OleanaOutstanding foodA+ food is incredible. Ambience is amazing. Hard to get reservations but totally worth the wait.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMCharming and DeliciousDelicious, delectable, fresh, and interesting cuisine6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMoutdoor diningThe garden area is very nice and we enjoyed eating there. The food was very good, the wine was ok with limited choices when ordering by the glass. Parking is a problem if you are not informed about parking across from Oleana in a lot marked private. The overall impression was a very nice dinner in a beautiful garden with excellent food.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMInteresting menu, tried aInteresting menu, tried a number of the meze plates in place of entrees for both of us. Knowledgeable & attentive wait staff, great spot for a date or special dinner. Only downside was how far out we had to book a reservation (~2 mos.) for a Friday early evening but sign of a popular place so not really a downside. Table was ready & waiting when we arrived on time.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently outstanding onConsistently outstanding on all levels -- food, wine, service!!!!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious!Every dish was amazing, we cant pick a favorite! Glad we ordered lots of appetizers on our first visit b/c every dish was fantastic!
Plan ahead as reservations are tough to get sometimes.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMTaste everything!Every plate on the table had some unexpected delisious flavor. Our server was terrific as well. I will go back and would like to try the patio.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Mediterranean foodVisited on a Monday night with my mother. We ordered 3 mezze (muhammara special, octopus, chickpea terrine) and 1 entree (lamb). Enjoyed every dish, but couldn't pick a favorite from them, which might be a good sign that all top-quality. Octopus was particularly impressive, as it's so hard to get right. Our server was very gracious--attentive, but not intrusive, and wonderful at offering recommendations. (Helped select a great glass of Lebanese red--who knew?) Finished w/ an almond milk gelato which was the perfect mix of "sweet/rich enough to count as dessert, but light enough for the end of a summer meal." Reservation backlog always makes it a challenge getting in here, but hope to return.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMHands down the best f***ingHands down the best f***ing chicken I have ever had! Everything was delicious, service was courteous, professional and efficient without being too much,atmosphere was classy but not stuffy--everything I want in a restaurant experience. Would go back here in a heartbeat, might be the reason I start playing the lottery regularly...if I could afford it I would eat here every night.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMI have never had anythingI have never had anything but a spectacular meal at Oleana. They give a new meaning to falafel. I had haddock and clams with rabe and Israeli. Couscous which was surprisinglyspicy. Totally delicious. We had a Lebanese cabernet blend wine that was lovely. Baked Alaska with coconut ice cream and passion fruit syrup was a fitting end. When we left at 10 on a Monday night the place was still full. It was a rainy night so no patio but they have one of the most lovely ones in town. Plan way ahead and go!6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial location spotOleana's food is extremely fancy. Gourmet recipes that please the senses and great ingredients. The service outstanding as long as you get a reservation and don't go on a weekend. We liked the experience every time we go, but we also know it will come at a price. So we reserve Oleana for a special occasion when spending over $50 a person is acceptable. The wine glass selection is not great, but the appetizers are outstanding and despite the fact that entrees tend to be on the smaller side, they are delicious.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodThese guys know how to cook E Mee food and do so in an innovative manner. Nice neighborhood. Usual pleasant Boston character. I'd go back next time I am in Boston6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Meal In BostonWe just got back from long weekend in Boston and ate at several highly-rated restaurants and nothing came close to Oleana. The food was just fabulous. We had an assortment of mezze and each one was prepared with an amazing attention detail and flavor. Seriously great food! Our waiter was sweet and helpful. I liked that the plates came out as they were ready so that we got to enjoy each dish.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGem!!Beautifully constructed dishes ad excellent service. Thank you!6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic BirthdayI took my mom her for her birthday, and they did not disappoint! They were also super accommodating with some weird scheduling weirdness (most of our party was stuck in traffic and very late. They seated one member of our group and he ordered for the rest of us while we were still en route). The food was exceptional, and i'll definitely keep this in my back pocket for special occasions.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic as alwaysNot only the best restaurant in Cambridge, and perhaps Boston. But always consistent top-quality food and service.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMconsistently excellentOleana always comes through. There is no one that knows how to marry flavors better than Oleana. I have never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. I have favorite menu items that we order, year after year, and anything new that we try becomes a new favorite immediately! Our waiter was right on the mark when he suggested a white wine from Tuscany -- it was terrific.! Ending a memorable meal with one of Oleana's delicious desserts while sitting in the charming garden as the sun sets is just perfect!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBest meal I've had in BostonBest meal I've had in Boston area. Everything from the bread to the many mezze dishes was amazing.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMBest restaurant in BostonWonderful flavors. The mezze dishes are superbly delicious; great to buy lots and share.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best- food bestI can always tell by the taste of the food if the place is truly acut above the 'good' restaurants - this is way above !
There are no quiet places to dine in the boston Cambridge area- if the noise level could be controlled this would have been perfect.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat evening and foodMy girlfriend and I made the reservation as I had a gift card from my daughter. It is my daughter's favorite restaurant and I knew that we would have an fabulous meal. I was not disappointed. The food that we had was outstanding and although this restaurant is not inexpensive, I did not find it overpriced either; especially considering the quality of the menu and the atmosphere. I would definitely come back again.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAn evening at OleanaI brought a colleague here for an appreciation dinner and was very pleased, The food was very good, as was the wine list. Service was friendly and timely without ever being intrusive. The only downside was that weather was poor so we were seated inside and it was a bit cramped as the tables were too close together, also it was noisier than I would have liked. On a side note, seated at the next table was an internationally known doctor who specializes in in healthy eating and wellness.Seeing him there being recognized as a regular was another good recommendation!5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Flavor CombinationsWith a knowledgeable and engaging server, the diverse vegetable tasting menu, and a couple of entrées with a luscious cabernet from the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon made for an evening of fine dining. The flavor combinations of interesting spices from the Mediterranean brought out the best in the asparagus and carrots. A cherry tart from a unique desert menu topped off a perfect meal.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBest food in Boston!Of all the restaurants I ate in Boston this was the best! The Spinich falafel was amazing. It's best to do a bunch of appetizer and leave room for dessert.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a treatWe enjoyed everything we ate and are looking forward to going back and trying other items on the menu. I had the halibut and clams as an entre and have been thinking about it for days now. So good!5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding restaurant, especiallyOutstanding restaurant, especially if you love Middle Eastern food. One of the best restaurants in the Boston area. The vegetarian tasting menu is excellent. The mezze (appetizers) are the best things on the menu.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat food but felt cramped/rushedThe overall experience was good. The food and selections were great. But we felt we were a little cramped with tables too close, but maybe normal for a popular spot. The waiters were very attentive, maybe too attentive because we felt a little rushed. Everything was moving along so quickly that we didn't feel we were able to sit and have a leisurely dinner.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst timersMy girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Oleanas! We started with the buttered hummus and ended with the dessert special and a great cup of coffee!! Our entries were incredible as well!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great wine, cocktails.This is our second time at Oleana and we brought our friends this time. It took over a month to get a Friday reservation around 730. We started out with cocktails, which were just OK, but that is probably because they only use wine. We switched to wine after that, much better. The mezza and entrees were all amazing and you can't go wrong with the baked Alaska. Will definitely be returning in a few months.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful RestaurantOrdered lots off the Meze menu. 6 items for 2 people and we were very full. Sultans delight is great and the spinach felafel is out of this world.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMImpeccable service. KnowledgableImpeccable service. Knowledgable staff. Food was plated well, not that the meals needed help looking more delicious. Seasonal and theme fitting items were noted. I was satisfied for days.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful in every way!Worth making reservations months in advance. Truly unique and always good.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible foodWe had a fantastic experience at Oleana last weekend. The food was delicious and unique and the service was excellent! My only gripe is the close quarters to your dining neighbors, however for a neighborhood spot in Cambridge I guess tight seating is to be expected. Would return in a heartbeat!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was interesting, tasty.Food was interesting, tasty. Good vegetarian tasting menu. Casual but pleasant outdoor dining. Waiter seemed annoyed with us for inexplicable reasons. Food came fast at first, then long gaps, pretty inconsistent.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently good.Hands down my favorite restaurant in the Boston area.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMEpicurian's delightSome of the best food in the whole Boston area! Every bite was a treasure.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, friendly service!We came in with a group of 6 and a reservation. We ordered a number of difference mezzes, all of which were delicious. The highlights were the asparagus fatteh, bread and cheese dumplings, and spinach falafel.
Service was a bit slow, but very friendly. Even though the restaurant began to get very full, the meal never felt rushed. This is definitely a place for sitting and enjoying a long (2 hour) meal.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious as alwaysOleana is excellent every time I have gone.
The flavors of the food are amazing. There is nothing that I didn't like. We had the Meze plates. Highly recommend the bread and cheese dumplings, the Sultan's Delight, the grilled octopus and the spinach falafel. We also ordered an appetizer special, Grilled Shrimp in a vegetable/tomato stew. Fabulous.
The flavors are wonderful and all work.
Eat here!5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTaste Bud HeavenThe chef needs to be applauded! The mixture of flavors and ingredients is amazing - truly amazing. I would have never thought to mix certain ingredients but they do it with style, mouth watering flavor explosions and amazing presentation. Can't wait to go back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall good diningFirst time at this well known and popular dining spot. Did not disappoint in food department service a bit perfunctory but efficient and well informed. Was packed by about 6:30 pm and only time we cld get for two was 5:45 pm. But early for sat nite but fit our schedule fine. Wld like to return in summer to dine bob their lovely back patio.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOrleana delivers!!So scrumptious, savory, and satisfying! Orleana lived up to all our expectations!! Worth the trip from Boston to the other side of the river!!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOleana is Simply Outstanding!Had res. for 9, arrived at 8:30 and was greeted cheerily and seated promptly! We were ordering 6-7 Meze and then share dinner but were smoothly told that would be an "enormous amount of food!" (First timers!) Waiter helped hone down to 4... the Snap Pea and Bulgur special Meze was absolutely outstanding. Spinach falafel had uniquely smooth interior and crunchy exterior. Warm buttered hummus yummy as was Octopus carpaccio. Meze were brought out in pairs so we could savor each plate at it's correct temp. Shared the nights special softshell crab dinner. Perfectly crisp crab matched with nicely grilled asparagus. We have healthy appetites and were delighted with our choices. Just enough room for Baked Alaska dessert which is a MUST try!!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMInteresting variations on ME themesWe shared three mezze between the two of us and we both ordered the lamb entree (roast loin -- very tasty). Afterwards, we both agreed that we had ordered one mezze too many. All the selections were tasty and interesting. One observation: We felt that the sauces accompanying the mezze we chose (the asparagus, borek and falafel) somewhat overpowered the dishes. The mint in some of the sauces was a bit strong for my spouse's taste. The wine list had a good variety in terms of selection and price range.
Decor and lighting were very attractive and service was attentive without being intrusive.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOleana wows againOleana never fails to deliver extraordinary food. Our server was delightful and each bite that came out was more spectacular than the last. This was my fifth time, and I was there with my parents (their first time) to celebrate their anniversary - they loved it!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMlove it.
Servers are so welllove it.
Servers are so well informed with the menu and product knowledge.
The food is delicious.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMFood pairings outstandingThe appetizer list goes on and on .. One better than the next!! The combo of ingredients is complex but tastes amazing.. The spinach falafel is a must have as is carrot purée . Halibut main entree was delicious - loved the peas in there. Fried mussels had too much sauce on them to enjoy fully. Asparagus app worth a try too. Wine list works well with meals. Only issue- Sunday night at 6:30 and big long wait between appetizers and entrees... When I inquired I got a vague answer and no acknowledgement, answer or apology.. Same response to table next to us. If there was a kitchen snafu, just say so.. Won't stop me from trying again but just put a damper on the overall experience ..5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMDinnerTried the veggie sampler with spinach falafel and absolutely loved it. Tried couple of cocktails which were ok because they were too sweet and bitter at the same time.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLittle in Space, Big in FlavorWent there for a birthday dinner for me and my girlfriend. We had a wonderful time. It is a very cramped space. The food was amazing. We had the grilled octopus appetizer. The beer list is a very eclectic grouping of microbrews from across the country. They use all organic fresh vegetables from local growers. I had one of the specials , a grilled kabob with cherries on a bed of jasmine rice and a yogurt sauce. My girlfriend had a delicious pork roll. We had an amazing night. The restaurant is little in space but they make up for it in great big flavor .5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect place for special occasionI selected Oleana for a special occasion, and as a first time visitor - it really lived up to its reputation! We were a party of 4, and we ordered 4 small plates and 2 entrees to share. We were satisfied and full, but still wanted dessert...so we ordered that too. ; ) We split the Baked Alaska...a bit too sweet for me, but the others really enjoyed it.
The food standouts of the night were the spinach falafels, Sultan's Delight, the lemon chicken entree, and they had a special lamb entree that night that was basically a long pressed lamb meatball - Very delicious! Service was outstanding, and very attentive to questions, clearing dishes, and bringing fresh silverware as needed.
I would definitely go back again!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAMAZING, FLAVORFUL FOOD!!!This is the restaurant we take special visitor's to. There are many delicious options, but we like to go for the vegetarian sampler. . . It includes several courses, all of them new to us, and fabulous. The chef, who has her own cookbook, called Spice, was written up in the Best of Food and Wine and Bon Appetit, both of which I discovered within a month of receiving a gift certificate to dine here. Finding the articles raised my expectations and I was NOT let down! The pastry chef never misses either. Go hungry! : D4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM