Natalie Y.
Yelp
Yafa- my favorite cafe/bakery in Boston! The food is incredible, authentic, and creative, and there's nowhere like it in Boston. I'm a huge foodie, esp. when it comes to baked goods and mediterranean food, but the experience at Yafa is so much more than incredible eats. Being in Yafa is like coming home, and the staff's radical hospitality stands out in a city that can often feel cold. Every time I've walked in, the owner (Abdulla) tells me stories about the food in the shelves (where the recipes come from and their inspiration), greets me warmly, gives me new items to sample, and always checks in to see how I'm liking the food. He also is happy to answer questions, and share information about the beautiful art in his shop (ask him about it)! I'd highly recommend making time to sit and enjoy the food there (both so you get the full customer service experience), but also because you'll get pastries fresh, hot and plated beautifully!
Here are some of my favorites:
The baklava fingers (or the pistachio baklava) and the Yafa chai Karak (I normally don't like chai or baklava, but they are INCREDIBLE HERE).
Knafeh with cheese (ask for this in the back and definitely sit in the restaurant so you get this fresh). Comes plated beautifully and warm (not shown in the display, so ask the owner Abdullahif he's around)!
Royal knafeh pistachio - first time trying pistachio knafeh and it was delicious. They have two versions, and I chose the one with red pistachios, incredible and so unique!
Qairawan- ask Abdulla about the history of this cookie! I'm not normally a huge fan of date cookies, but this one is so special, and the history it honors makes it even more of a treat!
Lemonada- super refreshing on a hot day. Made with orange blossom water, which makes it extra unique!
Hummus (best I've had in Boston). Made properly (homemade, warm, from dried beans).
Jerusalem Bagel- by far the best I've had in the western hemisphere (no surprise, given that the owner is from Jerusalem)! This is a must try!