Baraka Cuisine

It started really well with great small plates that we took as starters, which set high expectations for large plates. However, main were nowhere close to the level of the starters, we had salmon and couscous. The place itself is quite simple but cozy, so no complaints, but nothing special as well. The service is super friendly, but a little slow, and I didn't like that they automatically add 18% gratuity, and then list extra space for tip on top of the gratuity

Very disappointed by this meal, especially because of all the great reviews. The starters we ordered were not good and very overpriced. The meat couscous was flavorless and very small. The only thing we enjoyed was the chicken tajine but again was a chicken leg with a very small amount of potatoes for 25$. Overall it was very expensive for small portions and underwhelming food. Only highlight was the service was good.

Hands-down the best place for Mediterranean and North African fare in the Boston area. During the day they operate as a café with superb Mediterranean fare and exquisite drinks like Moroccan tea, and convert to a full restaurant at night with fantastic and authentic Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian dishes. The service is on the slightly slower side, but the gorgeous decor and friendliness of the staff and owners mean one is unlikely to notice. This has become my go-to spot for lunch (partly because the prices are so reasonable), and each time I introduce a friend, Baraka gains a new frequent customer.

The waitress was wonderful, however she should not be working alone. She was under so much pressure and was clearly doing the job of at least 2 or 3 people. There was a gentlemen helping her, but he did not appear dressed appropriately for working the "floor" and his clothes were visibly dirty. He was not around often, but seemed to bring drinks out from the back for the over-worked waitress. The food was DELICIOUS. However the wait was long. It took 20 minutes (and us having to stop her and grab her attention) to get an appetizer, and then 42 minutes to get our actual meal. This is not the fault of the waitress, as she was nonstop. They just clearly need more help at this restaurant. The one big issue I had were the menus. They were paper copies, wrinkled, dirty, and super unprofessional. I would be embarrassed to use those with customers if this was my restaurant. I want to emphasis that the waitress was wonderful and admirable. She is doing the work of many.

We went at 7 on a Friday and I think we got one of the last tables. I will say that the service is not fast, but the food is 100% worth waiting for. The smoked eggplant dip is the best eggplant I've ever put in my mouth. It's about the right size for 2-3 people to have a few bites each. The bouillabaisse is spectacular. It is an explosion of flavor but so well balanced. I rarely get seafood stews where the stew outshines the seafood but wow. Just wow. The lemonade is also very good. The tarte crousstillant is a pass for me.

Dinner at Baraka was a wonderful experience. The service was prompt and polite. We ordered the Chicken and Salmon Tajine. Both dishes were flavorful and unique. Portions were a good size and left us satisfied. Overall a great experience.

Fantastic little gem in Cambridge! We happened to come on a night when there was supposed to be a snow storm and we the only ones in the restaurant! The host/waiter/assistant chef/owner(?) was incredibly friendly and despite the fact that we were the only ones, he was in great spirits. He was very attentive and made great suggestions on what our group of 4 should order. We tried the Bedenjal Mechoui (not pictured), Zaatar Coca, Jbinet Kermous, Citrus Duck, Lamb Couscous (not pictured), and Chicken Tajine. Everything was incredibly delicious! I definitely recommend trying the Jbinet Kermous and Bedenjal Mechoui appetizers. The blend of cheeses offered with the Jbinet Kermous was delicious and the eggplant-based Bedenjal Mechoui was like an elevated version of Baba Ganoush. Absolutely delightful. Both of the entrees were great, as well. The portions were nice and the flavors were outstanding. Highly recommend checking this place out!

Delicious food and excellent service! Our server recommended a Moroccan Syrah. We got the Zaatar Coca to start. The Zaatar bread was very fresh and the caramelized onions were so tasty it was like dessert. For our meal we got the Melkha and the Lamb Tajine. I’ve never had couscous so light and fluffy. The Lamb was cooked perfectly and fell right off the bone into a delicious sweet/savory sauce. I finished with a refreshing mint tea that had just enough sweetness to it. Definitely get the tea!