10 Must-Try Restaurants in Massachusetts, According to MassLive Staff (2025)

With thousands of restaurants across the Baystate, it’s difficult to narrow down which ones to try.

MassLive is here to help with its list of recommended restaurants from Western Mass. to Cape Cod. Our list ranges from niche finds to popular dinner spots.

Here’s what MassLive staff recommended and why their pick is a must-try.

Mare E Monti — Worcester

19 Wall St.

“Mare E Monti is one of the most welcoming and cozy Italian restaurants not just in Central Mass., but in Massachusetts. The menu has something for everyone there, and the atmosphere is classy yet lively — almost like you’re at a family get-together. Its pasta dishes are to die for, namely their creamy Fettuccine Alfredo and their rich, hearty Bolognese. It may not be located on the restaurant row of Shrewsbury Street, but Mare E Monti’s food, atmosphere and service are so good, it rivals some of the best Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End.”

— Adam Bass, General Assignment Reporter

The Deck Bar/The Tunnel Bar — Northampton

125 A Pleasant St.

“I have a soft spot for The Deck/Tunnel Bar in Northampton. Tunnel Bar is super unique because it’s in a literal tunnel, and they have great drink options. Despite being in a tunnel, it’s not claustrophobic, and you feel like you get your own space. The Deck at Union Station is right next to Amtrak, so you’ll see and hear trains going by. It’s perfect for a warm spring or summer evening since you can sit in the open air with a lot of great standard fare food options and (my personal favorite) the trivia nights once a week, which are competitive but fun, especially with a group.”

— Chris McLaughlin, Social Media Producer

Veggie Galaxy — Cambridge

450 Massachusetts Ave.

“Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge has been my favorite since college! There’s nothing better than their vegetarian diner food and milkshakes.”

— Greta Jochem, Investigations Editor at The Republican

Molinari’s — Dorchester

789 Adams St.

“Molinari’s in Dorchester is our date-night go-to. From the wood-fired pizzas to the just-right pasta portions, and a wine list that’s ambitious, but never intimidating, this crowded cafe in Dorchester’s Adams Village is a neighborhood gem. Start with the Burrata & Prosciutto appetizer (a can’t-miss) and the garlic bread. End with any of the wonderful desserts — we especially love the tiramisu. My go-to is their Chicken Piccata, while my wife loved a recent special of scallops over lemony fettuccine. We’re good for a couple of visits a month."

— John Micek, Political Editor

Tonino — Jamaica Plain

669a Centre St.

“The food is delicious, the service is great, and despite being somewhat fancy, it feels like a genuine neighborhood spot. I’ve been more than a dozen times, and the last time I went, they sent me extra dishes just because I was a repeat customer. Really proves they are willing to go above and beyond. In a city so known for its Italian food, it can be hard to stand out, but Tonino does with excellent handmade pasta dishes — and oh, by the way, they have excellent pizza, available for takeout if you can’t score a reservation."

— Charlie McKenna, Breaking News Reporter

Mac’s Shack — Wellfleet

91 Commercial St.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying great sushi on the Cape, but there’s a sense of guilt opting for hand-rolled raw seafood bundled in rice and seaweed over a fresh raw oyster when you’re in Wellfleet. I guess that’s why they call it a ‘guilty pleasure.’ There are a million reasons to brag about one’s favorite fresh seafood spot on the Cape and Islands, but when you mix in innovative cocktails, the charm of an 1800s building on the water, a salty bay breeze, a bustling outdoor bar and crushed clamshell floor, there aren’t many places that can touch Mac’s Shack. Mac’s has an army of outposts on the Cape, but none are better than their Duck Creek location. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are plenty of classic Cape seafood options, elevated to perfection. After dinner, head just up the road to Uncle Tim’s Bridge and cross onto Cannon Hill to let the little ones get some energy out while you burn some calories before heading out to grab ice cream and sit on Mayo Beach, just down the street.”

— John Beattie, Director of Multimedia

Vinh Chau — Springfield

409 Dickinson St.

“I was always told that even as a baby, I always gravitated to soups and stews. Now, in my pretending-to-be-an-adult years, that remains true. Vinh Chau is located near the X in Springfield, where you’re spoiled for choice in the search for Pho. This Vietnamese staple is always welcome for me, and Vinh Chau offers one of the best I’ve had anywhere. I always get the same thing — an order of the fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork and the Pho Dac Biet Xe Lua. This pho bowl is their largest and comes with rare steak, meatballs, brisket, tripe and rice noodles. A plate of fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime and jalapeños comes on the side. Their menu also includes other traditional Vietnamese offerings, and separately, a huge variety of Boba teas. However, the above with a Diet Coke and a bottle of Sriracha have kept me smiling for years. The staff here is super friendly and the service is always great."

— Sebastian Restrepo, Multimedia Specialist

Dear Annie — Cambridge

1741 Massachusetts Ave.

“Dear Annie is a delightful wine bar in Cambridge with immaculate vibes. It’s a great watering hole and meeting point for a classy yet casual evening with friends, family or colleagues. Great ambiance, beautiful lighting and delectable, reasonably priced wine, and I believe they offer an assortment of snacks and small bites. It’s not a huge space, but it’s cozy and intimate with friendly staff.”

— Chris McLaughlin, Social Media Producer

Pepe’s Taqueria — Worcester

645 Chandler St.

“Upon moving here, I knew I needed to find a Mexican restaurant that reminded me of the unique flavors I grew up with in Southern California. I stopped by several Mexican restaurants during my first few months here and came away disappointed each time. Then I made a visit to Pepe’s and found it welcoming and recognizable inside. The takeout team is very efficient, the staff is hardworking and the food is exactly what I was looking for. Flavorful, delicious and filling in the ways that SoCal Mexican food does for anyone in need of mole, carnitas or a burrito.”

— Ryan Mancini, Breaking News Reporter

Northern Spy — Canton

4 Rolling Mill Way

“While I’ve only been once, I’ve been dying to go back to Northern Spy in Canton. Located inside a former copper mill on the Paul Revere Heritage site, the restaurant’s massive interior is super cozy and instantly made me crave a glass of wine and a nice roast dinner, and that’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu. We started with Northern Spy’s famous Parker House Rolls, which now have the greatest chokehold over me. They are perfectly light, airy, buttery and salty and served with some awesome spreads. I then got Orrechiette with chicken, butternut squash and rosemary and my friend got the duck breast, which is what Chef Marc Sheehan is known for, and both really embodied the concept of New England comfort food. My server was incredibly attentive and had great suggestions, especially for cocktails. When it came time for dessert, she insisted we get the Sticky Maple Pudding, which was arguably the best dessert I’ve ever consumed in the state. It was so good, I ate the leftovers for breakfast the next day.“

— David Cifarelli, Trending News Reporter