Central Kitchen

03/10/2008 Posted by cwj06

I will keep this simple and to the point . My friend and I both had the veal and after a few bites we looked at each other and said this tastes exactly like beef stew from a can, at best. Since you are paying over $100 for dinner, there are too many better restaurants in the area, go somewhere, anywhere, else.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/21/2008 Posted by edwinthegreat

In trying to be hip, the servers just succeed at being rude. The wine list is exceptional, food so-so.

Pros: good wine list

Cons: horrible service, so so food

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/19/2007 Posted by heartcentralsq

I have to give the exact opposite review of that below. After an entirely unsatisfactory evening at Rendezvous the first thing I thought was "I should have gone to Central Kitchen." I have never had a dissapointing meal here. The cheese plates are always an option and the mussels are excellent. I loved the pork tenderloin and the seared halibut when they were options. The menu, though small, is inventive and changes often. It can be expensive but the prices match the meals. The wine list is definitely not your usual "house red" and the staff can readily suggest something if you are less than a connoisseur. Inside it is small and dark but not stuffy. It's very relaxed and warm and it actually provides a sense of closeness. Almost like you're out dining with your neighbors. I've had to wait a few times for a table but never for long. It's a great place for a low key evening out with a few close friends.

Pros: Another reason for the greatness of Central Sq

Cons: Very small. Not good for large groups.

05/09/2007 Posted by kateryan

I've been to Central Kitchen a number of times, for drinks and dinner, and every time it dissapoints. While the wine list is impressive, and the staff knowledgable about it, the negatives far outway the positives. Food is overpriced and poorly done- the frites with my mussels were placed directly in the bowl, resulting in a soupy mess. My date's steak, ordered rare, came well done, and when we asked about it, nothing was done. Also, I have never had such poor service in a restaurant of this supposed caliber. Rude and inattentive bartenders are strictly unacceptable, particularly when I am paying $100+ for dinner. I won't be back- Rendezvous, across the street, beats this place by miles.

Pros: Great wine list.

Cons: Awful service, overpriced.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/29/2007 Posted by hamiltonsrock

When you wlk into this place, it's dark and warm..very neighborhood-like atmosphere. The food price isn't too chep, but it's absolutely worth it! People, try this place. The place was packed, and I could see why - prompt service, nice wine, very excellent food in every aspect. Absolutely no complaint. Bravo!

Pros: Superb quality in food

Cons: small, tables very close to each other

01/25/2007 Posted by sarahsen

The food varies but is generally lovely, better than Oleana, for example. Steak-frites and creme brulee better than Paris; had a brook trout meal last night that was simply exquisite. Drinks excellent; knowledgeable, pleasant staff. My problem is the noise level. I'm not asking for silence, but seems to me that food of such high quality deserves an atmosphere in which one might be able to converse without having to shout across the small, rather intimate tables as if one were in a sports bar during a Patriots' game. Generally,when I ask, the person in charge will turn the music down a little. But at least twice (once just last night) the (same) person hosting has been dismissive and even derisive about such a request--this is part of the image, we can't please everyone. ..Hmm do I detect ageism? Certainly, the younger crowd did not vacate the place when the music was turned a tad lower.

10/30/2006 Posted by mrzzyy

An unassuming entrance leads to a dark and elegant bar/dining area that is a total surprise after the walk up Mass Ave in Central Square. The entire staff have tasted the wine list, and their knowledge shows. The list is interesting, and features many wines that you may not have heard of, but will want to get to know. We drank an Alsatian Pinot Gris that was a knock-out. The menu is a mix of classic and creative, and while it is not extensive, what they serve is properly and inventively prepared. The steak frites that I ordered was perfection, as good as any I've had in Paris or Montreal. The frites must have been cooked in goose fat. Our party of four all found the dining experience to be fun and delicious, a place one wants to return to. It is casual and a little funky, but classy in its own way, and they have a large second floor that offers late night socializing. There is a parking lot with meters behind the restaurant, but be careful not to park in the grocery store lot, which is directly behind the restaurant. We liked Central Kitchen and will return soon.

Pros: Excellent, friendly staff; wonderfully prepared food; a fun place

Cons: Central Square...it is what it is.

09/05/2006 Posted by perleman

Central Kitchen was my "home bar" when I was a visiting professor at MIT for about 6 months. The inviting buzzy atmosphere and warm, cozy feel of the place kept me coming back to hang out at the bar after a long day at work. It's busy and a nice spot to chat as you sit nibbling at some great little plates of cheese, olives or charcuterie. The food is marvelous and always struck me as very intelligently put together, covering both the down to earth satisfaction of bistro fare and the inventive twists that surprise you and lift a meal beyond expectations. Execution was always polished - in perhaps a dozen meals, I never had a bad experience. The roast chicken was particularly memorable. I always had the sense that there was someone really thoughtful and professional on the other side of those swing doors, someone with a deep feel for good food, and real food. Everything seemed to work. Nothing whacky or excessively showy, but great presentations that could have you believing you're inProvence for the night. I found several wines on the list to satisfy my picky classic euro-tastes, but there's enough variety for everyone. Service and welcome in the dining section nothing but friendly and efficient. At the bar there was often good conversation with the bartenders, or other patrons. However, I can't say I was ever really made to feel "at home" there, despite dozens of visits. With the exception of one or two male bartenders, there was a certain coolness about the place, which was a little saddening for a loyal and very appreciative customer far from home. But maybe that's Cambridge for you.

Pros: Food, design layout, atmosphere

01/20/2006 Posted by atlanticart

Central Kitchen never disappoints. The menu always has a variety vegetarian, fish and meat selections in both the appetizer and entree categories. Everything from start to finish is flavorful and perfectly prepared. Special requests or requests for substitutions are handled graciously. The ambience is nice with kind of a NYC feeling, my only complaint would be it's sometimes a little dark to read the menu and they could use a curtain to block the wind in winter. The menu doesn't seem to change very often but the steak and frites are always welcome standby! I would recommend reservations but the staff is always very helpful trying to squeeze you in when they can.

Pros: Tasty Food, Ambience

03/11/2005 Posted by jdog4life

Nothing beats Central Square and nothing beats the Kitchen. It's become a weekly staple amongst my friends.

Pros: Good Wine, Good Service, Enormous Room

Cons: no fries on the side