25 Bow St

Their French toast on sweet bread beats just about any other French toast in the area. And their CREAM OF WHEAT??! Absolutely made with love. Always double check if they have specials!!!

Portuguese homestyle breakfast and lunch served with a smile. We started off with huge servings of steaming cream of wheat - slightly sweet and topped with cinnamon. It was a perfect welcome after stepping in on a chilly December morning. I never thought I'd be raving about cream of wheat in a Yelp review, but it's that good. The rest of the meal - linguisa, eggs, home fried potatoes, and house baked bread - was equally impressive, down to their house made hot sauce. I can't wait to go back. I'll be doing that tomorrow.

Tasty breakfast with good sized portions - I had scrambled eggs with cheese and tomatoes, linguica, fried bananas, homefries, toast and cream of wheat. All the food was seasoned well and the cream of wheat was very comforting on a cold day. Service was generally pretty fast, only comment is my partner asked about the special and the server pointed outside and said "you can go outside and read the board" - it was very chilly, like 20 degrees, and even if it wasn't, knowing or finding out the special is part of your job as a server? Aside from that, overall the food was good and the space was clean, would return. Parking is a bit tricky since it's by Bow Market/Union Sq, might have to circle nearby streets for awhile to find a spot.

Unreal! Food was outstanding and service was warm and welcoming. I would have never believed that Cream of Wheat could have tasted that amazing until I ordered a bowl and devoured it. We've tried to replicate it at home, because it was that good, but they've got the secret recipe nailed down. Everything was delicious. Would go again in a heartbeat. So glad such a cozy and welcoming place exists for breakfast and lunch in this part of Somerville.

Haven't been in 30 years and wondered if it is still as good as I remembered. Too cold to sit outside on the memorable grapevine ceilinged patio. Waited outside in the frigid cold for a while. Got seated near the door and suffered a bit with the draft. BUT -- our breakfasts came and YUUUM! We started with the cream of wheat which was as good as people said. The Portuguese bread French toast was delicious. The Portuguese breakfast special was a knock out, a platter filled with goodies such as crab cake, shrimp cake, super tasty hash browns, meats, egg. Better come hungry! The service was experienced and pretty well organized for such a busy breakfast spot.

We had to wait online for a while to eat here, but thankfully we had some delicious hot coco to keep warm while we waited, once we were seated we ordered, I had a mimosa that was very tasty, and I had a full Portuguese breakfast, it was delicious! Savory and such a unique set up of flavors! Well worth the wait! Check them out if you are in the area! I'd go back if I had the chance!

Good eats for a good price. Keep it local! Good service. Loved the food. I will come back. We sat on the patio until it started raining. They have an indoor dining room but it's small.

Free drink with lunch check-in. They let me get a juice instead of a soft drink. Venmo or cash only. There's an ATM. The Portuguese breakfast is a ton of food. I ate a lot and yet the leftovers are another full meal. - I didn't even touch my eggs. - I got their famous cream of wheat, unsure what could make it so rave-worthy but it was lightly sweet creamy deliciousness. - Of the meat, fish, and shrimp cakes, I liked the shrimp the best. There was a whole shrimp in it. - The hash and rice & beans were fine. - I wasn't wild about the sausage but I'm just not a sausage person. - Cornbread was very moist and enjoyable. - Melted buttered toast was excellent on its own, and the homemade jam was delightful too. Friendly service. Cozy vibe. Seems to not go together with all the family photos but I found the Alice in Wonderland bathroom decor fun and funny.

A few weeks ago on a Saturday at around 9 in the morning, I came here with a friend expecting the typical weekend crowd already and was pleasantly surprised to be seated rather quickly. The inside of the restaurant has a humble, unpretentious interior that's not aimed at the Instagram crowd, which was honestly kind of refreshing. The service was competent, thought not particularly energetic, but that's understandable given the ungodly hour they have to be at work. The coffee is standard and nothing to get excited about. I ordered a Spanish omelet which had a generous portion to it and the other side items - so much that I barely touched the lovely slices of bread that came with it. While the omelet was hearty and filling, it didn't particularly stand out in terms of quality - it felt like something you could expect from a seasoned home cook. The standout part of the meal was actually the potatoes which hit me with more flavor and texture than I expected. Reading a few of the reviews here, I saw a lot of buzz about the cream of wheat, which I sadly did not try. Given the chatter, I'd really consider a return visit just to see what I missed out on. Don't forget that the restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo and that there is an ATM inside.

Not home fries! More like chunky mashed potatoes or some type of potato casserole. We spent almost $70 for two adults and 2 kids and either their online ordering system doesn't match what their menu in store is or they just forgot a bunch of our stuff. This place isn't the same before COVID. I don't know if they have new cooks or new management or both but the food isn't the same at all.

Lovely outdoor space and the staff was attentive. But most importantly breakfast was delicious. A lot of reviews mention the cream of wheat so as someone who has never tried it I had to have a bowl - and WOW! I would come back just for a bigger bowl of it! The Nutella and banana crepe was excellent and the Portuguese breakfast was very hearty! We will definitely be back!!

A great spot for a Delicious and hearty Portuguese breakfast. The sausage and croquettes/ empanadas was full of flavor. We arrived right at opening time so it was pretty empty and the food came out quick. The breakfast special came out to $20 but coffee was included. Good portions when you add in all the bread plus fruit or cream of wheat. Cash only but they also take Venmo.

Not bad. They were fast and we got the food shortly after we ordered. We ordered from speciality menu , i got the garden omlete which was good. Lots of ingrediants; spinach, broccoli and cheese. The portion was good and more than enough. There is a side dish come with it called wheat bowl... i didnot understand it .. when u taste it first is salty but then when you swallow it is sweet.. i cannot say i liked it but i also cannot say i didnot like it. But i wont ask for it.

I wish this was my neighborhood restaurant, but atlas, I do not live in Somerville. The best time to dine at the Neighborhood Restaurant is during months where you can dine outside under the grape vines. You walk through the double iron gates leading to the side yard outdoor dining area and wait to be seated. There are plenty of seating, even for larger families. The atmosphere, family friendly and relaxed. My family have been here three times now and watched the grape vines matured over time. Sitting outside under the shades of the grapevines is why we keep coming back to this charming restaurant. Next would be the cream of wheat. I have never had cream of wheat but I am now a huge fan. There are probably two go to breakfast items I would highly recommend. The first is my husband's favorite, steak tips, 3 eggs, home fries and toast. If I could sneak in a small bottle of A-1 sauce then this would be 5 stars. My favorite breakfast item has to be the Portuguese breakfast special, 2 eggs, linguica, morcella, cod cake, shrimp cake, meat cake, rice and beans. There was nothing that I did not like on that plate, very tasty. Both menu item came with choice of cream of wheat or a bowl of fruits. I recommend going with the cream of wheat. The only dish that I have tried and do not recommend so far is the crab cake egg Benedict. The crab cake was mushy and tasted like it was previously frozen, thawed, and then reheated. The restaurant only accepts cash or you can use the QR cash app to pay, a tad bit inconvenient. There is a good amount of street parking in this part of Somerville so parking is not too much of a concern. Overall, great customer service, family friendly atmosphere, and most importantly, delicious food. See my pictures.

Staff is amazing and they listen and they are engaging in customer service and very approachable..

Loved the vibe here. Was on a business trip and needed a quick lunch. Super cute outdoor courtyard. I had a BLT that was yummy and an iced tea. Great service.

Terrible experience. Service wasn't very good. Did not bring us any water. We saw people who got sat after us get their food first. Asked for my steak tips to be cooked medium rare and they were well done. They don't tell you it's cash only until the bill comes. Do not recommend.

Great local diner. Fair prices and good sized portions. Just come early since they have a wait. Came in during the recent arctic blast and had a great meal that kept me warm during the cold snap. Their Cream of Wheat which may appear normal, was anything but that... It blew my mind with its balance of sweet and savory. Definitely coming back the next time I visit New England

I've been told by countless people that the cream of wheat is delicious. It was! What is not delicious, is their unbelievably apathetic attitude towards a customer having an allergic reaction. None of the waiters knew what was in the bread and I had to deliberately ask a server to go check with the chef. Who said, "There's no peanuts in anything." But my friend currently in the emergency room begs to differ. They didn't offer to comp the bill, didn't ask if she was OK, actually weren't concerned at all, and simply said "Do you need boxes?" As we hurried to pay the bill and rush out to the hospital. When I called the restaurant after to speak with a manager the girl who picked up the phone said "There isn't one." Then when I asked to speak to whoever is in charge, she said, "No one is." And hung up. Then hung up on me again when I called back. Not sure anyone there is trained in allergy safety. And they definitely don't disclose their allergens, and possibly even lie when asked. Pretty sure both of which are required by MA law as of 2010. How interesting.

What a great find with amazing food, and wonderful service! Was staying just a mile away and this place came up on Yelp as a great spot for breakfast and it sure was! Decided to go with some of the traditional Portuguese dishes and got the #91 which was their chorizo breakfast sandwich on the Portuguese bread with a side of potatoes and red beans and rice along with their famous cream of wheat! First off the sandwich was delicious and I loved the red beans and rice and breakfast potatoes. If I had known how good their red beans and rice I would have gotten a double order of those but the potatoes were also good and glad that I tried them as well. The cream of wheat was very good and I loved the cinnamon on top. My mom used to add some brown sugar when we were little snd I enjoyed the cinnamon a lot. Also got a side of pancakes and they were very fluffy! Service was great and extremely kind. I wish this restaurant was in my neighborhood where I lived!

such great service and generous portions! i got the shrimp with garlic and white whine thinking it would just be some shrimp and maybe a few vegetables. i wasn't expecting a side salad, rice, bread, and dessert along with it -- all for $17! the shrimp was cooked and flavored perfectly. the sauce mixed well with the rice and veggies. the bread i believe was garlic bread and was so scrumptious! the chocolate cake was fluffy and not too dense either :)

Been going here since I was able to chew. Lovely staff and delicious food. You go for the cream of wheat, stay for breakfast. Summer tjme patio seating is a must.

Cream of wheat. Cream of wheat. Cream of wheat. That's all I can think about when I come here. People think I'm crazy when I sing its praises because how good can cream of wheat be? But one bite and you'll become a believer too. It's so good that I've spent countless hours at home trying to recreate it, and while I've gotten close thanks to some posts on Chowhound, it's never the same. I also love that it comes complimentary with your entree. The rest of their food is good, but not as outstanding. I got a croissant breakfast sandwich that was pretty good and reasonably priced last time, but the time before that, I got a caramel French toast special that was a let-down. I do like the flavor of their home fries, even if I wish they were a bit crispier. My husband has never been wowed by their food, even if he does appreciate the big portions. Still--for the cream of wheat, we are willing to come back any day.

Do not come here for a quick or even timely breakfast. We waited over 45 minutes for our omlettes while a steady stream of take-out orders went out the door.

The food was amazing! The service was impeccable! Shannon our server was Great, she made us feel at home. Did I say that the food was AMAZING? It was! My daughters and I had: 1. ( baked apple)Chicken sandwich with fries. At first my daughter ordered a breakfast plate (she is not a breakfast person),she asked Shannon if it was too late to change and get a chicken sandwich instead, Shannon told her not to worry about it and ordered her the chicken sandwich - My Daughter was grateful! 2. ( baked apple) Gingerbread pancakes,linguica and hash browns 3. ( To die for Cream of wheat) Eggnog French Toast, 3 eggs over easy and hash browns. We were so hungry we forgot hot to take pictures. This is place is a mystery for anyone who wants good tasting food.) They don't take credit cards so come prepared with cash or Venmo! SHANNON Thank you! We will be back ( in my Arnold Schwarzenegger voice)

The move at Neighborhood Restaurant is to opt for the Portugese Breakfast. Ordering this dish lets you to try a variety of delicious foods: linguica, code cake, shrimp cake, and meatcake. It also comes with home fries, toast, rice and beans, and is extremely filling. Don't forget to try their cream of wheat as well. This side dish is what the restaurant is best known for and was pure sweet and creamy goodness. Our servers were polite, observed social distancing, and wore appropriate COVID gear. They take cash or Venmo.

The cream of wheat here is god-mode. They usually have line but give you free coffee in bc a giant conference-sized container. Summer outside is gorgeous and their patio is covered in greenery. Winter is indoors. You can always pick up a cream of wheat from their morning pot for 5$ a coffee is like 2$. It's cheaper than what I would spend at Starbucks for a fancy drink and so much more delicious. Cash only but there's an ATM.

I've been to The Neighborhood several times for brunch, especially when I lived in the area. This is a cash only restaurant so make sure to hit the ATM before coming. Last time I went was in April 2021, and sat outside. Tables were distanced, hand sanitizer was available, and people were wearing masks so we felt safe. I've had the omelettes, chorizo patty sandwich, and stuffed French toast and they were all good. My favorite is the cream of wheat. I would buy a bucket full of it.

Not a great restaurant. We saw pictures online with the grape vines overhead. Obviously they aren't green and alive like that in December, however we had hoped this nice feature would signal quality and care. It did not. Food is quite bland and is something akin to what you might find in late 80's at a nursing home. It's clear that they focus on quantity over quality by offering a heap of other side dishes complimentary to your actual order. Waffles are not proofed at all and taste of instant mix. Maple syrup is synthetic and full of high fructose corn syrup, and the rest of ingredients used seem to follow this same pattern. We saw that they had a jam dispensary which said they used their own grapes that they grow however which gave us hope. However this was not in operation at the time of visiting... sigh. Cash / Venmo only business however there are no visible signs (atleast to what I saw and I really did look) indicating such. Instead they have an expensive fee'd ATM inside to gouge customers a bit more who anticipated paying their expensive bill via card. I wouldn't have a problem with this if the menu's had a disclosure and/or a visible sign when walking in that at the least attempted to disclose this to customers prior to ordering. Staff are quite loud and are bussing dishes in the actual dining room. They have no separated space and so while you eat you will hear the servers talk, and quite loudly so about themselves and their lives to each other. My only problem with this was how loud and obtrusive they were, talking across the restaurant as they are handling your food. It's overall just very chaotic, unappetizing, and extremely overpriced. But hey at least they have some cool vines and space outside in the summer months. Won't be back.

I wish I could start every day with this cream of wheat! I've made many a cream at home, and nothing comes close. I don't know what creamy wheaty magic they put into their pot, but I'm all the way here for it. I've gotten a number of brunch dishes, which always are tasty and way too much food, but the cream of what is what keeps me coming back. You get it as a complimentary starter with any entrée, or for a mere $4, you can get it to-go any time! The pint is large and serves as two breakfasts for me. During Somerville Fluff Festival, they put fluff on top! A true Somerville institution, Neighborhood (and that cream of wheat) is very welcome in the neighborhood.

After reading the abundance of reviews hyping the cream of wheat you might be thinking something like "This has to be some kind of inside joke, right?" or "It's just cream of wheat; these people must have some pretty boring taste buds!" You're wrong. It is that good and you can't really understand it until you try some. The Portuguese breakfast special was also excellent--the three "cakes" are actually empanada-like pockets, but delicious nonetheless, and the portion is large without being disturbing. Overall this place is a solid breakfast/brunch pick with friendly service, a relaxed vibe, and lovely food.

I ordered takeout and got the #5 and #6. The #5 includes French toast with home fries, and choice of meat (I got sausage) while the #6 includes French toast with three eggs and home fries. All breakfast includes a choice of fruit or cream of wheat, which I HIGHLY recommend you to get. They have the best cream of wheat which has just the right amount of sweetness to pair with your meal. We got the French toast with sweet bread, which is soft, fluffy and taste absolutely divine with a hint of lemon to pair with the sweetness. I really enjoy their home fries as it is flavorful and tastes so good. The sausage isn't bad as it was better than some other breakfast places I have been to. In addition to all this food, they also gave a free tray of various bread for us to try! Do note that they are very popular and get busy even on a Friday afternoon. Although they mentioned 20 minutes on the phone, the order ended up taking 40 minutes to get ready so order in advance and be expected to wait. Although I did not dine in, they have a very cute outdoor dining set up so do swing by their area to enjoy their food.

We came for breakfast and there was quite a long wait (over an hour and 30 minutes). This is typical though on a weekend. But we waited and the food was pretty good. The portions were decently sized and the cream of wheat was a nice add to have. The servers were very attentive and friendly, and it was nice and cozy inside. I would come back again if there wasn't such a long line, but not sure if it's worth the hour plus wait.

love this local spot - echoing what everyone says about their cream of wheat (it's worth the hype!) - big breakfast menu with good variety, service is always friendly & fast i particularly love their winter specials pro-tip: arrive when it opens to avoid the rush!

Great place! Ate outside beneath the vast grape arbor. Every meal comes with Cream of Wheat. And it's a delicious recipe, a little lemony actually. Really good. But everything on the menu is great. Eggs, waffles, everything.

We were in Boston a year ago and found The Neighborhood Resturant- we thought it was fabulous. So when we made it back to Boston for this Christmas thwas a must stop for our family. The cream of wheat is amazing but the Corn Beef Hash is my favorite thing!

Visited with family for breakfast. Everything ordered was excellent and the portions were large. Order the Cream of Wheat - you won't regret it. If you have to wait to be seated (and you will have to wait), try the complimentary Hot Chocolate. You wouldn't think that the addition of cinnamon to the chocolate could put the flavor on a level, but it does. The food is definitely worth the wait.

This was a unique place. We didn't know how good it was, but based on the reviews, pretty damn good. Portuguese breakfast omelet (linguica and eggs) was par excellence. They said to try the house specialty, which is the cream-o-wheat, and it was the finest we ever tasted.

Great little local restaurant. I had the cream of wheat woth a sidw of turkey sausage. I wasnt a fan of the turkey sausage but the cream of wheat was amazing! Would go.back simply for the cream of wheat

Who knew cream of wheat could be so good!? I've never had it before, but after reading all of the reviews, I knew I had to try it. It did not disappoint! Super creamy, cinnamon-y, and delicious. I also ordered the mushroom, tomato, and cheese omelet which was somehow the best omelet I've ever had. I ordered takeout and everyone was unbelievably friendly. I can't wait to go back for more cream of wheat and to enjoy their patio.

The brunch menu here stands up to the best of em! The dish that separates them from everyone else is definitely the cream of wheat! I always down a large bowl when I go there I put butter and honey It just to kick things up a notch!

Long waiting on a Friday morning, but good service. Free coffee outside for people who are waiting.

Cash Only. Don't worry they have an atm inside. I just moved to the neighbourhood in July. I always saw a line outside this restaurant during the days especially during brunch time. Finally came here on the last warm weekend of Fall. We came here after 2pm and there were a couple tables ahead of us. You write your name and the amount people in your party on a paper on a clipboard. And then someone comes out and calls out your name when a table for your size party is available. While you wait they have refreshments and snacks. It was OJ and muffins the first time we came and hot chocolate and sponge cake the 2nd time. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. They make you feel like your getting brunch at grandma's house. I've only ordered from their specials both times and it's a $16.99 which includes coffee, OJ, a choice of a fruit bowl or cream of wheat and your meal. The specials change daily I believe- I've only been on weekends. I am ALWAYS stuffed by the time my meal gets to the table. I'm not used to such a large breakfast. But not to worry if you can't finish it you can take it home and this is the first time ever I have to take home brunch. First brunch my husband and I started with OJ and Mimosas and the fruit bowls. I ordered the Belgium waffles that came with berries on top, a sausage patty, 2 eggs your style, potato hash and toast i didn't declined the toast. I struggled so bad to finish but I did well. Only 1/8 of my waffle was left in the plate. My husband got the crab cake eggs benedict which was good it came with potato hash and toast. He said it's the best he's had so far. He even craved for more after he was done. Everything came out really fast I was shocked. The second time we cane here it was around 11am and it was an overcast day in the 50s. There were a lot of people ahead of us. We didn't get seated till almost 12pm. Thank goodness for their hot chcolate and cake to fill the void while we waited. I ordered the cream of wheat which was very good but very filling by the time I got my eggs benedict I could only eat one of the 2. And my husband got the Portuguese breakfast. He enjoyed everything except the blood sausage- his tastebuds haven't acquired that taste as yet he said it was very potent. I don't normally post 5 stars but this place is worth the wait for the service, friendliness and the meal made with love. And not to mention has refreshments while you wait.

Yes, the Cream of Wheat at The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery is wonderful, but the many breakfast entrees that we've ordered at The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery, over the years, are wonderful, as well. The staff are friendly and efficient. The restaurant is clean and comfortable. If you want to be evicted, ask your server if they have grits.

See Lisa E's well scribed review please. The 40 minute wait for a table, on a stoop in the warm morning sun, sipping coffee, snacking on corn bread and shooting the breeze was well worth it! While she had the baked apple, I thought I would try the cream of wheat. While her apple was delicious (thanks for always sharing), the cream of wheat must have been made with some kind of magic. It was all at once creamy buttery cinnamony sweet satisfying and soothing. For main, I had the ample crab cake bennie, a frequent menu special. 2 nice sized meaty cakes, topped with poached egg and hollandaise with as requested well done hash browns. Each individual item perfectly cooked, tasty on their own, but over-the-top when all coming together in one bite.

**still CASH ONLY for dine in** *employees w masks & gloves, and hand sanitizer on tables for COVID* What's not to love about Neighborhood? The food is delicious, the portions are huge, the outdoor seating is in the shade, and it remains super cheap. When we go here we often split a meal because so much comes with your breakfast! This time we got the three eggs (scrambled) with home fries, and a side of pancakes to share. Each meal comes with a starter of fruit or cream of wheat (we picked the fruit - a baked apple), and a side of toast and red velvet bread/cake. The red velvet was moist (sorry, had to say it!) and incredible, but my favorite item is their scrambled eggs. So perfectly done. Make sure you come hungry!

Loved our experience at this cozy mom and pop restaurant. The food was beyond my expectations; so much that I purchased some merch! Loved the food but the personable service was exceptional!!

Got to know about this amazing breakfast place after I moved to Somerville a block away from it. Always good experience. If you are planning to go on a weekend, there is always a wait. Says a lot about how good this place is! Love their cream of wheat! I love their waffles and French toast! Its great that it opens 7 day a week even early morning. Totally recommend it! Very nice local breakfast joint. In spring and summer they have outdoor setup that is really cool. CASH only.

So good.. all around awesome spot and the little bathroom downstairs topped it off.. cream wheat thing in portuegee roll fire.