Must-see restaurants in Massachusetts

  • Butcher Shop

    South End & Chinatown

    Only in the South End does the neighborhood butcher shop double as an elegant eatery and wine bar. The cases filled with tantalizing cuts of meat, fresh…

  • Nautilus

    Nantucket

    In a sea of, well, seafood restaurants, Nautilus offers a tantalizing alternative with its menu of global-minded (but decidedly Asian focused) dishes. It…

  • Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern

    South Shore

    You're in Whaling City: why not grab lunch at this friendly whaler's tavern, where you can feast on a well-stocked raw bar, divine cod cakes or 'monsta…

  • Revitalive Cafe & Juice Bar

    Massachusetts

    Vegan, gluten-free, raw – whatever your dietary restriction, this sweet little cafe has got you covered. Even if you're an omnivore, you'll drool over the…

  • TreMonte

    Boston

    Customers are raving about this North End newcomer, which serves classic northern Italian fare in its sophisticated dining room with big windows…

  • Gyro City

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    This authentic gyrotico fits right in on Peterborough St (aka Fenway's restaurant row), with cheap, scrumptious, filling food. There is a variety of gyros…

  • Vee Vee

    Streetcar Suburbs

    Vee Vee stands for Valachovic, the last name of the two creative genii behind this sweet spot on Centre St. The decor is minimalist and modern, but…

  • Select Oyster Bar

    Back Bay

    New England seafood meets Mediterranean flavors at this trendy little oyster bar off Newbury St. The space is delightfully compact and the menu is…

  • Bascom Lodge Restaurant

    The Berkshires

    Drop in for a tasty and filling lunch made with locally sourced ingredients at this welcoming mountain-top lodge with predictably stunning views. Book…

  • El Oriental de Cuba

    Streetcar Suburbs

    Lunchtime lines often run out the door as hungry patrons wait patiently for the specialty Cuban sandwich. Roast pork, Swiss cheese and ham are stuffed…

  • Shōjō

    South End & Chinatown

    Clean, contemporary and super cool, Shōjō is unique in Chinatown for its trendy vibe (and unfortunately loud music). The menu picks and chooses from all…

  • Waterside Market

    Martha's Vineyard

    Quality sandwiches and salads are made to order at this popular lunch spot located in a beautiful old house on Main St. The inside seating can be a bit…

  • Among the Flowers Café

    Martha's Vineyard

    Join the in-the-know crowd on the garden patio (under cute striped awnings and – yes – among the flowering plants) for homemade soups, waffles, sandwiches…

  • Plum Island Grille

    Massachusetts

    Cross the bridge to Plum Island to find this sophisticated seafood grill serving up grilled fish and a specialty oyster menu. The food can be inconsistent…

  • Flour

    Back Bay

    Joanne Chang's beloved bakery is taking over Boston. This outlet – on the edge of Back Bay – has the same flaky pastries and rich coffee that we have come…

  • Baked

    Pioneer Valley

    A former glass-blowing studio overlooking the glacial potholes has been transformed into a bakery and cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating. There are…

  • Sweetgreen

    Back Bay

    Vegetarians, gluten-free eaters, health nuts and all human beings will rejoice in the goodness that is served at Sweetgreen. Choose a salad or a wrap,…

  • Passports

    Massachusetts

    There's something refreshing about this place – pleasant but innocuous in appearance, with its chalkboard menu and wooden bar. But as soon as those…

  • Giacomo’s Ristorante

    Boston

    Customers line up before the doors open so they can guarantee themselves a spot in the first round of seating at this North End favorite. Enthusiastic and…

  • Lobster Pot

    Provincetown

    True to its name, this busy fish house overlooking the harbor is the place for lobster, and many have been lured by its retro neon sign. Start with the…

  • Dirty Water Dough Co

    Back Bay

    If there's anything that Bostonians love more than the Standells, it's pizza. That explains why the kids are lining up to get theirs from Dirty Water…

  • Koy

    Boston

    It's unusual that something so classy, so contemporary and so cosmopolitan should find a home in historic Blackstone Block. But here it is: Korean fusion…

  • Osteria Vespa

    Pioneer Valley

    Locally sourced meats and Italian-style cheeses from nearby farms are given a Tuscan twist, and the pasta and gnocchi is made fresh daily at one of…

  • Gaslight

    South End & Chinatown

    Gaslight is the friendly and affordable brasserie du coin (brasserie on the corner) that we all wish we had in our own neighborhood. Mosaic tiles, wood…

  • Darwin's Ltd

    Cambridge

    Punky staff serve fat sandwiches, fresh soup and salads, and delicious coffee and pastries, all with a generous helping of attitude. The limited seating…

  • West Tisbury Farmers Market

    Martha's Vineyard

    Be sure to head to the Grange Hall in the center of West Tisbury on market days for fresh-from-the-farm produce. The best time to go is Saturday, when it…

  • Alden & Harlow

    Cambridge

    This subterranean space is offering a fresh take on American cooking. The small plates are made for sharing, so everyone in your party gets to sample the…

  • Student Prince Cafe & Fort Restaurant

    Pioneer Valley

    The Student Prince has been scratching those schnitzel and sauerkraut itches since 1935 and shows no signs of slowing down. Even if you're not in the mood…

  • Townshend

    South Shore

    Quincy isn't exactly known for fine dining and cocktails, but the Townshend might just change that. The menu is broad (and frequently changing), but…

  • Lemon Press

    Nantucket

    You can get your organic juice and almond-milk latte fix at Lemon Press, a chic, design-minded cafe on Main St. The menu of sandwiches, wraps and bowls…

  • Area Four

    Cambridge

    The post-industrial vibe at Area Four is perfect for the high-tech block where it's located (and for which it's named). Doubling as a cool cafe and modern…

  • Bistro du Midi

    South End & Chinatown

    The upstairs dining room is exquisite, but the downstairs bistro exudes warmth and camaraderie, inviting casual callers to linger over wine and snacks. In…

  • Yoma Burmese Restaurant

    Boston

    Boston is one of the few US cities that boasts a Burmese restaurant. Yoma’s la phet thot (pickled green-tea-leaf salad) is the hands-down favorite, rich…

  • Menemsha Fish Market

    Martha's Vineyard

    On a cold day, warm up with some chowder or opt for a super-fresh lobster roll at this rustic, no-frills, year-round fish market in Menemsha. Or go the…

  • Osaka

    Pioneer Valley

    Osaka's modern dining room is airy and bright, and it serves a wide menu of à la carte sushi as well as hibachi, udon and tempura. And if you're looking…

  • Kupel's Bakery

    Streetcar Suburbs

    Kupel's has 24 kinds of chewy bagels and 24 kinds of decadent cream cheese. We're not good at math, but that's a lot of breakfast goodness. Lines are out…

  • 20byNine

    Martha's Vineyard

    Whiskey is the star of the cocktail menu at 20byNine and it goes well with just about everything on the delightfully unpretentious menu of small plates…

  • Barcelona Wine Bar

    South End & Chinatown

    Barcelona calls itself a wine bar (and it does have an impressive wine program, for sure), but most people come for the excellent food and the impeccable…

  • Bella Verona

    Massachusetts

    The striped awning and overflowing flower boxes are the perfect gateway to this romantic trattoria in the heart of Salem. Owner Giorgio Manzana has…

  • Whole Heart Provisions

    Cambridge

    Appealing to health-conscious and earth-conscious eaters, this convivial place serves up lunch (or dinner) in a bowl. Choose one of the signature…

More destinations you need to see