Although Worcester is the second largest city in Massachusetts, there is no less amazing community, history, and activity than Boston. It is the perfect intersection of nature, sports, and landmarks like the famous Union Station.
This melting pot leaves a great space for cuisines of all types to make an appearance not only as themselves but also in fantastic combinations not seen anywhere else. In honor of Worcester’s way of mixing leisure, business, and excitement, here is a list of the 14 best restaurants in Worcester.
1. Nuovo Restaurant
$$-$$$ | 508-796-5915 | WEBSITE
This Italian experience is perfect for an intimate date or family celebration while not shattering your wallet. The excellent presentation, ambiance, and committed staff will meet and exceed any previous expectations you had about Italian Cuisine.
Crowd favorites such as the Veggie Primavera are always fresh, flavored to perfection, and consistently producing more raving fans. Although the staff here is attentive and responsive, towards the weekend you should always make reservations.
2. Mare E Mont
$$-$$$ | 508-767-1800 | WEBSITE
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The food at Mare E Monti continues to be delicious, and the wine menu is the perfect complement to almost any item on their menu. The food options here are extensive and intricate, with lots of traditional Italian dishes and unique creative dishes.
Crowd favorites are the tuna carpaccio, veal picatta, and homemade pappardelle. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, Mare E Mont has an endearing dining room and a small bar with a gentle atmosphere. This is the perfect place perfect for dates, intimate family celebrations, or small business meetings.
3. Miss Worcester Diner
$$-$$$ | 508-753-5600 | WEBSITE
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If old-fashioned traditional dinners of Pancakes, French Toast, and breakfast creativity, this will be your hangout. Each time you go here, it is sure to live up to the hype in every way!
The throwback themed dining experience, the outstanding vibe, and the excellent food make this restaurant the perfect after-party spot. They are also known for their good portions, attentive staff, and handling larger parties with ease.
4. Deadhorse Hill
$$-$$$ | 774-420-7107 | WEBSITE
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The mission of Deadhorse Hill is to deliver the experience of American Comfort food with the sophistication of a world-class cocktail and wine program.
Almost all the dishes here are fresh, local, and seasonal, so you can expect home-cooked excellence and refined hospitality each time you come here.
The entire experience is thoughtfully executed – everything from the killer dining experience, to the compassionate staff, to the pristine atmosphere of the restaurant.
Their legacy is about delivering fine-dining prowess in every way. Their most popular dishes are the suckling pig croquettes with saffron aioli, lobster benedict, and creamed herring on toast with salmon roe.
5. Lock 50
$$-$$$ | 508-379-3400 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for an amazing seafood experience, knowledgeable staff, and a stunningly beautiful dining room, Lock 50 is the seafood destination for you.
Although nice weather is preferable, this is a great place to hang out for friends or professionals any time of the year due to its terrace seating or comfortable interior space.
Coming here will also give you a great Cocktail and Wine selection, served by a staff who can make recommendations on which pairing will work best.
The food here is always phenomenal, but the creme brûlée and salmon stand out among the best in the city. Lock 50 has an irresistible charm and authenticity that cannot be diminished or duplicated.
6. Dalat Restaurant
$$-$$$ | 508-753-6036 | WEBSITE
Everything about Dalat is authentic, savory, and unforgettable. Even though the restaurant is quaint, they make up for it with high-end food, large portion sizes, and remarkably affordable prices.
If you love Vietnamese food, you’ll love diving face-first into steaming bowls of delicious pho, curry, and fish soups, plates with no remorse.
Some of the local favorites are the fantastic marinated chicken, silky vermicelli noodles with shrimp, and the sizzling beef skewers.
7. Baba Sushi
$$-$$$ | 508-752-8822 | WEBSITE
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This simple wood-accented space is nestled within a residential community on the busy Park Ave, but it has one of the best Sushi selections in the city.
The decorated owner and chef, Wilson Wang, has created a unique dining experience that innovates and modernizes everything you know about Japanese Cuisine.
You can have a family outing here, but this is a more polished and hip atmosphere perfect for business dinners and large celebrations. According to the locals, their Spider Roll & Nilgiri are some of the best in the city.
8. Bocado Tapas Wine Bar
$$-$$$ | 508-797-1011 | WEBSITE
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This Wine Bar brings the fullness and fun of Spanish celebration to the streets of Worcester. The upbeat and fun atmosphere is complimented by the skilled waiters who are ready to help immerse you in their unforgettable drink and food experience.
They won the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their renowned unique collection of over 40 different tapas, paella, sangria, pintxos, and an all-Spanish wine list.
In addition to that, their selection of imported meats, cheeses, and dishes are all fresh, homemade, and are top-notch. The shrimp hamburgers are the most popular but are one of the many little dishes here that pack a lot of punch.
9. Armsby Abbey
$$-$$$ | 508-795-1012 | WEBSITE
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Once you’re here, it’s easy to see that farmhouse fare, craft beer, and handcrafted cocktails are worthy of their international awards and appraisal.
Named as one of New England’s best beer bars, this restaurant has a well-earned rep with an expansive draft list of regional favorites and international stand-outs.
Year after year, Armsby Abbey continues to deliver hearty helpings of unique and classic dishes in a decadent, sophisticated way.
Some crowd favorites are the short-braised rib, pot pie, double-patty burger, and pan-roasted chicken with brown caramelized onions and maple shallots.
10. B.T.’s Fried Chicken & BBQ
$-$$ | 774-530-6152 | WEBSITE
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The enormous reputation and history of excellence of B.T.’s Smokehouse has them listed in several food publications as one of the best barbecue spots in New England.
If you are craving indulgent platters of pulled pork, beef brisket, and savory sides such as mac ‘n’ cheese, pecan pie, and grits, prepare to have your wish granted.
This place is often packed because the longtime customers, and visitors, can’t get enough of the fantastic seasoning, tender marinated meat, and crispy seasoned batter.
11. Flying Rhino Cafe
$$-$$$ | (508) 757-1450 | WEBSITE
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Located on lively Shrewsbury Street, this restaurant is the epitome of vibrant, casual, and satisfying. It’s all about creativity and excellence at the Flying Rhino Cafe. There are dishes for every palette as well as healthier options if you are concerned about your diet or your waistline.
When the weather permits, their newly renovated outdoor cafe is a fantastic place to watch your favorite sports team or catch up with old friends. The staff is also fun and friendly, so you can make your night out one to remember!
12. Olo Pizza
$$-$$$ | (508) 459-1959 | WEBSITE
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Wood Oven-fired Pizza in Worcester is synonymous with ‘Olo Pizza. All their Neapolitan-style pies are simple and quality but also indulgent and satisfying. What makes their pizzas special is their unique, homemade dough.
Their dough is a unique homemade sourdough recipe from Naples that will deliver the most character and flavor you’ve ever had in a pizza. The inside of the restaurant is refined, but still family-friendly, and the staff is always attentive and able to accommodate most health allergies.
13. Volturno Pizza
$$-$$$ | 508-756-8658 | WEBSITE
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This family-owned and run business has a pizza and wine experience that will knock your socks off. The pizza is legendary, the wine list is interesting, the service is fast, and their indoor and outdoor seating is stellar.
Hundreds of families have made memories of bonding over their phenomenal pizza. The staff here are also proud of what they do and what they serve, uplifting the entire experience.
In addition to serving families, their amazing cocktail list draws the neighborhood it-crowd in the evening along with their amazing tiramisu. Volturno Pizza is definitely a place you add to your regular restaurant list if you’re ever in the Worcester area.
14. Sole Proprietor
$$-$$$ | 508-798-3474 | WEBSITE
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After being named one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the country in 2021, this restaurant is now a legend not only in Massachusetts but across the entire US.
Their mouth-watering seafood preparation has been at the head of the pack since 1979, when it first got named best seafood restaurant in Worcester.
Don’t let their reputation fool you though, the staff is welcoming, the dining experience is relaxing, and you will feel right at home with the menu variety and price selection.
They also have an award-winning wine list and a staff that can help you pair your food perfectly. This place is usually packed, so I highly recommend you make a reservation.
Summary
This review of the 14 Best Restaurants in Worcester will give you the information you need for an unforgettable food journey during your next trip to Worcester, Massachusetts. While making your rounds, you’ll be immersed in the culture and community of this city and make memories to last a lifetime.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
