6. Puritan & Co.
8.6
1166 Cambridge St. (Prospect St), Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Inman Square · 63 tips and reviews
Noah Weiss: Come for the pastry basket, $10 for 4 delicious items like a chocolate pretzel croissant, stay for the brunch like the corned beef hash. Great, airy vibe with reservations too.
David Carr: Swordfish Pastrami, Octopus, Burrata. Excellent cocktail program and friendly bartenders.
Eater: The single most essential Boston restaurant of the moment, in that here chef-owner Will Gilson is more thoroughly tackling a fresh perspective on New England cuisine than anywhere else in the world.
7. Orinoco
9.0
56 JFK St, Cambridge, MA
Arepa Restaurant · Harvard Square · 47 tips and reviews
Robb Fitzsimmons: Absolutely my favorite place. Daniel and Stefan are unbelievably attentive, friendly waiters. Try especially the tequeños (mozzarella sticks in croissant dough, essentially) and arepa jardinera.
Jeffrey Zhao: Lamb chops are amazing. Make sure to try the hot sauce too
Peter Boyce: The back patio seats 30, perfect spot on a summer evening. And the owner Marta is truly a gem of a host.
9. Alden & Harlow
8.6
40 Brattle St (Church St), Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Harvard Square · 164 tips and reviews
Ha Diem: Definitely try the charred chicken hearts & foie gras custard with quail egg, snail vinaigrette and croissant toast! Soooo good.
Ryan Nixon: Innovative cocktails and great ambiance. Brunch was great, shared 3 plates between 2 people
Senator John Blutarski: This ubiquitous kale salad is specifically delicious.
12. Cafe Gato Rojo
7.4
Harvard Yard (Dudley House), Cambridge, MA
Café · Mid-Cambridge · 12 tips and reviews
Tracy Spetka: Huge tea selection for only $1. Plus, I heard Beyoncé is the patron saint of the Gato. Get bodied while you get your butter croissant.
Peter Boyce: Often tough to get a seat-- but great academic vibe, diverse selection of coffee and teas. Harvard go-to for language classes. (3 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more.
Mark J.: Best baristas ever. Student run, so definitely prefer supporting them over Starbucks.
Ilse Ortega: Went five days in row! Had milk hot chocolate, Madagascar hot chocolate, plain croissant & almond croissant...everything was delicious & customer service was spotless! I'll come back a million times!
Philip Seifi: Extremely delicious, beautiful chocolate, hot drinks and cake.
Harvard University: Try the macaroons (only 75 cents!), soak up the European atmosphere, and above all, do not miss the hot chocolate--as rich as it comes. Read more.
15. Barismo
7.3
364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA
Coffee Shop · Mid-Cambridge · 65 tips and reviews
Josette: Great espresso drinks and croissants - and wonderful children's play and reading corner
Debbie Yee: great coffee and ambiance. good brunch on the weekends (try the quiche!)
Adam Besvinick: Great mocha, pay with Square, and pour over coffee. Feels like Sightglass in SF except Dwelltime has free wifi.