Nestled among the art galleries and storefronts on the waterfront in Gloucester’s Rocky Neck neighborhood is acclaimed chef Barbara Lynch’s newest restaurant, The Rudder. The much-loved original was established in 1957, and it has been lovingly updated and reimagined by Lynch and her team to reveal a modern, cozy, outpost that pays homage to its beginnings.

The dining room features dark, midnight blue walls and light hardwood floors, with dark-stained chairs and tabletops, and a long wood-topped bar for a quintessential fishing town meets summer restaurant vibe. There are just a few tables inside plus outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the water in warmer months.

The coastal Italian menu leans into simple preparations that allow high-end ingredients to shine, with a rotating selection of local oysters and shellfish at the raw bar and locally-farmed produce, fishes and handmade pastas on the dinner list. It’s the perfect spot for either a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence after a day at the beach.