Zaftigs Delicatessen

Message from Zaftigs Delicatessen

  • Cheddar-apple omelets
  • Catering
  • Art decorations

Since 1997, Zaftigs Delicatessen has been offering great meals in a lively atmosphere. Have banana-stuffed French toast, potato pancakes, matzo ball soup or a Reuben sandwich while appreciating jazz and the arts indoors. Our complete menu is available for takeout and most menu items can be prepared to meet your dietary needs. We serve breakfast all day, lunch and dinner. We were voted one of the Ten Best Delis in the World by Reader's Digest in 2006.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Zaftigs Delicatessen

(617) 975-0075

335 Harvard St Brookline, MA 02446
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
The Scene
First-time visitors to this popular, poll-topping delicatessen who expect bland, cafeteria-style seating are surprised to see hardwood floors, colorful paintings, large windows and comfy banquettes. On weekend mornings and weeknights, casually-dressed crowds often spill out onto Harvard Street. Speedy servers do their best to keep local families and area academics satisfied by constantly topping off coffee cups and water glasses.

The Food
While old standbys like chopped liver and stuffed cabbage are popular choices, Zaftigs ups the ante by providing a "new-Jewish" spin on familiar favorites: banana-stuffed challah French toast, cheddar-apple omelettes. With the breakfast menu served at all hours, many patrons make a dinner out of homemade sweet cheese blintzes and crisp potato pancakes (be sure to ask for some homemade applesauce). Popular deli sandwiches make up for their relatively average size by featuring quality meats like smoky Romanian pastrami and lean corned beef.
Rated 8.0 out of 10 by Citysearch.

38 Reviews of Zaftigs Delicatessen in Brookline

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Fabulous atmosphere, limited menu  3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By Kate R.

Zaftigs Delicatessen has a great ambiance, and aluring artwork with affordable beers and wines. Their apple omlette is delicious- The only left to say is that I wish their menu had some more simple stuff for the kids. The matz soup was perfect!

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Comfort Food Heaven  5 Star Rating - World class

By Jennette M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,664

I can't say enough good things about this place. First of all, the food is absolutely delicious. It's comfort food and very high-calorie, so dieters beware. The servers are friendly and prompt, and when you're seated you don't get a breadbasket but a plate of bagel chips with a delicous cream cheese spread. And if you eat that right away, you can ask for seconds! Mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, regular pancakes, burgers, you name it. Everything is great. The only con is that you may have to wait for a table (I've waited for up to an hour) but it's so worth it. Saturday and Sunday afternoons and mornings are busiest.
And they have fabulous artwork celebrating zaftig women!

PROS: Great food, great atmosphere, great service
CONS: There may be a wait, not for dieters

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 36 reviews on Citysearch)

Depends on what you order 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By seekingcalm

The atmosphere is fun and funky. If you go when it's not too crowded, it's nice to sit by the window and watch the hubbub of Coolidge Corner. I've had some very disappointing things here--all the soups, roast turkey sandwich, and some that are good (any breakfast items especially stuffed french toast and home fries). Coffee is weak. Huge servings. Good egg salad.

Pros: Chocolate french toast, fish and chips
Cons: All soups are disgustingly salty, service can be mixed
Posted 03/10/09

Better than New York ! 5 Star Rating - World class

By bluecorners

My fave is the racheal sandwich and potato(e) salad with a glass of red wine. Very good food!! I travel all over the eastern US and suggest this place for deli food without hesitation.

Pros: Service, food
Cons: sometimes a wait
Posted 08/01/08

Good, Quality Food 5 Star Rating - World class

By uoha

I have never been disappointed! They have many different options on their menu, and they are all delicious. They are located right in the heart of Coolidge Corner. Good, quality, decently priced food.

Posted 06/30/08

northern comfort food 5 Star Rating - World class

By bugmenot21856

I'm from the south, i miss my comfort foods until this place redefined comfort food for me. I love the matza ball soup and hollys heavenly salad and fish plates. i didn't care for the potpie or turkey/avocado/cranberry roll. I love their variety appetizer plate, rice pudding, and rootbeer floats.

Pros: food, fun atmosphere, nice artwork
Cons: sometimes a long wait, sometimes loud
Posted 06/26/08

zaftigs 5 Star Rating - World class

By Citysearch User

The french toast is great, the ambiance is fun, the area is hopping, the price is right, the waiters are pleasant, the portions are generous, but it can be a little noisy for the hard of hearing.

Posted 05/08/08