the North Shore. This historic mill town has quietly built an impressive restaurant scene that rivals nearby Newburyport. Whether you're already calling Amesbury home or considering a move to the area (and if you are, The Barnes Team knows this market inside and out), you'll find restaurants here that deliver far beyond expectations.

This guide covers the best restaurants in Amesbury, from upscale bistros to casual pizza joints and everything in between.

Quick Reference: Top Restaurants at a Glance

Best Fine Dining: Phat Cats Bistro

Address: 65A Market Street | Hours: Wed-Sat, 4:30pm-9:00pm

Phat Cats sits in a restored 1920s brick building with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. It's owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Paul (the chef) and Christina (the baker and bartender), and that hands-on approach shows in every plate.

What makes it stand out: Everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons based on what local farmers are harvesting.

Dishes Worth Ordering

• Lazy Lobster with Pillows — Fresh lobster in vermouth cream sauce over house-made pasta
• Seafood Tart — Lobster, calamari, and shrimp baked in a tart shell with fontina cheese
• Tenderloin — Consistently praised as one of the best steaks on the North Shore
• Carrot Cake — House-made desserts are a highlight, and this one gets mentioned constantly

Pro tip: Make reservations. The dining room is intimate, and tables fill fast on weekends.

For those with dietary restrictions, Phat Cats offers several gluten-free options including calamari and their chocolate mousse cake. The owner has a family member with celiac disease, so the staff takes cross-contamination seriously.

Best Pizza: Flatbread Company

Address: 5 Market Square | Hours: Daily, 11:30am-9:00pm

Flatbread was actually Amesbury's first location when they opened in 1998. The town took a chance on them when others called it a "head scratcher," and now they're a local institution.

The restaurant occupies a converted mill building with a massive wood-fired clay oven as the centerpiece. Watching them throw dough and slide pizzas into the flames is half the entertainment.

What Sets It Apart

• Organic ingredients — Flour with restored wheat germ, organic tomatoes, local produce
• Community focus — Every Tuesday is "Pizza With Purpose" supporting local organizations
• The atmosphere — Rustic mill vibes with communal tables and outdoor courtyard seating

Popular Picks

Gluten-free crust is available. The courtyard has a playground, making it a solid choice for families with young kids.

Best Breakfast: Morning Buzz Cafe

Address: 37 Friend Street | Hours: Daily, 7:00am-2:00pm (1:00pm Sundays)

Here's the deal. Morning Buzz has become the go-to breakfast spot in Amesbury for good reason. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the coffee is strong.

What to Order

The Smashed Avocado Benedict — Poached eggs over smashed avocado and grilled tomatoes, topped with hollandaise and everything bagel seasoning. Sounds weird with the pickled onions, but it works.

Homemade Corned Beef Hash — Made fresh, not from a can. Paired with perfectly seasoned home fries.

Meat Lovers Omelet — Apple smoked bacon, ham, sausage, and cheese. Enough said.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwich — Texas-style French toast with ham, turkey, and Swiss, drizzled with maple syrup.

Quick Facts

• Arrive early on weekends. It gets packed.
• Outdoor patio with shaded seating when weather permits.
• Prices range from $1.99 for sides to under $12 for most omelets.
• Bottomless mimosa brunch available.

Best Italian: Ristorante Molise

Address: 39 Main Street | Hours: Tue-Sun (call for current hours)

This family-owned restaurant brings southern Italian flavors to Amesbury. The same friendly face greets you at the door every visit, and the staff seems to know everyone who walks in.

The dining room can get loud when it's busy, but that's because people are having a good time. Traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, consistent execution.

Recommended Dishes

• Melanzane Parmigiana — Eggplant parm with house marinara
• House Pastas — Traditional preparations done right
• Seafood Specials — Ask about the daily catches

One note: Some recent reviews mention inconsistent service. Most visits are excellent, but it's worth being aware.

Best Mexican: Casa Maria Tacos & Tequila

Address: 37 Main Street | Hours: Daily, 11:30am-10:00pm

Casa Maria fills the Mexican food gap in Amesbury with authentic dishes and Frida Kahlo-inspired decor. Owner Ramon runs a welcoming spot where regulars are treated like family.

What's Good

Birria Tacos — The standout. Slow-cooked beef in corn tortillas with consomé for dipping.

Cadillac Margarita — Generous pours. People drive from neighboring towns just for these.

Enchiladas — Multiple preparations, all solid.

Fajitas — Sizzling platters with all the fixings.

The street corn and churros make good add-ons. Mexican Coke in glass bottles is available if you want the real thing.

Best Craft Beer: Brewery Silvaticus

Address: 9 Water Street | Hours: Mon 4-10pm, Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri 1-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-7pm

Silvaticus focuses on Belgian farmhouse ales and German-style lagers in a historic mill building overlooking the Powwow River. The taproom has exposed brick, high ceilings, and an outdoor beer garden.

This is a brewery for people who appreciate traditional European brewing styles. No IPAs dominating the menu here.

What's On Tap

Small bites like pretzels and cheese plates are available. Food trucks rotate through on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Best Brewery for Families: BareWolf Brewing

Address: 12 Oakland Street | Hours: Wed-Thu 4-9pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-6pm

BareWolf takes a different approach than most breweries. It's explicitly family and pet-friendly, with old-school arcade games, pool tables, and plenty of space for kids to move around.

The beer is legitimately good. Small-batch, never filtered, no chemical additives.

The Vibe

• Victorian-era mill building with colorful murals
• Rotating local artwork on the walls
• Live music and trivia nights
• Private event space available

Scarlet Fire BBQ operates out of the same complex, serving Texas-style brisket, St. Louis ribs, and pulled pork. The smoked meats pair perfectly with BareWolf's ale selection.

After 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the taproom goes 18+ for those who want an adults-only experience.

Best Hidden Gem: Vito's Pizza Pie

Address: 142 1/2 Elm Street | Hours: Limited (call ahead)

Vito's flies under the radar, but locals know. It's a small operation serving hand-tossed Italian-style pizza with hand-picked ingredients.

What people say:

• Grande whole milk mozzarella (the good stuff)
• Sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• Dough proofed for several days before use
• Cooked on the well-done side, Italian-style

The steak bomb on homemade bread has its own following. Gluten-free options available.

Hours are limited, so call ahead: (978) 792-5747.

Honorable Mentions

CRAVE: Kitchen - Wine - Tap — Farm-to-table American with a rotating seasonal menu. Pan-seared scallops and craft cocktails.

Hedgehog General Store — Quick bites and sandwiches with local ingredients.

Localist Roast Beef and Pizza — North Shore-style roast beef and solid pizza. The chicken cutlet sub on fresh bread is a sleeper hit.

FAQ: Amesbury Dining Questions

What's the best restaurant for a date night in Amesbury? Phat Cats Bistro delivers the best combination of ambiance, food quality, and service. Ristorante Molise is a close second for those who prefer Italian.

Are there good vegetarian options in Amesbury? Flatbread Company offers several vegetarian pizzas and salads. Phat Cats has a well-reviewed tofu risotto. Casa Maria has multiple vegetarian Mexican dishes.

Which restaurant is best for large groups? Flatbread Company handles groups well with communal seating. BareWolf Brewing has event space that can accommodate up to 90 standing or 60 seated.

What's the most kid-friendly restaurant? Flatbread Company has a playground in the courtyard. BareWolf Brewing welcomes families with arcade games and plenty of space. Morning Buzz Cafe works well for breakfast with kids.

Is there good food near downtown Amesbury? Yes. Most restaurants on this list are within walking distance of Main Street and Market Square.

What time should I arrive for breakfast at Morning Buzz? Early, especially on weekends. The cafe fills up by 9:00am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ready to Make Amesbury Home?

Amesbury's food scene is just one reason this town keeps attracting new residents. The walkable downtown, historic architecture, river access, and community feel make it one of the best-kept secrets on the North Shore.

Thinking about buying or selling in Amesbury? The Barnes Team are top Amesbury real estate agents and knows every neighborhood in town. Whether you're relocating for work, looking to upgrade, or searching for your first home, they can help you navigate the local real estate market with expertise and personal attention.

👉 Contact The Barnes Team today to learn more about homes for sale in Amesbury, current market conditions, and what it's really like to live here.