Boston's interesting but not heavy brunch-Cafe Landwer
đ„ Cafe Landwer: Bostonâs Mediterranean Brunch GemâLight, Flavorful, and Fabulous This spot took me by surpriseâMediterranean-inspired brunch thatâs fresh, creative, and leaves you feeling energized (not stuffed). After a meal here, I had enough energy to hit the court; compare that to my last brunch, where I napped for hours. Trust me, thatâs a win. đ The Standouts Knafeh: đ° Order this first. If you loved Trader Joeâs frozen version, prepare to be wowed. Crispy, shredded phyllo-like layers top a creamy, mild cheese base, with a sprinkle of pistachios for crunch. Itâs not overly sweetâjust rich enough to feel indulgent, but light enough to finish after a full meal. We got the $11 combo with Turkish coffee (the coffee is fine, but the knafeh alone is worth it). Shakshuka: đł A lighter take than Tatte or Milkweedâs versionsâbright, tomatoey, and not weighed down by heavy spices. Served with warm pita (perfect for sopping up broth), it comes with a side salad tossed in a nutty peanut sauce that adds an unexpected, delicious twist. đ The Pleasant Surprises Pancakes: đ„ Small but dense, with a texture thatâs fluffy yet ârusticââthink bigger air pockets and a slightly grainy bite (reminded me of corn cakes, weirdly enough). Served with syrup, Nutella, and whipped cream, the cream pairing is best (cuts the sweetness nicely). Chicken Shawarma Pita: đŻ Tender, spiced chicken wrapped in soft pitaâmy friend (whoâs Indian) noted it has subtle âIndian spice vibesâ (in a good way). Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying for a savory pick. âš Why It Works Balance: No dish is greasy, cloying, or âtoo much.â Even the sweeter items (pancakes, knafeh) feel intentional, not overwhelming. Vibe: Casual enough for a lazy weekend, but thoughtful enough to feel special. Budget Score: 4/5. Reasonable portions, with standout dishes that justify the price. Cafe Landwer is a great addition to Bostonâs brunch scene. Whether youâre here for the knafeh, shakshuka, or a fluffy pancake, it deliversâno food coma required. đ Cafe Landwer 383 Chestnut Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02135 #BostonBrunch #MediterraneanFood #BrunchVibes