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Catalyst Restaurant, Cambridge, MA
Catalyst Restaurant, Cambridge, MA
Catalyst Restaurant, Cambridge, MA
Catalyst Restaurant, Cambridge, MA
Catalyst Restaurant, Cambridge, MA

Catalyst Restaurant

4.6
4.6
1600 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary French / American
Top Tags:
Catalyst Restaurant is the culmination of Chef/Owner William Kovel’s culinary experiences in award-winning restaurants including Jardinière, Orerry and Aujourd'hui at Four Seasons Boston Hotel. The Catalyst dining experience centers on bright, simple food created from the season’s freshest local ingredients, serious French technique and an appreciation for the details that go into our guest's experience.

Catalyst Restaurant opened in 2011 as one of the pioneer businesses in Technology Square near the MIT Campus in Cambridge, MA. Since that time, an influx of start-ups and big companies that have made Catalyst a hub for business lunches, after-work gatherings and private dining.


Please follow us on Instagram: @catalystrestaurant, Facebook: Catalyst Restaurant and Twitter: @catalystcam.



Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary French / American, Contemporary French
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 576-3000
  • Website
    http://www.catalystrestaurant.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    William Kovel
  • Catering
    events@catalystrestaurant.com
  • Private party facilities
    Beautiful custom weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, & post nuptial brunches. Seamless planning, award winning modern American cuisine & flawless execution
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Yee & Anne Fedak: (617) 576-3004
  • Location
    300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Neighborhood
    Cambridge
  • Cross street
    Main Street
  • Parking details
    We validate parking at Technology Square Garage (800 Technology Square)
  • Public transit
    Red Line Kendall/MIT
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,600 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,600 Reviews

  1. Mackerel358

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    On my reservation I requested a private booth for 2. The request was notated on the response I received from Open Table. When I arrived at the restaurant early I was told that booths are only for 4, not 2. Had I received that response as quickly as you had accepted the reservation, I would have chose another restaurant for this private meeting. As it was, we were interrupted and greeted at least three times in the course of our stay. That is not good.

    Is this helpful?

  2. BobLisa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was extremely friendly and polite. Went out of their way to help us celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. We had a terrific meal. It was great!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    The service was poor and inconsistent. My fish was uncooked and had to be returned. The quality of food was poor. The manager came to apologize to our table and to the table next to us as they also had to return their food.

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  4. John

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Breathtaking food and service, 6:00 was not a busy time of night so conversation was easy. Haven't been there when it's packed

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  5. RobinB

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at this restaurant and we'll come back. Excellent menu, food and service.

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  6. BBKBB

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious all around. We shared an appetizer and two entrées. We have always enjoyed our meals at Catalyst and hope to return soon.

    Is this helpful?

  7. BostonReviewer

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never a bad experience with Catalyst. Drinks, Food, service, everything is top notch. Will continue to dine here in future.

    Is this helpful?

  8. enjoygoodstuffreally

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    It was great place to be as the location was convenient. Food was OK but not great. Steak used was not very good in quality although it was cooked right. For some of us, the portion was really small (kid's size). Table was sticky.

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  9. RobertP

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    The service was abysmal, We waited a half hour before anyone even came to take our orders. We ordered drinks which never came. Then waited another half hour to order the food. The food was awful.

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  10. BakiC

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant with modern ambience and delicious food. Definitely will go back.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Tony

    Houston

    71 reviews

    4.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The place is ok on the pricy side. But it work for us since we were in a hurry Service was excellent

    Is this helpful?

  12. IndyKate

    Indiana

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and fantastic service by Matthew. Everyone was very friendly and happy to answer any questions about the menus. Flavorful food and accommodated food allergies! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  13. MarkinBoston

    Belgium

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food selection and terrific service made our team dinner very enjoyable. The hostesses are also amazing. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Melanie

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We had a great waitress, thanks. We found the portions a bit small. The pasta of the day was delicious but too salty.

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  15. MicheleR

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Service is always great. Food is very good but a bit overpriced.

    Is this helpful?

  16. diner

    Greater Boston

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service from Matthew. Delicious soup and pasta

    Is this helpful?

  17. egenser

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Creative, seasonal food cooked to perfection. They even made my gluten free dining easy!

    Is this helpful?

  18. CAMass

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    Very fancy vibe and great cocktails but the food was average and not worth the prices.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, awesome venue, and amazing service - thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  20. nnowgwecv

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    AMAZING dinner. Ambience and noise level were perfect and inviting for a conversation. Starters and mains were amazing, service was incredible. We will be back!

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  21. JamesB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent - staff, ambience, food, and drink. Came here for our 23rd Anniversary dinner, and Catalyst did not disappoint.

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  22. mrcreosote

    Greater Boston

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Again, this is a terrific place to dine - excellent food, wine & service.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Johnny

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Okay value. Good roasted rabbit. Somewhat questionable halibut and crab risotto with very little crab taste. The service was alright - they came to check in once in a while but kept chatting to another table at the corner when we were looking for some help. The Caesar salad was just a big lettuce - definitely a piece of modern art. Ambience was quite good though, but Saturday night was weirdly quiet. Perhaps because it’s typically a work area, so few people frequent at weekends. Not bad, but could be better.

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  24. Javier

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Nearly empty restaurant, service was very slow and servers were disengaged. Servers delivering the food to the table were oblivious to the utensils needed to eat what was delivered, causing an unpleasant wait while the food got cold to get a server’s attention. The fries were slightly undercooked and somewhat greasy, and the steak special was not seasoned well. With so many outstanding restaurants in the area, Catalyst needs to step up their game and train their serving staff better, as well as teach their chefs how to make good fries and season their beefsteaks. This was our second time at this restaurant, but on this occasion the food was just above mediocre, so it will likely be the last time.

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  25. JACKM

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kudos to our server- “just right” attentiveness, friendly, professional!! Thank you for a great meal/evening!

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on May 21, 2023

    Thank you so much for your kind review!!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great pleasure to dine at Catalyst Restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Even with three small children the servers were very patient and considerate. Excellent wine list for the adults! All for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend Catalyst to all my friends.

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  27. kevinp

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Elegant presentation. Portion size a tad small; the gojujang tofu was a great concept but the amount of rice was small and a bit soggy from the sauce. Fries appeared a bit undone. But the staff was really great in anticipating our needs and dropping by to ask how things were going.

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  28. rounder

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I came with two associates and two young children. The staff was so attentive and accommodating to our picky eaters and the manager dropped by to say hello. The food is of course consistently amazing.

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  29. neighborhoodlocal

    Greater Boston

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Never been disappointed with the food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend.

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  30. ThamindaR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always have a good time when I visit the Catalyst. Reception, food, service and options are all quite good. It is a good place for dining with a balance of casual dining experience with a semi-formal setting.

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  31. HannahK

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    delicious food, conscientious wait staff, and very accommodating of food allergies!

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  32. Mina

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    The focaccia was stale and cold. The beef tartar was HORRIBLE. The meat tasted old, the “Melba toast” was actually just regular bread that was toast and left out to cool so long that it was stale, chewy and moist. For the quality of food and the price, this place was definitely not worth jt.

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  33. CarlosS

    Indiana

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is a great place. Good for formal or casual business dinner as well. The food is great!

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  34. rounder

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, attentive staff + great food. The Cod is a must-have and the dessert menu is great.

    Is this helpful?

  35. PatK

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Holiday Buffet

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 13, 2023

    Hi Pat! Thank you for taking the time to comment! I would love to talk to you more about this, feel free to call the restaurant and ask to speak to Brian!

    Is this helpful?

  36. SeanD

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Advertised as a buffet but was not. Food was average at best. Mostly breakfast items for a 2pm Easter dinner.

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 11, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to review us. I deeply apologize that we did not advertise via our menu that it was a hybrid brunch, which included a buffet and hot items to order. We decided to have hot items cooked to order to control the quality and temperature of the food. I appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention, this information helps us in the future. I would love to invite you back to dinner, please call the restaurant and ask for Brian.

    Is this helpful?

  37. DanaK

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an excellent choice for Easter, with delicious food, excellent service, and a lovely set up.

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 11, 2023

    Thank you for your 5-Star review! The team here worked really hard to make Easter special for all of our guests. We value your feedback, and we are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful experience.

    Is this helpful?

  38. EMKBoston

    Bath

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    Food was excellent. Service was painfully slow. Having to ask for salt and pepper and a steak knife to cut food that clearly requires more than a butter knife. In a restaurant that charges this level of pricing, that shouldn't happen.

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 11, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to review us, I am very happy that you enjoyed our food! I am deeply sorry that your service was slow and that you had to ask for several items to enjoy your experience. I appreciate you bringing this to our attention, we will address this with our team and make sure this does not get repeated. If you would like to contact me directly at the restaurant and ask for Brian, I would love to invite you back to give us another opportunity.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Services was great and food was fantastic!

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 11, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback! We invested a lot of time to make sure you left with a positive experience. We value your feedback. Thank you so much.

    Is this helpful?

  40. MalcolmS

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience3
    Very nice staff. Mediocre food: spoiled lettuce in salad, tepid soup, overcooked pasta, crazy high wine list prices

    Catalyst RestaurantResponded on April 11, 2023

    Hi Malcom, thank you for taking some time to review us and provide us some feedback. I am very happy that you enjoyed our team. I apologize that the food did not meet your expectations. I will bring up these issues with the team and do our best to not let it happen again. Please contact me directly at the restaurant and ask for Brian, I would love to invite you back to give us another shot.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Catalyst Restaurant using the Order Online button. Catalyst Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 576-3000.

Catalyst Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 1600 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Catalyst Restaurant

300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Main Street
  • Neighborhood
    Cambridge
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary French / American, Contemporary French
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    We validate parking at Technology Square Garage (800 Technology Square)
  • Public transit
    Red Line Kendall/MIT
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    William Kovel
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.catalystrestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (617) 576-3000
  • Catering
    events@catalystrestaurant.com
  • Private party facilities
    Beautiful custom weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, & post nuptial brunches. Seamless planning, award winning modern American cuisine & flawless execution
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Yee & Anne Fedak: (617) 576-3004
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