Good food, great look, nice service; all work together to offset the minuses. I used to come here to the fancy brunch at the Sheraton Commander. It was pricey but sometimes you have a special guest and there are not many places to go on Sunday morning where you won't be fighting unkempt newspaper toting people. I was bummed that they got rid of that and put in Nubar. But the renovations are gorgeous; think modern Manhattan penthouse. I would love to have the designer do my home. I give them 5 stars for that. 5 stars also for service - everyone has a "happy button" about all sorts of things, and for me, when a server straight up tells me what's good on the menu, that pushes my happy button. I can't stand it when they say, "everything is good." First of all, it's almost always a lie, and secondly, I wonder if they ever tasted the food they're serving. Our server told us all the good stuff - from the duck flatbread to the split pea soup special to the Nubar burger to the duck confit. Prices are reasonable for a fancier place like this, especially located in a hotel on the snooty side of town. Now, the reason why I can't give it 5 stars is because the food itself somehow didn't reach the level of exceptional deliciousness that demands a 5 star rating. But I would go back and give it another try, especially for a nice occasion. read more

I came here for dinner the other night with my boyfriend. The atmosphere is upscale and it was cozy with a couple of fireplaces. The food was quite good. We split the braised short rib appetizer, which was delicious. The meat was so tender, you didn't even need a knife. He had the steak frites, which he liked, and I had the gnocchi which was so yummy. It came with a bunch of roasted veggies in a light creamy sauce. Very filling, but very good. We didn't get any, but the cocktails looked good. I'd probably come back for drinks/apps, but the prices are a bit steep otherwise. Plus, you have to factor in parking ($10 validated). read more

My boyfriend and I recently came here for dinner because we had a Groupon. I'd heard of it previously but never got around to trying it. Anyway, I have been converted into becoming a regular because this place is great! It has a cozy and upscale atmosphere with a (gas? electric?) fireplace going and nicely designed decor. The bar looked really relaxing, so we'll definitely have to check it out next time. We sat in the dining area this time. I thought the prices were good for being a locally owned restaurant that strives to serve food from local vendors. The prices were definitely more approachable than Kirkland Tap & Trotter, which I think is a restaurant in the same category? The food was very good. We ordered truffle fries for an appetizer which were good (not that it's difficult to make good fries lol). My boyfriend got the clam chowder, which came with the clams still inside the shells which was pretty cool. He also got a burger which he said was very good. I got the pork shank osso buco and I thought it was excellent! My boyfriend also tried it and said it was the best pork he's ever had. The bread basket contained very yummy olive and regular bread, and I even took some home to eat for breakfast the next day, which I don't normally do. read more

I had the arugula salad and suggested pairing Rioja, then Cornish game hen with Ratatouille and roasted potatoes, with the suggested pairing Malbec. It was insanely good. The Rioja complemented the marinated onions in the salad, and didn't fight with the vinaigrette. The Malbec picked up the thyme in the Cornish game hen and danced with it. I've never had pairings this good, and the food was wonderful. read more

I am surprised by some of the other Yelp reviews on Nubar. I choose Nubar to redeem a voucher and spend time with a friend while I was in Boston. Both of us had a very pleasant experience at Nubar on 3/15/14. Honestly I think it depends on what you want out of your dining experience. Nubar has a relaxed and modern setting. The service was good and very professional. My friend and I were eating a late dinner and our waitress did a great job of asking us if we wanted anymore food before the kitchen closed. Although I do agree with the other Yelpers that the food is okay the other parts made up for that for me. I also don't think their prices were outrageous for the area and the quality of food. (I would have been irritated if the food was okay and expensive.) In a nutshell if you're looking for something near Harvard where you can sit enjoy a glass of wine and a simple (but satisfying meal) Nubar is a good option. read more

The ambiance was nice, just like you'd expect from an overpriced hotel bar. Unfortunately, it fits the other stereotypes, too. Service was below average, but not bad. Example- the waiter didn't ask me how my food was, until he brought my check. At that point, it seemed a bit late to tell him the bun was a little burnt and my $14 burger was small, dry, overcooked and broken in two(!). I'm staying in the hotel, but won't be eating there again. read more

Ambience is bleh, food is more bleh. I had the pork ribs and they were extremely lackluster.

The place is definitely a nice choice for either a after-word drink or a semi-formal dinner. I read the other reviews and don't understand why there're lots of the complaints about the food. We ordered the clam chowder and crabcake for appetizer, steak and signature burger for entree. The crabcake and the steak were great and definitely worthy a try. The service was also very friendly and appropriate. read more

I often don't eat in hotel restaurants because often they lack in quality and are very pricey. Nubar is an exception! I went because I had a friend who was a bartender there. The ambience is great. Very vibrant scene. Great design. I always like to eat at the bar and it was spacious...almost like dining at a table. The food was outstanding. I had a wonderful salad to start and the salmon. Delicious! It really doesn't feel at all like a restaurant inside a hotel. I would definitely return whether my friend worked there or not. They have 2 TV's at the bar and they had different sporting events on. There did seem to be a good mix of local regulars and hotel guests. I had the Mo cocktail...inventive and awesome! read more

Really a nice surprise at a Sheraton. Flatbreads are delicious, fish is very nice, and a good selection of wine by the glass. I stay here regularly and have not had a miss yet. read more

Delcious food that is reasonably priced for fancy restaurant food. The mushroom risotto was amazing!

Great food, inventive menu and great atmosphere! We can't wait to introduce it to our friends. The duck pizza is amazing (and I'm not even a fan of duck) as well as the clam chowder with it's hint of bacon (not overdone). I am eager to return and try more on the menu. Drinks were good as well. read more

Nubar is a great new addition to the Cambridge restaurant and bar scene. It is elegant and sophisticated and offers wonderful fare and terrific service. I was so impressed that I am planning a major event there in the fall. I highly recommend this place and think it will be a hot spot once it becomes better known, having just opened recently. I agree with UrbanSpoon that it is one of the top new restaurants in the area. read more

Went to Nubar last night using a groupon deal for 50% off. For appetizer we tried the lamb and eggplant cigar which was excellent. Other than that though, the experience wasn't great. The ambiance is nice although we were given a table right by a curtain which, once we peeked, noticed served as a divider for the restaurant and the hotel's computer room. I had the scallops and my husband had the steak. Neither were stellar and the steak was actually sub-par. The only thing that saved the dish for my husband was the salad and fries on the plate which he said were really good. Most likely wont be going back. Wish I could have enjoyed it more... read more

Terrible customer service. Extremely rude. I live in the neighborhood. Asked them several times to not use bacon in my dish. And I see bacon in my food and show it to the waiter- who says that they mentioned to the chef many times and there is nothing we can do. Tasteless food in addition to bacon in the dish. I mentioned to the waitress and she informed the manager. Manager comes by offering desert but I had to leave and gave me a gift card worth 10 USD for my 30 USD meal. When I mentioned about bacon (they had already removed the plate by then), she says- you should have shown me. WOW. My job was to point it out to the waiter which I did. Now, its job to show to invite all the authorities one by one? Ridiculous. It took them at least half hour to come with a check and gift card. Definitely not again. read more

waitress was not attentive but the food was Great. Mushrooms were prepared perfectly, huge compliments to the chef. Expensive but I would recommend. read more

had my first visit & dinner at newly opened NUBAR , after what i had read was a $ 6 million dollar restoration. i live in the " hood" and prior too had virtually never entered the premises in close to 35 yrs in the 'HOOD" feeling it was back in the 50`s . i assure you , that reality is NOW forever changed . it`s 2011 and the meal i had was sensational. asparagus & goat cheese & walnuts & gobs of greens with great dressing for starters, a 4 star salad. had as good a cooked thru swordfish dish enveloped in a preserved lemon vinagarette & fingerling potatoes an assorted veggies in the sauce , as i`ve ever had . flawless perfection !!!!!! and after a 2 great $ 7 dollar glasses of a CHILEAN SAUVIGNON BLANCE , could not resist a ming boggling orgasmic " too die for " ( LITERALLY- i recommend for anyone on death row for their final meal) FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTA. 2 great high def TV`S t watch nba playoffs. BTW, NUBAR was the ARMENIAN owner`s grandfather`s middle name who owned the COMMANDER hotel in 1960. as the saying goes " I`LL BE BACK" read more

Went here for what we thought was going to be an upscale easter brunch however due to poor planning within the management department customers are forced to get and finish their meals within an hour. Meaning if you are eating the brunch and don't get your food exactly when you sit down and scarf it down then management will come over to your table and ask you to leave to give your table to another party. Upon receiving our coffees the host came over to our table and told us that he needed our table and requested us to leave despite the fact that we had just received dessert and coffees. Overall if you're going to charge $$ for a brunch you should probably learn how to plan for people to sit down and have a relaxing EASTER SUNDAY morning meal if we wanted to be rushed we would've gone to a McDonald's atleast they wouldn't emphasize the chew and screw policy that this place clearly implements. I highly suggest they give their management a crash course in guest hospitality it was really disappointing to be asked to leave because they had over booked themselves for the day. read more

Conveniently close to Harvard Square, this American lounge provides all the ingredients and atmosphere for a good relaxing evening dinner. It is never crowded, and although it appears to be expensive, the food prices are moderate. The food itself is very good. I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and can attest for the quality and flavor of the steak frites and the garden gnocci. As appetizer, all of their offerings appear delicious but we have never deviated from ordering the meze platter, which is composed of some of their excellent flatbread and various spreads. As for cockatils, they have a vaierty of flavorful and interesting looking mixes, from which I have tried the Goji apparatus and the fumo y fuego. The servers are always very nice and attentive, and you can always ask the for a recommendation (they have not failed me yet!). Overall, Nubar provides a relaxed, elegant dining experience that is perfect for dining with friends or for a date night. read more

We went to Nubar on a Saturday night with a groupon we got as a gift. The service was good, the waitress was very nice. The restaurant is very nice looking with some cool spots and a nice bar. The food, however, was less than good. We ordered the crab cake and shrimp appetizers. My husband says the shrimp was great, but we've had better crab cakes. For our entrees I ordered the steak frites and my husband ordered the swordfish. Both of our meals were cold... Ick. It was not very busy that night so I can't see why I should have had to endure cold steak, but.... When you have to shmear the herb butter on the steak, it's a problem. The fries tasted like frozen fries, not what I expected. The swordfish was ok but also cold. Nothing special. For our desert, my husband ordered a cannoli that was a special. Again, it was just meh. I ordered the roasted apples(?). The pastry was very nondescript and the apples and cream were just flavorless. I was hoping for a great night out but got a blah meal and a pizza on the way home. I hope this isn't the norm. I'll never go back. read more

Sad to see a bad review for the Easter brunch today... I also went to Nubar for Easter brunch and did not have the same experience. We had arrived at 1:35 for a 1:45 reservation and were seated immediately... our waiter came right over to take our drink order and tell us to start the buffet when we were ready... we went to the buffet twice and then to the dessert section after we sat for a bit ... the waiter was super, always there just when we needed him... the food selection was definitely more than enough from breakfast choices to lunch choices... the fresh fruit was so delicious as were all the other choices including a carving station with ham and lamb... we were too full to truly appreciate the dessert offerings, but there were many including a lemon raspberry torte and fresh strawberries and cream... we had a mini fruit tart that was fresh and delicious with our coffee.... no one ever asked us to leave and we lingered for 1 hour and a half... the restaurant is spacious, we didn't feel squeezed in or rushed... the only complaint i have has NOTHING to do with Nubar, we had a very loud diner seated beside us and he used his 'outside' voice the entire time... definitely will go back again read more

We went to Nubar for the rehearsal dinner the night before my son's wedding. We used their semi-private room -- separated from the main dining room by a curtain and it felt quite private. We didn't get noise from the dining room and hopefully they weren't disturbed by us. They set up a TV for us ($100 charge) so we could show slide shows of the bride and groom. The restaurant atmosphere is quite stylish, but comfortable. The main dining room has cozy chairs and a fireplace if you want to sit for drinks. We had a group of 22 and the room was very comfortable for us, but would also fit a larger group. Richard, who was our contact for the special event, was very efficient and responded quickly to my emails and printed up a special limited menu based on our choices. The room was set up just as we had expected and the service was very attentive and everything was well timed. Everyone really loved their food. We had flatbreads on the table to eat as people ordered and waited for their food. They were great. Guests had a choice of the spring salad or clam chowder for an appetizer. And entree choices were the Steak Frites or ribs or Gnocchi (vegetarian) or Smoked chicken sandwich. The lemon panna cotta dessert was really fabulous -- as was the chocolate mousse duo. I heard nothing but raves about the food, and I did ask family who would be frank with me about it. I think everyone was pleased with everything about the evening -- at least there were smiles and good times all around which is everything we had hoped for. Also there is convenient parking in the lot next door validated so just a $10 charge. Thank you Nubar! read more

I had such a refreshing experience last night at Nubar after years of the same old, same old in Harvard Square! Since this chic new restaurant-bar is in a surprising venue off-the-beaten path, I want to tell everyone to check it out! I met a friend in from out of town at the Sheraton Commander hotel where he typically stays when in Cambridge for business. As usual, we planned to have a quick drink there and go to dinner elsewhere. Instead, we found ourselves sipping thoroughly enjoyable cocktails seated at the most stunning bar I've ever seen (bar top is a glowing onyx stone) while watching the Kentucky Derby....and 5 hours later we were still there!!! The new decor is far more sophisticated than most Boston and Cambridge locales, but the designer must have been divinely guided toward maximum comfort with one harmonious detail after another pleasing to the eye. The biggest surprise of the night was the outstanding meal...we started with the black olive & ricotta flatbread loaded with tangy dressed arugula... the lobster arancini was a flavor sensation with chunks of fresh lobster and herbs in a delicately crusted risotto cake topped with fresh clover sprouts and morel mushrooms...and I coveted my companion's choice for entree - giant grilled scallops inventively adorned with fiddlehead ferns and red bliss potatoes while I feasted on a mediterranean vegetable dish. We couldn't help but finish off by sharing the lemon panna cotta which was just the right creamy consistency. I won't wait until my friend is back in town to return to Nubar....I will make it a destination of choice time and time again! It's worth the extra steps outside of Harvard Square...go there for a whole new Cambridge experience! Oh, and if you drive there like I did and can't find a space on the street, the restaurant will validate your ticket for the hotel lot for only $10.00 which I thought very reasonable for city parking. read more

I too, dined at Nubar for their Easter Brunch and had a similar experience to a previous review. All I have to say is I will NEVER return. The food was good, however the restaurant is run by extremely rude management, who will ask you to leave as you are finishing up your reservation. I have NEVER in my dining experience been asked to LEAVE, because another party was waiting to be seated. It really is a shame that they believe that,that etiquette is acceptable in a high end restaurant; ESPECIALLY at a holiday brunch. Even though the food was good, the atmosphere did not do anything worth while for me, and is honestly slightly backwards. You have to walk through a hotel entrance/lobb and then through the entire restaurant to get to the front where the rude manager is waiting to seat you. After, you're seated the waitstaff is accommodating, but it is nothing you would not expect from a high end restaurant. And the food was subpar for what we expected for a nice holiday brunch. Like I said there are plenty of other places I'd try in this area and greater Boston, before I would ever consider spending money at this place again. They received this review, because of how the management treats their guests; it really was a shame. read more