24 Absolute Best Restaurants In The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Berkshire County in western Massachusetts, commonly known as The Berkshires, has everything you might need in a summer vacation spot, a quick getaway from New York City, or a place to put down roots. It offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Whereupon, you might accidentally come across the summer home of Edith Wharton or Herman Melville or the birthplace of W.E.B DuBois, not to mention the various mansions of America's richest Gilded Age families.

It is no accident that this land of extensive woodland trails (including a section of the Appalachian trail), nature reserves, and parks are surrounded by lofty architecture, world-class museums, and cultural venues. Here is the Tanglewood, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra spends its summers, and which regularly hosts musical heavyweights like James Taylor and the music of John Williams. Yet Berkshires has something for all five senses, and most importantly for us, the best restaurants in the Berkshires delight with culinary creativity and nourishment.

This revered spot specializes in sourdough pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. This unique dough style sets the tone for the rest of the experience. You won't find many traditional topping combinations at Baba Louie's — this is not the place to go if you want a run-of-the-mill pizza. 

The Isabella pizzarella, for example, is topped with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted parsnips, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, fresh mozzarella, and shaved fennel with balsamic reduction. And if that's not enough, you can choose from a number of other unexpected toppings, like dried figs or pecans. The rest of the pizza offerings are similarly endowed, and while these toppings may not have been designed for timid palates, they work well together. Be sure to make reservations; getting a table is difficult, especially in summer.

babalouiespizza.com
(413) 528-8100
42/44 Railroad St, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Brava is the place to go if you want to impress someone but don't know their tastes. The food is excellent, and the restaurant has won a Wine Spectator Award every year for eight years in a row. And since it moved to its new location on Church Street in 2020, it can easily fit larger parties. This mostly tapas establishment with bar and table seating has a lively atmosphere and dishes made with mostly locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

The lamb chops with mint sauce, a menu mainstay, pairs perfectly with the rosemary and parmesan fries. And don't forget to order a bottle from the extensive wine list. Just be aware that Brava doesn't take reservations, so show up early or hope for the best.

bravalenox.com
(413) 637-9171
65 Church St, Lenox, MA 01240

Mezze is one of those restaurants that manages to hit the sweet spot in terms of serving great food while supporting sustainability. Back in 2010, this farm-to-table venture moved from downtown Williamstown to its outskirts, on Cold Spring road, in part to do exactly that, but better than ever before. Co-owner Nancy Thomas told Berkshire Fine Arts that this allowed them to become "further developed with edible gardens, sustainable landscaping and architecture" as the restaurant continues to source ingredients from small family farms that also focus on sustainability. 

All this shows in the food. Order the Mighty Food Farm Kale Caesar with anchovy dressing, and you may actually start to like this vegetable, which is reviled far too often. Taste the strawberry shortcake, and you'll notice that you're getting fruit that was grown just around the corner.

mezzerestaurant.com
(413) 458-0123
777 Cold Spring Rd, Williamstown, MA 01267

Among the best restaurants in the Berkshires, few have the quintessential historic New England charm like the Old Inn. Dinner is actually served by candlelight, and if you're lucky enough to visit on a chilly night, staff might even light the fireplace in your dining room, which is packed with historical nods to the building's former status as a stagecoach relay. Not to say that summer dining isn't any less charming. 

In the warmer months, you can enjoy your meal on the canopied garden terrace surrounded by the green fields of New Marlborough, a small town southeast of Great Barrington. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant only serves prix-fixe menus, but you wouldn't want to order anything else anyway. The carrot and ginger soup, roasted halibut, and apricot sorbet really hit the spot when the weather is warm.

oldinn.com
(413) 229-7924
134 Hartsville-New Marlboro Road, New Marlborough, MA 01230

This is a farm-to-table spot where the chef skips the farm part entirely and heads straight out back to the restaurant's own garden, joining a host of other fine dining establishments that practice this radical form of ingredient sourcing. In fact, Cafe Adam grows its own herbs, berries, and other flavor-packed ingredients. 

Even the seafood, which definitely doesn't come from landlocked Great Barrington, is wild-caught or sourced from sustainable fish farms. Sustainable food tastes better, not just because it makes you feel like you're doing a good deed. For example, the chicken wings with Korean BBQ sauce are nothing like you'd find on a fast-food menu. They are made with locally-sourced, pasture-raised chicken, reminding you that chicken has its own flavor to bring to the table.

cafeadam.net
(413) 528-7786
420 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230

With two locations — in Housatonic and Pittsfield — it's easy to get to one of these bakeries from pretty much anywhere in the Berkshires. Its pizzas are delicious and the ideal family meal for when cooking feels like too much. The beauty of this place is that you can order a prepared, uncooked pizza, take it home, cook it in your own oven, and enjoy it without putting up with the perils of delivery pizza, such as cheese bunched up on one side. 

Berkshire Mountain Bakery also prepares crusts so that you can add your own toppings according to preference. And if you don't get around to visiting one of these outposts, many local restaurants source bread from this bakery, including Mezze and Cafe Adam.

berkshiremountainbakery.com
Multiple locations

Wondering where to eat at the Berkshires with a family? Located in Pittsfield, Mazzeo's is the epitome of a family restaurant. It even offers "Family Meals of 4" to go, which comes with a choice of Italian staples such as eggplant parmigiana or ravioli alla Florentine. In addition, Mazzeo's offer a wider and more sophisticated children's menu than most other restaurants across the nation, complete with cavatelli alfredo or cheese ravioli. 

But don't worry; there is plenty for adults to sink their teeth into, whether for a business dinner or a fancy date night. Don't miss the calamari fritti, especially because they come with homemade marinara sauce, while the parmesan encrusted cod with lobster risotto is ideal for a more elegant occasion. And don't leave without taking advantage of the well-curated list of Italian wines.

mazzeosristorante.com
(413) 448-2095
1015 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Alta specializes in fine wines and Mediterranean cuisine with numerous organic ingredients. This is an ideal spot if you're with a large group and everyone is experiencing various degrees of hunger. The menu offers a range of salads, paninis, wraps, and appetizers without shying away from such heavy hitters as honey-braised lamb shank or creamy saffron risotto. But at the end of the day, first and foremost, Alta is a wine bar. So, don't forget to peruse the extensive wine list. 

Alta is where to eat in the Berkshires if you also want to get some vino in. Can't commit to a bottle? You have a whopping 24 wines to choose from if you just want a glass. But if the prospect of a bottle doesn't scare you, dive into the nine-page wine list complete with offerings from all over the world.

altawinebar.com
(413) 637-0003
34 Church St, Lenox, MA 01240

It would be a shame to think of Berkshire restaurants and exclude the Red Lion Inn at least, especially if you're a fan of Norman Rockwell. The great American artist put this inn on the map with his famous "Home for Christmas" painting, which captures the spirit of Stockbridge as it was in 1967. But the history of the Red Lion Inn goes back much further than that.

It opened in 1773 to provide respite for those traveling between Boston and Albany and has been in business continuously ever since, hosting important personages such as U.S. presidents like FDR and musicians like Bob Dylan. Think about all this while you sit in the mahogany dining room, packed with beautiful antique furniture salvaged from the early days, and enjoy competently prepared classic American fare.

redlioninn.com
(413) 298-5545
30 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01262

When you walk into No. Six Depot in West Stockbridge, you might think you've just been transported to a co-working space in Brooklyn. Many of the patrons will have a laptop out on the table in front of them while they sip their coffee. It has high ceilings and a multitude of large windows, allowing plenty of light to filter in, even on rainy New England days. 

This, along with the fun lighting fixtures, helps foster a friendly atmosphere, and many local businesses and cooperatives choose this spot to hold informal meetings, creating an upbeat buzz. Join the fray by ordering your panino made with Berkshire Mountain Bakery bread and enjoying it at your table as you shoot off a few emails.

sixdepot.com
6 Depot St, West Stockbridge, MA 01266

Otto's Kitchen in Pittsfield makes delicious, high-quality food at all hours of the day, but breakfast and brunch are its strong points. Any of the omelets will provide a satisfying breakfast experience, but if you want the pièce de résistance, opt for the chicken & waffles. You will be sure to elicit food envy from all those around you.

And if neither of those options strikes your fancy, don't worry; the menu here is extensive. Egg sandwiches, avocado toast, egg's Benedict, all manner of bagels, and fresh fruit granola are all on the table and ready to be washed down with a classic mimosa or Bloody Mary. In short, if you're looking for comfort food, this is where you'll find it.

ottoskitchen.com
(413) 344-4748
95 East St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Contemporary design doesn't often pair well with affordability, but that's not the case for Tourists; a motor lodge in North Adams that houses a restaurant that serves snacks, meals, cocktails, and natural wines at reasonable prices. Enjoy a fresh menu of savory or sweet offerings for breakfast Friday through Monday, stop by for a snack after 3 p.m. Wednesday or 12 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, or head to the Airport Rooms for dinner, where you'll find island creek oysters, rigatoni with guanciale and pecorino, or the cheeseburger with the unmissable house sauce. 

Since this is a motor lodge, after all, and you might have to drive after your dinner, consider the booze-less drink menu, where you will find actual, legitimate cocktails sans booze. Don't miss out on the Italian Spritz, made with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and soda.

touristswelcome.com
(413) 347-4995
861 State Rd, North Adams, MA 01247

Gastropubs are a magical invention: they provide high-quality, refined meals without any of the stuffiness that is often found in fine dining establishments. The Firefly embodies this spirit perfectly. The menu is not stodgy like typical pub fare. Instead, you will find refreshing Ahi tuna tartare with lime avocado and rainbow chips, to be complemented by the house-made salmon burger with roasted garlic aioli.

Even the mac and cheese is nothing to laugh at, with the option of having it prepared with lobster. The friendly atmosphere did not suffer when the restaurant changed hands in 2020, and it is still a great spot to go for lively meals with friends. If you go on a weekend, you might even catch a live music performance.

fireflylenox.com
(413) 637-2700
71 Church St, Lenox, MA 01240

Upon approaching Prairie Whale, you might think you're about to walk into someone's living room. The restaurant is located in a Greek Revival house just outside the beating heart of Great Barrington. But don't worry; you won't be invading anyone's privacy. The place is built to feel like a friendly local eatery, and the menu reflects this attitude.

The cheeseburger is made with grass-fed beef from a farm in nearby Dalton, while the tagliatelle and other pasta are made right there at the restaurant. Sourcing ingredients locally isn't just an afterthought for The Prairie Whale. The staff goes whole hog and buys the whole hog, or whichever animal it needs, butcher it on the spot, and use as much of it as they possibly can.

prairiewhale.com
(413) 528-5050
178 Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Few things are more refreshing than a MoonCloud cocktail on a hot summer day. It has a wide selection of crisp and citrusy libations prepared with seasonal twists by mixologist Billy Jack Paul for enjoyment in the lounge, patio, or even to go. The Ruby Slipper is especially refreshing, made with vodka, hibiscus-berry tea, a dash of simple syrup, fresh lime, and grated cinnamon. It is wise to pair some food with all that cocktail drinking. 

Cured meats take center stage here, with such stars as fennel pork sausage and speck, a cured smoked ham from Italy's South Tyrol region. The cheeses come from Rubiner's Cheesemongers, which is just around the corner, and you can enjoy all this along with pickled vegetables and tinned fish on your own personalized tagliere board.

mooncloudgb.com
(413) 429-1101
47 Railroad St, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Smokey Diva's serves some of the most authentic Southern BBQ-style food you're likely to find at a Berkshire restaurant; spicy secret sauce included. And the owners are no strangers to the trade. Lorraine Jones is the granddaughter of Dorothy Turner Everett, who started the chain of beloved San Francisco Bay area BBQ restaurants known as Everett and Jones Barbecue back in 1973. 

Smokey Diva's preserves the charm and entrepreneurship of its forebears in this small but welcoming spot in Pittsfield. Order a large smoky brisket with a side of mac and cheese or collard greens. Or, if you want to try your hand at southern cooking at home, purchase a jar of mild, medium, or hot 92nd sauce and pour it generously over your home-cooked ribs.

(413) 344-4206
239 Onota St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, or MassMOCA, is not to be missed on a visit to the Berkshires. When you inevitably get hungry, the best thing to do is to head around the corner to PUBLIC eat + drink for a spot of dinner, craft beer, and imaginative cocktails. The food is simple, made with fresh ingredients, and offers something for almost any type of eater. 

Between the salad selection and the Pasta Primavera, the vegetarian options are plentiful, while gluten-free diners can munch on pan-roasted salmon or summer truffle risotto. Meat lovers may also rejoice: at any given time, the restaurant serves a version of a grass-fed beef burger. The drink menu is just as varied, with a wide selection of local beers on tap or bottled and plenty of wines by the glass or bottle.

publiceatanddrink.com
34 Holden St, North Adams, MA 01247

It's not every day that you can find graduates of the Culinary Institute of America heading up your neighborhood burger joint. But that's exactly what's happening at the Bistro Box. This seasonal eatery in Great Barrington is set up as a drive-in-style restaurant with the option of taking your meal at a handful of outdoor picnic tables surrounded by green fields. 

The menu is rife with locally-sourced ingredients, such as cheese from High Lawn Farm in Lee or ice cream from Maple Valley Creamery in Hadley. Order the hand-cut fries and cowboy burger with pickled jalapeños on a brioche bun, or for something lighter, look for an inventive take on seasonal vegetables. This spring, the grilled asparagus on sourdough was top-notch.

thebistrobox.rocks
(413) 717-5958
937 S Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230

When you walk into Frankie's it feels like you're walking into a big Italian family party. The people in the restaurant may not know each other, but it sure looks like they do. That is the curious and wonderful effect of the atmosphere at Frankie's, which is invariably warm, festive, and welcoming to all. Sit at the bar for a meal, and it'll be hard to avoid a lively conversation with your neighbor.

The only thing needed to complete a good conversation is good food, and Frankie's has that covered too. All the best Italian staples are here, including fettuccine alla carbonara and osso buco with polenta. And since the company is good and the night is young, don't shun the dessert menu, where you'll find expertly made tiramisu and authentic Italian gelato.

frankiesitaliano.com
(413) 637-4455
80 Main St, Lenox, MA 01240

No Comply foods, a recently opened casual restaurant in Great Barrington, might invite questions about the meaning of its name before you even start to wonder what food it serves. So let's get that answer out of the way: The chef and owner, a former chef at the Prairie Whale, a tavern-like establishment closer to the center of Great Barrington, also happens to be a skateboard lover, and the name "no comply" refers to a popular skateboarding trick.

As for the food, it complies just fine to local tastes, as it has built up a very positive reputation since its 2023 opening, despite the fact that it does not have a liquor license. This means the food holds its own, especially items like the Japanese sweet potato with labneh and chili crisp, or the fried fish sandwich with celery root remoulade. But don't be surprised if you get there and these foods aren't available. The menu changes frequently and always offers affordable meals, appetizers, and breakfast dishes.

nocomplyfoods.com
(413) 645-3143
258 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230

It was a sad day when Lenox lost Nudel, in 2022, after the chef decided to close the restaurant. It had been a local treasure for many years. But there's always a silver lining, and in this case, it appeared in the form of Cello, a new restaurant that swiftly took the place of the old favorite, bringing along Nudel's former sous-chef as well.

But the enduring success of Cello, which opened in 2023, is not just about continuity of location and chef. It also rests on the business acumen of the new owners, former accountants, a stellar team of kitchen staff and mixologists, and top notch ingredients sourced from local farms or foraging expeditions. The result has been a fantastic menu packed with consistently delicious delights like the squash mezze luna ravioli or the pan roasted trout with corn bread puree. But as Cello co-owner Robert Fried told the Berkshire Edge, "I always recommend the 'Chef's choice' — it's the best thing you're going to get."

cellolenox.com
(413) 551-7183
37 Church St, Lenox, MA 01240

This newly opened Italian restaurant in West Stockbridge, on the grounds of the old and beloved Rouge, is named after its forebear in Florence, Italy, which was located at number 2 Via dell'Acqua when it first opened in 1978 (though it has since moved to a different location, still in Florence). Expect skillfully prepared Tuscan cuisine like fusilli with mascarpone and mushroom sauce and steak with blueberry sauce, which is an invention of the original restaurant in Florence.

Another thing the restaurant has carried over from Florence, in addition to its name and type of cuisine, is the assaggi plates, a type of tasting menu that allows diners to try a little bit of everything that is on the menu. You can choose from a tasting flight of first courses, second courses, cheeses, salads, and desserts. The concept was practically unheard of in Florence when it was first introduced there, and it's not too common around here either. But it certainly is handy for anyone who has a hard time deciding on just one or two dishes.

acquaal2berkshires.com
3-5, 3 Center St, West Stockbridge, MA 01266
(413) 232-5025

This friendly pizza spot has been open since 2020 and has been going strong ever since. Many of the area's beloved pizzerias tend to provide a very capable sourdough crust, but Pizzeria Boema is unique in that it offers a Neapolitan-style thick crust, defined by its chewy and puffy exterior and flat interior. Pizza toppings include a variety of inventive combinations, like the sausage and squash pizza or the one with mortadella, creamy stracciatella cheese topping, and pistachio, which happens to be a popular mix in Italy, where it can be found on pizzas and sandwiches alike.

But don't feel like you have to get pizza if you're not in the mood for it. The restaurant also serves up some fine appetizers, salads, desserts, and plenty of vegan options (which also include vegan pizza). Enjoy your meal in the casual dining room, which is a bit more spacious than that of its sister restaurant, Frankie's, right next door (perhaps a byproduct of opening during the pandemic).

pizzeriaboema.com
(413) 881-4936
84 Main St, Lenox, MA 01240

This little diner with a retro decor and comfy booths has recently opened in the location of a beloved store that was born in the 1930s known as The Old Egg (officially the Old Egremont Store). Hy's Fried now keeps alive the memory of days gone by while serving up delicious fried chicken, biscuits, waffles, and sides in a laid-back atmosphere that accommodates dancing to vinyl records and promotes all around good fun.

The location of this casual restaurant may seem a bit out of the way, but that's kind of the point of everything in Egremont. Located just outside of Great Barrington, the little town is an ideal location for an off-the-beaten track vacation spot or a secluded mansion, if that's what you're into. The only thing that makes it clear that there are still plenty of folks traipsing through Egremont's picturesque woods and fields is that every so often, little gems like Hy's Fried pop up and thrive against all expectations.

hysfried.com
(413) 644-8911
264 Hillsdale Rd, South Egremont, MA 01258