Location: Lexington
Top Restaurants in Lexington
Lexington Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lexington
Before the morning mist had broken at dawn on April 19, 1775, shots rang out over Lexington, Massachusetts, signaling the beginning of the American Revolution. More than two centuries later, the town boasts a proud patriotic heritage, reenacting the Battle of Lexington and Concord and Paul Revere's Ride every April. Walk in the footsteps of the early patriots at the Battle Green and Minute Man National Historical Park, visit Lexington's three historic houses or take a Liberty Ride trolley tour.
Things to do in Lexington
1. Royal India Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
IndiaReviewed By honest reviewer - Boston, Massachusetts
Every aspect of this meal was delicious! Perfect samosas stuffed with decadent vegetables paired with generously portioned dipping sauces. Naan breads pillowy and comforting. Oh...the Butter chicken is perfection on a plate! Some of the BEST Indian food I’ve ever had!
2. L'Andana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By BostonJake - Boston, Massachusetts
We had not been here recently after being underwhelmed a few years ago. Very different experience this time. Service was excellent all around including a very knowledgeable and attentive waiter. While the menu is tilted towards meat, the four of us had seafood main courses which were uniformly in the excellent/wonderful range. All the food was excellent from apps to dessert. The selection of wines by the glass was very good.
Our table was in a corner out of the main area which allowed for easy conversation. I do think sitting in the midst of the main room would be too loud.
L'Andana is very expensive but you do "get what you pay for" there.
3. Artistry on the Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
At our restaurant, Artistry on the Green, we are passionate about food. Our approach is simple - use fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques to create delicious meals. Our menu showcases New England favorites with an inspired twist. We have developed close relationships with local farmers, and feature the bounty of New England at our tables every day. We believe that food can be used to celebrate, to comfort, and to nurture. Join us for all occasions - a romantic, long lingering meal, a boisterous gathering of family and friends, and everything in between.
Reviewed By BOYAJIAND - Portland, Maine
Our son flew in from NYC for his birthday weekend. After our (always amazing) dinner at Il Capriccio, we chose our Sunday brunch destination at Artistry, mainly because of the Relais & Châteaux designation. As a family, we have enjoyed several R & C accommodations, and have always been very impressed with quality and service.
The grounds and bldgs. are gorgeous, and on this chilly sunny day, our decision to eat here seemed ideal. There was no hostess at the front. We waited 4 or 5 minutes. We were seated in a beautiful and sunny window table.
I’ll get right to the point. Staff was friendly, but with the exception of our waitress who was capable and pleasant, seemed insecure and uncertain about everything: re-stocking plates, pouring water, removing dirty plates, replenishing
buffet items, cleaning dirty tables, putting new linens on tables.
I found these incompetencies daunting—particularly for a restaurant that is an R & C, is 75% self serve buffet style, and not at full capacity. Plenty of staff, but seemingly lacking direction. Who trained them is perhaps the more important question.
I watched in great pain as the table next to us was left dirty for more than 15 minutes, then the ‘busboy’ cleared 2 plates, then came back to clear a few more, then he disappeared. Then it took him, with the help of the ‘hostess,’ another 5 minutes to put two fresh tablecloths on the table. In the meantime a man walked into the dining room looking for a hostess to seat him.
The brunch buffet was just okay ($35.00 pp). Fruit bowl was empty and I had to ask if they were bringing out more; this should be done seamlessly (maybe the employee who brought out 4 little bowls for fruit and yoghurt, should have been alert to the empty fruit without me asking). To her credit, when she came to our table to fill the water glasses (one of three different people to do so) she politely mentioned that the fruit was replenished. She offered to bring it to me - very nice!
Husband thought the salmon was fantastic! Son liked his pancakes.
At 11:00, the kitchen adds more items to the buffet; there was a charcuterie platter, quiche, salad, and crudité in little plastic cups.
The quiche was tasty (red peppers, cheese, and a green veggie). Bacon was crispy and home style potatoes were flavorful, but maybe had been sitting a while.
Sorry for the less than stellar review.
4. The Bancroft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
The Bancroft is a new chef-driven steakhouse and craft cocktail lounge from the Webber Restaurant Group, the family behind the Gibbet Hill Grill and Farm and the Burlington-based Fireside Catering. This restaurant is edgy and urban, an exciting spot to socialize after work and a striking setting for a special night out. The service style is warm and attentive. The environment is dramatic and sexy. We want our guests to have a dining out experience, not just dine out. The Bancroft strives to entertain, to impress, and to be memorable. As a locally owned restaurant group, the Webber family seeks to provide gathering places that are a source of pride for the community, and is invested in making The Bancroft a neighborhood institution in Burlington.
Reviewed By Jack W
Treated ourselves to a dinner date at The Bancroft in Burlington, MA. We don't typically dine at a high end restaurant like this, but every once in a while we splurge.
Firstly, you'll need a reservation. By 6 PM, the place was packed...crazy busy. We started with bourbon based cocktails at $12 a piece. Delicious, but a bit pricey. Followed that up with a crabcake appetizer, which was amazing. For dinner, we had a basic salad, mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, and steaks. My wife had a 12 oz. filet & I had a 16 oz, 28 day aged ribeye...both were excellent. For desert we split chocolate cake and ice cream, also delicious. We washed all that down with some Merlot.
Overall, the Bancroft was quite good, but for $250 (including tip) it wasn't great. The three sides were just underwhelming, which keeps it from being great.
5. Mario's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Diana F - Ijamsville, Maryland, United States
This is a little restaurant yet obviously popular with the locals. It was a bit of a wait for our table, 20-30 minutes on a Saturday evening, but totally worth it. While we waited we chatted with someone who comes here on a regular basis who gave us recommendations on what to get. I ordered the Ravioli and my husband got the Chicken Parmesan. Both were excellent choices! Service was with a smile and very good.
6. The Capital Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Something quite uncommon has occurred.The Capital Grille has arrived in Wayside Commons. A clear indication that the winds of distinctive dining have changed. Now, you can have your Stoli Doli well in hand within minutes of leaving your office. You can enjoy our legendary dry aged Porterhouse without double-parking. And relish your crème brulée knowing you're moments from home.Now, who was it again that said you couldn't have it all?
Reviewed By Harvey G - Waltham, Massachusetts
Visited them on Valentine's Day and had great expectations and received them ten fold. From arrival to being brought to our table to the service and entrees we received nothing can compare. A true downtown experience outside in the burbs.
7. Via Lago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By Jennifer H - Lexington, Massachusetts
Love the options at lunch. Soups and salad options are especially good (I love the mango chicken salad!). Sandwiches are great too, but they're just not as unique as there are lots of good sandwich options around town. Lunch at Via Lago is especially great for families/groups as there are so many different options that there's bound to be something for everyone.
Dinner here is a mixed bag. Both the food quality and service really vary. When the food's good, it's quite good (everything cooked just right, interesting flavor combos), but when it's bad, it's terrible (things that are raw/undercooked, flat/bland flavors). And we've had both good and bad waitstaff as well. Also, unlike lunch, I think the dinners are mostly overpriced for the quality. If we had a crystal ball and could know which version we were going to get, my family and I might still go for dinner, but as it is, we only go at lunchtime now, and are consistently pleased.
8. Kings Dining Burlington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Kings Dining & Entertainment offers a memorable dining and entertaining experience unlike any other. Kings Dining & entertainment boasts a restaurant-first approach with amazing scratch dishes from its chef driven award-winning kitchen in classic retro environment. Guests can start with fan favorite appetizers such as the Buffalo Chicken Wontons & Bang Bang Calamari and move on to crisp salads, House Smoked Ribs, Fresh Salmon or Grilled Steak Tips while enjoying a premium cocktails. Guests can round out their meal with decadent desserts and craft beers. Of course, Kings Dining & Entertainment also sets itself apart with timeless social gaming. Kings Dining & Entertainment features family friendly days and a haven for adults after 10pm.
Reviewed By SueStanton - Burlington, Massachusetts
I have been here a few times, the last time was for a company function. We reserved the bowling alley room and patio and had lots of appies, dinner and drinks. There were about 40 people.Hi Sue, Thank you for taking the time to write your review! We look forward to having you back Thanks again, Rachael -Manager
9. il Casale Cucina Campana + Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Christopher N
Probably fourth visit, this time just with my wife. We love the Il Casale in Belmont, which has a somewhat different menu. Enjoyed the Arancini, Polpete apps and the Tagliatelle with Bolognese. Will go back.
10. Island Creek Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By CJ B - Wayland, Massachusetts
This restaurant offers many oyster varieties from around New England, the Maritime Provinces and Washington state. You can mix your selection and order as many or as few as you want. They are freshly shucked and always delicious. The whole wheat sourdough bread and accompanying honey chipotle butter is addictive. The clam chowder is excellent. it has tasty house-made mini biscuits floating on top. The fried clams were described on the menu as "fresh dug whole belly". They were not plump at all, more like shoestring clams. The fries and tartar sauce were average. Drinks are excellent and the desserts are decadent. Island Creek can be very busy at both lunch and dinner so be prepared to wait. The service is very good once you are seated. We will definitely go back.
