Union Square in Somerville, MA, punches far above its weight in the Boston area food scene. This dynamic neighborhood has long been a culinary playground, evolving from a historic crossroads into a destination where foodies, families, and adventurous eaters can find mouthwatering surprises on nearly every block. Whether you’re craving globally inspired plates, iconic bakeries, hip cafés, or inventive food trucks, Union Square delivers. Here’s your go-to guide for savoring the best of Union Square’s dining scene—from celebrated hotspots to local favorites just waiting to be discovered.
The Beating Heart: Union Square Plaza
Union Square’s main intersection—where Somerville Ave, Washington Street, and Bow Street collide—forms the neighborhood’s culinary core. Many of the area’s most beloved restaurants and cafés can be found within a short walk of this plaza, radiating outward along Somerville Ave and the side streets.
- Bronwyn (255 Washington St): Lovers of hearty German and Central/Eastern European cuisine rejoice! Bronwyn is an atmospheric bierhall famous for its sausages, schnitzel, and house-made pretzels. Whether sharing boisterous platters of pierogi or sampling one of the area’s best sausage plates, Bronwyn’s communal vibe and fantastic beer list make it a go-to for groups. Entrées are $20-$30.
- Union Square Donuts (20 Bow St): If you’re after a sweet treat, this award-winning bakery is simply a must. Their pillowy, oversized donuts—especially the maple bacon or Boston cream—are worth the hype. Expect lines, but the result is always fresh and fantastic. Donuts are $3-$5 each.
- Vinal Bakery (222 Somerville Ave): A hidden gem for breakfast and lunch, Vinal Bakery is a petite neighborhood spot serving up some of the best New England-style English muffins in the region. Try their inventive breakfast sandwiches, like the “Union Square” (house sausage, egg, cheddar, and spicy mayo).
Global Flavors, Local Flair
Union Square’s strength is its diversity—on a single block, you can globe-trot from Nepal to El Salvador to Italy and beyond.
- Nepali Kitchen (120 Bow St): Union Square has a storied history with Nepalese eateries, and Nepali Kitchen carries the torch with pride. Their momos (steamed dumplings) and chicken chili are local legends, and the lunch specials are wallet-friendly ($8-$15).
- La Brasa (124 Broadway): Tucked away just off the main drag, La Brasa brings the fire—literally. Their wood-fired oven produces craveable Peruvian-inspired fare with a Southern twist: Think roasted chicken to share, grilled corn, and an ever-changing lineup of creative cocktails. Excellent for dinner dates or festive groups ($18-$35 for entrées).
- Cantina La Mexicana (247 Washington St): This unassuming spot is a local favorite for authentic, home-style Mexican food—don’t sleep on the tinga tacos or chorizo sopes. Budget-friendly, generous portions, and a small market attached for hard-to-find Mexican pantry items.
Local Food Traditions & Hidden Surprises
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you: Union Square isn’t just about restaurants. It’s the home of the original “Somerville Fluff Festival” (honoring Marshmallow Fluff, invented here!), an eclectic farmers market, and a new wave of pop-ups and food trucks that ensure you never eat the same meal twice.
- Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way): This former storage lot turned open-air food hall exemplifies Somerville’s creative spirit. Here you’ll discover everything from Vietnamese street food at Saigon Alley, Turkish dumplings at Parlor Ice Cream, and all things plant-based at Nu Burger. Outdoor seating, rotating vendors, and a built-in brewery (Remnant Brewing) make Bow Market a must-visit for curious eaters and social butterflies alike.
- The Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery (25 Bow St): Family-run and beloved for decades, The Neighborhood is as local as it gets. Their Portuguese-influenced breakfast—think sweet Malasada-style bread, creamy farina, and rich omelets—draws happy crowds on weekends. Arrive early or expect a wait!
Cafés & Sweet Spots
For coffee connoisseurs, afternoon snackers, or the remote work crowd, Union Square offers all the caffeine and fresh-baked goodness you could want.
- Bloc Café (11 Bow St): Inside a former bank, Bloc offers an industrial-chic vibe, perfect for working or meeting friends. Their sandwiches, quiches, and house-made breads are stellar, and there’s a lovely patio for sunny days.
- Gracie’s Ice Cream (22 Union Square, inside Bow Market): Small batch, locally adored, Gracie’s churns up inventive ice creams like Grape Nerds or Salty Whiskey, and their hand-stirred frappes are not to be missed.
- Union Square Diner (70 Union Square): For retro diner vibes, classic diner fare, and bottomless coffee, Union Square Diner nails it—especially for a late breakfast or greasy spoon fix that won’t break the bank.
Food Trucks, Pop-Ups & Markets
No Union Square food guide is complete without mentioning its ever-evolving lineup of food trucks and pop-ups, often congregating near Bow Market, Union Square Plaza, or at local events.
- Jaju Pierogi: Local sisters bring family recipes to life, slinging Polish-style dumplings from their mobile kitchen at Bow Market and local farmer’s markets—watch Instagram for their next appearance!
- Union Square Farmers Market (Union Square Plaza, May–November): Saturday mornings are sacred in Somerville—expect produce, baked goods, gourmet coffee, and specialty products from New England’s best artisans.
Why Union Square is a Foodie’s Paradise
What makes Union Square so special is its vibrancy and realness. Here, family-run institutions coexist with immigrant-owned kitchens and playfully hip newcomers. The price range is refreshingly broad, with plenty of options for splurging or feasting on a budget. Longevity and local love run deep: ask a regular and you’ll get a dozen different “best dish” recommendations.
Whether you’re brunch-hopping, donut-sampling, beer-garden basking, or taco-trekking, Union Square has a flavor adventure for every appetite and budget. Come hungry—and leave planning your next trip back.