Location: Westwood
Top Restaurants in Westwood
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Westwood Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Westwood
Westwood is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 14,618 at the 2010 census. In July 2005, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Westwood 13th on its list of the 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. Boston Magazine included Gay Street in Westwood on its list of the Best Streets in the Boston area. It is the 9th wealthiest town in the state of Massachusetts.
Things to do in Westwood
1. Sweet Basil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By Dale D - Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Been a awhile since we all enjoyed great service.. great seafood..example:
Steamed mussels...were excellent
Another in our party had the seafood paella...very pleased
We had Squash & apple tortellini...this was terrific!
We did not have a reservation- they took our cell number & we went to a bar until called!
2. Chiara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Chiara, a Mediterranean Bistro - is an upscale , casual dining restaurant which features a comfortable, well designed dining room and intimate eight-stool bar and an outdoor patio. This quaint suburban restaurant features a menu which includes multiple small plates, signature cocktails and seasonal creations.
Reviewed By PaulsPalate - Boston
Twelve years after its much-anticipated opening, Westwood’s Chiara Bistro still casts a culinary spell. Long considered one of the finest suburban dining establishments in Massachusetts, the 100-seat Mediterranean bistro – founded by executive chef/owner Steve LaCount and lovingly named after his nana – continues to impress with its chic, upscale ambience, its polished, friendly waitstaff, and its adventurous, well-executed fare.
Don’t let Chiara’s suburban strip mall location (off of Route 109) fool you. There’s elegance to be discovered inside the restaurant by way of warm woods (California redwoods), Italian marble, ceramic tile, leather, windows draped in glossy silk, square lamps, an alcove bar, and a modern exhibition kitchen.
Fortunately, LaCount’s menu holds up against, if not exceeds the restaurant’s glamorous décor (albeit at a high price point for suburban dining that is justified). A complimentary bread basket arrives, which includes thin olive focaccia crisps accompanied by a unique, refreshingly light, vibrant green-colored pesto feta spread. An amuse bouche features spoonfuls of creamy cauliflower soup (much to the dismay of my wife, who can’t indulge due to her dairy intolerance – this was the only misstep of the evening from our otherwise excellent server, who knew of this intolerance beforehand yet did not swap out the one spoon for an alternate small bite).
Appetizers were spot-on, beginning with a playful riff on a traditional Italian dish, which resulted in some of the most delectable potato gnocchi ($13 for the starter, $25 for the main course, the latter of which I’d highly recommend) I’ve ever consumed. LaCount’s hand-crafted version features ethereal, ultra-light pillows of the potato-infused pasta, whose flavor is enhanced by pairing it with incredibly tender, thinly shredded red wine braised boar and beef shortrib. All of this was topped with velvety sheep’s milk pecorino whose tartness beautifully melded with the sweetness of the meat’s red wine reduction. It’s simply divine.
Almost as equally memorable is the steak tartare ($15), a visually striking rendition that consists of a generous, square-shaped wedge of precisely diced meat served over sweet, house-made chips and a grilled baguette. The meat is nicely seasoned and possesses the melt-in-your-mouth texture that a good tartare should always, and yet (no pun intended) rarely ever has. The succulent grilled lamb ($13) is served ‘lollipop’ style, is cooked to perfection (a nicely pink, medium rare), and is accompanied by an intriguing array of Mediterranean-inspired sides such as grilled eggplant, roasted fennel, tomato quinoa tabuleh, cured olives, a welcomed dash of heat from harissa, and a cooling contrast of minted lemon yogurt.
Aside from that impeccable gnocchi, Chiara also nails the simpler dishes as well, including four plump, tender, perfectly pan-roasted Gulf of Main shrimp served over creamy mushroom risotto.
Similar to its cuisine, Chiara’s cocktail menu is seasonally inspired, inventive, and well-executed (most fall in the $12 range). Take for instance, this fun trio of spirits: the Pilgrim Manhattan, made with bourbon and house made cranberry vermouth; the aptly named Granny’s Redemption, rye infused with Granny Smith apples and spices; and the Chiara Whiskey Orchard, blended with scotch, bourbon, rye, chestnut liquer, a hint of maple syrup, and infused with roasted pecans.
And don’t forget to conclude your evening with dessert. My wife gushed over an exquisite tasting, non-icy coconut sorbet, resulting in her exclamation that Chiara’s version rivaled Mistral’s chocolate sorbet, the best she’s ever sampled (and she’s sampled many) over the years. The specialty dessert – coconut cake – was surprisingly light, drizzled with caramel sauce and paired with an equally good dollop of pineapple sorbet.
Aside from the minor hiccup over the amuse bouche, our server was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, genial, and spot-on with her recommendations throughout the evening.
Given its exceptional service, cuisine, and ambience, I’ll gladly overlook Chiara’s unassuming, outside strip mall setting and enjoy the relaxed, yet upscale ambience, top-notch service, and creative, superbly prepared culinary treasures that are hidden inside.
3. Dessert Works Specialty Cakes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By claudia3273 - Massachusetts
I love this place, always great service and I can't still pick my favorite dessert!
The coconut cake , the red velvet, the chocolate and vanilla cupcakes are fantastic and always fresh.
The sugar cookies are always a hit in my house. They make other desserts and tarts but the space is limited here! Great place to try!!
4. Kings Dining Dedham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Kings Dining & Entertainment offers a memorable dining and entertaining experience unlike any other. Kings Dining & entertainment boasts a restaurant-first approach with amazing scratch dishes from its chef driven award-winning kitchen in classic retro environment. Guests can start with fan favorite appetizers such as the Buffalo Chicken Wontons & Bang Bang Calamari and move on to crisp salads, House Smoked Ribs, Fresh Salmon or Grilled Steak Tips while enjoying a premium cocktails. Guests can round out their meal with decadent desserts and craft beers. Of course, Kings Dining & Entertainment also sets itself apart with timeless social gaming. Kings Dining & Entertainment features family friendly days and a haven for adults in the evening.
Reviewed By Bert S - West Hartford, Connecticut
The menu is varied and the food is very good quality. The bar staff was great (Ryan was our bartender) - extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. Would not hesitate to return.Hi Bert, Thank you for taking the time to review us! We are very proud of our staff and our menu- we're thrilled you enjoyed both! Hope to see you back soon! Best, Chris
5. Fancy That
Overall Ratings
5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa C
Finally got a chance to visit this adorable business. It was so much more than I expected. It was awesome. We had a little room to ourselves. We could have a private conversation. The service was impeccable, the food even better. It really was just...MoreThank you so much for your kind words! We look forward to welcoming you again!
6. Vico Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
We will be closed for vacation from Tues. Feb 20th through Wed. Feb 28th. <br>We will reopen on Thurs. March 1st. <br>We apologize for any inconvenience.
Reviewed By Pat R - Watertown, Massachusetts
Very good food, nice Italian wine list, excellent service and incredibly reasonable prices for everything. I had the fig, prosciutto and gorgonzola appetizer, which was loaded with figs and gorgonzola, finished with a spray of arugula and balsamic drizzle. Short ribs and mashed potatoes were terrific. A long list of nightly specials to tempt the diner so don't just look at the menu to decide whether this is for you. It feels like a neighborhood place, but food and service are way above that league.
7. Bubbling Brook Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By QueensParkDan - London, United Kingdom
This classic ice cream maker has crowds outside every day of the week, come rain or shine. Deservedly so. Whether you want regular or 'soft' ice cream, they have 30+ flavours and all made in-house. Stand outside with the crowds and enjoy every mouthful.
There's also a small restaurant where you can sit inside (they'll serve ice cream too, though not cones). Beware, cash only. The menu is fine, regular American fare. Fairly bland food, so you'll need Tabasco for your fried chicken and plenty of sauce for your chips (fries). Nice enough and pretty good value (tuna salad sandwich at $5.95).
Bubbling Brook has operated for more than 65 years, so they clearly have something right - that's the ice cream calling you…
8. Yard House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 373 reviews
Yard House is an upscale-casual eatery known for great food, classic rock music and 130 taps of imported, craft and specialty ales & lagers. Whether you’re in the mood for a grilled burger and a pint of your favorite ale, or seared ahi and a chilled martini, Yard House has something for everyone. Yard House is the perfect place to unwind and take a break - meet old friends for happy hour, or make new ones, celebrate a special occasion, or gather your family for dinner.
Reviewed By Tigerstedge - Wokingham, United Kingdom
Big group of us after a day of work. Three pages of beer- knowledgeable staff to help you choose. Food is good quality bar food. There is usually a wait for table as it’s a popular place. Good atmosphere even though it’s a big space.
9. Byblos Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Maurice Daaboul and family’s Byblos is the Boston area’s premier eatery since 1996 for authentic, homemade Lebanese cuisine. Located in the heart of Norwood, Massachusetts, Byblos offers all the best features of Lebanese dining, including a large hall where feasts are laid out in traditional Lebanese Maza style to the tune of live Arabic music and oriental belly dancing. At Byblos we pride ourselves on bringing freshness, authenticity and service to our valued customers.
Reviewed By betsy1224 - Boston
Based on the good Trip Advisor reviews and our love of Middle Eastern food, my husband and I had dinner here with friends. Almost everything we had was disappointing - poorly prepared hummus, parsley-dominated fattoush salad, rubbery grilled halloumi and dry kibbee. If you want good Lebanese food, try another restaurant. Other than the pleasant server, there’s nothing that would bring us back to Byblos.
10. J.P. Licks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By jake h
Great ice cream sundaes, sandwiches, coffee and more. The staff was great dealing with my daughter with allergies and you always leave happy
