Must-see restaurants in Massachusetts

  • Saltie Girl

    Back Bay

    Here's a new concept in dining: the seafood bar. It's a delightfully intimate place to feast on tantalizing dishes that blow away all preconceived notions…

  • Chilmark Tavern

    Martha's Vineyard

    There's only one real restaurant in Chilmark, but it happens to be one of the best on the island. The Chilmark Tavern does upscale New American cuisine…

  • Company of the Cauldron

    Nantucket

    A splendid choice for a romantic dinner, this intimate restaurant has attentive service and top-rated food. It offers only reserved seating times and four…

  • Eventide Fenway

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    James Beard–award winners Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor opened this counter-service version of their beloved Maine seafood restaurant. Fast, fresh and…

  • PB Boulangerie & Bistro

    Cape Cod

    A Michelin-starred French baker setting up shop in tiny Wellfleet? You might think he'd gone crazy, if not for the line out the door. You can't miss PB:…

  • Joon

    Provincetown

    It's worth squeezing yourself into Joon's petite and stylish dining room: the food here is wonderful. There are exciting small plates and classic American…

  • Paramount

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    This old-fashioned cafeteria is a neighborhood favorite. A-plus diner fare includes pancakes, home fries, burgers and sandwiches, and big, hearty salads…

  • Neptune Oyster

    Boston

    Neptune’s menu hints at Italian, but you’ll also find elements of Mexican, French, Southern and old-fashioned New England. The impressive raw bar and…

  • Glenn's Food & Libations

    Massachusetts

    Glenn is out to spice up your life. He's got the seafood you're looking for, but he's serving it in ways you never imagined. Oysters might come baked with…

  • Toscanini’s

    Cambridge

    People come from miles around for Tosci's burnt-caramel ice cream, which apparently was invented as the result of an accident (you can imagine). Besides…

  • Myers + Chang

    South End & Chinatown

    This super-hip Asian spot blends Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, which means delicious dumplings, spicy stir­-fries and oodles of noodles. The…

  • Courtyard

    Back Bay

    The perfect destination for an elegant afternoon tea is – believe it or not – the Boston Public Library. Overlooking the beautiful Italianate courtyard,…

  • Tatte

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    The aroma of buttery goodness – and the lines stretching out the door – signal your arrival at this fabulous bakery on the lower floor of the historic…

  • Chanticleer Restaurant & Gardens

    Nantucket

    Eating here is a fully realized dining experience. The restaurant is set in a whimsical garden setting and the menu of New England–inspired seasonal…

  • Mezze Bistro & Bar

    The Berkshires

    You don't know exactly what you're going to get at this contemporary restaurant – the menu changes frequently – but you know it's going to be good…

  • Allium

    The Berkshires

    Allium subscribes to the slow-food movement, with a seasonal menu that relies on fresh organic produce, cheeses and meats. Go for cocktails and small…

  • Luke's Lobster

    Back Bay

    Luke Holden took a Maine seafood shack and put it in the middle of Back Bay (and other places around Boston), so that hungry shoppers could get a classic…

  • Mike & Patty's

    South End & Chinatown

    Tucked away in Bay Village, this hole-in-the-wall gem of a corner sandwich shop does amazing things between two slices of bread. There are only eight…

  • Nudel

    The Berkshires

    Nudel is a driving force in the area's sustainable food movement, with just about everything on the menu seasonally inspired and locally sourced. The back…

  • Chef Wayne's Big Mamou

    Pioneer Valley

    Don't be fooled by its meager appearance – this hole in the wall serves up fabulous home-style Cajun fare. Highlights include the barbecued pulled pork,…

  • Armsby Abbey

    Massachusetts

    The Abbey rakes in all sorts of awards for its locally sourced, slow-food menu and stellar selection of craft beers on tap. Think comfort food with a…

  • Blue Blinds Bakery

    South Shore

    Blue Blinds is a cozy house – it feels like a home, really – with plants in the windows, a fire in the fireplace, and folks sipping coffee on the shady…

  • Gypsy Apple Bistro

    Pioneer Valley

    This is an unexpected dining delight in Shelburne Falls. The tiny place artfully blends New England ingredients, French flavors, impeccable service and an…

  • Chatham Pier Fish Market

    Cape Cod

    If you like it fresh and hyper-local, this salt-sprayed fish shack with its own sushi chef and day-boats is for you. The chowder’s incredible, the fish so…

  • Haven Cafe & Bakery

    The Berkshires

    It looks like a casual cafe, but the sophisticated food evokes a more upscale experience. For breakfast, try croissant French toast or inventive egg…

  • Gould's Sugar House

    Pioneer Valley

    The standard order at this family-run farm is fluffy pancake perfection, drizzled with maple heaven. Other highlights include the sugar pickles (yes, you…

  • Brewster Fish House

    Cape Cod

    It's not an eye-catcher from the outside, but it's heaven inside for seafood lovers. Start with the chunky lobster bisque. From there it's safe to cast…

  • Once Upon a Table

    The Berkshires

    This bright spot in the Mews shopping arcade serves upscale fare in a sunny dining room. It's the best place in town for lunch, with choices like daily…

  • Sesuit Harbor Cafe

    Cape Cod

    This is the Cape Cod you won't find on the highway: an idyllic shack tucked into Sesuit Harbor serving freshly caught seafood at picnic tables smack on…

  • Public Eat & Drink

    The Berkshires

    With exposed-brick walls and big windows overlooking the street, this airy pub is the most popular dinner spot in North Adams. Come for an excellent…

  • Corner Table

    Nantucket

    A real local gathering place, this sweet cafe has great coffee, a cabinet full of high-quality eats to have here or take away (black bean and sweet potato…

  • BlackFish

    Cape Cod

    Local ingredients meet urban sophistication at Truro’s top dinner restaurant. From the nautical decor to the out-of-the-ordinary menu choices, everything…

  • Naked Oyster

    Cape Cod

    Limited ingredient travel times are preferred at this upmarket joint, where the eponymous bivalves come from the restaurant's oyster farm in Barnstable…

  • Canteen

    Provincetown

    Cool and casual, but unmistakably gourmet – this is your optimal P-town lunch stop. Choose from classics such as lobster rolls and barbecued pulled-pork…

  • Proprietors

    Nantucket

    Creative, globally inspired cooking and fine cocktails go down a treat at this bar-restaurant that proudly flaunts local farm-to-table fare. Your eyes may…

  • Pain D'Avignon

    Cape Cod

    It's not in the likeliest of locations (out by the airport, off MA 132), but seek this place out for a delectable slice of Paris. Patisserie favorites…

  • Bartlett's Farm

    Nantucket

    From a humble farm stand this family operation has grown into a huge gourmet market, with salads, tempting desserts and sandwiches (including a great…

  • Mews Restaurant & Cafe

    Provincetown

    A fantastic water view, the hottest martini bar in town and scrumptious food add up to Provincetown’s finest dining scene. There are two sections: opt to…

  • ArtCliff Diner

    Martha's Vineyard

    Hands down the best place in town for breakfast and lunch. Chef-owner Gina Stanley, a grad of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, adds flair to…

  • Waypoint

    Cambridge

    After his success at Alden & Harlow, chef Michael Scelfo turned his attention to seafood and other 'coastally inspired fare.' The wide-ranging menu…

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