An al fresco dining experience with spectacular views doesn’t have to be limited to coastal communities. In fact, it’s become far more common during the pandemic — even in the winter.
There are a few gems in MetroWest that are a far cry from sidewalk tables and chairs. They offer guests a dining experience with a pleasant breeze blowing off the water while spectacular sunsets light up the sky.
Enjoy views of Dudley Pond or Fort Meadow Reservoir with family and friends while enjoying seasonal cocktails and seafood platters for dinner—or get up early for chicken and waffles at a restaurant overlooking Hager Pond.
Whether you’re looking for Mediterranean or classic pub grub, here are some restaurants with a view in MetroWest.
Dudley Chateau, Wayland
Address: 20 ridge road
The view: The Dudley Chateau is a nautical restaurant overlooking Dudley Pond, which is close to Lake Cochituate.
Website: http://www.thedudleychateau.com/
Dog-friendly gastronomy: Only assistance dogs are allowed on the terrace.
When you go: There are many options at this restaurant, which was originally a fisherman’s cottage and then a pub. Now at the Dudley Chateau, or “The Chat” (pronounced “shat”), there are many specialties like the Chat Taco Burger served with melted cheddar, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo, and Chat Wraps like the blackened wrap with grilled Cajun chicken, shrimp , scallops or steak served with lettuce, tomato, onion, chipotle mayonnaise and cheese. For smaller hands, there’s the Chat Sliders, served on a grilled bun, or the Steak & Cheese Spring Rolls, filled with steak, peppers, onions, and cheese, served with horseradish dip.
Alicante Restaurant & Lounge, Mendon
Address: 84 Uxbridge Road (Route 16)
The view: This restaurant overlooks Nipmuc Pond which is just over a half mile walk from Mendon town beach.
Website: https://www.alicantema.com/
Dog-friendly gastronomy:
When you go: This Mediterranean eatery has plenty of options for both fish and meat lovers, including bourbon-marinated beef skewers and chimpanzee, mushroom caps stuffed with shrimp, scallops, and crab. For starters, it offers cheese bags with prawns, scallops and a lobster and sherry tomato cream, or lombo de cerdo – a pork tenderloin stuffed with apples, caramelized onions, spinach, feta cheese and dried cherries, then wrapped in bacon.
Casta Diva Restaurant, Northborough
Address: 35 Solomon Pond Road
The view: Casta Diva overlooks Solomon Pond
Website: http://www.castadivarestaurant.com/
Dog-friendly gastronomy: Only assistance dogs are allowed.
When you go: This Northborough eatery offers authentic northern Italian cuisine with staples like escargot al limone, snails with onion, garlic and lemon in a white wine butter sauce, and mussels and clams steamed with onion and garlic. A staff favorite is the Marsala butter sauce, served with chicken or veal. It also offers a variety of risottos and freshly made pasta like pappardelle, wide wide pasta, and cavatelli, which are small and bowl-like in shape. Casta Diva also has a rotating menu of drinks created by its bartenders, so keep checking back for new spins on class favorites.
Stephen Anthony’s, Marlborough
Address: 999 Boston Post Road East (Route 20)
The view: Stephen Anthony overlooks the Hager Pond. Within the same shopping complex is the Wayside Inn Country Store, which sells candy and collectibles.
Website:https://www.stephenanthonys.com/home
Dog-friendly gastronomy: Dogs allowed on the outside terrace.
When you go: Stephen Anthony’s has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for over 30 years and has recently added two new al fresco dining terraces. It has a variety of toppings for Belgian waffles for breakfast, or add some fried chicken wings for a classic chicken and waffle. It also has gluten-free waffles, toast, and rolls. For dinner, it offers fried goat cheese with a hint of clover honey, or Clams Casino, clams stuffed with bacon and breadcrumbs. The house specialty is a dry-shredded porterhouse pork chop with rosemary butter and garlic hash browns, served with corn on the cob.
Bolton Street Tavern, Marlborough
Address: 587 Bolton Street (Route 85)
The view: Bolton Street Tavern overlooks the waters of Fort Meadows Reservoir.
Website: http://boltonstreettavern.com/
Dog-friendly gastronomy: Only assistance dogs are allowed on the terrace.
When you go: Bolton Street Tavern offers appetizers like fried pickles and chicken quesadillas. For its health kick greens, it offers Poached Pear Salad with poached pears, grilled chicken, and honey-glazed walnuts, or the Tex-Mex Salad with grilled chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and avocados, drizzled with a tangy lime vinaigrette. And there’s Monday Madness Burger Day, when you can get a half-pound Angus cheeseburger served with french fries for just $5.99.
Civic Kitchen & Drink, Westborough
Address: 121 West Main St. (Route 30)
The view: Civic Kitchen & Drink offers an outdoor patio overlooking the 9th fairway at Westborough Country Club. Owner Thomas Oliveri calls it “the best view in all of central Massachusetts,” though he swears he’s not biased.
Website: https://www.civickitchenanddrink.com/
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed on the outside terrace.
When you go: This alfresco restaurant isn’t just for the city’s country club anymore. Start your meal with “Woosta” chicken nachos with house-made potato chips topped with chili-lime chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, or enjoy sandwiches like the Nashville Fried Chicken with fried chicken and spiced honey on a brioche bun.
