Top Best American Restaurants in Massachusetts

"Rumor has it that when humanity goes to Mars to build a replica Earth after we destroy the original, Space Boston will be so small that we’ll only have room for one seafood restaurant. Island Creek Oyster Bar, which represents the platonic ideal of New England seafood, is going to be that restaurant. The Kenmore Square spot was opened by the people behind the Island Creek Oyster Farm, who probably know more about what it takes to make great seafood than just about anyone else currently alive."

"This lively "workingman's oyster bar" is the embodiment of Boston's current New England dining scene. Row 34 is one of several key players in the Fort Point restaurant boom, drawing massive crowds (in pre-COVID times) to a once-quiet section of town. With a creative beer list, ultra-fresh seafood, and some of the best lobster rolls in town, Row 34 is one of the trickiest reservations to snag."

"This venerable, decades-spanning stalwart in Harvard Square, which happens to have one of the best patios around, remains a fine-dining favorite in a trending-casual industry. It’s the kind of place that is excellent for entertaining the in-laws over mignonette-dabbed oysters or boards bearing local cheeses; waffles topped with fried chicken, decadent foie gras butter and wild apple purée; and buttermilk biscuits enhanced with rose rhubarb jam and almond crémeux. Don’t relegate Harvest to special occasions, though."

"Renowned in Cambridge for high-quality dining, Harvest has won numerous awards for its food, wine and service. Serving contemporary New England cooking, it can be found right on Harvard Square where it has been a regular sight since the 1970s. Harvest describes itself as a welcome respite from the hectic life of the square, boasting elegant decor and a relaxing ambience."

"Back BayKnown for their sustainably sourced and high quality offerings, Saltie Girl has plenty of options to sift through, including petite, grande, and royale seafood towers piled high with fresh oysters, littlenecks, and Jonah crab salad. There’s also a new Italian-inspired seafood pizzeria, Seafood Pizza by Saltie Girl, stocked with lobster, clams, caviar, smoked salmon, and tinned fish atop fresh-baked pies with hand pulled mozzarella, burrata, taleggio, and reggiano. How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out and delivery via Caviar."

"We went there initially thinking we would grab lunch, but we ended up just grabbing a few small dishes with cocktail.…”more"

"Alibi Bar & Lounge, located inside The Liberty Hotel, is open from 3pm onwards, Mon-Wed, and 2pm onwards from Thurs-Sun. Light snacks, pizzas, and burgers are also on the menu."

"FAB Gastropub took over the former Bergamont space in Somerville and is now running a brewery, restaurant, and art gallery all at once. We’ve never had roasted pork shoulder while assessing a contemporary sculpture of bacon before, but we’re willing to give it a go."

"118 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143-4304Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full BarAmerican, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian FriendlyDinner, Late NightSGD 39 - SGD 39+1 617-576-7700"

"Guests can enjoy modern American-inspired dishes like its award winning Clam Chowder, Chicken & Waffle Bites, and a Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich, and a drink menu featuring Draft Beer Towers, Mimosa Towers Coffee Collusion in classic, chai and mocha, and Margarita La Picante.Gather’s popular weekend Brunch is also available on the patio on Saturday and Sunday, and it will begin offering brunch on Mondays starting April 5."

"Located in the heart of the South Boston Waterfront, Gather is one of Southie’s hot spots for drinks and apps. Gather serves up lunch, dinner, and a Sunday Brunch. Directly connected to District Hall – a dedicated civic space where the innovation community can create and exchange ideas, Gather’s vibe is sleek and modern."

"Yes, the sidewalk patio has reopened and the roof deck is soon to follow. It’s still not the party scene of yore—nor should it be—but you can still kick back for a relaxed daytime meal of steak and eggs, sweet potato and chorizo hash, chocolate chip pancakes, and one of three eggs Benny (baked ham, lobster, or carnitas). How to go: Make reservations through Resy or order pickup and delivery online and via Uber Eats."

"Located in the Jeffries Point neighborhood of East Boston, Cunard Tavern has expanded its outdoor seating options with sidewalk seating. But if you’re looking for a rooftop breeze, make a beeline for the top deck bar, where you can load up on bacon-wrapped dates, oysters, and fish tacos, plus beer, wine, and cocktails. Note: The rooftop deck is only open Thursdays through Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m."

"Restaurants Coffee shops Downtown. This hole-in-the wall coffee spot may be easy to miss, as it resides just a few doors down from the largest Tatte location in Boston, but its artistic lattes and sleek interior are eye-catching. Located inside the grandiose 125 Summer Street office building, Kohi Coffee Co. is a petit independent cafe proudly serving craft coffee and baked goods."

"Status: All locations open daily for takeout (advance online ordering available). The sleek and chic Brighton outpost provides the Boston Landing area with Tandem Coffee options ranging from Chemex-brewed pour-overs to boxes of batched brew for up to 10 officemates. It’s a citified version of the artisan coffee shop that got its start in Provincetown, and Kōhi also has a smaller location (with a walk-up window!) on Summer Street in downtown Boston."

"Located at 125 Summer Street, Kohi Coffee offers high-quality coffee alongside a crisp, clean atmosphere. They get their coffee from Tandem Coffee Roasters, which is premium coffee at a premium price point. We’ve said this before, but you get what you pay for, and there’s no doubt that this coffee is good."

"If you’ve been to Nantucket, most likely you’ve been to the wildly popular Lola 41, well, how lucky are we?. Southie welcomes its new sister restaurant Lola 42 in the Seaport District!. This new bistro and sushi bar just opened its doors at 22 Liberty Drive will feature an eclectic menu with such items as Japanese izakaya snacks and sushi,  seafood, burgers, bolognese and more!"

"Featuring a menu that ranges from King Crab Rangoon to authentic Lobster Rolls, this restaurant is a can't-miss spot near Seaport Hotel."