Buttonwood
Restaurant · Newton ·
New American cuisine in a comfortable setting, kid-friendly
New American cuisine in a comfortable setting, kid-friendly
"The best part about Buttonwood is that it’s a cozy, neighborhood joint, but the food and service are wonderful enough that dining here still feels special. Chef and owner Aaron DePaolo’s menu covers elevated rustic American dishes like chicken under a brick with sunchoke pureé, braised greens, mushrooms, and marsala and side dishes like a cast iron cornbread with honey tabasco butter. The full menu is available at the big wooden bar, which is first come, first served seating. Dining room seating is available as well." - Carolyn Grillo
"Located at 51 Lincoln Street in Newton, Massachusetts, this neighborhood restaurant—rebuilt and revived after a devastating fire—offers a fresh, tasteful yet unpretentious dining room that’s equally good for a casual drink or a special occasion. Chef David Punch blends global flavors into comforting, well-executed dishes: sticky ribs finished with Aleppo pepper; pork schnitzel served alongside a chunky Israeli salad and za'atar yogurt; a charred striped bass collar dressed with vibrant housemade sambal; textbook fries; and griddled, rich cornbread elevated by Tabasco-spiked butter. The beverage program leans toward rosé on tap and natural wines like Partida Creus, and the warm, family-friendly service—where long-time patrons still get treated like royalty—makes it feel like the perfect modern neighborhood spot that honors the site’s nostalgic past." - ByChris Morocco
"In Newton, I reported that Buttonwood (51 Lincoln St.) reopened after a 10-month hiatus caused by an electrical fire and is again serving dinner seven nights a week with dishes like crispy pork ribs, moules frites, pork schnitzel, a cheeseburger, and whole grilled branzino." - Dana Hatic
"Devra First’s review of Buttonwood, David Punch’s neighborhood spot in Newton, moved me deeply — every time I read the final two paragraphs I get a speck of dust in my eye, like being at a good friend’s wedding." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"I was sorry Buttonwood, chef David Punch’s five-month-old Newton restaurant, had to close just after Memorial Day following an electrical fire, and I’m looking forward to its expected return in early 2019." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal