Are you looking for the best brunch in Boston? How about the best brunch in Cambridge? Well, our food tours are so fun for brunch! So you can always head over to the tour calendar and sign up or check these out too:
Best Brunch in Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA
Cafe Luna (Central Square, Cambridge)
Gone are the days when my friend was a hostess there and could help me get in, but I still have fond memories of Cafe Luna. I absolutely love their lemon ricotta pancakes, and clearly it’s a popular choice as the secret is out and Cafe Luna is big time on the brunch scene. Check out all they have to offer before or after our Central Square Food Tour. They also have a new brunch spot called Little Luna that has a selection of their best in fare.
Donut Villa Diner
We also adore this diner, which came about when a local couple met in Central Square and wanted to bring the diner here. They took over the Field location and brought a lot of light and love to that corner. Also the owner started experimenting with vegan options, and they have a really deep vegan menu including vegan donuts and even vegan chick’n and waffles. You’ll have to come here to experience it, and you can do so with a donut taste test on our Central Square Food and Mural Arts Tour!
Henrietta’s Table (Harvard Square)
So many people find out about Henrietta’s Table because of the free nice bathroom inside of the Charles Hotel, but then they stay for the bread basket with the little mini corn muffins and farm fresh vibes. Definitely come hungry because it’s a splurge for a reason, both in calories and on your wallet — but you’ll linger over a pot of tea and leave happy. And if you’re still hungry, you can try our Harvard Square Chocolate Tour afterwards!
The Paramount
Beacon Hill in general is a mecca for delicious eats, and you can spend a day here window shopping. We’ve been going for brunch at the Paramount for decades, and it’s just so good from their yummy fresh squeezed orange juice to fruit toppings to egg omelettes, it’s sure to delight. They also have a South Boston location. So come with an appetite and enjoy a flavorful brunch with friends!
Brookline Lunch (Central Square, Cambridge)
Talk about busy! One of our favorite spots in the area is Brookline Lunch, which always has a line out the door and is only open until early afternoon. In fact, Casey Affleck used to work here when he was younger, and he often visits the owner. Check out their baklava pancakes for an indulgent breakfast treat. We couldn’t host them on our tour as they’re too busy, but we do endorse their yummy food!
Ball Square Cafe versus Sound Bites (Somerville, MA)
So both of the owners are controversial. We just go for the eats. We love Ball Square’s pancakes with delicious fruit and whipped cream as well as their indulgent grilled cheese and fries. You can’t go wrong. Just don’t tell the folks next door.
Our food tours are a load of fun for brunch! Check our tour calendar for more information on booking a tour.
The Neighborhood (Union Square, Somerville)
Our Union Square Food Tour runs Saturdays, and we visit all kinds of local institutions. One regret is we could never quite figure out how to incorporate The Neighborhood on the tour — they’re cash only and quite crowded — but we have been known for popping in for some of their delicious cinnamon cream of wheat to go. If you sit down, they also always give you a cup of orange juice and some sweets. It’s a fun experience, just don’t forget your cash.
Rosebud (Davis Square, Somerville)
The Rosebud Diner has seen its share of renovations, but its brunch has always been a reliable meal. Not the cheapest for your wallet, but there’s an array of options that’s sure to suit everyone in your party. Okay, so we may still be bitter that Johnny’s is no longer (remember their delicious oatmeal?), but we have to support the spots we love to keep them in business!
Local 149 (South Boston, MA)
Any spot that has “short rib” on its brunch menu three times is a place for me. I realize not everyone feels that way, and there is definitely something for everyone. You’ll feel comfortable here, and afterwards you can check out The Underground or spots in the South End.
Milkweed
If you enjoy shakshuka, you may want to check out Milkweed, which is located in Mission Hill — a quick drive from the MFA. They have a yummy full menu for breakfast.
Cafe Sauvage
If you find yourself in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, check out Cafe Sauvage, a french cafe that doesn’t take brunch reservations. For a hearty meal, you can sample their cheeseburger or crispy chicken sandwich. Yum!
South End Buttery
Some folks don’t know this, but the South End Buttery has a yummy brunch menu that’s available on the weekends. Of course, the South End is a lovely place to stroll year-round, and everything we’ve tried is delicious from their buttery burgers to their brioche french toast. If you’re lucky, you can grab an outdoor seat for people watching galore!
Publico
This globally inspired menu in Boston’s South End has something for everyone. They also have an “urban garden” so it’s a fun place to relax and unwind with friends over a bag of donuts or english muffin sliders or grilled beets. You’ll enjoy their whimsical menu.
Cafe Landwer
We’ve been enjoying Cafe Landwer’s unique breakfast for many years in Tel Aviv, but now you can have a front row seat for their famous Landwer Breakfast for 2. How many little cups can fit on one plate? Try it for yourselves! We are also partial to their shnitzel and their yummy berry iced tea or mint lemonade granita. Now there are locations in Boston and Brookline!
Our food tours are a load of fun for brunch! Check our tour calendar for more information on booking a tour.
Inn at Hastings Park
Out in Lexington, the Inn at Hastings Park makes you feel like you’re at home. Book a table out on their front porch or in their garden (also inside there’s a buffet.) Their yummy Sunday brunch can’t be beat. Kids under 3 are free, and you can even ask them to turn on heat lamps on their porch if it’s too chilly. We just love their waffles, omelettes, and burgers. Paul Revere’s statue is a stone’s throw away.
Harvest
Another Harvard Square mainstay that’s a delicious option for brunch is Harvest, and afterwards you can take a stroll along the Charles River. We enjoy their cinnamon bun, yummy mocktails, and delicious lobster rolls but you can’t go wrong here.
The Friendly Toast
Yes it’s a friendly chain of restaurants, but they do offer such an interesting selection of breakfast eats. These folks are truly committed to breakfast in a good way! I mean, where else can you have brunch all day? From quiche to toast to massive pancakes, you’ll go on carb overload and leave with a happy belly.
Colette
Did you know Colette in Cambridge offers a brunch? This delicious french spot in Porter Square has truly delicious freshly baked croissant, to which you can add a benedict or maybe a charcuterie and cheese plate. Hey, it’s 5’o clock somewhere!
Deluxe Town Diner (Watertown, MA)
We’d be amiss to not include this 50’s style diner in nearby Watertown, MA. If you’re still hungry after trying their yummy corned beef hash, you can take a stroll through the nearby Armenian food markets or drive to Cabot’s to finish your day with a sweet ice cream treat.
Zaftig’s
Challah back y’all, we love the brunch at Zaftig’s — in particular their yummy challah french toast! But like any good deli, they have a long menu of farm fresh egg omelettes to bagel chips to big salads to a reuben. There’s very much something for everyone here, and all are welcome!
Cheers,
Lizzie and Sam
