7 Best Restaurants in Sturbridge and The Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

Impressive beer-stein and corkscrew collections at the bar and dark-wood paneling lend this restaurant the feel of a convivial hunting lodge, which the antlers and stained-glass windows in the side dining room accentuate. The menu is decidedly meat-centric—beef, chicken, veal, lamb, pork, and delectable homemade sausages—focused on German dishes with some must-have sauerkraut.

The deep-blue walls and spacious interior lend a calming vibe to this Indian restaurant, whose extensive menu ranges from South Indian to Indo-Chinese dishes. Whether you're in the mood for chicken, lamb, or something vegan, you'll have a dozen good options in your chosen category.

In a rambling building in Brewster Court, this noisy and often-packed pub has extensive outdoor seating on a deck. The kitchen turns out sandwiches and comfort food, including stuffed peppers and burgers with blue cheese and caramelized onions. The main draws here, though, are the local and international brews, best enjoyed with some appetizers.

Featuring massive chandeliers, an open kitchen, and a large dining area, this half-century-old family restaurant is a big, brassy eatery where everyone from canoodling couples to huge parties can feel right at home. The menu features the usual gamut of Italian favorites such as the exquisite eggplant dishes, as well as a variety of pizzas made from a half-century-old recipe.

In a Greek Revival–style building known as the Whistling Swan lie two restaurants; the more notable one is on the second floor in an unpretentious space resembling a barn hayloft. The Duck offers up generous portions of everything from salad to braised lamb as well as various dishes, which, naturally, incorporate duck.

Overlooking the Bridge of Flowers and Deerfield River, this quaint upscale pub filled with plants and local artwork is a charming place to catch lunch. Tables on the enclosed porch offer a nice view while you enjoy a hearty burger or fancy salad.