The Best Places to Eat in Northampton, MA

Northampton is a great little college town in western Massachusetts. Although it seems to be situated in the middle of nowhere, Northampton actually has a wealth of culture to offer. There are many local artists who display their art in the galleries, and the streets are usually lined with musicians. The Smith College Art Museum is on the edge of town and has a great permanent collection. And after you explore the art, Northampton has a lot to offer in terms of great food. I have listed my absolute favorites below.

Haymarket Café 185 Main Street 413-586-9969

Haymarket is the best place to go if you really want to get the local feel. The café is always filled with local artists, students, and professors, usually talking, reading, studying, or grading papers. The café is split into two levels; drinks and desserts are upstairs and the food is downstairs. The food is delicious, healthy, and vegetarian, but the drinks are really the main highlight. During cold weather, nothing can beat a cup of their creamy hot chocolate. During the summer, I recommend trying their 911 smoothie, which also doubles as a hangover cure or immune system booster. Haymarket is cash only, so remember to hit the ATM before you get there.

Viva Fresh Pasta Co. 249 Main Street 413-586-5875

Viva is my favorite place to eat in Northampton. They serve the best pasta in the area for a very reasonable price. There is a traditional menu that includes healthy options, but you can also create your own dish by choosing your favorite pasta and sauce. The sweet potato ravioli is always a favorite and tastes delicious with the garlicky romesco sauce. Viva is open for both lunch and dinner.

India House 45 State Street 413-586-6344

While India House is more expensive than some other restaurants in the area, it is a great place to go as a treat. They serve delicious and authentic Indian food in a charming setting. There is an extensive vegetarian menu as well as vegan options. I recommend getting the bread basket if you are with a large group, because all their varieties of naan are delicious. India House is only open for dinner. It is best to go early in the evening since it can get very crowded later.

Amanouz Café 44 Main Street 413-585-9128

Amanouz is a great place to go for a healthy meal. They serve a variety of Middle Eastern food and omelets for fairly reasonable prices. The restaurant itself is tiny, so sometimes it is hard to find a place to sit. However, their falafel is always worth it.

Luna Pizza 88 Pleasant Street 413-586-7299

There are a lot of pizza places in Northampton, but Luna pizza is by far the best. What sets Luna apart is the quality of their ingredients. Unlike the plastic-like substance most pizza joints call mozzarella, Luna's mozzarella tastes fresh and authentic. All of their varieties are delicious, but the white pizza is superb. It is loaded with mozzarella and enough garlic to kill a dozen vampires. Their delivery is a bit slow, so it is best to eat in the restaurant.