That’s me in my household.
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Sadly so, it appears. I have to break the news to my wife.
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Yeah, that’s not my style. Don’t like being a buzzkill for everyone else. We’ll go back someday, I’m sure. Just not for this occasion.
ETA: we last went to Semolina in 2019! So I guess we’re not in a rush to go back.
The Abbey (between Porter & Harvard Square) might fit the bill. At lunch, parking is pretty easy to get out front or nearby. The food is great – definitely falls into the comfort vibe, with generous portions, and the drinks are good. It can get busy, but it’s never too loud, and they won’t rush you.
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I just remembered two new-ish places in Inman Square. Gufo is open for lunch 11 to 3. I’ve never been. https://www.gufocambridge.com/ I have been to Oak Bistro once. All I remember is that I had fried oysters and they were good. https://www.oakbistrorestaurant.com/
Here’s a review of Oak Bistro in Cambridge Day.
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Thanks @Madrid. Those are both new-to-me and locations are ideal relative to our friends’ house. I’m leaning towards Oak Bistro because I like the food at the Abbey (thank you @tartandfit for that recommendation and good to see you again here!) and it’s a 5-minute walk from her place so we wouldn’t have to worry about parking.
Gufo is appealing, but maybe a little too pizza-heavy for this occasion.
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Good-looking lunch menu!
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Yes, looks very nice.
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Henrietta’s Table is pleasant enough but somehow always seems…tame. We did greatly enjoy their thanksgiving buffet one year. However my first choice, with Harvest off the table, would be Row 34. The “boards” are fabulous, and don’t miss the biscuit….for desert. Great beverage options.
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My friend and I decided on Oak Bistro in Inman Sq. We have a noon reservation tomorrow. I will report back, of course. Thanks to everyone for their input.
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Thanks, young canary in this coal mine.
The menu, as spotted by @GretchenS, is excellent enough that you’re in serious danger – of having good food.
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My friend and I had a nice lunch at Oak Bistro yesterday (thank you for the recommendation @Madrid). It’s a warm welcoming space. It was empty when we arrived for our noon reservation but filled up during our lunch, including one large party seated near us. We were still able to chat comfortably, despite the small space being convivially full. Very Cantabrigian crowd. Server was sweet and friendly.
She had 2 apps as her meal, which she offered to share with me – the 1000-layer potato pavé and the artichoke cakes. The pavé (I think there were 4 cubes) was delightful - light as air and a fun shower of pecorino. I did not try the artichoke cakes but brought home her leftovers, which we haven’t had yet (will eat those tonight). I had the falafel pita sandwich, which was fine. The falafel/fillings were a little stingy (3 or 4 small falafel) but the whole package of pickled red onion, cucumber, olives, lemon dill yogurt and side of parmesan fries was tasty. We each had a couple of glasses of wine (Chardonnay for her, a red blend for me).
The food, while not adventurous, worked for us as did the vibe - we talked about going back for future lunches. I can envision bringing B and Spring Onion there, too. I want to explore the menu so would not get the falafel again.
My friend was ready to dig into the artichoke cakes when I exclaimed, “wait, I need a photo!” She laughed at me. My photos are particularly heinous - dunno what happened.
Thanks again for all the input. GBA Onions are the BEST.
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Fine photos, really, and you were not sideways when you took them (remember those days?).
And, to mildly comment, a “1000-layer potato pavé” does sound reasonably adventurous, at least to my timid ears, as long it’s not the kind of hyperbole used for other foods, such as 1000-year eggs.
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I’m glad it worked out for you both reasonably well! I do remember the servers as warm and kind. It is a small space, and the tables are on the small side as well. Our 6’4" large son was a little uncomfortable in the space. I do recall enjoying my fried oysters.
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Thanks for the report! Sounds lovely.
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I gave the artichoke cake to B last night. Interestingly, they were a veggie take on crab cakes. He liked them, I thought were so-so (but they may have been tastier straight outta the kitchen and with the aioli-type sauce that accompanied them). B was fooled for a minute—he initially actually thought they were crab cakes.
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