Cafe Barada

I brought a group because we've had some nice meals in the past. We started with excellent hummus - the app was more than enough for 6 people. Everyone enjoyed their entre. I had lamb kabobs and tried my husbands kibbee. Both were great. My dish came with a good-size grilled piece tomato, onion and squash. The rice pilaf was the best I've had. The service was good. They have lovely outdoor seating under stringed lights (but it started raining before we sat down)Tip: it's one of those places that won't seat anyone until the whole party is there and the don't take reservations.

Unpleasant, to say the least. The service was abrasive to the point of being impolite and came off as borderline aggressive. I felt like I was being nicer to the servers than they were to me. The ambiance was dark and outdated, and the food was uninspiring.I would not recommend bringing anyone here. Maybe if you need a quick, solitary bite to eat, but there are much better options in the area.

Okay, rant time. Don't be annoyed, you're on Yelp, you get what you pay for here.The problem I have with this site is that the Venn Diagram of people who review restaurants and people who post their cocktails on Instagram is basically...well, it's a circle, they're like the same people. So anytime there's a place that doesn't 'gram itself effectively, you get low ratings and complaints about color balance. Meanwhile places like Backbar that aim for exclusivity over quality get 5 stars OMG THEY PUT A FLOWER IN MY MARTINI.Cafe Barada is chill, low-key, hitting that stylish mark without hitting you over the head with it. It FEELS like it's been here for a while, there's something broadly appealing to it. The dishes are fresh and plentiful, you can tell they take the presentation and ingredients seriously. Service is friendly without being obtrusive and the location is shockingly peaceful for being on the side of what is essentially a highway.This is going to sound extra obnoxious but the place doesn't feel corporate. If you want a definition of corporate - go to anywhere in Seaport. This place was here before Somerville was cool, and it's a testament to its quality that it's still around.And, just to mention, I do think it makes a good Instagram.

Delicious food! We finished almost everything we ordered. Definitely get the appetizer sampler so you can try the four dips - my favorite was the baba ghannouj and the mujederra (which was some rice, lentils, and onion combo that I tried for the first time and loved). The pita bread was a little hard and stiff (tasted store-bought), not the fluffy variety that I'm partial to. We also got the chicken shish kebab, which was more than enough to split between two people. I would order another entree next time. The chicken was on the drier side, though grilled beautifully, and I wish they gave some more grilled veggies other than the three pieces of tomato, zucchini, and onion. The rice pilaf was delicious, I could've eaten more of that as a side. The service hit a bit of a bumpy patch at the beginning, when my cousin got there first and picked an indoor table. When I came in and asked for an outdoor table, the taller, younger guy seemed put off by the request. However, our waiter was an older gentleman who I think was the owner and was very sweet and came by often. Definitely a small business I'm coming back to.

This is the definition of excellence! Authentic food and very good service. I travel a lot across the nation and Europe and I rarely, very rarely, find a Lebanese restaurant that is equal to or exceeds in quality Cafe Barada. The cost is a bit high and the food is worth every penny!

Got takeout tonight, pictured are my fattouch salad with kafta kebab, with a little plate of labany (harissa style) and hummus (I had to put it on a plate so I didn't just eat the entire - very generous - container). Once again everything was delicious and fresh - the kafta kebab is next level. Very friendly staff when picking up too.

One of the best meals I've ever had, and the family who owns and operates the restaurant is so accommodating and kind. I've had Middle Eastern food quite a few times before, and this experience was more fulfilling since they explained the dishes and recommended other items as well. Our larger group of 8 came in a little more than an hour before close, and we were so grateful that the staff allowed us to stay after close to finish our meals and desserts.I'd highly recommend trying and share many plates with your group when you come to this restaurant. And don't skip the baklava!

Delicious! We sat outside and it was lovely. Tried a salad, dolma, lentils, and the strawberry basil mocktail.

This place rocks... the menu is so stacked I immediately want to go back to try more items. They also have a great drinks menu

Excellent Food! The dips were delicious! Best baba ghannouj I have ever had in my life! It felt like eating homey comfort food, We loved it! Service was really slow, but seeing as it's a family run place we didn't mind. Overall great experience!