Because Somerville is a patchwork of neighborhoods that each hold their culinary secrets close, we take our local dining recommendations very seriously. In this updated guide, you’ll find our favorite spots where you should get as much flavor as you can. There’s a good mix of cozy bistros, innovative kitchens, and neighborhood staples that almost make you forget you’re just a T-ride from downtown.
Davis Square Pizza
$ | (617) 625-2255 | WEBSITE
Davis Square Pizza is one of the best pizza spots in Somerville, and its limited seating situation features basic decor and a cozy, no-frills atmosphere—perfect for a casual group meal after a long day. Don’t miss the pepperoni pineapple pizza, steak tips, or chicken broccoli calzone with crust so crispy and light that you could enjoy it without sauce.
The cheese and vegetable pizza has received high praise, making it a great choice for those craving a slice, while the perfectly fried onion rings and excellent veggie burger round out the menu as solid late-night options in the area. The staff is welcoming and the restaurant supports local business, firmly establishing itself as a hidden gem in the neighborhood.
ZaZa Pizzeria
$ | (617) 764-3409 | WEBSITE
So, you want to go to Italy this summer and spend a week eating authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, but you forgot that you have a budget and responsibilities. If a European trip isn’t in the cards, ZaZa Pizzeria is a solid backup plan in Somerville. Their crispy pizza pairs nicely with excellent cheese-to-sauce ratio, and it’s the best late-night spot to go when you’re entertaining hungry friends or just want a great deal with your dinner.
We like the place best during the Monday specials accompanied by a $10 large pizza and some plump wings, but it also works well when the weekend rolls around and the late-night hours call for buffalo chicken pizza.
Saigon Tiger
$ | (617) 764-5081 | WEBSITE
Saigon Tiger is the essence of Davis Square. It’s tucked into a cozy corner, the bowls are generously portioned, many flavors are Americanized with care, and the interior is warm with welcoming lighting. You’ll have lunch and a matcha coconut coffee while enjoying the cheerful hum of the staff who customize your order, but it totally works. Plus, the rice noodle bowls, with well-seasoned meats and fresh vegetables, are excellent.
Get the pork rice noodle bowl if you’re feeling classic, and the crispy chicken noodle bowl if your overall mood is ‘banh mi is for another day.’
Yoshi’s
$ | (617) 623-9263 | WEBSITE
We love this sushi spot all year, but come dinnertime, it’s one of Davis Square’s great happy places. Their cozy dining area is lined with wooden tables and soft lighting, and there’s the occasional friendly chat with the staff to keep the good vibes coming.
As you and your friends share the sushi and sashimi combo and trade pieces of salmon for pork gyoza, you’ll probably think to yourself, ‘life is good.’ Fish meeting rice is indeed a great culinary combination, but so is quality meeting value—and you can thankfully experience both at Yoshi’s.
Leone’s Subs & Pizza
$ | (617) 776-2511 | WEBSITE
After you’ve polished off all the delivery menus that were cluttering your counter, it’s time to head to one of our favorite pizza spots in town: Leone’s Subs & Pizza. The whole establishment is a classic takeout joint, so the ordering counter feels like you’re stepping into somebody’s kitchen.
That is, only with special appearances from the occasional distracted staff member who slings pizza boxes and subs with whatever you’re craving—be it a thick Sicilian slice or a crispy eggplant parm sandwich. And during our yearly week-long cold snap, Leone’s garlicky spinach pizza and hearty trays of regular pie hit the spot.
Gong Cha
$ | (617) 574-4870 | WEBSITE
The counter at Gong Cha feels like you’re at a friend’s cozy spot: there’s a clean white counter, bamboo accents, bright lighting, and plenty of seating. Maybe it’s just like your own kitchen, but with way more boba, and definitely without any dishes piling up in the sink. We love Gong Cha for a quick treat, or for gathering the study group together to sip chilled lychee oolong tea and enjoy a lot of matcha tea lattes and creative slushes.
If nothing else, an order of perfectly chewy boba and a tall cup of milk tea are all you need.
Yego Coffee
$ | (857) 266-0977 | WEBSITE
From the convenient parking lot nearby, it’s easy to spot the welcoming storefront—but this coffee shop tucked away in Somerville is a year-round destination. It’s particularly great for a quiet morning work session or afternoon catch-up with a friend, as expertly crafted flat whites flow from the espresso machine and freshly roasted beans fly off the shelves in brown paper bags.
Among the lineup of coffee intensities and classic drinks, they make an exceptional anaerobically fermented light roast and a vanilla latte that you can just go ahead and pour us another cup of.
Redbones Barbecue
$$ | (617) 628-2200 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint updated their parking lot, and all the potholes that once dotted it are pretty much gone. We were skeptical at first, but honestly, we don’t miss the bumps. The new-and-improved paved convenience actually makes Redbones feel even more like the destination it is, with easier access for hungry crowds, sauce-drenched burnt ends on the plate, smoky Texas beef ribs, and cornbread muffins that might be one of the best comfort bites in town.
After a neighborhood stroll, just try to resist a heaping platter among the friendly chatter and abundance of take-home boxes. You can’t.
PJ Ryan’s
$$ | (617) 625-8200 | WEBSITE
PJ Ryan’s is not just a great place to grab some wings, a solid pint on tap, or a satisfying pub meal at prices that won’t break the bank. (But savor them if you do). This long-standing pub in Somerville also happens to have a cozy and warm atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual evening out. And by casual evening, we hope you know that we mean enjoying good drinks with great bartenders or a decent bar selection at a table that feels just right while soaking in the lively vibe you came for.
Ernesto’s Pizza
$ | (617) 764-4194 | WEBSITE
There’s a pizza pilgrimage happening nearly every day at this North End-looking joint in Assembly Row. But when the indoor seating gets too limited in this cozy pizzeria, you can spread out at one of the many outdoor tables. It’s like a very casual sidewalk cafe. It’s where you’ll also find a counter serving amazing pepperoni pizza and slices like that knockout cheese pizza from a simple menu. And the best part is, you rarely have to fight for a slice.
The Painted Burro
$$ | (617) 776-0036 | WEBSITE
When you feel trapped in an infinite time loop of ordering the same old tacos at your usual Somerville spots, head to The Painted Burro for a change of pace. Keeping things interesting is a really cool decor that creates a fun vibe, upbeat music that sets a lively atmosphere, and a great selection of agave and margaritas that are popular among customers.
The food is really good with standouts like the chicken milanesa torta, Cuban sandwich, and smooth guacamole, plus dishes like short ribs, shrimp tacos, and nachos that keep guests coming back for drinks and appetizers. The prices are very reasonable, making it a recommended spot for brunch or a night out with friends, though the space can feel a bit cramped and noisy inside. Overall, it’s a welcoming and enjoyable place for casual date nights and gatherings.
Brianna’s Cafe
$ | (617) 764-5398 | WEBSITE
Brianna’s Cafe is the one breakfast spot that we look forward to the most when the cold morning barges in unannounced like a grumpy neighbor slamming their door. Once we’re up, we make a beeline to this cozy spot’s sunny window seats to go to town on breakfast plates with dishes like the Irish Egg Benedict with tender home fries, the breakfast burrito packed with sausage and crispy tater tots—alongside plenty of that iced vanilla hazelnut coffee.
It’s a small neighborhood joint, so what better way to start a day of errands (or repeatedly hitting snooze after a late night) than to have a plate of savory omelets with those perfectly seasoned home fries? We can’t think of one.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
$$$$ | (857) 995-6122 | WEBSITE
We’re not saying that a perfectly seared steak with a glass of something strong isn’t an event. It is. But sometimes, your partner needs something to celebrate, too. Which is why we love the upscale dining experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. During the regular weeks, this place is just a top choice for quality food and excellent service.
But by night for a romantic dinner, the atmosphere is a relatively perfect place to dine and talk until you discover which of your favorite dishes are absolutely perfect. While they have a great cocktail program, you should be taking advantage of the summer menu special, deceptively good value. Order the artichoke dip to share, too.