Restaurants in Massachusetts
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Chez Henri
This French-Cuban blend is a dark, romantic bistro offering saffron-soaked mussels, smoked salmon frisée and blanquette de veau (veal stew). It may sound all French, but the undeniable favorite is the Cubano, a pressed sandwich with succulent, slow-roasted pork. The dining room has a fancy feel, but the lively bar serves up lime daiquiris, mojitos and other rum cocktails to a casual crowd.
reviewed
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Empire Garden
Emperor’s Garden (or Empire Garden, or whatever it is called) is one of a handful of places that are recommended for dim sum. This massive space was converted from an old theater, and now it is a vast dingy dining room that gets packed with Chinese patrons, feasting on pork buns and shrimp dumplings. If your Cantonese is not up to snuff, use the point-and-choose method (that’s what the carts are for).
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Orinoco
You may not be familiar with Venezuelan cuisine, but it won’t take long for you to warm up to the traditional arepas (corn pocket sandwiches), stuffed with meat, beans or cheese. There is a host of options for the nonmeat eater, including the irresistible creamy Guayanesa cheese. More substantial dinner items include churrasco-style grilled meats and exotic combinations with chicken and fish.
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Olé Mexican Grill
It’s not often that Mexican goes gourmet, but if Olé is any indication, it should happen more often. The tile tables and colorful décor provide the perfect setting for festive fare and margaritas. For lunch, head across the street to the stand-up counter at Olecito for cheap and delicious tacos. We can’t get enough of the tacos stuffed with fried shrimp and spicy mojo sauce.
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Pearl Villa
The entrance way is dark and foreboding, and the interior is cramped. The service is erratic, at best. But the real-deal Hong Kong–style cuisine keeps ’em coming back for more. Regulars rave about the twin lobster special ($15.95) but you can’t go wrong with any of the seafood specials. Tip: unlike some other better-known late-night options in Chinatown, this place is rarely crowded after midnight.
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Jumbo Seafood
You know the seafood is fresh when you see the huge tanks of lobster, crabs and fish that constitute the decor at this Chinatown classic. But it’s not only seafood on the menu, which represents the best of Hong Kong cuisine. Other specialties include braised duck with mushrooms and Szechuan-style shrimp. Lunch specials are a bargain.
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Blue Room
Staff at the Blue Room takes pride in the restaurant's reliance on organic farms and 'mom-and-pop purveyors' as the source of produce and meats. They use them to create a menu that is constantly changing according to what's in season and fresh, but is always innovative and delicious. One of Cambridge's top-rated restaurants, the Blue Room still manages to maintain a casual, comfortable atmosphere.
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Dalí
Crowded with kitsch and craziness, this bustling bar sets the standard for imaginative and appetizing tapas. Don Juan waiters deliver an endless array of goodies, all of which will make you think you've died and gone to Andalusia. The place is usually packed (reservations are not accepted), so order a pitcher of sangria to sip while you wait. From Harvard, walk across the yard and up Kirkland St.
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Mare
Mare, meaning 'ocean,' is where all of your favorite creatures of the sea are prepared in creative, contemporary ways, like pan-seared scallops served over lemon angel hair pasta, or rock shrimp tossed with zucchini over spinach gnocchi. The kicker is that almost all of the ingredients are organic, from the first-press olive oils to the unpasteurized cheeses to the impressive wine list.
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George’s Green Island Diner
Inside this spare diner, sit at the counter to behold the world’s eighth wonder: a grill in constant use that never dirties. Just how George Army’s spatula cooks up all that meat, egg and potato without a stain remains a mystery, but you’ll be too distracted by kielbasa and liver and onions to notice. It’s in a tough-looking Irish neighborhood. Coffee costs 55¢!
reviewed
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Sportello
Modern and minimalist, this brainchild of Barbara Lynch fits right into this up-and-coming urban ’hood. At the sportello, or lunch counter, suited yuppies indulge in sophisticated soups and salads and decadent polenta and pasta dishes. It’s a popular spot, which means it’s usually a tight squeeze, but the attentive waitstaff ensure that everybody is comfortable and contented.
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No 9 Park
Set in a 19th-century mansion opposite the State House, this swanky place tops many fine-dining lists. Chef-owner Barbara Lynch has been lauded by food and wine magazines for her delectable French and Italian culinary masterpieces and her first-rate wine list. She has now cast her celebrity-chef spell all around town, but this is the place that made her famous. Reservations recommended.
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Union Bar & Grille
Union has transformed a warehouse in trendy SoWa into a cool, comfortable bar and grill, a big light-filled space that retains its postindustrial atmosphere in the steel and brick walls. Sidle up to the bar for your $5 cocktail or sink into a plush leather booth for a delicious dinner. The menu presents traditional American fare with an eye to innovation.
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Sorento's
Little known outside of Fenway, Sorento's is a fabulous find for its romantic ambiance and tasty pizzas and pastas. The umbrella-shaded patio is the perfect spot to linger over lunch after spending the morning at the MFA. The interior is also atmospheric, with an open kitchen and candlelit tables. It aint fancy, but it's definitely the classiest option along this stretch of Peterborough St.
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India Quality
India Quality has been serving chicken curry and lamb saag to hungry students, daytime professionals and baseball fans since 1983 – and it repeatedly tops the lists of Boston’s best Indian food. The place is rather nondescript, but the food is anything but, especially considering the reasonable prices (look for lunch specials under $10). Service is reliably fast and friendly.
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The Grog
The Grog has been a Newburyport tradition for over 30 years. Named for the English Navy’s traditional ration of rum and water, this place serves its own traditional rations of New England seafood, grilled meats and Mexican favorites; you will not leave hungry. Downstairs, the pub has live music playing Wednesday through Sunday, making this a popular pick-up spot for 20-somethings.
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Bar Lola
This authentic Spanish eatery is tucked into a subterranean space on residential Commonwealth Ave. The menu is exclusively tapas, prepared by a team of chefs trained in España. Mural-painted walls and flamenco music create an inviting old-world ambience; the lively, Spanish-speaking crowd and pitchers of sangria add to it. Live flamenco dancing Sundays at 8pm.
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Shanghai Gate
The menu here offers regional dishes that will redefine your concept of what constitutes Chinese food. Cold appetizers such as the five-spice tofu or the scallion jellyfish preface the meal like a perfect aperitif, and the ‘lion’s head’ casserole elevates the modest meatball to new heights.
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Falafel King
Two words: free falafels. That’s right, everyone gets a little free sample before ordering. There is no disputing that this carry-out spot is indeed the falafel king of Boston. The sandwiches are fast, delicious and cheap. Besides the namesake falafel, the King sells shawarma and shish kebab made from the meat of your choice, as well as many vegetarian delights.
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Redbones
Redbones is usually packed with locals craving barbecue ribs, collard greens and corn bread. Portions are huge, but if you can save room for sweet potato pie you won't regret it. The bar is always bustling, as ice-cold beers stave off the hunger for waiting patrons. There is additional seating downstairs, where quarters are dark, but enlivened by the creepy, colorful wall murals.
reviewed
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Koreana
Consistently rated as one of Boston’s best Korean restaurants. It’s worth the short walk up from Central Sq to sample the specialties from the BBQ grill, especially the prime beef ribs. Sushi, hot pots and plenty of vegetarian items guarantee something for everyone. And never fear: the service-oriented staff are sure to oblige newbies who may not know what to order.
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Market in the Square
For families, students and professionals on-the-go, this glorified convenience store fills a niche. The self-service cafeteria is well stocked with all kinds of fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and hot dishes, so there is something for everyone. Importantly, it’s open around the clock – the only option in Harvard Sq for a late-night study break or a postdrinking snack attack.
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All-Star Sandwich Bar
Sandwich-lovers will have a hard time choosing at this Inman Sq sandwich shop, which has declared itself a ‘wrap-free zone’. Fortunately, you can’t really go wrong. The dozens of sandwiches on offer are all prepared with fresh tasty ingredients and just a touch of innovation. Additional perks: fresh-squeezed lemonade, heaping plates of french fries and beers on draft. Cash only.
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Jacob Wirth
Boston’s second-oldest eatery is this atmospheric Bavarian beer hall. The menu features Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, potato pancakes and pork chops, but the highlight is the beer – almost 30 different drafts, including Jake’s House Lager and Jake’s Special Dark. On Friday night (open until 1am), Jake hosts a sing-along that rouses the haus.
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Piattini
If you have trouble deciding what to order, Piattini can help. The name means ‘small plates,’ so you don’t have to choose just one. The list of wines by the glass is extensive, each accompanied by tasting notes and fun facts. This intimate enoteca (wine bar) is a delightful setting to sample the flavors of Italy, and you might just learn something while you're there.
reviewed