I stop here whenever i get to Boston to visit my daughter. The matzo ball soup is delish & deli sandwiches yummy as any other good deli i've visited! And they always seem to be stocked with the celery soda that is tough to get on the west coast. Go early especially on weekend when there always seems to be a line. Can't wait to get back here soon. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Matzo ball soup & celery soda - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I'd heard about this spot from people all around ever since moving to Boston and I finally understand why: Zaftigs is the perfect representation of traditional Jewish home style cooking in Boston! The atmosphere is so nostalgic and warming from the moment you step inside, like a true classic neighborhood diner. The staff is incredibly kind and friendly making the experience all the more welcoming. And when it comes to the food itself, it's like a nice big hug to seal the deal. The flavors are tasty and satisfying without being anything over the top. Also, their many has a wide variety of options ranging from familiar diner foods to some unique Jewish specials that you can't find just anywhere. This place is great for a casual bite to eat for really any meal (plus they serve breakfast all day)! I'll definitely be back to try their breakfast too, but I must say their lunch/dinner foods also don't disappoint: the latkes and matzo ball soup are a must!! read more

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The matzo ball soup is amazing and I'm used to a Jewish mother's matzo ball soup! I got the San Francisco special, which was good but it felt under seasoned. The home fries were nice and crispy. The food came out fast and they were great at refilling our coffee! The place gets busy and they don't take reservations so keep that in mind. The prices are also reasonable so I recommend for a nice breakfast in Brookline but it's not the best breakfast I've had read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - San Francisco Joe's Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Perfect Jewish deli/diner for taking family from out of town! Love the knishes, omelettes, and my friend said the pastrami sandwich was delicious. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Zaftig Combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I loved Zaftigs! Came here upon a fantastic recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint. First of all the ambience here is so fun. It's very chill, laid-back and lots of good vibes. Lots of tables so we didn't have to wait long to be seated but I'm sure it gets pretty packed especially during brunch time on the weekends. Menu-wise, there really is something here for everybody. They offer their brunch menu all day. They have a lot of good looking pancakes and sandwiches as well as Jewish bakery items like their bagels that are on sale in the front. The staff seem to love their job and are not only friendly with each other, but great with the customers and will give you great recommendations if you are stuck between what to order. My friends tried the Reuben sandwich, the New Yorker sandwich, and the tuna melt sandwich, which they all loved. I got the roasted vegetable wrap, which was also really good. I appreciated that the menu has quite a few vegan and vegetarian options and easily indicate that on the menu. I think the dishes are pretty fairly priced and you get a good portion which I definitely appreciate. We all love our sandwiches but I would say the Reuben sandwich was probably the favorite among my friends. The fries were also very good which I don't always find to be the case at restaurants. Next time, I definitely wanna check out the brunch menu. From what I saw all the dishes looked amazing so I can't wait to be back! Would highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area! read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Roasted Vegetable Wrap with fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I must say that I was less than impressed on my last trip to Zaftigs. I had not been in a while, and when my friend wanted to have lunch at Zaftigs, I decided to give it another try after being disappointed several years ago. Unfortunately, Zaftigs has not improved and may have slipped further. The decor is busy, with hardscape elements that echo, making conversation at a small 2-top almost impossible. The tables are quite close together, so if it were quieter, you would be part of your neighbor's conversation as well. I had the Rachel sandwich that was soggy and pretty tasteless. I upgraded to the potato pancake-a huge mistake. It was an inedible hockey puck. Our server was pleasant but not very attentive, and never questioned why the potato pancake only had a bit out of it. My friend had the turkey chili, which she indicated was decent, though it was not overly flavorful. There are so many options in Coolidge Corner; do not waste your time or money here. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Turkey Chili - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I have driven by Zaftigs so many times but never stopped in. Huge mistake. This place is fantastic. Very impressive. Tremendous breakfast. Parking is on the street. No lot. Sorry folks. You find a spot, you take the win. We walked in and they treated us very nicely. Friendly. Fast. Sat us right away. The kind of service you wish every restaurant had but almost none do. Now the food. My son had the stuffed banana French toast with berries. Enormous. Beautiful. He absolutely loved it. I had the sunny side up egg sandwich with bacon, tomato, and lettuce. Excellent flavor. Got a little messy at the end but that is perfectly fine. The potatoes were crispy and actually seasoned. Not the sad, soggy stuff you get at the weaker places. We ordered the blueberry pancake stack. Three big pancakes. Comes with syrup and a strawberry butter that was surprisingly amazing. Pancakes were a little dry, so do the smart thing and ask for extra syrup. Trust me. My wife had the eggs benedict. She said it was fantastic. Perfect eggs. Perfect sauce. No complaints. Zero. Coffee was great. Apple juice great. The bill was ninety one dollars before tip. Zaftigs is a winner. Great food. Great service. Highly recommended. read more

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I've been to a lot of Jewish delis over the years (grew up Jewish, so delis were basically part of everyday life), and Zaftigs definitely brought back some of that feeling. The food was good -- not quite at the level of the classic delis I grew up with, but still solid. The pickles were incredible, easily the highlight and exactly how I remember them should be. The only hiccup was with the order and service -- little things like cheese showing up when it wasn't supposed to, onions added when I hadn't asked for them, and a couple of small items missing. Nothing that ruined the meal, but it did stand out. Overall though, it's a good spot that captures some of that deli nostalgia, even if it's not perfect. read more

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Today for no apparent reason, I was in the mood for comfort food and I ordered the turkey dinner. OMG, that gravy should have its own food group. I mean everything else was nice, but that was so delicious and it's now hours later and that's all I can think about. Turkey 10/10. I also ordered a blonde brownie, which I am very disappointed, the bag was full of grease, but the brownie was dry and tasteless. If I was in the restaurant, I would've asked for a replacement, but since I had delivered, it just hit the bin and I wasted money. read more

Great food and ambiance. The service was a little slow, but we weren't in a rush. So, all good. This place is good as is the Natick Location. Go for it. read more

A perfect brunch day! I stopped in while my car was being serviced down the street, and so glad I did. The staff directed me to the bar area, and were so warm and inviting. My server recommended the challah French toast, which I ordered with fresh berries and a side of bacon. Now I'm hooked! It's officially my favorite place for French toast, no where else in Boston compares!!! My mimosa was perfect. It was pricey but worth every bite!! read more

Zaftigs, is a very, very busy restaurant. They did their best to provide good service and based on the wait they have a loyal following of customers. Food quality was above average but based on the wait it was good but difficult to recommend for future return based on the wait. Once seated the service was above average and recommended returning if you can sit at the counter. read more

First time visiting this location. We usually visit the Natick location. Ordered the bowl of Matzah ball chicken noodle soup. A turkey sandwich on ciesel bread with the potato pancake add on extra for 2 bucks . Well , my soup was absent of any chicken, no carrots or vegetables, noodles a few, the Matzah ball was good and no issues with the ball. Disappointing Issue was it had no chicken . It appears the server when ladling soup into my bowl ... said no chicken for him and no carrots either ...The same I had at Natick location was excellent and was bountiful with ingredients and chicken... this soup was what attracts me to Zatfigs. Turkey sandwich needed a bit more turkey and was good and with fresh red onion, tomato, Russian dressing , Lettuce was very good. place was crowded as a Saturday and really noisy vs. the Natick location. Parking next to impossible if driving for Brookline. The potato pancake is the star today. Anyway.... I like the Natick spot and I'll be back. read more

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Food was decent but not nearly as good as in the past. No more Rumanian pastrami on the menu. The sandwiches were average size and rather bland. Quite unlike the overstuffed, super flavorful sandwiches I remember from years past. I bought 8 pieces of rugelach which turned out to be a big mistake. One, they were two to three times the size of typical rugelach. I didn't notice this when they were all piled up. When I tried one later on that day, I practically gagged. They were crazy heavy with little filling and super dry. I threw away $20 on rugelach that I literally threw away. All I can say is stay away from the rugelach! The service was good and the server was pleasant. I don't think I'll be going back there and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone anymore. read more

A neighborhood favorite (and I feel lucky to live so close by)! We love Zaftig's for brunch or lunch, it's truly a homey meal every time. I tried the pastrami sandwich for the first time and it was DELICIOUS! Normally I get the chicken sandwich which is also a great choice (super impressive chicken). The sandwiches come with a side and I normally get the salad which is so satisfying and refreshing. The coffee is also such a great deal (free refills) and our server always impresses us with her ability to memorize every order without writing anything down (so sweet too). read more

Food lacks flavor! Everything looks amazing but fails the taste test! I ordered Empire Eggs Benedict--hollandaise had a nice creamy texture but no flavor, same problem with the potato pancake--a prime reason for ordering the dish. Again: looked great/no taste! I actually had to put lots of salt and pepper to make it palatable, something I almost never do. read more

My first long-anticipated visit to Zaftig's was today! It's the little things, -- the incredible applesauce surrounding their legendary potato latkes, the strawberry in-house whipped butter for their pancakes & challah french toast, the creative combinations like the knish, noodle kugel & cheese blintz sampler platter and the Empire Eggs. Server was old-school enough to remember our complicated order without writing it down. A unique East coast experience that did not disappoint. read more

The pancakes I got were so over cooked that they were totally dry and I had trouble cutting through the bottom of them. They were barely edible When I left about 75% of my meal uneaten the server didn't seem to notice or care. He was clearing the table when I came back from the men's rom and I commented that they were overcooked and either didn't hear me or ignored me. My 8 year old grandson can make pancakes that are excellent, I don't see why doing this was beyond Zaftig's ability. On the bill I wrote a note that the pancakes were overcooked. read more

Great brunch across the board. Their turkey and brisket dinners are also both excellent. Their pastrami and corned beef are a bit dry and not as tender as you might find in a lot of places, both in the Boston area and in the New York area. That might be a good thing for folks that like a leaner style. They're still pretty good sandwiches but, if I'm going to indulge in a big ol' pile of pastrami and/corned beef, there are a couple of other places in the area that I prefer. Still, a really good restaurant. Definitely try for brunch at the very least. read more

Another great brunch. Enjoyed the monte cristo sandwich with fries today. The sandwich is the perfect combination of sweet and savory made with french toast. Perfectly crispy French fries. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I just had my best Corned Beef sandwich that I've had in years. My New York background i haven't had such a fantastic warm sandwich with mustard and coke slaw. They even have sour pickles. Mmmmmm read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Zaftigs is a wonderful Brookline neighborhood traditional diner. Gorgeous dining room, bar and walk up pastries counter. I had the egg white build your own omelette w salad. Excellent. Staff are abundant and friendly. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Build your own omelette with salad. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Three words: Jewish Deli Heaven! We stopped by on a Sunday late morning with a line out the door but a 20 minute wait went by fast and was well worth it. This place is cozy inside and bustling! The menu is extensive so no worries if you are a picky eater- they will have something for you! Service was fast and attentive to our needs. We discussed splitting options and the food was complimentarily split on separate plates for us. The loaded latkes were delicious and fluffy! The bagel is always a classic go-to - it was a little too toasted for my liking but still yummy. The New Yorker sandwich was amazing with moist, tasty meat and a beautiful sourdough bread. The pickle plate was awesome and served with the sandwich. We will be coming back again (and again and again)! read more

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First timer. Definitely need to stop by if you're ever in the area. Large portions of food! You will not leave hungry! Service is quick and friendly. Ordered the Empire, Reuben and Chicken soup. Food was delicious. We arrived a little before noon and the place was already packed. Wait wasn't long, but make sure entire party is there, otherwise they cannot seat you. Fair enough. We will be back to try some other goodies!! read more

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Whenever I go home I try my best to hit up this spot for breakfast. The Banana Pancakes and challah French Toast with a side of Applewood smoked Bacon is my go-to. The Corned Beef Hash was delicious too and the poached egg was done to perfection. Service is always spot-on efficient without making you feel rush, although they often have a line of people waiting to get in. Parking is street only - so it's best to come early enough to find parking. They don't take reservations but you can call ahead and inquire as to how long the wait is ahead of time. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Banana Stuffed French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

We picked Zaftigs for three main reasons: 1) it was recommended by our Air BNB host (and had other good reviews), 2) it was within walking distance, 3) it advertised gluten-free bagels. Well, we get there and learn they're out of gluten-free bagels. Then, they tell me they can't prepare their breakfast potatoes gluten-free (many other restaurants will cook them on a griddle or in a skillet instead of in the fryer). To make up for that, the subbed two slices of orange. Really? That said, the coffee was decent and my apple and cheddar omelet was delicious. The atmosphere was old-school family, which is fine, but our booth did feel a little closed in. Probably more so because we were right next to the take-out pick-up area. If you're in the area and don't have special dietary needs, this may be a great choice for you, but I don't recommend going out of your way for it. read more

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We had been eyeing Zaftigs for a little while, and finally made the visit this year! I am so glad that we did, and can't wait to come back again soon. They have a huge menu with tons of vegetarian options and classic deli favorites. We ordered a TON of food (warning: the serving sizes are pretty big!) and loved every single thing. The service was outstanding, and it is really fun in there! We did have to wait a bit for a table, but it was worth the wait. We can't wait to come back again soon! read more

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Reuben was veryyy soggy and bread was falling apart on the bottom slice. Potato salad had absolutely no flavor and tasted like slop. Cobb salad was good but it's hard to mess that up. Waited at the front to be seated for 10 mins. Service wasn't that great either. I don't think i'll be back read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Reuben Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Really awesome spot. Deli / Diner with a nice throwback vibe to it - the music was on point too, very... 2008. in a good way. Latkes were tasty with the cheddar, sour cream and bacon. Basic breakfast was perfect too - asked for a custom breakfast burrito and they obliged me. Home fries were incredible - crispy with cheese on top. Service was fast and it was surprisingly not too busy on a Sunday around 9:30/10am. I'll be back! read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Home Fries Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Me and my Mother came in for breakfast Wednesday morning 6/12/24 around 10am. I haven't been here in about 2 yrs I think. Our server was Sherri she's been here awhile long time, she remembered us! She's great very welcoming and has great customer service I got a bowl oatmeal and I also got avocado toast with a poached egg on top and some greens and pickled onions on salad got a side of chicken sausage,. My mother got eggs pork sausage Sourdough bread. Sherri check back with us to see if the food was good and did we need anything else. It was a delicious breakfast and food was great, everything was fresh tasting and well cooked. When I came back next time I will ask to be seated in Sherri section because she is awesome and has excellent customer service skills and friendly! read more

The crew at Zaftig's is always so relaxed and pleasant to be around. I always have a lovely time when I come by, and it's not always with a friend. The bar seating is perfect for solo diners -- comfortable and with a dedicated staff. I love being able to get motzah ball soup with omelettes and latkes all at once. Always feels homemade and with my comfort in mind. read more

Delicious sweets, nice vibe! It was a good experience in trying something new to me.Recommend!!

Came on a Wednesday morning with a reservation and were quickly seated. We got the Challah French Toast and Empire Eggs. We've come before for the french toast, and it had hit differently. The first time, it was by far superior to another other French toast we'd had - perfectly crispy and fluffy. This time, it tasted like normal French toast - still good but nothing spectacular. We were thinking perhaps this joint is best over the weekends with a different chef. The food was still good though and service was excellent, so a great brunch spot nonetheless. Looking forward to revisiting on a weekend! read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Challah French Toast Empire Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Food was great. Services was excellent. Ambiance can feel a little busy and crowded for Sunday brunch.

I recently found this spot after being in the area for about a year and like it a lot. The food is good with healthy portions and the service is friendly. Robert, the host, is great and is a big reason why I come back. He recognizes me when I come in and makes me feel at home which really enhances the neighborhood feel for me. read more

I wanted to stop in for a quick bite in Brookline, and was recommended Zaftigs by a friend. They do have a full breakfast menu, so there were plenty of options, but like I said I just wanted something smaller, so I decided to go with a bagel with schmear. So I got an everything bagel toasted with herbed cream cheese. The bagel itself was very good, a nice crunchy exterior with a soft and warm interior. The seasoning was very delicious and flavorful, certainly an everything bagel done right! The cream cheese was probably my favorite part, as it was very rich and again full of that herb flavor. My only complaint would be that I wish I got more cream cheese! But overall the price is also very fair for what you get. I'm definitely happy I got to try out Zaftigs and perhaps I will be back another time to try more of the menu in the future! read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Herbed Cream Cheese on Everything Bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Such a wonderful place--seriously the best bagel I have ever eaten. Latkes were tasty.

Below average , chat gpt recommended this place as the #1 breakfast spot , so we decided to try it out , service was hurried , coffee was cold , I asked for an extra hot latte specifically with an extra shot , no shot , no hot , I fact it was not even luke warm , the challah French toast was the only thing that seemed good when it came out hot but that ended up being average too , the Benedict was okay , the omelette was bland , the pancakes were not good . The burrito was the only item that was good . All in all a disappointment. I wish I trusted my instincts and chose Tates instead , we did have a terrific experience there , sadly not here read more

Not only was the food outstanding and exactly what I'd been missing from home but the customer service was of a level that you don't see much anymore. I proactively searched where to leave a review. They deserve everyone's business. You will not be disappointed. Thank you. read more

After a long morning of walking around the neighborhood, Zaftigs was a bustling yet cozy spot to warm up, refuel, and rest our weary legs. The menu immediately felt familiar, diner classics with a Jewish twist. When I enter a diner like this, I immediately crave a tuna melt. The Zaftigs tuna melt was leveled-up version of the diner classic I'm familiar with, but it absolutely hit the spot. I was so glad we ordered the pickle plate because the half sour that came with my melt would not have been enough. What absolutely blew me away was their famous matzo ball soup. My friend mentioned it was delicious but it was pretty close to perfect. I would never dare say better than my grandmas but... The latkes were tasty too though I honestly prefer a thinner latke with Mott's rather than fresh apple sauce. The service was slow but it was perfectly fine since we were there for a leisurely lunch. Can't wait to try more of the menu! read more

Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline - Tuna Melt Sandwich, Mixed Pickle Plate, latkes, The Pastrami Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts