If you are looking for the freshest fish, the most creative sushi, and simply an excellent meal, you must head to Turk’s Seafood in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Turk’s is located on busy Route 6 close to the Marion town line. It’s been dishing the best fish since 1983. Forty-two years and three generations later, Turk’s Seafood remains in the same family.
No matter what day or time of day you visit, Turk’s is going to be busy. Belly up to the bar, sit inside, or on the enclosed patio. Dine in, order Turk’s to go, or just head right to the fish market; there are so many options.
Time for a Drink
For me, if I’m making the trip to Mattapoisett, I’m going to be dining in, but “feasting in” would be a more apropos description. Everything here is simply delicious, but let’s talk about a few favorites. Grab a beer such as a Wormtown Be Hoppy IPA or a Maine Beer Company Lunch. If a cocktail is a’ calling, how about a Ruin Mayan, a Pear Tini, or a Big Turk’s Tini?
Turk’s fish comes from the BASE fish auction house in nearby New Bedford, so you know you’re going to be enjoying the freshest fish. The great thing about Turk’s is that the menu is huge, meaning you can enjoy seafood staples such as fried fish, scallops, and halibut, or try something totally different and creative. Either way, you’re leaving more than satisfied. Turk’s also features a raw bar and a kids’ menu.
Time to Eat
Let’s dig into some appetizers. The recent special, the Clams Noavanni, is simply scrumptious. These littlenecks are broiled and then drizzled with a garlic herb sauce; a world of taste abounds in every bite of these bivalves. Another recent special that blew my mind is the Green Curry Mussels entree. These mussels on the half shell are presented on a bed of rice and bok choy, swimming in a spicy curry sauce. This dish packs enough heat to mop your brow at least once, but the flavor of the curry and the mussels combine for a magical dish.
In my opinion, you can’t leave Turk’s Seafood without trying the sushi. The sushi menu is extensive on its own. Here are a few of my favorite rolls. The Alaskan Roll is much different than the typical salmon and avocado because it includes crab with the salmon, avocado, and rice pearls, highly recommended. The Taka Roll is decadent; it’s deep-fried and includes a bed of seaweed salad atop a salmon and white fish roll, yum! Ole’s Special is tuna, crab, and cucumber with tempura. Although the specialty rolls are amazing, sometimes I like the traditional rolls, including the salmon roll and the Negi Hamachi (yellowtail and scallion). The freshness of the fish just shines in these simpler rolls. Some of the other most popular sushi rolls here include the Turk’s Special, the Shrimp Tempura Special, the Tuna Sushi Bomb, and the Peppered Seared Tuna rolls.
When You Go
Turk’s Seafood began operations in 1983 by Richard “Turk” Pasquill and remains in the family today. The restaurant and market work closely with the New Bedford Heritage Fishing Center, which we visited on our tour of New Bedford, and is a vital part of the South Coast community. Visit Turk’s Seafood online or at 83 Marion Road (Route 6) in Mattapoisett.
