It seems that every year, a fresh crop of publications recognizes Newton as one of the best places to live in the country. There are the museums, the parks, the excellent schools, and the quick, simple commute to Boston. But another feature of charming Newton is its eclectic and high quality food scene. The best restaurants in Newton, MA run the gamut from fine French cuisine to Cajun seafood, Asian fusion, and, like every city in greater Boston, plenty of yummy pizza and seafood. Try these Newton Pads picks.
French cuisine in a friendly atmosphere at Lumiere.
French cuisine strives for great hospitality in addition to taste, as any Disney buff will tell you. You will find great hospitality and great food at Lumiere on Washington Street. Along with its casual ambiance and dress code, the eatery serves up top tier, gourmet dishes with high quality, local ingredients. The menu changes daily based on what local ingredients are available, so call ahead if you have allergies. Those with diverse palates might give the chef’s tasting menu a try and sample everything from saffron-poached lobster to house-made sorbet. The variety and ingenuity in Lumiere’s great food make it one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Bright colors and spicy shellfish at Shaking Crab.
Do you like eating with your hands? Do you have a high spice tolerance? If so, you might love Shaking Crab, a New Orleans oasis right on Adams Street in Newton, MA. Choose from 9 types of shellfish, all shaken in a signature spice mix and served in the bag they were boiled in. The dim interior and tightly packed tables add to a festive ambiance that will make you feel like it is Mardi Gras. Add some zest to your lunch or dinner at Shaking Crab, one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Warm up with a comforting cup from New England Soup Factory.
New England Soup Factory can serve up a fast, filling meal for a reasonable price. But, its resemblance to fast food chains stops there. The popular Needham Street spot offers healthy, flavorful, seasonal selections of soups, salads, and sandwiches. It is a perfect lunch spot for chilly autumn and winter days, and one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Spice things up at Little Big Diner.
This Eastern Asian fusion spot on Centre Street packs a lot of flavor into a small, charming space. Locals agree that it is one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA for lunch, with fresh and tasty sushi and salads, satisfying dumplings, and spicy stews and noodle dishes. The crowd can get big during the lunch rush, but a capable staff will get you seated and fed as quickly as possible. If there is too long of a wait, try stopping in for dinner. There is a full bar and great draught list to cool you down after warming mouthfuls of ramen.
It is all about the seafood at Tartufo Italian Restaurant.
The bright and romantic interior of Tartufo Italian Restaurant, with its white tablecloths and floor-length curtains, matches the fresh and simple, yet flawless seafood dishes on the menu. Although it is romantic, it is not where you want to take a date for an intimate meal. The atmosphere is festive, with loud, happy families and waiters expertly zigzagging between tables. But the real star of the show is your meal, with delicious seafood, meat, and pasta selections, plus an expansive wine list and tempting desserts. And, celiacs can rejoice, because gluten-free pasta is on the menu. Make a reservation ahead of time – locals know Tartufo is one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Take a seat at the bar at Stone L’Oven Pizza Co.
This bar and pizza shop on Beacon Street serves up all the piping hot pizza and cold beer you and your happy hour buddies need. There are other bar favorites, like wings, sandwiches, and stiff margaritas. But, as the name of the restaurant implies, the pizza is the main event, cooked on a stone fire hearth with fresh toppings. You can even get a gluten-free crust. Whether you dine in or order takeout, Stone L’Oven Pizza Co. is among the best restaurants in Newton, MA for pizza.
Try the upscale vegan selections at Walnut Grille.
How do you make a vegan smile? Hand him a menu with more than one thing he can order. And what better place to do that than Walnut Grille, which bills itself a vegetarian and vegan experience? The pizzas, burgers, wraps, and more that Walnut Grille cooks up are so hearty and flavorful, omnivores gobble them down, too. This spot is particularly praised for its breakfast and brunch offerings, which allow longtime vegans to revisit childhood favorites like waffles and omelets – with a seasonal mimosa to wash it down. For herbivores especially, Walnut Grille has got to be one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Creative seafood tapas and drinks at Comedor.
Comedor is a favorite in Newton Center, with creative and scrumptious Chilean and new American tapas that are perfect for sharing. For dinner, the meaty selections like pistachio chicken wings and chef’s burger are most widely praised, but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. And, do not forget to order a custom cocktail – the bar here knows how to mix a strong yet flavorful drink. Or, try the brunch, which is also becoming popular. Its versatility and creative dishes make Comedor one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
Grab at lobster roll for lunch and fish to cook for dinner at Steamers.
Steamers is a seafood market on Watertown Street with a lunch counter attached. If you are craving a classic New England lunch, like clam chowder, fried shrimp, or a lobster roll, this is the perfect place for you. Just be ready to order takeout if need be. There are only a few tables to sit at, because Steamers is as much a grocer as a restaurant. Grab a market cut for dinner on your way out. You will leave full and satisfied after eating fresh seafood from Steamers, one of the best restaurants in Newton, MA.
