11 Framingham Restaurants That Deserve National Attention

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Last weekend, Framingham Patch asked readers to suggest local restaurants that are so good they should be recognized beyond MetroWest — perhaps with a visit from Guy Fieri.

Although not an all-encompassing list, 11 local restaurants were highlighted by local diners for recognition. Two local spots, the J&M Diner and Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails, were suggested multiple times — a testament to their local popularity.

(We also got a number of out-of-town suggestions including Doragon Ramen in Ashland, Station 5 in Natick, the Oregon Club in Ashland, Fiorella's Express in Wellesley and Basil in Medfield.)

Here are the restaurants locals want to see recognized:

Aoi

A great local sushi restaurant that offers a little more — the pork or chicken katsu in particular.

J&M Diner

This Framingham staple was left homeless after a 2017 fire at the former Old Path Village Shopping Plaza. But J&M reopened quickly in a space at 50 Worcester Road, and has been slinging diner classics ever since.

Bourbon's Kitchen & Cocktails

Opened in 2016, Bourbon's is unique in Framingham for its menu based around cocktails and, yes, bourbon. Bourbon's has also become a popular food truck hangout recently.

Pho Dakao

This downtown staple has earned praise everywhere from the Boston Globe to Phantom Gourmet. Pho is as essential as a warm coat to get through New England winters, but there's plenty more from Vietnam on the menu. (Tet, the Vietnamese new year celebration, is today just in case you're looking to celebrate.)

Lloyd's Diner

Lloyd's embodies the word "classic," from its 1940s Worcester Lunch Car Company building to the menu. Just reopened last month after a brief winter vacation.

Welcome India

There are a lot of excellent Indian choices in Framingham, and Welcome India is up at the top. An especially good choice for vegetarians.

Green Leaf Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant

Speaking of vegetarians, Saxonville's Green Leaf is perhaps the only all-vegetarian restaurant in the area. The menu goes far beyond portabello mushroom burgers, offering even meat lovers plenty of options.

Bella Costa

A Framingham institution for nearly 40 years, Bella Costa is a great choice for upscale Italian.

Jack's Abby

Although closed for sit-down service due to the pandemic, Jack's wood-fire pizzas and beer hall snacks (poutine, wings) are available for take out. They also maybe sell beer sometimes?

La Cantina Italiana/Fanny's

Although open for takeout right now, La Cantina is also a major local spot for events. They also have weekly early-bird special on pizza: $7.99 for if you order between 3:30 and 6 p.m.

TJ's Neighborhood Market

The list wouldn't be complete without a local deli. TJ's is a great spot for single-serving subs, but also bigger catering jobs.