Courthouse Seafood

A fantastic place with a wonderful vibe – it feels truly homey and welcoming. Inside, it smells amazing – that kind of comforting, home-style cooking aroma, exactly what you'd hope for in a spot like this. And the food? Simple but absolutely delicious – sometimes less really is more. The lobster roll and the fried salmon were both excellent – high-quality ingredients with no unnecessary frills. A great experience that I’ll remember for a long time. The staff was also lovely. The only downside is that there’s no restroom, which is a bit inconvenient. Other than that – highly recommended!

Gem find. Everything was fantastic! Light batter on fried seafood, able to taste what you're eating instead of just heavy coating like other places.

I recently was recommended Courthouse Seafood by a friend, so I decided to check it out. It is located outside the heart of Cambridge, but in a more residential area. However, when we came it was decently packed and busy, and I can understand why. The service was pretty quick and efficient, and they were happy to explain to us about any menu changes for the day. They were also happy to explain any of the frozen or premade goods stored in their freezer, which had a large variety of goods available. The food was great for the price, though nothing outstanding, imo. We got the fish and chips, seafood platter, and clam chowder. I thought the clam chowder was a bit too thick for my liking, almost like oatmeal. The fish and chips was great, though the fries were a bit soggy, but probably because we ordered takeout. For the price, portions are great and overall tasted perfectly fine. Overall, a great place in the area for cheap seafood eats in the Boston area.

Clean and friendly restaurant, food was quick and delicious. Loved the lobster rolls, calamari, and fish and chips

The best fish and chips and lobster salad roll! Fish was very light on the batter and flaked perfectly. Lobster had the right crunch to it and was flavored very well with mayo and dills. Great chowder too! Very pleasant and friendly family who run the place.

VERY welcoming, kind, and attentive staff. The food was great! We got the clam chowder, stuffed clam, and crab cake. If you're from out-of-town looking for a place to try New England cuisine, I highly suggest this place. The parking wasn't too hard to find, either, and the atmosphere is very calm and nice.

Fish Market with a Restaurant next door (a bit to the right - look for the blue awning). The fresh seafood was GREAT!! Really big portions too, good deal for the prices. Lowkey like twice the size you’d expect for the price. Family of Four split 2 specials and a side order. Not many tables, pretty quiet but super friendly staff. Seems like a place locals would frequent. Parking is rough - bring quarters - but worth it

I’ve been coming here since I was little girl, my grandmother would bring me here because she loved it, may she RIP. I live in NY, but I have family in Massachusetts. I love the seafood platter here. Everything is made fresh. The batter is perfect. Never tastes greasy or like they heated it up. One of my all time favorite seafood restaurants.

A little bit off the beaten path and a very 'mom and pop' feel but arguably the best meal we had in Cambridge! A fun, peppery take on NE Clam Chowder, the nicest fried calamari (fresh and hot and so sweet). The service was awesome, the price ridiculously reasonable - we went back the last day of the trip for a repeat and added the lobster roll which also did not disappoint. I totally get the appeal of this place and will return when nxt on that side of the river.

Great portions 10.60 for the fish and chips with a good amount of fish. Light crispy batter but batter lacked flavor. The tartar sauce is house made and pretty good. The fries were a bit underdone and definitely unseasoned but they're good cuts so could have been a bad batch. Would probs go back if I'm in the area

We've been a fan of Courthouse for years! Their special fish & chips is always great. We had it again a few days ago. The fish was super-fresh, the breading was crispy and flavorful, and the fries were A+. Having recently gone to coastal Maine and seen the ridiculous prices there, it's great to come back to reasonably-priced, perfectly prepared seafood!

A local seafood restaurant which had fish n chips that I was craving. We ordered 2 plates. It came with a a generous portion of French fries and 2 big filets. Their homemade tarter sauce was exceptional. The fish was good but it fell apart very easily and I found myself scooping and scraping fish pieces everywhere in the plate. I believe it was either haddock or cod. Can't remember right now. Perhaps the experience would have been more uplifting, had the filets hung on to their dear life. The workers were very nice and friendly. And the ambiance gave u that cozy feeling of having good ole homemade hot food on a cold brutal day outside.

Had the (Wed|Sat) "super" fish&chips (get an extra piece of fish), and was pleasantly surprised! Tasty and fresh fish, so good deal!

This place feels like the perfect local fish and chip shop. We popped here on a hunt for lobster rolls and chowder. We arrived during lunch, which was very busy. We were lucky to nab a table quickly. But if you want to sit, get there early. The lady who served us told the chef to hold the food until we got a table, which I really liked. Once we got a table, I let her know and she fired the order. The lobster roll was delicious. The chowder was pretty good too, but I have had better. Great place, and great atmosphere.

I just saw that one of my favorite seafood restaurants is closed! Thank you Courthouse for your years of service and kindness to me and my family! God Bless!

Having repeat customers is the hallmark of an excellent restaurant. We returned last night for 2 Fish and Chip specials along with a medium Clam Strips. Everything was DELICIOUS and EXPERTLY FRIED again. Consistent high quality equals greatness.

Friendly and cozy local seafood restaurant known for their fried dishes. Probably the most affordable fish and chips in the area. Wish I could say I loved it but the fish lacked flavor and fell apart easily. Overall a filling meal but nothing wow to make me want to order it again.

I feel bad giving this review because it's a family-run, adorable spot full of older locals who love it so much and are the sweetest people, but I wasn't totally enthralled with the food here. And for an expensive lobster roll that tasted almost entirely of mayo, it was a real downer. The stuffed haddock, the special of the day, was also so-so, a little flavorful. But the people working there and dining there? The nicest.

The lobster roll was delicious but for $30 it was tiny so it should probably be called the lobster bun. Twice fried fish and shrimp with fries was tasty. Fish and chips was very good. Clam chowder was not flavorful and we would not order it again.

Good good at a reasonable price in a casual atmosphere. Any easy walk from the Landmark Kendall Cinema. I'll definitely be back!

Their fish and chips is very cheap (around $10) and they taste good. Their Cajun swordfish is juicy. The rice tastes good too.

The fish and chips are amazing as are the whole native clams, fresh oysters, the clam chowder and everything else that we tried! Fantastic prices! Highly recommend! Small storefront in the heart of Cambridge with an incredible local vibe. Service was outstanding with the family owners extremely kind and helpful. I offered to help make the New England Clam Chowder the next morning (just to get the recipe!)

Ok, so the view is Cambridge St and not the ocean, but close your eyes and you can hear the waves crashing while you dig into some of the best seafood around. Everything is cooked to order so it's all fresh. My go to: fisherman's platter. So much food , so good. Check out the specials also. Cost is very reasonable! Worth the searching for meter parking(which is never too bad).

I tried a few different things here: -Clam strips -New England clam chowder -Fish and chips special Their main thing is fried seafood, I think. The clam strips and the fish and chips special were crispy but not greasy. It's pretty hard to get it like that! Not sure what was so "special" about the fish and chips special. Maybe an extra piece of fish? Also, I'm still wondering about what "fish" they used. Possibly Alaskan pollock? I'm a food detective. The New England clam chowder was decent. Creamy and not overly floury.

Just ok, nothing special. Steak fries would have been a higher quality choice. Really not into crinkle cut fries. Worker did not know which fish was local and which was not. That tells me nothing was local. Like I said just fish and chips, nothing stood out.

Super convenient location, fresh fish, and super affordable. I was in the neighborhood helping my brother move in to his apartment and this place caught my eye - $8.50 fish and chips. I walked by , in search of the place with this special and this place was it - it didn't disappoint. This special is every Wednesday and Saturday. They did have indoor seating only, but everything was COVID safe (spaced out tables, following the recent mask mandate in Cambridge, cleaned tables and bathrooms). I do wish there was outdoor seating, but the location is definitively difficult for this. The fish was fried to order and super fresh since they are located right next door to their own fish market. Plus, their tart sauce is homemade! Service was super nice and our food was ready within a few minutes after placing our order. I'll definitely be back to try more from Courthouse when I visit my brother!

I've been coming here for 10-years for their fish & chips. Went last week and it was incredibly disappointing. Their fish portions consisted of 3 tails, about a centimeter's worth of fish in terms of thickness, and maybe 4 inches long. There was more batter than fish, it was really that thin. I really mean it, it was literally the very end of the tail, it was so thin that all pieces were curled which cannot happen if there is any thickness to the piece of fish, as the portions used to be. I was wondering if they perhaps use the tails from their fish market, that they cut off, and only use them for their fish & chips. Very disappointing and after being a loyal customer for 10-years, I'm afraid I will not be returning.

I just had The best cooked fish and chips plate I have ever had. Props to the 2 ladies in the kitchen. Thank you.

I mainly get the Fish& Chips special Wed and Sat, which is a great deal but sometimes they run out of fresh fish and it tastes frozen but overall its very good and reasonable quantity for the money.The clam bellies are incredibly small and not worth it. The clam chowder was not good at all seemed like gelatin or very low quality. The real bonus is you can go next door and pick out your Fresh fish NOT FROZEN from the fish market and they will prepare it for you.

Soo so yummy! First thing I noticed when walking in was how cozy the setting was and how the staff made you feel like family. There was so much to choose from but I ended up getting the fish and chips and they were SO good! It really hit the spot for me and would be going back soon! It's also very affordable.

Came here on a weekday lunch time with a buddy and ordered one lobster roll, whole belly clams, scallops (add extra $5), tap water. Bill was around $75. Ain't cheap but everything was fresh and nicely deep fried. The lobster roll could have had more flavor but not a big deal, just glad this remnant of old Cambridge Portuguese community still here...as other area shops (such as the live poultry meat shop a block away are closing with signs saying sold the building...)

This place is amazing. Really great and reasonably priced seafood. The fried scallops were lightly breaded and perfectly done, melting in your mouth almost like butter. The lobster rolls and crabmeat rolls were amazingly fresh and delicious. The staff is always really friendly and welcoming. I discovered it as a local because it's somewhat off the beaten path but I definitely highly recommend it. It's low key and not your fancy upscale place but the food is certainly high end quality!

Nothing beats a nonchalant family-run restaurant offering good local food! There is nothing fancy about this place and that's why I love it. It's all focused on the food. I tried the lobster roll and crab cakes which were to die for. Chunky fleshy pieces of lobster straightforward in a roll. The crab cakes were just as delicious with large pieces of crab meat that were perfect! Neither too salty or breaded heavily. If I ever come back to Boston this place makes the list to re-visit.

OUTSTANDING! Fresh, fast & family run! The best fish & chips and the sweetest native clams I have ever had! Dine in, take out and an extensive menu for an amazing value!

Came here after Alive and Kicking was closed and was really hoping to snag a lobster roll before I left Boston! I saw a review on Yelp and decided to go for it. I called pretty close to the end of their hours and they were super friendly about giving me the price of their lobster roll and having us come in! This place is definitely not touristy at all. What it lacks in ambiance it's makes up in their food more than tenfold. The fries and lobster roll were so good for the prices!! I was never the biggest fan of sea food but I would die for this lobster!! 10/10 would recommend for some good food and friendly service :)

I love this little place! It's not overly stuffy and the food is fresh. It's a great place to stop by for a quick bite to eat and the service is relatively fast. Definitely has a small, family-owned atmosphere.

Great value! Amazing near Boston with reasonable prices. Great Food & service from hard working staff.

This place is fantastic, fish tastes fresh as far as I can tell and everything tastes great. Prices are super cheap for the area(and probably in the US overall). Grab an order of fish and chips and cross the street to eat it in the park

Honestly not special. THICKER THAN EVERRR & literally could have been called potato chowder. Taste like it came out a can. Bland. Clearly no salt yet clam chowder should have SOME salt not worth even 5 dollars

We got the Wednesday/Saturday special for fish and chips and it was a great deal ($8)! Portion and taste were both amazing, especially for the price. Will come back again :)

Didn't know this local gem existed. Tried their fish & chips special and stir fry mussels both very tasty.

I've paid twice as much money for half as much food. I ordered fish and chips for lunch. They serve 3 good size pieces of fish and fries. I picked it up from the counter as soon as it was plated and it was hot! The ladies at the counter were nice and friendly. There was a steady stream of people coming and going to pick up call ahead orders and quite a few people dining in. I will come back to try the blue fish and lobster roll soon.

I still love and occasionally crave Seafood. While heading home from the MOS my Godfather and I were starving and decided the Court House would be the place to sate our rumbling tummies. I caved. I'm aware bcz I'm in my first year mistakes will happen... I'm happy it happened here. Their crab cakes are insanely meaty and scrumptious. Most importantly, they weren't too breaded (pet peeve). I didn't enjoy my overcooked sauteed veggies but my godfather loved his food. It seems their best work is with the fryer. Overall, I'd come back for a crab cake if I was in the area and suffering from a craving I couldn't crush, but the experience wasn't enough to inspire me to ever go out of my way.

A local staple for fantastic seafood. If judges and lawyers trust this place than you gotta try it don't ya think? Anyway I am a local but never went until the bf said we gotta go there for lunch. Drove there once and they were closed. DOH! Tried again couple weeks later and was able to find a parking spot across the street. That might be the only thing that keeps you from going. I got the Seafood Platter and he got the clam strips. My plate was overflowing with its and bits of friend goodness. Scrod, clams, scallops & shrimp with fries and cole slaw that could feed three of me. Are you wondering what I brought to work the next day for lunch?? Also a great people watching place. A mishmash of generations, ethnicities and localities all wanting the same thing. Good food...

LOVE Courthouse Seafood!!! We have been eating there since 2012. Recommended by a friend and lifelong Cambridge resident. I have to admit I've only had the Haddock and Fish because I'm allergic to shellfish. But, it is to die for! The batter is seasoned (unlike many other places that offer fried seafood). The fish meat is delicious and fresh. I have always gotten 3 big pieces of fish and french fries with my meal. The restaurant is very clean and they have plenty of tables and chairs. But, they are BUSY around lunchtime and Holy Week :) I've noticed that all walks of life come to eat here. Locals, Courthouse employees, police, city workers, out of towners, you name it. The owners are Portuguese and pretty nice. Sometimes not the friendliest. I highly recommend you try it out if you haven't yet. I don't think you will be disappointed. Parking is metered on Cambridge St. Can be hard to find a spot at times, which make us take out. I usually order on the phone or go in and place my order and wait in my car (don't have a Cambridge resident permit), then pick up. Totally worth it!

This place is the bomb! My friends and I were in the Cambridge area so we decided to check it out for lunch for their famed lobster rolls. The inside decor is kind of plain/simple but the servers/waitresses were very friendly. The daily specials all looked delicious and I wish I could have tried them all but we had to go for the lobster rolls, which did not disappoint. They had nice big chunks of lobster with good seasoning, and weren't too mayonnaise-y like some other ones I've had. I wish they were a little bigger (a little expensive at ~$16 I think) but definitely worth trying! The side fries were pretty unremarkable. Overall, great customer service and tasty lobster rolls. I will have to come back to try out their other seafood specials sometime!

Takeout only, right now. Great fried clams!!! Reasonable prices. They have the best homemade tartare sauce on the planet!!!! You can pick out a whole fish in their market next door and they will cook it for you in the restaurant for a fee.

Great seafood had the cod fish and chips with clam chowder highly recommend it they even have a fish market next door where you could buy fresh seafood

Courthouse Seafood satisfies the Boston/Cambridge area standard for good fresh, seafood takeout. I got fried cod, my way of testing out a new establishment of this kind. The fish was very good, very much like what you would expect and even want in terms of fast-food fish. The prices were reasonable. I did not sit down. I just ordered takeout. The feel of the restaurant is like an old-style fisherman's seafood place that you might find closer to the waterfront. Not fancy, but it makes tasty fresh fish. So all good, right? Umm....not really. They were literally hostile to people of color. I got the serious impression they did not want me and my friend to come back...and guess what? I won't.....

Totally worth going out of your way. Outstanding food, great value. Every time I come to Boston for work or to visit my many relatives who live here, I always make the trek out to CourtHouse seafood. It's just so good. In the summer they have what I consider to be Boston's best lobster roll. They always have daily specials. For example tonite I had a fried oyster platter which was delicious, for $17.95. The table next to me had whole sauteed fish that looked incredible. This isn't a fancy restaurant, it's more like a Mom & Pop place. It's not touristy at all, just a great local place with super fresh seafood at very reasonable prices. The downside is that it's not near the T, but parking is relatively easy and it's a short Uber ride from the tourist areas. Which to me is definitely worth it.

If I do seafood it's courthouse or bust if not I just compare them to this place for sure ! The tarter sauce is homemade and really good ! If seafood is your thing give this place a try !

Wonderful local restaurant owned and run directly by a Portuguese family. Fresh and delicious fish. Amazing price point. In Boston's horrible, overpriced, gimmicky, and flavorless food scene, this place is a true hidden gem.

This place is a great gem with a great feeling about it. I paid $6.95 for a plate of fish of chips. The fries were nothing special but the fish was a hefty portion and tasted very very fresh! You could taste the freshness and the tarter sauce is great. Seems like a local spot that has a dedicated following. When I was there a lot of people came and picked up orders they called in. I wouldn't go out my way to come here but if I was in Cambridge I would definitely stop by again.

I wasn't very happy with this place. It was the first restaurant we ate at on our Boston adventure and I wish we would've spent the $45 elsewhere. It's a small joint with a walk up counter and employees who could care less if you're in there or not. The service wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible either. I ordered a fish sandwich and fries, my brother had salmon on top of a salad, and my dad ordered stuffed haddock with rice pilaf. The fries and fish sandwich were soggy and bland. My fish had some sort of bruised spot on it, which was unappealing. My brothers salmon was bland and the bowl was way too small for the contents of the salad. My dad said the haddock wasn't bad, but again, it was bland. They do have a fish market right next door, so I'm assuming (and hoping) everything is fresh. There's a bus stop right out front, so it's really accessible, but I don't think I'd waste my time here again. There's plenty of other fish in the sea.

Such a friendly neighborhood place. I came alone and had a great meal of fried haddock & fries and clam chowder. For just over 12 bucks I thought it was a bargain. The people who work here were so happy. Smiling and greeting everyone who came in. Diverse group of clientele all happy to be here.

The owner was rude to many of the customers. And I quote, "you need to wait. Patience. Patience. " she hurried people along in a rude way. The portion of food is very small compared to past visits. The food did t taste good at all. Soggy fries and very small pieces of fish. I will not be returning. They can do better and they have done better. Idk what the problem was today. Thumbs down.

The prices were cheap for seafood but portion sizes were pretty small. The fish was fresh but essentially flavorless. Clam chowder was cheap but tasted like it was frozen or came out of a can. Overall, the only thing i can recommend is the clam strips . Average service.

Small, simple place, almost like a diner. Fiancé and I shared the clam strip dinner and regular clam chowder and that was enough for us for lunch. Clam strips dinner - huge portion and definitely made to order fresh. Comes with cole slaw which we didn't care for and plain but hot fries. Tartar and cocktail sauce if you ask for it. Liked this meal! Clam chowder - pass, clams were tough and chewy, not much clam flavor. Good size but not very good. Want to come back and try the fish and chips special next time!