The best restaurants in Amherst

25 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 25 places · showing the latest additions first

The Quarters

Restaurants

Part arcade, part burger and cocktail hangout, The Quarters keeps it simple with vintage cabinets, unlimited-play tickets and a menu that…

8 Railroad St (Hadley)

“Part arcade, part burger and cocktail hangout, The Quarters keeps it simple with vintage cabinets, unlimited-play tickets and a menu that doesn’t phone it in. Go for a low-key date or post-work decompression, stay for trivia, karaoke and the delightful chance to actually beat Donkey Kong.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Wildwood Barbeque has been your creative neighborhood smokehouse since 2013, smoking everything low and slow over local apple, cherry, and…

235 Russell St (Hadley)

“Wildwood Barbeque has been your creative neighborhood smokehouse since 2013, smoking everything low and slow over local apple, cherry, and hickory. Scratch-made sides, a craft beer lineup, outdoor seating, and real options for vegetarians and the gluten-free crowd make it an easy Hadley habit.”

From the Northampton newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

280 Russell St (Hadley)

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

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The Black Sheep

Restaurants

The Black Sheep has been baking in Amherst since 1986, turning out made-to-order sandwiches like Valley Girl and Nick's Pick, plus vegan…

79 Main St

“The Black Sheep has been baking in Amherst since 1986, turning out made-to-order sandwiches like Valley Girl and Nick's Pick, plus vegan favorites like East Meets West and serious morning pastries, all from scratch. Go when you want quality that actually tastes like someone cared.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 21, 2026

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If your week runs on crispy wings and good beer, Hangar Pub And Grill delivers with award-winning wings and fresh pours from Amherst…

10 University Dr

“If your week runs on crispy wings and good beer, Hangar Pub And Grill delivers with award-winning wings and fresh pours from Amherst Brewing. Two floors, a game room, and lively trivia nights make it an easy go-to when you want casual fun without crossing town.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 5, 2026

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Fresh Side

Restaurants

Fresh Side keeps Amherst fueled with its signature tea rolls, those bite-size rice-and-noodle wraps in combos like kimchi, basil, teriyaki,…

39 S Pleasant St

“Fresh Side keeps Amherst fueled with its signature tea rolls, those bite-size rice-and-noodle wraps in combos like kimchi, basil, teriyaki, and pad thai, alongside pan-Asian comforts from dumplings to fried rice, plus a deep tea lineup and dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 2, 2026

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Greeno Sub Shop

Restaurants

Greeno Sub Shop is a non-profit, student-run co-op at UMass serving legit comfort food: hot subs, paninis, quesadillas, salads and wraps,…

Greenough Hall, 120 Greenough Hall Basement, 120 Orchard Hill Dr

“Greeno Sub Shop is a non-profit, student-run co-op at UMass serving legit comfort food: hot subs, paninis, quesadillas, salads and wraps, plus milkshakes and ice-cream sandwiches. Veggie, vegan and halal options abound, and the make-your-own or 'daredevil' chef’s choice keeps things fun when the craving hits.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 29, 2026

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Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

4 Main St Store 1A

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

100 Westgate Center Dr (Hadley)

“Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.”

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El Comalito (Amherst) is that low-key, family-run spot locals lean on for homemade Mexican and Salvadoran plates, from griddled pupusas and…

460 West St

“El Comalito (Amherst) is that low-key, family-run spot locals lean on for homemade Mexican and Salvadoran plates, from griddled pupusas and saucy enchiladas to fish tacos, mole, and sweet plantains. When you want real-deal comfort without fuss, this menu delivers fresh, flavorful staples that just hit...”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Osteria Vespa

Restaurants

Osteria Vespa does northern Italian and Mediterranean right, with homemade pasta, Tuscan-leaning plates, and a relaxed vibe perfect for…

28 Amity St Ste 1G

“Osteria Vespa does northern Italian and Mediterranean right, with homemade pasta, Tuscan-leaning plates, and a relaxed vibe perfect for midweek catchups. When the weather behaves, grab a seat outside, sip something from their cocktails or wine by the glass, and pretend Amherst is Florence for an hour.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Some nights just call for IYA Sushi and Noodle Kitchen, where crisp tempura, silky nigiri, inventive rolls, and steamy ramen bowls show up…

1 E Pleasant St

“Some nights just call for IYA Sushi and Noodle Kitchen, where crisp tempura, silky nigiri, inventive rolls, and steamy ramen bowls show up reliably delicious in a relaxed, zero-fuss vibe. They were voted Best Sushi in Western MA, which tracks... locals keep this place in steady rotation.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 1, 2026

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Family owned since 2020, Taqueria Del Pueblo brings lively music, great drinks, and the kind of tacos you start planning tomorrow around.…

31 Boltwood Walk

“Family owned since 2020, Taqueria Del Pueblo brings lively music, great drinks, and the kind of tacos you start planning tomorrow around. Amherst folks can order online for takeout, or grab that tacos and tequila vibe when you just need a quick mood upgrade.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Bueno Y Sano

Restaurants

Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and fresh salads are the move at Bueno Y Sano, a laid-back Fresh Mex spot with a cheeky disco ball. It’s the…

1 Boltwood Walk

“Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and fresh salads are the move at Bueno Y Sano, a laid-back Fresh Mex spot with a cheeky disco ball. It’s the reliable, no-fuss option when you want something tasty and local without making a whole production out of dinner.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Bistro 63

Restaurants

Bistro 63 blends a cozy restaurant, lively bar, and versatile venue into one hangout, with locally driven plates and regional brews that…

63 N Pleasant St

“Bistro 63 blends a cozy restaurant, lively bar, and versatile venue into one hangout, with locally driven plates and regional brews that actually taste like here. Great for a casual bite with friends, ordering in on a weeknight, or snagging a spot for your next small event.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Craving a little salsa with your morning routine, Izote Latin & American Kitchen serves hearty breakfasts and a hot table lunch that mix…

460 West St A

“Craving a little salsa with your morning routine, Izote Latin & American Kitchen serves hearty breakfasts and a hot table lunch that mix Latin and American comfort without overcomplicating your day. Quick, fresh, neighborly, and actually flavorful... a convenient go-to when you want real food fast.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Campus Pizza

Restaurants

Campus Pizza turns slices, pies, calzones, grinders, and wings into craveable comfort, with occasional Indian-spiced riffs from Amit, a…

150 Fearing St

“Campus Pizza turns slices, pies, calzones, grinders, and wings into craveable comfort, with occasional Indian-spiced riffs from Amit, a Switzerland-trained UMass alum. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that nails the basics, sneaks in some clever spice, and keeps your pizza cravings happily handled.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 4, 2026

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Whether it's a low-key dinner with friends or a spicy pick-me-up after a long day, Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Bar delivers authentic…

51 E Pleasant St

“Whether it's a low-key dinner with friends or a spicy pick-me-up after a long day, Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Bar delivers authentic plates with properly zesty flavor, plus cold beer and classic margaritas. Keep an ear out for live music too, because tacos taste better with a groove.”

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Five Guys

Restaurants

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

335 Russell St Bldg B, Ste. B1 (Hadley)

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

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Primo Too Pizzeria Amherst does Italian eats the easy way, from pizzas loaded with creative toppings to straightforward online ordering.…

2144 255 Triangle St

“Primo Too Pizzeria Amherst does Italian eats the easy way, from pizzas loaded with creative toppings to straightforward online ordering. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot you lean on when you want something tasty, quick, and reliably local without overthinking dinner.”

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Whether you're raw-bar curious or a serial slurper, Amherst Oyster Bar keeps a rotating cast of New England oysters from Mashpee, Chatham,…

51 N Pleasant St

“Whether you're raw-bar curious or a serial slurper, Amherst Oyster Bar keeps a rotating cast of New England oysters from Mashpee, Chatham, Nantucket, Plymouth, Maine and Rhode Island on deck, plus plenty of dishes that can be made gluten free by design. Also now serving lunch and weekend brunch.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Panda East

Restaurants

Panda East is that clutch Amherst standby when half the crew wants lo mein and the other half is craving sushi. Chinese and Japanese menus…

103 N Pleasant St

“Panda East is that clutch Amherst standby when half the crew wants lo mein and the other half is craving sushi. Chinese and Japanese menus live side by side, with plenty of veggie choices and easygoing vibes that make last-minute dinners painless.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 25, 2026

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Johnny's Roadside Diner nails that retro, unpretentious vibe locals love, turning out dependable breakfast, lunch, and dinner without the…

458 Russell St (Hadley)

“Johnny's Roadside Diner nails that retro, unpretentious vibe locals love, turning out dependable breakfast, lunch, and dinner without the song and dance. It’s the spot you drift to when you crave friendly faces, hot coffee, and the bragging rights of being voted #1 diner in Hampshire County.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 3, 2026

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Craving a fast, legit slice that doesn’t taste like a compromise, Antonio's Pizza by the Slice delivers with creative combos, classic…

31 N Pleasant St

“Craving a fast, legit slice that doesn’t taste like a compromise, Antonio's Pizza by the Slice delivers with creative combos, classic thin-crust, and sturdy Sicilian squares. Since 1991, it’s the local reflex for walk-in bites, online ordering, delivery, or a low-effort catering win.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Pasta E Basta

Restaurants

When you want a no-fuss, family-friendly Italian night, Pasta E Basta delivers with hefty portions of classics plus pizza and subs that…

26 Main St

“When you want a no-fuss, family-friendly Italian night, Pasta E Basta delivers with hefty portions of classics plus pizza and subs that actually fill you up. They’re dine-in only right now, and still taking catering orders if your next gathering needs a saucy crowd-pleaser.”

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