Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Update:The City Guide web experience will be sunsetting on April 28, 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more.
Read more
Category icon

Johnny's Luncheonette

Diner$$$$
Newton Center, Newton
Save
Share
7.8/10
170
ratings
  • Tips
    Eric A.
    "... forget to check the initials in the front window — if they're yours,..."(3 Tips)
    Tracy M.
    "original Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins..."(2 Tips)
    Vivian
    "penicillin with matzoh balls is perfect when you're..."(2 Tips)
    jake f.
    "fantastic pancakes, in addition to all their breakfast offerings."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon53 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • breakfast food
  • brunch food
  • French toast
  • jordan marsh blueberry muffins
  • penicillin
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Boston.com
    Boston.comSeptember 22, 2014
    Feel the breeze of the boardwalk when you bite into this dish: Two Nathan’s dogs topped with sauerkraut, snuggled in an Iggy’s baguette, relish, and mustard on the side. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Y Y.
    Y YJanuary 11, 2017
    Wide variety of good breakfast offerings. The place is loud so plan to eat and leave. Make reservation before going on weekend.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Travelhound12heart icon on user image
    Travelhound12November 2, 2024
    Been here 5+ times
    This is an old-school diner that has a menu that can satisfy anyone’s hunger at great prices. Staff is on their game and there’s a background soundtrack that fits the setting.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jake S.heart icon on user image
    Jake SmithJuly 18, 2019
    The Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffin options are a must-try item on the menu.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Janet B.heart icon on user image
    Janet B.July 3, 2015
    The Diner hash and eggs is just a delight. Subbed fried tomatoes for the toast so it wasn't so heavy.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Alizabeth L.
    Alizabeth LouiseAugust 8, 2012
    Very busy around lunch time, but every day there are a different combination of initials to get a special on lunch! Very tasty breakfast options.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jeremy K.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy KrantzOctober 10, 2014
    A Newton Center institution. Solid breakfast and pretty good value. Get their pancakes.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Ron O.heart icon on user image
    Ron OppenheimJanuary 15, 2015
    Challah French toast is awesome. As are the fries and sweet potato fries (they're freshly cut).
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Marybeth C.
    Marybeth CelorierJuly 15, 2013
    This was my first time and it was delicious. I had The Diner and the hash was great.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Vito D.
    Vito Di DomenicoFebruary 8, 2015
    Good burgers and sandwiches and a unique "floating dessert" with ice cream over root beer...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • jake f.
    jake furstAugust 10, 2011
    fantastic pancakes, in addition to all their breakfast offerings. i vote for the blueberry compote or banana variety...or both!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Adam D.
    Adam DruckerJanuary 2, 2017
    Great place for brunch, get here early to avoid the wait on weekends
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Judi B.
    Judi BurtenApril 24, 2011
    Great place for breakfast lunch and dinner with good portion sizes and prices. Food and service are good and consistent. Great local spot!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jeremy B.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy BurtonOctober 14, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    The place to see & be seen in Newton politics before 10am.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenJuly 22, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    Grilled cheese is a whole loaf of bread!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tracy M.heart icon on user image
    Tracy MMay 4, 2013
    Crunchy French toast, porridge, and the original Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins...what's not to like?!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • John A.
    John AMarch 29, 2012
    Great porridge I mean great. But in order to get the oatmeal in the cream of wheat you have to arrive before 12 or one
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Neil S.heart icon on user image
    Neil SmithlineJune 17, 2012
    Great for a breakfast at dinner day. Love those sweet potato fries. Just wish they didn't look so orange.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Erica N.
    Erica NormandeauDecember 2, 2012
    Best retro diner around! Be sure to order the Coconut Encrusted French Toast!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Grania V.heart icon on user image
    Grania VHOctober 17, 2017
    The doughnuts are amazing - must try!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Vivian
    VivianSeptember 3, 2014
    penicillin with matzoh balls is perfect when you're feeling under the weather
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Paul B.heart icon on user image
    Paul BrownJanuary 20, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Check for your initials daily to see if you get a free meal.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Samantha R.
    Samantha RodríguezJanuary 21, 2014
    Great sweet potato fries and latkes
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Prof. G.
    Prof. G.July 16, 2011
    If you get The Semi you can pay a bit more for special French Toast (coconut is recommended!)
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Dan S.heart icon on user image
    Dan SheehanNovember 15, 2014
    Homemade corn beef hash gets a thumbs up
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sara G.
    Sara GrahamJune 13, 2010
    Get the porridge. It is SO good...plus the serving size is enormous, so you can take home leftovers for tomorrow.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenApril 27, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Don't forget to check the initials in the front window — if they're yours, your meal is free!
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Paul B.heart icon on user image
    Paul BrownJanuary 29, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    You can get everything on challah if you want. Score!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Eric H.
    Eric HamletMay 18, 2010
    Johnny's fruit shake is an excellent way to start any day! Also recommend "The Semi" as well.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Patricia A.
    Patricia AdamFebruary 4, 2012
    Its waffle sundae is very good!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jamesheart icon on user image
    JamesSeptember 22, 2021
    Good diner- lunch all day
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Erin O.
    Erin O'BannonMarch 13, 2011
    Get the salmon hash. It's great for any meal.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jeremy B.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy BurtonOctober 25, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    The porridge is divine.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Andrew K.
    Andrew KlingMarch 26, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Call ahead to get on the list and don't believe the wait times. An hour ten for a fifteen minute "wait."
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Stephanie O.heart icon on user image
    Stephanie OrmeApril 16, 2018
    It's alright. Feels a little dirty. Had the granola pancakes. They were ok, but a little dry.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sarah M.
    Sarah MacJune 7, 2018
    It’s very loud and fried and thick...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nicholas L.
    Nicholas LohSeptember 2, 2010
    Try the centre, sunny side up. Best meal in the morning.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Carolyn B.
    Carolyn BJune 18, 2013
    Best coffee around.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sofia U.heart icon on user image
    Sofia UzMarch 5, 2016
    This place is just OK, average eatery, nothing special. Vintage decor
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Zak F.
    Zak F.November 26, 2010
    Careful, misbehaved children can easily ruin your meal here.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Janet G.heart icon on user image
    Janet Gershen-SiegelJanuary 5, 2010
    Oh, you must try the porridge. Three bears not included.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Henry W.
    Henry WuJuly 11, 2010
    Get the banana split for two!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Amanda O.
    Amanda ODecember 15, 2010
    Waban Frittata is DELICIOUS.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Mark B.
    Mark BrierleyNovember 22, 2010
    Almost 10 bucks for egg whites, some dark rye, and coffee... Eh
    UpvoteDownvote
  • cindy g.
    cindy gordonMarch 20, 2010
    Great vanilla frappé!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • joe w.
    joe walshJune 1, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Porridge. That is all.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Claire S.
    Claire SallisJune 15, 2014
    Crazy overpriced
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Michelle P.
    Michelle PearlmanJanuary 20, 2010
    Go to Johnny's. Get some Jewish penicillin. J Newton's home office
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Josh G.
    Josh GilmourNovember 17, 2009
    Great matzo ball soup
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Ruth B.
    Ruth BrownDecember 11, 2013
    Horrible food. Extremely noisy hate ir
    UpvoteDownvote
Photos93 Photos