Delicious All Around: The Best Restaurants in Newton

Dwell360's family and friends love eating locally; here is a list of eleven of our favorite establishments!

Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant: This classic diner prioritizes dessert, as one might infer from a title in which ‘restaurant’ is secondary. Opened in 1969, this family owned and operated establishment sets the mood as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. You won’t want to miss their iconic ice cream and frozen yogurt creations, all featured in a separate menu all it’s own. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served here; everything from burgers, grilled cheese, and clubs to meatloaf, french toast, and macaroni and cheese. Very budget friendly, prices hover in a very affordable range.

Sycamore: Who says you have to head into Boston for a classy meal? Sycamore, located in the heart of Newton Centre, provides exquisite French cuisine to locals. The ambiance and superior tastings offer an experience worth the price. Perhaps you want to start with a winter citrus salad before your forest mushroom lasagnette, or maybe you desire the Tunisian chickpea soup before devouring the painted hills bavette steak. At a restaurant who is said to marry elegance and gluttony, you’ll be sure to leave with a full belly and a mouth feel you won’t forget anytime soon.

Los Amigos: The Newtonville location of this authentic Mexican restaurant has certainly made a name for itself since opening its doors. A fast and casual style, this establishment offers everything from fish tacos to deliciously insane burritos. Los Amigos focuses on using local products prepared in the healthiest ways, all made fresh daily. All meats are hormone and antibiotic free, and organic avocados are the base for an out of this world guacamole. If you’re looking for a quick meal to grab, neither you or your wallet will regret stopping by their Walnut Street location.

The Local: Not into chain restaurants? Neither are the patrons who visit The Local. Come here for a relaxing, neighborhood eatery showcasing creative and affordable food made with local ingredients. Yelp reviewers rave about the lobster mac and cheese, flavorful truffle fries, and tender marinated steak tips. In the mood for more liquidy fare? The full bar has over twenty beers on tap with even more available in bottles. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or even if you’re looking for a place to bring your gluten intolerant friend, this ‘local’ bistro is surely one not to skip.

New England Soup Factory: New England weather can change at the drop of a hat, and sometimes there’s nothing that can beat the cold better than some good soup. The from scratch menu at the New England Soup Factory features favorites such as clam & corn chowder, chili con carne, Italian beef stew, and more. Pair your cup with a grilled chicken and avocado salad or cracked black pepper chef’s salad and your belly will thank you. End your meal with a brown sugar chocolate chip cookie or butterscotch blondie! Publications and locals rave about the offerings at the Newton location. A homey quick grab, you won’t regret finding your next meal here.

Brewer’s Coalition:  A neighborhood restaurant with a focus for craft beer couldn’t better describe this up and coming Newton institution. Since opening in 2012, customers haven’t been able to resist the quality and competitive prices. Patrons can enjoy 20 craft beers on tap and 30 more in cans in addition to the mouth watering menu options such as sweet potato haddock, truffle fries, and chicken pot pie. Perhaps one of the best deals in town, stop by between 11:30 AM - 2 PM Monday through Friday for $5 burger and fries. With engaging and friendly service, this comfortable environment is the perfect choice for your next meal.

COOK: Seeking a modern and introspective approach to food, Cook seeks to cross all cultural lines with their food. From simple to complex, the dressed up dishes offered here are certain to please. Whether you stop in for the veggie Benedict at brunch, spinach falafel at lunch, or pot roast at dinner, your taste buds will dance for joy when graced with the exquisite plates offered at this establishment. Specials like meatball ricotta flatbread don't disappoint either! Don’t forget to order a glass of red or white from the extensive wine list to pair with your meal. Dedicated to using local and fresh ingredients, the chef here is sure to please and have you coming back for more.

Blue Ribbon BBQ: Who says you have to travel south for finger-licking good barbecue? Just take a drive over to Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton. Any of your classic standbys are available here; North Carolina pulled pork, Texas sliced beef brisket, corn bread, collard greens, key lime pie, and fruit cobbler are only a smidgen of the colossal menu. Looking to please a big crowd? Blue Ribbon also offers catering and meal packages for families. If you can’t get enough, take home some homemade pickles or Blue Ribbon barbecue sauce by the pint. This establishment takes the idea of take out to a whole new level.

Buff’s Pub: Named one of Thrillest’s top 21 wing joints in the country, patrons of Buff’s Pub will tell you that the chicken here is not something to pass by. From all heat intensities of buffalo, spicy teriyaki, and garlic cheese sriracha and more, these wings are not to be discounted. Locals will attest that this is the place for quality food and watching the game. Their extensive menu also offers multiple sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, burgers, entree and pasta options sure to please any palette. Create your own mac and cheese, sample grilled sirloin tips, Buff’s cuban sandwich, or even turkey chili with nacho chips. Any choice you make you won’t regret.

O’Hara’s/Paddy O’s: Both owned and operated by the O’Hara family, these two neighborhood pubs welcome locals in with open arms. Either location is a great place to find exceptional calzones, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Chicken saltimbocca, potato skins, french onion soup, and even grilled cheese on the kid’s menu. A restaurant prided on the personal experience and getting to know their customers, the food and relaxed ambiance will make any guest feel at home.

The Biltmore Bar & Grille: When they opened their doors in 1914, the Biltmore was known to be the place for overnight crews from local factories to grab a bite after their shift. The four lane basement bowling alley was a hangout place for decades as well. Still thriving, this establishment’s original brick front and interior have had little change through its many incarnations but continues to offer fresh takes on classic dishes. From beef brisket nachos, fried chicken and waffles, and pan seared atlantic salmon to fried rock shrimp po’boy sandwich and sweet potato cheesecake, the intriguing menu draws crowds and continues to impress after over 100 years.

It’s no secret that Boston is a great place to grab local eats. Delicious knows no prejudice, and as such, there is a wide array of superior restaurants in Newton to appeal to every palate and budget. Whichever place you choose, whether an establishment highlighted above or not, grabbing a bite in Newton is sure to be an experience you’ll surely enjoy.

Want to learn more about living in Newton? Contact a Dwell360 agent today!

Dwell360 is a boutique residential real estate firm based in Newton, Massachusetts, servicing the cities and suburbs of metro Boston. Dwell360 is a leader in in luxury real estate throughout the Boston, Brookline, Newton, Needham, and select other communities of metro Boston. Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

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