Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Greater Boston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Greater Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Moonshine 152

4.9

4.9 (1872)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

A modern -American, neighborhood bistro restaurant in Southie (South Boston) by Chef-owner Asia Mei (as seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay & Phantom Gourmet). With a globally-inspired, comfort food meets street food menu, Chef Asia puts her unique spin on both East & West Coast style cooking, striving to match the beautiful restaurant’s aesthetic, contributing to numerous glowing re-reviews, accolades & praise. Her "Best of Boston" Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, her award-winning Burgers & Vegetarian Burgers, Street Tacos & weekly changing specials are only some of the reasons she was awarded the 2023 Best of Boston Neighborhood Restaurant in South Boston.

Moonshine 152 is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, on the corner of Dorchester Avenue & West 4th Street in South Boston. We are one block from the Broadway Red Line train station, with bus connections local bus connections. We are a short walk from the South End & Ink Block neighborhoods as well as The Seaport & Downtown Boston.

Top review

Courtney

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful food and service, can’t wait to return!

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Popular dish

Butterscotch Pudding

Popular dish

Jalapeno Crab Rangoons

Olivia’s (Fairhaven)

4.9

4.9 (436)

$50 and over

American

Fairhaven

About the restaurant

Olivia's Restaurant aims to be a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Fairhaven highlighting fine coastal cuisine, classically made craft cocktails (sometimes with a twist) with an emphasis on thoughtful service and unwavering hospitality. We are open for dinner only (for now) so our team can excel at providing the ultimate dining experience.

Top review

Kerry

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic, quaint restaurant with fresh delicious food and excellent service.

Daedalus

4.8

4.8 (513)

$30 and under

American

West Cambridge

About the restaurant

Tucked in a converted greenhouse, Daedalus is a casual restaurant that serves New American cuisine and drinks in spacious surrounds. The restaurant's menu changes to reflect the season. Diners rave about the crab cake sandwich, the buffalo tenders and the Daedalus burger.

A neighborhood favorite, Daedalus boasts a roof deck that delivers a lovely view of Harvard square. It also hosts two bars (one located on each floor)

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

The roof deck is lovely - bordered with flowers and out in the fresh air. Our table enjoyed the chicken tacos, burrata appetizer, risotto and pasta. Staff was attentive with asked-for suggestions.

Willow & Ivy on Exeter

4.8

4.8 (48)

$31 to $50

American

Back Bay

About the restaurant

Welcome to Willow & Ivy, a neighborhood eatery located in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay. Our newly renovated space is full of energy, enhanced by lush greenery and beautiful vaulted windows that fill the room with warm, natural light. Whether you enter from charming Exeter Street or through The Lenox lobby, you will be greeted by our smiling staff and the enticing aromas of our locally curated menu. Your table is all set—sit back and enjoy.

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a wonderful time and a great meal at this restaurant.

G Bar & Kitchen

5.0

5 (199)

$31 to $50

American

Swampscott

About the restaurant

G Bar & Kitchen in Swampscott provides a beautiful interior with dark, rich wood flooring, bright red chairs situated along the bar, and pale colored chairs, tables and booths along the opposite walls. Big windows let in plenty of sunshine to help increase the brightness and inviting atmosphere of the interior whereas friendly staff members make you feel like an honored guest at G Bar & Kitchen. Upon first glance at the menu, you will notice plenty of delicious options like the shrimp chow fun and gnocchi. You also have stuffed acorn squash, lamb rack, duck, haddock, veal chop and a N.Y strip to name a few. There is an option for just about every flavor preference so you are sure to leave feeling satisfied and yearning to come back for more when you visit G Bar & Kitchen.

Top review

LynneVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

ALWAYS THE BEST! Food, kitchen, waitstaff (EVERYONE) simply the best!!

Metropolis Cafe

4.8

4.8 (1632)

$31 to $50

American

South End

About the restaurant

Metropolis Café, nestled in Boston’s Historic South End with views of lively Tremont Street, combines fine dining and warm hospitality at casual prices. Our dinner menu features favorites like Rigatoni, Pan Roasted Natural Chicken with foraged mushroom crème and whipped garlic Yukon potatoes, Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts served with house-made buttermilk ranch and celery salad, and our creamy Risottos. Join us for a beloved neighborhood brunch on weekends, where locals and visitors enjoy a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a weekend brunch, Metropolis Café offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Boston’s South End.

Top review

williamVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, vibe, service. Consistently good experience

Salt Raw Bar + Fine Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (1086)

$30 and under

American

Plymouth

About the restaurant

SALT RAW BAR + FINE CUISINE

Top review

Mandy

Dined 6 days ago

We had a great meal and experience at SALT. Enjoyed Pork Steam Buns, Cucumber Salad, Gochujang Chicken and Pork & Leek Dumplings. We enjoyed the evening on the sizable outside deck, abut the inside dining also looked like a great option. Servers were great-overall highly recommend!

Embargo

4.6

4.6 (818)

$31 to $50

American

Hyannis

About the restaurant

Embargo is open and is the place to be on Cape Cod, featuring a chic and sophisticated atmosphere with amazing food and handcrafted cocktails. Our menu features dry aged steaks cooked to perfection, mouth watering tapas, and of course, fresh local seafood. Each meal becomes an event when shared with friends and family!

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, we do not guarantee reservations for outdoor patio seating. Tables are sat on a first come, first serve basis. If you have a reservation and request outdoor seating, you may endure a brief waiting period. All reservations are held for 10 minutes and will be considered cancelled without a phone call. Please also note we only take reservations for dining tables only.

Top review

Helene

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service and atmosphere! The food and drinks were delicious with a variety of choices! Definitely a favorite choice while visiting the Cape.

or, The Whale

4.7

4.7 (626)

$30 and under

American

Nantucket

About the restaurant

or a lively brunch, or, The Whale is your destination on Nantucket's Main Street. This bistro and bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that reflects the island's diversity. Start your day with a delicious brunch featuring classics like eggs Benedict and pancakes, along with unique options such as the veggie mushroom bowl topped with a fried egg. For lunch, enjoy choices like the blackened swordfish sandwich or a classic turkey BLT, and don’t miss Manny's refreshing bistro frisée salad. As evening falls, the dinner menu shines with dishes like lobster cavatelli, made with homemade pasta, and roasted chicken with crispy potatoes. The bar features an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Sip on local craft beer or a signature cocktail on the spacious outdoor patio and soak in the island's charm. Whether for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, or, The Whale is the perfect choice.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Another fabulous night at Or the whale! Grilled veggies appetizers were delicious and the halibut is so perfectly made. The service was great and the drinks delicious. We’ll be back soon.

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4.8

4.8 (318)

$31 to $50

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Step into Oak Bistro, the freshest addition to Inman Square, Cambridge, MA. Uncover American cuisine with a modern spin, influenced by global flavors. Our cozy setting welcomes young professionals, students, and families for an unforgettable culinary experience. Led by a chef-driven vision, we infuse diverse cultural influences, meticulous attention, and adaptability into crafting innovative and delectable dishes. Come share in the creation of enduring memories while supporting our vibrant local community.

Top review

Bob

Dined 2 days ago

I hosted a party of ten and the service was excellent. Menu options for everyone. The apps and entrees were well prepared and delicious. Definitely worth visiting.

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