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    Oak Bistro

    4.7 (140 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Oak Bistro

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    Settle In. I dig it...
    Adam H.

    Most excellent Yelp find! I am still not sure why it wasn't packed the day we visited. I don't know if it's new or if it's unpopular or what it could be, because this place is great! Everything and everyone we encountered were just lovely! Our server was a delight. Slightly shy and a bit pensive at first. She opened up as we interacted. The interior is beautifully decorated. Interior design was spot on to me and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Bravo! Why is it empty?? Restaurant business if tough man! Here sits a great place and no one is there. I really hope they kill it at night as our visit was at lunch. I absolutely loved my sandwich and think about it often still to this day. Beautifully grilled and crunchy, with a great beefy/oniony taste. The au jus was rich and flavorful and oh so good. Fries were fresh and also banging as well. C's dish of the thousand layers of really thin potato slices was probably the coolest thing we had to eat on our trip to the northeast. Wonderful dish with an excellent presentation! The piles of pecorino were an instant swoon. Very time consuming dish to prepare well. I applaud them for having it on the menu. All in all, a total memory maker kind of place that I do hope to return to someday. Until then, take care and keep up the good work! '26 - 10

    Cute holiday decor
    Rosa C.

    Came here on a weekday for lunch before we headed to the airport. There was a private parking lot about 3 min walking distance so parking was super easy. Walking inside, the decor was super pretty and modern with plenty of holiday flair. We were seated quickly and the restaurant was not busy. We ordered the fried potato, the short rib appetizer, steak sandwich, mussel and fries, and the risotto. Everything was delicious and the dusting of cheese was incredibly liberal (which I loved). I'm from out of town, but the next time I'm in Cambridge I'd def come back!

    Short rib pasta
    Regina L.

    We came here for lunch/brunch on a Saturday and it wasn't too crowded so we got seated right away. The service was pretty fast and the food was good. We split the clam chowder, which is so good on a cold day. The steak sandwich was alright, I would have preferred steak slices rather than shaved steak. I enjoyed the short rib pasta.

    Pappardelle short rib ragu. A table favorute

    Our best meal in Boston. Everything was delicious, and though from the pictures they looked similar, the flavors were all unique. Our whole family loved all the dishes. Service was excellent, and restaurany was nicely decorated. Highly recommend!

    Seared Sea Scallops
    Claire C.

    All the food we had was good. I got the scallops and they were fresh and cooked perfectly, and the butternut squash purée was so good to pair with scallops. The arugula salad was a refreshing start, i liked the citricy of the dressing. Overall, good food, but the staff served us that day was not so friendly.

    French toast
    Kayla L.

    Came on a Saturday brunch with with a reservation. They are so sweet as they have made placeholder names on our tables which is a nice touch. The service is attentive and very friendly. We got French toast and the egg Benedict. I have to said I'm super impressed by the French toast, it's so delicious! Same for the egg Benedict and the potato pieces are chunky and crunchy -personal preference to have it smaller but it's still good! Love the decoration and it's very cozy to come here with a big group of friends or a date!

    Dil S.

    Exceptional restaurant, perfect for a date. Friendly service and incredibly tasty bites of croquette, potato pave, risotto, and steak sandwich. Great creative fall cocktails as well.

    Short Ribs Eggs Benedict.
    Emma G.

    This was a Boston highlight for me this time around. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I stopped by last Saturday for brunch after a very nippy walk on the other side of Cambridge. I required warmth and sustenance, both of which were delivered in droves. It was pretty packed when we came in around 2ish but we were immediately seated at a high-top table near the bar to begin increasing our body temperatures and consuming calories. In what's becoming a bit of a trip tradition, we decided to go a little bougie and get an edgy mimosa situation. Oak Bistro had a flight option in the $55 range where you got a bottle of champagne and I think three or four juice options to mix it with. Not a bad deal. Based on what we sampled, I don't see a reason for them to get too creative here - dance with the one you brought, right? In this case, orange juice. There was a berry-flavored one that wasn't bad but both of us kept relying on the mainstay orange juice. One of them was a cider that just didn't hit at all, and I'd remove that from the flight options. It flat out doesn't jive with the champagne. But honestly, that cider was the only miss of the adventure in my book. I'd built up an appetite braving the New England wind gusts, so it felt appropriate to go straight to the Benedict section. It's one of my favorite brunch entrees but I especially like it when it's not the dictionary definition version, aka with Canadian bacon. This was a very solid alternative, featuring short rib. Delicious and really hit the spot. The short ribs themselves were a LITTLE dry but I think it cancelled out with the hollandaise sauce. The home fries were great too, perfectly cooked and seasoned. A very solid dish in my view. My chum was tepid on them, but we will respectfully agree to disagree. The service was fine from what I recall. We were in a "good" area in that respect, in that we were pretty visible and not tucked away in a corner, so our waitress came by fairly regularly. We weren't on the clock so if the visits were more on the infrequent side, it wasn't noticed. The high-top tables ARE a little small especially given the plate sizes - we had two entrees and a mimosa flight and it was a very tight squeeze. If they have the ability to replace those with ones that provide more space to play around with, I'd do it. Was this mind-blowing/off the charts? No, but it was very solid and you take that as a win.

    Cocktails
    Rachel O.

    We loooooved this lil bistro. What a delicious surprise in Camrbidge. Here's my grade: Drinks: - Quetzal (Montelobos Espadin, kiwi cucumber fresca, orange liqueur, lime, spicy salt, thai chili) - B - Don Augustin (Brown butter washed Monkey Shoulder, Punt e Mes, Frangelico, hickory smoke) - B+ Food: - Thousand-layer crispy potato pave (Pecorino cheese, bravas sauce, chives, gluten-free) - A+ - Special risotto (Pecorino cheese, mushrooms, duck confit, gluten-free) - A Server: - Naomi - A+ Vibes: - Tasteful, hip, smart layout, but not trying too hard. They installed a thick curtain at the door to stop chilly winter air from blasting in to the dining area. Not too bright, but also not too dark. Perfectly lit. A+ I would absolutely come back if I was in the area! In fact, I'd seek out a reason to go to Cambridge just so that I could have dinner here again. I still dream about that thousand-layer potato dish. The prices were a little high, but I think they mostly aligned with the area, the quality of food, & the great service.

    gnocchi
    Colleen C.

    This place is sooo yummy. We called around 6pm on a Saturday with no reservations and they were able to get us seats. Food highlights: Fried burrata - really delicious and large portion. big enough for 4 people to split Berry Farm Roasted Beet Salad - maybe the highlight of the entire meal. perfectly dressed, the pear was melt in your mouth good and toasted pecans were a good touch. wish we had more! Ricotta Gnocchi (asked for vegetarian) - this was the perfect portion and some of the most well cooked gnocchi I've had. really yummy Pappardelle short rib ragu - so good, fresh tasting pasta. not super saucy but in a way that made it taste light (for a pasta dish). large portion, enough for left overs! banana beignets - surprisingly "light". very fluffy but a tiny bit dense compared to my idea of a beignet. the caramel sauce was really good for dipping. it definitely needs that to not taste too dry. drinks: loved autumn in inman - not too sweet but just sweet enough. easy to drink taste like home - very pretty drink, a bit sweet but perfect if you like that I would definitely return here. the service was fast, nice and the ambiance of the restaurant is great for a date night!

    Farm to table Burger
    Hussain L.

    Ordered takeout for dinner via the website and the service was fast and easy! Had to try the burger, it was tender and juicy, very simple steak seasoning. The ricotta and Sweet potato fritters were delicious, I personally did not like the taste of the sauce very much even though it does bring out some of the flavors. I've never had a restaurant write a beautiful message on my to-go bag for me, that was special! Ambiance on the inside is intimate and classy, great for a special night out.

    Salmon
    Lizzie K.

    Wow this place was fantastic. Best cocktail I've ever had! The place inside was gorgeous and the servers were incredibly kind!

    Seared scallops, steak, pappardelle with short rib

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    One of the best meals out I've had in a long time! Stand-out items included the short rib croquettes, duck confit, and octopus.

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    2 years ago

    Arguably the best combination of food, service, and experience that we have experienced for many years. Noelle is truly the best.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good food and cocktails. The service was great and the place clean and well organized

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    Fabi V.

    Hi Dany, thank you for your review. Hope to see you again soon!

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    2 years ago

    Really superb food, decor. One of the best restaurants in Cambridge but still relatively unknown I think.

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    2 years ago

    Food is amazing. Heart and soul went into the menu and drinks. Cozy environment, perfect for dates or a night out with friends.

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    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Oak Bistro

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    Tavern at the End of the World

    Tavern at the End of the World

    4.2(287 reviews)
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    Food: Delicious. Good burger and sandwich. No wait on food. Fresh and hot…read more Service: Bartender and server. Very nice and attentive even though he had a full bar. Ambiance: Cozy and fun.

    Imma keep it all the way 100 and just say that pubs like this one, usually make me uneasy. IYKYK…read more This spot looked exactly like you'd expect an Irish pub to look like: old wooden seats, dim lights, a little worn down, with lights strung up inside. But it was super clean and had a genuine, chill vibe. To my surprise, every single person there -- from the staff to the patrons -- was incredibly friendly and warm. It caught me off guard how kind and attentive everyone was. The service was EXCELLENT , and I'd easily give five stars for both cleanliness and hospitality. As for the food, it was okay. I ordered the calamari, and it was decent. I should have tried the spice bag because the folks seated next to us ordered it and it smelled delicious! The espresso martini was absolutely bomb, and everything coming out of that kitchen looked and smelled great. The service and atmosphere made the experience memorable. I could definitely see myself going back for a couple of drinks or to catch a game -- especially because it felt good to be treated with such genuine warmth in a space where I didn't necessarily expect it. I think our server was Samson, maybe, and someone else served us, I didn't get his name- but thanks for your hospitality.

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    Willow & Ivy - Baby Iceberg Wedge with Two Blues (with added chicken breast)

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    4.5(79 reviews)
    2.0 miBack Bay

    Cocktails are not good. They need to fix all of them and make sure they are putting once big clear…read moreice cube inside all drinks. Everything else is 8+ out of 10. Steak tacos are - as someone else has mentioned - to die for. My filet mignon was juicy and VERY tender. I mean, it was so easy to cut apart. I think the chef and whoever is making the food are really carrying this place. The hostess and our server, Alex, were also very very nice and welcoming. My dinner partner had the foie gras dish, and it was also great! I definitely want to come back. Just do not order cocktails, haha. The video I am attaching is of the very first dessert on the dessert menu.

    Well we arrived in suits and dress clothes because it said "fine dining" but we were totally…read moreoverdressed at this establishment. Maybe I'm too old, but fine dining should involve that refinement. Stop calling yourself fine dining and call it expensive food with uppity servers and no dress code. Food was amazing- so please know I would absolutely go back for the food! We had lobster bisque, the best Caesar salad (top 5), calm chowder, shrimp and clams, lamb and a fillet. During our meal just after the lovely table side service of the lobster bisque my son accidentally moved the table with his feet and the drinks flew into my food. Our server watched it happen and walked away. She turned not to help but out of disgust walked the other way! The food runner came to the rescue! But then we were charged for another drink that spilled! I don't know but when your at fine dining and you get double charged for a table moving and treated like you are an inconvenience that gets me. Plus she was clearly angry with us. Food 5 stars, service 2, price for the service we received totally not worth it. Don't waste your money to get treated badly. Sorry kitchen but front of the house ruined it.

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    Sarma - Zucchini fritters - incredible flavors, highly recommend

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    4.4(1.4k reviews)
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    2026 Boston. Dinner review. Mediterranean…read more (Highlight - Best) BLACK SEA CORNBREAD jalapeno, feta, honey, sesame 19 DEVILED EGG DIP shakshuka-style, zhug, harissa potato chips 17 HONEY ROASTED FIGS red pepper, tabbouleh, arugula, walnuts 25 ARTICHOKES OREGANATA goat cheese polenta, tomato, orange, chiles 24 (Highlight) CAULIFLOWER ZAALOUK chermoula, dates, preserved lemon yogurt 23 MERGUEZ MANTI grilled corn, yogurt, red pepper butter, poached egg 34 (Highlight) HARISSA BBQ DUCK* carrot brown butter, orange blossom, fried almonds 38 Overall, the black sea cornbread is just incredible. Could eat many of these. "As good as it gets."

    You know a restaurant is 10/10 when you can literally order anything on the menu without worrying…read morebecause it all tastes amazing. BUT the menu rotates, so it might be a little womp if you go expecting the exact same dishes I had This is by far the best restaurant I've eaten at in Massachusetts. Everything was so, so, so yummy. Our top dishes were the beef carpaccio, octopus bruschetta, and ricotta loukamades. The beef carpaccio was flavorful and beautifully balanced, and the octopus bruschetta was another immediate favorite. But the ricotta loukamades??? Oh...the crimes I'd commit to eat those again Our least favorite was the harissa BBQ duck, but even that was still good. That honestly says a lot about the overall quality of the meal. I completely understand why this restaurant has so much hype. It may not be the most traditional Mediterranean or Turkish food, but it is gooooood. Every dish felt creative, polished, and genuinely exciting to eat. If I ever visit Boston again, I will WITHOUT A DOUBT be booking another reservation here just so I can try as many dishes as possible.

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    Sarma - Douggy, our bartender/waiter

    Douggy, our bartender/waiter

    Sarma - Sugarsnaps - wonderfully fresh, lovely textures

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    La Brasa - Beet salad

    La Brasa

    3.6(394 reviews)
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    The menu looked interesting so we thought we'd give it a try. Can you make an espresso martini?…read moreNo, we don't have coffee. And we're also out of these 4 signature drinks. Ok we'll have a beer and a wine. What can I get you to eat? I'd like the roasted carrots.... No we're out. I'd like the oysters.... We don't have any. Could we share the whole fish? No, we don't have any fish. I'm sorry but we're out of a lot of things..... Buy the restaurant is empty and it's only 6:00 on a Saturday night. Can I have the check? Sure.

    Love this spot in Somerville. I remember when it first opened, it was one of the few places that I…read moregot excited for. It's like elevated/fusion Mexican food -- great for both dinner & brunch, and very suitable for larger groups. I've had a handful of dishes here & I'd recommend everything I've tried. Steak & eggs, pancake in a skillet, vegetarian crepe, fried rice, deviled eggs, the flan. They have a nice wine selection and rotating cocktail menu. The restaurant is like a high end cabin, with very cool murals throughout. I think one of my former roommates actually worked on a mural here, so I might be biased. Staff is welcoming and fun to chat with, they're very knowledgeable about their menu. Pricing tends to be around $50 per person. There's street parking. It's also a shared space with fat hen, which is an Italian restaurant -- I'll review that separately, but it is also worth checking out.

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    Highland Kitchen - Blackened Catfish Po'Boy, Spicy Jambalaya

    Highland Kitchen

    4.2(1.3k reviews)
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    So I've been going to this place since it first opened my father Reggie was a bartender at the blue…read moreroom, and I believe the original owner was one of the chefs there that was working with him and we would go in there all the time and it's always been great and I've been away from the area for a long time and I've recently come back and my girlfriend was trying to plan a great dinner for me knowing my favorite thing is bread pudding This unbelievable banana bread bread pudding they have on their menu is phenomenal. I got it as an appetizer. It was so good then we got the steak tips that came with fries and a Caesar salad we also got crabcakes for dinner steak was cooked perfectly. Had a great taste fries were good. Good amount of salad. My girlfriend got the crabcakes. Also good and then we got the peach and blueberry crisp for dessert which was also phenomenal. I would definitely recommend this to anyone they had some other things on the menu that I definitely wanted to try. They had a barbecue shrimp appetizer and a swordfish dish as a special as well was really packed but we still got in and got seated right away. great ambience, even though it was loud and busy could still hear my girlfriend perfectly great place for a date night great place to go and get a meal by yourself or just get a drink at the bar all the staff was very attentive constantly refill in the water asking if we need anything offering great suggestions.

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    Didn't have much time for lunch so took a short walk from the office to Hub Hall. Sauce Burgers is…read morethe only burger specific place in the food court and looked interesting so I gave it a shot. Only one person working at 11:45 on a Monday morning, but she was doing a great job of running the grill and register. Ordered the Double Team (2 patties with extra cheese) burger, a side of fries, and a can of Diet Coke. The burger was cooked to medium-well, but was very dry. No sauce or toppings other than the cheese. The bun may have had butter on it but not much. It was a hard burger to get down because of the lack of moisture and didn't have any standout flavors. Cheese had no flavor at all. Fries were cooked well but just average in taste with nothing standing out. $30.16 including tax and tip for a dry burger doesn't make me want to go back. If I have to eat in Hub Hall again I'll try somewhere else.

    Wow! We hadn't been to Sauce Burgers in a while because of relocation. We went today and boy did it…read moreremind me why we love it so much! Best burgers in the city! The buns are beautiful, the beef cooked perfectly, and no matter which burger you choose, you cannot go wrong! The fries are also right up there as some of the best in Boston! Cooked golden brown with a perfect ratio of salt! And the Manager, Orlando, treats you like a VIP, no matter who you are! He makes every single person feel so so welcome! THANK YOU Orlando for another amazing experience at Sauce, Burgers!

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    Oak Bistro - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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