Sign up for our Newsletter
lobster roll

Architectural Digest says Southold Fish Market is not kidding when it says it has the “best lobster roll around.” (Credit: Vera Chinese)

The menu board calls it “The Best Lobster Roll” and, well, you won’t hear an argument from us.

As the temps rise, the flowers bloom and the seasonal visitors begin taking weekend trips out east, nothing tastes quite as good as a lobster roll from Southold Fish Market ($20), our weekly lunch pick.

The lobster salad is exceptional, with thick chunks of claw, little filler and the perfect amount of dressing. The brioche roll is buttery and fresh. The shoestring fries will disappear before you know it (you can opt for salad, but why do that to yourself?). It is also served with coleslaw.

But what makes this simple sandwich so good?

“We just use really good meat,” said Southold Fish Market owner Charlie Manwaring. “It’s a recipe that we’ve had for a while and we’ve stuck with.”

The cold-water lobster is mostly sourced from Canada and Maine, but Manwaring will use local lobster when it becomes available in the summer.

“I’d love to go back to [using more] local,” he said. “They’re starting to make a comeback, but I don’t know if it will be like it was 10 years ago.”

Don’t expect anything fancy when visiting this Main Road eatery — the food wrappers are made to look like newsprint and sides of coleslaw are served in plastic cups — but you will find some of the freshest dishes around served at reasonable prices.

We’re also big fans of the scallop bacon ranch quesadillas, but if you’re looking for something lighter, you can order a piece of grilled fish with a side salad.

In addition to menu items like seafood salad wraps and clam strip baskets, the full-service fish market also has an array of fresh local fish including fluke and eel.

Southold Fish Market is located at 64755 Main Road in Southold.

Vera Chinese

Previously:

Salamander’s

Digger’s Ales and Eats

Mazi

Pace’s Dockside

The Cheese Emporium by Bruce and Son

The Rotisserie and Smokehouse of Southold 

X
X