A high end gourmet chocolaterie in the South End. Aroa offers a wide variety of chocolates, sweets, desserts, and hot chocolate only made from the highest quality of cacoa beans. Good news: the South End just got alot sweeter.

Athan's Brighton is an airy space that is much more than just a place for a coffee or a meal. We aim to provide a warm, welcoming and informal atmosphere where our patrons tend to stay longer than originally planned. Our contemporary and comfortable interior is inviting to both groups and individuals, morning, afternoon or night. Let them eat cake...as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner! Our expanded menu is eclectically Mediterranean-inspired and offers selections such as fresh salads, pressed panini sandwiches, as well as interesting entrees. We offer quality coffees and specialty loose-leaf teas (our pots of premium teas have proven to be very popular). We are also an excellent source for made-to-order-food-to-go; catering options, and business buffet lunches.

The 2nd Flour to open in Boston after the flagship store on Washington in the South End has been earning rave reviews for years. This location has the same menu, some different specials, and more space to enjoy the decadent pastries!

Don't forget that our pooches can have a discerning pallete too. Every dog also deserves to be pampered. How many times did you hit the spa this year? Come on... Sparky deserves a gourmet biscuit and a big bone. Head on down to the Polka Dog Bakery where you have your pick of treats like bow wow brownies and power barks. They also carry a variety of pet apparel and toys. Open 7 days a week.

Named for his son,Christopher - who is in fact quite sweet - Sweet Christopher's has a lovely array of tasty treats and also serves Fair Trade coffee. It's worth a stop in to bring something yummy home or stay awhile, sit in the cafe and take a break from your busy life.

This family run old world style Italian deli is the best of its kind in the Boston area. They make some of the best sandwiches available anywhere, and stock a range of the highest quality Italian meats and cheeses in addition to their homemade delicacies like meatballs and chicken Parmesan. They have delicious fresh bread, which really makes a big difference in their sandwiches. They also stock a range of prepared frozen pasta dishes and other dishes, in addition to dried pastas, olives, imported anchovies, and a host of Italian wines.

They are experts at the cappuccino. Order one, and they'll have it on the table within a couple of minutes: hot, frothy, and decoratively doused with cocoa to create a veritable artistic masterpiece. You won't need sugar. As you drink this down, the cocoa runs down the inside of the cup in streaks. Can you resist the urge to forgo any sense of decorum, and lick the inner rim like a child? Heaven on earth for $3.15 per cup.

This is a spot where any neighbor can visit regularly for a coffee and scone, and a tourist can visit once and be impressed by the Belgian chocolate brownie. This South End hotspot has a cordial staff and tasty food and will make you feel both special and regular on any visit. The bakery and cafe are open every day for a coffee and a treat, a leisurely lunch or a dinner to go. The lunch sandwiches are excellent, but be warned: if you go at a time of day where other people also eat (like, say, lunchtime) be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes to order and get your sandwich.

The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” This world The wonderful art of Italian pastry is practiced to perfection at Mike's, a requisite stop for anyone after dinner, or perhaps for dinner, in the North End. Mike's is world famous for their famous sweet creations and ships all over the country. What are you in the mood for? Whether you're hankering for cannolis, cookies, or cakes, this is the place to get 'em. Most pastries $1-4. Biscotti $6-10/lb.