Best Restaurants for People Watching in Malden

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianChinese

Regions

BostonBoston Metro North

Areas

Back BayBurlingtonCambridgeChestnut HillFaneuil HallFenway–Kenmore

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Alden and Harlow

4.7

Exceptional(4883)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 85 times today

Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.

A photo of The Florentine Cafe restaurant

2. The Florentine Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(638)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 34 times today

The Florentine Café is an Italian lunch and dinner café, with a full bar, draft beers, and a great wine selection. Stop by with a friend for drinks and a meal or come to lunch with business colleagues. We now offer outdoor seating, as well as, indoor seating with a great view. When the floor-to-ceiling windows open, they let in a nice breeze, allowing the fresh air to circulate, adding to a beautiful dining experience, in, or out. We also have a separate dining area downstairs that seats up to 50 guests It's perfect for any private event, rehearsal dinner, or business function. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax, and enjoy a meal with fine company. Join us, start with complimentary, home-made Focaccia bread and seasoned olive oil, and you must try our signature dish, Ravioli di Aragosta. Other best dishes include, the Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pollo al Limone, and a new favourite, the Salmone D'estate.

3. Quattro

4.5

Awesome(1395)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 51 times today

Quattro Ristorante, Grille & Pizzeria, is restaurateur Frank DePasquale’s forth restaurant in the North End, hence the name which means 4 in Italian. Quattro is also located on the 4 major corners of the North End, Boston’s Famous Italian Neighborhood. Inspired by Italy’s passion for high quality foods prepared with fresh ingredients, Quattro brings delicious foods from simple locally grown ingredients. Frank DePasquale does something few restaurateurs have every tried, melding a full service restaurant that serves wine, beer and cordials with a kitchen equipped with a rotisserie, a char broiler and an authentic Neapolitan brick style pizza oven. Quality has been the only focus and the essential ingredient at Quattro, from the ingredients to the preparation of the food to the service. Quattro’s unique menu appeals to a wide variety of people by touching on all categories, fresh meats, seafood, pork and poultry prepared right in front of your eyes on our custom built rotisserie.

A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant

4. Russell House Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(2822)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 44 times today

A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.

5. SOURCE Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(584)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Pizza Bar • Cambridge

Booked 31 times today

SOURCE is a fresh, modern approach to the local gastro pub and pizza bar. Source is an innovative dining destination featuring rustic yet refined food, and an unmatched craft and local beverage program. Utilizing local and sustainable products and only the purest ingredients, SOURCE’s mission is to embrace the root of who we are and what we consume. Owned by Restaurant veteran Daniel Roughan, SOURCE offers guests the space to enjoy delicious quality authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to pizza SOURCE will offer an assortment of small plates, entrees and homemade desserts. SOURCE will be open daily for lunch and dinner as well offering an unforgettable brunch experience both Saturdays and Sundays. Welcome home, Welcome to SOURCE.

A photo of West End Johnnie's restaurant

6. West End Johnnie's

4.7

Exceptional(746)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Faneuil Hall

Booked 26 times today

Johnnie's is a collection of memories for all. Personally autographed pictures and genuine memorabilia of your favorite movie stars, politicians, athletes and musicians. Casual, upscale dining in a great location. Set on the side of the "Old West End" just blocks away from North Station, the TD Bank North Garden, historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. The decor consists of a combination of light and dark woods, copper, brass and luxurious leather with huge floor to ceiling windows that you must see to appreciate. The menu consists of contemporary American classics with various, multi-ethnic influences. We open at 4pm every Tuesday through Saturday for dinner,as well as our famous Reggae brunch from 11am to 3pm on Sundays. We are also open Mondays with Garden events and we do open early for afternoon games and concerts. For reservations of groups larger than 6, please call to check for availability.

A photo of Waterline – Boston Marriott Long Wharf restaurant

7. Waterline – Boston Marriott Long Wharf

3.8

Excellent(286)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Faneuil Hall

Booked 1 time today

Set inside the hotel, Waterline tempts patrons with New England favorites that feature locally sourced ingredients, featuring our award winning New England Clam Chowder alongside a superb drink menu. This waterfront restaurant also showcases breathtaking Long Wharf views from its perch overlooking Boston.

8. Fin Point

4.6

Exceptional(1111)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Financial District

Booked 10 times today

Fin Point Oyster Bar and Grille features a full Raw Bar and renditions of New England classics that are both sophisticated and approachable. The elegant dining room and dynamic bar scene compliment the inviting atmosphere. An instant classic nestled into historic downtown Boston, perfect for power lunches, afterwork drinks, celebrations and private events.Weekend $1 Oyster Special Thursday - Saturday from 2PM-5PM!

A photo of Grafton Street Pub & Grill restaurant

9. Grafton Street Pub & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1293)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Cambridge

Booked 15 times today

*New Address: 59 JFK Street, Cambridge MA*Originally opened in October of 1996, Grafton Street Pub & Grill has been a beloved institution of Harvard Square for over 25 years. Located at 59 JFK Street – the Gateway of Harvard Square – this neighborhood hot spot is named after the spirited cobblestone-lined shopping district near Dublin’s famed Temple Bar area. Grafton Street deftly combines a traditional Irish pub’s warmth and coziness with a contemporary and comfortable full-service restaurant. Formerly located at 1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Grafton Street relocated in March of 2022. The new location is on lower JFK Street just steps away from the Red Line MBTA stop and the Charles River. Grafton Street offers FREE validated parking daily and all day Sunday just above the restaurant in the Harvard Square Parking Garage. The garage entrance is located at 20 Eliot Street.

10. The Maharaja

4.7

Exceptional(639)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Indian • Cambridge

Booked 18 times today

Located in a heart of Harvard Square, The Maharaja is the Top Indian restaurant in Boston/Cambridge. The Maharaja serves an authentic Indian cuisine in a stunning setting, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking bustling Harvard Square.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Ken
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Met up with two great friends and had a great food and drinks at A&H
More info
Alden and HarlowPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
•
4.7
K
Kathleen
Greater Boston •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Really appreciated the server's/establishments flexibility on a busy night. I had a root canal that morning, so had to ask for my meal (classic burger) with everything on the side (bacon, cheese, carmemlized onion, etc). They did it with a smile and I really appreciated it.
More info
Russell House TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
•
4.6
E
Erica
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Pizza and appetizers are always amazing Pasta was meh Service was fantastic as always
More info
QuattroPrice: Moderate• Italian• North End
•
4.5
T
Tanya
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always an amazing time at the Florentine Café. The lasagna is fantastic and we get it every time. Wait staff was so nice and accommodating and MAID for an even better experience. Check out as easy as you can scan a QR code and use Apple Pay. I really appreciated that.
More info
The Florentine CafePrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.8
J
Jennifer
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 Feb 2025
Source never disappoints! From the excellent staff, to the delicious go to (but at the same time not run of the mill) cocktails and mocktails, to the always fresh and always delicious food, to the perfectly timed service, we had another great time at this restaurant. Thank you. Always worth the trip into the Square for Source.
More info
SOURCE RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Pizza Bar• Cambridge
•
4.5

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