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The Center Cafe

4.3 (247)
$30 and under
American
1027 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Innovative
  • Romantic
A converted commuter rail stop with the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere of a neighborhood hideaway serving terrific American Cuisine. This family run gem has a lot of cooking talent, a varied menu, good wine list and craft cocktails.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Only: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Closed Mondays Summer Hours may vary.
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Vanessa Cortesi
  • Neighborhood
    Needham
  • Cross street
    Needham Bank/Eaton Square Pedestrian Walkway
  • Parking details
    There are two, free parking lots adjacent to the restaurant: one across the train tracks from our front door and a municipal lot in in back of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    We are on the commuter rail line at Needham Center Station.
  • Entertainment
    We offer musical entertainment for special events.
  • Additional
    Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 247 people are saying

The Center Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 1.3Value

NoiseModerate

247 Reviews
  1. AliM

    Greater Boston5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on August 19, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Food and service were good. Ambiance fair. Did not have several of the wines listed. Would go back and would recommend.

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  2. sibud VIP

    Greater Boston43 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 28, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    They are closing so it really doesn't mean crap. They sold the place it will now be a bar

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  3. joycem

    Philadelphia County18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 22, 2017

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So nice and friendly. Food is always great. I have eaten there six times. Have brought friends who also loved it.

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  4. JASLEE

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 20, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our meal was tasty and well prepared. The people who served us were pleasant and friendly. Although we were not in a hurry, the service was very slow. We had a long wait to order and a longer delay to receive our meals. We did not see anyone for a long time after we had finished dining, except for a wait person who was spending a lengthy time across the room in a deep conversation with another table. Despite these complaints, I would return.

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  5. JoeS VIP

    Greater Boston17 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 15, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Had a fantastic dinner with my wife and college age daughter. This is a wonderful, family owned restaurant with excellent food a culinary would enjoy! Owner provides great advice, fantastic service and recommendations and made our meal fantastic! We will definitely be back again and come here on a more regular basis. Bravo!

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  6. AwesomeSteakhouse VIP

    Rhode Island117 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 9, 2017

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food & drinks! Very welcoming restaurant owned and managed by a family that makes you feel like part of their family when dining. Great customizable drinks, wonderful apps - esp the crispy ribs! The food is always full of flavor and plenty too. Recommend the perfectly prepared creme brûlée!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2017

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very friendly owner and waiting staff Good food Will return

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  8. Disappointed VIP

    Greater Boston10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 3, 2017

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Prices are high, especially for the starter salads

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  9. LeslieN VIP

    Southwest Florida237 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 21, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We all enjoyed our meals, very nice staff and very attentive 👍

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  10. Kate VIP

    Coastal Georgia12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 13, 2017

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is always good, and the staff remembers and welcomes us. A very pleasant place to have dinner. We have been going since they first opened.

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FAQs

The Center Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (781) 455-8800.

The Center Cafe is rated 4.3 stars by 247 OpenTable diners.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston Metro West
  5. Needham

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for The Center Cafe

1027 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Needham Bank/Eaton Square Pedestrian Walkway
  • Neighborhood
    Needham
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Only: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Closed Mondays Summer Hours may vary.
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There are two, free parking lots adjacent to the restaurant: one across the train tracks from our front door and a municipal lot in in back of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    We are on the commuter rail line at Needham Center Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Vanessa Cortesi
  • Entertainment
    We offer musical entertainment for special events.
  • Additional
    Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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