Orinoco Restaurant
| Address: | 56 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA |
| Phone: | +1 617-354-6900 |
| Site: | orinocokitchen.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 11:30AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 36
MA
Mairead Lyons
Orinoco is one of my favorite spots in Harvard Square for a quiet, intimate dinner. It is tucked down an alley right on JFK street. It has a beautiful patio for outdoor seating during the warm weather. Their food is always delicious, from their small plates and empanadas, to their main courses of pork chops or shredded beef. This is one of my boyfriend and Is favorite place for a weeknight or weekend dinner when were not sure where to go. Definitely recommend Orinoco to those who love authentic Venezuelan food and enjoy a quiet setting. The wine selection is also great.
J.
J.C A
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the food was absolutely horrible and perhaps it could be it was late and we got the last scraps of the night. We had a meal that had a thin flat piece of steak that was extra dry like it was over cooked in a crock pot. The rice was basic from your regular ordinary household rice steamer. It was disappointing due to my first time having there food and was really looking forward to eating a good meal. The place is in fact cozy and nice and the staff was very nice and attentive.
AV
avantika nautiyal
Tucked away in an alley, Orinoco creates a sense of timelessness in the middle of the city. A seating next to the fountain in their patio and traditional music successfully transports its guests to South America. Highlights of the menu: Arepas, slow cooked pork and imported cheese with vibrant accompaniments/dressings, vegetarians will not be compromising with their appetite either! Fried plantains stuffed with cheese are a burst of surprise!
KI
Kim Sing
Venezuelan Brunch! Pros: Great for meat lovers (shredded beef and pork in particular), many flavorful, fried dishes, great for sharing, casual and moderate noise level Cons: Not many veggie options but they do offer two ensalata, not gluten friendly, but given that this is Venezuelan cuisine, this is typical fare. Would recommend? Yes
ME
Meg Cantwell
Had the grilled asparagus (yum!), some plantains and some wine. Went around 8pm on a Friday night and had about an hour wait. Food was good, service was friendly, but not getting five stars as there were rumors of mice scarring around outside (not near the food, but as a characteristic of Cambridge), so we opted to eat inside.
CH
Christopher Williams
Good variety of well-seasoned food, in a cozy atmosphere. Friends from Canada/America and family from the country bordering Venezuela (Guyana) alike were as impressed by the quality of the food as I was every time Ive visited. Easily the best food I tried in the time I spent studying in Cambridge, highly recommended!
DA
David Liang
Food: 4 Decor: 3 Service: 4 Came here with a group of 5 for lunch. 1. Pepito de Costillita, 8 slow-cooked, boneless passion-fruit bbq baby-back ribs, with pickled onions and vinegar coleslaw. ~Pretty good. Nicely balanced. Service was good, although our food was delayed since the fire alarm went off.
DE
Demichael R.
Cannot possible rave more about how great my experience here is. The food is fantastic and the choices numerous! Service is incredible (especially our server Esteban)! Cocktails and wine choices are also well selected. I highly recommend this place and all of its locations around the city!
SH
Shivani Sheopory
Very good quality Venezuelan food, good ambience, friendly service. The quantities looked small (thankfully, yay to not serving US portions) but the food was rich. Not overwhelming. They also have an amazing whole bottle of chilli sauce on your table! Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
AL
Alessandro V.
Very good small plates that are fun to share. Empanadas and Arepas are must try. The Chorizo burger is delicious. Sangria is spiced with cinnamon and is tasty. If you want tasty Venezuelan food, definitely try this place out. This place has a nice outdoor patio area as well.
SE
Serena Facchinetti
A little restaurant almost hidden - look for the entrance on an alley! Food is ok and for the most part really South American. I had a special (foie gras empanada) and was not impressed. The side of crispy Yucca I loved, but know its covered in really strong garlic sauce!
AN
anggie estanga
No era lo que esperaba, pues la Sra. de la entrada fue muy grosera, sin embargo el camarero fue muy amable y servicial.
DA
Daniella Tedesco
Arepas is a great option if you are looking for fulfilling and healthy gluten free food. If you dont eat meat, try the Arepa Jardinera. If you do, I recommend the Arepa Pelúa. And if you love plantain just like me, youll enjoy the Maracuchitos as a starter.
HA
Hansel M.
the arepas are the highlight here. I recommend just ordering a few of these for the entire meal (2 per person is a moderate portion), the cheese on them was addictive! They also had some interestin appz, but I didnt get any of those.
GH
ghenry navarro
The host was terrible!! Friday August 11th we arrived at the restaurant at 2:19 PM and that person told us that the restaurant was closed although the sign says will close at 2:30 PM. I guess isnt Venezuelan anymore!!
AN
Andrew Facini
Delicious Venezuelan meals of various sizes in a beautifully tucked away spot in the Square. Often overlooked because its away from the street! Go on a beautiful day and get an arepa on the back patio ☺️
JE
Jefferson Lee
The food here is great. Both of types of empanadas are delicious, as are the side salad that accompanies them. I also highly recommend the tequenos and the hot sauce if you like spicy foods.
CH
Charlie Draper
This restaurant doesnt take reservations, and its easy to see why. The food was fantastic. Turn up and try your luck. We were a group of six and got a table within twenty minutes.
AD
Adam White
A tad overlooked, but the awesome little restaurant has delicious everything (I love the mango ribs!) an incredible hot sauce and a patio that cant be beat in the summer.
EL
Elizabeth Schneider
I enjoyed the empanadas and palmito salad and of course the bacon wrapped dates. The cocktails are a treat, especially when enjoyed on the outside patio in summer.
LA
Laura Donnay
Charming place to eat. Great food and choice of wines. Small starters and main dishes, possibility to share. Beautiful and quiet garden at the back.
JE
Jesse Whelan
Food here was good but staff were pretty disorganized making the place feel chaotic. You must try the mushroom flat bread and little dough pockets.
BR
Brian Dubois
Weve been to this location and the one in South End. Once we went with my Venezuelan uncle and he was super happy with the food.
SI
Sindy Tan
Good seafood options. There is not much seating here, so this might be good for a quiet dinner but definitely not big groups.
ER
Erin Bishop
Nice staff, delicious food. Depending on how busy they are, they may or may not seat you before your whole party arrives.
ME
Megan Drahos
Fantastic dining experience, true Venezuelan eatery with many options. Exceptional service and on point recommendations.
AN
andrea pena
The best attempt on real Venezuelan food Ive eat in the east coast! Good job you guys! Also, excellent service....
TE
Teddy Cleveland
Really delicious food. Be aware, it gets pretty crowded during peak hours and they dont take reservations.
LU
Luis Quiroga
This is the best place to eat Arepas in Boston. Also the maracuchitos or the ribs are great appetizers.
MI
Miguel Torres
Great atmosphere, a little hidden, but very nice and friendly. The empanadas and arepas were amazing!
LE
Lena Wu
One of my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. Lovely backyard and indoor low-top tables. Try arepas.
HE
Heather Charron
Hidden gem in Harvard Square. Cozy and homey vibe with delicious Venezuelan options. Try the ribs!
DO
Don Johnson
Cozy place with delicious food. I would definitely go back. And their hot sauce! It was great.
DE
Desiree Davison
the empanadas are heavenly. perfect portion size. new favorite lunch spot in harvard sq.
ST
Stella Viktoria Schieffer
Nice restaurant with cozy outside patio and interesting selection of Venezuelan dishes.
JA
Jahred Liddie
The food is great! Its not in the best location or easy to find, but its great eats!
