Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Seafood Restaurant in Rye, NH
Ray's Seafood Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the Seacoast New Hampshire community for over 50 years, establishing itself as one of the region's oldest continually operating seafood establishments. Our commitment to serving the freshest seafood at reasonable prices has made us a beloved destination for both locals and vacationers alike. Founded in the early 1950s as a humble lobster pound by Mrs. Parker and her son Ray, our legacy evolved through decades of family stewardship, including the Widen family's dedication since 1973. Despite challenges like the 1985 fire that destroyed our original building, we rebuilt with resilience, reopening a larger facility in 1986 that offers unparalleled ocean views.Today, we remain family-owned, with staff members who have served our customers for over 25 years, embodying the same values of quality and hospitality that defined our founders. Our history is preserved through cherished traditions, from Ray Parker's personal connections with customers to the continued operation of the original clam shack. We pride ourselves on maintaining the motto established in our early days: 'Our food is as fresh as our help.' Through generations, we've balanced time-honored practices with modern improvements, ensuring every guest experiences the authentic seafood heritage that has made us a regional institution.
Services
Seafood Restaurant
Dining Experience
Ocean View Seating
Lobster Pound
Clam Shack
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We've served fresh seafood in Rye since 1961
- Family-owned with multi-generational hospitality experience
- Dedicated staff with over 25 years of service expertise
- Original clam shack and restaurant combine tradition with modern improvements
- Unparalleled ocean views from our expanded 1986 facility
Services
Seafood Restaurant
Our full-service restaurant serves freshly caught local seafood in a family-friendly atmosphere with ocean views. We prepare classic New England dishes using recipes perfected over decades. Guests enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options with panoramic coastal vistas.
Questions
What makes Ray's Seafood Restaurant unique?
Our 60+ year history as a family-owned seafood institution, combined with our commitment to serving the freshest locally sourced seafood in a setting with unmatched ocean views.
Is Ray's Seafood Restaurant family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome guests of all ages with a family-friendly atmosphere that reflects our own multi-generational heritage.
Do you serve lunch and dinner?
We serve both lunch and dinner daily during our operating season, with seasonal variations in hours.
Are reservations recommended?
Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially during peak summer months and holidays.
Reviews (6)
Trading Can Be Fun
Oct 31, 2021
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Ordered Homemade Seafood Chowder 12 oz. and iced tea to drink. Both were very small for over $15 total. I know now what I am missing here.
Daryl Hastings
Oct 29, 2021
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One of the best seafood restaurants that weve ever been to. My wife and I stopped for lunch today after her run at the half marathon in Rye this AM. She had the clam chowder served hot and fried clam plate. I opted for the fried oysters and lobster roll. The roll was absolutely one of the best Ive ever had. No fillers or heavy mayo, just lobster and butter. The roll was lightly grilled and buttery and filled to spilling over. All the portions were plentiful and cooked to absolute perfection. Patrick, our server, was as good as the food. Very friendly and attentive with a nice casual demeanor
Paul D'Adamo
Oct 12, 2021
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Had a great meal on a Saturday drive up the coast. Heard a lot about Rays and wanted to try it for ourselves. Lobster Rolls all around and I had fish chowder. The food was plentiful and awesome. The restaurant is basked in New England coastal charm with a giant lobster outside, other nautical displays, and lots of nautical pictures inside. Our server was very efficient but couldnt seem to crack a smile. Oh well!! Highly recommend Rays!!
Lynn Vidler
Sep 22, 2021
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Stopped in and had a delicious impromptu family meal on a beautiful September Saturday. Great service from Mel. We sat upstairs in the enclosed restaurant with a window view. Ray's is casual, with fun energy from the staff and a wide seafood selection menu. If you crave lobster , you need to go. We enjoyed lobster stuffed mushrooms, 5 half lobster tails, calamari and baked scallops.. The "pain killer" cocktail is yummy and reminds upstairs of the beach. Eat in the restaurant, on the balcony or order at the outside window and sit at the covered tables next to the inlet. You won't be disappointed
Rasberry Surles
Sep 01, 2021
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Great experience. We walked in with 9 people and ordered $210.00 worth of food. Rearranged the tables to fit our big group and have an awesome dinner. The staff couldn't have been nicer and we didn't even wait that long for our food. Everyone left satisfied and full. We will defenitely be coming back again, and this time we will get 2 dozen oysters. So delicious!!!
College Scout
Aug 30, 2021
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Lucky day! Got to Ray's Seaford in Rye, NH and still had room on the upper outside deck ..early lunch on the most perfect day of the summer.Great drinks...I should have tried "the painkiller"..had to go for my fav..a Ray's bloody Mary...the fish and chips cooked to perfection... white, flaky and moist...the smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of motorcycles riding the coast...yes!!! Great friendly service..will be back soon.
