19 Best Restaurants in Newton, MA
From cozy, family-owned eateries to trendy, contemporary spots, here are the best restaurants in Newton, Massachusetts.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Newton that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
Jinny's Pizzeria
I recently decided to try out Jinny's Pizzeria, and I must say, it was a delightful experience.
The cozy atmosphere made it feel like the perfect neighborhood spot.
What truly stood out to me was the food.
The chicken wings were a hit, and the whipped ricotta with pita was a delightful treat.
Their draft beer selection paired excellently with the dishes, and the mushroom pizza was the highlight of the night.
It was truly a pizza to remember!
The service at Jinny's was top-notch.
They took the time to engage in conversation, enhancing the overall experience.
The only area that could use some improvement is the atmosphere.
Pátzcuaro Taqueria & Bar
I absolutely love this little gem in my neighborhood - Pátzcuaro Taqueria & Bar.
It's my go-to place when I crave some authentic Mexican food.
The first time I visited, I was surprised by how delicious everything was, and I've been a regular ever since.
The birria tacos are a must-try, and every time I visit, I make sure to order their shrimp tacos as well.
One thing you can't miss is their guacamole - it's hands down the best I've ever had.
And trust me, I've had a lot of guacamole in my life.
Their margaritas are always refreshing and perfectly mixed, making for a great accompaniment to the meal.
The service at Pátzcuaro is always top-notch.
It's the perfect place to bring friends and family for a night out or even for a casual date night.
Mochiko Hawaiian
I'm always on the lookout for exciting new spots to eat and drink.
I recently stumbled upon Mochiko Hawaiian, and it immediately became one of my favorite local hangouts.
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
I got the chance to taste their Mochiko Chicken plate, and it was absolutely delicious!
The interior is also quite interesting, with graffiti and school kids' artwork adorning the walls.
There's even an impressive collection of crazy panda art by the famous WOES in the hallway, which adds to the overall cool vibe of the place.
Another great find I had at Mochiko Hawaiian was their Tiger Tea, which was incredibly refreshing.
I also tried their Kalua Pig Plate and the Soy-Garlic Chicken Plate, and I was blown away by the flavors.
The chicken was crispy, and the pork was tender.
The Iced Thai Tea Coffee was another must-try, as it was just the right amount of sweet and strong.
What really stood out to me about this gem was how allergy-conscious they are.
Plus, the friendly and amazing people working there make Mochiko Hawaiian a must-try for anyone in the area.
Grandma's Kitchen
I absolutely love going to Grandma's Kitchen whenever I have a craving for authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
The broth really does taste like 陽春麵, and it brings back so many childhood memories.
I can't get enough of their chicken cutlets and popcorn chicken - they're simply amazing!
What I also enjoy are the sesame balls; they're a great way to end my meal on a sweet note.
If I could, I would visit Grandma's Kitchen every day, as it's truly the best Taiwanese restaurant in the Greater Boston area.
The taste is fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable, which is a huge plus.
I especially enjoy the popcorn chicken, even though I feel like the noodle options could be improved a bit.
The food is always fresh, and the environment is clean, which makes it a great place to dine.
Sycamore Newton
Let me tell you about one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood: Sycamore Newton.
This cozy, intimate restaurant serves seasonal New American fare and amazing cocktails.
The brick walls and kitchen view make it even more special.
You can check out their website here.
They are always using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and their menu constantly changes to keep things exciting.
One of my favorite appetizers is the kale & farro salad – it's so fresh and unique.
And the pork belly is to die for.
For entrees, I've never been disappointed.
The chicken, pork chop, steak, and swordfish I've tried have all been cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
I particularly fell in love with the swordfish – the combination of flavors was just out of this world.
Now let's talk about the drinks.
Their wine selection is great, and the cocktails are always on point.
I love that they change them seasonally, so you can always try something new.
Guiseppe's Sub Shop
One of my favorite places to grab a quick bite in the neighborhood is Guiseppe's Sub Shop.
The first time I went there, I was immediately impressed by the old-school Italian vibe.
The place hasn't been updated in years, but that's part of its charm.
The lady behind the counter might come off as short and abrasive, but she's genuinely warm-hearted once you get to know her.
Their subs are not only huge but also fairly priced.
I remember ordering the spicy Italian during my first visit, and it is hands down the best I've ever had.
Phở Viet's II
One of my favorite late-night spots in the area has to be Phở Viet's II.
This Vietnamese restaurant has been a lifesaver when I'm craving a warm bowl of Pho on cold nights.
The first time I tried their food, it was quite a unique experience.
Although they're not open to customization, they have many options to offer, ensuring that you'll find something you'll love.
The banh mi, in particular, impressed me with its fresh ingredients and soft, chewy bread.
The beef was flavorful, and every bite was delightful.
Their taro bubble tea tasted amazingly fresh, and the boba was just the right consistency.
Olivia's Bistro
Last weekend, I decided to give Olivia's Bistro a try.
I had heard a lot about their wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and Italian classics, so I was pretty excited.
As I walked in, I found the place quite packed, but luckily, I managed to grab a couple of bar seats without a reservation.
I ordered the Diavolo pizza to share with my friend, and we also went for the chicken parm pasta.
I was pleasantly surprised when they served the pasta in two plates, assuming we were sharing, even though we didn't specifically mention it.
Not many places would do that without being asked.
The food was absolutely delicious - you could really taste the grill and char on the pizza, and I couldn't help but savor every bite.
One thing that stood out to me was their cocktail selection.
I tried one of their signature cocktails, and it was a great addition to the meal.
D & A House of Pizza
I can confidently say that D & A House of Pizza is my go-to place for comfort food in the neighborhood.
Their Greek salad has become a staple for our family dinners, and I must say, it's absolutely amazing.
What I also love about D & A House is their classic Nonantum-style pizza.
Not only do the kids enjoy it, but my partner and I are big fans as well.
In fact, we're not the only ones - many of my coworkers frequent the place and always have good things to say about their food.
Just the other day, I decided to try something new and went for a steak and cheese sub.
Let me tell you, I was more than satisfied with my choice.
The flavors were spot-on, and the quality of the ingredients really shone through.
I know I'll definitely be back again for more!
Cabot's
One of my favorite places to spend time with family and friends has to be Cabot's.
It's an adorable, family-friendly diner that serves up the most delicious ice cream, along with some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Stepping into Cabot's is like taking a trip back in time – the nostalgic setting instantly transports me to the ice cream parlors of my childhood.
I recently went there and indulged in a grilled cheeseburger, which was absolutely divine.
The fries that came with it were perfectly crispy, making for a satisfying meal.
But the real star of the show was the Snickers ice cream with peanut butter sauce.
I was in dessert heaven!
Cabot's also offers a variety of tasty breakfast and brunch options, so it's perfect for any time of the day.
The portion sizes are just right, and the flavors are always on point.
Depasquale's At Night Caps Corner
One of the best decisions I made last week was to visit Depasquale's At Night Caps Corner for lunch with a few friends.
It had been a while since we last met, and we were looking for a place that offers great food and a relaxing atmosphere.
As soon as we arrived, I knew we had made the right choice.
We sat on the patio, which was the perfect spot to catch up and enjoy the beautiful weather.
I must say, the sandwiches at Depasquale's are truly amazing.
I opted for the chicken cutlet sandwich, while one of my friends tried the Chinese sausage sub.
The food was so delicious that we couldn't help but exchange bites of each other's sandwiches.
What I love about this place is the variety of items on their menu.
In the past, I've tried their eggplant parm, chicken Caesar wrap, and a couple of their salads.
Every dish I've ordered has been consistently delicious, making it difficult to choose a favorite.
Village Cafe
One of my favorite places to grab breakfast in the area is Village Cafe.
This casual neighborhood diner serves up delicious omelets, sandwiches, and other favorites for breakfast and lunch.
I've tried several diners in the Waltham Newton area, but Village Cafe always stands out for its cozy booths, amazing food, and good vegetarian options.
The eggs Benedict, in particular, is exceptional, with several different types to choose from.
As a fan of omelets, I also love their extensive selection, and I usually get one with sundried tomatoes and avocado.
Village Cafe even offers a wide range of freshly made items, such as muffins, salad dressings, and potato chips.
Everything is always fresh, from the fruit cups to the salads.
Plus, the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Pressed Cafe
I have been a fan of Pressed Cafe for quite some time now!
Burlington was my usual go-to spot, but I recently went to the Newton location and absolutely loved it.
We were a group of 12 ladies, and we were treated like royalty.
The food at Pressed Cafe is always good and flavorful, and the spice level is on the lower side, which I personally prefer.
The quantity is also generous, perfect for someone with a big appetite.
This was the first time I tried an acai bowl, and I completely enjoyed the rainbow acai.
They offer healthy shots like ginger, turmeric shots, freshly squeezed juices, overnight oats, coffee, croissants, Cinnabon rolls, and other snacks too.
I indulged in the Cinnabon roll and chocolate hazelnut croissant, which were delightful (although I'm not a fan of powdered sugar on croissants).
The atmosphere of the place is excellent - it's very lively, with good music, and always bustling with people.
The menu is quite extensive, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to choose from so many options.
But everything I've tried so far has been great, including the firecracker, Mediterranean panini, chicken Caesar wrap, and mezze plate.
SUSHICO Newton
Let me tell you about my favorite sushi spot in town, SUSHICO.
I have been to many sushi restaurants around the world, but I always find myself coming back to Boston for this gem.
The menu is spectacular, filled with exclusive maki, nigiri, and sashimi dishes that never disappoint.
Each piece is carefully crafted with its own unique flavor and laced with the chef's signature sauce.
The presentation is just as important as the taste, making every dish look as beautiful as it is delicious.
And a little insider tip: don't leave without trying their tacos!
Thistle & Leek
One evening, while taking a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, I stumbled upon Thistle & Leek.
The charming ambiance and beautifully lit outdoor dining area caught my attention, and on a whim, I decided to give it a try.
Little did I know that I was in for a delightful culinary experience.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the restaurant offers tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing and trying out a variety of unique flavors.
I settled on the whole wheat spaghetti, which was unbelievably delicious.
My fellow diners enjoyed the swordfish and other meat dishes, and though I'm vegetarian, I could tell by their reactions that they were thoroughly impressed with the flavors and presentation.
It was clear that the restaurant was bustling, with many people opting to dine outside despite the chilly weather.
Paddy's Public House
One of my favorite go-to spots for a fun night out with friends is Paddy's Public House.
It's a festive Irish-themed tavern that's always bustling with local sports fans enjoying their beer, classic comfort food, and games on TV.
I remember stopping by on a Thursday evening around 6:30 pm, and even though the place was packed, we only had to wait about 10 minutes before being offered a high-top table for our party of three.
We ordered Clam Chowder, which was full of clams and soft potatoes, Chicken Pot Pie, Kelli O'Brien pizza with Fried Eggplant and Ricotta, and Cecilia's Chop Salad with grilled chicken.
We also tried their Calamari as an appetizer.
Everything was served hot and fresh, making it such a great first experience.
Their waffle fries with bacon and chicken tenders are also worth trying, as they're better than the boneless wings or chicken bites.
And if you're a fan of fish and chips like me, you won't be disappointed here!
Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits
One of my favorite spots to grab a bite and a drink in the neighborhood is Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits.
This Irish gathering place has been around since 1991 and always reminds me of why I love living here.
The food menu offers a variety of pub fare with a global twist.
I've tried the lamb salad, which was tasty and tender.
My partner swears by the Shepard's pie, although it has a bit of a meatloaf flavor.
They also have an impressive beer selection, including a delicious Belgian-style wheat beer that has become my go-to.
Little Big Diner
Little Big Diner has become one of my absolute favorite spots to grab a bite.
Their menu is packed with an amazing variety of rice bowls, ramen, and street food, complemented by their selection of sake and draft cocktails.
The diner-inspired setting is both modern and cozy, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a long day.
My latest visit to Little Big Diner was nothing short of fantastic.
I decided to stick to my favorites, starting with the Kara Age Fried Chicken and the sweet potato fries.
I also tried their pork meatball, which was just as delicious as the rest of their small dishes.
For my main course, I went with the Spicy Miso ramen, adding Naruto and an extra egg to elevate the dish.
The generous portions and flavorful broth left me more than satisfied.
And despite the small size of the restaurant, the seating arrangement makes it feel like you have your own private space, free from disturbance by other patrons.
Blue Salt Restaurant
It's always a delight to discover a new favorite dining spot.
Blue Salt Restaurant has quickly become one of my top choices for both special occasions and casual dinners with friends.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet simple, and people tend to dress up a bit, which only adds to the overall vibe of the place.
The food at Blue Salt is absolutely amazing.
Their menu is a fusion of a variety of dishes with a unique spin on traditional options.
During my previous visit, I shared a tomato burrata caprese and a fig and prosciutto flatbread with my friends as we waited for our main courses.
My personal favorites are the salmon and the Brazilian seafood stew.
The ingredients are always impeccably fresh, and each dish is presented beautifully.
On a recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the restaurant now offers Russian karaoke, which was incredibly fun and added to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
Final Thoughts
Newton truly has a diverse and delicious restaurant scene that I've had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand.
From the mouthwatering slices at Jinny's Pizzeria to the authentic flavors of Pátzcuaro Taqueria & Bar, there is something for everyone's taste buds in this charming town.
Having lived here and dined at these establishments, I can confidently say that Newton is a food lover's paradise with a wide variety of cuisines and atmospheres to explore.
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