Dave’s Fresh Pasta, Somerville, MA

Four words: Out of this World. This shop can be found a few steps away from the Davis T-station and is predominantly a specialty food, cheese, and wine shop specializing in homemade pasta (hence the store name) but thankfully, they have decided to offer sandwiches at their lunch counter as well. All I have to say is wow, they produces the freshest and tastiest sandwiches I think I have ever sunk my teeth into. With 50 different sandwich combinations, there is a sandwich for everybody and the great thing is, is that after frequenting the place and trying an assortment of sandwiches, I can attest that all of their sandwiches are VERY good. My favorites include the sun-dried tomato turkey, which includes layered turkey breast, sun-dried tomato pesto (made in-house), aged asiago cheese, carmelized onions and spinach on grilled focaccia bread & the roasted veggie goat cheese, with fresh Vermont goat cheese, roasted eggplant & peppers, spinach, oregano, and evoo, a perfect combination for a veggie and goat cheese lover, like myself. Goat cheese is a great compliment to the roasted egpplant in this and layered in-between two fresh slices of french bread. I want to cry when it’s time to take the last bite. Go here ASAP and try one of their specialty sandwiches. If none of the sandwich combinations sound satisfying (I don’t see how this could be possible) then you can build your own! Pile your favorites on the freshest bread or wrap and have yourself a day/ a bomb lunch.

FYI: There is limited seating both in and outside but come during off hours to snag a spot. There are a few stools and tables near the window in the front and a few tables outside. You can also grab the sandwiches to-go and sit near the center of Davis Square on a bench and people watch while listening to some street music.

Crema Cafe, Cambridge, MA, This place is amazing, very busy all the time but for good reason. The sandwiches are unique and delicious and you don’t feel crummy after eating them. Most of the time, I not only feel revived but healthier after eating here which I think is a plus. My all-time favorite is the sweet potato sandwich. If you are an avocado and sweet potato fan you will not be sorry you ordered this. It consists of sweet potato slices, avocado, sprouts, hummus, oh and did I mention green apples? It’s ALL squished between two homemade slices of wheat bread. The combination doesn’t seem like it would work but I promise you it does. Another popular and phenomenal choice is the crema grilled chicken sandwich served on panini pressed french bread with tender chicken breast, layered with avocado (they love avocado here), and a somewhat spicy but at the same time melt -in -your -mouth cheese corn spread. I am a huge fan.

FYI: There is plenty of seating both upstairs, downstairs, and outside on the patio but you must be aggressive when trying to snag a spot during peak times. However, if you come at off-times like late in the evening, you might find that you have the entire place to yourself (it’s rare, but it happens). Also, no wi-fi here so don’t plan on surfing the internet.

Noor, Somerville, MA

This place is freaking amazing. The owner and chef was at one time the chef of a 7 star Intercontinental hotel in Lebanon, so it must be good right? It’s a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean grub from a home-style grill. The menu isn’t too elaborate and the restaurant offers what you think it would- shawerma, kebabs, falafel, tabbouli, etc with hummus as a topping option for everything. But let me tell you- the chicken shawerma wrap here is hands down the best chicken shawerma I have ever tasted. The chicken actually melts in your mouth, it is slow-cooked to perfection and as tender as any piece of chicken could ever be and perfectly marinated. It is HUGE. There is absolutely no skimping here with what seems like pounds of shawerma, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles all wrapped up in the freshest of pita wraps. So delicious. The chef will also ask what type of sauce you would like, you get to choose between hummus and garlic sauce. Whatever you do, get the garlic sauce (unless you are not a fan of garlic in any way, shape, or form). It is the perfect addition and mixes well with the shawerma and onion flavor. I even asked the chef which one I should get and without hesitation, he answered “definitely the garlic sauce”. I literally salivate at the thought of this sandwich/wrap masterpiece. I am not a beef person but if you prefer beef, I would definitely try the beef shawerma wrap. It comes with the same fillings and I GUARANTEE you will salivate just the same.

FYI: There is seating available inside the store but it’s more of a take-out spot. They have tables and I have seen people enjoying their meal there. The staff is super friendly and the place is laid back but I would recommend grabbing a sandwich to go and setting up a mini picnic across the street at Nathan Tufts Park.

Cafe Deia, Medford, MA

Superb spot. What’s great about this place is that not many people know it exists.  It’s a very cute, tiny spot, and what’s nice is that you can go at any time of day or week, and get a seat- no problem. It’s located on busy Main Street but is easily missed if you don’t slow down and catch the sign as you drive by. They have an extensive menu and make the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever had. The breakfast sandwiches are also available all day long. YES. As someone who could eat breakfast for every meal of the day, I love this all-day option.  My go-to is the Mediterranean breakfast sandwich, it’s filled with scrambled eggs cooked to perfection, feta, peppers, onions, and dried oregano. The Nutty Bee is also an adventurous but fabulous choice if you love everything to do with cheese and honey. Its two scrambled eggs, cheese, honey & walnuts all served with your choice of bread. I appreciate Café Deia’s bread options. You can have your breakfast sandwich served on a croissant, English muffin, bagel, toast or a wrap and the flavors for each are extensive. If you are not a breakfast person, Café Deia’s has some awesome choices for lunch as well. Their cranberry turkey served on a white, wheat or spinach wrap (try the spinach wrap) is a great combination of sweet and savory stuffed with fresh deli turkey, romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, mozzarella, cranberry sauce and …mandarin oranges. I know, weird… but the combination is yummy! The grilled cheese with swiss, tomato and avocado is crazy good as well.

FYI: Limited parking but the good thing is, is that it’s Medford and parking restrictions don’t really exist. You can typically find a parking spot on Main Street or on one of the nearby residential streets and walk on over. They also aren’t open too late, usually until 5 PM, so definitely plan on eating here in the morning or mid to late afternoon.

This spot has my vote.