Casual Mediterranean & American fare is served for breakfast & lunch in a cozy, brick-walled cafe.
Brittany Bromfield
Came here for brunch and waited about 30 minutes for a table, which already set expectations pretty high. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite live up to the hype.
The pistachio baklava pancakes were the clear standout—unique, well-executed, and genuinely delicious. Definitely the dish I’d recommend if you do come here.
The za’atar egg bowl was just okay and could have benefited from more sauce and seasoning, and the shakshuka was fine but nothing memorable—I’ve had better elsewhere.
Service was also lacking. We asked for coffee multiple times and never received it; it felt like the staff was overwhelmed and inattentive, which took away from the experience.
Overall, the food is decent, with one excellent dish, but between the long wait times, lines, and subpar service, it’s hard to say it’s worth the effort. Probably not a spot I’d wait in line for again.
… moreSarina Lau
this place is CASH ONLY!!! food came out maybe less than five minutes after i ordered which already impressed me. i ordered the spicy sausage shakshuka and a hot chocolate, both of which didn’t disappoint. sausage wasn’t really too spicy at all! all of the staff are super nice and attentive, and the walls are filled with pretty photographs of people and people’s writing.
… moreSarah Rahal
This family is so warm and talented. Their ideas, dishes, and company is something everyone will enjoy. Zaatar bowl has all the good veggies you want and the pancakes are to die for. Make sure to bring cash and better to go on a Monday or Wednesday when it’s less busy.
… moreErnesto Soto
Not the typical brunch place were you can cook that at home. Unique menu especially the Baklava Pancakes, they definitely one of the best pancakes I had in any brunch place. A bit loud but you can still talk, line is usually long but moves quickly. Be ready to eat and leave otherwise staff kindly will remind you there’s people waiting outside (and that’s OK). Also bring cash, is cash only (which I usually don’t carry). I would visit again for sure to taste other stuff on the menu.
… moreZee Ibrahim
THIS IS A CASH ONLY restaurant and that really should be clearly posted at the entrance.
The food was incredibly tasty, and the brunch line can get long—expect to wait about 15–20 minutes.
The ambiance is okay, a bit cramped, but the servers are courteous and attentive.
… moreAlex Masci
Brookline was a unique brunch experience with very tasty food! Our group of 3 waited for 30-45 min on a Saturday morning. The atmosphere was busy, cozy, and very mom-and-pop vibes. 2 of us were going to order more “generic” breakfast food but our server insisted that we try the specialties that Brookline Lunch is known for rather than opting for something more basic that we could get somewhere else. I’m glad we listened to her; the za’atar egg bowl and baklava pancakes were SO delicious, flavorful, and unique. I definitely recommend listening to the staff for dish suggestions! Also, CASH ONLY, so be prepared! We walked to the restaurant and didn’t have to deal with parking.
… moreMary Carmona
Ordered the steak and eggs that also came with some veggies which was a plus. The baklava pancakes had the perfect amount of butter and sweetness that melted in my mouth with a dash of crunch. Definitely a must have!
… moreNisreen Kalai
The vibes of the restaurant were cute but I think it’s been overhyped for what you get. The baklava pancakes are good but other than that the food isn’t very good. I got a shakshooka that felt like the most random combination of vegetables in a red sauce, not the but it would’ve been fine if the potatoes were fully cooked. Almost ever piece of potato felt completely raw. Our server was also not the nicest but I hope she was just having a bad day. I would recommend trying the pancakes but aside from that I would not go again.
… morePoorvajaa Raman
It was a really unique experience. The food was great, had a lot of middle eastern touch to the dishes.
The place is run by a family and they are very sweet, recommend and explain the bestsellers to you.
The service was quick and clean.
The ambience was different. Very open kitchen, little noisy. But overall great dining experience!
… moreAllison L.
There are plenty of reasons why people willingly line up in the elements for a seat at this charming brunch nook. Brookline Lunch stands out not only for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere but also for its unique Middle Eastern twist on classic breakfast fare.
The star of the menu — and perhaps the dish you’ll see on nearly every table — is the famed baklava pancakes. These fluffy, buttery stacks are drizzled with fragrant rose syrup, crowned with pistachios, and topped with delicate shards of filo. They’re familiar yet unexpected: part comforting pancake, part decadent baklava, but transformed into something entirely new when combined. While their indulgence may not suit every palate, they are undeniably a must-try.
I also loved the Big Fish Salmon Omelette, generously filled with rough-cut vegetables that gave it a hearty, homemade feel. The portion sizes here are no joke — my two dishes were more than enough for two people to share.
Service was warm and attentive despite the bustle of a full house, and the atmosphere carried that lively, friendly hum that makes a brunch outing feel special. One thing to note: they are cash only, so come prepared.
If you’re looking for brunch with a cultural flair and flavors you won’t find anywhere else, Brookline Lunch is absolutely worth the wait.
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