From gochujang sticky buns to absurdly buttery croissants, Boston’s bakers are having a moment.
Yafa Bakery & Café sweets. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
We’re delighted that our November 2025 issue is out immediately, and with it the return of our annual leading 50 Restaurants list. While that list centers around special-occasion dinner spots, we enjoy daytime snacking just as much. As such, we wanted to share some of our current favorite bakery-cafés in and near Boston. We hope your sweet tooth will thanks us.
A croissant at Imagine. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Imagine
Best of Boston winner, 2025 (Best New Bakery-Café)
The baking masters behind Iggy’s Bread have built a serene shrine to buttery perfection. Here, flaky folds of dough become ethereal croissants in a Santa Fe–inspired space. The fireplace only adds to the coziness.
358 Huron Ave., Huron Village, Cambridge, iggysbread.com.
A loaf of sourdough from La Saison Bakery. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
La Saison Bakery
Best of Boston winner, 2021 (Best Croissants), 2022 (Best Bakery), and 2023 (Best Slice of Cake)
Cambridge’s sourdough obsession started here, and the chocolate cake alone justifies the constant lines. La Saison’s roomier late-2024 Charlestown expansion—complete with kids’ toys and a communal table—broadens the reach of those inimitable loaves. Don’t miss the brown-butter chocolate chip cookies.
407 Concord Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-0009; 221 Main St., Charlestown, Boston, 617-337-5087; lasaison-bakery.com.
Sweet tahini latte at Madhouse Cafe. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Madhouse Café
Best of Boston winner, 2023 (Best New Café) and 2024 (Best Coffee Shop)
Sweet tahini lattes, soft za’atar bread, even motorcycle repairs—this Roxbury coffeehouse doesn’t believe in boring. Connected to a busy bike repair shop, the lively space offers entertainment beyond ample greenery and eye-catching décor. The petite menu is well-thought-out, from locally sourced coffee to sunshine-y lemon cake.
24 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, 617-620-1501, madhousecafe.com.
The gochujang citrus sticky bun at Nine Winters. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Nine Winters
Gochujang in a sticky bun? It might just be our favorite treat of the year. The gently spicy creation anchors this former Korean-American pop-up’s permanent Cambridge location. Adding to the allure: coffee and tea concoctions that drink like cocktails, such as the “Inyeon”—orange ginger beer, cold brew, and gochugaru spun sugar.
292 Concord Ave., Huron Village, Cambridge, ninewinters.com.
The rose petal-covered kunafah cream at Yafa Bakery & Café. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Yafa Bakery & Café
Best of Boston winner, 2023 (Best New Bakery) and 2024 (Best Bakery)
The hospitable staff hands out free samples of chai karak and baklava like they’re running for mayor—a smart strategy when crowds are waiting at this Palestinian bakery. Fresh savory breads lead to beautiful sweets where pistachios, dates, and chocolate steal the show.
594 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617-616-5310, yafabakerycafe.com.
A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the leading 50 Restaurants list.
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