History

Just a gavel’s throw from the Cambridge Court House used to stand Cambridge’s oldest operating fish market. In the equally-inconspicuous storefront next door, is the restaurant, which opened in 1987 and continues to serve up everything from fish chowder to crab cakes, seafood platters to linguiça in a casual setting. The business had been run by the Damaso family since 1967, when it was purchased from the Travis’. The Courthouse had a loyal following in the East Cambridge and Portuguese communities, chefs, and foodies, such as the late Josephina Yanguas, who was often seen purchasing octopus for her Café Pamplona, or enjoying lunch next door. 

In 2019, Courthouse Fish Market and Seafood Restaurant was honored for being the “Oldest business in East Cambridge and oldest fish market.”

Sources

Aitken, Madeline. “Courthouse Fish Market, area’s oldest business, closes when unable to find workers or a buyer.” Cambridge Day, 23 January 2024.

Saltzman, Amy. “The 18 Businesses That Were Honored.” The Cambridge Chronicle, 16 May 2019, p.5

Spatz, Emily. “Cambridge’s oldest fish market closes after more than 100 years in business.” Boston.com, 16 January 2024.

Stankus, Al.  “A Portuguese Connection: Authentic Fare for Adventurous Cooks.” The Cambridge Chronicle, 4 October 2000, p.15