Must-see restaurants in Massachusetts

  • Woodman's of Essex

    Massachusetts

    This roadhouse is the most famous spot in the area to come for clams, any way you like them. The specialty is Chubby's original fried clams and crispy…

  • Clam Box

    Massachusetts

    You can't miss this classic clam shack, just north of Ipswich center. Built in 1938, it actually looks like a clam box, spruced up with striped awnings…

  • Berkshire Co-op Market Cafe

    The Berkshires

    You don't need to spend a bundle to eat green, wholesome and local. This cafe inside the Berkshire Co-op Market, just off Main St, has a crunchy farm…

  • Antonio's Pizza by the Slice

    Pioneer Valley

    Amherst's most popular pizza place features excellent slices made with a truly vast variety of toppings. Bizarre as some offerings are (black bean avocado…

  • Baba Louie's

    The Berkshires

    Baba's is known for its organic sourdough crust. There's a pizza for every taste, running the gamut from the fan-favorite Dolce Vita with figs, gorgonzola…

  • Clover DTX

    Boston

    Right on the Freedom Trail, the first Downtown branch of this socially conscious local success story serves veggie treats morning, noon and night, from…

  • James Hook & Co

    Boston

    For a superlative lobster roll close to Downtown, look no further than this harborside seafood shack near the bridge to the Seaport district. Outdoor…

  • West End Pub

    Pioneer Valley

    Shelburne Falls' favorite place for a drink also serves a varied menu of sandwiches, burgers, meat dishes and vegetarian options. Best of all, it has a…

  • Arthur's Paradise Diner

    Boston's Western Suburbs

    The epitome of 'old school,' this place is open only for breakfast and lunch and specializes in something called the Boot Mill sandwich (egg, bacon,…

  • Two Sisters Coffee Shop

    Massachusetts

    This local place is where the fisherfolk go for breakfast when they come in from their catch. They're early risers, so you may have to wait for a table…

  • Mac's on the Pier

    Cape Cod

    Head here for fish-market-fresh seafood at bargain prices. Fried-fish standards join the likes of oyster po'boys, sushi rolls and grilled striped-bass…

  • Bravo

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    For a delectable break during your visit to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, head for this sophisticated restaurant in the museum's Linde Family Wing for…

  • Seeds Market Cafe

    The Berkshires

    At the Hancock Shaker Village, this cafe serves Shaker-inspired soups, salads and sandwiches made with fresh produce from the onsite heirloom vegetable…

  • Loretta

    Massachusetts

    With memorabilia on the walls and ribs and burgers on the menu, Loretta specializes in all-American goodness. This classic restaurant is a longtime…

  • La Choza Burritos

    Martha's Vineyard

    Bumper bespoke burritos are the order of the day at this corner spot on Main St, not far from the ferry terminal. The signs step you through the process,…

  • Paul & Elizabeth's

    Pioneer Valley

    This airy, plant-adorned restaurant, known locally as P&E's, sits on the top floor of Thornes Marketplace and is the town's premier natural foods…

  • Thai Place

    Massachusetts

    Here you’ll find real-deal home-style Thai fare with solid options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Don’t be misled by the wallet-friendly prices –…

  • Inaho

    Cape Cod

    Beloved of locals, this serene year-round restaurant has an impeccable pedigree for putting seafood to great use. Sushi and sashimi are fresh and delicate…

  • Mt Tom's

    Pioneer Valley

    A popular stop for homemade ice cream in Easthampton is Mt Tom's near Nashawannuck Pond. The more than 50 available flavors include black cherry, coconut…

  • Virgilio's Italian Bakery

    Massachusetts

    Primarily a takeout joint, Virgilio's has excellent sandwiches and other Italian treats. Try the famous St Joseph sandwich – like an Italian sub on a…

  • George's Coney Island

    Massachusetts

    A giant neon fist grips a wiener dripping yellow neon mustard in the six-story sign outside this 1918 Worcester institution. Inside, eat dogs in a…

  • Jo Jo TaiPei

    Streetcar Suburbs

    Jo Jo TaiPei is the keystone of Boston’s 'Little Taiwan' – a Taiwanese bakery and a bubble-tea cafe are across the street. Try the three cups tofu and…

  • Port Hunter

    Martha's Vineyard

    Set in a high-ceiling building with an industrial vibe that harkens back to Edgartown's past as a busy harbor, Port Hunter has a diverse menu of high-end…

  • Maison Villatte

    Cape Cod

    A pair of French bakers crowned in toques work the ovens at this buzzing bakery-cafe, creating crusty artisan breads, flaky croissants and sinful pastries…

  • Relish

    Provincetown

    Relish is a beachy sandwich shop and bakery that's conveniently located on the way from town to the salt marsh. On summer mornings it's common to…

  • Modern Pastry Shop

    Boston

    The 'Modern' Pastry Shop feels anything but. This family-owned bakery has been making delectable cookies and cannoli for some 70 years. Always a contender…

  • Helmut's Strudel

    Massachusetts

    For dessert, try this Austrian bakery, near the outer end of the Neck. Helmut's serves various strudels, filled croissants, pastries, cider and coffee…

  • Via Lago Café

    Boston's Western Suburbs

    This cafe has high ceilings, intimate tables, a scent of fresh-roasted coffee and a great deli case. It's a perfect stop for breakfast or lunch, but the…

  • Corner Lunch

    Massachusetts

    Here you'll find a sweet prefab built by DeRaffelle in the 1950s. The exterior contains plenty of silvery metal panels and a big neon sign. Inside, there…

  • Jimmy's Hideaway

    Provincetown

    You need to keep your eyes peeled for the sign to Jimmy's, aptly named 'Hideaway.' Once you've found it you'll be treated to a wonderfully delicate…

  • Pie in the Sky

    Cape Cod

    From early-morning coffees and croissants to warming soups and fab sandwiches, or even just afternoon cookies and tea, this cozy, long-running cafe has…

  • New American Café

    Kenmore Square & Fenway

    The high-ceilinged, light-filled Shapiro Family Courtyard creates an inspiring backdrop at this classy but casual cafe, serving modern American cuisine in…

  • Keepers

    Nantucket

    Fun updates to American classics (think bacon-wrapped meatloaf) are served in a warm dining room at Keepers, one of the island's best bets for food…

  • Brown Jug

    Cape Cod

    Prime picnic supplies can be found at this specialty food store that also serves as a wine purveyor and a cafe. Wood-fired pizzas make for a perfect pit…

  • Union Oyster House and people passing by, Freedom Trail.

    Union Oyster House

    Boston

    The oldest restaurant in Boston, ye olde Union Oyster House has been serving seafood in this historic redbrick building since 1826. Countless…

  • CloverHSQ

    Cambridge

    Clover is on the cutting edge. It's all high-tech with its 'live' menu updates and electronic ordering system. But it's really about the food – local,…

  • Brotherhood of Thieves

    Nantucket

    A longtime favorite of locals, who come for the friendly tavern atmosphere (set off with brick and dark woods) and some of the island's best burgers. Not…

  • Fanizzi's by the Sea

    Provincetown

    Consistent food, an amazing water view and reasonable prices make this restaurant a local favorite. The extensive menu has something for everyone, from…

  • Ross' Grill

    Provincetown

    A beloved hideaway tucked above Whaler's Wharf, this casual bar and grill has spectacular views of the harbor, an impressive wine list and impeccable,…

  • Blue-Eyed Crab

    South Shore

    There are a few tried-and-true seafood restaurants clustered around Town Wharf. But if you like some Caribbean flavor with your fish (and perhaps a…

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