Good brunch spot, ideal for gluten free diners and food allergy sufferers alike. Order through the manager for an accurate order and safe meal. Easy for group and kids, though the wait can be challenging on the weekends. read more

Get a good beer and a fantastic sandwich piled high in a cozy classic atmosphere. Their Reuben is to die for with delicious toasted pumpernickel and house made Russian dressing. We also suggest the New Yorker sandwich if you're really looking for a hearty meal- the pastrami and corned beef is piled close to 5 inches high! Plus the staff is kind and welcoming and the booths are cushy. All we want in a diner. We will surely return!! read more

Good, solid experience here. Fast service (not overly friendly but I won't split hairs). Food was tasty, both my friend and I enjoyed our meals. The Reuben Knish, you need to try it folks, wow. Give this place a try! read more

I love the empire eggs! Zaftigs is a true deli with all the Jewish faves you would expect. They are generous to the community and I like to support the restaurant. We have had several catering orders from here during the holidays and their knishes are fantastic! Expect a wait during the weekend before 12. Weekdays are easy peasy for a table. Plenty of parking in the plaza lot in front of the restaurant. Service is friendly and accommodating. They also have a a if you would like a Bloody Mary with your brunch or a cocktail with your dinner. Enjoy! read more

I really wanted to love this deli but as is often the case the food disappoints - corned beef chewy and tasteless - pastrami chewy and almost devoid of flavor - the chopped liver is very good / the matzoh ball soup is ok - the rye bread is all wrong -? dr Browns diet cream soda superb - you can take the boy out of New York but you can't serve him crappy deli food and expect to make a convert - ps did I mention that the meat was not properly sliced across the grain - but horror of all horrors - with it - sorry but that is completely bush league - pps - coated French fries ! how completely awful is that !! read more

Expensive and just average. I was so excited to get the Reuben. It is my favorite sandwich. Not impressed. Fries were cold and bland. I won't be back. read more

My daughter and I had a great lunch. The pastrami and potatoes pancakes were great! Wonderful comfort food. Harried deli service just the way I like it. We will be back! read more

I have had many good meals here in the past, so I generously gave a rating of 3. If I based my rating on today's visit only, I would've given a 1 or 2. Ordered salad with dressing on the side, but no dressing came. I had to ask the server 3 times for the dressing, as I watched the rest of my party eat their meals. Of the three orders of French toast (for my kids), 2 had portions that were soggy with raw eggs. I complained and another portion was brought 10 minutes later--also partially raw. It was nauseating. Gave all three of my kids preventative probiotics when we got home. Hoping they don't get sick. My husband's toast was completely burnt. Hard to enjoy a meal when so much is wrong. read more

So my husband and I were in MA this weekend for a Patriot game. Our hotel was in Framingham and we wanted good, local food, nothing commercial. We asked the hotel front desk where could we find such a place. She suggested Zaftigs and man oh man was I ever glad we listened. So unassuming because of its location in a strip mall. Christmas tree shop and other such places. When we walked in we were met with a warm decor and some good smelling food! The menu was very eclectic and inviting. We were there for breakfast and it did not disappoint. I had the ham and cheese benedict and my hunni had the south pacific eggs and chicken sausage. Delicious!!! The coffee was plentiful and the lemonade was on point. I have no problem returning if we are ever in this part of town. read more

Great Jewish style food, big portions too. The Natick satellite restaurant is just as good as the original in Brookline.

Great sandwich place hidden in a strip mall. Very good service, delicious food, and generous portions. Will return.

I had only been to the Brookline location previously before trying this one. Seating for 2 can make you feel in the way and cramped if you happen to get seated in the middle. So, go with a booth if possible. The sandwich i tried (beef brisket from deli section of menu) was probably a poor choice for my taste but i went for it anyhow. My girlfriend got french toast for brunch w/strawberries and they were scrumdiddalyomcious. Raspberry mojitos are a must! and the waitress was pretty laid back and friendly, too! Worth a visit if you are in that area. read more

Been searching for a good deli? This is not it. Overpriced and not authentic. The meat is just ok and the sandwich bread is not fresh (also bread is way to thick). I had breakfast there once, an apple cheddar omelet, the apples were too hard, needed more cooking to soften them. I gave them another try, this time I got take out sandwiches, my sister and I did not enjoy them per reasons I stated above. I went to the Natick deli. read more

Had a great lunch here!!! Drinks are really good. Potato salad was exceptional and the Nanny Fanny corned beef was great!! Great service and a lot of homemade goodies. read more

Food is always great here, however I prefer the Brookline location for its atmosphere and general feeling.

It's good. A little tight as far as room goes. The corned beef hash was different not bad just different. However our server was super nice

Yum! Great deli! Had classic corned beef, simple, perfect sandwich! The matzoh ball soup was the best!!!! I'll be back!!! Loved the comp chips and smear! read more

Zaftig's Banana Nut Bread is fantastic. The waitresses are quick and attentive. The coffee is fantastic. Every time I come to Natick, I try to stop for breakfast or lunch. The tuna sandwich is so big I have to split it or take 1/2 home. Nice. read more

Been there twice -- hot pastrami both times. Best I've ever had. Coffee & service great. Potato salad excellent. Came away comfortably full. Awfully noisy and tables too close together, but that's a deli. Joan & Ed's food almost never had any flavor. Went there starting at their place in Shopper's World. read more

I ate at the Brookline Zaftigs back in 1999 and loved it, then moved to the metrowest burbs. We have a ton of chains around the Natick Collection, though it is easy to tire of them all. Zaftigs took over the old Joan & Ed's deli spot near the Christmas Tree Shop. Joan & Ed's was outdated and overpriced. I don't know how they stayed open as long as they did! I was THRILLED when I saw Zaftig's had moved in. I have eaten there 5 times in 4 weeks. We are always greeted with a smile. The staff is courteous (my daughter dropped her magazine between the wall and her booth seat and the lengths the staff went through to get that magazine back, oy!) They serve crispy bagel chips and herbed cream cheese as soon as you are seated, yummy yummy! I The homemade matzoh ball soup is also quite good, though my little girl was overwhelmed by all the vegetables in it - something an adult appreciates though is lost on the little ones! The sandwiches are huge. My husband and I share everything. We shared a tuna melt last night, enjoyed it. We also shared a basic salad with balsamic vinegar dressing, it was fresh and we agreed it was good dressing. My father in law says the half sour pickles are like the ones they used to eat at Jewish delis when he was a kid in Brookline. It's clean. The front door area does have an area that separates those coming in from those waiting to be seated, which is nice so you don't get a blast of cold air as you wait. We always grab a cookie ($1) on the way out for dessert, they have two - sugar & chocolate chip. Last night we went and asked for one of each and before the fellow behind the counter got one out of the jar, he dashed to the kitchen and got us fresh warm ones (or maybe he microwaved them?) Didn't matter because they were JUST what we wanted, a warm cookie to head out the door with. I find the kid menu totally reasonable. Plus my kids love that they can get breakfast items for dinner! Their menu is extensive. They have a full bar and bar seating. It does get loud in there but it's family oriented, so what can you expect? I find it a plus, my kids can get noisy. *UPDATE SEPT 2011* I still love it! Update 9-25-12 Still love it! And the matzoh ball soup has gotten better. It used to be to onion-y. Now it's just right. read more

This is my go-to place for jewish penicillin. Their chicken noodle soup got me through 2012, when I was sick with the flu for like 6 months. It isn't as good as my place in DC was (Morty's - since closed as Morty retired) or my place in NYC, thus the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. Also, I find the prices a little high for what it is. BUt the flavors, both food and staff, are a real treat! read more

We love Zaftig's for breakfast on Sunday mornings, it's become a delicious tradition. Recently we went for lunch and the pulled brisket BBQ sandwich was great! We have a little boy and the waitress was sweet enough to take out some carrots from their chicken soup so he can enjoy it along side his mash potatoes (which he loved!!). Has to be the nicest and most thoughtful gesture a waitress as EVER made, thank you! read more

"You can't go wrong with the Challah French Toast." My 11 YO son. I whole-heartedly agree!!

We arrived at noon for a 1 hour lunch and didn't get our food until 1pm. The time on our receipt said 12:21 so it took 39 minutes to get our two $12 sandwiches. I had a greasy tuna melt that had had no flavor at all. The manager came over and said she noticed it took a long time and apologized. When it takes that long to get expensive sandwiches at a deli I would at least expect some kind of discount on the bill. read more

Joan & Ed's was tired long before it closed. Zaftigs arrived without notice but with intelligent, bright remodeling and basically the same menu as the long-standing Brookline location. if you like the original, you'll like the Natick offshoot. When my wife and were there on a weekday afternoon, it was uncrowded, everybody was friendly and one of the owners was on hand. Our waitress, Julie, is new to Zaftigs, but she has caught the spirit of the place: breezy, outgoing, willing to go out of her way to get anything you ask for. The grapenut pudding came with strawberries but without the advertised blueberries. Two minutes after we inquired, she brought a bowl of blueberries. The decor is modern, clean and bright. The floor was polished and spotless. read more

I love Zaftig's! I've been going to the one in Brookline for a couple years now, and love that they opened in Natick! The food is awesome, the staff is super cool and easy going! Try their Granola pancakes with Date Butter!!! One of the best thing I've ever ate!!! read more

When ever I'm in the mood for a great sandwich, this is where you will fine me. Its the only place in the burbs that i can get a hot beef tongue, pastrami & corned beef sandwich with sauerkraut and extra mustard along with a browns celery soda. The fresh pickles are awesome! The banana french toast and cheese blintzes is also really good. Although i would pass on the frozen blueberries in the mixed berries that garnish the french toast. The cole slaw and potato salad lack flavor. Stick with the fries. Its very clean. Has a nice atmosphere. A little overpriced and the service is mediocre, But the food is good. read more

Where to begin... We showed up on a Sunday for breakfast but went late and thought due to the time we would get quick seating. However, at 1:30pm the place was packed! We took a seat and waited our 15 miinutes to be seated. The atmosphere was very cozy. Partially due to the fact that they had us packed in there like sardines, but the colors and decor was also inviting. We had fast service given the crowd. The complimentary bagel crisps were amazing!!!!!!! By far one of the best treats ever. The cream cheese dip was very unique and delicious. Our meal took a little bit longer to arrive but worth the wait for the most part. The eggs were cooked perfect! We have been tasting breakfast joints for months and these egg were quality. The home-fries get split reviews. We enjoyed the deep fried texture but thought they could have been seasoned better. The fruit salad was a nice treat but a bit skimpy. The chocolate chip pancakes were delicious especially with the strawberry butter they provided. Overall we would say prices were reasonable and we would definitely go back again! read more

As much as I miss Joan and Ed's deli, I can take comfort in the fact that Zaftig's provides an eating experience just as good. They even have a menu item paying homage to Joan and Ed. I usually take my family here for weekend brunch. The restaurant stays fairly busy, but wait times usually don't exceed 20 minutes (maybe I'm just lucky). The kids are happy with the chocolate-raspberry french toast or the chocolate chip pancakes. The wife typically is satisfied with the Reuben or Rachel, depending on her attitude toward sauerkraut that day. I was relieved to find my old-standby, the brisket-latke sandwich. Nice, fluffy kaiser-roll encompassing a crunchy, yet tender potato pancake and the juiciest sliced brisket. The one element that sells this sandwich, though, is the pot-roast-like dipping sauce. Savory and addictive. Granted, the brisket sandwich that Joan and Ed served was smaller, but also less expensive. In this day and age, I can understand Zaftig's for asking more and providing more. The beverages are also great. Iced tea is clean-tasting, refreshing, and unsweetened. Zaftig's knows how to make a chocolate soda. I happen to like their cole-slaw appetizer as well: Not tangy, but crisp, creamy, and crunchy. I wish I could comment on their dessert offerings, but I always end up too-full from the sandwiches. They look absolutely scrumptious behind the glass. Parking is free and plentiful. Waitstaff are attentive, even during the busiest of brunches. read more

Wow! This is my favorite destination for comfort food that I cannot make at home. Ample parking with a friendly staff, this is a great option for those lazy savory Saturday brunches. The waitstaff was exceedingly attentive with great recommendations on-hand. I really dig the rueben as well as the matzo ball soup. The establishment tends to get a bit busy on weekends, but the wait isn't terrible. When all else fails, the waiting area is very comfortable. read more

Worst deli ever. Makes me miss Joan & Eds, which sucked in its own right after leaving Shoppers World. FAR above the price range for their flavorless and meager sized portions. Their Brookline joint may draw raves but this location is dreadful. Not worth it and nowhere near what a true delicatessen should be. Dont waste your time and $$ read more

Great service and food! A treasure hidden in a strip mall, but definitely worth checking out. The sandwiches are huge and tasty, great other cuisine as well. read more

I just don't get how so many are giving this place 4 and 5 stars. I went there this evening with two friends, and the food was, at best, so so. The Reuben was greasy and there wasn't much meat. The fries were okay, but I have had better, crispier fries at many other diners. The bread pudding was a huge let down. While the serving size was large, it was clearly microwaved, as what was once brown and crisp was now gummy and chewy. Also, it was extremely hot, but not in a good 'fresh from the oven' way...And, there was whip cream out of a can...such a disappointment from someplace that people rave about. The service was polite, but nothing beyond the minimum. For example, we shared a dessert, but there was no extra plate, just another fork. While the extra fork was appropriate, the waitperson certainly didn't go out of her way to do anything beyond the minimum expectation, although we had even asked if we could have another plate. Just don't think we'll be going back. read more

Come here couple times a month with family. Love the Lenox omelet! No sun dried tomatoes though! They give a good portion of goat cheese too! Breakfast potatoes are great with cheese and scallions. We love it here. read more

Great food! Great service! Really busy place, though. We made a reservation and it saved us a giant wait. The bacon, egg, and cheese was one of the best I have had and that is my go-to breakfast when checking out a new place. Definitely check it out. read more

Restaurant seems to have changed since our last time. Service was absurdly slow considering many tables were empty; several of our orders were incorrect; quality of food was fair. Best part of meal were bagel chips/spread. We don't recall being charged for pickled before so the extra $12 was a surprise when one expects pickles at a deli. We're done with Zaftigs. read more

My boyfriend and I come here for brunch a couple times a month. The food is always delicious and the coffee hot. Love this place!

THIS PLACE IS SO DELICIOUS. I love the bagel chips!!!! They have a great raspberry mimosa as well -- so good. Fun for everyone, something for everyone, great place for lunch. Or any meal, really. read more

Lisa P. Worcester Meet my cousin for a nice Jewish sandwich and boy we were both disappointed. Our sandwiches and the pickle were boring. Sure they pile on all this meat it looks good but flavorless. Most likely will not go again. read more

Good service, good food, love the bagel chips and smear, however I find that it is extremely overpriced for what you get. I ordered eggs benedict, which was listed that it came with fruit and homefries for $14.95. This price is already steep for benedict compared to other restaurants in the area, but I went for it, figuring that the dish would be plentiful. It was not. Both muffins had the smallest sliver of ham on it that I had ever seen, maybe half the size of the muffin itself. I received maybe 5 homefries and a small sliver of cantaloupe and honeydew with it. The dish was good, but the amount of ham on the muffins was pitiful. Save your money and go to Kugels in Framingham. read more

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