Must-see restaurants in New England

  • 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…

  • Recovery Room

    Southeastern Connecticut

    Locals love Recovery Room's pizza – thin crusted and one-size – with a variety of toppings (20 'red' or 'white' pizzas, as well as one 'hot oil'). It's…

  • 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…

  • Lobster Pound Restaurant

    Midcoast Maine

    Fresh local lobster is the name of the game at this recommended seafood joint on Lincolnville's beach, though there are plenty of other options (fishy and…

  • 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…

  • TreMonte

    Boston

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

  • Bristol Oyster Bar

    East Bay

    This is a real chef's restaurant content with perfecting its tidy menu of fresh seafood, duck and beef tenderloin, and sourcing the best local oysters and…

  • 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…

  • Louis' Lunch

    New Haven

    A New Haven institution since 1895, it's all about the atmosphere and reputation of being the 'birthplace of the hamburger sandwich.'

  • Miller's Cafe & Bakery

    White Mountains

    With friendly service, free wi-fi and a two-level deck overlooking the Ammonoosuc River, this cafe-bakery in Littleton's historic mill district is an…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Zest! Fresh Pastry

    Southeastern Connecticut

    Gabriella's been whipping up the good stuff here for more than five years. There are dozens of palate-pleasers on offer, such as orange-almond macarons,…

  • Condesa Restaurante Mexicano

    Rhode Island

    Smithfield's best Mexican joint has a strong following of vegetarian diners and those with food intolerances who appreciate the care with which meals are…

  • HB Provisions

    Southern Maine Coast

    Ostensibly a country store (incongruously located in the middle of the Kennebunks' main tourist drag), HB is a great spot to pick up a deli sandwich (try…

  • Time & Tonic

    White Mountains

    Fresh and healthy salads, sandwiches and grilled dishes, plus vegetarian and vegan dishes await at this chic new restaurant and market on the northern…

  • Ye Olde Tavern

    Southern Vermont

    Hearthside dining at candlelit tables enhances the experience at this gracious roadside 1790s inn. The menu is wide-ranging: 'Yankee favorites' like…

  • 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…

  • Jordan Pond House

    Acadia National Park

    Afternoon tea at this lodge-like teahouse has been an Acadia tradition since the late 1800s. Steaming pots of Earl Grey come with hot popovers and…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Bravo

    Providence

    This bistro in the heart of downtown boasts a bustling street-side patio for alfresco dining in the warmer months. When the weather's not so fine, a dark…

  • 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…

  • Ondine

    Midcoast Maine

    Oysters and wine? Yeah alright, and more of both. This oyster and wine bar specializes in shellfish, but you can also find charcuterie plates, duck confit…

  • Boathouse

    Connecticut

    Don your chinos and boaters and pop in to this waterfront favorite at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. Sip on wine, dine in the sunshine on a selection of small…

  • 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,…

  • Honey Paw

    Portland

    A creation from the owners of a few highly regarded restaurants around town, Honey Paw has a cool warehouse fit out and a menu of hipsterized pan-Asian…

  • 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…

  • Surf

    Portsmouth

    We're not sure if the view of the Piscataqua River complements the food or the food complements the view at this airy restaurant, especially at sunset…

  • Trattoria Delia

    Burlington

    Burlington's longtime favorite for a romantic dinner, this dimly lit Italian restaurant with a large stone fireplace serves homemade pastas and…

  • Peasant

    Vermont

    Living up to its tagline 'a simple feast,' Peasant delivers seasonal farm-to-table treats that can vary from hearty cassoulet in the dead of winter to…

  • Allie's Donuts

    Rhode Island

    Allie has been turning out hot-to-trot homemade doughnuts from her roadside shack on RI 2 for over 40 years and Rhode Islanders travel from across the…

  • Larson's Lunch Box

    Midcoast Maine

    This seasonal walk-up is immensely popular with locals and tourists, who pack in for burgers, chili dogs and, of course, thick lobster rolls that are…

  • Green Elephant

    Portsmouth

    Vegetarians rejoice! The wildly popular Green Elephant bistro of Portland, ME, has opened its first New Hampshire franchise in Portsmouth. The Chinese-,…

  • 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…