Yafa Bakery &amp; Cafe

THEY DON'T ALLOW LAPTOPS…read more I didn't actually get any coffee here... but putting this review out so you don't make the same mistake I did! I was thoroughly disappointed when I learned this, because it's the cutest shop with the best vibes. I'll try sometime when I don't have to lock in, I guess.

Faro Cafe is a small cafe operating as both a coffee shop and a neighborhood gathering space tucked…read moreaway in Harvard Square. We walked into a cozy, bohemian atmosphere filled with eclectic décor, photos, artwork, books, puzzles, chess boards, and an overall sense that people are encouraged to slow down and stay present. Despite the relatively small footprint, the space manages to feel welcoming rather than cramped, with indoor seating that supports conversation and outdoor seating that becomes especially popular during warmer months. Coffee is clearly the centerpiece here. We ordered espresso based drinks, including a flat white and a seasonal Juniper Latte, both of which were prepared with care and a clear emphasis on quality. The café leans into a more thoughtful coffee program, and that attention shows in the cup. Beyond the drinks, the pastry selection is good, particularly the croissants and scones, which paired naturally with the coffee menu. The experience is helped by friendly, engaged staff who contribute to the café's welcoming personality. Conversations with the baristas and small community touches helped create an environment that felt more personal than transactional. The laptop free policy can catch first time visitors by surprise, but for many regulars it is part of what gives Faro its distinctive identity and helps preserve the social atmosphere that sets it apart from more work focused cafés. For a coffee stop in Harvard Square that prioritizes human connection over productivity, Faro Cafe delivers a warm, intentional space worth slowing down for.

Seating area

Cappuccino / 2 scones / croissant

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Exterior

Asaro Bakery & Cafe

4.4(78 reviews)

0.6 mi•Harvard Square

Lowkey becoming one of my new favorite bakeries in Boston! I've been a couple of times now and…read moreeverything I've tried has been so good. The banana bread is probably one of my favorites. It was super soft and moist, and the portion was huge! I also tried the shakshuka croissant and loved it. It was flaky, savory, and really filling. The pastries are definitely a little on the pricier side, but the portions are pretty big, so I feel like you get a good amount for what you pay. Their latte was also sooo delicious and paired really well with the pastries. Definitely recommend coming in the morning if you can because everything tastes so fresh! I went back once later in the evening and noticed the banana bread wasn't quite as soft as when I had it earlier in the day. Overall, such a cute spot for coffee and pastries and somewhere I'll definitely keep coming back to. Excited to try more of their pastries next time!

Several months later, after my last visit, I tried the sweet bread this time, and I still felt it…read morewas overrated. Banana Bread: The texture was firm but slightly coarse. The banana flavor wasn't prominent; instead, the cinnamon flavor was quite clear, but overall it was quite mild. Iced Latte: The latte was very good, rich and creamy, and not too bitter.

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George Howell Coffee

4.3(6 reviews)

I really enjoyed my coffee at George Howell in Cambridge. I know this coffee chain well, but I…read moredecided to go try their Cambridge location - and I loved it! It's located inside an adorable bookstore, giving it a different vibe to other branches. The ambience and the decor is so beautiful, and really makes the coffee drinking experience so much better. The servers were lovely, and the menu had many options to choose from. I'm really glad I decided to come here!

A lovely little coffee shop located inside perhaps the cutest bookstore I've ever seen. I had an…read moreiced coffee and my friend a matcha. She also had a breakfast sandwich and I had a delish glazed pastry with pecans on top. I definitely recommend stopping in and hanging a while, perhaps while flipping thru the pages of your newly purchased book.

The red velvet (iced)

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Honey Cappuccino, Chai Latte

Luxor Cafe

4.0(40 reviews)

1.1 mi•Harvard Square

Tried out Luxor cafe and it did not disappoint! Really cool vibe in there and a lot of people…read morechatting/working. We got the Biscoff Latte and the Cinnabon iced coffee and enjoyed both of those. Then we got the Harvard Yard breakfast sandwich and the Smokey Sunrise Croissant. The food was great, really loved the chipotle mayo on the sandwiches and came with chips! Only point of feedback is coffee and food are 2 different spots to pick up and it can be confusing to know when your drinks are ready since the pager will go off just for the food. Other than that, would come back!

This is an Egyptian coffee shop; I came to buy some bread…read more Sticky Bun: The caramel and pecans ensured it won't be bad, but the syrup coating and the crispness of the crust were uneven. It felt a bit perfunctory. Almond Croissant: I didn't expect it to have a sugary filling inside! A light cinnamon flavor, not too dry, not bad. Chocolate Croissant: A simple and straightforward croissant with a chocolate stick inside. Using dark chocolate prevented it from being too sweet, which is a plus. Plain Croissant: Surprisingly, it was still delicious even after being refrigerated for two days. The bread was very soft and had a subtle peppery aroma.

Cool downstairs area!

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Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Harvard Square

3.6(663 reviews)

Yummmmy pastries…read more Almond croissant was really good, I liked how the almonds were glazed and not plain. Pear tart was fire, it had a real pear in the middle. Crunchy overall. Pistachio cherry was good, loved flavor combo. Sweet but what I needed after a long day Matcha lemonade, honestly didn't really taste the lemonade or matcha but was refreshing Service was quick! Drinks came out fast and pastries was instant. Chill atmosphere to have a chat and pretty loud

Review is just for the service 15 people in line and 2 cashiers. Unbelievable how slow the line…read moreis moving. Young kid waited on 2 young white girls instead of my black wife who was next in line. WtF? Her cinnamon coffee cake was quite good.

Interior

Chicken pita

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Pick up area

Black Sheep Bagel Cafe

4.2(335 reviews)

1.0 mi•Harvard Square

•$

Black sheep is exactly what I was looking for for breakfast in Harvard Square, breakfast…read moresandwiches!! The space is pretty tight and it was really busy when I showed up but absolutely cleared out as I sat down to eat. I ordered a cold brew, which was a bit watery, but I like it super dark so it's probably just my taste preference. They put the milk/cream in for you and you pick the coffee up in a separate spot from the food. They call your name for both pickups. For food I got the devilled egg open face bagel that has bacon on top on a whole wheat everything bagel. Eating it was intense. I couldn't put it down once I picked up each side and had to be very careful not to spill the egg mixture off the top. It took a while to eat but was amazingly delicious and exactly what I wanted. I would eat it everyday if I could. If it came with micro greens on top, it would be even better. The mixture had red onions which gave it a punch and crunchy texture. I considered adding salt to the mixture on top but I'm glad I didn't because the bagel itself had sea salt so each bite was salty enough. When I ordered I asked if I could also get 2 bagels to bring home and I was told the limit is 1 on weekends and 2 during the week. The manager (I assume) stepped in and said I could have 2 so I chose the rosemary sea salt, which the only have on weekends. I made breakfast sandwiches on them the next day and it was heavenly. This is a spot to check out!

I came again, this time for my parents to try…read more Favorite: I arrived a bit late, and the Everything Bagel was sold out, so I chose a similar Whole Wheat Everything Bagel, but it was extremely, extremely, extremely salty. Everything else was still delicious; the tomato, poached egg, and avocado were a perfect match, refreshing, clean, mild, and smooth.

Interior

Lox Classic on Sesame Bagel

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Everything bagel with jalapenos cream cheese and topped with red onion and tomato

Flour Bakery + Cafe

4.2(304 reviews)

1.0 mi•Harvard Square

Everything looks delicious…read more I tried the guava cream cheese pastry, it had a generous portion of cream cheese and the guava jam was delicious I paired it with coffee no sugar to balance the sweetness of pastry. Looking forward to trying a few other items.

Just a couple of blocks away from Harvard square…read more - Quiche was one of the best we had. Kids loved the smooth flan like texture. - Chicken salad had amazing baby kale bits. Daughter loved it. - Lemon meringue was delicious. Coming back for sure

Quiche

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Cicada Coffee Bar

4.4(258 reviews)

1.2 mi•Central Square

Delicious coffee, super cute space, and refreshing food…read more It's a bus yourself restaurant with an unassuming outdoor space in the back for additional seating. They generally require you to order before sitting given the small space so keep that in mind when you arrive. Service is friendly and very quick. Their food is delicious and refreshing, however I'd say the star of the show is their coffee. I really enjoyed the Saigon latte especially paired with the DELICIOUS pastry. Definitely want to come back to try their dinner menu!

Came here on a sunday evening around 7:45 PM without a reservation, and were quickly seated at the…read morebar. The restaurant had a really great ambiance, and I enjoyed being able to watch the chefs prepare the food. We ordered the ginger cabbage salad, the coconut eggplant, and the duck noodles. I would have loved to have tried their sushi grade salmon, but they were unfortunately sold out for the night. So I would recommend arriving earlier if you would like to try it. My favorite dish was the duck noodles. I liked the freshness of the basil in the pesto, and the tenderness and juiciness of the duck. The coconut eggplant was a close second favorite. The coconut flavor was delicious, and I liked the nuts on top for crunch. I also found the ginger cabbage salad to be yummy, but not as much as a standout as the other two dishes. Overall, I really enjoyed this spot for dinner. I liked how fresh everything was, and how the dishes felt very light and healthy. It's definitely a bit on the pricier side, but I found it to be very worth it. I definitely come back and try their lattes and other dishes.

Coffee bar

Mushroom spring rolls

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Decor

Zinneken's - Harvard Square

3.9(666 reviews)

•$

TLDR: You can't go wrong with a warm, freshly made waffle…read morehere, but people definitely have their individual preferences. My recommendation is to go with the Liege waffle with berries and your pick of any other toppings. With a cozy atmosphere and the smell of warm waffles, this is an especially good spot during the colder months, but still a favorite in the warmer months too. ------ FOOD: THE LIEGE (5/5) The Liege waffle is the classic here and the one I'd recommend. Sweet, thick, and a richer snack (i.e. the satisfying treat you're probably looking for if you're stopping by a waffle shop). All of the topping combos are classic, and the berries they use here are high quality. Waffles come out hot and fresh after just being made, so if you order ice cream or whipped cream, know that you'll have to eat quickly if you don't want it to melt into the waffle. THE BRUSSELS (4.5/5) Besides the Liege, the Brussels waffle is an interesting choice and very different from the Liege. As the menu describes, it's definitely significantly lighter, and it's crispier in a different way (not from the caramelization of the pearl sugar but from crisped up batter similar to an Ego waffle). It's extremely delicate, so I'd recommend just doing some powdered sugar and maybe a chocolate drizzle or some whipped cream. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * Small shop on the edge of Harvard Square. Some window seating and a few small tables best for groups of 2 - 4. * Given how small it is inside, finding a seat during peak hours can be particularly challenging, and lines can be out the door too. ------ SERVICE: * Order at the kiosk and then find a seat (if you can). When a waffle is done, they'll call a name and come to you once you indicate that it's for you. * Water and utensils are self-service, and the expectation is that you put your plates, utensils, and cups away in a bin inside by the counter.

Perfect for sitting quietly on a sunny afternoon, especially when you're feeling down…read more Gourmand Waffle: Liege waffle/banana/whipped cream/caramel. The ultimate sweetness is evident from the ingredients. The waffle was light and crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside; the sweetness of the banana and caramel is mellow and rich, the pearl sugar was slightly caramelized, and the sweetness of the cream was natural and light. Every bite offered a different layer of flavor. But most importantly, it was really sweet, and sweetness is the most soul-stirring enjoyment. It was sweet enough to bring peace, allowing you to temporarily escape the world and focus on this plate of beautiful fairytale. Café au Lait (Latte): Beautifully layered, with a natural milky aroma. But what does the menu mean by confusing café au lait with latte?

Inside

The Sin Waffle, add whip cream and Caramel Macchiato

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Banana/ strawberry/ chocolate waffle

Bluestone Lane Harvard Square Café

3.6(207 reviews)

Gluten-free friendly

Healthy dining

Great service and food, came back several times during my visit to Harvard. Will get back next time…read moreI'm in town.

Felt like I was having fresh food from Australia again but found myself in Cambridge! Cute and…read moreaesthetic designs inside and staff is great. The coffees are great and I absolutely love the Australian iced latte--sweet so don't say I didn't warn you! As for the food, absolutely loved the sauces that each thing we ordered, however, when it came to the meat (chicken) and potatoes wedges portions, I do think that that it was not enough. Especially when the price is above $15 for these items, I think that it's not unreasonable to have a grilled chicken inside of my sandwich that's only half of the size of the sandwich. I loved the potato wedges so it was very disappointing to have such little quantity. Still, I look forward to coming here soon because everything was genuinely good just a few things that were amiss.

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Dema D.

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Yafa Bakery & Cafe, a delightful spot that truly brings a slice of Middle Eastern cuisine to life with its authentic offerings. The experience was not just a culinary journey but also a testament to exceptional hospitality, courtesy of the cafe's remarkably friendly owner. Starting with the food, I indulged in a variety of their specialties. The hummus was creamy and perfectly seasoned, rivaling some of the best I've tasted. The labne was another standout, its silky texture and tangy flavor making it an instant favorite of mine. Both dishes set a high standard for what followed. The bakery's Jerusalem Bread was a revelation. Having sampled the original in Jerusalem itself, I was skeptical, but Yafa's version managed not only to match but, controversially, to surpass that experience. It was superbly soft, pillowy, and imbued with just the right touch of authenticity. Another highlight was the Spinach & Cheese Snail, a delightful pastry that reminded me of the best börek. The combination of fresh, flavorful spinach and rich cheese wrapped in flaky pastry was comforting and delicious. The sweets, Mamoul and Baklava, were expertly crafted--sweet without being overpowering and textured to perfection. But the real star of my visit was the Yafa Chai Karak. This spiced, aromatic tea was so captivating that it alone would make me a regular if I lived nearby. Beyond the food, what truly set Yafa Bakery & Cafe apart was the warm welcome extended by the owner. His customer service skills are indeed unmatched. He not only made us feel at home as newcomers but also interacted with regulars with such familiarity and warmth that it added an extra layer of charm to our visit. In summary, my time at Yafa Bakery & Cafe was marked by delectable food and exceptional service. It's a gem that offers a taste of the Middle East right here at home, and I look forward to my next visit. read more

Audrey C.

Elite 26

207

2 years ago

Yafa Bakery is an absolute gem and a must-visit in Boston! As a multi-year "Best of Boston" winner, it's easy to see why this Palestinian bakery has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many. The chai here is hands-down the best I've ever had--rich, fragrant, and perfectly spiced. Their baklava? Pure perfection. Each piece is a work of art, presented so beautifully that it's almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you'll want to!). The bakery pastries are just as incredible--flaky, flavorful, and always fresh. Beyond the treats, Yafa's commitment to the community shines through. It's a local business with an amazing staff who make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Plus, their stylishly designed packaging makes their desserts the perfect gift (if you can resist keeping them for yourself!). If you're looking for the best desserts in the city while supporting a business that genuinely cares, Yafa Bakery is the place to go. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Abdi M.

3 years ago

I recently visited this charming Palestinian pastry shop and was absolutely delighted by the experience. Despite the current circumstances, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a true neighborhood gem. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, adding to the overall positive vibe. The food was delightful, with a wonderful selection of pastries that left me craving for more. And let's not forget about their amazing chai - it was truly exceptional! Overall, it's a fantastic small business that deserves all the support it can get. I'll definitely be returning soon! read more

Edina M.

3 years ago

I cannot say enough good things about Yafa! From their exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff, to their delicious and beautiful desserts, wonderful drinks (the freshly squeezed lemonade is a must!), scrumptious breads and cozy atmosphere- what a treat! I especially recommend beautifully packaged and arranged boxes of sweets, customized to your liking, as a gift to your friends and family. Visit Yafa! read more

Sarah M.

Elite 26

407

171

341

1 year ago

I visited Yafa Baker & Café when I was visiting a friend in Somerville, and we had an amazing experience. We were welcomed with open arms and were offered samples of the baklava and chai. We shared the za'atar and some baklava, which were both fresh and delicious. The décor is thoughtfully designed and a beautiful celebration of Palestinian culture and history. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area! read more

Tora B.

5 days ago

Yes, that's it. I have never tried pastries from this culture, but it was phenomenal. Staff is very friendly and gave me samples. I'm a business partner but I'm not biased. I'm very surprised I enjoyed everything. Fresh pastries, what I assume is "halal" ingredients, great staff, and much more. Well worth the stop. read more

Juliet M.

1 year ago

I had the best experience here last night! The man working at the counter was so kind and helpful and everything he gave me to try was so delicious. I especially recommend trying the balloriya pistachio. The prices are super reasonable and it's really nicely decorated as well. I will definitely be coming back soon! read more

Eduardo B.

2 years ago

Outstanding chai tea, definitely a must try! The pastries are all good too, and the staff is very friendly.

Kathleen S.

1 year ago

The most amazing bakery and service!!! I would give 1000000 stars to this amazing bakery!!!

Afrah T.

4 years ago

Amazing service and amazing food!

Yafa Bakery & Cafe - bakeries - Updated September 2026

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The parking situation is a little tricky on the weekends (their lot is tiny) but if you snag a spot…read moreyou know it's a good day. We tried their Chocolate Hazelnut Baklava which was by far the best baklava we've had in Boston. The phyllo was so deliciously flaky and that choco hazelnut center was to die for. We also ended up bringing home some of their Earthquake & Chocolate Chip Cookies that were okay, just a tad too hard. The staff were very nice too. Overall a solid spot if you're craving some Middle Eastern delights! With the well done menu & homey atmosphere, it's understandable why they're always so busy.

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It was pretty average. I was fooled by Yelps' high 4.7 rating…read more Tri-berry Cheesecake Crêpe: The crêpes were made to order, and the wait was a bit long on Friday afternoon (about 15-20 minutes), but understandable. The crêpe itself was decent--soft yet chewy, not dry or oily, with a slightly rough surface and a pleasant natural wheat aroma. However, the filling was just strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a little berry jam--very perfunctory. The raspberries were soft and mushy, not fresh enough, and the blueberries were small and didn't blend well with the crêpe. Also, I couldn't taste any "cheesecake" at all. Cappuccino: The taste was also average, but it was a very large glass. The place was very hot; I'm curious how hot they had the heating on.

Jean is amazing, loved the cafe and loved Jean! Crepe was super delish and was warm and great to…read morehave on the spot

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This small corner bakery may be easy to miss, but it absolutely deserves more recognition. We…read moreordered the curry pan, the red bean salt bread, and the Matcha Sunrise, and every single item was delicious. The red bean salt bread was especially impressive. It had the perfect balance of sweet and salty with an incredibly soft, fluffy texture. There isn't any indoor or outdoor seating, so we took our food to go and enjoyed it while walking around the neighborhood.

I live right there. I have visited from their first day to current day. This is a great spot…read more Any inconsistency is just a business trying to understand, acknowledge, and improve. Every single time things went wrong, they went above and beyond: The first few weeks they opened, they were generous to give me "samples." These were full on pasteries I should've paid for. They gave them to show what they can offer. The ambiance is a simple front counter. They're busy for a good reason. This is well functioning, and their menu is worth the effort. I have not had a bad experience. Good quality ingredients, great staff, and fresh pastries.

Coffee Turco

4.4

(48 reviews)

Ambienting Life Experiences in Details all over…read more I feel most comfortable to hang out in here since I came in for the very first time Everyone was treating me like I am their closest friend. I had two Turkish coffees but I had credit card issues bank card problems so that I had to go visit my bank branch to get cash. Even so staff members never rushed me and patient with me all the time. They trusted me to leave shop to get money. Just so wonderful warm people are working there and including their customers as well. Lately I had a some unwanted unfortunate experiences at restaurants around but Coffee Turco's warm homemade love made my great day. What an pleasurable experience !! Definitely I will come back.

I've lived in Allston/Brighton for a couple years now and I finally checked this place out for the…read morefirst time today for brunch. I had a really great experience right off the bat. The woman at the counter was really sweet and accommodating and the interior of the cafe was really nice and cozy. We sat at one of the booths with cozy chairs and throw pillows and she brought us menus to look at. We ended up ordering the serpme breakfast which resembled a Turkish version of a charcuterie board that came with an assortment of cheeses and spreads, bread, fruits and vegetables, olives, an egg and sausage dish, and an egg and tomato dish. Everything on the board was delicious and we had a great time trying everything out. We also got two complimentary Turkish teas and ended up spending hours at the cafe. Would definitely go back again!

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My husband and I wish we could give this restaurant a rating higher than 5 star! We enjoyed…read moreeverything from the adorable outdoor space, to the exceptional service to one of the most delicious cream of wheat we've ever tasted. The owner was so sweet to us! We will definitely be back!

Some of the best breakfast I've ever had, chorizo, eggs, sweet bread, plantains, and the waffles…read morewere sooo good. Highly recommended, very cozy place with limited seating, but it's wayyy woth the wait.

Ola Gifts Cafe

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Oh my goodness what a gem. The workers were so helpful, so kind, and really gave us the best…read morelattes. I had a bagel and it was hot and delicious. They even sell chicha, a Peruvian drink I missed so much. For a small shop, they give great big happy vibes and I'm here for it. 10/10 recommend a latte and a smile here.

A local favorite. I love coming here and worth the 5 minute walk (although I would be more than…read morewilling to drive if I lived farther away). The coffee is at a good price, but my favorite part of Ola is the food. I almost always get their daily special which includes an egg and cheese on a croissant. They have a ton of other options for food as well that I need to try. They have an extensive section of syrup flavors. I also tend to just grab whatever they have as the special that day! Recently it has been more fall themed flavors. Please stop by!

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