CanalSide Food & Drink

CanalSide is a new food hall located in the heart of CambridgeSide Mall. It is a very modern redesign for the food hall, with lots of variety such as Ramen, Pizza, Burgers, Bubble Tea, and also a bar. We went on a weekend night, and it wasn't too crowded overall. Plenty of seating and it was nice and quiet in the mall as well. We ordered from Sapporo Ramen and also Beard Papas. Beard Papas was very similar to their Newbury Street location, but the bubble tea had a lot less options overall. The prices were pretty much the same as Newbury Street, but they also had special bundles to get multiple of the creampuffs at a discounted rate. Sapporo Ramen used to exist at a different food gallery, before they moved to CambridgeSide instead. The price is on a bit of a higher side for the portion, but overall was still pretty tasty. The Karaage Chicken had a bit of a lighter breading so it wasn't too crispy, but was still tasty overall. Overall, a great new addition to the area, and good if you are shopping and need something to eat.

To be honest, I surveilled the eateries without actually eating because I'd already seen this setup in other places around Boston: old beloved food court accepting cash gets replaced by a fancily-appointed venue of vendors offering overpriced and small portioned food and drink for non-cash payment only. (So much for the US currency promise: "This is legal tender for all debts public and private".) Many of the reviews here by people who DID eat confirmed my impressions. For decades, I loved Cambridgeside Galleria; both the variety of stores and the affordable eating options. It's history now.

Pasta was OK. The atmosphere was great. The Miami vice drink was probably one of the best drinks I've ever had.

I placed an online order at a few of the restaurants on a Sunday night around 6pm. Apparently some of the restaurants close at 6, so not only did I not get food, I was charged for the food I didn't get. Why would they still have online ordering available if some of the places are closed?

A great upgrade for the mall! Overall the food is quite good, though often on the more expensive side for what you get. The ramen, pasta, and burger places especially stand out!

Looks cute and good atmosphere but the food is overpriced and not great. Small portions, expensive priced. Not tourist friendly: no one accepts cash. In a post-Covid world maybe that makes sense but many tourists carry cash. Also, not great for kids. Bring back the Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. It’s supposed to be a mall.

Nice place with good food options

Newly renovated great place to eat and work