The Charles River off of Moody Street in Waltham, MA. (Beth Treffeisen)
Moody Street in downtown Waltham, just 30 minutes west of Boston by car, has long drawn people from around the region looking for something different. Lined with restaurants featuring ethnic cuisines from around the world, it offers something for just about everyone, whether you want a spicy Indian curry dish or a relaxed sports bar to grab a beer.
Waltham has picked up a reputation as a “Little Kampala” because a large number of Ugandans have moved to the city in recent years. Their culture of entrepreneurship radiates through with Karibu, a Ugandan restaurant serving various stews and kachori, which are spicy potato balls mixed with fresh lemon and deep-fried. A hair salon, Sisters, also caters to the community.
The city is home to more than 60,000 residents and serves as a hub for scientific research, technology companies and higher education. Both Bentley University and Brandeis University are located in Waltham, as is a commercial school called the Center for Digital Arts. Brandeis’s on-campus Rose art museum is free to the public and has works by artists such as Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. It recently opened a satellite gallery, the Rosebud, just off Moody Street at 683 Main St. downtown.
Dotted with over 1,000 acres of parks, the city offers plenty of places where you can walk off a heavy meal, including the common at Moody and Main Streets and another that starts at Moody Street with a stretch of green and walking trails along the Charles River. The neighborhood is also accessible from Boston and points northwest by commuter rail. You can also explore the Charles River Museum of Industry and the Waltham Watch Factory and 37-acre Lyman Estate historic sites in the city.
Below is a short list of restaurants to try while visiting:
Not Your Average Joe’s Kitchen & Bar: A chain that serves creative casual cuisine for a reasonable price, this Waltham location just opened at 56 Market Place Drive.
In a Pickle Restaurant: The top choice for locals looking for breakfast or lunch, this bistro specializes in traditional American cuisine. Look for the uniquely styled breakfast sandwiches, at 265 Moody St.
Taqueria Mexico: This cantina features classic Mexican cuisine that blends the rich flavors, textures and traditions of ancient Aztec and Mayan staples like chiles and corn with Spanish and French influences. 24 Charles St.
The Gaff: An Irish pub that offers a well-curated beer and cocktail menu also dishes out Reuben fritters, corned beef and Frickles, a hand-breaded, deep-fried pickle chip. 467 Moody St.
The Grill: Offering a Mediterranean-flavored menu, this restaurant serves up dishes such as grilled swordfish and veggie kabobs made with seasonal vegetables served over rice pilaf. 11 Pine St.
Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar: Sip on sangria at the bar or sample a medley of tapas, a traditional small dishes with flavors from South America, Spain and Portugal, in an elegant dining room and café setting. 388 Moody St.
Gustazo: Offering Cuban cuisine that brings authentic Caribbean flavors to downtown Waltham, this restaurant serves up dishes ranging from crisp pork belly to salmon with mango. 663 Main St.
Brelundi: This Italian restaurant and bakery offers Sicilian-style street bites from arancini to cannolis in a cozy, family-friendly setting. 16 Felton St.
Kabab & Tandoor: Located downstairs from the street, this shop delivers a variety of homey Indian dishes and kebabs. 315 Moody St.
The Charles River off of Moody Street in Waltham, MA. (Beth Treffeisen) 
