Located just outside of
Boston, Framingham is an old city in eastern
Massachusetts with a rich history. Today, it is considered one of the best places to live within the
United States. Whether you’re looking to settle here or are simply passing through, there is a lot of delicious food to enjoy in this city. From Greek to Brazilian to classic American fare, Framingham’s culinary scene is bound to satisfy any palate.
John Harvard’s Brew House
John Harvard’s is a great casual spot to sample an extensive selection of beers. You can also order from a multitude of menu options, including salads and comfort foods like pot pies. The unpretentious atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for enjoying an evening with friends. For something unique, try John Harvard’s award-winning blueberry ale, cucumber ale, or harvest spice beer, which comes with flavored sugar around the brim. Otherwise, consider getting a flight for a full experience of the phenomenal variety of brews on tap. John Harvard’s Brew House changes its selections based on the season, and partakes in relevant festivities like St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest.
John Harvard’s Brew House, Shoppers World, 1 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 875 2337
Mediterranean Turkish Halal Food
Restaurant, Mediterranean, Halal, Turkish, $$$
Mediterranean Turkish Halal Food
Mediterranean Turkish Halal Food serves souvlaki as well as many other mediterranean foods including gyros, falafel and Turkish shawarma. Each order is served in large portions and the food is consistently delicious. Try a dinner platter, which also comes with complementary sides of rice and salad, as well as a variety of dipping sauces. The owners of this restaurant are a pleasant husband and wife who also do all the cooking. This spot is best appreciated as a takeout restaurant, given that its interior is quite small. Mediterranean Turkish Halal Food is certainly one of Framingham’s hidden gems.
Mediterranean Turkish Halal Food, 1609 Concord St, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 202 4688
Bella Costa Ristorante
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, $$$
Bella Costa Ristorante
Bella Costa Ristorante specializes in Italian pasta and seafood. Its interior includes an extensive bar, and its atmosphere is complete with live jazz and piano music on Thursdays and Fridays. Bella Costa also serves Sunday brunch, featuring heart shaped French toast and Bloody Marys. Each dish is prepared with quality ingredients and served with remarkable presentation. This, combined with the pleasant, classic interior makes it a perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion. This place is popular with the locals, and the wait staff is notably amiable. Come here for the best Italian food in the area. We recommend making a reservation, as Bella Costa Ristorante tends to fill up quickly.
Bella Costa Ristorante, 147 Cochituate Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 626 1726
Sichuan Gourmet
Sichuan Gourmet serves renowned Chinese cuisine. In fact, some would argue that the Chinese food at Sichuan Gourmet is even better than what you might find in Boston’s Chinatown. From spicy lamb to steamy dumplings served in a bamboo container, you can expect an unrivalled level of authenticity. There is a good selection of both spicy and mild menu items, depending on what you’re looking for. You may also find more daring dishes like duck tongue if you’re feeling adventurous. The food is served promptly and service is exceptional. Whatever you choose, Sichuan Gourmet is likely to keep you coming back.
Sichuan Gourmet, 271 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 626 0347
Green Leaf Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant
Not every town can say they have an acclaimed restaurant whose menu is entirely vegan and vegetarian. Framingham, however, can boast this claim thanks to the amazing Green Leaf Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant. From light lunch fare to brunch and multi ethnic cuisine, you can expect each dish to be filled with fresh herbs and spices, making them burst with flavor. There are also gluten free menu items that feature alternative grains like millet. Green Leaf offers a myriad of tasty and creative drinks and desserts. Finish your meal with a vegan and gluten free no bake pie, or a chocolate mousse made with avocado as a base.
Green Leaf Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant, 665 Cochituate Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 309 3009
The Oregon Club
Restaurant, American, Seafood, $$$
The Oregon Club
A former speakeasy, The Oregon Club now serves some of the best steak in Massachusetts. It is a casual restaurant with the flare of a fine dining establishment. The gourmet dishes are of exceptional quality. The décor is intimate and traditional with a large mounted buck as a main feature. When the weather permits, consider having a seat on the cozy outdoor patio. In addition to steak, The Oregon Club’s menu is comprised of pasta, seafood and cocktails. Try the pork osso bucco, duck confit, and lamb chops, but don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Oregon Club serves spectacular items like crème brûlée. Here, you will find top quality food for an unbeatable price.
The Oregon Club, 117 Oregon Rd, Ashland, MA, USA, +1 508 875 9030
Legal Sea Foods
Legal Sea Foods features a dimmed, old-fashioned atmosphere, and a menu with a plethora of seafood options: from smoked salmon to fried clam strips, whole lobster and marinated sashimi. What all of these dishes have in common is that they are extremely fresh and flavorful. The interior also includes a large aquarium display. If some among you do not particularly enjoy seafood, there are tasty alternatives like steak. Additionally, Legal Sea Foods offers some pretty exceptional sides worth mentioning, like roasted squash with cranberries, which goes perfectly with a mild fish. Pair any choice with a variety of excellent wines. For dessert, indulge in some decadent bon bons. Legal Sea Foods is a lovely spot for any occasion.
Legal Sea Foods, 50 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 766 0600
Aegean Restaurant
Restaurant, Greek, American, $$$
Aegean Restaurant
Aegean Restaurant serves marvellous Greek food, varying from stuffed grape leaves to moussaka to avgolemono soup, lamb ribs, and souvlaki. There are so many good things on the menu that it can be difficult to choose. Each entrée comes with complementary bread, oil, and tasty feta. Luckily, Aegean Restaurant allows you to mix and match with various combo and sampler plates. The spacious, lounge style restaurant is warmly lit and there is a large display of the many wines on offer to accompany your meal. This is definitely the spot to savor the best Greek food in Framingham. The restaurant is also accessible for those in wheelchairs.
Aegean Restaurant, 257 Cochituate Rd, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 879 8424
Pho Dakao
Restaurant, Vietnamese
Pho Dakao
Pho Dakao is the place for Vietnamese food in downtown Framingham. Come here for a great selection of Vietnamese classics, like delicate vermicelli noodles topped with meat, as well as nourishing bowls of pho garnished with basil and bean sprouts. You can even order an entire striped bass. All veggies are crispy and fresh, while meats and sauces are savory and tasty. There is also a bar, which offers a good number of draught beers, wines, and cocktails. For dessert, enjoy a fruit-flavored mochi ice cream. Pho Dakao offers some excellent lunch specials for only $8. The interior is simple and comfortable.
Pho Dakao, 101 Concord St, Framingham, MA, USA, +1 508 872 2211
Terra Brasilis
Terra Brasilis serves Brazilian barbecue with a hefty emphasis on succulent meats, all at an affordable price. Meals are priced by weight and generally cost less that $20. If you’re looking to try something new, order the chicken hearts, which come served on skewers as are paired with authentic buffet style Brazilian side dishes, which mainly consist of vegetables and starches like collard greens, yucca, plantains and rice. Terra Brasilis attracts locals and Brazilians alike. The restaurant’s interior is relaxed and unpretentious, so feel free to roll up your sleeves and dig in. Take note that there is a whopping 30% discount for night owls who dine after 9pm.
![Bamboo w/ Beef [Sichuan Gourmet]](https://img.theculturetrip.com/768x432/smart//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2040599.jpg)
![Bamboo w/ Beef [Sichuan Gourmet] | © snowpea&bokchoi/Flickr](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4276870956_d4b4b1460b_b.jpg)
![Lobstah Roll [Legal Sea Foods]](https://img.theculturetrip.com/768x432/smart//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2040596.jpg)
![Lobstah Roll [Legal Sea Foods] | © Food Group/Flickr](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6827336044_e5f70f05e8_k.jpg)