Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
Cambridge, MA 02138-3711
Phone: (617) 491-8888
- Cross Street:
- JFK Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Editorial Review for Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
This specialty shop, a Harvard Square staple for more than 50 years, presents its loyal clientele with a most overwhelming atmosphere--while the store's selection keeps expanding, the space doesn't (even the regulars bump into things). Baskets hang from the ceilings and shelves are stacked high.
The Goods
Cardullo's tea selection is overwhelming, featuring all the English varieties, from Fortnum & Mason to Whittard of Chelsea. Sections are also dedicated to specialty oils, Far East spices and hot sauces. The deli is stocked with gourmet meats, cheeses and prepared salads (there are a couple of sidewalk tables for those who can't wait until they get home). A small but inviting selection of wine and beer can be found in the back. Sweets are plentiful too, with offerings like artful baked goods, marzipan fruits, Italian candies, Belgian cookies, Swiss chocolates and jars of Vermont maple syrup.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasAsk about specialty gift baskets. Try regional varieties like Roma, Italian Collection and the European Vacation. Or pick up a Kids' Delights basket.
Save MoneyLocal students and educational staff can purchase a store cash card (minimum balance: $20) and receive 10 percent off on all purchases.
User Reviews for Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
02/15/2008 Posted by Jackeltree
I ordered a gift basket for a sick co-worker yesterday from Cardullo's, and she never got it! When I asked her how she liked the basket, she didn't know what I was talking about. When I called Cardullo's to ask what happened, the guy told me his courier service was too busy to send it out. I asked him why he didn't call me (I gave him my phone number for a reason) to at least let me know so I could order from somewhere else or at least know that she didn't get it so I don't seem like a flake asking her how she liked her non-existent gift basket and he didn't have a good answer. As soon as I told him to cancel the order, he hung up on me without another word. I wasn't yelling or irate or anything...I just sighed, told him to cancel the order and he hung up! It takes a lot to get me annoyed or upset and I give almost everyone the benefit of the doubt, but non-delivery with no notification AND hanging up on me is inexcusable. He didn't even apologize. Unbelievable and very rude. I will never order anything from there ever again.
Pros: Maybe their food is good? We won't know because we never got it.
Cons: Very rude and horrible customer service.
05/18/2007 Posted by samuelmassey
To concur with the other reviews, every time I've been to Cardullos I have received attitude. Today was no different. The woman working the deli counter was her usual curtness. She was wearing gloves BTW. They are mean yes, but I have yet to see them act unhygenically. The sandwich I ordered was delicious and loaded with goodness. I also had a rude encounter with the woman working the register, but she apologized later. It seemed she mostly had an issue with the guest merchant in the store who was handing out samples of tuna and dungeoness crab on crackers. The guest merchant looked stressed. Which I would imagine was from the evil eyes the two Cardullo's representatives were giving her. I wouldn't avoid Cardullo's, they have very unique things. If you do go remember, don't take it personally.
