Crema Café (27 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.876.2700), in the former home of an Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square, is a standout example of a trend we’re happy to see taking off: a locally-owned coffee house performing better than the veteran chains. Crema’s calming sage-green walls, skylights, and lofted seating area with exposed brick are a fine accompaniment to the menu’s homey comfort food — and they defy that stuffy rep Harvard has held onto for so long. Since it opened this spring, Crema has been constantly buzzing with college students and laptop-wielding espresso drinkers. Just call this place the cream of the crop.
