Basma Cafe

Basma Cafe on Holland Street gives breakfast a Mediterranean alternative to the usual eggs-and-toast plate. Shakshuka comes with tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeño, and pita, while foul moudammas combines fava beans and chickpeas with tomato, garlic, and lemon. There are familiar American breakfast choices too, including French toast with fruit and walnut options.

For lunch, the menu includes falafel, hummus, grape leaves, gyros, and shawarma. That makes it easy for one person to order breakfast while another wants something closer to a full lunch. The cafe is at 198 Holland Street in Somerville, an important distinction from Highland Avenue. Check its hours before setting out, particularly early in the week; Monday is its regular closed day.