Nestled just east of Tufts University and buffered by the life of Broadway and Boston Avenue, Hillside is a Somerville neighborhood that holds its own delicious secrets. While it may not be known for long lines or clipboards at the door, Hillside’s dining scene offers a treasure trove for anyone craving everything from rustic baked goods to global street food. Whether you’re a local, a Tufts student, or an adventurous eater from across the city, here’s what makes eating in Hillside a true joy.
The Beating Heart: Broadway’s Diverse Bites
Broadway is arguably the culinary spine of Hillside, where local gems cluster in walkable stretches between North Street, Packard Avenue, and the Medford line.
- Tasty Café (321 Broadway): A neighborly café with a far-reaching menu of Mediterranean classics—think creamy hummus platters, perfectly spiced shawarma, and crispy falafel. Prices are wallet-friendly for students, with hearty entrees averaging $10–$15. Their lentil soup and baklava make repeat appearances on locals’ lunch lists.
- Angelina’s Pizzeria (359 Broadway): Hillside’s go-to for New York-style slices. The menu covers the classics (pepperoni, veggie) and crowd-pleasers like Buffalo chicken or eggplant parm pizzas. Grab-and-go slices ($3–$4) are perfect for a quick bite, but a large pie for dine-in or delivery won’t break the bank. Don’t miss the garlic knots—a neighborhood legend.
- House of Chang (282 Boston Ave at Broadway): Family-owned and always bustling, this Chinese takeout standby wins praise for fresh ingredients and addictive sesame chicken. Their lo mein and dumplings, always piping hot, are local comfort foods, with most entrees under $12.
Under-the-Radar Bakeries and Sweet Spots
There’s something special about a great neighborhood bakery. It’s where mornings start, afternoons refresh, and local traditions are baked in.
- Winter Hill Bakery Express (316 Boston Ave): A satellite of the famous Winter Hill Bakery, this spot is cramped but beloved for Portuguese and Brazilian specialties: pillowy malasadas, pastel de nata, and generously filled sandwiches. Grab strong coffee, a sweet pastry, and snag a sunny window seat if you can.
- Crèmeux Café & Patisserie (pharmacy building, close to 350 Broadway): French-leaning pastries—croissants, pain au chocolat, and silky tarts—make this tiny shop worth the hunt. Slightly upscale ($4–$8 for most pastries), it’s a splurgy treat for breakfast or a midday break.
Hip Hangouts and Fuel for Studying
With Tufts on its doorstep, Hillside thrives on cafés and casual restaurants where laptops, good Wi-Fi, and great snacks are a given.
- Tamper Café (340 Boston Ave): A favorite for students and remote workers, Tamper boasts single-origin brews, fresh bagels, and standout avocado toast loaded with chili flakes and a six-minute egg. Sandwiches and salads ($10–$13) are packed with local produce. Quiet nooks and airy windows make it a chic, relaxed hangout.
- Oasis Café (373 Broadway): Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors define the menu here—from shawarma wraps and rice plates to Turkish coffee. Friendly staff and unexpected treats like pistachio pastries set Oasis apart as a writer’s retreat or casual date spot.
Food Trucks: Global Flavors on Wheels
Hillside loves street food, and its food truck scene frequently parks on or near Tufts’ campus or at community events in Nathan Tufts Park, just west of Powder House.
- Roxy’s Grilled Cheese (usually on Boston Ave near campus): A staple for melty, gooey sandwiches, Roxy’s rotates artisan cheeses, buttery bread, and over-the-top add-ons like truffle oil or hot honey. Prices hover around $8–$12 for a sandwich.
- The Chicken & Rice Guys: Inspired by NYC Halal carts, this truck dishes up loaded platters with spiced chicken, garlicky rice, and addictive white sauce. Hearty, affordable, and a cult favorite post-class or late night.
International Inspiration: Taste the World on Foot
From sushi to Italian, Hillside’s small size belies a delightfully international palate.
- Sushi Kappo Toraya (195 Elm St, a walk from Hillside core but a local favorite): Tucked inside a brick strip mall, this no-frills spot produces sparkling-fresh sashimi and specialty rolls. The lunchtime bento box is a steal at about $15–$18.
- D Lite Café & Bakery (323 Boston Ave): Vietnamese-inspired banh mi sandwiches, flaky pork buns, spring rolls, and inventive bubble teas greet you at D Lite. Everything is made fresh, and the $5–$10 range is student-approved.
- Kelly’s Diner (674 Broadway, just beyond Hillside): Looking for classic American comfort? Kelly’s is an old stainless-steel diner plating up pancakes, omelets, burgers, and shakes. Prices are diner-affordable, portions are hearty, and the retro vibe is unmatched for weekend brunch.
Can’t-Miss Hidden Gems
Look beyond the obvious and Hillside reveals some of its deepest culinary roots.
- Julio’s Liquors (338 Boston Ave): Not just for libations—Julio’s shelves locally made snacks, international cheeses, and pickled extras perfect for a picnic or a housewarming spread.
- Nick’s House of Pizza (513 Broadway, near Hillside/Medford line): A local secret, Nick’s offers Greek-style pizzas, tangy feta salads, and hearty hot subs. Their spinach pie is a runaway hit, and most meals are under $15.
- Tufts Community Farmers Market (seasonal, 419 Boston Ave): While small and seasonal, the market features independent bakers, small-batch jams, and locally roasted coffee—a delicious way to meet the makers and taste what the neighborhood grows.
Local Traditions & Events
Hillside’s food culture is about more than restaurants—it’s in the way the neighborhood gathers and faces each season together.
- Annual International Food Fair: Hosted on Tufts’ campus each fall, this lively event drew neighbors even before food trucks got trendy, serving homemade specialties from dozens of cultures represented in the community.
- PorchFest & Block Parties: Expect pop-up lemonade stands, bake sales, and community cookouts—a testament to how food brings Hillside together.
Eat, Explore, and Enjoy Hillside
Hillside is proof that you don’t need a celebrity chef or glossy Instagram accounts to eat well and eat weird. It’s a neighborhood bursting with independent flavors, interwoven traditions, and the kind of just-right hole-in-the-wall diners and bakeries that food lovers dream about. Next time you’re hungry—or just craving neighborhood charm—start at Broadway and meander up Boston Avenue. In Hillside, there’s always a new taste around the corner.