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The 10 Best Fried Clams Takeout Spots From Cap-Pelé to Bouctouche

The summer forecast? Fried Clams.

If there is one thing tourists from all over the world look for when visiting New Brunswick in the summer, it’s our golden fried clams. And one of the best parts about being a coastal mermaid is the abundance of restaurants and road side takeouts available to grab this delicious dish.

We know things are going to look a little different this summer, so we thought we’d share some of our favourite fried clam takeout & patio spots along the New Brunswick coast from Cap-Pelé to Bouctouche. And yes, we have tried EVERY spot on this list to ensure that we’re not only providing you with a handy fried clam resource—we’ve taste tested for quality assurance too!

It was a really hard job, you guys!

Now, we know the options can be overwhelming. So many fried clams, so few sun-filled days. We hope this list of East Coast Mermaid’s 10 favourite fried clam haunts will not only help you decide where to stop for dinner—it will help you plan the perfect #NBStaycation to make the most of the summer.

East Coast Mermaid’s Top 10 Favourite Fried Clams Haunts

Chez Camille Take Out – Cap Pelé

Chez Camille Take Out - Cap Pelé New Brunswick Fried clams

Chez Camille is a new addition to our fried clams round-up this summer! I hadn’t visited Chez Camille since I was a teenager but oh my goodness, I’m glad I returned after all of these years! Chez Camille’s small clam platter portion was HUGE so I can only imagine how big their large platter is. The service was A+ and they offer a very large and spacious outdoor patio for safe summer dining. Whether you’re enjoying your clams on their patio or ordering takeout to enjoy picnic-style on one of the many local beaches; Chez Camille is a treat anytime you’re in Cap-Pelé!

Fred’s Seafood Restaurant – Cap Pelé

Fred’s Seafood Restaurant - Cap Pelé New Brunswick Fried clams

Another classic seafood spot in Cap-Pelé. Known around these waters for its fried clams, Fred’s Seafood Restaurant is a gem. What’s great about Fred’s is that you can choose from THREE sizes of fried clam dinners: Small, Medium, and Large. For reference, my photo is of the Medium fried clam dinner, which also comes with fries, a delicious homemade roll, and coleslaw.

Quai Aboiteau Seafood Restaurant – Cap Pelé

Quai Aboiteau Seafood Restaurant - Cap Pelé New Brunswick Fried clams

I’m not saying I have a favourite spot for fried clams, but I will say over the last ten years this spot has always been one of my favorite mermaid haunts for clams. The portions at Quai Aboiteau are MASSIVELY AWESOME. And really massively awesome doesn’t even begin to cover it. Not only are the portions fantastic, your dinner comes with a delicious fresh roll and a large coleslaw. And let’s be real here, anytime there is a roll, it’s an added bonus.

They also have an amazing rooftop patio with views of the wharf, the ocean, and the sand dunes. Simply put, on a sunny day in the summer, there’s a really strong chance you can find me on this patio with some clams and their award-winning seafood caesars 😎

Restaurant à la Dune – Aboiteau Beach, Cap Pelé

Restaurant à la Dune - Aboiteau Beach, Cap Pelé New Brunswick Fried clams

Seafood lovers everywhere, if you’re reading this list because you’re dreaming of enjoying fried clams with an ocean + beach view—THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

Cap-Péle is known for several great fried clam spots, but if you’re looking for the perfect beach view, Restaurant à la Dune at Aboiteau Beach should be at the top of your list. Aboiteau Beach’s portion of fried clams is out of this world and you cannot beat the ocean view while you enjoy your takeout on their giant outdoor patio this summer.

Lenny’s Takeout – Shediac

Lenny's Takeout - Shediac New Brunswick Fried clams

For years, people have been telling me “You’ve got to try Lenny’s fried clams!”

Well folks, I did. And I’m kind of obsessed. They’re perfectly fried, perfectly sized, and the fries are cooked to be golden and crunchy. And it comes with a generous portion of homemade coleslaw, which is always a bonus when slaw is made in house. If you’re in downtown Shediac, leaving the beach, or just out for a Sunday drive, Lenny’s is a must! Oh, and make sure to snap a photo with their rooster out front, just for fun!

The Lobster Deck – Shediac

The Lobster Deck - Shediac New Brunswick Fried clams

A beloved Shediac seafood establishment, the Lobster Deck offers a heaping pile of fried clams AND a great covered patio for safe, outdoor dining.

Located right on Main Street in downtown Shediac, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your fried clams and partake in some people watching on a warm summer night. Or you can do like this mermaid and grab your clams to go, to take to Parlee Beach for an epic sunset!

Golden Fry – Shediac

Golden Fry - Shediac New Brunswick Fried clams

A go-to takeout spot in Shediac, Golden Fry is known for its delicious fries and of course, their golden fried clams. Whether you choose from a fried clam dinner or fried clams only, portions are great. However, if you get the dinner, you get to enjoy their amazing home-cut fries and a coleslaw.

Golden Fry is outdoor seating or takeout only, so plan to visit on a nice day if you’re hoping to enjoy your clams outside.

Chez Leo – Shediac Bridge

Chez Leo - Shediac Bridge New Brunswick Fried clams

When I was a little girl, very few things in the summer were as exciting as a trip to Chez Leo with my parents for fried clams. Located only 10 minutes from Shediac and 20 minutes from Moncton, Chez Leo is one of the oldest and most legendary fried clam spots.

You can choose from a variety of dinner or snack options, all which come with a heaping pile of clams and fries. If you choose a dinner, you will also get a coleslaw and roll. Lastly, their outdoor patio has a lovely view of the Shediac Bridge and bay, and it’s a super cozy spot on a summer evening.

Restaurant La Sagouine – Bouctouche

Restaurant La Sagouine - Bouctouche New Brunswick Fried clams

Despite having spent my summers on the shores near Bouctouche, I hadn’t experienced Restaurant La Sagouine’s fried clams until last summer and, needless to say, I went back a few times before the summer’s end.

Between the clams, the perfectly golden fries, heaping coleslaw and homemade roll? Yeah, you gotta eat here!

They have a cozy patio right on Main Street in Bouctouche, so you can enjoy your clams and people watching. You can also take your clams to go and grab a spot by the wharf or marina to enjoy your meal with a view of the Bay! By the by, the restaurant offers delicious made-in-house desserts that are definitely worth trying or taking to go. You know, if you’re stuffed from all those clams!

Le Pirate de la Mer – Bouctouche

Le Pirate de la Mer - Bouctouche New Brunswick Fried clams

Where do I even begin about Le Pirate de la Mer? A local favorite in the seaside town of Bouctouche, Le Pirate de la Mer is known for its fresh seafood—a go-to place for lobster if you want to double your culinary pleasure—and of course, its AMAZING fried clams.

You can choose from a fried clam dinner or fried clams only. The dinner comes with delicious home-cut fries and coleslaw. Portion size is through-the-roof making platters great for sharing. Le Pirate de la Mer has a few scattered picnic tables to enjoy your clams outside and what it lacks in atmosphere (no ocean views here), it definitely makes up for it with its clams. TRUST ME on this one.

What are your favourite fried clams?

So let’s hear it! What fried clam spots will you be visiting this summer during your #NBStaycation? Leave us a comment below to share your favorites!

Want your very own Holy Golden Fried Clams tee for the perfect fried clam summer? ☀️ Both Women and Men’s Tees are now available for pre-order over on Sandy Toes Shop. Much like your favorite fried clam spot, you don’t want to be the last in line for our hottest new collection this summer.

Shop Women’s Tees here: https://sandytoesshop.com/products/holy-golden-fried-clams-tee

Shop Men’s Tees here: https://sandytoesshop.com/products/copy-of-holy-golden-fried-clams-mens-tee

Shirts will ship in late June ☀️

31 Comments

  • ourcrossings
    June 11, 2020 at 9:05 am

    I love your t-shirt guys, super cute! As a vegetarian I’ve never even tried clams, but I would be happy enough to enjoy those views! Is that a lookout tower? Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀 Aiva

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      Thank you, Aiva! We’re pretty excited about the t-shirts too! It is a lookout tower! Such a great spot! Have an amazing summer! 🧜🏻‍♀️

      Reply
  • Tammy Cassidy
    June 11, 2020 at 10:07 am

    I thought I knew all the fried clam spots in that part of the world, but you have opened my culinary adventures and I really appreciate that!! Chez Leo has always been my favourite and, of course, the Bel Air Takeout, but :( (miss them so much – the Bel Air Special was legendary)

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      We miss Bel Air, Tammy! But I’m so happy to hear this will inspire you to try some new spots! Let us know what you think!

      Reply
  • Shirley
    June 11, 2020 at 11:09 am

    Quai Aboiteau Seafood Paradise in Cap-Pele

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      It’s totally one of our faves too!

      Reply
  • Tamara Robertson
    June 11, 2020 at 11:21 am

    you have got to try Gisele in grand digue !!! I can’t believe it’s not on the list. I love their fish and clams !!!! I’ve tried 3 on this list. gonna go for the rest this summer !! Haha

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Tamara! A couple people have mentioned Gisele’s so we’ll definitely be checking it out this summer!

      Reply
  • Yvonne Young
    June 11, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    My favorite place is at La Dune restaurant in Cap Pelé, you can share it , it is the best.
    It is at the Aboiteau Beach.

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      Hi Yvonne! We LOVE the Dune clams too! And like you said – great for sharing!

      Reply
  • Gilles
    June 11, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Have you tried Ponzi’s in Bouctouche..real good..

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:43 pm

      Oh I didn’t know that Ponzi’s had fried clams! I will definitely try – we get a lot of lobster from there in the summer!

      Reply
  • Pierre
    June 11, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    Essayer La Riva Grill Richibucto !! Mes préférés !!

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:42 pm

      Oh I have never heard of that one! Will definitely make note for next time we’re in Richibucto!

      Reply
  • Lloyd Allanach
    June 11, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Nice to read about all those places near the beaches, but you can still great a fantastic clam dinner at Marc’s Seafood in the Elmwood Plaza in Moncton. This place uses the original recipe from Gould’s Fried Clams and personally I go fo the combo dinner of Clams & Scallops with fries and coleslaw.

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:41 pm

      Hi Lloyd! I have heard wonderful things about Marc’s Seafood! If we ever do a post of spots not on the coastal routes, we’ll definitely be checking them out!

      Reply
  • Remi C
    June 11, 2020 at 7:35 pm

    The best place is The Fisherman’s Restaurant in Shediac!!
    They are amazing and the best all around!!

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:38 pm

      Oh I haven’t tried them there but I do love their deep fried shrimp and scallops! I’ll have to try their clams!

      Reply
  • Wade Hannah
    June 11, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Hi, tried Chez Leo last weekend, was good , but clams were not very big. Maybe time of year. Will be trying the rest this summer.

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Wade! I also found they were a bit small this year when I went but thought the same – could be time of the year!

      Reply
  • Richard Wood
    June 11, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    Any place that serves fried clams AND fresh cut fries…..coleslaw and the roll is a bonus!!!!! ….Rickeeee W.

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 11, 2020 at 9:37 pm

      I agree! Fresh cut fries make it!!

      Reply
  • Yvonne Johnson
    June 12, 2020 at 11:40 pm

    Seaside grill in Rexton has great fried clams and fried bar clams are great too. My favorite place.

    Reply
  • Lisa
    June 13, 2020 at 11:33 pm

    Also, to add about Chez Leo… Unless it has changed, you can substitute your fries for potato salad. I always get that. Not sure if they substitute for macaroni salad, but worth a shot.

    Reply
  • Stephanie Jones
    June 14, 2020 at 12:11 am

    Gisele take out is a hidden gem just passed Chez Leo towards Cocagne. Her fried clams are amazing! She has picnic tables in the back with a beautiful wood surrounding.

    Reply
  • Candace
    June 15, 2020 at 11:39 am

    Paturel in Grand Barachois! You can’t beat the view and the food is incredible.

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 25, 2020 at 11:46 am

      I have never tried it! I will definitely add it to the list!

      Reply
  • Denise
    June 20, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    Have you tried Restaurant du Village in St-Antoine?
    Best seafood overall around!! Best chowders and seafood!
    All you can eat scallop and shrimps on Friday’s. A must try! 😊

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 25, 2020 at 11:45 am

      Oh I haven’t been there in ages! Time to go back!

      Reply
  • B
    June 24, 2020 at 7:43 am

    You need to try the Fundy Take-out in Alma!

    Reply
    • crystalrichard
      June 25, 2020 at 11:45 am

      Oh I have and love it! If we ever expand this post to be province wide, it’ll be near the top of the list!

      Reply

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