Last updated: 2025-05-06
New Bedford’s waterfront dining scene blends historic maritime charm with contemporary culinary innovation. From fresh seafood to sophisticated tapas, local restaurants capture the city’s rich gastronomic heritage with locally sourced ingredients and inventive techniques.
Discover elegant dining experiences that showcase the SouthCoast’s culinary prowess, where historic whaling port traditions meet modern epicurean creativity. Each restaurant offers a unique perspective on New Bedford’s vibrant food culture.
Explore New Bedford’s most delectable dining destinations!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in New Bedford
- The Black Whale
- Merrill's on the Waterfront
- Cove Surf and Turf
- Antonio's Restaurant
- Saffron By The Sea
- Cork Wine & Tapas Bar
- 222 Union Restaurant and Bar
- New Beige
222 Union Restaurant and Bar
What to Expect
Craft beer and spirits selection in downtown hotel gastropub
Description
A downtown New Bedford gastropub nestled in the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, offering elevated pub-style cuisine with a wide selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits. The casual yet sophisticated tavern provides a relaxed dining atmosphere where guests can gather with friends and colleagues over carefully prepared menu offerings.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: 222 Union Restaurant and Bar
Antonio's Restaurant
What to Expect
Authentic Portuguese cuisine using local New England ingredients
Description
Antonio's Restaurant offers an authentic Portuguese dining experience in New Bedford, featuring traditional and innovative dishes sourced from local farmers and fishermen. The family-owned establishment crafts Old World recipes with fresh, regional ingredients in a warm, casual atmosphere that celebrates Portuguese culinary heritage.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Antonio's Restaurant
Cork Wine & Tapas Bar
What to Expect
Spanish-inspired tapas with local ingredient focus
Description
Intimate wine bar featuring an eclectic tapas menu that blends Spanish-inspired small plates with local New Bedford ingredients. Candlelit dining room creates a sophisticated atmosphere, with an impressive wine selection and carefully curated small plates designed for sharing and exploring diverse flavor profiles.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Cork Wine & Tapas Bar
Cove Surf and Turf
What to Expect
Heated open-air patio with New England seafood specialties
Description
A New Bedford seafood restaurant celebrating New England's maritime culinary traditions, offering fresh local seafood in a versatile dining environment. The restaurant features heated indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a full bar, and a menu highlighting regional specialties like Maine clams, local sea scallops, and classic fish and chips.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Cove Surf and Turf
Merrill's on the Waterfront
What to Expect
Waterfront dining with views of active fishing port
Description
Situated on New Bedford's working waterfront, Merrill's offers an immersive dining experience showcasing fresh local seafood in a harbor-front setting. The restaurant features an expansive menu with seafood, steaks, and creative pasta dishes, complemented by waterfront views and an open harbor atmosphere.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Merrill's on the Waterfront
New Beige
What to Expect
Rooftop garden cocktail experience
Description
A modern restaurant and bar nestled in historic downtown New Bedford, offering seasonally-inspired cuisine crafted by Chef Joe Rego. The venue features an innovative cocktail program and a rooftop garden, blending Portuguese-influenced culinary techniques with contemporary New England dining. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with carefully curated menus showcasing local ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: New Beige
Saffron By The Sea
What to Expect
Sophisticated South Coast Indian fine dining experience
Description
An elegant Indian dining destination nestled in New Bedford, Saffron By The Sea offers a sophisticated culinary journey through authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant features an intimate dining room with modern decor, showcasing carefully crafted dishes that blend traditional spices with contemporary presentation. Guests can experience nuanced regional flavors prepared with precision and artistic plating.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Saffron By The Sea
The Black Whale
What to Expect
Coastal cuisine honoring New Bedford fisherman's culinary traditions
Description
Nestled in New Bedford's coastal landscape, this restaurant celebrates local maritime heritage through innovative seafood cuisine. The dining room features a refined atmosphere that pays homage to the region's fishing culture, with carefully crafted dishes highlighting fresh, locally sourced seafood and bold flavor profiles.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: The Black Whale
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