Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Massachusetts

"In a town full of lobster rolls, one stands out — the warm lobster roll at Neptune’s. Though you can choose for it to be warm or cold, definitely go for the warm one. This version contains no celery or other fillers, and is dressed with drawn butter aka heaven and is served with a side of crisp fries."

"Neptune’s menu hints at Italian, but you’ll also find elements of Mexican, French, Southern and old-fashioned New England. The impressive raw bar and daily seafood specials confirm that this is not your... Bakery in West End & North End"

"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."

"When this trendsetter opened four years ago, it was credited with kicking off Harvard Square’s dining renaissance. Since then, it has become the center of chef Michael Scelfo’s growing empire — he opened the seafood-focused Waypoint(entrées $15–$23) two years ago, and this fall he’ll launch the bar-restaurant Longfellow upstairs from Alden & Harlow. But the subterranean dining room of his original restaurant is still buzzing every night, packed with a crowd that feels like a true Cambridge cross section, from proud college parents to twentysomething entrepreneurs."

"The smoked chocolate bread pudding with sea salt ice cream at Alden & Harlow just melts in your mouth." —Robert Gonzalez, pastry chef at Bistro du Midi. "The chocolate torte with a cherry compote, smoked almonds, and black raspberry ice cream. It was a flourless chocolate cake that was moist and perfectly warmed. It had a contrast of textures and flavors that all worked together in unison." —Hannah Lurier, executive pastry chef at Alta Strada Wellesley"

"Restaurants Contemporary American Harvard Sq. Chef-owner Michael Scelfo churns out some of Cambridge's most inventive weekend brunch offerings. Pickled corn pancakes jockey for attention alongside the likes of hickory smoked pig tails with cheese crisps, grits, and a soft poached egg."

"For more than 30 years, Grill 23 & Bar has set the bar for what a steakhouse should be, and while it has the requisite white tablecloths, enormous portions and servers clad in formal jackets, the beef is what really matters. It comes from a farm in California that raises vegetarian-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free cows, which makes a difference in the taste of the beef. Seafood and produce, however, are sourced locally."

"Perhaps Boston’s most famous steakhouse, Grill 23 & Bar is located in Back Bay and is a favorite destination for business people and special occasions. What you will find here is excellent beef, seasonal produce, New England seafood, irresistible desserts, Grand Award-winning wine list, and warm hospitality. Meat portions range from $17 (12oz Choice Brandt New York Beef) to $45 (32oz Prime Brandt Porterhouse Beef)."

"Restaurants Steakhouse Back Bay. Though a relative youngster, opened in this Back Bay location in 1983 in the historic Salada Tea Building, Grill 23 has since become a dining institution. It actually feels a lot older than it is due to the cavernous, bi-level room's design, influenced by grand American dining rooms from the 1800s."

"Our fast, friendly bar staff, inviting atmosphere and inspired selection of cocktails will help you put it all behind you. We’re reviving the lost art of bartending—not to mention our customers’ spirits."

"Status: Open daily for takeout (advance online ordering is available). Newly opened by Mission Hill residents Keith and Lucia A. Patrick in early 2019, this cute café is just what their neighbors ordered: A community spot with all-day breakfast and lunch, and mismatched mugs of coffee roasted locally by Plymouth’s Speedwell Coffee. 742 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-487-5557, solidgroundcafe.com."

"Stop by Solid Ground Coffee on Huntington on your way to the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Solid Ground specializes in roasting fresh coffee each week for the freshest coffee without preservatives."

"Clam chowder, frozen lemonade, marshmallow Fluff, Ben & Jerry’s, your morning Dunkin’—New England loves its no-frills culinary creations. Which explains why we’re also home to a few great local chain fast food empires that define the way we eat, whether it’s a thin-sliced roast beef sandwich slathered in mayo, cheese, and barbecue sauce or an oversized Italian sub stuffed full of salami, provolone, and veggies (okay, fine, dieticians we are not). And while newer regional franchises have brought healthier fare into our grab-n-go diets, this list is all about keeping it classic: Burgers, dogs, and every manner of sandwich (AKA spukie, grinder, or wedge) worthy of a weekend chow-down, all of it cheap, comforting, and ideally ordered via a drive-through or pick-up window."

"Luke Holden took a Maine seafood shack and put it in the middle of Back Bay (and other places around Boston), so that hungry shoppers could get a classic lobster roll for lunch. The place looks authentic, with..."

"From Business: Luke's lobster is a Maine-style lobster shack featuring traceable, sustainable seafood. We are best known for our lobster rolls, friendly team and cozy shack…"

"The Atlantic Wharf location of Smith & Wollensky overlooks the historic Fort Point Channel. Their outdoor dining scene is bustling during the warmer months when diners can score a seat for dinner or just drinks at their outdoor bar and take in the sweeping waterfront views. Offering diners prime dry aged steaks, premium seafood, award-winning wines and an extensive cocktail list, it is a hot spot for a business lunch or special dinner."

"What is it with steak-and-seafood chains and shellfish towers?. The one at Smith & Wollensky comes sized for two, four, or six ($72, $133, or $179 respectively), featuring Maine lobster, chilled colossal crab, jumbo shrimp, oysters, and more, with various accoutrements."

"Impressive and nostalgic, Prezza brings a contemporary spin to North End classics, making it a mainstay in Boston's culinary scene. Led by Chef Anthony Caturano, Prezza is all about tradition. In fact, the restaurant is named after an ancient Italian town from which Chef Anthony's grandmother hails."

"Pasta , Italian"

"Farm-to-table spot Urban Hearth is open Tues-Sat, 4-10pm, featuring a menu with items like whisky smoked salmon tartare. Reservations can be made here."

"Since its inception in 1912, the Wilbur Theatre has kept its promise to the lovers of comedy by supplying fresh and energetic comics to date. Make a date and have a true taste of comedy while you enjoy cold drinks. The service provided by the Wilbur is magnificent and I can say confidently that you will enjoy the convenience that comes with the diligent staff that is ready to serve you while you watch the show."

"Located in the historic theatre district of Boston, the Wilbur theatre was started in 1914. The huge auditorium and its colonial architecture make it one of Boston’s oldest and most popular theatres for music and comedy. With a seating capacity of 1200 people, the Wilbur Theatre has three floors and bars."

"The Wilbur hosts some of comedy's biggest names doing stand-up shows, live podcast tapings, and probably other things. What more could you want?"

"Toting the tagline “you are what you eat”, this petite eatery on the outskirts of the city is serious about its mission to provide quality vegan cuisine without sacrificing the robust flavor of traditional Indian fare. Start with the Sunda– seasoned chickpeas sautéed with onion and coconut– and move onto the Dosas as your main. Each is almost a foot long, served with chutney and sambar, not to mention completely vegan."

"Restaurants Indian Somerville. “Vegetarian Fusion” is the name of the game at this North Indian/South Indian/Indo-Chinese spot in Union Square. The menu is packed with meat-free, spice-rich dishes including dosas, rice dishes, curries, parathas, utthapams, bhajjis, and naan."

"Codman Square/Four CornersHealthful things come to those that wait at this tiny corner cafe in Dorchester. All the made-to-order drinks and dishes, from the juice shots to the African couscous bowl to the vegan mac-n-cheese pie, reflect the passions and affections of owners Jahriffe Mackenzie and Nahdra Ra Kiros. As you wait for your meal, breathe deep the warm atmospherics of the space, from the aromatic stewed lentils to the bright wall art."

"Plenty of hearty comfort food is on the menu at Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor, serving colorful platters of stews, grains, and vegetables since 2017. There’s mac and cheese pie, burritos, a pizza wrap, and lots more, including juices, smoothies, and shakes. Open for breakfast through dinner Tuesday through Saturday."