Harvard Square Restaurant Reco Needed

[bisso]

Have some Aussies in and they want to see Harvard Square. Wanting to take them to a decent restaurant but at the same time show them the scene. Any recommendations? We also have young kids with us. Thanks!

[opinionatedchef]

Take a look at the Casablanca menu. It's been a Harv Sq institution for 35+ yrs; has exc food and fun bustling vibe, filled w/ profs and students alike- and the painted murals of bogart etc from the film- make it a place they won't forget. If you decide to go pizza, Otto's is excellent but no place to sit and relax; Cambridge One's superb pizza is grilled and a unique experience; likely the lightest, cleanest, least greasy pizza you will ever have.

Also, I don't know if frozen yoghurt has hit Australia yet, but they might enjoy the taste and theater of Pinkberry (though I prefer the froyo at Mixx in Allston.)

[opinionatedchef]

bisso, just to clarify,my suggestions are based on giving them something unique to harv sq and not what they would find at home in australia. plse do let us know where you go/how it works out!

[greenzebra]

Russell House Tavern or Cambridge 1. Both have good food - Cambridge 1 is pizza, Russell House is New American-y pub food - neither is too pricey, both would be fine with young kids, and both are right in the square.

I'd second the Tamarind Bay rec, too, if you want Indian.

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Tamarind Bay
75 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[ecwashere7]

I would second Russell House Tavern. It's much more than just pub food. Excellent cocktails and their charcuterie is very good. I love going there.

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Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[cambridgedoctpr]

G'day

harvard square has multiple choices:

for a good burger joint try Bartley's; a very kid friendly place.
for fine dining, you could try Rialto for expensive Italian food.
Indian food: hardly the scene and with a dreary location in a basement: Tamarind Bay.
pizza to go: Otto's

there are many places to sit outside, weather permitting, including harvard yard and outside of the large au bon pain

Porter Square: good street Thai food: Rod Dee
Central Square: perhaps nicer than you want: Craigie on Main and Rendezvous

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Tamarind Bay
75 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139