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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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Shirts will ship in late June ☀️