Planning a visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum? Here are five restaurants to consider.

NEW BEDFORD — As you walk through the cobblestone streets of downtown, one destination stands out among the rest — the New Bedford Whaling Museum. If you're looking for a place to dine before or after visiting the attraction, here are some spots to consider.

The renowned whaling museum, at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, offers a unique and immersive experience into the world of international whaling industry and the colonial history of the SouthCoast region. With over 750,000 items, including rare scrimshaw pieces and logbooks from whaling ships, the museum's impressive collections are sure to captivate any visitor.

Whether you're a SouthCoast local on a staycation exploring the city or a visiting tourist, after your journey through history, why not enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants nearby? Here's a list of six within walking distance of the museum, so you can refuel and continue your exploration of this vibrant city.

From classic New England seafood to modern cuisine with a twist, these dining options are the perfect addition to your visit to the whaling museum.

Tia Maria's European Café

Experience the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Tia Maria's European Café, a family-owned restaurant located at 42 N Water St. Since opening in 2013, Tia's has been providing a unique food experience with their made-to-order dishes, crafted with local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy their delicious breakfast and lunch options Monday to Saturday, and breakfast on Sundays. They also offer dinner on Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm, where you can complement your meal with a selection from their impressive beer and wine list, featuring many Portuguese options. Reservations are recommended for dinner, but not required.

Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern

Located at 24 N Water St., indulge in the seafood-centric menu featuring stuffed quahogs, stuffed scallops and famous lobster roll served with a cup or bowl of piping hot chowder. The tavern also offers a variety of draft beers and creative cocktails. With additional locations in Onset, Falmouth and Woods Hole, they offer special dishes such as parmesan truffle fries, grilled quesadillas and Carolina pulled pork sandwiches. Don't forget to try the Johnny Quahog specialties, including the crunchy cod fish and chips and Cubano. There is also a build your own pizza option. Open daily until 11 p.m. and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

Carmines at Candleworks

Nestled inside the historic Rodman Candlework Building, built in 1810, lies Carmine's, a renowned restaurant known for their exceptional spring and summer menu. Guests can enjoy an array of delectable options, including a shrimp aglio with pan-seared shrimp, garlic, white wine, butter, parsley, and chili pepper flakes served with a crispy crostini. Appetizers also include baked stuffed mushrooms, extra large meatballs, and fresh clams and mussels. Soups, salads, flatbreads, and pizza are also available, with highlights such as the Hawaiian BBQ pizza with BBQ chicken, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, red onion, and pineapple, and the North End sandwich with marzano sauce, sliced meatballs, and pesto sauce.

For those seeking a specialty dish, the menu offers tantalizing options like bolognese, scampi, and four-cheese baked lasagna. Seafood lovers can indulge in cod and gnocchi toscana, bourbon-glazed scallops, and seafood risotto, while poultry options include roasted duck. For beef and pork entrees, guests can savor a filet mignon, grilled steak tips, and Tuscan pork chop. Mouth-watering side dishes like polenta and parmesan truffle fries complete the dining experience. Don't forget to join Carmine's for their Sunday brunch, featuring a specially curated menu, starting at 11am. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on weekends, Carmines at Candleworks is a must-visit for an unforgettable dining experience.

Moby Dick Brewing Co.

Located at 16 S Water St, founded in 2017, Moby Dick Brewing Co. sits at the intersection of the city's whaling past and future possibilities. The brewery is housed in a 1927 building that was once a bustling whaling supply and tropical fruit district. Just a block away from State Pier, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood and locally brewed ales and lagers while soaking up the sun and sea breezes at one of their outdoor tables. Moby Dick Brewing Co. is not only a nod to the city's history, but also a celebration of its current thriving industries, including fishing and offshore wind energy. Take a break from exploring and stop by to meet the friendly staff, savor the delicious and affordable food, and witness the expert brew crew in action.

Moby Dick Brewing Co offers a diverse lunch and dinner menu featuring delectable options such as Bavarian pretzel sticks, buffalo chicken dip, crab rangoon flatbread, prosciutto flatbread, and crispy Thai shrimp. Sandwich lovers can indulge in the hot Nashville chicken, cranberry chicken, pulled pork, and fried cod options. The burger selection showcases MDBC's signature 8-ounce Angus burger with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a brioche bun along with a Jamaican jerk burger, vegan burger, and backyard burger.

For a lighter option, soups and salads include Portuguese kale, simple green, apple blue, and harvest. Entrees include fish and chips, marinated steak tips, noodle bowl, Mozambique and chicken tenders, as well as the popular Moby mac and cheese with various add-ons like buffalo chicken and pulled pork.

Play Arcade

After leaving a big attraction such as the New Bedford Whaling Museum, another New Bedford attraction is Play Arcade located only a block away at 34 Union St. Play Arcade burst onto the scene in August 2020, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local couple, Adam and Lauren Katz. For gamers of all ages, with a retro interior and three rooms filled with classic games like Skee-Ball, Ninja Turtles and Pinball, this arcade also offers a unique outdoor deck experience.

The game selection doesn't stop there, with titles like Street Fighter 2, 1944: The Loopmaster, and Mortal Kombat 2, as well as popular favorites like Donkey Kong and Frogger. Play Arcade also boasts a delicious menu, featuring specialty items such as their signature summer pizza, topped with fresh ingredients and finished with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan for those with dietary restrictions. Snack on items like chicken tenders or Tetris tots, or indulge in the decadent Violet's Mac Attack — a creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy herb crumbs. And don't forget about the drinks!

Play Arcade offers a great selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, and a creative cocktail menu. Try the Prosecco-based Smurfette with a pop-rock rim or the fruity Gotham with bourbon, maraschino liquor and sweet vermouth.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whaling Museum dining scene: Tia Maria's, Play Aracde