Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Central MA

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Central 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!

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (577)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Worcester

About the restaurant

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya is bringing fire to Worcester. The latest collaboration between Worcester’s own Son Vo of Kaizen and Pho Sure and Tam Le of Pho Linh and Reign Drink Lab, Chashu brings Japanese inspired fare to downtown Worcester. Power lunches, happy hours, and sophisticated nightcaps are about to be redefined.

Top review

Nick

Dined 2 days ago

Great food as always. Service was great and very quick. Will be back soon

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Popular dish

chicken leg

Popular dish

fried chicken bao bao

Popular dish

salmon

Publick House

4.7

4.7 (2903)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Sturbridge

About the restaurant

We welcome you to the Publick House Historic Inn where delicious homemade food and comfortable lodging becomes your home away from home. When you come to the Publick House to feast on our generous meals and enjoy the comfort of our Yankee hospitality, you'll be warmed by the same magnificent open hearths that warmed our early American ancestors. Whether you're looking for a restaurant that offers family dining, need comfortable accommodations, or you're in need of a convenient meeting place, planning a bridal shower or want the perfect venue for your dream wedding...the Publick House Historic Inn welcomes you.

Top review

Christine

Dined 3 days ago

Incredibly busy day yet we were served well. Our server had a wonderful, calming approach, great smile, apologized for any waiting (which we didn't think was long at all). Food was delicious, hot, served quickly, and a good value. Overall, a wonderful holiday experience.

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Popular dish

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Popular dish

New England Clam Chowder

Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Willy’s Steakhouse Grill & Sushi Bar

4.8

4.8 (2920)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Shrewsbury

About the restaurant

Welcome to Willy's Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, nestled in historic Shrewsbury Center. Established in 1995, we offer an intimate dining experience characterized by elegant wood paneling, crisp white table linens, a polished granite bar, and soft lighting.

We pride ourselves on serving the finest choice cuts of beef, dry-aged for a minimum of 21 days, along with exquisite seafood delivered fresh daily. Our menu also features skillfully prepared sushi, perfect for the most discerning sushi connoisseurs. From classic favorites to original signature entrées, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients, including locally sourced produce.

Enhance your meal by selecting from our extensive wine list, or let our knowledgeable waitstaff assist you in finding the perfect pairing. Our seasoned servers and bartenders are dedicated to providing exceptional service.
We have private parking and valet service available for added convenience.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined today

This was a wonderful meal from start to finish - we celebrated the holidays with our adult kids, we enjoyed festive beverages, perfectly cooked food, and scrumptious desserts. Service was awesome, we weren’t rushed nor was service slow- it was perfectly timed between courses. The price was a bit higher, but the portions and value were worth every penny.

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Popular dish

14 oz Prime New York Strip Sirloin

4.5

4.5 (3118)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Groton

About the restaurant

Drawing inspiration from the region’s history and natural surroundings, the 156-seat freestanding restaurant reflects elemental themes of wood, water, iron, and fire, reminiscent of the carriage houses and blacksmith shops that once dotted the landscape. The centerpiece of Forge & Vine is an eight-foot wood fired grill and open kitchen with counter seating where guests can enjoy dinner while interacting with the chef. Welcoming residents as well as visitors to the area, Forge & Vine offers a strong sense of place with a design sensibility that brings in the outside with floor to ceiling windows offering breathtaking pastoral views of Gibbett Hill. The restaurant boasts spacious and casual bar with service inside and out and features classic and comfortable cuisine sourced from the best produce, seafood, and meats that New England offers.

Top review

Dined 2 days ago

Always a great experience at "The Forge". Service is excellent, drinks are great, food is terrific, ambiance is wonderful. Highly recommend trying some of the appetizers as well as some of the signature cocktail drinks. The main courses are always wonderful - you don't make a mistake with any of them. It's also the only place where we always have dessert - they are creative and wonderful. Enjoy!

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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

connie

Dined 7 days ago

Great night!! Food and Service- Excellent. Pretty loud near the brick fire section of the restaurant. Next time I’ll request away from the kitchen, maybe it won’t be as loud. Otherwise, everything was awesome! Will definitely go back!!

The Mercantile

4.6

4.6 (879)

$30 and under

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

Serving up New American Tavern Cuisine in our two-floor full-service restaurant and bar, equipped with two 50-seat bars, world-inspired snacks and entrees, brick pizza oven, private event space, and an open rooftop patio that offers views of downtown Worcester and City Square. Located next to the DCU Center and minutes from Polar Park, we’re a natural choice pre and post-game.

*Due to limited patio seating, we do not take reservations for our patio. Please note the patio request in your reservation, or ask upon arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate.

**The rooftop is open Wednesday-Friday 4 PM - close. Saturday & Sunday 12 PM - close.

***Public parking is available at The Mercantile Center Garage with direct access to the restaurant on Level 3A.

Top review

Allison

Dined 4 days ago

Always a great spot! Food was yummy. And always love the Gingerbread houses!

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Worcester

4.8

4.8 (654)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Worcester

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Worcester serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So, whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested, and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

kate

Dined 4 days ago

Tyler was our bartender! Great service and great food

Baba Sushi Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (111)

$30 and under

Japanese

Worcester

About the restaurant

Baba Sushi Restaurant is an award winning sushi restaurant in Worcester. Not only does it serve up the most innovative and freshest sushi, consider the sushi making classes on Sundays if you’d like to learn how to make them at home. Baba Sushi Restaurant takes pride in offering a sophisticated atmosphere. The master chef and owner of Baba Sushi Restaurant was trained in China and enjoys pushing to bring more creativity and innovation to the art of sushi. The results are as entertaining to see as they are to consume. With sushi, starters, salads, soups, tori tori and entrees to choose from, every visit can be a new experience.

Top review

LaurenVIP

Dined today

Always wonderful food and service at Baba. Perfect for a date night

Tavern in the Square - Shrewsbury

4.7

4.7 (1006)

$30 and under

American

Shrewsbury

About the restaurant

Tavern in the Square located at the Lakeway Commons on route 9 in Shrewsbury. Our Tavern in the Square Shrewsbury location features an open floor plan along with a 50 seat bar that extends on to our patio. 50 beers on draft and a menu made with the freshest ingredients and our big screen TV’s to watch all your favorite sports teams. Our all season enclosed patio features dining tables, bar chairs, and a lounge area.

Top review

Ruth

Dined 7 days ago

Great overall service starting with the hostesses followed by the waitress and server. Food was served in a timely manner and delish. Alcoholic beverages were just as great.

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