390 Best Restaurants in Massachusetts, USA

Diners who appreciate flavor and spice will adore chef-owner Asia Mei's creative kitchen endeavors, which often mix up elements of American, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, and Spanish cuisines. A lively local crowd comes for dinner and to get their hands on crave-worthy dishes (the menu does change frequently). The staff cares what you think, and this shows in the impeccable, friendly service and the fact that the chef doesn't just stay in the kitchen—she's often serving dishes herself and asking diners' opinions.

Dress nicely for a visit to Mooo...., a refined steak house that remains civilized despite the restaurant's somewhat whimsical name. Prime, dry-aged steaks are served à la carte, and, although the Japanese A5 Wagyu sirloin will set you back a few dollars, portions are as exaggerated as the prices. The menu also features a few seafood dishes and a poultry option; vegetarians and vegans are easily accommodated by request. The impressive, award-winning wine list boasts hundreds of entries, including a few very special bottles.

It may be perfect cuisine for the student metabolism: a huge variety of variously garnished thick burgers with sassy names (many of them after celebrities, like the Jayson Tatum or the Bill Burr), deliciously crispy regular and sweet-potato fries, award-winning onion rings, and toppings like an egg or mac and cheese. There's also a competent veggie burger, along with comforting dinner fare like baked meat loaf, fried chicken, and franks and beans. Soda fountain favorites include thick frappes in funky flavors (try the popular Elvis with chocolate, Reese's, and banana topped with bacon) and the nonalcoholic "raspberry lime rickey," made with fresh limes, raspberry juice, sweetener, and soda water. Tiny tables in a crowded space make eavesdropping unavoidable at this Harvard Square institution. During busy times employees sometimes hand out menus and take orders outside on the sidewalk.

The food and the interior share a penchant for unusual, striking juxtapositions—a classical sculpture in front of an abstract canvas, for instance, or an artful plate of boneless chicken and scallops in Thai peanut sauce arrayed on a bed of lo mein noodles. The art collection on display here is significant, and includes many noted Provincetown artists; the late Napi Van Dereck and his wife Helen collected gems for many, many years.

Its name, Nebo, is an acronym for "North End Boston," which is the neighborhood where the first iteration of this local restaurant operated for a time. Today, it serves rustic Italian dishes from the owners' nonna in a classy, corner spot on the waterfront. Chefs make the bread, pizza dough, and pasta in-house from scratch, and meals are nothing short of hearty and rich. Wine list features all Italian vintages. Nebo also boasts a large sidewalk seating area in nice weather.

A trifecta of Celtic celebration, this Quincy Market hot spot is part Irish pub, part lounge, and part live music hall. A destination for tourists and townies alike, the menu is a mix of classic Irish dishes, like chicken curry, fish-and-chips, Irish poutine, and beef stew, alongside New England favorites, such as Samuel Adams chicken tenders and clam chowder. Ned Devine’s features a cozy, upper-level dining room, a spacious dance floor for when bands are scheduled, and three bars that usually have the game on. The cozy interior, accented with exposed brick, is the perfect place to curl up with a fresh-drawn pint and relax after a day of sightseeing. When your energy is back on track, the live music draws big crowds on the weekends, with a $10 cover charge starting at 10 pm on Friday and 9 pm on Saturday.

This small-batch roastery and café also serves as an art gallery and community hangout. Stop in for expertly poured slow drip coffee or cold brew made with their own coffee bean blend soaked in cold water for 18 hours. Grab a quick breakfast or one of their paninis for lunch.

In a rambling building in Brewster Court, this noisy and often-packed pub has extensive outdoor seating on a deck. The kitchen turns out sandwiches and comfort food, including stuffed peppers and burgers with blue cheese and caramelized onions. The main draws here, though, are the local and international brews, best enjoyed with some appetizers.

This fine-dining hot spot boasts exquisite views of Nantucket Sound, and the food is equally sublime—some consider it the best on the Cape. Seafood is the featured attraction, with a Pan-Asian tilt, especially on the appetizer side; think tempura, sashimi, and ramen.

The island's first microbrewery restaurant is quite popular with locals and visitors alike, especially since it is open year-round. There are private wooden booths, a dart board in the corner, and live music from October--May. Grab some peanuts from a barrel by the door and drop the shells on the floor; then order from a menu that includes steaks and burgers, chicken, pasta, gumbo, and fish. However, to truly appreciate the beer, try it with one of the wood-fired brick-oven pizzas. There's a nice shaded patio for outdoor dining.

Although the entrance to this superb sushi restaurant may elude you, simply follow the crowds of raw-fish fans streaming into the sleek, gray, industrial space, to find edible aquatic enchantment in the form of Tokyo-style soft-shell crab, lobster tempura, and Chilean sea bass. The vibe is stylish and so are the pricey diners. While it's easy to rack up quite a bill, especially ordering endless sushi a la cart, the omakase is a splurge; at $265–$280 its six to nine courses include Wagyu with truffles and sake add-ons.

From lattes to rickies, the sheer variety of beverage selections at this casual local spot will have your mouth watering, whether you like coffee or not—try the Greek frappe, it's the owner's specialty. Nosh on egg sandwiches, bagels, and muffins in the morning, or move on to grilled cheese and deli sandwiches at lunchtime. 

Climb the copper-clad stairs into this historic home, settle in at one of three dining rooms, and get ready to enjoy the island's freshest fish and produce, impeccably prepared. The menu changes with the seasons, but count on house-made pasta (available in half portions) and toothsome mains with an international tilt, like Moroccan fish tagine.

The hillside-enclosed porch overlooking the center of town makes Osaka the most recognizable restaurant in Northampton, as well as one of the best dining spots. Whether you're in the mood for sushi, a bento box lunch, or a full hibachi dinner, Osaka serves up traditional Japanese favorites in a welcoming atmosphere.

Usually packed, Otto Pizza delivers on tasty, delicious classics like cheese, pepperoni, or margherita, but where it really shines is with oddball combinations—like caramelized pear, blue cheese, and arugula, or pulled pork and pineapple. Diners can enjoy sit-down service, paired with a beer or glass of wine, or get a slice at the bar or get one to go.

Briny bivalves pour in from the restaurant's own oyster farm in the bay, though oysters (and clams) from other towns are well represented and can be had a variety of ways—raw on the half shell is the best way to enjoy these super-fresh delicacies. It's a fun place all around, with great food and a boisterous atmosphere, and oysters are half-price daily until 6:30 pm. They offer lunch in season (until Veteran's Day) on Sat. and Sun.

Perched between Central and Harvard squares, this new American trattoria was created by husband-and-wife team Chris and Pam Willis. Take a seat at the fresh-flower-covered communal table (or one of the smaller, more intimate tables) and choose your own culinary adventure by picking three dishes from the prix-fixe menu (à la carte is available only in the bar area). Delicious dishes include their signature lumache with Bolognese, lasagna bianca, and lamb tartare. The cocktail presence is strong (so are the drinks), and the natural wine list features small-batch wines from vineyards off the beaten path. Pammy's dual-opening fireplace, dramatic floral arrangements, and hand-drawn peacock mural add to its well-known charming nature that brings in foodies from all over Cambridge. Take note of the 6% fee added to all checks for kitchen administration.

To try the creations of some of the best local chefs without paying four-star-restaurant prices, stop by Parish Café, where you can get a sandwich designed by the top culinary minds in Boston. The menu is full of the city's famous handheld snacks, all with the permission of their original makers, alongside chef Brian Poe's own creations. The bar is open until 2 am daily, with food service until 1 am, a rare thing in Boston.

In the heart of downtown Gloucester, Passports serves a modern take on classic New England seafood. Whether you sit at the bar or a table, you'll be served delicious complimentary popovers to start. The house haddock is a favorite here, with other options like lobster and paella on offer. There's always local art hanging on the walls for patrons to buy.

Satisfy your pizza craving with a crispy, wood-fired, thin-crust pie from this Fort Point neighborhood joint. A dozen-and-a-half options run from the traditional margherita to more inventive options; note that the pies are smaller in size, so order a few. The menu also includes house-made pastas, antipasti, and a few types of wood-fired pocket-bread sandwiches. Near as it is to the Boston Children's Museum, Pastoral is a great spot for a family meal.

In this North End nook, the lobster roll—in 7 ounces, 14 ounces, and at 28 ounces, the "U.S.S. Lobstitution," the biggest lobster roll in Boston—reigns supreme. Served either hot with drawn butter and cold with mayo, the smallest rolls come on a New England-style buttered hot dog bun, while the larger ones are piled onto sub rolls to accommodate all that meat. The signature sandwiches and wraps are served on freshly baked rolls, and the salads are made fresh daily.

Enjoy coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi access in this hip basement spot, one of several scattered about the city. Tea lovers needn't feel left out—there are plenty of excellent options, including jade oolong and chamomile medley.

Fantastic coffee, paired with fresh pastries or delicious bagels, fuels a lot of people at this outpost of the local chain Pavement. Creative bagel sandwiches include Presto! Presto! (a combo of egg, sharp cheddar, avocado, and sun-dried pesto) or you can build your own with ingredients you like. There is communal seating inside, plus an outdoor patio, great for people-watching in warm weather.

Day or night, patrons pack this Vietnamese staple of the Chinatown neighborhood known for its steaming bowls of pho. A lengthy menu offers plenty of alternatives, vermicelli dishes, traditional Vietnamese preparations, and about 20 options for vegetarians. Booths and tables fill the dining area, making the most of its space, but despite the tight fit, service is exceptionally quick. Pho Pasteur's location borders the Theater District, so it's often a popular post-show spot for concert and theatergoers.

A little out of the way, this understated eatery serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine at wallet-pleasing prices. Whether you enjoy the eponymous made-from-scratch soups, fried dishes with meat, or plentiful vegetarian options, the menu has you covered.

With a name that's short for Pizza and Ice Cream Company, Picco is perfect for both kids and kids at heart. This South End spot combines an upscale, trendy feel with an old-fashioned soda fountain and a changing list of homemade ice cream flavors that might include chocolate malt chip, prickly pear sorbet, and honey. When your appetite calls for more than just chilly sweets, dig into their pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. Want to imbibe with your meal? There's a long rotating list of craft beers and a hefty wine list.

Crowds line up for tasty treats at this beloved year-round bakery, in business since 1982, which serves up a lot more than pie, though that is not to be missed. Sticky buns and scones fly out of the kitchen at breakfast, while daily soup specials, wraps, and salads are popular at lunch.

For a meal on the waterfront, try Pier 6 in the Charlestown Navy Yard just steps from the USS Constitution, where you'll be treated to New England seafood coupled with outstanding harbor views. Plates are piled high with fried calamari, seared octopus, and lobster rolls, and the giant shellfish platter of local oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster will draw all eyes to your table. Whether you're upstairs on the roof deck, outside on the large patio and bar, or in the dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, there isn't a bad seat in the place. Three seasons of the year, the mahogany bar on outdoor patio is packed during the evenings for cocktails (perhaps a Pier 6 Painkiller or a Knotty Nauti) with the after-work and singles crowd. Through the night, small pleasure crafts slowly approach the moorings as their captains hop out for a cocktail and a quick bite. Spring and summer brings a weekend boat shuttle (for $4) from various spots in East Boston including Tall Ship and Reelhouse.

Good luck finding a seat at this popular pizza spot in the middle of the summer, where locals and tourists can't get enough of its gourmet wood-fired pizza. Vegan and gluten-free diners will rejoice at the special dietary offerings just for them, but be prepared to pay a premium price for these pies. 

Since 1971, this family-run seafood and ice cream shack has been serving hungry vacationers. It's a go-to joint for a quick post-beach dinner (or pre-beach lunch) with a menu that goes beyond the usual deep-fried items: options include broiled seafood plates, hot and cold lobster rolls, and more than a dozen different salads. Order dessert at the soft-serve ice cream window.