Sofra Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in Cambridge

Came to Sofra on a Saturday around 11:30 AM to a short line on the inside (which moves quickly). I had heard great things about it after going to both Sarma and Oleana, its higher-end small plates sister restaurants in the Boston area. Middle Eastern cuisine is my absolute favorite so of course I had to come to Sofra, despite it being on the other side of town.

When you walk in, it is quite small and packed with other fellow lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu is all written on cardboard which adds a certain level of humility of the restaurant, despite its great reputation. To dine in, you order at the counter, take a number, and try to find a table. Though it was busy, people were considerate of others looking for tables and didn't linger too long. We were able to sit down as we were waiting for our food (which took about 5 - 10 minutes).

I was fortunate enough to come to the restaurant with my friend of Turkish descent who is familiar with many of the things on the menu so we ordered things that I wouldn't necessarily think to get (but I am glad I did):

Kougin Amman - Puff pastry filled with oozing chocolate Halva (a sesame based food, often sweet)...probably my favorite thing we got. While Halva is usually semi-solid and something you take bites of, this halva oozed out and complimented the puff pastry perfectly. Definitely get at least one of the pastries while you're here.

Morning Bun - we didn't even order it but since you are elbow to elbow with your neighbors (and people here are so friendly), our neighbors let us try a piece of their morning bun with orange blossom glaze. My Goodness! The vibrancy of the flavor and the smell. I tasted the orange more than I ever have in any pastry before. Will definitely be getting one of my own when I come back.

Asure - my friend described this as oatmeal but with chickpeas. It's filled with pistachios, dried fruit, and almonds and is so warming on a cold day. This is something I wouldn't think to get but am glad I did.

Lamb Shawarma - I am a big shawarma fan but I was actually disappointed by this one. I thought it would come grilled/sliced on a big pita with lots of veggies and sauces but it came in this little egg-roll type pastry with hummus on the side. It was tasty but the lamb was ground up and for what we paid, I would expect a larger portion.

Cheese Borek - also one of my favorites but something I wouldn't think to order. This is basically doughy squares of bread filled with cheese that you dip in more cheese (labneh, which is a white spreadable cheese).

Turkish Tea Latte - I am not a hot beverage drinker but my friend is and she said it was delicious and came in the cutest little cup. See picture for evidence.

Overall, a great brunch experience and one that I will be schlepping out to West Cambridge for when I am craving some Turkish breakfast food.

Also important to note: This restaurant also serves as a small grocery store of middle eastern goodies...definitely worth checking out if you...

Flavorful and pricey Turkish food. There's a mandatory service fee attached to the bill regardless of eating in or taking out. There is limited outside dining.

Added 02-15-2025:

Is a Kitchen Appreciation Fee Legal If It’s Not Disclosed?

In Massachusetts, businesses are legally required to clearly disclose all mandatory fees to consumers prior to purchase. This includes any kitchen appreciation fees or similar charges. Failure to disclose such fees upfront may be considered an unfair or deceptive practice under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 93A. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has proposed regulations to combat hidden “junk fees,” emphasizing the necessity for businesses to provide transparent pricing. 

Therefore, if a restaurant adds a kitchen appreciation fee without clearly advertising it on the menu or informing customers before ordering, it may be in violation of Massachusetts law. Consumers encountering undisclosed fees are encouraged to report such practices to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for further investigation.

✔ In Most States, Fees Must Be Clearly Disclosed

✔ Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law (Chapter 93A) • Massachusetts law prohibits unfair or deceptive pricing practices. • If a restaurant adds an undisclosed charge to the final bill, a customer may have legal grounds to dispute it. • A restaurant should list any required fees on the menu, receipt, or at checkout for transparency.

What If the Fee Is Mentioned on the Receipt But Not the Menu? • If the fee is on the receipt but not the menu, it might still be legal as long as it is disclosed before payment. • However, if the fee is added without prior notice, a customer can challenge it. • Some restaurants have faced lawsuits for hidden surcharges that weren’t advertised clearly.

Can You Refuse to Pay the Fee If It Wasn’t Disclosed?

✔ Yes, you can dispute it • If the kitchen appreciation fee was not disclosed before ordering, you can politely ask for it to be removed. • Massachusetts law supports the right to know all charges upfront.

✔ File a Complaint • If a restaurant refuses to remove an undisclosed fee, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

What Should Restaurants Do to Stay Compliant?

✔ Clearly list the fee on menus, websites, and signage ✔ Inform customers before they place an order ✔ Ensure it is not confused with gratuity (since mandatory service charges differ from voluntary tips)

Final Takeaway

🚨 If Sofra is adding a kitchen appreciation fee without disclosing it upfront, customers may have grounds to dispute the charge. 👉 Call Sofra (617-661-3161) and ask if this fee is clearly stated on the menu or receipt before ordering. 👉 If you were charged without notice, you can request...

Sofra is one of those beautiful Boston/Cambridge gems that make me think New England can be as wonderful a food destination as New York City. Serving up lovely Turkish/Lebanese/Mediterranean fare to crowded yuppie brunch crowds in West Cambridge, come here ready to have your taste buds blown apart.

1 star- ambiance. Despite the crowded interior, it's decorated charmingly with lots of enticing cookbooks, spices and oils, and ready-made foods and desserts for you to gander at while you wait your turn in line. 1 star- service. Nothing to complain about; despite crowds, the line moves decently quickly and the food comes out as fast as to be expected. 0.5 star- value. Their entrees run $8-14 for brunch/lunch and aren't massive but a fair amount of food. 1 star- taste. I don't think I've ever had a bad bite at Sofra (or at Sarma or Oleana to be honest). Everything is fresh, exciting, with amazing texture and flavor combinations. This latest visit, the twice baked strawberry pistachio croissant tasted even better than it looked (and it looks incredible) -- with flaky, crusty croissant, slightly sweet strawberries, and incredibly green and crunchy pistachios. 1.5 stars- innovation. Sofra just kills it with the interesting menu items. The brown butter donut made me feel like I was going to both heaven and hell, at the same time -- so sinful, so delicious. The sausage pita was spicy and tangy and salty, with great flavor coming through from the olives and feta butter.

Protip: come here early and if you can, run or bike here so you can really earn...