The Black Whale was created by New Bedford locals to honor the seafaring heritage of New Bedford and the world-famous seafood bounty landed in its port. Steve Silverstein, The Black Whale owner, comes from a family that is as New Bedford as it gets. In 1900, Silverstein's, The Family Store, opened selling basic dry goods from a pushcart in the South End of New Bedford.
Steve was the fourth generation to operate Silverstein's, which prospered until 1998. Steve grew up in New Bedford, working as a scalloper in the summers developing a deep love of New Bedford's seafaring history, especially the fishing industry. The Black Whale is designed to be an innovative seafood kitchen with a great bar.
Steve was the fourth generation to operate Silverstein's, which prospered until 1998. Steve grew up in New Bedford, working as a scalloper in the summers developing a deep love of New Bedford's seafaring history, especially the fishing industry. The Black Whale is designed to be an innovative seafood kitchen with a great bar.
Services
Stop by our Whale's Tail Clam Bar, open Thursday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 8 PM. Located right across the pier from The Black Whale. Whale's Tail is an old school "clam bar": a "shack" serving fresh, locally caught seafood in a casual, beachy environment. It's a place that is fun and cool, where locals can gather and get a taste of the fishing industry.
As a club member, we'll send you a welcome gift, birthday gift and offer you a variety of perks. You will be asked to critique our offerings and make menu suggestions. We will help you to get a seat, you will be the first to know about special events and new products and we'll even share recipes with you.
Reviews (28)
Lindsey G.
Jan 30, 2022
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Kristen H.
Jan 26, 2022
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Wendell Jones
Jan 26, 2022
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I had the opportunity to have dinner at The Black Whale again on Monday, January 24 2022. This was only my second visit and the prior visit was several years ago.
The Black Whale is on the waterfront in New Bedford, near the ferry terminal. Parking is free. If you are lucky enough to get a table by the window, you will be rewarded with seeing fishing boats tied up at the docks. New Bedford is a working fishing port that brings in the most, in terms of value, seafood in the whole U.S., so expect fresh seafood at The Black Whale.
The Black Whale has sushi, has a raw bar and of course serves seafood
The Black Whale is on the waterfront in New Bedford, near the ferry terminal. Parking is free. If you are lucky enough to get a table by the window, you will be rewarded with seeing fishing boats tied up at the docks. New Bedford is a working fishing port that brings in the most, in terms of value, seafood in the whole U.S., so expect fresh seafood at The Black Whale.
The Black Whale has sushi, has a raw bar and of course serves seafood
Tony L.
Jan 26, 2022
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Went here on a Tuesday night. Place was busy but didn't seem stuff. Great overall ambiance but slightly close together tables in dining room Kelly our waitress was great. Discussed the food, made some great suggestions. Tuesday night was Tuesday two person dinner special. We had the soup (Fisherman's Stew) shown below, which was great! For dinner, we had swordfish kebab and lobster thermador. All delicious. If you come to New Bedford and don't try this place you're missing out. When we first called the phone was not able to be answered but Matt called us right back and took
Maggie W.
Jan 24, 2022
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Alexis Kay
Jan 19, 2022
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I wish I could give half (or even .75) ratings, because this place would get 4.75 stars. The waitress (Kimbra) didn't hurry us at all despite it being crowded, and was quite helpful. All the wait/bar staff wear masks, which is a huge plus in my opinion (people eating do not have to wear one).
The drinks were great (if you like bourbon, get the bourbon renewal, it's delicious and unique), and the atmosphere was laid back. View of the water is a huge plus for me.
Seafood was superb, and the succotash with the bacon wrapped scallops was the perfect complement to them. Creme brulee was lovely as
The drinks were great (if you like bourbon, get the bourbon renewal, it's delicious and unique), and the atmosphere was laid back. View of the water is a huge plus for me.
Seafood was superb, and the succotash with the bacon wrapped scallops was the perfect complement to them. Creme brulee was lovely as
Melissa H.
Jan 12, 2022
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Celebrated my daughter's birthday here and we couldn't have had a better experience! Our server Lauren was absolutely amazing very attentive, so sweet and very accommodating to our party. We were greeted and seated promptly to our table and almost instantly served waters, dip and crackers, yum. We started with drinks, I had the Spicy Watermelon Margarita which exceeded my expectations! I had to try a sip of the espresso martini and will definitely have to order one for myself next visit. For appetizers we tried both the boom boom shrimp (yum!) and of course the clam chowder, which was
Steve F.
Dec 13, 2021
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Lindsey D.
Dec 09, 2021
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Stephen Kamionek Jr
Nov 25, 2021
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First time going to Black Whale and it was outstanding! Have made 2 more reservations for this week.
We went back Saturday, now with full family of 11. Same waitress provided outstanding service. Recommended other locations under same owner. Will be visiting them in the near future. Steve S. Please give our waitress a nice large snifter of Jefferson's Ocean for her outstanding service.
We went back Saturday, now with full family of 11. Same waitress provided outstanding service. Recommended other locations under same owner. Will be visiting them in the near future. Steve S. Please give our waitress a nice large snifter of Jefferson's Ocean for her outstanding service.
Fred B.
Nov 07, 2021
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Excellent meal, terrific service and very good ambience. We have been fans of Cork for a long time, another stalwart in the budding New Bedford restaurant scene. The Black Whale makes for a worthy competitor, but I have no doubt that both places will thrive as they serve different purposes.
Cork is great for drinks and tapas but if you want a full meal, try the Black Whale. OUTSTANDING in every way. But make reservations ahead and expect a very small wait.
Cork is great for drinks and tapas but if you want a full meal, try the Black Whale. OUTSTANDING in every way. But make reservations ahead and expect a very small wait.
Jeri D.
Oct 23, 2021
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We found this restaurant on a suggestion on an air B&b site we stayed at. WOW! Pretty much sums up our experience at This restaurant. What a find!
FYI it actually took me a bit to find my way to write this Yelp review for I've never done one before. To sum up our dining experience at the Black Whale can't be done shortly. Excuse me as I try to keep this short.
we actually had to make reservations for dining at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a Sat. We were promptly seated on their outdoor patio. The entree selections sounded amazing so we skipped right to the meal. I had the
FYI it actually took me a bit to find my way to write this Yelp review for I've never done one before. To sum up our dining experience at the Black Whale can't be done shortly. Excuse me as I try to keep this short.
we actually had to make reservations for dining at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a Sat. We were promptly seated on their outdoor patio. The entree selections sounded amazing so we skipped right to the meal. I had the
R. P.
Oct 18, 2021
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Karen T.
Oct 15, 2021
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Jess A.
Oct 06, 2021
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Pretty good food, friendly for dogs in the outdoor area. View isn't pretty, you're kind of surrounded by stinky boats. But if you can get past that the food is good. The waitress I had was beyond slow though. Like legitimately one of the slowest waitresses I've ever had in my life. She took five minutes to get me water, even longer to grab my drink order - by that time I had my food ready but she was for some reason not ready to take my order. Don't even get me started on how long it took for her to grab my card, return the check for signature. I was hoping to have a nice meal
Ann B.
Sep 22, 2021
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The food was delicious, really enjoyed the lobster cooked in both ways. Loved it so much that I would go at least once a month to this restaurant even though I live far from it. Didn’t like for a server, a girl, who acted with arrogance when we asked her if she was the hostess. The real hostess instead was very welcoming and helpful!
Alfonso Gonzalez
Sep 22, 2021
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Noah Kess
Sep 20, 2021
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Came in with 9 friends during the lunch rush. They still managed to seat us in a little over 10 minutes. Waiter quickly took our order, 6 oysters and swordfish kebabs for me. They brought out my friends clam chowder, which I don't normally even eat, but he pressed me to try it. Suffice to say it was amazing! So then they bring out a cod and cream cheese dip with crackers, also really good, not to fishy and just the right texture. Then my oysters came out. They were some of the best I've ever had! Perfect amount of brine, chewy but not overly so, and with a creaminess to them. The swordfish came
Robert C.
Sep 18, 2021
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Had the grilled Kabob Swordfish and it was super fresh. Everything is fresh and well seasoned. I'm from Florida an know good seafood, and this place won't disappoint. It's also a good value for what they are serving here. I will be coming here often especially when i'm catching the ferry to or from Nantucket/Martha's
Tim K.
Sep 16, 2021
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Had a fun time at the Whale. Nice night to be outside (under the big tent) and enjoy dinner.
A good meal starts with a good server and we had one. If you don't want an appetizer that's fine because they give you some tasty crackers and dip to snack on. They've got a nice array of specialty cocktails to choose from.
For the entrée the choice was the Latin crusted grilled salmon. It's served with salsa Verde tomato corn and avocado on glazed sweet potatoes. Very good! The salmon was prepared just right. Not dry, not under cooked. The corn and avocado side was delicious.
A good meal starts with a good server and we had one. If you don't want an appetizer that's fine because they give you some tasty crackers and dip to snack on. They've got a nice array of specialty cocktails to choose from.
For the entrée the choice was the Latin crusted grilled salmon. It's served with salsa Verde tomato corn and avocado on glazed sweet potatoes. Very good! The salmon was prepared just right. Not dry, not under cooked. The corn and avocado side was delicious.
Brittany M.
Sep 15, 2021
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Food was average, not bad but not amazing. Our food took over an hour to come out for our party of six. It was pretty busy for a Sunday evening. Inside atmosphere is nice and I liked the drink menu options. Our waitress Kelsey was great. I'd give it a try if you're in the area, especially if you like seafood as the menu primarily consists of it
Tony L.
Aug 30, 2021
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Hello Steve!
I have to tell you how wonderful a visit to The Black Whale we had this afternoon. We stayed at Pope's island Marina and dinghied over. We have heard SO much positiveness we had to see for ourselves. As this was my 63rd birthday celebration, we were hesitant of trying a new restaurant, but we (again) have heard nothing by great things so today was the day!
We arrived and were greeted by your host. the establishment is spotless and bright! Clean is an understatement. We asked for a window seat and he accommodated us fully and cheerfully. Lauren our server was a complete ray
I have to tell you how wonderful a visit to The Black Whale we had this afternoon. We stayed at Pope's island Marina and dinghied over. We have heard SO much positiveness we had to see for ourselves. As this was my 63rd birthday celebration, we were hesitant of trying a new restaurant, but we (again) have heard nothing by great things so today was the day!
We arrived and were greeted by your host. the establishment is spotless and bright! Clean is an understatement. We asked for a window seat and he accommodated us fully and cheerfully. Lauren our server was a complete ray
Karen Casillas
Aug 28, 2021
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Erik Domingues
Aug 16, 2021
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Brad B.
Aug 14, 2021
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Great atmosphere very professional waiters and hosts super friendly. Drinks were not skimpy. Prices Very reasonable. Steve also owns Cisco Brewery among others so you will never go wrong eating at any of his establishments. Tuna Poke good but needed a bit more flavor same with the Booming shrimp both problems solved when the waiter brought some ginger and wasabi. My Steamers were fresh and delicious. Blackened swordfish was tender and fresh but again needed a bit more seasoning. Creme Brûlée delicious. Black Whale is hands down better than Merrill.
Neyra Castaner
Aug 14, 2021
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Joe Wilkins
Jun 23, 2021
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This place is happening! Bustling. Large indoor/outdoor seating . A huge rectangular bar with lots of happy customers. The food is very good with professional staff. While this place was full we were never crowded,plenty of space to feel comfortable. Grilled scallops with fingerling potatoes and garlic green beans was excellent.Raw bar had non stop amazing plates exiting constantly. Our bartender Caroline (Sunday) is great!
Lauren S.
Feb 15, 2021
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Valentine's Lunch at The Black Whale in New Bedford, MA which is located on the New Bedford waterfront. The restaurant is right on Pier 3 facing the harbor with the scallop boats in direct view, a quintessential New England setting.
Cocktails - Espresso Martini and Cisco Whales Tail Pale Ale (Nantucket). Both were excellent and the Martini had a strong pleasant espresso bean flavor.
Appetizer - Complimentary smoked shredded cod and cream cheese spread served with crackers. Absolutely delicious!
Entrees -
Sake Marinated Chilean Sea Bass with ginger-coconut risotto with fingerling potatoes
Cocktails - Espresso Martini and Cisco Whales Tail Pale Ale (Nantucket). Both were excellent and the Martini had a strong pleasant espresso bean flavor.
Appetizer - Complimentary smoked shredded cod and cream cheese spread served with crackers. Absolutely delicious!
Entrees -
Sake Marinated Chilean Sea Bass with ginger-coconut risotto with fingerling potatoes
