Honestly it's a good spot, I've heard a lot about it since moving to New Bedford but I think a tad bit overhyped. You have nice views of the harbor, the restaurant is clean on the inside, cool bar set up. Server was super friendly and was able to give us recommendations and suggestions. Best thing we ate was the boom boom shrimp for sure, crispy great flavor and the shrimp tasted fresh along with the other seafood. The cod was also great a bit too buttery for me, the fish and chips sadly was greasy and couldn't finish. The crème was delicious but the cake was super dense more than a fudge or a truffle. Oysters were top tier along with the salsa as well. Would come back a second try but you are definitely paying for the atmosphere on that bill along with fresh seafood. People were either dressed up a bit or down but I felt those who were dressed down definitely were looked down upon by other guests in the space.

Went out for dinner and everything was outstanding. We made reservations and we're seated right away by the window with a view of the fishing piers. Our server was friendly, had a great pace, and made sure we enjoyed our visit. Our meals came out in a timely manner, and we're hot and fresh. The steaks were cooked perfectly, and our modifications were followed properly. Great job all around and a great meal.

We went to The Black Whale on a Friday and managed to snag two high chairs at the bar with a view of the fishing boats in the harbor.. Our waitress was accommodating, efficient, and very nice. After perusing Yelp, we decided to order the highly rated clam chowder and Lobster Thermador, and they did not disappoint. The temperature, taste, and composition of both were exemplary. Even the veggies were amazing. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and luscious on the inside. The green beans were sauteed just right and coated with just the right amount of butter. The cappuccino was served in a jaunty glass mug with a fun sugar crystal stick stirrer. The interior was a wonderful mix of sophistication and whimsy with an etched glass mural depiction of the New Bedford harbor, nautical artwork hanging on the walls, and a mermaid sitting above the raw bar.

When you find yourself in New Bedford, MA, treat yourself to a meal at The Black Whale. Extremely convenient location, plenty of parking and a beautiful building make a great first impression. We were warmly greeted by a Manager and a Server, and even though we were 40 minutes early, they sat us straight away. The menu is extensive, however, not overwhelming, and SO many great choices. Our Server, Meredith was very warm and welcoming, starting us off with water and their delectable salmon dip with tasty "crackers". To aid the decision making process, my wife started with a Painkiller, and I a Maine Lunch. We finally decided on the tuna poke bowl for my wife and the pan-seared scallops for me. Oh, and I had to try the New England Clam Chowder, the best I have had in quite some time. Then Meredith informed me the chowder is an Official's and People's choice award winner from this year's festival. Please do try it! Honestly one of the most delightful, delicious and enjoyable meals I've had in the area. The Black Whale is definitely a must do when you find yourself in the New Bedford area, or you are just passing through.

We had a very nice dinner here on a Sunday evening about 5:30. Fairly crowded especially in bar area for off season. But great service, good food. I had the steak frites - too many fries but they were great. My wife had pistachio crusted tuna salad which she loved. Nice atmosphere - all cylinders firing here!

Sat at the bar and the service was great. The restaurant itself was full on a Monday night, which is a great sign. Nautical decor everywhere and the room was decently loud with how many people were inside. They were only half full where they had another banquet room or something on the other side. Food was great! Ordered boom boom shrimp, lobster roll (brown butter) and crème brûlée. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and not over sauced. Everything came out piping hot and seafood was plenty fresh. And the crème brûlée was a good level of sweetness without being overly sweet. Absolutely will come back the next time I'm in town for business.

We were in the area recently for a charity bike ride. Unfortunately, the rain interfered with our plans and we only got in 14 of the planned 30 miles. The good news is, that meant we needed to find something for lunch and The Black Whale looked like a good idea. It was! We sat the bar and made a meal out of shared appetizers, chowdah, and salad. Everything was excellent. Plus, the friendly bartenders took good care of us with a well made cocktail or two. And the location, right on the water, together with the nautically themed ambiance fit the bill very nicely! It was so good in fact, we ditched out dinner plans later that day at another nearby seafood place after having a so-so appetizer. We looked at each other and said, are you thinking what I'm thinking? We were -- and back to The Black Whale we went. Without reservations we we had no choice but to sit at the bar again, but the entrees drinks and service were great, just as we assumed they would be. I highly recommend this place.

This restaurant seemed the most interesting to visit on a recent work trip to the area after reviewing menus from several local restaurants. I found parking easily in their large lot by the water. Upon entry, you arrive at the hostess desk in the center of the building, and since I was alone, I had the choice of the open air (outdoor) bar or the indoor bar. Indoor was jam-packed, so I settled for outdoors. It's not really an outdoor bar since it's a separate covered building, with windows facing water open and windows facing back of building closed. Upon reviewing the menu, which they have a main menu and a daily special menu, I decided on the roasted cod and added 2 apps, raw oysters, and clams. Raw Oysters and clams - the clams were good, just small ...I much preferred the oysters since they are about 3x larger and go better with the mignonette and horseradish. Cod - this was a full entree and really hit the spot. It came with baked potato wedges and broccoli....the fish just melts in your mouth. There is a slight hint of white wine when first biting into the fish. It took a while to pay since the new employee didn't initially print my bill after asking him, but finally, another bartender came by and took care of me.

A gem but, clearly not a secret with the volume of people coming in and out. I came with family that live in MA who frequent The Black Whale. We made a reservation, highly recommend doing so. Since it is close to the ferry port, many people make this their first stop before or after taking the ferry. We saw a various of parties from dates to family dinners. It is a slightly nicer coastal restaurant but, there were people dressed very casual to a bit more fancy. It also depends what time of day you go. We sat on the patio which is enclosed. They do have retractable windows so, if it is nice, they open them up. You can't go wrong with ordering any seafood dishes but, we ordered sushi rolls to split among the two of us. We had a great bottle of white wine called Whitehaven that paired well with the sushi. I can't wait to go back and try lobster, oysters, mussels, and more!