GETTING OUT: Best Ethnic Restaurants in Central Mass

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Thursday, March 07, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

During the last few weeks GoLocal has suggested to you some of the best Asian, Italian, and Mexican restaurants around. But some ethnic restaurants in the area simply don't fit the narrow definition suggested by the categories above. For instance, the Greek, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures have developed a very unique palate of original dishes. So if you're looking for something a bit different this weekend, you're in luck, because Central Mass has a great selection of international restaurants offering surprisingly delicious menu items one may not have much experience with. Here are just a few.

Zorba's Taverna Restaurant and Bar; Zorba's Pizzeria and Tavern
97 Stafford Street, Worcester; 132 Sturbridge Road, Charlton
The native Central Mass Zorba's franchise has one location in Worcester offering the best authentic Greek cuisine around and another offering specialty pizzas made with Zorba's very own special cheese blend. The specific pizza concoctions have wonderfully Greek names like Zeus, Poseidon, Athena and Atlas. In Worcester, choose from the Zorba's Choices side of the menu and try some Beefteki, Lamb and Chicken Kabobs, Chicken Atantis and the positively scrumptious sounding Lobster Mac & Cheese.

Sahara Restaurant
143 Highland Street, Worcester
Sahara offers rich, mouth-watering Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes in a casual dining atmosphere. Key menu items include the tasty Chicken Shawarmas and flavorful falafels. Also dig into the mixed kebabs, hummus, grape leaves, kibbee and lamb selections. Check out great live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in for lunch or dinner seven days a week and while treating your taste buds also think about ordering a drink from the extensive drink menu

Ritual
281 Main Street, Worcester
Greek and Mediterranean food is the name of the game at Ritual (recent menu changes now show Ritual serving American cuisine as well in case someone in your party is not a fan of Mediterranean spice). Try any one of the unique and scrumptious seafood dishes and appetizers like the Lobster Rangoon and Yellowfin Tuna Steak. From the land try the Maple Glazed & Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin or Seared Duck Breast. Stop in to order the Greek or Athena's wrap for a quick lunch.

Bollywood Grill
97 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
The owners of Bollywood Grill want to bring the culture of the entertainment capital of India to Central Mass and they have succeeded. While you're enjoying the authentic atmosphere and aroma, try some great cuisine as well. Come in for a real Indian lunch buffet seven days a week. "Main Features" on the extensive dinner menu include various meat, fish, quail and duck Curry dishes, Marathi Lamb Shanks, and the Chicken Madras. The "Sweet Endings" dessert choices include Kulfi (Indian ice cream) and homemade rice pudding.

El-Basha
424 Belmont Street, Worcester; 256 Park Avenue, Worcester; 2 Connector Road, Westborough
El-Basha is the place in Central Mass for the best Middle Eastern delicacies including kibbee, shawarma, falafel and other famous dishes from the area. Additional specialties of the house include every meat and fish kabob concoction you could dream up plus lamb chops, swordfish and quail. For dessert, check with your server to find out what the Lebanese dessert of the day is or try the baklava and rice pudding.
 

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