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Buttonwood, Newton, MA

Buttonwood

4.7 (1117)
$31 to $50
American
51 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA 02461

Make a reservation

A photo of Buttonwood restaurant

Buttonwood

4.7
$31 to $50
American
Newton

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Buttonwood is a neighborhood restaurant in Newton Highlands that serves rustic American food. Our bar focuses on local craft beers, classic cocktails, and small-production wines. We serve the full dinner menu at our bar and counter seats, and encourage walk-in parties for the bar and dining room. For our most up-to-date menu please visit us at buttonwoodnewton.com .

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Bar Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Aaron DePaolo
  • Private party facilities
    Make your holiday party, milestone birthday, graduation or any corporate or family event extra special! Full buyouts of the restaurant are available for 30-50 people seated/plated or 70+ for cocktails and appetizers. Pricing starts at $2,500 depending on day/time, menu and number of guests. Email for more details : info@buttonwoodnewton.com
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Newton
  • Cross street
    Columbus St.
  • Parking details
    In addition to metered street parking, there is also a municipal lot located across Lincoln St - both of these parking options are free after 6pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday.
  • Public transit
    We are located on the Green "D" Line - Newton Highlands stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Concierge
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What 1,117 people are saying

Buttonwood reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Buttonwood is a beloved neighborhood gem offering "outstanding food, drinks, ambience, and service." The "delicious" dishes are crafted with seasonal ingredients, and the staff is "professional and knowledgeable." Patrons rave about the "terrific in every way" dining experience, despite occasional noise. A must-visit for cozy, flavorful meals.
1,117 Reviews
  1. Anne Gold

    Greater Boston12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service. Wonderful local eatery. And lastly, hot honey cornbread. If you know, you know!

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  2. Carol Gold

    Greater Boston26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always terrific food and service. Burgers are excellent!

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  3. Judy

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We had a great meal at Buttonwood! I'll highlight the burrata appetizer and the cod. The food was imaginative and well-prepared. Service was timely and pleasant. Our reservation was for 7:00 and by then the restaurant was full and fairly noisy but we were still able to talk comfortably. If quiet is very important, don't skip Buttonwood; just come early.

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  4. Renata

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 24, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Fine food and service however noise level made it hard to have a conversation with my friends.

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  5. Jack Gold

    Greater Boston115 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always outstanding food, drinks, ambience, and service. A neighborhood gem!

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  6. Jennifer Gold

    Greater Boston7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 15, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    The food was very good, but our overall experience was mediocre. It seemed like they were perhaps short-staffed. No one greeted us when we arrived, so we were a little confused how or where to check in for our reservation. Similarly, no one made eye contact to say good night or thank you on our way out. It took a very long time for our dinner plates to be cleared and to be offered a dessert menu. While we were deciding on a dessert, they surprised us with cannoli with a candle for my husband’s birthday. It was very thoughtful, but then they charged us for the dessert. Totally fine, but the graciousness of the gesture disappeared. That was reflective of our experience. Everything just felt a little off. Not sure we will return.
    ButtonwoodResponded on April 17, 2026
    Hi Jennifer We are sorry that your dining experience didn't meet expectations. We do have a couple new servers who are training and that may have been a contributing factor. That said, our GM did try calling you to apologize, and we credited the cannoli back to your credit card as that was totally an error on our end. We do hope you give us another try as your experience isn't representative of what we typically deliver.

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  7. Katie Gold

    Greater Boston8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent, and the bar service was wonderful! Thanks, Chad!

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  8. Greg

    Greater Boston26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent as always. Great food and service…Great playlist too!!

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  9. Emily

    Greater Boston5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 7, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the burrata, buttermilk chicken wings, shrimp pasta and chicken under a brick. Everything was delicious!! One of our favorite dinner spots. Wonderful service, too!

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  10. Rick

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place will be back. Excellent food and service. Bet kids meal in the state!
    ButtonwoodResponded on April 17, 2026
    Hi Rick. We're thrilled you had a great visit and we appreciate your shout out re: our kids meals. Thank you for the recommendation. We look forward to welcoming your family again soon!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Bar Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Aaron DePaolo
  • Private party facilities
    Make your holiday party, milestone birthday, graduation or any corporate or family event extra special! Full buyouts of the restaurant are available for 30-50 people seated/plated or 70+ for cocktails and appetizers. Pricing starts at $2,500 depending on day/time, menu and number of guests. Email for more details : info@buttonwoodnewton.com
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Newton
  • Cross street
    Columbus St.
  • Parking details
    In addition to metered street parking, there is also a municipal lot located across Lincoln St - both of these parking options are free after 6pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday.
  • Public transit
    We are located on the Green "D" Line - Newton Highlands stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

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FAQs

Yes, Buttonwood is a popular, cozy spot that works very well for date night. Guests frequently praise the warm, intimate atmosphere, attentive service and creative rustic American menu (great cocktails, mussels, cornbread and steak or chicken entrees). Note that the dining room can get lively and noisy on busy weekend nights, so for a quieter table request outdoor seating or an earlier weekday reservation. The bar seating is also relaxed and well-suited for a casual, fun evening.

Portions at Buttonwood are generally generous, many guests say entrees come with hearty accompaniments and starters can be large enough to share. Several reviews note items are “large enough to share” and that fries and cornbread are especially plentiful. If you prefer lighter portions, consider ordering a starter or half portion (the menu includes a half spaghettini option mentioned in reviews) or sharing plates with your party.

Buttonwood serves dinner most evenings. Dinner hours are Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm and Fri–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm. The bar hours extend later: Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm and Fri–Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm. Check the restaurant website or call ahead for holiday hours or special events.

Yes, Buttonwood is family-friendly and can accommodate families and children; many guests mention thoughtful service for kids, excellent kids’ meals, and birthday celebrations. Reviews also note the space is wheelchair accessible. For specific accessibility needs or to request a high-chair or preferred seating, call ahead so the staff can prepare.

For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or take an earlier dinner slot, guests report weekdays and early evenings are calmer. If you want lively energy, go on a Friday or Saturday night when the room is busy and vibrant. Outdoor seating is often quieter and a great option when weather permits.

The vibe is cozy, neighborhood and slightly upscale-casual, friendly staff, welcoming service and creative comfort food. Guests often call Buttonwood a neighborhood gem with a warm, lively atmosphere. Be aware that it can get quite noisy on busy weekend nights; outdoor seating is calmer and many diners prefer it for conversation.

Casual dress, Buttonwood is a relaxed neighborhood restaurant where guests commonly dine in comfortable, casual attire. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, smart-casual is also appropriate.

Yes, Buttonwood is accommodating with advance requests. Guests report the team handles celebrations (birthday cannoli was mentioned), allergy needs and seating preferences well. For private parties, dietary needs or to request a specific table or high-chair, call the restaurant or use their website reservation notes to ensure the staff can prepare.

Yes, Buttonwood is kid-friendly. Many guests bring children, praise the kid-specific meals (some call them "the best"), and note attentive service that gets kids’ food out quickly. Families celebrate birthdays here and the staff often go out of their way to make kids comfortable. For high-chairs or special requests, call ahead.

There’s no formal waiting-list policy published, but Buttonwood is frequently busy and reservations are recommended. Guests report busy weekend nights and occasional delays; walk-ins are welcome for bar seating. If you arrive without a reservation on a peak night you may wait for a table or be offered bar seating.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday evenings (peak dinner hours around 7:00–9:00 pm). Quietest: weekday early dinners or off-peak hours, guests frequently recommend earlier weeknights for a calmer meal. Outdoor seating is often quieter than the main dining room.

Weekdays (Mon–Thu) are often the best bet for a quieter, more relaxed experience. If you want the full lively neighborhood energy, Friday or Saturday will deliver a bustling atmosphere. For a balance of good food and lower noise, aim for an earlier weekday evening or outdoor seating when available.

The restaurant is chef-owned, guests mention the chef/owner Aaron as being hands-on and visible in the dining room. The team and chef receive frequent praise for the consistently strong food and seasonal ingredient use.

Yes, Buttonwood accepts private-party bookings for events. Guests also describe celebrations and special menus (holiday events), so the restaurant can host private or semi-private gatherings, contact the team directly to discuss capacity, pre-set menus and booking details.

Sometimes, Buttonwood has hosted holiday specials (guests mention New Year’s Eve and holiday menus), but regular holiday hours are not listed in the provided information. To confirm service on a specific public holiday, check the restaurant’s website or call ahead.

Yes, Buttonwood offers outdoor seating and many guests enjoy dining outside, especially in pleasant weather. Outdoor tables are often described as quieter and more relaxed than the busy dining room; if you prefer outdoor seating, request it when you make your reservation.

How FAQ content is generated

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Make a reservation

A photo of Buttonwood restaurant

Buttonwood

4.7
$31 to $50
American
Newton

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
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