Growing up about 10 minutes outside of Boston has advantages. One thing that I will always be grateful for is my love for food and the abundance of it in my area. With almost 19 years of living in Medford, here is a list of the best of the best, the most delicious of the delicious and the most indulgent of all. Most of these places are easily accessible through the MBTA, but some are farther away (and definitely worth the trip).
Warning: I do not recommend looking at this list if you are on a diet. Please refrain yourself from the temptations!
Breakfast and coffee.
Bagel World: Multiple locations including Reading, Peabody and Salem.
Don't be afraid of the long line. You will never be able to escape it. Great food, cheap prices, and delicious coffees and drinks. It's also locally owned and the bagels are made in store. What more could you ask for?
Kane’s Donuts: Locations in Boston and Saugus.
Good coffee and really good donuts. Be prepared to drop a few more dollars than you expected, however.
This place is locally owned with delicious muffins, flavored coffees and breakfast sandwiches. Be careful! They close at noon. Get 'em early or don't get 'em at all.
This place is out of this world. It's definitely one of the best sit-down breakfasts in the area, but be prepared to spend a little more money than usual. I would also come on a weekday to avoid the wait.
PS Gourmet: Multiple locations in Boston.
Please, just do it. Best flavored coffee I’ve ever had.
Pizza.
Regina’s Pizza: Original location in the North End, restaurant in Station Landing in Medford. 
No, not the pizza from your local mall's food court. The North End location is the real deal. This is a bucket list pizza kind of place. You will not regret it.
Oath Craft Pizza: Locations at South Station, Davis Square, Chestnut Hill and Nantucket.
Ice cream and dessert.
Spadafora’s Slush: Location in Malden.
Spadafora's is your classic walk-up ice cream/slush parlor. They have a local favorite called the "Slush Explosion," which mixes soft serve ice cream with your favorite Richie's slush flavor. This is a must-try, and did I mention it is delicious?
Frozen Hoagies: Store-front location in Somerville, but there are also changing locations with their food truck.
This place brings your childhood favorite back to life: ice cream sandwiches. By pairing their grandmother's homemade cookie recipes with delicious ice cream from the Chilly Cow in Arlington, literally nothing can go wrong.
Richie’s Slush: Store-front location in Everett.
Unless you've been living under a rock in Massachusetts your whole life, chances are you know your favorite Richie's Slush flavor. But did you know there's a store-front location? Make sure to stop by their summer hours and grab a slush that maybe you've never had before. Yes, piña colada slushes exist. You're welcome.
Amorino: Location on Newbury St.
Although you might need to pay a little more than your normal ice cream cone, this is gelato shaped like a rose. Game changer for sure.
Miscellaneous restaurants.
: Locations in Harvard Sq., Burlington and Saugus.
This is possibly the best Mexican food in the area. The cheap prices, delicious food, complimentary chips and salsa, and unbelievable guacamole will always have you coming back for more.
This is one of the best places in the area if you're looking for good fast food. Not to mention, the indoors as well as the drive-thru is open very late.
I'm just gonna have to give Medford a pat on the back for starting up this place. This place is no joke, with awards to prove it. Stop by for anything from a burrito to one of their famous Tortas.
Boston Burger Company
: Locations in Davis Square, Harvard Square and Boylston St.
This is not your typical burger place. These are some of the biggest burgers you will ever eat, but they are so worth the visit. They also just introduced some crazy delicious shakes that you will definitely want to check out.
