Help! Where to brunch in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville?

[Snomad]

Hello there,

We have family in town this weekend to celebrate two engagements, and are in need of a stellar place for Sunday brunch. We were going to go to Toro, but they don't take reservations and there are 8 of us. We're open to, and appreciate, any and all suggestions! We've considered Harvest, Aquitane, and Hamersley's Bistro. Any other ideas, or thoughts on the aforementioned places?

Thanks!

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Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Hamersley's Bistro
553 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

[Snomad]

Thank you everyone for the incredible suggestions! We went to Craigie on Main, and it was absolutely delightful. Oh, how I do love that restaurant!

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Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

[kimfair1]

Glad you got into Craigie, man I love that brunch, especially the house made hash!

[ecwashere7]

I have to say that Craigie is easily the top choice. Their brunch is so good that I would almost say its mindblowing. Another good option is Sel De La Terre. I've had brunch there a few times (both Back Bay and Long Wharf) and its always been very solid. Great bloody mary.

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Sel De La Terre
776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

[BJK]

It may not be as "hot" as some of the other excellent places suggested already, but I've had two very enjoyable brunch experiences in the past year or so at Mistral. Based on the size of the dining room, I think they could almost definitely accommodate a party of 8. You might even be able to book a reservation on Open Table.

http://www.mistralbistro.com/index2.s...

[cambridgedoctpr]

many indian restaurants also have brunches. While i like Tamarind Bay, their brunch is not stellar. What about Bombay club?

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Tamarind Bay
75 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[babka eater]

I agree with many of these suggestions. Craigie on Main is my favorite "stellar" brunch in the area and can accomodate 8 if you book now. I will be there on Sunday as well!

Garden in the Cellar, East Coast Grill, and Blue Room brunches are quite good as well. I am curious to try Tupelo. Like another poster, I have only been to Henrietta's Table for dinner and have not been especially impressed even though I hear its brunch is great.

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East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Henrietta's Table
One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138

Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

The Blue Room
Hampshire and Portland streets, Cambridge, MA 02139

[jgg13]

I love me the tupelo brunch, but it's hardly fancy if that's what htey're looking for

[trueblu]

Craigie on Main is the best brunch around, but you're unlikely to get in this late. Hammersley's is good, and although pricey, XV Beacon is pretty good too -- and likely to be able to accomodate you at this late hour.

If you have a Harvard faculty connection, the Harvard Faculty Club does an excellent brunch (though this summer they have a la carte instead of the grand buffet) in a unique environment.

tb

PS I've only been once, but I was terribly disappointed by the brunch at Aquitaine (in South End) despite the rave reviews.

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Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

[Bob Dobalina]

Does it have to be fancy brunch?

There's always East Coast Grill's brunch, if the fam is wanting more informal. Sounds like a no, but throwing it out there.

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East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[nasilemak]

Always enjoyed the buffet brunch at The Blue Room. More global in scope than the typical brunch offerings.

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The Blue Room
Hampshire and Portland streets, Cambridge, MA 02139

[dsackton]

Russell House Tavern was quite good for brunch. Not quite as fancy as Hamersley or Harvest, but I liked it better than Aquitane. It's a pretty big space, so I'm guessing 8 would not be a problem

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Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[jgg13]

Last time I went there for brunch with a large group (~8) it was absolutely terrible. It took 20-something minutes just to have a server come say hi to us, and it went downhill from there.

[kimfair1]

Not sure if you can get a reservation for 8 at this late date, but Craigie on Main does a great brunch. Many folks say the brunch at Henrietta's Table is very good, but I've not tried it, and have never ben impressed with the dinners I've had there. I was in the South End on Sunday, and noticed they do brunch at Masa, and again, I've never been, but they're certainly big enough to accomodate a party of 8. Good luck!

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Henrietta's Table
One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138

Masa
439 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139