1. Eat Fresh From The Farm At The Gibbet Hill Grill
Gibbet Hill Grill
61 Lowell Rd
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-2900
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 190 reviews
The Weber family bought the 300 acres of Gibbet Hill Farm to save it from residential development, and now their heirloom tomatoes, peppers, onions, beets, and countless other ingredients are served to you straight from the backyard.
Don’t miss out on their grilled cheese appetizer and steak frites with truffled shoestring fries and bone marrow butter.
2. Massachusetts Best Kept Secret Hides In Orta
Orta
75 Washington St
Pembroke, MA 02359
(781) 826-8883
Yelp: 4 stars, 83 reviews
Despite so much media attention, Orta has still managed to maintain a best-kept secret profile with the tastes of Piedmont without the expensive flight.
Check out the specials menu which often includes unique options like rare seared yellowtail tuna over black rice with spicy mango. And their handcrafted pizzas will make you think you walked through a portal directly into a village in Italy.
3. Fresh Made Pasta And Donuts? Yes, Please
62 Restaurant and Wine Bar
62 Wharf St
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-0062
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 219 reviews
Located in historic downtown Salem, 62 Restaurant is a modern Italian trattoria with a seasonal menu that rotates based on the locally sourced ingredients.
The pastas are freshly made, and the ravioli is delectable. Their extensive wine list includes dozens of options by the glass or by the bottle in all price ranges, and you should definitely top off that meal with the Nutella-filled donuts.
4. Fill Your Table With Food To Share At Cedar Street Grille
Cedar Street Grille
12 Cedar St
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-5800
Yelp: 4 stars, 88 reviews
What do you get when you create a menu boasting five varieties of macaroni and cheese, lobster sliders, braised lamb tacos with spicy carrot slaw, and beef carpaccio? Cedar Street Grille.
Try the Crazy Dates for a completely unique appetizer. When a meal starts off that good, you know you’re in for something special.
5. A True Spanish Experience At Bocado
Bocado Tapas Bar
82 Winter St
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 797-1011
Yelp: 4 stars, 238 reviews
Bocado is a transformed Canal District factory space with 40 different tapas and all-star paellas. Kobe beef sliders, shrimp burgers, bacon-wrapped scallops with white truffle honey are just a few of the favorites here.
Order the Bocado Experience for a prix-fixe combo for two which provides two starters, 4 tapas, 1 pan of paella, and a churro for dessert, providing more than enough eats for a small group.
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6. Head To Amherst For The Pizza Of A Lifetime
Antonio’s Pizza
31 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-0808
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 258 reviews
Everyone has their opinions on where to find the best pizza in Massachusetts . But Antonio’s is consistently at the top of locals’ lists of favorite places to order a slice or three.
Antonio’s offers the most deliciously off-beat blend of toppings on perfectly crisp thin crust. The salad pizza, black bean avocado, tortellini pesto, and honey mustard chicken pies just scratch the surface of what you have to choose from here.
7. Chez Albert Is Fine Dining With A Heart Of Gold
Chez Albert
178 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-3811
Yelp: 4 stars, 93 reviews
Chez Albert’s doesn’t just make the headlines for their amazing fare. They’re also major contributors to local charities and farms.
Cod beignets, meaty monkfish in a lobster jus, and pork belly with a fried egg are just a few gems waiting for you to devour here. And the crème brulee is one of the best in town, so get crackin’.
8. Head To Neptune Oyster For The Serious Lobster Rolls
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3474
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 2211 reviews
Come to Neptune Oyster in Boston for a truly authentic lobster roll that could make Maine jealous. You can also score some great chowder, clams, and mussels here. But try the Neptune Johnncake for a real surprise, with a honey butter smoked trout tartare with sturgeon caviar.
9. A Harvard Square Gem At Russell House Tavern
Russell House Tavern
4 JFK St
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 500-3055
Yelp: 4 stars, 1152 reviews
This hip multi-level spot is filled with historic photographs of the area along the walls providing a vintage ambiance among the modern embellishments.
Russell House is the perfect place for everything from after-work cocktails to private parties in the dining room. Spend a few hours sipping cocktails and enjoying some great food on the patio when the weather warms up.
10. Order A Bucket Of Balls With A Straight Face At The Federal
The Federal Restaurant & Bar
135 Cooper St
Agawam, MA 01001
(413) 789-1267
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 93 reviews
When you’re looking for a swanky night out away from the Boston chaos, then you’ll want to head to The Federal in Agawam. Fancy yourself up and prepare for a decadent night filled with a combo of French flare and Italian influences.
The lobster risotto is something straight out of your dreams but their famous “Bucket of Balls”–risotto with fresh black truffle butter and snipped chives–are a thousand times better than you would imagine.
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11. Go Nuts For Nudels
Nudel
37 Church St
Lenox, MA 01240
(413) 551-7183
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 112 reviews
If you like a good duck dish, this upscale-casual restaurant will be right up your alley. Perfectly cooked nice and lean with crispy skin, it’s definitely some of the best you can find In the area.
But whatever you order, save room for the deconstructed banana split for dessert. You’ll melt into the parsnip gelato with bananas fried in corn flakes, covered in peanut butter sauce and chocolate mousse and a whole lot of spoon licking.
12. Head To Danvers To Uncover The Best Sushi In Massachusetts At Blu Karma
Blu Karma
6 Purchase St
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 750-9890
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 38 reviews
If you think that Massachusetts only knows how to nail seafood in the chowder department, then you’re definitely going to want to cancel your dinner plans. Blu Karma has some of the best sushi and Asian fusion dishes that you’ll find anywhere, not just in the state.
The volcano maki, spicy tuna maki, avocado salad, and wonton soup are just a few favorites, but you’ll also find some wicked good Pad Thai.
13. A Sandwich That Doesn’t Need The Bells And Whistles At Jim’s Deli & Restaurant
Jim’s Deli & Restaurant
371 Washington St
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 787-2626
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 316 reviews
Jim’s Deli isn’t exactly the kind of place that you’re going to come to for date in a three piece suit. It’s a completely casual, cafeteria-style establishment where the only frills you’re going to find are in the food.
The menu is massive and the portions feel even bigger. The breakfasts are always on point and lunch will leave you feeling completely stuffed with plenty of leftovers to take home.
14. Order The Lobster Roe Noodles And Thank Me Later
Island Creek Oyster Bar
500 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 532-5300
Yelp
4.5 stars, 1306 reviews
If you’re in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance you’re looking for the best bowl of chowder. If you stood 10 locals in line and asked them what place has the best chowder, though, you’d get at least eight different answers.
That’s why it’s always safe to play your cards with Island Creek Oyster Bar, which consistently ranks at the top of everyone’s list. Get the Lobster Roe Noodles to go along with it and you won’t be sorry.
15. Actually Eat Fresh At Dave’s
Dave’s Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-0867
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 561 reviews
I hate to ruin the surprise, but Dave’s Fresh Pasta doesn’t just have fresh pasta. They also have some of the best (and biggest!) sandwiches you’ll ever find. They’re seriously so good, studies show that nine of out of 10 people who eat here have reoccurring dreams about their meals for the rest of their lives.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Massachusetts? Tell us in the comments below!
