Whether it’s fueling for a workout or big exam, or simply looking for a place to sit, sip coffee and enjoy the fall environs, Northeastern’s Boston students have a rich variety of restaurants to choose from in and around the urban campus.

There’s something for everyone. Returning students have their go-to’s; but if you’re new to Northeastern and are scouting out places to go for a quality, quick bite, we put together a top five list of our favorite restaurants, chosen by Northeastern students and staff. 

The list is based partially on the results of an informal poll conducted on Northeastern’s Instagram, partially on our (News@Northeastern’s) favorites, and partially on the recommendations of food blogger and Northeastern student Georgia Thomas, who writes for Spoon University. Without further ado, here are the community’s top five must-try restaurant picks for new students.    

No. 5 Pavement Coffeehouse, 44 Gainsborough St.

If ever your morning calls for pit-stop coffee with a bagel or muffin, Pavement Coffeehouse off Gainsborough Street is the place for you. The Boston-based micro chain, which operates eight sites across the city and a coffee roastery, is a city-inspired coffee bar, both for students dashing between classes, and those who need a vibrant, cozy, contemplative space to work on assignments or study for exams. 

Operating since 2009, Pavement Coffeehouse began as a bagel bakery, serving a variety of craft bagels that have become perennial student favorites. Outfitted with tufted sofas and laptop charging stations, Pavement stops have become some of the most popular snack and beverage destinations in Boston, serving some of the densest neighborhoods across the city.

Oh, and if you like great coffee, Pavement sources its mocha from family-owned farms and regional co-ops around the world. A point of pride, Pavement says it works with “ethical exporters and like-minded importers to bring in coffees fresh and in-season.” Next time you need a quick and easy meal in transit to your next class, be sure to visit the Gainsborough Street store.

No. 4 Bangkok Pinto, 1041 Tremont St.

On the other side of campus, students looking to get their noodle fix will have plenty of tasty options to choose from at Bangkok Pinto, a Thai restaurant serving the Tremont Street side of the Northeastern community.

Just as delicious as their traditional Thai noodle dishes are the variety of fresh meat and seafood toppings that adorn them: crispy pork belly, teriyaki chicken, or crispy shrimp. From curry and soup dishes, to all manners of fried rice, Bangkok Pinto’s expansive menu ensures that there’s something savory and delicious for everyone.

If you’re coming and going from ISEC, be sure to stop off at Bangkok Pinto for lunch sometime (note: Bangkok Pinto service is pick-up and delivery only).

No. 3 Playa Bowls, 277 Huntington Ave.

Colorful, fruity, filling. Those are some of the adjectives you might use to describe the increasingly popular fruit bowls and smoothies on the menu over at the Huntington Plaza’s Playa Bowls. Northeastern students have said they enjoy the colorful variety of choices on the menu, which boasts healthy ingredients in its mostly plant-based fruit bowls, smoothies and juices.

Their fruit bowls, neatly packaged for students on the run, are built from several different blended bases, including açaí, pitaya, coconut, and oatmeal, and topped with a variety of fruit combinations. Playa Bowls is a great option for students on the move, delivering on the promise of healthful snacks or meals designed to meet your energy needs. If you plan on stopping by, be sure to check out their fall specials, including their new pumpkin sweet cream cold brew and apple turn up cider cold pressed juice.

No. 2 Wollaston’s Market, 369 Huntington Ave.

Every now and then, the craving for a good sub sandwich hits you.

When it does, Wollaston’s Market, located at 369 Huntington Ave., should be your next stop. The family-owned supermarket has been serving the Northeastern community for years, providing a broad range of products from “fresh produce and sauces and spices, … to draft local Kombucha and cold brew coffee.” 

And their deli sandwiches, served cold or toasted, might just be one of Northeastern’s best-kept secrets. Many Northeastern students and staffers say they frequent the store for its breakfast and lunch options—indeed, Thomas notes, it’s developed a bit of a cult following!

Scroll through reviews of Wollaston’s Market online and you’ll find a common theme: Northeastern finds its sandwich options packed with quality and value. Community members note that Wollaston’s Market is a Northeastern fixture.

So, when that sandwich craving hits, we recommend you give Wollaston’s Market a try sometime. You won’t be disappointed.

No. 1 Tatte Bakery & Cafe, 369 Huntington Ave.

As with its neighbor Wollaston’s Market, chances are you won’t go four or five years as a Northeastern undergraduate without a share of trips to the Huntington Avenue Tatte.

Since the first Tatte opened in Brookline in 2008, the elegant French-style cafe bakeries have been proliferating across Greater Boston—and for good reason. Their regionally famous pastries are perhaps the best around town; their coffee is the source of endless raves. Indeed, their food—try the breakfast sandwich—also attracts many repeat customers.

A local delight, Tatte is best enjoyed by those looking to sit in and dine, but the Huntington location’s staff move quickly to churn out takeout orders as well (10-15 minutes wait at max). No matter who you are, you’ll eventually find your way to the bustling cafe and discover your own Tatte favorite.

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