Massachusetts may be known for its creamy clam chowder and classic seafood dishes, but there's so much more to the culinary scene here than meets the eye. From bar pizza in unorthodox locations to decadent Italian food with European influences - Massachusetts boasts hidden culinary gems worthy of your exploration!
Small-Town Cafes
Massachusetts may be best known for its big city offerings, but the state also offers many smaller towns teeming with delicious dining spots that cannot be found elsewhere. From coastal villages to historic mountain towns, Massachusetts boasts many dining locations offering unique food experiences not found elsewhere.
Visit Lenox in Western Massachusetts for an authentic New England experience! This low-key cultural hub boasts several attractions such as Pleasant Valley Sanctuary - an idyllic nature trail perfect for hiking and horseback riding - plus fine-dining restaurants like Table Six and The Portico by Jeffrey Thompson; entertainment offerings such as Shakespeare & Company and Tanglewood; all within an easily navigable small town environment.
Sandwich is another small-town culinary destination worth visiting, where diners can savor local seafood and meat dishes at Cusser's, featuring New England classics like their signature lobster roll. Furthermore, Sandwich's charming streets are lined with plenty of shops and boutiques where visitors may find unique souvenirs to take home with them.
If you're craving an intimate dining experience in Cambridge, Alden & Harlow provides just the spot. Their outdoor seating area features string lights and is shaded by an awning - ideal for enjoying classic American fare on an enticingly cool evening.
Oleana offers authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern fare in an intimate and lush garden environment with an ivy-covered patio for more privacy. Their menu boasts vibrant flavors and aromatic spices to please every palette.
Newburyport offers an exquisite dining experience. Packed with both old-world charm and modern amenities, its seaside village provides whale watching tours, unique shops and hiking along Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, at Davio's you can indulge in pasta, steak and grilled salmon dishes served alongside top shelf cocktails for a luxurious meal experience.
At 1634 Meadery in Brookline, you can relax while sipping flights of handcrafted mead produced by a friendly couple who run it. Their winery features medieval-themed decor to round off an unforgettable culinary experience.
BISq Cafe in Boston's South End is an ideal spot for an enjoyable dining experience, featuring an eye-catching patio complete with string lights and a gazebo. BISq also boasts an impressive wine selection from small-production winemakers; diners can also indulge in small plates, creative sandwiches, and delicious fried chicken. Not only can guests take advantage of this incredible beverage selection - its beautiful patio provides the ideal place for year-round enjoyment of its meal service!
Ethnic Eateries
Boston is famous for its culinary scene, from North End and Cambridge restaurants to sea-fresh seafood in western Massachusetts and authentic Portuguese cuisine served up within its city limits; you'll discover incredible culinary adventures wherever you find yourself in Massachusetts!
Some eateries established by immigrants or their children to showcase the cuisines from their homelands serve a broader population as they attract diners who are curious to learn about other cultures and food traditions. The best of these eateries are tasty yet inexpensive offerings that provide a window into world cultures.
Boston area residents will know all too well the wealth of ethnic enclaves scattered throughout its communities, particularly Chinatown in Boston proper and Dorchester and Jamaica Plain in particular. Other great dining opportunities can be found there too!
Some of these restaurants are family-owned and operated; others, such as Taiwan Cafe in Boston's Chinatown, may belong to larger chains. But all offer delicious cuisine from different parts of the globe - making them worth discovering!
No matter their size, these restaurants serve up flavorful cuisine that may not be as well known. Furthermore, some quirky establishments may feature on this list; you could grab a burger at Barn Bowl & Bistro (a bar/bowling alley combination in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard), or try an apple pie burrito at Next Door's playful speakeasy theme restaurant in Lowell.
Some restaurants can be more discreet but still enjoyable to visit, like an old-school lunchroom serving sandwiches or an elegant bakery offering exquisite cakes and pastries. Others might feature interesting history or offer stunning atmospheres, providing visitors with an unforgettable dining experience.
Find these restaurants? They might be harder to locate, but are well worth your efforts! Some examples on this list include Cambridge's Central Square eatery, Providence's Federal Hill seafood bar, and even one that recently made waves in Newton - these spots can certainly deliver!
Each quarter, Eater Boston retires some longstanding restaurants from our list in order to make room for exciting and fresh additions. Check out some of our most recent additions - such as Thistle & leek's swift rise in Newton; Taqueria Jalisco in East Boston; and Moona in Inman Square as just some examples!
Quirky Diners
Boston may be known as the epicenter of Massachusetts cuisine, but there are plenty of other culinary highlights scattered throughout this New England state. From rustic seafood shacks to food halls with global influences, lesser-known eateries offer exceptional dining experiences.
Kelly's Diner in Somerville stands out as an iconic example, featuring a renovated 1953 Jerry O'Mahoney diner car restored and furnished to look just like its original condition. A must for bacon enthusiasts, guests here can enjoy delicious breakfast dishes such as grilled pork chops with eggs or fluffy pancakes fresh off the griddle; all-you-can-eat nights are held four days a week at this eatery!
Diners are an iconic feature of American dining culture and their distinct design is instantly recognisable. Their chrome fixtures, Formica countertops, and simple menus offer comforting combinations many people enjoy experiencing. Massachusetts offers several classic diners where guests can devour stacks of pancakes or steamy corned beef hash for lunch!
Massachusetts restaurants that stand out go beyond simply serving delicious meals, adding an element of fun as well. Jonquils Cafe stands out in particular, creating eye-catching geometric desserts from fresh ingredients at Jonquils Cafe; similarly, Fenway's Time Out Market boasts numerous local eateries offering an assortment of cuisines and flavors for visitors to discover.
Massachusetts offers plenty of delicious seafood restaurants, from Legal Seafood's lobster rolls at any location to Hook & Reel in Revere's low country boil. Some stand out, like Pepe's Wharf in Provincetown. Referred to on social media as being both "chic and festive", this two-story coastal spot provides stunning views of Provincetown Harbor with three lighthouses as a spectacular backdrop.
Massachusetts offers plenty of tasty brunch spots, from waterfront waterfront dining at Mariel - an authentic Cuban restaurant located downtown Boston - or dining amidst tropical-themed decor at The Haven in Jamaica Plain. Other delicious brunch choices include The Blue Rock's PB&J Burger or Pho Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant located in Somerville with bowls filled with fried egg, pork, and shrimp for somerville brunch dining experiences.
Massachusetts is full of culinary gems, from cozy seafood shacks to the iconic Boston cream cheese pastry. While you might be tempted to stick with traditional items like clam chowder or fish cakes, exploring lesser-known spots will open your mind to exploring all that this state has to offer when it comes to dining experiences. These lesser-known restaurants will leave you satisfied and eager to explore further into the Massachusetts dining scene!
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