Stephen’s guidebook
Parks & Nature
Wellesley is a green town, with many trails, walks, and even a few ponds. If you're interested in walking or jogging we will have a map ready for you.
https://www.wellesleyma.gov/399/Trails
The walk around Lake Waban is awesome. Parking can be difficult if there is an event at Wellesley College but I can give you some hints. It can take an hour or more and there are rough spots so bring boots.
Lake Waban
The walk around Lake Waban is awesome. Parking can be difficult if there is an event at Wellesley College but I can give you some hints. It can take an hour or more and there are rough spots so bring boots.
Good for views, birds and field animals, this is a pleasant place to see people walking dogs, bird watching and just enjoying the area. It abuts Wellesley Country Clubs golf course so some of the vistas are great.
Centennial Park
135 Oakland StGood for views, birds and field animals, this is a pleasant place to see people walking dogs, bird watching and just enjoying the area. It abuts Wellesley Country Clubs golf course so some of the vistas are great.
Elm Bank has an extensive circular road around an old estate that now houses the Horticultural Society. It's a popular place to walk a dog or jog. I personally love the spot and the gardens are extensive. The old mansion is sometimes open for tours too!
Massachusetts Horticultural Society - The Gardens at Elm Bank
900 Washington StElm Bank has an extensive circular road around an old estate that now houses the Horticultural Society. It's a popular place to walk a dog or jog. I personally love the spot and the gardens are extensive. The old mansion is sometimes open for tours too!
The Observatory opens to the public every so often so you can get a closer look at the stars and planets. On-site are 6-, 12- and 24-inch telescopes, plus students and staff to help explain things.
Whitin Observatory
The Observatory opens to the public every so often so you can get a closer look at the stars and planets. On-site are 6-, 12- and 24-inch telescopes, plus students and staff to help explain things.
Wellesley College’s Botanic Gardens, especially the Ferguson Greenhouses, are great to visit on a cold day, as it’s always balmy inside. See banana trees, a plethora of flowers and a frog garden ornament that spits water into a pond. Free.
Wellesley College Botanical Gardens
Wellesley College’s Botanic Gardens, especially the Ferguson Greenhouses, are great to visit on a cold day, as it’s always balmy inside. See banana trees, a plethora of flowers and a frog garden ornament that spits water into a pond. Free.
Essentials
Here I've located what I consider key shops that keep me running. Bicycles, Cars, Groceries and a bakery.
Parking lot gets crowded, a good spot to pick up the cross-town trail. Can't go wrong with the produce and staff is increadible.
84 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Whole Foods Market
442 Washington StParking lot gets crowded, a good spot to pick up the cross-town trail. Can't go wrong with the produce and staff is increadible.
Do you need a bagel or a Croissant? From savory to sweet Quebrada makes wonders. The bread is amazing when fresh and the cookies would delight young and old. Who doesn't love a great bakery?
Quebrada Baking Company
272 Washington StDo you need a bagel or a Croissant? From savory to sweet Quebrada makes wonders. The bread is amazing when fresh and the cookies would delight young and old. Who doesn't love a great bakery?
Check Landry's online reservation system for rental bike sizes, availability, and pricing.
Bring your own clipless pedals, or use our loaner platform pedals. If you bring your own pedals, we can install your pedals in the store.
Rental bikes are available for pickup at Landry's store locations — not available for shipping.
Call your local Landry's store for assistance with next day rentals, rentals over 7 days, or other special circumstances.
Landry's Bicycles
790 Worcester StCheck Landry's online reservation system for rental bike sizes, availability, and pricing.
Bring your own clipless pedals, or use our loaner platform pedals. If you bring your own pedals, we can install your pedals in the store.
Rental bikes are available for pickup at Landry's store locations — not available for shipping.
Call your local Landry's store for assistance with next day rentals, rentals over 7 days, or other special circumstances.
The selection of bicycles, apparel, accessories, and parts at Wheelworks is second to none. Within each category, they source the very best the industry has to offer. Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff will help you find just what you're looking for.
They do not do rentals.
Wheelworks Too
22 Church StThe selection of bicycles, apparel, accessories, and parts at Wheelworks is second to none. Within each category, they source the very best the industry has to offer. Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff will help you find just what you're looking for.
They do not do rentals.
My favorite auto repair shop. I've been friends with the family since elementary school. The shop is a one-man operation most of the time but he fixes everything you can imagine. Mercedes, BMW, Mini's I've seen everything there. And he's reasonable, fair and hardworking. Just don't show up early. He's more likely to be there at 8 pm than 8 am.
Gralty Automotive
83 Nickerson RdMy favorite auto repair shop. I've been friends with the family since elementary school. The shop is a one-man operation most of the time but he fixes everything you can imagine. Mercedes, BMW, Mini's I've seen everything there. And he's reasonable, fair and hardworking. Just don't show up early. He's more likely to be there at 8 pm than 8 am.
Roche Bros. operates 20 Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms and Brothers Marketplace grocery stores. Headquartered in Wellesley, Mass., they offer the quality meat, seafood and produce, generally a good go to grocery that has full-service catering, and home delivery.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Roche Bros. Wellesley
184 Linden StRoche Bros. operates 20 Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms and Brothers Marketplace grocery stores. Headquartered in Wellesley, Mass., they offer the quality meat, seafood and produce, generally a good go to grocery that has full-service catering, and home delivery.
My Favorite Restaurants
Wellesley is full of great places to eat, and if your dying for a particular type of food it's probably nearby if not in Wellesley. Take a look at my top choices and let me know if you don't see what you want.
Yes, this is a small chain, but it has great coffee. Peat's is further down the road. In a funky old train station, this place has great coffee, pastries and a "hang out" vibe. There is a gas fireplace and a fun atmosphere. Enjoy a hot chocolate, tea or coffee, and a chocolate croissant by the fire!
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Caffè Nero
339 Washington StYes, this is a small chain, but it has great coffee. Peat's is further down the road. In a funky old train station, this place has great coffee, pastries and a "hang out" vibe. There is a gas fireplace and a fun atmosphere. Enjoy a hot chocolate, tea or coffee, and a chocolate croissant by the fire!
My absolute favorite breakfast, lunch place. If you like gluten-free or vegan food this is the place. They have smoothies, bowls, avocado toast, soups and all sorts of delicious delights. They also serve Jim's coffee, a locally roasted product. We love the staff, it's about a mile walk and there is parking in the rear if you want. Two hours at the meter is $1.38 at the time of this writing.
CrepeBerry
352 Washington StMy absolute favorite breakfast, lunch place. If you like gluten-free or vegan food this is the place. They have smoothies, bowls, avocado toast, soups and all sorts of delicious delights. They also serve Jim's coffee, a locally roasted product. We love the staff, it's about a mile walk and there is parking in the rear if you want. Two hours at the meter is $1.38 at the time of this writing.
Just down the hill, this location is often packed. Great Italian, wonderful drinks and a fun atmosphere, Papa Razzi Trattoria is a go-to for Italian food. Everything from Pizza to your favorite Veal Parm. This place has great soups and salads. The scallops, salmon, and lamb are all wonderful.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Papa Razzi Wellesley
16 Washington StJust down the hill, this location is often packed. Great Italian, wonderful drinks and a fun atmosphere, Papa Razzi Trattoria is a go-to for Italian food. Everything from Pizza to your favorite Veal Parm. This place has great soups and salads. The scallops, salmon, and lamb are all wonderful.
In all my days of cooking, nothing has ever matched the fresh and bold flavors of the produce from my parent’s garden, done simply. We are excited to have built strong relationships with local farmers and to benefit from their bountiful crops and extend this freshness to our guests!
— Chef, Peter Hansen
This is a trendy place but the food is great. Make a reservation!
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Cottage Wellesley
190 Linden StIn all my days of cooking, nothing has ever matched the fresh and bold flavors of the produce from my parent’s garden, done simply. We are excited to have built strong relationships with local farmers and to benefit from their bountiful crops and extend this freshness to our guests!
— Chef, Peter Hansen
This is a trendy place but the food is great. Make a reservation!
This trendy pub atmosphere with edamame to Fish and Chips is an easy relaxing place for lunch or dinner. You won't be blown away but the food is solid and the staff capable. The wide selection will please many and yes, they do a nice brunch.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Local Wellesley
11 Forest StThis trendy pub atmosphere with edamame to Fish and Chips is an easy relaxing place for lunch or dinner. You won't be blown away but the food is solid and the staff capable. The wide selection will please many and yes, they do a nice brunch.
A Mediterranean style, this food could surprise you. Rich and flavorful it's not for the faint of heart. Hardy plates are full of delicious food designed to evoke the tastes of the sea and land around that body of water. The chef runs two restaurants, this and another in a neighboring town, called Basil.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Juniper
13 Central StA Mediterranean style, this food could surprise you. Rich and flavorful it's not for the faint of heart. Hardy plates are full of delicious food designed to evoke the tastes of the sea and land around that body of water. The chef runs two restaurants, this and another in a neighboring town, called Basil.
This rich wonderful food is totally filling, take home half and love it twice. The place has lines on the popular nights so go hungry but not ravenous. The pasta is made on site and the place is always hopping. Enjoy Italian style made in America.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sweet Basil
942 Great Plain AveThis rich wonderful food is totally filling, take home half and love it twice. The place has lines on the popular nights so go hungry but not ravenous. The pasta is made on site and the place is always hopping. Enjoy Italian style made in America.
Longtime old school storefront diner serves breakfast all day, plus offers Greek & American lunch fare & beer & wine. It's where the local guys grab a plate of eggs and coffee. Open early (6 or 7) it closes at 3 pm.
Maugus Restaurant
300 Washington StLongtime old school storefront diner serves breakfast all day, plus offers Greek & American lunch fare & beer & wine. It's where the local guys grab a plate of eggs and coffee. Open early (6 or 7) it closes at 3 pm.
This is where the townies go for coffee a soup, sandwich or take out to catering. Simple to somewhat elaborate they have great breakfast sandwiches, lunch and they offer counter or table service. You will love the local color and the guys who drive trucks, work at the town hall or the maintenance yard to the wealthy all go here.
The Linden Store
162 Linden StThis is where the townies go for coffee a soup, sandwich or take out to catering. Simple to somewhat elaborate they have great breakfast sandwiches, lunch and they offer counter or table service. You will love the local color and the guys who drive trucks, work at the town hall or the maintenance yard to the wealthy all go here.
The family-owned chain known for generous servings of Italian standards With only a couple of tables this is mostly take-out. But you can get anything Italian. Not too spicy or inspired this is standard fare.
Comella's Restaurants Wellesley Hills
288 Washington StreetThe family-owned chain known for generous servings of Italian standards With only a couple of tables this is mostly take-out. But you can get anything Italian. Not too spicy or inspired this is standard fare.
This tiny Thai Cafe offers real Thai food from Spring rolls to Vegi dishes. There are only a few tables so you may have to wait. The food is served sweeter for the American palate but most people enjoy that. If you don't want it too sweet - ask. A great place for lunch but don't bring a big crowd. There's no room.
Coconut Thai Cafe
257 Washington StThis tiny Thai Cafe offers real Thai food from Spring rolls to Vegi dishes. There are only a few tables so you may have to wait. The food is served sweeter for the American palate but most people enjoy that. If you don't want it too sweet - ask. A great place for lunch but don't bring a big crowd. There's no room.
This is Wellesly's "late night" venue. Open until 10 pm it servers classic pizza and subs.
Peter's Pizza
57 Washington StThis is Wellesly's "late night" venue. Open until 10 pm it servers classic pizza and subs.
Warm Indian restaurant with a lunch buffet, full bar & outdoor patio seating, plus vegetarian items.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Singh's Cafe
312 Washington StWarm Indian restaurant with a lunch buffet, full bar & outdoor patio seating, plus vegetarian items.
A little further away, this is our favorite Indian food. They serve a buffet but also have a huge menu. You can't go wrong if you love Indian food.
Biryaniz N Breadz
195 W Central StA little further away, this is our favorite Indian food. They serve a buffet but also have a huge menu. You can't go wrong if you love Indian food.
We love this place! The food is from northern China, but the veggies are super fresh and flavorful. In operation, for over 45 years the place is run by the second generation. Dim sum is packed and the lines often go around the block. Go any night but NOT Monday or Tuesday as they are closed. Say hi to Jason if you see him and enjoy the great food.
Chung-Shin Yuan
183 California StWe love this place! The food is from northern China, but the veggies are super fresh and flavorful. In operation, for over 45 years the place is run by the second generation. Dim sum is packed and the lines often go around the block. Go any night but NOT Monday or Tuesday as they are closed. Say hi to Jason if you see him and enjoy the great food.
This is the place to go for fresh bread, veggies or a beautiful cake. It started as a farm stand but not carries almost everything a grocery would have plus everything is of the BEST quality.
29 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Russo's
560 Pleasant StThis is the place to go for fresh bread, veggies or a beautiful cake. It started as a farm stand but not carries almost everything a grocery would have plus everything is of the BEST quality.
This is our absolute favorite seafood in and out of Boston! Consider price and freshness it is tops. Can be busy at popular hours, it closes early at 9 pm. Does a nice brunch and is super casual. Can't go wrong and it's BYOB. The market next door is AMAZING too. With frozen or refrigerated take out available.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Captain Marden's Seafoods
279 Linden StThis is our absolute favorite seafood in and out of Boston! Consider price and freshness it is tops. Can be busy at popular hours, it closes early at 9 pm. Does a nice brunch and is super casual. Can't go wrong and it's BYOB. The market next door is AMAZING too. With frozen or refrigerated take out available.
It's like a take out, you order and pay, then take a seat.
Greats are spicy soup, egg rolls, and grilled rice dishes.
Really tasty and very authentic Vietnamese food and it's nearby. Located in the neighboring town of Newton it's right in the center. In the general area of Metro West, it's the best Vietnamese food around, others are in Boston. Try here and you won't be disappointed. They also serve special Vietnamese sandwiches and the amazing ice coffee, Cafe sua da.
Pho Viet's II
51 Langley RdIt's like a take out, you order and pay, then take a seat.
Greats are spicy soup, egg rolls, and grilled rice dishes.
Really tasty and very authentic Vietnamese food and it's nearby. Located in the neighboring town of Newton it's right in the center. In the general area of Metro West, it's the best Vietnamese food around, others are in Boston. Try here and you won't be disappointed. They also serve special Vietnamese sandwiches and the amazing ice coffee, Cafe sua da.
Another local-ish place in Needham, this is a family oriented Thai. This is really good food but I stick to the ones in Wellesley. If you find yourself in that neighborhood thought is a great place to grab a bite.
The Rice Barn
1037 Great Plain AveAnother local-ish place in Needham, this is a family oriented Thai. This is really good food but I stick to the ones in Wellesley. If you find yourself in that neighborhood thought is a great place to grab a bite.
Inspired by the simplicity of Italian cuisine, Cappella offers artfully prepared authentic Italian food using only the highest-quality and freshest ingredients that are organic and locally sourced. Incorporating the scratch cooking method, many of our rustic dishes feature only a few main ingredients, letting the quality of the food take center stage. Cappella’s unique cuisine focuses on a variety of house-made aroma-style pasta, made fresh daily, and prime Northern Italian-style grilled meats prepared to order in our wood-grilled oven. Creative entrees like bisteca florentina and handmade pasta with sea urchin capture the true art of simple Italian cooking and showcase the quality of the food, while also satisfying in quantity. One of our guests highly recommends the place and the young couple will jump through hoops.
Cappella Restaurant
45 Chapel StInspired by the simplicity of Italian cuisine, Cappella offers artfully prepared authentic Italian food using only the highest-quality and freshest ingredients that are organic and locally sourced. Incorporating the scratch cooking method, many of our rustic dishes feature only a few main ingredients, letting the quality of the food take center stage. Cappella’s unique cuisine focuses on a variety of house-made aroma-style pasta, made fresh daily, and prime Northern Italian-style grilled meats prepared to order in our wood-grilled oven. Creative entrees like bisteca florentina and handmade pasta with sea urchin capture the true art of simple Italian cooking and showcase the quality of the food, while also satisfying in quantity. One of our guests highly recommends the place and the young couple will jump through hoops.
Everything that a farm stand has and more! They have the best apple cider donuts and scones. They make great frapes music Tuesday nights outside to eat or relax with. Plants to groceries.
This is an old family farm, now in the fourth generation.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Volante Farms
292 Forest StEverything that a farm stand has and more! They have the best apple cider donuts and scones. They make great frapes music Tuesday nights outside to eat or relax with. Plants to groceries.
This is an old family farm, now in the fourth generation.