10 Massachusetts Seafood Buffets Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Massachusetts sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, which means fresh seafood is everywhere you look. When you want to try lots of different dishes without ordering a dozen plates, seafood buffets are your best friend.
I’ve rounded up the best spots where locals pile their plates high with lobster, clams, and everything in between.
1. Chatham Pier Fish Market Sunday Brunch
Sunday mornings get exciting when you head to this Cape Cod favorite where fishing boats dock right outside. Fresh catches from the morning haul end up on your plate by noon, which is about as fresh as seafood gets.
You’ll find steamed lobster, clam chowder, oysters, and grilled fish that taste like the ocean itself. The casual vibe makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re in flip-flops or fancy shoes.
2. The Barking Crab Weekend Seafood Feast
Right on Boston’s waterfront, this spot feels like a summer cookout every single weekend. Locals know the secret: arrive early before the crowds swarm in for the all-you-can-eat seafood spread.
Crab legs, mussels, shrimp, and lobster rolls cover the buffet tables while seagulls circle overhead. The picnic-style seating and harbor breeze make you forget you’re in the middle of a busy city.
3. Legal Sea Foods Sunday Brunch Buffet
This Massachusetts institution serves up a Sunday brunch buffet that locals have loved for decades. You’ll recognize the name from airports and malls, but the sit-down locations offer something special on weekends.
Smoked salmon, raw bar selections, New England clam chowder, and baked scrod fill the stations. Everything tastes reliable and fresh, which is why families keep coming back generation after generation.
4. Captain Marden’s Seafoods Weekend Buffet
Walking into this Wellesley spot feels like stepping into your favorite uncle’s fish shack, except the food is restaurant-quality. The weekend buffet draws crowds from all over the Boston suburbs who crave authentic coastal cooking.
Fried clams, baked haddock, seafood casseroles, and lobster bisque keep the steam trays full. The market attached to the restaurant means everything is super fresh and reasonably priced too.
5. Horizons Oceanfront Sunday Buffet
Perched right on the edge of Cape Cod, this place offers views that compete with the food for your attention. Watching waves crash while you eat lobster feels like the ultimate Massachusetts experience.
The Sunday buffet includes carved prime rib alongside seafood favorites like baked stuffed shrimp and scallops. Dessert stations with homemade pies make sure you leave completely satisfied and maybe needing a nap.
6. Dolphin Seafood All-You-Can-Eat Nights
This Natick gem runs special all-you-can-eat seafood nights that locals mark on their calendars months in advance. The restaurant has been family-owned since the 1960s, and that history shows in every dish.
Fried seafood platters, clam strips, fish and chips, and creamy coleslaw fill the buffet line. You won’t find fancy presentations here, just honest comfort food that reminds you why Massachusetts seafood is famous.
7. Rudder Restaurant Sunday Seafood Spread
Gloucester is fishing central, so when a restaurant there does a seafood buffet, you know it’s going to be incredible. This harborside spot sources from boats you can literally see from your table.
Lobster tails, steamed clams, fish tacos, and seafood pasta salad rotate through the Sunday spread. The fishermen themselves eat here on their days off, which tells you everything about the quality and authenticity.
8. The Atlantic House Weekend Seafood Brunch
History buffs and seafood lovers unite at this Provincetown landmark that’s been serving travelers since the 1800s. The weekend brunch buffet mixes traditional recipes with modern coastal cuisine in surprising ways.
Lobster Benedict, seafood quiche, smoked bluefish pate, and oyster shooters line the tables. The building’s historic charm adds flavor to every bite, making your meal feel like a trip through time.
9. Sesuit Harbor Cafe Sunday Clambake Buffet
Every Sunday, this Dennis Port cafe transforms into a traditional clambake celebration that feels like a beach party. Steamers, corn on the cob, and potatoes cook together in giant pots just like the old days.
Lobster, mussels, chorizo, and drawn butter round out the feast while sailboats bob in the harbor outside. You’ll leave with sandy toes and a full belly, exactly how Cape Cod meals should end.
10. Turner’s Seafood All-You-Can-Eat Lobster
When you hear all-you-can-eat lobster, your ears perk up, and this Melrose restaurant delivers exactly what it promises. Special event nights pack the place with locals who know a good deal when they see one.
Whole steamed lobsters keep coming to your table along with sides like corn, coleslaw, and fries. The staff cracks jokes while cracking your lobster, making the whole experience fun and memorable for everyone.
