Natick offers a variety of eateries, from fancy to homey to chains. Natick’s densest restaurant rows is Route 9, which is home to chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang’s (both located in the Natick Mall), sushi-and-more powerhouse Minado, (on the eastbound side), Oga’s (on the westbound side), and many, many others.
We recently stopped in for lunch at Zaftigs, an authentic Jewish deli with extensive offerings of all-day breakfast, latkes, loaded sandwiches, smoked fish plates, and patty melts. Of course, it wouldn’t be an authentic Jewish deli without a “world famous” homemade chicken matzo ball soup. A kids’ menu and beer, wine, and cocktail choices round out the menu.
Upon entering the long, narrow space, there’s seating at a counter area. Beyond, the dining room is lined on either side with cozy booths, and tables in the middle. I was seated without a wait by the hostess at a 2-person table, so close to my neighbors that I could eavesdrop on their conversation while I worked a crossword puzzle and waited for lunch to arrive. My order of the Monte Cristo sandwich made with grilled French toast, swiss cheese, smoked ham, roasted turkey, and a side of cranberry-apricot chutney was served promptly and piping hot. The slight sweetness of the French toast, fried to beautiful golden crispness and dusted with powdered sugar, was offset by the generously portioned savories inside. The side of chunky chutney was a nice nod to fall.
Zaftigs’ house artist Daniel O’Connor has contributed dozens of paintings for the walls. Portraits of the famous (Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, Elizabeth Taylor) and not famous (a couple of fine-looking family pets) are hung alongside color-saturated deli scenes.
Plenty of outdoor seating at picnic tables in the parking lot is still available for now, but not a soul cared to brave the 40-degree temperatures during my visit. Not a surprise given that authentic Jewish delis are all about providing a sense of warmth and comfort.
Zaftigs is now taking orders for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Their Brookline location is temporarily closed due to water damage, and a November 15th reopening is estimated.
RESTAURANT: Zaftigs
LOCATION: 1298 Worcester St. (rt. 9, eastbound side), Natick, MA 01760
PHONE: 508-653-4442
HOURS: Mon. & Tue., 9am-3pm; Wed.-Sat., 9am-7pm; Sun., 9am-6pm
Take a look at our exhaustive list of restaurants on our Where to Eat in Natick page. Please reach out if restaurants should be added or deleted, or if you have other relevant info: natickreport@gmail.com
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