Moeca

Name: Moeca
Address: 1 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 945-0040
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

300 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

Moëca is a neighborhood seafood focused restaurant inspired by Italy and beyond.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 21, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Fish, Dining Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 945-0040
Website
https://www.moecarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Michael Pagliarini

Location
1 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Cross street
Massachusetts Avenue
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 300 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Greater Boston
Seafood
Boston
Innovative
Boston
Seafood

300 Reviews

J
Jojo
Greater Boston
69 reviews
vip
4.0
69 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience2
The fried beets were amazing as was the mushroom pasta, perfect fall meal.
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JW
JenelleW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
AMAZING MEAL! Have a gluten allergy and they were super accommodating and I was able to have almost everything on the menu. The wine was delicious and the staff was very kind!
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R
Robbie
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly one of the best restaurants I have EVER been to. My daughter and i shared 5 dishes. Two crudo (raw) dishes, Two small plates, (prawns and crispy Monkfish) and one pasta. They serve tapas sized portions. The crudo fluke and tuna were absolutely amazing! And then each dish followed suit. The service and vibe matched the excellence of the food. I had an idle hands beer and my daughter a delightful white wine, recommended by our server. Not enough stars to rate this amazing culinary experience.
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WM
WendyM
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service3ambience3
Some dishes were excellent, but some like ravioli were disappointing.
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A
Andreb
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The monkfish and swordfish were fabulous. Our waitress Emily suggested a very good wine to accompany our meal.
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OR
OmarR
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. Will definitely go back
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CS
CatherineS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered several different items among the 3 of us and each was delicious. From entering the location, the service was top notch, particularly our server. The eggplant, the tuna and the salad were exceptional. The swordfish was good as well. Our dessert seemed to focus more on number of ingredients and presentation than flavor, so would not get it again.
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N
Nomis
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible service, unique and flavorful seafood and arguably some of the dessert you'll find in the Boston/Cambridge area. I will definitely be back.
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B
Barakb
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extraordinary inventive food in a great environment. My new favorite in Cambridge!
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y
yayfood
Raleigh
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Moeca was delightful with innovative seafood-forward dishes. While the meal itself was flavor-forward, the service was also exceptional making the whole experience something I can hardly wait to do again!
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BM
BairsMom
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Jonathan was fantastic. We were seated immediately, he had great suggestions for us as first-time diners in the restaurant, and his suggestions were spot-on for the kind of food we were looking for.
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RH
RickH
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Had six small plates between my wife and me -- which was plenty of food for two. Highlights were the eggplant and the black bass. We'll be back for sure, though I think we'll try a few other dishes next time. Very nice ambiance; warm, professional service. A tad bit expensive, but overall an enjoyable evening at Moeca.
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AB
ArtB
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful Terrific waitress very comfortable and fun.
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SS
StephanieS
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a party of 4. The food choices were interesting and the flavors were very nice. I really loved the small plates but we also had a lovely pasta with lobster. Our server was terrific too and very helpful.
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l
lovable
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
I hadn't been in this space since the days of Chez Henri. The new restaurant feels like a transformation for the better, more spacious and pleasant to dine. Food was outstanding for most part. Salted cod ravioli lacked flavor. The mussels served wit the cod entree didn't add anything to the dish. Chocolate bread pudding was more like a brownie topped with too many things, a busy unimpressed dessert for $14.00. Service was correct, attentive and pleasant. Overall experience was very good.
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D
Dantunes
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful place for small group dining or dates. The quality of the food in both ingredients and preparation was top notch, and the space is gorgeous and cozy.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the two best restaurants in the Boston area
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CB
CarenB
Greater Boston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server Ben was delightful and very knowledgeable about every aspect of the food. The cocktails were whimsical and tasty. The food was delish but since they are small plates be prepared to order more and pay more. Moeca is worthy of occupying Chez Henri’s former space.
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T
Terra
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food was good but nothing outstanding. Service was rather slow.
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TB
TrowB
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The menu is imaginative and excellently prepared. Service is knowledgeable and attentive. Ambiance is stylish and clean. Bare surfaces make sound reverberate but not to an uncomfortable level. Overall an excellent dining experience.
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VB
VillaBelmonte
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic oysters . Top notch food. We loved it. Excellent
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C
Cambridgediner
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience3
Our comment on leaving was, “tt was worth going for the food”. The dishes were in fact delicious, from a wonderful baked oyster to start with, to one of the best preparations of swordfish, perfectly grilled in a slightly spicy sauce, covered with grilled carrots and other vegetables. But the sound level was intolerable; almost impossible to have a conversation which to us is an essential part of a good meal. Our hope is that the restaurant will do something serious to dampen the sound.
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JS
JohnSF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Exceptional small plates allow a wonderful sampling of different flavors. Our server Emily was unintrusive but incredibly helpful in describing different selections and making recommendations when we requested. While everything is excellent, the fish and shellfish are the specialty. Will definitely return.
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KT
KarlaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food. Great service. Great atmosphere.
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ES
EmilyS
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visited Moeca with a foodie friend from NYC and it did not disappoint. The cocktails were fantastic. Our waiter was super knowledgeable and accommodated gluten and dairy allergies very well. Stick to the crudos and small plates, skipping the largest shared plates at the bottom. The ambiance and service were fabulous. Felt like I was in NYC with the level of inventiveness and thoughtfulness of the menu.
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JB
JonathanB
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly outstanding menu of perfectly balanced and fresh flavors and exceptional service. Moeca is a gem.
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JA
JenA
Greater Boston
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
The food had highs and lows. Tuna starter and unicorn oysters were very yummy, as were chickpea pancake, monkfish and ham. We ordered two pasta dishes- spaghetti with lobster and mushroom tortellini, both of which were salty and tasteless at the same time. Server was knowledgeable but condescending. Drinks ok but small.
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d
disappointed
Greater Boston
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic and creative food, excellent service, warm ambience
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MW
MarlaW
Atlanta Metro
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fabulous. Ben was outstanding as our server. Really helped us figure out what to order. Delicious!
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J
Jamaca
Greater Boston
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
This place DID NOT live up to its hype. Why was everything over cooked? Server very nice but when the dish he recommended arrived looking singed, he defended it. It ate burnt. Good wine, good monkfish, good dessert.
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BL
BarbL
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spectacular food! Terrific service, too. The restaurant was a bit loud for easy conversation.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an utterly fantastic nearly 4 hour dinner. The cocktails were delicious, and food was exceptional, bordering sublime. The focus is fresh seafood, but if you can finagle the steak with devil sauce and bone marrow, you’ll be glad you did. Noise level way too loud, but great vibe nevertheless. My only complaint, and it’s a big one: there were a couple of Instagram-type content creators turning their invasive bright flood lights on and off while they presented their meal at their table, it was a total mood killer. I’m surprised the staff didn’t have them turn it off, it was a bummer.
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NY
NYCFoodie
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
Am disappointed to say we didn’t love Moeca. We had been wanting to try it for some time as we are HUGE fans of Giulia. Service was just ok. We were seated and then seemingly ignored. Restaurant was maybe about a 1/3 full. At some point a woman who seemed to be a manager came over to pour water. After what seemed like another lengthy interval the server appeared. Server was very cordial, answered our questions, but again didn’t return to actually take the order until what again seemed like a lengthy interval. The menu is quite idiosyncratic and almost struggling to be highfallutin with a nod to basic farm to table sensibility. Even the dessert menu is quite complicated with unusual combinations of flavors. It’s clear what they’re going for, but even on a menu like this, going for an appeal to the foodie elite (of which I would count myself one) there should be one simple and delicious basic dessert…how about something chocolate with vanilla ice cream? But for a restaurant with such an elitist menu, to have the only salad option be a bowl of romaine lettuce, honestly makes no sense. If ur a person who enjoys vegetables with your fish or seafood, Moeca will just not be satisfying. It’s also not a restaurant that can be enjoyed by a group of eaters with various dietary restrictions. Our daughter who is basically vegetarian and allergic to dairy would find very little to eat here. Pretty much every dish had butter in some way or another. I did ask if I could have a side of kale with my dinner (not on the menu). I was accommodated, but the kale was incredibly greasy, definitely overkill on the oil. Focaccia was underwhelming. The oil on the side was also oddly flavored. Monkfish was tasty and succulent, but very annoying to have that large middle bone to cut around. Medallions or a fillet would have been much nicer. Lobster spaghetti had almost no lobster, was creamy, but lacked flavor. Swordfish was fine, but I make better at home. Doubt we will return.
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AC
AmyC
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious fish courses. Warm and competent staff. Lovely ambiance. One of our favorites!
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C
Cantabrigian
Greater Boston
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Finally had the opportunity to get a table here - it quickly joined the growing list of difficult bookings due to popularity, although its better then its sister Guilia up the street which seems booked in perpetuity.. Moeca is YA small plates/share format eatery, thankfully centered upon seafood. Our party of four totally enjoyed nine offerings, raw, fried, smoked, grilled. and two of their gelato desserts and a round of cocktails. It was all worth the wait and we were all very pleased with the food and the staff. Yes, they came swiftly and often to clear plates, but they do pile up and need clearing. Place was full, noise level was high, but not overwhelming. If I start checking now we might be able to come back in a few months....
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food is delicious and so are the cocktails! A bit pricey .
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J
Jennifer
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
I was thoroughly impressed by the restaurant's charming interior, which created a warm and inviting ambiance. Additionally, the delectable array of food and drinks served surpassed all expectations, leaving me truly satisfied with my dining experience. The combination of delightful flavors and impeccable presentation made the meal a memorable one. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in search of a delightful culinary journey.
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B
Baines
Greater Boston
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Interesting and unusual menu , very well done . A bit pricey but worth it as a culinary experience . Much better than standard ‘upscale’ Cambridge eateries. Special shout out to Emily whose recommendations helped curate our choices and whose sparkle and charm enhanced the fun of dining there.
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D
Daisy
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Food unfortunately has gone downhill and service never brought me what I asked for.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious each plate down to dessert was full of flavor. Service was friendly not pushy and very knowledgeable of menu.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Moeca is rated 4.7 stars by 300 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 21, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

1 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross street
Massachusetts Avenue
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Fish, Dining Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Michael Pagliarini
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.moecarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(617) 945-0040

Moeca

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 300 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Moeca restaurant rated?

Is Moeca currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information