7.5/10: Cicada has the energy of a Brooklyn dinner party hosted by a mid-30s photographer. It also happens to be a James Beard nominated restaurant. Pros -The Sashimi grade salmon in the noodle salad was fresh. -The wine selection was versatile and paired well. Both the orange and white wines showcased a surprising range of earthy notes. Cons -The Manila clams were tasty, but felt a tad overpriced. -The baked salmon black rice was overcooked. Cicada is a relatively new entrant to the Boston food scene. But it's already one of the best Asian restaurants. I'm excited to see how their menu evolves over time! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cicada is a little gem quietly hidden a little a way from the busy and noisy Central Square. A cozy cafe where you find your own little nook to have a warm cup of coffee or my fave, the braised duck pho, in the chillier months. Lots of natural lighting in the daytime and flora. Vin, the owner, is a really nice guy and personable. The menu is always changing which is a great way to try new things when you come to hang out here. Hope to be back soon to see what next I'll try read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Pho with braised duck - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cicada is great. Everything about it is wonderful. It's cozy, it feels like a true neighborhood spot, and everything is delicious. The prices are also incredibly reasonable for what you're getting. I got the duck breast noodle soup. Sizable portions, and the duck was super flavorful. I added chili paste and it wasn't too spicy, more just flavorful. Great veggies as well. It's a small but fun ambiance. The staff is super friendly. The menu is seasonal and delicious. Highly recommend! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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** Very unique and interesting yet tasty take on Vietnamese food / coffee. Smaller cafe but cute interior and a must try for Banh Mi and Coffee lovers! I ordered the cured salmon banh mi which at first I was unsure about how it would turn out because typically I am used to the more traditional grilled pork or chicken options rather than raw fish. However I was pleasantly surprised by he freshness of the fish (they use sashimi grade fish) and how it complimented the other classic ingredients of your classic banh mi (cilantro, pickled veggies, etc.) to offer a unique spin. The sea salt Vietnamese ice coffee was also a big hit with me and my friends that visited - overall definitely on the sweeter side but for those with a sweet tooth such as myself I really enjoyed it. Im sure they also have other less sweet options for the "real" coffee lovers out there as well. Definitely worth checking out for a brunch or coffee break! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Sea salt coffee and salmon banh mi, both amazing - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Seriously some of the best coffee you can find in Boston. It's pretty small inside, but they have a lovely outdoor area that's just perfect for relaxing and enjoying your coffee! Cicada feels very trendy and cool, and for good reason. I'll be back! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Sai Gon Latte - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great coffee and lunch spot around Central Square. Very comfortable and cute if you can get seats: great spot for a brunch date with friends or someone romantic. The sea salt shaker iced coffee is good. The cured salmon banh mi melts in your mouth. The fish terrine is most similar to flavors in a traditional banh mi. I'm very impressed by the avocado pâté. I never would have dreamed it existed, but it really cinches the subs together! Besides the cute space inside, there's also outdoor seating in the back. I absolutely love their focus on sustainability too. Can't wait to go back! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Sea Salt Shaker: Double espresso, Duxbury sea salt, sweetened condensed milk - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I love this place, it's a hidden gem in Cambridge. I got the Saigon espresso and hibiscus tea - the Saigon espresso is sweet and bitter at the same time making it the perfect morning drink. Will be coming back for the hibiscus tea again because it was so interesting and unique. I want to come back to try the bahn mi, they have an adorable patio outside that seems perfect for a summer lunch read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I LOVE the sea salt shaker. I really want to love the food, but it doesn't feel worth the price. The lemongrass chicken rice bowl was a large portion, but felt like more rice than anything else. The spring rolls were fresh and came with a good sauce, but again don't feel worth the price as they weren't very substantive. With that being said, Cicada will continue to be a coffee stop for me. Service is always kind and very quick! read more

A very small, local Vietnamese joint between Central and Inman square that gives very hip vibes. While the seating/order procedure confusing as a first-time visitor, you have wait in line to have your order taken by the server and be seated by them afterwards. Only a certain number of people can wait in-line inside the cafe, so the line can extend to the outside (so bring an umbrella if it plans to rain). There's not a lot of seating indoors (approx, 5 tables for two, 2 tables for four, and some bar seating). I was seated indoors, so didn't have a chance to look at the outdoor/backyard seating. We ordered the black rice w/ roasted mushroom and eggplant and the sushi-grade house cured salmon. You can choose the spice level from no spicy, medium, to spicy. - I found the roasted veggies to be very flavorful and super filling, and the cashew pesto added a taste fresh herb once mixed. - The salmon Banh Mi was house-cured with salt and Vietnamese spices, according to the waitstaff. It was definitely sushi grade (somewhat fatty and smooth/doesn't have that chewy texture). The avocado pate was very delightful as well. Would definitely come back again! read more

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A decent bánh mì, but they don't use real pâté and it's $17! The bún trọn is a bit better. Everything is a little too white-washed and overpriced for me. They did a better job with The Eaves. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Food and coffee was on point. Makes me nostalgic for night market food back in my family's hometown in Asia. We got the cured salmon noodle bowl which was absolutely delicious and perfect heat. Would 100% come back to try their other dishes. Ambiance and service was welcoming and reminded me of the small hole in wall shops in my hometown. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

What a charming corner to dwell in for a rainy afternoon. Cicada is a cafe, but don't miss their banh mi or pho salads for a scrumptious midday meal. \\ pho salad \ cured salmon, light spicy - these noodles are the perfect chewiness! - the thin cucumber slices cut through and impart freshness - if you like sake sashimi, you'll love the cured salmon \\ sai gon latte, hot - oat milk. that is all. - aromatic and tasty! It can get crowded, but check out the outdoor seating in the back. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - pho salad (cured salmon) - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of my go-tos in town, I love both the coffee and the food. Once you walk inside, you're taken to a completely different place - the neon signs, plants, and wooden decor give a pretty aesthetic to disconnect from the rest of the world. I've been here to read a book, to catch up with friends, and more. The staff seem to take pride in their craft - they are super knowledgeable about everything on the menu, and make sure that each item that comes out looks and tastes the best it can be. My favorite things to order -saigon espresso latte (iced): lightly creamy, slightly sweet, smooth. for some reason even when the ice melts, it still tastes good? -turmeric golden milk latte (hot): subtly thick, well-balanced spices. I get this when I don't want coffee - it makes me energized and warmed up. -cured salmon pho noodle salad: thick rice noodles with a special pesto, very flavorful salmon pieces with fun textural contrasts. more filling than it looks. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Duck black rice and salmon spring roll - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Such a fun time ! Love this spot, appreciate how casual yet electric it feels ! Must try spot near central ! Bus yourself service read more

Always looking for a good Banh Mi spot and I think I found it. I haven't had great Vietnamese coffee and Banh Mi since I was last in Vietnam, but this place is amazing. The Banh Mi: It was hard to decide between the fried egg Banh Mi or the Salmon. Both looked so good. I settled on the fried egg and I was not disappointed. The bread was crusty yet chewy and most certainly fresh. The veggies were so good and also fresh, with the egg cooked perfectly. A bit of fresh spices and some hot sauce, and I was in Banh Mi heaven. I devoured this traditional sandwich, the perfect marriage of Viet and French influences. The coffee: WOW. Just like I remember from the mountainside in Da Lat, Vietnam. Rich, robust flavor of the coffee, cut with creamy milk. I'm not sure if it was the same condensed milk I was used to, but it was so delicious. Pho Noodle Salad: Cooked to order and nicely dressed with fresh herbs. The salmon on it was so good, like a fusion of pho and poke bowl. The place is quaint, and the staff is working just a few feet away, churning out 'to-go' coffee orders as patrons came in and out to get their coffee. The staff is super friendly, with that urban hippie vibe you'd expect in Cambridge. The Vietnamese Chef/Owner was running the show, making sure quality control was in effect and doing an excellent job. You can pay via the app and so transactions are super easy, even if you're eating inside. You can order from your table and never give a card. I'm told they don't have wifi, but I didn't check. The place is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying the food. I felt that vibe. You almost feel like you're walking into his own kitchen. I did a food tour in Vietnam, and in most cases, I was in someone's home, as they prepared the food. This feels like that same experience. OVERALL: Coffee is WOW. Banh Mi is the best I have had in the US. So good. I wish I lived closer to it, because I would be there EVERYDAY. I can't wait to go back. I'll be a regular here. read more

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If anything else, come here for the coffee!! I was in love with their Saigon latte. The condensed milk they used made it creamy but strong. The sea salt shaker is great if you like salted caramel, but wasn't really my thing. I was personally not a huge fan of their food, especially with the ~$15 price tag for a small vegan banh mi salad. Unfortunately you also can't customize it when you order online (I didn't want the eggplant on it). However the coffee more than made up for it! They also have a lovely patio in the back to dine outside. There's a small play area for children as well. It gets packed so plan accordingly! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Eggplant and tofu banh mi salad - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Cicada is my favorite restaurant in Boston! Vietnamese fusion cafe, but didn't lose the authenticity of Vietnamese flavors, and also has great vegetarian options. I love the interior decor of this cafe, and appreciate how many plants they have inside (did I tell you how huge their monstera is??). Although they can get very crowded, people come and go pretty fast, so it's pretty easy to find a table to sit and dine in. They also have a cute backyard to dine if you're willing to endure the cold weather lol. Please try out this place. You won't be disappointed! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Mushroom spring roll, eggplant pho salad, duck confit black rice, iced phin coffee - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I came here on a Sunday with my friends, and we had to wait outside in a line for a bit. I would definitely time it so you're not waiting during the brunch or lunch rush. They try to put as many tables inside that fit, and people do a good job of leaving once they're finished, so waiting for a table shouldn't be too bad. The Vietnamese coffees are to die for, and if I am in the area again, I would come back for the coffee. My salmon pho salad was also very unique but delicious. Once you're done, you bring your bowls and utensils to the back. People also sit at the high top bar so it is a tight squeeze in there, but nothing too bad and I would come again! read more

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Shrinkflation has touched Cicada. I treated my friend for lunch today and we ordered to go since the place was packed. I got an iced lemongrass ginger fresh brew tea and the cured salmon noodle salad. Upon opening the container, I thought I had gotten the wrong item. I dug through my photos and also came to Yelp to confirm my suspicions--read Julian's review (https://yelp.to/tODb7xZGNn) and yup, this isn't the same beloved dish I've had before. Not worth the $17. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - September 2022: cured salmon noodle salad - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Absolutely love the vibe! Both times, we went to the back for outdoor seating. I recommend sitting in the little hut on the right. -- You get some privacy and enjoy the fall weather too. They don't have waiters or waitresses, so you will have to order at the front. The owner took our order nervously, since the restaurant got really busy at the time, but he took down our order quickly! The Vietnamese coffee was delicious and so powerful that I felt like my heart was about to be sent to the moon! And the food was very flavorful--interesting take on Viet cuisine! The only downside is that there's no WiFi. But the silver lining to that is I got stuff done without distractions from the inter-webs. read more

This is a cool spot with a small menu. Went on a date night and didn't know what to expect. The vibe and decor are eclectic and the food was great. That said I was thrown off by there being no table service and you have to get up and place order and pay at the counter as you are ready for next course. Great for an informal and different date night. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Mushroom and shrimp spring roll - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Hours posted in yelp is wrong! I got there in the evening and it was closed :(. Please update read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great Coffee ! The aesthetic of this coffee shop is a perfect spot for studying and reading. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Aesthetic - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of my favorite coffee shops in Cambridge - love the vibes, their sea salt shaker is my all time favorite (so smooth and the hint of salt dulls the bitterness and brings out the sweetness so well). read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I enjoyed the food and atmosphere of this place but the "service" really made the experience not as sweet. Favorite dishes was the salmon roll and the rice bowl, both delicious. We had never been before and they explained the self service and their rules, with which we had no issue at all. One rule is a single person should get up and order for the whole table. I ordered for 5 people reciting one persons order at a time (which I had written in my notes) but the woman was upset and rude to me for not listing all appetizers first and then each persons entree. If I had just known that's how they needed to put the order in I would have ordered but they didn't mention it in their schpiel and then were very condescending and rude about it? At the end of ordering, I asked if they had any soda or sparkling water and she was like, "if you don't see it written right there on the menu thats in front of you, that means we don't have it." I was a bit taken aback. Also, I felt like expecting a $30 tip just does not make sense when I'm ordering everything, picking up all the food and taking it to the table, and then bussing everyone's dishes (scrapping all the food, sorting the utensils in one bin, cups in another, plates in another, etc.) and refilling everyone's water ourselves. I would recommend coming with a smaller group, no more than 3 to make the ordering, food pickup from bar, and dish bussing experience easier. I will definitely try this place again during the daytime because I think the self service vibe might be better suited for that time of the day and I still have yet to try their coffee which very much want to do. Will update review after next visit. read more

Forget this place, go to Pepita! I went on a Saturday morning to work from 9-10am. I am a mother of a young baby, so I take this time to myself to work on personal projects while my husband is home to care for our baby. I was sitting inside a mostly empty cafe, working quietly from my laptop in a corner, when an employee ran past my table to bark "we don't do laptops on weekends" in my general direction before scurrying away. No signage indicating this preference, no polite request, no concept that I was a paying customer worthy of a modicum of their respect. I will not be returning. read more

With all of the good reviews, I was expecting a lot more but it ended up being quite underwhelming. The duck confit noodle was well balanced, seasoned nicely, and tender but for $18 did not leave a significant impression and I'm not sure I would get it again. It did taste very homemade though but felt like it was missing something in the broth and texture-wise. The salmon roll was an interesting take on a traditional spring roll, however, the flavors did not mesh well together in my opinion. I did enjoy the coffee though, overall this is more like a 3.7/5. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Duck confit noodles, salmon spring rolls, saigon espresso - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Whoever discovered that salt and coffee go well together is my hero, and Cicada's sea salt shaker is incredible. I stopped by on a particularly hot day-- the inside of the cafe is quite narrow and small. While there were multiple fans turned on, they didn't quite take away the warm humidity. I ordered a sea salt shaker ($5). You can order at the counter or through their online system. I ended up putting in an order online. The owner saw me waiting, asked for my name, found my order among the list of others, and immediately made my drink for me. The ice-cold drink was amazingly refreshing on a hot day! The drink had the perfect balance of bitterness from the coffee, sweetness and creaminess from the condensed milk, and saltiness from the sea salt. Sometimes Vietnamese coffee is too sweet for me, but I felt that the sea salt helped cut through a lot of that sweetness. $5 for a coffee is not necessarily the most wallet-friendly daily purchase for people like me, but this place is definitely worth checking out if you're feeling like treating yourself! Also super cute as a date spot. read more

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Great vibes and decor with delicious coffee! I stopped by for breakfast and there was already a bit of a line forming outside - it moved pretty slowly as the person at the counter was both taking orders and making coffee by herself, so not a place where you can just drop by quickly. The inside is a bit small but there's a large outside area as well, and I loved how they decorated the place. For food, I tried the maple kouign amann and the sea salt shaker coffee. The maple kouign amann felt almost more like a cruffin to me because of the size, but it was delicious - super flaky and buttery with the perfect amount of sweetness, although I didn't detect much of a maple flavor. I find that a lot of places that offer Vietnamese coffee make it too watered down or too milky, so that it just tastes like a slightly stronger coffee, but I really enjoyed the sea salt shaker at Cicada. It was super rich and the saltiness worked really well to balance everything out. Definitely a place worth checking out! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Pastry case - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Had the most wonderful dinner at Cicada with a friend last night. The atmosphere was lovely and the staff was very kind. I highly recommend the cured salmon spring rolls and short braised ribs. Viet yogurt was also delicious and a great way to end the meal. Can't wait to come again read more

Love this place! Had the mushroom Bahn Mi and it was yum. Got the spicy sauce and it was definitely spicy! Would go back and try some of the other dishes. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Mushroom Bahn Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Interesting neighbourhood cafe with delicious food. Perfect for two friends to hangout in a cafe with good food. Have tried Bahi mi, noodle salad and black rice. Love everything and nothing disappointed. Also like their Vietnamese cafe. Lines can be long in peak time, especially on Sunday lunch read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Cured salmon black rice - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place is very assuming and always packed. The small menu has some gems, and I'd love to come back and try some more. There are different fusion asian menu items. The salmon pho with pesto basil sauce was fire. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Salmon pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of the easiest five stars I've ever given!! Already fell in love once I stepped inside, and I didn't even order yet. I love the ambiance and the space- cute, quant, charming, and so much culture. This spot has elevated Vietnamese cuisine and adds a modern day twist to the traditional dishes, but still contains the elements that we know and love. We got the Duck Confit Banh Mi, Phở Noodle Salad with Cured Salmon, Cured Salmon Spring Roll, Saigon Espresso (iced), and the Hibiscus Cold Brew. Everything was incredible, but the salad was the true highlight. I wasn't sure what to expect, but somehow the wide rice noodles made a great salad ingredient, especially with the mixes of the green and herbs, and the cashew herb pesto. SO GOOD. The noodles were soft and chewy, and I loved having it with the salmon. It was fresh and elevated. I highly rec this. The Saigon Espresso was perfectly sweet too. I couldn't stop sipping on it. The Hibiscus Cold Brew was also deep in flavor, truly tasted the hibiscus without it being too florally. The prices are pricier than your average Vietnamese joint, but for the fusion and uniqueness of the flavors, it's so worth it. And the ingredients used are, as mentioned, elevated and creatively thought out. The owners know what they're doing, and it's reeling people in (me included). I also appreciate the culture and history of Vietnamese cuisine that they share on their Instagram, and showcase in their beautiful shop. I can't wait to come back!! read more

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I'd give this spot *more* than 5 stars if I could! The Sea Salt Shaker is delish Vietnamese iced coffee with a rich caramel-y taste. The food is excellent as well! My favorite is the cured salmon noodle salad and the duck rice bowl. The former is a good, light choice while the second has a savory, roasted, heavier mouth feel. Can't go wrong with either! The banh mi here is actually my least favorite item on the menu. I feel like they tried to re-invent the sandwich in a way that feels like trying too hard. Like a hipster fusion version, rather than the real, authentic thing. The outdoor space is beautiful! Would recommend going when it's nice outside to make use of the backyard! There's a lot of greenery and art. Be warned. The lines can get LONG! So it can take a while to get your food and find a seat, especially during prime times on the weekends. It's worth the wait! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Outdoor space - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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During breakfast, they only allow one group in tk order at a time, which is a great idea to let those sitting down enjoy their food without being crowded by those waiting. Sadly most people don't read signs and the person putting the orders through had to keep reminding people. Vegetarian here, who's never liked a banh mi, but I liked this one. Often the veggie ones get heavily salted but that was not the case with the mushroom. We both ordered iced teas why h we liked and has a coconut pastry which was delightful. Flaky pastry, creamy filling. Food came out quickly. read more

You must get the sea salt shaker. Really cute shop but limited seating. And popular for a reason! The coffee is so good. Can't speak to the food but it always looks and smells so delicious. read more

Absolutely amazing fresh, tasty food and phenomenal coffee. I would loooove it if they opened a location in Belmont, Watertown, or Arlington!! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vermicelli Salad - Cured Salmon - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came for dinner. The decor is great, serious plantage, very hip. Got some sake which was tasty but I decided sake isn't my thing. Infused with cucumber. Cool as a. We had eggplant, torched salmon and oxtail pho. Overall SO TASTY! I loved the pho. A bit of spice, nice meaty broth with all the delicious pho flavors. Nice big thick noodles also I was very into. They don't have plastic, so they couldn't send me home with the broth. I would say bring a tupperware if you think you might get something juicy. Definitely want to come back in the day for some coffee. read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Cicada is a cute little coffee shop with some simple yet refreshing food. I consistently order the sea salt shaker and have enjoyed the banh mi and the rice dishes. It's surprisingly a larger space than you think because of their backyard sitting area. However, don't be surprised if there is a small line out the door! read more

Cicada Coffee Bar - Vietnamese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts