The Cave

Amazing small business bakery! John and Alexandra were so kind. The baguettes were delicious. We…read morebought 6 and they were all gone in 15 minutes with soup and chili.

Most delicious scone I have ever tasted! Warm, fresh, and not overly sweet. Such a cute bakery!…read moreWould recommend to anybody!

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Pastaio Via Corta

4.5(27 reviews)

0.1 mi

Pastaio Via Corta is a fresh organic homemade pasta, provisions, and natural wine shop in the heart…read moreof Gloucester. My mom and I were visiting Gloucester a week or so ago and, while shopping around town, came across Pastaio. Once we saw that fresh pasta in the window, we had to stop in. They make fresh pasta and they dry pasta in the shop as well. Then there's a bunch of other Italian goods and foods - and the wine! The staff were wonderful, and my mom and I walked out with dried pasta, candied lemon peels, a bottle of wine, and more. If I lived in the area, I'd be here once a month to stock up! It's a special shop, and the staff make it even more special.

DO NOT GO HERE, IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE. You will find…read moreyourself unable to enjoy grocery store pasta, you won't even consider going down the aisle. Instead, you'll be doing weekly fresh pasta nights. Do you like wine? Definitely don't go here, because there's a great assortment, BOOM, you'll buy a bottle with your fresh pasta. I haven't had the raviolis because I'm not full on masochist (everyone says they'll change your life even though the owner insists she is more proud of the spaghetti) Speaking of the owner, I've caught her doing the dishes herself, how many owners do that? How humble, very demure. Not to say the staff isn't helpful and friendly because Tyler will help you pick out a bottle that is tall and skinny so you don't have guilt about finishing it in one night. Like I said, don't go here because you won't leave empty handed. There's also an infamous rumor that Anna Delvey frequents here-- who's to say?

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Virgilio's Italian Bakery

4.5(164 reviews)

0.0 mi

Locally owned and quaint for certain. Many many imported grocery items from Italy offered. The…read moremenu is excellent and served on house made bread. I've ordered meatball sandwich and Italian sandwich and both were excellent A cherished local landmark . Take out will likely have a small line but with several people preparing behind the counter, you'll get in and out quickly.

Virgilio's is the spot to be on a sunny day in Gloucester with a line wrapping out of this small…read moredeli outside the door! Place your order at the counter and wait outside for your name to be called overhead. There are so many sandwich options and baked goods - i came for a sandwich. I had the saint joseph sub - which came with all the meats and provolone and oiled. It was simple, classic, and delicious. I do wish I would have chose a sub with more vegetables but thats on me. For something done so simply, its done very well. I also appreciated the prices - a roll being $10 and a sub being $12 regardless the filling is very unheard of in Mass!

Bakery counter

Eggplant special & chicken St. Joseph

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Poseidon's

3.7(100 reviews)

0.4 mi

It shouldn't even get one star! I ordered food around 12:30 and it said it should be at my house…read morearound 1:30. 1:30 came and gone and I have no food and order. This has happened numerous of times. I wish they would get their priority straight. Customer service isn't that good Ethier. This has happened quite a few times like I mentioned and when it has my food has been cold! Sometimes it takes me forever to place an order because half of the employees don't understand the spelling of my street! I will inform friends and family NOT to order from this place. Save your money and go somewhere else!!

Use to be better, black things in my onion ring box...salad looked OK but with no dressing on or in…read morebag, Reuben corned beef panini .. pathetic. 43.00 with tip way too $$ they should do much better. Done with them unless they improve. Was a good place once. New owners should make people want to come back again!

Onion rings and this... Reuben panini2 slices of corned beef and Swiss

Chicken Parm

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Reuben Panini...

Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen

4.3(33 reviews)

3.2 mi

I've had the Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen blueberry muffins at home before, but this was my first time…read morevisiting the shop. It's so quaint and welcoming. The blueberry muffins are absolutely delicious, especially when warm. There are worth going out of your way. I also got a latte and a breakfast sandwich. I'm very picky about lattes, so didn't love this one, but the breakfast sandwich was good. I want to try a sandwich or a salad when I return, especially the fattoush. My visit was too early for the farmstand, but hopefully next time. Staff is so kind and friendly.

I drove by after staying at a hotel pretty much across the street and was not disappointed…read more Luckily, I got in before the long line, and totally understood why people would wait for some of these blueberry muffins! It was a true farmhouse with a rustic atmosphere and service that felt like you were at your family's Thanksgiving. Everything sells out pretty early so if you're planning on going, make sure to plan to get there as soon as you can in the morning. We ate outside and it was phenomenal. We got a blueberry muffin and some other treats. Would definitely recommend stopping by here if you're in the rockport area!

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Sclafani Italian Bakery

4.8(23 reviews)

0.1 mi

This restaurant is magnificent not only in its cuisine but also in the service. I can say that this…read moreBakery does more than just serve bread and meats, it serves volumes of love and joy. As you walk down the many streets of Gloucester you often wonder to yourself where the town comes together, where is there a harmonious relationship between the peoples? As this would seem to be a question hard to answer, it is actually quite simple and beautiful. You find this at Sclafanis. In essence this store is an Italian front with many memories, much love, great food, and great people. There are many places that people will remark to be "the greatest" or "the best" though using these terms would describe a restaurant that has yet to break free of its rudimentary cuisine, not the case at Sclafanis. The Pizmiaf is made on a fresh loaf of Sclafanis crispy Italian bread, followed by the fresh prosciutto sliced in house. After the base of this sandwich comes to form, it is topped with fresh mozzarella slices. Individuality is prided here so you are welcome to put as many of the fresh crisp vegetable toppings on as desired. Lastly this sandwich is finished with olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar and their fresh wonderful medley of Italian herbs. If this does not satisfy ones appetite for joy, good food, and good people than they have yet to rethink their feelings.

Consistently excellent breads. Very good pizza slices as well. Slightly off the beaten path…read morecompared to the better-known Virgilios but Sclafani's is definitely worth the visit.

Catering!

More antipasto!

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Saturdays offerings!

Captain Vitos Fresh Seafood

4.3(10 reviews)

0.1 mi

Item(s) ordered: Fish tacos (haddock) and tostones (and a Coke Zero)…read moreThe review: Two stars for two things--cute presentation and crispy tostones. They barely had any of the seafood advertised, and even when deciding what to order, they referred me to a menu that they actually could not offer. On the brink of hangriness, I ordered the fish tacos with haddock because there were no other options, and there was barely any fish in the tacos. I wish they had been honest that they did not have what I was looking for. MOST memorable was when the waiter profiled me and decided to go on a fanatical rant for about fifteen minutes, as to why I should read the New Testament and accept Christ. The owner witnessed this interaction and my obvious immense discomfort, and didn't do a thing. Oh, and the tostones said they came with an aioli/sauce and they gave me ketchup. Honestly upset that I paid for any of this.

Absolutely the best pork tacos I have ever had in my entire life and I've been here for 20+ yearsread more

Shrimp cocktail platter

Fresh salmon

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5 cheese Mac and Cheese with seared scallops.

Cape Ann Fresh Catch

3.7(17 reviews)

1.1 mi

Great local business that makes it insanely easy to get locally caught fish delivered to your home…read more These fish were swimming in the Atlantic hours ago - and they deliver! This is like magic. Fresh as hell. And the smoked salmon is A+.

I find their fish to be previously frozen. Look at the flesh of the fish; it has micro serrations…read moreall over due to freeze. When a fish is frozen, the water within the flesh of the fish expands. When it expands, it pierces the flesh of the fish (think icicles) and creates a mushy flesh. With exception of Monkfish and perhaps Redfish, other fishes like haddock, hake, pollock all have signs of being previously frozen. Very disappointed

Cape Ann Olive Oil Co

4.3(12 reviews)

0.0 mi

I came here with a small group of friends and was amazed by the big selection of balsamics and…read moreolive oil. I taste tested a couple that I liked which included the medium extra virgin oil, garlic olive oil and the white truffle olive oil. The balsamics were very tasty and my favorite one were the mango and black mission figs. I really enjoyed how each label had the best food pairings which made it easier to shop. I got the garlic olive oil and the black mission fig balsamic bundle for $14.

This is such a cute oil store in Downtown Gloucester! The staff is super friendly and welcoming,…read moreand the atmosphere is such a vibe. They have a plethora of different oils to choose from here, and the best part is you can sample ALL of them. I had a blast walking around here with my girlfriend and trying all of them, and truly they taste better than in the North End. 10/10, I will 100% be back here!

Label

Some of the specialty food items

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Outside of the shop in Downtown Gloucester

Gorton's Seafood

3.0(1 review)

0.5 mi

I usually have a few bags of Gorton's Fish Sticks somewhere in the freezer out of convenience - I…read morehave enjoyed them most of my life although I never consider this a meal, for me it's more of a meal replacement or snack when I'm hungry and can't decide on what I want to eat. I usually pop them in a conventional over pre-heated to 425 degrees on parchment paper, flip them after 9 minutes and cook them another 9 minutes to get them a little more crispy than recommended on the package. I don't think this is the healthiest option being I dunk them in copious amounts of ketchup and hot sauce, but probably better than eating a chocolate cake...

Ketchup and Hot Sauce for Dipping

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The Cave - cheese - Updated August 2026

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Vin Fromage

5.0

(3 reviews)

We love Vin Fromage ... what a place! Wonderful selection and the staff ... the best! We don't know…read moremuch about wine & cheese and they help curate the perfect pairing and gift suggestions. Everyone that works there is warm and friendly and we love to visit ... major inspiration. If you need a gift, a good bottle of wine and cheese - or a sandwich, this is the place! Overall a wonderful experience!!!

Great place to find uncommon wines, spirits and also amazing cheeses and meats. So glad I found…read morethis place, it's the definition of a hidden gem!

Wolf Meadow Farm

5.0

(10 reviews)

Put the address into your GPS and go there now. Fantastic artisan cheeses and very nice Italian…read moreowners/operators. You can see the manufacturing facility through a large windoe right behind the display case. Their red pepper scamorza is my new favorite cheese on the planet. I have to buy twice as much as I want because I eat half on my way home. I have a similar problem with the ricotta. Before it makes it to the mannicotti or lasagna it was intended for it will be devoured with crackers. Nevermind the fantastic caprese salads during the summer with the mozzarella. Even the crackers they sell are imported from Italy and are top notch.

Wolf Meadow Farm is unbelievable: a stunning transplant of a one-room caseificio from the Apennines…read moreof Italy to the New England town of Amesbury. Here Luca, Christina, and Hakim create artisanal cheeses that embody Carlo Petrini's Slow Food movement: food should be good, clean, and fair. There is an exuberance to their art. They know that their cheese-making improves the cows and environment, that their cheese protects and deepens the "cultura del formaggio", and that their products WILL amaze you by their deliciousness! I highly recommend the cheese-making classes as well. I'd pay just to hear Luca's commentary on life, much less to learn how to make cheese from him! Even after studying food in Italy, I've never come across anyone so passionate about dairy. You'll love the teaching on how cheese is made, the process of making it yourself, the wine, bread, and cheese provided to the students, and the block you get to take home. If you live in New England, come visit Wolf Meadow Farm!

Traditional Breads

4.7

(6 reviews)

Traditional is good if your looking for a delicious fresh loaf of bread…read more They're breads with nuts olives are just wonderful. (*TIP*) When you walk in, look towards the register, many times they have samples out for you to try. Waiting your turn in line suddenly becomes bearable. It's right along the noisy highway, but it's never too loud to have a nice time enjoying your baked goods. While the bakery is huge, the retail outlet is very small so this isn't the place to sit down or meet someone. Get your bread, stuff it in your mouth and go!

Traditional breads new location is right off the Lynnway north right on Pleasant Street after…read moreMarket street. They have opened up a fantastic bakery outlet - with all sorts of goodies, breads-ciabatta, boules, focaccia, rolls, pies, scones and cookies. Traditional breads does the rolls for alot of great restaurants, like Joe's among others. Every time I go there to cheat on my diet, I overload on all sorts of goodies for my house and my freezer. However, I have yet to spend over 10 bucks. A loaf of fresh bread is like $1.50. They use a color system on how old it is (its posted over the cash register) so check that out to ensure best product purchase. Cash only too. Not completely positive on hours, but they are open on Saturday too.

Henry's

3.8

(80 reviews)

I don't know why you changed your apple fritters but what a disappointment. Different consistency,…read moretwo tiny pieces of dried apple. Now I need to search for a new place.:(

Very sad to report that a 25 year Christmas Eve tradition of preparing homemade Lebanese Meat Pies…read morewas ruined this year by ground lamb which smelled of decay and was unfit to eat. This was true for both a package of preordered lamb and an off-the-shelf package of lamb patties. The odor was so strong as to leave me wondering how it had not been detected during packaging. Although they refunded my money, the meat manager failed to come and offer a personal apology.

Whimsy's

4.0

(31 reviews)

The Whimsy Cafe is right in downtown Salem, close to lots of cute boutiques, and it has more than…read morejust ice cream. They also sell chocolates and gifts, adding to the "fun little shop" feel as soon as you walk in. I went specifically for ice cream because I was looking for a nearby ice cream shop, and this one caught my eye. It wasn't too crowded when I visited, and the staff was relaxed, friendly, and helpful while getting my scoop ready. I ordered a cookies-and-cream-style flavor with a blue base and cookie crumbles, and it was exactly what I needed on a hot Friday afternoon during a Massachusetts heat wave. I got the smallest (pixie, 4oz) size, and it was plenty for me. Overall, it's a very cute, kitschy little shop that's easy to pop into if you're in town. I wish I'd had more time to explore the gifts and chocolates, but even just stopping in for ice cream was a fun treat.

Whimsical little spot--Whimsy's is a charming Salem boutique and dessert shop with very witchy…read morevibes. This Salem gift shop is packed with Christmas decorations, holiday ornaments, candles, and witchy goodies, + chocolate and ice cream. I picked up a heart ornament with painted gold accents. The staff was incredibly friendly, and we chatted for a while--he even shared a recipe for German mulled wine. Whimsy's is great for unique gifts, seasonal decor and sweets. A must-visit boutique in Salem for holiday shopping and magical/one-of-a-kind goodies.

Broadway Convenient Mart

4.0

(5 reviews)

I bought some sour punch bites, very tasty, and service was amazing. Lastly they had some good…read moredeals, overall one of the best.

One of my favorite store's i go all the time nice service very friendly and convenientread more

Henry's Wine Cellar

3.8

(12 reviews)

After making our picnic selections at Henry's fine foods next door, we stopped into the wine cellar…read morefor a champagne to pair. The salesperson guided me in the right direction for a reasonably-priced but good quality choice. While champagne was our goal, we also added a six-pack of local saison and two other specialty beers to our purchase. You can easily walk away with an armful here. If you're a local, grab a frequent buyer card.

Henry's has a great selection and competitive prices and now has Katrina as manager - the most…read moreexperienced wine expert on the North Shore. Katrina has travelled so much to taste and curate wines, with her personal recommendations, you feel like you have travelled with her. Her recommendations are spot on and always welcome. I love this place and the personalized recommendations relative to the anonymous buying at the big warehouse stores.

Kakawa Chocolate House

4.3

(121 reviews)

Came in on 7/17 -- absolutely phenomenal service. All three girls working were so kind and helpful,…read moreand genuinely seemed excited about the products. Our drinks and treats were also delicious -- homemade strawberry lemonade was a surprise hit!

The perfect dessert for a hot day, and it is hot today in Salem. I actually wish I had asked for…read moremore info about this chocolate shop. The chocolate here tasted different to me. It had a stronger chocolate flavor and was not overly sweet. It's funny I was thinking about it when I tasted it. But didn't ask for more information about it. The store is cute. They have a counter with chocolate-dipped fruit and other things. They had cookies and brownies. They had another window that you could get milkshakes from. You could watch them do it. I had a vanilla been ice-cream with a salty brownie. It was WOW. The service was good. She gave me options and recommendations. The staff was friendly and helpful. This was a good find.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie

4.0

(171 reviews)

Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy store in the United States - they have been open since…read more1806! They are famous for their Gibralters and their Blackjacks - I of course, took home both. The Gibralters come in lemon and peppermint flavor - they are big pieces of candy that are made to be broken and shared. I also took home two of the blue raspberry flavored fruit jellies which didn't make it very far - I'm a sucker for anything blue raspberry flavored. The inside of Ye Olde Pepper Companie is very small, the line took up the entire store and people actually had to wait outside until people left before they could come in. The line moved quickly though and they were very organized when helping customers. There are no tables to sit at, just tables, cases and shelves of candy! They offered chocolates, fudge, Saltwater Taffy, caramel corn and even brittles. Is it the best candy in the world? No, but I love knowing that I got to visit and purchase candy from the oldest one in America. Staff were very friendly and they gave me a See's Candy vibe minus the cute little outfits. I will definitely visit again if I get the chance! Check out a part of history!

On my visit to Salem, I stopped by here for chocolate. I loved the candy, I could taste the…read moredifference in the chocolate, compared to ones I normally eat. I loved that they had gift candy boxes. Small parking, I had to park across the street. But if you're not from here, the streets are so small it takes like 5 steps. Easy to find & easy to park.

Lanesville Package Store

4.4

(9 reviews)