390 Best Restaurants in Massachusetts, USA

Head to the "cave" (a jolly colorful ice cream shop) to treat yourself to an array of traditional and unique flavors including "Death by Chocolate," an in-your-face punch of chocolate-y deliciousness that features super-creamy chocolate ice cream with a swirl of fudge and dark-chocolate chips. There are also options for a variety of dietary restrictions, sundaes, and made-to-order ice cream cakes and pies. 

In a pristine white space next to the Prudential Center, beloved local chef--co-owner Jody Adams takes Mediterranean fare up a notch, with starters like Spanish octopus, local burrata, and meatballs, and entrées like whole roasted branzino and house-made pastas wowing diners. Other popular dishes include grilled lamb chops and saffron mussels. In good weather, the outdoor bar and patio is a bustling spot to drink and dine.

It's all about the fire here, with wood-fired vegetables, wood-fired pizzas, and wood-oven-roasted chicken among the highlights. There is also a small raw-bar menu, with items like oysters and scallop ceviche, and a selection of pastas and entrées, such as fettuccine Bolognese and charcoal-grilled halibut, to round out the menu. The servers offer excellent service.

For a to-go nutrient boost, the juices, wellness shots, acai bowls, protein bars, and smoothies at this minimalist subterranean spot are designed to support your wellness goals. The new line of cold brew and lattes helps with energy slumps, and the plant-based nondairy soft serve is a more indulgent treat without too much guilt. There’s also a location in nearby Fenway.

Chef Anthony Caturano pays homage to his Italian grandmother at this warm, convivial eatery by naming it after the tiny Abruzzese village where she was born and then putting a modern twist on the rustic dishes she would have cooked. An emphasis on garden-fresh ingredients means appetizers like baby gem salad with soppressata and roasted red peppers and wood-grilled squid and octopus with white beans, while "Gravy Sunday" specials translate to heaping plates of traditional dishes like homemade meatballs and gnocchi Bolognese. And, of course, you can expect friendly service, delicious food, and excellent wine selection (more than 600 wine labels and 6,000 bottles in storage) that's largely Italian.

This fun and funky establishment offers a range of craft beers and bar food in a convivial space. Relax with a Double Rainbow IPA or nonalcoholic kombucha on a comfy couch inside, or bring Fido and sit on the pet-friendly patio. Burgers, sandwiches, and shared plates like pretzels and mozzarella sticks are on the menu. Not only does this brewery offer great beers, it offers a side of activism with each pour: 15% of all beer sales go to a worthy cause.

Inventive cocktails, plenty of beers on tap and a small, well-curated menu filled with local ingredients keep locals coming back to this cozy downtown spot. Reservations are strongly suggested for dinner, but don't be afraid to stop by and sit at the bar—one of the best bartenders in the Berkshires is crafting the cocktails. 

What may look like a simple neighborhood beer bar actually has a cultlike status for Brookline-ites and beyond. Serving an impressive amount of out-of-the-ordinary and artisanal beers—with almost two dozen on tap—the bar also offers tasty sandwiches, smaller entrées, and main dishes, of which the most beloved is the mac and cheese, customizable with additions including bacon, tomato, mushrooms, peas, egg, asparagus, shrimp, hot dog, and truffle cream. The burger game is strong too, with plenty of toppings on offer.

For a more upscale Chinatown experience, look no farther than this outpost with a full cocktail menu, extensive sushi bar, and addictive Mongolian-style hot pot menu. Rich, robust broths served with a fleet of herbs, chilis, and ginger for further seasoning to taste can be ordered with vegetables, seafood, meats, and/or noodles that you cook at the table. In addition to sushi, the menu features classic Chinese dishes.

When the pizzaiolo (certified pizza maker noted by the Napoli Pizza Council) is from Naples and he works on a hand-built brick Marra Forni pizza oven, chances are he's churning out some authentic Neapolitan pizza. Toppings stay simple, with four cheese, margarita, or prosciutto, while creative combos also keep the customers coming back. Not a fan of the red sauce? Try any of their five white pizzas, including sausage and broccoli rabe and figs, arugula and goat cheese. While it's known for its piping hot pies, this lively also serves Italian classics such as chicken parm, cacciatore, and caprese ravioli, along with unique dishes like shrimp limoncello and Italian squash blossoms.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s venture within the Mandarin Oriental hotel offers a taste of his most well-known dishes along with a few local twists. While his famous beef Wellington sits front and center as a no-brainer choice entrée, he also gives a properly placed nod to local seafood with jumbo lump crab cakes and lobster rolls, as well as Boston lager-steamed mussels, crispy-skin salmon, and fish-and-chips. The five-course chef's table menu has the best of it all.

The venue has changed, but the spirit hasn't with its "stellar cuisine meets lively bar" vibe. Standing at nearly 6½ feet tall and covered with colorful tattoos, chef--owner Ben Deforest turns out an extraordinary array of dishes—think seared yellowfin tuna in a coconut red curry broth, slow-braised short rib, linguine and clams, or a fried tomato and snow crab salad—in the heart of Oak Bluffs. The service is so friendly, everyone feels like a regular. Whatever else you order, get a plate of crispy Brussels sprouts (or two) for the table. 

Featuring massive chandeliers, an open kitchen, and a large dining area, this half-century-old family restaurant is a big, brassy eatery where everyone from canoodling couples to huge parties can feel right at home. The menu features the usual gamut of Italian favorites such as the exquisite eggplant dishes, as well as a variety of pizzas made from a half-century-old recipe.

Weekend lines out the door of Redbones can only mean one thing: you're about to hit the epicenter of barbecue in Somerville. Piled high on plates since 1987, Redbones's meat-heavy menu has a dedicated following for its pulled pork and chicken, sliced brisket, and chopped burnt ends. Ribs are a triple threat, with pork in St. Louis or sweet and tangy styles, as well as Texas dry-rubbed beef. While the fried chicken doesn't get as much fan fare, it should. Sides are what you would expect, including baked beans, collards, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, dirty rice, and corn bread.

This North End institution has been doing what it does best since the Polcari family took over in 1926—creating thin-crust, brick-oven-charred pizzas with fresh toppings, excellent sauce, and just the right amount of cheese. With 12 locations, they only offer what they excel in: incredibly well-made pies, like the Margherita, which contains fresh basil leaves baked into the cheese so they don't burn; try a combo from their Old Time Favorites menu, such as the Old World Style Anchovy or the St. Anthony's, a white pizza with sausage, cheese, and peppers. Keeping with the times, there are 10 vegetarian pizzas heaped with fresh veggies. The wait can be long, the ambience boisterous, and the menu limited (there aren't any salads or dessert, but there's beer and wine). But with pizza this good, who cares?

The name is no joke: the back half of this store is a kitchen where you can see delectable chocolates being made. A short drive from Historic Deerfield, Richardson's sells luscious cream-filled chocolates, truffles, and other handmade confections, not to mention ice cream.

Cheerful and welcoming, Rifrullo feels like you've stepped into a friend's farmhouse kitchen. Homemade breads, pastries, and a thoughtful menu with dishes like Turkish poached eggs or spicy granola for breakfast, and a variety of sandwiches, like a tofu banh mi, salmon burger, or grilled cheese, appeal to a variety of palates. The café also hosts monthly community dinners with a prix fixe menu (vegetarian option available) and BYOB, a fun way to meet people. But be aware, space is limited.

This wonderful authentic Peruvian restaurant is locally owned and is welcoming to families. Food, which includes traditionally prepared dishes, seafood, and ceviche, and smaller plates called piqueos, is beautifully presented.

This two-story French-inspired bistro and café offers a stylish spot to sip a latte and enjoy a quiche in the morning, power lunch at midday, or an endless supply of frites and an 80-ounce angus skirt steak at night in the Steak Room. The daily brunch-lunch menu includes classics like croque monsieur with ham, Gruyère, and béchamel on brioche, and chicken paillard, while the brasserie sends out more French favorites. The decor channels Paris, with subway tiles, copper accents, and art nouveau touches. Two bars, one on each level, offer plenty of space to spread out, or grab a patio seat for seasonal outdoor people watching.

The Noho coffee scene is filled with small spots for college students to refuel and tourists to take a break, but none have the same vintage-meets-industrial-charm of The Roost. Grab a house-drip coffee with a breakfast sandwich or one of their bakery items.

Housed inside Davis Square's landmark renovated Worcester Lunch Car with neon aplenty, Rosebud is the quintessential diner scene of tufted booths and counter swivel stools. It has recently reopened with an Indian-cuisine twist to those old-fashioned diner dishes locals love. Customize mac and cheese with creamy chicken tikka, order up masala chai French toast, and garnish your dog with Indian vegetable chili. You’ll also find Indian-inspired dishes, including Kashmiri deviled eggs, butter chicken potpie, and a mango lassi parfait. Don't worry: You can still get a slice of good old fashioned pie.

The seasonally inspired menu at this new American tavern brings American classics to the table, featuring signatures like the R. House burger (with cheddar, bacon, special sauce, and caramelized onions on a sesame brioche), a selection of tavern pizzas, and steak frites. Dinner entrées like fish-and-chips, duck breast, and smoked brisket sandwich are so good you'll want to keep them to yourself. To complement the menu, there's an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regionals on tap, and a locally driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern handcrafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups, and infusions. Enjoy the intimate outdoor seating on the brick patio during the summer months.

Some would argue that this small, local, independent chain may have the best Italian-style pizza in Boston. Families on the go or solitary travelers looking for a quick bite should stop in for a slice and a soda. Be aware that at Sal's, one order actually means two slices. Eat standing at the indoor counter, or cross Tremont Street and find a place to picnic right on Boston Common.

Locally loved chef Jody Adams pays tribute to the humble Greek sandwich shop with Saloniki, bringing traditional Greek flavor and fresh ingredients in the form of pitas brimming with braised pork shoulder, crispy fried chicken, spicy lamb meatballs, and more. Vegetarians aren't left out with squeaky Halloumi, moussaka and meatballs made from Impossible meat, and griddled spanakopita. When your appetite is beyond a snack, order a whole chicken or the souvlaki mixed grill, which comes with two grilled chicken skewers, lamb meatballs, Halloumi, fries, two pitas, tzatziki, spicy whipped feta, and a Greek salad. There are four other locations throughout Boston and Cambridge.

Chef Jody Adams's fast-casual Greek concept offers classic flavors and everything from lamb meatballs to meze plates in a lively, fun atmosphere. Pitas stuffed with lamb, pork, chicken thighs, or Impossible meatballs fly out of the kitchen, while sides like zucchini-feta fritters and grilled Halloumi are hard to put down.

It's unlikely you'll simply happen upon this famed Boston sandwich joint, tucked away as it is, but the hefty sandwiches (they weigh pounds) are worth the trouble of looking. The line typically snakes out the door, but while you're standing in it, you can savor the deli-like smells and browse the meats behind the counter. Despite the place being somewhat small and only being open three hours per day five days per week, it's crowded with communal tables, so you can sit and eat or take your sandwich to go.

Beacon Hill residents pop over to this market famous for being Julia Child’s favorite butcher and known for procuring exotic game meats. Tamer choices include sandwiches, prepared salads, cheeses, breads, tinned fish, and more—this place is a foodie’s nirvana. Visitors enjoy coming in to browse around and pick up ready-made items for a lunch on-the-go—in nicer weather, perhaps a picnic on the nearby Charles River Esplanade.

With the Cape Playhouse right across the street, this upscale contemporary American restaurant is a favorite before- and after-show haunt. There's plenty of seafood on the eclectic menu, which includes seafood strudel with crab, shrimp, and scallops baked in a pastry crust and topped with Newburg sauce, but carnivores will delight in dishes like linguine Bolognese or the Mongolian pork chop with braised red cabbage. Lighter meals include a ginger shrimp salad and an Asian-style fish sandwich served with seaweed salad. Save room for their signature grape-nut custard.

This classic dive bar has been serving beer and wine (no liquor) and great pub food since 1933. Today, it's pleasantly untrendy and a no-frills alternative to Beacon Hill's stuffiness with a wood bar and booths, a simple setup, a dartboard, and perfectly poured pints. On a weekday afternoon, you might see a few regulars fraternizing at the bar and with the slightly salty, well seasoned bartender; evenings and weekends tend to be much busier.

Hot pot is the name of the game at this longtime neighborhood spot tucked into the heart of Chinatown. As you sit around a central high-top bar, you can dip thinly sliced Wagyu beef, pork cheek, or a sampling of seafood into your selection of a dozen different types of broth. If there's one thing to complain about, it's that portion sizes lean on the small side, but this should not deter you from a visit.