Oleana
(617) 661-0505
134 Hampshire St
Cambridge,
MA
02139
42.3705
-71.0971
Neighborhood: Area IV
What People Are Saying About Oleana
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
Located on a quiet residential street, just off Inman Square, Oleana is the restaurant of choice for Cambridge's bookish, professional types. While reservations are taken (and are a must) for the romantic, earth-toned dining room, those hoping to dine on the lovely garden patio usually join a waiting list and pass the time with a drink in the intimate bar. Service, though consistently knowledgeable and friendly, is often stretched when the patio's open.
The Food
Chef-owner Ana Sortun delves into the ingredients and methods of Armenia, Egypt and Morocco to take diners on a uniquely palatable journey. Typical is an appetizer of fried mussels and hot peppers with nutty Turkish tarator sauce, or an entree of Sicilian swordfish with couscous and rhubarb jam. Don't leave before trying one of acclaimed pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick's inventive creations, like Baked Alaska with coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel.
User Reviews
lsarao
June 08, 2009
After wanting to try Oleana for a long time, I finally got my wish! My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to score a table on the patio for a terrific spring evening meal! Because we both wanted to try a little of everything, we decided to split the Vegetarian Tasting Menu plus a couple of appetizers. At our waitress's recommendation, we ordered the Lamb & Eggplant Dumpling with Garlic Yogurt & Everything Green and the Spinach Falafel with Tahini, Yogurt, Beets & Cress. Both were absolutely delicious! Our tasting menu started off with a Cucumber Spoon Salad with Sorrel Ice, which was one of the most unique and refreshing dishes I've ever had--perfect for a warm spring evening! After that they brought grilled asparagus with a honeydew melon salsa and goat cheese. This was hands down my favorite course! Next came a dish of fried zucchini in a creamy tomato sauce. Scrumptious! And then Spicy Fideos & Chick Peas with Green Chard & Orange Aioli. This dish was very complex and almost overpowering. It was actually my least favorite of the tasting, but at that point I was so full I could barely eat another bite--that was, of course, until our dessert came! Sesame Ice Cream, Sesame Cashew Bar & Roasted Pineapple with Pineapple Granité --Oh my god, was I in heaven? I almost swiped the entire plate and at the entire thing myself, it was that good! For all that, two glasses of wine and two bottles of sparkling water, our bill only came to just over $100! I thought it was a very reasonable price for everything we ate! I would absolutely recommend this restaurant to everyone!
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BostonAshley
January 13, 2009
Sit on the patio in the summer and be transported to Europe. Freshest locally sourced ingredients, wonderful staff and amazing Mediterranean food. Love it!
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prustitant
June 29, 2008
The experience I had at Oleana was truly divine! The evening started by chatting with a friendly floor manager (who kindly explained to us the phone line problem that particular evening, which made reservations a bit complicated, but not impossible). While waiting for our table, me and my date enjoyed a lovely glass of wine from the bar area in the back. The restaurant itself is small, cozy, and so comfortable, almost as if you're in a large dining room of a wealthy friend who also has an excellent, reserved, practical sense of decor and design. Our table was placed in a nook at the southwest corner of the restaurant. While it was a little close to the people to my left, the area was extremely romantic, and so perfect for the evening! All in all the food was surprisingly delicate, fresh, and flavorful! For the pret a manger, we had the spicy carrot puree and the Armenian bean and walnut pate. The pate sounds so simple, yet it is one of the most divine meal experiences I have ever had the pleasure to receive! Then for the appetizer, we had crab cakes with egg lemon sauce. I like the crab cakes, but the egg lemon sauce was a bit thick and bland. For the entree, I had the scallops, which were absolutely perfect. Extremely flavorful and the perfect tenderness. The waitstaff was friendly and professional!! All in all, what a perfect experience!!
read full reviewThe Details on Oleana
Where to Sit:
When it's cold out, the gas fireplace is tempting, but you'll avoid the draft from the door by taking a table deeper in the room.
What to Drink:
Skip the wine in favor of sangria: A gigantic glass of the homemade brew costs the same as a glass of vino, but is twice the size.
Parking:
Park for free in the lot located diagonally across the street from the restaurant.
Category:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Notable Beer List, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find, Date Spot, Group Dining, Fireplace, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
