In a vibrant celebration of Greater Boston’s food scene, The Boston Globe has unveiled its 2025 edition of the Best of the Best list, showcasing the most beloved food spots as chosen by readers.
For the second consecutive year, Globe reporters and correspondents gathered the community’s top picks from local eateries, and the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, especially around food topics.
Starting with sandwiches, a staple of Boston cuisine, readers voiced unwavering loyalty to their favorite shops. Sam LaGrassa’s emerged as a frontrunner, with Joe from Quincy lauding it as “the best sandwiches in Boston.” Another reader added, “Any ‘best sandwich’ list without Sam LaGrassa’s on it is not a credible list.”
Located at 44 Province Street, this sandwich haven can be reached at 617-357-6861 and online at samlagrassas.com.
Paulie’s North End also won over the hearts of readers, highlighted by remarks about its delicious lobster rolls. With an address at 65 Salem Street, Boston, locals can call them at 857-284-7064 or check out paulisnorthend.com.
Market Basket received praise for its affordable large sandwiches, with a reader commenting, “Market Basket makes a great LG sandwich for $4.99.” This popular grocery store can be found at 400 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, and reached at 617-666-2420 or shopmarketbasket.com.
Following sandwiches, the reader’s top bakery selections offered a glimpse into their sweet tooth. Drive-By Pies Bake Shop was a favorite, with one reader exclaiming, “Drive-By Pies in Brookline … Best pies ever, especially cream pies.” Located at 248A Cypress Street, Brookline, it can be reached at 617-879-6210 or found at drive-bypies.com.
Verveine Cafe & Bakery also garnered admiration, particularly for its gluten-free options, with a fan noting it’s a go-to spot even for those without dietary restrictions. Situated at 298 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Verveine can be reached at 617-395-3125 and verveinecafe.com.
Michette, a French bakery in East Somerville, captured attention for its delightful offerings, with one reader insisting, “Please, Michette in East Somerville! Another baker from France.” It’s located at 164 Broadway, Somerville, and can be called at 339-241-2416 or michette-bakery.com.
Next, readers reflected on their favorite neighborhood restaurants, many describing them as extensions of home. The Pleasant Cafe in Roslindale earned accolades for its classic ambiance, with TIM02144 declaring it, “the classic Boston-area neighborhood restaurant.” Their address is 4515 Washington Street, Roslindale, and they can be reached at 617-323-2111 or on facebook.com/pleasantcafe.
Another popular spot, Galway House, impressed diners with its affordable and enjoyable meals, attracting remarks like, “Galway House, serving up phenomenal, reasonably priced meals for decades in a wicked fun environment!” Readers can find it at 710 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, or call 617-524-9677, and visit galwayhousejp.com.
Moonshine 152 in South Boston also made the list, with fans urging others to “drop in for the amazing and creative food.” This restaurant is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston, and can be contacted at 617-752-4191 or moonshine152.com.
When it comes to doughnuts, loyal fans voiced their favorites, including a well-known Canton-based chain. Dunkin’ was humorously missed by one reader who questioned, “Where’s Dunky D’s? Must be an oversight.” The chain boasts multiple locations, reachable at 800-859-5339 or dunkindonuts.com.
Linda’s Donuts in Belmont was praised for its large, classic varieties like honey-dipped and chocolate glazed. One reader stated, “My go to is Linda’s Donuts in Belmont.” This beloved spot is located at 247 Belmont Street, Belmont, and can be reached at 617-484-9844 or on instagram.com/lindasdonutsbelmont.
Lyndell’s Bakery was also highlighted, with a reader commenting on their delightful donuts and affordable deals, stating, “Lyndell’s makes great donuts and you can get a donut and a small coffee for $5.” Located at 720 Broadway, Somerville, it can be reached at 617-625-1793 or lyndells.com.
Switching gears to ice cream, readers shared where to find their favorite sweet treats. Gracie’s Ice Cream, located at 22 Union Square, Somerville, seems to be a crowd favorite, as one reader noted their unbeatable variety. They can be contacted at 617-764-5294 or gracies-ice-cream.square.site.
Lazy Bear Creamery, known for its quality in Dorchester, also received praise with one comment expressing enjoyment of the flavors. It is located at 383 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester, and can be reached at 617-992-2597 or lazybearcreamery.com.
Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream, a staple after Sox games for years, continues to attract fans. One reader recalled, “For over 40 years, it’s been Emack & Bolios.” This establishment is located at 290 Newbury Street, Boston, and can be reached at 617-536-7127 and emackandbolios.com.
Finally, readers have also expressed their opinions on where to find the best burgers in the area. Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille was favored for its excellent offerings and affordable oysters, with Markar stating, “Fin Point, best burger and hand cut fries. Outstanding $1.00 oysters from 2:00-5:00.” Located at 89 Broad Street, Boston, they can be reached at 617-348-1234 or finpointrestaurant.com.
Wheelhouse Boston, especially noted for its Breakfast Burger, received strong support from regulars, with one reader saying, “Wheelhouse belongs on ANY list of Boston’s best burgers.” They can be found at 100 High Street, Boston, and reached at 857-315-5138 or wheelhouseboston.com.
Lastly, readers shared their favorite pizza spots, with Pleasant Cafe once again mentioned for its classic offerings. Another mention was Descendant Detroit Style Pizza, celebrated for its quality crust and toppings, with one reader exclaiming, “a newcomer to our Boston scene that I don’t see mentioned here.” This pizzeria is located at 800 Boylston Street #123, Boston, and can be contacted at 617-544-0417 or at prudential.descendantdsp.com.
image source from：bostonglobe
