Cafe Barada
| Address: | 2269 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA |
| Phone: | +1 617-354-2112 |
| Site: | cafebarada.net |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–8:30PM 11:30AM–8:30PM 11:30AM–8:30PM 11:30AM–8:30PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 29
CR
Cristina Ruiz
This Lebanese place is family owned and operated. And it shows. For the better and for the worse. Every time Ive been, things have been passable but not perfect. I keep going back because the food is comforting and different than other options in the area. Im a sucker for convenience (its literally steps from my house) and supporting local businesses. But maybe I should spend my money in better ways. Lebanese food is generally pretty good, so in this regard Baradas got that going for it. But I dont feel like it goes above and beyond in terms of flavor or experience. Even after the renovation, the small spaces atmosphere is a tad off. The lighting just a tad bright, so I dont get that romantic Middle Eastern vibe. The tables just a tad close, so I can easily eavesdrop on our neighbors conversations. And this makes me just a tad uncomfortable. Ive gotten the Bazella which was a comforting blend of lamb, carrots, potatoes, and peas in a tomato-based sauce with rice. Its a solid meal for a dreary day, but my friend and I were both surprised to find the flavor a bit bland. Cue the salt and pepper. Ive also ordered the lamb kebab pita roll-up which is tender, flavorful lamb with lettuce, tomato and tahini in a warm pita. The sandwich is long and good, but pretty basic, and for the $13 price tag Im tempted to just walk a few blocks down to Greek Corner for a similar, cheaper dish. The roll-up also comes with a side, and we opted for the cup of lentil soup to warm us up. This broth, full of beans and greens with a few chunks of potato, was good because it was warm, but was again surprisingly bland. The salt and pepper didnt help too much. The baklava was tasty but again overpriced. It was a bit dry and crumbly, but not in a bad way (better than it being soggy, in my opinion) and was very nutty since it contained both walnuts and pistachos. Good to share for a few bites of post-meal sweetness (its not a true Middle Eastern meal without baklava!), but Im not craving another. The owner is personable and welcoming, and I love that he is very present and involved in his resturants operations. However, a $15 credit card limit (before tax and tip) is high. And surprising when your meal was $13 because you were trying to be frugal. And just plain inconvenient. Who carries around $15 worth of cash these days? But considering this places prices, you wont have to worry because your bill will most likely be more than that. See, theres always a bright side.
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A Private User
Most of my falafel experiences were from street vendors or small stands. Now dont get me wrong, those are always a satisfying late-night fix, but I was curious to try one at an actual restaurant. Barada uses an extra large pita, and instead of cutting the pita open and stuffing it, they lay it out flat and roll it up like a wrap. Not only was it delicious, but it was bigger than any burrito Ive eaten and the pita bread itself worked well because its thicker than a wrap and can absorb the generous amounts of hummus and tahini that cover the perfectly fried patties. The side salad itself wasnt anything special, but the homemade lemon vinaigrette added a nice touch.
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A Private User
Wow, what a gem this is. I have eaten there about five times now, lunch and dinner, and also had my daughters birthday party catered by them, and its been wonderful each time. When simple food is completely fresh you need nothing more. The decor is simple, you wouldnt go here for a special dinner. But do go when your out-of-town friend is staying and you want a delicious hassle-free meal. Your friend will want you to take them back here the next time they are in town.
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Roman Lutz
Food was nice, waitress very friendly. However, the owner (I presume from the way she talked to others) very loudly and rudely asked who we think we are and that we shouldnt expect bread to be free (which is self-evident and nobody had asked for that). Certainly not going there anymore...
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Kevin Donoghue
A great place. The food was wonderful. The Hummus is the best I have ever had. The amount of food you receive for the price has to be seen to believe. It a wonderful family owned restaurant right on Mass Ave. At night we have never had any issues with parking.
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Kathleen Ryan
Cafe Barada catered my mother-in-laws 90th birthday party. My husbands family is of Syrian descent. Food was excellent. Charbel and his mother went out of their way to make our affair successful! Whole family was pleased. Recommend highly.
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A Private User
I eat out a lot and I am outraged at myself that I just spent $16 for a sandwich (chicken kobab) that I can pick up from Greek places for $5. Service is undoubtedly great, but that is not a belly-filler.
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Alex Haidar
As a Lebanese man, I can certify this is a great place. The mother and dad are nice and very hospitable. Their kids, not so much... We love the food though and its very clean and up to my standards.
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Crystal Raymond
Authentic taste, fantastic service, CASH ONLY. Worth every penny, you will soon become a regular at Cafe Barada. Choose from 3-4 daily specials. Hours are limited and theyre closed on Sundays.
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Marieta Rojas
Delicous lebanese food. The lunch specials were a good size and the hummus was outstanding. I recommend trying it with pickles. They also have great baklava and a nice atmosphere.
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Sami Alajaji
If youre looking for Lebanese/Mediterranean place to eat, this is it in the Cambridge area. We tried Barada Salad, Kafta Shish Kebab and Bazella and they were all excellent!
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Aaron Phillips
Friendly enough service, fresh very tasty food. I ordered the kibby and an Arabian nights cocktail. The edge of the lobby was a but hard and dry but overall very good
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Erin Walsh
Ive been to Cafe Barada a number of times and its always great. This family run place serves up amazing mom cooked Lebanese food in a great atmosphere.
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Nicholas Stamoulos
Smooth smoky bubaganoush creaminess hummus yummy fetush salad....loved kafta kabob kibbi and the falafel. Surprisingly good lebanese red wine.
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Kelly Chiu
casual and nice, smelled amazing when we came in and didnt disappoint. I had baba ganoush which was sublime and falafil on the barada salad.
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Jake Allen
Excellent Mediterranean food. Hummus is the best. Awesome atmosphere and staff. Huge portions. Wish I had visited sooner.
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Jon Lately
Every dish is delicious and reasonably price. Baba Ganouj, Bazella, and Baklava are superb. Owners are very personable.
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Joel Patterson
Best falafel in Cambridge, and you should try the pumpkin kibby when it is on special. The tahini is delicious!
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A Man
I would not recommend the combine all plate for Veggie and Meat because the quantity is not enough
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Miriam R
The food is really good. I know people who visit from western Mass and always stop here to eat.
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Alfredo Ramos
The best falafel I have ever tasted! I will always stop here from now on when Im in the area.
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Mehmet Kanik
Amazing place. You should go. Friendly service and foods are really good. Lamb meat is halal!
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Lena Wu
Very nice family-run restaurant. Service can be slightly faster. Otherwise, food is amazing!
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Annie M
The food is remarkably fresh and delicious! Love the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere!!
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Bosung Kim
Great food (try the dinner group platters!) And wonderful service direct from the owner.
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Tony Stark
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Massachusetts. If youre anywhere nearby, go.
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Sheraz Choudhary
Wonderful food with friendly service. Portion sizes are also quite large.
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Jeremy Chambers
Excellent Lebanese food and nice owners. Beer costs too much though.
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Michael Gaman
This place is a damn good dinner spot. Try the Fatoush salad!!
