Yafa Bakery & Café

Yafa deserves its stellar reputation and is frankly the best Somerville has to offer. From the moment you arrive, the staff is warm and attentive, welcoming you and often giving out samples of their delicious baked goods. There is something for everyone here, with gluten free options and allergens clearly listed. There is a good amount of comfortable seating. The baklava is perhaps my favorite I have ever tried, and you cannot go wrong with any choice on the menu. As a lover of pistachio, I would recommend the burma, kunafah, and muska kataifi in particular.

The hospitality is just different here and you don’t find in the western world, much less Boston area. It’s not just a one off, I have been consistently blown away across 4 different trips bringing friends and out of town family. They have amazing middle eastern sweets (incl many vegan options), and breads that come with humus and lebneh which are so simple but taste next level. The lemonada drink is also excellent. I am mostly vegan so can’t speak to many of the desserts in the case that also looked amazing.

Just one step in and you’ll feel the warmth and hospitality from all directions. It’s really a place you need to visit yourself and I know you won’t regret it. Food: The smell of the fresh teas and pastries makes your mouth water. Then the samples the staff happily shares makes it harder not to try a few things yourself. The chai was my drink of choice and it was probably the best you’ll have in the great Boston area. Service: The staff was so excited for each customer and was so happy to be sharing the food they crafted. You are offered so many things to try that it actually makes it harder to settle on just one or two things to actually buy. Atmosphere: The decor was welcoming and calming and I’m sure I could easily sit for hours reading or doing work.

I kept hearing amazing things about this café, so I finally had to check it out — and I’m so glad I did! It absolutely lived up to the hype. The food was delicious (with great vegan options!), the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly kind. I even happened to meet the owner, who was friendly and genuinely considerate, which made the experience even more memorable. I’ll definitely be back soon!

Aesthetically pleasing desserts and atmosphere. Everything was very well made and delicious. Service was fantastic, if you have the opportunity to sit and eat in they bring your desserts out on a plate artfully garnished. Chai is great hot or iced. Loved the pistachio and ricotta cake and the potato snail with labneh the most but everything was great.

My very first time to try Palestinian desserts, in this small but wonderful café titled "2023 Best New Bakery" and "2024 Best Bakery" in "Best of Boston". Harissa: Sweet but not overwhelming, fragrant yet not greasy, it was what traditional desserts supposed to be. And what I appreciate most is its muffin-like moist and smooth texture. Baklava Rolls / Walnut: Crispy on the outside, while sugary and nutty fragrant on the inside. The aroma of cinnamon and cardamom were mild and easy to accept. It kind of reminded me of the Almond Roca candy. To emphasize, the service was unexpectedly considerate. As a new customer, I simply asked the assistant for recommendations, and she offered me samples of 4 kinds of desserts and a cup of Yafa Chai Karak to try. Although it was hard to get accustomed to the spices, I still appreciate the kindness.

New favorite bakery in Boston. Went an hour before closing and was offered so many delicious free samples. Food plated beautifully and made with so much care, chai is amazing.