Drum roll please! Cambridge has done it again. 17 local eateries were named winners in the Best of Boston awards issue.
And the award goes to…
SAVORY WINNERS
Best Fast-Casual Sandwiches
Flour Bakery + Café: When you think of Flour, you may think of sweet treats. Their savory menu is just as delicious, however. Homemade hummus wraps and house-made mozzarella sandwiches make for an easy mid-day bite.
Best Barbecue
The Smoke Shop: You’ve gone out for barbeque before, but did you get to wash down your brisket with a whiskey flight? The Smoke Shop has over 200 kinds of whiskey as well as elevated takes on classic cocktails and an impressive list of craft beer. This Best of Boston three-time champ has reallyraised the bar.
Best Caribbean Food
La Fábrica Central: Celebrity chef, Giovanna Huyke, pairs Caribbean classics like mofongo and garlicky tostones with fine rums and live reggae. Come hungry; leave happy.
Best Cheese Shop
Formaggio Kitchen: Your charcuterie board is not complete without a visit to Formaggio. Through samples, monthly cheese subscriptions and knowledgeable staff, stock up on all your favorites and discover a level of yum you didn’t know existed. More than 200 cheeses are calling your name!
Best Seafood
New Deal Fish Market: This third-generation, family-owned and operated fish market is a must for seafood lovers. Located minutes from the Boston Fish Pier, the Market has high quality domestic and imported seafood. Their staff can give you cooking tips and pair specialty products with your catch of the day.
Best General Excellence
Craigie on Main: Chef Tony Maws takes home the W with his French-inspired menu. Local, seasonal and organic ingredients contribute to Maws’s trademark “refined rusticity.” His dishes rotate daily, but his hospitality is here to stay.
Best Fast-Casual Bowl
Whole Heart Provisions: Feed your soul with real, good food at this plant-based restaurant. From the mission bowl with edamame and Japanese eggplant to the tazon bowl with pickled jalapeño and pineapple/corn salsa—their combinations are endless and guilt-free.
Best Daily Breakfast
Café Luna: All-day breakfast menu? Yes please! Trade in your morning protein bar for a Belgian waffle with caramelized bananas or their house special, corned beef hash. You can call ahead and have your order ready for pick-up or get it delivered to your door.
Best Destination Dish
Waypoint: In case you haven’t heard, Chef Michael Scelfo’s latest venture is Waypoint! At Waypoint, Scelfo has transformed caviar into a feast fit for anyone anytime. The caviar service at Waypoint has pairings such as Belgian with Siberian and Israeli with Royal Osetra. They are a must for foodies everywhere.
Best of Harvard Square Neighborhood
Felipe’s Taqueria: Delicious Mexican food… out-of-this-world frozen margaritas… oh, and did we mention the rooftop? This taqueria has combined fresh ingredients with authentic recipes since 2004. Felipe’s is a must-stop spot for Mexican food (and tequila) enthusiasts.
BAKED AND SWEET WINNERS
Best Bakery
Sofra Bakery & Café: Sofra takes the cake this year with the title of best bakery. The casual café, bakery and specialty food shop combines traditional Turkish, Lebanese and Greek foods with a contemporary twist. Walnut-studded baklava and oatmeal raisin cookies pumped up with tahini— need we say more?
Best Chocolate Shop
EHChocolatier: This is the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of Cambridge. Each and every product at EHChocolatier is handmade without artificial flavors or preservatives. From caramelized peanut butter cups to artisan candy bars, there is something for every sweet tooth. Vegan and dairy-free treats are available too.
Best Doughnuts
Blackbird Doughnuts: Dough not worry, Blackbird Doughnut has you covered with a mouthwatering menu of gourmet doughnuts. If you’ve yet to try an everything bagel doughnut or a spicy hot chocolate cake doughnut, it’s time to treat yourself!
Best Bagel
Bagelsaurus: It’s no surprise that Bagelsaurus is number one in this category. Their thorough fermentation process lasts more than 24 hours and includes a sourdough starter passed down over decades. Try a cheddar garlic bagel with spicy pepper cream cheese and save room for a cinnamon raisin bagel with almond butter cream cheese. Hurry up and get there though—bagels are known to sell out before closing time at 3p.m.
Best Bread
Iggy’s Bread: Since 1994, Iggy’s Bread has grown from two employees to over 100. Their quality and dedication to their craft has remained the same. The old-world style bread that comes out of their oven each day has a strong golden crust and a moist airy center.
BEVERAGE WINNERS
Best Cocktail Bar
Longfellow Bar at Alden & Harlow: Named after architect, Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow, the Longfellow Bar has become a favorite for Cambridge cocktail lovers. This bi-level bar offers a sophisticated drink menu and bar food that is meant to be shared and passed. Chef Michael Scelfo has created the perfect neighborhood spot to escape and relax.
Best Juice Cleanse
Mother Juice: Our final winner started with two women selling juice out of the basement of Unitarian Church. Ellen Fitzgerald and Laura Baldini have since expanded their menu to include smoothies, breakfast bowls and vegan treats. Juice on, Cambridge!
