Best Kitchen Stores in Boston
Hidden gems abound at the always-funky Kitchenwitch. / Photograph by Emily Sotomayor
For the chef who has everything
Kitchenwitch
671 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-6800, kitchenwitchjp.tumblr.com.
This delightful Jamaica Plain spot is best known for its unique odds and ends, from whimsical ceramic chopstick rests to lobster-shaped cookie cutters. But the small indie supply shop is also packed wall to wall with classic culinary standbys, including elegant Le Creuset cookware and olivewood utensils, as well as kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed (we have our eye on an adorable rubber-ducky tea strainer).
Must-Buy: Time Concepts Vacances hot-pink portable grill and smoker, $85.
For the cookbook maven
Local Root
221 Concord Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-2400; 2284 Washington St., Newton Lower Falls, 617-916-1943; localroot.com.
Whipping up a gourmet meal is half preparation, half inspiration. For the latter, consult Local Root’s extensive cookbook collection, where you’ll find recipes from such culinary luminaries as Julia Child and Alice Waters. Then put that advice to work with the store’s top-notch equipment—modern Alessi mortar and pestles, homey Staub Dutch ovens, and J.K. Adams rolling pins.
Must-Buy: The America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook, $45.
A Nakiri knife from KitchenWares. / Courtesy Photo
For the aspiring pro
KitchenWares by Blackstones
215 Newbury St., Boston, 857-366-4237, kitchenwaresboston.com.
Serious home cooks cut loose at KitchenWares by Blackstones, a Newbury Street favorite among local restaurant chefs for its wide selection of knives (more than 25 brands) and sharpening services—not to mention professional-grade tools like All-Clad stainless steel sauté pans and Swiss Diamond roasting pans.
Must-Buy: Shun Premier steel-and-walnut Nakiri knife, $165.
A tasting glass from the Boston Shaker. / Courtesy Photo
For the bartender
The Boston Shaker
69 Holland St., Somerville, 617-718-2999, thebostonshaker.com.
No dinner party is complete without proper libations. Well versed in the art of craft cocktails, the knowledgeable staffers at this Somerville shop will hook you up with tiki mugs, highball glasses, and toasted bitters—plus cocktail recipes and home-bartending advice—to impress even the pickiest imbibers.
Must-Buy: Glencairn whiskey tasting glass, $10.
For the stylish host
Lekker Home
1313 Washington St., Boston, 617-542-6464, lekkerhome.com.
Turn your table into a work of art with help from Lekker Home, which stocks modern serving pieces for just about every occasion. The South End shop has an eye for great design, whether you’re looking for handpainted Royal Copenhagen dinnerware, an ultra-hip trivet (yes, those exist), or trendy digitally printed table runners.
Must-Buy: Thomas Paul “Scrimshaw Whale” melamine tray set, $44.
