Brunch is a universally loved meal that can please just about anyone. Sweet or savory, french toast or eggs, coffee or mimosas, it's as versatile as it is delicious. We asked WGBH employees where they go to find the best brunch in Cambridge, one of Boston's culinary hotspots. Here's where they said.
Area Four
Communications and Media Relations Specialist Chris Gilligan recommends this Kendall Square-spot, well-known for its specialty pizzas and ample brunch. “Area Four does a formidable brunch complete with a brunch cocktail menu, an extensive offering of caffeinated options, and bakery items including the Giant Pecan Sticky Bun (pictured above) and a seasonal muffin with whipped honey butter and sea salt,” he says. “The main events are a quite-affordable choice between any of a variety of breakfast sandwiches, a build-your-own breakfast combo, and — my personal favorite — a Hot Mess served in a hot iron skillet. My preference is the O.G. Mess, which features two eggs cracked over home fries, bacon, breakfast sausage, caramelized onions, cheddar, scallions, and pickle relish.”
500 Technology Square, Cambridge, 617-758-4444, areafour.com
Brookline Lunch
Eric Gulliver, Producer/Editor at AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, recommends this Central Square gem for a Mediterranean-style brunch. “Brookline Lunch is a small, cozy space with a Mediterranean flair for brunch,” he says. “It’s your basics with a little spice added for a kick!”
Entrees like the tomato and feta omelet and the baba ghannouj plate will surely satisfy your savory cravings. But, it's their pancake stacks that will keep your sweet tooth smiling. You can top them with just about anything, including a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and white chocolate chips.
9 Brookline St, Cambridge, 617-354-2983,facebook.com/Brookline-Lunch
Café Luna
Brenda Lavasta from Production Finance and Grants Management loves Café Luna, a popular spot for both sweet and savory brunch options. “You won’t be disappointed with any dish you try!” she says. “I love the omelet with grilled pear, bacon, and Gorgonzola… can't you just taste it?” Lavasta also says the French toast stuffed with blueberry and lemon stuffed is great to share with the table. “To save yourself a headache, try to make a reservation ahead of time. If you don’t, the long wait is just part of the experience!”
612 Main St., Cambridge, 617-576-3400, cafeluna-centralsq.com
Sofra Bakery
Mitul Daiyan, Marketing Manager for WGBH Education, loves Sofra so much she considered keeping it a secret. “I almost don’t want to tell anyone about this little gem,” she says. “There are always plenty of Sofra enthusiasts lining the store and vying for these delicious bites as it is!” Daiyan loves that this sister establishment to Oleana and Sarma blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and adds a flavorful twist. She recommends trying the morning bun or their tahini-brown butter donut. “Each bite can warm your soul” She adds that you’d be remiss if you overlooked their lamb shwarma or the shakshuka. “Top it all off with a piping hot cup of their house chai that reminds me of home.”
1 Belmont St., Cambridge, 617-661-3161, sofrabakery.com
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Mamaleh’s Delicatessen
This author recommends Mamaleh’s, the Kendall Square institution that delivers incredible Jewish deli food. “In my opinion, there is nothing better for brunch than a bagel and lox, and you are sure to get a good one at Mamaleh’s. You can even get the ‘L.E.O,’ sandwich to make it even more brunch appropriate — lox, egg, and onion. Diners with a sweet tooth can enjoy babka french toast, and rugelach.”
1 Kendall Square 300, Cambridge, 617-958-3354, mamalehs.com
Also featured in Find Your Version Of Comfort Food At One Kendall Square and Mamaleh's, I'm Coming Home
