As convenient as large supermarket chains can be, they lack the charm and personal touches you find at mom ‘n’ pop markets. Independent grocers are tucked away in all corners of Boston and these eight shops are well worth a visit:
1. Salumeria Italiana (North End)
When it comes to markets, this one proves that size is overrated. This store claims to be Boston’s best Italian grocery and, if you’ve ever stood outside and inhaled deeply, you’re likely to agree. Salumeria Italiana has been going strong for almost 50 years and it’s the perfect spot to pick up authentic Italian cold cuts, cheese, olives, and freshly-baked bread. Follow your nose to 151 Richmond Street in Boston!
2. DJ’s Market (Dorchester)
This Polish market makes its baked goods fresh every day. This is a great spot to pick up anything from pierogi to sausages and condiments. DJ’s has earned loyal customers with its sandwiches and homemade soups. It is located at 120 Boston Street in Dorchester.
3. J. Pace & Son (Seaport, West End, Saugus)
If you’re looking for homemade food that you don’t have to actually make in your home, you’ll love the prepared offerings at this Italian market. There’s also a full-service butcher shop and the bakery items are made in-house. While you’re here, grab breakfast or a sandwich for lunch. The first J. Pace & Son opened in the 1960s and there are now three locations: 1 Park Lane in Boston, 75 Blossom Court in Boston, and 190 Main Street in Saugus.
Boston Public Market (Downtown)
The 35 vendors within this incredible marketplace include specialty producers of coffee, ice cream, chocolate – basically, all of the important food groups! As you browse through the market, you can gather up anything from fresh seafood and produce to handcrafted home goods.
Boston Public Market
is located at 100 Hanover Street in Boston.
5. Ming’s Supermarket (South End)
This Chinese supermarket is bigger than you might expect from its exterior and it offers a broad array of fresh seafood, produce, and tough-to-find ingredients for Asian recipes. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Check it out at 1102 Washington Street in Boston.
6. Eataly (Back Bay)
Eataly is a multilevel Italian wonderland that sends gourmands into rapture. With over 400 types of cheese, mushrooms, fresh pasta, and condiments galore, there is no end to the delights awaiting shoppers here. In fact, at 45,000 square feet, this place is so large that you may need to refuel mid-shopping at one of Eataly’s on-site restaurants. This store is tucked inside the Prudential Center at 800 Boylston Street in Boston.
7. Savenor’s Market (Beacon Hill, Cambridge)
This neighborhood market has been around since 1939 and it has gained a reputation for excellence in meat. The store carries heritage pork, naturally raised poultry, and exotic meat, along with produce. Renowned (and hilarious) chef Julia Child was so impressed that she used Savenor’s as the supplier for her show The French Chef . Savenor’s has locations at 160 Charles Street in Boston and at 92 Kirkland Street in Cambridge.
8. Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop (North End)
8. Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop (North End)
This is one dark alley you should definitely enter because scrumptious sandwiches lie within this market. Load up on homemade sauces, bags of extremely fresh pasta, and whatever other Italian delicacies catch your eye. Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop is hidden away at 11 Board Alley in Boston.
Which neighborhood markets in the Boston area do you like best? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Bon appetit!
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