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    Brookline Lunch

    4.1 (736 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

    Brookline Lunch Photos

    BROOKLINE LUNCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Brookline Lunch

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    Baklava pancakes, Zaatar bowl, Shakshuka
    Hind A.

    My absolute favorite spot in Boston. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is unmatched, and knowing it's family-run makes it even more special. Everything feels homemade and full of heart, and you can truly taste the care in every dish. The family who runs it is so warm and wonderful, which makes the whole experience even better. I really love this place and hope everyone gets a chance to try it and experience how special it is. Just make sure to bring cash!

    Baklava pancakes - Three pancakes are stacked on a white plate, topped with green powder and small fruit chunks. Syrup is drizzled around the pancakes, and the plate is placed on a dark table. In the background, there is a bowl of salad with vegetables and a small cup of coffee or espresso.
    Sneha S.

    This is a nice hipstery brunch place with great food. The tables and decor are cool and artsy. The menu is unique, especially the baklava pancakes were delicious. I'm honestly still thinking about them! Service was good, albeit a little rushed because of how busy it was there. They also didn't have tap water and only sell it by the bottle which I found odd. It also was really loud inside, which I know is a trend nowadays for late night dinner places but kinda jarring for brunch. Being cash only also makes it a bit difficult, since most of my friends and I don't carry cash usually. But the food was so good that it's still 4 stars!

    Tarun B.

    I came here for lunch last Sunday and there was a line across the block. My friend highly recommended this place so we managed to stay in line long enough to enter. It was very warm and humid inside the restaurant. They should get a stronger AC system to let their patrons enjoy their meal. We were given a table on the side. They have a brick wall where several people have written messages on it. It is a cool way to build your restaurant with a community feel. The waitress mentioned that this was a cash only restaurant which is understandable even though I don't usually carry much cash with me. I ordered the Greek omelet and my friend ordered the breakfast platter which came with two eggs and toast. We ordered iced coffees to drink. It was a cheap cost for a quick egg breakfast that you usually don't find anywhere else in Cambridge. My Greek omelet was decent. It was mostly overpowered by the large amount of feta cheese. There were more vegetables than eggs which I didn't like. I didn't end up finishing all of the peppers that were on my plate. Overall the food was okay but I probably will try somewhere else next time. I would personally go somewhere that has air conditioning and accepts credit cards for easier payment.

    Cheryl P.

    This is such a gem of a restaurant in Central Square! My friend brought me here for brunch and we had such a lovely time - we walked in without a reservation around 11:30 on a wekeday and were quickly sat down at a table (only downside was that our benches were a tiny bit wobbly and everytime someone behind me moved around, I felt it, but it wasn't overly bothersome!). Everything on the menu looked super tasty and when we glanced around at everyone else's food, it only confirmed that we couldn't go wrong with anything that we ordered! While the baklava pancakes are what the restaurant is most famous for, we were both in more of a savory mood. My friend ordered one of their eggs benedicts and hot coffee while I got their spicy sausage shakshuka and I couldn't resist getting a hot chocolate. The portion sizes are super impressive! Both of our plates were about ~$15-17 and we were blown away by how much food there was, as well as the service! I really enjoyed my shakshuka - the plate comes with so many components - home fries, roasted veggies, beets, cabbage, sausage, and poached eggs, and everything mixed together tasted so fresh and flavorful! It normally also comes with naan but they're very accommodating with a gluten allergy, they just don't have a substitute for it. They're also quite heavyhanded with the amount of feta cheese they add to the dish (as you can see in the picture) which is great if you're a fan and even though I'm not the biggest fan of the cheese myself, I didn't mind it that much! I've seen reviews about the place being cash-only but they do take card (maybe it's a new recent change) and there were absolutely no issues at all!

    Turkish Coffee
    Sakurako K.

    This place is the definition of what everyone wants when they say, "a hole in the wall"-- it's eclectic, no frills, but has delicious food at an affordable price and located in the convenient and bustling, Central Square. My husband and I love the Middle Eastern twist on a lot of the brunch favorites, and he also enjoyed getting a Turkish coffee outside of just Andala (which is also very close to Brookline Lunch). The Baklava pancake looked like it would be overly sweet but actually had the right amount of syrupy sweetness without it being overwhelming. Their spicy sausage shakshuka was also a nice variation on a brunch classic. Service was fast and friendly, the owner gave all the customers a cold water bottle since this was in the middle of August and unfortunately they have no AC. Would definitely come back, make sure you bring cash!

    Za'atar egg bowl
    Zara A.

    Had the best brunch here, it is definitely worth the wait & cash only experience! Once we got our orders in, the food came out pretty quickly. We were entertained by the heavily decorated walls and tables, filled with movie posters, license plates, and handwritten messages. I ordered the za'atar egg bowl and loved the mix of veggies that came with it, the pita bread tasted super fresh too. My friends ordered the shakshuka and Jerusalem omelette, and we all really enjoyed each of our dishes. The baklava pancakes were absolutely unforgettable. They came out first and we couldn't resist having a few bites before our mains, it was also the best last bite of the meal!

    Photo and graffiti wall
    Masmin P.

    This place is popular for a reason- good hearty food, reasonably priced, cosy interior. Service is quick. It was relatively quiet on Xmas Eve (ie. almost every table was taken but without the long line outside!) The home fries were outstanding, and we enjoyed everything we ordered- eggs Florentine, egg and cheese sandwich, blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs.

    Veggie sandwich
    Rebecca D.

    I have lived in the area for a while and been curious about this place since there is basically always a line going out the door. Well I finally tried it and I have to say, I get the hype! I came on a Saturday at 11:15 and waited in line about a half an hour to be seated. The line looks intimidating but it does move along at a reasonable pace. We got our drinks - coffee and water (they only had bottled) - pretty much right away. Service was quick and friendly. I ordered the Za'atar egg bowl and loved it! It comes with 2 poached eggs, home fries, naan bread, feta, and lots of veggies, both cooked and fresh. It was delicious, flavorful, and very filling! Great portion for what you pay. The only downside - and the reason I'm rating four stars instead of five - is that it is SO loud. I had to basically shout to be heard over the noise. I think if I come back, it will be on a weekday to see if things are quieter then. I do still need to try the famous baklava pancakes so I will be back!

    Christine W.

    I've wanted to try Brookline lunch for a while now and I finally had the chance to try it. I got there early on a Saturday and there was a line. I waited 30 minutes and was able to get a table for two. The restaurant is no frills and they're also cash only - so make sure you have cash on hand. There isn't a lot of AC inside either. The service is relatively quick and the portion sizes are big. I got the baklava pancake and the Shakshuka and they were both good.

    Brunch
    Allison L.

    There are plenty of reasons why people willingly line up in the elements for a seat at this charming brunch nook. Brookline Lunch stands out not only for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere but also for its unique Middle Eastern twist on classic breakfast fare. The star of the menu -- and perhaps the dish you'll see on nearly every table -- is the famed baklava pancakes. These fluffy, buttery stacks are drizzled with fragrant rose syrup, crowned with pistachios, and topped with delicate shards of filo. They're familiar yet unexpected: part comforting pancake, part decadent baklava, but transformed into something entirely new when combined. While their indulgence may not suit every palate, they are undeniably a must-try. I also loved the Big Fish Salmon Omelette, generously filled with rough-cut vegetables that gave it a hearty, homemade feel. The portion sizes here are no joke -- my two dishes were more than enough for two people to share. Service was warm and attentive despite the bustle of a full house, and the atmosphere carried that lively, friendly hum that makes a brunch outing feel special. One thing to note: they are cash only, so come prepared. If you're looking for brunch with a cultural flair and flavors you won't find anywhere else, Brookline Lunch is absolutely worth the wait.

    Christine W.

    The food is good and the staff is friendly. Affordable prices and warm atmosphere are big plus. The only small issue is that they only accept cash, but it doesn't affect the overall experience.

    spicy sausage shakshuka
    Isabella C.

    This spot is cash only and can get busy so definitely come on a weekday to avoid the lines!! I love a neighborhood spot that very obviously has locals, with workers that make you feel at home. This place is so cozy with warm and vibrant decor. We shared the shakshuka, which had chunks of sausage and flavorful fresh veggies. The eggs were perfectly cooked and everything went nicely together. But the showstopper was their famous baklava pancakes! Soaked in syrup with pieces of baklava and pistachio, it was delicious! I will definitely come back soon

    Zaatar egg bowl - A bowl filled with a variety of salad ingredients, including sliced radishes, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas, and pieces of pita bread. The center features a spinach and cheese dip topped with herbs and seeds. The bowl is placed on a gray table, with a partial view of a person wearing a plaid shirt and a white plate with food on the side.

    The vibe inside is cozy and fun. It's a small place that's usually busy so keep that in mind if going with a group. The menu is extensive and combines different cultures in its breakfast/brunch foods, would recommend the zaatar eggs. It is CASH ONLY, so make sure you have cash on hand. Convenient spot in Cambridge!

    Nabulsia pancakes

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    Food & service not great. No flexibility for replacements on the menu. There are better alternatives in the area

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    Sarma - Sugar Snaps

    Sarma

    (1.4k reviews)

    $$$$

    Dining at Sarma was a delightful experience. We came on a Tuesday at 6pm and luckily got seated at…read morea countertop within 30 mins. I would recommend calling beforehand to ask about the wait. Although we commuted from Cambridge, this meal was worth it. For two people, we got: - Black Seed Cornbread: it's soft, sweet yet savory. I've never had cornbread like this, and the first bite into this was unforgettable. You must get this. - Honey Nut Hummus: this was honestly fine and I'd probably try a different dip next time. - Warm Gyro bread: well seasoned and great to share between two. I normally don't like gyro but I enjoyed this. - Lamb al pastor: this was a favorite. It was sweet and the lamb was tender. We were really impressed with the sauce. - Brussel sprout bravas: this was okay. I liked the crunchy nuts and the star of this dish was once again the sauce/seasoning rather than the brussel sprouts. With all of these dishes, we ordered enough for two, with a few bites leftover. If you have a smaller appetite, you could get away with ordering a plate less. Overall, I loved the dining experience here. Even though I'm not typically a small plates mediterranean person, I appreciated Sarma - from its beautiful interior space and open kitchen concept, to the liveliness of the restaurant on a random weekday night. Definitely come here if you're in the area (or even if you're not!)

    I had been looking forward to checking out Sarma for quite some time. Unfortunately, the experience…read moredidn't live up to the expectations. The food was overly salty, and the portions were very small.... even for tapas style dining. The flavor profiles just weren't there. The only thing that I would say tasted good was the cornbread and lamb skewer (which was definitely overpriced still). The cornbread was impressive and the ingredients made for a unique flavor. Service was also underwhelming. While the staff did their job, there wasn't much warmth or attentiveness and we didn't feel welcomed. We left feeling pretty disappointed given the hype and effort it took to get a reservation.

    Oleana Restaurant - Fatteh

    Oleana Restaurant

    (1.9k reviews)

    $$$

    Inman Square

    INTRO: Went to Oleana to celebrate my mother's birthday, and…read morefrom the moment we sat down, it felt like we chose the right place for something meaningful and memorable. SERVICE: The service here is thoughtful and polished. The staff made us feel welcomed, guided us through the menu, and handled the pacing of the meal perfectly. When it came time to celebrate my mother, they made it feel special without overdoing it, which I appreciated. It felt genuine. AMBIANCE: There is a calm, intimate energy here that makes it perfect for a celebration. It feels warm, slightly upscale, and very intentional. The kind of place where you can actually enjoy the people you are with, have real conversations, and settle into the experience without feeling rushed. FOOD: We tried a variety of dishes, and everything felt carefully crafted, but the standout for me was the Quail Kebob Lamb and Grape Leaf Tart. That dish was on another level. Melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich in flavor, and balanced in a way that makes you pause and really appreciate what you are eating. You can tell there is real attention to detail in the kitchen. For dessert, they made a special presentation for my mother, milk pudding, chocolate sorbet, and ice cream. It was the perfect ending to the meal, and honestly, seeing everyone at the table smiling made it hit even more. IMPRESSIONS: Oleana delivers more than just great food, it creates moments. Between the standout dishes, the thoughtful service, and the warm atmosphere, this was exactly the kind of place you want for a birthday celebration. We left full, happy, and all smiles, and that says everything.

    Lucked out with a Resy opening a couple days before for Thursday @ 5:30pm. Arrived a few minutes…read moreearly, and there was a line of people ~8-10 ppl standing by for walk-ins (everyone was seated). Veggie Mezze - Fatteh ($16) - really enjoyed this crunchy mezze! Sounded simple on the menu - Chicory + Herb Salad ($17) - refreshing start with a sweet and savory salad, enjoyed this, flavors all paired very nicely - Halloumi Cheese ($17) - we aren't fanatics over halloumi but wanted to try this. We preferred the other mezze, but not bad Fried Mussels ($17) - this was alright, would skip next time. -Sultan's Delight ($20) - this was soooo tasty, literally fell apart when poked with a fork; not the biggest portion -Lamb Shish ($18) - was good, but on the smaller side, probably wouldn't order again We were celebrating my friend's birthday, and they brought out a couple cookies topped with meringue dipped in chocolate with a candle. Very friendly staff, good selection of food, a nice little splurge.

    The Helmand Restaurant

    The Helmand Restaurant

    (1k reviews)

    $$$

    East Cambridge, Kendall Square/MIT

    I was very pleasantly surprised by the dinner we had at The Helmand! We arrived on a weeknight and…read moreit was very busy, but luckily the staff were able to still seat us right away. Our table was right next to a huge wood-fired oven where we could see the fresh table bread being made which was pretty cool. We ordered 3 items off the menu, 2 appetizers (Aushak and Mantwo) and 1 main dish (lamb kebab). I've never had Afghan food before, so the ingredients and flavors used in each dish were very unique to me, but everything worked very well. The Aushak in particular was the most surprising.. they called it "ravioli", but it was more dumpling-esque to me, which an interesting bolognese-like sauce with yogurt. You wouldn't think those flavors would work together but they really do. The Mantwo also paired very nicely with the Aushak, with more of an earthy taste to it. The lamb kebab was also very tasty, though it wasn't anything super unique. The free bread for the table was also a surprising highlight, as we got to try various different dipping sauces (which we then also used to supplement the kebab). Service was attentive, the ambiance of the restaurant was nice, and overall really enjoyed our dinner here.

    Pretty good! We walked in on a busy Saturday night without reservations and somehow managed to get…read moreseated right away - if you're a group of four or more, definitely plan ahead. My favorite thing in the whole meal was the fresh wood fire-baked bread they give you at the beginning, with butter and three dipping sauces - it reminds me of a cross between a crispy pita, naan, and lavash. We got two appetizers: the baked pumpkin with yogurt and meat sauce, as well as the eggplant version. It was an interesting meld of flavors and textures, sweet and meaty, not the dish I'd normally go for but worth trying. Also ordered the kebab platter for two, which came with three types of meats (beef, lamb, and chicken), as well as the two kinds of rice (one plain, the other with carrots, cinnamon, and raisins) and a small salad of tomato and cucumber. Believe me when I say we left this meal beyond stuffed. I'm normally not a fan of lamb with how gamey it can taste but their lamb was wonderfully tender and tender. Couldn't leave here without trying the saffron/rosewater ice cream and baklava. Parking: lots of 2-hour meter spots right outside.

    Brookline Lunch - diners - Updated May 2026

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