Finally made it to SOFRA! What an amazing time to be had! I am taking one star away because the favs/lentil spread we got was only okay and came without anything to spread it on (had to pay separate), and it was characteristically pricey as everything in there is. But the other things were outstanding and brought me back to northern Greece and the region. Also, the Earthquake cookies are one of the best treats ever. Two packages to go were not enough at all! read more

Sofra is amazing! For those visiting the area it is worth the stop. It is a middle eastern bakery and cafe. My wife and I can here for breakfast. I must admit we were under the wrong impression based on previous reviews. There literally is no where to sit down to enjoy your food. Possibly enough wall seats for 10-15. We originally believed it was a sit down place for breakfast, which it is not. The menu although small is satisfying. I would recommend the egg sandwich with bacon. Although it is pricey, its rather delicious! Try a hand crafted coffee or latte. For your afternoon snack pick up dessert to go home. For those looking for a place to sit and enjoy a meal, this isnt a place for you. Although they serve breakfast items does not mean they are equipped for seating. If you want to casually order and dine out, its more than ideal. The staff was great and the decor is modern. Im not sure if parking space is convenient to the establishment but commuting on foot is ideal. I would come back again if I return to the area. Living close by would be dangerous. read more

Tried the famous breakfast. Had the shakshuka, the eggs were just perfect with the tomato hawayej. Light and healthy! The only reason i am giving it 4 stars is coz on the weekends it is really busy and seating inside is limited so this canbe an anxiety inducing experience. The pastries and sweets run out quick. I can't wait to come back and try the granola. The orange blossom lemonade is heavenly! read more

Fantastic food, though a bit pricy for the amount you get. Biggest complaint is the seating. I've been here a few times but the lack of seating will likely keep me from coming back. There's nothing enjoyable about ordering your delicious food and then standing there panicking hoping someone will get up and you'll manage to get to the table before everyone else who is waiting. And don't even think that if you go during an "off" time you'll avoid the stress, there's never a slow time here. I get Sofra wanting to have a relaxed Turkish cafe vibe but it just isn't practical in this tiny place. P.S. What's with these over-entitled people that sit at one of 6 tables in a place full of people clearly waiting to sit down but they kick back with their long emptied coffee cups and read a book for an hour??? Come on, be a little aware of what's going on around you and have some consideration. It would be great if Sofra tried to discourage this behavior but it doesn't seem like they do. Just a little sign asking customers to be courteous might go a long way. read more

The food here is beautiful, original, delicious. Whenever i visit my friend who lives in Watertown, this is one of the places I insist on going! The mezze platter has so many yummy options though i would prefer pita to the puffy focaccia-like bread they give you- would be much better for scooping up the speads. Neat drink options too like yogurt sodas and fun teas. One star off for VERY cramped quarters/limited seating, but otherwise a great lunch choice! read more

I've frequented Sofra countless times. Late yesterday afternoon (5:10 exactly, 50 minutes before closing time), I stopped by for a couple things. It was evident that the staff was in "shut-down" mode and I wondered if they'd accidentally left the door unlocked while cleaning up, because the activity was all about clearing up and getting out. The staff was distracted, uncommunicative, and fairly unfriendly. Let me say that this has never been the case in the past, which is maybe why it stood out so starkly on this visit. Anna, Maura-- please pull the staff together! This place is a good thing. review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

This place is pretty good - but since it's new its very over crowded. The food is DELICIOUS but very pricey. If you want quality over quantity - this is the place to go. the reason for the three stars is that i got a chicken schwarna and there were very weird fatty pieces of chicken in my sandwich - i wish they would take a little more time and pick out the hard weird bits - otherwise it was delicious - the sausage sandwich is great as well but very spicy. read more

This is place is so overrated. All the hype about exotic pastries that the world had somehow never seen the likes of. Save some money and get better stuff down the street at Masses bakery. Anyone that thinks this place is good, doesn't know a thing about middle Eastern food read more

Really crowded and no where to sit, so for some that must mean that it is that good. I got some flat breads to go and they were yummy. The Mediterranean platter with hummus and baba ganoush and a beet- like salad seemed to be on everyone's table. This place was okay, but I wouldn't make a special trip to Cambridge for this. read more

I've spent time at many Boston area cafés, and quite a few are very good, such as Café Fixe and Dwelltime. None, however, compare to Sofra for food, and the atmosphere there is also great. I just wish they'd bust out to the roof, for summer pleasure. read more

Food is good, prices are way too high. Welcome to Boston with average food for very high prices. Seating isn't comfortable with either high stools or small tables on top of one another. Not sure what the hype is about. read more

I really, really, have grown to love Sofra. The last few times I went there was completely positive, and the food was scrumptious. I get excited when I know I will be in the neighborhood because I like to stop here if I get a spare minute. The food is unique, fresh and out-of-this-world. Fantastic! read more

My husband, toddler daughter and I tried Sofra for the first time today. We wisely arrived just after 8am on a Sunday to make sure that parking and seating was not an issue. The only seating during the winter is long benches around round brassy metal tables, so I am sure this gets packed even by 930. Truly delicious, complex flavors contained in simple dishes. We had the Shakshuka, which was perfectly done, the tomato sauce complimenting the egg and simple bread. I normally drink lattes because I can't stand drip coffee that has zero flavor and strong acidity that has been sitting around forever in the huge pot. My coffee was hot, with strong flavor and low acidity. Our pastries were light and flaky and I can't wait to try more. The service was good too, the woman working the counter listened to our preferences and suggested several pastries to us. When more than two people were in line, they opened up another register. read more

How is it that I have not written a review for Sofra yet?? I would be a 5 star review if I was wealthier than I am. I KNOW that the quality of the ingredients is what makes the prices here higher than average, but it does make it an occasional rather than regular haunt for us, despite living literally down the street. Stocked by organic farm, Siena Farms (which has a CSA option for those interested), the quality of ingredients at this venue is well above par. The baked goods taunt me on a regular basis and I've only had 1 that I didn't like! Must tries: Sharbat, ambrosia! Innovative and interesting fruit nectars, often infused with herbal concoctions - amazing! Shakshuka, poached eggs in a spiced, somewhat creamy tomato sauce (or soup) with spongy homemade pita bread for soaking up the left overs. Seasoned to perfection and always hits the spot. Earthquake cookies, all the best components of cookies and fudgey brownies in a perfect little package. $1.50 perfect little package. Morning bun, it took me a while to catch on, but now I'm hooked. This delicacy is crispy, sweet, citrusy, and amazing. I can't describe it, you'll just have to try! Sesame cashew bar - ZOMG! Melts in your mouth (and probably goes straight to the part of your body you don't need an extra stick of butter to land), out of this world goodness! Meze bar - a chance to spread your wings and tingle your tastebuds. Although I rarely get to Sofra during meze bar hours (partially because meze bar and Shakshuka often conflict). Missable: The wraps. They are eh. Not worth a trip to Sofra or the money in my book. Sweet foccacia - doughy, bland, and a total disappointment. read more

Smart, fresh, quaint, authentic, and delicious. I wish I lived closer or this would be my go-to bakery and cafe. Ana Sortun is a genius and her recipes are beautiful... the baklava was delicious as was the schawarma and even the grab and go salads. Yes, it gets crowded (good places often do, and the cafe is TINY) but they move as fast as they can for a place that is creating your order fresh and from scratch. read more

It is definitely overpriced, and the lack of chairs makes seating three comfortably practically impossible. We asked them to split the shwarma threeways, and they didn't. The mezze was pretty good, but they wouldn't give us more bread -- ridiculously priced for the 5 small scoops, and they wanted more for another bread? My favorite was actually the moussaka, but I think I can find it better and cheaper in a greek place. The earthquake cookie for dessert was not worth the calories. Overall, I like the concept and would definitely go back for breakfast if I could find a seat outside (maybe weekday??) But I feel they could take some extra steps to make the seating more comfortable and the prices more of a value so you don't leave there feeling self-served and uncomfortable. read more

Mezze (middle eastern version of spread, I guess) selection is awesome here. Lamb shwarma was mostly a meh but the meat looks juicy and well done. Spinach falafel stuffed bread is an awesome choice. Turkish coffee, OJ, Earthquake cookie...all are very good. They have fresh squeezed OJ for 2$. Watch out some of their dessert options are crazy expensive. Small piece of choc baklava is 4$. OMG. But it is good though! read more

This place is fabulous for eastern brunch. I have had the shashuka and lamb schwarma. They are both delicious. Make sure you go early because the Persian spiced donuts are to die for. It is a on a little pricey side but it's so worth it. I would recommended you eating the items there vs. taking them home. read more

This place is amazing for breakfast! We ordered almost everything off their bfast menu because our eyes are bigger than our bellies ;) The yogurt and their granola is fantastic. I would have this everyday if I could! The egg sandwich with feta butter is super heavy but tasty. It's all kinda fried goodness. The breakfast plate is nice too but definitely not like an American bfast. The poached eggs in tomato curry tastes Indian and also slightly difficult to digest for breakfast. The pastries, cookies and bread are worth every penny. The coffee is tasty and the lemonade is better than normal lemonade - get it! read more

I am lucky enough to live just down the road from this awesome restaurant. It is a bakery, cafe, takeout joint, and casual restaurant, all rolled into one. I'm slowly working my way through the menu. There are just too many awesome options to get the same thing twice. read more

Great food but if you are in a rush forget it. It took 20 minutes to get a to go chicken shawarma.

I love the food at Sofra- it is so very good. I love their savory treats- the farmer's vegetable tartlets, the incredible flatbreads- and the sweet stuff, specifically the Persian spice donut. The food and coffee is not the problem. The problem is the waiting, and the space in the cafe. I love their exotic offerings, but what about an express line? Or a line for people who only have one question and don't want a personally guided tour through each and every one of the baked good propped behind the glass? Unfortunately, the combination of Cambridge people (and I'm a Cambridge person, so I know) and a staff that is very willing to explain everything makes for a really long experience. I'm usually happy to pay extra money for good food, but the cost in time is ridiculous. 19 minutes for an iced coffee and a donut? I live around the corner, so I'll drop in every once in a while, but I'm having a hard time being convinced the food is worth the wait. read more

Pretentious, over price, but mainly uncomfortable to stay ... too small ...no real seats. Not the place to have a conversation over coffee

I had wanted to go here for so long and finally made it for breakfast! My favorite dish by far was the poached egg in yogurt with fried quinoa and asparagus. It was perfectly flavorful like nothing i have ever had before! There was a kick of salt in every bite which brought out the flavors. I ordered some pita on the side to dip in the egg. I cant wait to go back! read more

SOFRA Bakery & Cafe - Poached egg- perfectly flavorful! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Finally made my way over to Sofra on Saturday, mere minutes from my house. What a delight, super friendly service at the counter, incredibly delicious food a real treat. For two people, we split the mezze platter, which comes with five different dips of sorts, highlights were the beet tzatziki and whipped feta, and two pieces of flat bread. Probably could have come with more bread, and it's a little pricey for me (but spot on for the location and crowd) but my chai tea was superb and all the food was incredible. A must try! read more

After living in New York for several years, I've became an obnoxious food snob and have had trouble finding places I like in Cambridge, especially if I want something other than "new American" cuisine. Sofra never fails to make me happy with interesting and well-executed menu items. Although everything I've had there has been delicious, I especially like the shakshouka, whipped feta spread, and chocolate hazelnut baclava. It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for -- many of the ingredients in Sofra's dishes don't come cheap, and the quality of the food is orders of magnitude better than other Middle Eastern places I've been to in the area. My only complaints are that it's a pain to get to (coming from near Davis Square), and the cramped seating area has been packed every single time I've been. I wish they would open another location, ideally somewhere along the red line! read more

Expertly spiced unique dishes and pastries. Falafel sandwich has several crispy falafel balls with tender moist interiors, on grilled fresh pita, with fresh greens, cucumber, and garlic yogurt sauce. Chicken shwarma is a delicate crepe filled with shredded chicken in a bechamel cream with a variety of spices that are incredible- cardamom, cinnamon, saffron- hard to pin down all the flavors, amazing though. Orange blossom rolls and fresh, stubby round pitas great to take home, along with beautifully colorful meze dips of carrot, eggplant, feta or beets with house-made crackers. read more

Try the mezze platter - a great way to sample all their delicious dips and sauces. Everything on the menu is homemade and delicious. The coffee and pastries are great too, although you won't have room for them after dining on the delicious food! It does get crowded and seating is limited so best to come at off-peak times (weekends are crazy, especially during brunch hours) unless you are planning on take-out. read more

The falafel sandwich is perfect - it's super moist and the beets are a perfect complement. The chicken shawarma is very dry. Next time I'll get the falafel again and try out the shakshuka. read more

This rating is based just on the orange blossom lemonade and atmosphere. The lemonade is incredible and I really like the laid back atmosphere. I only stopped in after going to Eastern Lachmachune just down the street, but I will be back! read more

I love sofra. Try the rooibos latte with soy milk and half the sweetener. yum. so cozy!

Sofra is a must-visit on my semi-annual trip to Boston. Love their mezze and baked goods, especailly tahini cookies, olive oil cakes, revani, molasses cookies....all delicious! read more

My boyfriend and I love this place. A little too much, says my waistband. But seriously, they have such delicious, unique (to this New England native, anyway) foods. I especially like their breakfast options. It's a challenge to find seating, especially on a weekend day, but in the summer when you can sit outside, it's just bliss. read more

I went there once, and I think it will be my last. Good food but they seriously need to rethink their price tags.

So grateful to have Sofra here. The quality food, friendly staff...love this place. The only complaint I can ding for them is that the portion could be a little more generous. Oh and please make more of doughnut with orange cream in them..! Thank you read more

I happened to be in the area to attend an event at Mount Auburn cemetery so decided to grab some goodies from Sofra for dessert. The restaurant was packed but the line moved fast. The chocolate hazelnut baklava was good but I think they put too much syrup and it was messy to eat. On the other hand the pistachio baklava was round shaped with pistachios in the center but seem to have no syrup and the phyllo dough just tasted dry. Overall promising and interesting selection of pastries but at least the things I tried could have been better. read more

I often go to Sofra after dropping my son off at school. It is unbelievable. The food is unique and flavorful. it's upscale breakfast and lunch comfort food. EVERYTHING is excellent and the people who work there could intimidate the way those crazies at High Rise do, but they don't. They are really kind, patient and happy. Maybe has something to do with the management, who knows, but it is quite a gem. If you like Oleana for a big night out, this will give you the same gastronomique thrill for a fraction of the price on a regular basis. They also have easy parking for quick to go food. Oh, and an excellent little wine shop is attached. read more

Sorry, went back again and was letdown by the coffee, again....Had to take a star away :-( I won't penalize Oleana for bad coffee, as the wine and food is more center stage, but this is a coffee/bakery, so she should have good beans, grind to order, good machines, and well trained staff.... C'mon Ana, if you read this , I know you can do it! read more

Do not come here if you have any dietary restrictions. And if you do, be explicit. The person taking our order did not take "hold the cheese" to "hold the dairy" and "hold the pita" to mean "hold the wheat." So, we ended up with labne and rolls. Okay, our fault for not being clear and for thinking I could go to a bakery with a dairy and wheat restriction. Also, this is clearly a place for people who like food to be art. The food is creative, tasty and presented well, but there's not much of it. read more

Short report - glad I went, won't chose to go again Long report - I was brought here by a friend who adores this place. I had wanted a greek salad and this is where we ended up. They did not have a greek salad, however I was able to find a flatbread/ shwarma that was tasty. Cons: Parking Seating Small menu VERY crowded Some items (coffee, pastry) overpriced imo Pros: Food is authentic (not Americanized) Portions are appropriately sized (read small) Food is really yummy Prepackaged foods for a quick bit to go as well as grocery items You can grab a bottle of wine at the attached wine shop read more