Think all the best meals happen only in the city? Think again. Greater Boston’s suburbs are bursting with exciting, diverse dining scenes. You’ll find the newest culinary hotspots that have recently opened alongside well-established neighborhood favorites. From fresh seafood and elevated comfort food to international flavors and casual gems, these towns offer fantastic options for food lovers who want space, charm, and great eats.
From the South Shore to the North Shore and Metrowest, here’s where to eat now…check out some of the new, noteworthy and local favorites!
Brookline, just west of downtown Boston, blends urban energy with suburban calm—and its food scene reflects that balance.
- Iru – Korean fine dining destination opened May 2025.
- Merai – Elevated Thai dive bar opened early 2024.
- L.A. Burdick – Chocolaterie and café opened late 2024.
- Lakon Paris Patisserie – Viral croissants and handcrafted pastries opened March 2025. Their Newton location has been open since 2020.
- Ganko Ittetsu Ramen – Widely regarded as the best ramen in the area.
- Bar Vlaha – Rustic Greek taverna with mountain village inspirations.
- Prairie Fire – Cozy American bistro with seasonal dishes and craft cocktails.
Newton is more than just a commuter hub west of the city—its village-style neighborhoods boast a culinary scene that rivals downtown Boston.
- Ninebark – Modern American small plates and craft cocktails in West Newton, open since summer 2024.
- Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory – Authentic Taiwanese night-market fare opened June 2025 in Newton Centre.
- Nonantum Press Room – Neighborhood sandwich shop specializing in paninis, soups & salads, opened early 2025.
- Sycamore – French-American bistro with seasonal dishes and a stellar wine list.
- Little Big Diner – Creative ramen, rice bowls, and Asian fusion favorites.
- Farmstead Table – Cozy farm-to-table spot offering French-influenced dishes made with local ingredients.
- Buttonwood – Neighborhood favorite serving rustic American fare and craft beers in a laid-back setting.
Wellesley, west of Boston and home to top schools and a walkable downtown, is a go-to for foodies seeking variety.
- Dryft – Seafood and pasta bistro in Linden Square, opened summer 2024. The Revere location has been open since 2019.
- Pho Station – Cozy Vietnamese spot specializing in beef pho, opened August 2024.
- Popovers – Breakfast and lunch café known for its namesake popovers, opened summer 2024.
- Le Petit Four Bakery – A trip to Paris in a bakery box bringing the highest quality and authentic 100% homemade viennoiseries, opened fall 2024.
- Mortadella Head – Italian sandwich and pizza shop, opened spring 2025. The popular eatery started in Somerville in 2018.
- Black & Blue Steak & Crab – Upscale steakhouse and seafood in an elegant setting, opened late 2024.
- Juniper – Mediterranean small plates in a lively atmosphere.
- Laughing Monk Café – Thai-inspired dishes and sushi.
Hingham, a coastal South Shore town with historic charm and a walkable downtown, offers a diverse dining scene that mixes neighborhood favorites with global flavors.
- Bartaco – Coastal-inspired street food, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a menu featuring tacos, rice bowls, and specialty cocktails. This location marks the brand’s first on the South Shore, opened October 2024
- Alma Nove – Mediterranean-inspired coastal fare with gorgeous harbor views.
- Tosca – Classic upscale Italian dining beloved by locals.
- Scarlet Oak Tavern – Main‑street bar & grill known for calamari and cozy atmosphere.
- The Quarry – Historic, granite‑walled spot with wild game and seafood dishes.
- Bloomy Rind – Gourmet cheese shop serving creative sandwiches and prepared fare.
- Square Cafe – Seasonal American café in Hingham Square.
Cohasset, just south of Hingham, is a picturesque coastal enclave known for its quiet charm, beautiful beaches, and a growing food scene that rivals its more bustling neighbors.
- 5 South Main – Modern American bistro praised for craft cocktails.
- Lenny’s Hideaway – Coastal Mexican cuisine with vibrant flavors.
- Olde Salt House – Gastropub with elevated comfort food and craft beers.
- French Memories – French bakery serving croissants and pastries for over 20 years.
- Black Cat – Cozy spot known for creative American dishes and an inviting atmosphere.
- Bia Bistro – Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Salty Days Fish Co. – Local favorite serving sushi, seafood towers, and smash burgers in a relaxed coastal setting.
Burlington, northwest of Boston, might be known for business parks—but it’s also full of destination dining.
- Greco Truly Greek – Authentic Greek cuisine opened July 2024.
- Life Alive Organic Café – Health-conscious meals and espresso bar coming summer 2025.
- Crack’d Kitchen – Breakfast sandwiches and bowls, opening mid-2025.
- Mooo Burlington – Elegant steakhouse with a contemporary vibe, opened late 2024.
- The Bancroft – Sophisticated steakhouse with excellent cocktails.
- Pressed Café – Creative all-day brunch favorite. Also in Newton, Chelmsford, Lawrence, Boston, and New Hampshire.
- Row 34 – Seafood haven known for its daily-changing menu and fresh oysters.
- Seasons 52 – Upscale chain offering a seasonal menu with fresh ingredients and global flavors.
Salem, just north of Boston, is a historic coastal city known for its rich colonial heritage, vibrant arts scene, and a dynamic food culture that continues to grow alongside its famous landmarks.
- Turner’s Seafood – Contemporary seafood spot celebrated for fresh catches and inventive dishes.
- Ledger – Stylish American restaurant known for craft cocktails and a seasonal menu.
- Gulu-Gulu Café – Eclectic café offering coffee, craft beers, and live music in a cozy setting.
- Finz Seafood & Grill – Popular waterfront spot known for fresh seafood and casual dining.
- Lobster Shanty – This local dive bar serves up classic New England lobster rolls
- Settler – Mediterranean-inspired dining and wine bar offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a cozy setting.
- Sea Level Oyster Bar – Waterfront dining with fresh oysters, raw bar, pizzas, and craft beers, featuring spectacular harbor views.
Melrose, just north of Boston, is a charming small city with a revitalized downtown and a rising restaurant scene.
- Bailey’s Restaurant & Bar – Popular neighborhood spot offering elevated American comfort food in a relaxed setting.
- Wood and Fire Neapolitan Pizzeria – Known for wood-fired pizzas, fresh ingredients, and a casual, family-friendly vibe.
- Bobby C’s Ristorante – Cozy Italian‑American restaurant with a bar and patio, great for relaxed dinners and drinks.
- Mexico Lindo – Authentic Mexican cuisine with tacos, fajitas, sangria, and live mariachi in a lively, family‑oriented atmosphere.
- Giacomo’s Ristorante – Cozy Italian eatery known for hearty pasta dishes and classic Italian fare. The original location is in Boston’s Historic North End with another outpost in Wayland.
- T’ahpas 529 – Lively modern Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant offering a vast selection of tapas and Spanish wines.
If you’re craving ice cream, check out some of our favorites in the Boston suburbs here.
From coastal seafood to crave-worthy small plates, these suburbs prove great meals—and great communities—go hand in hand.
They offer plenty of space, community charm, and flavor-packed restaurants that food lovers will appreciate.
And if you’re looking for a foodie hotspot to call home, your Suburban Jungle Strategist can help—but we highly recommend starting here.
For more insights, visit SJ’s Boston blog page and the Boston Featured Market section on our website.
It’s not just about bedrooms and bathrooms—it’s about finding the right place to live, eat, and thrive. If you’re ready to find your perfect suburb, schedule your free initial strategy call today. All services are completely free.
