Top 10 Best Clam Cakes in Rhode Island

Clam cakes are one of Rhode Island’s most distinctive foods. Unlike crab cakes or pan-fried clam patties, Rhode Island clam cakes are rounded fritters made from a seasoned batter containing chopped clams, then fried until crisp outside and soft inside. They are traditionally ordered by the half-dozen or dozen and paired with Rhode Island-style clam chowder. This Discovery Matt Food Map ranking highlights clam cake destinations that stand out for history, local reputation, seafood quality, waterfront character, and statewide credibility.

1. 1

   Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House

   Warwick

   Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House takes the top spot because it is one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable clam cake institutions. Its clam cakes are central to the menu and are commonly paired with the restaurant’s chowder for the classic Rhode Island combination. The Warwick waterfront location, long local history, and broad name recognition make Iggy’s the most approachable first stop for anyone trying clam cakes for the first time.

   Known for: Clam cakes and chowder, doughboys, Warwick waterfront dining, Rhode Island tradition

2. 2

   Aunt Carrie’s

   Narragansett

   Aunt Carrie’s is one of the most historically important clam cake destinations in Rhode Island. The restaurant has served its clam cakes the same way since 1920 and continues to offer them by the half-dozen, dozen, or as part of a traditional Rhode Island shore dinner. Its South County setting and connection to generations of local seafood culture make it an essential part of the ranking.

   Known for: Historic clam cakes, Rhode Island-style chowder, shore dinners, South County tradition

3. 3

   Monahan’s Clam Shack

   Narragansett

   Monahan’s Clam Shack is one of Narragansett’s defining seasonal seafood stops. Located along the seawall, it serves traditional Rhode Island seafood in a casual setting overlooking the water. Its clam cakes fit naturally alongside chowder, fried seafood, and the kind of seaside atmosphere that makes the meal feel distinctly Rhode Island.

   Known for: Clam cakes, fried seafood, Narragansett seawall views, seasonal clam-shack atmosphere

4. 4

   Flo’s Clam Shack

   Middletown

   Flo’s Clam Shack is one of Aquidneck Island’s most famous seafood institutions. Its clam cakes and chowder are longstanding menu staples, supported by decades of local recognition and a casual shack atmosphere across from Easton’s Beach. Flo’s earns a top-five placement because the restaurant combines food, nostalgia, and location in a way few clam shacks can match.

   Known for: Clam cakes and chowder, fried seafood, Easton’s Beach views, Aquidneck Island history

5. 5

   Blount Clam Shack

   Warren

   Blount Clam Shack gives the East Bay one of Rhode Island’s strongest clam cake representatives. The Warren waterfront operation serves clam cakes individually or by the half-dozen, including a classic combination with chowder. Blount’s deep connection to New England seafood and its year-round market help make it one of the most dependable stops on the list.

   Known for: Clam cakes with house sauce, chowder combinations, lobster rolls, Warren waterfront setting

6. 6

   George’s of Galilee

   Narragansett

   George’s of Galilee brings serious seafood credibility from the heart of Point Judith’s fishing community. The restaurant has served Rhode Islanders since 1948 and offers its own clam cakes by the half-dozen or dozen alongside several styles of clam chowder. Its access to fresh seafood and long-running Galilee identity make it one of the state’s most credible waterfront options.

   Known for: George’s clam cakes, Rhode Island chowder, port-to-plate seafood, Galilee waterfront dining

7. 7

   Evelyn’s Drive-In

   Tiverton

   Evelyn’s Drive-In gives the East Bay a classic roadside seafood experience with memorable water views. The Tiverton institution has served local favorites for more than 50 years, including clam cakes, chowder, fried seafood, and its distinctive chow mein sandwich. Its setting along Nanaquaket Pond makes it one of the most scenic and character-filled clam cake stops in Rhode Island.

   Known for: Clam cakes, chowder, waterfront sunsets, Tiverton drive-in tradition

8. 8

   Anthony’s Seafood

   Middletown

   Anthony’s Seafood earns its spot as a genuine clam cake destination in Middletown. The seafood market and restaurant serves traditional clam cakes by the half-dozen or dozen and offers a clam cake-and-chowder combination. Its market connection and focus on straightforward New England seafood give it stronger category credibility than a restaurant where clam cakes are merely an occasional special.

   Known for: Traditional clam cakes, chowder combinations, fresh seafood market, Middletown local favorite

9. 9

   The Nordic

   Charlestown

   The Nordic is best known for its lavish seafood buffet, but clam cakes are part of the broader Rhode Island seafood experience diners associate with the restaurant. Its large selection of lobster, shellfish, chowder, seafood, meats, and desserts makes it very different from a traditional roadside clam shack. It ranks lower because clam cakes are not its primary identity, but its statewide reputation and Charlestown location still make it a worthy inclusion.

   Known for: Seafood buffet, lobster, clam cakes, lakeside grounds, special-occasion dining

10. 10

    Champlin’s Seafood

    Narragansett

    Champlin’s Seafood rounds out the ranking as another classic Galilee destination. Its menu includes clam cakes by the half-dozen or dozen alongside locally landed seafood, chowder, stuffed clams, lobster, calamari, and raw-bar selections. The working-harbor environment and waterfront deck make it one of Rhode Island’s most complete casual seafood experiences.

    Known for: Clam cakes, Point Judith seafood, working-harbor views, waterfront deck