Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Central and Western MA

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Central and Western 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!

Piccolo's

4.8

4.8 (813)

$30 and under

Italian

Worcester

About the restaurant

A unique destination for Worcester's movers and shakers, Piccolo's has become the place to go for great Italian cuisine, a glass of good wine and an eclectic social mix not found elsewhere on Shrewsbury Street.

Top review

bonnie

Dined 7 days ago

Great experience. Ashley was terrific. Atmosphere is just what I needed. We will be back.

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. - Milford

4.8

4.8 (301)

$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

Cathleen

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

It was our first visit. We were celebrating my daughter’s college graduation and we will go back in a heartbeat! Everything was great-we even had Santa stop at our table! Very clean, VERY busy!

Villa Napoletana

4.7

4.7 (756)

$30 and under

Italian

East Longmeadow

About the restaurant

“The combination of exquisite food, superb service and excellent ambiance all create an experience you will never forget.” Since 1998, Villa Napoletana has offered the finest southern Italian cuisine, service and atmosphere to all who enjoy making memorable experiences. Villa Napoletana is committed to selecting only the freshest ingredients available. To us it is a constant culinary challenge to bring guests the finest Italian food that can be provided. We look forward to serving our guests with innovative specials!

Top review

ShelbyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

My co worker enjoyed her brunch. Clearly stated the food was fresh and delicious. The waffles are so soft and fresh. You can’t go wrong with such a huge selection! My co worker said she found a new spot lol. Anthony always goes out of his was to make sure everything’s perfect! Thank you.

Lucia's Tavola

4.7

4.7 (1534)

$31 to $50

Italian

Ayer

About the restaurant

Chef owned and operated Lucia's Tavola is a fine dining Italian restaurant. Lucia's features a menu comprised of Chefs family favorites, Chef originals, traditional Italian & local ingredients creating unique Italian inspired cuisine.
Lucia's also offers an extensive cocktail menu and a complete, well balanced wine list.

Top review

Stacey

Dined 1 day ago

Always outstanding, have been our favorite since they started many years ago in Brookline NH.

Clintons Bar and Grille

4.7

4.7 (1903)

$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

lauren

Dined today

We always have a great experience here. The food is top botch and our server, Melissa, was so incredibly attentive and good at her job! We love it here.

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4.7

4.7 (142)

$30 and under

Italian

Worcester

About the restaurant

Dino's Restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Dino’s has been serving its customers the finest Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, as well as a variety of American foods, for over 40 years, with seafood as a specialty. In that time, Dino's serves cuisine from both the northern and southern regions of Italy, with seafood, steaks, veal, and pizzas being the specialties of the house.

At Dino’s, we believe that our customers deserve the best. With that in mind, we ensure that all of our entrées are cooked to order, using the freshest ingredients, which are visually pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette. We also offer business, social and holiday function facilities in The Café, our private function room, which includes a full service bar. Dino’s also provides catering and delivery services. It is our pleasure to serve you and let us give you a little taste of Italy!

Top review

Erik

Dined 6 days ago

This was our 4th time going to Dino’s, & decided to take another couple (best friends) for the husband’s birthday. Every time we’ve gone, the wait staff have been attentive & outstanding, & the food has been excellent every time! The other couple was quite impressed & are wanting to go back with us again. The only negative this time, was it was on a Saturday evening, & it was packed to say the least. The noise level was a little too much for me, but all in all, a great experience! I highly recommend the meatballs & ricotta! Over the moon for them…👍🏻

Leo's Ristorante

4.6

4.6 (426)

$30 and under

Italian

Worcester

About the restaurant

Leo's Ristorante offers excellent Italian cuisine at inexpensive prices. The Turo family has been providing quality Italian cuisine for over 50 years. Our beautiful decor and comfortable dining room is a great start to a memorable dining experience. Come see for yourself.

Top review

JuneVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

I have been dining at Leo's for years. It is a favorite. I usually order a veal dish, but this evening I ordered a salmon dinner and it was really delicious. Leo's is 16 miles from my house and that tells you a lot.

The Student Prince Cafe

4.6

4.6 (757)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Springfield

About the restaurant

Since 1935, Student Prince has offered largest selection of Bavarian and German beers paired with American, Seafood, Steakhouse, and European-inspired cuisine.

Top review

Mary

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

A Christmas experience you must do every year! The decorations, carolers and of course, delicious food 🎄

Black & White Grille

4.5

4.5 (681)

$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

Dennis

Dined 4 days ago

First time in an igloo. Couldn't ask for a better eating experience. The food , the ambience, the quiet peaceful privacy of the igloo was great! Will come again.

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