Restaurants in Needham

Best Restaurants in Needham

The James Pub, Needham 1027 Great Plain Ave, Needham Irish Pub • $$

Customers` Favorites

Fish and Chips
Chocolate Ganache Bread Pudding
Short Rib & Ale Pie
Black Garlic Hummus
Burger & Fries

“Couldn’t have had a better first experience last Saturday night! Our 7pm reservation was early! We arrived at 6:45pm knowing we were early and we were seated by 6:50pm. Kelly was a phenomenal server; attentive, knowledgeable, offered amazing recommendations, was genuinely kind and personable, and never let a crumb touch the table. The food was incredible! Everything was timed perfectly, giving us ample time to eat and enjoy before the next course arrived. Fresh ingredients, hot entrees, and well seasoned bites - everything from the oysters to the sticky toffee carrot cake was a delight. This was the best restaurant experience my husband and I have had in years. Truly. Two very minor notes: - the restroom was sprinkled with paper towels on the floors. A little extra attention would make a huge difference. -it was LOUD. It was a Saturday night and we were next to a large group, so we didn’t complain. It happens. But wow, it was LOUD. 10/10. Really. We can’t wait to come back and we’ll be asking for Kelly!!”

4.6 Superb249 Reviews
2

Spiga

Spiga 18 Highland Cir, Needham Italian • $$

Customers` Favorites

Pizza
Bread Pudding
Braised Short Rib
Eggplant Parmesan
Chitarrine Bolognese
Mattonella of Tiramisu
Pesto
Gelato
Cannoli
Antipasto

“Spiga is our absolute favorite restaurant!! We've come a dozen times and it is always the best meal! This particular time, I made a reservation for Father's Day but I accidentally booked it for a week prior - the manager was so incredible and could hear the desperation in my voice, so squeezed us in and made it work by his own kindness, even though the restaurant was fully booked. Our waiter was amazing - the service was incredible from beginning to end and our meal was absolutely delicious and so freshly homemade as always! We cannot wait to come back, thank you Spiga!!”

4.6 Superb306 Reviews
Needham Nutrition 915 Great Plain Ave, Needham Juice • $

Customers` Favorites

Captain America
Chocolate Peanut Monkey
Strawberry Cheesecake
High Protein Bananas Foster with Banana Peanut Butter Great Flavors
Dragon Fruit Punch Loaded Tea
Pralines & Cream Shake
Cinnamon Roll Shake
Banana Split Shake
Blueberry Muffin
Mango Pineapple

“Great place love the shakes”

4.9 Superb127 Reviews
Cappella Restaurant 45 Chapel St, Needham Italian • $$

Customers` Favorites

Black Truffle Wheel
Tiramisu
Veal Chop Milanese to Go
Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce
Truffle Wheel Pasta Togo
Wood Grilled Salmon Togo
Tagliatelle Bolognese
Grilled Octopus Togo
Chicken Parmigiana
Meatball Appetizer

“We would like to give a higher rating and hope to in the future but there were several areas that could be improved:

1) My husband and I sat on the patio next to the front door. We used to come here alot when it was Petit Robert. They have done a nice job of changing it from French country bistro to modern upscale Italian, still very cozy. It was a lovely evening but it was disrupted by 2 young boys running in and out of the restaurant yelling the score to some game. They continued to yell up and down the sidewalk and climbed the lamppost. It really ruined the vibe. It was surprising that their parents (inside) nor the staff said anything to them. We could over hear the table next to us also commenting about this raucous behavior.

2. The service, although super friendly was slow. We waited for quite some time to place our order and for the bill. I never got the ice that was requested. Perhaps this is because of thr busy crowd on a Friday night.

3. The majority of our dishes were outstanding. The grilled squid appetizer was the best we have had in awhile. The squid was very tender and went perfectly well with the sliced fennel and lemon vinaigrette. My husband's wagyu dish was also beautifully executed. It was cooked to the perfect medium rare and paired nicely with the garlic sauce. Sides included lightly seasoned crispy fingerling potatoes and broccolini also cooked to perfection. I ordered the house special, lobster in vodka sauce with house made pasta. This was the biggest disappointment when the other dishes were so well delivered. The pasta was over cooked and mushy. The sauce was a bit sweet and there were only a few small pieces of lobster claw meat. This was surprising since the dish was more expensive than the wagyu. When the hostess checked in on us, she was gracious in offering to get us something else. I went with the black truffle wheel since we had seen other tables ordering it and the waitress had said it was her favorite dish there. Indeed it was incredible and did not disappoint! The pasta was not overcooked and the sauce was to die for! I loved it and would come back just for that dish alone!

When the bill came out, we assumed that they would have comped us for the lobster dish since that was what we didn't like and had sent it back despite their offering us to take it home. But instead, they had comped us for the truffle dish ($26), which was just over half of the lobster dish ($44). Seemed like a strange unprofessional practice.

Overall we still loved 3 out of 4 dishes so would still come back. Hopefully there won't be screaming kids and perhaps the wait staff would not be as slow.”

4.6 Superb175 Reviews
Cook Needham 109 Chapel St, Needham New American • $$

Customers` Favorites

Wings
Truffle Fries
Lamb Shank
Greek Salad
Braised Short Rib Tacos
Pizza Mushroom Truffle
Wild Mushroom Pizza V
Half Roasted Chicken
Mozzarella Sticks
Falafel Plate

“If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Needham, Cook is unequivocally it. The quality of the food is outstanding, and the only thing that rivals it is the exceptional service from the entire staff.

A special shoutout to Johnny. His genuine commitment to making every guest’s experience a great one is first class.

Cook has set the standard for what a neighborhood restaurant should be. In my opinion, it’s the best restaurant in Needham. It isn’t even close!”

4.5 Superb241 Reviews

Customers` Favorites

French Fries
Buffalo Chicken
Special
Detroit Style Cheese Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza
Buffalo Wings
Chicken Wings
Steak & Cheese
Meatball

“Once a week my dad got NHP for us during visitation after the divorce. Also once a year when the wizard of oz was on. BEST pizza and subs! 1970s!”

4.5 Superb128 Reviews
The Common Room 30 Dedham Ave, Needham Comfort Food • $$

Customers` Favorites

Truffle Fries
Calamari
Broccoli Au Gratin
Chicken Tenders
Nachos Grande
House Marinated Turkey Tips
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Dip
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Bavarian Pretzel

“Another awesome night at my favorite restaurant- chicken piccata was delicious with mash potatoes & asparagus - my spicy margarita was alive with flavor … the live music was starting & people were pouring in the doors & the night was happening… what an amazing experience & the best place to be!!!”

4.5 Superb229 Reviews
Hearth Pizzeria 974 Great Plain Ave, Needham Pizza • $

Customers` Favorites

Toppings
Cheeseburger Pizza
Vegan Pizza
Sausage Pepper and Onion
Onions Olives Tomato
Cheese Pizza
Spicy Tomato
Turkey Club
White Bean
Gluten

“I have been coming to the Hearth for many years...the staff is friendly, the atmosphere relaxing and comforting, and the food and beverages are from local sources, well prepared, tasty and satisfying. The owners and management have also shown a dedication to supporting the arts by encouraging local musicians to play at the restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant.”

4.2 Good184 Reviews
Sweet Boba 1032 Great Plain Ave, Needham Bubble Tea • $

“Let me start out by saying BEST HONEYDEW MILK TEA EVER!! Seriously, I have tried A LOT of milk tea in my day and what I ordered from sweet boba was the best milk tea I’ve had hands down. I am so excited that Sweet Boba is here! The staff is so kind and it’s such a nice experience. I will definitely be going here a lot!”

4.7 Superb49 Reviews
Nicholas' Pizzeria 33 Chapel St, Needham Pizza • $

Customers` Favorites

Large Cheese Pizza
Chicken Fingers

“Really great food, really nice employees and super fast. Highly recommended, I go here about once a week on my lunch break :)”

4.9 Superb89 Reviews
Sweet Basil 942 Great Plain Ave, Needham Italian • $$

Customers` Favorites

Rosemary Chicken
Soup
Pesto and Bread Basket
Mousse
Risotto
Putanesca
Greek Salad
Mashed Potato
Mussels Reheat
House Meatballs

“My family makes it there at least once a month. Best mussels on the planet. Bolognese, risotto, chicken parm, rosemary chicken, Lamb shank, something for everyone. Best friendliest staff ever. BYOB makes it even more fun. Daphne, Shannon, Joe, Angel, Dillon…all the bomb!”

4.4 Superb278 Reviews
The Farmhouse 970 Great Plain Ave, Needham American • $$$

Customers` Favorites

Milanese
Fish Tacos
Calamari
Beet Salad
Farmers Salad
Bolognese
Beef Short Rib on Whipped Potato
Tiger Shrimp Tacos
Statler Chicken
Beef Short Ribs

“So glad we found this spot!! Food is true farm to table, fresh and absolutely delicious. We had the crab cake, beet salad, halibut and fish tacos, everything was fantastic, even the coffee with dessert was a notch above the rest!! Service was friendly and attentive, we will be back to see Courtney!! Thank you for an outstanding meal, it was a perfect relaxing evening to end a long week.”

4.3 Superb393 Reviews
Town House of Pizza 892 Highland Ave, Needham Pizza • $

Customers` Favorites

Cheese Pizza
Grilled Chicken Wrap
Chicken Parmesan Sub
Grilled Chicken Sub
Super Veggie Pizza
Chicken Cutlet Sub
Eggplant Pizza

“Town House of Pizza is a classic local pizza spot that delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood pizzeria, reliable food, generous portions, and a casual, no-frills atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that’s been a go-to for families, sports teams, and regulars for years.

The interior is simple and comfortable, with a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to dine in or grab takeout. Service is typically friendly and efficient, especially during busy dinner hours. Orders come out quickly, and the staff keeps things moving smoothly.

We typically get the Chicken Club Ranch, which is essentially a Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza. It has a wonderful topping ratio, isn't too expensive, and the pizza is crispy with a great taste.

Overall, Town House of Pizza is a dependable local favorite, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game-day food, or when you’re just craving a solid slice without the fuss.”

4.4 Superb111 Reviews

Customers` Favorites

Croissants
French Press
Chocolate Croissant
Cookies
Scones
Turkey Avocado Club with Added Goat Cheese and Egg
Baked Pastries Display
Socca with Eggplant
Mediterranean Bowl
Bakery Pastries

“I had an absolutely wonderful experience at this coffee shop and bakery! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, making it impossible not to feel at home.

The coffee was exceptional—rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.

What truly stood out was the friendly and attentive staff. They were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing excellent service.

Whether you're looking for a cozy place to relax, meet friends, or enjoy a sweet treat with your morning coffee, this bakery and coffee shop is a gem. I highly recommend it and will definitely be coming back again and again!

Thank you very much Mr. Spencer.”

4.2 Good223 Reviews
Just Salad 669 Highland Ave, Needham Health Food • $

Customers` Favorites

Balsamic Chicken Avocado
Thai Chicken Crunch
Warm Chicken Goat Cheese Bowl
Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap
Crispy Chicken Poblano
Build Your Own Salad
Chicken Caesar
Caesar Salad

“We have all the options where I live and every time I get Just Salad I wonder why I eat anywhere else. So many fresh dressing to choose from.”

4.2 Good107 Reviews

More Restaurants in Needham

Hazel's Bakery 459 Great Plain Ave, Needham Bakery • $

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Bacon Egg and Cheese
Chocolate Croissant
Poo Cookies

“One of my favorite spots to get a sandwich around town. Big portions, friendly service. The owners are super nice and remember their customers by name.”

4.9 Superb122 Reviews
Abbott's Frozen Custard 934 Great Plain Ave, Needham Ice Cream Shop • $

Customers` Favorites

Dipped Waffle Cone
Build Your Own

“Yesterday I was in to get a birthday cake and was inspired by an act of kindness. A young woman with some cognitive disabilities came in asking some unusual questions. The owner, who was working the shop by himself at the time, was so patient with her and kind. He treated her with respect and even gave her a free drink. These sorts of moments need to be recognized!”

4.4 Superb121 Reviews
Treat Cupcake Bar 2690 1450 Highland Ave, Needham Bakery • $

Customers` Favorites

Pupcakes
Gluten Dairy Egg and Soy Free Cupcakes
Dairy Free & Gluten Free Cupcakes
Birthday Sprinkle Pupcake
Birthday Cake

“Stopped in on a whim and was blown away. The cupcakes were soft, flavorful, and beautifully decorated. The most moist cupcake I have ever had in my Life The red velvet was the best I’ve ever had. The strawberry cheesecake was insanely delicious Courtney was one of the most polite amazing workers I’ve come across —made the whole experience even better”

4.7 Superb129 Reviews
The Cookie Monstah 1257 Highland Ave, Needham Bakery • $$

Customers` Favorites

Chocolate Chip Cookie
Pistachio Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Cookie
Build Your Own Ice Cream Sandwich

“We had a graduation party and this was the perfect ending . Delicious ice cream and cookies . Highly recommend”

4.4 Superb78 Reviews
Needham Junction Ice Cream 51 Junction Street, Needham Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $

“So incredibly disappointed that yesterday was the last day... FOREVER. It was always a nice treat to walk to on my lunch break.”

4.6 Superb58 Reviews
Little Spoon 952 Great Plain Ave, Needham Thai • $$

Customers` Favorites

Scallion Pancakes
Tom Kha
Pork Dumplings
Crispy Chicken
Tamarind Wings
GF Avocado in the Garden Fresh Rolls
V Vegetable Crispy Spring Rolls
V Scallion Pancake
Veg Spring Roll
Spicy Pad Thai

“Little Spoon is a Thai restaurant tucked into a corner of Main Street in Needham with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to settle into for a relaxed dinner. The space has a cute, unique quality to it and the menu covers a wide range of Thai dishes including ramen, curries, noodles, and rice dishes, which gives a table with different preferences plenty of directions to go.

The pad see ew and basil fried rice are both solid orders that cover familiar ground competently. The noodles on the pad see ew have decent wok character and the basil fried rice is well seasoned and aromatic, though neither dish pushed beyond what you would expect from a good neighborhood Thai spot. The mango sticky rice is a satisfying finish and the sticky rice texture is on point, though the mango itself can vary depending on the season. The Thai tea is well made and a natural complement to the spicier dishes on the table.

Across everything we ordered the food was consistently good without being particularly memorable, landing in that comfortable range where you leave satisfied but not necessarily thinking about it the next day. For a weeknight dinner close to home it works well and the portion sizes are reasonable for the price. The menu is large enough that there is probably a higher ceiling to explore on return visits with some of the more distinctive options like the khao soi, tamarind wings, or crispy duck.

Service and pickup accuracy have been inconsistent based on different visits, so dining in tends to produce a smoother experience than ordering out. As a neighborhood Thai option in Needham it fills the gap well enough.”

4.2 Good105 Reviews

Customers` Favorites

Pesto Splash
Prosciutto & Arugula & 1 2 Specialty Pizza
White Greek & 1 2 Specialty Pizza
White Clam & 1 2 Specialty Pizza
Sweet Tomatoes Pie
Caprese Sandwich
Pepperoni Pizza
Greek Salad
Calzones

“Not bad, honestly standard, the crust can have a better tasty texture. Toppings are ok I prefer the onions finely minced, they can use more cheese but I know the costs are soaring. With compared to Frank Pepe’s, Pepe’s onion has a much sweeter aftertaste and truly captures the authentic experience. I would not go out of the way for sweet tomatoes, but it does serve its purpose”

4.2 Good112 Reviews
Conrad's Restaurant 1257 Highland Ave, Needham Pizza • $$

“Their food is amazing. But I got takeout recently and they put their amazing mashed potatoes in a tinfoil package instead of a cup so I had to scrape it out and ended up getting bits in my food. Really weird choice tbh so I took a star off bc the mashed are so good and I wanted all of it.”

4.2 Good43 Reviews
Masala Art 990 Great Plain Ave, Needham Indian • $$

Customers` Favorites

Butter Chicken
Chili Chicken
Various Curries and Naan
Daal Bokhara
Rice Pudding
Gulab Jamun
Samosa Chaat
Tandoori Roti
Chana Bhatura
Palak Paneer

“Good delicious food enjoyed”

4.1 Good299 Reviews
Mandarin Cuisine 238 Highland Ave, Needham Chinese • $$

Customers` Favorites

Crab Rangoon
Chicken Fingers
Fried Rice
Hot
Scallion Pancake
Chicken Wings
Crispy Orange Flavored Chicken
General TSO's Chicken Lunch
Honey Glazed Chicken
Beef with Broccoli

“We went there Saturday afternoon. I ordered my usual, Chicken Subgum Chow Mein and boneless spareribs. The waitress was very nice but limited in the English language. Therein was part of the problem. I did not get what I would consider my usual. It looked like Chop Suey . Not what I am used to. I sent it back and received pretty much the same thing on the second try. The boneless spare ribs were very fatty and not like the ribs I received on prior visits. Also the Duck Sauce seemed to be "watered down" with very little taste. All in all it wasn't a pleasant experience this time. Hopefully it will be better next time.”

4 Good187 Reviews

Customers` Favorites

Avocado Maki
Salmon Sushi

“I have been going to Gari for a long time, and I will always come back. The food is incredible, the staff are always kind. Forever in my recommendations. Thank you for the great food.”

3.8 Good142 Reviews
Ray's New Garden 40 Chestnut Pl, Needham Asian Fusion • $$

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Wings
Hot and Sour Soup
Crab Rangoon
Chicken Fingers
Pu Pu Platter
Salt & Pepper Shrimp
Shrimp Fried Rice
House Fried Rice
Chicken Lo Mein
California Roll

“We have been getting take-out from Ray’s every week for the last 2 months.Come from Natick to Needham for their excellent food.In addition,whatever we order online or by phone is exactly what we receive;no surprises.Well worth the visit!”

3.9 Good170 Reviews

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Parm
Olivia Rose Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Cheese Pizza
Meatball

“The Greek chicken wrap was amazing! Mainly takeout, small place with a few tables. Nice, clean pizza joint atmosphere, but much better food. A little pricey, but a good value, especially considering that it's in a pricey area.

Parking: Small, free parking lot.”

3.7 Good92 Reviews
A New Leaf 920 Great Plain Ave, Needham Juice Bar & Smoothies • $

“Today I had the pleasure of trying the chocolate banana smoothie with protein. It was very tasty and one of the associates was even gracious enough to let me leave a few business cards to support my own business. I will definitely be returning in the future!”

3.6 Good65 Reviews
Dragon Chef 332 Chestnut St, Needham Chinese • $

Customers` Favorites

D
Chicken Fingers
Chicken Wings
House Lo Mein
Crab Rangoon

“Ordered here for the first time today and it was delicious! I got pork fried rice general tso and boneless spare ribs, The rice was amazing and the meat had no fatty chewy bits which is a common issue I run into at other places! The portions were so big it’s easily 2-3 meals and I will definitely be back!”

3.7 Good94 Reviews
Hungry Coyote 1185 Highland Ave, Needham Mexican • $$

Customers` Favorites

Tacos
Mexican
Guacamole
Chicken Bowl
Fish
Carnitas Torta
Avocado
Taco Salad
Rancheros
Tripa Taco

“Delicious! Now have 2 locations in Needham. My new favorite spot for Mexican 😁”

3.7 Good178 Reviews