6 Best Restaurants in Boston Outskirts, Boston

Since 1999, this unpretentious, quick-serve creperie and café in the heart of Davis Square has been a local favorite for those seeking savory or sweet treats. For the savory set, ingredients are layered together (think grilled veggies, fresh cheeses, and crispy greens), wrapped in very thin pancakes, and heated until warm and toasty, while the gourmet sweet crêpes are filled with combinations such as dark Belgian chocolate and peanut butter, ricotta cheese and jam, or Nutella and berries. The Super Crêpes are heartier foldable meals with meats, veggies, and cheeses. Get creative and build your own crepe, or enjoy a flaky pastry, piping hot bowl of house-made soup, or chilly acai bowl.

When a basic burger won't do, this Davis Square dive satisfies. It's go big or go somewhere else thanks to thick patties covered in crazy toppings, such as the Gravy Train (a burger topped with cheese curds, fries, and onions with scallion aioli) or the Mac Attack (four-cheese mac and cheese, plus bacon). Fries don't just sit sidecar; they're their own meals when ordered smothered in clam chowder, chili, pizza toppings, or gyro meat. Still hungry? Try one of the colossal #FreakFrappes (frappes topped with everything from cannoli to s'mores). There are four other locations: Cambridge, Boston, Jamaica Plain, and Salem.

Known as Somerville's "refueling station," this bright, window-y spot just got a new look but still boasts a retro vibe, bold local artwork, and spacious tables that draw in Davis Square hipsters, Tufts students, and LGBTQ+ sets. Be part of the rebel crowd over veggie-friendly fare, crafted salads, soups, wraps, house-made pastries, and gourmet coffee with tasty house-made syrups in flavors like pumpkin, caramel, and vanilla. Shoot pool, chill out, or take selfies in a photo booth.

Usually packed, Otto Pizza delivers on tasty, delicious classics like cheese, pepperoni, or margherita, but where it really shines is with oddball combinations—like caramelized pear, blue cheese, and arugula, or pulled pork and pineapple. Diners can enjoy sit-down service, paired with a beer or glass of wine, or get a slice at the bar or get one to go.

This local hangout is a true community space, with everyone from commuters grabbing an organic coffee and a pastry in the morning to locals enjoying a soup-and-sandwich combo at lunch to students snacking on a muffin while doing their homework in the afternoon. The owners pride themselves on offering an inclusive space and using sustainable practices, such as using compostable products instead of plastic.

The locally owned-and-operated J.P. Licks scoops homemade ice cream, frozen yogurts, sherbet, and sorbet in all the basic varieties, plus there are non-dairy, gluten-free, and vegan options, and seasonal flavors like Apple Crisp and Fresh Cucumber. There are 13 locations in and around Boston.