When I used to work right next door, I just thought it was OK... and went mostly because of the convenience of the location. Anyways -- my company moved, so I stopped going there. Months later... I could not stop craving it! Really made me realize, they have quality food. I want to rave about their tomatoes. It really seems like they have fresh produce (a necessity). A lot of the times I get tomatoes in my meal from fast food establishments, it seems like the tomatoes are gritty and kept in the refrigerator for too long. Aceituna's tomatoes are always soooo YUM. I knocked down 1 star, because I think their customer service can use a little work. They always have super long lunch lines -- so they're hustling you to get through the line quick. I get it, but a smile or greeting wouldn't hurt. Especially for new customers who don't know how to order. Have to say though, they got new employees who did a great job the last time I went. TIP: get the sauces in the back in the store. Pink Hot Sauce = YUM read more

I got stuck on this place when I was working in Kendall Square at what could be the worst job ever. Okay, I overstate but still, I remember the happiness that this place brought to the blight that was my office. I worked with a bunch of folk from saudi arabia, israel, bahrain, etc. and they were all huge fans of this place (ordering in other languages and whatnot) so I figured it had to be good. I agree with some of the other reviewers that it is a tad pricey however, if you know what you're doing it isn't so bad. You can easily split a schwarma plate with another person and even with sodas and a side of of falafel it still only comes to like $16 total ($8 each). I have long since left my crappy job behind but I still come to Kendall Square for Aceituna. I don't know what it is but I LOVE their chicken schwarma. Plus, they're pretty easygoing about making it how I like it (half hummus/half garlic sauce; half spicy potatoes/half rice). read more

My first Lebanese cuisine in the States was here in Aceituna. Thanks Randa, my Lebanese friend for introducing me to this place. The food here was really good. Seats were ample and you get your own food at the self-service counter. The atmosphere was lively and patrons were mostly mid-easterns. I managed to try various kinds of appetizers, entrees and desserts here. For a self-service cafe, the price was a little on the higher side but for the clean, friendly and fast service, I can't complaint much. On the food, the portion was really generous. The ladies didn't finish theirs. I had to struggle with my Beef Shwarma which was served with rice-noodles and tobouleh, which my Lebanese friend said was original. The taste was up to my standard. I would definitely come again here. read more

Aceituna Grill - Iftar at Aceituna - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I work in a pretty isolated building in East Cambridge, and the moment we discovered Aceituna was one of the happiest workdays in recent memory. This is my office's go-to catering spot for lunch meetings and conferences, since it always leaves us satisfied and our colleagues impressed. They make it so easy! You just tell them how many people will be eating, and they'll deliver tin parcels full of Mediterranean morsels right to your conference room. Hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, Greek salad, chicken and beef shawarma, rice, and pita are the staples. Mix and match. You can't go wrong. If you want to end the meeting on a sweet note, don't skip the baklava. It's honey-nutty-flaky ratios are just right. My biggest piece of advice is to decrease the amount of people you're ordering for by about 5. THERE'S ALWAYS SO MUCH FOOD LEFT OVER. It's delectable, but you can only gorge on so much pita and hummus. Plus it'll cost you even less (just keep the number you told them in mind if you're also getting canned drinks and utensils, since they will count these out accordingly). Even by ordering for fewer people than we're feeding, we always have leftovers for days. But I'm not complaining. Aceituna, thanks for bringing the Mediterranean diet to the mouths of East Cambridge. read more

The place is clean and neat. People are nice and polite. For some reason I don't like the food much. The meat is too dried and less fat. I ordered number 2, and my friend had number 5. the bill was $27, so the price is relatively cheap with big potion. The best thing is about location where you can easily get parked. They have an iPhone app. Check it out read more

Aceituna Grill - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Worst takeout I have ordered in my life. Cold, tasteless meal. Meat is dry. Spicy? Don't think so. Ordered because we were tired of hospital food. Fortunately we are staying over night so if I wake up with food poisoning I'll be in the right place. read more

It's been awhile since I've had shawarma, and thankfully my companion recommended this place on my first lunch in Boston (on what was a beautiful day to walk over). Basically: get here before lunch, or come late, as the line gets long - but even then, you can get through the line in like 5 minutes. We were passed the door, and ordered and sat in a little over 5. Give it time, it was worth it. I've been here once - but the next trip in town? I'm definitely coming back for lunch. read more

Aceituna Cafe is a relatively new addition to the Kendall Square neighborhood. It's primary clietele are people from the office buildings and labs in the area. They call themselves a "gourmet fast-food" restaurant. Aceituna serves up generous portions of Mediterranean and Lebanese food. My favorites are the beef shawarma roll-up and the veggie combo plate (where you get a choice of 3 of their veggie offerings, such as tabouli, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, roasted eggplant, hummus and more!). The seating area is spacious and clean, but has a Panerra Bread or Au Bon Pain feel to it. In warmer weather you can grab a seat at on of the patios on the adjoining plaza. read more

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I stopped by after ice skating and the place was pretty empty. It was a Saturday and my friend said Aceituna is P A C K E D on weekdays. I can see why. You should definitely know what you want before you get in line because the workers do rush you. I was at the end of the line trying to decide on sides and could barely see the menu. Sides offered: hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, greek salad, tabbouleh, fattoush, moussaka, spicy potatoes, fried cauliflower, rice + lentils, fries. Ended up getting the rice plate with spicy chicken, falafel and baba ganoush (mashed up eggplants). Spicy chicken was pretty good, not that spicy and not dry! Falafel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (I think it was freshly fried). The baba ganoush was DELISH. How have I never had this before?! Highly recommend! The plate comes with pita and I'm not sure why the worker asked me if I wanted it. If I'm paying for it, I want it. Don't order sauces as a side because they have unlimited sauces behind the cashier!! Sauces were all tasty, I tried the garlic sauce, tahini, and pink hot sauce. Overall I was very satisfied with my meal and wish I could come here more often! read more

Food was absolutely amazing and tasted unbelievably fresh! The service was wonderful, the employees were attentive and the food preparation was great. The environment was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a great meal. Definitely recommend! read more

This takeout restaurant is the best!! Delicious food and consistently so. I've never had a bad experience. My favorite is the rice plate with falafel, cauliflower, spicy potatoes, and hummus! Great place for lunch or dinner! read more

I come here often as it's located right next to my wok. It's always busy around lunch time but the line moves fast. I was not happy with today's visit at all. I noticed that the spicy chicken for my rice plate wasn't being cut fresh off the meat that is spinning by rather scooped out of a container from the grill that looked like all tiny pieces of old or leftover chicken from what I do not know. Then I always gets double French fries and while I was paying I watched the worker scoop out hummus or some other whitish food from my container (which must have been a mistake) and scoop my fries right on top of whatever that food was which is so gross to me. If I wanted whatever food that was I would have asked for it. I know they are moving fast and trying to move the line and accommodate everyone for lunch but if I'm paying $9 for a plate of chicken and rice I'd like it to be fresh and made the way I've asked. read more

Aceituna Grill - Chicken that didn't come off the spinning chicken spit - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Been going here for the past 5 years. Delicious Chicken Kabobs, must get their spicy potatoes and tabouleh salad! I've noticed over the years portion sizes have gotten smaller, this was done in their newly updated containers. I've noticed during the pandemic, their portions decreased even more, including rice and pita bread portions which are pretty unfortunate and disappointing. Their Shwarmas are decent as well and popular but I usually prefer the kabobs. It's a slightly longer wait but well worth it. 10 minutes probably for them to grill the chicken on both sides. read more

Fresh, saucy and tasty food. If you love hummus, this is the place to go. Great food, great service, great ambience. read more

Mind-blowing good. This place is PACKED during lunch and so worth it. I tried the spicy chicken with and went with potatoes instead of rice in the plate. It was delicious and flavorful. I especially loved the potatoes. I got the eggplant as a side and it was huge. The eggplant was well marinated and had onions and chickpeas cooked inside and was very tasty with a slightly roasted flavor. I love sauces and love that there are so many sauce options! The guys behind the counter could have better manners and service though. read more

I love Aceituna!! This location is just down the street from my job and I don't know what I'd do without it. You might be intimidated about going in for lunch because the line is always super long but they really do a great job about getting everyone in and out in a timely manner. No matter how long the line is, don't panic! It will never take as long as you think. All the food is always hot and fresh and you can tell you're eating good quality food. You get a whole plate of rice, meat and 2 sides for just about $10 which is fairly cheap considering the area it's in. Plus, the portions are always plentiful. Chicken is charred to perfection. Fried cauliflower is delicious. Garlic and pink sauces are my favorite. I am in charge of ordering lunch for my company once a week and Aceituna is one of the office favorites for sure. Their catering is truly great for the prices. Portions are huge and we ALWAYS have leftovers which people in the office even fight about who can take all of it home. It's THAT good! read more

On my recent trip to Cambridge stopped by this spot for lunch and was impressed! For $15 got a nice falafel plate with hummus, Greek salad and of course falafel! It was marinated just right and delicious!!! The setup reminds me of chipotle where you walk down the row and build your own. It works! Clean establishment and friendly staff!!! I recommend! read more

Aceituna Grill - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

As close to authentic Middle Eastern food as you can get in Boston. The veggies are extremely fresh. The shawarma and pita are the real deal. I miss coming here all the time - my company moved so I only get back here every couple months instead of every couple days. Pro tip: Get the pink turnips on your salad for a touch of sour crunch. Dessert pro tip: If they ever have kinafeh on hand, by all means get it. Savor it. Run, don't walk to get it. Seriously. Kinafeh. Learn it, love it, eat it. Take it home and share with loved ones and unsweetened coffee or tea. The world could use more kinafeh. read more

If you are used to getting Mediterranean food from New York and the actual Mediterranean, avoid this place like the plague! First, SALT SALT SALT! Avoid the Greek Salad, Fattoush, Chicken, and Beef/Lamb shawarma! I don't know where in the Mediterranean they like to brine their salads and meat, perhaps deep under the salty Mediterranean where the light don't shine? Basically 2/3 of our meals were inedible! I understand that Americans like salt, but take American salt levels and multiple 2x! Second, DRY Meat! I don't know where in the world anyone likes dry meat, that's why the meat on the spit is supposed to be raw, so you have perfectly just cooked meat every time. This was on the tail end of the lunch rush, so why was the meat CARDBOARD?! They used white meat instead of dark so there was no way it could have worked. Third, VINEGAR?!?! Umm not sure which cuisine this is inspired from but there was just as much SALT as there was VINEGAR. The meat and vegetables were so SOUR and SALTY you couldn't taste whether they used any other spices. Tell me where this comes from, please! Neutral: Rice, at least rice is hard to mess up Positives: fried cauliflower and falafel are also hard to mess up, wouldn't be surprised if they bought the falafel seeming how everything else was inedible. Thank goodness the company paid for it, but that's how bad this place was, I didn't even pay for it and it was so bad I had to warn away others! read more

Got the rice plate with falafel but the servers rushed me so much I had no idea what I had ordered. Food: The falafel was big but a little too soft for my liking. The delicious taste of the baba ganoush and tabouleh stayed with me all day... No complaints. Line is too long during the lunch rush and nobody really eats at the place itself. Logistical improvements I'd wish for would be to move napkins, cutlery and sauces away from the lineup for ease of access especially during lunch rush where they are hard to get to/see. read more

absolutely average, But it is supposed to be '"authentic"'. the price of lunch is not amazong for what you get. However if you work in the area, their catering and delivery is dirt cheap . your luckier to get this for your meeting as opposed to pizza or rolled up sandwitches. Because trendy and """Authentic""'. read more

I work in the neighborhood and probably go here for lunch two to three times a week. There is always a line out the door at about 12pm. If you have some patience and wait in this line (start to finish no more then 15 minutes), you will get to taste some of the most fantastic Mediterranean food there is in Boston. Fresh, clean and the whole thing looks pretty healthy. I get the spicy chicken shawarma with cauliflower and potatoes. The food is definitely addictive and once you taste it, it is inevitable that you will keep going back again and again. Good job guys. See you soon. read more

There's very few Mediterranean restaurants I haven't tried in the city, and even fewer I've felt compelled to review, but this one takes the cake. Something about fresh, light, Mediterranean food just can't be beat and Aceituna does it perfectly. At this point I've had pretty much everything on the menu but my top favorites are the falafel, baba ganoush, tabbouleh and of course the HUMMUS!!!! The spicy chicken shawarma is moist, tender and so packed with flavor you could eat it alone and be fully satisfied but why would you when there's so many delicious sides. I'd eat here everyday if I could and not feel the least bit guilty about it. Not to mention the staff are some of the nicest people I've interacted with in a long time. You won't be disappointed!! read more

Incredibly fresh and tasty food here -- perfect for a quick and healthy (yet incredibly delicious!) lunch. I loved their salad topped with the spicy chicken, and the side of cauliflower is so perfect. Excited for the opening of their location in the Seaport. read more

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Disappointing changes recently at this restaurant. A price increase and smaller portions have been implemented. I also don't understand why the chicken shawarma isn't freshly cut. Isn't that the whole idea of the shawarma? On my last visit chicken is brought from the kitchen and what I received was partly over cooked. read more

The food is great! And such big portions!!! Anytime I'm out for Mediterranean, I always crave both - shawarma and felafel. Well, good news. You can get a plate and do a half & half and get both :) wooo you can have your felafel and eat it too! Their garlic sauce is delicious and the sides are yummy too. Get the spicy chicken. The desserts looked 'oh-so- tempting' right out of the oven but I was too full to indulge. I'll be back for you, you delicious pastry. read more

Aceituna Grill - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This is my favorite shawarma in the Boston area. I've shopped around in a number of neighborhoods, but Aceituna is still the only one I get cravings for. The chicken shawarma is excellent - definitely get it with the spicy potatoes and pink spicy sauce if you can. Their hummus has also spoiled me on store-bought hummus forever. As a side order, I'd recommend the mousakka, a delicious eggplant and tomato based dish that is served cold. I've heard they're also opening up a new location in the Seaport area in 2016, more accessible to me, and I couldn't be more excited. read more

"I" before "E" except...before "T"? As hard as it is to correctly spell the word "Aceituna" on the first try, it's even harder to dislike this quick service, cafeteria style lunch spot. Nestled in the hulking shadow of the Genzyme headquarters in the biotech wasteland that is Kendall Square, Aceituna serves large, filling and tasty portions of Mediterranean staples like falafel, gyros and shawarma, among several other options. Quite pricey for lunch, but the wrap + fries + drink combo for under $10 will do the trick, assuming the "trick" is to pass out face down on your keyboard by 2pm. Come early or late, as the line stretches out the door around noon on weekdays. The staff is very friendly, and the checkout guy will scan your Level-up barcode so fast it will make your head spin. read more

To be honest, the only thing I ever eat there is their chicken shwarma. One time I had the beef and I didnt like the grassy taste which reminded me of lamb more than beef. Went there again tonight and had their chicken shwarma plate...sooo good! you must get it with the onion! I was full to start and thought I wouldnt eat much, but I ate a lot still, and just thinking about it is making me salivate even though I'm still really full. Aceituna, I can eat you everyday. read more

This was pretty much the worst falafel wrap I've ever had. In addition to being cool inside, it was dry; the tahini that is supposedly included was not detectable. Moreover, the pickled turnips were unpleasant, and the oil used to fry the falafel had an overwhelming bitter aftertaste. I will not come here for falafel again. On the plus side, service is fast, they accept LevelUp, and it was clean and spacious inside. This would be a good choice for a group lunch if people needed to eat quickly (assuming they ordered something better than the falafel). read more

Close to work so I've tried it a few times. I've separately tried the rice plate with chicken, beef and spicy chicken. Each time the meat was tasteless (spicy chicken has some flavor) and extremely dry. Beef sometimes comes with lots of crispy fat, which is even dry. I'm done going here as there are better options for lunch in the area. read more

I recently moved offices to the Kendall Square area and I love Aceituna! It has great gluten free options; but above all, their food is delicious and fresh. I'd highly recommend the spicy chicken and chicken kebab plates. The line gets to be super long around noon, but it moves quickly. read more

In the food desert that is Kendall Square, Aceituna might very well be 4 stars. The food is fresh, hot and the portions are way oversized (though the price is pretty rough at 10 bucks a plate -- but you can easily save the leftovers until the next day.) I'm not a huge fan of the Falafel here, tastes a little like Ramen, but damn -- the kabobs and shwarma really make my belly, deprived of delicious lunch eats (because Kendall Square blows) very very happy. There is plenty of seating (inside & outside) not far from the Kendall T, but I don't picture you coming here unless you're looking for lunch eats. Though, they do pretty good for themselves (they're not far from Lechemere if you need other options) and they're right across the street from Genzeyme. The hummus is quite tasty here, I only wish their pita was a little thicker but their Orzo & Schwarma totally make up for it, as well as their grape leaves. Yum! read more

Let me start off by thanking Aceituna Cafe for its existence :) It's hard to find good shawarma in the Boston / Cambridge area... This place definitely tops my list for most delicious / healthy lunch. The staff is extremely friendly and always get my order on the dot. I would recommend that you order a spicy chicken wrap, you won't be disappointed. My only complaint about this place is that it is a little too pricey... Too bad I am addicted and I come here almost every week hahaha read more

I work down the street from here, and this place has a line-up 25 people long from 12pm-1pm the entire time. And there's a reason why - this has the best schwarma plates ever. It is a little pricy, it can run you about $12 a dish, but you can't go wrong if you're looking to splurge on this. I highly recommend the Chicken schwarma plates. read more

I am giving them a 5 star rating for their falafel sandwich and tabouli salad. It is truly the best I've had since Beirut! They have perfect pickled radishes to put in the inside of the falafel sandwich. read more

Nestled between a state-of-the-art Genzyme building and semi-vacant MIT real estate, Acietuna offers up a simple, yet delightful middle eastern menu in a wasteland of dorky pubs, bad pizza, greasy chinese food, and boring burrito joints. Okay, so its not like sharwarma is the most exciting thing in the world, but their shawarma is really top notch and even easily overlooked items, like the vegetables with couscous, are excellent. Oddly, delivery trays have much larger portions than if you do take-out or dine in. Speaking of dining in - Acietuna is completely empty at night, relying more on local, middle eastern families to roll up in their giant Range Rovers or BMW SUVs for take-out. Also - their desserts are some of the only ones I've ever had in a commercial restaurant that are not too sweet. Their use judicious use of sugar allows the subtleties of their other ingredients to shine through. read more

I found out about Aceituna 3 years ago and I STILL find every excuse to go (: I actually liked the feel before the make over of the place better, but the people are still friendly and food is amazing. The only reason I don't go more often is that I know lines are long and all my friends are tired of going to the same place all the time LOL (they always know this is my first choice - it's within budget and delicious and walking distance from my school) I ALWAYS get the greek salad with spicy chicken schwarma. YUM just writing this review is making my mouth water. The biggest disappointment is craving Aceituna (it doesn't compare to other mediterranean places) but it not being open :( Sad I'm moving farther away next year.. :(((( But will be sure to visit often! :D read more

Aceituna is amazing! The food is mouth-watering. I get the Chicken Shawarma and I'm never disappointed. They have the best garlic mayo sauce and pickled beets! The prices are high but you get what you pay for. You will not regret going here! read more

Aceituna Grill - Chicken Shawarma Plate $11.25 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The best chicken shawarma I've had in the states. 5 stars. Much better than Moodie's. I was looking at some of the mixed reviews in here - seems the Felafel is hit or miss. I never get that though. Get the chicken shawarma, either the plate or the wrap. Ask for hot sauce too. read more