Needham, MA Olin College & Some Super Restaurants
Before I tell you about Olin College dining services I want to go back to the 1930's. At that time my husband's uncle and family lived right there where the campus was. The original administration building was their actual house. There is a lot of history right there but especially for my husband's family. There his uncle not only raised his family that to this day enjoy showing and riding horses, they also started the fence business my husband has worked in for 40+ years. The business was relocated to Framingham and now to Southboro. It was too noisy for the neighborhood.
Now fast forward to the present time and I just wanted to share how much I enjoy the dining area on campus and the beautiful grounds and buildings there.
They have a great spot on their website with the many restaurants that we have in Needham. If you drive through Needham most any night you will see the streets lined with cars trying all the great restaurants Needham has to offer.
I am posting that part of the site here. I also want to say that Olin offers not only great food breakfast, lunch and dinner but also does catering. The cafeteria is open when school opens and the food is really great.
Dining
For information about entertainment and dining, including listings, editorials, directions and searching capabilities, check out http://www.boston.citysearch.com or http://www.boston.com. See below for selected local restaurants by area:
Needham
Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria
Italian - pasta, pizza, and gourmet salads
1257 Highland Ave., Needham www.bertuccis.com
781-449-3777 (call ahead seating available, call one hour prior to expected arrival)
Blue on Highland ***** Oh So Good
Contemporary continental cuisine
882 Highland Ave., Needham
781-444-7001 www.blueonhighland.com
Fuji Steak House 
1430 Highland Ave., Needham
781-726-7658 www.fujisteakhouseneedham.com
Finagle a Bagel
Bagels, bagel sandwiches, soups, salads
922-938 Highland Ave., Needham
781-444-8501 www.finagleabagel.com
Le Petite Robert - French restaurant
Chapel Street, Needham, MAwww.petitrobertbistro.com
Masala Art
Indian cuisine,990 Great Plain Ave., Needham 781-449-4050 www.masala-art.com
Not Your Average Joe's
American regional foods cooked on a wood fired oven
105 Chapel St., Needham www.notyouraveragejoes.com
781-453-9300 (call ahead seating available, call one hour prior to expected arrival)
Pacini's
Italian
1185 Highland Ave., Needham
781-455-0922 www.pacinis.biz
Sweet Basil *****Simply Super
Italian cuisine 942 Great Plain Ave., Needham
781-444-9600 www.sweetbasilneedham.com
Stone Hearth Pizza Co.
Gourmet fire baked pizza and salads.
974 Great Plain Ave., Needham
781-433-0600 www.stonehearthpizza.com
The Rice Barn ******Also excellent
Thai and Asian cuisine
1037 Great Plain Ave., Needham
781-449-8300
Newton
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q ******Just love it!
Authentic southern, pit smoked barbeque; limited seating, take-out available.
1375 Washington St., West Newton
617-332-2583 www.blueribbonbbq.com
West Street Grill & Tap
Pub style restaurant that serves hearty portions of steak, chicken & seafood in a comfortable atmosphere.
7 West St., Newton
617-964-9387
Wellesley
Amarin
Thai cuisine at reasonable prices
27 Grove Street, Wellesley
781-239-0990www.amarinofthailand.com
Alta Strada *****Amazing There is a Groceria downstairs as well
92 Central St., Wellesley
781-237-6100 www.altastradarestaurant.com
Au Bon Pain
Light fare (salads, soups, sandwiches) in a cafe atmosphere
55 Central St., Wellesley
781-235-9461 www.aubonpain.com
Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria
Italian - pasta, pizza, and gourmet salads
380 Washington St., Wellesley www.bertuccis.com
781-239-0990 (call ahead seating available, call 45-60 minutes prior to expected arrival)
Blue Ginger
Gourmet East/West bistro; eclectic, varied menu options with a mix of Asian & Southwestern cuisine;
583 Washington St., Wellesley Hills
781-283-5790 (reservations strongly recommended) www.ming.com
Cafe Mangal *****Just Terrific
555 Washington St., Wellesley
781-235-5322 www.cafemangal.com
China Sky ***** The BEST I think
11 Forest St., Wellesley
781-431-2388 www.chinaskyrestaurant.com
College Square Pizza
Pizza, calzones, and desserts
552 Washington St., Wellesley
781-431-8585
Vidalia's
Truck stop themed restaurant; dine-in or take-out
13 Central St., Wellesley
781-431-0011
Framingham
Melting Pot Restaurant - *****For fun or girl's night out
92 Worcester Rd
Framingham, MA (Rte. 9, eastbound side, across from Shoppers World)
508-875-3115 www.meltingpot.com

