Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Central MA

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

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

4.9

4.9 (124)

$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

ElizabethVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We went for an early supper and I'm glad we were early because the place filled up FAST. And rightfully so. The food was fresh and delicious, cocktails were great, and the service was excellent! I was very happy we chose to come in tonight. We will definitely be back!

Clintons Bar and Grille

4.8

4.8 (1936)

$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

Kim

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent experience. The food and service was outstanding.

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Chashu Ramen + Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (610)

$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

Kirsten

Dined 3 days ago

Awesome food and our server was great! The sushi was super fresh and the ramen was outstanding. Highly recommend

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Popular dish

chicken leg

Popular dish

fried chicken bao bao

Popular dish

salmon

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Worcester

4.8

4.8 (681)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Worcester

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Worcester serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So, whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested, and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined on Mar 3, 2025

Always consistently great! Rare for chains - I have yet to have a bad experience at Ruth's.

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Experience

The Prisoner Wine Company TasteMaker Dinner

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. - Milford

4.8

4.8 (341)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

We ordered the loaded baked potato pizza 10/10 highly recommend!

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Experience

Kids Painting St Patrick's Weekend Brunch

Tropeiro's Grill Brazilian Steakhouse - Worcester

4.8

4.8 (31)

$31 to $50

Brazilian Steakhouse

Worcester

About the restaurant

Are you craving the irresistible flavors of Brazilian cuisine? Well look no further than Churrascaria Tropeiro’s Grill! owned by restaurateurs, Who love taking care of their Customers, we’ve been serving the Dartmouth, MA community since 2015, bringing the delicious tastes of southern Brazil to your plate.

At Churrascaria Tropeiro’s Grill, we take great pride in offering an authentic dining experience like no other. Our recipes have been lovingly passed down through generations, ensuring that every bite you take transcends you to the vibrant streets of Brazil. From succulent cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb to delectable grilled pineapple and grilled cheese, we have a wide variety of options to cater to every palate.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 7 days ago

Great food, exceptional service! Bacon wrapped filet mignon...delish!

Black & White Grille

4.6

4.6 (717)

$30 and under

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Black & White Grille & Pizzeria! We are family owned & operated, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best quality product and service as we would to our own families. Together with our staff, we devote our time to creating entrees that cater to all taste buds. We hope that you enjoy your time spent with us as you dine. Our goal is to make your experience one that will leave you coming back for more.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 4 days ago

The steak tips are always delicious and we ordered two desserts to share for a birthday and those were delicious too. Service was great!

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Experience

🪄 Magical Tuesdays

Alicante Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (296)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Mendon

About the restaurant

Newly Remolded Alicante Restaurant 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 and seafood. Now Open for Sunday Brunch and Dinner service.

Alicante 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 dining room and bar.

Top review

Donna

Dined 7 days ago

We celebrated our Daughter's birthday at Alicante. We had reservations for three at 4:00. Our waitress (I believe her name was Danielle) was "WONDERFUL". She was very attentive but giving us time in between. She had a very nice smile and was very helpful and friendly. The food was very good. I would have liked it a little warmer. The drinks were great and dessert was amazing. They even wrote Happy Birthdaday in chocolate and put a candle in her dessert. A very nice touch!! it was well appreciated. We definitely will be back and I would recommend it.

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Experience

Join Us for a Sunday Brunch You’ll Love!

Experience

Easter Sunday

Tavern in the Square - Shrewsbury

4.5

4.5 (1037)

$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

Bob

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and great service. Will return again

The Mercantile

4.5

4.5 (946)

$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

Steven

Dined 5 days ago

Great service very friendly. Fantastic atmosphere, delicious food and great value

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