50 Best Cafes near Melrose

“Great food, wonderful service, friendly people. Family owned. We love getting our breakfast from here every morning. Family platter w/yummy, fluffy pancakes, the best scrambled eggs, perfect sausage links and lovely lite white toast. Perfect way to the start of our day. Thank you all so very much.“

“I decided to stop in for lunch and try their Peru bowl with grilled chicken. The woman who took my order was very friendly and kind and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Unfortunately I found that the value for my meal did not match the cost. I had a medium iced tea and a Peru bowl with grilled chicken and my total came out to be over 28 dollars! Below is the bowl I ordered minus a bite. For 20+ dollars for a bowl I do not expect to be served onion butts as seen in my photo. The garbanzo beans weren’t seasoned or marinated, the lime vinaigrette while nice was barely present. The quinoa, chicken, avocado were all very fresh and tasted great. The salsa was pretty good. Overall I was disappointed by the serving size, lack of flavor, and lack of attention to detail by serving the butt of an onion. Their customer service was great and I enjoyed the ambiance so I would give it another try but I am hesitant to return just because of the lack of value compared to other places that serve bowls.“

“The food and drinks are very good... making you're own breakfast sandwich is a game-changer.. all of the food is great. The only downfall that keeps me from going more frequently is they don't have regular iced coffee. They have regular hot coffee, flavored iced coffee (decaf, hazelnut, french vanilla), and they have cold brew.. no regular iced coffee, which seems like a very simple thing to just not have when you have like 100 types of lattes lol... I get the cold brew when I do go, but its a once in a while thing, can't do cold brew all the time.“

“Delicious, Yummy, Friendly, Locally owned, with baking ingredients specialities! We’re so happy to have this warm and inviting place around the corner from where we live. #support local !!“

“Went there for a corporate holiday gathering. The staff were terrific and it was such a fun, interesting chance to learn, laugh and connect with colleagues. Staff are so attentive, kind and patient. A wonderful place!“

“Our favorite local coffee shop. They constantly pull delicious espresso, have a great selection of roasts, and the food always satisfies. The chocolate zucchini loaf cannot be missed! I also really appreciate that there’s no WiFi. It makes it easy to consistently find a place to sit because people aren’t camping out all day.“

“We had a small get together at Bits and bites cafe.. The staff was so courteous and knowledgeable.. breakfast and sweet treats were top notch. Please consider Bits and Bites for your next cafe, you won’t be disappointed!“

“Unique, delicious pastry. Best croissants and sourdough bread. Nice people. Can sit inside or outside.“

“A fantastic gem with excellent customer service! Get The Hero coffee, it was delicious. Everything was so good and fresh!“

“This is a great little coffee shop with good coffee and great vibes. There is a good amount of seating available despite the small space with a few bar stools. Both baristas were very friendly and helpful to myself and another international customer. They gave both of different ideas for places to visit and see while we were in town. The food looked great but I did not eat there so I can’t really rate that side of the business.“

“Amazing coffee and food! Not super sweet like other shops and the coffee is flavorful! Great friendly service!“

“I had the Hot honey glazed chicken sandwich. It was the best vegan sandwich I’ve ever eaten and I’ve had a lot of vegan sandwiches.“

“The staff is extremely hospitable and is always happy to see a guest come into the shop- it’s such a great place to spend a morning having a snack and some coffee. The concept is really great- several friends who created a business together. Their treatment of customers clearly aligns with that.
The food, pastries, and desserts are phenomenal and their cakes, whole regular cake or custom design, are delicious and always turn out beautiful. They are also very willing to try to work to accommodate a customer on a custom cake or cupcake order.
If you’re looking for a real matcha latte and not a “cafe matcha”, theirs is delicious. While I’m not able to handle the punch of caffeine in their Vietnamese coffee too frequently, it is also delicious. Any of their teas or fruit-centered drinks are also great. I would highly recommend a strawberry jasmine with popping boba.
They do have parking behind the building, but just be sure to go in and grab a parking pass before sitting down for breakfast or dessert.
While it can get pricier with more items added to your order, it’s exceptionally clear that the prices support their business model- which focuses on a great customer experience while also providing good wages and a great working environment for all staff members.“

“I stopped by Sorelle Bakery & Cafe near Boston’s Financial District, and it felt like a perfect little spot for a quick breakfast or coffee break. The café has a relaxed neighborhood vibe, with people grabbing coffee on their way to work or sitting down for a casual lunch.

I ordered a coffee and a breakfast sandwich, and both were fresh and satisfying. The bakery also has a good selection of pastries, muffins, scones, soups, salads, and sandwiches, making it a convenient place for either breakfast or a light lunch.

The service was quick and friendly, which makes sense since many customers are office workers from nearby buildings. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable—nothing fancy, but a nice place to relax for a few minutes in the middle of a busy downtown area.

Overall, Sorelle Bakery & Cafe is a solid choice if you want good coffee, fresh pastries, and a quick, casual meal while exploring or working in downtown Boston“

“Union Cafe has become one of my favorite go-to places in Lynn, MA. My wife and I recently moved to the area and upon visiting Union Cafe, we found the options limited for us due to the fact my wife and I are both vegan. After speaking with the very friendly owner, Charbell, and telling him, though we loved the place, thaat except for muffins, and beverages, there wasn't much for us to eat. He asked us what he could do to facilite us and after brought in Impossible burgers and Felafel wraps, both vegan. It has now become our regualar haunt. The entire staff is very friendly and provides exceptional service. I love when a business owner listens to his customers and responds so well. BTW, my wife loves the felafel and they cook the Impossible burger to order which is fantastic!“

“I frequent this brunch spot on several occasions. whether I come alone or with company this place always gets me right. It’s perfect place for quality food run by an amazing family. Everyone is greeted with a smile, and the hospitality is second to none. I recall the owner’s son going out of his way to help an elderly customer carry a large takeout order to their car, which perfectly reflects the caring atmosphere here. Fresh breakfasts, delicious falafel, plenty of menu choices, and genuinely good people. Highly recommend supporting this family owned restaurant.“

“After living nearby for more than a year, I finally visited Bikeeny Caffe this week. The pastries were delightful! My favorites were the Italian cheese blend pastry and the honey pecan pastry in the photo I’ve included. The employees were cheerful and kind. I plan to return at least once every week!“

“We bought GH coffee in Boston a couple years ago. Best coffee ever!“

“So sad. Today was their last day in Allston. Going to miss them...and their banana bread!“

“Amazing Staff, amazing food !!! If You’re in Harvard Sq. don’t miss out!“

“Great coffee. Delightful owners“

“Had a wonderful time, especially thanks to the tour guide(s) at 4 pm. The main leader, “Sarah,” definitely made the experience worthwhile. There was a giant group of young kids that weren’t paying much attention (as young kids do-not a complaint) yet we were able to learn and enjoy the amazing museum and experiences nonetheless. They were very accommodating, humorous, and well equipped to handle large groups of people while keeping their attention. We liked the experience and would go back.“

“Truly such a hidden gem by Porter Square! We got three different crepes to try, the Second Breakfast, the House Special, and the Classic, and they were all truly delicious. We loved the homey, charming vibe inside and the staff was so friendly. Will definitely be back!“

“Best bakery and cafe around!“

“Very cute & cozy cafe.
I had the mango Lassi & veg puff, and they were both delicious.
Also tried the Chilli Parotta, and it was so good!

They routinely have special South Indian combo meals, and the food is so traditional & homely.

Love the interior design, especially on the ceiling. It blends culture into a unique cafe experience.“

“What a perfect little diner to grab breakfast at. A little off the main streets, which made for a wonderful outdoor dining experience. Had an iced coffee and veggie omelet which. Great portions and prices. Food came fast and the people there were really wonderful.“

“With so few bubble tea hangout spots outside of Boston, Teamoji is one of the few places I genuinely recommend. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff. I was pleasantly surprised by how extensive the menu was, which made choosing a drink a challenge in the best way. The shop was clean, inviting, and featured a cute seating area that's perfect for hanging out. The drink I ordered met my expectations perfectly, with the right balance of sweetness, flavor, and texture. I'm glad I decided to give Teamoji a try, and I'll definitely be coming back. Oh...can't forget how easy finding parking was, there's plenty!!“

“We’ve visited several Tatte locations over the years and this one was just as enjoyable. The food is fresh and flavorful, with a menu that feels surprisingly Mediterranean-inspired for the U.S.

A great spot for breakfast or brunch, offering plenty of tasty options in a pleasant atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Back Bay. ☕🥐🍳“

“Not much more to say that OUTSTANDING!! he food is delicious, abundant, varied, signature to them in tastes and styles, affordable, local, fresh - and served/prepared by an amazing crew!! It's a tiny place, which you would think would discourage many. But not here!! That should tell you something. Not only is there a line out the door for 'to-go' ordering, but people filing in and out who ordered ahead - not to mention those ]like myself] willing to wait - cramped - patiently awaiting a seat to open in order to dine in. Ya, to some it might seem more hassle than the hype. But I say the hassle is because the hype is true!! Anything worth having is worthy a bit of struggle to get it. JAC's is an excellent example of that! Thank you to the entire crew for all you do, your hard work and dedication to quality shines through!“

“If you’re looking for a place that’s clean, safe, and FUN to go highly recommend. Awesome food and drinks ($5 sandwiches during happy hour!), lovely outdoor patio dining, and there are still games available to play sanitized between people! So happy to come back here again and get the same great service.“

“great food, great service, and very friendly. worked with my nut allergy, which can be hard to find sometimes. Definitely worth check out if your in the area!“

“Grande Burrito, X-Tudo, chicken stucks, Coxhinas“

“Nice cocktails and next to Mike’s Pastry“

“Thank you for GREAT customer service and making me feel welcome. The cafe is immaculate and the food and drink was delicious! My first Iced Matcha!!! Well worth the visit from SW France 🇺🇸🇫🇷 Great merchandise and appreciated the WiFi....Á bientôt!“

“Absolutely delicious caffe latte, which was a pleasant surprise, as I did not come in intending to order coffee. No hints of bitterness whatsoever and very smooth.

The lamb shakshuka with the poached egg and challah was delicious, and the flavors were balanced. The service was quick and friendly, even during a very busy brunch hour on a holiday weekend.“

“Awesome food and the staff is friendly. Also the hometown Cafe atmosphere is great.“

“Absolutely loved my experience at Tatte Bakery & Cafe. The atmosphere was beautiful, welcoming, and had such a great vibe from the moment we walked in. The coffee was amazing, everything looked fresh and delicious, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. You can tell they really care about the customer experience. Such a great place to relax, grab coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere. I already can’t wait to go back!“

“Amazing as always!! Staff and service wonderful.“

“Second best omelette I’ve ever had, after my mother’s! The Spanish latte tasted very similar to a cafe con leche in Spain. So so good. The staff are very friendly and were accommodating to me with my baby. I would highly recommend this place!“

“I expected more than corned beef out of a can from the description on the menu. The home fries were cold. Good sized portions and the service was adequate. We chose another breakfast place for the next day. Great location, though, in a walkable neighborhood .“

“Burger is the best for me 😘“

“The food was delicious, a great variety, and though we were limited to just certain items by the venue, Jason worked with us and came up with something terrific. The food came very early, which was my only disappointment. I thought it would arrive at 4 PM but they were already there at 2 PM, however that was likely the venue that made that decision. I would work Ovenbird again in a heartbeat, and I’m very pleased with what they did for our memorial service.“

“I had maybe my favorite sandwich of all time at this quaint and unassuming cafe.

Not in the loud bombastic sort of way, the overflowing ingredients arranged nicely for instagram, the punny names or the clever fusions. No, none of that. Just a simple sandwich with fresh, perfectly balanced ingredients, creating the perfect bite over and over. I wasn't expecting anything remotely of that caliber when I came for a lunch on a day off. But I took one bite and felt transported to a time when things were done right. Done for the sake of the craft and not to sell out or create lines. Done in a way that speaks of not knowing how to do it differently. It was truly spectacular.

The iced coffee was terrible though.“

“smooth latte, nice to have a decaffeinated lattee.“

“We knew we wanted Magic Bites to cater our family event and we were so pleased that we did! Atilla and Elif were helpful and patient planning the menu and everything was top notch delicious. They knew we had some allergies in the family and they made an extra effort to create large labels with all ingredients. I highly recommend them!!“

“Breaking Grounds is my favorite place to grab a coffee and sit for a bit. The food is delicious too! But, the best thing about B.G. is the friendly welcome and happy atmosphere.“

“So excited I got to enjoy the Roasted Turkey Sandwich today! Love the T.V. show & cookbooks so this visit was a bucket list item.“

“Glazed Bytes Coffee is selling itself short by being tucked inside a tiny, painfully forgettable mall in Brookline. The coffee itself? Not forgettable at all.

We ordered two Cloud Foam Lattes (I think that was the name), and that foam was ridiculous in the best way possible. It sits somewhere between an absurdly fluffy marshmallow and canned whipped cream, except smoother, creamier, and somehow lighter at the same time. I genuinely have no idea how they made foam feel “luxurious”, but there we are.

The coffee underneath actually held its own too. Strong flavour, unique profile, not just another Instagram café trying to survive off aesthetics and oat milk. Properly good coffee.

Honestly, the mall needs them more than they need the mall. Places like this drive foot traffic way harder than another random clothing shop nobody remembers walking into. More food spots. More cafés. More reasons for people to actually stay there.

Really good spot. Hidden gem energy.“

“Aesthetic specialty coffee and brunch in Southie with outdoor seating! I liked the space and the minimalist vibe it had. There are lots of specialty coffee and matcha options, and they keep the menu seasonal which is nice. I especially appreciate that they don't upcharge based on milk choice! The breakfast sandwiches were great, on super good focaccia bread, and were a great portion size. Overall the prices were quite high, but worth it for the quality, and ambiance. They do have a no laptop policy on the weekends, I'm not sure how strictly it's enforced, but something to keep in mind.“

“Finally, got to try This place. They had soft Opening which was not to best. The ordering process was pretty smooth . The wait was not to long. We got the infamous Sho-Gun Matcha/Vanilla Soft Serve Mix With Edible 24K gold , Maiko Special (Parfait) Hojicha/Strawberry Mix Soft Serve and Matcha Latte Float. Everything was so rich in favor. The matcha favor is probably the best that I had so far. You can taste the quality of the soft serve. It's a bit pricy but worth every penny. Definitely, need to try them out“