Oak Bistro

Bistro · Wellington Harrington

Oak Bistro

Bistro · Wellington Harrington

1

1287 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Highlights

Creative bistro serving inventive dishes with attentive service  

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1287 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139 Get directions

oakbistrorestaurant.com
@oak_bistro

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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1287 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139 Get directions

+1 617 714 4696
oakbistrorestaurant.com
@oak_bistro

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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NYC Icon Joe’s Pizza Opens in Harvard Square - Eater Boston

"In Inman Square, Corazon de Frida Mexican Cantina has closed and the Oak Bistro, with pizzas, pasta, and seafood, has opened in its place." - Erika Adams

https://boston.eater.com/2023/9/22/23884623/joes-pizza-opening-cambridge-harvard-square
View Postcard for Oak Bistro

Ana Caroline Araujo

Google
A Must-Visit Spot! I absolutely loved this restaurant! The atmosphere is super cool, perfect for a romantic date or a fun night out with friends. The drinks are fantastic, not only delicious but also beautifully presented. And the food? Wow. Every dish I ordered was simply amazing. The standout for me was definitely the croquettes, please do yourself a favor and try them! Hands down the best I’ve ever had. All the other dishes were just as impressive: incredibly flavorful, well-portioned, and beautifully plated. And I can’t forget to mention the attentive and friendly service. Bruna, our waitress, was absolutely wonderful, truly top-notch. I’ll definitely be coming back!

L H

Google
I genuinely feel like I haven't had a meal like this, start to finish, in a restaurant for so long. The food is phenomenal! The service is great and the restaurant is very cute. We started with the cornbread and the artichoke cakes. The corn bread and accompaniments were very good. It was moist, sweet, savory. The artichoke cakes. SO. GOOD. They came with a bit of arugula and tartar sauce. It was just the most amazing bite of food. I got the peach caprese for my main, and my partner got the pappardelle with slow cooked beef. Both were excellent. The peach caprese same with burrata and arugula. The peaches were either grilled or roasted, I'm not sure, but so good. It was just missing a bit of bread to soak up the drippings. The pasta was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The beef was so soft and flavorful. Generous cheese! Again, just a bit of bread for the end of the plate would've been nice... Because licking the plates are probably frowned down upon! The Brazilian banana beignets were good. Just lightly banana flavored, not over powering at all. The caramel sauce was perfect for the beignets. The beignets are a bit dense like a pretzel (I really liked them though), just to keep in mind.

antoinette rodney

Google
Very cute, chic restaurant. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The food looked and tasted delicious! It was my birthday and they gave me complimentary donut holes, which were so yummy. I will definitely go back. They even have late night hours (till 1 am) if you get the munchies in the wee hours of the morning.

Edmond Niu

Google
Fantastic. We had the short rib croquettes and short rib ragu. Mussels were in such a buttery vinegary white sauce. So soft and so juicy. Every dish was so well made. Service was fantastic and friendly and the environment is super romantic and perfect for a date night. If I were to go back I would get the oak bistro branded juicy ass massive burger

Jenna Berry

Google
5 stars for sure! The food and the drinks here were delicious and well-crafted. Service was attentive and our food and drinks came out very quickly. The space was nicely decorated with white walls making the restaurant appear a little brighter. Ambiance was great for dinner. My only complaint is the prices were fairly expensive, though I felt it was worth it for how yummy everything was. I highly recommend the French dip panini.

Dennis Jones

Google
A strong five stars for the food and service. Oak Bistro provided a warm environment on a cold, rainy night. Our server was fantastic. Attentive and knowledgeable. The lavender drink my wife ordered was unique and tasty. The starters are of a size begging one to share. We tried four of them, with our favorite being the blueberry cornbread and the thinly sliced potatoes. We barely had room to sample the single entree we bought, vegetarian gnocchi. Make reservations! We were lucky to pick up a cancellation.

Sam

Google
Everything on the well-crafted menu sounds and is delicious - highlights are the "tastes like summer" board, risotto, and every cocktail. I recommend sharing a few plates with a date :) Service is pleasant and doesn't hover. Beautiful decor inside and a sunny patio, a great addition to Inman and the area!

Janhavi Parulekar

Google
We went yesterday for my husbands’s birthday! They sure made it very special for us. The staff were warm and welcoming and the food was delicious. I generally don't like scallops but these were very soft and delectable. We also ordered potato pave and gnocchi. I got the marigold drink!
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Rachel O.

Yelp
We loooooved this lil bistro. What a delicious surprise in Camrbidge. Here's my grade: Drinks: - Quetzal (Montelobos Espadin, kiwi cucumber fresca, orange liqueur, lime, spicy salt, thai chili) - B - Don Augustin (Brown butter washed Monkey Shoulder, Punt e Mes, Frangelico, hickory smoke) - B+ Food: - Thousand-layer crispy potato pave (Pecorino cheese, bravas sauce, chives, gluten-free) - A+ - Special risotto (Pecorino cheese, mushrooms, duck confit, gluten-free) - A Server: - Naomi - A+ Vibes: - Tasteful, hip, smart layout, but not trying too hard. They installed a thick curtain at the door to stop chilly winter air from blasting in to the dining area. Not too bright, but also not too dark. Perfectly lit. A+ I would absolutely come back if I was in the area! In fact, I'd seek out a reason to go to Cambridge just so that I could have dinner here again. I still dream about that thousand-layer potato dish. The prices were a little high, but I think they mostly aligned with the area, the quality of food, & the great service.
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Gabrielle K.

Yelp
Stepped right into this restaurant and felt like a great place to have a great conversation or spill some sipping hot tea! In Inman square, Oak bistro is off the side of the road that I would always pass by on my 40 minute journey from Somerville to HMart in Central. It's very lively and homey inside with a pink wall with a small frame and light fixtures giving a lot of life to the place. Seating is all over the place with booths, bars and normal tables. It's actually freaking adorable because when they take you to your table there is a paper name plate the reservation is booked under. Way to add some personalization, a small gesture that meant so much. Our waiter was really nice and had such a sweet personality. When she hadn't come over to get our order yet she was deeply apologetic and very sincere.Their menu is marked for veg options, dairy free or things they can make gluten free. They've got a farm to table concept so I guess why the food is so pricey lol. But everything was so delicious. I don't get burgers often but I was in the mood for one and it was so juicy and meatyyy. Then the short rib hash though VERY small was freaking delicious. Told my friend the meat is just meating because the flavor of the meat was so BOLD and leveled up if you know what i mean? Drinks were great as well got the winter mimosa which tasted like christmas to be honest. We got dessert and I've had better crème brûlée but that's okay because I just needed my sweet fix after. This would be a great place to have a date or maybe have a girls treat yourself dinner. I would definitely recommend trying this spot. Do be mindful that they do ask to put your card down and if you cancel under 48 NOT 24hrs they will charge your card. So they mean business lol. $$$ Food 9 Atmosphere 9 Service 8 Farm to table burger Short rib hash Sage crème brûlée Winter mimosa
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Rob K.

Yelp
The soft glow of the warm and dim lighting of Oak Bistro serves as an invitation into an otherwise unassuming interior. There is no singular wow factor in the arrangement of the restaurant, and yet each of the little details -- the spacing of the tables, the small ornamental decorations, the choice of materials -- combine to create an enrapturing environment. Truly, if you had not told me the name of the restaurant was Oak Bistro, I might be able to guess just by looking at the interior. My party arrived at the restaurant with ten guests in total, and the waitstaff worked as a well-oiled machine to provide an incredibly smooth experience. In a moment, the waitstaff seemed to disappear into the background -- leaving plenty of time to enjoy the food and company -- and at the very next they were at our beck and call precisely when we were ready for them. We must have ordered practically the entire menu, and not a single dish was a source of disappointment. In fact, the reality was quite the opposite. We had so much good food during our time at Oak Bistro that it's difficult to highlight any one dish in particular. My advice: get ready to share so as to try a great variety of excellent dishes.
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Molly A.

Yelp
What a fun place! My fiancé and I visited Oak Bistro for Valentine's Day after making a reservation. They had a special drink and food menu for the occasion, and can attest that cocktails were delicious! Standout dishes were the croquettes, potato pave, and the special chocolate mousse. I also wanted to add that the staff went above and beyond for Valentine's Day, even coming by and taking Polaroids of us to keep! Looking forward to returning soon!
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Billy S.

Yelp
Had an amazing dinner at Oak Bistro while in Cambridge for the weekend recently. Some highlights: -The food, of course. We started with a couple cocktails, which were delicious, and the thousand layer crispy potato pave. This was one of my favorite appetizers I've had in a long time. For my entree, I had the pappardelle braised short rib ragu. Also a big hit. My only complaint is that I wished the serving was a little bigger, although that may just be a testament to how good it was. - Excellent service here. We arrived a little early for our reservation but were seated quickly anyway. Per usual, I cannot for the life of me remember our server's name, but they were friendly and attentive. - The thoughtful touches all around the restaurant. It's clear that they have carefully considered all the little details that make for a comfortable, welcoming experience. The heavy curtain between the front door and the host station so you don't get blasted by a cold draft while you're waiting for your table. The little placard on the table with our name on it. The table light that can be dimmed, depending on what kind of ambiance you're looking for. All in all, it was a great night out and we left more than satisfied. Next time we're back in Cambridge, we'll definitely be making a reservation here.
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Noah L.

Yelp
This was my favorite restaurant I went to over the long weekend I spent in the Boston area. All the courses were inventive and delicious. I would particularly recommend the croquettes. The ragu was also really good as were the fried potatoes. The service was really attentive and friendly too. It's a nice looking restaurant. I would go here again many, many times.
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Lin W.

Yelp
Came here for brunch--it was amazing! We got the short rib hash, maple fried chicken waffles and the Brazilian raindrop beignets. Everything was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the chicken and waffles. I expected the beignets to be more like New Orleans-style beignets but they were more similar to donut holes, but still pretty good. Overall good portions. The decor was super cute. My friend reserved a table and they had printed out her name on a card decorated with flowers. It's a great spot for a weekend brunch because it's not super crowded.
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Kathy T.

Yelp
Came here with my team of 10 and had a really amazing meal. Apps especially-layered potatoes, truffle fries, short rib croquettes, citrus salad, peach burrata salad, Brussels- rave reviews from everyone on those. Entrees were all good but reviews more mixed on enthusiasm. Scallops were as good as the apps, as was the mushroom risotto and chicken. Gnocchi was a little bland and short rib pasta good. Ambience is fun, server friendly and competent, cocktails and beer enjoyed by those who imbibed. Highly recommend!
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Veronica D.

Yelp
Sat at the bar, had impeccable service, the food was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Oak Bistro is always a solid choice, no matter the time of day.

Mike W.

Yelp
Food and service are amazing! Worth your time and money to stop by for drinks, Apps or even Lunch / Dinner.
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Ellie C.

Yelp
A charming bistro in Inman Square decorated with natural wood and drying flowers. The service is attentive, and they made sure to accommodate allergies by putting sauces on the side. Unfortunately, the food itself was hit or miss. Of what we got: Steamed mussels-frites: mussels were small and we weren't provided with a dish to discard the shells. The taste was overly buttery. Would skip. Bison sliders: not very juicy, flavor okay. The potato chips side did not fit into the sauce container meant for dipping. Would skip. Thousand layer potato pavé: the most unique dish we had. The layered texture is soft and delicate while also being hearty and filling. Flavor was delicious. Would recommend. Oak wings with honey sauce: delicious savory-sweet flavor and well executed wings. Would recommend. Short rib croquettes: tough, dry, and not flavorful. Would skip. Overall, a cute place with good service. Could be a good experience if you are lucky with ordering, but not worth coming back to for me.

Kayla J.

Yelp
This is the best meal I've had in months. The menu is so fun and has such interesting and fresh flavor combinations. The Roasted Pear Salad was to die for....ill be thinking about the pecans alone for years to come. It was fun to pick a bunch of little plates and split them with my partner. We had such a fun time at this spot. It's absolutely adorable, the table is small but intimate with a little light and fresh flowers (so cute), and the service was fast and kind. We were able to walk in on a Friday night for our meal. I don't think this is a normal experience and would recommend a reservation as we saw hosts having to turn some guests away.
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Bri C.

Yelp
Came here for a work dinner so we ordered a bunch of stuff and got to taste a lot. My favorites are: Short Rib Croquettes - much better than the short rib ragu. Sea Scallops were very delicious. The citrus salad was also very good.
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Christina D.

Yelp
Today was our last day in Boston during our four day outing and we were looking for a place to end off our trip with a bang. Did not disappoint!!! The layout and vide of the restaurant is beautiful, perfect for a date night or night out with any loved ones. Our waitress, Shivahni, was amazing! She was very nice and super attentive. For appetizers, we got the cornbread and their croquettes. Both were tasty and had their unique flavors. For entree, both my mother and sister got the mushroom risotto, my father got the scallops, and i got the panini. This has to be one of the best french dip panini's out there. 100% would recommend!!! I wish they had this exact place back in Miami! When we come back, we are totally coming back here :)
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Megana V.

Yelp
came here for a work dinner and the food was really good!! they have a rotating seasonal menu which was fun and made the meals feel festive! got a bunch of diff apps and all were really good!! food was rich and hearty as it should be :)))) got the short rib pasta as my main and it was some of the best fresh pasta i've had in a way. noodles were chewy and the sauce complemented the tender short rib well! nice, patient staff for our large group. overall great experience and a nice place for a nice dinner!
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Susan P.

Yelp
We started with the Thousand Layer Crispy Potato Pave' and Oak Wings. Our entrees were the Classic Mushroom Risotto, Pappardelle Braised Short Ribs Ragu and Pan Seared Sea Scallops. Everything was absolutely delicious! Naomi B was our server, very attentive and friendly. They offer creative cocktails and a nice beer and wine selection. The weather was gorgeous so we opted to sit outside, it was a tough decision because the inside atmosphere is very inviting. Overall we had a wonderful experience and will definitely be back to sample more of the amazing menu options.
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Masmin P.

Yelp
Charming restaurant in Inman Square, with modern country vibes. Food and service were both good.
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Cobie J.

Yelp
What a find! Farm-fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, attentive servers and beautiful decor with dried flowers, exposed brick and warm wood. They even have a beautiful outdoor dining area. We enjoyed blueberry cornbread with honey ricotta, hummus with warm pita and fresh veggies, a cheeseburger with fries and a citrus salad with chicken. Delicious!!! And bonus points for metal straws instead of mushy cardboard.
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Maria M.

Yelp
I had an amazing brunch/lunch experience at Oak Bistro, located on 1287 Cambridge St in Cambridge, MA, this past Saturday, accompanied by my lovely mom. This cozy restaurant draws its culinary inspiration from the vibrant flavors of São Paulo, Brazil. To quench our thirst, we opted for their coffee and a classic mimosa. The mimosa was quite standard, but it hit the spot, especially if you're in the brunch alcohol mood! We started our meal with the avocado toast and short rib hash from the brunch menu. The avocado toast was intriguing with its unique addition of mushrooms, but it lacked that essential touch of salt or citrus. I'm not entirely convinced that mushrooms and avocado toast are a perfect match, but it was the only slightly underwhelming dish, earning a 5/10. On the other hand, the short rib hash (8/10) was a delightful surprise. Featuring sweet potatoes, apple bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, it was a symphony of flavors. If the potatoes had been a bit crispier, it would have been a solid 10/10! We couldn't resist trying the jalapeño cheese cornbread served with Vermont maple whipping butter. It was delightfully buttery, and as a cornbread enthusiast, I was in heaven, giving it an 9/10! The grilled longboard pizza with pepperoni, onions, and arugula was a winning combination. It was cooked to perfection and had that irresistible cheese pull. Another solid 8/10! To end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the Brazilian raindrop beignets, deep-fried dough balls served with warm caramel sauce. A truly cozy and satisfying finish, earning an 8/10. If you're on the hunt for a winter brunch spot this January, I highly recommend making your way to Oak Bistro. Don't miss out on the scrumptious cornbread and delightful beignets! Food: 8/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Affordability: 7/10 Overall, a delightful experience that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
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Kate M.

Yelp
Went for lunch on a Saturday. We didn't have a reservation but were greeted warmly. I cant say enough about our experience. Everything was exceptional from the service, to the food. Our waiter was great! Started with buttermilk fried oysters. They were exceptional. Light and tender. Some of the best i have ever had. I had the Eggs Benny with Salmon at the recommendation of our waiter. I am an eggs benny snob and this was amazing. House English muffin was almost like a biscuit. Was unbelievable. BF had chicken and waffles that was also soooo good. He ate it so fast I didn't have time to take a picture! Bloody Mary and mimosa also great. Everything on the menu looked great. Can't wait to go back. If in the area this is a must try!
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Jaden T.

Yelp
9/15/2024 10:00pm Food A+ - The scallops were so flavorful and tasty . The steak was tender & warm. The grilled octopus was a perfect appetizer. Ambiance A++ - What a cute restaurant for a romantic dinner date !! Service A+++++ staff were sweet , outgoing and so happy even when it was so so late ! Thank you !
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Stephanie B.

Yelp
We had a lovely lunch here, it was pretty quiet which is expected on a Monday at 2pm. There were only 2 other occupied tables, but that meant we got to chat with the bar tender and server, both were very friendly and accommodating. The space is bright and cutely decorated with curated photos on the wall of small town, rural Brazil. We had the Tia Maria and Loose Goose, a cocktail and a mocktail. Both delicious and refreshing. You cannot taste the alcohol at all in the Tia Maria, you've been warned. All of the small bites sounded good so it was hard to choose. We ordered the croquettes and the fried oysters. The croquettes were delicious, well fried, not greasy and rich. I really liked the fried oysters but my husband thought they were too lemony, I love citrus so I enjoyed them. The gnocchi with confit duck and mushrooms was amazing. The gnocchi were pillows and the duck and mushrooms brought nice umami and texture. The tomatoes added acid and the pan sauce had a sweet touch. This dish really hit all the taste notes. The wings with their honey chili sauce were so well fried and crispy, the sauce was balanced and not too spicy. I want to also shout out Juan Carlos, the bar tender, who had to deal with the unpleasant situation of a patron not being able to pay for their meal. He handled it with grace and empathy, not many people would have reacted in the same way. We're looking forward to going back!
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Selena H.

Yelp
I booked for having brunch and they set up the table with cute name tag on the table. Food was okay. Staffs were friendly. The service wasn't that fast if that is what you consider. We liked mushroom risotto over other brunch menu like egg benedict, which is also on lunch menu. Also mimosa was classic!
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Jason T.

Yelp
TLDR (10/5!!!) THIS IS A MUST GO, VIBES, FOOD, SERVICE, THEY GOT IT ALLL. It's honestly not that expensive either and the menu is online! I went to Boston and I can easily say this is THE spot for me and will be a place I visit multiple times. The music choice is a vibe, but more importantly each aspect individually is great but add all of them together and you have a stand-out location. I ate here twice and it was for brunch and dinner. I definitely recommend the regular egg's benedict they have on the breakfast menu. By far one of the best I have ever eaten to date. Another MUST is the Tia Maria. A waitress recommended it the night of and let me tell you, we ordered like 8 of them in total between my friends and I. They somehow made vodkha and grapefruit not bitter?? Boston food scene is no joke for sure. I'll talk more about the other items below. Service was fantastic all around even though we barged in at 1AM. They were really nice and noticed when I dropped my knife and handed it to me on a plate?!! Come on, even the other restaurants that shall not be named didn't do that. Decor is really cute too. Why the hell are you reading this still!! Go there now! (P.S. I'm sorry you can read the food section) Food (5/5) They have some items that I can say aren't 5/5 but a majority of it are hitters. The coconut flan was a limited item but if they have it, it's delicious. Did I mention the egg's benedict and Tia Maria? (I had the chicken and waffle and it's pretty basic, I took a few bites of my friend's benedict and was sad for getting the chicken and waffle. If you crave chicken and waffle it is exactly that.) The prime grill 9oz was cooked just right and you know what crazy is that everything is not that expensive for the quality you get. What I mean is that minimum is around 10 bucks to the most expensive being 33 (Seafood option). It is still Boston at the end of the day. Another standout item was the buttermilk fried oysters and the Brazilian Raindrops were really nice. Croquettes are good but might be better to get the actual short rib. Thank you to the Waitress who recommended the Tia Maria!! Legit became my favorite drink. Your fashion was amazing btw.
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Andrew M.

Yelp
I was going to be in town for a Sox game, and a quick Google search showed this was a popular and well-reviewed spot in the burgeoning Inman Square area. The reservation process was easy, and they even allowed us to sit about half an hour early despite an otherwise very crowded restaurant. With approachable and modern ambiance verging on elegant, this space definitely fits with what I think of as a "bistro". Great vibes all around! The hostess and our server were both charismatic and helpful, the latter of whom was happy to provide feedback on the menu and ultimately helped us make some (very important) food and drink decisions. I started with the corn potato soup which was a fantastic choice on a rainy night. My dad had the salmon, which was cooked perfectly on the inside, and had a great crust on the outside. I'm not a big fan of salmon, but he said it was VERY good. And that's pretty much my feedback about the scallops: perfectly cooked, beautifully presented with a veggie medley that was far more than a garnish. We had a couple cocktails which were good, but I think the food was more remarkable. Our visit to Oak Bistro was just an all around enjoyable experience. It ain't cheap, but it's worth it! With so many interesting things on the menu, I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
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Sahira L.

Yelp
Walking into Oak Bistro you're met with a nice cozy ambience. Service was fast and our waitress was very helpful and kind. I usually ask for recommendations for a sweeter cocktail and she made sure to give her best recommendation. Food came out pretty quickly and our waitress was very attentive. Now onto the food the grilled Spanish octopus was amazing it was so flavorful and gave you a hint of sweet spicy flavor, it had a lot of flavors like jam, spicy sauce but everything fit well together. The gnocchi was decent it wasn't my favorite but it still was good it had rabbit in it but for me personally it didn't have too much flavor and the whole meal itself was a bit more watery than id prefer. Now the Bison Sliders were by far one of the best sliders I ever tasted, it was so flavorful and juicy and was cooked to perfection. Overall Oak Bistro is definitely someplace I would come back to!

Navah G.

Yelp
Good food and fast service! The sage crème brûlée lacked the sage flavoring and the banana beignet lacked banana. Overall thought, it was a good restaurant.
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Sam L.

Yelp
Highly recommend coming here - the duck was amazing along with the pastas and cocktails! Everything here was very creative and reasonably priced with great service! You won't be disappointed!!
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Carlie C.

Yelp
Oak Bistro is such a cute spot for a nice dinner - great for a date night or another occasion! If you make a reservation, they have cute little signs with your name to welcome you. The service was excellent and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. I had the gnocchi, which they made vegetarian for me, It was delicious. We also had hummus as an appetizer which was quite good.
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Naomi L.

Yelp
This cute new place in Inman is so lovely! The vibe is very cozy and intimate, and the food is well thought out and tasty. I recommend getting the duck gnocchi. The service is also very quality and it was overall a very good dining experience. I would definitely come back again. It's perfect for a date night.
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Margaret S.

Yelp
I've just discovered one of my new favorite places to eat in the Boston area! Almost didn't want to post the wildly positive review to try to keep it a little secret :) The food was amazing at - I think - a fair price point compared to other restaurants in the area. Everything was delicious and I can't wait to go back to try everything else. There was a lovely balance of flavors, textures, colors and techniques that made each dish exciting. You can taste that they use high quality ingredients. A couple of dishes were perhaps a bit under salted and I will say the beignets were a little underwhelming. The dough needed a pinch of salt and the texture inside was too dense and seemed almost undercooked. I loved that they had mocktails that were actually well considered and not just spritzed juice. The ambiance was so cozy. Tasteful decoration with comfy lighting. The waitstaff was friendly, although at times a bit awkward. The food came out quickly. I would absolutely come back here any day.
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Sonya F.

Yelp
Walking in, I immediately loved their decor! Our server was friendly and we tried two of their recommendations, the croquettes and the potato pave. The croquettes were probably the best ones I've tried in the near-Boston area!! They were big and filled with a creamy and delicious cheese, and the bits of short rib really pulled it all together. The flavor popped immediately as I bit into it, I could've eaten so many of these! The pave was yummy as well, a little crispy and tasted lighter than typical potato dishes. The risotto was very moist and had a very strong mushroom taste which I loved! Along with the cauliflower, it was the perfect dish for one. The ragu was the only dish that disappointed me a little, but it may just be because I wasn't sure what to expect. Although it felt a little lackluster compared to the other dishes, the ragu balanced out the intense flavors of everything else. For dessert, we tried the pineapple and coconut cake. As someone who doesn't love coconut, I really enjoyed this cake! Mainly because it was so light, which also feeling rich and soft. The pineapple chunks really made this dessert, and I would definitely order again. Overall, this is such a cute date spot, but also casual enough for you to just meet friends over good eats!
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Danny S.

Yelp
We were looking for a new place to have dinner in Cambridge on Labor Day Monday, when many places were closed. We scored a reservation at Oak Bistro, which one of us had heard about. It was a wonderful meal. The restaurant itself was tastefully designed. The service was attentive and friendly. The menu looked very interesting, and we wanted to order a selection of appetizers first and then think longer about our main dishes, but we were told that the chef recommends we put in all the orders at once. No problem, it just took us a little bit longer. All of the appetizers we shared were innovative and delicious, notably, the octopus, fried oysters, and short rib, croquettes. All the main dishes were creative and also very tasty, including the chicken, the duck, and the scallops. We did not have dessert. My only critique, and it's a small one, is the water glasses were demi-tasse sized, but the staff was good about replenishing our water bottle. Overall, I thought this was a great place and we look forward to coming back.

Allison F.

Yelp
Absolutely aces! From the name on the table, to winter affirmation with sweet quotes, to the tendon steak to sweet ending of orange chocolate bread pudding! Service and food delicious! Would highly recommended
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Nitasha K.

Yelp
Found this incidentally for lunch last weekend. My husband and I loved it! Great cocktails and the food was high quality. We enjoyed the bison sliders, gnocchi, and patatas appetizer. The ambiance was modern. Service was friendly and attentive. New spot so it wasn't packed but I think it's truly a hidden gem and you should check it out if in the area!
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Velvet G.

Yelp
I've been here twice and enjoyed the food both times. The first time I ordered an omelette and it was amazing. They truly have the best ingredients and you can taste it, for example, in the cheese. The second time, I ordered the beef croquettes and they were amazing with just the right amount of crunch and sweetness, absolutely fantastic. We also ordered the fried oysters which were so so. The salmon was perfectly cooked and crusted. The cauliflower mash was good. The broccolini was OK, but could've been cooked a bit more to make it softer. We also got the beef ragu which was good. The service the first time was great. The indian server was warm and knowledgeable about the food. The second time, we saw what seemed like random kids hired as servers. They didn't seem professional. For example, he took our plate which had quite a bit of cheese in it before we could scrape it clean without really asking us. We also saw him set up a fresh table while rubbing his nose: not a good look in front of a packed restaurant! Also, some kid wearing a random T-shirt doesn't give the impression of a top notch restaurant. Please impose some sort of a dress code (white T-shirt and jeans) for your servers. This isn't some hole in the wall. Do better and hire well trained staff. The ambiance needs work. This location used to be a mexican restaurant and they've largely left the ambiance the same which makes it have an identity crisis. I think they should change, i.e. dim the lighting and get some better chairs. The high chairs are wobbly and uncomfortable after a few mins. Do better. The bar area is loud so put up a partition between the bar area and the tables on the other side: it's impossible to have a conversation at the tables even if you're not at the bar. Put up a few rugs and add some fragrance to the place. Make the tables lower and get the little lamps to actually work. With these changes, you'd make the place much more appealing and comfortable, and have a chance at surviving beyond a year. Overall, the food is almost great and will be great with a little bit of work (plating, for example). The ambiance needs work. The servers need a lot more training. But I will probably keep coming back for the fresh farm to table ingredients. And you should visit too, just for that reason.
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Shaohuai H.

Yelp
Amazing food and vibe here~ Delicate food and music ~Good place to enjoy food with friend at late night~
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Vi N.

Yelp
Lovely spot for food and drinks. Cozy ambiance and staff was friendly and attentive. Would love to come back again and try everything else on the menu.
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Great meal! Outdoor seating was so nice. Our server Ally was wonderful!! Will definitely be back
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Kate P.

Yelp
Unfortunately I have no photos, but that is indicative of how great the food was! Came here with a party of 6 on a Friday night (with a reservation). The cocktails and service was great, but the food was phenomenal. From the sweet potato rounds with almond ricotta, to the hummus, scallops and risotto you can tell every dish was made with such care. Others in my party had the burger and artic char and loved their meals as well! Look forward to returning!
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73and9 7.

Yelp
This has to be a joke? Was hyped up by the reviews but oh my god was this place so incredibly mid it wasn't funny. So blah in every respect, food service drinks. All the appetizers were essentially ready to go, simply reheated to lukewarm and sent out. Wouldn't be surprised if they started out frozen. The cornbread was so boring, the oysters weren't hot enough. The duck was sitting around maybe from the night before and reheated. Just so incredibly boring the whole thing, couldn't wait to get out of there in the end. It's sad because the reviews are good but it's clear that people in this city have lost their way when it comes to good food.

Libby S.

Yelp
Cute a cozy spot in the neighborhood I had not tried yet. Service was great and staff were well informed about the menu and made great recommendations for food and drinks. Some of our favorites were the shoer rib croquettes, potato pave, duck entree, and steak entree. Tia Maria and hibiscus cocktail were yummy as well. Bar area was a bit dark and the light on our table did not work but this did not hinder the experience. Happy to have a nice addition to the neighborhood and will likely go back.
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Jay K.

Yelp
We loved this place. The ambiance, the noise level (quiet), the food, and the service were all outstanding. Our only issue was the portion sizes, especially for the prices ($14 for a dessert!). My burger was tiny and the half chicken was small as well. They were delicious but I left hungry. The fries were just pieces of fries (compared to whole fries) and although they had an excellent taste and texture, I had to eat almost all of them with my fork (I know, a minor complaint, but for $7, I expected more). Also, $3 for soda water from the bar (they were out of bottled seltzer) seemed excessive. Our waitress was top-notch and extremely accommodating as well. We loved the atmosphere and service so much that we'll try Oak Bistro again. One last thing...the bathrooms were spotless, which says a lot about a restaurant's overall cleanliness.
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JZ S.

Yelp
Oak Bistro is the best thing to hit Inman Square since Covid. Sadly, they took over the space where Frieda's used to be and went under as a result of Covid. However, Oak Bistro nails it. Food is awesome. Staff is fabulous. Ambiance is great. It's so refreshing to have a local spot again that checks all of the boxes. Plus, when you get there (I've been twice now), they have your name on the table and for my son yesterday, had a Happy Birthday sign on the table and gave him a free fried dough desert with a fun candle that didn't blow out when he kept trying! Oak Bistro is like having your best friends open up a restaurant a few blocks away. Just awesome! Highly recommend the mussels (with french fries on top!), the fried oysters, steak sandwich, omelette, and Bloody Mary!
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Gretchen B.

Yelp
Lovely ambiance. I met a small group there and the food was excellent. I tried the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and it was tasty. I also tried their strawberry lime rickey mocktail and that was fantastic. My friends all enjoyed their dishes as well (one had a burger, another had the bison sliders, another had the kale farro salad and one had the flatbread of the day). The service was friendly. I'm glad I came upon this spot in Inman Sq.
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Roscoe R.

Yelp
I've eaten at Oak Bistro several times and it's always great. Last time I was there, I got salmon, which was spectacular. I don't see that on the menu anymore. But the citrus salad and the potato pave are still there, and they were amazing!

Max M.

Yelp
Went here expecting a great meal and came away pretty shocked as to how this restaurant has such good reviews. The service was pretty slow and we didn't receive our cocktails until after both our app and main had been served. The ambiance was fine. It was the food that was really disappointing. Started with the fried oysters, which were pretty average, and the croquettes, which we enjoyed. The mains were quite disappointing. The presentation of the food was great but that feeling faded away once we dug in. We had the burger which was unseasoned and came with tomatoes that were still semi-frozen. I've had better burgers at airports. We also got the salmon which was again very underwhelming and bland. We mentioned to the staff that we were disappointed by the lack of flavor/seasoning and they suggested we use the salt and pepper shakers... Finished with the beignets which were again lacking much flavor. Sadly we will not be returning.
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Patricia L.

Yelp
Came back for lunch and still a huge fan of their sliders. They changed it from lamb to bison, and they're soooo good. Aside from that, I was really a fan of the mussels too. Wish the mussels had a more interesting bread (it's like - ciabatta) bc the broth was really delicious. Will be ordering the same things again!
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Cynthia Eunyoung S.

Yelp
Came here for Saturday brunch (on their first day of Brunch!! Yay) and had SUCH an amazing time. First of all, the service was amazing. All the staffs were so kind to us, going extra miles to make sure we are satisfied. Even before we were seated, I could see that there was special touch on the table, each table decorated with beautiful flowers and reservation sign with personal touch on the table. The server was just so so nice, making sure each of our drinks came promptly and was perfect. Their brunch menu was spectacular both in looks and taste. I got short rib hash, and I didn't even realize that my food was gone not because they gave us little but because it was so delicious, I pretty much absorbed it. Other people in our group got blueberry pancake, egg benedict and forest medley avocado toast and all three of them tasted superb. I'm just so happy that I found this spot because it's so perfect for girls' weekend brunch and also for date out! I am so looking forward to coming back here for brunch but also to try their lunch/dinner menu next time.