11 South Coast Massachusetts Restaurants Where The Portions Are Big And The Prices Are Surprisingly Small
One seafood shack on this list serves fried ice cream right alongside its fried clam plates. I love that detail.
It tells you the kitchen takes fun as seriously as it takes fish.
The surprises keep coming from there. A Dominican eatery spins tunes on a jukebox while seasoned chicken lands on mounds of rice and beans.
A pizzeria turns out a family-sized pie at a price locals love to brag about. Then a tiny sandwich shop piles on so much steak that the bread can barely hold on.
This corner of Massachusetts runs on Portuguese grills, fried seafood, and old school Italian comfort food. The prices stay friendly, and the plates arrive loaded.
Leftovers seem to be part of the deal.
A cheap meal that turns into tomorrow’s lunch feels like a great excuse for a road trip. Which plate will you split first?
1. Caravela Restaurant, Fall River, MA
Family-sized portions are the house style here, and that includes tables of one. Caravela Restaurant cooks no-frills Portuguese food that lands on the plate in generous heaps.
Chicken is the headliner, so start there. The chicken plates come out tender, flavorful, and large enough to make you rethink dessert plans.
Then again, dessert is on the menu, so maybe don’t rethink too hard. A sweet finish after a big Portuguese lunch feels like a smart life choice.
Chorizo fans should pay attention too. The chorizo has a strong following, and it brings that smoky, spicy kick the region loves.
Fall River has deep Portuguese roots, and this kitchen leans right into them. You get comfort food that tastes like it belongs in this part of Massachusetts.
Bringing kids along? A kids’ menu and high chairs make family meals easy, and the room stays casual and relaxed.
Takeout is a big part of the action here. Grab a chicken dinner to go and turn your hotel room or backyard into a Portuguese feast.
Planning a party? Catering is available, which means you can feed a whole crowd of cousins without turning on your own stove.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from late morning into the evening, with shorter Sunday hours. Mondays are closed, so plan your chicken cravings around that.
Big plates, fair prices, and friendly faces make this stop an easy win. Find Caravela Restaurant at 637 S Main St, Fall River, MA 02721.
2. La Candela, New Bedford, MA
A jukebox in the room and seasoned chicken on the plate? That combo makes La Candela one of the most fun cheap eats in New Bedford.
This Dominican eatery serves traditional Latin food at prices that seem almost too friendly. Plates of hot rice, salad, and Spanish-style meat arrive fresh and filling.
The rice gets a lot of love, and for good reason. Pair it with beans and chicken for a classic plate.
Portions are big, so a single plate can handle a serious appetite. Don’t be shocked if you save some for later.
Breakfast and brunch are on the menu too. Doors open at 9:30 AM daily, so you can start your day here.
Need speed? Counter service keeps things quick, which makes it a great pick for a lunch break.
Healthy options are part of the lineup as well. That means you can eat well without spending much.
Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs ready. Free Wi-Fi is a nice extra if you want to linger.
Can’t stay? Takeout and delivery bring Dominican comfort food to your door.
Catering works for parties and gatherings too.
Spice up your next Massachusetts road trip with something different and delicious. Find La Candela at 811 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740.
3. Novo Mundo Restaurant, South Dartmouth, MA
Flame-grilled chicken has a funny way of making plans disappear. At Novo Mundo Restaurant, that chicken is the reason people keep coming back.
This unassuming South Dartmouth spot specializes in traditional Portuguese cooking. The grilled chicken leads the pack, but the menu has plenty more Portuguese specialties.
Portions are huge, and prices stay fair. Your plate might look more like a family platter than a single meal.
The room is small and casual. Service moves quickly, so lunch fits easily into a busy day.
Save room for dessert if you can. Sweets are a strong part of the menu here, and good coffee rounds things out nicely.
Families can relax, since kids are welcome. A kids’ menu and high chairs make the visit simple.
Planning ahead is easy too. The restaurant accepts reservations, which is handy for birthday dinners or group outings.
Want to eat at home instead? Takeout is available, so that grilled chicken can ride along with you.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday closes earlier at 5 PM, and Monday is a day off.
Pair your meal with a drive along the scenic South Coast for a perfect day out. Head to Novo Mundo Restaurant at 24 Cove Rd, South Dartmouth, MA 02748.
4. Genes Famous Seafood, Fairhaven, MA
Fried whole belly clams, stuffed quahogs, and lobster rolls all on one menu? Genes Famous Seafood is basically a South Coast seafood sampler in shack form.
Fish and chips are a top pick here. The portions are hearty, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend.
Clam cakes and clam strips keep the fried fun going. Scallops are another tasty option for seafood lovers.
Stuffed quahogs are a true local specialty. If you’re new to the South Coast, this is a great place to try one.
Orders are placed at the counter, and service moves fast. That makes it easy to swing by on a beach day.
The inside is charming and comfortable. Outdoor seating is also available, and dogs are allowed outside.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Free Wi-Fi is there if someone needs to post a lobster roll photo right away.
Hours run from noon to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday closes at 5 PM, and Monday is closed.
Fairhaven sits right across the harbor from New Bedford. It’s a fun town to explore after a big seafood lunch.
Fresh seafood, big portions, and fair prices make this shack an easy favorite. Visit Genes Famous Seafood at 146 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
5. Roger’s Family Restaurant – Somerset, Somerset, MA
Some portions here look like they came with their own zip code. Roger’s Family Restaurant in Somerset is known for serving plates that are huge for the money.
The menu mixes fresh seafood with a wide range of American comfort food. You can go classic, go coastal, or go both.
Breakfast starts at 7 AM, Wednesday through Sunday. Brunch fans will also find plenty to love.
Lunch and dinner bring more seafood and hearty favorites. Healthy options are on the menu too, if you want something lighter.
Dessert is a strong finish here. Good coffee helps that last bite go down even easier.
Families are the heart of this place. Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are ready for little ones.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with group plans. Free Wi-Fi is available while you wait for your food.
Taking food home is simple. The takeout process is quick and easy, so dinner can be ready when you are.
Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM. Sunday ends at noon, and the restaurant closes Monday and Tuesday.
For a filling meal that feels like a family tradition in Massachusetts, this is the spot. Visit Roger’s Family Restaurant at 1229 Wilbur Ave, Somerset, MA 02725.
6. Reds Kitchen, Swansea, MA
The steak in these sandwiches might need its own seat. Reds Kitchen in Swansea piles meat so high that the bread looks outnumbered.
Cheesesteaks are the main event here. The Korean BBQ cheesesteak is a fan favorite, with a sweet and savory twist on the classic.
Feeling adventurous? Try the chicken peri pickle sandwich for something tangy and fun.
The Italian grinder and the steak sub are other solid picks. Each one comes out huge and full of flavor.
Fries deserve a mention too. Specialty loaded fries come in big portions that can easily be shared.
Ordering is simple at the counter. Service is quick, so you won’t spend long waiting to dig in.
Tables are available if you want to eat on site. A fireplace adds a nice touch, and the place is good for watching sports.
Prefer to stay home? Takeout and delivery are both options, and catering can feed a game day crowd.
Hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday is noon to 5 PM, and Monday and Tuesday are closed.
Big sandwiches and friendly prices make Swansea worth the drive. Find Reds Kitchen at 29 Market St Ste 2, Swansea, MA 02777.
7. Kozy Nook Restaurant, Westport, MA
A restaurant with a long story is often a good sign for comfort food. Kozy Nook Restaurant in Westport has been serving homestyle American fare for years.
The food tastes like a home-cooked meal, minus the dishes. Portions are generous, and the prices stay easy on your wallet.
The setting is easygoing and casual. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and take your time.
Seasonal outdoor seating is a nice bonus. On a sunny day, eating outside in Westport feels like a mini vacation.
Vegetarians aren’t left out here. A full vegetarian menu means more choices for everyone at your table.
Save room for dessert, because it’s one of the highlights. Good coffee makes the perfect sidekick.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Groups are welcome, and reservations are accepted.
Need your meal to go? Takeout is available, so you can bring that comfort food home.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM. The restaurant closes Sunday and Monday.
Westport is a lovely Massachusetts town with farms and coastline to explore. Make a day of it and stop at Kozy Nook Restaurant at 645 State Rd, Westport, MA 02790.
8. Ma Raffa’s Italian Restaurant | New Bedford, New Bedford, MA
Thin-crust pizza and meatballs make a pretty convincing argument for skipping the stove tonight. Ma Raffa’s Italian Restaurant serves old school Italian staples in a relaxed, family-operated dining room.
The pizza deals are the stuff of local legend. Large cheese pies come at prices that feel like a happy typo.
Meatballs deserve a spot on your order too. They’re a house staple, and they pair nicely with a big plate of pasta.
Portions here are huge, so think about sharing. Or don’t, and enjoy lunch again tomorrow.
Craving something lighter? The Buffalo chicken salad is a menu highlight with a little kick.
Full vegetarian and vegan menus also mean more friends can join the fun.
Families get plenty of support. You’ll find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Need a bigger space? A private dining room is available, and the restaurant accepts reservations.
Catering can bring the pasta party to you.
Staying in works too. Takeout and delivery are both options, so pajamas are welcome at your own table.
The restaurant opens at 11 AM and closes at 8:30 PM most days. Tuesday is the day off, so plan pizza night for another evening.
Clean, tasty, and wildly affordable Italian food is a solid reason to visit New Bedford. Stop by Ma Raffa’s Italian Restaurant at 85 Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740.
9. Roger’s Coney Island Hot Dogs, Fall River, MA
Breakfast at six in the morning or a hot dog at dinner? You can have either one at Roger’s Coney Island Hot Dogs, since breakfast is served all day.
The star order has a name you won’t forget. The Roger Dodger brings a couple of hot dogs with a big pile of fries, and it makes a fast, affordable meal.
Coney Island-style dogs are the specialty here. They’re a South Coast tradition, and this spot treats them with real respect.
Not in a hot dog mood? The menu has lots of choices, from home-style breakfast plates to comfort food for lunch and dinner.
Portions run very generous, so pace yourself. Your fork may need a short break halfway through.
Coffee lovers get a nice perk too. Refills are free, which makes a slow morning here feel even better.
The vibe is casual and quiet, with counter service and table seating. There’s also outdoor seating when the weather plays nice.
Families fit right in, thanks to a kids’ menu and high chairs. Groups and road trippers will feel at home as well.
Hours start early, Monday through Saturday from 6 AM until 8 PM. Sunday wraps up at 2 PM, so set that alarm if you want weekend pancakes.
For a cheap, filling, classic Massachusetts meal, this is a fun stop. Pull up to Roger’s Coney Island Hot Dogs at 1518 N Main St, Fall River, MA 02720.
10. Seafood Hut, Acushnet, MA
Fried ice cream after fried clams sounds like a dare, but it’s actually on the menu. Seafood Hut in Acushnet keeps things playful from start to finish.
Fish and chips are the big draw here. The portions are generous, and the price stays very fair.
The fish sandwich with fries is another smart choice. It’s a great size and a real deal.
Seafood platters are perfect for the indecisive eater. Scallop platters and fried clam plates are both popular picks.
Lobster rolls and fried shrimp round out the menu. There’s a little something for every seafood mood.
Service is quick and casual, with no table service. You order, grab your food, and enjoy.
A small outdoor seating area lets you eat in the fresh air. Takeout works well for a picnic too.
Kids are welcome, and there’s a kids’ menu for them.
Hours run most days from late morning into the evening. Tuesday is closed, and Friday stays open a bit later.
Fresh, fried, and fun, this little shack is a must for seafood fans. Head to Seafood Hut at 2 S Main St, Acushnet, MA 02743.
11. Nick’s Homemade Pizza House, Mattapoisett, MA
Leftovers are practically guaranteed here. Nick’s Homemade Pizza House serves big portions, so tomorrow’s lunch is basically taken care of.
This long-standing pizzeria is a local staple in Mattapoisett. It serves classic pizzas, subs, and salads made the old-fashioned way.
The family-sized pizza is the hero of the menu. It’s known for great quality at a price that’s hard to top around here.
Chicken lovers, take note. Dishes with chicken are some of the most popular choices.
Subs and salads give you more ways to fill up. Mix and match for a feast that works for the whole crew.
Ordering is easy at the counter, and service moves fast. You can eat in, take it out, or get delivery.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside. That makes it a great stop on a sunny day.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Groups fit in nicely, too.
Hours run daily, with Sunday hours from noon to 6:30 PM. Friday and Saturday stay open a little later.
Mattapoisett is a charming coastal town, perfect for a stroll after pizza. Grab a pie at Nick’s Homemade Pizza House at 27 County Rd, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.