3 'Most Scenic' Restaurants In Massachusetts

Three Massachusetts restaurants are among the nation's 100 "most scenic" dining spots, according to a list recently released by OpenTable. The 100 Most Scenic Restaurants list for 2017 highlights dining spots that offer "breath-taking views of nature, cityscapes and travel-worthy landmarks," according to the website. In the Bay State's case, that means three waterfront restaurants, including one in Boston.

According to OpenTable, the list represents a diverse mix of menus, including Asian, French, Italian, Latin American, among other top cuisines. California led the way, with 13 winning restaurants; North Carolina was in second place with six scenic dining locations. Colorado, New Jersey, and Texas each had four on the list.

Here are the three Massachusetts restaurants that made the cut:

The Ocean House Restaurant (Dennisport)

What Open Table says about it: A Zagat award winning restaurant , with great cocktails, a stunning view, and a menu that is definitely something to talk about!

What Open Table reviews say about it:

• "What an incredible meal! The view of the ocean is breathtaking and the food does not disappoint. I had the seafood bruschetta (the broth is to die for) and my boyfriend had the ribeye (cooked perfectly with great sides). Our experience at Ocean House was definitely the highlight of our trip. Excellent service, amazing location, and exquisite entrees. Do not miss it!"
• "This restaurant has a spectacular view of the ocean. Staff are very friendly and attentive. Crab cake appetizer is delicious as is the clam chowder. My brother-in-law had the swordfish special which he said was the best swordfish he has ever had. My wife had the veal chop special about which she raved. Our experience was outstanding as usual."

Twenty Eight Atlantic at Wequassett Resort (East Harwich)

What Open Table says about it: A posh waterfront location, spectacular cuisine and superb service combine to create a unique Cape Coddining experience. Twenty-eight Atlantic is the resort’s signature restaurant and enjoys the highest ratings on Cape Cod from Forbes, AAA and Zagat. Eight-foot windows frame the panoramic views of Pleasant Bay, while Shaker-style furnishings, hand-blown glass chandeliers, nautical etchings, Limoges china, Riedel stemware create an atmosphere of eclectic style and quiet luxury. Chef James Hackney’s distinctive menu celebrates native and seasonal ingredients with creative, award-winning flair.

What Open Table reviews say about it:

• "This restaurant is consistently wonderful in all respects. Excellent food, impeccable service, beautiful dining room and great views of the bay. A leisurely, unhurried meal when you want to catch up with good friends or family or celebrate an occasion."
• "One word: magical. Too many places on the Cape think that a wonderful view makes up for mediocre food and bad service. My greatest compliment to the staff of Twenty Eight Atlantic is that the food, wine and amazing service almost upstaged the spectacular sunset view... well, almost. Bravo!"

Venezia Restaurant (Boston)

What Open Table says about it: Venezia tucked away from city life, and tucked into the memory of every guest we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming to our waterfront restaurant and ballroom.

What Open Table reviews say about it:

• "Went for lunch for Boston Restaurant Week. Value for food served was very good. Excellent Seafood Chowder. Could've been a little thicker, but overall very good. Boneless short ribs were excellent. Very good sized portion. Molten Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream was excellent. However, ordered iced tea. Was served in a flute glass, rather small portion. Asked for " a little more tea" and was served another glass of the same and was charged for the second glass. This has to be the only restaurant that doesn't refill iced tea but instead elects to charge for the refill.Not a good way to bring back customers."
• "Wonderful venue, great service, and tasty food. For me the service stood out as our waiter was excellent, attentive to the needs of our guests and prompt with everything we needed. Never having been here before I was surprised by the unexpected beautiful view of Boston over water at night; fabulous. The food was ample, quite good and satisfying. Everyone was very satisfied with their meal. We will definitely go back.My only quibble, minor such as it is, was that wine is served in very clunky stubby wine glasses more reminiscent of a 1970's red sauce pasta place than the more refined dining experience the Venezia seeks to project. Someone should head down to Ikea to buy a gross or two of long stem red wine glasses."

The 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America list is generated from more than 10 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners between July 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017. All restaurants with a minimum "overall" score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the percentage of qualifying reviews for which "scenic views" was selected as a special feature.

Click here to see the full list of America's most scenic restaurants.

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