Foodie guide to Boston

I’m back with a new foodie guide! Last time it was Montreal and this time is all about Boston (Cambridge and Somerville as well) the city I called home from September 2014 to May 2015. This post covers the restaurants and cafes I’ve visited in this lovely city, which you should also check too if you find yourself in the area. I hope you’re not hungry by the way, because this post is kind of dangerous!

Alden & Harlow

Alden & Harlow is an American restaurant which uses locally sourced ingredients. Add delicious cocktails and semi-industrial interiors to the list and you have the perfect restaurant for dinner! During the weekend it’s open for brunch as well. Need more info? Here’s the review I wrote about Alden& Harlow.

Area Four

I’ve read about this pizza place on Twitter, blogs and online magazines until I finally got to visit 2 weeks before leaving Boston!! Their pizza is delicious and is served on a high tray! I’ve also heard from multiple sources that the garlic knots are to die for! Area Four is located on 500 Technology Square, Cambridge MA

Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain is a chain bakery café for sandwiches, soups and of pastries (think croissants and scones). It has many locations around Boston and I’ve tried both their hot sandwiches and scones and I’m a fan!

Foundry on Elm

Foundry is a pub/restaurant on Elm Street Somerville (Davis Square). It was the first restaurant I visited in Boston. I loved their pork belly sandwich and their beers (although I can’t recall the exact one I’ve tried). You’ll find Foundry on 255 Elm Street, Somerville, MA

Galleria Umberto

Galleria Umberto, which is an Italian restaurant but much more different from the other two I’ve included in this list. This place is very basic in terms of amenities and menu items. You have to choose between Sicilian pizza, arancini and another item (I think it was baked potato). Oh! you’re probably going to see a queue outside the restaurant at lunchtime and they close when they run out of dough, so come here early! The pizza was very tasty and authentic I beat myself for not getting a second slice! You’ll find Galleria Umberto at 289 Hanover Street, Boston, MA.

Georgetown Cupcake

If you’re a fan of cupcakes with fluffy buttercream frosting then Georgetown Cupcake should be on your list! It’s conveniently located on Newbury Street (so you can pop in while shopping)! They have some staple flavors and many rotating and seasonal ones! One thing you should know is that every day they make a free (yes free) not on the menu flavor that they announce on Twitter. There are only 100 made (on each location) every day and you have to order it by name! Never tried it, but it’s really cool right?!

JP Licks

JP Licks is an ice cream parlor chain all over Boston! I wanted to visit early on, but with fall being chilly and winter freezing I patiently waited till spring! They have some standard flavors and new ones each month. I believe that their claim for best homemade ice cream is credible and you should add JP Licks to your list. You can find information about their locations here.

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods has been around since the ‘50s and is synonymous to fresh fish and seafood. My favorite dish there is the lobster roll (because I wouldn’t dare order a whole lobster!) and if you are a soup fan you have to try their clam chowder or the lobster bisque! Legal Seafood has many restaurants around Boston, but my favorite one is on Long Wharf.

Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe

Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe is a cupcake, ice cream, and retro candy shop located in the North End (57 Salem Street, Boston, MA). I’ve tried their cupcakes which are delicious!

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

Oh where to start about this place!! If you love hot chocolate and decadent desserts then this place is for you! It’s the one restaurant/café I’ve visited the most while in Boston! The hazelnut hot chocolate is my favorite one, as well as the OMG cookie (if you’re in for a “small” treat)!! The dessert pictured above is pizza with peanut butter, bananas and marshmallows. We split it between 2 persons but it was sooo filling due to the marshmallows…better order half next time! Max Brenner is located on 745 Boylston Street, Boston

Mike’s Pastry

If you happen to read any guide about Boston either on print or online Mike’s Pastry will definitely pop up as a “must visit” Italian pastry shop in the North End. It is particular famous for the cannoli but they have other desserts as well like cookies, brownies etc. You’ll find Mike’s Pastry at 300 Hanover Street, Boston.

Papagayo

Papagayo is a nice Mexican restaurant on 4 locations all over Boston (South Boston, Downtown, Assembly Row and Saugus). I’ve only been there for brunch (available at the South Boston location) and can report that the menu features not only a large number of brunch classics like Eggs Benedict, Scrambles eggs, pancakes, but also Mexican dishes like Quesadillas and Burrito. I went for a classic with a twist: Mexican Eggs Benedict (pictured above on the left), which consists of: poached eggs, English muffins, Chipotle Hollandaise, Chorizo, home fries, chili-lime dressed greens! I can assure you they were delicious and not so spicy!

Papa Razzi

I have an affinity for Italian restaurants, so Papa Razzi could not possibly escape me. It’s located right on Newbury Street and it’s obvious that I like to combine (window) shopping with eating apparently! I’ve tried pizza and niocci and both dishes stole my heart! I like the interior of this place as well!! You’ll find Papa Razzi on 159 Newbury Street, Boston.

Quincy Market

Quincy Market is an old school food hall. It’s a rectangle building lined up with every kind of food store you can think of: hot dogs, clam chowder, pizza, burgers, Greek food, cookies and chocolates!! I’ve tasted bits and bobs from The Dog House, Kilvert and Forbes bake shop and Bagelville.

Rosebud American Kitchen and Bar

An old diner turned restaurant near Davis Square, Somerville! If possible find seating on the front part of the restaurant which is the old diner car is. I’ve tried the pulled pork sandwich and a Southern Iced Tea! I can also confirm that the non-alcoholic drink with lemonade and lavender is delicious! Try the pies as well (if you do have a space in your stomach that is)! You’ll find Rosebud at 381 Summer Street, Somerville.

Sound Bites

Sound Bites is a very popular brunch destination in Somerville during the weekends. You’ll see people queuing outside rain or shine! Being smart (and since I didn’t work) I’ve visited on a weekday when it’s easy to find a table! This place is definitely going to be hard for people who have trouble choosing, as the options are never-ending: vast assortments of omelets, waffles, eggs Benedict, pancakes… Everything you can think of is in the menu!! I’ve tried the egg benedicts and the scone plate (which consists of omelet, ham, hash browns puree and a scone of your choice). Sound Bites is located on 704 Broadway, Ball Square, Somerville.

Tatte Bakery

Tatte is a really nice bakery/cafe with branches in Cambridge, Boston and Brookline ideal for breakfast and brunch. I’ve tried the Croque Madame which was served in a croissant and my husband got poached eggs and one of those delicious croissants pictured above! Tatte is the closest you can get to a French bakery in Boston (although it’s not French)! You can find details about Tatte locations here.

The Painted Burro

The Painted Burro is a nice Mexican restaurant in Davis square ideal for dinner or brunch. I’ve been there for dinner and tried the Carnitas Cubana torta (sandwich). Unfortunately I couldn’t take decent photos of the place since it was cloudy outside and the indoor lights were not adequate and I was bummed  because the restaurant features funky wall paintings! The Painted Burro is located on 219 Elm Street, Somerville, MA. For colorful photos of their offerings check out their Instagram account.

Toscano

Another Italian restaurant on the list! Toscano can be found on two locations: Brattle Street off Harvard Square and Charles Street in Beacon Hill. I’ve visited the Harvard Square location twice and loved it! Of course I’ve tried the pizza which was delicious, but also the meatball starter and the veal Milanese! If you do visit or even better reserve a table there make sure to be seated near a window (bonus points if it’s right on the corner), as the location is ideal for people watching!

So here’s my recommendations about restaurants and cafes in Boston! I hope you enjoyed them and if you plan to visit Boston do pin the post for further reference! If you’re also interested in things to do in the city I’ve written about the Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill and Harvard Square!

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