Boston’s Best Hidden (and Not So Hidden) Gems – Part I
Boston Public Garden
Having called Boston my home for the past 4 years, I’ve spent a lot of time researching some of the most delicious but least known places to eat. While some of these places may sound unfamiliar to those traveling to Boston for the first time, they are favorites among locals and usually boast one or two items that they are most known for.
There were a lot of places on my original list, so I’ve decided to split this post into two. Compiling and going through the list has made me realize how much I’m going to miss these places when I leave Boston, so I hope that sharing this post can both help me remember these spaces and help you decide where to eat while you’re here! Ready? Let’s go!
Sophia’s Greek Pantry – Greek Yogurt (Honey Flavor)
You don’t know Greek yogurt until you’ve tried some of Sophia’s Greek yogurt. Made out of 100% goat’s milk, this yogurt is unbelievably thick and creamy, and there’s always a steady stream of locals buying these by the quart. This specialty grocery store also offers fresh olives, feta cheese, and other delicious Greek goods.
Sevan Bakery – Pistachio Baklava
If you’ve got a craving for some baklava, then this is your place. Sevan Bakery has won numerous awards for having the best baklava in town, and they have the widest variety as well: Pistachio, Walnut, Sour Cherry, Fig, Cream, Almond, Apricot, and more! These delectable desserts have the perfect nut to pastry ratio, and are unbelievable moist when you bite into them. What’s their secret? – lots and lots of butter.
Praline – Almond Croissant, Macarons, Everything Else
Boston has some of the best bakeries I know, but if you’re looking for a classic Parisian patisserie, Praline is the place to be. Get the Almond Croissant and a box of macarons ($10 for 4), and be transported back to Paris. The store also offers a variety of other delicious desserts: chocolates, canneles, tarts, and more!
Scoop and Scootery – Sundaes
Scoop & Scootery used to only do deliveries (sundae deliveries!), but they’ve finally opened up a shop in Arlington. They’re still in the process of getting their shop up and running, but if you stop by here on an afternoon, you can walk in and order from over 30 different sundae options. You can even customize your own if you like, but I would trust the experts and go with one of their own pre-set combinations.
Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream – Khulfi Ice Cream
Christina’s does spice-flavored ice cream better than anywhere else, and they’re most famous for their traditional Khulfi ice cream – a combination of cardamom, pistachio, saffron, and other delicious spices. This shop gets all its spices from the spice store that they also own, which has resulted in a very expansive menu, ranging from Mexican Chocolate to Lemongrass. If you’re getting multiple scoops/flavors, I would also recommend trying out the Ginger, Adzuki Bean (Red Bean), and Cinnamon.
Clear Flour Bread – Morning Bun w/ Walnuts, Gruyere Croissant, and Anything Else
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gone to Clear Flour and bought waaaay too many pastries for myself. This bakery is well-loved by locals, and there’s always a steady line forming in front of the doors before it even opens. Get here early, and treat yourself to some favorites: Morning Bun with Walnuts, the Gruyere Cheese Croissant, Financier, Baked Black Currant Donut, and the Chocolate Brioche.
Cutty’s – Roast Beef 1000
You can find the Roast Beef 1000 ranked on many must-eat sandwich lists, and there’s definitely a reason why Guy Fieri decided to feature Cutty’s on his show. Come here for an unforgettable roast beef sandwich – or better yet, if you’re here on a special Sunday (first of the month), try their famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Sam LaGrassa’s – Pastrami Corned Beef Combo
Another great sandwich shop in the downtown Boston area – although this place may look a bit touristy, the food has retained its authenticity throughout all these years. The restaurant proudly boasts a poster outside declaring itself as the World’s #1 Sandwich, and after you try their Pastrami Corned Beef Combo, you’ll realize that that sign deserves some credibility.
Tasty Mo:Mo – Chicken Momos
Tasty Mo:Mo makes the freshest dumplings in town, and their Chicken Momo is what you’re going to want to order when you’re here. Each dumpling is packed with a succulent meat filling, and the wrappers themselves are the perfect consistency and thickness. Even though you’ll have to wait around 15 minutes for your dumplings to cook, once you dig in, you’ll know that every minute was worth it.
Bagelsaurus – Eggsplanola Sandwich
Class Jumbo Sandwich with Ham (left) and Eggspanola (right)
New York bagels have nothing on Bagelsaurus’s bagels. Having recently won Best of Boston in the Bagel category, Bagelsaurus prides itself on both its bagels as well as its unique and tasty sandwich menu. Give the popular Eggspanola sandwich a shot, and you won’t regret it.
3 Little Figs – Feta Egg Sandwich, Muesli Bowl
This Greek-inspired cafe is a neighborhood favorite, and offers a very high quality breakfast/brunch and pastry menu. Dine like a local, and order the Feta Egg Sandwich (fluffiest eggs ever) or the Greek Muesli Bowl (refreshing and light). Some people might recommend the Lavender Biscuit, but if you’re at all like me and don’t like overly sweet things, I would probably avoid this one.
Union Square Donuts – Brown Butter Hazelnut Brunch
And last but not least, my favorite food on this list: the Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch donut from Union Square Donuts. I actually think I’m going to cry for this donut when I move away from Boston because it has – in many ways – shaped my perspective on what donuts should strive to be like. The saltiness from the toasted hazelnut bits on the outside perfectly complement the sweetness from the brown butter glaze, and the dough itself is pillowy and soft, a kind of donut that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Go to the original Union Square location, and not the one at the Boston Public Market or any of their pop-ups. If there’s only one thing you’re going to try on this list, this is it. Get it.