South End Markets

Where to Buy Gourmet Food and Wine

When the South End's gorgeous parks tempt you to have a picnic or you just want a quick but tasty bite on the run, here's a short list of top South End Markets where you'll find the best breads, cheeses, fruits, wines, and beers to take along.

And don't forget . . . if you're visiting Boston, you need to take home some nice gifts for all of your friends, relatives, colleagues, the neighbor who's feeding your parrot, and even yourself.  Look among the non-perishables in these South End markets, and you'll find gourmet treats from New England as well as throughout the world that are sure to please.

In addition to these markets, the neighborhood's bakeries also offer great breads, sandwiches, and other carryout items - you'll find bakery locations in our Guide to South End Restaurants, Bistros, and Bakeries.

Guide to South End Markets

Foodie's Urban Market

1421 Washington Street; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-266-9911; website

Small neighborhood grocery with a huge variety of foods - everything from pork rinds to pate.  Made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, and a creative deli section.  This justly popular South End market carries artisan breads from some of the Boston area's best known high-end bakeries, plus Eastern European loaves and gluten-free breads.  Reasonably large selection of organic fruits and veggies, along with fresh-squeezed juices, fruit cups, and lots of other tempting treats.

Pause for a moment to envy the lucky South Enders who call Foodies Urban Market their corner grocery.

Giorgiana's Market and Deli

532 Tremont Street; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-542-0101

Sliced meats, bread, and wine - or buy yummy already made sandwiches.

Don Otto's Natural and Organic Market (formerly Lionette's Market)

577 Tremont Street; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-778-0360; website

Don Otto continues the tradition of this beloved South End grocery by featuring all-natural "authentic" foods from local and New England farmers. You'll find healthy choices and great tastes at reasonable prices - plus things that you won't find elsewhere. 

For example, check out "Real Pickles," 100% organic pickled raw vegetables made by a small local Massachusetts company using natural vinegar-free traditional fermentation processes with fabulous results (website).  I should warn you that once you taste these yummy pickled veggies, you'll become addicted!

This is also where you can find grass-fed beef, organic produce, a great selection of local cheeses, and other specialty products from small farms.

Don Otto's also offers delicious to-go meals.  A bit of outdoors seating in warm weather makes this an even more attractive fast food stop.

Plum Produce

106 Waltham Street; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-542-0101; website

Freshest fruits, beautiful veggies, and fragrant herbs from local Boston and New England farmers - bought from the same providers who supply Boston's top-end restaurants. This is also the most gorgeous produce you'll ever hope to see . . . it cries out to have its portrait painted.

South End Formaggio

268 Shawmut Avenue; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-350-6996; website

Second location in Cambridge: Formaggio Kitchen, 244 Huron Ave; Red Line/Harvard; 617-354-4750.

Fabulous artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads from Boston's specialty bakeries, imported olives, plenty of gourmet mustards and spreads, wine, beer, and too many other scrumptious things to name.

For gifts, especially for yourself, take a mouth-watering look at their huge supply of fancy imported mustards, olives, and other yummy things in jars, hand-made pastas, chocolates to die for, organic preserves, special olive oils and long-aged balsamic vinegars, and all kinds of other goodies from all over the world tucked away in the corners.  (Can you tell how much I love to shop here?)

The Butcher Shop   

552 Tremont Street; Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-423-2008; website

Is this a restaurant, a butcher shop, or a carryout deli? 

The right answer is . . . all 3!  If you're planning a picnic or want a stay-in gourmet dinner in your hotel room, you'll find all kinds of yummy things here to carry out.  South End residents applaud the charcuterie as well as all the other things you'll find behind the counter.

Wine Emporium

2 South End locations:
   607 Tremont Street;
   474 Columbus Ave
Orange Line/Back Bay; 617-262-0379; website

Both South End locations offer over 2,000 wine labels, and over 300 rotating beer selections including domestics, imports, and microbreweries.

This is also the go-to place in Boston if you want to ponder 50 brands of vodka, or choose from 75 single malts.

Can't decide?  Helpful staff experts will guide you to the right choice.