Located right near Market Basket in Union Square, this spacious store offers a fantastic variety of bargain-priced spices, prepared Indian desserts and entrees, and a great selection of breads, along with a beer-and-wine liquor section. Originally located around the corner on Bow St., the new location, opened in late 2010, is much more spacious. But the owners are still the same friendly folks who have operated the store since 1985. Need advice on an ingredient? Just ask. They are always happy to help.
Amigos Grocery Store, located on Broadway in East Somerville, specializes in Central and South American groceries, including spices, dry and baked goods, prepared foods, seafood and cheeses. Amigos also stocks other household necessities like cleaning supplies and paper goods. Tucked into the back of the store is a Money Gram bill pay and money transfer center.
Market Basket works to serve the diverse Somerville community by carrying a wide variety of food products. In addition to American food, fresh produce and meats, a wide variety of international groceries are available with a particular focus on Brazilian and Indian delicacies. The staff is helpful and at least a few bilingual staff members are available on every shift to help non-English speaking customers.
This Asian grocery store is located steps away from Union Square. It boasts a wide selection of Japanese, Korean and Chinese products, such as more than 20 types of rice and an entire aisle dedicated to soy sauce and rice vinegar. There is an on-site butcher, sushi-grade fish and some exotic prepared foods. Reliable Market is one of the few local stores that sells beer and wine (both Asian and American varieties) along with groceries.
The New Market specializes in Indian and Nepalese groceries. In addition, it offers tobacco products, convenience foods and Indian spices. The staff are knowledgeable about spices and happy to help inexperienced Indian cooks locate the spices and products they need to make authentic Indian food at home.
Highland Market Pizza has been serving customers since 1970 and offers a unique mix of specialties: breakfast, pizza and subs, halal meats, kabobs, seafood and the standard convenience store amenities as well. It doesn't serve any pork. Stop by and pick up a to-go menu for the coupons inside. Delivery starts at 11:00am and usually cuts off 15 minutes before closing at a minimum is $10. Highland Market also does catering.
This family-owned grocery store stocks specialty foods from around the globe, with an emphasis on Italian foods and take-home meals. Shelves of high-quality and rare olive oil, cases of artisan cheeses and meats, stacks of exotic chocolate (some even made with Earl Grey tea) and massive jars of various truffles line the walls. Floor-to-ceiling cool cases keep house-made pasta sauces, stuffed ravioli and gnocchi fresh, and fresh-baked cannoli fill hulking glass containers.
A huge chart above the register lists the ingredients of every homemade pasta and the best way to cook each kind. Or if you prefer your meal ready-to-go, housemade entrees such as flat-bottomed meatballs, duck and squash lasagna or Argentine empanadas are sold. Occasional cooking classes share Capone family kitchen secrets.
Insider info: Various Capone products are used across the street at Bloc 11 coffee shop.
This Brazilian shop is located in the heart of Union Square. It offers a wide variety of products and services, from a small cafe—three tables—to locksmith to money transfer. A large selection of South American and European cosmetic products are also sold.
Inside this bakery, stacks of cheesebread and Brazilian pies chill behind glass counters. The staff is bubbly, understands Portuguese and English and will whip up a Brazilian-tinged sandwich in no time. The bar stools by the window are seemingly always filled with people struggling to grip massive sandwiches with a Goya drink not far from reach.
Open since 1996, Esquina Brasil specializes in bringing Brazilian groceries, prepared food, and homemade sandwiches to the Somerville community. The sandwiches in particular are made with a focus on authentic Brazilian style. In addition to Brazilian groceries, it also offers a selection of Brazilian music and magazines and assists customers with wiring money to Brazil.