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Aceituna Cafe
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
605 W Kendall StCambridge, MA 02142
Neighborhoods: East Cambridge, Kendall Square/MIT
(617) 252-0707
- Nearest Transit:
-
Main St @ Kendall Station - Red Line (64, 68, 85, CT2)
Kendall/mit Station - Inbound (Red Line)
Kendall/mit Station - Outbound (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
109 reviews for Aceituna Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Best chicken shawarma wrap in the Cambridge area." In 11 reviews -
"Falafel - excellent array of colorful (hot pink." In 34 reviews -
"Their stuffed grape leaves are very tasty as well." In 5 reviews
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109 reviews in English
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Review from Faith D.
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I guess I was imagining more of a menu in lap, sit at table, waiter service when coming here...but it's more casual, menu above, move through line place.
The area doesn't seem as lively on a Saturday afternoon, but then it looks like it's in a newly developing area. The T line isn't too far away, just a brief 5 minute walk.
The food was really good and plentiful! I really liked the spicy potatoes paired with the couscous salad and grape leaves. I ordered the 3 veggie dish and it was delicious and filling!
I would check this place out if you don't want a fancy dining experience and don't want to break the bank. -
Review from James P.
Canton, MA
1/7/2012
This place is close to my office so I have eaten there a bunch of times. I have very mixed feelings about it. I really like falafel so the first few times I went to this place that is what I ordered. However I have to say their falefel is the worst I have ever had. I have eaten it three times just to verify that my findings were not a fluke. It is mushy and extremely salty. So offensive that each time I went there I did not even finish my food (which for me is unheard of).
That being said after I gave up on their falafel I started ordering their chicken sharawama pocket instead of the falefel and it is actually quite good. I enjoy the pickeled vegetables that are thrown in and the chicken is freshly cooked and juicy. If it wasn't for the chicken this would be a one star.
The price at this place is moderate for lunch considering the sandwiches come a-la-carte without fries or other sides, but reasonable for the quality. Their is a reasonable amount of space to sit but it does get pretty busy at lunchtime during the noon peak hour.
Not a bad place... just avoid the falafel. -
Review from Julia N.
Boston, MA
1/1/2012
Had the chicken sharawama. Holy isht, Batman, it was amazing. AND different flavored fruit Snapples? No wai.
Seriously. I'm a n00b at Mediterranean food. I literally went in there and was like "so what do people get? OK. I'll get that. OK, yeah sure. Uh huh." Price is great, amount is great.. large enough glass windows so I can creep on people walking down the sidewalks and not feel like a hamster.
Yeah, so there was a.. mmm.. turnip in the wrap? Might I warn you that it is AWESOME. I'm so bleh towards weird sounding vegetables (SPINACH? Whaaaa..), but wow. Good food. So. If you ever decide to hit up the List Visual Center, this is a perfect place for lunch. Seriously. You like jammin' food down your throat, this is a good joint. -
Review from Eunice J.
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
OMGOMG DROOLLL
The absolute BEST chicken shwarma wrap that I've had. I recommend getting the spicy chicken (mild), a little garlic sauce, and everything. Garlic sauce can make the wrap a little too saucy, and only hummus makes it a bit dry. They add turnip, and pickles which I've never heard of... but... DELICIOUS. I love the wrap so much that I have yet to try the plates here. I eat this around 5pm and I'm full until midnight. It's less than a block from Voltage Coffee so I definitely recommend eating a wrap here, and heading down there to study. -
Review from Hieu P.
Malden, MA
The place is clean and neat. People are nice and polite. For some reason I don't like the food much. The meat is too dried and less fat.
I ordered number 2, and my friend had number 5. the bill was $27, so the price is relatively cheap with big potion. The best thing is about location where you can easily get parked.
They have an iPhone app. Check it out -
Review from Len G.
Newton, MA
4/4/2012
Have been coming to Aceituna for several years for lunch. If you're craving middle eastern food in kendal square then this is the place to go. The food is fresh and reasonably priced. Beef shwarma and spicy chicken combo are my favorites. Sometimes during lunch it becomes very busy right around noon on weekdays.
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Review from Brian W.
Stoneham, MA
3/27/2012
Usually pretty good, sometimes very good. They keep the line moving and it seems like decent quality. No complaints yet with any of the standards that I have tried.
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Review from Chupacabra X.
Boston, MA
5/4/2012
Love the flat kibbe. The desserts are good.
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Review from Ron R.
Boston, MA
12/8/2011
Fantastic Mediterranean food, for a decent price. Everything was extremely fresh and flavorful. Felt full after only a few bites, but I kept wanting to eat!
The place is clean and airy. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. -
Review from Jade G.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/4/2012
Today marks my last time to Aceituna. The food here is great however if you have a food allergy don't expect to be taken too seriously. I showed the waiter my allergy to gluten card and was served rice laced with wheat noodles. While they replaced the dish, I had already consumed some and will now be sick for a week. Please educate your servers about the content of your foods Aceituna. There aren't that many items on the menu so it shouldn't be hard to do.
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Review from You W.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA
4/16/2012
The Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wrap!!! That is all!
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Review from Erica K.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was really hungry when I went to Aceituna... with that being said, you really have to question underwhelming food when your stomach is growling. I ordered a Falafel, and while the size was generous, the sodium levels completely dominated this wrap! Now I've had a lot of salty balls in my mouth before (just kidding... or am I?), but these were nauseating. I also grabbed a Pistachio Baklava, another fav of mine--well, not this one. It was really bland! My husband on the other hand seemed to enjoy his food, I forgot what he ordered (something with beef) but I do remember his plate being massive! One thing I will say, although my experience wasn't too good here, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
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Review from Amy L.
Malden, MA
4/19/2012
A great inexpensive place to go to for lunch. But it's not a evening place to take a date here. I recommend the Shawarma and forget the stuff grapleaves, I had much better else where. They also a few vegetarian options.
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Review from Cat M.
Boston, MA
3/4/2012
I simply agree with the other reviews here and I crave the chicken shawarma here almost every other day in the week ! They remember that I always order shawarma and tabouli, I think I should try some other things on the menu but I'm addicted to saucy pickled veggies and tabouli :( This is my favorite lunch place in Kendall!!
Edit: Shish kabob plate is also amazing! :D -
Review from Sergey A.
Brighton, MA
8/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Let me start off by thanking Aceituna Cafe for its existence :)
It's hard to find good shawarma in the Boston / Cambridge area... This place definitely tops my list for most delicious / healthy lunch. The staff is extremely friendly and always get my order on the dot. I would recommend that you order a spicy chicken wrap, you won't be disappointed.
My only complaint about this place is that it is a little too pricey... Too bad I am addicted and I come here almost every week hahaha -
Review from Rashed A.
Manchester, NH
1/26/2012
I taste all the varieties, all delicious, but I expect that Aelchorma the best dish they have is my favorite
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Review from Ketra K.
Cambridge, MA
3/23/2012
I admit ahead of time that I am biased towards Mediterranean food and I absolutely love this place. The chicken shwarma is awesome and the portions are pretty good as well.. Their hummus is great which is very important to me and they are not stingy while applying it to your sandwiches.
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Review from Shauni D.
Cambridge, MA
12/15/2011
This place is thoroughly meh and kind of overpriced. I've gotten lunch here a couple times and tried both the falafel wrap and the greek salad with chicken shawarma. I've had tastier falafel wraps from food trucks at half the price. The shawarma was pretty tasty but the salad was watery and flat.
Everyone I was with remarked that their wraps were on the small side. -
Review from Katie D.
Boston, MA
8/14/2011
Aceituna is about as good as it gets in the Kendall Square lunch scene. I tried a falafel pita and a "side" of spicy potatoes my first time. The pita was alright, not thrilling, but the potatoes .... they were great. However, expensive for a side and VERY generously served - I basically could order potatoes for my whole meal. If I really loved them, I guess I would.
I've been at least 25 times since this first time, and ordered the same thing every time - the spicy chicken plate is a solid dish. The chicken's seasoned perfectly and grilled, though sometimes a bit dry. I started getting a side of cous cous instead of rice, and lately swapped out the garlic sauce with hummus, and the dish is even better. The salad and pickled veggies are always fresh, which is nice, and pretty tasty (and veggies are always the last thing I notice, if at all!). Insider tip - get that orange/pinkish spicy sauce for the chicken - Boom. Perfection.
Overall, wonderful lunch spot, though I'm glad I've got a small stomach and full after only 1/2 the plate usually -- for $12, it's nice to get 2 lunches out of it instead of just 1. Also, lucky I work right next door at the CIC -- going early (11:30) is pretty much the only way you can get a table during the lunch rush, so it's good and quick for take out. Otherwise, it's really nice to sit outside and listen to music out front on Thursdays during the summer. -
Review from Krassi G.
Bethesda, MD
12/4/2011
Excellent!
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Review from Jessie Z.
3/4/2011
Yum! Just enjoyed a lovely falafel pita with a few grapeleaves stashed for a snack later. Very tasty. The pita comes with pickles (oh yes!) but next time I think i'm gonna ask for hummus as well.
Falafels were good, very flavorful and not too dry.
Reason for the 4 stars - just a little pricey for lunch. Maybe a once very two weeks for a visit? -
Review from Sam L.
Boston, MA
1/16/2011
This place is right next to where I work, so it's just convenient. I don't think the food is that great at all; it's not bad, but I've had much better.
I usually stick to the falafel wraps and chicken schwarmas. I always feel like the chicken is dry though.
Atmosphere is good for a casual lunch. The place is packed between 12-1:30p, so I usually try to head down there at 11:50a if I'm planning on getting some takeout. Service is pretty quick though.
I still grab lunch from this place when I'm in a rush and sick of the cafeteria food, but I do wish there were better mediterranean restaurants in the area. -
Review from Shaina P.
Updated - 11/12/2010 6 Check-ins Here
OK fine. I'm totally a regular. A regular on Thursdays for the day's special. People always ask me what it is, but quite honestly, I have no. idea. I think it's blended grape leaves, which creates a lovely stew base for some big chunks o' moist (yes, moist) chix breast, and topped with raw white onion, vinegar, and lemon. Nom nom nom.
Update: the greens are jute leaves, a healthy green that grows in Egypt and other places around there... TYumListed in: My Cambridge: the…, Find Me At ...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2007
Another convenient place to eat in Kendall Square. It's located just outside of the Genzyme… Read more »
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Review from Lynn C.
Updated - 8/18/2010
To be honest, the only thing I ever eat there is their chicken shwarma. One time I had the beef and I didnt like the grassy taste which reminded me of lamb more than beef. Went there again tonight and had their chicken shwarma plate...sooo good! you must get it with the onion! I was full to start and thought I wouldnt eat much, but I ate a lot still, and just thinking about it is making me salivate even though I'm still really full.
Aceituna, I can eat you everyday.Listed in: Casual Dining
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/19/2010
I heard this place has a line that goes around the building during lunch. Luckily I've only been… Read more »
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Review from danielle l.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/1/2011
Decent wraps. I usually get the chicken schwarma or the falafel wrap. The falafel is alright, and certainly not the best I've ever had. The schwarma is fresh and served carved off the spit, and everything is made to order in front of you. If you're not a fan of pickles or pickled things, the wraps probably aren't for you.
Not a fan of the Greek salad. I thought it'd be the typical Greek salad with lettuce, feta, olives, etc. but it's actually a fuckload of tomatoes with feta. I _hate_ tomatoes, so this is not for me.
It gets _really_ busy here during lunchtime. You might be waiting for quite awhile.
Decent food in Kendall, for takeout or dine-in. -
Review from Chris M.
11/4/2010 3 Check-ins Here
When coworkers said Mediterranean place, i thought, god i hope i can get chicken.
Little did I know how much I'd enjoy my chicken shaved off the giant rotisserie thing. Oh my, the spicy chicken was amazing. So good. and I could get it w/ rice, awesome. Pretty much all i want in a meal.
The only thing I didn't care for, was the salad / hummus that also came on the plate. Aceituna just give me meat and rice please! if you do this I'll never leave your side.
Generous portions. Really good chicken. Actual breasts not processed white meat from au bon pan, cosi, etc. It's definitely a place to be a regular at. -
Review from Shannon S.
Somerville, MA
7/21/2008
In the food desert that is Kendall Square, Aceituna might very well be 4 stars. The food is fresh, hot and the portions are way oversized (though the price is pretty rough at 10 bucks a plate -- but you can easily save the leftovers until the next day.) I'm not a huge fan of the Falafel here, tastes a little like Ramen, but damn -- the kabobs and shwarma really make my belly, deprived of delicious lunch eats (because Kendall Square blows) very very happy.
There is plenty of seating (inside & outside) not far from the Kendall T, but I don't picture you coming here unless you're looking for lunch eats. Though, they do pretty good for themselves (they're not far from Lechemere if you need other options) and they're right across the street from Genzeyme.
The hummus is quite tasty here, I only wish their pita was a little thicker but their Orzo & Schwarma totally make up for it, as well as their grape leaves. Yum! -
Review from Sarah G.
Somerville, MA
5/2/2007
3 stars for falafel only at this point, but other stuff looked good enough to return for. Weird location but packed at lunch.
Falafel - excellent array of colorful (hot pink!) crazy (hot pink and pickled!) veggies to add to your sandwich. Falafel looked light and fluffly and wonderful, but was gritty as hell and the sandwich was way too salty to enjoy.
However - jeeze louise, the options for the vegetarian combos look awesome and definitely deserve a second visit.Listed in: Six falafels in five days
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Review from Susan M.
Somerville, MA
7/24/2007
I got stuck on this place when I was working in Kendall Square at what could be the worst job ever. Okay, I overstate but still, I remember the happiness that this place brought to the blight that was my office.
I worked with a bunch of folk from saudi arabia, israel, bahrain, etc. and they were all huge fans of this place (ordering in other languages and whatnot) so I figured it had to be good.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that it is a tad pricey however, if you know what you're doing it isn't so bad. You can easily split a schwarma plate with another person and even with sodas and a side of of falafel it still only comes to like $16 total ($8 each).
I have long since left my crappy job behind but I still come to Kendall Square for Aceituna. I don't know what it is but I LOVE their chicken schwarma. Plus, they're pretty easygoing about making it how I like it (half hummus/half garlic sauce; half spicy potatoes/half rice).Listed in: Places to Order Takeout From…
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Review from Julian H.
Cambridge, MA
9/15/2007 1 photo
My first Lebanese cuisine in the States was here in Aceituna. Thanks Randa, my Lebanese friend for introducing me to this place. The food here was really good. Seats were ample and you get your own food at the self-service counter. The atmosphere was lively and patrons were mostly mid-easterns. I managed to try various kinds of appetizers, entrees and desserts here. For a self-service cafe, the price was a little on the higher side but for the clean, friendly and fast service, I can't complaint much.
On the food, the portion was really generous. The ladies didn't finish theirs. I had to struggle with my Beef Shwarma which was served with rice-noodles and tobouleh, which my Lebanese friend said was original. The taste was up to my standard. I would definitely come again here. -
Review from Renee G.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2007
My main issue with Aceituna is the "garlic sauce" that they put on their shawarma sandwiches. As far as I can tell, it's glorified mayonnaise, and it doesn't really add anything. Where's the tahini? I will admit that the pickled turnips are kind of awesome. Maybe I should branch out and try something different. But the place is still really overpriced - if I really want Middle Eastern food, most days I'd rather go to the truck in the MIT parking lot a few blocks away for literally half the price. It's not like you're paying extra for ambiance.
Their catering, however, is really, really, really good (well, everything's good when it's going on the corporate card, right?). Occasionally we'll have them cater meetings in my office and we're always sure to overorder so there are plenty of leftovers. The hummus, baba ghannoush, and tabbouleh are all wonderful scooped up in pita bread. The Greek salad is awesome, with hunks of feta and olives and all the good stuff that is lacking in in so many others. Their couscous salad and eggplant/tomato/chickpea concoction are also freakishly tasty. Their kebabs are so tender and delicious. And their baklava...oh my goodness. It's extra sweet, which might be a dealbreaker for some people, but I say the more honey the better. Yum. -
Review from Naomi U.
Cambridge, MA
3/25/2007
I am giving them a 5 star rating for their falafel sandwich and tabouli salad. It is truly the best I've had since Beirut!
They have perfect pickled radishes to put in the inside of the falafel sandwich. -
Review from Jeremy K.
3/11/2008
This lebanese restaurant is awesome and despite it's business-lunch type of hours, it offers very authentic, healthy food. The chefs must be doing something right because their falafel aren't too greasy and are just right. Their salads are refreshing, their kefta well cooked and their kebabs full of flavor. Their stuffed grape leaves are very tasty as well.
Your best bet at this place is too get a plate or sampler since they are much better means of getting a real flavor experience there since the bread in the sandwiches could take that away a bit and could mask the flavors. The portions are just right as well. Not small but not gigantic either. You will leave happy.
The staff there is great and the prices are decent. Overall it's an awesome which is becoming quite famous in the area. -
Review from Vanilla P.
San Lorenzo, CA
7/24/2007
Best falafel I've found so far in Cambridge. The tabbouleh was awesome and fresh tasting, and if you get your meal to go, try sitting in the little park area across the street -- so relaxing.
Tip: If you go after 6 PM, you don't have to mess with the suits who hold up the line. Plus, there's no one in the park but you, your falafel wrap, and the stray kitty who's dying for your leftovers. -
Review from Carol O.
Cambridge, MA
12/16/2009
There's nothing completely WRONG about Aceituna. It's more that I've been here twice and have been completely underwhelmed.
The food is fine (I've had the falafel wrap as well as the chicken plate) but it's pretty overpriced for meh food. Nothing ever tastes bad, off or gross so I guess I have to give them credit for that. And I do LOVE their pickled turnip bits (which they happily add a little extra to my wrap when asked).
Both times I've been the line has been rather nuts, but there didn't seem to be any waits for tables.
So, in short, a solid bet if you find yourself in the area. But nothing I'd go out of my way to go to. -
Review from Sam F.
Cambridge, MA
3/28/2007
It's good.
Firstly, it's authentic, second it's well prepared, and thirdly it's much needed variety in the otherwise bland Kendal food scene.
The one reason it didn't make five stars is that it's a bit pricey. $9 for a shwarma is just not right. But it sure is tasty. I'd suggest skipping the pickled radishes though. Eww.
A few night ago I had the kabbab plate. Delicious! The meat was so tender and succulent that my mouth is watering as I type this.
Check it out. -
Review from J. H.
Cambridge, MA
8/24/2005 4 photos
Aceituna Cafe is a relatively new addition to the Kendall Square neighborhood. It's primary clietele are people from the office buildings and labs in the area. They call themselves a "gourmet fast-food" restaurant.
Aceituna serves up generous portions of Mediterranean and Lebanese food. My favorites are the beef shawarma roll-up and the veggie combo plate (where you get a choice of 3 of their veggie offerings, such as tabouli, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, roasted eggplant, hummus and more!).
The seating area is spacious and clean, but has a Panerra Bread or Au Bon Pain feel to it. In warmer weather you can grab a seat at on of the patios on the adjoining plaza. -
Review from A B.
Boston, MA
2/26/2010
Nestled between a state-of-the-art Genzyme building and semi-vacant MIT real estate, Acietuna offers up a simple, yet delightful middle eastern menu in a wasteland of dorky pubs, bad pizza, greasy chinese food, and boring burrito joints.
Okay, so its not like sharwarma is the most exciting thing in the world, but their shawarma is really top notch and even easily overlooked items, like the vegetables with couscous, are excellent.
Oddly, delivery trays have much larger portions than if you do take-out or dine in. Speaking of dining in - Acietuna is completely empty at night, relying more on local, middle eastern families to roll up in their giant Range Rovers or BMW SUVs for take-out.
Also - their desserts are some of the only ones I've ever had in a commercial restaurant that are not too sweet. Their use judicious use of sugar allows the subtleties of their other ingredients to shine through. -
Review from Aboud Y.
Cambridge, MA
10/8/2010
This place is the real deal Holyfield.
All the food is authentic, well-prepared, and absolutely delicious. The shawarma is good but its the shish kabob that's the knock out punch. It's mouth wateringly good...the daily/weekly specials are also great.
The service is also fast and courteous. I'll be back for more. -
Review from tomato s.
MA
2/18/2007
Maybe the meat is good here - the rotating shwarmas look pretty decent, if one is inclined to that sort of thing. But I'm vegetarian and I haven't been too thrilled with the vegetarian selections. There are plenty of vegetarian selections - but everything sounds (or looks) better than it tastes. Nothing bad, but overall it seems a bit bland or watery. and I also find it a little expensive for what it is.
One exception is the veggie rollup, which is tasty (with those pickled turnips) and decently-priced.
Despite all of this, it's a good option for lunch in the Kendall area. There's something for everybody, and it gets crowded during lunch but there usually seems to be enough seating. Also in the summer you can get it to go and eat in the little park outside (not sure what will happen with the new skating rink).
