Oleana Restaurant

 

3

8

Michael C.

San Francisco, CA

Bottom line this is the best restaurant in Boston (even though it's in Cambridge). Everything on the menu while adventurous, is excellent. The food is very flavorful. My favorite items on the menu are the Beef Tamarind, Baked Alaska, and all of their chicken/duck/lamb dishes. Plus in the Spring and Summer their outdoor patio is amazing

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6

101

Meredith K.

Somerville, MA

I've gone here a few times and the food is always solid - I have a hard time finding something I feel like eating. The menu is inventive which is cool, but can be intimidating - luckily  everything I've picked so far  I have liked. So it doesn't appear there is anything bad on the menu. Take a risk - you may just find you like it!  

They have a very cozy restaurant with a nice fire in the winter, and I love the summer outdoor seating.

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10

50

luke b.

MA

I wish I could give this place 800 stars.  AMAZING food, AMAZING service.  I'm shocked by some of the reviews here.  "Not many choices"... uhh, yeah when you're used to dining at TGIFriday's or The Cheesecake factory, Oleana may seem limited in its choices.  RIDICULOUS! I had a hard time choosing, everything looked so good. "Too many spices used"    I hate people... YOU'RE AT A TURKISH/MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT DUMB ASS!!!  If you're not into different flavors, why did you go to Oleana?  And sure some people go on off nights, but i feel it's worth another try.  EVERY restaurant has off nights.  OH, and to the guy who wasn't let in because of what he was wearing, You must've been dressed pretty poorly because the place was full of sneakers, jeans and baseball hats.  

Anyway... i love this place.  The food is amazing, so well done and creative, the staff was MORE than helpful especially the sommelier who talked to us at length about an amazing wine and then suggested another one to try AND brought us complimentary digestifs.  amazing.  I couldn't say a bad thing about Oleana.  And if you DID give this place a bad review, i suggest you give it another try.  

Oh, the only complaint i did have was the over privileged JACK ASS sitting next to us who was splayed on his chair like he owned the place and then complained that his "dish" wasn't as good as it had been that Thursday... when we had ordered the exact same thing and found it perfectly done.  I love people who will complain just to complain.

Just another little note:  Ok, you go to a restaurant you KNOW is expensive and complain? WTF?  Yes... good food in ANY city is overpriced.  But 1. think about the quality of food you're getting and 2. think about the preparation and time that goes into what you're getting.  If you want cheap meat, go to stop and shop and cook it your damned self!  Don't ruin a yelp review just because you're too cheap to enjoy a nice meal.  You don't like the prices? Move to a cheaper city... or don't go out.  Easy as that.  Oh, and i DON'T eat at places like Oleana because it makes me feel ecclectic or warm and fuzzy 'cause i'm a dumb hick and i's eatin' ethnic food for the first time ever... NO!  I go to places like Oleana because i KNOW i'll get good food, good service and have a great time all around.

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0

6

kaylee i.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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2

12

Leah E.

Boston, MA

One of my dear friends shares my birthday so we get together every year to celebrate our births.  This year we chose Oleana.  I had already been with my parents last year and while we all enjoyed the meal, it wasn't quite magical.  

But last night was fantastic.  I ordered the two specials for the evening.  A different take on greek salad and a stew with meatballs.  The spicing and flavors had me going "oh wow, oh wow" all evening.  The food was divine.  If I could have licked my plates clean, I might have done so.

My friend and I love dessert and ordered three for the two of us to share.  A lovely baked Alaska, bread pudding and a cold meyers lemon souffle.   The bread pudding was my friend's favorite and I loved the textures and flavors in the baked Alaska.

Yes, the service was really nothing special and sure the busyboy did knock a full glass of water over so I ended up with a wet white shirt and wet jeans (ick) but no biggie.  Stuff happens and at least it wasn't wine. They were sweet about it and gave us one of the many desserts we ordered on the house to make up for it.

This is meal was probably one of the best I've had in Boston so far and I can't wait to get back in the summer and see what's new on the menu.

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Elite '08

75

195

Sasha R.

Brighton, MA

Well, apparently, I'm now making trips to recognized YELP hotspots; wtih 115 reviews, who needs an introduction to this place?

This is what happened.  My palate and tastebuds were hohumming all week and wanted some excitement.

Oleana provided many original flavor combinations, delicious ingredients I don't know how to cook myself, and an intimate dining environment with a woodburning stove.

The only minus is, as the four of us got tipsy with the two bottles of wine, there was absolutely no wiggle room for getting rowdy - it's so intimate and little.

I can live with that minus.  Force me to be civilized.

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8

21

Maggie B.

Lynnfield, MA

Oleana is my absolute favorite restaurant in Boston. Sure, Oleana is actually in Cambridge. But, for me, Oleana beats out all of those far fancier spots in downtown Boston and beyond.

Oleana's menu is far more interesting and inventive than most menus in town. The flavors are amazing and unique, even for eastern Mediterranean cuisine (which is unique to begin with!) But the fine, flavorful food is one mere advantage to this hot spot.

I've rarely dined in such a delightful atmosphere. The hosts are accommodating, the servers are both super knowledgeable and friendly and the energy in the air is electric and inviting. Oleana feels like a great party with loads of friends. I loved the atmosphere so much that during some down time last year, I opted to host there and really loved the experience. (That's my disclaimer: I worked there for 3 months. But still, I dined there before and after my work experience and the service and food have never faltered.)

My favorite dishes: the Sultan's Delight, the Falafel (truly amazing!) and the Baked Alaska (enough for 2). Make sure to ask for the sommelier (she's there most nights) as she'll help you find the perfect wine, in a reasonable price range, for your meal.

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1

19

Raj B.

Cambridge, MA

Several of us had the vegetarian tasting menu.  While the food served was indeed interesting at times, I think Oleana is expensive for what you get.

I could have been just as happy by only having two orders of their falafels which are certainly some of the best in town.  Worth the hassle of making a reservation just for that.

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0

23

Chance X.

Boston, MA

Both food and service are excellent! You have to try the beef appetizer and the baked Alaska. I saw lots of people ordered a flamable cheese dish too. Sadly my friend doesn't eat cheese so we didn't order it. I bet it much be delicious too. Love it, will definitely go back~ :-)

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3

5

Matthew G.

Cambridge, MA

This restaurant is incredible. I had no idea what half of the things on the menu were, but they were all delicious. My waitress was very helpful in recommending dishes and wine pairings. They take their food and wine very seriously at Oleana.

I have never had armenian bean paste with walnut pate and homemade string cheese before, but it's great. The same goes for the ricotta and bread dumplings I had for my main course.

Words really cannot describe how unique the cuisine is at Oleana. It's no wonder the chefs have won so many awards.

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5

9

Kate M.

Somerville, MA

I came here to try the vegetarian tasting menu.  Being a new vegetarian, I wasn't disappointed!  The concoctions were creative.

Some of my favorite things on the menu were the ricotta and bread dumplings in a red wine sauce (wonderful!) and haloumi wrapped in grape leaves and set on fire with ouzo.  And the spinach falafel -- oh my GOD, it was good!!!  It came with pickled beets that tasted "like Christmas," as my sister and I said!

Also, the bread selection is in a class of its own.  Get some of the spreads.

The atmosphere was serene and not overwhelming.  As for our service, it left a bit to be desired -- our server never introduced herself, nor did she even crack a smile at any point in time.  A small caveat, but it made a big impact on our evening.

Overall, a great place to try.  It isn't as mainstream or incredibly popular as many places in Boston or even Cambridge, and that's why I liked it.

Pros:
--Wonderful food
--Great for vegetarians

Cons:
--If you sit in a booth, the seats against the wall are uncomfortable -- it's like sitting on a flat board.
--Not easily T-accessible

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2

43

Olivia L.

Cambridge, MA

Ok, so I've heard a lot about this place, mostly involving flaming, ouzou-soaked haloumi.  But, I wanted to go somewhere special for an anniversary, and we hadn't been yet, so ...

There were two of us, and we decided to go unconventional.  Meaning:  just one of us got the vegetarian tasting menu, and the other ordered two courses.  Well, that was a great call!  (pats self on back)

On the dishes that we ordered:  

They had a gouda fondue appetizer that I highly recommend.  It came with amazing eggplant fritters, red potatoes wrapped in prosciutto, charred brussel sprouts, three chutneys to cut the palate, and a bunch of other stuff I don't remember.  The gouda was surprisingly smooth and not oily (after that review in the NYT food section, I expected a lot of oily separation, but they did it really well).  

Of course we had the lamb as the main course.  Well seasoned, and perfectly medium, but I felt that the portion was pretty small (3 chops??).  

The tasting menu was very good as well, but stuck to the menu more than I would have wanted.  We did get the olives (briny tasty good) and the dumplings (eh, not a fan) from the normal menu, and a very oaty re-formed pate something with tasty home made string cheesse.  But there was a shaved fennel citrus salad that was fantastic.  There were at least three other dishes (yes, there was a bonus), but they all ran together after the fourth or fifth course.  

Overall:  A lot of food, but a lot of money.  For special occasions, maybe.  Don't get more than one tasting menu at the table.

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Elite '08

101

210

Erica S.

Somerville, MA

I think Oleana needs and deserves yet another 5 star review. I am in heaven. Oleana knows food. The chef is a goddess.

I'll start of by saying that our waitress was an absolute gem. She didn't hover at all, but gave us the perfect amount of attention and privacy. She was incredibly helpful and friendly, and really stood out to me as an exceptional server. I wish I'd caught her name.

First off, with the vegan boyfriend in tow, we needed her to give us the rundown of what on the menu he could eat. She happily pointed out a few appetizers he could have, and also said the chef would be happy to whip up a "vegan plate," something special that she'd concoct on the spot, just for him. Of course he ordered that, along with a pureed carrot "pret a manger," a small starting dish.

His food was impressive. The vegan plate turned out to be a tantalizing array of food, presented beautifully and rich with flavor. Honestly, I was kind of jealous. It included a roasted artichoke, stuffed with couscous and lentils, roasted mushrooms topped with a sweet potato and garlic puree, brussels sprouts, and two dipping sauces, one of pickled mango and the other Zhoug, a spicy cilantro sauce. I'll just say he was very happy as he devoured his plate of food.

I dove right into the menu and order an appetizer of ricotta and bread dumplings with porcini mushrooms and kale, in a red wine sauce. Divine. That's the only word to describe this dish. Heaven. Jeebus, I'm still fantasizing about it. The sauce, the creaminess, the flavor of the porcini with the kale as an accent, ahhh sent me into orgasmic spasms. It was comfort food at its finest, hearty and satisfying. I want to eat it again and again.

As an entree I tried the lemon sole, served with spinach and pistachio, cauliflower,  and a buttery sauce. The flavors were right on, and honestly cauliflower has never tasted so good. My fish was cooked perfectly. I couldn't really taste the pistachio but I could see it. Honestly, my appetizer stole the show, but the sole was delicious as well.

Dessert-- stuffed to the brim, we decided we still couldn't say no to some sweets to top us off. Once again, the waitress returned to make some vegan recommendations-- the almond cremolata, as it turns out, is made from almond milk and is dairy free. It was just like ice cream, rich and creamy and topped with almonds slivers. On the side was a warm chocolate panino, not vegan, but I was happy to gobble it down. It reminded me of a grilled cheese, with pastry for the bread and chocolate for the filling. It was a sugary, grilled chocolate sandwich. What more can you ask for?

The wine list was very impressive. We didn't order any because the meal already cost a fortune and we're broke asses. But I did get a bit shwilled off my 25.2 ounce Oleana 3-C beer, and the boy was happy as usual with his Trapiste ale, a Chamay this time.

Bonus: For all its fanciness, you can still get a $3 Pabst here. That's freakin awesome.

My review is going downhill as I begin to ramble about beer, so I will end now... So glad I finally went here and spent 1/8 of my paycheck on such a fabulous meal.

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0

4

liam f.

Somerville, MA

Before I get attached , see my reasoning.
Food--good
service-very good
Price--absolutely too high
The price does not fit the food. A beef brisket and only be soo good--so how can you charge $32 . I feel the price should be between 1/2 and 1/3 as much as it is. To spend over a hundred dollars for some pork medallions and beef brsket is ridiculous. Therefore--my conclusion is "OVERRATED", but the food and service was good. the one star is to off-set all the overraters that get warm and fuzzy from eating ethnic food and paying way to much because it makes them feel ecclectic.

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Elite '08

47

131

Kelly Z.

Somerville, MA

S and I had such a great experience here-- I'm not really sure how non-vegetarians could possibly enjoy Oleana as much as we did. We both ordered the vegetarian tasting menu and each got different dishes-- score! 10 dishes! 2 desserts!

They suggested that we ask for anything on the menu we particularly want to try, and inform them of anything we especially dislike.

Mezze 1:
-Warm cretan olives with oregano and sesame seeds
-Whipped feta with garlicky roasted peppers
-Spicy carrot puree with cumin, nuts, and olive oil
-Bean hummus with tomatoes and olives

Mezze 2:
-Shredded romaine salad with shaved radish, pecan labne and pita toast with sumac
-Fresh mozzarella stuffed with yogurt over lebanese chick pea salad (tasted curryish)

Mezze 3:
-Spinach falafel over beet tapenade with cinnaminy pickled turnips and mache on lavash

Mezze 4:
-Lemon egg sauce over a leek and kale dish
-Same lemon egg sauce over a brussels sprouts cauliflower dish on cous cous

Mezze 5:
-Bread and ricotta dumplings with red wine mushroom sauce
-Chickpeas in saffron vermicelli

Dessert:
-Nougat glace with tangerine sections and tangerine sorbet
-Frozen meyer lemon souffle with rose petal jam and lemon curd

It's very tempting in the first mezze to fill up on bread-- don't do it!

My absolute favorite was the lemony egg sauce over the brussels sprouts cauliflower cous cous dish, S's favorite was the bread and ricotta dumplings (which I loved, but would have enjoyed more had I not been so stuffed). A failure of an Israeli, I actually don't really like falafel, but this falafel dish was FABULOUS. I'll probably even order it when we return.

Definitely will come back here. Hopefully often.

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0

3

Alex H.

Boston, MA

Oleana is an interesting restaurant -- I both really enjoyed myself and found a few things a bit annoying.

Interior/Ambiance: Oleana is a beautifully appointed restaurant, with great lighting and color schemes, very intimate tables and eclectic, interesting music. The tables are placed very close to others, especially the two-tops, but the seating itself is comfortable.

Service: Our server was very good, with outstanding knowledge of the menu and a good knowledge of the wine list. We described to him what we were looking for in a wine, and he guided us to delicious french red. He was attentive, even when he became very busy. It seems to me that Oleana is a pool house (meaning all wait staff work together for common tips) because throughout our meal many people were managing the table, delivering food, and clearing plates. This was very efficient, but there were a few times when I felt a bit rushed. This was particularly evident in moving from our first course to our second -- the apps were on our table as someone was clearing the first course. The person clearing also stacked the plates on our table -- again, very fast, but not proper given the price one pays to eat here.

Food: The food was, for the most part, very good. The deviled egg starter I had was excellent, with bits of tuna and olives mixed in with creamy yolk. It was perfectly spiced and seasoned. Our apps were equally as good -- I had the spinach falafel, which was rich with a tahini and yogurt sauce with beets. My wife had a special salad, fresh greens with a huge hunk of fried feta and full fried figs. Both were beautifully prepared and delicious. It was with the entrees that the meal lost a bit of its luster. I had the duck schawarma with braised leeks, which I will be honest in saying I had no idea what to expect. What arrived was duck meat wrapped in a grilled flatbread with leeks and two sauces, a green cilantro concoction and a very spicy mango salsa. The duck was flavorful but somewhat disappointing, with too little duck meat and too much fatty connective tissue. The sauces were wonderful (especially the green sauce, which we ended up dunking some bread in), but completely overpowered the flavor of the meat. My wife had the lamb steak, which was described as having Turkish spices but to me simply tasted like mint infused lamb, and the fava-bean moussaka was bland.

Overall I enjoyed Oleana. When we do go back, however, I think we will stick to the wonderful appetizers and just order a few courses of those.

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3

30

Little P.

Somerville, MA

My boyfriend and I tried this place a while back.  It was arguably the finest gastronomic experience I have had in Boston (maybe tied with Monica's in the North End).  Everytime we find occasion to treat ourselves to a nice dinner, I enthusiastically suggest this place because it was so good.

I am a bread basket fiend, and the server had to refill it twice because we devoured the warm, delicious focacia-like bread.  The bread can be used to dip in their featured spreads.  We tried a hummous-like one.  We had the appetizer special- fried oysters in peach butter.  This was my first oyster experience.  They were delectable.  We had our entries but I forgot what we chose, as the oysters out-shone all.  Also of note- we had a coconut baked alaska for dessert (forked over $14 for it) and it was very unique, enormous, and tasty.  

So, as I mentioned before, I suggest this place everytime we plan a nice dinner. The boyfriend always counters with somewhere else (usually Monica's, now that I think of it).  I called him out on this, and he explained to me that he fears he'll throw down $60 for his part of the meal and come out hungry.   The portion size here is following the trend of so many other restaurants in the area- you pay a lot for not so much.  In Oleana's case, this does not bother me one bit.

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3

33

Stel B.

Somerville, MA

I'm not a vegetarian, but if there is but one possibility of my giving up the meats, it would probably involve feasting daily at Oleana.  

Now while Oleana is not a vegetarian restaurant, I just happened to order the vegetarian prix fixe menu plus wine pairing.  I know... I went all out, but no regrets here.  Looking back, stopping short would have been a terrible shame.

Oleana takes a lot of pride in their food and in their wine pairings.  You can taste all the thought that went into that menu...how all the ingredients melded together into the perfect crescendo in your mouth.

I was hoping the interior would be more romantic.  It's stylish with one of those bare, yet hip decores, but the tables are all very close together and the noise level can get up there.   (Mind you, all of this is no matter after a few drinks).  

I came here in the summertime when the patio was open.  On my way out, I caught a glimpse of that serene space out back and knew I shall return and give that meal its proper setting amidst the shrubbery and trellises...

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Elite '08

6

116

Adrienne T.

Cambridge, MA

So, there's no way I can NOT give Oleana 5 stars- it deserves them! There are a few personal minuses, though, so keep reading.

First, the staff was gracious, accomodating, and knowledgeable- ALL of them. Thanks especially to Dan.

The decor and lighting are beautiful. What a lovely place for a date, IF you are NOT culinary challenged, as I am.

I decided to open my mind and try something new with a group a friends.  I'd never eaten Mediterranean food before.  I'm pretty basic and predictable, and trying new foods isn't one of my most favorite things to do.  However, I'd heard SOOOO much about Oleana that I couldn't resist.

I had some sort of whipped feta from the Pret a Manger section of the menu, and it was heavenly.  It also was one of the things that contained all ingredients I was familiar with-smile.

For my entree, I again went with something where I was familiar with "most" of the ingredients, I got the flank steak that was wrapped in a sashimi with some kind of whipped peas and something else. No, I didn't get the chicken, I just HAD to be a little more "adventurous" than that.

My 4 friends all enjoyed their exotic dishes. 3 of our group had been to Oleana before and 2 of us hadn't. Overall, it was a lovely dining experience, and I was proud for having tried something "new".

Oh! This place ain't cheap. There are no prices on the wine that your server will so seductively offer you. Ours was $54! Dinner for 5 was a little over $200, not including tip.

Enjoy!

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1

3

LouLou C.

Boston, MA

The food here is heaven!  The atmosphere and decor are beautiful as well, albeit a bit small and noisy.  Go in summer and get a seat in the terrace in the back.  The other plus is that they have parking directly across from the restaurant.

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Elite '08

29

145

Sean E.

Cambridge, MA

Perhaps 102 glowing reviews just isn't enough.  This place is fantastic -- the perfect restaurant for a la de da date or when you want to impress your parents or something.

The food was top notch across the board.  Even something like hummus was singing like a choir of angels.  The flavors for everything -- chicken, seafood, lamb -- were big and on point.  The waiter was very cordial, fun and knowledgeable.  Everyone was impressed and I'm already making plans to return here -- especially when spring returns and we can try to take advantage of their back patio area.

Huzzah, dear Oleana!

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1

3

Irene R.

Wellesley, MA

After reading so many good reviews here, I expected far more from Oleana. Yelpers, do not lead fellow yelpees astray!!

So I am writing this to tell people who haven't been there before: don't have too high expectations!! My opinion is to the contrary of several posted here, but do read and note that not every yelper thinks Oleana is a godsend of a restaurant.

I thought the food was good (5 stars) but far too expensive and the choices are limited (minus 2 stars) -- they have about 10 total entree choices (4 fish/4or 5meat/ 2 vegetarian) and 1 daily special. Nothing immdeiately appealed to me on the menu.  Every item had one ingredient I didn't know of and hadn't heard about, and the menu lacks any further description.

When we asked the waiter for more description, I felt he was rather snotty to explain! As if everyone entering should be familiar with fiedos and aioli!!  He splashed wine when he poured and they splashed water when it was poured. They served our bottle of white wine without a chiller, which I thought was shameful, but our small table really didn't have room for more.

They dimmed the lights up and down several times, which we thought was funny and ended up laughing about, doing "eyebrows" when the lights got lower and lower.

The restaurant got very full by the time we were leaving, so that one couple was hawking our table -- they gave them menus while they stood at the bar!

In the end, the food was good, certainly different and a treat to experience, but everything else not good -- I did not like the waiter, the service, the prices, the ambiance. I found all of those very distracting to an otherwise nice dinner.

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Elite '08

39

261

Flora H.

Cambridge, MA

Oleana is delicious. The deviled eggs were to die for (w/ tuna and curry flavor) and I loved the spinach falafel. They use chickpea flour to make the falafel really light and fluffy. Really tasty combination of flavors... I'd take a foodie here any day.

Oleana is now one of my favorite Boston-area restaurants! And there is a lovely outdoor seating area in the back. A peaceful dining experience.

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0

4

steve p.

Cambridge, MA

One of my favorite restaurants in the area.  The food at Oleana is always amazing.  Very cozy indoors space and a beautiful backyard dining area when the weather is nice.

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Elite '08

21

46

Ashley R.

Cambridge, MA

If only I had the budget to go to Oleana more than on special occasions. Now that would be the life!

Tucked away in the side streets of Cambridge, Oleana's take on contemporary Mediterranean/Arabic sets it apart from Boston's other top restaurants. Their use of local herbs and vegetables gives all the dishes an extra flavor punch too. It's very vegetarian friendly, has superb service that makes you feel both welcomed and important, and never rushes you through your meal. I've tried different things from the menu each time (many items change seasonally) and have been pleased every visit. The wine list is moderately priced and the wait staff can help guide you to a perfect match for your dinner choices.

Oleana requires a reservation (often weeks in advance), but the real treat is to sit on their patio, by candlelight,  under canopies, surrounded by greenery and terracotta. The patio specifically doesn't take reservations, but here's how you do it. Make your reservation for the main restaurant. Come 30-60 minutes before your reservation time and put your name down for the patio. Walk down the block to the B-Side for a pre-dinner drink. Come back and a patio table awaits you.

Boston is fortunate to have so many standout chefs/restaurant owners who are women. Oleana's Ana Sortun is firmly among them.

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Elite '08

37

140

Carrie E.

Chelsea, MA

I was just putting together a list of good vegetarian restaurants and wanted to add Oleana, only to find I hadn't reviewed it.

The vegetarian tasting here is AMAZING.
Such a value ($40), SO MUCH FOOD!

I went with a friend, and it was the first tasting I had ever done. We lost track of what round of food we were on and were clearing our plates, only to realize there were about three more rounds to go! I don't know if I've ever felt so full in my life, but the food was too good to let go to waste!

I love that if more than one person at the table orders the tasting they vary the dishes between you. That way you get to try even more delicious food!

I also love that the menu changes with the season, makes we want to go back and try it again, and again, and again. In fact, that's it, I'm gathering a group of people to go sit out on the patio before it gets too cold!

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1

12

Marc L.

Roslindale, MA

As a discerning food snob I consider this the best food in greater Boston.  Their food and desserts are consistently "pitch perfect" always wonderfully prepared and creative and ingredients with obvious integrity.  

One thing that bowls me over is that some of the simplest items, things I normally don't order when I'm out because they are easy to cook at home--are show-stoppers-- like the flattened lemon chicken (few dishes enter my dreams but this is one).  I also love the flexibility of the menu with the little teeny dishes (pret a manger) and appetizers, it's makes it easy to eat light, or try many things, or to have a more economical meal.  

The outdoor seating is fantastic (and first come first serve, not by reservation) and between the big wool blankets they'll give you and the heat lamps it's fun to be out there late into the fall.  

The place has a few minor drawbacks--the seating can be crowded and therefore activity at other tables can be distracting.  They're quality of service  can at times include a few minor glitches.  Their wine list could include more range. All of this said, the food is so remarkable and consistent that these things hardly matter.

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3

78

Nupur L.

Cambridge, MA

I can't rave enough about this place. For reasonable prices you get incredibly delicious, inventive food, very attentive and caring service and a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. This has been by far one of the most pleasurable dining experiences I can remember.

Oleana elevates the mundane to the unforgettable. Their falafel and roast chicken were just incredible in their mixes of texture and flavor. I normally hate feta but found myself scraping it off the plate in their feta and roast red pepper dip. And the passion fruit baked alaska is the restaurant dessert by which I measure all others.

The service is also worth mention here. My bf was torn between their special (pork loin with blood orange Israeli couscous) and their duck. The server convinced the kitchen to make an appetizer portion of duck for him so he wouldn't have to choose!

For the food and experience, Oleana is a steal. Just go now.

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Elite '08

93

447

Mariangela S.

San Francisco, CA

This is the kind of perfectly seasoned and flavorful Mediterranean food I could eat every single day. The menu is so inspired I couldn't stop ordering - there were 3 of us and here's what we ate:

From the Pret a Manger (ready to go - perfect when you arrive starving!):
Spicy Carrot Puree & Egyptian Spice Mix with Nuts & Olive Oil
Whipped Feta with Sweet & Hot Peppers
Deviled Eggs with Tuna & Black Olives

Appetizers: (yum - keep that pumpkin hummus coming!)
Spoon Lamb with Pumpkin Hummus, Bibb Lettuce, Pickled Persimmon & Tarragon  
Moroccan Goat Cheese Fritter, Carrot Soup, Argan Oil & Cilantro Yogurt

MEAT (yes it was a meat fest!)
Lamb Steak with Turkish Spices & Fava Bean Moussaka
Duck Shawarma with Pickled Green Tomatoes & Green Beans with Cardamom-Rose Yogurt  
Free Range Veal & Parmesan Meatballs with Shitake Ribolitta

Sadly we were so gut busting full (in a really good way) we didn't have a single bit of room for dessert....next time!

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71

43

Hywel J.

San Francisco, CA

Tired of Italian food? Sick of Mexican? Don't want Chinese again? Longing for the exotic spices of Turkey and the Middle East? This is the place for you.

Oleanna is in a strange location. The street is quiet and bordering on sketchy. There's a scruffy gas station down the street and not many signs of commercial life. It's worth making the effort to track it down though, as the eastern Mediterranean fare is both unusual and fabulous good.

Go for the deviled eggs, the spicy carrot puree, the lamb, the chicken with zatar and all of the desserts!

The little garden at the back is quaint and romantic and a delight in the summer.

They also have a great vegetarian tasting menu if that's your thing.

Oh, and order of bottle of the excellent Lebanese wine, Chateau Masur. It makes for a happy evening.

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21

111

aaron t.

Somerville, MA

I just experienced one of the most unbelievable meals at Oleana in Cambridge MA run by chef and owner Ann Sortun who also has a book "Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean". Rustic, warming, vibrant, calming, and damn tasty down to the minuscule details. Chef Sortun's creations are inspired from her travels and experiences from France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey for an Arabic-Mediterranean intersection of surprising flavors along with their superb personal staff in a very charming space!

Oleana is located in a quiet residential street side in Inman square with an outdoor porch space many have raved about though my first experience was inside. At first I expected an overly lavish pristine space based on all the reviews and consistency in most high end restaurants in Boston which I personally do not like as much, but Oleana's was my exact cup of tea. Very casual, a humble friendly staff, and a tiled warming environment in a comfy space as if walking into a village side restaurant bustling full of conversations during a sunset somewhere far away from all the chaos most of us are use to.

The staff initiated the Oleana experience, servicing a few tables while greeting customers with smiles and stories while never seeming to be rushed allowing me to pester them with curious questions about their ingredients and unique flavor combinations (I'll blame my questions on the cheerful bottle of wine). The menu changes often and the wine list is as diverse as their dishes. Plates were fantastic while the attention to details in sauces, blends, and accents on the sides delighted me the most. I'd usually keep finds like this a secret, but the experience was wonderful and one surely to share with others.

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Elite '08

72

128

Colin N.

Cambridge, MA

Disclaimer: I'm very price sensitive!

Fancy Mediterranean Food.
That's basically what Oleana is. They do it pretty well! I had very high expectations after reading that they were one of the top 10 restaurants in Boston.

I took my girlfriend there last night for one of our occasional special dinners. We got a starter (shared), 1/2 bottle of wine, main courses, tea, dessert (shared). How much you ask? Gulp.... $145 incl. tip.

Granted, it wasn't as painful to pay for as the $250 taster menu at L'Espalier 5 years ago when I was a student. I still left feeling as though I didn't get good value for money.

I give it 4 stars because it's the best darn meditterranean food you'll find in boston, but at the same time $13 for the dessert special seems a little outrageous!

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1

28

ladyjane s.

Cambridge, MA

I've been to Oleana a couple times and the food has been exquisite each time.  The Sultan's Delight and Ricotta Bread Dumplings are a MUST.  I have to say my experience indoors and outdoors on the patio were very different.  Indoors, it tends to be very loud and tight...as in you might almost be sitting on top of the person at the table next to you.  Outdoors, it is nicely spaced, the decor is beautiful and they have these awesome heating lamps that kept me mesmerized and toasty warm in the cool autumn air.  The service is wonderful, very attentive and they really do make you feel special there.  All in all it was a great experience and the food was amazing.  Get the Vegetarian Tasting menu... so much food and SO worth the price.

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Elite '08

133

208

john w.

Cambridge, MA

It's no secret that Ana Sortun's Mediterranean-influenced cuisine is served in the city's most enchanting al fresco dining atmosphere. Sip white sangria at the bar while you wait for a table in their lush backyard garden patio.

The menu is infused with flavors from Greece, Turkey, Armenia and Morocco. Start off with a small order of the warm olives fragrant with oregano and sesame seeds or the tangy-toasty Armenian bean and walnut pate with homemade string cheese. Their "grains & greens" entres offer a few delicious vegetarian options, and there is a five-course vegetarian tasting menu; they also have plenty of fish and meat dishes as well.

The ideal spot for a romantic date or to bring yr parents when they visit.

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5

37

kat m.

Charlestown, MA

Excellent food; good service; reasonable prices for an upscale place. I like the fact that they source local farmers and I have never had a bad meal here! Great deviled eggs (app) and chicken entrees! RECOMMENDED

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0

1

Joe Y.

Medford, MA

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!

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23

67

Jason L.

Berkeley, CA

It's taken me a week or so to write this review -- too much wining and dining to catch up with!  But Fri., 7/20, Lynn and I went with friends (also attending the law conference) to Oleana.   This was our second visit here, and the first after they remodeled -- they did an excellent job.  The interior, as well as the outdoor patio, is more inviting, more warm, and more comfortable.

The food, compared to our visit three years ago, was even better.  (So was the company, but that's another story!)  We began our meal with two appetizers "for the table" -- the Spicy Carrot Puree & Egyptian Spice Mix with Nuts & Olive Oil and the Warm Buttered Hummus with Basturma & Tomato.  Both were absolutely delicious!

We paired with a delightful 2005  Gruner Veltliner by Salzl, which we continued with our next round of dishes:  the Grilled Octopus with Spicy Sicilian-Style Bread Salad & Cauliflower; Heirloom Tomato Kibbeh & Heirloom Tomato Dolma with Labne; the Summer Squash & Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Sesame, Walnut & Homemade Cheese, and the Cold Tomato Soup & Lovage Granite with Greek Rusks & Whipped Ricotta.  Each was spiced beautifully, full of flavor and perfectly prepared.

For our entrees, we had the Hake & Crab Kibbeh with Basil Brown Butter, Kolrabi & Corn Chowder; the Softshell Crab Saganak- Stewed Tomato, Fennel & Peppers with Feta & Rice Cake; the Sea Bass & Homemade Grape Leaves with Cabbage, Chanterelles, Rosemary & Mastic; and the Lamb Steak with Turkish Spices & Fava Bean Moussaka.  

We were all in Heaven . . .

Over the years, Oleana has just gotten better and better  . . . . (thanks to Lindsay Tusk of Quince in San Francisco for the original recommendation, or we never would have found this place!).

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