The best lobster roll in the entire world is right here in, you guessed it, Maine! And not only is New England home to the world’s best lobster roll, but it is also home to one of the world’s best sandwiches. In a ranking of the “50 Best Sandwiches in the World,” the lobster roll came in at number 6, far outranking other American classics such as the Reuben (20), cheesesteak (21), pastrami on rye (24), and NYC’s favorite, bagel and lox (30).
As a general sandwich, the lobster roll took home a 4.5 ranking from a panel of tasteatlas food experts who compile data from dozens of leading food experts of globally recognized publications and professional chefs. The experts also listed their pick for the best lobster roll worldwide.
And just which lobster roll was delicious enough to steal the hearts of critical food professionals from around the globe? An popular little spot in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Clam Shack’s lobster roll took home the win as “the world’s best lobster roll.”
“America’s Best Lobster Rolls: The Clam Shack – Overlooking the scenic Kennebunk River, at the peak of the summer season, the cooks at the Clam Shack shell roughly 1,000 pounds of local lobster a day. For their assembled-to-order rolls, they pile a little of each part (claw, knuckle, tail) onto an oversize, locally baked burger bun.”
The top 5 lobster rolls according to tasteatlas include:
- The Clam Shack; Kennebunkport, Maine
- Red’s Eats; Wiscasset, Maine
- Eventide Oyster Co. (specifically the Portland, Maine location) but this roll is available in Fenway
- Five Islands Lobster Co.; Georgetown, Maine
- Neptune Oyster; Boston, MA
As you move further down the list, you’ll find more Boston spots such as Seaport’s James Hook & Co. (10), South End’s B & G Oysters (12), and Seaport’s Row 34 (13). Not on the list, but our personal Boston favorite is Saltie Girl’s hot butter lobster roll or lobster and waffles in Back Bay.
Interestingly, while Maine might be the famed lobster roll state today, many claim this globally acclaimed bunwich hails from Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut. Others argue the lobster roll originated at the half-century old, Red’s in Wiscasset, Maine. Regardless, there’s no denying a Maine lobster roll would outperform any other state (or country) today.
We can’t wait for the summer staple to appear everywhere again. How do you like your lobster roll, hot or cold?