by Nicole L.

looooove this placei wish i had heard about it sooner!amazing deals on fresh and delicious food. the only problem is the tight shopping aisles and customer traffic.

by Katie A.

If you want fresh foods at great prices, Russo's is the best place in the area. No, they don't have cat food and you won't find your hostess cupcakes there but they do fresh, whole foods very well. Their vegetables are fresh and keep much longer in my fridge than anything I get at Stop and Shop. Their prices are often much lower than the chain stores and they have an unrivaled selection that includes many vegetables that never see the light of Star market. I love their bakery and they stock breads from many local bakers at prices lower than other places. Their baked goods are delicious and they have a great selection of desserts that changes with the seasons. They have a good selection of cheese and some dairy as well. They have some gourmet foods around the store but that's not really what makes Russo's shine. I live in an apartment so I can't speak to their flower selection. Go early on the weekends or just deal with the crowds. It gets pretty busy. If you like to cook with fresh and seasonal produce, Russo's is a great place where you can get a lot of food at great prices. Buy your canned goods elsewhere.

by ells w.

WOOF !  What is not to love about fresh !!! Hands down, dah best. That said, pay attention ma dear : Fruits, Veggies and prepared food - Very reasonable priced. Anything else expect to pay 'Bread Checkbook prices...but, oh those flowers.Caveat: Weekends between 11 and 6 you'll think you're at the Topsfield Fair.Step right, UP.

by Natasha A.

Huge selection, high quality and low prices.  The sheer variety of mushrooms, greens, eggplants, and peppers (to name but a few) are stupendous...and that is just the produce...wait till you see the bakery and the cheese selection. The bakers at Russo's are masters of their art. I have never eaten such a great tasting baguet (no not even in France). Also, russo's has anything a gardner would want..from veggies to flowers to soil to pots.The biggest problem with Russos is that I buy waaay to many veggies before I can figure out what to do with all of them. (One solution is to toss them all into a slow cooker for stew before they go bad).

by Rachel A.

Since discovering Russo's in January, it has become a truly important part of my life.I try to schedule in my "Russo run" every week ahead of time just to make sure I can get there! I recommend not going on weekends -- it's a total zoo.They have extremely fresh produce, very good prices, and the staff actually knows something about the vegetables.  It also impresses me how every checker has memorized the 4-digit PLU number (including the obscure Chinese vegetables) of each item. I must recommend the pickled half-sours, which are located in the refrigerated section next to the cheese area. They are so fresh, so crispy, and they still taste like they were once full-fledged cucumbers. The only thing that is a bit strange is how the non-produce items are located on the shelves beneath the produce bins, so if you don't know the store you end up bending over and getting a little too close to the no-no region of other customers. Oh well, people gotta deal.Oh yes, if you're not a crowd-person (I'm not) just mentally prepare yourself before you go in. The aisles are narrow and people want their food.

by Leah K.

This is my zen place.  I can wander the aisles of beautiful flowers and delicious smelling pots of fresh herbs before heading into the heavenly rows of ridiculously FRESH AND CHEAP produce.  If everyone ate there, the world would be much healthier.  A few tips:  Don't neglect the hidden asian veggie section over in the corner.  Baby bok choy rules.  Also, fresh precooked lo mein noodles at $1 a (HUGE) bag.  Seriously.  This place is an instant stir fry just waiting to happen.  I always leave with freshly shredded parm and either rustic or vienna bread...  it's so good that i eat it as a snack as soon as i'm home.  Last trip- 5 bags of produce+parm+bread= $16.73.  Wtf.  It's heaven.

by Thuy L.

This place is like an indoor farmer's market. Everything you can buy here is impeccably fresh, straight from the farm. They have traditional and exotic fruits, veggies and more. Their bakery is also fully loaded with treats. This place is like a mom and pop Dean and Deluca's. If you're in town, you should definitely try it.

by Adrienne T.

Hmm. Finally went to Russo's to see what all the fuss was about. Well, I guess I'm breaking with all the other reviews, as it gets 3 stars from me, because, well, honestly, it was nothing special.Lots and lots and lots of beautiful produce. Many cheeses, a sinful bakery,  lots of flowers and plants (non-edible), and what I DID like- the hot entree area, however, they didn't have many prepared veggies.It's small, you have to like park your cart and zip around, then try to find your cart again.  I opted to go mid-day, mid-week, as I live nearby, and have seen the ABSOLUTE MAYHEM that is Russo's traffic on the weekends.Oh, and they play nice classical music for you to shop to.  Where's the seafood counter? Frozen foods? Dairy? Canned goods? Pet stuff?  Guess I'll stick with the Stop N Shop, exactly 2 blocks up the street.I have been, I have seen.

by Mike K.

There are two things that will inspire me to get out of bed early on a weekend day:  Playing golf and going to Russo's.You've heard of food porn?  This place is like a food brothel.Sure, it gets absurdly crowded on the weekends, and you always feel like you're in someone's way when you try to navigate the narrow aisles, but it's worth it.  Not only is the produce top-quality, but the prices are much less than the pale, bland crap they have at Stop and Shop next door.  In the fall they have about 15 varieties of apples, all for under $2/pound.  Last week I bought some Minneola oranges that were juicy and sweet and $0.98/pound.  A container of cherry tomatoes was $1.50.  The variety, quality, and price of their produce has made me want to eat healthier.  But you have to eat some un-healthy things sometimes, too.  Their bakery is very good.  Croissants as big as your head, that taste like pure butter.  I always try to get here by 9:30 or so on the weekends, and even at that hour there are only 2 or 3 left.  Cookies, turnovers, pies, all delicious, all reasonably priced.  A big loaf of soft, fresh scali bread for under 2 bucks?  Are you kidding me?  They also have yummy prepared foods.  Pulled pork and the meatballs are two of my favorites.  On my list to try are the lasagna, meatloaf, and teriyaki wings.  They also have fresh salsa and guac, as well as different kinds of potato salad, cole slaw, etc.  Their deli is great too - their house made turkey, roast beef, and tuscan ham are all delicous and fresh.  They also have about 15 different varieties of whole bean coffee for about 5 bucks a pound.  On the shelves under the produce you will find canned/boxed things that are different than what you'll find at a supermarket.I've been here dozens of times and I still feel like there is so much more that I haven't even discovered yet.  The only bad things I have to say are: there is inadequate space for lines to form at the registers, the aisles and parking lot both get insanely crowded, and for some reason, the bananas always turn almost completely black within 2 or 3 days.  Bananas are just about the only produce I don't buy there.  But I really don't have enough good things to say about Russo's.

by tina i.

Fresh, healthy, happy looking, produce that doesn't kick your wallets a$$.  Super clean, inviting, local grown farmy goodness.  I highly reccomend skipping the super market veggie section and skipping on over to Russo's for your vitaminssential green leafy needs.Everything is just so deliciously fresh!Go Russo's!

by A. D.

This is the BEST grocery store/deli/fresh pasta maker/cheese shop in the Boston area. Period.

by David G.

A very impressive selection of fresh vegetables and fruits to be sure. If you can't find it elsewhere I'm sure this place has it. A solid selection of cheeses as well with a good variety to choose from. Not much at all in the way of meats though and the bakery isn't what I would call very big. I can't say 5 stars because on my first trip there they were out of almost all the bread they sell. What was left that we bought turned out not to be very good (hard, tasteless) which was disappointing. Additionally I wasn't impressed with what was on display in the bakery in general. We got them on a Sunday though so perhaps I need to stop in again during the week. We sampled some pulled pork and if anyone is curious it's the sweet type, not the vinegary or smokey type.Definitely worth a visit for fresh produce, cheese or even gardening/flowers and a solid 4.5 star place.

by max b.

Great place to shop for fresh and cheap food. The deli iis a bit expensive.

by Dorise G.

This is my favorite grocery store ever.  EVER.  Way better than trader joe's, way better than whole foods, and comparable to even the highest quality farmer's market, if you want fresh produce with unparalleled selection, Russo's is the place to go.  Beware, though, lines get pretty ridiculous because the secret's out on how fantastic this place is, so it's good to go on off-peak times (though they have sort of weird hours to start, so make sure you check that they're open before you make the trek to watertown)!i tried all sorts of exotic fruits and veggies there - it became like a game for me, trying to get something new to cook with each time i arrived.  i tried a cherimoya, a dragonfruit, fresh kumquats, sunchokes (jerusalem artichokes), anise, a jujube, and pineapple quince!  I started making soups with their pumpkins and buttercup squash, and fresh cranberry sauce with their high-quality fall stock.  This is to say nothing of their amazing cheeses, incredibly diverse bread selection, and the nicest cheapest standard produce around.  You want figs?  Get them purple or green fresh, or dried.  You want meat?  How about straight-from-the-farm, extremely high quality meats?  You like mushrooms?  Pick from the 8 or so kinds they keep in stock.  I cannot say enough good thing about Russo's, and if you haven't been there yet, I suggest you go, post haste!  Just make sure you offer me a ride...

by Rebecca K.

Produce, produce, everywhere! *commence drooling now*This place makes me wish I had a bigger kitchen. As in much bigger. And tons of people to cook for. And the ability to cook well. I thought that the tales of this place were being exaggerated. Nope, they were totally accurate. Russo's is home to rows and rows of ridiculously amazing, cheap, and fresh produce. And then there's a bakery. And then there's cheese. Seriously, every foot of this place just makes it better and better. I knew enough to have a (mental) list before going, so I would know what I wanted to search out. Wouldn't you know, I left with soo much more than I had gone in for and still payed less than I thought i would originally. I've heard that this place is crazy at peak times, like weekends, but I went in the afternoon during the week and it was definitely manageable. Manageable, perhaps, but deadly for my wallet. it's probably a good thing that I don't live closer to this place. I suppose there are worse habits to develop than produce habits, though...

by Karen S.

Russo's is affordable and their food is fresh. In addition to this, they actually have a lot of Asian goods which is useful for me (soy sauce, edamame, and those Saya Endo chips that I love so much).However, I have to say that their food was better before they started the renovations a few years ago (?). It seems like they've sacrificed quality for quantity.Still, this place definitely beats places like Stop Shop and Shaw's.Totally worth driving through the traffic-filled mess that is Watertown for.

by Erin C.

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. There is nothing as lovely as walking up to Russo's to see all the flowers in season. As you walk in you are greeted by a great variety of fruits and veggies. They have all the staples, but mixed in are some unique veggies that are there for the trying. Take them home. Make them your friend!This isn't like your typical Stop Shop. There isn't any wine or a seafood section. What they do have is great prices, fresh baked breads/pastries, plenty of affordable flower bouquets, and tons of cheeses. They also have some great hot foods to take home, sandwiches, and a salad bar.Go early and go often.

by allison r.

Thai pumpkin soup. Oh yes.Also: fresh fruits, veggies, hot lunch, cold lunch, pastry, plants, meats, hummus, colossal yum.It's a hike during the lunch hour, but fresh and tasty.

by Stacy B.

Most favorite place to go grocery shopping, ever.  Less is more, when it comes to this review.

by Alex W.

Delicious sandwiches, a world of cheese, nice bakery, and fresh veggies with very good prices. You need to go once if you are in Boston west, and if you go once you'll be back.(The only catch? a little hard to find if you don't have a gps, but you will be so pleased with quality and prices, your brain will memorize the mapping, and  then you won't need a gps for the second trip)They have a sandwich called "Smoked Stack" for $6. It has smoked ham, smoked turkey and smoked cheese. I ask for this sandwich on wheat bread, and they give me two hearty slices from a store baked loaf.They also offer a "Rustic Italian" (I think it has capicola, prosciutto and provolone) sandwich at $5, which is also delicious and could almost part into two meals, depending on your day.

by Deanna D.

Amazing selection of fresh and beautiful high quality produce- Check Abundance of locally grown produce- Check Lovely selection of beautiful and unique flowers and plants- Check Great selection of artisan cheese and condiments- Check Freshly baked breads, pies, cookies and more- Check Friendly and knowledgeable staff- Check Shockingly low prices and the best value for your money- Check Its like the Whole Foods of the produce world without the whole paycheck prices. What else is there to say?! If you haven't been you should go! PS: Avoid the weekend days if possible--it's a zoo in there.

by Kate R.

Although they already have 200+ reviews, I needed to add my voice in praise to A. Russo and Sons.  Quality produce at amazingly low prices, slightly more expensive (and higher quality) than haymarket, definitely cheaper than the grocery store, and it's open 7 days a week!I went during the saturday rush, ended up about a mile away at the far end of the parking lot, and still happily paraded the aisles with a smile cracking my face from ear to ear as little old ladies rammed my cart.  Produce heaven!Here's what I got for only $18 - 1 lb of imported pasta, loaf of (fresh) italian bread, bananas, lemons, onions, eggplant, scallions, mesculun mix, cabbage, avacado, sweet potatoes, fresh curly parsley, cucumbers, baby carrots, and to top it off, service with a smile!

by Lauren F.

I absolutely love Russo's and i think everyone i know would agree with me. Everything is always really fresh and reasonably priced, and it's convenient and easy to get to (except when they're doing the never ending construction on pleasant street). They have all the vegetables you could ever need for any recipe, and in between the fruit and vegetable stands there are little shelves with all types of goodies that i can never find in a stop and shop or shaws'.One con- do NOT go to Russo's on sundays! you'll get run down by an old lady's shopping cart and then she'll step on you. the place can be a madhouse, but that's because its so awesome.

by Kimberly P.

I think that A. Russo and his sons just gave me an orgasm (can I say that? lol). But since moving to Boston, I've found myself so disappointed with the grocery markets. Everything seemed overpriced for low quality goods. I love Trader Joes but the closest one always seems to be too far away. I got lost and drove by A Russo's and stopped in. O.M.G. This place seems like heaven on earth! The fruit looks fresh and reasonably priced, the selection is amazing, lets not even talk about how the cheese selection and the cooked food station made me wet my pants a bit in excitement (just kidding). And there are baked goods and fresh flowers to boot! A Russo, is one of your sons available? Are YOU available A Russo? I need a good man in my life and clearly you have the good business savvy to know that if you offer high quality at reasonable prices, people will come and people will fall in love. So please....if you see this. Message me and we'll talk.

by Pete G.

The best of everything you might need, fresh and better looking than most stuff you get at regular grocery stores.  The veggies, the fruits, the cheese section, the premade food.  All of it.  All of it is awesome.  The cheese section in particular is insane.   The hot stuff is delicious.  Their desserts are fantastic.  And it's less expensive to shop at Russo's for this kind of stuff than it is at Whole Foods or Shaws or any of that.  It's awesome.  Warning 1 : if you need staples: you're kind of out of luck.  And condiments and the fancy little jars of stuff under the produce are a little overpriced.  Not that you would go to Russo's for mustard.  Warning 2:  a trip to Russo's midday on the weekend will test your love for your fellow man.  You will want to full on shove people the hell out of your way.  If you have to go on the weekend, go waaaay early in the AM, or like an hour before closing.  Weeknights are usually all right.  God help you around Christmastime.

by Susan G.

I wish I had one of these around the corner from my house.  This place is wonderful.  Everything looked so fresh and delicious.  The cheese section gave me such a big smile, the bakery was just fantastic, the produce looked so very perfect and they even make arrangements.  Because of this place I now have a new love in my life...the UGLI fruit.  It's ugly and delicious.  If I lived around here...that would be my grocery store.

by C T.

My favorite grocery store of all time. They have such a great variety of everything! The produce is always sooo fresh and I love their variety of breads. It's so ridiculous that their prices are soo reasonable. It's way cheaper than Whole Foods and the other major chains (Shaws, Stop Shop, etc...). It's a little far for me to get tom but I still always make the trip when I'm around Boston.

by Jeremy K.

In an era where most Americans find plastic-texured salads acceptable I say no and I stand proud and say that I've had enough of low quality fruits and vegetables. They aren't even that much cheaper and they don't taste good. I want good. Hell, I want great.This is where Russo's stepped in. I found it thanks to you, Yelp and promptly got into my car and GPS'd my way to it from Kendall square. Arriving into their big parking lot I parked my car as close to the entrance (yes, I'm that lazy) and made my way inside the place.It's big and every inch of it features some delicious, high quality produce. Apples, pears, oranges, you name it, they have it. They also have a ton of more obscure stuff like brocolini, star fruit, Asian eggplant, amongst others. Along with it, they have a meat station, a cheese station and a bakery. There's basically everything that you could think of there, even jams, cereal and a whole bunch of other stuff.I also found some dried kiwi which I had never had before (wasn't all that great) - Although I wouldn't buy everything there, this is definitely a great place for people to stock up on groceries, especially if you live nearby. I would totally go more often if I could, but it's 25 minutes away and I have 2 WholeFoods within 1 mile from me so it's not as worth it for me... But yeah, I love this place!In an era where most Americans find plastic-texured salads acceptable I say no and I stand proud and say that I've had enough of low quality fruits and vegetables. They aren't even that much cheaper and they don't taste good. I want good. Hell, I want great.This is where Russo's stepped in. I found it thanks to you, Yelp and promptly got into my car and GPS'd my way to it from Kendall square. Arriving into their big parking lot I parked my car as close to the entrance (yes, I'm that lazy) and made my way inside the place.It's big and every inch of it features some delicious, high quality produce. Apples, pears, oranges, you name it, they have it. They also have a ton of more obscure stuff like brocolini, star fruit, Asian eggplant, amongst others. Along with it, they have a meat station, a cheese station and a bakery. There's basically everything that you could think of there, even jams, cereal and a whole bunch of other stuff.I also found some dried kiwi which I had never had before (wasn't all that great) - Although I wouldn't buy everything there, this is definitely a great place for people to stock up on groceries, especially if you live nearby. I would totally go more often if I could, but it's 25 minutes away and I have 2 WholeFoods within 1 mile from me so it's not as worth it for me... But yeah, I love this place!

by Gwen F.

Three thousand years ago, the Roman god Superus Marketus had a torrid affair with Princess Leia.  The sheer awesomeness of this union upset the balance of awesome between Narnia (you know, where Star Wars lives) and this earthly plain.  To make terra firma just a little bit more awesome and thus restore equilibrium to the universe, the powers that be created A. Russo and Sons.  (And Padma Lakshmi.)Yep, I really dig Russo's.  Most of the produce looks like it was picked hours before it was placed on the shelves, and the prices put the big box stores to shame.  I'll be honest - with such a diversity in fresh stock, I didn't even know what some of the green and leafy things were.  Whatever some of those things are, they have a lot of 'em.I'm a fan of Honeycrisp apples, and most places have a meager selection of spotty and anemic fruit.  Russo's stock was robust and gleaming, AND the apples were 10 cents less per pound than the pick-yer-owns at the last orchard I visited.  Wow.Oh yeah, and I picked up a *vat* of tofu for less than two bucks.  I'd say it's twice the amount of tofu you get at most places, for less than half the price.Shall we talk cheese?  Because yes, Russo's has that covered too.  Expect a wide range of cheeses complete with descriptions of the taste and origin of each.  Nearby is a fairly impressive selection of crackers; I found some very tasty garlic herb ones that weren't too expensive.  They went fabulously along with the aged cheddar I picked up.Of course, as with all things, there is a downside to this foodie nirvana.  That would be the weekend crowd.  I recommend visiting after work.  I love Russo's.  This place is like Candyland.  Only, you know, with asparagus.

by Karen D.

Where can you find strawberries and tomatoes this time of year that are really red and and flavorful? Russo's is the place. Russos has a huge selection of fresh produce that you don't have to pick through to find the good ones. I always find a fruit or vegetable that I have never seen or heard of before, so it is always interesting. The prices are great as well.In addition to the produce, the bakery is phenominal. Two of my favorites are the pear tart and the almond macaroons. In fact, I have to pick up some desserts tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I'll be able to restrain myself from snacking on my way to work, but it doesn't count if you eat it in the car, right?The only caution here is that the place is tightly packed and does get busy. I avoid going on weekends, but if you can't go any other time, just prepare yourself to navigate the busy aisles and that one person who insists on leaving a cart where people can't pass to go grab another cumquat.

by GJ N.

Haiganoush Kouyoundjian is not in the mood today.Born in 1915 in Constantinople, she survived the Armenian Genocide, immigrated to Watertown, became a Women's Air force service pilot in WWII, raised 17 children and now, just battled for a parking spot at Russo's. (Going the wrong way, blinker firmly, steadily ON.)You are no match for her and battle-ram shopping cart so do not place yourself between her and the fresh bocconcini.To survive, you need a plan. Lists are for the meek at Russo's where seasoned veterans can pick four sizes of bok choy, two perfect pears, an entire palette of fresh egg noodles, fresh cut flowers, bread, red cedar mulch, grape leaves and European chocolates before you can locate the chicken broth and Arborio rice.I submit the following as a 10 year veteran of Russo's. Memorize your list. Quart 'a milk, loaf 'a bread, stick 'a buttah. Scan the store floor plan before shopping. Learn a phrase or two in Spanish and Portuguese then endear yourself to the employees. They can pave a path through the store for you with their rolling carts of berries and basil, as well as let you cut in the 20 cart deep register lines. Build a scale model of the store and plan the best route without redundant paths. Beware of the deli counter, if you do not have business there, keep away.Now that you have been advised you will have an expedient and pleasurable experience at Russo's - the best produce and gourmet market this side of the Hrazdan River.

by Samantha B.

I really love this place, though it's not perfect. They have a huge variety of produce at great prices. This is one of the few places where you can find lemongrass, rambutan, curry leaves, chinese eggplant, etc etc... Their prices on dried fruits and nuts are also very reasonable. For me anyway, it's not a one stop shop- I always have to go somewhere else to finish up getting my 'practical' things. But, the majority of what I eat is home-cooked, so being able to shop here drastically brings down my weekly grocery bill. Their cheese selection is one of the best in the area, but I do have one gripe: their cuts are too big! A lot of times I'll just want a small cut for one recipe, and I'll only be able to find massive chunks for $10+. It's a waste of money and food to have to buy an unnecessarily large piece of cheese. I've noticed that this is a recent thing- they used to have much smaller cuts available. Now here are some of my other issues with the store...I know it's not their fault that they're busy, but it really gets on my nerves. Yes, it is cramped, but people are unnecessarily rude here. People will be totally oblivious that you're trying to get by, have their carts block aisles, etc etc. There isn't much space for people to line up at the registers, so they inevitably bleed into the produce area and block people. Though I love their produce selection, it's not consistent in quality. One week the eggplants will be gorgeous, and the next they'll be tiny and shriveled. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, but it's not worth the trek from Somerville if they're not going to have produce that's up-to-snuff. Also, they don't consistently take spoiled products off the shelves. They don't mark expiration dates on everything, so there have been times that I grabbed some mozzarella or tempeh, only to come home and see that it was rotten. Even though I have plenty of issues with Russo's, I still love them and will continue to go there. Just don't come during the weekend rush!

by Samantha B.GJ N.Karen D.

I really love this place, though it's not perfect. They have a huge variety of produce at great prices. This is one of the few places where you can find lemongrass, rambutan, curry leaves, chinese eggplant, etc etc... Their prices on dried fruits and nuts are also very reasonable. For me anyway, it's not a one stop shop- I always have to go somewhere else to finish up getting my 'practical' things. But, the majority of what I eat is home-cooked, so being able to shop here drastically brings down my weekly grocery bill. Their cheese selection is one of the best in the area, but I do have one gripe: their cuts are too big! A lot of times I'll just want a small cut for one recipe, and I'll only be able to find massive chunks for $10+. It's a waste of money and food to have to buy an unnecessarily large piece of cheese. I've noticed that this is a recent thing- they used to have much smaller cuts available. Now here are some of my other issues with the store...I know it's not their fault that they're busy, but it really gets on my nerves. Yes, it is cramped, but people are unnecessarily rude here. People will be totally oblivious that you're trying to get by, have their carts block aisles, etc etc. There isn't much space for people to line up at the registers, so they inevitably bleed into the produce area and block people. Though I love their produce selection, it's not consistent in quality. One week the eggplants will be gorgeous, and the next they'll be tiny and shriveled. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, but it's not worth the trek from Somerville if they're not going to have produce that's up-to-snuff. Also, they don't consistently take spoiled products off the shelves. They don't mark expiration dates on everything, so there have been times that I grabbed some mozzarella or tempeh, only to come home and see that it was rotten. Even though I have plenty of issues with Russo's, I still love them and will continue to go there. Just don't come during the weekend rush!Haiganoush Kouyoundjian is not in the mood today.Born in 1915 in Constantinople, she survived the Armenian Genocide, immigrated to Watertown, became a Women's Air force service pilot in WWII, raised 17 children and now, just battled for a parking spot at Russo's. (Going the wrong way, blinker firmly, steadily ON.)You are no match for her and battle-ram shopping cart so do not place yourself between her and the fresh bocconcini.To survive, you need a plan. Lists are for the meek at Russo's where seasoned veterans can pick four sizes of bok choy, two perfect pears, an entire palette of fresh egg noodles, fresh cut flowers, bread, red cedar mulch, grape leaves and European chocolates before you can locate the chicken broth and Arborio rice.I submit the following as a 10 year veteran of Russo's. Memorize your list. Quart 'a milk, loaf 'a bread, stick 'a buttah. Scan the store floor plan before shopping. Learn a phrase or two in Spanish and Portuguese then endear yourself to the employees. They can pave a path through the store for you with their rolling carts of berries and basil, as well as let you cut in the 20 cart deep register lines. Build a scale model of the store and plan the best route without redundant paths. Beware of the deli counter, if you do not have business there, keep away.Now that you have been advised you will have an expedient and pleasurable experience at Russo's - the best produce and gourmet market this side of the Hrazdan River.Where can you find strawberries and tomatoes this time of year that are really red and and flavorful? Russo's is the place. Russos has a huge selection of fresh produce that you don't have to pick through to find the good ones. I always find a fruit or vegetable that I have never seen or heard of before, so it is always interesting. The prices are great as well.In addition to the produce, the bakery is phenominal. Two of my favorites are the pear tart and the almond macaroons. In fact, I have to pick up some desserts tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I'll be able to restrain myself from snacking on my way to work, but it doesn't count if you eat it in the car, right?The only caution here is that the place is tightly packed and does get busy. I avoid going on weekends, but if you can't go any other time, just prepare yourself to navigate the busy aisles and that one person who insists on leaving a cart where people can't pass to go grab another cumquat.

by Samantha B.GJ N.Karen D.Gwen F.Jeremy K.

I really love this place, though it's not perfect. They have a huge variety of produce at great prices. This is one of the few places where you can find lemongrass, rambutan, curry leaves, chinese eggplant, etc etc... Their prices on dried fruits and nuts are also very reasonable. For me anyway, it's not a one stop shop- I always have to go somewhere else to finish up getting my 'practical' things. But, the majority of what I eat is home-cooked, so being able to shop here drastically brings down my weekly grocery bill. Their cheese selection is one of the best in the area, but I do have one gripe: their cuts are too big! A lot of times I'll just want a small cut for one recipe, and I'll only be able to find massive chunks for $10+. It's a waste of money and food to have to buy an unnecessarily large piece of cheese. I've noticed that this is a recent thing- they used to have much smaller cuts available. Now here are some of my other issues with the store...I know it's not their fault that they're busy, but it really gets on my nerves. Yes, it is cramped, but people are unnecessarily rude here. People will be totally oblivious that you're trying to get by, have their carts block aisles, etc etc. There isn't much space for people to line up at the registers, so they inevitably bleed into the produce area and block people. Though I love their produce selection, it's not consistent in quality. One week the eggplants will be gorgeous, and the next they'll be tiny and shriveled. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, but it's not worth the trek from Somerville if they're not going to have produce that's up-to-snuff. Also, they don't consistently take spoiled products off the shelves. They don't mark expiration dates on everything, so there have been times that I grabbed some mozzarella or tempeh, only to come home and see that it was rotten. Even though I have plenty of issues with Russo's, I still love them and will continue to go there. Just don't come during the weekend rush!Haiganoush Kouyoundjian is not in the mood today.Born in 1915 in Constantinople, she survived the Armenian Genocide, immigrated to Watertown, became a Women's Air force service pilot in WWII, raised 17 children and now, just battled for a parking spot at Russo's. (Going the wrong way, blinker firmly, steadily ON.)You are no match for her and battle-ram shopping cart so do not place yourself between her and the fresh bocconcini.To survive, you need a plan. Lists are for the meek at Russo's where seasoned veterans can pick four sizes of bok choy, two perfect pears, an entire palette of fresh egg noodles, fresh cut flowers, bread, red cedar mulch, grape leaves and European chocolates before you can locate the chicken broth and Arborio rice.I submit the following as a 10 year veteran of Russo's. Memorize your list. Quart 'a milk, loaf 'a bread, stick 'a buttah. Scan the store floor plan before shopping. Learn a phrase or two in Spanish and Portuguese then endear yourself to the employees. They can pave a path through the store for you with their rolling carts of berries and basil, as well as let you cut in the 20 cart deep register lines. Build a scale model of the store and plan the best route without redundant paths. Beware of the deli counter, if you do not have business there, keep away.Now that you have been advised you will have an expedient and pleasurable experience at Russo's - the best produce and gourmet market this side of the Hrazdan River.Where can you find strawberries and tomatoes this time of year that are really red and and flavorful? Russo's is the place. Russos has a huge selection of fresh produce that you don't have to pick through to find the good ones. I always find a fruit or vegetable that I have never seen or heard of before, so it is always interesting. The prices are great as well.In addition to the produce, the bakery is phenominal. Two of my favorites are the pear tart and the almond macaroons. In fact, I have to pick up some desserts tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I'll be able to restrain myself from snacking on my way to work, but it doesn't count if you eat it in the car, right?The only caution here is that the place is tightly packed and does get busy. I avoid going on weekends, but if you can't go any other time, just prepare yourself to navigate the busy aisles and that one person who insists on leaving a cart where people can't pass to go grab another cumquat.Three thousand years ago, the Roman god Superus Marketus had a torrid affair with Princess Leia.  The sheer awesomeness of this union upset the balance of awesome between Narnia (you know, where Star Wars lives) and this earthly plain.  To make terra firma just a little bit more awesome and thus restore equilibrium to the universe, the powers that be created A. Russo and Sons.  (And Padma Lakshmi.)Yep, I really dig Russo's.  Most of the produce looks like it was picked hours before it was placed on the shelves, and the prices put the big box stores to shame.  I'll be honest - with such a diversity in fresh stock, I didn't even know what some of the green and leafy things were.  Whatever some of those things are, they have a lot of 'em.I'm a fan of Honeycrisp apples, and most places have a meager selection of spotty and anemic fruit.  Russo's stock was robust and gleaming, AND the apples were 10 cents less per pound than the pick-yer-owns at the last orchard I visited.  Wow.Oh yeah, and I picked up a *vat* of tofu for less than two bucks.  I'd say it's twice the amount of tofu you get at most places, for less than half the price.Shall we talk cheese?  Because yes, Russo's has that covered too.  Expect a wide range of cheeses complete with descriptions of the taste and origin of each.  Nearby is a fairly impressive selection of crackers; I found some very tasty garlic herb ones that weren't too expensive.  They went fabulously along with the aged cheddar I picked up.Of course, as with all things, there is a downside to this foodie nirvana.  That would be the weekend crowd.  I recommend visiting after work.  I love Russo's.  This place is like Candyland.  Only, you know, with asparagus.In an era where most Americans find plastic-texured salads acceptable I say no and I stand proud and say that I've had enough of low quality fruits and vegetables. They aren't even that much cheaper and they don't taste good. I want good. Hell, I want great.This is where Russo's stepped in. I found it thanks to you, Yelp and promptly got into my car and GPS'd my way to it from Kendall square. Arriving into their big parking lot I parked my car as close to the entrance (yes, I'm that lazy) and made my way inside the place.It's big and every inch of it features some delicious, high quality produce. Apples, pears, oranges, you name it, they have it. They also have a ton of more obscure stuff like brocolini, star fruit, Asian eggplant, amongst others. Along with it, they have a meat station, a cheese station and a bakery. There's basically everything that you could think of there, even jams, cereal and a whole bunch of other stuff.I also found some dried kiwi which I had never had before (wasn't all that great) - Although I wouldn't buy everything there, this is definitely a great place for people to stock up on groceries, especially if you live nearby. I would totally go more often if I could, but it's 25 minutes away and I have 2 WholeFoods within 1 mile from me so it's not as worth it for me... But yeah, I love this place!