There is no denying that the best shellfish is found right here in New England. From clams to lobsters, the cold Atlantic waters provide the perfect combination for meaty, flavorful seafood. However, when it comes to seafood in NH, there is often debate about where to find the best seafood. Do you travel to the seacoast or can you trust the local restaurant on the Vermont border? At Bentley’s Roast Beef, we’re proud to offer the freshest seafood selection delivered daily from the ocean docks. 

It doesn’t matter where you go, it matters where the seafood comes from and how it is cooked.

With this in mind, consumers often have their favorite go-to for seafood. Being one of the top choices in the Amherst/Nashua region, our family at Bentley’s often hears the same question: What is the difference between clams and mussels? While we don’t offer mussels on our regular menu, we are here to set the record straight between these two popular shellfish.

Appearance

First, let’s talk about appearance – one of the easiest ways to differentiate a clam from a mussel. Clam shells are lighter in color – often tan, beige, or white. Mussels, on the other hand, are darker in appearance, having a green, blue, or black hues to the shell.

Consumption

Once you can decipher which is which, choosing which shellfish you want to eat is a preference. We recommend trying both to determine which one is best for your taste! Clams have a fishier taste with hints of the salty sea. Mussels are milder in taste and often bland in flavor, which is why many mussel dishes are served in some type of sauce.

Another difference between the two is that clams, like oysters, may be eaten raw while mussels cannot. Of course, it is always safer to cook your shellfish before consuming it, but with clams, raw is an option. With this in mind, a clam is noted as being the chewier of the two options as well.

Looking for the freshest seafood in NH? You’ve come to the right place!

Bentley’s Roast Beef is proud to offer its customers the freshest NH seafood straight from the shores of Cape Ann. Brought in daily, our menu offers the best haddock, clams, scallops, shrimp, and seasonal lobster. Why travel to the coast when Bentley’s is right around the corner?

Visit Bentley’s on NH-101A in Amherst today! Remember to follow Bentley’s on Facebook for the latest restaurant happenings and specials. We look forward to serving you soon!