roma seafood, somerville

[passing thru]

went by roma seafood in somerville for lunch on saturday after hitting the union square farmer's market. (it's across from the target). takeout special was a 12$ lobster roll that had just slightly more mayo than i like but was loaded with lobster and was served on a tasty roll that i imagine was made fresh there. (they had bread hot out of the oven as well). maybe not worth a long special trip or anything, but a good deal and a solid sandwich for lunch. it came with standard frozen fries and two really great homemade onion rings. (my advice: ask if you can get all onion rings, they're a million times better'n the fries...).

the place in general is really nice--a full seafood counter, lots of portuguese specialties like salt cod, et cetera, a meat section with linguica and the like that all looked pretty good.
some apparently fresh baked bread items as well as corn bread from central and various other baked goods from places like new bedford, ludlow and chicopee. the people were all really nice, and the kid at the seafood counter even mentioned that if you see anything in the case that you'd like to have cooked up that they'd be happy to do so. fish prices seemed very reasonable overall (skate for $5 a lb) and what was there looked fine, though i didn't buy anything since i was on foot.

the cooked items are all takeout, for the most part, and there's daily specials as well. this might be a good place to check out the fried clams, i think the plate was 10$ or so. friday is portuguese fish stew night, that may also be worth a look. all in all a nice addition to the area.

[italyinmind]

I'm curious to know whether anyone else has begun frequenting Roma Seafood for fresh fish? I live down the street and pass by it at least twice a day, but am embarrassed to say that I've never actually gone inside! I've been on the hunt for a nearby place to get seafood, and this certainly couldn't be any closer to my house, but I always feel a bit tentative about trying out a new place. How are the prices? Selection? Freshness? Any tips would be greatly appreciated...I've seen a few posts about the takeout and some bakery items, but would love to get the lowdown on the seafood counter!

[MaineRed]

Funny you should ask. We got a pound of cod this wkd for fish tacos (mmm) and it was fresh, tasty and ~$7/lb. They had mostly whole fish, couldn't tell you what, but quite a selection. The baked goods came from all over but mostly New Bedford. There was a hot buffet set up; the fish and chips were mighty tempting. Nice folks.

[mutche]

fish&chips $6.00 and not all that bad but the fries could be fried a little more

[passing thru]

it's pretty much strictly takeout. there's a single lonely seat in the front amidst the baked goods, but that's about it.

[elbev]

Thanks for the update - I have been keeping my eye on the place since they started with the seafood. The quality of the baked goods is probably explained by the fact that Roma used to be a bakery supplying wholesale Scali bread and Portuguese rolls and so forth to local restaurants and bodegas, with a small counter for retail.

Is there an eating area where one could sit and chow down, or is it strictly a counter for take-out?

[sequins]

Oh wow - I second the thanks. I've driven past this place but never thought to check it out. Next time I will.

[opinionatedchef]

thanks much. i knew nothing of this place and your post is very helpful.