"Boston transplants love to complain that this city just isn’t New York. We know. And we like it that way. But sometimes even the most dyed-in-the-wool Beantown residents get a hankering for NYC deli-style lox bagels or pastrami on rye, and that’s where Zaftigs comes in. No, Meg Ryan never filmed a scene here, but the food is top notch and perfect for a meatier brunch. The New Yorker sandwich, stacked with hot pastrami and corned beef, is heftier than a Fens goose. And the latkes with sour cream and lox are the tallest, fluffiest, crispiest we’ve ever encountered. But the best thing about this classic Brookline establishment is that their breakfast and lunch menus are served all day, every day." - lala thaddeus, tanya edwards, catherine smart
"Opened in 1997, Jewish deli Zaftigs is a mainstay of the food scene in Coolidge Corner. The space is reminiscent of a diner, only bigger, and the vibe is super friendly and low-key." - Erika Adams
"Boston transplants love to complain that this city just isn’t New York. We know. And we like it that way. But sometimes even the most dyed-in-the-wool Beantown residents get a hankering for NYC deli-style lox bagels or pastrami on rye, and that’s where Zaftigs comes in. No, Meg Ryan never filmed a scene here, but the food is top notch and perfect for a meatier brunch. The New Yorker sandwich, stacked with hot pastrami and corned beef, is heftier than a Fens goose. And the latkes with sour cream and lox are the tallest, fluffiest, crispiest we’ve ever encountered. But the best thing about this classic Brookline establishment is that their breakfast and lunch menus are served all day, every day." - Lala Thaddeus
"This cozy delicatessen serves an array of warming foods, and when the matzoh ball soup craving hits, this chicken broth soup is our favorite in the area. Purists be warned, Zaftig’s in-house version comes with noodles, however for takeout noodles and matzoh are packaged on the side. There’s also a Natick location." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"The Rosh Hashanah menu includes classics like beef brisket, mashed potatoes, sweet noodle kugel, and challah bread pudding; pre-orders are due by September 27, with pick-ups available October 2–3. To order from the Brookline location call 617-975-0075; to order from the Natick location call 508-653-4442." - Erika Adams