The Top 15 Restaurants in Davis Square [SOMERVILLE, MA] — Updated 2022
Davis Square has plenty of entertainment options, great shops, and, yes, delicious restaurants! This vibrant area of Somerville is a great spot for urbanites, professionals, students and anyone looking to add a dash of culture and great cuisine to their Somerville living. One of the central neighborhoods and located directly on the red line, Davis Square is often what people think of when they think of Somerville. These restaurants are at the center of Somerville’s great food scene and number as some of my favorites in the whole city. Check out these classic spots that locals love!
Out of the Blue
215 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
Out of the Blue is a delicious seafood restaurant (fitting, given Davis Square’s proximity to the sea). Here, you’ll find seafood staples like crab, lobster, and fried scallops that are better than alternatives anywhere else in all of Boston. Grab sides like coleslaw, tartar sauce, and crunchy and satisfying onion rings here to round out your lunch or dinner.
Dakzen
195 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
In the mood for some Thai takeout near Davis Square? In that case, head to Dakzen, which offers authentic Thai street noodles better than the real things (so we say, anyway). You should deftly check out the pad khee mao and pad see ew – both are savory and unforgettable. Or go on the spicier side by trying Dakzen’s tom yum noodle soup.
Dave’s Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144
Dave’s Fresh Pasta is a tasty corner retail shop and deli that makes fresh pasta, top-tier sandwiches, and other small bites. As its name suggests, it’s particularly well known for its delightful pasta dishes, which range from the classic to the more authentically Italian. It’s a great place to grab some pasta on the go.
Elm Street Taproom
256 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
If you’ve a mind for bar food, check out this gastropub featuring beer, burgers, and anything else you might need for a happy hour night out with friends or a significant other. This taproom offers nearly 40 rotating taps that pour primarily local Boston brews, so it’s a great place to try new beer varieties you might miss otherwise.
Five Horses Tavern
400 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144
Five Horses Tavern offers a gastropub experience with a modern, streamlined aesthetic that feels a little “higher class” that many alternatives. Check out it’s phenomenal list of draft beers and whiskey, many of which pair well with the burgers and American fare available each night.
The Painted Burro
219 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
The Painted Burro is a top-tier place to get Mexican in Davis Square. This frequently crowded Mexican eatery has delicious empanadas, duck enchiladas, short rib tacos, plus tons of other creative entrées and appetizers that aren’t found at simpler spots. Plus, The Painted Burro offers some of the best margaritas you’ll find east of the Mississippi.
Posto
187 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
Posto offers pizza, plain and simple. But that’s not even the half of it – the pies you’ll find here are creative, tasty, and very close to authentic Neapolitan pizza across the ocean. Even better, Posto switches up its pizza menu every season, so there’s some value in stopping by every few months at a bare minimum to see what new pizzas you might chow down on.
Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester St., Somerville, MA 02144
Redbones Barbecue is, of course, a delicious BBQ joint just a little ways down the heart of Davis Square. Barbecue chicken, ribs, and more adorn big plates meant for eating when you have quite the appetite! But there’s also delicious fried chicken and waffles, plus a whopping 29 different beer varieties (all draft). Come with friends for a meal you won’t soon forget!
Tsurumen Ramen
420 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144
Tsurumen Ramen is the ideal place to find delicious ramen. More importantly, it’s only going to be open for another few months – as a temporary eatery from the get-go, there’s no better time to grab a spicy and savory bowl of noodles than right now. Jump on the opportunity while Tsurumen is still here!
Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar
381 Summer St., Somerville, MA 02144
Rosebud American Kitchen and Bar is a filling and comfy neighborhood eatery that offers burgers, sandwiches, and other classic American fare. Of particular note is the pie (especially the key lime), which is delectable and super sweet to satisfy your taste buds. While the beer here is decent, Rosebud more notably offers an excellent cocktail list – many of which are designed or selected to go with the food menu items.
Spoke Wine Bar
89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144
Spoke Wine Bar is a cozy and comfortable eatery that, of course, offers delicious wine alongside seasonal bites and small plates ideal for sharing among friends or for putting off your appetite in between bigger meals. This restaurant’s main attraction is certainly its extensive wine list, so check it out if you like to drink great wine!
Tenoch Mexican
382 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144
Tenoch Mexican in Davis Square isn’t the original location from this small chain. No matter – the burritos here are some of the best in the area, and are far and away superior to the offerings at Chipotle. They come with ingredients mixed and wrapped to perfection. If you’re in the mood for Mexican and work in Davis Square or simply don’t want to go too far for some delicious tacos are burrito bowls, Tenoch Mexican is the solution.
The Burren
247 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
While Boston is inundated with Irish pubs, this Davis Square pub is a go-to choice for locals and people across the bay area. It offers live music every single night, plenty of sidewalk tables, and standard but satisfying pub food that goes great with the draft beers on tap.
Mike’s Food & Spirits
9 Davis Sq., Somerville, MA 02144
The neighborhood staple Mike’s Food and Spirits offers a reasonably deep menu with comfort foods like sandwiches, burgers, and flatbread pizza. To wash everything down, Mike’s provides beer, sodas, and more. This is a good eatery if you’re in the mood for something classic and comfortable instead of something adventurous – plus, it’s right by the Davis Station T stop.
Anna’s Taqueria
236 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144
While not a Davis Square exclusive, Anna’s Taqueria is charming and affordable Mexican eatery offering tacos, quesadillas, and burritos for any occasion.