Oleana Restaurant

4.3 (2k reviews)

PriceyTurkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Updated 3 months ago

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Oleana Restaurant - Fatteh - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Potato & Red Lentil Kubba with Swiss Chard, Pistachios, Eggplant Jam, Fried Carrots, healthy and yummy - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Oleana Restaurant - Sultan's delight is a must order every visit ( not vegetarian) - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant Popular Dishes

110 Photos313 Reviews

10 days ago

It was also fun to have the baked Alaska w a birthday candle.. keep in mind it's easily enough for two and the ice cream in it is like a toasted coconut.. and not too sweet. Yeah it's a little bit of a challenge to cut into the base...

21 days ago

Oh, Oleana! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tucked away in Cambridge, Oleana is a cozy Mediterranean restaurant serving small plates.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My partner and I managed to snag a last-minute reservation on a Tuesday night, and even at 9 p.m. the restaurant was still lively. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Between the beautiful decor and warm atmosphere, it made for a great date night spot, though it was admittedly a bit dim (apologies in advance for the photo quality!)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Between the two of us, we ended up ordering quite a few dishes: Whipped Feta (4/5): This was good, though I was hoping for a stronger roasted pepper flavor. Nothing wrong with it, but it didn't quite stand out. Interestingly, we overheard the table next to us mention the same thing, so maybe this one's a bit hit or miss. Spinach Falafel (4/5): Another solid dish. It was bright, colorful, and fresh, though a little messy to eat. Our waiter rather bluntly told us to "just wrap it and bite," which caught us a little off guard, but it was good nonetheless. Fatteh (4.5/5): Our favorite appetizer of the night. The creamy roasted cauliflower paired so well with the crispy pita, and I especially loved the sweetness the onions brought to the dish. Sultan's Delight (5/5): As everyone else says, this is the one to order. The beef was incredibly tender and rich. In hindsight, I almost wish we'd had the potatoes from the Adana Kebab to eat alongside it because they would've been the perfect accompaniment. Vermont Quail Kebab (5/5): Tied with the Sultan's Delight as our favorite entrée. The quail was juicy, well-spiced, and surprisingly easy to eat. I'd absolutely order this again. Adana Kebab (4/5): By this point, I think we were simply getting full. The kebab itself was good, but not nearly as memorable as the other meat dishes. Ironically, the potatoes and peppers that came with it might have been my favorite part--

Baked Alaska (4.5/5): Delicious. The toasted meringue paired wonderfully with the coconut ice cream, though we were a little mixed on the passionfruit caramel, which came across slightly burnt and more acidic than expected. After a...

97 Photos256 Reviews

21 days ago

Spinach Falafel (4/5): Another solid dish. It was bright, colorful, and fresh, though a little messy to eat. Our waiter rather bluntly told us to "just wrap it and bite," which caught us a little off guard, but it was good...

bite," which caught us a little off guard, but it was good nonetheless. Fatteh (4.5/5): Our favorite appetizer of the night. The creamy roasted cauliflower paired so well with the crispy pita, and I especially loved the sweetness the onions brought to the dish. Sultan's Delight (5/5): As everyone else says, this is the one to order. The beef was incredibly tender and rich. In hindsight, I almost wish we'd had the potatoes from the Adana Kebab to eat alongside it because they would've been the perfect accompaniment. Vermont Quail Kebab (5/5): Tied with the Sultan's Delight as our favorite entrée. The quail was juicy, well-spiced, and surprisingly easy to eat. I'd absolutely order this again. Adana Kebab (4/5): By this point, I think we were simply getting full. The kebab itself was good, but not nearly as memorable as the other meat dishes. Ironically, the potatoes and peppers that came with it might have been my favorite part--they would've paired perfectly with the Sultan's Delight. Baked Alaska (4.5/5): Delicious. The toasted meringue paired wonderfully with the coconut ice cream, though we were a little mixed on the passionfruit caramel, which came across slightly burnt and more acidic than expected. After a while the meringue did become quite sweet, so we ended up pairing some with the Muhallebi. Dark Chocolate Muhallebi (3.5/5): Yes...we ordered two desserts. I was mostly drawn in by the kaymak ice cream, but the Muhallebi itself was almost completely unsweetened. I'm usually all for desserts that aren't overly sweet, but this one leaned more savory than I expected. We actually ended up adding some leftover meringue from the Baked Alaska to balance it out. Looking back, given both our appetites (and our wallets), I think we would've been perfectly happy just ordering the Baked Alaska. Overall, Oleana was a lovely spot for a date night. While it didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations I'd built up from all the praise, we still had a really enjoyable meal. Our main waiter was kind, and I appreciated that the dishes came out in rounds, giving us plenty of time to eat and chat. The meat dishes were definitely the highlights for us, but overall there's a lot to like here.

29 days ago

We enjoyed the za'atar bread, spinach falafel, salmon crudo, quail, and a beef dish. Of course we saved a little room for dessert and had the baked Alaska and baklava. Everything was so fresh and perfectly seasoned. I would go back...

32 Photos134 Reviews

21 days ago

...(apologies in advance for the photo quality!) Between the two of us, we ended up ordering quite a few dishes: Whipped Feta (4/5): This was good, though I was hoping for a stronger roasted pepper flavor. Nothing wrong with it, but it...

stronger roasted pepper flavor. Nothing wrong with it, but it didn't quite stand out. Interestingly, we overheard the table next to us mention the same thing, so maybe this one's a bit hit or miss. Spinach Falafel (4/5): Another solid dish. It was bright, colorful, and fresh, though a little messy to eat. Our waiter rather bluntly told us to "just wrap it and bite," which caught us a little off guard, but it was good nonetheless. Fatteh (4.5/5): Our favorite appetizer of the night. The creamy roasted cauliflower paired so well with the crispy pita, and I especially loved the sweetness the onions brought to the dish. Sultan's Delight (5/5): As everyone else says, this is the one to order. The beef was incredibly tender and rich. In hindsight, I almost wish we'd had the potatoes from the Adana Kebab to eat alongside it because they would've been the perfect accompaniment. Vermont Quail Kebab (5/5): Tied with the Sultan's Delight as our favorite entrée. The quail was juicy, well-spiced, and surprisingly easy to eat. I'd absolutely order this again. Adana Kebab (4/5): By this point, I think we were simply getting full. The kebab itself was good, but not nearly as memorable as the other meat dishes. Ironically, the potatoes and peppers that came with it might have been my favorite part--they would've paired perfectly with the Sultan's Delight. Baked Alaska (4.5/5): Delicious. The toasted meringue paired wonderfully with the coconut ice cream, though we were a little mixed on the passionfruit caramel, which came across slightly burnt and more acidic than expected. After a while the meringue did become quite sweet, so we ended up pairing some with the Muhallebi. Dark Chocolate Muhallebi (3.5/5): Yes...we ordered two desserts. I was mostly drawn in by the kaymak ice cream, but the Muhallebi itself was almost completely unsweetened. I'm usually all for desserts that aren't overly sweet, but this one leaned more savory than I expected. We actually ended up adding some leftover meringue from the Baked Alaska to balance it out. Looking back, given both our appetites (and our wallets), I think we would've been perfectly happy just ordering the Baked Alaska. Overall, Oleana was a lovely spot for a date night. While it didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations I'd built up from all the praise, we still had a really enjoyable meal. Our main waiter was kind, and I appreciated that the dishes came out in rounds, giving us plenty of time to eat and chat. The meat dishes were definitely the highlights for us, but overall there's a lot to like here.

11 months ago

Oleana very much lived up to the hype. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything we tried was delicious, the ambiance was beautiful, and service was attentive and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We came right at opening and there was already a line. We had reservations and the line moved quickly as soon as they opened the door. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We opted to sit outside - the back patio is beautiful, well lit and with lots of plants.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our waitress recommended we order 2-3 dishes per person, and we ended up ordering a total of 8 dishes between the three of us, including a dessert. The wine list is extensive and we split a bottle of white that was lovely. On to the food - we followed the waitress's recommendation to order all our dishes at once and have them spaced out by the chef. We had our 8 dishes over the course of about two hours, and the timing was perfect - whenever we

We ordered the whipped feta, za'atar bread, mushroom kofte, fatteh, corn and ricotta dumplings, quail, and halloumi, plus the cremolata for dessert. Literally everything we had was delicious, but what stood out as particularly...

Oleana Restaurant menu photos

Menu photo 1 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 2 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 3 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 4 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 5 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 6 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 7 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

Menu photo 8 Oleana Restaurant Cambridge, MA

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OLEANA RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Moderate noise

Romantic

Outdoor seating

Dogs allowed

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Shoshanah I.

I really don't understand the hype around this place. We were so excited to try it and actually snag a reservation for a birthday dinner! We come from LA so I think we have a good sense of Mediterranean food! Persian, Israeli, etc. is so abundant there and we were so excited to try a restaurant that focused on this cuisine with small plates. Boy was I disappointed! Every dish that came out after the next was smaller, pricier, and just didn't hit the mark at all. The bread was cold, butter was hard, flavors were interesting but not in a pleasant way. More-so in the "what is in my mouth right now.." way. For the price you're paying I'm not sure that the flavors are there! Maybe we're just spoiled with Bacari in LA. Service was okay! Not anything to write home about but it was nice! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was also nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I feel bad writing this review but really! I don't get why it's such a highly recommended place.

Mar G.

Went to sit at the bar for a solo dinner. The service was very prompt, and they provided a lot of good recommendations. They were also great about letting me sample things before deciding on a drink! This has been on my list for a really long time, and I had seen Oleana frequently recognized as one of the best restaurants in Boston, so I was pretty excited to finally go. I have to say I wasn't blown away but also not disappointed. The portions were absolutely miniature for the price. The zaatar bread was very fluffy and the spread was flavorful but nothing I would order again. Similarly. The fatteh was one of the most reviewed dishes online. The flavor was unique but ultimately fell a little flat for me (basically tastes like lightly cooked cauliflower with caramelized onions, and a light creamy sauce). I will say the one thing that I felt like really did live up to the hype was the Sultan's delight (short rib)- it was truly so good. I liked the marigold and my glass of wine but the limited liquor license certainly restricts their offerings. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was nothing too unique.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, I would probably give this close to like a 3.9 but rounded up.

Ally W.

Oleana serves modern Mediterranean dishes with an innovative menu. I have been coming for years, and most dishes are excellent, but there is always one or two dishes that miss the mark. On my latest visit, I really enjoyed the Topik (stuffed potato hummus, pine nuts, currants, tahini, and radish) and the Fatteh (caramelized onions, cauliflower, crispy mushrooms, pine nuts, and yogurt). Both of those dishes made me go "Wow! How did they come up with this delicious composition!" On the other hand, the Crispy Cheese Borek (with beef sujuk, salsa verde, and creamed feta) was flavorful, but the cheese was not crispy. The major miss was the Lamb Moussaka, which I have loved in past visits. Rather than a layered moussaka, it was a medley of ground lamb, potato, zucchini, peas, Mornay sauce, and lettuce. Lettuce...? It was more like an odd salad than a moussaka (1 star off). I enjoyed my meal overall, but Oleana consistently have had a few mishaps for some reason.

Robert W.

You have to expect that this is a tapas style place . Each dish is small and shareable . I especially liked the chicken skewers .. the sauce was really good! It was also fun to have the baked Alaska w a birthday candle .. keep in mind it's easily enough for two and the ice cream in it is like a toasted coconut.. and not too sweet . Yeah it's a little bit of a challenge to cut into the base but that was tasty and it's all for fun! We indulged and had the chocolate dessert too.. yum! We sat at the bar and the bartender who served us was very pleasant to us .

Ying X.

For my own birthday this year, I chose Oleana, supposedly one of Boston's best Mediterranean restaurants, and reservations are almost a month in advance. Overall, I was satisfied. Fatteh: The presentation was beautiful, with a delightful array of layers. Between two layers of crispy chips laid the chewy texture of fried mushrooms, the sweetness of cauliflower, the nutty aroma of pine nuts, and the refreshing sweet and sour taste of yogurt--a random combination that offered a different experience with every bite. The cauliflower, in particular, was crisp yet not tough, with a naturally gentle sweetness--a first for me. However, towards the end, the crispy chips became very slightly oily. Sultan's Delight: Perfect as a main course. The beef was stewed to perfection, incredibly tender and flavorful, almost falling apart the moment it touched the knife. It required absolutely no effort, reminiscent of a master butcher skillfully carving up an ox in Zhuangzi莊子, who kept his knife like new over nineteen years. The tamarind brought a slightly fermented, tangy aroma, while the smoked eggplant puree, likely babaganoush, was smooth and creamy with a mild, pleasant smokiness. The lemon juice, however, adds a refreshing touch, creating an interesting layering of acidity. It looked small, but it was surprisingly satisfying. The only downsides were the beef was slightly over-salty and the basil leaves, which seem to serve only a decorative purpose. Baked Alaska: A signature dessert, very popular on social media. Frankly, I came specifically for this, but after eating it, all I can say is, "Who's promoting this?"... The presentation was truly stunning, and the first few bites were quite good. The meringue was was torched to create a thin, burnt crust, resulting in a delicate and light texture, while the coconut ice cream blended with the bitter aroma of coffee. However, the base, a nut tart similar to a five-nut mooncake五仁月餅 filling, was too dense and heavy; the passion fruit syrup was excessively sweet and acidic, even a small amount was cloying, making it a torture by the end. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant tables were a bit uneven and hopefully they will be repaired soon.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Olga G.

I was very happy to score a reservation at Oleana, as it's one of top restaurants on Resy. (#2 to be exact). I honestly don't understand the hype. The service was fantastic! The food was good, not "amazing" or great. The wine list was underwhelming. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is basic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Out of l everything we tried, baked Alaska dessert was delicious.

Hussain L.

Oleana lives up to the hype and is a special 5-star experience you must try! Reservations often book our 1-month in advance. Each tapas/mezze style meal we had was delicious, artistically plated, with fresh and interesting ingredients. The Quail Kebab, Haloumi Cheese, and Asparagus were some of my favorites! The Sultan Delight is an original from day#1, tender meat, but I did not like the seasoning. For drinks, try the beet sumac soda, it is refreshing and smooth. Finally, the baked Alaska is a MUST try for desert! Filled with coconut cream, ice cream, passion fruit, easy to share and filling. Leave some space! Service was excellent, I really appreciated my water being filled constantly without my ever noticing it was low.

Gina L.

Lucked out with a Resy opening a couple days before for Thursday @ 5:30pm. Arrived a few minutes early, and there was a line of people ~8-10 ppl standing by for walk-ins (everyone was seated). Veggie Mezze - Fatteh ($16) - really enjoyed this crunchy mezze! Sounded simple on the menu - Chicory + Herb Salad ($17) - refreshing start with a sweet and savory salad, enjoyed this, flavors all paired very nicely - Halloumi Cheese ($17) - we aren't fanatics over halloumi but wanted to try this. We preferred the other mezze, but not bad Fried Mussels ($17) - this was alright, would skip next time. -Sultan's Delight ($20) - this was soooo tasty, literally fell apart when poked with a fork; not the biggest portion -Lamb Shish ($18) - was good, but on the smaller side, probably wouldn't order again We were celebrating my friend's birthday, and they brought out a couple cookies topped with meringue dipped in chocolate with a candle. Very friendly staff, good selection of food, a nice little splurge.

Dessert special - almond mousse with cocoa sherbet

Kai M.

This is my second time at Oleana! I went a few years ago and my BF and I have been wanting to come together. He was able to get a 9pm reservation on a Friday night. We are huge fans of Sarma, so we were looking forward to trying Oleana and we were not disappointed!! We ordered the za'atar bread, the spinach falafel, the fatteh, the potato and red lentil kubba, and the Sultan's Delight. All were SO delicious. They are small plates, but each was seasoned perfectly, unique, and presented beautifully. We felt that these five dishes were plenty for us to feel satiated and satisfied. We also ordered the dessert special of the night, which was an almond mousse with a white chocolate garnish and a cocoa sherbet. Our server assured us everyone loved it and we were impressed by the flavors. The service was very attentive and quick! We were seated by 9:10 (we showed up at 9:05), and we were out of there by 10:15. Several different servers came by to fill water, give us replacement plates, and serve our dishes. The team worked so well together for a seamless guest experience. We will definitely be back! We are local to Cambridge, so we're grateful to live near this truly scrumptious gem.

Natalie C.

I went as a solo diner and got seated within 20 mins (I went around 9:00 pm -- it was pretty full). The hostess was very attentive and even let me choose from a bar seat or special small table in the corner. I chose the table. The somm immediately offered me to taste between 2 wines - I chose the wine I wouldn't have chosen otherwise. I had 5 veggie dishes - the top stars were falafel and the green tomato special. The others were good and on their own would be great, just in comparison to my favorites they are a little behind. I got the artichoke and pea dish -- artichokes were firm (I prefer tender) but the spring peas were so crisp and refreshing. Asparagus was a star dish, too! That was my third favorite. Truly innovative veggies here. I'm doing some research on fiber in food, so I came here. I don't feel like I missed out on meat and fish by sticking to veggies.

Guli K.

Years later the service and quality and creativity of the food continues to be exceptional. Food is served tapas style and there is quite the variety of options to choose from and is vegetarian friendly. Highlights from this meal were the fried perch, fatteh, sultans delight, moussaka and scallops. Smallish restaurant that also offers limited seating at the bar and when weather is nice outdoor seatong. Reservations highly recommended. They do welcome walk ins but unless you are in line when doors open, expect a wait. Service at Oleana has always been friendly and attentive and we never feel rushed.

Wendi K.

4.5 Stars Elevated Mediterranean cuisine. I took my work friends here for dinner and let me tell you - almost NOTHING fails to surprise / impress. We had a reservation on a Wednesday evening. It's on the pricey side for sure, but the quality makes up for it. It's fun to split dishes and in my mind, paying under $300 for what is basically an 8 course gourmet meal with drinks for 4 isn't bad. The drinks were great too, we all got one :) We split a variety of dishes. Apps: -Za'atar Bread ($12) - The bread is so sponge-y and soft and the date butter and labneh spreads are so decadent. WIN. -Spinach Falafel ($15) - GET THIS. The presentation is SO unique, the falafel is super fresh, and the hummus is the creamiest you will try -Ricotta & Corn Dumplings ($14) - flavorful, buttery, luxurious. WIN. -Broccolini ($14) - Fine to skip. We ordered this because someone wanted a veg. Meats: -Quail Kebab ($17) - So unique, amazing! -Sultan's Delight ($20) - FORK TENDER. The eggplant puree is also heavenly. -Lemon Chicken ($28) - This was a sleeper! You think chicken, boring right? They de-bone an entire half chicken, make into a brick for easy slicing, and serve it on top of a delicious feta-filo base. How creative! -Lamb Shish ($18) - We enjoyed this but it's also fine to skip. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside has a nice ambience but they do PACK the tables together.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff are all super nice.

Phoebe H.

Oleana is perfect for sharing plates. Communal style, my personal favorite. The dumplings were pleasant but lacked the spark found in other dishes. Yet the falafel, the fatteh, and the velvety warm hummus easily stole the spotlight. We ended with a shared baked Alaska, a fun, glowing finale. If you can get a reservation I highly recommend as this is one of the better places to dine in Cambridge.

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Review Insights

Erica S.

8 years ago

This place is special. I came here for my birthday with my family and we were amazed by the attention to detail in every single plate. Each ingredient in the dish was thoughtfully selected and displayed beautifully. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal - some dishes more-so than others but on the whole outstanding. Some of the highlights were the whipped feta, felafel, fatteh (personal favorite), and moussaka. For dessert, you cannot miss the baked Alaska or the Kunefe ice cream sandwich. Only comment on the baked Alaska was the passionate fruit sauce was quite strong and I wish there was a bit less of it. I would 100% return here and will continue to tell others about this place. I am also excited to try out their outdoor patio in the summer time! read more

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Acia G.

4 years ago

My favorite restaurant in Massachusetts, hope to celebrate my birthday there this year!

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Elif K.

171

11 years ago

One of the most best Mediterranean restaurants I have ever tried. The food is unbelievable. Very tasty and the meat is very tender. We order several small plates instead of getting a main dish and we get to try all the food they have! You should absolutely try this place. read more

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Primrose E.

6 years ago

This is my favorite place to go in Cambridge for a special event. It's a romantic and gorgeous place, and the food is unbelievable. I'd recommend the falafel, baked Alaska, and whipped feta... but that's only because those are the ones that come to mind now. I've never had a disappointing dish. A perfect spot for an anniversary or a celebration of any sort. read more

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Carolyn H.

Elite 18

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8 years ago

I went seafood crazy on this trip to Boston, but this was a nice break from lobster rolls and oysters. It is a celebration of Mediterranean and Arabic cooking that takes you all over with a great assortment of mezze. We had a cute corner table near the wine bottles in the corner and shared 4 plates and a dessert. The server suggested 4-6 and I would agree. The olive oil laden bread with za'atar was wonderful and the quality of the oil was spectacular. I was excited for the meal. They had a shrimp mezze that was sold out, but I opted to sub the kefte-I was not disappointed. This was the shining dish of the night despite the rave reviews for sultan beef and spinach falafel. It was tart, soft, crunchy-just an unbelievable dish. I wanted a second one, but more was coming. The falafel were nice in texture and the beet purée was sweet, but it wasn't my favorite and tasted lightly seasoned after the kefte flavor bomb. The next item was the squid. This squid was delicious with a light sauce of olive oil and saffron with cherry tomato. The sauce was heavenly and the texture of the squid could not have been better. The sultan beef dish followed and it was the most surprising. It tasted like sweet beef barbecue. Seriously. It was soft and coated in a sweet/tangy glaze and was melt in your mouth tender-but it tasted like a really good bite of BBQ beef. I will let my bf handle the dessert review, but I will say-if you see something with goat cheese ice cream, get it. So delicious. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Olive oil bread and remains of kefte - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Squid mezze - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Spinach Falafel - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Jessica K.

8 years ago

One of my favorite restaurants of all time. I wish it was closer to home, we would be there all time. The atmosphere on the back patio is beautiful. This was one of those places where you can close your eyes and point to anything on the menu and you will never be disappointed. The fatteh (spelling?) was INCREDIBLE. Was possibly thinking about ordering another one and skipping dessert - it was THAT good. This is a restaurant you need to visit if you remotely like Mediterranean food. read more

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Estefania L.

10 years ago

Good Mediterranean food. You should make reservation in advance it gets packed on Thursday's and weekend days. The restaurant is very dozy good to have conversation or event to being a date. In terms of the food I Recommend ordering a couple os Maza and then an Entree to share. the octopus and the lamb entree are a most. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Chocolate gateau - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Susan T.

6 years ago

Tonight is a big bday worthy of a 305 min trip into town to Oleana. OMG! I forgot what Real Food tastes like! This coronovirus has me growing use to my own food . Well...a WAKE UP call tonight for my tastebuds! I barely took A breath before the next mouthful. ( don't judge me).The FLAVOR ! Perfectly cooked.So moist. Ana Sortun & crew ... U are first responders to a flagging culinary spirit. I'm so grateful for how you are managing . I now am going to get myself up and out to Oleana and Sofra happily masked up . The take out window is efficient and pretty cute! Thank you and please take care of yourselves . read more

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Alexis P.

7 years ago

Superlative. The food here is exquisite and never misses the mark. Each item is unique and you definitely want to share so you can try as many things as possible. The dessert menu is not an afterthought and is just as special as the dinner menu. This is our place to celebrate special occasions and have a lovely date night. read more

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Haes Y.

223

822

8 years ago

First time, had to go try Oleana after Sofra bakery and... i love both so much! The bread starter is obviously homemade with yummy spices. We had several small dishes and they were all perfect. The spinach falafel was my favorite (to my surprise since I had never tried it at sofra bakery). I am not a huge veggie person, but fell in love with all the veggie dishes. Three girls and shared 4 veggie and 2 meat appetizer dishes and dessert. We were very full and pleased with every dish not to mention service. Outdoor patio is really nice but not reservable so make sure to go on the earlier side if you want a guaranteed seating there! read more

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Rachel F.

14 years ago

Wow the vegetarian tasting menu. And the baked Alaska. Every dish was flavorful and fresh. The tasting menu is great too because, I probably never would have chosen the 'braised greens with Israeli garlic sauce with pine nut baba ganoush' and yet it was my favorite. The place itself was dim and full of people but quiet enough to have a conversation. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Vegetarian tasting menu + the baked alaska - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Marissa S.

135

14 years ago

Wow - this restaurant is a must try. Our table started with [note, I copied items from website because the names were so lavish) Whipped Feta with Sweet & Hot Peppers, the Octopus & Olive Shish with Carrot & Fennel Saganaki, Feta & Walnuts, and the Sultan's Delight; Tamarind-Glazed Beef & Smokey Eggplant Purée with Pinenuts - AMAZING. My favorite was the Sultan's delight. For my entree I had the Wild Salmon, Tunisian-Style Corn Chowder Merguez Beignets, Green Beans & Kerkennaise Sauce. I don't get to eat fish at home so I had to try it. So delicious and fresh. The service was very good and the atmosphere of the restaurant was calming and provided a great relaxing dinner. Parking is a bit sparse so leave yourself enough time to find a spot if driving. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Wild Salmon, Tunisian-Style Corn Chowder Merguez Beignets, Green Beans and Kerkennaise Sauce - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Felicia C.

12 years ago

This is one of my top #1 restaurant in Boston so far. My husband and I decided to go on a monday night, an hr before they close. (We expected less ppl cus it is monday night) we passed by the front and found it pretty packed. We got excited and went in threw their ramp. (Good idea for strollers and wheelchair) Sat down by a friendly host to a table for 2 into a cozy space which was decorated in middle eastern decor. My husband wanted a bigger table and we were able to move to a 4 ppl table. The table was behind a wall which gave us some privacy but the waitress that served us was very tentative. She was very friendly and formative and checked on us at the right times. She also took time to explain dishes we wanted to know about. What we ordered: 2 x deviled egg Tonight special pork belly Fried mussels Entree crispy duck Entree lamb The mezzes were rich and flavorable. The entrees were not as rich, which made the whole experience better cus we didn't feel so stuffed after the richness. 5 stars for amazing food, flavor and service. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Deviled eggs - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Tonight's special pork belly - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Fried mussels - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Lamb - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Crispy duck - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Basket of bread - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Jasmine C.

203

11 years ago

If you come, you MUST try and get a table at the patio. The inside of the restaurant is nice but quite dark, and the patio is a wonderland of its own. Especially now that the weather is better, it makes for an absolutely magical evening. The individual plates were truly delicious - most people get the vegetable tasting menu but I realize its not because its more delicious but because its more value for money: I suggest getting one vegetable tasting menu for the table, but getting a few specialty dishes off the regular menu as well. Expensive, but so worth it and the tapas-sharing style is one in which you get such a variety of tastes. The only reason why I didn't give it a 5 was because I do reserve my 5s for truly exceptional places, and I felt like this restaurant was too similar to Sarma (given that they're both owned by the same person, it makes sense) for it to be unique. What to get: - Falafel (comes with the vegetable tasting menu) - MOST DEFINITELY the lamb goat cheese tart - There were crab rollups the night we were there, but I think that was a special of the night - Try to get something meaty as well, because I think it's quite acknowledged that their vegetables are delicious, but that's also where they really shine What to miss: - There was only one unremarkable dish, which was the collard greens with hummus/lime. - The dessert was a lavender cheesecake the day I went, and I must say it tasted more like a bar of soap because the lavender wasn't quite so subtle. read more

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Sandra H.

3 years ago

great mediterranean food. just hard to get a reservation and tables a little close together.

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kiva p.

256

6 years ago

Every dish I ordered was a completely satisfying experience for my palette. I appreciated the urban quaint oasis. It was the perfect place to celebrate a birthday! read more

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Peter G.

111

8 years ago

We love Oleana so much we chose it as the venue for our wedding. The back patio in summer is full of flowers and feels intimate and private for Cambridge. Plus we knew the food would be AMAZING. We worked with Oleana's event coordinator Jenna. She was welcoming and helpful, and supportive and charming and went above and beyond to make sure our wishes, including some special requests, were met. Once things were planned we got to meet the rest of the staff, who were also wonderful. On the day of the event the kitchen turned out an truly memorable meal ( people new to Oleana were blown away) and made sure everyone got lots to eat - even those courses where people asked for seconds...and thirds. Those who've had Ana's Sultan Delight understand. We would recommend Oleana as a function destination to anyone planning a special event. read more

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Maggie Y.

7 years ago

I think many of the reviewers here are trying to justify an expensive meal..or have never eaten Mediterranean food. My boyfriend and I don't mind splurging on good food once in a while, but the price to portion ratio at this place is almost offensive--the mezze plates are around 15 dollars for a few bites. If the food were truly fabulous, we wouldn't mind spending the money. Alas, it's fairly run-of-the-mill food--even the sultan's delight, which many people rave about, was tasty but not mind-blowing. I think the small portions psyche people into thinking the food is something special. Go get some shawarma elsewhere, man. You'll even feel full after! The desserts might be great--we had had enough at that point, and we were too hungry to risk another bite-sized portion. So we went to Christina's for ice cream, which I do HIGHLY recommend. And if you want to go to a fancy meal, get amazing pasta at the bar at Giulia for the price of two bites of meat at Oleana. For what it's worth, I'm from the area, and I think this restaurant used to be good many years ago. Not sure what happened, but it's a shame. read more

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Kate C.

4 years ago

A legendary Cambridge institution at this point. The back patio is magical. The food is always better than you thought it would be, and you go expecting greatness. read more

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Alain G.

4 years ago

This is a wonderful place for a delicious ice coffee and a bite of French/ Latin breakfast or lunch. Staff is super friendly and polite. Sitting by the lake watching the swamp chicken is very relaxing. read more

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Carol R.

Elite 26

136

841

1284

8 years ago

Classy place with beautiful plating presentation. Oh, the food is yummy too. Go with a group of people and share all the things.

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Colin V.

6 years ago

Fantastic original food beautifully prepared. Been meaning to go for years finally got there last week. Love the presentation and the friendly staff. Patio was great! read more

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Priyam S.

Elite 18

186

9 years ago

I have been to Oleana several times and my experience has always been incredible. I came tonight with a coworker that had never been and I was eager for her to experience the food and service that I loved about this place. The food was great - the menu has changed a bit from the last time I was here but I was still a fan. The falafel was great, we tried the chilled yogurt soup unsure of what to expect but were pleasantly surprised, the quail kebabs were a little tough but nothing we couldn't get past - the flavors were there. MY ISSUE? My issue was the service. This had to be an anomaly because I have never had this experience at Oleana. There were a few gnats flying around, likely because of the open door to the patio, and one got into my wine. I politely let the server know and she asked me if I'd like her to remove it with a straw or prefer a whole new beverage. First of all, is this even a question to ask?? Second, after I requested a replacement, she came back having refilled the drink only to the point that it was spoiled. So either she just took the bug out or was incredibly cavalier in how she provides service. It was also NOT a new glass which you could easily tell because my lipstick was still on the glass. SHE ALSO knocked over my purse from the chair, continued to fill the water glass, flatly apologizing while walking off. Honestly this was disappointing because I love coming to Oleana and it is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Moreover it was disappointing for my friend who has only heard incredible things about the restaurant and had to have this as her first experience. I'll still come back because I think the food is phenomenal and this experience was definitely an outlier, but feel it should be known. read more

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Mariam A.

8 years ago

The food was excellent: presentation and taste! I highly recommend the tahini hummus, the spinach falafel and for dessert the profiteroles!! The restaurant is a small space but very cozy. They accommodated our dietary restrictions which was also very nice. One of the yummiest places in boston! read more

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Em R.

Elite 19

165

171

217

9 years ago

Came here with an anticipation of game-changing, spectacular dishes only to find that the they were just great. My honest opinion here... The Sultan Delight and Fatteh definitely stood out, but the rest were simply fine. The falafel could have been more crispy, the beef shish was tender but not amazing, and the quail kebob was tasty but not outstanding. Was expecting the Baked Alaska dessert to be stellar, but it didn't seem to be the case :( I would say, though, that they serve a wide variety of Pan Middle Eastern cuisines, both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Overall service was okay. Appreciate that they took our drinks order while waiting for the seats. I would probably come back to try out their other dishes, but it was certainly not the best dining experience I've ever had in Boston. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Fatteh: 5/5 - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Sultan's Delight: 5/5 - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Catherine R.

4 years ago

Wonderful evening! The kind you remember- beautiful environment incredible attentive service stylishly delicious food; everything was just perfect. We recommend the patio on a summer/fall evening. read more

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Noam M.

9 years ago

Well above average. But the flavors were too strong. The broccoli too sweet, for example. The prices were too high, imho. My favorite was the parsnip hummus. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Parsnip hummus was very good - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Pomegranate broccoli was good but flavor was too strong - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Pita had a nice topping, like pizza - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Interior - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Vegan entree was not on the menu.It was pretty good, not amazing. - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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G M.

509

812

8 years ago

This is an upscale restaurant which is nominally middle eastern, but I would say its more inspired by middle eastern food. Some of the dishes were very good, some so-so. Even if you know middle eastern food well, you probably won't recognize many of their dishes as middle eastern. They are pretty uniformly small dishes (like tapas). Its a bit expensive of course, and tightly packed in. But the interior design is very nice and high end. The neighborhood its in, however, is slightly dodgy. We had to park several blocks away even on a Sunday. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Smashed Potatoes :) - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Lemon chicken :( - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Hummus - good but tiny - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Pita :) - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Aditi J.

Elite 19

8 years ago

It was a really fun experience! I really liked the hummus -- so so delicious! The falafel was excellent! I was a little disappointed because I didn't feel like they had too much variety in vegetarian food; but that being said, whatever they had was excellent. The bread (with onions and spices) is really not worth ordering! read more

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Naomi A.

7 years ago

Everything was so tasty, just like sofra. I recommend making room for the baked Alaska for dessert! The wine list was A+ as well.

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Kortni W.

101

8 years ago

Take the review with a grain of salt, since we didn't eat lunch or dinner here. But the atmosphere was warm and welcoming when my partner and I visited late evening for dessert! We sat at the bar and marveled at the drink and dessert menus! After ordering the baked alaska and watching it be prepared through the window to the kitchen, we were so impressed! The taste was amazing and unique! The outside was a little crunchy but light and fluffy on the inside! Underneath, the toasted coconut ice cream was hiding! SO GOOD. The dessert was on a plate with a ring of passionfruit sauce at the base. The flavor was a little strong/sour/tart to me, but I easily avoided it. My partner absolutely LOVED the sauce, though, so it worked out! Already craving more, but I also long to explore the menu! We will be back soon! read more

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Chris M.

7 years ago

So while the food wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as we were expecting. Perhaps by Boston standards it was fine, but when you come from foodie cities like NYC and DC, it wasn't that spectacular. We had the Sultan's Delight, Warm Buttered Hummus, Spinach Falafel, Topik, and the Whipped Feta. Sultan's delight was tender, but Topik was odd served cold and whipped feta was extremely salty. For a large plate, we had the Lamb Gyro. Again, subpar. Had better gyro from a cart in NYC. Baked Alaska to close out. Probably the best of the evening read more

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Olivia W.

Elite 24

142

594

195

9 years ago

Eating at Oleana's was quite an experience. There are so many little touches to the restaurant and menu that they added to make going for dinner a special occasion. The ambiance is set with light live music, which was great, and the décor was minimal but homey and welcoming. I was also very surprised at the amount of tables they can fit in the restaurant itself; it's a very small location but every inch is used to maximum potential. I also appreciated that there's a small spot to hang your coat when you walk in - thus making it much easier to fit more people comfortably in the dining room. As many reviews before mine have said, the food is delicious. It's mostly Mediterranean tapas (many of which were on the smaller side), so ordering a few is a must, even if you are also going to get an entrée. My favorites were the Sultan's delight and whipped feta - although I wish I had saved some bread we started with to eat with the feta...it literally came as just the cheese. My entrée was also delicious, I tried the lamb gyro and it was a good choice. Everything was seasoned well and perfectly portioned to make my own mini wraps. Since I was saving room for dessert I was able to take half home for later :) For dessert we tried the baked Alaska and Turkish coffee parfait. Both were good, unfortunately not the best baked Alaska I've ever had, but still yummy. And don't let the pictures fool you - one is enough to share! I also tried the Turkish coffee which was a little sweet to my taste and grainer than I'd like, but overall good as well. My only real complaint about Oleana's was the speed of service. For a place that regularly requires reservations you'd think they would want to turn tables quickly. For our party of 5, our dinner start to finish was 4 hours. Actually one of our members had to leave early (after 2 hours) because she had another function to go to, and we hadn't even gotten to the entrees yet. I had a great time at Oleana's but I wasn't planning on spending my entire night there. So definitely stop by if you've got a lot of time and an empty stomach. read more

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Michael S.

5 years ago

We've been to Oleana a few times in the past six months and its been wonderful. Unfortunately, tonight was different. The Zatar bread was cold and dry. The dolma (moussaka) was inedible with undercooked, tough eggplant. The halibut was chewy and bland. The hummus was just ok. Sultan's delight was good. We decided to skip dessert. What happened? read more

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Aswani B.

8 years ago

We celebrated my husband's birthday here, it was a great place for dinner. They have several vegetarian meze options. We had their veg tasting menu and each bite we had were awesome. Must visit and I would highly recommend this restaurant any day. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Dessert - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Red lentil soup - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Veg tasting menu - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Khushbu P.

Elite 26

357

9 years ago

Great ambience with awesome food!! It's it one of the classics Boston/ Cambridge restaurants. Have to go there. Try to sit outside if the weather permits. Best to go with friends get some wine, good selection, and a bunch of appetisers. The hummus is excellent. And the falafel was great too. Brilliant little place! read more

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Laney L.

121

138

10 years ago

We came on Chinese Valentine's Day. The scallop entree is of the highest quality scallop dish I've ever had. Fattoush salad is really good, sweet and sour. Hosts are really nice. The service was really really slow. Maybe we came during peak hour. read more

Oleana Restaurant - Scallop with eggplant broth - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Oleana Restaurant - Bici bici - milk pudding, watermelon, raspberry - Turkish Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Grace J.

9 years ago

The BEST restaurant in Boston hands down. Cozy, romantic ambiance- make sure to ask to be seated in the back room (seats like 5 tables and overlooks a courtyard) The best Vegan options are the grilled broccolini (to Die for) flattened potatoes... and my favorite: carrot hummus Definitely a great spot for everyone, meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, even picky eaters can enjoy an amazing meal The perfect spot for an outstanding meal that only locals know about. read more

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Siwen M.

Elite 20

383

279

9 years ago

Nice tapas. Small size but delicious. I had fried pita, sultan's delight and Vermont Quail Kabob read more

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Fabrice B.

4 years ago

Don't be fooled by the outside - the inside is packed and it is for a good reason .... The food is incredible. It is an amazing blend of spice, flavor and texture. A must to visit. read more

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Page 14 of 49

134 Hampshire St
Cambridge, MA 02139
Inman Square
Directions
(617) 661-0505
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.oleanarestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Oleana Restaurant open?

Oleana Restaurant opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Oleana Restaurant close?

Oleana Restaurant closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Oleana Restaurant closes at 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFri-Sat 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Oleana Restaurant take credit cards?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Oleana Restaurant have catering options?

No, Oleana Restaurant does not have catering options.

Does Oleana Restaurant have a happy hour?

No, Oleana Restaurant does not have a happy hour.

Does Oleana Restaurant serve alcohol?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Oleana Restaurant allow dogs?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant allows dogs.

Does Oleana Restaurant have TVs?

No, Oleana Restaurant does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Oleana Restaurant have bike parking?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant has bike parking.

Does Oleana Restaurant have outdoor seating?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant has outdoor seating options.

Does Oleana Restaurant have parking?

Yes, Oleana Restaurant has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Oleana Restaurant have free WiFi?

No, Oleana Restaurant does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

an exceptional dining experience in eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

History

Established in 2001.

Oleana opened in 2001 to rave reviews from the press and diners alike. It's not surprising once you've tasted Ana Sortun's outrageously inventive food, including chickpea crêpe with smoked cinnamon aioli, or lamb steak with Turkish spices & fava bean moussaka. Small producers comprise the wine list at Oleana and are carefully chosen to complement the style of spice. But a meal at Oleana isn't complete until you've tried one of pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick's desserts. She is especially known for her homemade ice creams infused with an Eastern Mediterranean sensibility, such as cocoa-rose ice cream with a date-rose truffle, or salted butter ice cream with a pumpkin-brown butter crêpe. Oleana's award-winning patio with a fountain, herb garden and fig tree is the perfect place to spend a sultry summer evening. But winter nights in the dining room are pretty warm and welcoming too, with Turkish carpets on the wall, a homey fireplace and banquette seating.

Meet the Business Owner: Ana S.

Upon her return to Boston, she wanted to fuse her newfound love of Eastern Mediterranean spices with her passion for using only the best ingredients. The result of this union was Oleana, which opened in Cambridge in 2001. A mere four years later, Sortun won a coveted and prestigious James Beard Award.

Oleana Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Oleana Restaurant

Is the restaurant still tacking on the 6% admin fee on top of the food tax and gratuity? I'm guessing it's going to be a pretty expensive meal when all said and done.

Yes they do! Just ate there on 12/11/22 - on a bill with a subtotal of $48, there was an Admin Fee (6.00%) added with amounted to $2.88, then tax calculated after that and then you add tip. I've never begrudged them the 6%, they have some of the…

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Does Oleana have a bar and can you eat at it?

Yes they do.

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Is there a dress code? Do I need a reservation for 2 people on a Friday or possible to just walk in?

There is no specific dress code, but I would say smart casual a minimum. As to the reservations, I…

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Lavash Bar & Grille

4.1

(87 reviews)

2.5 mi

Lavash Grille - Cambridge, MA Total Score: 9/10…read more Lavash Grille in Cambridge delivers a Turkish and Mediterranean dining experience that feels both vibrant and deeply comforting. This is the kind of place that works beautifully for group outings, thanks to the big, long tables that make it easy to settle in, share plates, and actually enjoy the social side of dining. The sampler platters and mixed grill dishes are absolutely the way to go. Portions are generous, the variety is excellent, and everything we tried tasted fresh and well balanced. The hummus and baba ganoush were both standouts, packed with flavor and a great start to the meal. One of the biggest highlights was the manti. These delicate, bite sized dumplings with yogurt sauce were pure comfort food and easily one of the most memorable dishes of the night. The haydari (similar to Tzatziki) was another favorite. Rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful, it's the kind of dip you keep reaching for long after you're full. For something a little different, the traditional Turkish coffee made with hot sand is such a fun experience and well worth ordering. Ending the meal with coffee and rice pudding felt like the perfect, cozy finish. On a practical note, I was genuinely happy there is some parking here, which is always a welcome bonus in Cambridge. Overall, Lavash Grille is a place I'd gladly return to. Great food, perfect for group settings, and an all around enjoyable dining experience.

Very competitive prices, excellent food and solid service. Inside was fairly nice, and we…read moreappreciated the robust AC on a hot summer afternoon. Only small disappointment was the bread: for some reason they didn't have the lavash they're named after, nor the fluffy white bread in the photos, just some standard pita bread which they did warm up on the grill before serving so it was decent and went well with their excellent baba ghanoush, hummus, etc. (their meze sampler has 5 different kinds) We also had their grill sampler which was also very good and all the meats were cooked tender including the lamb which was rare as requested---a lot of Mediterranean places overcook their meat, so we were very grateful for that! Even the chicken came out tender and moist, not dry and tasteless like at 90% of restaurants. Tried "Aryan" their yogurt drink, which is interestingly equal parts salty and sour, and quite filling---removed any desire for baklava on my part! Regretfully, they do not have the Turkish national drink, "Raki"---but they are probably keeping halal so no alcohol in the vicinity, alas. Parking was easy, a rarity in Cambridge. Wish they'd have some advertising or signage on the main roads because we never would've found out about this place if it weren't for a friend of mine mentioning that he once worked here. It's literally BEHIND the Whole Foods by Fresh Pond and around the corner from the Apple Cinema next door, so it will become a regular post-movie eating destination for us from now on!

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Turkish Lazuri Cafe

I have been to this place now a few times and I have to say that it is a wonderful business! I…read morereally enjoy the Turkish dumplings (manti), the kunefe and the baklava. However I wish you got more baklava for the money!

Ordered through uber eats on a cold Sunday night - and pleasantly surprised with the food - both…read morequality and quantity! The combo kebab platter was very good - juicy kebabs, balanced flavors, and very fresh salad to go with it. I also got a chicken soup (not pictured) that came with bread - very hearty and warming on a cold evening. The rice pudding came as a complimentary item and was delicious - not too sweet, with a puddingy jello-like flavor. The only thing I could have used was some sort of sauce for the kebabs (a chutney or something). I've had the lahmacun before and it's also very good and flavorful. I'll be ordering again the next time I'm in town!

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Interior

Doner Wrap/Pita

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Sea Bass (Levrek) comes with side salad and pita

Halva Mediterranean Grill

4.4

(70 reviews)

4.4 mi

Tl;dr Amazing food with large portions. The triple mix platter is a great value and perfect for…read moresharing. The food here is amazing. We shared the triple mix platter for two people, and the portion size was already pretty good. The meat was super flavorful, and I really liked the lamb specifically. Everything tasted fresh and high quality. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent. We asked the server a lot of questions, and they were very friendly and took the time to answer all of them. I would love to come back and try the family plate with more people in the future. The combination of the great service and the generous portions makes this a standout spot for Mediterranean.

Great mediterranean spot roughly 20 minutes out of Boston with a nice diner type vibe inside. Staff…read moreis extremely helpful and service is great. For the price of everything, you get great quantity and overall amazing food. My friend and I shared the avocado basil hummus which tasted super fresh and the pita bread was warm and soft.

Photos

Adana Kebab

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Chicken Shish Kebab with Rice

Ali Baba

Ordered this at work, and ... I wasn't really feeling it. My review is purely based off my UberEats…read moreorder, so maybe dining in would be a different story. That being said ... I can't really review ambiance. Not only were the portions kind of "meh" for the price, they just didn't look at all like the menu photos. That alone turned me off, as I chose a lot of the items based off the photos. The taste was also very mediocre for me. I know this place has some really good reviews, so I'm not opposed to re-trying it. However, to be completely honest, it was very lackluster.

Delicious and authentic Turkish food in a cozy atmosphere! Open very late with friendly service. We…read moretried quite a few menu items over the course of a couple days. The pide, lentil soup, and kunefe were my favorites. Highly recommend, and I'm surprised that they don't have a higher rating.

Photos

Kunefe.

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Homemade Bread

Pasha Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine

First time customer, went for lunch with a friend. What a delicious place! Decor to match the…read moreauthentic food, and service with a smile. I tried the lentil soup (absolutely recommending it!!!) and the shepherds salad (refreshing and quite filling!). My friend had the sampler, so we got to experience some of the in-house delicacies. Middle eastern vibes and the food is a recommendation by itself. If you are looking for a lovely place to impress your dining companions... this is it!

Cute place, good service, presentation is perfect. The food flavor was good but not great for the…read moreprice. My favorite dish was the vegetarian stuffed eggplant.

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Alexander the Great (Iskender)

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Anatolia Buffet & Kebab House

Here in Boston for a family reunion! This lovely restaurant…read morewas a short walking distance from our rental townhouse. Bahar our server was super helpful, attentive and kind. We enjoyed sitting outside on the patio where the steady cool breeze refreshed us. The small appetizer plate with falafel and hummus was my favorite part of the meal. The falafel were flat and oblong, crispy and flavorful. I appreciated the texture of the hummus and babaghanoush (hearty and chunky, rather than smooth). The lamb adana and chicken Adana were delicious as well, complemented with pickled purple cabbage, red and white rice, and roasted green chili pepper (caution--spicy even if you remove the seeds!). Generous portions! We shared three entrees among 4 of us, along with two small appetizers and had two take home containers!

Love love love this place…read more First night in Brookline and walking to Whole Foods for supplies, we saw two big families leaving here looking happy and sated and rubbing their tummies; so after our shopping we came for dinner right at dusk, and immediately sat outside. Our server Bahar was so kind and helpful: I have a dairy allergy and really wanted to try the Ali Nazik, but the lamb marinade has dairy, we we got the Sultan's Delight (same smoky eggplant puree with baked lamb). We also ordered Chicken Adana, and the small appetizer with falafel and hummous; all to share for 3 of us. Our fourth got the Iskender Kabob for himself. Bahar first brought a bean salad (so fresh and light) and bread (yum). Then the appetizer: the falafel was flat (not spherical) which meant the surface area of crunchiness increased--so delicious; and the hummous was much grainier than I've had, which gave it such a lovely texture. Bahar came out with the Sultan's Delight, and rushed back apologetic that the chef used dairy today, so we ordered a second appetizer with babaganoush and falafel (we really needed more falafel once we got a taste)--the babaganoush was, like the hummous, grainier in texture than we were used to and so pleasing to eat. If it weren't for my dairy allergy, we might never had ordered the chicken adana kebab, which was so flavorful and lovely: the orange rice was so nutty and made my mouth happy. We realized that we wanted to try the Lamb Adana Kebab, which had such a phenomenal flavor palate with a nice spicy kick. The peppers that came with the entrees were like sneaky super hot shishito peppers in flavor. Bahar took such lovely care of us, we had an amazing meal.

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Kunefe

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Uludağ Gazoz & Ayran

Boston Döner

3.9

(76 reviews)

1.8 mi

Stopped by Boston Doner and had a solid experience. The Boston doner sandwich was good -- the meat…read morebeing cooked and shaved straight from a shawarma grill definitely makes a difference and gives it that authentic touch. The food isn't out of this world, but the portions are generous for the price, which makes it a good value. The space itself is very casual, no-frills, and easy for a quick meal. What really stood out was the service -- our server was incredibly kind and even brought us complimentary Turkish tea to end the meal, which was a really nice touch. A solid spot I'd happily return to.

First time here. Picked up some food for take out as we were in the area…read more The inside is nice with decent amount of table seating and a large counter for ordering. The menus are up on the wall. We had also looked up online beforehand so we knew what we wanted. I got the chicken kebab wrap sandwich and asked for tzatziki instead of the sauce it came with. Hubs ordered the doner sandwich also with tzatziki. The portions were quite decent, taste wise okay, meat was tender and flavorful. I had high hopes. I would be curious to try some of the other dishes. The order did take a while about 15 minutes or so- we waited seated at one of the tables. There weren't too many people there just one other table occupied but it was also like 4:30pm so not peak dinner time and on a Sunday evening too. Will be back if in the area.

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Inside

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Outside

Coffee Turco

Ambienting Life Experiences in Details all over…read more I feel most comfortable to hang out in here since I came in for the very first time Everyone was treating me like I am their closest friend. I had two Turkish coffees but I had credit card issues bank card problems so that I had to go visit my bank branch to get cash. Even so staff members never rushed me and patient with me all the time. They trusted me to leave shop to get money. Just so wonderful warm people are working there and including their customers as well. Lately I had a some unwanted unfortunate experiences at restaurants around but Coffee Turco's warm homemade love made my great day. What an pleasurable experience !! Definitely I will come back.

Incredible authentic Turkish food, Amazing service, and a very clean and nice atmosphere. Great for…read morebreakfast!

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Menemen

Ali Baba

4.4

(24 reviews)

1.2 mi

An Uber driver who's from Morocco first told me about this place, and am so glad I went to check it…read moreout. It's just a few blocks down the street from the Somerville car wash where I often go, so I've driven by many times but never noticed it for some reason. It's EXACTLY the kind of family-run hole-in-the-wall restaurant with reasonably priced and best of all, AUTHENTIC ethnic food that's practically impossible to find in much of the Boston area, which is overpopulated with bland, overpriced and overhyped tourist food *pretending* to be from this or that part of the world, but really panders to timid local palates. First, the complimentary homemade bread is TO DIE FOR. And that's coming from someone who usually avoids carbs...this was just way too good not to indulge, haha. My only small niggle here is that they gave us far too little butter to go with it, but they graciously gave us more upon request (and the butter was not kept at room temperature but came straight out of the fridge so it was hard to spread). The bread itself though was perfect in every way. We had the mixed grill which easily fed three people, as well as the hummus and tabouleh to go with a second serving of that exquisite bread, which we could tell was definitely freshly made as well. Afterwards my two friends ordered dessert---a strawberry creme cake of some sort, and a blueberry creme cake. The first was good, the second was outstanding. Next time we'll try the baklava. Oh and there will be many "next times" I think!

This is sneaky the best place I've been in the Boston area for desserts. The first time I went I…read moregot a thin layered pistachio cake with chocolate which might be one of my favorite cakes of all time. The next time a blackberry pudding with layers of blackberries, chocolate and vanilla pudding, and a bottom layer of blackberry cake. The Turkish food we had the first time was delicious too. It's nice that it's in a sense cafeteria style so you can choose what looks good. Anyways back to the desserts. I dream of them. Every time I drive by I look longingly out the window. Seriously trust me on this one. Come for the Turkish/mexican food but please please save room for dessert.

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Turkish food options of the day

Baklava (1 pieces)

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Bread

Istanbul Doner Burrito

4.4

(22 reviews)

2.3 mi

HUGE portions. The preparer asked for all the preferences. Value for the money. We left full and…read morehappy!

Convenient and affordable. It was a solid bowl taste-wise, but nothing particularly stood-out. Good…read morevalue for the portion size--had a sizeable amount of leftovers. A nice, quick meal

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Halal Istanbul Doner Burrito

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Falafel Bowl

The Hourly Oyster House

The Hourly Oyster House at Harvard Square is a great place to gather with friends. Located in the…read morebuilding that once housed another Harvard institution, Herrel's Ice Cream, Hourly is named after the coaches that ran from that site to Boston, departing on the hour. Hourly's interior is high ceilinged and airy and features the eclectic decor that characterizes eateries on the Square. The menu features a range of seafoods for which it is known - from raw bar staples to lobster. We started with a Paul Buisse Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley and a Hendrick's Extra Dry Gibson up (Finally! A Gibson!) The wine was crisp and dry and a perfect accompaniment to the oysters we ordered. Hourly usually has up to 10 oysters on offer from New England and the Chesapeake. We ordered 2 each of the Paine's Creek, East Beach Blonde, Island Creek, Buttercup, and four of the Mookie Blues. Our favorites were the Buttercups and Mookie Blues. Both are from Maine and are larger with a textured brine and crisp finish. The main course was the Roasted Monkfish Almondine served with a cauliflower puree, raisins, caulilini, brown butter, and capers. The filet was meaty, flavorful and roasted to perfection. We also had the Striped Bass which was served on the bone with snow peas, zucchini, squash, and fava beans. Our server was prompt, attentive, and informative and we could not have been more pleased with the service. One of the genuine joys of dining at Harvard Square is you meet other wonderful, interesting people. The table on one side had two astronomers from MIT while the other had four high school principals from Houston. The conversation was engaging and delightful. Hourly has some strong choices for dessert but it sits next door to Mike's Pastry, a Harvard Square tradition, so we opted to indulge our sweet tooth there. Hourly is a great place to recharge and refresh at Harvard Square.

Trying a lobster roll in Boston for the first time and was not disappointed. It was really good and…read morelobster was fantastic. They were accommodating and let me have no butter and mayo on my roll... #lactose intolerant Overall good vibes and great eats

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Great ambiance in Restaurant

Tuna Tartare*

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Lobster Roll

The Helmand Restaurant

4.5/5! Really…read moreenjoyed the chef's special platter since we got a mix of chicken, beef, and lamb. Meat was tender and flavored well. You also get the option of substituting meats which was nice. My favorite was the chicken. I usually don't eat lamb, but the kabobs did not taste gamey, and I enjoyed it! Special shoutout to the bread they serve. Was probably my favorite part of the dinner!!

I was very pleasantly surprised by the dinner we had at The Helmand! We arrived on a weeknight and…read moreit was very busy, but luckily the staff were able to still seat us right away. Our table was right next to a huge wood-fired oven where we could see the fresh table bread being made which was pretty cool. We ordered 3 items off the menu, 2 appetizers (Aushak and Mantwo) and 1 main dish (lamb kebab). I've never had Afghan food before, so the ingredients and flavors used in each dish were very unique to me, but everything worked very well. The Aushak in particular was the most surprising.. they called it "ravioli", but it was more dumpling-esque to me, which an interesting bolognese-like sauce with yogurt. You wouldn't think those flavors would work together but they really do. The Mantwo also paired very nicely with the Aushak, with more of an earthy taste to it. The lamb kebab was also very tasty, though it wasn't anything super unique. The free bread for the table was also a surprising highlight, as we got to try various different dipping sauces (which we then also used to supplement the kebab). Service was attentive, the ambiance of the restaurant was nice, and overall really enjoyed our dinner here.

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Inside Restaurant view

Pineapple cake ! 10/10

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Afghan Special yogurt drink with fresh mint

Sushi Kingdom

3.5

(25 reviews)

0.7 mi

Service was fast but the old lady was rude to us when we tried asking for a second menu so my…read morefriend and I could both read the menu to decide what we wanted. Special rolls were underwhelming and appetizers were mediocre. Sashimi options were good overall. I would look elsewhere given the hefty price for ayce

With the appropriate planning and mindset, I was eager to try this new AYCE sushi restaurant in…read moreCambridge. I visited in the evening on a weekday (I know, lunch time is better for AYCE to most easily afford time to fast before and digest after) and the place was busy. There was no wait for a table though. We were presented with the menu, which was fairly comprehensive, and a stern warning not to waste food...at risk of PUNISHMENT. This was not an issue as my party did not believe in food waste. We collectively ordered a number of non-sushi bar items (like hibachi) and sushi and sashimi. I thought the quality of the sushi was solid. I've been to AYCE places where they go especially heavy on the rice and light on the fish. This was not the case here, fortunately. I enjoyed all of the sushi bar items I ordered. The hibachi steak was also tasty. The venue is well-decorated, although it's not the quietest when it's busy. Value was decent if you come with an appetite: around $37 as of June 2026 for a weekday dinner. My only hesitation is with the service itself. They didn't have a huge number of people working at the sushi bar or a huge number of waiters, so some of the items took a little while to come out. I think I'd be better calibrated the second time around to order more strategically. We also sometimes had to flag down the wait staff to order more items. Don't expect them to come to you. Sushi Kingdom is a positive addition to the neighborhood. I would return.

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Dining room

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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Food service and ambience was great. Very comfortable atmosphere, but it was made so by our server…read moreAna who was very warm, welcoming and quick to serve - all without making us feel rushed. I hope if my wife and I come back (we work in cambridge), that we get Ana to serve us again!

The food was excellent and we went big with the all you can eat supreme. Our server, Sam, did a…read morephenomenal job explaining the cuts of meat and guiding us through the night. Thank you Sam and Happy Birthday! Will be back soon.

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Veggie Galaxy

If you have ever had a veggie burger and didn't like it, it was because you didn't eat here…read more To be honest there aren't a lot of vegetarian dishes that taste good for me, but everything they have here has been amazing. I say this because I have been here multiple times and everything I order or the people who are with me order, has always been amazing. Sometimes they have outdoor seating and we always sit outside if seating there is available, but this time they hadn't setup the outside yet, but they had plenty of seating for 2 inside. Another thing I mention on all my reviews is if a restaurant serves you water when you sit without asking. Well here they do and they were following our glasses as we were sitting. This is definitely a place to go to even if you aren't vegetarian.. actually especially if you aren't so you can find out how good some vegetarian dishes can be. The only downside for me is that I don't live in Cambridge or near by, but there are plenty of cheap parking garages near the restaurant and my favorite Korean grocery store is there.

I came to Veggie Galaxy with some friends and family while visiting Boston…read more It's a pretty cool space -- old school diner aesthetic in everything from decor to the menus. The service was good, but it did take a bit to get seated and get our food as we were a large group. There was also a miscommunication for some people in our group as the kitchen ran out of some things and only told them after they ordered and were waiting. I ordered the grilled chicken Rasta pasta (which was a special for the week). My sister ordered some soup. Both were delicious. The portions are GIGANTIC so I would maybe order something smaller next time, but man that pasta was delicious. The "chicken" was perfectly fried, and the pasta was well seasoned. I would maybe add a bit of heat by it that's a small complaint. I love this place, and will be back next time I'm in Boston!

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Seating

Shepherd's pie

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Buffalo Mac & cheese potato skins

Flour Bakery + Cafe

We were here for MIT reunion and Flour was so great we visited twice. It is a busy cafe with…read morepastries and sandwiches, perfect for breakfast or lunch. It is very comfortable although getting a table may be a challenge. First trip I had the chicken parmigiana sandwich. The chicken and sauce were nice, but i really loved the bread. My wife had the avocado toast and thought it was excellent. On second trip, I had the breakfast sandwich with sausage, the raspberry meringue cloud, and a chai latte (sweetened with whole milk). Everything was wonderful. The chai latte had a rich flavor and then the sandwich was absolutely delicious. The raspberry meringue was a pleasant surprise, it is large but the meringue was perfect. My wife has a slice of Boston cream pi and really enjoyed that. Definitely worth a visit!

I want to love this place,…read more The initial experience with the cashier is touch and go depending on who you get The vibe is solid once people start to fill in the space The pastries are redeeming, I'd recommend most items on the menu with a nitro cold nitro cold brew The follow up from the expo team is mid at best which makes coming back a tough sell. . If you want great service, look elsewhere for now, respectfully

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Sandwich counter. When your order is ready, they will call your name.

Scone

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Sticky Sticky Bun and French Toast

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142 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Philip G.

1251

10 years ago

I was super excited to take my girlfriend to Oleana for her birthday. I had planned this magical evening almost 30 days in advance. I had the reservation through Open Table. We arrive at 8:45 for our 9pm dinner reservation. We checked in (I showed the manager my open table reservation on my phone) and the manager told us you can stand by the side or you can go to the bar and get a drink. I told my girlfriend let's not get a drink let's get a nice bottle of wine for dinner. At 9:15 we were seated but as we were headed to our table which was stuck in a noisy corner I asked if we could sit at the other open table. The host told me we were lucky to squeeze you in which hard to comprehend because I made the dinner reservation on January 22 almost 30 days from my girlfriend's birthday February 20th. At the moment I did feel blessed for the opportunity to go Oleana but felt the comment was quite awkward. After posting the review I got an email from Open Table saying I had missed my reservation. The quite table was actually the table for my girlfriend and I. Instead we got the noisy table in a weird location against the wall in a hallway. When you were in college and you lived with a bunch roommates and someone had to convert the dining room into a bedroom that would be the restaurant equivalent. We were greeted by our waiter Derek who asked us what we would like to drink. I told him I needed a few minutes. Oleana organizes there wines by flavor which is interesting but yet different than the industry standard. I selected a white wine from the category SAFFRON, VANILLA & TOASTED ORANGE and ordered "Nero d'Avola/Frappato Bianco, Gurrieri 'Donna Grazia" which was the least expensive wine $48 (I am not a wine connoisseur so figured I like orange, vanilla and $48 sounds good to me). To be frank I am terrible at pronouncing long names, I am dyslexic I had 0% chance of saying it perfectly. Derek told me the wine I selected wouldn't go well with my meal; I don't understand this because I had not ordered yet. Derek two recommendations Chardonnay / Savagnin, Jean-François Ganevat 'Cuvée Oregane,' Jura, France $ 115 and Tocai Friulano, I Clivi 'Brazan,' Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli, Italy $110 I mispronounced the names but also shocked at the price. I figured it's my girlfriends birthday and told Derek bring whatever you recommend (I just didn't want a back and forth anymore). Five minutes later the manager who was flustered came and told me "if you do not want to eat here you can leave." My girlfriend and I got really confused and said we want to eat. The manager repeated this nervously two more times. I was so confused and said to the manager can you slow down when you speak, what's happening. Derek decided not to not serve both us wine because in his opinion I had too much to drink because I couldn't pronounce the wine. It's ironic because 45 minutes before the manager offered me to go to the bar and I said no. Even though I completely disagreed with the decision I did not take it personal. I was in the restaurant industry over five years and realize how difficult a job being a waiter is. I commend Derek for making a hard decision that would negatively impact the size of the bill and ultimately his pay. But from that point forward till we left is where Derek could have done a better job. After Derek and the manager left I huddled up with my girlfriend. My girlfriend really wanted to leave but I explained to her we have limited options 9:30 On Friday night. I told my girlfriend let's just enjoy the meal and feel blessed we can be at here together. I took her frown and made it upside down into a smile we were ready to rock n roll for a great meal. I then placed our orders with Derek, we ordered three appetizers and two entrees. For the Meze we ordered Flower Sprouts, Pan Friend Kalamata Olives and Spinach Falafel. The Flower Spouts and Olives were delicious. Derek forgot to bring out the Spinach Falafel so I asked him where the Falafel is. Derek response was "we will just take it off the bill." I still wanted the Spinach Falafel but my girlfriend starting to get upset and Derek not wanting to correct the order I lost my appetite. For the entrees my Monkfish was really good A+. However my girlfriend had ordered the flank steak "medium" and it came out "rare" When you go to a restaurant the experience of how you are treated is just as important as the quality of the food. When the train gets of the track sometimes it can't go back on and disaster occurs. I would sum up my experience at Oleana as a train wreck (adding insult to injury my girlfriend gave a lifetime ban on ever ordering wines again .) read more

Tony M.

Elite 14

152

806

1713

3 months ago

INTRO: Went to Oleana to celebrate my mother's birthday, and from the moment we sat down, it felt like we chose the right place for something meaningful and memorable. SERVICE: The service here is thoughtful and polished. The staff made us feel welcomed, guided us through the menu, and handled the pacing of the meal perfectly. When it came time to celebrate my mother, they made it feel special without overdoing it, which I appreciated. It felt genuine. AMBIANCE: There is a calm, intimate energy here that makes it perfect for a celebration. It feels warm, slightly upscale, and very intentional. The kind of place where you can actually enjoy the people you are with, have real conversations, and settle into the experience without feeling rushed. FOOD: We tried a variety of dishes, and everything felt carefully crafted, but the standout for me was the Quail Kebob Lamb and Grape Leaf Tart. That dish was on another level. Melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich in flavor, and balanced in a way that makes you pause and really appreciate what you are eating. You can tell there is real attention to detail in the kitchen. For dessert, they made a special presentation for my mother, milk pudding, chocolate sorbet, and ice cream. It was the perfect ending to the meal, and honestly, seeing everyone at the table smiling made it hit even more. IMPRESSIONS: Oleana delivers more than just great food, it creates moments. Between the standout dishes, the thoughtful service, and the warm atmosphere, this was exactly the kind of place you want for a birthday celebration. We left full, happy, and all smiles, and that says everything. read more

kaylee i.

18 years ago

I had a great vacation in Boston and one of the reason is because of Oleana Restaurant. This was my first time eating Turkish, Greek, Medi. food. I was really excited and at the same time wondering if I would like it. I am not a person who exaggerates so when I say its great, ITS definitely great. OLEANA is GREAT. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I wish I could order everything. I didn't regret anything I ordered. I had the fried mussels & hot peppers with Turkish tartar sauce ( so delicious that I ordered 2), tamarind glazed beef and smokey eggplant puree with pinenuts (amazing), tuna roll with curried lentis with mango pickles (just wonderful), Nougat Glac, Passion Fruit Souffle, Sorbet & Jellies (one of the best dessert I ever had). The customer service was pleasant. They were very friendly. The atmosphere is wonderful, small and cozy. Oleana definitely deserves my review and 5 stars. I highly highly recommend this place to locals and visitors. When I go back to Boston I will definitely make a trip to this restaurant again. It wasn't satisfying yet since I didn't get to try everything. Next time I am bringing a few more friends so I can take a bite from each plate. I'll update the posting after I make my second trip to Boston. The restaurant is good to take out with friends, family and anyone who appreciates GREAT food. Note: Skip lunch and save your stomach for dinner at Oleana. Yes its that good. read more

Melissa L.

333

2 years ago

Oleana is a feast for the senses, and Chef Chris has truly mastered the art of bringing the colors, spices, and freshness of summer to the table. Dining here feels like a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The Stuffed Potato Hummus was a standout, with pine nuts, currants, and radish adding a delightful mix of textures and flavors to the creamy hummus base. Every bite felt like a perfect harmony of sweet, nutty, and savory. The Spinach Falafel was equally impressive, served with a tahini sauce and beet tzatziki that provided a refreshing contrast to the crispy falafel. The tanginess of the pickles and the depth of flavor from the red pepper dumplings, topped with crispy shallots, was a match made in heaven. And the desserts--wow! The almond cremolata with vanilla tahini, Urfa fudge, and sumac blackberries was the perfect balance of rich, bittersweet chocolate and the brightness of sumac, creating an unexpected and delightful finish. The patio is absolutely stunning--romantic and intimate, surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling lights. It's the ideal setting for a memorable summer evening. Highly recommend Oleana for anyone looking to indulge in the fresh, bold, and exciting flavors of the Mediterranean. read more

Christine K.

Elite 18

1270

11 years ago

Spinach falafel came with tahini sauce, beet yogurt and cress- it's an appetizer course and came in the form of meatballs over thin pita bread Sultan`s delight was the clear winner of the day- tamarind beef with smokey eggplant puree and pine nuts Duck fatteh with crushed beets, hazelnuts, garlic yogurt, and fiddle heads Local burrata cheese- I actually didn't like as much. I liked the yogurt inside but I thought the cheese was not as creamy. Baked Alaska- not my favorite as I didn't realize there was coconut ice cream inside a marshmallow type of layer with drizzling of passion fruit caramel Peppermint tea- actual tea leaves and very soothing after a long day of traveling and jet lag The hostess was super accommodating- she stored our luggage while we ate. All the others were super nice except for our own waiter. He totally forgot our dessert and we were waiting for at least twenty minutes. When I asked about it, he told us it takes time because it's baked in a condescending tone. He was not very friendly and we didn't see much of him. read more

Joe Y.

19 years ago

NEW FAVORITE restaraunt in Boston. Took my fiancee out last night for her birthday, found Oleana on Yelp.com. Sat out back on the patio at night, which was gorgeous. We thought it would be too chilly but they had these nice little stove/lights that kept the patio nice and warm! Oh, and the food was awesome too. My fiancee is a vegetarian, and Oleana had the best selection of good tasing vegetarian dishes around. We ahd a bottle of red wine, the Spinach Falaffel Appetizer which was so good, the Swordfish which could be one of my best meals of all time (at least in Boston area), and the Vegetable Medley...a plate of assorted vegetables (chef's choice) which were excellent. We also had the Baked laska for dessert....coconut ice cream on top of a coconut cookie surrounded with maragne and baked....AWESOME. We both loved everything and with a nice tip came to about $140, which is what I expected. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

Mark M.

Elite 10

168

16 years ago

This was the best meal I have had in Boston. There is nothing but praise for the entire experience top to bottom. The service was perfect, attentive but not hovering. The food was outstanding. Hell, the f$%$ing free bread was something special. We ordered the spinach falafel and sultan's delight. Do NOT pass up the sultan's delight. Perfectly braised with a smoky sauce. I loved my entrée. The lamb was perfectly cooked in a thin dough wrap. The better half had a trout that was rich and buttery yet light. We finished with a pistachio custard rich enough to put you to sleep. Finally, the french press coffee had hints of cocoa which left us memorized by the myriad of flavors we had sampled for the evening. This was out first time and we will be back. Total bill was very reasonable for the food. 140 including tip and a bottle of wine. read more

Tim G.

9 years ago

This is a very attractive restaurant located on a quiet street in Inman Square. Service was acceptable albeit a bit casual for the atmosphere, granted they were at the end of their evening. Their bread is covered in an explosively delicious herb I couldn't place. We shared Sultan's Delight which was very tasty, and the falafel was a perfect bite. The quail was good, but involved an odd play on sushi which didn't work all together, and the octopus dish was confused and boring. Decent pacing, we never felt unattended to and never rushed at the end. It is quite congested as they are very popular and small but unlike some restaurants with similar seating, we never felt closed in or like we had to keep our voices down. Lack of 5 stars is because it's not a complete home run, but few things are. This is a great restaurant! read more

Jamie J.

5 years ago

I have eaten here a dozen times and had previously rated it as 5 stars, but last night I realized things have gone downhill here a bit. The staff is still good, but the food was the least impressive I have had. Dry, pre-prepped hummus wrap was the bottom of the list and changes like charging for bread, 20% mandatory gratuity, claims that the only way to pay livable wages to kitchen staff, claims of laws that prevent tip sharing, etc. are the basis of printing additional indicators that patrons tip above 20%-- this really rubbed us the wrong way. I always tip 25% but the above statements about livable wages only being possible if I chose to increase my tip is a sympathetic strategy, but should be reconsidered. Instead I would suggest increasing food pricing and taking ownership of your obligations as a restraunteur. read more

Shelly P.

16 years ago

This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem or at least was before chef Ana Sortun started getting so much press, now the secret is out which is a good thing. I used to live in the neighborhood and would regularly go to Oleana. It is a terrific place to take friends or a date. The menu has a large amount of variety and options depending on your tastes. The unique spice combinations are incredible. I have never had a bad dish there. I love the moussaka in particular and any lamb dish is usually a winner. Everyone talks about the Baked Alaska, but it really is up to the hype. It is not something that you see at many other Boston area restaurants, and the reason is it would be a complete disappointment after having Oleana's. It is a bit expensive but worth every penny. read more

Robert C.

13 years ago

This was an exceptional restaurant. I called to let them know we were running late as we'd gotten lost. They were kind enough to persevere with me on the phone and stayed on until i got there, and this is on a busy Friday night! Once we got there we decided to sit at the bar and the bartender was great- very knowledgeable and efficient. The food was extremely fresh and carefully prepared. We've been to many restaurants and this at the top of our list. My husband had plenty to chose for vegetarian options with literally a couple of dozen mezes. I had the lamb entree and finished it all. It was hard to pick a dessert they all sounded amazing. The caramel souffle won out and deservingly so. When we come to the boston area again, we'll be sure to come back! read more

Oleana B.

14 years ago

The food here is wonderful and creative. I woke up the next morning and felt like I wanted to go back for dinner again. We only got 4 appetizers when we came but I wanted to try all the appetizers on the menu because they all looked really good. In addition to the menu the specials sounded equally amazing. We ordered sultan's delight, fattoush, something with quail and the scallops which were a special. Everything was delicious. My favorite appetizer was sultan's delight. The meat just melted in your mouth literally. I do not think I have ever tasted anything like this in my life. The atmosphere is dark and romantic. The service was great. For desert we got the baked alaska which looked and tasted fabulous. read more

Alvan H.

17 years ago

first thing i wannna say is yummmmmmmmm........i took my best friend to oleana as a surprise, the day he got his job! and man, was he surprised! He loved the oleana experience! As vegeterians , both of us were extremely happy with oleanas veggie offerings!we had whipped feta with sweet and hot peppers, French bread, zucchini pancakes and many flavvours of ice creams. every spoonful in the mouth was a delight! Also the staff was very attentive and knowledgable! the ambience was also great to enjoy the food! But the hitch in this deal is the cost.It piches the purse a litlle. apart from that, its a great restraunt to go to. My friend and i decided to go to oleana whenever we have to celebrate something new! read more

Roopshree G.

1 year ago

Here's a 100-word version of the review: Oleana was a culinary revelation. I went in expecting a good meal and left blown away. The ambiance is cozy and charming, but it's the food that steals the show. The appetizers were outstanding--vibrant flavors, thoughtful presentation, and perfectly balanced spices. The absolute star was the quail: tender, flavorful, and unforgettable. If you try just one thing, make it that. The menu blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences beautifully, and everything feels crafted with care. Service was friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy. Oleana is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, elegant food done right. read more

Nicole D.

21 years ago

Oleana is my all-time favorite restaurant! I first went there a few years ago for my birthday. I chose it based on a review which gave the restaurant top honors for al fresco dining. It was one of the best birthday dinners ever, and my family and I have been going ever since. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean dishes from Turkey, North Africa, and the Arab world. Chef and owner Ana Sortun fuses old world recipes with modern flair. Everything is delicious and the service is great. The garden is beautiful and serene, making you forget you're in Massachusetts. read more

Stephanie M.

15 years ago

Visited on a Monday night. First impression wasn't a great one - we were crammed into a corner of the patio on little elephant stools waiting for our table. The bar was *very* slow - I waited while they placed every dirty glass in the dishwasher, completely ignoring me. Once seated though, timing improved. Our waiter was very good and the menu was one of the most interesting I have seen in a long time. Appetizers, baby sole, parmesan crusted pork chop, desserts were all delicious. I don't think there's an item on the menu that would disappoint. read more

Pauline R.

13 years ago

Small, cozy, and delicious. Went here on a date after a very stressful work month. I am a total foodie that is usually frustrated with Cambridge. This was a nice change. I ordered 3 mezes (small plates) and my date ordered an entree. WOW! Those plates can pack a punch! They were absolutely delicious and we were both stuffed by the end of the meal. I had the quail, saganaki, and bread and cheese dumplings (in order of how much I liked them). I felt the bread and cheese dumplings could have more flavor, but my date loved them read more

David H.

Elite 10

214

19 years ago

I've eaten at Oleana over twenty times and the food is always great. The food has Turkish accent and is very unique to other restaurants. The atmosphere is subdued artsy; small tables; small bar with about six stools; nice garden in the summer. If you are a vegetarian you'll find ample to chose from. The service is friendly and casual and its good for casual dining. The wine list includes organic and biodynamic wines which are very good. You need to make a reservation if plan to go pretty much any day of the week. read more

SAMI S.

6 years ago

I understand a pandemic but it doesn't give your right to be rude, hostess literally talks back to everyone and very sensitive, if you just want to ask a question ! she will kick you out, We've been coming in there for many years and we were treated like we came to ask for money , we are not beggars!!!! we come there to spend our money not asking for money Don't work in the hospitality business if you are rude that's the wrong job for you !! read more

Vivian T.

14 years ago

This is my favorite restaurant hands down!!! We always opt for the small plates, rather then full entrees, this way we get to try more of a variety of food and we have never been disappointed! The staff is amazing and the wine list is superb...make sure you make a rezy they are always busy...although if you can get a seat at the bar it is perfect because they have an open kitchen and it is fun to watch the staff hard at work they are amazing! read more

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Oleana Restaurant - turkish - Updated July 2026

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Moona

4.2

(295 reviews)

•$$

We spent New Year's Eve at Moona and loved every minute. The host and our server were both…read morefantastic. They were welcoming, attentive, and made the night feel special. For drinks we ordered the Oh, Snap! whcih was super refreshing, while the Saved By The Bell had a nice spicy kick with strong bell pepper flavor. For food, the Hummus Tahini was the best hummus I've ever had (with incredible pita), and the Feta Fritters were AMAZING!!!! easily one of the best appetizers I've had. The Syrian Batersh was good, but would be even better with pita. Great food, great service. The restaurant was small and cute! It was slightly cold near the door/windows but we will definitely be back. And can't wait to try out the new Central Square location!

Good spot for a night out. Cocktails and food were decent, and the service was spot on…read more We came as a group and tried a few different things family style. The mushroom hummus and the lamb hummus was good, but not memorable. The zatar pull apart bread was freshly baked. And the crudo was somewhat refreshing. The baklava was alright, I preferred the olive oil cake. Overall we liked everything, but LOVED nothing.

Bar Vlaha

4.4

(176 reviews)

Make a reservation if you can!…read more I could not get over the flavors of all the dishes. Mine has freshly made pasta and it's thin, lathered in the sauce. The egg is perfectly cooked that the yolk breaks into the pasta, they give you the perfect amount of sausage for the pasta. They described my friends dish as "lasagna without the pasta", it came out popping hot and steamy. The bread was yummy to dip in. The cheese.... Wow, sooo delicious and crispy. The fruit on top was the perfect finishing touch. It's clean, and there's not loud music.

Food: dolmas: delicious; sparkling champagne style wine, good; leg of lamb: dry and tough;…read moreeggplant - good, and the feta cheese was good. They served Lynn's shrimp late and the spinach/ greens even later (they took that off the bill). The shrimp was mostly beans. Service: was good, delivery timing not the server's fault Ambiance: cute place, but the noise was so loud it was painful, mainly from patrons, because they turned down the music. We couldn't get a place outside. I recommended that the line the bottoms of the tables with felt to dampen the noise.

Bab Al-Yemen Boston

4.4

(250 reviews)

It is simply extraordinary. The chicken is some of the best I've had in the USA and the rice was…read moreabsolutely divine

What a cool spot - authentic food and cultural experience. I loved the decor and overall vibe. Wish…read moreI could sit in one of the ground seats next time! We got the lamb stew and it was pretty good. A lot of lean lamb. I wish it had veggies in it too. The naan bread came with the dish was ginormous and addicting. They gave us some tea to finish off the meal - some of the BEST I've ever had. So so so fragrant and smooth. I'd love to come back and try more items!

Brookline Lunch

4.2

(744 reviews)

•$$

Walked here from Newbury Street, along Massachusetts Ave, across the Charles River, gorgeous blue…read moresky with puffy clouds, on a journey to come to this delicious, amazing place. My point is: It's Worth It! My daughter brought us here two autumns ago and I was determined to come back. At 12:30 on Wednesday it was not crowded, many people went in to pick up takeout. We waited maybe 5 minutes for a booth to be free for 5 of us. Our server was helpful telling us the crowd favorites and that's what we ordered, 3 shakshukas and 2 Zatar egg bowls. They were kind to modify one of the shakshukas to make it dairy free for my brother. He also ordered a Turkish coffee. The whole vibe of the place is welcoming, hospitable, warm. The walls are covered with people's signatures and sharpie messages. Popular movie posters festoon the walls and the tabletops under glass. It best of all are the aromas wafting from the kitchen that say "come and rest, enjoy, you are welcome!" Highly recommend, and yes, I'll be back!

Saw Brookline was a recommended brunch spot and decided to check it out…read more Restaurant is popular and a little small, but it's a cozy spot. I went solo so it was quick for me to get seated. I was served quickly as well. Had Turkish coffee and a Mediterranean brunch which was solid and reasonably priced

Mo'Rockin Fusion

4.8

(168 reviews)

•$

This amazing place, rated 4.9 on Google Maps and 4.8 on Yelp, is hidden in a small stall in Boston…read morePublic Market, specializing in Moroccan inspired bowl. It was absolutely delicious!!! Sultan: The lamb was stewed for a long time until incredibly tender and melted in your mouth, with absolutely no gamey taste. Although it's called "sweet lamb", it didn't have a strong sweetness; instead, it had a typical mild, complex flavor of onions, cumin, coriander seeds, and other spices. The Yellow Rice was likely seasoned with turmeric and saffron, making it very flavorful. The basmati rice grains were distinct but not too dry, perfect for mixing with the sauce. The White Garlic Sauce wasn't overpowering; it mainly added a touch of acidity, which, along with the cool, sweet corn, helped to cut through the greasiness. Actually, it was completely different from any other Moroccan lamb stew I've had. It was more like Yemeni Mandi, but with more layers of flavor and a more universally appealing taste. As a fusion dish, how can it not be considered a success? This restaurant offered self-build options, but I was rushing to the World Cup Fan Festival and didn't even have time to look at the menu carefully. The staff quickly recommended dishes and adjusted the ingredients based on my preferences. Excellent service.

Solid spot in the Boston Common. We had the King combo (beef tagine with yellow rice and pineapple…read moreBBQ/white garlicky sauce). The beef was very soft, the mixed beans side was served cool but also quite good, generous sauces. Quick & friendly service and I think a reasonable price for the portion (1 order ~$15.50 fed two people for lunch). They also had a build-your-own bowl option where you could pick the protein (eg. chicken, tofu, beef, lamb, falafel), sauce (eg. white garlic, spicy harissa, etc), base (eg. couscous, yellow rice, cauliflower), and side (eg. mixed greens, corn, chickpeas).

Desfina Restaurant

3.9

(311 reviews)

•$$

Great spot near my new apartment. Big portion, good ingredients and perfectly cooked…read more Had: Chicken kebab plate

Service was excellent, food was not. We came here for dinner, but I was disappointed to see that…read morethere wasn't a very limited non-meat selection on the menu. Given that Mediterranean cuisine is generally pretty accommodating to that, not having even a falafel option for protein certainly came as a surprise! My first time here, we ended up with the fish and chips and baklava - both were edible but not great, and the best item on the table ended up being the complimentary bread (lots of end pieces, which I'm personally a fan of, but others may feel differently). The fish was uninspired and didn't taste like much, and the chips were steak fries, which lived up to the reputation of being less crunchy and seasoned. I was really excited for the baklava, but it also ended up disappointing. The texture was hardened, like it wasn't fresh, and it was so overpoweringly sweet that we couldn't finish it. On my second visit, the bread was just as good, and we ordered a nice spread: fried zucchini, spanakopita, beef dolmades, rice pilaf, and gyro (without meat). The gyro was sad without falafel or any protein option, but the veggies inside were pretty good. On the other hand, I wasn't a huge fan of any of the appetizers/sides. The fried zucchini was incredibly oily and wet, without much flavor; the rice pilaf did have some sauce on top but wasn't particularly tasty. The spanakopita was decent but I wouldn't go out of my way to order it again. I will note, however, that the staff was excellent, attentive and accommodating. The outdoor patio was also quite nice and a beautiful spot to sit on the street and people-watch.

Ali Baba

3.9

(274 reviews)

•$$

Pagu

3.6

(599 reviews)

•$$$

Good night out, but probably won't go back. I think I had higher expectations since it received a…read morenod from Michelin. The restaurant had an industrial look, not my style. We were seated at the kitchen bar which was perfect for us, but we really only saw a few dishes being prepped and our server was not behind the counter. Our server, I believe named Ana, was excellent! Drinks were surprisingly delicious for a restaurant, probably the highlight for me. For the most part food was good but not great in my opinion. We had the pork belly bao, green beans, patatas bravas and duck paella. My bf loved the duck. The other items were just ok.

PAGU had their limited offering of its Black Squid Ink Softshell Crab Bao and I was there not once,…read morebut twice! This unique and creative offering had a crunchy softshell crab, topped off with a nori-yuzu Kosho alioli and pickled cabbage, all warmly hugged in the black squid ink bao! Absolutely delish! My favorite dishes that will tantalize your taste buds were: - Japanese Hamchi Crudo was a chilled delight with fresh fish and a good hint of lime (not pictured) - Patatas Bravas had a good potato bite that was dolloped with a Thai chili alioli and mojo verde - Shio Koji-roasted Corn was kernels of fun to eat - Miso Roasted Black Cod was succulent and sweet to the bite - Duck Paella was so tender that the meat fell off the bone! - Ube Panna Cotta was a sweet way to end dinner with the custardy ube There is definitely a modern artisanal feel to all the food that blended Japanese and Spanish influences. The vibe of the restaurant was also very open with its high ceilings and tall windows. The wait staff were very friendly and ready to answer any menu questions. The open kitchen is also fun for those who love watching food being created! With it's unique tastes, it's no wonder PAGO was a Michelin Bib Gourmand!

Turkish Lazuri Cafe

4.6

(162 reviews)

•$$

Sufra Mediterranean Food

4.1

(100 reviews)

I had catering from here once back in college and I remember these dolmades being life changing.read more

Today was my husband and I's first time here, found it actually on our way to a different…read moreMediterranean spot, as they say it was meant to be lol. The food was absolutely delicious and it's super cute inside for a take out. Just a couple of tables but we lucked out and got 1 of them. Although it's a bit pricey, hubby & I both agreed it was worth it. We found our portions were generous, fresh & hot. The 2 employees there were very nice. Definitely recommend checking Sufra out!

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Oleana Restaurant - turkish - Updated July 2026

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People who viewed Oleana Restaurant also viewed

Moona

Bar Vlaha

Bab Al-Yemen Boston

Brookline Lunch

Mo'Rockin Fusion

Desfina Restaurant

Ali Baba

Pagu

Turkish Lazuri Cafe

Sufra Mediterranean Food