My girlfriend and I came to Rifrullo for breakfast on Saturday, and we ordered 2 coffees and 2 breakfast entrees. Our coffees were quite watery and disappointing. We waited for over 30 minutes for our "Not so french toast" and "Cypress" and watched many people who ordered after us get their food. After speaking with the person at the counter, he informed us that he had accidentally given our order to someone else. He gave us a few chocolate chip cookies for the trouble; however, when our orders finally arrived, our french toast was missing the lemon almond custard and the sandwich was just mehhh. Other note: We saw the guy behind the counter put some chocolate chip cookies on a plate for someone else, but they changed their mind, so he set the cookies the side. Later when he thought no one was watching, he used his bare hands to put them back instead of using the tongs on top of the cookie jar. You guessed it - Those were the cookies he ended up giving me and my girlfriend after he messed up our order. read more

Colleen, the owner, is very friendly and welcoming. The space is full of fascinating cook books to peruse with a friend. I had the lunch special-almond crusted chicken with watermelon and feta salad. It was AMAZING! I came for a morning coffee date and ended up staying til 1pm and I'll be back. read more

Rifrullo - Cafes Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Such an amazing place--some of the best pastries and breakfast food that I've ever had. A hidden gem in Boston!

This place has alot of potential, but it is very poorly ran. The first experience I had here, I asked who seemed to be the owner/manager what type of bread was in the tuna sandwich to which she replied "I don't know....just bread". Coming from the restaurant business and general food industry, I was made speechless by this response. I gave it another chance this week. However, after waiting for 10 minutes for my order, I was told that they had run out of a main ingredient to make it. The girls at the front do the best they can with what they have, but with this poor management system, they are going to see/I'm sure have seen a lot of unhappy customers. There is only 1 register and you have to wait for this one register to place an order instead of another staff member taking your food order while you wait to pay (think of Starbuck's ordering system). This makes you grow impatient if someone in front f you wants to chat with the staff. I don't want to be that grumpy person, but I'm hungry! Also, there is seemingly no "86" shared information amongst the staff, the kitchen is generally show and the owner/manager does not give her staff a hand as far as I could see(just a visual judgement). This is the cutest,comtempary-styled place I've walked into in this area, but by my experiences, I do not see it lasting long. read more

Review by J: I met my friend here a couple weeks ago. I wasn't super hungry but felt like I should get "food food" since it was dinner time and I hadn't eaten for awhile. I looked at the menu 3 or 4 times. Nothing stood out to me. I just wanted a salad with goat cheese, pecans, and some sort of fruit but they didn't have anything like that. Debated between some sort of vegetable lasagna and just a bowl of butternut squash with cinnamon. I got the lasagna; wish I would have gotten the squash. It just wasn't that tasty and the texture was kind of mushy and overcooked at the same time (yes, that's possible). I took half of it home with me to have as leftovers the next day but didn't even bother; I could tell it would be pretty gross heated up. I think I felt like I needed to redeem my dinner so I spontaneously bought both a slice of quinoa chocolate cake and an apple tart. Fortunately, the chocolate cake was really good. It made me not feel so bad about spending so much money at this place. G ate the apple tart for breakfast the next morning and said it was okay; not sure how impressed he was. So, I don't like the lunch and dinner items here but it is a super cute place. Great atmosphere. And they're open a lot later than other cafes/small restaurants. I may go again but only for the atmosphere and a hot drink, maybe some sort of pastry. read more

I love this place! Great coffee and tea, great sandwiches, very friendly service, jazz music playing. What more could you ask for? read more

Rifrullo - Cafes Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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What an awesome find! Random location, but so glad I stumbled across this place for breakfast while waiting for my car to be serviced across the street from the Audi dealership. I ordered the muesli while my boyfriend opted for the breakfast sandwich, Be aware that they make their muesli the original way (with orange juice) so if you're not into that, order something else like the overnight oats. However, we both loved our breakfasts - they were so well done and light enough that we felt great after eating and ready to conquer the day. This place is so adorable - a cute and bold couch is the statement of the room, and there's enough assortment of sit down tables, loungey seats, and bar stools along the side of the wall that you should be able to find a spot to sit no matter even (even though the spot is small). The staff was friendly and helpful (and patient when I change my order 3x). I'll definitely be back for breakfast and would love to come back to try the dinner to go. read more

I really hope this local restaurant sticks around. The food I had there yesterday on my first visit ever was amazingly delicious. I was impressed by the staff there. They were friendly and engaging. I will definitely return and I encourage everyone to give them a try. Update: Had another good meal here, but am struck by the very high prices on some of the items. A simple and rather small bowl of pasta with tomato sauce & no sides for $12.50??? I really like this place, but given the location and counter service set-up, they need to reexamine their prices. I'm not sure I'll rush back again. read more

I was just telling my husband that I hope Rifrullo never closes! We generally come here often for brunch and everything on the menu is simply amazing. The coffee drinks and bakery items are phenomenal. I highly recommend visiting this very special place. read more

Super cute cafe! They're mocha here is literally my favorite. I came here for the first time yesterday to try their Matcha Latte, but they had ran out. Kinda disappointed, so I got their Mocha instead and it's really good & chocolatey. More on the sweeter side, which I love. Wish they had more outlets. I believe there's only one accessible outlet in the seating area. read more

Yum yum. Paleo and low carb friendly. Food is healthy and space is bright. I do wish they had some healthier dessert alternatives but hey. It's pricey but the quality is good. I look forward to popping in there again! Get the kale salad with bacon and you'll be happy. read more

Rifrullo - Stylish... Yet casual - Cafes Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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If you're hungry and like getting your bang for your buck then don't go here. This place is 100% hipster. You're going to be coming to this place and paying 10$ for a piece of bread with an avocado on it. I recommend taking the 10$ you're going to spend here and spending it at Zaftigs where you'll get eggs, toast, sausage and home fries. Don't spend your money here read more

It's a nice place but it's a little pricey. The food is fresh and most of the ingredients are quality stuff but there's a few things in there that aren't either. It's a small menu. Try the chocolate quinoa cake. read more

A friend of mine recommended this cafe to me a while ago. I finally went in the beginning of summer and then again and again and again... Every visit was wonderful and different: food items tend to change up a bit so I'm always excited to see what's new on the menu, and everything I've tried so far - salads, pastries, teas and espresso - was delicious; the service is always friendly no matter how slow or busy it is although I've never seen the cafe very crowded - I usually come here either in the afternoon to read or work, or in the early evening on my way to gym (for coffee). The place itself deserves a whole new review - the decor is artsy yet homey, the music makes the mood and even though the space is small there's always enough spots to sit. read more

Rifrullo - Artsy corner - Cafes Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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So, I have to preface this by saying that I had no idea what this place would be like. I was in the area regularly, and I was a bit intimidated by what appeared to be an older, more gentle clientele. I ordered a gluten free dish, and I was completely shocked by how large the dish was and how great it was. I was eating it for a looooong time that day. It was that good-- I didn't want to stop eating it. I took it home, and I loved it. I can't say much about the sit down service here because I have only ever ordered out. For those of you wanting to sit, it has ample seating, for a restaurant in Brookline Village. It wouldn't seat enough people if it were in the Back Bay, but there's a reason it's not there. If you like nice breakfast food (all I've ever had) that can double as lunch (until 11), please, go here. It's amazing. read more

I came to Boston for a family function and needed to find a credit union. In walking to one I walked past this shop. Looked like it was still daily busy at 1 in the afternoon. Usually a promising sign. On my way back from the bank I stopped in for a sandwich. I chose the grilled cheese. It's on what looks and tastes like a fresh homemade sourdough. It was delightful and decent sized for the cost. I was a mused by the popcorn popper filled with bags of kale chips too. Cute spot, the owner calls you by name and it felt like it had many locals there. I'll defiantly stop there again the next time I'm in town. That being said I agree with other reviews it's hipster ish. Some of the foods are rather expensive but if they are being marketed as organic or locally sourced (I didn't check as that's not typically the case for grilled cheese) it's not surprising. Still tasted good. read more

Rifrullo - Cafes Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Anyone else asked Rifrullo to prepare a catered/pick up dinner? We had a WOW evening all thanks to the beautifully curated (bring your platters in and they arrange their food on it) and wonderful tasting food. Go for it, you won't be disappointed. read more

Was having a long day and needed pick me up. Stopped in here for a mid-afternoon coffee and something sweet to take the edge off. Got a slice of Orange Polenta cake and let me tell you...it was SO GOOD. Exactly what I needed in my life today. Coffee was delicious as well and the lunch menu (which I didn't try) looked great. Will be back for sure. read more

The food is great! Their bread is delicious. (I accidentally spilled my espresso also, and they unknowingly made me another one and brought it over. Brownie points.) read more

Oh where to start...To enjoy this place you really need quite the sense of humor to laugh at how comically bad everything is. For starters, the staff act like they hate their lives and if you have the misfortune of coming here you might begin to understand why. On top of the attitude, they're utterly unhelpful. They were completely unable to answer questions as simple as "What kind of bread is in this sandwich?" and unwilling to find out. So I especially wouldn't come here if you have any sort of food allergy. If you're ordering to go, make sure you're not paying for any of the expensive add-ons to your already overpriced sandwich, because when you get home you'll realize absolutely none of those expensive add-ons you just paid for were included. Don't think that repeating your order several times and asking to have the final order repeated to you is going to help either, believe me I tried. Then of course there is the wait for your food, which is outright obnoxious. It took 45 minutes to get our two very basic cold sandwiches, which I can't imagine taking longer than 2 minutes to make, especially given that they chose to ignore all the add-ons we requested. Finally, the food is far too mediocre to come even close to making up for any of these shortcomings. Anyways, I strongly recommend this place be avoided like the plague. It'll be funny to tell friends about how awful this place is, but one thing is for sure, I won't be ever coming back. read more

Love their food quality, taste and service. Perfect place for a yummy breakfast or lunch!!

I love Rifrullo. Can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet! Colleen is super sweet and knows her community and customers. Good food aside, I love supporting hard working local businesses like hers. She has a really good aesthetic/style and it's evident in the design of her cafe. Everything is great, but breakfast is dabomb.com. Esp their cypress, French toast, and avocado toast. Coffee is strong and hearty (important). She also does catering and I've bought food for Thanksgiving from her, which as expected was delicious. read more

I booked Rifrullo for a private dinner party with 18 friends and family the night before my wedding reception. Colleen was wonderful to work with and put together a customized menu for us (see below). When we walked in that evening the room was beautifully decorated with music, candles and dim lighting. The twenty of us sat around a long table and feasted on the amazing meal while we laughing and told the stories the whole evening. It was truly magical and the food was incredible. I couldn't recommend Rifrullo more highly! Menu: - Cumin Roast Pork lion with apple, ginger and coriander compote - Local creamy Wheat berry risotto - Whole roast carrots with chervil pesto - Wild mixed greens with Caramelized squash, pumpkin seed dust and mustard vinaigrette - Milk chocolate semifreddo with espresso and hazelnut read more

I really wanted to love this place but it was just okay...I got the beet and lentil salad to go and it was very overdressed to the point where I didn't really want it. I think this might've been me being weird though, as my dad got the BLA sandwich and my mom got the kale salad and both really enjoyed their meals. Regardless, the cookies were fantastic! I definitely would try it again considering the place is cute and service is quick. read more

Their sandwiches are to die for!!! Their club sandwhich has phenomenal thick cut bacon and thick sliced turkey, amazing bread, spectacular fig Mayo, and the pickled onions/ veggies add the perfect bit of acidity and crunch. I also love the BL Apple and the grilled cheese. The ingredients are so fresh and flavorful. Colleen the owner puts so much love into each dish. Could not recommend Rifrullo more!!! read more

The food is great and creatively put together. Customer service irregular, it depends on who serves you. Sometimes amazing, sometimes you regret going there. read more

I want to support local businesses so I went out of my way to come here. When I entered I was a little shocked that the server was chatting with a customer for several minutes and totally ignored me for several more minutes, even after another customer came in behind me and waited and joked about how we were being ignored. And there were three college-looking students sitting at a table without masks. This is a small cafe. After several more minutes of being ignored, I left. Sorry but I was not impressed with this place. read more

I LOVE Rifrullo! Colleen has done an incredible transformation of the space and the food is both beautiful and delicious. AND healthy! Charming, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Kale chips are to die for. Cookies are beyond. Food is creative, divine and lovingly made. She has already developed a loyal following. Bravo! What an incredible gift to the Brookline area!!! Heidi read more

Great sandwiches. We were looking at cars at the Audi dealership across the street and needed to get something to eat. Although they had just closed they made us two delicious sandwiches. An Italian tuna and a chicken blt. Scrumptious and with a side of dog mayonnaise we were in sandwich heaven. They were great and we were happy. Nothing else to say read more

What is it about coffee and a good bite to eat that makes us feel at home? What is the secret to cafe magic? I'm not sure that I can articulate what exactly that "it" quality is, but I know it when I see it and Rifrullo has it. I ordered a chai latte, a tallegio sandwich (with caramelized onions and some kind of hearty greens) and homemade chicken soup. The sandwich bread was crispy outside soft and chewy inside, just the way a good sandwich should be. Everything was reasonably priced and I just love the light, airy rustic atmosphere and vibe of Rifrullo. I look forward to coming back again and again. read more

We loved our breakfast at Rifrullo! I had the goose egg over cornbread with black beans. It was delicious. I love their twist on regular breakfast items. And my latte was yummy, too. We've also had lunch there and enjoyed one of their sandwiches on their gluten free bread which was very good. We love this new Brookline find! read more

Updating ... the food remains good. It's loud, service is inefficient and inconsistent (kid behind counter barked my name out and slapped a sandwich plate down but served soup to another table). Owner Colleen Something-Something came out from behind the curtain and drilled me with a 'do you need something' dart. It was more of a challenge (watchoo want?) than any species of welcome. Place is like a movie set, staged up with food. Snide service has evolved to stare-down service. read more

I am lmao at the person who complained about "old people loitering" at Rifrullo. I think she meant me.

I went in here on a cold day to get some hot soup. I ended up getting the butternut squash soup and the tuna in olive oil. The soup was made to order and tasted so fresh and light. The tuna was probably the best I've ever had. The food is exactly how I like it: simple, fresh, hearty, and healthy! The service was exemplary. Very welcoming and warm and my food was brought to me when it was ready. Definitely will go back! read more

Very disappointed with the service. Was looking forward to trying out a lot on menu but the barista was the only one managing this place. Been waiting for half an hr and haven't been served yet-obviously as a lot if other orders are in. Poor management read more

Limited breakfast menu but excels in tastiness and quality. I enjoyed the Cypress sandwich, with fresh bun, ripe avocados, mild pesto and flavorful bacon. Great latte too. Highly recommend! read more

I was staying at the nearby Homewood Suites with my sister who was being treated for cancer at the local BI hospitals. Checked yelp for lunch recommendations nearby and found Rifrullo. What a perfect neighborhood gem! We grabbed a table near the window and looked over menu. I went up to order - seems it's one person running the whole operation. Owner/chef who was taking orders and doing the food prep. So there was a bit of a wait, but we had time to enjoy the cozy ambiance. We ordered the soup (cream of mushroom?), Turkey sandwich and a quinoa salad. All very tasty. On the way out, we took some cookies to go - delicious. I only wish they stayed open later so I could have grabbed dinner one nite while there. read more

I had an excellent lunch here today with my brother. I ordered a quinoa salad that was loaded with veggies on a bed of lettuce and nicely lightly dressed. My brother ordered a salad with lots of vegetables and salami and some feta and he also enjoyed his meal immensely.The atmosphere is adorable, not at all kitschy but seriously cute. Although I was too full from lunch to try the pastries, several of them looked delicious and on my next trip to this neighborhood, I will be stopping in for some pastry and coffee. read more

Pricey. But delicious. And a great neighborhood place. I usually get the Cypress breakfast sandwich -- avocado, brioche, bacon, cheese... everything good. The "Heath" avocado toast is also amazing -- add the bacon. read more

I just had the most amazing lunch here. A talegio sandwich with Caramelized onions and broccoli rabi. The "just bread" is anything but. The bread is perfect crispy outside soft and chewy inside. We bought three loaves Togo for the freezer! The desserts are perfect. No shortage of quality ingredients here. I can't wait to come back. This is not a salad buffet where you choose your ingredients based on mood. That is what you do at home when you make your own lunch. Here you choose one of the thoughtfully composed locally sourced selections and say thank you for the person who designed such a nice tribute to such quality ingredients. Bravo. read more