Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Boston Metro North

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Boston Metro North? 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!

Ledger Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (2733)

$31 to $50

American

Salem

About the restaurant

This historically unique location houses the new restaurant from Matt O'Neil chef/owner of The Blue Ox in Lynn. O'Neil collaborates with Executive Chef, Daniel Gursha, formerly of Bambara, Cambridge and A Voce and Bouley in New York City, offering a progressive New England concept, where traditional 19th-century dishes, cocktails, and techniques will be elevated with 21st-century resources.

Top review

LaurieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything about this restaurant was stellar: food was prepared beautifully (and delicious!), service was thoughtful, friendly and professional, cocktails and wine - excellent and the historic location was incredibly creative and fun. Lively room - especially considering it was a Monday night. We’ll come back here in a heartbeat. Best meal by far that we’ve had on our trip around the northeast. What a find in Salem!

Discover more

Popular dish

Niman Ranch Pork Belly

Popular dish

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Experience

Rose Patio Party

Pots

4.8

4.8 (132)

$31 to $50

Chinese

Peabody

About the restaurant

Pots is on OpenTable. Make a reservation today!
We look forward to seeing you

Top review

CharlesVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Cool place. Staff was super nice. We had a great time.

Post 1917 Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (290)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Reading

About the restaurant

A steakhouse: city vibe, local heart. Our menu is hand selected to feature locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Our head chef and owner Jason Carron has revolutionized the New England restaurant community for two decades. With his acute attention to detail, Carron has helped struggling restaurants find their purpose and passion, restoring their place in the industry. Having given hope to hundreds of restaurants over the years, Carron is opening his first steakhouse this spring, bringing that same level of attention to his own restaurant. Every ingredient is well thought out to innovate the plate with not only something aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly delicious. His farm to table approach, ensures the highest level of ingredients go into every meal you enjoy.

Please note our dress code: No gym wear, hooded sweatshirts, shorts, or ball caps are to be worn. All men are strongly encouraged to have a collar. No tank tops. Jackets are not required.

Top review

Charlie

Dined 6 days ago

It was our first time at Post 1917. I have been to some of the best restaurants in the world. Great food and service. Thank you for making the night a special one. Perfect. Staff was superb!!

The Derby

4.6

4.6 (263)

$30 and under

American

Salem

About the restaurant

Located within walking distance to Salem Old Town Hall & Witch History Museum right in the heart of downtown Salem, The Derby is scratch restaurant focused on unique, locally sourced, American fare with great and unique cocktails and a vast selection of Draft Beer! We have large televisions throughout the restaurant, windows from ceiling to floor, and a beautiful patio for those warm days! Whether you are out to watch the game, catch up with old friends, or just enjoy a nice night out on the town, The Derby is here to meet all of your needs. Feel free to ask our team for recommendations if you are visiting form out of town... Salem is not just about the witches.
*Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm
*We do apologize but we do not take reservations for outdoor seating. The patio is sat on a first come first serve basis. Thank you for understanding.

Top review

Roger

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Food was good! They had outside seating. Service was quick.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Burlington, MA | The Village Mall

4.6

4.6 (296)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Burlington

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Lewei

Dined 4 days ago

Overall experience was good. We reserved the table same day and service was good.

Not Your Average Joe's Peabody

4.5

4.5 (613)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Peabody

About the restaurant

From our famous focaccia and dipping oil, to our legendary pizza, salads, and sandwiches, we offer something for everyone at Not Your Average Joe's. Come in for fan favorites like our Mustard Crusted Chicken or Steak Tips, stay for the extended list of wines, craft beer, and crafted cocktails. We serve an extensive gluten free menu, happy hour, weekend brunch, and have full-service lunch and dinner 7 days a week in the dining room or bar area.

Not Your Average Joe's Peabody is a family-style restaurant that offers a bar area, main dining room, and wide array of seating options from high tops to booths to community tables. Our restaurant sits in the beautiful Northshore Mall near Sears, Legal Sea Foods, and the Sears Auto Center. Located just off Yankee Division Highway, it has easy access to Lahey Medical Center Peabody, the Salem Country Club, Bishop Fenwick High School, Endicott Square Shopping Center and more.

Top review

Ben

Dined 5 days ago

very tasty food, good portion size, cold beer, and excellent service.

Magia Restaurant & Bar

4.5

4.5 (587)

$31 to $50

Italian

Danvers

About the restaurant

Magia Restaurant and Bar is an Italian dining experience presented by accomplished Chef and Restaurateur, Richard Travaglione Jr. Magia offers the look and feel of a sophisticated, swanky lounge while simultaneously providing an approachable atmosphere and genuine hospitality. Guests can enjoy decades-old Italian family recipes made from scratch, while sipping creative cocktails or favorites from the extensive wine list. Magia is North Shore's premier location for business meetings, large functions, romantic evenings and upbeat nightlife.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 3 days ago

My coworkers and I had a fabulous night at Magio! We had Vanessa as our server and I must say she goes above and beyond! Her services were excellent- the best service I’ve had experienced. She was very attentive. She is truly a star and made our experience one of the best! We definitely would recommend and will return! Great job, Vanessa!

Mai Tai Lounge

4.5

4.5 (89)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Marblehead

About the restaurant

Here at the Mai Tai Lounge we offer high-quality cuisine and service.
Our restaurant has been designed to provide a high level of comfort and an overall relaxing ambience. The Mai Tai team is excited to welcome you to come sit down, relax and focus on family, friends, and the present moment.

Top review

Beatriz

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Amazing new menu! Both the bartender and the server were very nice, quick and friendly.Food and drinks were great! Mai tai sushi roll was DELICIOUS!!!

Goodnight Johnny’s

4.5

4.5 (193)

$30 and under

Grill

Burlington

About the restaurant

Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar is Burlington’s newest hot spot for live music and quality food and drinks. Goodnight Johnny’s features top musical entertainment and a full service restaurant with classic American menu offerings. Our upbeat atmosphere caters to local adults looking for a quality, a reasonably priced experience and excellent service. We offer lunch, dinner, a weekend brunch, a few drinks and live music.

Top review

TeresaR

Dined 4 days ago

Love going there for music . Beautiful place and not far from home . Everyone is so nice and like making rsvp .

Discover more

Experience

Taylor Made

BOSA Coastal Italian

4.3

4.3 (18)

$30 and under

Italian

Haverhill

About the restaurant

BOSA is a unique concept founded by renowned restaurateur and pizza expert Sal Lupoli.

Named after the picturesque fishing village of BOSA, situated along the Temo River in Sardinia, Italy, our vibrant establishment is located on the shores of the Merrimack River in Downtown Haverhill. Situated in The Heights, a diverse building just a stone's throw away from Restaurant Row, BOSA injects an unmatched liveliness and ambiance into the Haverhill dining scene.

Our menu showcases coastal Italian cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients and traditional Italian dishes. This includes a carefully curated selection of artisanal wines and cocktails, as well as a range of craft beers. Additionally, we proudly present Sal's renowned pizza creations, featuring enhanced flavor profiles and cooked in our Marra Forni pizza oven.

Top review

HilaryVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We thoroughly enjoyed the Bosa Brunch! Great food, service and atmosphere. We will return in the future.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Boston Metro North

Explore more Diners' Choice lists