Cafe Barada — Restaurant in Cambridge

This Lebanese place is family owned and operated. And it shows. For the better and for the worse.

Every time I've been, things have been passable but not perfect. I keep going back because the food is comforting and different than other options in the area. I'm a sucker for convenience (it's literally steps from my house) and supporting local businesses. But maybe I should spend my money in better ways. Lebanese food is generally pretty good, so in this regard Barada's got that going for it. But I don't feel like it goes above and beyond in terms of flavor or experience.

Even after the renovation, the small space's atmosphere is a tad off. The lighting just a tad bright, so I don't get that romantic Middle Eastern vibe. The tables just a tad close, so I can easily eavesdrop on our neighbors' conversations. And this makes me just a tad uncomfortable.

I've gotten the Bazella which was a comforting blend of lamb, carrots, potatoes, and peas in a tomato-based sauce with rice. It's a solid meal for a dreary day, but my friend and I were both surprised to find the flavor a bit bland. Cue the salt and pepper. I've also ordered the lamb kebab pita roll-up which is tender, flavorful lamb with lettuce, tomato and tahini in a warm pita. The sandwich is long and good, but pretty basic, and for the $13 price tag I'm tempted to just walk a few blocks down to Greek Corner for a similar, cheaper dish. The roll-up also comes with a side, and we opted for the cup of lentil soup to warm us up. This broth, full of beans and greens with a few chunks of potato, was good because it was warm, but was again surprisingly bland. The salt and pepper didn't help too much.

The baklava was tasty but again overpriced. It was a bit dry and crumbly, but not in a bad way (better than it being soggy, in my opinion) and was very nutty since it contained both walnuts and pistachos. Good to share for a few bites of post-meal sweetness (it's not a true Middle Eastern meal without baklava!), but I'm not craving another.

The owner is personable and welcoming, and I love that he is very present and involved in his resturant's operations. However, a $15 credit card limit (before tax and tip) is high. And surprising when your meal was $13 because you were trying to be frugal. And just plain inconvenient. Who carries around $15 worth of cash these days? But considering this place's prices, you won't have to worry because your bill will most likely be more than that. See, there's always a...

This place a hidden gem (on the Mass Ave) a bit past Porter Square for authentic Lebanese food with Lebanon-imported ingredients run by Lebanese.

We picked this place for a low-key celebration dinner and were very happy with the decision. We ordered:

An appetizer sampler — that “poster child” you see in every Google review. Yes, it’s delicious.

A side Fattoush salad — Even my salad-hating boyfriend liked it.

A lamb kebab entree — tender juicy in large portions. Allegedly has more lamb than rice according to my bf.

A lam kebab roll-up with a side lentil soup — very fulfilling and delicious. Pairs well with the appetizer sampler and the soup.

A Halva — order the plain one in plastic containers, and you’ll be captivated by hearty roasted sesame fragrance. I won’t tell you they told me they imported these halva from Lebanon. Don’t be scared off by the price. It’s so worth it.

That’s the food. Now the people. We believe we met the father and daughter who are running the restaurant. Very warm, kind, and attentive people to talk to. They give you enough space to enjoy your own party but take good care of you and are happy to strike up a conversation anytime.

We are deeply impressed. This place deserves the high rating. I will be thinking about their roll-ups and halva whenever I’m nearby.

were deeply...

I have been coming to this establishment since they were in Arlington - I put up with the kids attitude. They have no Personality no Customer Service skills. and they are rude- The mother just looks at you and gives you a dirty look you say hi She didn’t say It back dad is the nicest person !! that the food is amazing. The atmosphere is amazing. The music is amazing

what is not amazing is I’m being told they prefer cash in like a rudest way it’s too much of an imposition for her to have me use my Apple Pay in 2025 at the register but they would prefer cash anything under $15 then I get my two appetizers and they give me one thing of bread so I nicely asked for some bread and they tell me well with the way things are. I don’t wanna hear the way things are. I’m paying for my foodGive me my bread that comes in my appetizer. Don’t tell me how things are. Don’t tell me to use cash and don’t be rude. Not to mention, I was so upset I dropped my glass bottle of Pellegrino costed five dollars and smashed it on the ground that I had to clean up and they close whenever they want to when they have always posted I don’t understand - I’m nice you can’t be nice back and I’m coming into your place...