The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
All About the Restaurant
Boston is known for many things from the Red Sox to its many colleges and universities, but whether you’re a baseball fan, student, or anything in between, you can’t overlook its just-as-prominent culinary scene. The city is home to many diverse restaurants ranging from stand alone businesses to chains unique to the area– a favorite of mine, and which also happens to be the topic of this article, being Cafe Landwer. Whether you’re visiting Boston for the first time or a local, you’ve most likely spotted this business’ colorful yellow sign outside one of its many locations in the city. Until recently, I had never tried their menu, filled from top to bottom with delicious Mediterranean flavors; however, when I went with the rest of the Spoon E-Board to taste test some dishes, I knew I no longer wanted to be one of those passer-byers and I would definitely be returning to the restaurant to make sure my other friends aren’t either.
Culture and Vibe
As soon as we entered the building of their location by the Boston Public Library, just off the T’s Green Line at Copley, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. We were immediately met with friendly staff who got us seated immediately at one of their spacious tables which made for a fun, communal dining experience typical of Mediterranean culture. Upon opening up the menus, you’ll face an array of authentic dishes that include ingredients like lamb, tzatziki, pita, veggies, and hummus all combined with comforting, warm spices common in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to this, though, the restaurant is filled with vibrant decor, cozy lighting, and fun music creating a vibe that melds the traditional food with a modern atmosphere. Immediately, we were immersed in the experience to come and excited to place our orders.
What We Tried
Coming into the restaurant, we knew we wanted to try some shakshuka: eggs cooked in a tomato based sauce and usually mixed with vegetables or topped with meat and accompanied by bread for dipping. Their menu holds a plethora of options, but we went with the Sinia Shakshuka and the Shakshuka Carne. We also ordered the pita and challah bread on the sides to compare.
The bright flavor of the tomato and the creaminess of the soft cooked eggs was a flavor and texture combination unlike anything else you’ll find in the city! Although shakshuka is commonly eaten for breakfast, Cafe Landwer offers it at all hours of the day, and I can tell you that it’s just as delicious for dinner. My personal favorite was the Carne which included a tender piece of short rib; plus, as a California native, the avocado made it that much better. The Sinia version, though, was also great with two well seasoned pieces of ground lamb and beef kebabs on top– perfect for sharing, as with any shakshuka you order! As for the bread options, I was absolutely blown away: even though they’re just a side to the main dish, they’re just as important when it comes to dipping. I recommend the pita (one of my favorite items of the night), but both breads were pillowy, warm, and addicting!
While the shakshukas were our main priority upon entering, it’s safe to say by the end of the meal, that we underestimated just how delicious their other menu items would be as well. We were also lucky enough to get a taste of their fried halloumi cheese sticks, hummus bowl with chicken shawarma, and their Aireis–which are pita pockets stuffed with ground beef and lamb. Each of these outstanding dishes had their own special flare: the halloumi with its soft and umami bite, the hummus with flavor-packed, creamy base and tender chicken, and the Aireis with its juicy interior and familiar fluffiness in the exterior. Each of these tasty options were accompanied by sauces, dips, and salads that complimented the already complex flavors perfectly. For me, the tzatziki dip and hummus with chicken were the best things I ate that night (and in Boston in general), and I would highly recommend giving them a try!
Despite being stuffed, we knew we couldn’t leave without trying one last thing: dessert! Their most popular (and most aesthetic) dessert is definitely their Rosalach– a soft yet crispy dough rolled around a sweet filling. Visually, it’s akin to a cinnamon roll, but much smaller and served laying on its side. We ended up getting a half order of their Nutella Rosalach which comes with 8 pieces and was just enough to satisfy our sweet tooth without being too much. They were warm, light, and had a perfectly doughy texture that contrasted the gooey nutella nicely. Overall, they were a great way to round off a great meal.
Final Reflection
So, although it’s understandable why one might be skeptical of any chain restaurant in a major city, fearing that it’s some kind of tourist trap, rest assured that Cafe Landwer is not one of those places. Every dish lives up to the hype and is worth every penny you pay! Plus, no matter who you are, if you’re in Boston at any point, this restaurant is a must-visit and, for me, is now a must-revisit because I will definitely be going back to try more of their delicious dishes and expose my friends and family to the delicious tradition of Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of my favorite city.