Must-see restaurants in New England

  • 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…

  • Nina June

    Midcoast Maine

    This smart, romantic nook sits at the intersection of Maine and the Mediterranean. Risotto comes with a vegetarian asparagus broth, halibut is served with…

  • Green Elephant

    Portland

    Even carnivores shouldn't miss the vegetarian fare at this Zen-chic, Thai-inspired cafe (with lots of vegan and gluten-free options too). Start with the…

  • Bistro Henry

    Southern Vermont

    This casual, chef-owned bistro serves creative French- and Italian-inspired cuisine highlighting fresh seafood, aged meats and produce from local farms…

  • 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…

  • August First Bakery & Cafe

    Burlington

    From coffee and baked goods to health-conscious sandwiches, salads, soups and bowls, this bakery-cafe is a perennial local favorite, recently winning …

  • Fire and Spice

    Connecticut

    Just outside of the downtown core, Hartford has one notable restaurant catering to nonmeat eaters, lovers of vegetables and those with food intolerances…

  • Village Ice Cream

    Midcoast Maine

    All right, this little ice cream shop isn't technically on Monhegan – it's close to the docks in Port Clyde. But if you're waiting on a boat, do yourself…

  • Olympia Tea Room

    Rhode Island

    The most atmospheric restaurant in Watch Hill, the Olympia is an authentic 1916 soda-fountain-turned-bistro with varnished wooden booths, pink walls and…

  • Sono Harbor Deli & Cafe

    Connecticut

    This airy cafe with high ceilings serves Illy barista coffee and fabulous diner-style breakfasts with cafe-style touches at greasy-spoon prices…

  • 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…

  • Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

    Southern Maine Coast

    A super-scenic spot to crack into a whole boiled lobster with all the trimmings, right on the Chauncey Creek River. BYOB (in fact, you can bring any food…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Harbour House Restaurant

    Southeastern Connecticut

    Reserve a window table with a view overlooking the grounds of the Inn at Mystic or grab a seat by the wood-fired oven for upscale yet informally presented…

  • 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…

  • Mamma Luisa

    Newport

    This low-key, loved-by-locals pasta house is as cozy and romantic as it is authentic, and it's also a great place to escape the Newport crowds. There are…

  • 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…

  • Mise En Place

    New Hampshire

    With its minimalist decoration and pleasant front patio, this is a wonderful place for dinner. Think filet mignon, roasted rack of lamb and a wide…

  • 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…

  • Brattleboro Food Co-op

    Southern Vermont

    The perfect place to load up your picnic basket with whole-food groceries, organic produce and local cheeses, this thriving community coop also has a…

  • Ferris Acres Creamery

    Connecticut

    Three generations of the Ferris family, who've owned this property since the mid-19th century, produce a stunning variety of ice cream here during the…

  • J.P. Gifford Market

    Connecticut

    Gifford has expanded to two Litchfield locations, and the Kent market is a handy spot to get all-day breakfast burritos and intriguing sandwiches like the…

  • White Mountain Cafe & Bookstore

    White Mountains

    This cozy cafe is darn near perfect: pleasant staff, fine coffee and very tasty sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Plus there are books! Conveniently…

  • Cape Neddick Lobster Pound

    Southern Maine Coast

    In a tranquil spot overlooking the Cape Neddick River, this sunny, open dining room is popular with locals and in-the-know summer regulars. Ignore the…

  • Chopmist Charlies

    Rhode Island

    Chopmist Charlies is a refreshing alternative to dining in Newport, where restaurants of its ilk can feel too pricey, too crowded or too stuffy. Charlies…

  • Buttonwood Farm

    Southeastern Connecticut

    From as early as mid-July, get lost in the themed interactive corn maze here at Buttonwood Farm, pick pumpkins from their patches, take hayrides and…

  • Ye Olde English Fish & Chips

    Rhode Island

    What's not to love about an old-school wood-panelled diner that's been frying fish and chips in a British batter made to a family recipe since 1922?…

  • White Mountain Bagel

    White Mountains

    Enter on the right, exit on the left. In between, chow down on a plain bagel with jalapeño cream cheese, or gobble the specialty Hobo Sandwich with London…

  • El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria

    New Hampshire

    Why yes, I would like a margarita with my chicken enchilada, the one slathered in the specialty molito sauce (chilies, chocolate and spice). For a no-fuss…

  • Mohegan Cafe & Brewery

    Rhode Island

    Besides brewing its own beer, this atmospheric pub with large picture windows offers a select menu of local fish specials alongside more standard pub fare…

  • Local Kitchen & Craft Beer

    Connecticut

    Solid pub food like fish and chips backed up with some Connecticut ales (and those from further afield) make this a pleasant dining experience. Lobster…

  • Schutty's Seafood

    Midcoast Maine

    We generally like to be near the water while eating fresh New England seafood, but a random parking lot works just as well. At least it does when said lot…

  • Sunflowers

    New Hampshire

    In the heart of Jaffrey (2 miles east of Jaffrey Center), this cozy cafe with its cheerful blue and yellow facade is the perfect place to relax and enjoy…

  • Fish Net

    Down East

    A casual spot serving up the town's best lobster rolls, plus inexpensive lunch specials (avocado-bacon cheeseburger from $7), tasty fried oyster rolls and…