Yafa Bakery & Cafe Opens in Somerville, Serving Mediterranean Treats | Eater Boston

"Run by Abdulla Awad, a Jerusalem native and serial entrepreneur, this small scratch-made Mediterranean bakery and cafe emphasizes beauty and originality under the slogan “artfully delicious,” pairing visually striking pastries with the owner’s artwork (including Arabic calligraphy shaped like a horse). The case already features decadent treats such as chocolate-covered dates embellished with 24‑karat gold, delicate pine‑nut and pistachio confections, and fluffy honey‑soaked buns studded with orange, cranberry, and coconut; other highlights include a Morocco‑inspired layered butter flatbread best with honey or cream cheese and a sesame‑topped Jerusalem bread served with za’atar. The menu draws on flavors from Jerusalem, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, France, and Italy and will expand to include more breads (a dark chocolate–cinnamon loaf expected to be a bestseller), light vegetarian sandwiches (labneh and za’atar; cucumber, mint, and hummus; a cone‑shaped haloumi sandwich), chai karak with saffron and cardamom, and gluten‑limited breads (not suitable for those needing strict gluten‑free prep due to shared space). Retail items will include Do’an Valley honey now and in‑house za’atar and pickles later. Convenient for a quick espresso (83 and 87 buses stop outside) or a sit‑down tea at one of three tables, the bakery operates daily and is focused on handcrafted, artful flavors." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal