Lowell’s dining scene blends working-class comfort, immigrant roots, and a growing creative streak.
From iconic Cambodian kitchens to cozy bistros in restored mill buildings, the city dishes out serious flavor with plenty of heart.
These five local favorites capture what Lowell does best—soulful, affordable, and proudly local.
Simply Khmer
If you’re eating your way through Lowell, Cambodian cuisine is essential—and Simply Khmer is a local institution.
The room is unpretentious, the portions are generous, and the flavors are bright and deeply comforting.
Start with the beef loc lac—peppery, tangy, and tender—then move to spicy-sour samlor machu or the lemongrass-forward grilled meats.
The prahok ktiss (a rich, savory dip with ground pork and coconut) is a sleeper hit, especially with fresh veggies and rice.
Weekends can get busy, but service stays friendly and fast.
Sutpím (Suphap Thai & Cambodian)
Bridging Thai and Cambodian favorites, Sutpím delivers a menu locals lean on for bold heat, fragrant herbs, and balanced sauces.
Curries are silky and nuanced—panang and green curry are standouts—while papaya salad brings that perfect crunchy, limey kick.
The Cambodian noodle soups are deeply aromatic, and the grilled beef skewers with tuk trey dipping sauce make an ideal starter.
It’s casual, affordable, and consistently delicious—great for takeout or a quick dinner before a show.
Tremonte Pizzeria & Restaurant
Right in downtown Lowell, Tremonte hits the sweet spot between neighborhood joint and classy date-night option.
The coal-fired pies have a lightly blistered crust and just the right chew; the Margherita and prosciutto-arugula combinations are winners.
Beyond pizza, you’ll find house-made meatballs, well-executed chicken parm, and pastas that actually feel like they’re made to order.
The bar pours solid Italian wines and classic cocktails, and the vibe strikes that lively-but-comfortable balance.
Cobblestones of Lowell
Set in a stately 19th-century building, Cobblestones delivers polished New England comfort with a contemporary twist.
It’s a go-to for business lunches, celebrations, and brunch with out-of-towners who want a taste of Lowell history.
Expect refined pub fare—think steak tips with charred edges, towering burgers, and seafood classics—alongside seasonal salads and an underrated raw bar.
The cocktail program leans classic, and the service is dialed-in without feeling fussy. Bonus: the space photographs beautifully, from exposed brick to vintage details.
El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill
Colorful, lively, and reliably festive, El Potro brings an old-school, family-friendly cantina vibe to the heart of downtown.
Chips arrive warm, margaritas are generous, and the menu covers every craving—from sizzling fajitas and enchiladas suizas to carnitas that are crisp at the edges and juicy inside.
The molcajete is a crowd-pleaser for sharing, brimming with grilled meats and bubbling sauce. Live music on select nights gives it that celebratory energy, making it an easy pick for groups.
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