Duckworth Bistrot is my favorite restaurant in Gloucester! The food is fabulous and very consistent - never an off night! The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. Waiter even has a pickle business on the side - which reminds me - try the Maitland Mountain Mary (Great Bloody Mary)! The scallops on sweet potato puree as an app. was mouthwatering, the Panfried Fluke was moist and delicious, the Lobster Risotto was excellent! I never have room for dessert but you must try the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Banana Cake! They will bring tears to your eyes! Best restaurant in Glosta!!!! read more

Incredibly delicious. I had the corn soup, lobster risotto, aaaaaand the Bell and Evans game hen. The menu offers half and full portions, so you can sample a variety of features. They also have a great selection of wine. You will need to make reservations in advance. It's one bistro you've got to experience when in the area. 5 stars for the chef, service, and food. read more

We read about this cozy little spot on Yelp, and decided to give it a try. It was fantastic! A warm atmosphere with excellent food. We are from Chicago and have pretty high restaurant standards--Duckworth's passed our test with flying colors. It was a genuine and delightful surprise. We found the 1/2 plates were a great way to try a few more items while saving room for dessert. We'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

I had a late reservation for Duckworth's on a Friday night. Even though our reservation was at 9PM, we were not seated until closer to 9:30. I realized that this was not the fault of the restaurant as a large table of women were taking a bit longer than expected to finish up their drinks. After we were seated, the host comp'd us our initial round of wine that we had ordered at the bar. I was not expecting this nor did I think it was necessary, but it was a very nice gesture that was appreciated. It only got better from there. My date and I split a 1/2 order of a scallop dinner as an appetizer and it was very good and fresh. For dinner, she had the half order of the lobster risotto while I had a half order of duck. Both to die for. Half orders are very decent in size and if you order an appetizer, you should be satisfied. We normally do not order dessert, but we were feeling pretty good about the experience and heard good things about their chocolate offerings. Again, they did not disappoint. By far the best restaurant in the area. read more

Duckworth's Bistrot is still going strong. Several meals later ... romantic dinner for two ... or group of six ... everything is the very best: price, food, service, atmosphere. read more

A MUST!! So happy to have gotten a reservation. Parking was a bit challenging in the beginning because the designation of spots is not very clear. Go to the water and park in front of the harbor. You'll be safe there! The meal was excellent but the dessert was superb! Peppermint Stick ice cream cake with a chocolate graham cookie crust. I want to go to there again! The service was excellent and the warm bread from Iggi's, just the perfect way to start a great dinner service. read more

This place is awesome. a very cozy place, maybe 10 tables only, but the food was fantastic! Even the bread was so good that I can't stop eating. Ordered mushroom soup and lobster risotto. The soup was very creamy and smooth, great mushroom flavor. The Lobster risotto was very good as well. I only ordered the half size, but it has a lot of lobster in it and they are very fresh. The creaminess of the risotto and the freshness of the lobster made the dish perfect. Will definitely come back to try more other dishes. read more

The food is fabulous, and we keep trying to like the restaurant. But, alas, it is not the place two people can go to enjoy quiet conversation over dinner. No matter what time you go (and we've tried them all!), you are packed into a tiny table amongst several large parties. They don't have the right space to host these kinds of parties in the main dining area. You'll notice that the best reviews are by parties larger than two. Hope they will expand! read more

Very good. The lobster risotto was one of the best I've ever had. I thought Davio's lobster risotto was good, until I tried Duckworth's. You can order half orders of just about everything and that is what we did. The fish, I think it was cod or some other white fish, was delicious. It was topped with a simple lemon sauce, but it was delicate and delicious. The only drawback is that the food took soooo long to come out of the kitchen. Very busy, so make reservations. There is a small bar but it is very small, sitting only 4 or 5 people. read more

We have been wanting to come here for several years now and just never get it together to make a reservation far enough in advance to snag a table. However, I really wanted to come here for my birthday this year and made sure that we had reservations several weeks in advance. I've read some earlier comments about the prices being steep, but really, we thought that things were priced extremely well. There were three of us and we had two appetizers as well as two salads. My husband had a full sized steak, while my son and I both had the half-sized crispy polenta. We followed that up with two pieces of the spice cake (which was orgasmic, by the way!). We had a bottle of sparkling water and no alcohol. My son and I both had tea with dessert. Our bill was just under $100 which we found to be very reasonable. By the way, the bread and pastries are made in house and are to die for. Service was attentive without being annoying. My son and I are vegetarians and my only suggestion for the menu is to have more than two vegetarian possibilities. Both he and I had the mushroom soup which was absolutely ah-maz-ing! Then we both had, as I mentioned above, the crispy polenta which also has mushrooms. As a result, we had a sufficiency of mushrooms--acknowledging that that was our choice. However, I would have chosen something other than the polenta if the alternative had not been risotto which is not one of my favorites. The risotto has received good reviews from others though, so perhaps I should have braved it. My husband's steak was cooked perfectly and he rated his meal as "absolutely delicious." The only other thing which rather disappointed (and it was just me, not my son or husband) was their cutlery. One goes to Duckworth's Bistro to enjoy excellent food in a great atmosphere. The china is white and allows for a very nice presentation, but the cutlery is cheap and light. Come on! You can do better than that! Of course, I'm not so petty to say that a silly thing like cutlery would ruin a dinner, but for me, it took away from the experience for which Duckworth's Bistro obviously strives. My husband and I will definitely be back. Thank you for a very delicious meal. (Note to self: Must make those reservations!) read more

Everything about my experience here was amazing. I was visiting from out of town and looked up restaurants in the area. This one had the best reviews and I 100% agree with them. The place gets full easily given how small it is so I recommend making a reservation in advance (even for bar seating). First, I had the asparagus soup which was creamy and has the perfect amount of Parmesan. Second, I had the Boston salad which I already knew I would love because of the cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese. Third, I had my main course which was the duck confit. It was absolutely superb- perfectly cooked and seasoned and plated with spinach and potatoes. Finally, I finished with a cappuccino and the banana cake. The banana cake was delicious. Everything I had was unique and flavorful and I walked out of there having spent only $60. Aside from the food, everyone that works there genuinely loves being there. The combination of reasonably priced (yet high end) dining along with a friendly and efficient staff makes this place worthy of so much more than 5 stars. read more

See all

We found it on yelp, since it had 4 1/2 stars we thought we'd try it. We were not disappointed. The ubiquitous salad was amazing with a poached egg and crisp bacon. The soups were fabulous. The lobster risotto was excellent, and we had the duck, which was cooked to perfection with a wonderful sauce. Our waitress (colleen?) Was very helpful and charming. read more

This place is incredibly adorable. The ambiance and customer service was impeccable....and the food!? Scrumptious! We were lucky enough to grab a canceled reservation and made the drive from Boston. It was a beautiful snowy night, the scenery along the way couldn't have been better. The place is small so reservations are a must. We shared mushroom soup, lobster risotto, scallops and oysters. Oh, and dessert was the banana pie....amazing! The wine selection also did not disappoint. The other reviewers were spot on in their descriptions of this quaint little gem. read more

My wife and I have eaten here twice and haven't been disappointed. Half plates are great because you can eat more things and their things are worth eating. I sometimes dream about the ubiquitous bistrot salad. read more

Amazing. We were in town for a wedding but will return to Gloucester for this restaurant. Don't skip the salad!

Does not get much better than this! The drinks, food and service were excellent. I had the sautéed shrimp with ham and spinach. Ate every last morsel. The deserts were amazing, the Banana cake is out of this world. Only problem was getting a reservation at the time we wanted. Two weeks advance reservation yielded only 4 and 9 PM seating. We settled for the 4 PM and we were happy to get it. Plan way in advance during tourist season. read more

We have eaten here many times over the years and it never disappoints! The place is small and crowded but the staff makes you feel at home. We almost always get the mushroom soup because it's just simply the best! This time I had the potato leek soup and it was great. The salads are great. We had scallops and the quail and both dishes were excellent! I can't wait to go back! read more

I came here with my spouse and 10 yr. old (who is well versed in restaurant dining) and we had a thoroughly great meal. The small plates/half portions are great. We had lobster bisque and a small size lobster risotto to start and both were excellent... the risotto was truly outstanding though. Then we had small orders of the duck breast, quail and sirloin and the portions were completely satisfying while leaving us some room for desert! Each entree was great but the duck was the winner. You can do wines by the glass and also get small portions or regular 6oz so sampling wines is easy too. While nothing felt like it was taking a long time, we were there for 2+ hours - probably because it was hard to decide what to order! The place is quite tiny and there is no kids menu so unless your child is a foodie, probably best to leave them home. read more

This place never disappoints! There is always great, inspired food and a great atmosphere!

Best place on Cape Ann. Small, hard to get into but worth the effort. Parking - on the street where you can find it. Food - stellar. Service - great. My advice - Go. read more

Staying in Rockport for a few days. Our innkeeper recommended it as her first choice. I was a little intimidated by the menu when we first got there, but decided on the Flank Steak. One of the best steaks I have ever tasted. They have half plate pricing which is good if you have a small appetite. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked fantastic. Highly recommend. You will need reservations, it is a small place and there were several people who tried to just walk in but there were no tables available. read more

So we are locals that had never been to duckworths. Finally I got reservations for our anniversary and we were super excited. We arrived and it took 10 minutes for someone to help us. It was evident as others walked by us up to the bar that folks who frequent often were put way ahead of us in terms of service. While we stood at the door waiting for someone to help us, 2 couples walked in shortly after us, went to the bar and were greeted with warmth and welcoming (obvious regulars). That set the tone for the night. Service was very nice once finally seated but EXTREMELY slow. My wife's risotto was great while the lamb was extremely mediocre by the overcooked small portion and almost burnt port reduction. The place seemed to be chalk full of regulars. Unfortunately I can't afford to dine there enough to turn into a regular and get the proper service. Saddened and disappointed read more

Two words: mushroom soup. If you don't get the mushroom soup you will regret it. The mushroom soup was one of many wonderful things about this restaurant. My husband and I ate here after our wedding and we were treated like family by our server, Colleen. We each ordered a bowl of soup and a "half-size" entree. I have no idea how I would have eaten a full-size entree because the half-sizes were more than filling, even if I hadn't also had soup! I had scallops which were perfectly cooked, and my husband had lamb which was tender and delicious. We sadly didn't have room for dessert, but we definitely plan on coming again! read more

You can tell from all the good vibes: the staff loves to work here; the accomplished chef, Ken Duckworth (formerly of Maison Robert), and his wife and accomplished pastry chef Nicole, live over the store, raising a family; the working harbor setting, where some of the masterful film "Manchester by the Sea" was shot, is so unadorned except for the setting sun and the sparkle of the water. And, by the way, there's the food: sliced leg of lamb/falafel cake/ratatouille/feta cross-bred into a delicious, multi-ethnic whole; seafood stew in a heavenly broth and topped by a rouille/slathered crouton; a pucker-provoking key lime pie, further puckered by a fresh raspberry sauce, balanced by the sweetness of whipped cream; rice pudding with blueberry sauce, sweetened/balanced by a moist coconut macaroon mini-cake. Plus, several menu items come in both full and half-portions. How accommodating in these days of portion overload! When we were finished, I almost wanted to ask if the Duckworths could put us up overnight, upstairs, so that we could more easily return to this delight the following night. read more

Loved everything. I called about 12 days in advance of the date I wanted and they were fully booked, but took my number and we were added to a waitlist. On the day that I wanted, they did call and we got a table. So, my first piece of advice is to call well in advance if you want a weekend night. We were seated at a window table--sweet! My martini was very good, and rather large, and the bread was wonderful. I got the small plate of duck breast as well as the small plate of polenta and mushrooms. The hubs got the seafood stew. Everything was outstanding, although as a matter of personal taste, I thought the sauce for the duck was a bit too sweet. The duck was of such high quality that it really did not need all the sauce, but again, there was nothing wrong, this is simply a personal preference. The seafood stew was very generous and flavorful, and the polenta was fantastic. As for the sauce on that dish, I had to restrain myself from licking the plate. The overall vibe was friendly, professional, and personal. We did not get dessert, but next time we go, we will need to plan for that! We saw some desserts coming out to other tables and they looked divine. Next time! read more

This place is a must for great food and excellent service. You cannot make a bad choice, something for everyone.

Excellent! Must make a reservation. This place is very small, so you should call well ahead. The food is fantastic! I had bass, my husband had duck, both great. We had half portions, which was plenty. Soup starters (asparagus for me, mushroom for him) were amazing. And, because of the reviews, we had the banana cake for dessert - so glad we did! Wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be going back. read more

One of the best meal experiences my wife and I have had in years! Incredible food, great service. The half portion idea is great -- we got three half portions and were thus able to try more entrees. We had the lobster risotto (perfectly prepared, creamy, delicious, and chock full of lobster), duck breast (tender, perfect, sauce that made me want to lick the plate after), and grilled lamb shank (incredible). The banana layer cake was insanely good. Not cheap, but perfect for that special occasion. Fantastic, memorable meal! read more

Absolutely amazing dinner, perfect ambience. Lovely staff. Had an amazing chicken dish with the best red wine sauce I've ever had. The banana cake is to die for. Perfect getaway on a quiet street in East Gloucester. read more

I thought it would be a lot better from the reviews. The restaurant itself is very, very small. Our reservation was very early, and there were only a couple of other parties there. It took forever for the waitress even to bring us bread (two small rolls) Although our server was nice, she seemed more interested in chatting it up with the regulars. We had the other waiter bring out our first course, and the BARTENDER came out and brought us out our second course. I will say the lobster risotto was really good. We got the chicken dish as well that was just okay, didn't WOW me at all. Didn't stay for dessert since I was not pleased with our service, and the food was just okay. Everything took WAY too long!! read more

What a wonderful experience! I had the ubiquitous bistrot salad, Frisee lettuce topped with bacon and poached egg with a wonderful dressing. It has to be tasted to be believed. The lobster risotto was just as good. They offer small and large portions which is nice. I had the "small" risotto portion and it was what I would consider a normal sized plate. Their super-crusty rolls are excellent. If you are in Gloucester you should dine here, but make a reservation well ahead. read more

great local farm fresh produce for menu. amazing food, nice portion size. amazing and knowledgable staff. a nice night out! read more

One of the best meals we've had in New England! Small and cozy atmosphere. Lobster and vegetable risotto was delicious and the risotto was cooked to perfection, not mushy like oatmeal, but al dente as it should be with lots of lobster meat chunks and just enough veggies to balance it all out. My wife had the seafood stew (Cioppino) which she said was also one one the best she's ever eaten. Half servings are a great option as you can try 2 dishes if you'd like. If you're in the area and would like a special meal, I'd highly recommend trying this place. Make reservations as the place is on the small side. As other reviewers mention, this place is nowhere near the waterfront and has street only parking. Service was a little slow the night we were there, but there was a larger party at another table who was hogging all of our waitress's attention. read more

Amazing service, and incredible food. REALLY incredible food. Charming location. A must-do when in Gloucester. Wish we'd saved room for dessert but couldn't resist ordering appetizers and soup and salad because everything was so fabulous. Suggest getting half orders of everything and sharing because it all is so delicious. read more

I have been there many times- fantastic!! Absolutely my favorite place. Sitting in the bay window is best. Colleen the waitress is AWASOME I try to go there a couple times a year only draw back- YOU NEED RESERVATIONS- even in the off season. Once you eat there you will understand and I cant say enough about everyone that works there.. read more

The wait staff (Colleen) was very attentive and noticed small details (like the candle had go out). She made an excellent suggestion on the pairing order of the meal. The lobster risotto was excellent, as well as the palinta and shrimp. read more

Don't waste your money. Phoney and pretentious, felt like i was in west Hollywood.. These are the bullet points I called to make a reservation the woman on the phone was very rude and did not pronounce my name or remember my name correctly when I showed up when I showed up with my friend she was very rude the staff was very unwelcoming. 10 minutes to get the bottle of water, We're sitting at the bar!!! so we're not tucked away in a corner somewhere. Dirty and cloudy glasses with grease on them. Food was mediocre at best the food was nothing special but the most traumatizing part was the unwelcoming staff, very entitled and snobby. Michelle, made it very clear to us that the restaurant has been open for 15 years and that they were a family and that the owners lived upstairs, blah blah blah I will never in my life recommend this restaurant. The staff started making themselves cocktails while we were eating our dinner and we had to place our order all at once, we could not put in appetizers and then dinner, Michelle the bartender told us that the order had to be put in 100% all at once, It was just a traumatic experience, awful. There is absolutely nothing special about this restaurant at all. There are no views there is no parking there is half of a bar the food is not good and the wait staff makes you feel like running far far away, they are very fake to your face it's very see-through very unfortunate. Me and my friend were really looking forward to a delicious meal and a very good time, something relaxing, that didn't happen at all. I should have gone to the Franklin or the beauport or the studio or the rudder anywhere McDonald's even. read more

Great chef and service. I've lived on Cape Ann since 1998, and this is still the best restaurant in the area in my view. I've tried some of the newer establishments in Gloucester, including The Market. Make sure you reserve in advance. This one is always booked on weekends. read more

Best food north of Boston! Great menu, staff, owners and friends! Awesome wines by the glass.

I used to be a regular at this restaurant several years ago before moving out of the area. This weekend I came back for a visit the first time in 3 years. Not only did the staff recognize me, they also instantaneously made me feel welcome and even remembered my favourite dishes. My last review was rather short but I feel at this point I owe them a more detailed review. First off: the food is amazing. I have not had a single dish here that failed to impress, consistently over the 5 or so years that I have frequented this establishment. Some of my favourites include: the mushroom soup that has a sweetness and umami flavor that makes you want to eat more. The seafood stew: it's like you get the ocean in a bowl with burst of flavour (from lobster over shrimp to cod and class). The crispy duck leg: if you like to do not like duck, you will like this duck. I have yet to find a restaurant that serves a better duck leg. While Mr Duckworth does his wonders in the kitchen, Mrs Duckworth is in charge of the baking and here I only want to name one dessert: the banana cake. OMG. It's fantastic. I eat it every time I am there. It's a moist, fluffy banana dough of multiple layers with a light cream cheese frosting in between the layers. It also comes served with hot banana slices to go along. Also, for most dishes they serve half portions, that actually are pretty big. So to engulf yourself in all the great flavours I highly recommend to try multiple half portions (however, I can barely eat 2 half portions plus an appetizer) Finally, the staff: if you are a regular they easily became like friends and family and it's part of what makes this place so unique. So, at this point, I simply want to say thank you for the great time yesterday, it was fun to be back and I look forward to my next visit. read more