The Center Cafe

Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

The Center Cafe
Online Reservations

OpenTable Home

> Boston / New England restaurants

> Needham restaurants

> The Center Cafe information

The Center Cafe

See all 55 Reviews ›

Address:
1027 Great Plain Ave
Needham, MA 02492

Neighborhood:
Needham

Getting there ›
Cuisine:
American

Price: $30 and under

See Menu ›

More Details ›

The Center Cafe Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.thecentercafe.com/
Email: thecentercafeneedham@gmail.com
Phone: (781) 455-8800
Hours of Operation:

Dinner Only:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm

Closed Mondays
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: American
Executive Chef: Vanessa Cortesi
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Entertainment: We offer musical entertainment for special events.

Getting there

Cross Street: Eaton Square
Public Transit: We are on the commuter rail line at Needham Center Station.
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: There is a free municipal parking lot in front and in back of the restaurant.

A word from The Center Cafe

We are a neighborhood restaurant that is tucked away in the center of Needham. We care about what our customers think, serve very good food, have a comfortable atmosphere with a friendly staff. The menu is diverse with a variety for many palettes; with a broad wine list and a full bar, there is… plenty to choose from. Our chefs have experience cooking in both New York City and Boston and bring a wealth of knowledge to the Needham restaurant scene.Continued

The Center Cafe

4.1

55 $30 and under restaurant

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerAmerican
Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem

Featured Reviews

More Reviews ›

Reviews from OpenTable Diners Learn More

52 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Food

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.7 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

52 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Food

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.7 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

Filter Reviews By:

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(37)
fit for foodies(25)
special occasion(9)

romantic(8)
notable wine list(7)
kid-friendly(6)

Current OpenTable.com Diner Reviews (52)

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

A ggod place to eat.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/27/2012

2008

Dined on 03/27/2012

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"This is a welcoming attractive restaurant with excellent food and fine service. Everyone does their best to make sure diners feel welcome and tended to. They are thoughtfully accommodating of special dietary needs."

Dined on 03/27/2012

2008

Special Features: neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The service is outstanding.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/23/2012

2011

Dined on 03/23/2012

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The service is outstanding. Steve, the owner, and his staff, are incredibly friendly and attentive to the customers. It seems as if almost all the diners are repeat customers and frequent customers.
The food is excellent. It is reasonably priced and well-prepared. The menu is varied and new dishes and specials keep rotating in.

This is a great neighborhood restaurant, comfortable and friendly with terrific food."

Dined on 03/23/2012

2011

Special Features: neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very pleasant little eatery.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2012

2009

Dined on 03/16/2012

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Very pleasant little eatery. Food was very good."

Dined on 03/16/2012

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

WARMLY GREETED AND HOSTED

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/15/2012

2007

Dined on 03/15/2012

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"WARMLY GREETED AND HOSTED BY THE OWNER,,VERY PERSONABLE."

Dined on 03/15/2012

2007

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

How many times have I walked

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/09/2012

2009

Dined on 03/09/2012

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"How many times have I walked past that old stone railroad building and made a mental note to try it? After our dinner on Friday, I'm just sorry that it took me so long. Comfortable and relaxed, a great ambiance that feel like a pleasant evening with old friends. Well prepared,simple menu, service that was attentive without being intrusive. Note to self: great place to go with another couple or a small group of friends, where everyone (even the fussy eaters) will find something they like on the menu."

Dined on 03/09/2012

2009

Special Features: neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great find

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/21/2012

2006

Dined on 02/21/2012

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Excellent food and service. The salmon was delish, as were the ribs and the chicken parmesan. Host/owner was friendly, professional. Server was efficient and well informed. Great for frequent dining - lots of choices on the menu."

Dined on 02/21/2012

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service was a little slow,

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/18/2012

2011

Dined on 02/18/2012

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Service was a little slow, but the food made up for it!"

Dined on 02/18/2012

2011

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent neighborhood restaurant.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/18/2012

2008

Dined on 02/18/2012

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Excellent neighborhood restaurant. Excellent food. Reasonable wine list. Outstanding hot bread.Service somewhat spotty. Maybe short waitstaff."

Dined on 02/18/2012

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you miss it you will be sorry

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/12/2012

2009

Dined on 02/12/2012

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"What a charming find thanks to Open Table. The restaurant exudes warmth and friendliness from the moment you walk in till you leave. The owners are around and genuinely want you to have the best they have to offer. The food was well prepared and very good. Our server was well informed and charming. Overall this place gets an A+ and definitely will see my friends and me many times in the future. The price point is truly wonderful for these hard times and the portions large and delicious. Don't miss it!!!"