Croma’s thin-crust gourmet pizzas feature inventive toppings, like Peking duck and barbecued chicken, and the pretty patio is a perfect place to take a break from Newbury Street shopping.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Croma is now closed.

What began as a Harvard Business School project has become one of Boston’s best chain of cafes/sweet spots. Although the branches, which are located in Back Bay, Harvard Square and Coolidge Corner, serve lunch, they are best known for their excellent desserts. A winter must is hot chocolate and a piece of Boston cream pie after ice-skating on the Common.

This popular South End bakery makes gourmet sandwiches and mouthwatering bakery items for eat-in and take-out service. It recently expanded, adding a location in the up-and-coming Fort Point Channel area.

While its international dishes aren’t the best food to be had on Newbury Street, this restaurant remains a popular spot for lunch, dinner and drinks. Regulars claim that you can often spot Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dining in the back.

This Newbury Street classic boasts one of Back Bay’s largest patios and serves a large selection of salads, pastas and sandwiches to hungry shoppers. It’s also a popular brunch spot.

This is no ordinary slice-and-soda joint, and the “Boston’s Best” awards on display here confirm its popularity. The thin-crust slices are big, so order one to start. Offerings range from the simple and appreciated margherita to more unusual daily specials. There is a large communal table and a counter with a few barstools. This place is best for a quick pick-me-up.