South Shore and beyond: 10 popular restaurants where you really should make a reservation

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Going out to eat? Here are some restaurants south of Boston where you might want to book a table in advance.

OpenTable released a list of the top 10 most booked restaurants in Massachusetts' Boston Metro South region to give foodies a peek at some of the most in-demand food spots in the area.

"Looking for the best overall restaurants in Boston Metro South? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months," OpenTable said. "We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants."

Two South Shore restaurants are on the list.

Tosca in Hingham

In the mood for pizza, pasta, or steak? Tosca is a restaurant with all three, plus a selection of seafood dishes.

Dishes include Margherita pizza, ricotta and lemon ravioli, and sirloin medallions.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Tosca is the flagship restaurant of Eat Well Inc. Open for dinner only, Tosca is located on historic Hingham Harbor and offers creative regional Italian cuisine focusing on fresh New England flavors and local, seasonal ingredients. Constructed in the 1910 Granary Marketplace building, the award-winning restaurant boasts a theatrical setting with exposed brick, imported tiles, mahogany woods, and an open kitchen from which executive chef Divino Costa takes center stage."

One customer said that Tosca is the "perfect" place to celebrate birthdays, in a review on OpenTable.

Alma Nove in Hingham

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Celebrity chef Paul Wahlberg of Alma Nove restaurant in Hingham prepares salad plates during the Taste of the South Shore at Lombardo's in Randolph to benefit the South Shore YMCA, Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Another Italian restaurant topped the list: Alma Nove. Offerings include watermelon salad, prosciutto-wrapped cod, and homemade sweet potato gnocchi.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Paul Wahlberg presents Alma Nove, a stylish and contemporary restaurant and bar offering classic Italian cuisine amid the bountiful flavors of the surrounding Mediterranean. Located in the historic Hingham Shipyard steps from the beautiful shoreline of Hingham Bay, guests can enjoy a scenic view whether they dine inside with panoramic floor to ceiling windows or on the patio furnished with lounge furniture and a fire pit. The wine list at Alma Nove is approachable, affordable and fun, very similar to the menu."

A handful of OpenTable reviews make note of the atmosphere, as the restaurant is steps away from the bay.

Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset

At the top of the list is Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill, boasting a menu of Mediterranean pies such as the Ritsa Pitsa, topped with feta cheese, spinach, Kalamata olive, cherry tomato, roasted garlic, and cheese.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "This family-owned restaurant on County Street in Somerset, MA has been dishing out Greek style pan pizza, mouth-watering burgers and authentic pasta since 1984. Agoro’s atmosphere is family-friendly, casual and comfortable. They offer a full bar, extensive menu, al fresco dining, delivery, carry out and have free Wi-Fi and several flat screen HD TVs for you to watch your favorite sporting events. Agoro’s brand-new private function room is perfect for your next business or social event. Their friendly staff always serves everything with a smile and they never forget that each person has a choice in where to dine. So come and visit Agoro’s Pizza Bar and Grill. Here, you're family!"

Several OpenTable reviews mentioned top-notch service.

Kosmos in Walpole

Another Greek spot, Kosmos, serves a selection of traditional and flavorful fare, including spanakopita (phyllo pastry with spinach and feta), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and keftedes (lamb meatballs).

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Kosmos eat. drink. greek"

"This was our second visit and it did not disappoint. The food is delicious and a good value for the portion size. Nice ambience and the service was timely," an OpenTable reviewer said of Kosmos. "The baklava dessert with olive oil ice cream was the best I’ve ever had."

Olivia's in Fairhaven

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

New Orleans Style Shrimp st Olivia’s Restaurant Fairhaven,

Olivia's, on Massachusetts' South Coast, splits its menu into two main sections: "Entrees from the Sea" and "Entrees from the Land."

Items include the white fish of the day with a miso brown butter crust, blackened Faroe salmon, and lomo saltado (a Peruvian-style beef stir-fry).

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Olivia's Restaurant aims to be a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Fairhaven highlighting fine coastal cuisine, classically made craft cocktails (sometimes with a twist) with an emphasis on thoughtful service and unwavering hospitality."

Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro

Mediterranean Grill and Pizzeria has a menu full of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. But, that's not all. The restaurant also serves soups, calzones, risotto, and burgers.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Our recipes stay true to the traditions of 'the lands of sun, sea and olive trees.' Our dishes have been inspired by a beautiful blend of Mediterranean cultures that highlight fresh ingredients and delicious food. At the Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria we strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed."

One reviewer noted that "the owners and staff treat you like family."

The Black Whale in New Bedford

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Lobster Fettuccine at The Black Whale.

Popular dishes at The Black Whale – another bustling waterside seafood restaurant – include the oysters, filet mignon, and sushi boat.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Serving fresh, bold and innovative food that reflects the history of New Bedford and celebrates the New Bedford fishermen, their catch and their culture. Our menu focuses on local fishermen’s catch of the day, old school seafood favorites and a sprinkling of modern seafood interpretations. Menu ranges from raw bar, to warm and cold lobster rolls, baked cod, bacon wrapped scallops, bouillabaisse and grilled NY Strip."

The restaurant also boasts a long list of cocktails, which several reviewers mention.

BOCCA in Fairhaven

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Prosciutto Tagliere at BOCCA.

This Italian establishment serves a selection of pizza, pasta, and decadent desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Welcome to BOCCA, the premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine. Formerly known as The Pasta House, BOCCA combines modern eclectic ambiance with gourmet Italian flavors, an extensive wine selection, and five-star service. Whether you're craving classic pasta dishes or innovative chef-inspired creations, we use only the freshest local ingredients, including farm-fresh produce, premium seafood, and hand-selected meats, to deliver unforgettable flavor in every dish."

"Three of us for dinner. Two had shrimp scampi - definitely a winner! The other had the panzanella salad with grilled shrimp… also delicious!" one reviewer wrote on OpenTable. "The food and service at Bocca is consistently great!"

Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Cisco Kitchen + Bar is serving up Lobster Fried Rice

Guests at Cisco can sit on the restaurant's outdoor patio to dine on seafood creations and sip draft beer.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Cisco Kitchen + Bar New Bedford is the premier South Coast dining and lifestyle destination located on the Waterfront in New Bedford, MA. We are a live music, outdoor and indoor dining experience serving innovative coastal cuisine, sushi and creative Asian dishes."

Popular dishes include the Boom Boom Shrimp and Cisco Burger.

Sail Loft in Dartmouth

Tosca in Hingham, Alma Nove in Hingham, Agoro's Pizza Bar & Grill in Somerset, Kosmos in Walpole, Olivia's in Fairhaven, Mediterranean Grill & Pizzeria in Attleboro, The Black Whale in New Bedford, BOCCA in Fairhaven, Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford, Sail Loft in Dartmouth

At Sail Loft they are making Mondays burger night.

The Sail Loft also has a large array of "land" and "sea" menu items, ranging from chicken souvlaki to pan-seared scallops.

What OpenTable had to say about it: "Located in the quintessential seaside village of Padanaram, it was the neighborhood place where you could get a good (strong) drink, chef-prepared comfort food and relax in a convivial atmosphere with familiar faces. The Sail Loft was everyone’s favorite place; it was a hangout where some came for food and others for drink. When the Sail Loft became available in 2021, Steve jumped on the opportunity to take the wheel. Steve and his wife Judy transformed the Sail Loft into an elevated neighborhood restaurant with a distinct updated boatyard feel. The spot is nautical with a chef-driven yet approachable menu, a deep selection of spirts and an intriguing wine list."

One customer called the restaurant "a staple," while another said the waiters were "pleasant and professional."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: South Shore and beyond: 10 popular restaurants where you really should make a reservation