Must-see restaurants in Massachusetts

  • Lickety Split

    The Berkshires

    A convenient place for museum-goers to eat is at this pretty cafe inside MASS MoCA, offering satisfyingly good homemade soups and sandwiches, as well as…

  • Del Mar

    Cape Cod

    The creative menu at this stylish bistro swings from thin-crust fig-and-prosciutto pizza to maple-glazed duck and beyond. Global influences enhance fine…

  • Bluefins

    Cape Cod

    You won't find a basic California roll on the menu at Bluefins. This ultra-chic spot on Chatham's Main St specializes in unique rolls such as Surf & Turf,…

  • Tumi

    Cape Cod

    If you love seafood but you're hankering for something a little different, seek out this hidden Italian-Peruvian gem. Take your pick from nine kinds of…

  • Casa Razdora

    Boston

    The line is often out the door, but it's worth the wait for amazing Italian food, just like nonna made. Pick a pasta (all made fresh on the premises) and…

  • 7a Foods

    Martha's Vineyard

    A purveyor of all things farm-to-table, 7a Foods is run by locals with excellent food and farming pedigrees (co-owner and chef Dan is a Culinary Institute…

  • Sunbird Cafe

    Cape Cod

    While the outside of this cafe is a blah strip mall, the interior is full-on mid-century modern chic with lots of golden wood and plush cushions. It has a…

  • Red’s Sandwich Shop

    Massachusetts

    This Salem institution has been serving eggs and sandwiches to faithful customers for over 50 years. The food is hearty and basic, but the real attraction…

  • Franklin Café

    South End & Chinatown

    The Franklin is probably the South End's longest-standing favorite local joint – and that's saying something in this restaurant-rich neighborhood. It’s at…

  • Nahita

    South End & Chinatown

    The newly revamped space looks terrific, as do the creative concoctions coming out of the kitchen. This is truly global cuisine, focusing on Nikkei …

  • Franklin Cape Ann

    Massachusetts

    The North Shore branch of a South End favorite in Boston, this cool place has an urban atmosphere and an excellent, modern New American menu. More often…

  • Rudder at Rocky Neck

    Massachusetts

    One of the few restaurants on the Neck. The menu is a mélange of Italian mains, seafood classics and sushi. The food's not that memorable, but the…

  • Hot Chocolate Sparrow

    Cape Cod

    One of the Cape's finest coffee bars brews heady espresso and cappuccino. Or, for a cool treat on a hot day, try the 'frozen hot chocolate.' Panini…

  • My Thai Vegan Café

    South End & Chinatown

    This welcoming cafe is up a sketchy staircase, tucked into a sunlit 2nd-story space. It’s an animal-free zone – but good enough that meat eaters will…

  • Audubon Boston

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    Audubon is a long-standing Fenway favorite that mixes minimalist decor with a friendly neighborhood vibe. Stop in to sample the intriguing cocktail menu…

  • Pauli's

    Boston

    If you're in the mood for a 'lobsta roll,' head to Pauli's for 7oz of pink succulent goodness, stuffed into a lightly grilled hot-dog roll – just the way…

  • Straight Wharf Restaurant

    Nantucket

    The best place for fresh-caught seafood served with a harbor view is the deck of this hot restaurant featuring New American fare. Start with iced oysters…

  • Glass Onion

    Cape Cod

    The place to go in the area for a romantic dinner. The menu stars New American cuisine with French and Italian influences. Top billing goes to the butter…

  • Sierra Grille

    Pioneer Valley

    A smart setting, juicy steaks and a knockout brew selection make this the hottest omnivore dinner spot in town. The kitchen also does a stellar job with…

  • Bela

    Pioneer Valley

    This cozy vegetarian restaurant puts such an emphasis on fresh ingredients that the chalkboard menu changes daily depending on what local farmers are…

  • Q Restaurant

    South End & Chinatown

    Hip and hungry patrons flock to this trendy hot-pot spot in Chinatown. Q is unusual for its spacious interior and upscale atmosphere, but it's also a…

  • Mac's Shack

    Cape Cod

    This is a fancier, full-service version of Mac's on the Pier, complete with cocktails, sushi chef and raw bar. The menu keeps the classic clam-shack…

  • Green Bean

    Pioneer Valley

    Pioneer Valley farmers stock the kitchen at this cute, mostly vegetarian eatery that dishes up organic egg dishes all day long. There's also innovative…

  • Fugakyu

    Streetcar Suburbs

    The name aptly translates as 'house of elegance.' Upscale and over-the-top, Fugakyu offers a gorgeous array of sushi and sashimi, served by staff dressed…

  • Roxy's Grilled Cheese

    Cambridge

    What started as a food truck is now an actual restaurant, specializing in exotic combinations of bread and cheese (plus some other ingredients). There are…

  • Sweet Life Café

    Martha's Vineyard

    New American cuisine with a French accent is offered by this stylish bistro, which provides the town's finest dining. Tuna tartare, fried softshell crab…

  • Finz

    Massachusetts

    The highlight here is the gracious, spacious dining room with three walls of windows and a sweet patio overlooking Salem Harbor. The kitchen keeps…

  • Red Skiff

    Massachusetts

    Be prepared to wait for a table at this old-fashioned seafood shack, in the heart of Rockport, close to the T Wharf. Come for pancakes and eggs for…

  • Lone Wolf

    Pioneer Valley

    Who says brunch is only for weekends? Thanks to the friendly waitstaff and its use of local, organic ingredients, the Lone Wolf has earned itself a strong…

  • Grotto

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    In a word: romantic. Tucked into a basement on the back side of Beacon Hill, this dark, cave-like place lives up to its name. The funky decor – exposed…

  • Committee

    Boston

    This trendy spot serves small plates, it's true, but they're not talking about pita bread and hummus. These are Greek meze, featuring irresistible dishes…

  • Chacarero

    Boston

    A chacarero is a traditional Chilean sandwich made with grilled chicken or beef, Muenster cheese, fresh tomatoes, guacamole and the surprise ingredient –…

  • Scampo

    Boston

    Celeb chef Lydia Shire is the brains and brawn behind this trendy restaurant on the ground floor of the Liberty Hotel. Buzzing with energy, Scampo offers…

  • Pizza Barbone

    Cape Cod

    Take a break from seafood at this stylishly rustic pizza palace, doling out delicious Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas from its wood-fired oven…

  • Duckworth's Bistrot

    Massachusetts

    Half-portions and wines by the glass (or carafe) mean that Duckworth's won't break the bank. But the menu of fresh seafood and local produce means you…

  • Bistro Zinc

    The Berkshires

    The postmodern decor here is all metal surfaces and light woods, with tin ceilings, black-and-white tile floors and wine-crate doors. Tempting French…

  • Five Bays Bistro

    Cape Cod

    For a bit of fine dining on Barnstable's southern expanse make a reservation at Five Bays Bistro. Its seasonal menu specializes in unctuous American…

  • Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

    Cambridge

    This worldwide chain is bringing a bit of Japanese simplicity and subtlety to Harvard Square. Service is pleasant and fast, while the noodles are…

  • Local Yolk

    South Shore

    The name says it all. Everything on the menu is made from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. Look for amazing breakfast sandwiches, sweet and…

  • Marion's Pie Shop

    Cape Cod

    It's all about pie here, both sweet (wild blueberry, lemon meringue, strawberry peach, all made with fresh fruit) and savory (chicken, beef steak, clam)…

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