Disclaimer: I have a very narrow definition of the South Shore. To me, it’s exclusively towns that border the ocean from Duxbury to Quincy, so that means Duxbury, Marshfield, Scituate, Cohasset, Hull, Hingham, Weymouth and Quincy. Sorry, Hanover.
Here’s my list, moving South to North:
Raw Bar at Island Creek / Winsor House – Duxbury
Take your pick from the Raw Bar for caviar-topped hot dogs, salmon poke bowls and frosé, or the Winsor House for more elevated seafood takes.
The Oysterman – Duxbury & Scituate
Raw bar, sushi, classic New England seafood and a very good brunch.
Casa Verde – Scituate
This newcomer to Scituate Harbor turned a former Dunkin Donuts into a vibey little Latin American-inspired hotspot. I’m a big fan of the tequila & mezcal selection, the plant-lined back bar, and any of the fresh fish dishes made with local catches from the town’s fishermen & lobstermen.
Salty Days – Cohasset
At this casual spot in downtown Cohasset, I’m partial to the Louisiana Roll, the gyoza and the enormous sashimi portions. The burger is next level too. A few people (my parents) have been known to shit on the service, but if you go in knowing what to expect (passable service by clueless high school kids), then there’s really nothing to complain about.
The Corner Stop – Cohasset
I wouldn’t have included this spot a few years ago, but we’ve been four times this summer and each time has impressed me. From real, actual cocktails (Paper Plane, Naked & Famous) to salmon crudo with a spicy kick, the Corner Stop is firing on all cylinders. We like to sit at the giant horseshoe shaped bar with towering ceilings overlooking the patio. The chicken liver pâté, halloumi fries and scallop risotto with snap peas are summer standouts, while the pork milanese topped with arugula and nectarines is an early fall frontrunner.
Red Lion Inn – Cohasset
Fun fact: The Red Lion is the only job I’ve ever been fired from, thanks to me constantly calling in to not work when it rained one summer in high school. The cocktail program here is pretty much on par with a good Boston restaurant and the food is amazingly creative. Sometimes I find myself saying a restaurant is “good for the South Shore,” but the Red Lion is just good, period. Cozy fireside dining in the winter and a great patio in the summer. The steamers with lemon beurre blanc are an interesting, upscale take on a classic summer dish. Five stars!
Jake’s – Hull
There’s a very specific formula to enjoying Jake’s and this is it: go on Thursdays, sit at the bar, drink a dirty martini, order the Swordfish appetizer that is dripping in oil and herbs, order more swordfish as a main with sweet potato fries and brussels sprouts slaw, and then leave.
The Drift – Hull
It’s only open seasonally on Hull Bay behind the carousel, but the Drift can easily be an every-night-of-the-summer spot for crazy good flatbreads, burrata toast and shrimp & grits. [Summer ’25 edit: gone are the flatbreads and table service; in their place are barebones order-by-QR-code service and plastic cups & utensils. Definitely takes the experience down a notch.]
Tosca Caffe – Hingham
The only place you can get a full dinner in Hingham with a bottle of wine for under $100. Never change, Tosca Caffe. I like the seasonal salads and pizzas, and the bolognese is superior to any other bolognese out there.
Tosca – Hingham
If you’re feeling fancier than Tosca Caffe, get thee across the street to regular Tosca and make sure you sit at the bar. The bolognese here is sub par to the one across the street at Tosca Caffe so get any other pasta and end the night with an espresso martini.
Alma Nove – Hingham
Located on the water in Hingham Shipyard, the food here never misses. They also have a very large selection of barrel-aged cocktails.
Square Cafe – Hingham
This downtown Hingham spot has a small bar scene with excellent Szechuan Pork Shrimp Dumplings topped with Pork Belly and a really good burger.
Fuji at WoC – Quincy
Top-notch Japanese food right on Hancock Street in Quincy Center. Bao buns, claypot wagyu and really nice sushi.
Any spots I missed? Drop your suggestions in the comments.
