Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Central MA

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Central MA? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Baba Sushi Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (103)

$30 and under

Japanese

Worcester

About the restaurant

Baba Sushi Restaurant is an award winning sushi restaurant in Worcester. Not only does it serve up the most innovative and freshest sushi, consider the sushi making classes on Sundays if you’d like to learn how to make them at home. Baba Sushi Restaurant takes pride in offering a sophisticated atmosphere. The master chef and owner of Baba Sushi Restaurant was trained in China and enjoys pushing to bring more creativity and innovation to the art of sushi. The results are as entertaining to see as they are to consume. With sushi, starters, salads, soups, tori tori and entrees to choose from, every visit can be a new experience.

Top review

Andrewvip

Dined 4 days ago

Great service, ambiance, and food. My waitress chasing me down when I left my credit card behind was also a big plus. Don’t get fooled by the exterior. Very cozy and comfortable inside.

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (549)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Worcester

About the restaurant

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya is bringing fire to Worcester. The latest collaboration between Worcester’s own Son Vo of Kaizen and Pho Sure and Tam Le of Pho Linh and Reign Drink Lab, Chashu brings Japanese inspired fare to downtown Worcester. Power lunches, happy hours, and sophisticated nightcaps are about to be redefined.

Top review

Leonardvip

Dined 5 days ago

Deliciousness as always!! My wife and I love going there.

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. - Milford

4.8

4.8 (285)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Milford

About the restaurant

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co., celebrated its grand opening on 12/12/23, marking not only a milestone in Milford's downtown revitalization but also a nod to the original Hudson location's success. Built in a meticulously renovated former bank that features a spacious restaurant and bar, outdoor patio, and upstairs events space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Milford location reflects a two-and-a-half-year renovation effort, preserving historical elements like the century-old clock, vault door, and exposed brick walls. The open dining layout encourages interaction, adorned with family photos for a homey feel.

Though famous for flatbreads, Rail Trail boasts diverse offerings, each component is made in-house. Notable flatbreads include "Fig & Walnut" and "Mexican Street Corn," alongside the popular "Primo Pepperoni." Appetizers like "Hot Tots" and "Sesame Cauliflower" showcase Rail Trail's culinary creativity.

Top review

jennifervip

Dined 3 days ago

Thank you for another great dining experience! I appreciate the efforts to accommodate us with a specific seating need. Food was delicious and I'm excited to try the new desserts sometime in the near future! I also enjoyed the "fire " on the wall mounted tv. The closest I could get to a real fire on a raw evening. Noise level was not as bad as it usually is when we go, but it was not a full house on this rainy Sunday night. Thank you!

Clintons Bar and Grille

4.7

4.7 (1862)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Clinton

About the restaurant

Clintons Bar and Grille offers a vibrant and casual atmosphere with details in our custom lighting, a fully stocked bar area with lounge seating, and a focus on guest satisfaction that provides a unique dining experience in the heart of Clinton.

The detailed contempoary American menu leaves plenty of options for any of our guests' palates ranging from the ever popular butternut squash raviolis to our deliciously tender filet. Come experience a little slice of the city on High Street.
Outdoor dining will be available weather permitting.
Kitchen closes one hour before closing.

Top review

Dined 6 days ago

Never ever had a bad meal. Delicious food always.

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Specialty Bar and Grill

4.7

4.7 (165)

$31 to $50

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

INSPIRED BY DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, WE PREPARE A MENU OF FRESH CUISINE, SAUTÉED AND GRILLED.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

The atmosphere was nice and service was great, easy to find

Alicante Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (207)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Mendon

About the restaurant

Alicante Mediterranean Grille is a waterfront restaurant that offers picturesque scenery with a relaxed and casual ambiance. It has an impressive menu that consists of unique items. All meals are prepared to order, with fresh produce and only high-quality cuts of meat.

Alicante Mediterranean Grille is a well-known venue for casually going out, private parties, gatherings and celebrations . Patrons are welcome to enjoy their meals on the patio ( seasonality), surrounded by the beautiful scenery overlooking the water, or inside the large, bright dining room. The dining room at Alicante Mediterranean Grille is decorated with chandeliers, trendy artwork and unique accent pieces.

Top review

RogersReview

Dined 4 days ago

We go to Alicante every year on our anniversary. Love it!

Tavern in the Square - Shrewsbury

4.6

4.6 (994)

$30 and under

American

Shrewsbury

About the restaurant

Tavern in the Square located at the Lakeway Commons on route 9 in Shrewsbury. Our Tavern in the Square Shrewsbury location features an open floor plan along with a 50 seat bar that extends on to our patio. 50 beers on draft and a menu made with the freshest ingredients and our big screen TV’s to watch all your favorite sports teams. Our all season enclosed patio features dining tables, bar chairs, and a lounge area.

Top review

diane

Dined 7 days ago

The service was very good. The food was good for the price but very noisy.

Forge and Vine

4.6

4.6 (3064)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Groton

About the restaurant

Drawing inspiration from the region’s history and natural surroundings, the 156-seat freestanding restaurant reflects elemental themes of wood, water, iron, and fire, reminiscent of the carriage houses and blacksmith shops that once dotted the landscape. The centerpiece of Forge & Vine is an eight-foot wood fired grill and open kitchen with counter seating where guests can enjoy dinner while interacting with the chef. Welcoming residents as well as visitors to the area, Forge & Vine offers a strong sense of place with a design sensibility that brings in the outside with floor to ceiling windows offering breathtaking pastoral views of Gibbett Hill. The restaurant boasts spacious and casual bar with service inside and out and features classic and comfortable cuisine sourced from the best produce, seafood, and meats that New England offers.

Top review

Lona

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious meal from start to finish. Highly recommend.

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Psychic Medium Night at The Groton Inn

The Mercantile

4.5

4.5 (843)

$30 and under

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

Serving up New American Tavern Cuisine in our two-floor full-service restaurant and bar, equipped with two 50-seat bars, world-inspired snacks and entrees, brick pizza oven, private event space, and an open rooftop patio that offers views of downtown Worcester and City Square. Located next to the DCU Center and minutes from Polar Park, we’re a natural choice pre and post-game.

*Due to limited patio seating, we do not take reservations for our patio. Please note the patio request in your reservation, or ask upon arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate.

**The rooftop is open Wednesday-Friday 4 PM - close. Saturday & Sunday 12 PM - close.

***Public parking is available at The Mercantile Center Garage with direct access to the restaurant on Level 3A.

Top review

Nicole

Dined 3 days ago

Service was excellent. Staff was accommodating to all of our needs. We had a great night!,

The Neighborhood Tavern

4.4

4.4 (190)

$30 and under

American

Northborough

About the restaurant

Diverse menu, Craft Beer Selection, 33 Sports TV, Neighborhood Vibe, Saturday and Sunday Brunch. American Bar and Restaurant.

Top review

Dined 2 days ago

The food was good. The salads were fresh. The menu had more burgers and sandwiches but fewer entrees than the website. One of our party enjoyed the beer.

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