Elisabeth’s

Casual Sophistication

On the waterfront in Fairhaven, serving first-class New Bedford seafood at reasonable prices, Elisabeth’s is nothing short of spectacular. At first glance the corner restaurant looks a bit uptown. A stylish etched martini logo decorates glass windows. Much of what you’ll eat here does indeed let you know there are some sophisticated hands in the kitchen. But the experience of eating at Elisabeth’s is town-cafe casual. Mounted fish and nautical nick-nacks bedeck the walls. Expect friendly, relaxed service.

All About the Scallops

The menu is vast, ranging from pizza and crabcake BLTs to plates of beautifully presented New Bedford seafood: haddock, swordfish, cod and – best of all – scallops. Norwegian-American scallopers own the restaurant. No surprise, the scallops are dayboat beauties. Each provides at least a couple of good forkfuls. Have them baked or fried, atop nachos as an appetizer, or best of all, maple glazed and grilled, garnished with bacon. That last one is a knock-out, a harmony of different sweetnesses. On the side come asparagus and greens with grilled corn relish and mashed potatoes.

Creamy Chowder

Prior to the main course, chowder is essential. It is New England-style, but more buttery than creamy, loaded with good-size nuggets of tender clam and potato.

Not-Silly Desserts

All sorts of cakes are available for dessert. Because the kitchen had run out of chocolate Almond Joy cake, I got espresso chip cake with coffee icing and Oreo cream cake. Believe me, these are not silly novelty items. They are bakehouse masterpieces – common cookie and candy flavors made holy. On the side of each slice comes a mound of whipped cream. I mean cream that is whipped, every day, not something from a spray can.

If you are in the New Bedford area and like seafood, put this place at the top of your hit-list.