Leader
A few old and new favorites that are worth the drive out of town.
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Ora king salmon from XOXO Sushi Bar. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre
As we dine in the Greater Boston area throughout the year, compile our Top 50 Restaurants list, and work on other projects, we’ve noticed that the food in the suburbs keeps getting better. Here are some of our current favorite restaurants outside of Boston – a few older standbys, a few newer, exciting destinations.
This guide was first published in October 2024 as a supplement to the Top 50 Restaurants list; Stay tuned for regular updates.
Coach Grill. / Free photo
Coach Grill
Open since the early hours, this MetroWest hotspot celebrated for its prime steaks, seafood towers and a giant slice of chocolate cake honors its predecessor, the Red Coach Grill, which occupied the site for decades.
55 Boston Post Rd., Wayland, 508-358-5900, coachgrill.com.
Northern spy
From the team behind the now-closed Loyal Nine in Cambridge, Northern Spy brings beautiful dishes to a spacious Canton space. Some dishes scream New England (baked stuffed scrod), while others just whisper it (the hot fish sandwich).
4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton, 781-989-1850, northernspycanton.com.
What else
Led by Scampo alums Alex Pineda (son of culinary icon Lydia Shire) and Noe Ortega, this modern Latin spot shines with inventive dishes like swordfish al pastor with grits.
114 Rantoul St., Beverly, quemasrestaurant.com.
Margherita and pepperoni pizzas at Sogno in Woburn. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Dream
Light and airy Neapolitan-style pizzas are the star of this upscale Italian eatery, which also features delicious chef-led tasting menus and live music.
304 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, 781-625-1300, sognoitalian.com.
Sycamore
This cozy bistro has been a leader in the suburban dining scene since it opened more than a decade ago, showcasing carefully crafted, flavorful dishes like spicy Gulf of Maine red snapper ceviche.
755 Beacon St., Newton, 617-244-4445, sycamorenewton.com.
Pork belly robatayaki from XOXO Sushi Bar with pork tare and sweet chili miso. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre
XOXO Sushi Bar
Seafood lovers will delight in uni graduate Kegan Stritchko’s modern Edomae-style sushi, while charcoal-grilled robatayaki dishes will ensure non-fish eaters are satisfied.
1154 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-505-3378, xoxosushi.com.
A version of this article was first published in the November 2024 print edition as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.
