Matthew H.
Yelp
I've seen a few other stores of this chain around in the area - there's one also nearby in Central Square, as well as in downtown Boston, etc. - but I've never gotten the chance to try it out; so, I was looking forward to giving it a shot when a new location opened right in the heart of Harvard Square.
I came by with 2 of my friends just before noon on a Saturday for a late brunch/lunch - it was actually quite crowded, with only a few seats available that we had to hunt for (nothing in the downstairs level and two adjacent tables upstairs). The vibe is definitely consistent with the type of food - it's clear as soon as you walk in that the place is centred around healthfulness, organicness, etc. etc. which makes sense given that it is indeed a vegetarian bowl/coffee shop type spot.
Anyway, despite the colourful ambience and helpful/efficient service, the food was a bit underwhelming. I ordered the spicy peanut noodles, which was... fine (?) overall but probably not worth the price. The sauce was not bad (heads up: not spicy) - pretty standard Asian-style peanut sauce - and the lettuce/other veggies were decently tasty, but the noodles were overcooked and soggy.
The matcha latte I ordered was unfortunately quite disappointing - as a matcha enthusiast, I had quite high expectations, especially from such a popular cafe. Unfortunately, the latte was too powdery throughout, overly sweetened, and very much lacking the natural bitter/earthier aromas of quality matcha powder.
Also pictured are my friends' dishes - the Green Goddess and the Sesame Shiitake Tofu - not bad by any sense but nothing too amazing.
Overall, the food was OK at best, and definitely overpriced. While I can certainly see why this place is popular, I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon.