They also now have a branch in Allston. I haven’t tried it but the source of the baked goods is the same, and they’ll be equally good.
You can close your eyes and order at Soffra and you’ll get something superb. Most recently (last week, after a gap), for me: spanikopita, a savory corn muffin, and a raspberry pastry. In the Cambridge/Belmont store they carry refrigerated selections of some of Oleana’s greatest hits (sultan’s delight, for example) and a wide range of spices, preserves, etc.
I think I read that the Sofra Allston location is much larger, so you can actually eat there with enough room to relax and enjoy the amazing food. I really need to get that Sultan’s Delight for take out! I wonder if that corn muffin is anything like the Sarma Black Sea Cornbread, which is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
Found this Globe article, which may be behind a paywall.
Washington Sq. Tavern used to be favorite place of mine that I didn’t get to frequent often. Is it still good? That seems like a good anniversary dinner place that you could bring your kid to.
So glad to hear that they’re still kicking it. We stopped by their shop one of those weird post-lockdown weekends after rambling around the Navy yard and we loved everything we got (lemonade, everything spice, cheeses, maybe wines?). The restaurant seemed not to young Spring Onion’s liking (what was he, 5yo?). Haven’t been back since.
So here are restaurants that I’ve opened websites too based on Eater or Meet Boston websites. Forgot about the globe but nothing does a confirmation better than people who actually live there or visit regularly.
Time Out Market
Bar Vlaha
Bar Volpe
Zaftigs
Tatte Bakery
Little Sage
James Hook
Yankee Lobster
Taberna De Haro
Stoked Pizza
Zurito
Nowon
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu
Yamato II
Oliviera Steak House
Hot Pot Buffet
Kaia
Amrhein/Mul’s
J.J. Foley’s
Fox And The Knife
Oleana (may be out of our range or dress for the time we would be in the cambridge area)
Uni
some other Bissonette place like Toro (?)
and I’m sure I had some others… I think a place called Gary’s
LLM is here quite frequently! Yes, I feel like I “know” her virtually and others, too, after reading friendly posts for many years! I am originally from North Carolina and I still have family there though I have lived elsewhere for many decades and in Boston area for a long time.
I hope you and. your family enjoy your trip! Please keep asking questions!
I’ll comment on the ones I’ve experienced directly.
Tatte has many branches. I’m impressed with both the baked goods and the other food. I’ve only visited one branch in person but have enjoyed takeout/delivery on sandwiches, soups, baked goods, etc.
Taberna De Haro: Chef recently retired, recent review in Boston Globe on new chef very positive. I loved it the times I went pre - pandemic. I lived in Spain for two years long ago and I found it very credible and enjoyable.
Oleana we’ve loved since it opened. Loved Ana Sortun’s cooking at the former Casablanca in Cambridge even before she opened Oleana. Hard to get in, accepts walk-ins, the garden dining out back is so lovely. Her sister restaurants Sarma in Somerville (even harder to get in) and Sofra Bakery in Cambridge and Allston (Boston neighborhood) also fantastic. EDIT: Casual dress is fine at Oleana.
Very interesting topic. A native, I lived in both Brookine and Back Bay for more years than I can count. Walked everywhere. My first thought is how much do you and the 11 year old like to walk? Boston’s a walking town. Next, I don’t see restaurants in Boston neighborhoods mentioned. For example, the North End can be a lot of fun.to wander about. Caffe Vittoria is a gem. I still prefer a classic Regina’s pizza over trendy ones. Mamma Maria’s, Mike’s, Modern Pastry, Neptune Oyster.
Back Bay has Eataly and while I can’t recommend any eating spots there simply because it’s been too long, the kiddo might enjoy a wander through. I think Saltie Girl and Little Whale offer fried clams, the whole belly kind. To me, nothing says tourist louder than clam strips. And, tourists don’t jaywalk, either. Bostonians do.
Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is worth a visit. It’s absolutely charming. Can’t get more ‘local ‘ than the paramount, really just a diner. Savenor’s is a small market with fabulous meat in case you have the chance to cook.
The area near Fenway is new to me. Eastern Standard in its former location was my ‘go to’ restaurant when I lived in town.
I’m old and haven’t been to most of the places on your list. If you aren’t interested in lobster then skip Hooks. JJ Foley’s is a bar with little around it to make a special trip. Same for Amrhein’s., although I always liked it. I suggest a whale watch in lieu of the zoo.
You’ve received many, many wonderful recommendations and I look forward to trying some new to me ones when I get back to Boston.
Hope you have a terrific time visiting Boston. Can’t wait to see your impressions from your trip.
Yeah, I’ll vouch for Digga. I’m totally dropping my kids at her house. The little spring onions can party it up while she and I get our long-overdue drinks at Rosebud.
One FYI: Savenor’s on Beacon Hill/Charles St. closed last summer. The iconic Savenor’s Julia Child/Kirkland St. location in Cambridge is still open.
I read last summer that Wulf’s Fish…which you may remember from Brookline, I sure do, at the end of my street in Brookline back in early 1990s…took over the Charles St. Savenor’s location. I can see the 2024 news reports about that happening, but nothing recent.
I’m late to this party. but if you are in Brookline and are not using a car, what are your options for candlepin bowling? If you are limiting yourself to the T, then Flatbread pizza in Davis Sq is a good option. Southie Bowl in South Boston is a possibility but a long hike from the Broadway stop on the Redline. Central park Lanes in East Boston is maybe 7-8 blocks from the Maverick T stop Blue Line. Many foodie places in that area which never seem to get any love here on Hungry Onion. Boston Bowl in Dorchester seems too far away from the Redline T for you and unless you are looking for Vietnamese food I’m not sure that it has anything that works for you food wise. That’s all I’ve got.
Wow, I had no idea that the American Flatbread in Brighton had candlepin bowling. Not very T accessible but probably better for the OP if they are willing to Uber/Lyft over from Brookline.
