Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Needham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSeafoodComfort FoodIrishVegetarian / VeganMediterranean

Regions

BostonBoston Metro West

Neighborhoods

Back BayBrooklineCambridgeNewtonSomervilleWellesley

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Cottage Wellesley restaurant

1. The Cottage Wellesley

4.5

Awesome(2908)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Wellesley

Booked 39 times today

The Cottage, an upscale-meets-casual eatery in Linden Square Wellesley known for dependable, fresh, SoCal inspired menu options.We partnered with Taniya Nayak, a featured interior designer on popular Food Network programs such as ‘Restaurant Impossible’ to transform the once light-flooded, beach-like, SoCal atmosphere to a warm, lively, and New England-comfort interior. Enjoy an emphasis on natural woods, live greenery, and pops of welcomed fresh color in the new interior and brand.The Cottage will remain the same tried-and-true neighborhood eatery with a re-defined focus on local, fresh, and honest product, for the whole family, every day. The Cottage Wellesley’s new menu is created by Culinary Director, Peter Hansen, who brings his vast experience from all over the world to Wellesley, MA. In his career, Hansen has appeared on six episodes of Iron Chef and has worked alongside incredible culinary talent such as Michael White and Bobby Flay.

2. Farmstead Table

4.6

Exceptional(2256)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Newton

Booked 28 times today

Opened in 2012, Farmstead Table blends French technique and new world innovation in a classic American country kitchen. Inspired by local farmers, our culinary team believes that fresh and pure ingredients don’t require much tinkering and should speak for themselves. The innovative food is complemented by lively cocktails, domestic craft brews, and finely curated wines. A soothing design and intimate dining area provide a relaxed feel, while our staff delivers polished, yet approachable service.

3. Ninebark

4.3

Awesome(99)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Newton

Booked 9 times today

Ninebark is a full-service restaurant featuring New American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Our menu includes craft beers, wines, and cocktails, made with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

A photo of La Voile Brookline restaurant

4. La Voile Brookline

4.6

Exceptional(1205)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French • Brookline

Booked 7 times today

La Voile is an authentic French brasserie, opened in Cannes in 1947. After a few years under a new ownership, it relocated to Boston in 2007. Now, a second location is opened on Washington Square

5. Nubar

4.4

Awesome(1104)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Cambridge

Booked 1 time today

We are currently serving our breakfast buffet 7 days/wk, from 7am - 10:30am. The price is now $30/adults and $16/kids (because of the soaring price of eggs), and it includes coffee, tea, or juice. We will not be serving lunch from 12/26 - 3/7, because of a large-scale hotel renovation happening during this period. We open for dinner at 5pm daily. The kitchen closes at 10pm daily. The bar will stay open 45 minutes after the kitchen closes on Sunday - Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday, last call is 11:45pm.Located under the glow of a Cambridge landmark and in the heart of Harvard Square, Nubar restaurant and lounge is now open at the Sheraton Commander Hotel. A chic neighborhood hangout emphasizing a comfortable bar and dining experience, Nubar restaurant serves food reflective of its surrounding neighborhood: smart, seasonal and approachable.

A photo of Five Horses Tavern - Davis Square restaurant

6. Five Horses Tavern - Davis Square

4.5

Awesome(996)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Somerville

Booked 8 times today

Five Horses Tavern is conveniently located in Davis Square, walking distance of the Red Line, Somerville Theater, Tufts University, Davis Square Theater and Porter Square. Our mission is to serve modern American comfort food, incorporating locally sourced ingredients, with many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Our friendly staff will make a memorable experience whether you join us for lunch, dinner or our highly acclaimed weekend brunch. We are a fantastic venue for hosting large groups and intimate dinners. Our Bar offers a wide variety of craft beers from around the world, boasting 37 draft beers, 120 bottles, signature cocktails and a thoughtfully selected wine list. Join us on the patio or saddle up to the bar and admire our selection of over 150 bourbons and whiskies from around the globe. Reservations are recommended, however walk-ins are always welcome!

7. Punch Bowl

4.0

Excellent(30)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Brookline

Booked 2 times today

From renowned restaurateurs, Jen and Josh Ziskin, Punch Bowl is inspired by the historic 18th century tavern that Brookline was once famous for. The Ziskins have rekindled the spirit of the Punch Bowl and have recreated a communal gathering place in the heart of the village. Chef Josh Ziskin prepares cuisine that features his contemporary take on traditional New England fare and focuses on a variety of local farms and seafood. Punch Bowl has a slew of signature cocktails influenced by Brookline’s unique history and vibrant location. Enjoy Jen’s all female wine list inspired by the female Inn Keepers of the late 1700’s. Guests feel immersed in the city while seated in the light-filled dining room featuring floor to ceiling windows, an open kitchen and a state-of-the-art bar. For guests who would prefer to dine outdoors, Punch Bowl also offers a large patio area on the ground floor as well as a roof deck terrace with phenomenal views of Brookline and its’ historic Muddy River.

8. Garrison House

4.2

Awesome(168)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Brookline

Booked 6 times today

The Garrison House, in the heart of Brookline Village, blends innovative American cuisine with a lively and social bar focusing on modern craft beer and cocktails. It features the area's only mug club, with members' personalized mugs hanging prominently behind the historic bar. A second unique live entertainment venue, proudly called the Village Social Club, resides in a separate downstairs bar. Conveniently located near the Brookline Village MBTA stop, Longwood Medical area, Beth Israel, Brigham & Women's, Dana Farber, NETA, Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, the MFA and Mass Art.

A photo of M.J. O'Connors Park Plaza restaurant

9. M.J. O'Connors Park Plaza

4.6

Exceptional(281)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Comfort Food • Back Bay

Booked 13 times today

Thank you for choosing MJ O'Connor's! We have spacious, socially-distanced seating and operate with the highest standards of safety. We currently are not taking reservations at this time, but walk-ins are always welcome! Any questions please give us a call at (617) 482-2255! We look forward to providing you with a safe and enjoyable dining experience!About MJ O'Connor's:A favorite Irish pub for visitors and locals alike for over 15 years, visit MJ O’Connor’s for delicious pub fare, American food, local craft beers and an extensive draft beer selection. Menu features include award winning New England Clam Chowder, Fish & Chips, and Steak Tips. MJ’s is conveniently located in the Park Plaza, between Back Bay and the Theater District.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
We have come here before, so felt we knew what to expect. It was one of the few restaurants still taking Valentine reservations. The service was excellent, but the food was subpar in both taste and quality. The sea bass had been prepared and in addition had sat on the pass thru for a while. The steak was overcooked and of mediocre quality. We will not be returning to dine here - it simply isn’t worth it.
More info
NubarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cambridge
•
4.4
D
David
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was efficient and courteous. Food was delicious. They were very accommodating to my wife’s food allergy. Never disappointed.
More info
La Voile BrooklinePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Brookline
•
4.6
D
Dennis
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food! Quiet on a Friday afternoon but service was great.
More info
NinebarkPrice: Moderate• American• Newton
•
4.3
S
SusanVIP
Greater Boston •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Nice, Casual, good place to catch up with friends -- our server was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
More info
The Cottage WellesleyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Wellesley
•
4.5
S
Susanna
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 3, 2025
Quiet atmosphere facilitating conversation, delicious food. Server took a while to come back with the check but otherwise service was attentive.
More info
Farmstead TablePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Newton
•
4.6

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Quiet conversation

Needham

Leather District
Downtown Crossing
Wellesley
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Winchester
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West Newton
Revere
Hyde Park
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