Restaurant
Paul and Elizabeth’s
150 Main St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton
(413) 584-4832 www.paulandelizabeths.com
Back before farm-to-table was in style, Paul and Elizabeth Sustick opened Paul and Elizabeth’s in 1978 with the goal of offering whole, healthy foods. “It’s a really simple idea but it requires a great deal of flavor to work from the soil up to the plate,” says Elizabeth, adding that the consistently delivered deliciousness found at the family establishment comes in the training of the staff. With their son, Nate Sustick, at the helm since 2001, the family takes the movement into the modern age by working with BerkShore, a Holyoke-based company that connects restaurants with small-batch fishermen.
2nd: Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
3rd: Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
112 N. Main St., Sunderland
(413) 665-2102 blueherondining.com
New restaurant
Hearty Eats
24 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls
(413) 625-6460 heartyeats.org
Hearty Eats owner Andrea Beaudoin and her partner, Colin Bargeron, opened Hearty Eats two years ago with the goal of making healthy, high-quality dining accessible to every income level in their community. The establishment takes a “save the rich stuff for the weekend” approach to cooking. The eatery highlights food without gluten, dairy, and meat, but Beaudoin doesn’t think of these as “missing ingredients,” but rather items used sparingly for healthier lifestyles.
“We’ve seen a doubling of sales since we rounded our first year of business, and that has spoken to the local embrace of what we have to offer,” says Beaudoin. “Vegan food isn’t just for vegans anymore.”
2nd: Bread & Butter
68 Cowls Rd., Amherst
(413) 230-3123 www.breadandbutteramherst.com
3rd: Meatball Kitchen
2000 Boston Post Rd., Wilbraham
(413) 271-1251 mbkrestaurant.com
Creative American fare restaurant
The Alvah Stone
440 Greenfield Rd., Montague
(413) 367-5345 thealvahstone.com
Alvah Stone owner Howard Wein has run restaurants all over the country and has never encountered anywhere quite like here. “It’s a tight family so it doesn’t feel as much like work,” says Wein of the staff. Their attention to detail, he says, is what is setting them apart in the restaurant scene. “We’re kind of in an old school way committed to every single plate and drink and guest every single day, and I think that’s why in a short amount of time we’re getting the recognition,” he says. “We’re completely committed to sustainable agriculture and our menu is completely organized around what grows here.”
2nd: Center Square Grill
84 Center Square, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-0055 www.centersquaregrill.com
3rd: Coco & The Cellar Bar
95 Main St., Easthampton
(413) 203-5321 cocoandthecellarbar.com
Chinese restaurant
Ginger Garden
351 Northampton Rd., Amherst
(413) 256-6666 www.gingerdardenamherst.com
Sure, the Five-College area is full of Chinese food options, but few have it as authentic as Ginger Garden. The spices used at the eatery alone are hard to get — they have to be specially shipped. The establishment boasts a new sushi chef hailing from a michelin-star restaurant in Manhattan. With alluring new items to try and a Chinese New Year party and lion dance to boot, customers never tire.
2nd: Great Wall
178 Pine St., Florence
(413) 582-0399 www.greatwall-florence.com
3rd: Oriental Flavor
25 S. Pleasant St., Amherst
(413) 253-7673 www.orientalflavoramherst.com
French restaurant
Chez Albert
178 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
(413) 253-3811 www.chezalbert.net
For more than a decade, chef Paul Hathaway has provided French country cafe service with a focus on farm-fresh roasts and braises. Amy Paul, the bistro’s owner and front-of-house manager, says that the cocktail list has become more extensive. Chez Albert is also starting to host live jazz, from 8 to 11 p.m., on Sunday nights. And once the weather warms up, winter menu items — like potato leek soup and a rabbit/cabbage dish — will make way for springtime items. Hathaway, for one, can’t wait to hit up the farmers markets.
2nd: Bistro Les Gras
25 West St., Northampton
(413) 320-4666 www.bistrolesgras.com
3rd: Gypsy Apple Bistro
65 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls
(413) 625-6345
German restaurant
Munich Haus German Restaurant
13 Center St., Chicopee
(413) 594-8788 www.munichhaus.com
Prost! That means “cheers” in German, and you’d do well to know what that friendly directive means when you dine at the Munich Haus, a cross between a German home kitchen and a tavern with a wicked patio bar and stage. The food is so delicious, we’re going to wax poetic for a moment: Their schnitzel is tops, the spaetzle is swell, come in for wurst, you’ll be happy and full. Also there’s a beer club the third Wednesday of every month — Prost!
2nd: Student Prince/The Fort
8 Fort St., Springfield
(413) 788-6628 www.studentprince.com
3rd: Hofbrahaus
1105 Main St., West Springfield
(413) 737-4905 www.hofbrauhaus.org
Greek restaurant
Filos Greek Taverna
279 Main St., Northampton
(413) 586-3456 filosgreek.com
This is the third win in a row for Filos, which opened in December 2013 with the goal of bringing delicious Greek and Mediterranean food to Main Street in Northampton. Owners Konstantine and Sunita Sierros, the brains behind Florence Pizza and Southampton’s Paisano’s, have hired a new chef and expanded the menu to include new specialty dishes like lamb fricasse, couscous stuffed peppers, homemade spinach pie, and more.
2nd: El Greco
233 Main St., Greenfield
(413) 774-2844
3rd: Parthenon Restaurant
475 Newton St., South Hadley
(413) 539-6612 www.parthenonpizza.com
Indian restaurant
India House
45 State St., Northampton
(413) 586-6344 www.indiahousenorthampton.com
Hosts Alka and Omi Kanoujia are long-standing Northampton restaurateurs for good reason: their North Indian offerings are complemented with cheery service and a welcoming atmosphere. “Visitors feel like they’re at our house,” Alka Kanoujia says of her restaurant, which has been around for more than 30 years.
2nd: Pintu’s Indian Palace
25 Park Ave., West Springfield
(413) 788-4929 pintusrestaurant.com
3rd: India Palace Restaurant
28 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-4892 www.indiapalacerestaurant.net
Italian restaurant
Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
About 80 percent of the items on the menu of this upscale Hadley eatery are family recipes, mainly traditional Italian dishes. The restaurant also offers a buffet menu, a discounted wine list for large parties, a kid’s menu for diners 10 years of age and under, and $30 three-course meals on Wednesdays. Also in the works: a more robust sales plan to host private dinners and functions.
2nd: Mulino’s Italian Restaurant
41 Strong Ave., Northampton
(413) 586-4981 www.mulinosrestaurant.com
3rd: Spoleto
1 Bridge St., Northampton
(413) 586-6313 www.spoletorestaurants.com
Japanese restaurant
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
7 Old South St., Northampton
(413) 587-9548 www.osakanorthampton.com
“We’re busy all the time,” says owner Mark Chen of his cozy Northampton restaurant, which has won Best Of awards for 13 years in a row. Many guests, naturally, are regulars. “These people, they have the menu in their brain now,” he says. But that doesn’t mean there’s not room to grow and change. “Fusion is the key to the sushi menu now,” Chen says. “We have a lot of people who love the fusion menu, like the tomo roll. And the chef [Ken Chen] has been with us since the beginning.” In addition to small parties, Osaka draws large groups and families for hibachi dinners, birthday parties, and special events.
2nd: Zen
41 Main St., Northampton
(413) 582-6888 zennorthampton.com
3rd: Moshi Moshi Japanese Restaurant
4 Main St., Northampton
(413) 586-5865 moshimoshisam.com
Mediterranean restaurant
Amanouz Café
44 Main St., Northampton
(413) 585-9128 www.amanouz.com
This downtown Northampton fixture is known for authentic Moroccan cuisine. It’s hard to walk by the front door without salivating from the spicy air billowing out from within. Upon following the aromas, customers enter to find a cozy, intimate space punctuated with color. Signs informing guests of various specials line the wall nearest the counter. Guests watch as chefs toss falafel in sizzling pans. Yum!
2nd: Mosaic Café
78 Masonic St., Northampton
(413) 585-1155 www.mosaiccafemed.com
3rd: Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill
1390 Main St., Springfield
(413) 737-7373 www.nadims.com
Mexican restaurant
Mission Cantina
485 West St., Amherst
(413) 230-3580 missioncantinaamherst.com
It can be hard to score a table at Mission Cantina. That’s because the restaurant’s tasty Mexican dishes, from enchiladas to burritos, have gained a great reputation all over the Valley. Plus, diners enjoy their food in the midst of a cool, Dia de los Muertos ambiance.
2nd: Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant
48 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-9820 www.mitierrahadley.com
3rd: Bueno Y Sano
Various locations
www.buenoysano.com
Portuguese restaurant
Primavera Café Restaurant
257 East St., Ludlow
(413) 589-0562 www.primaverarestaurante.com
Chef/owner Jack “Rocha” Nuno came to the U.S. in the late 1980s after several non-restaurant career directions. These days, Nuno’s Primavera is known for its consistent and flavorful selection of dishes prepared with the flair and flavor of his native Portugal.
2nd: Europa Restaurant
782 Center St., Ludlow
(413) 547-6443 www.europaludlow.com
3rd: Tony & Penny’s Restaurant
18 Canterbury St., Ludlow
(413) 583-6351 www.tonyandpenny.com
Thai restaurant
Thai Garden
2 Bridge St., Northampton (413) 587-3336 118 Main St., Keene NH (603) 357-4567 www.thethaigardengroup.com
Known for high-quality, healthy food and fast service, Thai Garden has served up Thai delicacies since 2003 in one of downtown Northampton’s friendliest dining atmospheres. “We put our hearts into the dishes that we cook and serve to our guests,” says Neena Sopapornamorn, who recommends the crispy chicken pad thai and the yum yum noodle soup. “The taste of our dishes is at the perfect level of spice,” she says. “We are friendly, kind, happy, and are always welcoming with a smile.”
2nd: Thai Blue Ginger
298 Main St., Greenfield
(413) 772-0921 www.thaibluegingers.com
3rd: Siam Square Thai Restaurant
84 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 582-1817 www.siamsquarenorthampton.com
Vietnamese restaurant
Banh Mi Saigon
18 Main St., Northampton
(413) 727-3783 www.bmsnoho.com
Bahn Mi is known for great Bahn Mi sandwiches and Pho. “We want you to say ‘wow’ every time you bite into our food,” says owner Binh Son. Originally in Hadley, the family-run restaurant is killing it at their Northampton location.
2nd: Miss Saigon
96 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
(413) 253-9988 www.amherstpho.com
3rd: Pho Saigon
400 Dickinson St., Springfield
(413) 781-4488 www.phosaigonspringfield.com
Steakhouse
Caminito Argentinean Steakhouse
7 Old South St., Northampton
(413) 387-6387 www.caminitosteakhouse.com
The secret to Caminito’s success, explains Valley-born chef-owner Joseph Gionfriddo, is keeping it simple and letting the wood-fired flavor of a juicy steak speak for itself. “We try to live by the philosophy that if our customers know us for smoky steaks, rich red wines, and a relaxed South American dining experience, we have done our jobs,” he says. This summer, Gionfriddo is excited to debut some wine-inspired cocktails like the “tincho,” which includes an effervescent, slightly sweet white wine served over ice with a squeeze of lime and fresh mint — perfect for early-evening al fresco dining on the restaurant’s terrace.
2nd: LongHorn Steakhouse
1105 Riverdale St., West Springfield
(413) 747-8500 www.longhornsteakhouse.com
3rd: Opa Opa Steakhouse & Brewery
169 College Hwy., Southampton
(413) 527-0808 www.opaopasteakhousebrewery.com
Diner
The Bluebonnet Diner
324 King St., Northampton
(413) 584-3333 www.bluebonnetdiner.net
Co-owners Jim and Annie Greco are happy to report that the King Street diner is as busy as ever. “We have a lot of regular customers,” Jim says, “and we get new faces in all the time.” It has helped that over the years, he explains, the staff has seen very little turnover. “People who come in have their favorite waitress or their favorite place to sit — that works to our benefit too,” he says. The diner, which is open every day except Sunday, serves breakfast and home-style cooking all day. Originally opened in 1950, the Bluebonnet now also has a remodeled banquet space that can seat 150 people.
2nd: Miss Florence Diner
99 Main St., Florence
(413) 584-3137 www.missflorencediner.com
3rd: Whately Diner
372 State Rd., Whately
(413) 665-3696 www.flroberts.com/whatelydiner.html
Restaurant for desserts
La Fiorentina Pastry Shop
25 Armory St., Northampton
(413) 586-7693 and various locations www.lafiorentinapastry.com
Wow, where do we begin? The sweet, crispy cannolis? The sugary and tangy lemon tart? The Italian fruit cake? The espresso? The anisette cookies? We could go on, but it’s probably quicker for you to visit the shop and eat and eat until you find your personal favorites. Most of the bakery’s recipes date back 100 years, says general manager Mauro Daniele. “They date back to our great grandfather. We would never serve something to a customer that we wouldn’t serve to our own families.”
2nd: The Alvah Stone
440 Greenfield Rd., Montague
(413) 367-5345 thealvahstone.com
3rd: Paul and Elizabeth’s
150 Main St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton
(413) 584-4832 www.paulandelizabeths.com
Restaurant for seafood
Paul and Elizabeth’s
150 Main St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton
(413) 584-4832 www.paulandelizabeths.com
See earlier write up under “Best Restaurant.”
2nd: Eastside Grill
19 Strong Ave., Northampton
(413) 586-3347 www.eastsidegrill.com
3rd: Webster’s Fish Hook Restaurant
391 Damon Rd., Northampton
(413) 586-3190 webstersfishhook.net
Breakfast
Sylvester’s
111 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 586-5343 www.sylvestersrestaurant.com
After 33 years of business on Pleasant Street, Sylvester’s and breakfast go together like bacon and eggs — organic eggs, to be precise. And locally-sourced ingredients, from 100-percent maple syrup to pancakes made from scratch to locally-roasted coffee. And a top-notch carry-out bakery and cafe. Stopping in for breakfast isn’t just a good way to get your daily caffeine fix and a sweet treat — it’s a means of investing in local farmers, fresh food, and small, locally-owned business.
2nd: Jake’s
17 King St., Northampton
(413) 584-9613 www.jakesnorthampton.com
3rd: The Green Bean
241 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-2326 www.greenbeannorthampton.com
Lunch
Paul and Elizabeth’s
150 Main St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton
(413) 584-4832 www.paulandelizabeths.com
See earlier write up under “Best Restaurant.”
2nd: Esselon Café
99 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 585-1515 www.esselon.com
3rd: Sylvester’s
111 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 586-5343 www.sylvestersrestaurant.com
Sunday brunch
Sylvester’s
111 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 586-5343 www.sylvestersrestaurant.com
See earlier write-up under “Best Breakfast.”
2nd: Jake’s
17 King St., Northampton
(413) 584-9613 www.jakesnorthampton.com
3rd: The Delaney House
3 Country Club Rd., Holyoke
(413) 532-1800 logcabin-delaney.com
Late-night dining
Local
16 Main St., Northampton (413) 586-5857 93 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-8300 www.localnorthampton.com
Locally sourced burgers, fries, and milkshakes — this hot spot has local pride down to a fast-food science. And with lines out the door far past midnight, the eatery has you covered noon to night. Their new addition, the Local Burgy food truck in Williamsburg, is hot and ready for another sizzling season.
2nd: The Sierra Grille
41 Strong Ave., Northampton
(413) 584-1150 www.thesierragrille.com
3rd: Sam’s Pizzeria and Café
235 Main St., Northampton
(413) 587-2677 www.samspizzeria.com
Service/wait staff
Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
See earlier write-up under “Best Italian restaurant.”
2nd: Center Square Grill
84 Center Square, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-0055 www.centersquaregrill.com
3rd: Paul and Elizabeth’s
150 Main St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton
(413) 584-4832 www.paulandelizabeths.com
Wine list
ConVino Wine Bar
101 Amory St., Northampton
(413) 341-3977
No matter where you land on the wine-lovers scale, from casual to geeking-out, ConVino has you covered. “I try to have some really interesting, technical wines, but also a lot of wines that are good if you just want to grab a glass with the girls. I try to keep a range of wine so that people can experiment, challenge their palates, and enjoy,” said owner Caroline McDaniel. ConVino boasts more than 70 wines with new ones getting swapped into the mix all the time. “The Valley is full of people who have eaten all over the world,” McDaniel says. “I tried to make a place that would be evocative of that.”
2nd: Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
3rd: Center Square Grill
84 Center Square, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-0055 www.centersquaregrill.com
Place for romantic dining
Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
See earlier write-up under “Best Italian restaurant.”
2nd: Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
112 N. Main St., Sunderland
(413) 665-2102 blueherondining.com
3rd: The Alvah Stone
440 Greenfield Rd., Montague
(413) 367-5345 thealvahstone.com
Outdoor dining
Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster Ct., Northampton
(413) 584-9903 www.northamptonbrewery.com
See earlier write-up under “Best Brew pub.”
2nd: The Alvah Stone
440 Greenfield Rd., Montague
(413) 367-5345 thealvahstone.com
3rd: Esselon Café
99 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 585-1515 www.esselon.com
