For Breakfast: The Belgian waffles were very well made, each dish comes with 2 large waffles. The chocolate waffles could have used more chocolate, but they did not fail to satisfy. The breakfast burrito had good texture, but there could have been a more savory flavor. There were no issues with quantity and service was adequate.
(4)
John D.
Spoke to the owner Teri, she seems to be fully devoted to her business and having happy customer. Even if this does not resolve the frustration we had, it was nice talking with her and understanding that she is doing her best. I am updating my review to 4 stars ;-)
(4)
Matt P.
We had an amazing meal here for Sunday brunch. There was a fairly typical wait, but the staff were apologetic and kind. Crayons were provided for the entertainment of the young at heart. I ordered the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict. The cholesterol phobic need not apply, but oh man was it delicious. The flavors were perfectly matched and proportioned and the end result was exciting. I had shivers with my first bite. The corned beef hash itself was home made and amazing - I didn't know it got this good. My date had the special - raspberry truffle french toast. This included raspberry jam, chocolate, cream cheese, and some cream served over very light french toast. Provided you like your french toast light and fluffy, I think this is about as good as it gets. It was sweet without being cloying, and there was enough flavor in the dish to keep it interesting. I don't often leave a restaurant feeling like I learned something. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Farrah H.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Cafe Luna yet. They are awesome. This is my go-to neighborhood place. The sandwiches are good, the brunch is even better. Matt and Terry (the owners) run a clean, well-managed establishment. They are always courteous and sweet. They also keep a rotating specials menu which is nice. Oh and Mary (who works the morning shift) is awesome. She remembers the regulars and keeps the line moving. Be prepared to wait if you are coming in for brunch on the weekend. You can call ahead to see what the wait is like and make a reservation. The place is packed always (for good reason). During the week, lunch time gets pretty busy but I always find somewhere to sit. Definitely worth your time and money.
(5)
Sara W.
Let me tell you a little story about my first encounter with Cafe Luna. It was 2pm on a typical spring day in Cambridge, and my roommates and I had finally mustered enough energy to venture into the world in search of brunch. We trotted down Mass Ave, happy as clams, looking for a cafe that could accommodate the four of us and our friendly dog. "I want an eggs benedict!" Roommate #1 exclaimed, eyes aglow with anticipation. "I want pancakes!" declared #2. "I just want a saucer of water and the loving companionship of you fine people!!!" said our dog, telepathically. Imagine our dismay when, upon being seating at the first outdoor cafe we came across, the waitress announced that we were 2 minutes late for the midday meal options. "I'm really sorry," she said, handing us menus. Plunged into brunch-related depression, we ordered orange juice and scanned the dinner menu with heavy hearts. "I really can't have any eggs benedict?" Roommate 1 wheedled when she returned. "No... I'm sorry." "I was really jonesing for a good eggs benedict." "Yeah..." "Okay, well, I think we need some more time to look at this dinner menu." "Oh," said our waitress. "We're actually not serving dinner yet." "So... we're too late for brunch and too early for dinner." "Right." "What kind of food are you serving now?" "Salad." "Yeah... I think we're going to have to leave now." "It was like, the options kept shrinking the longer we sat there," Roommate 1 said mournfully, as we staggered hungrily down the street. "No eggs benedict... that was the first blow. Then no lunch, then no dinner." "You were getting hangry," I appraised. "Hungry plus angry." A few blocks away, Cafe Luna came to the rescue. After waiting outside for a few minutes and sharing our brunch horror story with the sympathetic owner, we were seated at an outdoor table and presented with a diverse list of breakfast delights that included the much sought-after (lobster!) eggs benedict. The Belgian waffles were also a hit, airy and delicious, and I'm pretty sure the seasoning on the home fries that accompany the egg dishes is a mixture of herbs and powdered happiness. Also be sure to try the cinnamon muffins (presented free of charge by the owner "just because you guys are so nice") and the made-with-real-chocolate milk. The only things that keep Cafe Luna from attaining the coveted 5th star are the prices ($3 for a miniature side cup of fruit seems a little steep) and the somewhat inattentive service. But if you're not in a hurry, this is the perfect place to sit outside and while away a Sunday afternoon, enjoy great food, and respond to approximately 9,000 pedestrian inquiries about the breed of the dog tied to your table support. He's a Wheaton terrier, and he gives the water two enthusiastic paws up.
(4)
Carol L.
Delicious brunch location. Lobster egg benedict: Delicious. Large chunks of tender lobster. Black bean omelette: the winner of the meal - incredibly tasty. I was so surprised! Blueberry lemon waffle: pretty good Pumpkin waffles: nice, fluffy, seasonal!
(4)
Steve G.
Great desserts. Awesome waiter named lee.
(4)
Jess N.
I've been to Cafe Luna several times. There is usually a wait (30-45min). The food is good and they have a wide variety for brunch options. The breakfast cocktails are good and worth the $9. Always good service ! Be prepared to wait.
(4)
Mischa T.
His fingernails are clean!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Cafe Luna, you continue to piss me off. First time I came here (not heeding advice about the rudeness of the owner), we asked whether we could sit at the tables in front of the Cafe. (Not the tables in Lafayette Square -- the ones owned by the cafe.) They brought us our little sandwiches, brought us water twenty minutes later, and then never came to give us the check. When we finally went inside to ask for the bill, the owner (the tall man with grey hair) told us we had to bus our own table. "But," we said, confused, "you seated us out their and served us..." The owner responds in an angry, indignant tone: "Listen, we were doing you a FAVOR by letting you sit out there." The angry tone? What the hell? Don't yell at your customers if they don't inexplicably intuit your weird policies about which responsibilities are up to the wait-staff and which are up to the customer. Today I went in because I was in a hurry, it was on my way to MIT, and I just wanted to grab a bagel to go. Well, for some reason it took them 10 minutes to put a bagel into a bag. Ten minutes is a long time to wait for someone to put a bagel into a bag -- especially when the waiters and waitresses are just standing around chewing the fat. It would have been twice as fast to backtrack to Clear Conscience Cafe and buy a bagel from them. And their bagel wouldn't have tasted like they bought it in the freezer section at Shaw's. Ugh. FU, Cafe Luna.
(1)
Mckenzie Y.
Brunch it here!!!!! Really great menu - never been here for dinner or lunch or on the weekday though- eeeek... (i reside on the otherside of the river) but their brunch was one of the best I've had in boston for awhile. Call ahead seating. LOVE THE FRENCH TOAST!
(4)
Rimi C.
The BEST BRUNCH in Cambridge!!! I took a friend here from out of town and ordered the pepper crusted tuna with eggs. We also shared the pumpkin stuffed french toast. Let's just say the only noises coming from our end of the table were "mmmm's and ahhhhh's" for about 5 whole minutes! The service was incredible, our waiter gave great recommendations and emphatically shared his love of the pumpkin stuffed french toast. Average price for brunch options are around $12 which is a bit on the high side, but I think it's worth it for a place with such great food and ambience.
(5)
Ryan H.
I went her for brunch and a saturday and made sure to get there early to avoid a huge wait. This place has a cool small atmosphere if you are into that kind of thing. I have to say I was expecting a lot of this place just from the items on the menu. Everything looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Unfortunately they fell a little short on execution. I had the corned beef hash and the two people I was with had the lobster eggs benedict and huevos rancheros specials. I read on yelp the corned beef hash was the best thing on the menu and i love corned beef hash! It wasn't that it was bad it just wasnt "breakfast" corned beef hash. Im not comparing it to the canned finely diced stuff a lot of places serve either. It tasted like it belonged between two pieces of rye bread rather than underneath eggs. I tried bites of the other two dishes and felt the same way. Something was just a little bit off. The service was great here though and even though its not great I would still say it is one of the better breakfast places in the area. 3 stars is probably 3.5 in reality. Check this place out but don't go in with really high expectations.
(3)
Ploy K.
I absolutely loved this place. It was small, so my party of four had a bit of a wait despite our reservation*, but the atmosphere was very cozy and comfortable. We sat outside, which allowed us to watch the various types of people walking around Central. The host was very gracious to us, apologetic for our wait but not overly so. Our waiter was adorable, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. The food came out in a timely manner, though only one plate at a time, one after another, presumably as they finished being prepared. I ordered the bacon eggs Benedict, two of my companions ordered the corned beef hash eggs Benedict, and the last ordered chocolate chip Belgian waffles. Everything looked delicious, and even better, tasted wonderful. I was really pleased with my choice, and had a bite of the corned beef hash dish, which was really good as well. Two of my friends also ordered a special seasonal drink, the pumpkin chai latte, which was great especially because the pumpkin taste wasn't overwhelming. I will definitely be going back to try the sweeter side of things; several versions of french toast, Belgian waffles, and pancakes (chocolate chip, berry, etc). I loved the cute interior and awesome location. I can't wait to go back! *N.B. They only take reservations for parties of six or more, so the Yelp info is slightly misleading. If you have five, get one more person and call ahead. If you have four, you have to wait.
(4)
Omar R.
Pro's The food (The Grilled Biscuits with Honey flavored Butter, Home Fries w/ Bacon & Jalapeno Cheese Sauce, Crispy Waffles, fresh fruit, Frozen Hot Chocolate, etc [the list goes on]). The manager (On top of folks on wait-list [even though wait will be long], and maybe willing to provide free pastries if your wait is extremely long or your food takes too long to arrive at your table [I have yet to have this experience but I have been a witness to it]) The waiters(tresses) (Friendly, comes frequent with water and coffee refills without you having to ask several times [however, i have noticed a waiter who was not wearing the same attire as the rest who was serving folks on the outside seating who seemed to not care for his job; he emptied the cups of water and sangria on the bushes next to the cafe and did not notice that some of it splashed on a customer waiting to be seated. Unfortunately for the business, that customer did get up and leave]) Con's Seating (Its a small cafe; maybe 30 people can be seated [including the bar] but very tight especially on a packed weekend) Wait time (If you do not call in advance for a reservation, you could expect to wait an hour at minimum on a busy weekend [have yet to come here on a weekday]) Outside Seating (If the weather is very hot and the crowd is growing large, eating outside may cause sun burn or have a long wait for your food as most folks seated inside the small place get a lot more of the attention {I have yet to be seated outside but I have been a witness to hearing customer's complaints regarding their seating and experience}. Order Taking and paying Tablets (I have noticed the waiters having difficult times with their tablets that they take orders on and have customers use the tablet to pay their bill. Maybe an upgrade or fix some of the glitches that cause for waiters to look frazzled)
(4)
Kate L.
Really really really awesome. I went for brunch on a rainy Saturday...and will be going back as soon as I get a chance. I went with a friend as a spur of the moment kind decision (thank you Yelp, for the excellent suggestion). We checked out the website and confirmed that, lo and behold, you can make reservations for brunch! So we called ahead and were told to be there in an hour. We arrived about five minutes early but only had to wait a couple of minutes before the friendliest host ever seated us (really, just a great guy!). We had been ogling the menu while we were waiting for the table, but still had no idea what to get...so after a few more minutes of hard decisions, my partner in crime and I settled on splitting belgian waffles and a fig/goat cheese/prosciutto omelet, with some biscuits and bellinis. While waiting for the food (which came out quite quickly, I must add), there was no time to get bored--not with a cup of crayons and a paper covering on the table! I suppose it could be seen as childish, but I'm leaning more to charming. The waffles were fantastic--two large waffles fresh berries, mascarpone and whipped cream. The omelet was also really good, though I felt like it could have used some more figs and goat cheese. We got it with home fries, which were also delicious. The biscuits were amazing too, served with honey butter. yum. And really, if you take nothing else out of this review: raspberry bellinis. SO GOOD. Beyond the food being delicious, I really appreciated the service. When were about to leave, the rainstorm turned into a thunderstorm, and since we were in no rush to leave, we asked if we could stay for another drink. One turned into two, and we eventually had to move because a jazz duo was setting up! Everyone was really sweet and apologetic for asking us to move (not really a big deal, since we had been there for probably at least 3 hours at that point). The music was great, and the lunch food they started serving also looked pretty delicious.
(5)
Jana V.
They served brunch on Labor Day, however, many of the items were missing from the menu. For starters, they did not have bread and so I couldn't order french toast. I decided to go with eggs Benedict which were ok. The eggs were poached well, however, the hollandaise sauce had too much lemon , which became a bit over whelming. The coffee, however, was delicious. I think my party lucked out more with their food because they ordered sandwiches and pancakes both of which were apparently very good. Another downside was the slow service- we sat outside and perhaps that was the case, but really things just dragged on. Not bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there again.
(3)
S D.
Did you know that you can make a reservation for weekend brunch? If only I had known sooner - none the less, it was worth the wait. Got the lemon ricotta pancakes (delicious!) and the servers and host are all very accommodating. The space is small so it can get a little crammed but the food is great. Went back for lunch and got the butternut squash sandwich - excellent! For the SCVNGR users in the house - be sure to rack up your points for discounts on your check!
(4)
John P.
Best coffee shop i have ever been... Period
(5)
May L.
It was the perfect morning for Cafe Luna. I came here with a goup of cool ladies I've been brunching with for the past year. On the whole, this was one of our favorite establishments! Most notably, the service at Cafe Luna is wonderful. The wait staff was extremely attentive yet relaxed and friendly. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. We were seated inside but with visual access to outside enjoying large, open windows. The coffee was good as was the breakfast burrito which I ordered. There is a choice between homefries and toast and although I heard good things about the homefries, the toast was very good quality bread and the serving was four pieces. So I liked my toast! My friends all enjoyed their meals too. There are cocktails available which a couple of people ordered. The location is good for people watching and an easy spot to find for those not familiar with the area. What I am trying to say is, there is no reason that you should not go to Cafe Luna. Go to Cafe Luna this weekend!
(4)
Carol M.
Best brunch anywhere!! Helpful hint - make a reservation! I have been here a few times when visiting my daughter at college in Boston. She is graduating and now I will have to make a special trip to Boston to have brunch at Cafe Luna!
(5)
Jay S.
Perfect. Good coffee, nice staff, yummy food, open air onto the square. Late afternoon but I could still get some breakfast stuff.
(5)
Corey L.
Good sandwiches and good desserts. Nice place
(4)
Anna F.
Enchanted. Stopped by here with a friend over the weekend for a quick bite. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. Pleasantly surprised by the live holiday music. Had a tasty sweet potato and goat cheese sandwich and an egg nog latte. The service was friendly, the food portions ample and reasonably priced. A win on all fronts.
(4)
Tiffany S.
So much deliciousness. Raspberry hot chocolate and berry french toast, though it doesn't seem like you can go wrong with any of the dishes here. The best part was after our meal - there was no rush to get us out the door even though they were busy - I appreciated not being treated like I was no more than a wallet. Also, the servers were really nice and helpful.
(5)
Rayshauna G.
Cafe Luna has my best interest at heart. Now, I had to take 'em down a star for the 'interesting' hours of operation, but other than that, they are amazing. The customer service is great - the employees are quick to greet you and make sure you feel welcome. Not sure if its seasonal, but they have the most amazing apple cider. Not that heated up apple juice crap that other places carry. I'm talkin' cider with some hair on its little chest, y'all - complete with cinnamon stick [and whipped cream, if that's your style]. The chicken caesar wrap is good too. They have scheduled musical performances - everything from jazzy stuff to sultry vocals - it's a good time.
(4)
Tara G.
Two stars because of the tasty sandwich. Too bad we had to fight for it. When we got there, no tables for brunch were available; no problem, we could order take out sandwiches and wait in the park area and they'd call it out for us. But that meant that, as we pulled three consecutive items out of the bag that were not what we ordered, we ended up having to walk back across the park each time. -We ordered a wrap and a panini; one came with chips, one came with a choice of chips or salad. We took salad. Two salads and no chips made it into the bag. They fixed this up. On the upside, the chips are nice Kettle ones. -The rosemary foccacia panini we ordered was neither foccacia nor panini; it was ciabatta, and not grilled at all. We had to take this one back, because $8 is pretty steep for a sandwich and I'd expect a bit more quality than that. Once they fixed it, it was pretty good. But no apology for serving us a sandwich that was completely wrong. -Grilled veg wrap: I asked for wheat wrap; it came in white. The receipt even said white, so the person at the register tapped it in wrong. She had nodded when I asked for the wheat wrap, acknowledging that she heard my request, so it wasn't just that she didn't hear it. By the time we pulled this third wrong thing out of the bag we were tired of walking back and forth just to get what we ordered so we ate it anyway. I'm fine with substitutions but you need to inform the customer so they have the option of ordering something different if those changes don't work for them. If we hadn't been eating right in the park and had walked home or elsewhere, it would be a one star review, as we couldn't have gotten what we ordered. On a last note, I have a hard time believing their chai is "the best chai in Central Square"; I had the iced chai latte and it was like drinking heavy cream. Blech. Not the refreshing drink I wanted on a hot day.
(2)
Stefano J. A.
Worst brunch experience ever. The service is non-existent. Slow and careless. The staff actually avoids eye contact to prevent you from asking something. The waitress didn't even let me finish my order before walking away. After that I had to serve myself from the counter for basically everything, except that soon cups, water and spoons were gone, so I basically had to pick up dirty ones and rinse them myself. The coffee is bad and carelessly prepared. Towards the end of the meal I was briefly blessed with the attention of the owner, who got the girl to remake my cappuccino. She took three attempts and still couldn't make me one that wasn't a bathtub full of milk with one espresso shot. The food is ok, but definitely not worth waiting an hour for in those conditions. Unless you take the situation in stride and laugh off the ridiculous service as a comic skit.
(2)
Lina A.
Omg this place is amazing two thumbs up. Best tasting brunch ive ever had. Salmon omlet with avocado...awesome!
(5)
Sam G.
This place is absolutely incredible! I went here for brunch one day and was able to sit outside. The service was fantastic and very fun, and the food was even better. They had seasonal pumpkin pancakes, steak from grilled on their special grill, and my favorite - everything but the kitchen sink. I would highly suggest this place. The only downside is it is a bit pricey and since it is so popular the wait can be very very long.
(5)
Christina G.
After passing by many-a-time on our way to/from Central Sq. via Kendall, my boyfriend, good friend and I finally had a chance to stop in for a lateish lunch today. It was brunchtime, and hopping (as well as short-staffed, I overheard), but once we got someone's attention, we were seated quickly. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I had breakfasted at home, so we forewent the brunch menu and went to the sandwiches. I ordered the roasted eggplant sandwich, he ordered the portobello one and we got an Italian soda apiece. Our friend perused the brunch menu and decided on a make-your-own omelette (sausage, tomato, cheese, I believe) and a cup of coffee. We sipped our drinks (the Italian sodas had just enough syrup after a good swirl of the straw and I hear the coffee was a pretty decent cuppa) and drooled over the brunchy waffles wafting by. Our meals came quickly, and we all dug in. The side salads that come with the sandwiches were a nice mix of greens and veggies and the made-on-premises balsamic dressing was good enough that we ended up dipping our sandwiches in it a couple of times. The homefries were well-spiced and roasty hot. The omelette looked amazing, and I was assured that it was, and that the sausage was some of the best our friend had ever had. The boyfriend's sandwich was filled with meaty pieces of mushroom and mozz, and he said that it was great, but he would have loved it more if he hadn't had a bite of my sandwich... a perfect amount of filling, roasted veggies full of flavor, not at all soggy or overcooked, and the eggplant was a layer of amazing sweet&smokiness. I am often wary of eggplant that I don't make, but I'd let Cafe Luna make it for me any day. Not a bitter note, and not a flavorless mush! The other veggies bolstered the flavors, but the eggplant was definitely the star. A little bit of provolone and pesto, and pressed on that fresh rosemary foccacia? yes, please. 6 hours later, I'm still thinking about it. And I especially appreciate the non-overstuffedness of it. It left me perfectly sated, but not overfull at all. At the end of the meal, we paid our [completely reasonable] bill and were told "No rush! Stay as long as you'd like and listen to the [live jazz] music..." Such a nice and unusual sentiment these days. I'm definitely planning on trying another meal here, and hopefully get a chance to dine outside. The downfalls here are the small interior, (which is cozy, but a little warm and loud and the three of us shared a tiny table) and some seemingly hit-or-miss service. It doesn't seem really equipped for a big weekend brunch crowd, but I can imagine having a nice weekday lunch or dinner here, though, when it's quieter. In any case, I'd come back for that eggplant sandwich alone.
(4)
Randy S.
Since Brunch is my absolute favorite meal of the day, I hold places that serve the 4th meal of the day to high standards. Luna receives high marks for it's location and ambiance. They specialize in the cafe feel with tables being close together, a manager that works the floor, and a staff that works very hard to make you feel like you're with friends at every visit. The menu is expansive and therefore daunting. But take a deep breath and find confidence in knowing that there is no wrong choice. The menu features fresh ingredients, and everything is customizable with no extra costs incurred (generally speaking). The reason I did not give them 5 stars is because although the staff is very accommodating and friendly there is just not enough of them. During my last visit the greeter took my reservation, my order, and bused my table. Whatever they're paying her just isn't enough. This lack of support does slow down progress, so come prepared to spend a couple hours.
(4)
Andrew M.
Went on the seemingly awesome Yelp reputation it had. First off, my girlfriend and I were kept waiting for 10 minutes for a table when a half dozen were available. When we were finally seated the table hadn't received a wipe down from the last time it was used. The coffee was eh. At 2.25 a cup it should at least not be thin. I had the eggs benedict. Sauce had way too much lemon. Not horrible. My girlfriend had the Belgian waffle with fruit. It was pretty good. This place is topped off by really inattentive service. Our waitress had to come back twice to check our orders because she didn't write them down correctly. I'll be looking for other places for brunch from now on.
(3)
Jess N.
Came here yesterday for breakfast, food was alright. Eggs were cooked well, and my latte was perfect. Chicken sausage tasted a bit weird (I've had chicken breakfast sausage prior to this). Overall, just average.
(3)
Rebecca S.
Call me jaded. I've gone by Cafe Luna too many times to count, have had tea and coffee there a couple of times over the last few years ... but it never sticks in my memory as a place to return to. Unobjectionable but unremarkable. I met a friend there last night for coffee and/or a light supper. As it turns out neither of us ended up eating. I could have, but nothing leapt out at me when I eyed the menu, and I had leftovers at home. Good leftovers! The food of the people sitting six inches away from us looked all right. But nothing enticing. If I'd been hungry I would have eaten something and it would have been all right I'm guessing. But I didn't eat. What we did have was a chai (me) and a mocha (friend). Verdict on both: so-so. The chai was a bit too cloyingly sweet. I think my friend liked his mocha well enough. Neither of us were sold on the ambiance.The room is dark and cramped. It was pretty full, and the tables are tightly squeezed together. They have musicians come in for live sets which is nice but that means they have to shift the tables even closer together while people are seated. I was also asked, first by a staff person, and later by a patron with a laptop, to squirm around in my chair and fumble for a power strip hidden in a corner behind me so that various things could be plugged in and unplugged. Kind of weird. There's nothing specific I can point to that's off, except perhaps an injudicious use of space. And perhaps the price-to-experience ratio is a bit off -- $4.20 seems rather pricey for a large chai that was actually relatively small (but enough for me given the aforementioned heavy sweetness). When you consider how cramped everyone was, I didn't feel it was money well spent. The music wasn't bad, but it was loud enough to make conversation difficult ... always a trade-off with live music in a small space. So it's worth considering beforehand whether your purpose is to talk or be entertained. If you were hoping to talk ... you might be better off going at a time when they don't have live music. Or go somewhere else. The staff were very friendly, if a bit inattentive (we had to ask 3 times for the check). Last night confirmed what I'd always thought about Cafe Luna: it's okay, but never my first choice.
(2)
Melanie T.
I've only been here for brunch, but been here twice. Food gets 4 stars, for sure. The menu is stellar, with a nice list of rotating list of specials. I had an egg and turkey sausage bread-y goodness dish this weekend that was somewhere between a brick of savory french toast and a quiche. The space is small and not remarkable at all. On my last visit, I was peeved by the hostess. I had called ahead and asked to make a reservation, which I've done in the passed and it notes you can do on the website. She said they were not accepting reservations. I asked then if she could add my name to the list, something also listed on the website. She said no and sounded bothered that I was asking. I asked how long the wait would be in 20 minutes and she said 30 min. When I showed up 20 min later, she quoted me a wait time of 90 min because they had reservations she needed to seat first. I was not pleased. When I said I had called to make a reservation she wasn't swayed. Just felt like a young kid who didn't care about her job much. Anyway, lucky for him, I overheard the owner telling someone else they could eat outside at the public tables and they'd bring the order out there. Score! Even though I was peeved about the service, the food is good and my out of town guests were on a schedule. So, we nabbed a table outside and went in to order. Though he was visibly busy, the owner was super nice to us. He was very accomodating and chatty. Our food came really quickly and was delicious. As I said, his great customer service made up for the lack of the hostess's. All in all, it turned out in our favor. We got to eat outside on the first nice day of the season, were treated well by the owner, and enjoyed our food lots. Knocked them down to 4 stars because we almost missed out on all of it due to the hostess being overwhelmed.
(4)
E B.
Every time we call and ask how long the wait would be for two people including 5 minutes after they open, they tell you the wait is 2 hours...that is ABSURD. We've been told 3 hours when there are clearly only about 10 people waiting total...like, come on. The food is good but it's not that good- I'm from NYC and I've seen way better brunch. Get over it people.
(1)
John H.
Having mostly only eaten sweet things here, I cannot comment too much on their savory menu items. My boyfriend says the omelettes are good but nothing special. I had an omelet with black beans and avocado that I liked a lot. But let me tell you, the sweet things here--pancakes, pastry, french toast--they will blow your mind. My favorite so far has been the lemon ricotta pancakes, although I haven't had anything here that I would complain about. The bar drinks are great, and the seasonal pumpkin chair is super delicious, if also super syrupy. The thing that really sets Luna apart is the staff. They are always polite, friendly, and helpful. In an ideal world, the restaurant would be bigger and better temperature-controlled (and easier to get a table at brunch); but it's definitely a favorite.
(4)
Christine T.
I now know the secret of chai! Thanks Luna!
(4)
Jeff W.
I like the pizza, and the sandwiches, especially the Florence/Florentine? A little less food than enough to sate me, and slightly overpriced, perhaps.
(3)
Ligaya T.
This place saved my yelping life! I'm not exaggerating as I'm prone to either; since I don't have internet in the new pad I've been trekking down the street to La Luna everyday since I moved to this coast for their yummy paninis and free wi-fi. Back when I was a youngster I would visit in the warm months, roll some Bali shag for a smoke and drink me a tasty espresso. Talk about a double dose of stimulation! I've graduated to smoothies (their Amazonia tastes exactly like an Orange Julius, remember those?) and delicious tiramisu with the perfect amount of marsala. The best deal at this place is a gelato milkshake, $2.75 for a small (trumping the other blends at $4.25) and a piece of quiche (which comes with a lovely salad) for $10 total. The people there are the sweetest. They love soccer and play the important games, and also have live music some nights. No liquor license yet but go in and sign the petition by the register! This is going to be clutch when the area in front of the cafe turns into a park in the coming year. You know where I'll be on a balmy evening! Edit 7/11/07 - Since the management switched hands, the pastries have gone down hill. The case is practically empty. Come back, Jeanette!
(3)
Christine F.
I took my parents and a few friends here for brunch (parents in town = free meals hooray!) on a Saturday. It was super-crowded but they let us put our order through at the counter before we even found a table. Luckily we did, outside to boot, and the food was extremely tasty on all acounts. I highly recommend the Greek omelette or the french toast. I remember reading about the hyperactive manager on another review, and knowing that beforehand somehow made it just really hilarious when he started hovering over our table, making frequent apologies, and micromanaging the other employees. I really don't think he does it in a bastardly sort of way, I think he's just a Type A personality in a perpetually hectic restaurant. One star deducted because it is really cramped inside and temperature control doesn't seem to be their strong suit.
(4)
Hisham K.
I cannot say enough good things about Luna Cafe. I'm pretty much a regular Lunatic now, although not having a job means I don't eat here as much as I'd like - but on laundry days, while my clothes are tumbling in the drier, I'm at Luna Cafe scarfing down some Bomba Salad. Lee is engaging, Matt is cheery, and Teri spoils me rotten. ROTTEN, I tell you. My friend Elin works at Emerson College and has an event here at least once a semester, and the owners (Matt & Teri) always make it special. I showed up late to an event and most of the food was gone, but before I knew it Teri had whipped up a delicious salad for me! A few other late arrivals even got small sandwiches. This little cafe has some of the best service in Cambridge, and I love it. I'm never leaving Central Square!
(5)
Heather G.
It is no secret that I am certainly a breakfast groupie. I love the idea of weekend brunch, only at like 8am (beat the rush and whatnot). I am also not the kind of girl who gets lured in at the though of making a breakfast/lunch out of cafe fare, as salads and sandwiches seem to be uniformly mediocre and overpriced. However, despite the "cafe" in the name and despite a 10am opening time, I found myself venturing over to Cafe Luna last Sunday morning to see what all the fuss was about. First off, this is not a "cafe" like you're used to - you don't have to order your food at the counter while staring at a pastry case, willing yourself into resisting a glazed, toffee sticky bun. Rather, you're greeted in the tiny entryway, shown to a table, and given proper wait-service. Though this place is very tiny and the tables are squished together, the crowdedness really does help take away the chill from the ever-opening front door. We arrived promptly at 10am and were among the first seated, though the dining room filled up within minutes with hungry patrons. The entire menu looked delicious, and the prices were decent-to-a-tad-expensive for brunch fare. Cafe Luna brews a great cup of coffee, though I did have to ask for my refills, as the server was too occupied running around taking orders to notice my caffeine-shortage. Not a big deal, however, as he may have been one of the only or THE only person on staff that morning. As a rule, when choosing breakfast, I eliminate all pancake/waffle/French toast options, instead opting for an egg dish, as sweets for breakfast really aren't my thing. My dining companion is the same way, so imagine my surprise when he spontaneously ordered a half order of the ricotta blueberry French toast. What what? Being the lady that I am, I smiled sweetly and supported his decision, though in the back of my mind, I was laughing at his soon-to-be-disappointed-stomach. Was I ever wrong (you hear that, Dan C.? There it is - admission I was wrong, in writing, for all to see. There may even be an apology coming, but I wouldn't hold your breath)! the toast was thick and crispy, and the fillings were creamy and tart. There was very little sweetness to this dish at all, and this is most definitely THE French toast to order for those who don't like sweet breakfasts but still crave bread. We also had the corned beef hash Benedict which was equally satisfying. Though this is a rushed/busy cafe, our eggs still came out perfectly poached. I cannot confirm for certain, but I am pretty sure the hash is house-made. The chunks of veg, meat, potato were minced to the appropriate size (TINY! eating really chunky hash is just awkward) and seasoned well. I ordered the asparagus leek omelette, which was OK but not great. They under-stuff the omelettes here, apparently, and mine was mostly egg and no filling. I could barely taste any hint of leek, and the goat cheese was set in a blob in the middle of the omelette, requiring me to pull it apart, spread the cheese, and re-fold. This was the least successful of the dishes, though it still wasn't awful. You could, however, save yourself the $9 and make a comparable omelette at home, so bear that in mind when you order and go for something more indulgent like the Benedict. On the server's rec, I chose a side of homefries rather than grilled Iggy's bread, though I wish I'd gone the other way because the potatoes came out over-seasoned and a bit cold. They weren't bad, they just weren't as stellar as the rest of our lovely brunch. I will certainly be back - friendly staff, great coffee, delicious food, cozy atmosphere. Just what brunch should be, though, Luna, hear my pleas and open at 8am?
(4)
Maureen D.
Yummy! - food, service and atmosphere Came here with my boyfriend and parents on the fly after looking at some reviews. Given the reviews on the line, I called ahead to make a reservation. They couldn't accommodate us with a reservation at 12:30, but gave us 1 o'clock for brunch . The waiter was great - came quick, gave us all the menus (lots to choose from) and took our drink orders and made some witty conversation. I had the turkey sausage breakfast strata with fruit salad. I must add that I hate nothing more than fruit salad where the strawberries taste like pineapples and all the juices have blended together - so I rarely order it. I took the gamble here and it was delicious. NOT as delicious as the strata! Dad and the boy had omelettes, which were really good, as well. Also, best latte I've had in Boston thus far. Granted I frequent Dunkin and Panera due to funds, but even good by NY standards ;) Great brunch place! And they play music sometimes, too (though they were coming in as we were leaving). I'll be back for sure!
(4)
Tamara T.
man, the brunch at this place is absolutely fabulous! I'm still thinking about my nutella french toast months later. when me and my friend opened the menu it was like we lost all self restraint! we sat at the bar and opened 4 dishes...4!! my friend got biscuits and gravy, and we got lemon ricotta pancakes and an order of eggs to split. after eating we walked back to our hotel and passed out for the rest of the afternoon. I really wish Cafe Luna would open a branch in Brooklyn, I'd be there every Sunday! I recommended this place to two friends that recently went to Boston and they returned with raves too. I'm only giving the place 4 stars because it is soooo tight in there. I really feel like a grouchy old woman saying this but I got annoyed sitting so close to all the college kids. I gotta say, I'm not a fan of Cambridge or the Boston area but I loves me some Cafe Luna!
(4)
Jess C.
OH MY GOSH. Brunch, brunch, brunch heaven!! So. My mom and I wanted to check out Cambridge and wandered over to this gem only to find there was a bit of a wait (you can call ahead, which we didn't know!!) To make up for our wait, the host offered us some hot chocolate while we waited outside!! SO CUTE! Breakfast was delicious. My eggs were cooked perfectly and the jalapeno cheese sauce was great (i ordered it on the side because it is a little heavy). Homefries were on par and it was a success. Great overall experience and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Amanda S.
3 words: pumpkin. chai. latte
(4)
June P.
I'm a big fan of cafes and a big fan of La Luna! Free wireless, good lattes (strong), awesome desserts. The tiramisu is yum. Not that many people know about this place, it seems, because it's usually never really crowded. Definitely try it out if you're around!
(4)
Leah T.
this place is awesome but unfortunately they only serve their brunch menu on weekends. looooove their corned beef eggs benedict!!! the hollandaise sauce is just amazing. and don't forget to order one of their wonderful espresso drinks. my fave is the hazelnut latte. yummmm!!!
(5)
Amy B.
Once inside, you really have no idea you are even in Central Square. Seriously, I felt transported to one of the many cafes I enjoyed in Germany or Holland. (Okay, may be not quite the same since Americans don't really have the ability to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. We are all just too damn busy). I instantaneously thought to my self, I need to come here more often to relax with a cup of coffee and to enjoy the company of my friends (Won't really happen, because I am too damn busy. Sad, but the honest truth.) One of my co-workers swears by this place for her morning coffee with soy milk and she recently recommended we go here for lunch. I had no idea that they had an extensive panini menu. My sandwich was delicious which I was thankful for since it was about $7.95. Technically it was worth it but initially I thought it was a bit much. I ordered a small latte and lunch ended up being over $10, which is a little more than I would like to spend. Overall, I think you should check the place out if you are in the area. It's definitely a decent alternative to Starbucks or Dunkin if you are looking for coffee and it's a great place for lunch.
(4)
Kathleen C.
The paninis here are amazing! As is the baked goods. It's a family-run place- when I went the teenage son took our order which was comical and endearing. Great place!
(4)
Ali H.
Great Cafe in the heart of Cambridge in Boston. It's charming, quite and a great place for lunch with a friend. Nic selection fo salads, wraps , ice cream and other desserts.
(4)
Matt B.
Breakfast was as incredible as the staff. They were quick, friendly, and all extremely knowledgable about the foods and drinks they serve. When we arrived they greeted us immediately and offered myself and my girlfriend 2 seats at their bar, since there were no tables available at that moment. Once we were seated after a couple of minutes we were asked if we wanted to move to a newly opened table, we were comfortable so we declined the offer but it was nice to be considered ahead of people that arrived later than us. They were all incredibly friendly, offered us detailed descriptions of their coffees, alcoholic drinks and foods and were happy to offer us a taste of the coffees before we made a decision; which we also declined, but it was very appreciated. I had the corned beef hash on an English muffin topped with eggs Benedict with a side of homefries. It was all extremely delicious and I had plenty more food than I could eat. My girlfriend had a Greek omelette with a side of biscuits which she described as the best she's had. They were light, lightly sweet and quite tasty. Her omelette was tangy and very delicious. The coffees were diverse and excellent, and had unlimited refills. The mimosa and mint Lemon beverages were also mixed extremely well. We will absolutely be back.
(5)
Andres D.
Went for brunch with two friends. WOW!! before we talk food, there was a paper table cloth and every table had crayons. So that was amazing. now, the main event. I have the mac and cheese (FOR BRUNCH) topped with bacon and a poached egg. so delicious. Very unique, cant say that I have come across mac and cheese as a brunch option anywhere else. Tasted amazing. Friends had the eggs benny with salmon + avocado. They liked it, I was pretty focused on the mac. Mimosas. I tried the original, very good. Noticeable fresh orange juice. Also tried one of the other flavors (not memorable), stick with the classic, its fresh and mixed well, also comes in great quantities. Will revisit and re-review.
(5)
Brian S.
This place is amazing. I ordered the prosciutto, toasted fig jam and arugala eggs Benedict with a Mac and cheese with bacon to share. The Mac and cheese is suppose to be an entree but I do not recommend ordering it on its own. It's very good, but you'll get tired of eating it. The eggs Benedict was definitely the best combo I've tried to date. It was just the right amount of sweet to balance out the saltiness of the prosciutto. The service here is also top notch. Very attentive and always very close by if you need anything. Super friendly and personable staff. My one and only gripe about them would be the fact that they do not have A/C. They do have a fan running and it does a pretty decent job, but again. It's still only a fan. All in all, a great experience. With ordering 3 entrees to share the meal came out to ~$50. Will definitely come again. Maybe when its not so hot.
(5)
Marie H.
What can I say, Cafe Luna is one of my favorite brunch places in all of Boston! I've never had anything that I didn't absolutely love, whether it was sweet or savory. For sweet, all of the waffles and french toasts are delicious, especially the ones topped with fresh fruit. For savory (my fav), their eggs benedicts are amazing, with the eggs cooked to perfection - if you want to go all out, get the one with lobster (expensive but worth it!) The inside is kind of small, but they have a lot of outdoor seating when it's nice out. The wait does tend to get pretty long on the weekends, but I've found that it's not too bad if you go around like 10am.
(5)
Claudia C.
No words can adequately describe how much I adore Cafe Luna. Everything from the friendly servers, reservation process, to the amazing food was perfect. I managed to snag a last minute brunch reservation for Father's Day at 3:15pm just in time to order off the weekend brunch menu. As a group, we shared the Lobster & Avocado Omelette, Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict, and S'mac and Cheese with Lobster (yes, we love lobster). The highlight was the Lobster & Avocado Omelette. The omelette was so fluffy and the lobster / avocado combination was divine. You have to get this. The eggs benedict and mac and cheese were also delicious and I would recommend it, but oh my goodness the lobster & avocado omelette totally blew it out of the water. I also tried my dad's New Orleans Iced Coffee and it was really really good. The only thing I wish this place did better was to maintain the restaurant cleanliness (the floor under our table had some crayons and spilled food) and the decor is a little outdated, but I guess that all adds to the mom and pop old charm feel of Cafe Luna. Please make a reservation via the email and prepare to be blown away with the best brunch experience of your life!
(5)
Juliet K.
The Heater sandwich - was ok. Added avocado which made it creamier and the overall flavor was ok. But nothing special. Came with your choice of salad or chips. NO AIR CONDITIONING :( Has a decent selection of sandwiches and breakfast stuff but didn't try those. Would go back to try again.
(3)
Aysha A.
I was so pleased that we woke up early and showed up without a reservation to eat here! We arrived 10 minutes before they opened and their were about 5 groups already waiting outside. We were seated fairly quickly, after only 10 minutes or so. It's a small space, not quite cramped but cozy! As a group of 4 we shared two biscuits with honey butter and a cinnamon roll for the table, delicious but didn't fill us up too much so we could still enjoy the meal! We ordered jalapeño Mac and cheese with two poached eggs, a bit heavy but a great combination that wasn't what I expected! Steak and eggs was perfect! Steak was so tender you didn't even need a knife to cut it! Eggs were done over easy just the way we like it! Dessert was the Cookie Monster French Toast, amazing but so rock we could only manage a few bites! I'll be back the next time I'm in Cambridge!
(5)
Monica C.
Had the lemon ricotta pancakes, which were fluffy and delicious. I could have used a bit more of a lemon kick though. Generous with the berries, and I the chicken chorizo had a spicy kick. Friendly service, with a 40 minute wait for two people on Labor Day weekend. Overall, I definitely liked the atmosphere and the brunch is solid, but ultimately it was not wowing. Have had lemon ricotta pancakes elsewhere that I preferred. Will be back to try other things!
(3)
David G.
Very good. Busy day but we wait only 15min. The welcoming was a bit cold but the waitress was excellent. Lobster Mac & cheese were awesome.
(5)
Elisa C.
Love the service and brunch. The brunch menu has a great selection for all breakfast foods and portions were generous. It was a bit overwhelming, so I went the simple route. Three eggs scrambled with sausage and a New Orleans Ice Coffee. The ice coffee did not have much of a chicory flavor as described on the menu and a bit underwhelming, but it was a good tall glass full. The eggs were simple and I added a good healthy dose of S & P for taste. The fruit on the side was refreshing after a protein filled brunch. Definitely will go back to try their pancake a waffles next time! Service: 5/5 Food: 4.5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
(5)
Cindy W.
It's a good place for brunch. I ordered the eggs benedict with prosciutto and fig jam. The waiter was very nice. However, it's WAY overpriced for what you get... $15 for a plate?! I think it's not worth it in my opinion. It's a cozy environment and spot for brunch but I'd rather go to Flour or something because I just don't think the value is worth it.
(3)
Amy X.
Been here twice now and the food and service are just consistently great. Had their Belgian waffles with fruits and it was delicious! As good as the ones from Saus and better than zinnekins. Definitely one of the better ones I've had. The steak and lobster eggs Benedict was very generous with both meat. Egg was cooked to perfection the way I like it - a little poke and the warm juice egg yolk oozes out for perfect complement to the savoriness of the meat! Service was impeccable. At the end, we even got free cinnabuns! I'm not the biggest fan of those as they are usually too sweet but man cafe Luna should add them to their regular menu! Definitely go there super early or super late. You can eat cafe Luna brunch food for dinner. It's that good. They do run out of the hash toward the end of the day but with all the other delicious food, you won't notice a thing.
(5)
Priscilla C.
Cafe Luna is probably one of the best brunch places I've been to! My whole experience here was amazing in terms of the service and of course the food!! When we first came in, we were greeted by a very nice man, what made me happy was that we actually got our table right on the reservation time! WOW! I've been so many places and I've always had to wait past my reservation time. Anyways the interior is very rustic, cute, and a bit squashy. One complaint was when we got to our table, I realized that the floor underneath our table was a bit dirty (crayons and spilled food underneath). Whenever I see floors like these, my appetite gets a bit ruined. What my family and I ordered was the Lobster & Avocado Omelette, S'mac and Cheese with Lobster, and Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict! WOO so much lobster! My favorite dish would probably be the Lobster & Avocado Omelette because it was just made to perfection. Who knew an omelette can be that amazing?! I would highly recommend this dish!! It is a must try. As for the benedict and mac and cheese, they didn't blow me away, but don't get me wrong here because they were both super delicious. All in all, I would highly highly recommend this place. I would also like to compliment the servers at this cafe, they were one of the friendlist bunch I've encountered! So a ++ on that.
(5)
Teresa M.
So good! Let's just say, I'm not a steak person, but their lobster & steak eggs benedict was delicious! And their Blue Label coffee? Yumm! The only downside is the wait and the need to place your reservation much in advance, but that's what happens when the food is so yummy. Although, the person taking the reservations via email is very friendly, responsive and helpful, so it was a good experience.
(5)
Justina D.
Simple good old American food in a small place in the heart of central. Go there for breakfasts and ask for waffles, French tons and coffee. I've heard that brunch is good too but never went. The service is super attentive and are very much into catering to your wishes.
(5)
Jean R.
Just ordered a dozen different sandwiches for delivery. Easy ordering, very helpful personal service, right on time, fresh delicious food. All in all a great experience.
(5)
Michael S.
I swear sometimes its pure luck finding these places either via word to mouth or through social avenues like yelp, but we saw the Sunday brunch menu (diff from weekday menu by the way, more expansive) and figured we had to make the trip over. Cafe Luna is nestled in Cambridge in a very busy area near public transp. but still maintains its charm and uniqueness. They have an outdoor patio seating area, as well as a full indoor seating area, both of which were jammed on this warm summer Sunday. We put our name in and were told an hour, but to come back in 45 min. as tables generally open up quickly. We did as instructed, and came back to a wonderful patio seat outside. We were greeted by a very warm and welcoming man, who we later found out was the owner. He had to be the most wonderful owner/server I've ever encountered. He happily answered all of our questions then took us through the menu suggesting not only Luna favorites, but his own personal picks. The fact that he asked me as I first sat down if my T-shirt was a Johnny Cupcakes shirt, also impressed me! He gave us complimentary homemade buttermilk biscuits, served with homemade honey butter from VT. These were such a treat, all because as he put it, we were the nicest people he helped all day. We then ordered brunch, consisting of Lobster eggs benedict, and steak and lobster eggs benedict. My god, not only were we so stuffed and satisfied, but truthfully no words can aptly describe just how tasty these were. The lobster and streak were prepared to perfection, and the homemade hollandaise was one of a kind. He even let us know his wife does all the cooking and is a perfectionist. Many compliments sent to her! I'll preface the end by reiterating how stuffed we were, and yet we had already pre-ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries for a dessert treat. These pancakes were outstanding, and even in splitting them were so much for the two of us, but we wiped our plates clean. As if we didn't exude a thanksgiving style full look already, the owner came back once more to ask if we had any room left, as he had other ideas in store for us and planned to keep giving us more food! While we were extremely thankful, we had to stop there or may have needed to be rolled home. All in all this place is a gem, and if you go there, make sure you try some form of the lobster brunch dishes, you will not be disappointed! We will def. be going back! Thanks again Matt, the food and experience were fantastic.
(5)
Eddie S.
This place is the go-to for brunch!! It's my first couple days in the Boston area and this is one of my many positive experiences I've had so far. While I had the fruit and yogurt (very fresh fruit btw), the corn hash and the salmon egg benedict looked delicious! Granted it is a little small and crowded (expect a wait during peak brunch hours), I found the overall experience really pleasant. I will definitely be back for another brunch!
(5)
Joseluis A.
cafe luna was good to us. granted we were starving and there was no wait line during brunch which after reading the reviews of yelp seems odd. im a lucky guy. what can i say? i went for the eggs benedict with lobster because YOLO. i dont even know what my brunch companion ordered cause i was all about my meal. she looked at it with puppy eyes too and i was like 'arent you a vegetarian?' - minus one star because there are way too many tables for such small space. i overheard every conversation on the floor. boring. we were by far the most entertaining table.
WEEKEND BRUNCH ------------------------ Their weekend brunch menu differs from the weekday menu, and it is so awesome. Come in between 9:30 - 4! FOOD Blue Bottle Coffee is here! You need to get a latte or some kind of espresso drink with your meal. The coffee art really enhances your meal and the coffee here is strong and very good. Winter special menu item - Blue Berry Stuffed Waffle A Belgian Waffle stuffed with blueberry mascarpone and topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and real whipped cream. The waffle was toasted PERFECTLY. The powdered sugar with the fruit and whipped cream really was the best breakfast choice, in my opinion. THE WAIT You can tell that this is a family-owned business, with the owner taking the reservations and seating the guests. You can call in and make a reservation if you are in a party of 2-3, or e-mail if your party is 4+. Walk-in guests are seated on a full-party basis. I suggest if you don't make a reservation to come in a party of 2, since the wait is not as long. SERVICE The service was super quick - we got our meal within 10-15 minutes after putting in our order. They put in guests' orders and checks all through a tablet system, so the entire process was very efficient. We were able to split the bill by items and paid by separate credit cards at our table without having to sign or wait for the waiter to take a receipt.
(5)
Michael C.
This place serves Blue bottle New Orleans iced coffee and it is amazing. This might be Boston's biggest iced coffee hidden gem. They also serve pressed sandwiches for lunch and from what I have seen, a pretty amazing breakfast/brunch as well. Unfortunately it has always been a little too crowded for me to try something other than their iced coffee.
(4)
Katherine H.
Absolutely amazing!!! This place is one of the best brunch places I've ever been to. Excellent coffee (Blue Bottle) either plain or as a cappuccino, excellent service, and INCREDIBLE FOOD. My boyfriend ordered their lemon ricotta pancakes and they were absolutely amazing. I had to stop myself from eating his meal in addition to my own! I got grilled pear, gorgonzola, and bacon omelet and it had to have been the best omelet I've ever had. I'm the type of person that throws ketchup all over any omelet or egg-based dish...and I didn't use a single drop on this! Practically a miracle. And I finished the entire giant thing (plus, more than is polite of my boyfriend's dish)! Trust me, this place is worth even the weekend brunch wait. I'll definitely be going again next time I'm in Cambridge.
(5)
Jane L.
This place has great dishes that my friends and I really enjoyed it. It is understandable that this place is very crowded, thus it is not a quiet place to enjoy brunch. Still, it's a very trendy place with great food. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Alex D.
Reservations are highly suggested. Plan ahead or be prepared to wait. But the wait is well worth every delicious bite. I had the lobster eggs Benedict and it was the most delicious breakfast I've ever had. I'd eat two orders if I could. The potatoes on the side were cooked to perfection. Slightly crispy on the outside and soooooo flavorful inside. If I could not share mine is eat them all myself.
(5)
Joann H.
BEST. BRUNCH. EVER. I am a huge brunch snob and this menu just kills it. The extensive menu covers just every sweet AND savory dish possible. The lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing. It's just tart enough to balance out the sweetness from the fruit and whipped cream. The pancakes are very moist and just melt in your mouth. However, I've had fluffier pancakes before. My go-to is the Joe's Breakfast Sliders. 2 warm honey biscuits stuffed with fig jam, arugula, your choice of meat, and pepper jack cheese. My IDEAL brunch meal. And it comes with the best home fries I've ever had. I usually pick the corned beef hash to go in the sliders. It's so flavorful and the texture is awesome. It's the perfect sweet & salty combo. The home fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and very well seasoned. I would order a side of home fries if they didn't already come with my meal. The one thing I was disappointed by with the belgian waffle. It was just WAY too sweet with the fruit and the lemon/marscapone topping, and the waffle itself was just super crunch and not very fluffy in the middle. It was like eating a cracker. Maybe it was just an off day. This is my favorite brunch spot in boston and I would 100% recommend this place for taking your friends when they come visit for an awesome brunch experience. Or I would just come every weekend cause it's that awesome. The service is also super quick and friendly considering how busy they are. LOVE THIS PLACE.
(5)
Rita Y.
Wow. This place. I don't even know where to start. This place is AMAZING. It's given me some of the best brunches I've ever tasted and the most satisfied I've ever left a restaurant. This place is THAT amazing that it's always crowded. I mean lines outside waits for a hour +. You've got to email them for a reservation (Yeah I know that's strange but oh well) and I would definitely recommend doing that. The service is so good. The owner is so incredibly friendly and just comes up to you and talks to you and makes sure your time here is good. The food comes out fast - and you can draw on the tables with crayons! Isn't that so fun? I came here with a friend who recommended this place and we got: Lobster & Steak Eggs Benedict: Holy moly, this has seriously had to been the BEST eggs benedict I've ever had. The lobster was so creamy and melted in your mouth. I don't even like lobster and it was amazing. The steak was so tender. Everything just meshed together so well. You have to try this. Mac & Cheese with Corned Beef Hash & Poached Eggs: Oh gosh, I don't even know what to say. This tasted GODLIKE as well. You're given an option of what you want as a topping and we asked the waiter what he suggested. He told us that the corned beef was amazing and explained what it was (since I've never had corned beef before). It's kind of like pulled pork honestly, super soft and tender. Would totally recommend both of these! This place is amazing, I wish we came with more people so I could try more dishes but I was so full just off of those two.
It was worth waiting for 45 min in sunday morning. I started with a shot of espresso, and they made it perfect. I figured out that they use Blue Bottle Coffee. I'm a coffee guy, so quality of coffee is very important to me. I had "Kitchen sink", and the portion is pretty generous. It came with a waffle, sausage, ham, bacon, corn beef hash, and 2 eggs. It could've felt greasy while I was eating all that, but I spiced it up with Stiracha sauce, so it balances up. I know it's kinda ghetto, but it worked for me.
(5)
Damian W.
Food: 4.0/5.0 Service: 3.5/5.0 Value: 2.5/5.0 Decor: 3.0/5.0 Overall: 4.0/5.0 The brunch lines can get really long and the prices are a tad high for a small neighborhood spot that really packs in the tables, but being able to start the day with [well, technically, waiting for] a steak and lobster BLT benedict and a Blue Bottle iced coffee is totally worth it. They don't do dinner so you know tables must really be turning in the daytime. Worth the wait, assuming you have the time.
(4)
Thunderwoman R.
One of my favorite cafes in Cambridge area. Never had a dish that I didn't like. Fresh foods always served variety in choice of salads, sandwiches, beverages etc.
(5)
Liliana C.
Waited in line for 45 minutes this morning out in 90 degree heat. Let me tell you that it was completely worth it. We shared the open faced breakfast sandwich (ham, fried eggs, and jalapeño cheese sauce on a delicious biscuit) and LEMON CURD mascarpone pancakes topped with fresh berries. Every bite was great. Best brunch in Central Square, hands down. Maybe in all of Cambridge. Would go back here in a heartbeat. I'm sure the experience is even better when you make a reservation.
(5)
Tra H.
We go here almost every time we go to Boston. The brunch is really good - I always get the egg benedict. Fiance's sisters gotten waffles here and they look and smell great as well! And fiance's brother is a vegetarian and he goes nuts here, so I guess their vegetarian options are great as well :-)
(4)
Renee L.
Cafe Luna is a name that seems to make its way to the forefront amongst brunch competitors. I will admit I was confused as to why parties of 3 or more are encouraged to email their reservation a month in advance to Cafe Luna... but understood completely once I stepped foot inside. Seating is very cramped but they make it work. I wasn't completely taken with my order--my eyes were glued to my neighbors' selection the entire time; the smart man had ordered what looked like poached eggs atop a hearty bed of jalapeño mac and cheese! I ordered the prosciutto benedict with arugula and fig jam. The blend of flavors was excellent, but my muffin was hard to the bite and my home fries were burnt :( Although I had to remind our waiter about my forgotten ginger latte, the sweet and deep flavors of the in-house syrup made up for it. You could tell that the host that morning took great pride in Cafe Luna. They offer a satisfying menu sure to whet anyone's breakfast preference. I would make a second trip back for sure! p.s. coffee aficionados will be overcome with joy to know that they serve Blue Bottle coffee!!
(4)
Min-Ji K.
Ordered the Luna sandwich and kitchen sink waffles(?). So delicious! Really great sandwich, the pesto topped it off nicely. The waffles were delicious especially with the buttery syrup. Best invention ever! Fulfilling brunch. Nearly everything on the menu looked appetizing. It was hard to choose. Definitely come with a friend so you can share. Try to get in early. A coworker and I came on a Wednesday afternoon and it got crowded pretty fast towards noon. As soon as we ordered, the food came out right away! The service was friendly and efficient. If you're around MIT, this is a must visit. It was a little pricey but definitely worth it.
(5)
l. a.
This place serves blue bottle coffee!!! And they make an awesome latte (says the coffee snob). This place is awesome. The staff is super friendly, the menu is unique and delicious and the wifi is free.
(5)
Jason S.
Such a great restaurant! The staff at Luna's are some of the friendliest people I have ever experienced. Me and two friends went for Sunday brunch. The food was fantastic and their menu offers a wide variety of unique meals (i.e. pear,Gorgonzola, bacon omelet...fig, prosciutto, goat cheese omelet). This is a really small place so get there early or try to make a reservation.
(5)
J. L.
Cafe Luna is simply AMAZING. My favorite spot for a salad or sandwich (both of which are fantastic). The people who work here are equally great. Very friendly. Such a cute place, just amazing place. Highly recommend Cafe Luna!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Erica W.
My absolute favorite brunch spot. The staff are rushed with the amount of service but that never stops them from being fun and helpful at all times. Get there right when they open and you could get seated quickly. No reservations. The menu has specials so there's always something new, but I can't help myself from getting the amazing chorizo dish every time ( theres an option to have it over home fries. SEIZE THE DAY). Except the first time when I got the lemon ricotta pancakes. LEMON RICOTTA PEOPLE. amazing. I just tend toward savory breakfast most days, otherwise I would eat this for every meal
(5)
Matt Q.
This is one of my favorite places to go for weekend brunch in Central Square. The place isn't too large, so make reservations or show up early if you don't want to wait. To start off we had their delicious honey biscuits, which were buttery and crumbly, with a honey spread. Their eggs benedict is to die for and they dress it up with everything from homemade corn beef hash to fresh lobster. Their rich hollandaise is also made fresh. For those who like Blue Bottle coffee from California, they can also get their fix here. Finally, to finish everything off we had the Cookie Monster French Toast. If you have a sweet tooth this dish is for you. But consider getting a half portion it there's 1-2 people...it's quite large. Be warned though, their brunch menu isn't available during the week. So I'd suggest going on the weekend for the full amazing experience.
(5)
Nhi H.
We ordered the bacon mac & cheese and the lobster and steak benedict. The mac & cheese was one of the best mac & cheese I ever had. The lobster and steak benedict was out of this world and the BEST benedict I've ever had. I also ordered the almond latte and it was very yummy! Food alone would have warrant 5 stars. Unfortunately, both my partner and I had digestive problems after eating at Cafe Luna so beware.
(3)
Marcy Z.
Great breakfasts! Superior specialty coffees, best Benedicts in Boston. Order biscuits for your table. I've ordered Raspberry Kiss twice. Arrive before they open and prepare to wait until seated. Usually $40 for two of us.
(5)
Autumn K.
I visited Cafe Luna while I was in Boston based on Yelp review. I wasn't able to get a reservation, but I didn't have to wait any more than what they told me. The place was very cozy and the service was great! Im not sure if he was the owner or the manager but he was very attentive; a gentleman spilled something and he showed up with extra napkins before anyone asked and checked on tables to make sure everyone was happy. He also went outside to have conversation with those waiting for a table. Making a payment was fast and easy, they brought my check on a tablet and i was able to make the payment right there, no waiting for them to take my card and bring it back. Then of course the food was amazing! It was worth the every second of 45 min i had to wait; the best waffles i had! Ill definitely go back there when I visit Boston again!
(5)
Lorenso E.
Don't come if you're on a tight schedule. Been here multiple times and there is always a substantial wait. However, if you've got time, come here. Recently had the steak and lobster benedict. Steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly while the lobster fit into the mix very well. Despite the chaos, the staff is still very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Allison C.
I came surreptitiously on Monday, believing the hype of the weekend brunch would make for a similarly delicious weekday menu, even if it were missing some of the weekend favorites. Goodness was I wrong, and I am embarrassed to have brought my tourist friend here on a weekday. The food was overpriced at around $10 each for the small breakfast sandwiches. They didn't have any croissants for some sandwich on their menu that listed croissant as the bread. When do your food deliveries even happen, man! It's Monday, and my friend and I had arrived mid-morning. The service was so-so, as there were long absences of our wait person between sitting down, ordering, getting the food, and even getting the check. That said, make a reservation and GO HERE ON WEEKENDS ONLY. One small smile was the fact that they serve Blue Bottle coffee.
(2)
Robin S.
Very friendly staff, good ambience. Great place to sit and have a good coffee or tea. Great quality beverages.
(5)
Devika G.
Awesome Saturday Brunch !! We had to wait for more than an hour to get seated for a party of 7. But trust me when the food arrived it was totally worth the wait. The biscuit, potato beacon and cheese fries were awesome. The waffles were delicious. Also u should should try the jalapeño Mac and cheese with beacon. You wouldn't regret eating any of it. We all thoroughly enjoyed the food and place. The servers were friendly. Tip: to avoid long wait come in early.
(4)
Mic F.
By far, one of the best breakfast spots we've been to in a long time. Congrats to one of the owners Matt on creating a magnificent menu. It's a MUST stop if you are visiting in or near Cambridge. We will be back.
(5)
Victoria G.
This is one of my go-to weekend brunch spots in Cambridge. A huge plus is that they accept reservations for weekend brunch, so you don't have to wait around for an hour like many other places in Cambridge. I enjoy their honey butter biscuits, eggs Benedicts (I especially like the salmon one), omelettes, waffles (especially the plain with berries), and their coffee drinks. The place is kinda cramped, but it's more cozy than uncomfortable. My only real complaint is that they don't let you sit down unless your whole party is there. Last time there were three of us waiting for one more to show, and they wouldn't let us sit until the fourth person showed. Seems a bit odd considering we would be using a 4 person table regardless if the fourth person showed, but whatever. Just make sure everyone in your party is there before you're seated.
(4)
Lauren L.
This was one of the most delicious brunches I've had, and definitely the Mecca for eggs benedict. My boyfriend and I split the Steak and Lobster BLT Eggs Benedict (to absolutely die for) and the lemon ricotta pancakes with berries (also incredible). The staff was very friendly and attentive, making plenty of recommendations, and the owner, who greeted everyone as they walked in, came to check on us several times, telling us about certain ingredients and recommending how to enjoy things. Not only was the food heavenly, but the people running the show were passionate about the food's quality and the service. Do note, though: expect a long wait (easily more than an hour) without a reservation. It's a really small, cozy place.
(5)
Anna-Claire F.
Looks like a casual diner spot. Friendly staff. Delicious food. And Blue Bottle Coffee!
(5)
Steve S.
Everything was "OUT OF BOUNDS". Had the Lobster Roll Eggs Benedict followed by a half order of The Cookie Monster. Best brunch ever..Owner and wait staff were very outgoing and attentive. RESERVATIONS A MUST...
(5)
E V.
Small but cozy. Went there for late breakfast had the panini with eggs, spinach, bacon and pepper jack cheese. It was fantastic. Our waiter Nick was Super nice and gave us suggestions on what to do in Boston.
(5)
Patrick L.
Food was great but the line is crazy long. I had the lobster benedict and it was very good. Looking forwad to trying the steak and lobster next time. The owner and servers are great. They really try to make everyone feel comfortable even though you wait a long time and the space is tiny.
(4)
Vee V.
It's a small narrow cafe, but very cozy. Great place to enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch, with good people watching. We had the prosciutto and fig pizza, and the mac and cheese with bacon and lobster eggs. One of the better lunches I've had recently. The figs on the pizza had a balsamic glaze, the goat cheese blended perfectly with it. There was an abundance of lobster in the mac and cheese dish, which was a nice surprise. The servers were really friendly and attentive to their tables. This was my first lunch, on my first trip to Boston, and I'm glad we selected this cafe!
(5)
Kiki D.
Whoa. That's all I can say about brunch at Cafe Luna. I went with my dad and roommate a few weeks ago and I'm still dreaming of all the delicious food we had. People are definitely right when they say to get there early if you don't want to wait forever -- we got there around 9:50 and had to wait about 10 min so no complaints there whatsoever but if we'd come any later, it definitely would have taken awhile. We sat outside on a beautiful Sunday morning and it was just lovely. Our waiter was incredibly friendly, attentive, and personable. Now for the food: - We got an order of biscuits for the table and if you don't do this, you're doing it all wrong. Nuff said. Amazing. - We also got an order of the mac and cheese with poached eggs to share and also really good. Not AS life changing as I was expecting based on a lot of reviews and photos but still really good. It could have been a little saucier. - I ordered the chocolate and caramelized banana French toast and again whoaaaa so amazing. The bread was fluffy and delicious with lots of toppings and a generous portion. All the French toast varieties are offered as waffles also and I'm tempted to try it/another variety prepared on a waffle because the table next to us had them and they looked amazing also. - My friend ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with mixed berries and lemon curd and they were so moist and fluffy and refreshing. I would definitely be tempted to order that for myself when I'm in a fruity mood. - My dad ordered the lobster eggs benedict and also really enjoyed his. I don't like lobster so can't speak for it personally but it looked great! Cafe Luna is hands down one of the best places to brunch in all of Boston/Cambridge/really anywhere, and I'll be going back asap!
(5)
Maria V.
We order: Chocolate chunk cookie Lobster and avocado omelette Smoked salmon omelette Cappuccino Loved everything!
(5)
Marcus M.
This place was very cool and quaint and friendly. The cappuccino I had was quite tasty. The kindness of the staffpersons is what really blew me away, though. I will definitely have to check this place out again and I suggest you do the same!
(4)
Joyce A.
Here's my biggest beef about the place: We had a reservation for 1:45 pm, and still had a long wait - not seated until after 2:30. Okay it's not entirely the fault of the restaurant, but rather those TROLLS HOGGING THE TABLES. C'mon man, have a heart! Some of us need to EAT! (Rant: If you know it's a small place, do be considerate of others: eat at a leisurely pace but for heaven's sake: LEAVE when you're done). Now the manager or owner Matt was very solicitous in checking with us and letting us know the situation, so I don't know if it would have been rude of him to ask those trolls to leave...whatever.. That being said, once we were seated and placed our orders, the food came out fairly quickly. I enjoyed my Lobster Benedict, only wish it had more chunks of lobster in it. I also should have read the menu better: I personally dislike avocado especially when it's warm. The "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" Sampler has everything in it: eggs, home fries, corned beef hash, and a Waffle! what! If you are getting omelettes though, they will make yours to order.
(3)
Elica Y.
One of my favorite brunch spots in Boston! Such great food, service, and drinks. Location wise - it's located in Cambridge and in a very small place. Seating is rather crammed so I definitely recommend making a reservation especially if you are trying to come here for brunch. I had reservations and arrived promptly. I was seated immediately. Service was fantastic and was offered drinks/coffee as soon as I sat down. The coffee was delicious. I also ordered a cocktail (I forgot the name of it) but it was made of champagne and fresh fruits. It was presented beautifully but the cocktail itself was alright. Food was consistently good. We started off with the honey biscuits and butter which were served nice and warm. These were absolutely divine. They were nice and buttery and a great way to start off any meal. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes which I loved. They were light and fluffy and were not overly sweet. I was worried that the lemon mascarpone would have been sweeter than I anticipated but it was cooked perfectly. It gave the pancakes an additional freshness and the fresh fruits were ripe and delicious. My boyfriend got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" sampler, which came with a crisp Belgian waffle topped with corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, ham, egg of choice and topped with jalapeno cheese sauce and home fries. This was surprisingly good as well. Thought it would be more on the heavier side but it was not too big of a portion. My boyfriend doesn't like eggs and they were able to substitute it for an avocado. Overall, this dish was executed well and the portion of meat was not lacked. You have to try this place out! I can't stop raving about it. A stunning place.
(5)
Jinyoung S.
Good place to have brunch. I had buttermilk waffle with 2 eggs, fruits and 2 cups of coffee. It was good and the service was good also. I got there probably at 10:20 in the morning, so I didn't have to wait to be seated but when I finished my brunch, I saw people were waiting to get table. So If you don't want to wait, hurry up :)
(4)
Dongying S.
Cafe Luna is my all-time favorite for brunch. Lobster egg Benedict and omelet were delicious, even though both are not cheap (Benedict: $20). Specially, the taste of fresh lobster was enhanced by the Hollandaise sauce that was made with Truffle salt. The fruit plate that came along with Benedict was delicious and fresh. Also, coffee was really good; both Latte and Cappuccino had great foam on the top, and the coffee was roasted very properly. Absolutely amazing. Warning: wait could be long, if you do not have a reservation.
(5)
Judith C.
Great brunch restaurant! I'm a fan of their sweet dishes like their seasonal pumpkin french toast which has delicious pumpkin mousse, but they also have good savory dishes. I enjoyed their jalapeno s'mac & cheese with poached eggs. I opted to add bacon to the dish for an extra $1 and there was a generous amount of it. The dishes have good portions that leave you stuffed after your meal. There's often a wait time because it's a popular place and there's even a crowd of people right when it opens, but from the times I've gone the wait hasn't been too long. For instance, it was around 10-15 min for a group of 3 soon after opening.
(4)
Jess C.
Yet another prime example of how Bostonians (or er, people from Cambridge) are the nicest people ever. The host, Matt, actually apologized to us for a 30 minute wait. During prime brunch time! (11AM on Labor Day Monday) Cafe Luna is a popular brunch place located in the heart of Central Square. Especially with their outdoor seating, it seems that the wait time can be quite long when the weather is nice. Inside, there is bar seating as well as at least 8-10 tables along the wall. The menu is two full pages of awesomeness. We were so overwhelmed by their variety of sweet and savory choices, but ended up settling on classics: Poached eggs over Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with bacon, Lobster Eggs Benedict, Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict, and the Avocado and Lobster Omelet. The Jalapeno Mac and Cheese was done very well, with the subtle spiciness hitting you at the end of the bite, and the bacon gave the dish a more three-dimensional flavor with its smokiness. The English muffins in the eggs benedicts were extremely tough and impossible to cut, and they sadly used the lobster claw meat in the benedicts. (We would have preferred the tail meat, but that's probably more expensive.) Also, the avocado in the omelet was merely guacamole instead of fresh avocado slices. Our server, Kim, was extremely sweet. She was enthusiastic and pleasant the entire time. They use an advanced mobile credit card payment system ("MIT technology"), but when they printed out our receipt, no tip was listed. Kim was confident she saw us select a tip, but when I checked my bank statement later, only the original amount was charged - so sorry! We're going to come back to give you that tip, and we hope all the wrinkles in your system get fixed! Overall, the cafe looks great on paper with a very ambitious menu, but the execution of the food can be improved. However, I would absolutely look forward to another visit to see their improvements (& visit Kim)! Notes: - They serve Blue Bottle Coffee here! ("roasted in Brooklyn," it said) Not that we would come all the way to Cambridge to get it haha. - This place is also kid-friendly (or for the kid within you) as they have crayons to draw on the tabletops! Games of M.A.S.H., Tic Tac Toe, and scribble contests galore!
WOW. I was staying at the Le Meridian MIT which is just a hop and a skip away from Cafe Luna. I was starving for something wholesome and healthy and yearning to top it off with a cappuccino. It was late morning/early afternoon on a weekend and I had heard there was an amazing brunch to be had here! And there was!! I had the best cap I've ever had in the States. And a wonderful lobster and avocado omelet that was just perfect for my empty stomach. Be ware overcrowding though.. I was only by myself and was one person so I was easy to seat at the bar (yes they have a bar!! great for singles!!)... but it looked like parties of 2+ had quite a wait time... for weekend brunch at least ps- love the waitress behind the bar.. the one who made my capp. if only i lived in Boston..
(5)
Sargam B.
Visited Boston this past weekend and went here for Sunday brunch. It was super packed and since they don't take reservations, we waited about 30-40 minutes for a table. We ended up getting a table outside which I would've enjoyed more if the sun weren't directly hitting me. Regardless, our servers made the experience very pleasant. We ordered two baskets (three orders) of the biscuits to share between five people. These were heaven, probably the main reason people frequent this place. Densely buttered biscuits served with warm honey butter. Pure deliciousness. As for my entree, I ordered the open faced country biscuit sandwich. So yummy - two halves of biscuits topped with sausage or ham and your choice of eggs. A jalapeño cheddar sauce to add flavor. Also came with a side of home fries which were roasted, seasoned potatoes. All in all, a great restaurant for brunch. I really enjoyed it and will go again whenever I'm back in Boston!
(4)
Gene L.
Amazing brunch! We arrived a few minutes before it officially opened, which was great because we didn't have to wait at all for a table. If we had arrived even 5 minutes later, we probably wouldn't have been seated for a while. The french toast is absolutely amazing, the corned beef hash was delicious, and the servers are so nice! This wouldn't be a place for a long catch up session with a friend since you see the eyes of many hungry people outside the window eyeing your brunch. But regardless, it was still a cozy, calm environment inside.
(5)
Marc P.
One of my favorite brunch locations in the Boston area. The only downside is that the place is quite small, and sometimes there's over an hour wait to find a table if you get there at the wrong time of day. Other than that, I have nothing but positive things to say about the place. The staff is friendly and calm, which keeps what could be an otherwise cramped and chaotic experience into an easy and relaxed meal. My favorite item on the menu is the Eggs Benedict special with corn beef hash substituted for ham. The eggs are always poached to perfection...which leads me to my second favorite item on the menu, which is the Jalapeno Mac & Cheese, which can come with poached eggs or even steak on top. This is the soaring heights of culinary genius few mortals will ever attain. Lastly, the lattes and teas are excellent, and (unlike most places) aren't served scathingly hot, but at a perfect temperature for immediate drinking.
(4)
Laura G.
Outstanding place for brunch!!! Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. The owners are fantastic. The wife, Terry, is the chief chef trained in Italy. Matt, the husband, made us feel very welcomed. And our waiter, Nick, was awesome! Everything is made from scratch and cooked to delicious perfection. Their ordering/POS system is advanced and fast. I had a latte with soy milk (also offer almond milk) and a smoked Salmon with avocado omelette. My friend had the lobster and avocado omelette also amazing. And if you're looking for something sweet, my other friend loved the Cookie Monster waffle. Great options for vegetarians, vegan and gluten free. The place is small and obviously very popular so I recommend making a reservation, even if you think you don't need one bc of day/time. Overall food and experience are top notch. Will definitely visit next time I'm in Boston!
(5)
Sam L.
Came here to catch up with a friend who I hadn't seen in over half a year! Food: Being the meat lover I am... I, of course, gravitated towards the Everything But The Kitchen Sink Sampler. It includes literally everything: corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, ham, egg AND a waffle. It was all very tasty. Not too big fan of the ham though. Savory meats with a sweet belgian waffle to top it off. Delish. Service: The wait for Saturday Brunch time was a bit long ~30m. The staff and manager, however, were incredibly friendly. All had smiles on their faces. Were super attentive. Ambiance: The seating was a bit small and cramped. But had a cozy feeling. I like the jar of crayons & white blank sheet for a table cloth idea.
(4)
Kaitlyn G.
Amazing food! Went to brunch here with some friends and though it was packed full of people the food was worth it. Owner would come around and make sure everyone was happy and the staff was friendly and efficient. Will absolutely be going back.
(5)
Joclyn O.
went in a few weeks ago and literally had the best time at brunch. Lobster mac n cheese so bomb and $1 cinnabuns YASSS! the service was so sweet and sincere. just a cute little brunch paradise.
(5)
Shayna Y.
Overall: great casual place to eat a unique brunch in Cambridge Likes: - great assortment of sweet and savory with unique offerings - pear and Gorgonzola omelette had great flavor, pear added natural sweetness - potatoes were spiced well Gripes: - small place, always a wait - some of the omelets could use more ingredients, I would've loved some more pears in mine! - ambiance is pretty bland
(4)
Fiona H.
I was looking for #bluebottlecoffee for a long time in Boston! Finally! They have it here. It is also the only place in MA that offers #bluebottle!!!! Love it!
(5)
Emily G.
Cafe Luna is a great, casual sit-down restaurant and there are't a ton of restaurants that meet that criteria in Central Square. I have been here many times and had their omelets, sandwiches, salads, French toast, and coffee. Everything is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Some personal favorites are the Harvest salad and Pompei sandwich. Blue Bottle coffee is also amazing, definitely not cheap but that's standard for that brand. Breakfast and lunch on the weekdays are always easy and quick, I've never had to wait for a table. I have heard the lines for brunch on the weekends can be easily 1+ hours though. The service can be on the slower side, and it seems like some of the waiters really struggle with the whole iPad ordering/payment system, which can be frustrating, but not a major issue.
(4)
Gill T.
Best French toast I've ever had~ the tables are too crowd , but the great service makes up for that. The payment tablet is cool
I look forward to nothing more every morning than Cafe Luna. I lived by Cafe Luna for 6 months and only went in once during my last week there. I now live 20 minutes away and walk out of my way every morning to get there New Orleans Iced Coffee - one of the great inventions of the modern age. I used to be a small business analyst and have worked on close to 100 restaurants and cafes. The customer service at Luna can't be beat. Every morning Kim(the manager) wishes me an exuberant "Hello!" and Kat(serves the coffee) always asks me if I'd like "the usual". I have returned to Yelp after a year long absence for the sole purpose of reviewing Luna because I was so impressed. As someone who analyzed cafe's for a living, I cannot recommend Luna more.
(5)
Akzhan M.
Great place for brunch! We received an amazing service. Dishes were delicious, especially their fresh hollandaise sauce. One note: make reservations and get there early. It gets quite busy over the weekend.
(5)
Dianna S.
It's been 4 months since my New England honeymoon, 4 months since I tried 10 days worth of different coffee shops in search of that perfect espresso, 4 months since I stepped foot in Cafe Luna and experienced the absolute best, most delicious cafe mocha I've ever had in my life. In. My. Life. People, that's 39 years of coffee! Cafe Luna, I just wanted you to know I still dream about you.
(5)
Asuka N.
After a late night out and a long overdue sleep-in, our group hopped on the subway and headed out to Cafe Luna, which (as far as I can tell) lies somewhere between Harvard and MIT. It's definitely a popular place, with the brunch seatings still packing the interior (and outdoor seating areas) at nearly 2 PM. Although we had to wait a little bit, the host was very apologetic and chatted us up while we waited for a spot to get cleared. When it did, we got seated quickly, with our orders taken quickly, and honey biscuits served on the house - a very kind gesture, given there were 6 of us. As for the food - the biscuits is probably the best place to start, and they are phenomenally good. They're not quite as fluffy as your average Southern biscuit would be, but the honey gives it that tinge of sweetness that works really well with the buttery taste of the biscuit. Combine it with additional honey butter you can spread on, and you have a decadent (if maybe not the healthiest) treat to start off brunch just right. For my main course, I went big and tried the cinnamon French toast out, which came with a heaping dosage of melted Belgian chocolate. It's so good, but it's almost too decadent from a sweetness perspective to be considered a true brunch dish. It's also huge - so plan on sharing the French toast if you order it. Because the bread and chocolate is still warm, every bite is just a chewy hunk of sweet deliciousness. There are plenty of other variations of French toast served here, and I have to think it's hard to go wrong with any of them. The side of corned beef hash that we ordered for the table was also very well-done; the beef was shredded and stringy, a good way of serving it when cooked together with lightly (s)mashed potatoes. I sampled pretty much everyone else's dish as well, and everything else I had a bite of was really good as well. Just on what I had alone, I'd say this is a top-notch brunch spot. Add on top the very personable waiters, the host who comped us the biscuits, and a very casual, laid-back atmosphere that doesn't reek of pretension despite how good the food is, and you have a brunch spot that would've made me gone broke from excessive visitation if I was a college student in this area back in the day. Even though it's a bit of a trip if you're coming out from Boston, it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Robin S.
We had brunch at cafe Luna this morning. This was our third time here and every time we are very happy. The food and drinks are great. The servers are all very helpful. If you have a long wait it is worth it!
(5)
Cliff U.
Location and service were 5 stars. The Med Wrap, 1 star - boring! Lots of lettuce and bread, little else and no real flavor. They could do a lot better for those looking for a vegan sandwich.
(3)
Buddy F.
I have enjoyed many a Sunday enjoying jazz, lobster eggs Benedict ( a great N.E. must have for out of to owners BTW), coffee and best cinnamon buns around. Extraordinary food with unparalled service always brings me back around. Ask for a seat by the band to watch them play. Get there early to even get a seat. This place is small and fills up quickly. Don't miss the cinnamon buns.Take some extras home for later. Seriously. Do it.
(4)
Jenn K.
The restaurant is very small and modest and can get a little crowded (especially because this place is so popular), but it's located right in central square which is such a gorgeous area in the Boston area. We were able to get seated outside and it was just a really nice atmosphere having brunch in the middle of Central Square. In terms of food, basically get the eggs benedict when you come here. There are different variations of the eggs benedict so you can pick based on your palette. The food was definitely anything BUT disappointing. The hollandaise sauce was extremely tasty and delicious. I got the peach bellini here and thought it was a little strong for my taste but they gave me the leftover wine cooler that they didn't use up in the peach bellini which was a plus. The waiter was really friendly and I loved how they used an ipad payment system so you can pay with multiple cards and you guys can each individually choose how much you want to tip. The place is small and can get crowded but there was never any pressure from the waiters to hurry up and it was great. I would highly recommend coming here in small groups just because it is such a small space, but also it's a great place to connect with people one on one. I came in a group of three including myself and found it to be the perfect amount because we all got to chat and catch up and enjoy the food.
(5)
Sarah F.
They delivered some cookies and bars to my work for me while I was on vacation. Everyone said they were great. It seemed a touch expensive with a $10 delivery fee to go 6 blocks but choices were few for delivery. They tried to be very accommodating on the phone and made my request, even though they thought it was strange, happen.
(4)
Megan F.
Cafe Luna is wonderful. I went there for breakfast and had all my favorite things on a plate. An omelette with smoked salmon, bacon, avocado, onion, and tomato, with a side of fruit. It was a big portion, served quickly, and very delicious. My regular coffee was good too, and I would like to try some of the coffee drinks. Service was excellent, both from my waiter and the manager. The manager, Kim, helped me directly to figure out a confusion paying with LevelUp, but I was also impressed just seeing her manage the shift as I was eating. Everyone working was courteous and professional to each other, which made for a pleasant environment in a small cafe. The only problem is that Cafe Luna is very expensive! Usually I say "pricey" when I spend a little more than I'd like to, but as I was thinking that to myself, it didn't really fit. Straight up expensive! I spent more than $20 on breakfast, and that looked pretty typical. A once-in-a-while treat.
(4)
Heidi L.
So, the lemon ricotta pancakes are wonderful. It's been difficult to find LMP (you can tell I'm dedicated) in Boston, aside from Trident. The pancakes have a light texture but are also extremely rich. That said, I ended up paying $17 (inc. tax and tip) for 3 medium size pancakes. For that price, I think I gotta make them at home...
(3)
Emily D.
Phenomenal brunch place. Loved their Autumn brunch menu, especially the meat-decked Belgian waffles. Single best brunch dish I've ever had. There's usually a line so definitely worth it to make reservations. Given its popularity, I wish the place was a bit bigger, but other than that, there's not a single thing I would change.
(5)
Wasim Q.
This place is awesome for brunch; the best I've been able to find in Boston (which isn't saying much: I've recently come up with the theory that brunches get better and better the further south you go on the east coast, with Atlanta being the pinnacle of brunchly awesomeness). Back to this place. Great service-- the waiters are friendly and a lot of fun. The lobster eggs benedict is apparently the must-try for here, but they weren't serving that when I went. So instead I went with the berry stuffed french toast which was great. Only problem is that you have to ask for real maple syrup. The home fries (nice and greasy with a gritty cheese sauce) are a good side to balance out your meal if you basically ordered a giant dessert for your breakfast. The menu is big enough to keep coming back for a while and I think they have occasional specials too. If the weather is nice, wait can be pretty long even at off peak times (like 25 minutes at 1:30pm on a Sunday). But on the plus side they do take reservations.
(4)
Audrey Z.
I rarely write reviews on Yelp, but I was just blown away by the service here when I came here for a birthday brunch. This place had no shortage of customers even when it was snowing outside - reservations were completely booked, but they reserve of the place for walk-ins. I was told the wait was an hour for a walk-in group of 3 - and it was, almost down the minute. The manager kept checking in with us to let us know our table was almost ready even though it hadn't reached the estimated available time yet - super-impressed by their consideration. Our waiter struck just the right balance of attentiveness - and when my parents mentioned it was my birthday, the manager came to deliver free cinnamon rolls on the house! Given how crowded it was, we were all super-impressed with how friendly everyone was and with the speed of service (food came out probably 10 minutes after we ordered). All the other reviews will give you a sense of how wonderful all the food options are - I'll just add that we got the steak and lobster BLT eggs benedict, smoked salmon and avocado omelette, and lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh fruit, and all three dishes were delicious with generous portions. Come for the food, but be aware that this is a small restaurant and you'll be getting cozy.
(5)
Alex A.
Luna has the best corned beef hash in central square! Their lobster dishes are fresh and delicious! Carb lovers, load up on their weekend brunch honey butter biscuits, French toast, and lobster mac and cheese. The only con is it gets packed and on a weekend from 10am to 1pm a 1.5 hour wait is not uncommon.
(5)
Noura M.
Found this place through Yelp and I am glad I did! There was a short line, the waitresses were so nice! I came with my husband and 2 kids. We ordered waffles for the kids and they loved it. I tasted it it was very crunchy and yummy. I had the butternut squash and goat cheese and arugula omlettes and my oh my! It was so delicious.. the sweet and salty flavours complemented each other. My husband had the "kitchen sink" waffles and eggs and was so happy. Overall we had a great experience. The seating may be a little too cozy inside!
Best brunch spot I've ever been to, hands down. Every menu option tempted me. I feel like I could have eaten there every day for a month and never gotten sick of it. The customer service is great, too. My friend ordered the Fig and Prosciutto Omelette sans meat, and they accidentally forgot to omit the meat. When she informed them of the mistake, they made her another one, apologized profusely, and gave her the entire meal at no cost. Be aware that the seating is tight and the place gets very busy. If you don't like waiting, make a reservation, or don't come during peak hours!
(5)
Hanzhou P.
An amazing place for Brunch!! The crisp Belgian waffle was the best! Never tried such a fantastic waffle before definitely loved it! I ordered a New Orleans Iced Coffee and didn't like it very much, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the bitter flavor for me which made the original coffee tasted so much better! Great service :-)
(5)
Kiley S.
*make a reservation* Such a huge menu! A large variety of specialty eggs/french toast - but you can also get the classic eggs and bacon. My friend and I each got the classic eggs benedict and split a half portion of the banana chocolate nut french toast. The french toast was amazing!! There was a certain taste in the hollandaise sauce I couldnt put my finger on, and it tasted like truffle oil. My server let me know that it was truffle salt. I really don't like truffle at all - oh well. That being said - I would definitely come back. Definitely a pricey brunch especially if you're getting cocktails.
(4)
Kristy M.
My husband and I went for a late brunch. Once we ordered it took a longtime to get the food. When we did get the good it was really good. Don't go there starving because it will take a little bit to get your good.
(3)
Wilma O.
One of my favorite brunch places in Boston! My college suitemates and I had a reunion on Sunday and our brunch here ended up lasting until 5pm! First thing's first - if you want to have a weekend brunch here, you better make a reservation! The place is pretty cramped, but once you enter, you'll become a part of a warm, comfy world with extremely friendly service and crayons to decorate the table cover (though sometimes also people trying to squeeze by your chair). I almost always get the lobster and steak BLT eggs benedict, which also has pieces of bacon, tomato, and avocado, because it is just so amazing (and the store's flagship dish). Get it!! I remember the desserty brunch items also always send me into dreamland, and the OJ mimosa feels like a good start to the weekend. This place is well known for its good brunches - if you live in Cambridge (or Boston) for any extended period of time, I hope you'll make the journey here.
(5)
Regina P.
Lovely, small cafe on Massachussetts Ave. Great food, friendly staff. I had a decaf, sugar free iced caramel coffee with cream that was delicious. I also ordered a Belgium waffle with fresh fruit. The waffle was delicious and I was pleased with the amount of fruit provided. Generous portions, fair pricing, and great staff. I will be back next time I am in Cambridge.
(4)
R H.
I must say I was pretty disappointed after reading all the amazing reviews. I went to Cafe Luna with my mom and brother who were visiting me from NYC. We ordered the: Berry French Toast, Corned Beef Hash plate with eggs benedict, Joe's "slider plate", and roasted potatoes with jalapeno cheese sauce. I had the corned beef hash plate with eggs benedict. A very dry plate. There was no type of sauce on the plate at all ....just a huge amount of (very dry) corned beef hash with two poached eggs on top. Since there was no type of sauce on the plate, I was sure the eggs would ooze out and the yolk would sort of serve as a sauce. Nope. Eggs were extremely dry and yolk was almost hardened. The french toast was...okay. In no way did it stick out as an amazing dish or something I would remember. It also didn't help that the total came out to over $70 for three people. Overall, I was pretty disappointed. I know I shouldn't compare, but there are better brunch spots on every corner of NYC than this place... On the plus side, the restaurant had a nice atmosphere though and the waiters were very nice.
(2)
Nat B.
This place has great breakfasts on the weekends. Their french toasts are totally worth the line up you're going to have to wait in if you didn't make a reservation in the morning.
(4)
Te R.
we went there for a sunday brunch. the wait wasn't that bad. (it was summer time so people sat outside as well) i got egg benedicts. they were fine. nothing spectacular on the menu. but they give you crayons to play with when you are waiting for the food. (we ended up writing equations and stuff though. we were a group of four grad students from mit, harvard, and princeton. so we were a bunch of nerds..) decent place for brunch. but i won't go out of my way to come to this place.
(3)
Joy R.
The service my brother and I received here from beginning to end was nothing less than exceptional..especially for a busy saturday afternoon. The owner was manning the door and got us in promptly and even made a few suggestions on the best dishes for brunch. Got to the table, it was real wobbly..annoying right? I didn't have to say anything. The staff noticed, got herself under the table and took care of it. Just needed to mention that. I got the cup of the blue bottle coffee I ordered in less than 1 min. Our waiter was attentive with lots of smiles, also something important to me. While we waited for our food the owner (who I'm beginning to like more & more at this point) brought by the table COMPLIMENTARY HOT CINNAMON ROLLS. YUM. And this is all before the meal?? Our food arrives in no time..more brownie points.. I got the benedict with fig, arugula and the hollandaise sauce that was done perfectly. My brother got the lemon ricotta berry pancakes..that's right ricotta is baked into the dough making a texture/flavor combo out of this world. HIGHLY recommend both dishes! Everything was so delicious we'll definitely be coming back for more! The last thing I'll comment on that I think they did well is something that is so rare in Boston, and that I think is annoying coming from the midwest. Why can no one split your checks here? Well they offer it here. Easy pay..nothing is rushed. The whole experience felt homey, you can tell they take pride in their establishment. I like that.
(5)
Sophers M.
This place is awesome. We went here on a Sunday afternoon, and it was pretty busy. We were told 25 minutes to wait for a table, but it ended up being about 15 minutes. The service was really fast, and our waiter had great insight into every dish and beverage option, which was helpful, since we are quite indecisive. We liked that you could get half orders, especially since their full orders are huge. We got three different French toasts and loved all of them. I had the French toast with blueberry compote. The blueberry compote is lightly sweetened, and the blueberries were fresh and still a little hard, which made it like a syrup and fresh fruit. The French toast itself was really good, but I think it could have been a little softer. Either way, it was a great experience, and we'll definitely go back.
(5)
Ann Marie S.
One of my favorites! There's nothing on the menu that you could go wrong with, you have my personal guarantee! The best is the Pompeii Sandwich and the Fiesta chicken salad, I get it in a wrap, which you can do with any of the salads. Homemade soup is always good. Staff is super friendly and quick service is a plus. The only downsides are how cramped the space is and how long the weekend brunch line can get. Tortuous.
(4)
H T.
Came for the free wifi. There was no wifi. (And they pretended it's fixed after another customer asked for it to be reseted.) Ordered a veggie panini Didn't get a panini, Got a sandwich. What I want: a crispy melty panini sandwich! What came out was a fluffy ciabatta veggie sandwich. Disappointed filling too, quite bland. It wasn't grilled. I thought a panini's default identity is a grilled sandwich. You stick it in the P-Press to make it crispy, no?
(3)
Lindsey B.
BEST BRUNCH EVER! The food was absolutely amazing. I ate it too quickly to even take a photo ( sorry, next time ). I ordered the French toast which is so delicious I can't even begin to explain. If you love French toast trust me, you HAVE to order this!!! I also ordered the omlette with bacon, pears, and onions. It was one of the best omlettes I've actually ever had - the filling is what made it. The pears were very juicy and sweet and everything was perfectly blended. They also have a bunch of tasty coffee flavors. I chose the iced hazelnut latte (yum). The place was super crowded so I'd suggest getting their a little early as I had to wait 10 minutes for a seat. The wait staff was very nice and helped us decide in what to order. Can't wait to return for another amazing brunch :) another tip - if it's far too crowed and a long wait you can always order food to go and there are a bunch of tables in the courtyard you can sit at and enjoy your food (if it's a nice day of course)
(5)
Cliff H.
Small. Varied. Busy. Did I mention Luna is busy? Arrive before 10 or bring a heavy jacket because you are going to wait, likely outside, in the cold. The reason for that is simple: small space, good food, excellent service. Cannot decide? Order the kitchen sink, including pretty much every bfast item your parents ever fed you across 18 years of your youthful existence. The insiders also know to wash that sink down with a Luna exclusive: the New Orleans icedcoffeemostamazingthingintheworld drink. Yes, it has a chicory root in it. No, it does not taste like tree bark. Yes, you may become addicted. Never, should you drink more than one per sitting. Else? Service is fantastic and Buck Rogers futuramtastic via dinky tablets to pay your bill with. Why not 5 star? Menu runs a tad pricey. Not outrageous, just the expected premium for Star Trek check out, Hitchhikers out of this world drinks/menu, and FlyMeToTheLuna service.
(4)
Matthew B.
To say I love this place with all my breakfast-loving heart is an understatement. Best meal for the hungry gluten-digestible wanderer is Everything But The Kitchen Sink. Seeing a homemade Belgian waffle covered in homefries, homemade corn beef hash, bacon, ham, sausage, eggs and hollandaise sauce.... it's just heaven. For those with a sweet tooth in the am, they have you covered. The risk of waiting 1-2 hours is not exaggerated. Show up early and not hungry yet. It's totally worth it. Also, snag a coffee or a latte while you wait. The owner is the nicest guy and will make your waiting time feel worth it.
(5)
Ricardo T.
We had a good brunch, the restaurant could be cooler but the staff was very polite and nice.
(4)
Saraswathi N.
Amazing Food and Amazing Service... Worth the wait !!! Honey Butter Biscuits are way out of the world :)
(5)
Athens F.
Brilliant Brunch and funny wait staff. Excellent Experience
(5)
Cris B.
I am usually one to criticize but there is nothing bad I can say about this restaurant! The service was really superb and the food was great. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, anytime. Only problem you might face, as with many great places - you might have to wait. But please persevere, I assure you it's worth it!
(5)
Alexa B.
I used to give this place 4 even 5 stars, but today was a complete disappointment. I used to leave this place satisfied with my meal. However, today my husband and I ordered the double buttermilk waffles topped with fruit and honeybutter, which by the sound of them would be enough and delicious. My husband and I even asked the waiter couple questions and he seemed to even like this dish. Then, we wanted, if possible, the fruit on one waffle and the other one plain but we were told the chef was pretty particular and this couldn't be done, either both with fruit on top or fruit on the side. Well, the food came and it didn't look like much for it to be $10. No syrup on the table, the honeybutter was just a teaspoon, and there was nothing special about the waffles nor the fruit to say that the chef couldn't just put fruit on one of them. The waffles didn't really taste any differently from a standard ready to make mix from the grocery, the fruit was OK but not much either. When we asked for more honeybutter the waiter apologized for not having given us more. And got us more, mostly frozen though. We finished the dish in couple minutes completely unhappy about it and left. I used to love this place, but today just changed my mind. Oh and BTW the bacon side is paper thin!
(1)
Scharjeel S.
The decor of the place is really cute and service is IMPECCABLE. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a cute coffee date spot or coffee on the go. The only downside is that it's a bit tiny inside. But I guess that's what makes this place cozy. Pleasantly memorable in every way.
(5)
Robbie R.
Came in for brunch with family. The food at this place is very good but the service is not on even close to the same level. They messed up our order twice and over charged us on the bill then I realize it is also our fault but the to-go bag was not given to us. By the time we realized we were several miles from Cafe Luna. Food was excellent but Service was Meh.
(2)
Hector I.
I've been there a few times now and the service is a plus. The food fluctuates but most of it is good. I've had some disappointing drinks there so I keep it basic now when I go (coffee). I would avoid the ahi tuna since is was served oxidized. I recommend the nutella selection as did other reviewers, if you can handle the sweetness. The space is cozy. Probably adds to its charm but a group of 10 would be overwhelming in most busy days. Being able to sit outside in an open free-form style is also a bonus and a good place to people watch or chill.
(4)
Sabrina P.
This place is great! A wonderful place to sit with your laptop (free, fast wi-fi) or have lunch/coffee with a friend or just listen to the LIVE JAZZ on a Sunday. It seems they have a lot of live music here (at least during the summer). Great drinks, and friendly owners too. They also have a good selection of gelato that looked tasty, though I haven't tried it yet. I give it 4.5 stars - it loses half a star because it could be just a little more cozy - and I don't mean in size (because it certainly isn't very big), but rather in atmosphere. Otherwise, a solid best bet for a Central Square cafe.
(4)
Karen S.
This place epitomizes customer experience in the truest sense. During my time in Cambridge I spent many mornings doing work and catching up with friends at Cafe Luna. When I moved away and returned 2 years later for a recruiting trip, Cafe Luna immediately came to mind as a perfect place to conduct student interviews as it was close to campus and has great food and coffee. When I walked in, I was a little worried because it seemed like a bit more upscale than the casual cafe I was used to. It was now more of a sit-down-and-order place rather than go-to-the-counter-and-order place, which is great but not exactly the ideal situation for an entire day of interviews. I was worried because I felt bad taking up 2 tables for an entire day, and even though my coworkers and I were going to order a lot of food and drinks throughout the day, for ourselves and our candidates, it probably wouldn't be as much as other paying customers on their typical day. I wavered between telling the manager what we were up to, and just carrying through with our plans, hoping that we wouldn't be asked to leave because we were there for too long. A friend encouraged me to talk to the manager and just communicate what we were trying to do. So I asked for the manager, who introduced herself as Kim and I told her my concerns. Her response: "No problem! Stay as long as you want! We're open until 5pm. I also have pen and paper if you need it. And don't feel obligated to order anything more than you need or want!" And that's how you get a customer for life. Also, the lobster omelette, latte, and hot chocolate are all amazing. :)
(5)
Barbara P.
Reservations for a party of 6, we were seated right away. Our server, Brayden, was awesome, incredible personality and he made great suggestions. The Bloody Mary made with saki was a unique twist on an old standby. All six meals were fabulous, with huge portions (only one person was able to finish the whole meal, and that was because the lobster eggs Benedict was simply too amazing) We will be back, sooner rather than later
(5)
X Z.
This seems to be the best in Boston for brunch. For food, I have not tried anything that is less than exceptional. My favorite is the Lobster and Avocado omelet. For drinks, I have mainly tried the coffee notably the latte. It is excellent - the milk is so fresh and the beans are premium. The waitstaff are very efficient and accommodating. The only issue with this place is that it is a small space (some may find it cramped) and that you need a reservation for weekend brunch. Overall high praise for Cafe Luna!
(5)
Tania A.
I don't know why it's taken me this long to write a review for Cafe Luna. It's hand down my favorite place for brunch. If you like French Toast, this place is heaven. They typically have at least 3 or 4 varieties, including holiday or seasonal flavors. Their cookie monster french toast is possibly the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. The only downside is that this place is small. I believe there are 5 tables inside and a few outside when the weather is warm. I don't recommend coming here with a large group (more than 3), and if you do, reserve well in advance (a week prior if not earlier). The drinks are also really good, especially in the winter. Try their raspberry hot chocolate! YUM!!! I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Cristina R.
Esteemed friends and guests, please join me in congratulating Cafe Luna for winning my Best Brunch in the Boston Area Award. Considering the extent of my research, this is a much-coveted and highly-respected honor. Can't decide between savory and sweet? Get Everything But the Kitchen Sink for a miraculous medley of sausage, waffles, corn beef hash, bacon, and home fries. This is brunch epitomized. Want a New England take on a classic? The Lobster Eggs Benedict provides sweet chunks of crustacean under a delicately poached egg with asparagus and homefries. Do you wish you could just eat dessert? The Nutella and Banana Stuffed French Toast will hit the spot with just a little less guilt than eating cake for breakfast. And drink up! The chai is spicy-sweet, and in the fall the pumpkin latte stomps this staple at Starbucks. But in all seriousness, trust me on this, people. I realize the enormity of my statement, but Cafe Luna just gets brunch. And I love them for it. The place is tiny, so if you're looking to come without reservations on a weekend, try to keep your party small (which of your friends do you like the best?) and arrive just a few minutes before they open. Chances are, there will be others with the same idea, but using this method I've only ever had to wait a few minutes. Cafe Luna, it is my honor to present you with this bacon-shaped trophy. Display it proudly, and brunch on.
(5)
Megan Y.
I can now confidently say that Cafe Luna is the BEST brunch spot in Cambridge and maybe all of Boston! I have been 4x now and the experience and food are consistently top notch. Regardless of what you are craving (sweet vs. savory) or your state (hungover vs. post-workout), the menu will have exactly what you need. Love it: - On the weekend brunch menu there are literally 4 pages of sweet and savory masterpieces. You cannot go wrong with any of of the options! - The Lobster & Avocado Omelet is really special and has a generous amount of lobster. I have also really enjoyed their Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet - the combination including caramelized onions is absolutely delicious. An honorable mention is the Grilled Pear, Bacon & Gorgonzola Omelet, which is an interesting and tasty combination. - I have a HUGE sweet tooth and Cafe Luna does not disappoint in this department. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast and all the pancake options are amazing! Like it: - The chai tea is good, but not amazing! They use Oregon concentrate, but make it fun with seasonal specials like pumpkin spice chai and chocolate chai.
(5)
Jack C.
I've been only once and had a pleasant visit. The lady behind the counter taught me about steaming milk and touted the superiority of their milk, which comes from a farm in the Berkshires. She got my hopes up for the mocha (supposedly "out of this world skim milk" and a rich chocolate syrup); I was very happy to find it substantive and indeed rich, but my socks weren't knocked off. Worth $5, though? No.
(4)
Lisa R.
Came here for a latte and a mocha with a friend. Service was a bit on the slow side, but the espresso drinks were good. Overall, nothing really stood out to me and it was an average cafe, but perhaps when I try the food my rating will go up!
(3)
Katie R.
Yum! Yelp and a friend of mine both recommended this place eagerly for brunch, so we went around 10am on a Sunday. Although I was tempted by the waffles (I'm a sucker for waffles, truly), we decided to each get an order of french toast - one cinnamon apple, the other chocolate and banana. Heavenly. The place was crowded, even right at opening, so I recommend making reservations if you want weekend brunch (10-3). We ended up sitting way in the back, almost atop another couple, but it was okay, the food made up for it. And, they gave us crayons to color on the tablecovers with. Yay! Bottomless coffee, delicious food, and cozy surroundings. It was all I had hoped for on a gray Sunday morning. Next time I'll have to go for lunch and try the cafe drinks that others have raved about so much, and hopefully the crowds will be more manageable!
(4)
Lieu T.
Make a reservation because this place is incredibly busy on the weekends. Warning: the entire party must be present to be seated. We started out with the very delicious order of grilled english muffins with this amazing honey, buttery, mayonnaise spread. I think I could have eaten that spread by itself (yes it was that good). The fresh squeezed orange juice hit the spot. I had the surf and turf poached egg with hollandaise sauce on an english muffin while my friend had the Everything but the kitchen sink dish. Great place for brunch. I am definitely a fan and plan to go back soon!
(4)
Winifred X.
I read the reviews on Yelp about this place and decided to give it a try with my cousin while I am in town. -- decor: intimate and comfy, chic, definitely a 4+ star, the wait for brunch on a weekend can get long, get there early. -- service: the waitresses are probably just other college kids, so they are a bit less attentive and not as dexterous (incident) -- food: we ordered a half order of Nutella+banana french toast, definitely the BEST item we ordered. The blueberry+lemon curd Belgian waffle is nothing to rave about, in fact not crispy enough (due to the soaking of the compote juice). And the Stratta special tasted alright but more of a disappointment from the fancy description on the menu. -- pricing: I like that they have "half" portion on their menus, and the $2 discount for each pancake in the stack is decent. But I am still surprised at how pricey this place is compared to similar places around where I live... 2.5 items (half order on the French toast) runs to $30, I am over stuffed with carbohydrate here.. All in all, alright is all I can say about this experience. so next time I am in town, I will try one of the places on the next block down..
(3)
Champika F.
I haven't been Cambridge very long but this has become my favorite place here. They are awesome on so many fronts: 1. The service is amazing - the staff is super friendly, attentive and considerate - even during mad rush brunch hours. 2. The food (that I've tried so far) - is delicious. The Thanksgiving sandwich is amazing - I could eat it every day. The "everything but the sink" brunch item was delicious in theory but a little too extreme for me ..at least on that particular day. The warm chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream alone is worth a visit. 3. The prices are reasonable. 4. Oh and they have breakfast items during the weekdays!
(5)
Avin N.
Have been coming here, mostly for breakfast/brunch since moving to Central Sq last summer. Hands down one of our favorite places in the area, and IMO some of the best breakfast food in Cambridge (sidebar: I thought I had reviewed this place long ago, and just realized that somehow it had slipped my mind). On the weekends, expect to wait. The inside of Luna is fairly small, and most people who live in the area all seem to like this place as much as we do bc it is literally overflowing on Saturdays and Sundays (even in the dead of winter, it's fairly common to see people huddled together out front waiting for their table). As long as you can deal with that, the service (contrary to some of the other reviews here) has been generally excellent in my experience. We're often greeted by the manager (who may also be the owner, but sadly I've yet to ask), and despite crazy crowds we are usually seated fairly quickly (though that's also because it's usually just the fiancee and I, suppose if we came with a brunch army, it would be a different story). In fact, when we are kept waiting, we have often been given complimentary pastries to hold us over. Bonus points. And on that note, on to the food. Everything we've tried here has been excellent. The fiancee usually goes for the healthy wrap, and I, as I do at most brunch spots, go for the eggs benedict. I've also had sandwiches (the grilled cheese is particularly tasty). They also have a great fruit bowl, which seems like it should be easy, but it's surprising how many places just overload any fruit bowl with mushy melon + honey dew. Beyond brunch/lunch, live music in the late afternoon and evening, along with a good selection of beer and wine, is another reason to check out Luna. Regardless of when you come, it's good food, and a good vibe, for surprisingly little $$. Highly recommend.
(5)
Theodore D.
This is the hidden type of place that Yelp ruined. What was once the best hidden Brunch spot in Cambridge is now the least hidden brunch spot in all of Massachusetts. The Food is AMAZING. You won't get better Brunch anywhere - or at least I won't (really I refuse). Everything is an exotic twist on a usual favorite. I highly recommend you try it once. That said - its a tiny place, with tables stuffed together, high prices, and long lines. You're herded in, and rushed out. I understand they're trying to maximize their revenue and serve a high quality product but damn - If I'm gonna spend $22 on my omelet with some funky ass toast at least let me finish it before you try to steal my plate and drop the bill.
(3)
Cherie C.
Let's do a rundown: free wifi free wifi that allows my vpn client so I can telecommute tasty panini friendly service excellent gelato coffee Yeah, that about sums it up. Great place!
(4)
Maria C.
I came here recently with a friend. I made reservation for 10am which is what is allowed for Sunday brunch. The T, as usual, was mighty slow and we showed up about 15-20 minutes late. I was prepared to wait an hour thinking we had lost our reservation, but to my surprise they were still expecting us and took us right in to our table as soon as we arrived. I had the waffles and fresh fruit - definitely something that I enjoyed and still think about from day to day :) I love the French toast here - highly recommend this place for a great meal.
(5)
Norwin E.
I really wanted to like this place because of the reviews and great location near central square, but I was disappointed by the service and food. The only bright spot of my review: I had made a reservation as suggested by the website and other yelp reviewers, and although we were a few minutes late, we were still seated right away and by the front window. So that's a plus. Here's are the reason for two stars: -Our waiter took our orders and gave us our drinks in a timely fashion, but after that it was like we never existed. I couldn't even find him to get our check. And when I eventually saw him, he was just chatting with someone at the bar (keep in mind that it's a Sunday during brunch hours). After several minutes, we finally get the check, then he disappears, never to come back. I had to give our payment to someone else, who I believe is the owner. We never saw our waiter again. He didn't seem professional and he looked like he was still in high school. -It took about 40 minutes for us to receive our food. I understand it's busy time, but most places, even the busiest, don't normally take that long. -I ordered corned beef has eggs benedict. I expected a lot since it had the corned beef hash bonus. The bottom of the biscuit was hard as a rock. My wrist started to hurt cuz I was trying to hack it into smaller pieces. It was still edible but didn't enjoy the food. I was too nice to ask to take it back. -Lone eggs benedict on a large plate looks so bare. Like most brunch places, it should include a side like a salad or potatoes. Not worth the $13. I'm normally easy to please with food, but i was not satisfied at all with Cafe Luna.
(2)
Beth M.
UPDATE: So Luna wrote to me and said that this move away from being green is not their fault - they're being ordered to do this by the city of Cambridge because they're technically not allowed to serve in the little park. This is ridiculous! I think a good way to at least help deal with this would be some obvious recycling bins with good signage! But seriously Cambridge, WTF? Glad to have lil Cafe Luna down the street from my office. It's one of my favorite places to lunch during the summer, esp with the tiny park wedged in there, with tables and plantings and such. I usually go for sandwiches or salads (crazy right!?) - I love the roasted veggie sandwich especially - it changes seasonally which is always fun. The salads are good too - full of the "good stuff", not just a ton of lettuce. The chicken bomba is probably my favorite. Prices are fine - about even with Flour up the street. So - though I'd like to exclusively exalt this small bustling cafe, I do have a problem with a recent change they've made. If you sit outside, you're now brought your lunch in a giant handled paper bag - all salads are in plastic containers, same with dressing, plastic silverware, and sandwiches are wrapped up in foil. This is opposed to a few months ago, when you got your sandwich on a real plate, with salad on the side and a real fork and a napkin - no plastics, no packaging... Guys, what happened?? This vexes me. Were people stealing the plates/silverware? Did it take to much time to go collect them again outside? All this wasteful packaging hurts me - it's a noticeable move in the wrong direction. And there is nary a recycle bin to throw any of it in when I'm done. Just a big ol' trashcan. So, I like your food. A lot actually. But I am confused by your very deliberate move toward more packaging and less recycling. So there we are - 3 stars.
(3)
Tressa S.
I wanted to like this place, I really did. My boyfriend and I wanted to eat there on a Monday night a few weeks back, but when we got there it was closed, and it was only 7 PM, which I thought a bit odd. Fast forward to this past Sunday, and we woke up and thought we would try it again. We tried calling ahead to see what the wait time was, but for some reason the phone wasn't working. We decided to go anyways. We get there and of course it's crowded, it's Sunday brunch. We find the guy to put our names on the list, and he tells us it's about a 30-35 minute wait. Sure, no problem. We stand in the crowd and wait to be called. 45 minutes later, we still haven't been seated, while everyone around us has. The manager (I'm not sure if he was in charge, but he seemed like it) notices our growing frustration and assures us that we will be the next to be seated. 15 more minutes pass, and two more tables are seated. Guess who is not among them? That's right, my boyfriend and I. Finally, we are seated (at a tiny table in the back but it was a table nonetheless). The waiter comes up to us, and we already know what we want to order, so he jots it down and says he'll be back with some waters for us. 10 minutes pass, no water. We try to get his attention, and by this point my boyfriend is fed up with how things are going, so he gets up and goes to the counter to ask if we can get 2 glasses of water. Our waiter is up there, and looks right at him while my boyfriend is asking for water, and does not say a word to him. No apology, NOTHING. I also ordered a hot chocolate when we ordered our food; it did not arrive when our food was brought out so I had to ask another waiter to bring it. Pathetic. Our waiter ignored us the rest of the time. As for the food: it was very good (which I am sad to report because I very much wanted to hate this place). Their menu offered a large variety of things, and it all sounded delicious. From now on, my boyfriend and I will order take-out from here. The food is not worth sitting through their horrible service. They get two stars for food, but I couldn't bring myself to give them more.
(2)
Oski B.
We'd made a reservation here for Saturday morning brunch and were seated right away. The food was great, the service was friendly, and we were able to advantage of a $15 Scoutmob discount. The only slight hiccup was being charged $5 for two croissants that we'd been led to believe were on the house after being told that the complimentary cinnamon buns they ordinarily have hadn't yet been put in the oven. The owner offered to reverse the charge or to give us something gratis, but I declined as I kind of felt bad for using the $15 discount because he was so nice.
(4)
Tammy H.
This place has single-handedly made me like tuna in salads. I've had it with the Bomba, and I asked for it in my Davio last night. I didn't even need dressing because the tuna made it perfectly moist and tasty enough! The white bean chicken chili (a.k.a. white chili) was good and hearty, and I love the toasted bread that they put on the side of everything. Their antipasto platter is pretty yum as well. They're a little slow when serving you your food, but aside from that, it's a very chill place to get some music and food.
(4)
Laura J.
Brunch is probably my favorite meal. So when I find a good place, I feel obligated to spread the word to fellow brunch lovers. So this is meeeee spreeeeeading the worrrrrrd. Brunch lovers unite! I'd heard good things about Cafe Luna so decided to give it a shot. I met my super hungover bestie outside the cafe and at that moment said a silent prayer hoping we wouldn't have to wait for a table, seeing as food was needed in the imminent future to prevent a hangover disaster. Someone was listening. As soon as we stepped in, our lovely host informed us that since the other parties waiting we not complete, we could help ourselves to a table by the front. SCORE! I ordered a latte, complete with foam art, and drunkie pants mcgee requested an iced tea. We skimmed over the menu. A ton of options and EVERYTHING sounded delicious. After deep contemplation, and fighting over who was going to order what, we both finally settled. I went with the chicken chorizo sausage and black bean homefries. A sauteed mixture of sausage, potatoes, peppers, onions, and black beans, topped with cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs and a smidge of fresh made salsa. I loved it. Flavor explosion. D went with the corned beef hash eggs bennie. It was enjoyable. Only complaint on his end was the eggs were over poached and there could have been a better corned beef to potato ratio in the hash. I tried it and thought it was very good. And yes, being gawky and overly nosey, we checked out what our neighbors had ordered, one being the western omelette, another the brioche french toast with fresh berries and cream. Ummmm ya, I'll definitely be returning to try both of those, along with 2 of everything else on the menu.
I would go here for brunch more often if it were easier to get a table. Any random weekend morning around 11a or 12pm, pass by Cafe Luna, and you will see a waiting crowd spilling out of its doors and into the sidewalk. The reservation system leaves a bit to be desired, as I'm not sure they've got a very well-organized one. The few times I've been here, the wait has been at least 20 min. Even today, when I made a reservation early, we still had to wait! And the host asked for my name and table size about 3 times. But the wait is TOTALLY worth it. Especially if you love sweet dishes for brunch. Their stuffed French toast is to die for. My friend had the chocolate raspberry stuffed special today, and she finished every last bite. They also have a yummy lunch menu with more savory items for those, like me, who might not always be in the mood for sugar in the morning. I had the chicken panini (the pompeii) that came with a side salad. Crunchy, flavorful, and just the right portion. Our waiter was especially pleasant and rushed to correct a mistake when an order came out wrong (an omelet came without the ordered bacon...god forbid). So all in all, a fabulous eating experience if you are patient enough to get a table...
(5)
scott g.
I've walked past this place countless times and always thought it was just a posh coffee shop and never thought of eating there before I read a few posts on Yelp. I was pleasantly surprised how fast they were able to accommodate me and my friends (6 people total) for Brunch at noon on a nice Saturday. Even for a busy Saturday, the waitress and owner gave phenomenal service. They were very attentive to our large brunch group and even gave us a batch of their homemade cinnamon rolls. I got the healthy egg sandwich which was very reasonably priced at $4.95, but it seemed like their specials were priced quite high. Also drinks were $3-6 which I consider quite high. Summary: If you're looking for a nice place to take out-of-town friends and show off the area, I highly suggest going to Cafe Luna.
(5)
Perla B.
Fabulous food! I've had breakfast and lunch here and everything is delicious! The prices are good too. I want to try their brunch but it is super crowded each time I go there, I Will try going earlier because I think it is worth it! The only downside to it is that it is a bit small and I don't think they have a good ventilation system because my eyes hurt with the smoke from the kitchen, and the kitchen is not that tidy. Other than that, it rocks.
(5)
Jeremy B.
Yes, their sandwiches and salads are great, however it doesn't come CLOSE to the brunch they serve. Starting at around 10AM on Sat/Sun, Cafe Luna opens it's doors and is immediately swarming with customers. It's a very quaint restaurant, so I would recommend calling ahead (as you drive/T over). The staff is super friendly and Matt, the co-owner, is one of the nicest people you will probably ever meet. He is always accommodating! If I had to choose on my food of choice...well...I really can't. They have outstanding omelettes and eggs benedict (their hollandaise sauce is better than others). The french toast they serve is always thick and Terry, the co-owner/head chef, constantly finds ways to add some incredible toppings (i.e. Smores, Lemon Raspberry, Apple Crisp). I'd also HIGHLY recommend their chai tea lattes - best you'll ever have! Right now, my favorite meal is their butternut squash/goat cheese omelette with a soy chai (hot or iced).
(5)
Dorise G.
update 6/11/11: I was finally here on a crowded day, and even though we had a reservation things were a little crazy (inclement weather = no outdoor seating), so we weren't seated for quite awhile. My friend and I waited patiently, gabbing away, and the manager was just the nicest guy around, who was so so apologetic for the wait. Some jerks were giving him a hard time about it, and after they'd gone my friend and I apologized on their behalf - clearly those people had no understanding of life in the service industry. The manager was so appreciative he sent my friend and I a couple extra *delicious* goodies on the house, which was totally unnecessary but super sweet. The server we had was totally adorable and extra swift to boot, and I always dig the vibe of a restaurant that will let me draw with crayons anyhow :)
(5)
Jamie H.
Used to be a regular here when I was still going to school in Boston. I'd describe this place as unique and cutesy. I loved the french toast and lobster benedict. Good ambiance for casual conversation. Its best to make reservations as it get really packed on the weekends. Plus they give you crayons to draw on the table...too cute.
(5)
Sophia C.
My husband and I had read pretty decent reviews for Brunch and we've tried to go there for Brunch multiple times. We turned around because there was generally a long wait and we were hungry. This past weekend, we were able to go right as they opened and was able to sit. The dining room was much much smaller than I thought. There were TOO many waiters for such a small place, they were all constantly running into each other. They gave me tap water as I sat down... what, no ice? I ordered Coffee. Kudos for having soy milk but Thumbs DOWN for coffee quality - YUCK!! My husband ordered Banana Nutella French Toast. So sweet and it was good but not great. I ordered an omelette that was part of their specials... it was not that great either. Nothing specific to complain about the food but I've definately had better for the smiliar price. I came out smelling like fried food, HATED that!
(2)
Abishek C.
One of my favorite brunch places. The service is exceptional, with awesome quality of food. Everything on their menu is worth trying!! Will keep going back to this place as long as the quality of food remains consistently good. BUT, be prepared to wait for a long time. At least 30+ mins for two people and 60+ minutes for three or more people.
(5)
Chrysanthe P.
I've been here twice for lunch with coworkers and each time got a salad. The first time I wanted to make one of the sandwiches into a salad and they were very accommodating. I haven't been here for their brunch or anything, but the size and deliciousness of their salads have won me over.
(4)
Hans J.
Great place for brunch...A little small but comfortable. The owners; Matt is very friendly and Teri is very observant! I have eaten there for lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday and the times I've been there the food has always been 110%. I try to go there a minimum of once a month...I try not to overdose because I live too close and don't want to get sick of going there, all though I'm already an addict of the food! Make your reservation for Sunday brunch, and i'll meet you there!
(5)
Ben L.
and I finally go there for brunch. We time it just perfectly when it's starting to slow down just a little but right when the person handling the people waiting switched from the first guy that was magically managing almost everything in his head over to a girl that had to sort through the quick notes on who was waiting. I wait with my friend a little longer then get seated. There's something about the brunch menu, it might just not fit my taste but there seem to be a lot of simple seeming regular items and a mix of salmon heavy specials. Play it safe and go for a regular omlette and while we're waiting I make some casual comments and that's when the interesting thing happens, our waiter sort of disappears. We can still spot him from time to time but it's not like he's checking in. Did something happen, is he somehow offeended? Our food shows up and the omlette is quite good but our coffees that we ordered are AWOL. It's a little more interesting though, they come over with their tablet device with the bill on it and one coffee that didn't show up was on there but the other one somehow never even got entered, they remove the one that was on the bill without any issue but I can't figure out what happened. Why didn't our drinks show up, how is it that only one was even on the bill, why did our waiter kind of skip out. Every good brunch place that I've been to will check by on a regular basis to make sure that your coffee is full, if you haven't even brought the coffee you've seriously fucked up.
(2)
Kathy A.
This is a great and affordable spot to grab a sandwich or other quick bite for lunch. I'm a sucker for any place that has a turkey thanksgiving sandwich with stuffing and all so that immediately sold me. On top of that they have a ton of delicious paninis. They have larger entree portion meals too if you'd like. They've also expanded their menu to serve some breakfast items all day and they do a weekend brunch which I am yet to try (but it all sounds good). All of their ingredients are fresh and so tasty! They also have a fantastic location in Central Square.
(4)
Mary D.
This review is late, late, late! My experience here was good enough to justify a late review, though. They take reservations for Sunday brunch. I made those reservations two evenings previous, guaranteeing that they would hold a table in the early AM for myself and three ladies whose company I enjoy. Cafe Luna is not a large venue by any stretch of the imagination, despite its popularity as a brunch spot...meaning said ladies and I were gonna be pretty cozy for the duration of the meal. Protip: invite people to brunch here that you're not afraid to share airspace with. Not that you'll be doing a lot of talking -- you won't. You'll be stuffing your face. Our breakfasts were delicious start to finish, and the pumpkin chai I had was indecently sugary and sinfully tasty. Four stars for flavor, service, and ability to reserve a table. That's everything I need in a brunch (except for maybe a glass of milk punch, and I'm resigned to never getting that outside of New Orleans anyway). They get a fifth star because part of our party arrived late. They couldn't seat us until our entire party arrived...but instead of treating us like lepers for clogging up their teeny-tiny foyer after our lack of punctuality, they laughed and were totally understanding of the half-hour lapse, and found a way to slide us into a table as soon as one was available. With the kind of crunch they were facing down with that full house and the ungodly hour of the weekend morning that it happened to be at the time, that kind of relaxed service was pretty great.
(5)
Denis S.
Maybe we were here on an off-day, because my friend really loves this place, but I was thoroughly disappointed. I got the Panini with prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto sauce, which was pretty good, but a bit cold and nothing special. But my main complaint was the service. We came in and stood around not knowing whether and where to sit. Eventually someone asked us if we wanted to sit (as if we just came to stand around) and we were finally seated. A while went by for someone else to come by and ask if we had ordered food or needed to be served (again, questions most restaurants can figure out on their own). The three of us were given one dinky menu, and we made our choices. We ordered sandwiches and my friend ordered a juice. Time went by, nothing came. Finally a third server came and asked if we ordered two juices, we only ordered one. A juice which didn't sound like my friend's order was frantically placed next to him. Within a minute, a fourth server came with a different juice. When we explained that we only ordered one, she said "whatever" and left the juice. Before my friend could decide what to do with his two juices, the owner or manager or someone who seemed kind of in charge, stormed over, and without a word scooped up one of the drinks, and stormed away. Finally, the sandwiches arrived. The waitress who brought the sandwiches had no idea what they were called or what was inside of them. She described two sandwiches that sounded like my friend's, so they claimed them. The third sandwich was described as egg-whites with turkey. That was definitely not mine, and I said so. So that plate was taken away and put on the counter. In another five minutes, someone realized that the sandwich she brought was actually mine, she just misidentified the ingredients and I was given the sandwich that had been sitting on the counter (which probably explains why it was getting cold). I'm having no luck with Boston food...
(2)
Shaina P.
For my 200th review, I didn't want to disappoint anyone by reviewing something from, say, Texas, but I was having a desperately difficult time trying to figure out which business to highlight. So, what better place to review than the one that I'm sitting in right now? When I couldn't handle being couped up in an over-chilled yet ultra humid office anymore, I borrowed a company computer with wireless and headed to Central Square. La Luna has been my savior. I've been here for over 4 hours and no complaints from the staff yet. Besides that, I'm getting a shit ton of work done, staying pleasantly caffeinated, hydrated with complimentary ice cold water, stuffed with tasty breakfast AND lunch, and all of this with free access to Wi-Fi and food stuff for about $15 total (so far). I'm getting a little sick of the background jazz. Some is good, but there is some ultra cheezy music that gets played occasionally. Think elevator music. Ick. But the crispy rosemary focaccia used to hug the panini I ordered is making me forget about the background sound. Before I leave, I might even grab a sweet snack since there are a ton of creamy gelato flavors offered here. And if I may continue, when did La Luna start serving beer? Like I said in my last review of the OtherSide, every place I go that offers beer gets four stars in my mind. Oh, and another thing, sitting by the big windows is a lovely view of endless patio (otherwise known as the Jill Brown Rhone Park) and plenty of people to watch. Alright then. Back to work!
(4)
Kay S.
I hardly ever leave food on my plate---I eat it or take it to go--- imagine my surprise when I had no interest in finishing my meal or asking for a doggy bag. I ordered what's become a Sunday fave: lox and bagel with cream cheese. Cafe Luna failed to toast the bagel and served it with cold, hard cream cheese, with a side of ....lettuce (?). The tomato and onion were sparse. And all this for 8.95. I only ate the lox, 1/4 of the bagel and tomatoes. I also ordered the homestyle fries--and they were dry and forgettable. The service was spotty. Our waiter was distracted and we kept hounding him for missing orders, utensils, condiments. The good: we called ahead for reservations and were seated on-time
(2)
Al A.
DIRTY! Crap coffee. Bad service. A quick survey of the food prep. reveals several health concerns. Here's a list. 1) a pile of dirty dished from the day before randomly placed on a shelf (I know it was from the day before due to the decomposing nature of the food left on top of the pile) 2) bananas touching said pile of dirty dishes 3) a very dirty floor mat rolled up and stored above an open food container 4) coffee cups stored open-up 5) employee wiping hands on pants 6) dirty table tops at 8:00AM (obviously dirty from the day before) 7) fruit served slightly past ripe
(1)
Huong P.
Came down to Cafe Luna for a small brunch with a good friend of mine. The rain was pouring but that did not detract us from trying out this popular cafe! I'm glad that my friend reserved us a table the night before because by the time I arrived, there was already a long line! Although we both were a little late, the servers and host were nevertheless very accommodating and very efficient. The table for four by the window was no more--in its stead was a perfect nice two seater with paper and crayons to keep us company. Our waiter was very great and knowledgable. He seems to want his customers to not only be happy, but get the right food as well. My friend was thinking of getting the fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese omelet without the prosciutto, but he nicely recommended a different choice since he believed the prosciutto is quintessential to the special omelet. Too bad that he selected the choice that I was going to get!--which was the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet :(. Oh well, I decided to get the one with the prosciutto. The food was great and prices were decent, but nothing super stood out for me. I would definitely go here again and I am already eying the more sweeter and more fruity options!
(4)
Rachel C.
I love this place so much. I'd recommend brunch most of all. It is delicious. They have great espresso drinks here and wine and beer. I love the staff, they're friendly, accommodating and work hard. The portions are medium-sized, so if you're looking for a huge feast, go elsewhere. This place also seems to try to be as healthy while still delicious, so if you're looking for greasy, again, look elsewhere. At night, most nights, there is live music. You can sit outside the restaurant for free and listen a while, or order a drink and listen, or better yet have dinner here and be part of the party.
(4)
Jeff C.
By far, one of my absolute favorites. I lived in Central Square for several years, and whenever I had guests come through town, this is where I brought them for brunch on the weekends. Now that I've moved away, I still visit Boston from time to time and still make Luna a top priority. As others have mentioned, the wait for brunch on the weekends can be brutal. But it's for good reason, and it's worth it. Their menu is fantastic and the food quality is outstanding. They have both sweet (french toast, belgian waffles) and savory (eggs benny, omelets, breakfast sandwiches) and do all of the above extremely well. My personal recommendation would be a chai latte (theirs are a bit on the sweet side but very good), a warm cinnamon roll, and the corned beef hash eggs benedict. Their wait staff is so-so in my opinion (a few are great, others are a bit too 'high school musical'), but the owner, Matt, more than makes up for it. He is the face of the restaurant - greeting folks at the door, seating parties, checking in at every table, and occasionally taking orders - and he's just great. Despite the stress that inevitably comes from having so many people impatiently tapping their feet as they wait for a table, he is always cheerful, helpful, and has a great sense of humor. Always a pleasure to see him. If only the could swap spaces with the Indian place next door, which has twice the square footage and a fraction of the customer volume. This just makes sense in my mind, and I think it's gotta happen sooner or later.
(5)
Lena K.
Had a bad experience with their breakfast, however they have good coffee. We came in for breakfast on a Friday at 10:30 ( they stop serving breakfast at 11am). First we were ignored by the waitress for a while, but then she came by to get our drink orders. By the time she came around again with our drinks it was almost 11 and told us that they will not be able to serve us breakfast anymore. Furthermore everything else we tried to pick from the menu (that they were supposed to be serving after 11am) was sold out for the day. So if you do come in for breakfast do not come during the weekday.
(2)
Diana T.
NEW COSTUMERS BE AWARE!!!!! Unfortunately my boyfriend and i did not get the chance to try the food. First time to the place we got at the restaurant on Sunday afternoon craving coffee and pastries. We arrived at the same time with another couple and we decided to let them go first. The place was crowded but there were a couple of tables available. The host proceeded to sit the couple and went away and did not come back. We were there standing for at least 15 minutes. During that time at least THREE different waiters came to us asking if we were being helped, but all of them told us to wait for the host. In the meantime we saw the host again talking to people at the patio, (people that were not eating just walking by), we reached a waiter and told him to let know the host the fact that we wanted to be seated. Host came back with and attitude and in very rude terms he stated he was talking to his regulars and that we have to keep waiting. We kept waiting at least 10 more minutes and more waiters came to us, we thought it was ridiculous and decided to leave. As we were walking out host came and SCREAMED if we wanted to be seated! We do not mind to wait because it is something you are used to at a busy place, but we don't appreciate the hosts attitude and his lack of manners. Hope this place does well with their regulars because they obviously don't need new costumers.
(1)
Orly M.
Anyone that knows me well knows I get obsessed with foods and then eat them every day for months until I get sick of them and never want to see them again. Well, I recently discovered Cafe Luna's healthy wrap, which is delicious and potentially even "healthy." Its's a wheat wrap with eggwhites, lowfat chease, roasted red peppers and spinach. I've been getting it with a side salad and it keeps me going all day, no easy feat for a girl who is hungry every 2 hours. If this review was only about the food, I would give Cafe Luna 5 stars, no question. The problem with this place is the service. For one, I get a 30 min lunch break (I know, sucks to be me), and it can easily be a 15 minute wait for my food and take several minutes to order, even if I go at a time when they aren't that busy. But more importantly there just doesn't seem to be any consistency. I went a few times and asked for a side salad and it was no problem and I paid extra and received a side salad and suddenly it has become much more confusing. The last couple of times I ordered I had to engage in a discussion about what a side salad is. We've also ordered food as an office a few times recently and things like the chips the sandwiches come with have been missing a couple of times. So, I want to love Cafe Luna, i love the outdoor seating, the food is good, but I want ordering lunch to be simple. If I am going to be a regular somewhere I want to get the same thing every time I order it. I know I am a creature of habit and maybe mildly OCD, but I don't think i'll be going here much anymore. Now someone find me a new Central Sq food obsession kthx.
(2)
Ravi M.
Cafe Luna just became my favorite Sunday Brunch Spot! I decided to drop by last Sunday to check the place out. One of the nicest things is that the staff go out of their way to be friendly and helpful, especially the owner Matt. Everything I tried was just superb! The Mocha was creamy and very chocolatey - one of the best I've had! It must be their combination of dark chocolate syrup, good quality chocolate powder (I had a sniff!) and espresso. Seeing the Lobster Benedict on the menu I told them that what I would like, however, was Lobster in an omelette. The nice girl at the counter said "sure" she thinks that's possible and would check with the kitchen. They obliged and I had a scrumptious custom order of Lobster omelette with asparagus! Although somewhat full I was keen on trying the French Toast stuffed with fresh fruits and custard/cream. Guess what?! They do half orders! So I had a delicious half order of stuffed French Toast which was still sizable and required some effort to put away. I was only sad that I could not listen to the Jazz ensemble as I had to head out around the time they came in (which is about 2:30-3:00pm). Well, next time... The prices were reasonable too. I highly recommend it! The daughter of Hyperion and Theia would be pleased! :-)
Cafe Luna is definitely one of the finest brunch places I've eaten at in a long while; they truly celebrate the idea of brunch. Even the Decider himself would be stunned because the menu is extensive, and everything looks great. Yeah, I just made a George W. Bush reference in a review of an establishment smack in the middle of the liberal heartland. Back to brunch: my two friends and I enjoyed the Lobster & Avocado omelette, the Fig/Prosciutto/Goat Cheese omelette, and the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Ben. All were excellent, as were the lattes. The owner/manager seemed extremely gracious, deftly rearranging tables to get people seats as soon as possible. He even came outside to whisk us to our table because we were busy playing in the snow. All in all, this is a solid place for brunch. Definitely a must-visit if you're staying anywhere in the Cambridge area.
(5)
PT R.
Grossly unsanitary! Will NEVER come back. I used to like Cafe Luna a lot, but one day I came for brunch and ordered a waffle. The woman who made it had been cleaning all these tables and doing random tasks around the cafe. When she went to make my waffle, not only did she not wash her hands but she used her bare hands make my waffle, pick it up and transfer it to the plate! I am in no way a germaphobe, but that's just plain gross. There are kitchen tools for a reason. Plus no one should be working a restaurant who touches your food without washing their hands! P.S. It's not cool for the management to insinuate that yelpers are lying just because they didn't have a positive experience. If you sit in the back, you can see the waffle maker near the doorway. Maybe you guys should move the waffle maker.
(1)
Lynn C.
Delicious local place with great food and friendly service! They have the best brunch ever - a huge menu to chose from. I got the Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and my fiance got the corned beef hash eggs benedict. Both were huge portions and utterly delicous! The service was awesome. We had multiple people checking in on us and the manager/host was so friendly and helpful. He knew I was having some issues making a decision (there was so many things to chose from) and was able to tell me a lot about each dish. He also thanked every single table as they left. I can't believe it's taken me so long to try this place. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
K F.
Nothing so special about Cafe Luna in terms of menu (we ordered salmon omelet and pancake). But outside area was great to have a Sunday brunch.
(3)
noam m.
We headed to Cafe luna on a Saturday morning. Even though i hate the sitting rule that all the party has to be present in order to be sitted it still didn't ruin our experience. We arrived with two babies and everyone was very accommodating. Given the rather small premises it was quite a challenge. Food was great! All the dishes that we ordered were tastefully arranged and yummy. We will definitely head here again - not just the fine food but the cheerful service.
(4)
Thaddeus M.
Of all the brunch places I have tried. I would have to give Cafe Luna, the title of best one in all of Boston. It's only flaw is that the restaurant is a little small, so from time to time you may be subject to having to wait for a table. Besides that, everything is great. The owner is usually present and is very talkative, he even tries to speed things up with the waiters while you wait in line so you do not have to wait too long. One time ever, we should up a little past their breakfast schedule and he still had the chefs allow us to order from the breakfast menu. As well as keep us company while we waited outside for our table and tell us a little of the story behind Cafe Luna. What is nice about Cafe Luna as well are the live performances by local artists in the area, which provide a very comfortable and chill breakfast. The menu is amazing, and their twist of breakfast mixed with seafood was delicious. Anything Lobster is a must try for when you visit. As well as anything mixed with Hollandaise. What am I kidding, just try anything and you will be happy. The portions are fairly big, and the alcoholic drinks are also quite tasty. I highly recommend you pay a visit, for its good food, service, and ambience.
(5)
EricaLynn J.
Thanks to Tara C., I am a believer! I love love love this little spot. It's cute and cozy but usually not too crowded and uncomfortable... the menu is fab - even the pickiest of diners will find something to nosh on. And the drinks... they're so creative and fun and tasty. You must go.
(4)
Ash T.
One of my favorite places for breakfast/brunch/coffee Very highly recommended PROS: Great Food, Great Service, Well Priced Everything I've tried so far on the menu tastes great...Spicy Black bean omlette with avocado, French toast stuffed strawberry on a waffle with cream and chocolate drizzle, cinnamon rolls, Goat Cheese and Leek omlette. The dirty chai is friggin awesome!!! (shot of espresso in the chai tea latte) Homefries are well seasoned You can ask for half portions of the waffles so can try 2 at once. A friend of mine had the corned beef hash on eggs benedict and was amazed...gotta go back and try rest of the items on the menu CONS: Can get a little cramped and it's very busy, call ahead for reservations and be on time. Sometimes even if you're on time, expect to wait 20-30 min cause its so popular and busy. But the wait time is well worth it
(5)
Renuka B.
Great food & a great location!! I loved the pancake & French toast with fruits on. It was so delicious.
(4)
Miles D.
Went for brunch today and it was incredible! GREAT service starting from the owner to our waiter. Excellent food on a diverse menu (we're both vegetarian and there were plenty of options). They gave us our coffee to go in paper cups and the owner stopped to talk to us and tell us about the place and menu. You should make reservations otherwise you will wait forever It was overall the best brunch experience I have had in a long time. Recommendations - the belgian waffle, jalapeno cheese home fries, and the coffee!
(5)
Eli E.
After my comment, Teri sent an email to apologize and confirmed that Alex wasn't the owner (but i'm sure he'll still tell people so). I appreciated her email, but have given this place more than enough tries. There are many other decent places around this area. I still give this place a 2 star. Food was decent, service not so much. I won't return since there's no need to with the alternatives around here. For example, Middlesex is a half-block away. Not a cafe, but some of their sandwiches are pretty good like the jumbo taco and reuben. Corn bisque is good. Service - sometimes lacking, but tolerable. Mariposa across the street has decent pastry options and more space if you're just looking to get work done. It's also brighter. And these are just two options nearby. --------- about 30 minutes later... YIKES!! I received a rather angry email from Teri shortly after updating my original post to commend her for putting the effort in. Make sure she doesn't find out your email -or- just don't agree to update your post and then actually do it. Don't know how I got involved in all this merely by Yelping honestly. Beware! 10 minutes later... Just to be fair, Teri did email again to apologize. I am utterly confused by this place.
(2)
ali m.
Cafe Luna is like my second home. The staff is so friendly (the owners are almost always there, and are so great), and the paninis and chai lattes are to die for. It's a great place to sit and relax - I've brought friends after work, and on Saturdays (always packed - live jazz music!) and it's one of the only places I feel really comfortable going when I'm by myself. I never feel rushed or out of place, and when the weather is nice they open the big front windows. :))) Must-haves: Gingerbread Chai Latte Pompeii Panini Florence Panini Copacabana Panini and their tuna wrap is good too. One of my friends (whose family makes their own apple cider in Vermont) had their hot apple cider and gave his stamp of approval. I'm a huge huge huge fan of Luna. I could have one cup of their gingerbread chai latte and I really could die happy. It's so sweet, and just perfect. No other flavored chai/chai latte I've had comes even remotely close.
(5)
Ravi P.
First off, let me say that the staff here are well-intentioned, friendly people. And the free WiFi is awesome. And the food does taste pretty good. However, almost 100% of the times I come to this place, service is veeeeeeery slow and servers often don't keep track of what you ordered. My first experience here about a year or so ago, I remember meeting a friend to get some work done in the cafe. I ordered a smoothie - that after 30-45 minutes didn't come. I went up to the register, and asked where my smoothie was. Of course, it was created promptly and I was given my smoothie. Then I was never charged for it, and my server who seemed too busy to deal with me just said that it was on the house. At the time, I said, hey, it's a free drink, whatever. But then I started ordering sandwiches from the place. And every time I have had to ask the staff where my sandwich was and how long it would take. Once, they gave my sandwich to another customer (who happened to order the same thing as me and at about the same time my sandwich was wrapped up and ready to go). It was the customer who noticed my confusion and gave me my sandwich - not the staff. These experiences just make me feel like the management is a little haphazard and I'd rather not deal with it any longer. While the food's decent and the environment is pleasant, the long waits make the less than five minute walk down Mass Ave to Clear Conscience Cafe worth it.
(2)
Juan C.
I tried this place for the first time last weekend. My girlfriend and I were strolling along and felt like having a bite. We were looking for lunch and/or brunch and thought this would be a good idea. She got a panini that looked and tasted alright, but nothing spectacular. I got the black bean breakfast burrito and the home fries. the home fries were very good, but the burrito was nothing amazing. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't out of this world either. The kicker came at the end. They don't take AMEX and the only reason the waiter didn't continue to kick us out was because a downpour was taking place outside while we were finishing and nobody was coming in for food. I'd probably come back for breakfast only by myself since most reviewers swear by it.
(3)
Stephany D.
Let me start my review with an anecdote. Every year, my dad gets up at 4am on Thanksgiving Day and begins cooking the turkey. He spices it perfectly, inserts an onion, lemon and fresh sprigs of rosemary into the open cavity. Then, he lets it cook for hours and hours. When it is finally time to sit around the table and enjoy the turkey, it is the moistest, tastiest turkey anyone has had all year. Imagine this kind of tender, juicy turkey on lightly toasted bread, and you have Cafe Luna's Roma Panini. Too often, paninis are not well executed. I often find that the bread is too crunchy and in some cases, nigh impossible to eat from all of the toasting. At Cafe Luna, the bread (which tasted like it was dipped lightly in olive oil and rosemary) was ever so delicately browned, but still retained the soft, fluffy texture of fresh bread. The individual parts of the sandwich were meticulously stacked, so I got every single flavor in every bite. The cheese was perfectly melted. The turkey, as I mentioned, was tender and juicy, but it also had a wonderfully sweet and savory flavor. I got halfway through the panini before I realized that the wonderful flavor I was tasting was the turkey itself. Even though I was very full after finishing the panini, I really didn't want the experience to end. I went back to work and talked incessantly to my coworkers about how delicious my lunch had been. In short, this was THE BEST PANINI I'VE EVER HAD. If you're in Cambridge, or even just passing through Central, do yourself a favor and stop by. It's a very short walk down Mass Ave from the T and you can sit inside or outside (which I recommend if the weather is nice). The staff were super friendly, eager to answer questions, and the food was so good that I felt compelled to return to the cafe (after having eaten my lunch outside in the square) to tell them just how wonderful the food was. Seriously. It was THAT good. :)
(5)
Rishabh J.
I have been to cafe Luna almost every weekend since the start of the year, so at least 20 times, for their weekend Brunch, and I still have a fantastic time every time I go. The specifics of why it's so good everyone else has covered really well - and you just need to try it - words are not enough.
(5)
Rebecca G.
Very very busy, which I understand could get this place bad reviews. But let me just say that the food here was delicious! The wait to be seated/get in can be atrocious. It is crowded but well worth the wait. I would recommend calling in advance and reserving a table, otherwise it might be a 20-minute wait.
(5)
Stephanie F.
I like Cafe Luna. I really didn't think much of it everytime I passed by it, but I heard good things about it from a friend who would always say "you have to try the brunch at Cafe LuUuUUUuuuUna!" So I did-- this past Sunday at 11:54am, which, I expected would be a long wait. We must have hit the jackpot because right after, there was a bunch of people that had to wait for a few minutes. Everything on the menu looked delicious. Even the specials. But I wasn't in the mood for french toast, pancakes, or something sweet that morning. I wanted something savory.... like eggs and beans and potatoes (I know... I was lame for ordering something I could have made at home for much cheaper). With my main plate, I also ordered a mochalatte envisioning that I would get a pretty picture like a heart or a leaf in the foam as in the Yelp page for this restaurant. I did not. (Booo) Despite that, I honestly enjoyed my meal, and my fellow bruncher definitely enjoyed his. He got the pancake special which included lemon ricotta cheese with raspberries. It was delicious too, but I couldn't have a lot of it. The good thing about this place is that you have the option of ordering a smaller portion of the pancakes or french toasts that they give you. AND at a cheaper price, too. So it's good you have that option. I think all restaurants should be like that. I would give it 5 stars but the waiters seemed all over the place. Maybe just ours. But I'm guessing he was hungover from the night before. He was one of those waiters that tries to wow you with their memorization skills by taking your order and not writing it down.. and then 5 minutes later come back to you to ask if you ordered a coke or something totally different than what you asked for. I mean really, is it that hard to write it down on a piece of paper? I don't want to tell you again. But that's a different story and this rant should belong in a Yelp equivalent of service people. Oh yeah, when I ordered my latte, I wish he had told me that there were 2 shots of espresso in it. I was totally wired the whole day making Monday morning unbearable... Overall, it's a pretty good brunch place and I'll definitely come back despite the frazzled service.
(4)
Rafael A.
I would highly recommend trying their paninis, they are probably the best I've had in Cambridge. The atmosphere is really welcoming, and the waiters and waitresses have all been very polite and helpful with the menu. If I would have to write something bad about this place it would be that it gets kind of crowded at times. Other than that this place is amazing!
(5)
Brad F.
I am soooo glad I came here because the breakfast I had here was one to remember. I ordered the "everything but the kitchen sink", which includes a belgium waffle, topped with ham, bacon, sausage, a poached egg, corned beef hash, and to top it off hollandaise sauce. I was absolutely blown away by its awesomeness!!!! Also, I got the banana bread french toast with the nutella.....YA go ahead and try to top that breakfast....I DARE YOU!
(5)
Ryan S.
I've been there 4 times. Because it's so crowded I was only able to sit twice. Minus one star, they really can't help it. Otherwise extremely friendly and personable staff. Food was excellent (although I never deviated from the greek omelet, black coffee, and homefries). The live music has always been excellent, will go back. If you can't get in, go to the other place a few doors down...er... I remember a yellow store front.
(4)
Emily T.
I went to Cafe Luna with 3 others for a late lunch (3pm) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The person taking names wrote ours town and insured us that he would find us on the tables nearby. However, after 20 minutes, we went to check in with him and he claimed he had called our name already. Well, we weren't far and we definitely didn't hear a thing. Luckily he seated us right away. The food was INCREDIBLE. So many delicious and unique options. 1 page of specials, another page of awesomeness, and I didn't even look at the regular menu. I got the S'Mac and Cheese (spicy mac and cheese with bacon) and it was amazing. Others got unique omelets that were great. Another person got the lemon ricotta pancakes which were to die for. All in all, food was fantastic. The only downfalls come from the service- waitstaff was REALLLLLLLY slow and not super responsive to refills. Coffees came at all different times and it took awhile to get condiments, etc. Also, $$$$ but worth the money in my opinion. Not looking forward to cooler weather when this place gets packed and has no outdoor seating!!
(4)
Kylie B.
Ross and I went to Sunday brunch today. We had Lobster Eggs Benedict and Lemon Blueberry Stuffed French Toast. It was delicious! The place is small and was constantly full throughout our time there. There are four tables out front on the sidewalk for when its sunny. The waitress said the kitchen was slow, so they gave us complementary cinnamon buns that were absolutely worth any wait we endured (especially the entirely reasonable wait we actually encountered). The orange juice was fresh squeezed. The portions were perfect. The price ($30.00) was well worth how lovely the food was. Excellent and attentive service by Natalie even though she was busy. Bottom line: You might have to wait for brunch, but don't skip it. If you like sweet and citrus you can't go wrong with the Lemon Blueberry French Toast, but there are at least seven other types to tempt you. If you like lobster, the Eggs Benedict is an absolutely great way to enjoy it for breakfast. Fresh squeezed orange juice is a bit pricey at $3.00, but tasty. Go get brunch here! I think you'll be glad you did. I asked Ross, "Can we come back?" because I just have to try more stuff! ... He said, "Yes!"
(4)
Jim D.
Free wireless. That's why I came to Cafe Luna on quiet sunny afternoon. And not to be bothered. I didn't even look at the food menu (shocking, I know). I ordered my mint mochas (which by the way were luscious!), took a seat in a private corner and proceeded to freeload on their wireless -- uninterrupted. Perfect. A comfy interior, convenient outside tables, a great assortment of hot and cold drinks and decent music playing are all I need to park my fanny and surf away. With none of the staff bothering me as I sat for a few leisure hours sucking up their internet, what's not to love about this place?!
(4)
Iris M.
Cafe Luna no doubt has THE best brunch in Cambridge. Everything is fresh including the corned beef hash, which is really difficult to order from a restaurant and have it not be out of a can. Waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, sausages, etc. you can't really go wrong. Luna has a solid sandwich & salad menu with really good lentil soup and chili. Wine and beer are sold here. Smoothies are good and the hot chocolate is hands down the best you will ever have! The pastries in the front case are really good, although they don't always look as appealing as they taste. The reason I give Luna five stars is because of the spacey staff, wait time and lack of dinner options. The wait staff is really nice, but can be really spacey and take a while to fulfill simple requests. It's been the same way since the place opened. However, once you've been going there long enough, it just becomes part of the scene because the food outweighs everything. It's also really difficult to just walk in during the weekend to enjoy a meal. Now you have to call in advanced for brunch and they have a 10 minute hold. I miss the quieter days, but I'm happy that the business is doing well. The only good dinner option is the pizza, which isn't served everyday. The lasagna is flavorless. And I think I've tried something else, but it was just as flavorless and therefore, not memorable. Oh, and they used to serve the best gellato that I've ever tasted (better than anything you'll find in the North End or elsewhere), but problems with the freezer case and the new design caused them to get rid of it. I wish they still sold it. Cafe Luna = good for a scheduled brunch or laidback lunch.
(4)
David M.
I'm pretty late to jump on the dogpile, but... this was the best breakfast/brunch I've had in years. And I'm not a breakfast person. Cherries jubilee waffles? YUM. Smoked salmon omelette? Righteous. And LOBSTER Eggs Benedict? Are you kidding me? I blew my entire calorie count for the week on one meal, but it was worth it. On a technical level, I have to point out that the omelette was fluffy, the waffles were amazingly light and delicious and the lobster was obviously real in the benedict. It was better than I could have done myself, which is my new standard. Only kink was the black coffee was only sorta OK, but thats one small thing. I'm a coffee snob, but it wasn't bad, just OK.
This is BY FAR one of my favorite breakfast place. I love to go on Sundays, Negative part, there is always a wait, but it it because it is THAT good, and its a small quaint place. It is all part of the atmosphere. There food is wonderful, It is a family team, Dad is the host, son is my favorite waiter, and the wife is the amazing cook! I have NEVER been dissapointed, and they always remember me, no matter how long it has been since I was last in there.
(5)
Annie M.
I looovveee Sunday brunch! :) This cute cafe had a very cozy atmosphere and yummy food. Thanks Kenneth F. for taking me! Being a Sunday, it was quite crowded and we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table to open up. While I'm more of a sweet person and the boyfriend is more of savory, this place offered great choices in both. I was very impressed by the selection as well as their seasonal menu. We ended up ordering a french toast (half order) and an egg's benedict, and a side of rosemary potatoes to share. I thought the egg's benedict was good but the french toast was a little dry. The potatoes were well seasoned and made the perfect side. One of the coolest things I liked about this place was that you can order all their brunch entrees as a half order for half the price. That's freaking awesome and even more awesome for not overpricing you to do so. I definitely want to return and try some more dishes. :) Also while you wait for your food, they give you crayons and paper table cloth so you can draw on the table like kids again. Fun!
(4)
Darlene R.
I waited several minutes to place a takeout order when there were relatively few people in the restaurant and no one in line. Seems like two of the cashiers/servers don't like each other and would rather ignore customers than help each other. Received first coffee immediately (1st server), second coffee order was wrong and needed to be re-made (2nd server), and when I asked about my food order, was told, "Oh I don't cook, the kitchen will call your name." (2nd server). First, you don't need to cook a fruit cup, Second, I have nothing to do with your bad day and the appropriate response is, "Let me check on it for you"...even if you do nothing.
(2)
Lauren B.
Simply amazing. Absolutely worth the typical hour wait for a table. Really great coffee and even better food. I have tried the lemon ricotta pancakes and the eggs benedict with fig, prosciutto, and arugula and I basically was still licking my plates when the servers came to clean up.
(5)
Celin W.
Very impressive brunch - on the slightly pricey side, and yes seating is crowded, and yes go early or make a reservation if not end up waiting (I just chose to go early at 930am on Saturday, but I think this place is delicious. They also have blue bottle coffee and free refills so what's not to like? In my two visits (in two months) I've had: Lobster eggs benedict - generous portion of fresh lobster meat, yolky eggs benedict on a light english muffin. Side of fruit. French toast - light, fluffy, sweet, but not too sweet. Came with eggs and blueberries. Lemon ricotta pancakes - shout out for these because they are a lovely complement to a brunch that might be getting too sweet. Love the generous helping of fresh berries that were on top of the light and fluffy and lemon-y pancakes. Kitchen sink - a sweet waffle, two eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, potatoes, this dish can be slightly intimidating but very delicious
(4)
Sean M.
For me, breakfast and brunch shops seem to always fall into one of four categories...diner food done poorly, diner food done well, sub-par to par creative dishes or memorable experiences. Cafe Luna must be placed in the memorable category. I ordered the salmon, bacon and avocado omelet which should be pretty standard and low-risk. To my great surprise, the omelet was not only prepared perfectly with the ingredients on the inside of the not-too-thick egg, but each ingredient presented independently and to perfection. She had the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet which performed equally as well. The fruit cup side was full of fresh blueberries and pineapple; and even the melon was fresh with a bit of crunch. Finished with a well-done New Orleans style iced coffee and the iced chai for her and we were happy to contribute to the yelp review for Cafe Luna. One word of warning...there is most times a wait and the climate reflects the day, so if you need an a/c place to cool down, this won't be it. Enjoy.
(4)
Jess L.
An hr and a half wait. But well worth the wait. Avg $15-20 per person on the pricey side for breakfasts. Also they charge 20% minimum for party 5 or more. Friendly waiters and waitresses.
(4)
Joseph L.
Let me start by saying wow! The food and the atmosphere was awesome. Reminded me of a little place back home. I had the jalapeño Mac and cheese with bacon and eggs and I added lobster for $6.00. I am impressed with how much lobster they added to it. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 only because they didn't warm up the lobster first-which was the only thing weird. All in all I truly recommend this place for brunch.
(4)
Jasmine C.
The food here is fantastic, and I think that the appeal of this restaurant is the menu, in that the food offered is meant to fulfill anyone's Boston brunch dream. Lobster avocado omlette, lobster eggs benedict, and a full menu of sweet items such as stuffed french toast and pancakes etc. I ended up only ordering the yogurt and fruit bowl because I really wasn't hungry, but the tablecloth is paper and it's so fun just to draw on it and the fruit bowl was absolutely wonderful compared to other brunch places, whilst the service was fast and efficient. Please DEFINITELY make a reservation before you go, because otherwise the wait will be impossibly long. It's loud and there are a lot of people coming in and out, so be prepared for that as well.
(4)
Marisa M.
The absolute best breakfast I've ever eaten! You'll want to get there a half hour before they open.
(5)
Iris S.
Without a doubt my favorite brunch spot in the area. I've been to Cafe Luna around 5 times, and have yet to find something on the menu that disappoints. On the most recent visit, mom and I ordered the steak and lobster eggs benedict and the lemon ricotta pancakes. On its own, eggs Benedict is already one of the greatest creation known to man, but when you add steak and lobster on top, well, need I say more? The eggs benedict is adorned with a generous amount of steak/lobster meat as well as perfectly poached eggs. The lemon ricotta pancakes are super fluffy, not too sweet, and topped off with fresh berries. There is no way to leave Cafe Luna with an unhappy stomach. Just an additional note: Cafe Luna is on the pricier side, but portion sizes are HUGE. Also, it's a tiny place so arrive real early or expect to wait on weekends.
(5)
Shir L.
I wish i was informed about this on weekdays... No honey bisquits No corn beef hash No lobster eggs benedict ONLY on weekdays could i get those dishes. Therefore settled for the usual New orleans iced coffee, Kitchen sink and Lobster omelette. Dishes were good and exactly as described but the food and service was limited.
(4)
Lara S.
Great service, great food, but a long wait without a reservation! The lobster Benedict was amazing.
(4)
Karin Y.
Favorite brunch place! I had heard about Cafe Luna for awhile before finally just deciding to go there early October, and wait in line (normally, I just go to wherever has the shortest line cuz I'm so hangry!!) - but luckily, my friend and I didn't have to stand around for too long before we were seated. At first, I'll be honest - I was a little annoyed because the place was SO small and my table was almost touching the party next to our's. I like a little more privacy when I'm out grabbing brunch, so that I can gossip and talk with my friend LOL. But once the food came out, none of that mattered because we were too busy eating and taking pictures of the food, to even talk. My friend and I ordered the French toast, Jalapeno Mac n Cheese, and Spinach tomato and cheese egg benedict on biscuit. The jalapeno mac and cheese was SO delicious - the poached eggs on top was different (and normally I don't eat eggs), but I was able to finish the whole plate with my friend. The eggs benedict -- this was my first time EVER eating benedict (like I said before, I didn't like eggs) -- became my new favorite brunch food.
(4)
Elica F.
Why do people give good reviews to this restaurant? I dont understand! Super crowded and the food is pricy and not delicious at all!
(1)
Ehsan A.
Food is not that good. You are not a customer there, your are a walking money for them. They just want you to finish your food and leave.
(1)
Susanna L.
Great coffee. Loved their lobster eggs benedict. And you get to color on the table with crayons :) Just a little cramped inside. Is the kind of place where you have to pull your little 2-seater table out to squeeze/trap one person inside, and sit shoulder to shoulder with the others on the booth side.
(4)
Joyce L.
Yes, Cafe Luna is extremely small, but that didn't stop me from having one of the best brunch experiences in Boston. It's always nerve-racking to try a new place, especially one that is so highly rated on yelp probably because I hate leaving disappointed. I cannot tell you how glad I was that Cafe Luna surpassed my expectations. When we walked in, I could tell there would be a wait because of how chaotic and cramped it was, so as soon as I saw 2 bar seats open up, I immediately asked if I could sit there and the host said to sit right down. Good sign. My sister and I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and the lobster roll eggs benedict. I thought the lobster + avocado + eggs + hollandaise sauce would be overwhelming and heavy, but it wasn't at all. It was a $20 dish and there was certainly $20 worth of lobster on my plate. So refreshing to see a small cafe not skimp on the meat, you know what I mean? I always get my eggs benedict with smoked salmon, but the lobster was a nice twist and I don't know if I can go back to having my smoked salmon after I've tried this! The pancakes were really good too - HUGE pancakes, but to be honest... nothing beats mistral's lemon poppyseed pancakes . I'm not a big pancake person, but these were pretty good. Not too tart, not too sweet. For my drink, I ordered the orange mimosa. It was massive and had a 70:30 ratio for champagne to OJ, which was automatically 2 thumbs up in my book. Lastly, Sandy made the experience a perfect one. Her purple hair - that was awesome in itself, but her personality and the occasional checkins to see how we were doing was the definition of good service. I like that we were able to pay via ipad/tablet, so the payment transaction was a quick one and we were able to leave as soon as we were ready. This gem of place is certainly worth the hype on yelp, people! Believe it
(5)
Michelle L.
Came here last time on a Friday, ready to order the lobster eggs benedict, only to find out that they don't serve it on weekdays. Disappointed, I ordered the panini instead. My server was really helpful and accommodating despite me wanting a panini and an egg sunny side up haha. The latte was pretty awesome though. Service - Average. I called for a reservation on Wednesday for Friday. Upon arrival, a server told me they don't take reservations which left me confused. Maybe the person who took my call was new? Turns out they also only take reservations on weekends. The servers are all very attentive though. The place was a little smaller than I expected. My friend and I couldn't get up out of our seat until the place cleared up because it was just so busy! Do try to get the few seats near the window though, its a little more spacey and easier to maneuver. Oh there's also crayons for you to doodle on the paper table cloth which is such a cute idea!
(4)
Stephanie L.
My two friends and I came here on Saturday for brunch about 11 am. It has a huge crowd! They do take reservations, but we didn't make them. We waited about 15 minutes. It was still cold outside so we all huddled inside together friends and strangers all together! The host was friendly and welcoming. We got a table and I ordered the Lemon Mascarpone pancakes which comes with fresh berries, lemon marmalade and mascarpone cheese. I thought I would need maple syrup too, but it was actually sweet enough. It was very yummy. My two friends got cappuccino drinks and it came with fancy frothy artwork. They got egg dishes which looked good. Our server was friendly and helped my friend pick the condiments for her egg dish. The customers are mostly young. Its lively and you can order alcoholic drinks too. The tables are covered with butcher paper and there's crayons at the table so you can doodle.
(5)
Jon H.
First yelp review and there could not have been a better choice than to write about this place. Cafe Luna is just minutes away from Hmart and MIT with ample meter parking along mass ave. The feel of the cafe reminds me of a little diner. My gf and I ended up ordering two sides of sausage patties, side of scrambled eggs, lobster and avocado omelette, and chocolate waffles with fruit. Although the sausage patties were a little on the saltier side, this place still warrants 5 stars based on that lobster and avocado omelet. They also toast and butter up the bread for you. Just thinking about this place has me salivating for the dish I ordered; check the pics! I also ordered a blue bottle coffee iced mocha, which was definitely worth it.
(5)
FoodUnit F.
First time here for lunch. I ordered the BLT on multigrain with chicken. The sandwich was very tasty and the bread seemed real fresh. I would order it again. Friendly wait staff. Clean bathroom means clean kitchen. They get 4 swords.
(4)
Nicole O.
Since moving from Chicago a year ago, I have had an extremely difficult time finding a brunch spot that lives up to that of my favorite brunch spot, Toast. However, I think this place really lives up to my high expectations. As with all brunch spots, the seats fill up quickly and there is usually a long wait by 11 am; however, my friend and I were able to walk right up and find 2 seats at the bar. They have a great selection of mimosas and savory and sweet food items, additionally, they have a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free as well. They have great food for everyone and I will definitely be going back again.
(5)
Camille B.
FACT: I have traveled the world in search of the holy grail of eggs benedict. FACT: I found the holy grail of eggs benedict at Cafe Luna. It's the Prosciutto with Roasted Fig Jam and Arugula. What a waste of money traveling the world was. FACT: The people who work here are the kindest you can find. I came with my arm in a sling once. The barista literally cut my food for me when she saw me struggling. Eventually the chef sliced up the entire plate of food so I could eat! I've only ever gotten help like that from my mom. FACT: I never bother getting eggs benedict anywhere else.
(5)
Fiona H.
I've been trying to eat here for the longest time but it's always been crowded, so today was my first time trying. The food here is awesome! I ordered the buttermilk waffles and I have to say I've never had such a fluffy and soft waffle before. It came with some honey butter that i tried for the first time and it wss pretty delicious-- kind of like a smooth apple sauce taste. I also ordered a side of eggs and bacon. The eggs were garnished with some type of herb so it had an extra flavoring which was good and the bacon was cooked perfectly. For a drink I got a latte because I knew they did latte art and it was really beautiful. Overall, this place is cool. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars is for the amount of room in the place. Very small and a long wait. Easy to knock things over. Everything else was perfect so it's really too bad it doesn't have a larger space.
(4)
Moha A.
Loved this place. Came here for valentines day with my sister, no reservations so we had to wait an hour but it ended up being 40 minutes until the bar seats opened up. Had their raspberry kiss cocktail which was strong but so pretty looking, it was perfect for valentines, For brunch, i got the eggs benedict with lobster which was good, but i realized im not the biggest fan of seafood with my breakfast food. Also got the waffles with berries and they were to die for. Had strawberry cream filling and great quantity too. Coffee is free refills and blue bottle so its really good. Overall, great experience. They have a lot of items on their menu so i cant wait to come back and try something else! It was and is def worth the wait.
(4)
Audrey C.
OMG so delicious. Came here around 11 on a Sunday and the wait was about 45 minutes. We we went over to Toscaninis while we were waiting. The seating is pretty tight inside but it's definitely bearable. They give you crayons to play with at your table and it's pretty fun to play tic tac toe or something as you wait for your food. I had the prosciutto, arugula and fig jam Benedict and it was prob the best Benedict combo that I've ever had. The sweetness of the jam perfectly compliments the saltiness of the prosciutto and the egg was perfectly cooked. The home fries are also super delish, perfectly crispy on the outside with some herb flavor that's super good too. You can ask for ketchup on the side too. I definitely want to come back to try more of their menu.
(5)
Nicky F.
The lobster and steak egg Benedict was amazing. We also tried the Nutella banana Belgian waffle, the waffle tasted great but I felt like they put in too much Nutella. I also ordered the soy milk white mocha and it tasted so good! It's a seasonal drink but you should definitely try it out. My friends and I went during the super bowl weekend so the wait was very long. We waited for an hour because they did not take reservation that weekend. The staffs were nice and everything tastes good!
(5)
Mary T.
If you are going to get brunch here on the weekends, I suggest to make a reservation beforehand! My friends and I obviously learned the hard way. We waited for over an hour to get seated because we were not aware that we can make a reservation. The restaurant is small, but cozy. I like how they put a paper to cover the tables and have crayons on the table. I drew on the paper while we were waiting for our food. I can imagine kids would love to do this too! I always contemplate whether to get a savory or sweet dish for brunch, but that day I was thinking--why not both? Mainly it's because I couldn't resist! As I was waiting and waiting, I saw all of the beautiful dishes that came out from the kitchen--the eggs benedict...the omelet...the waffles...the fruit bowl... Wow! I wanted them all! My friends and I all ended up ordering eggs benedict and also an order of waffles to share! I got the lobster "roll" eggs benedict. It comes with lobster (duh) and avocado. I was hesitant at first to order this because I remember trying eggs benedict with avocado at a different restaurant and I did not like it. But this place made the eggs benedict just right! The eggs were poached just right. The yolk was still runny. As I cut into the egg for the first bite, the yolk slowly spilled over and coated the lobster meat. The avocado portion was just right to complement the lobster, eggs, and english muffin. The lobster meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was love at first bite! I finished every bite of it! I was full after that, but I still saved room for some waffles! The waffles came with fruits on top and the fruits definitely lighten the heaviness of the waffles. I thought the waffles were slightly overdone but they was still good! The waffles were more crunchy than I would have liked them though. Normally, I like a little crunch to it, but it should be soft and light. The service was overall really pretty good. Our server was really attentive. The host of the restaurant was really friendly as well. I believe I just found my favorite brunch place!
(4)
Jane P.
Awesome place for a weekend brunch or weekday lunch. I've been here for both and have always had a great experience! I came here on a weekday around 11:00 and they were serving from both the breakfast and lunch menus. Everything on the menu sounded so delicious that it was hard to decide what I wanted. I had the lunch special ($12) where you have the option 2 of the following: half of a sandwich, salad or soup. I had half the turkey, brie and apple sandwich and the genovese salad w/ avocado. The 1/2 salad portion was pretty large and the sandwich was pretty hearty as well. Everything was very fresh (no wilted greens!) and clean. My friend ordered the steak and cheese sandwich and a cashew latte, which I took a sip of and was awesome! The cafe is pretty small so on weekends, expect to wait OR call ahead and make a reservation. I love that they have the reservation option since many popular brunch places do not because they know people are willing to wait for their brunch fix.
(5)
Katy P.
Delicious food but I felt like I was in the middle of the kitchen. All of the conversation and stress that happens behind the scenes was right there playing out loudly in front of me. I've worked in restaurants so I understand that this is a part of the job but it is imperative to separate the stressful bustle of working the restaurant and the should be calm for those dining. Also, the background music did not fit the white table cloths and expensive salads. It was hard rock with heavy guitar, pretty unsettling.
(2)
Donald D.
Went on a saturday morning for brunch. It was very good overall. I didn't particularly love at particular thing we got, but it was overall a great experience. The lobster eggs benedict was good, but I didn't love it (I think I just don't love that combo). I also tried some of the sweet things that my table-mates got, and they were all delicious. One person at my table misspoke when ordering (she wanted bananas AND strawberries but accidently asked for the bananas to be replaced by strawberries), and the waitstaff immediately fixed it, even when she insisted that it didn't need to be done. The service was great. Definitely make a reservation. Some people were waiting when we sat down and were still waiting when we left.
(5)
Sam O.
Favorite weekend brunch place! They're less crowded on the weekdays but they only offer a quarter of what they offer on their weekend brunch menu. Love coming here with my boyfriend and we do one savory and one sweet dish. The savory is usually some type of eggs Benedict and the sweet is brioche French toast or waffles with fruits. The honey biscuits are delicious. I've never had trouble making a reservation by email (it's on their website). Just make sure to do it in advance :)
(5)
Andrea L.
This place is basically the definition of 5 stars. As my uber-foodie mom kept repeating (loudly), it has "THE BEST BRUNCH EVERRRR!" The savory is amazing. The sweet is amazing. The portions are huge. The seats are crammed together and a little noisy, but I couldn't care less because the food is absurdly good. I have no idea how it is that good. But it is. The location is tiny and you need a reservation (potentially weeks in advance) for the weekend unless you want to wait for a very long time. Trust me, though, this is one brunch that is worth planning ahead for. So what are you waiting for? Put it on your calendar already!
(5)
Andrew L.
To whoever the manager lady was that felt the need to reach over me as I was sitting near the front at Cafe Luna to check on coffee bag stock. Thanks for awkwardly reaching over me without a care, shifting my drink with your gritty hands and spilling it on the counter. Thanks for making me feel right at home. Sometimes the downtime service at cafes like this can be fabulous--this wasn't one of those days. Let's just say you could have taken extra measures to ensure I felt more like a customer, and less like a rug on the floor. The New Orleans Iced Coffee can stay though.
(3)
Liz M.
What a place! Friendly service (efficient!) and great food. Highlights: - Blue Bottle Coffee (from SF) - we got cappuccinos - Goat cheese/butternut/avocado omelette - great! - Jalepeno Mac n Cheese - great! - Fig goat omelette - great! Will come back!
(5)
Girl S.
I loved it!!! We will come back for sure. Service and food were top notch. The barista was a perfectionist. She knew her shit! The head server Brayden was a sweetheart and owner Matt added the icing on top.
(5)
Joyce D.
Where's the fancy coffee? Found this place on...well, Yelp! Came here with the fam bam while on vacation. The reviews of this place are accurate! The food is amazing and worth the price. Let's see, we came here for Sunday brunch and the wait time was not that long. We waited for only 30 minutes, then again, we arrived at 1:30pm. So, if you do come in the morning for brunch, be sure to arrive early. Also, the smaller your party the easier it is to seat your party sooner. The bigger the party, the longer the wait. I cannot remember what we each ordered, but I do remember that the hazelnut coffee was really good. I was a but disappointed that there was not any fancy drawing in the foam, but hey, it's okay. The food made up for the lack of fanciness. The staff is very friendly and this place seems very hipster-ish. I love that it is small and very intimate. So cute! I love the paper table covering because they provide crayons for your to draw or write thank you notes on. This place seems very eco-friendly. Great customer service from the owner! A great place for brunch! Will definitely come back here when I visit!
(4)
Liebling 3.
Great food and excellent service. That's all I can say. I highly recommend everyone to go there. Make reservation before you come. If not, it takes long time for you to wait.
(5)
Stephany L.
Such an amazing place!! Although this cafe is small and you typically need a reservation on the weekend, it's worth it! The food is always hot and delicious. The biscuits with honey butter are a must! I also enjoy the hot caramel apple cider and the breakfast slider duo. I've been many times and have never had anything bad. The customer service Matt provides is superb! All of the staff are polite and knowledgable. Call and make reservations for brunch on the weekends. Now that I'm moving 4 blocks away, I will soon be a regular!
(5)
Sheba V.
This place is always packed, but it is worth the wait! It can get pricey, but it is great for Sunday brunch. It's pretty small, but that may be why their service is wonderful. I had lobster with poached eggs and it just melted in my mouth. So, so, so good!
(5)
Lauren V.
Best brunch in town! I had the Gorgonzola, pear and bacon omelette. I do not like Gorgonzola normally, but it was incredible! The manager/owner made us feel like were regulars and treated us to warm honey buns. Definitely coming back and hopefully soon.
(5)
Farrah A.
Incredible service and delicious food! Had the Roasted Butternut Squash, Carmelized Onion Omelet...Yum! Owner brought over made to order Cinnamon Rolls and the Cookie Monster French Toast - To die for!
(5)
Xin Z.
Despite the long lines at weekends, this is one of the best brunch places in Cambridge. Not only the signature brunch dishes are delicious, we also tried their sandwiches and salads, which were tentatively made and full of flavor as well. Very Nice!
(4)
Kimberly S.
Service is great and the food is delicious! Servers are always friendly and accommodating.
(5)
Vivian C.
The plan was to visit Cafe Luna for a quick dinner. In that, I was successful. I got in and out in under an hour with a bbq short rib and caramelized onion pizza $11 (day's special) sitting happily in my tummy. Service was friendly. The dinner crowd was sparse. The cafe was noticeably prepping for a catering order. Bathrooms were two individual unisex rooms - the one I visited was rich with toilet paper. Mastercard and Visa accepted. A couple of tables were available outside for those who enjoy that sort of thing. Free Wi-Fi.
(3)
Morra Y.
We went there for brunch. I tried lobster and avocado omelet and latte. They were really good. Will come back for coffee and food though the service was mediocre.
(4)
Sean S.
Many places you get good food or good service but few do you find both. Cafe Luna being on of those places. I couldn't ask for a better way to start off my Sunday morning... Ill be sure to stop back every week I'm in town from NY
(5)
Nicole S.
Make a reservation!!! And you have to be ok with sitting uncomfortably close to the near by eaters. But it's worth it. I've eaten at cafe luna numerous times and the food never disappoints. So many options, and endless possibilities. And the people working here are always nice. That's saying something.
(4)
Linh V.
Came here for a Saturday brunch bc they take reservations (made one the day of), which is great. The service, especially from the host, was also great. I got the lemon ricotta pancakes, which were good. The bf got the corn beef hash, which was just ok and a little small. However, the space is terrible--totally cramped. I had to get up 3 times to let ppl in and out and the tables are pretty much right on top of each other so chances are you're probably eating with another party. I realize they're accommodating demand, but it kinda kills a relaxing weekend meal. Plus, if you're sitting outside, ppl just kinda hover over you. I think the servers try to make up for it, but not enough that we'd go back. Bummer.
(3)
Brittany H.
Pros: Coffee--amazing! Biscuits and honey--also amazing. It's as if they threw it on a griddle after bacon. Lobster eggs ben and omelets--just yes. Paper table clothes and crayons--you know you like it. Cons: Pricy but worth it. So, I've got nothing. If it's this good next time the rating is subject to change.
(4)
Right Y.
Here on this Saturday morning. How the host is able to make you feel you are the only client in this place is beyond me, but he is successful. The home fries, lemon ricotta pancakes are the best I've had! The barista is no joke either!
(5)
Mary M.
I would call and make reservations in advance. I feel like the staff couldn't handle seating everyone in a timely matter. Aside from that the lobster egg Benedict was amazing as well as the chocolate banana waffle. The lobster avocado omelette isn't something I would order again.
(3)
Christina C.
This is by far my favorite brunch spot in Boston/Cambridge. Stellar food plus the most genuine customer service. GETTING IN Make a reservation if you want to come here for brunch and not wait 1-2 hours. Easier of course for smaller parties of 2-4 but the staff will try to squeeze you in and then seat you close to your time. On my most recent visit, Matt the owner walked out every few minutes while we were waiting to give us status on our table. He even offered to bring us coffee/tea while we sat outside! FOOD * I have come here twice for brunch. The first time, I ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict - to die for. Picture a generous portion of fresh lobster meat, asparagus, eggs poached just right (you can request whatever degree of firmness you fancy), a dash of hollandaise sauce that doesn't leave you with a stomach ache, on tasty English muffins. The dish comes with a handful of home fries (really potatoes). * I loved the Smoked Salmon, Bacon, and Avocado Omelet on my second visit. The smoked salmon tasted fresh and flaky while the avocado came in generous slices. I chose toast which came with the omelet and ate all three slices - an anomaly for me but the buttery toasted crunch was too good to refuse. * One friend ordered the Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Omelet which he raved about. I tried a bit and enjoyed the tart balsamic twist to the figs plus the fresh leaks. My other friend splurged on the S'Mac and Cheese with no regrets. She comes from the South so she knows good gourmet mac and cheese. * Sides: Try the biscuits with honey butter. Puts Krispy Kreme to shame. :P * Coffee: Lovely roasts. They do the authentic leaf swirls on lattes too. * Overall, portion sizes here are just right - not too big so that yo have room for dessert! SERVICE Matt is the best restaurant owner I know. He makes an effort to meet and remember his customers, makes food recommendations, offers samples, and makes you feel right at home. This is the Zappos experience taken up one notch!
(5)
Denise C.
Ok so everyone has already spoken for the food. It is all very good. So I'm going to speak to something not food related. This was my first time at Cafe Luna and they have this awesome tablet payment system. The waiter drops a tablet about the size of an ipad mini and it allows you to split the bill by meal or by % of the bill and you can add the tip to your own bill with a short cut for 10-20% calculator. Then swipe your card, sign, opt for email or paper receipt and you're all set. So cool! This needs to be in every restaurant. I don't know how you would handle a cash payment but I'm assuming you would leave it at the table. Oh and the place is kid friendly..kinda. Tables are covered in paper and provided with crayons. Though if your kid is antsy there isn't room for them to waddle around.
Best brunch and coffee in town! Creative and delicious. Awesome space
(5)
Monica F.
It was freezing cold traversing the empty streets in the MIT area...and we dreadfully imagine the long walk we have to follow, guided by our blue ball on our Iphone Maps app... I was cheating as i multi-tasked switching over from the Maps app and the Yelp app..when the nearby coffee search listed Cafe Luna, appeared first on the list. And there we went..... Wow. What a wonderful save from the cold. The place was warm and cozy. It almost felt like Christmas with the lights, and the pile of snow covering the outside tables. We were greeted by the wonderful bar server, Kenneth, as we took a seat at the bar. The ambiance was very chill and there were probably only 12 to 15 tables in the cafe. The bar has beautiful arrangements of stacked brownie squares and pies that were ooooh so tempting to touch and scarf down. I also noticed a few beers on tap and bottles of wine at the bar. But as planned, we were there to get something to warm up our almost frozen used-to-California-weather bodies. The menu was posted on a chalkboard at the top of the bar. They do have a good selection of caffeine filled drinks, paninis, salads, sandwiches and other entrees. I decided to get the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Oh my. This is bloody ooh to the goodness, best fancy hot chocolate I've ever had. It is made with their own homemade caramel and hot cocoa, with a dash of organic sea salt. I definitely tasted the blast of salty and sweet in my first sip, and savoured every liquid traveling down my throat. Soooo Gooooood!!! the last sips were the best as all the salty goodness and the caramel glaze that settled at the bottom of the cup just flowed together and created the irresistable yummy flavor to my tastebuds This magic cup of goodness is part of their Specials. So definitely try it while they still have it....(However Kenneth said it might make it to their daily serves as it's a big HIT to the crowd) My friend ended up with the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and said it was like eating a spoonfull of Nutella. Who hates Nutella? Kenneth: if you're reading this..thanks for the chat! and So sorry we didn't make it to brunch! our waking times were pretty screwey...But we'll definitely see you when we come back to Boston!
(5)
Ridhima S.
Cafe Luna is the best brunch place in the area, in my opinion. I've been there twice now and have not been disappointed. The wait can be very long (we called around noon and said the earliest reservation they had was for 2:30)-- SO CALL IN ADVANCE! But it is so worth the wait. Plus, they let you color on the table while you wait for your food! You cannot go to Cafe Luna and not try their honey butter biscuits. Seriously, they are absolutely amazing! The omelettes are delicious (especially the veggie one with butternut squash)! My favorite dishes are the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with berries and the nutella banana french toast. My friends enjoyed their lobster eggs benedict and corned beef hash. And don't forget to try their home fries!! It's rare to find TASTY home fries, and Cafe Luna does them right!
Amazing brunch but I have the most experience with their catering. I order from the several times a week for my job in nearby Kendall Square. They are, by far, the most dependable and client focused caterer I have ever used ( and I have used a lot!) They put as much care in a sandwich lunch for 6 to a large social hour for 150 and they are always thinking of delicious new items! Their sandwiches are delicious, flatbread pizzas are amazing for a lunch ( paired with a salad) or as an appetizer. Their hot food is also amazing, spinach lasagna, chicken piccatta are delicious but the biggest hits are the brisket and the taco buffet. Teri ( chef and owner) could NOT be easier to work with. Cafe Luna makes my life at work a lot easier!
(5)
Nish K.
As I mentioned in my profile Cafe Luna serves the only meal (brunch) or the last meal on Earth that I would like to eat before I die. I cannot get enough of this place and now since moving to Pittsburgh, I miss it even more. This is a small cafe, located in Central Square - a short walk from the T stop. I have been here for lunch, evening coffee and of course weekend brunch. It is recommended you make reservations (either in person or on the phone) for the weekend brunch - they do take them up to a month in advance. However, there might be a wait even then when you arrive due to the size of the place. The staff is super friendly - the owners are a couple - the husband works at the front of the house, while his wife manages the kitchen. I have to say they do a good job in running this place. The staff is super friendly and even though the place is packed for brunch, I have never felt rushed. They serve freshly squeezed orange juice (excellent) and a wide variety of coffees and specialty mochas. Most of the drinks can be read off the menu on the wall. As for the food, where do I start...... Notable items for me are: "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" sampler - this is a lot of food on a plate - waffles topped with corned beef hash (a must try), bacon, eggs, sausage, home fries. Steak and Lobster BLT Benedict - the lobster and steak are perfectly cooked and their hollandaise sauce is creamy and delicious. (Lobster Eggs Benedict is another good choice) Fig Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Omelet - this one is for the healthy food lovers that don't mind a little sweet and a little salty. And my favorite, the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict - if you have never tried corned beef hash, this is where you try it. The eggs are poached perfectly on top of an English muffin to make an ultimate brunch item for me. If you like to end your brunch on a sweet note, I would recommend getting a side of the French toast (you can order half portion sizes) - the Blueberry Lemon and Nutella are the best IMO but you can't go wrong with any of the choices. There is plenty of street parking, outdoor seating in the summer, friendly staff, great food and the opportunity to hear local bands perform in the cafe - what more can you ask for!!!
(5)
Alisa K.
One of the better brunch spots in a city sorely lacking in brunch pickins. The owner was extremely gracious and kind. My only gripe is apparently the chef is super picky and will refuse to make any modifications to a dish -- like say if you are vegetarian. Seems a little ridiculous to me that you can't just leave off the side of honkin pork, but I guess there are lots of alternative options. The line is pretty long though we were able to call in earlier the same morning (Saturday) and get a table around noon. Loved my berry stuffed French toast. Will definitely go back but won't expect to be substituting any dishes made with pork juice with tofu drippings.
(4)
James O.
Welcome to one of Boston's brunch hot spots. Glad to say that the hype is well-deserved. It's got that mix of local charm, quality food, and superb staff that keeps people coming back. That being said, make a reservation. The space is small and I've heard of waits 1 hour or more. Ain't nobody got time for that. I don' think breakfast/brunch food should be too fussy and Cafe Luna delivers all the staples and a few surprises with gusto. It's all about great ingredients elevating simple dishes, which was perfectly showcased in the Spring Wrap I had on my last visit. A lightly grilled whole wheat wrap stuffed with cheddar cheese and seasonal veggies like asparagus and leeks. Paired with their home fries, an iced coffee, and good company - that's what Sundays are all about. Basically when I think of a nice casual brunch, I think of places like this. Reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere, and comforting food.
(4)
Rasha B.
This review is for their weekend brunch. It was saturday and it was very busy. the wait time for 2 was almost 20-30 min which was worth it. the had a variety of typical brunch menu. I tried the lobster avocado omelette... It was delicious.. They severe blue bottle coffee which is one of my favorite coffee beans. I'm coming back to this place for sure...
(4)
Lissa X.
I gave this place so many tries for lunch & breakfast. You would really have to have low standards to like this place. The food has no flavor. They only have a couple of soups & sandwiches that are decent but not worth the price though. Today, I decided to try their french toast. It was not french toast. It was like a heavy, sweet, disgusting cake. I also can't stand the female manager. Although she's weird & overbearingly nice with customers, she's very rude to her employees by reprimanding them in front of customers. One time, she was helping me and then she just walked away from me to yell at one of the employees. Today, her reprimanding & interrupting to the cashier took me like 10 minutes to get rung out for my to-go order. Don't think I want to go back to this place again.
(2)
David A.
What a happenin' place! Very courteous wait-staff, great menu. I stopped by on Saturday during their brunch. This little place was packed with a 30-min table wait, but I got a counter seat right away. The menu features a varied selection of typical breakfast fare, along with a number of specialty items like lobster, steak, etc. On the waiter's suggestion, I tried the corned beef hash with poached eggs. Because I'm gluten-free, they substituted home fries for toast. The meal was delivered quickly. Everything was to order and great. I'll be back.
(5)
Hansel B.
Came here for lunch about 3 times... my co-workers kept saying it was good so I gave it a try. Third time I ordered a panini, part of the chicken was completely raw. I'm not talking under cooked here, completely RAW! ( piece about the size of a thumb). The panini's are overpriced (most places in this area are) and I wasnt crazy about the place to begin with. After that experience, I've never been back. I go to Sola (the sister restaurant), they are overpriced as well, but at least the food isn't raw!
(2)
Kaitlyn O.
Went there for brunch. It's good but its just so crowded and cramped that I can't give it full credit.
(3)
Susanna W.
3.5 stars for food. We stopped by bright and earlyish Sunday morning for brunch. Lucky for us we arrived just as they were opening, and were seated promptly. AMBIANCE: Snug and cozy, Cafe Luna was all hustle and bustle Sunday morning. Tables were spaced fairly close to one another, making it quite easy to listen in on neighboring conversations. The walls are decorated with staff voted best table art drawings. SERVICE: Nothing to complain about here. Our waiter was friendly, and fairly easy to flag down. Plus he brought me a brand spankin' new black crayon with a nice sharp tip. FOOD: - Pumpkin stuffed french toast: Too soft for my taste. The texture just seemed wrong for french toast. There was no crispy chewiness to be found anywhere! Just a whole lot of slightly mushy brioche. The pumpkin spice flavor could have been taken up a notch as I also found it to be a bit bland. - Corned beef hash eggs benedict: Advertised as "addictive," this dish was quite good. I loved that the poached eggs had runny yolks and that they were sparing in the use of Hollandaise (not too rich). The corned beef hash was a little bit on the salty side. - Western home fries: Standard fare-- nice mix of ham, onions and bell peppers. Eggs were pretty tasteless... so the whole thing could've used a good dousing of ketchup and tabasco. OVERALL: We had a fun time creating our crayontastic table art piece ("Lobster Tea Party") and enjoyed sharing our food family style. However, we decided to stop by a day later to see if they would follow through on their promises to hang up our art... and they DID NOT! Minus points right there. :( Otherwise, arrive early if you don't want to wait for seating!
(3)
Kathy M.
Brunch!! Fortunately, my gf and i got here at 9:55am and we were seated early as they opened at 10am and man, they got packed right away...and for good reason. Awesome selection of brunch items. I went for the nutella french toast which was really great and a mocha latte. Chocolate heaven! Service was great but the space was pretty tight as they got slammed pretty early. They also serve booze which is great! will def be back.
(4)
Geoff c.
On a beautiful weekend, the wait was pretty long, but with a combination of a very nice manager, jazz band playing outside, and sunshine, waiting was not a problem. As with many gems in the area, seating is very limited so.. expect to wait, even with a reservation. The food is the reason for the mediocre rating. We were there for a brunch/lunch on Sunday. I ordered a sampler, which was described as a staff favorite, but I found the food to be quite plain and lacking. The bacon was overdone. The waffle was a bit dull. The ham and sausage were nothing worth noting. My friends' dishes were better than mine. But still nothing that I thought was spectacular. The biscuits and apple butter honey were, however, amazing. If I could choose one dish with which I would die, I think I've found it. Death by apple butter honey biscuits. ftw.
This place is amazing - if you are thinking about brunch somewhere near central square definitely go here. I've been a few times and made reservations - with reservations my wait has ranged from 0 - 10 mins which is not bad at all. The tables have table clothes and paper for coloring which is a very nice idea. They do have restrooms in the back which is convenient. I lean towards the more savory dishes and have tried eggs benedict and omelets - I do think I prefer the omelets more but probably personal preference. Definitely get the home fries - very flavorful. Also, I recommend the honey butter biscuits for a brunch appetizer. The coffee is wonderful - but the chai with an espresso shot - YUM. The food arrives quickly after you order which is nice because it takes me forever to decide after receiving the huge menu, and the service is fantastic. I agree with most other reviews - the owner really seems to enjoy working there and is a wonderful host. If you pay with a credit card they bring the machine over and you don't even have to calculate tip - just press the percentage and you're good to go - full and happy.
(5)
Zulu Q.
People who know me well know that I hate sandwiches. This place has good sandwiches. That's not me lowering my standards and settling for mediocrity. Those sandwiches are actually rather good. (Of course, I order them without condiments).
(4)
Tamara S.
The lobster avocado omelette was insanely delicious. The waffles also looked amazing, and I'll have to go back for them. It was a little on the pricey side, but the major downside was the wait - we managed to get in early because we were willing to take an outside seat in the cold that nobody wanted - but there was a *2* hour wait!! I don't think it's quite worth that - I might try going on a weekday and see if that helps.
(4)
Eric F.
Solid (more or less) brunch fare, but a forgettable experience all things considered. Thank goodness I got there early, it was 10 minutes til opening and there were already 5 people in front of me. My friends and I did manage to get seated in a decent amount of time, but we ended up having to sit at the bar...comfy stools, but no hooks or space to put bags/coats. I appreciated the expansive list of options for every category including half orders and single or short stacks as it let me try both the Fresh Berry Stuffed French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes. The former was quite good, soft and fluffy albeit a bit cold. The pancake was small and, honestly, just marginally better than one made at home from some mix. It's a rare occurrence when I decide not to finish brunch despite still being hungry. My cappuccino was mediocre too - where's the foam art? On a more positive note, the staff's very friendly...just not very attentive. At least the host had the awareness to let us know that our food was on the way after a lengthy wait. As some others have mentioned, the atmosphere is indeed cramped and uncomfortable. So in a nutshell, good (but not great) French toast salvaged lackluster...well...everything else. Worth a one time try if you have a reservation, otherwise don't bother waiting more than a couple minutes for a table especially in the freezing weather.
(2)
John B.
I recently had my first experience at Cafe Luna. Thanks to many Yelpers, I arrived at Cafe Luna 10 minutes before they opened on a Sunday morning. Even arriving early, my girlfriend and I were still subject to a wait. The manager kindly informed us that he would try to get us in but otherwise we may need to wait for a short period of time. He was very personable and up front and was eager to learn that it was our first time there. He made the wait much more pleasant than it could have been. Our lucked turned up as the people in front of us disappeared and we were able to get a table almost immediately. The hardest part about dining at Cafe Luna is not the wait, but rather what to select from their expansive menu. Being a rather picky breakfast eater, I found myself unsure of what I wanted to order, but eventually landed on the banana split french toast. It was the most decadent and creative breakfast meals I have had in a long time. My girlfriend ordered the grilled pear, bacon and gorgonzola omelet and she did not go wrong either. Those meals paired with a well brewed and artfully crafted cappuccino made for a great breakfast. In closing, if you are interested in their brunch, be smart and make a reservation. I know I will going forward. You make not like it if you do not like sitting close to people you do not know but the crowd is very excited to be there and people tend to be pretty friendly in those situations.
(5)
Jenny D.
Delicious brunch! Get there early (before 10) to avoid a wait. We waited an hour but the food was well worth it. Amazing selection on brunch menu. Service was excellent also and the manager even brought free cinnamon rolls over. I had the lobster benedict and it was one of the best meals I had in my whole 4 month stay in Boston!
(5)
Brett A.
Cool place for lunch. I've gotten many unique sandwiches and great soups here for a while now. I do recommend it! Their salads are pretty good too!! I've loved their greek salad, and chicken salad sandwich and their steak and cheese sandwich. All very tasty :)
(4)
Monica B.
I was recently at Cafe Luna and loved, loved, loved the food! A few things you need to take into consideration: - The place is small, so don't expect to have much leg/table room. - Be prepared for a long wait unless you make a reservation, then you will wait but for much less time. - Be prepared to eat delicious food. We had Lobster Egg Benedict, Avocado Lobster omelet and Blueberry pancakes. EVERYTHING was delicious. I promise, you will have trouble deciding what to get. Everything sounds and looks delicious. We had a small problem at first, when the host tried to sit our party of three in a table for two. My friend pointed out the issue and the host was quick to find us a more satisfactory solution. We also received complimentary delicious cinnamon rolls. Nicely done. I will definitely go back to this place!
(5)
Alan S.
I've been interested in trying this place for a very long time and finally was able to try it out with a group of friends on Friday morning. We had a group of 6 and it was nice to be able to make a reservation for brunch. The restaurant was at capacity but they had our table ready when we arrived. Only downside was that the temperatures were sky high and the restaurant did not have air conditioning. We were all sweaty when we left. Otherwise the food was fantastic. The menu was extensive and there were several alternatives to traditional breakfast items that I look forward to trying. One of my all time favorite breakfast items are lemon ricotta pancakes (I first had them when I was a server at the Four Seasons in Seattle) and was thrilled when I saw them on the Cafe Luna menu. These lived up to my high expectations. So light and moist compared to a traditional pancake. We also got a few orders of honey biscuits. Sweet and delicious .. wish I could have had a few more! My friends were very happy with their french toast, pancakes, and egg benedict choices. I look forward to trying their corned beef hash! Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Katie O.
Absolutely delicious everything! Even the grilled cheese is delectable. Also, hands down the BEST hazelnut latte I've ever had. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Fay F.
lobster egg benedict is classic and a must try. Atmosphere is casual. I always like to draw and Start imagining at the table of LunA!
(4)
Elaine L.
We had to wait for 10-15 minutes even though we made a reservation. The manager (owner?) was very nice, so we had no problem waiting. I had fun drawing on the table while waiting for my food. And the Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict was so GOOOOOD! The table next to us ordered french toast and waffle and both looked very yummy. I will definitly come back and try the french toast soon!!
(5)
Calvin Y.
French Toast -- Cafe Luna's French Toast was not bad -- it had a lot going for it -- fresh fruit, yummy whipped cream. Unfortunately as we were dining al fresco in the 90 degree heat (not by choice, but because the restaurant was packed), it was a lot harder to enjoy Cafe Luna in its full glory. Cafe Luna could make it a lot more enjoyable if they made sure we had iced water readily available -- oftentimes our glasses were empty and didn't get much service. It could be that we were dining right in front of the Indian restaurant, so were a little further away.
(3)
jun k.
First of all, great food, great ambiance, GREAT service. and totally worked for a group for 11 people. I found this place through Yelp and I called to make a reservation and left a message. I called them a few days later and they said that a later time would be good for a reservation for such a large party. They called also to make sure that we would know that since everything is made to order and because it's smaller, that there might be some delays with the food and that they would be able to accomodate us during a non-busy hour (so 2pm). Well, as usual with groups, people dropped and added, and Cafe Luna was super gracious about the changes.. and even when we were there at 2, they were fixing tables around and we had to wait extra because the numbers kept changing. Also, they want EVERYONE WHO IS IN THE PARTY TO BE THERe.. so make sure you get there on time! The food was amazing.. and yeah, there were bits of delays, but that was okay. The service was great.. and I just loved everything about it. I'd definitely come again because the menu looked amazing and everyone's food looked great. Next time I want to get the french toast or a benny. This time around, I got an omelet, which was yummy.. what's interesting that I noticed is that with their omelets, they seem to make a generic "egg blanket" and then they fill it. Mine had prosciutto, goat cheese, and figs. Someone else had bacon, avocado, and salmon. But it wasn't necessarily cooked "into" the omelet. Loved their homefries too. I love brunches so I'm pretty picky so this was definitely a pleasant surprise WARNING: my coat/cardigan can't get the food smell out. :( I had to air them out all day outside. I'd suggest you wear something that's washable...
(5)
Stephen T.
This place lives up to its reputation as one of the best places in Boston area to get brunch. Some awesome dishes include: - Surf n turf eggs benedict (eggs benedict with lobster and steak) - Mixed berry stuffed french toast - Smoked salmon, bacon, and avocado omelet - Smothered sausage and egg biscuit Everything tastes tremendously awesome. The eggs are well poached, the biscuits are fluffy and flaky. The sauces complement all the other ingredients quite well. So why not a five star rating? Getting in can be a hassle. On Sundays they open at 10. To get seated at any time between 10 and noon, you must either call ahead to make a reservation or come at least 15 before 10. By 10:30 the is usually an hour long line at the door. The other problem is the main guy doing the seating and reservations. He has a particular way of working and if anything deviates from his method, he has trouble recovering. This means if you change the number of your party or request to be seated inside instead of outside or vice versa, He doesn't quite wrap his head around it and you eventually get regulated to the back of his head. But overall, the food is worth the hassles if you can get in without the 1+ hour wait. My suggestion, if you get there and see a long line, just come back another day. They will still be there and the food will taste just as good as if you waited in the line.
(4)
Samantha S.
The perfect cafe. Cozy interior, cheerful and laid-back waitstaff, and satisfying food, perfect for lunch/brunch. I had the Pompeii panini (moist grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, pesto), which was both delicious and perfectly constructed. The rosemary focaccia was an ideal base. A (huge) smoothie made a great accompaniment. Everyone seemed to be eating salads here, but I found the dressing on my side salad to be pretty bland. I also tasted the lentil soup (daily special), which was hearty without being heavy. It was also, surprisingly, vegetarian. Nice. The meatloaf sandwich was generous, but I thought the meatloaf itself needed more seasoning. When in need of refuge in Central Square, this should be high on your list.
(4)
Cynthia L.
4.5 Stars for a Brunch-Out of Town Review - Lobster Eggs Benedict - Huge chunks of lobster with a perfectly done egg, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce. The muffin was super tough but everything else in this dish was amazing. - French Toast with Fresh Berries - Bf thought it was ok. Although this french toast was not as good as the one I had a The Paramount, I liked that all the berries were super ripe & juicy. - Hot Apple Cider (minus only because it came in a chipped and dirty cup) - Apple Cider Mimosa - Usually you can taste the champagne in a mimosa but this one tasted like straight apple cider. - Reservations Recommended. We made a reservations for 2 on a Saturday and got a seat next to the big bay windows. It also happened to be a nice day so they opened up the windows (plus!)...people lined up before the place opened. - Pricey - I'm not sure how much breakfast is supposed to cost but for 2 people, we spent almost $60...that hurts a little, especially for breakfast.
(4)
Eliza F.
If heaven was a brunch place, it would taste like Cafe Luna. Their rotating menu of incredible and creative dishes is always made from the freshest ingredients. Not only do they have the most delicious brunch menu that I've seen in the Boston Area, it's easily the most delicious brunch menu I've ever seen. ...and I've been there multiple times. From exquisite Nutella French Toast, French Toast with cream and fresh strawberries, to perfectly done omlettes - This place is fab. Assume that you'll have to wait without a reservation and account for that, but know that it's worth the wait. The host runs a tight, well choreographed ship. (Yes, I know. I just mixed a metaphor.) On weekends, I highly recommend arriving 10 minutes before they open to get your name on the list OR making a reservation and having all of your party there on time. However, once your in - The service is friendly and extremely attentive. Even when I know they're slammed, I've never felt rushed. The seating is tight. It's good for groups of 2-4 people, but not more. Once it's warm, they do have outside seating too. If your wheelchair or scooter can fit into tight spots, it's fully accessible including the bathroom. Be warned though, there isn't much room to maneuver. Great for catching up with an old friend or taking your special someone out for a treat.
(5)
Ladyjane S.
I really wasn't prepared to dish out a 5 star review for an overpriced brunch spot, but considering the amount of times I muttered "oh my god" during my meal, I think it's only fair. I loved my lemon berry waffle. Picture a perfectly cooked waffle topped with the freshest berries imaginable with a lemon compote and a dollop of marscapone. Oh. My. God. My dining companions loved their steak & eggs and corned beef hash benedict. I think you can get pretty much anything on the menu and it will be great. We were assured as soon as we sat down that everything was made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. I believe it. This is quality food done right. Not only is the food great, but the waitstaff are some of the happiest and friendliest people I've ever seen in a restaurant. Whatever happy pills they're taking, I want some. I really wish they had a bigger space but honestly, it is worth the wait. If you're going to be a crabbypants after waiting, you might want to wait until the warmer months to come here, and shorten the line for me while I'm shivering out in the cold waiting for my dose of happy.
(5)
David P.
I've been here for both lunch and brunch. Brunch is to die for. The surf and turf eggs benedict is phenomenal - the poached eggs are always cooked to perfection. The omelets are also good but you can't go wrong with eggs benedict. The hazelnut latte is also really good. It's sweet but not overly sweet. If you want to go for brunch on the weekend, make sure to call the night before and get your name on their list. Or make sure you get there at least 10-15 minutes before they open to make sure you're first in line. If you're not first or second in line you're in for at least an hour wait. Also, keep your party small - aka four or less. They can occasionally fit 5 but then you better call ahead. For lunch the food is pretty good for a sandwich shop. I'm not a huge fan of sandwiches either way so it's pretty good but not the cheapest. For lunch, just walk up to the counter and order and then find a seat. If you are eating with someone, you may want to have someone save the seat while the other person orders. Cafe Luna also accepts LevelUp for payments. You get $2 off your first purchase and $10 once you spend $100.
(5)
Mei l.
Not only their food are good. Their service are the best. I love everyone who works there. I had brunch there and the price is reasonable.
(5)
Angela Q.
Cafe Luna is my favorite Brunch place in Boston. Word of warning, reserve early if you are planning to come here for Sunday brunch. The place is small and is a very popular destination for weekend brunch. My favorite is the Berry Stuffed French Toast. I wish I could eat it every day. AMAZING!!
(5)
Jennifer B.
Delicious. We went for brunch. They have such a unique menu plus a seasonal menu that changes every month. You know a place is good when you want to order and are deciding between 6 different things. My boyfriend ordered the pear and Gorgonzola omelette and I ordered everything but the sink. Everything was super tasty
(5)
Joyce T.
Pros: 1. Lemon curd pancakes with fresh berries: light, fluffy amazingness. I actually liked this more than the omelet and I'm usually a savory breakfast person! 2. Coolest "check" app ever where each party can select their dishes and pay separately. Awesome! 3. Service: We made reservations so as soon as my 3rd person got there, they seated us promptly. Server was great. 4. Outdoor seating on a 90 degree day was actually not that bad with the breeze. About 10 degrees cooler and it would have been perfect! But unfortunately, weather is not under the jurisdiction of Cafe Luna. Middle ground: 1. Fig proscuitto omelet: Goat cheese was not spread out so a lot of the omelet tasted a bit dry until I uncovered my omelet to spread the goat cheese love. Interesting sweet-savory taste. 2. Chai: Well, it was 90 degrees out so the ice melted pretty fast and diluted the chai. I'd like to taste the chai hot sometime this fall and evaluate again. Cons: 1. Potatoes: Too crisy, like rocks and half of them too hard to eat. The pancakes made up for that, though.
I went here recently for brunch and loved it! The lemon ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy with just enough sweetness. Highly recommend! My friend enjoyed her gorgonzola pear omelette. Just wish there was some complimentary bread. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Erica Z.
I love brunch here! It's always crowded since it's so small, but I don't mind waiting outside in the summer when I forget to make a reservation. The hostess & servers are SO friendly. I've had a few different things from the menu, and they're always delicious. The biscuits w/ honey butter are the best things I have ever tasted. Mimosas & lattes also tasty. Inside is crowded but cute & there's nice outdoor seating in the summer. I've stopped in a few times at night for a hot beverage, and there's always a nice sized crowd of couples & friends.
(5)
Rob Y.
Food (9.5/10) = I want to kidnap these people, take them back with me to Shreveport, LA, and force them to open up a Cafe Luna. My friends and I arrived at Cafe Luna on a Saturday at 10 am (when they open), and there was already a line at the door. Incredible. A sign that the food was going to be absolutely delicious. Indeed it was! We ordered the following: 1) Hazelnut Cafe Latte = This was amazing. I got the medium, but should've gotten the large. Several yelpers have posted pictures of the art that these guys do to their drinks. It's beautiful. It's delicious. It's....I don't know what else to say. Go try it! 2) French Toast with Nutella and Bananas = If there was a place to worship the French Toast Gods...it's right here at Cafe Luna. The French Toast has been mentioned several times by Yelpers, and there is damn good reason for it. If you could only order ONE thing from this place, it has to be the french toast. If you don't try this...we can't be friends. 3) Omelette with Figs, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese, served with home fries = When I saw this on the menu, I couldn't let it go. I already had the french toast in mind, and did not want to spend more money on brunch. In the end, I'm glad I did (since I don't have these kind of things in Shreveport, LA). There was the sweetness coming from the figs. There was the saltiness from the prosciutto. There was the creaminess from the cheese. A wonderful flavor profile! 4) Waffles with Bananas and Chocolate = The waffles were good, but nothing special. I'm talking about the regular waffles. No idea how good their Belgium waffles are. 5) Omelette with Lobster and Avocado, served with home fries = My friend got this dish. Lobster and avocado go well together in my opinion, and they also work with eggs. I enjoyed the fig/prosciutto/goat cheese omelette more though. Ambiance (8.0/10) = A really nice establishment in Cambridge. Several tables outside. Service (8.5/10) = Servers were attentive. No complaints. It took a while for the food to get out, but I soon forgot about the wait after tasting the food. Overall Opinion = Would I come back to this place the next time I visit Boston? Hell yea! It's a sure thing. Going straight for their french toast. If you live in Boston and haven't tried this place,....what the hell are you doing?! There is no excuse!
(5)
Eric M.
This has to be one of the best places to eat, hands down. I've been venturing to Central Square for a few years solely for this place. The food is incredible, the prices are good, the owners are awesome, plus you get to color on the tables! What more could you ask for? I bring all my friends and out of town guests here because its worth it. The weekend brunch is easily one of the best around. You have to try the Lobster Eggs Benedict OR the Nutella & Banana stuffed French Toast. No syrup necessary and it's still moist and quite delicious.
(5)
Alex K.
Lemon Ricotta pancakes are literally the most delicious thing I have ever had!!! Perfectly balanced flavor, light and fluffy! Their prosciutto and fig jam eggs Benedict are also awesome! Totally worth the ridiculous wait!
(5)
Jaimie M.
This place makes a mean salad! I love the salads with goat cheese and dried cranberries. Absolutely delicious. The bread that comes with it is also perfect, and I love the big, wooden bowls they're served in. Also makes a mean iced chai.
I came here with four of my friends, and I'm excited to come back. I wasn't too hungry, so I got a cup of soup, white chicken chili. It came with a french baguette that was perfectly crispy and delicious. I also got the pumpkin chocolate chip bread pudding, which was good, though not mind-blowing. It was also quite a large portion. The best part, though, is getting to color on the tablecloths.
(4)
Erin R.
This place isn't innovative, but completely necessary. The latte was hot and fantastically decorated with a foam leaf. The Belgium waffle was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and had just a hint of vanilla. Also, the fruit was fresh and juicy. The only thing I didn't love was sitting elbow-to-elbow with college students who did nothing but gossip about their friends and hook-ups. I thought MIT students were a bit more intellectual... turns out, no. Choosy Eaters Certified
(3)
Shalin D.
Even though Cafe Luna has a strip-mall feel to it, you feel like you're in an out of way restaurant, munching on some solid lunch food. Case in point: on a late Thursday afternoon, I and a friend ordered up some sandwiches and a pint of beer. I ordered the turkey, brie, and apple sandwich. A good choice: fresh bread with all the right textures (creamy from the brie, chewy from the turkey, and crispy from the apple). And the beer was a nice complement to the sandwich - a good way to relax on one of the last sunny days in Boston for a while.
(4)
Julia Z.
Went there for brunch on a Saturday; it was overly crowded but service was warm and friendly. They worked very hard to meet everyone's need and even made a Green Tea Latte for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Brunch menu was creative and their corn beef hash browns were phenomenal. Its a must try breakfast place and highly recommended!
(4)
Helen V.
I hate to deliver the unpopular decision, but I'll have to... It was Sunday afternoon, bustling with the brunch crowd. The weather was glorious and of course, the seating spilled outside the restaurant. Trusting Yelp after reading many reviews and after drooling at the posted pictures, I decided this is where our group should satisfy our taste buds. We walk up to the location and notice plenty of people sitting on the concrete benches waiting for what seemed like a 20 person seater restaurant. There is, what seems to be, a host standing just outside the door by a utensil cart. He seemed a bit idle in the midst of the chaos inside. I ask him how long the wait will be and he responds uncertain that it is an hour. Ok, we leave, dawdle around Mass Ave., and I return as the boys are getting the last minutes of the Spain vs Italy game. This time, there seemed to be no wait and more of a calm. The 'host' couldn't tell me how long we would have to wait and kept insisting that I wait for the manager to tell me the estimated wait time. Time passes by...and by...and by...the 'host' tells me that the manager is almost coming out and that it is busy... So I wait...I catch a glimpse of the manager near the door, chatting for another 5 minutes with customers...I think to myself, once he's done, he'll pop out and tell me quick, then get back to his duties. Nope...he finishes his convo and turns away into the restaurant abyss. So, I wait,...another couple waits with me. I give them my account of the waiting game I've played and the woman goes in requesting that we be spoken to. Another minute or two, the manager comes out with a 'Oh, what can I do?'...I tell him that I've been waiting for 15 minutes...he says something to the extent to imply that I lied... I leave...and am dragged back in 15 minutes... The boys really want to grab brunch there, since the crowd seemed to say something about the quality. My bf tries to grab us seats once again...And even him, more patient than I, was not even spoken to for another 5-10 minutes. He noticed the manager not even acknowledging him or others waiting at the door..., the staff were not bustling about as the restaurant had been, rather just gabbing in a group while patrons waited for some help. I wanted to like you Cafe Luna. I read reviews that the manager was nice and in turn, thought the service would be so.... I don't think I'll ever give you a cent and I'll definitely have to warn others of your rude behavior.
(1)
Steven B.
Overall a good experience, the guy knew the RIGHT way to do a latte. None of that starbucks crap here folks! I had to take off 1 star, though because my server refused to "hook it up" even after asking politely!
(4)
Emily W.
Cafe Luna is unparalleled in breakfast/brunch fare! The wait might be a little long, especially for weekend brunch, but let me assure you, it is well worth the wait. Making reservations ahead of time will save you a little waiting time. (Although I will say, the one time we waited super long, the owner was super apologetic and gave us free, delicious cinnamon rolls! Such a nice guy.)
(5)
Emily R.
just left this place...it was amazing. i ate everything on my plate ..which is rare for me. i had the "everything but the kitchen sink" and im obsessed! to top it off the service was amazing. the manager i think..was seating people and was so great..as was our server. make sure you get the orange juice..so good! this place was worth every penny and the short wait to be seated! ill be back very soooon!
(5)
Katie I.
We decided to be brave and daring on a late Sunday morning and tried to get into brunch without a reservation. We got lucky, and got a table in the front window of Cafe Luna on the first shot. :) The host was very friendly and offered us a choice of which seats he had available in the cafe. We parked ourselves at a small table in the front window and waited for brunch to begin. If you like ecclectic coffee shops, delicious breakfast foods, and lattes made by artists, then please come to Cafe Luna. You will not be disappointed. The vanilla latte was fantastic. Not too sweet, not too dry - just right. could have stayed all day just for the coffee. My fella had the eggs benedict and I went with the lemon ricotta pancakes. Needless to say, we needed naps after we ate. The food was absolutely delicious. The pancakes were lighter than you would expect, and the flavors worked in perfect harmony. The eggs benedict were cooked perfectly as welll. I was hoping to snag more than one taste, but they were gone from his plate before I could even look up from mine. Cafe Luna is a must-have when you are in Cambridge. My only reason for not giving a full five stars is the amount of space in the cafe. It is a smaller space and they use every square foot of space in order to accomodate their patrons. I would not mind seeing them expand or open a second location. (hint hint...)
This review is for brunch menu only. 1. The famous French toast: I got the stuffed berries french toast and i definitely misunderstood the name. By "stuffed" they mean no more than ten berries and a strawberry (maybe two). They did a good job presenting it though and check the photo you will see what i mean. The first few bites are actually pretty charming;the fruit is fresh and there are no heavy loads of syrupy attack. But after the limited amount of berries are consumed all you have on plate are soggy bread, which tastes bland and unpleasant on its own. I normally don't like sweeties, but at that point i craved for more sugar powder or whipped cream. 2. The pumpkin-spiced chai latte: now this is the item that brings down the rating to two stars. It is a cup of liquid sugar in essence. The pumpkin spice is definitely there, but boy all that sweetness paralyzed my taste instantly. If you enjoy eating Oreos piece after piece without stop, this is the drink for you. Cafe Luna gets seriously busy during weekend brunch hours. I was able to grab a seat at the bar inside, but i came out with kitchen smell all over me. It is a tiny little cafe with very limited seats, not so good ventilation and huge traffic. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for a quiet and mind-soothing dining spot i don't suggest this place.
(2)
Moses S.
Let me save you guys the trouble of deciding what you want: corned-beef hash benedict... That is all
When it comes to brunch in Boston, Cafe Luna is the place to go! I have always had amazing and friendly service from the owner/manager on down to the wait staff. Sometimes the staff will bring cinnamon buns warm from the oven 'just because'. The brunch menu is very good and high quality. The space is small, but very cozy and lively. They put white paper on the tables and provide crayons so that you can doodle while you wait for your food. Overall, worth waiting for a spot on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning!
(5)
Eric B.
This was the third time we had brunch at Cafe Luna and this place is my favorite. I had waffles with caramelized apples which is like have breakfast and desert at the same time. The first time I had waffles and wings on a Saturday and then came back on Sunday and had the same thing again. I would have had them again on this trip but they must have been a special and weren't available. There will be a wait but it is well worth it. The people working there are a lot of fun. You need to try this place!
(5)
Emily T.
This place is a brunch heaven. I have been here several times and it is my go to spot for weekend brunch with a lover, friends, family you name it. The food is delicious and the people are great. Waffles come with the perfect combination of crunchy yet chewy. Their menu allows you to satisfy any breakfast desire you have. From the fresh and fruity pancakes and waffles with a beautiful assortment of berries and fruit to smoked salmon Benedict and vegan sausage chorizo egg scramble awesomeness (or chicken sausage if you're into that sort of thing). Coffee is great, lattes always made to perfection and mimosas are Very generous! Try the fall apple cider mimosa special. Delicious@
(5)
Breun R.
Service was excellent. Food was even better! The "Everyting but te Kitchen Sink" Sampler is worth its weight in gold. Seriously, it's that good. I also sampled the Lemon Ricota Pancakes wit Fresh Berries and it was heavenly. The owner was very welcoming and ensured that we had a great visit. I now understand why there's a wait here. TIP: The restaurant is very small and cozy. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. However, I think it's worth the hour wait without one. I love their checkout process. It's quick and efficient. Swipe, Sign, and print receipt (or not). It's a 30 second process if that. This may be that best brunch I've had in the Boston area. Thanks for making me a new regular customer Cafe Luna!
(5)
Joel F.
Blue Bottle coffee! Only place I've found it in Boston. Servers are very friendly.
(5)
Kara H.
Cafe Luna is delicious, I deduct one star because I think it is a bit pricey for what you get. I've tried many of the brunch options and never had a bad experience, their sandwiches are also interesting (the thanksgiving sandwich is especially good!) The service is really good for how crowded this place is, and believe me this place is PACKED on the weekends. The nicest part is that they take reservations, so I would definitely make one before you go so you don't end up waiting 3 hours for a table.
(4)
Charlie C.
Excellent brunch spot! Very attentive wait staff, great coffee and delicious eats. I had the lobster eggs Benedict - outstanding. My wife had the delicious lemon ricotta pancakes. Every member of our group raved about their choices - and we shared biscuits and waffles.
(5)
Ellen A.
Went here yesterday afternoon, reservations at 1:15pm on a Saturday. The man that we checked in was swonderful from the very start. Checking in with us whenever he had a chance. Would have his eye on tables finishing up, check-in with tables finishing to see if they needed their check but without being invasive (but was reasonable esp since there was a number of people waiting). Even saw him clean-up a few tables. He was calm, yet in control. Couldn't of imagined a better way of being greeted at a busy, brunch venue. Also, food was great! Had the Fig, Prosciutto Benedict and my boyfriend got the Lobster benedict. Added joy in our day, the seasonal mimosas. One minor set back was our waiter lagged/prbly forgot about a drink order. Which is fine. Busy day. Tots get it, it's a weekend brunch day. But still, major plus on the host and the food! Thanks for a great afternoon brunch. Was worth every dime. Will def go again!
(5)
Nhi N.
The wait at this restaurant is obscene! There were people who came in with a reservation and still had to wait. I'm not docking points because of the wait, I'm just surprised that the wait is that long for a restaurant that isn't that memorable. The brunch menu is admittedly quite exciting by description (pumpkin spice pancake, grilled pear & cheese omelet - if I recall correctly). My friend ordered a steak & omelet (she tends to go safe; and for a safe choice that's hard to mess up, it's ok, not spectacular). I ordered the lobster egg benedict. The eggs were poached perfectly, but the rest was alright. It was good, but I don't think I care enough to wait here. We waited 1 hour.
(3)
Carrie P.
Lobster. Eggs. Benedict. The three most magical brunch words that you will ever hear. Unless you hear Goat. Cheese. Omelet. It was a bummer to wait outside in all the heat, and the place isn't very air conditioned, but it was definitely worth it. The manager, a very friendly gentleman, was accurate about our wait time, and the food made it completely worth the wait. Check out the menu. Seriously. Look it up. Right now. The variety is stunning, and everything sounds delicious. I never would have thought of Lobster Eggs Benedict, but it was delicious. Brunch places in Boston-area always have a long wait. The key is to either go early (pre 9am) or go late (post 2pm) to cut down on the wait. I would recommend this place on a cooler day, but hopefully not a cold day.
(4)
Lauren D.
Cafe Luna has one of the best, if not the best, brunches in Cambridge. It is reasonably priced for the quality of the food and there are many scrumptious options. I highly recommend their fall specials. We had the pumpkin pie french toast and the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet. We also ordered a side of corned beef hash, which was some of the best corned beef hash I've ever had. Oh, and the lattes are beautiful and tasty. We tried the mint and the hazelnut. Both were exceptional. It's true the service is not perfect. On the one hand, they have a really cool check out system where you get your receipt and can pay and divide the check amongst your party. This is very efficient. On the other hand, they manage their reservations and waiting parties on a piece of paper. With the volume of customers they have on Sunday, they really need to invest in pagers. I was so happy we had a reservation because even with a reservation we waited 15 minutes. I thought the man in charge of seating every one did very well, but the magnitude of the job was too great for just a pen and paper. I also thought they could have someone (more people?) walking around to fill water glasses. Other than that, great experience and truly wonderful food. I feel no hesitancy in giving Cafe Luna five stars.
(5)
Tia K.
This review is for their flat bread pizza! They tasted fresh and very tasty!!! We ordered the buffalo chicken pizza and margherita pizza and they're gone within seconds coz they were very delicious! I only wish that in general the service would have been faster (perhaps it was because we sat outside?). They mixed up our order, so we had to wait longer. The owner and waitress apologized to us (twice) for the mistake, so that was very kind of them. My friends who go there often have mentioned that you can't go wrong with anything that you order from Cafe Luna. I will certainly check out this place again the next time I visit Cambridge.
(4)
Colin P.
Great food and service once we got in. I had the everything but the kitchen sink and my GF had brioche french toast with fresh fruit. Would recommend both and the americano was great! I am giving them a four star review simply because we got there when it opened, put our names down, and were told it would take 30-35 minutes to be seated. It ended up taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. For the record we were there on a Sunday morning at 10am so I imagine if we had gotten there 15 minutes earlier we would not have had to wait at all.
(4)
Jae C.
Got lucky on a Sunday afternoon. They take rsvps on a clipboard and the wait seemed to be 45 min on average, but we were able to snag some seats as another group was a no-show. The brunch entrees are just so well done. We got their biscuits and honey butter to start. The biscuits were lightly grilled and had a lovely crumbly texture. The honey butter was just ridiculously good. I could've probably ate 10 of those but I had to hold back. I got the "everything but the..." entree and it was a waffle topped with ham, bacon and scrambled eggs--also came with corned beef hash on the side. They serve coffee using Blue Bottle beans and they did it justice in preparing it. Coffee is bottomless if you order but they don't really do a good job of refilling. The concept of the restaurant reminds me a bit of a Philadelphia spot called Sabrina's, if you've ever been.
(4)
Christopher F.
I have gone to Cafe Luna on two occasions and overall would give this place a 3.5 stars based on the items I have had from them. The first time I came to Cafe Luna, I ordered the specialty meatloaf melt . The sandwich was very dry and and the combination of flavors did not mix well to me. Also, the meatloaf was very sweet--which could be from the ketchup commonly used for this dish, but I felt was a bit too much. The most recent occasion, I ordered the specialty steak and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was very good overall--thinly slice beef, caramelized onions and gooey cheese all complimenting each other. That was the good. So what was the bad? The sandwich was not on a baguette as advertised, instead on a panini bread, and was very very greasy. I do not think that steak and cheese sandwiches should be this greasy. ***Complaints about service*** Also, the service was a bit mediocre. I head my steak and cheese order being completed and the sandwich maker calling for a completed order. It wasn't until 5 minutes later that I received my sandwich. This practice is unacceptable because service was slow on this day and people had already been served! Second complaint was that my friend and I never received nor were asked whether we wanted water until we requested it--which was after we had been served food. Isn't the first rule when seating tables to give the customers utensils and ask them whether they wanted water? The decor and placement is very versatile-- good for enjoying food outside on a nice, sunny day but nice and enough spacing for dining indoors. Dare I say, a good place for a romantic lunch if the food wasn't so mediocre. Would've liked to try the breakfast that fellow Yelpers have been fussing about, but I do not think it's worth the money. Overall, the decor, location, and atmosphere is good for a quick lunch in an area dotted with nothing but mediocre restaurants. This place is good if you're stuck in that area-- but that is not saying much. Very mediocre all-around.
(3)
Katie P.
Such delicious food, friendly waitstaff, and all in all an awesome experience! My boyfriend took me out to brunch at Cafe Luna this morning and it was delicious! I had the pear, bacon, and Gorgonzola omelette and it was delicious! Also had a mocha which was beautifully crafted and also delicious! We made a reservation this morning, arrived about 20 minutes early and were surprised to be seated right away! What a great morning, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jeff D.
Good food (especially if you love cheese/dairy) Get here early, this place is tiny and fills up quickly! Great personal service and seasonal menu.
(4)
Josephine L.
If I'd reviewed Cafe Luna last year, it would have gotten 5 stars for sure. Great service, abundant, delicious food and best of all, wine-gelato floats! Sadly, they no longer have gelato and therefore do not serve the floats anymore. But much worse, the service has clearly deteriorated. My friends and I were forced to wait some 45 min for a table, even though for at least 15 of those minutes, a table for 4 was available right in front of us. The host told us we couldn't have it but no other party was seated there in the meantime. In fact, by the time we were seated, the table was still empty. Seriously, what gives? Our waiter was non-existent and didn't give us water when we asked for it (we were so thirsty!), nor our menus. It came down to "flag whoever you can". When we were done, our dishes weren't cleared and our empty water glasses were never filled--ugh! I know they were busy and I know they were packed. I would have happily adjusted my expectations accordingly if, throughout my brunch, I hadn't seen servers just hanging out at the counter chatting, male servers flirting with female servers, female servers giggling and flirting right back, all while orders sat on the counter not being delivered and diners (like us) sat famished and parched. I guess this is what happens when your entire staff are young, attractive twenty-somethings. Cafe Luna, you let me down in a big way. I've been coming to you for brunch since I moved to Boston and this ranks with some of my worst service experiences of all time.
(1)
David M.
Come for the Brunch (expect a wait) but come back for the Lattes and drinks. We tried to leave here, after finding it was an hour wait... but after getting a bit misdirected by my Black Berry (I know, I need a droid) we found ourselves back at Luna and only 20 minutes left on our wait. The staff was very courteous and nimble in there navigating the people crowded into this tiny brunch mecca, making quips (what makes a dirty chai latte? Because its naughty, of course) weaving in and out with delicious looking and smelling foods and drinks, and never making you feel like you were a nuisance for wanting to crowd inside rather than waiting in the freezing cold. The manager moved a few tables around to get our party of four seated, while explaining that the tables of two, that were clearing out, weren't next to each other. Our drinks came quickly, which involved a few of the best Chair Latte's I have ever had, and a mexican hot chocolate that just a bit spicy, but not overwhelming. For food, we got the french toast, which involved very fresh berries and was great... but didn't hold a candle to the perfectly made Avacado and Lobster omelette. It went great with the home fries. The five star review, however, goes to the fact that we weren't rushed out the door. There was a list of people waiting, and at one point the manager brought this to our attention, but in the most polite way possible. He even looked a bit guilty when he saw our party finishing up our conversation in front of the restaurant before parting ways. No hard feelings, we really were taking our time there. So, it was a bit of a wait, but I think I'll be back for brunch. I know I'll be back to get a Latte from there (foamy, creamy and amazing)
(5)
Theresa G.
Went to visit a friend in Cambridge for the weekend and she made a reservation for us for Brunch. Great, because the last time I visited they didn't take reservations and we could never bring ourselves to wait for hours. We arrived a little early and were seated right on time. There were 4 of us, and we each ordered something different and split 4 ways. Lobster Eggs Benedict: By far my favorite. I was sad I had to share. Plenty of lobster on it and it just tasted awesome. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Rich and fluffy at the same time. Love them. Lobster Avocado Omelet: This is my friend's favorite, but I'm not an omelet fan so I can't really comment. Banana Split French Toast: This was really tasty, but I probably wouldn't order it again. With so many other options on the menu I wasn't wowed by something that was mostly good because it was covered in chocolate. All in all, great food, and I'm so glad they take reservations now.
(5)
Dondi D.
There were two of us who ate. One rated the food 3.5 another 4.5. We recommend the crabs eggs Benedict, but the home fries were average. Pancakes were very good. The service was good, we ate at bar so the wait was not long. The lady serving us was very efficient. Drinks were good as well. One of us had hot chocolate another latte, both were prepared well.
(4)
Caitlin C.
Luna is an unbeatable neighborhood gem and undoubtedly my favorite Cambridge spot. Meals are cooked to order, the space drips with charm, and the menu is creative, seasonal, and lovingly crafted. The owner, Matt, has a lovely eye for detail and affectionately shepherds the hungry hordes who line up for the legendary weekend brunch. He'll occasionally stop to chat if he has a free second. The best part, of course, is the food. I've never had a miss yet: their chai is fantastic (even better dirty!), as are the beautifully presented lattes and fresh mimosas. The brunch menu offers a weekly dilemma: seasonal pumpkin french toast, a western omelette with thick-cut black forest ham, and pepper-dusted steak with perfectly poached eggs are frequent contenders. Their sandwiches are served on artisan bread next to lightly dressed green salads (try the vegetarian Florence grilled panini). The homemade chicken salad is another perennial favorite. I make it a point to steer visiting family and friends over to Luna whenever they're in town; the lines can get a bit long, but the owner is welcoming and uncannily good at fitting people in wherever possible. Warm weather means an open front patio, which is perfect for lazy people watching. There are also regular evening jazz performances--check their website for details. Tip: They'll take brunch reservations to the best of their ability; calling ahead may not guarantee you a table on the hour, but they'll accommodate you better and sooner if they know you're coming. Their liquor license doesn't allow hard liquor, so beer and wine are the only libations available.
(5)
Jeremy P.
Great breakfast spot. Food is always good, great hash, and staff is friendly. Only downside is that they open too late.
(4)
Gelsey B.
A great place to have supper! Tasty food and nice energetic staff! I wish they had longer hours.
(5)
Taryn M.
Cafe Luna is one of my new favorite brunch places in Boston. As pretty much all the reviews indicate, the food is super tasty. I'm fairly convinced that anything you get will be good. I had a special french toast for January which was delicious and not overly sweet despite it being covered in oreo cookies and chocolate. I'm still not sure how they managed that but I was pleased by how well balanced it was. A friend ordered a steak and eggs which didn't look like anything special when it came out. However afterwards, she said that it was one of the best steak and eggs she's had which I thought was a pretty bold statement. For the indecisive person, Cafe Luna is great because they allow you to order half orders of any of their french toasts and pancakes by the cake (with the exception of their lemon ricotta pancakes). Coffee snobs like my husband also appreciate that Cafe Luna serves Blue Bottle coffee. It happens too often that a restaurant will excel in either food or service however Cafe Luna delivers on both fronts. It has been a long time since I've been as impressed by the service as I was at Cafe Luna. Everyone we interacted with was super friendly and helpful and it really made me want to go back very soon. Their payment system was also very cool (on some touch pad device with a credit card reader) which made it really easy to pay and split the bill between two parties. Some might argue it's a bit pricey for brunch but you just have to know that going in. Another thing to know is that if you walk in on a weekend without a reservation, expect a wait...perhaps a long wait of an hour or more depending on how large your party is. If you are not interested in waiting, I suggest making a reservation or doing take out. Either way, I would make sure you give Cafe Luna a try at some point because they serve some dang good food.
(5)
Ari L.
There's a lot of talk about their brunch, but their normal lunch sandwiches are pretty good too. The Thanksgiving Turkey is exactly what it should be and the Pork Loin sandwich with bacon and pear is a great mix of flavors.
(5)
Nathan C.
Went there on a crowded Sunday for brunch. It was worth the wait. French toast was sweet and tasty.
(4)
Jennie C.
Thank the Presidents for Presidents' Day! Cafe Luna had a special for the weekend -- Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict: one had steak, the other was lobster. Too good to pass up! We didn't have reservations, but we were able to squeeze in (literally, I had my luggage to the airport with me) for 2. But definitely do reservations, it's no wonder why this place is so popular. The food was absolutely delicious, and if it wasn't for my stomach filling full, I would have gotten dessert or a sweet treat. I had the apple cider mimosa which was very good and my friend had the pumpkin spice latte. They have a wonderful, diverse drink selection, so drink up!
(5)
Angela S.
Probably the best french toast I've ever had. ever. seriously. That is some fine brioche- Not so soft that it's kinda custard-y. The crust wasn't dry/gross like it normally is on brioche either. Also had the hash, which was awesome! My only complaint is that some bits of meat were rather dry like beef jerky. I also had a side of home fries... mmmmm tasty.
(4)
Greg M.
This place was great! I woke up late and decided to give this place a try. Unfortunately I missed the breakfast and all the good reviews were about the breakfast, but I decided to stay anyway. The service was really good and the servers were really friendly. The people sitting next to us accidentally knocked over our water and the servers came running with towels to clean it up (thats dedication!) Service was fast as well. I ordered the Luna Panini and my girlfriend ordered the Ipanema panini. The Luna was really tasty with a nice pesto sauce. It had a ton of meat in it (which is unusual for paninis, but I very much appreciated it). The bread was crunch on the outside, but nice and soft on the inside. The chips that came with it were nothing special, but then again, they're just chips. Towards the end of my meal, the sandwich got a little salty, but I think it was due to their generous portions of meat which I'll take any day! The Ipanema panini was really good as well! Normally tuna melts are mixed with a ton of mayonnaise and things other than tuna. This sandwich actually had tuna in it and it was really good as well. The environment was really nice, but they mostly have tables for 2, so don't come with a big party. Best part is they give you crayons to draw on the table! I had a fun time with that and I saw most of the customers enjoying that as they waited for their food.
(4)
Christopher G.
When you are as popular as Cafe Luna, you could say to hell with your customers. I've seen it happen. "Yeah, okay - you individual man with family are not important" This is not one of those places. The owner (I assume) was so friendly. Older guy who was there with his son (a waiter). The store opened a little late (due to open at 9:00, opened around 9:45) but who cares? Brunch didn't start until 10:00 and that is where the magic happened. Lobster eggs Benedict, Nutella stuffed French toast. My Gods man, that is the magic. My kind of place. My wife loves The Paramont, on beacon hill. I'm going to have to vote for Cafe Luna. I liked my breakfast kicked up, and this place does it. So thank you Mr. Luna, it was a great brunch!.
(4)
Rebeccah M.
I've been here twice and have been quite pleased both times. Location is right around the corner from Tuscanini's and just a 5 min walk down Mass Ave from Central Sq. It's packed around lunch, but there are public tables and benches right outside as well as indoor seating. Everyone working there was very friendly and answered our questions with ease. The first time I was rocked OUT of this world by their Sweet Potato Sandwich with bacon. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten in my life. Not a bad deal for $9, including a side. My second time I got the same thing, but I was a bit disappointed- too high expectations I suppose. Proportions weren't working as well and I had to mash my sweet potato across the sandwich since it only covered one side (which I hate! poor sandwich planning!). The entire menu looks delicious though- even salads, which I almost never get as a meal. Drinks have been consistently good here though- I especially like their Frozen Pumpkin Spiced Chai and my friend raved about their Frozen Lemonade. A bit expensive in my opinion, but the taste is phenomenal, so it's worth it to splurge. I also find they have a good selection of alcohol for a cafe. Overall, a great place- hopefully our second time around was just an off day!
(4)
Kenneth F.
Sometimes the key differentiating factor between restaurants is the SERVICE. It can make or break a business, and this cafe near Central Square is no exception. One thing I noticed was constant human interaction. We had a 10 minute wait to seat our table of four. However, he made sure to let us know exactly how much time we'd be waiting and even checked in with us again 5 minutes later to tell us that they were cleaning up the tables. Secondly, after ordering the corned beef hash eggs benedict, he made sure we weren't on a tight deadline and since the item was being prepared by hand, exactly how much time we'd have to wait for it.. Even after the dish came out, even thought it wasn't a long wait, the employees apologized for the delay - AND even gave us a tray of pretty amazing and fresh cinnabuns while we were waiting. Again, when they go above your expectations, that gives you the 5 (in my mind) On to the food. I'm a huge fan of savory over sweet for brunch - but whichever way you go, there's plenty of items that will get your salivary glands going. My friend and I split the Homemade Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict ($13) and the Steak and Eggs Burrito ($8). Both hit the spot - especially the home fries which accompanied the burrito. Make sure to check out the pics I put up as well. While this is traditionally a bit more than I would pay for brunch, again the service and taste was well worth it. Good job Cafe Luna! :)
(5)
Anthony B.
We had an AMAZING breakfast there! The French Toast is out of this world, as is the Lobster Eggs Benedict (I believe it was a special). One odd thing to note, they open at 10am.
(5)
Joe S.
Legitimately my favorite restaurant ever. The line is always out the door, but make a reservation and you'll be seated within a few minutes. It's become a tradition to hit up their weekend brunch, and if you throw a dart at the menu you should be very full and happy. Grab their biscuits with honey butter for an appetizer, and a mimosa+latte combo to get things started.
(5)
Jana R.
Not only is the food is fantastic, but the service is amazing. Even when the place is packed, the host somehow finds the time to keep checking up on you and keep you updated. Cafe Luna packs the friendliness of a small-town cafe into a bustling city location. And the food, mmmmmmm. Everything I've tried has been delicious. I'm especially partial to the jalepeno mac and cheese and the waffles. The actually quality of the waffle itself are easily the best I've had.
(5)
Lauren J.
Reasonably priced brunch, great service and excellent food. I had the open face breakfast sandwich and it was delicious. If you're thinking of putting the jalapeno cheese sauce on the side, don't. Its good - just try it.
(5)
Kyla C.
Yummy sandwiches and soups but it took forever to get our check. The girl walked past our table a bunch of times and never brought it...not sure why. After we gave it to her with a credit card, she didn't run the card but the other guy ended up doing it. Not sure if something was going on or if she was just distracted but closing people out efficiently is important. Not bad overall though.
(4)
Bryan R.
What an awesome Saturday brunch. Had to wait a few minutes past our reservation but it was interactive and friendly. Owner/manager (not sure?) was all over the place and making conversation. The house special strata was very complex and filling. Eggs and homefries across the table were equally good. Oh, and big points for offering 1/2 portions of pretty much everything. Our two meals alone were enough but just to get a little more stuffed we added 2 pieces of french toast and compote for $3.50. Also a nice way to try a few different things. The latte-to-go was not particularly good. Girl next to us had a scary laugh. It can get a bit noisy inside. That's about all I can say negatively about our experience. The food is great as is the value. Consider this another establishment I'd love to see picked up and planted somewhere near my apartment.
(5)
KJ F.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Cafe Luna. The customer service is incredible, the owner bends over backwards to treat every customer like a regular. The food is incredible, service is always efficient even though the place is always packed. Now that they take reservations for brunch, things have only gotten better. I will be moving out of Central Square in Sept, and I will be sad not to be able to swing by for a cup of coffee on my way out the door...but I will keep going back for brunch and dinner. Thank you Cafe Luna!!
(5)
Kelsey F.
While in Central Square this past weekend my friends and I were looking for the perfect brunch spot.....thanks to Yelp, we found it at Cafe Luna! It was about a half hour wait for 3 of us but was to be expected. It was a gorgeous fall day and we ended up sitting outside since they have a bunch of tables out there. We started with mimosas, bloody mary's made with sake, and a side of home fries. All delicious! The home fries were drizzled with a jalapeno, cheesy sauce and bacon - amazing. I got the omelette that was stuffed with sweet potatoes, carmelized onions, and goat cheese - so different but so so good. It was a tough choice because there were so many other things on the menu that looked equally as delectable (wow I found a new synonym for delicious!). I will definitely be back to try more!
(4)
Anna L.
Cafe Luna was very good and very reasonably priced. We went for breakfast. I would say that making a reservation is a good idea (we did) as it was very crowded on a weekend morning. I'm not going to say the food was outstanding, but it was better than average and I would definitely go back. Space is tight, but we had good service, which was a complaint on many of the reviews.
(4)
D. N.
Pretty decent brunch, but they are packing too many tables in there. The server was really nice about it, but she practically had to climb over the folks at the table next to ours in order to get to us!
(2)
Suzana U.
Inexpensive And great brunch.. fast friendly service! It is not high end breakfast but a good breakfast and inexpensive and the reason for 4 star. I would give 5 star for places I would like to go back and miss it.. but this place is really good if you consider price and service. We live in NY now so we are spoiled with so many options but the prices in Boston seem more friendly as well!! We spent $30 for our brunch (2 breakfast meals and 2 drinks)
(4)
Lisa M.
My husband and I are real "brunch" people and this is one of our go-to's. When they have it, the lobster eggs benedict is phenomenal - we were skeptical since lobster is so easily drowned out by anything it's paired with, making it not worth the price (most lobster ravioli I've tried would fall into this category). But was truly worth it - it was the brunch version of a lobster roll and we both loved every bite (we split it - so that we could also get French toast). Also wonderful: their French toast. They have various kinds and you can get a "half order" for just half the price, so you can mix and match instead of being limited to choosing just one. My husband's favorite is their mixed berries one - it's usually a "special." My favorite is the chocolate banana. They have excellent expresso drinks and I'd second the reviewer who said their iced chai is phenomenal. I once went there for lunch and my sandwich was amazing. It had tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil, pesto, and prosciutto, great bread. The sandwiches (paninis) my parents ordered were also excellent. I have to give 5 stars on the food, especially for the price. I don't doubt that others had problems with the service but that's never been an issue when we've gone.
(5)
K P.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese omelette style. Hell yes.
(4)
Samantha C.
Excellent experience! I had the lobster omelet, pumpkin spice chai, wild berry Bellini. Great service from beginning to end. Save to my list of favs.
(4)
Mary H.
I had the best brunch here this morning. I mean I'm still happy from it now at 11:30 at night. I got the Sweet potato and goat cheese omelet with home fries and omg! If I could choose a last meal before dying I think that may be it. My other brunch cohorts also enjoyed their meals. I'm talking I wanted to die with each bite good! Not only was the food good, but the service was amazing as well. Despite it being busy our waiter sat down with us, answered all of our questions and gave suggestions. It made for a very enjoyable, relaxing experience. You can also make reservations which is a huge plus! I highly recommend this place. I'm already dreaming of the next time I get to go and try something else.
(5)
LuluandDaquan B.
Seriously, this place has a major wait for brunch! We woke up extra early (9 AM) on Saturday to come here. We rolled in around 10:30 and got a table by the window, perfect spot to catch some sun during breakfast. We actually asked the host for food recommendations and picked the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Strawberries and the Corned Beef Hash with Steak and Eggs. While waiting for the food we took full advantage of the crayon and paper tablecloth and it definitely made waiting for the food so much better (I'm crazy impatient with food). Brunch was: hearty not heavy and pretty delicious! I wasn't in love with my pancakes but deep in my heart I know its me not the pancakes. Sometimes a girl just wants a salty breakfast with bacon ya know? But DQ really liked his Corned Beef with Steak deal, eating steak for breakfast really puts a smile on his face I guess. I just hope our waiter doesn't forget to fill up the empty water glasses next time!
(4)
Eileen M.
Wow, this was some of the best service and food I've experienced in some time. We had a reservation (went for Easter weekend brunch on Saturday, there was a 2 hour wait!), showed up 5 minutes before and our table wasn't quite ready. They said it would be just a few minutes and apologized (even though we were early!). Probably waited a total of 3 minutes past our reservation time, were seated and given menus and water promptly. We ordered and were never left wanting for anything (two people came to refill water etc). Our food came surprisingly fast and was hot and DELICIOUS. I had the ricotta, goat cheese, and fig omelette and my boyfriend had the lobster and steak eggs Benedict special. Both were absolutely phenomenal. The menu was huge and full of too many appealing dishes, both sweet and savory. We were given great coffee (on the house!) and checked out on their tablet system, which is uber convenient. Will DEFINITELY be back here, I was so impressed.
(5)
Azeem K.
Highly recommend this place. It's a bit pricey, but you will be satisfied. I loved the Greek omelet. I live right by here so I go all the time. Perfect for a nice brunch. The seating outside is great when the weather is good too.
(5)
Annie Y.
I went here a year ago and have been meaning to post a review. First of all, the atmosphere here is very calm. I love it that they have crayons and scratch paper as tablecloth so that you can draw while you wait. It's like being a kid again :-). I had the lobster eggs benedict which was amazing - the lobster really came through and tasted fresh :-). About a month ago I went back and had a light dinner - their vegetable soup which was just as good and flavorful with lentils and carrots. The people there are super friendly and nice - just ask :-).
(5)
Azalea K.
Hands-down best brunch in Central Square. Numerous tasty menu options, great environment (especially if its warm outside), and good service. Price is totally reasonable for what you get at Luna.
(5)
Ariel A.
Very tasty for breakfast.
(5)
Derek D.
Amazing brunch spot, omelettes are amazing, as is the coffee and the fresh juices, well worth a visit if you are in the area
(4)
Brittany B.
I work in the area, so I dropped by for some takeout during lunch. Not only was every member of the staff helpful and friendly, but the food was great! I got the half salad, half soup--the lentil soup was awesome, the salad portion was huge. Will definitely be making this a part of my regular lunch rotation.
(5)
Andy C.
My first review, and only thus far, but I think the owner deserves a 6/5 if that were possible. I was meeting some friends for brunch, and the waitstaff was incredibly courteous in extending our reservation 45 minutes to accommodate our delayed arrival. Not only that, but they held a table for five for us for over half an hour while we were ordering, and brought out free, fresh biscuits and cinnamon rolls for us in the process! The service was impeccable, the atmosphere friendly, and the food marvelous. I had no choice but to order the lobster eggs benedict, and they did not disappoint. I want to thank Tom and the entire staff at Cafe Luna for making my trip to Boston. I hope my job takes me back to the east coast so I can stop by for brunch at your place more often :)
(5)
Piyali S.
Now I'm usually a pretty tough critic but why would you ever give this place anything less than 5 stars?? There's a reason the average wait without a reservation is an hour and a half to two hours: their brunch is so yummy! I got the crab cakes eggs benedict with potatoes which was a classically done benedict period. My friend Annie got the house specialty, the lobster eggs benedict which did not disappoint either. Because one entree is never quite enough (right? right?) and the never-ending dilemma between sweet and savory brunch continues, we also ordered the lemon-ricotta pancakes topped with fresh, in season blueberries. I don't even like lemon flavored desserts but I could probably eat this every day. Big yum here. The waiter didn't even judge us for ordering three entrees either; if he secretly was, he played it totally cool and suggested he bring it to us later as a dessert. This guy really got us. Because of the brunch wait, there can be large crowds, especially when the weather isn't as nice as it was this weekend, and the entire place can get quite stressy but psttttt....they take reservations and they're reasonably good about sticking to them despite the crowd.So make a reservation and get over there to enjoy some classics and lemon ricotta pancakes!
(5)
Laura T.
Really enjoyed my meal at Cafe Luna. I loved our seat right in the huge open window. The waitstaff is extremely laid back, to the point that it would probably drive me nuts if I worked with them, but it definitely worked for the vibe of the restaurant. My turkey, brie, and apple sandwich was a great combo, and the sangria was sweet but not too sweet. The were nice enough to start serving lunch early just because I asked for it (When I had called earlier in the week, they said they served lunch all day on Sundays, so I must have gotten the wrong info). My one complaint is that they kept their pitchers of ice water in the sun outside which meant that they quickly turned into pitchers of lukewarm water. We asked for more ice but it melted immediately. Oh well, I just concentrated on the sangria!
It's always expensive having brunch here only because the food is so good that it always tempts/lures you to order and eat more... its not even fair:( they have some sort of fetish with infusing and stuffing really tasty fruits into delicious sweet pancakes/french toasts/waffles and things of that sort in any way they possibly can... pretty much anything on the menu will be a home run. Specials on the weekends are off the charts, which is why i advise you never to go there because, as good as the service is, i hate anything that stands between me and sunday brunch at luna's! not pretentious, casual, friendly, tasty
(5)
Stephanie L.
This is *not* a brunch review! I was wandering down the street from Central Square looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, whipped out my Yelp Ap and saw I was right in front of the 4 starred Luna! I peeked in the window and the abundance of tables for 2 (that could easily be combined for larger parties) appealed to me greatly as I'd be dining alone. I scanned the menu and my eyes immediately locked on the roasted butternut squash sandwich with goat cheese and caramelized onions. Wow, so many of my favorite things between two pieces of bread! I had to have it. To drink? A raspberry Italian soda went perfectly. I was all prepared for my dining alone experience, with a book in my bag and the iPhone charged up, but really didn't need it. I was entertained reading the menu board on the wall and my food came out in no time. The flavors were great together and with the accompanying salad I was satisfactorily stuffed to the point where I couldn't manage a slice of the very tempting pecan pie on the counter. The coffee selection looked wonderful, and I'd definitely come back another time for just a hot beverage and dessert. Being May 1 though, I find it a bit funny that the seasonal drink selections were highlighted with a chalk drawing of Rudolph and included gingerbread flavored beverages. I'd be interested to see what an updated list of seasonal flavors would look like.
(4)
Josephine P.
I don't understand why Cafe Luna states: Mon. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tue-Wed. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thu-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. as their hours, yet on multiple occasions I have gone there (not on a holiday) and they have closed up to 2 hours before their posted hours of operations. There was no private party, they just felt like closing early. Good for them and that is the life, BUT PLEASE update your site if you are not going to stick to your schedule. It's just irresponsible as an establishment. I know this is petty but as a customer I don't want to keep getting disappointed if I plan a night to go there with friends- only to discover that they decided to close early... So annoying... we were excited to eat there all day. Update: Thanks for addressing the problem Cafe Luna! I appreciate it!
(4)
Sarah P.
Brunch on a Saturday: The service here was excellent. The host was very vigilant about giving people wait times and seating people. I had reservations, actually, but the rest of my party had gotten trapped on Boston Common b/c of the Red Sox parade so I waited 30 minutes and then decided to grab a spot for the bar. I waited another 15 minutes for a spot to open up and the host got me a cup of coffee while waiting, which i thought was generous. The eggs benedict over ham with a side of asparagus was just lovely -- perfectly cooked and prepared. I passed by the kitchen where the poaching situation did actually look a little dodgy but that didn't stop me from enjoying the breakfast! I loved that they serve giant wine glasses full of mimosa instead of the usual champagne flute. I couldn't drink the whole thing! I left stuffed and happy. And the waiter was very considerate too. It is a very welcoming, friendly place with great food. I'd definitely recommend it for brunch.
(4)
Sue P.
The brunch at Cafe Luna is the best I've ever had. No exaggeration. It's beautiful to look at! It's delicious to eat! It's detrimental to your waistline! It's probably the slowest service i've ever encountered! But it's totally, Totally, worth it.
(5)
Silent S.
I'm reviewing the Saturday brunch...no comment on the lunch offerings, the sandwiches, etc. I'm an 82-year old living in a 28-year old's body. I hate standing in a line of my peers for weekend brunch. Granted, Cafe Luna is one of the few weekend brunches in Cambridge-Somerville that I might consider standing in line for, but even then, nope, not gonna do it. I'm grumpy, I'm impatient, and I'm tired. My work schedule gives me certain weekday mornings off, so being out and about among the hustle of weekend brunch humanity makes me especially angry. I'm always comparing it (unfavorably) to the happy lull of a quiet weekday morning breakfast. Stand in line for weekend brunch? No way. That's just me. So here's the deal: my sister-in-law wanted to take me out for my birthday last month, and she wanted to go to Saturday brunch in Cambridge. What does she do? She calls Cafe Luna and makes RESERVATION. What? A weekend brunch that takes reservation? Yes. We arrived five minutes early with one member of our party missing. There was a line out the door in the bitter cold - typical weekend brunch in Cambridge. Someone who must have been the manager was walking around greeting people, smiling, reassuring potential customers but forcefully enforcing the rules and logic of the line (I appreciate that). He told us we'd have to wait for the missing member of our party to arrive; she did arrive a few minutes late, and we were promptly seated. I was amazed. A weekend brunch that takes reservations, treats its customers humanely, and does it all efficiently. That alone wouldn't earn Cafe Luna five stars. The brunch was incredible. I ordered "everything but the kitchen sink," a menu item that allowed me to sample all their meats, their lovely citrusy hollandaise sauce (I love it when you can really taste the citrus), an egg, and a waffle. The corned beef hash was out of sight. The ham was perfect (I'm a ham snob). The waffle blew my mind. This particular dish didn't feature maple syrup, but the waffle was sweet enough on its own. My wife ordered the eggs benedict, which I tried and found delicious. I absolutely loved every part of this breakfast...and I'm not normally enthusiastic about breakfast fare. (One of the reasons I refuse to stand in line for brunch is that, normally, I don't like brunch all that much!) One complaint: our waiter, though excellent, didn't offer any coffee refills. The restaurant was PACKED, and although we felt comfortable and not crowded in, I think it affected the service. I'd generally deduct a star for an empty coffee mug, but everything else about Cafe Luna deserves five stars. What a great experience! I'm coming back.
(5)
Jeffrey L.
I couldn't choose between 3 or 4 stars because the food was just average and the prices were high however I've never had the chance to try their renowned specials on the weekends, so I'll reserve my full review for the future.
Second update: Teri the owner really cares. I'm going to go back and try it again. I really appreciate my voice being heard. Update: Teri sent me a nice email. Very attentive. I am still disappointed with that day and previous experiences but at times they've been very good. 3 stars, I'll update again next time I visit. Consistently inconsistent. Sometimes good, but like today, not what I asked for. No I'm not walking 15 minutes back to get another. Bored staff in the morning is more interested in chatting with each other than communicating with the customer. Lindsey the manager is quite disinterested. Gentleman making the coffee (Nate?) is one bright spot. Cheap with their ingredients. There are better places, Flour being one. Don't waste your time.
(3)
Greg C.
Best cinnamon buns on the planet! You must order some with your meal! By the way everything else on the menu is amazing and the service is too!
(5)
Aboud Y.
A solid four stars. This is an excellent breakfast/brunch place that I can't believe eluded me for this long (considering how close it is to where I live). Thanks to my fellow Yelpers it didn't stay off my radar screen forever. Cafe Luna has an awesome menu consisting of various omelettes, Eggs Benedict concoctions, and dozens of pancake/waffle/french toast creations. Today I opted for the surf and turf Eggs Benedict (steak tips on one muffin, lobster on the other), I tried their pancakes, sausage, and biscuits with honey butter and everything was good to downright delicious. Outdoor seating is a big bonus when its nice out too. I will definitely be back...and with the size of their menu and summer kicking off in earnest , I'll probably be back with some frequency.
(4)
Mai L.
Absolutely my favorite brunch place. Love their lobster eggs benedict. My boyfriend got the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, not my kind of thing but he loved it. So many other things on their menu I can't wait to try. LOVE that they take reservations, I wish I knew that earlier. Came in on a Saturday morning w/ my boyfriend and was told an hour wait. However, they were actually able to squeeze us in and we were given a table after only waiting 15 minutes. Speaking of "squeeze", it's a tight fit in there. Staff is cool and funny. Just wish parking was easier in that area.
(5)
Emily R.
I'm a BIG fan of their sandwiches. so good and a great deal. Paninis run about $8.50 with tax for a sizeable sandwich & choice of salad or chips. I looove their bread...some of the best around. Everything tastes fresh and a bit higher quality than anywhere around. I've had the thanksgiving wrap several times, their big-bowl salads which are huge!, and some of the veggie paninis. Get anything with pesto-you'll be glad you did. I'm always too full for the amazing looking baked goods though. I look forward to trying everything else. They serve a great lunch crowd and it's always busy, especially on nice days to eat outside. Their counter help is efficient and friendly.
(4)
Jeanne M.
This is the Brunch review only! Caveat: If you want to walk in somewhere on a Saturday/Sunday morning and get seated immediately, this place is probably not for you. However, if you can hang out on the sunny park space outside and chill in the spring air while you wait, this place is definitely worth the wait. A friend and I went on a Saturday morning, and ended up waiting about an hour and a half to get seated. We found out later that you can call ahead, and it will cut your wait time. The inside is small, and they have a great outdoor patio space. The food, OMG, the food. Once we were seated, we realized that we were starving. They kindly brought us some cinnamon rolls on the house (not sure why, except we are so cute) which were warm and delicious. We also order the honey biscuits as an appetizer (4 wonderful, grilled biscuits with honey butter). So warm and delicious! I got a fig, proscuitto and goat cheese omelet special, which was great, but they forgot the goat cheese. It was still good. I would never have thought to put fig into an omelet, but it was the perfect counterpart to the saltiness of the proscuitto. My friend got a Steak & Onion Breakfast Burrito which she also loved. She said it was basically a steak & cheese (like from philly) but with an egg added. She is a Philly girl, so she knows of which she speaks. One of the most important part of brunches for us is the mimosa option. They had an apple cider mimosa that came in a large wine glass, and topped with cinnamon spice. We each had two because they were so easy to drink and delicious. They also offered bellinis, and regular mimosas. I will definitely go again, but next time I am calling a few days ahead to get on the list! Give it a try!
(5)
alison k.
got to add my 2 cents worth - as everyone says great staff, yummy food, good value . A very courteous manager who seems to just want things to be perfect with the dining experience. Free wi-fi. Not going to give it 5 stars because sometimes things arent labelled in the cabinet, like my husband (nut allergic) ordered a muffin, and to be honest it was a combination that could have nuts in it, but the flavour wasnt specified as being say cranberry walnut, the server just said cranberry. We should have asked, we usually do, but lukcily I realised there were nuts in it so all was ok. We went at the weekend and I see that htey now have a notice at the till saying full ingredients availible on request - that is really good. Brunch at the weekend, as usual was awesome! I am now actually going to go to meet hubbie there for lunch now!! SWEET!!!
(4)
Julie B.
Shortly after moving to Cambridge a few years ago, I discovered Luna. It's a great spot and has that quintessential small cafe feel. If you're looking for a good weekend brunch spot, give Luna a try! They have a fantastic menu and in my opinion you really can't go wrong when it comes to the food. Recommended Food: * Iced Chai is phenomenal * French Toast (and other brunch items - you really can't go wrong!) * Amazing Leek & Asparagus Omelets Things to keep in mind: * They serve wine and beer! * They open up at 10 am for brunch - but get in line because they fill up quickly. * There is a lot of our door seating - in a court yard like area and they will serve you out there (just not alcohol) * Sometimes service can be a bit slow, so keep this in mind for a time when you want a leisurely breakfast. Support a small business & drink a latte!
(4)
Dennis Y.
Great service. Really. I mean, s--t happens. But what's important is communication. If your waitress keeps coming back to tell you what's going on with your food in the kitchen and apologizing, despite the fact that we were waiting for almost 45 minutes for our brunch food to come, it's OK. No, really. It's OK. In the meantime, she kept our coffee mug filled up (so we were wired! yay!) and offered us pastries... She explained to us that there had been a mistake in the kitchen. I was very very very very hungry, annoyed, but not frustrated or pissed. Manager (or owner?) came, apologized, made sure that our waitress had told us what was going on. He promised that we would have the best EGG WHITE BREAKFAST BURRITO ever. He also offered us a dessert on the house. He was right, we were blown away by the EWBB. Fluffy, juicy, warm, it just sticks to the stomach. He said he was actually going to have an EWBB later himself. (Note: The breakfast burrito was on the menu but we request egg white.) Communication does matter.
(4)
Inna H.
This place is very cozy and cute. And guys that work there are very nice, pleasant and helpful.
(4)
Alicia N.
Not only is the food delicious but the staff is pretty nice too. I came here with a friend for lunch after what seems like decades of me rolling past thinking "man that place looks good I should probably go there" only to revert to old faithful lunch spot. I came here with a baby strapped to my chest via a contraption that allows limbs to flail and grab at will. I am not well versed in bringing children in public, I am a nanny and even after 8 years of doing it every child is different in eating establishments. She was an angel but even when she was wandering around our table at one point no employee gave me the stink eye which is much appreciated. The food is unique but not trying to be unique to the extent it just sounds gross. The prices are fair and the ice coffee is the way I always think it should be but for some reason most companies don't care what tastes good. All in all I may have to start taking trips out here!
(4)
Azriel G.
I'm not sure why I did not write a review sooner, but this place gets my vote. Saturday jazz brunch is awesome--- at this point, the usual guitarist will play me the usual song when he sees that I'm there. Service, food, vibe-- For The Win. Only drawback is often spacing/seating, but it all adds to the charm. Highly recommended. I am a little worried, though, about what effects super popularity will have on the establishment, but we'll see.
(5)
Laura C.
I have to say that what bumps Cafe Luna up to a 5-star experience is the staff. Yes, the food is beyond description in terms of yumminess. Yes, the live music gives a great ambiance. But the owners and a few staff members are customer service exemplified. My first time here was after the kitchen had closed on a random Thursday night in September 2008. The musicians were packing up and chairs were being placed on tables. My roommates and I walked in, tired and hungry from dancing at Middlesex. Instead of apologizing and turning us away we were asked to sit and order whatever we liked from the menu; they would happily serve us! Our waiter was playful & friendly - to the extent that a few weeks later, there for brunch with my mother, he remembered my name & the night we had come in! 3 thumbs up, absolutely
(5)
Jordan M.
My girlfriend and I saw an opening in the crowd that usually congregates outside this local favorite brunch spot on the weekends and took it. We were immediately greeted by the owner who is super friendly and a few minutes later found ourselves at the bar counter with breakfast menus at ready. For any food establishment, I feel that the best place to be to get an overall sense and feel of a place is the counter and Cafe Luna outshone the lot. We quickly realized the business is family run as our waiter was the son of the owner. Both, the owner and his son, were more than helpful with showing us favorites in the menus (there were 3) since everything sounded so so good. My girlfriend got the butternut squash and goat cheese omelette which was great. I went for the "everything but the kitchen sink" sampler which was a little more difficult to conquer. I made it about 60% before I started shutting down. When the owner said "if you leave hungry let me know" [and I'll fix that] he wasn't kidding. He brought us a basket of biscuits to try - *delicious* with the honey butter (since he knew it was our first time there). The barista was super friendly as well and a master at pulling an espresso shot and foam art. With organic beans, a passionate chef, and super friendly service, all in the package of a family business, this place easily gets 5 stars.
(5)
Victor P.
Great sandwiches, nice environment. I have been here about two times for lunch and fully enjoyed both times.
(4)
kwala t.
I'm so spoiled. San Diego has dozens of independently-owned cafes with free wireless, tolerant staff, good music. Then I moved to Cambridge, and realized this wasn't the norm, but the exception. Since I make my own schedule as a grad student in research phase, I need a few reliable coffee shops to spice up the libraries where I usually spend my days. La Luna has become the go-to spot, the reliable and funky cafe with internet access, friendly staff and a mellow atmosphere for a couple hours (or more) of work. All the food is priced well, with many sandwich and salad options, and a whole case of gelato. I had a salad once - spinach with tomato and bacon - but don't really come here to eat. For me, by far the greatest treat at La Luna is their Chai. If you like chai, you need to try it here - they grind up all the yummy spices and flavors fresh, and mix with black tea and generously foamy milk, and it's like heaven in a glass. Even the iced chai is amazing - with soy milk, it's the closest thing to a chai shake you could get. One of the few things I crave, to be honest. Coffee's also good, and pastries look nice, too. It's never TOO crowded in the daytime, and if the weather's nice you can sit outside. My only complaints are not enough power outlets, and sometimes they don't clean the tables very quickly.
(4)
Scott J.
Went there for Easter brunch with my wife and two daughters, (6 & 11). Not a great place for kids, but the service was fantastic, despite being very crowded. They were a little long in seating us, and in getting our food to us, but they did it with a smile, and that goes along way. The owner was helping out his staff and making sure all was taken care of. He wa phenomenal. It is worth going just to see how a busy restaurant should be run. As for the food, the Chocolate French Toast and the French Toast stuffed with Nutella and Bananas were both off the charts good. Try the buttermil biscuits as well. We'll return, for sure.
(5)
Joseph R.
Coffee's good, food's good, music's usually good. And they let me sit here for hours on their internet. What's not to love?
(5)
L J.
this place is too cute for my taste. however, i cannot deny it's quality in both service and food/beverage items. a 'lady friend' and i were waiting in line, but somehow, someway, got cut in line by some equally-oblivious dude. the lady behind the counter was extremely on point when she kindly told the gentleman what's up, and we got our order in next. the sandwiches and drinks were good, and i went back in after the meal and got an iced tea & lemonade. they don't have that on the menu, but the people working are pretty awesome people. this place is a good date spot, and is a well operated establishment. it's just a little too classy for my taste. it's more of a restaurant than a laid back cafe, as someone comes out and gives you your food. now that i think about it, shouldn't that person be getting tipped? that's something that is earned when somebody brings food to another person. perhaps that person gets paid well, but this place deserves at least 4 stars for their service.
(4)
Adrian S.
This place is simply perfect. The staff is wonderful, helpful, and knowledgeable. The owner is as friendly as one could be. Their belgium chocolate is scrumptious in or on anything. Honey Butter! Amazing. A sandwich for anyone, any day, any mood. And DID I mention the Chocolate Hazelnut latte....the velvety froth will make you smile while their Chai Latte is best in town, possibly the east coast. I will be back.
(5)
alice g.
We went to Luna for brunch, which was excellent. It starts at 10 and fills up right away - get there right on time, or wait for the first wave to leave. There was a big group in front of us and a bit of a wait for the food (really, maybe 5 min more than you'd expect?) - we got our drinks right away and the owner brought us complimentary cinnamon buns with an apology. The eggs Benedict with black forest ham is awesome, as was the frittata with a brioche base. And the wait staff is super friendly.
(5)
Britney A.
FInally made it over for dinner after bookmarking it on my "to try" list ages ago. It wasn't very busy for a Saturday, so five of us were able to snag outdoor seating on a perfect, breezy night. Everyone cleaned their plates. Seriously, there wasn't a bite left over. We shared a bottle of Riesling and some of the entrees included: - Fig & Prosciutto Flat Bread (pizza) - Margherita Flat Bread - Turkey, Apple, Brie Sandwich on Iggy's Multigrain bread I didn't taste test any of the others' meals, but my turkey sandwich was phenomenal! The pizzas came out piping hot. We were each saying it would be worth going back just for the chance of having what everyone else ordered. While the server was nice and generally accommodating, he seemed a bit inexperienced. I'll be back for the Fig pizza.
(4)
molly f.
I'm all about locally owned, friendly businesses and La Luna totally rocks! The staff is great- very helpful when trying to decide which of their tasty menu items you're going to try...they have outside seating, great indoor seating, and free WiFi. you really can't beat that... I had the chicken ceaser salad and it didn't dissapoint...it was a really big salad and hit the spot! Had I not over done it with lunch I would have absolutely tried out some of the delicious looking gelato & pastries in their case for dessert.. Looks like I'll be back soon to sample more deliciousness :)
(4)
Stephen Y.
Cafe Luna is a really eclectic combination of elements which makes for a wonderful whole. The staff are friendly and hard working - they go out of their way to make you comfortable, and if you're friendly back will treat you almost like family. The panini use delicious rosemary infused bread with very fresh ingredients. The "Caruso" with prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato is my favorite. The Chai Lattes are wonderfully sweet and frothy. The gelato is tasty, light, and refreshing; great for hot summer days. The live music always makes for a fun atmosphere. I often make a longer walk to Central square just so I can stop by.
(5)
Ditte S.
I've been brunching monthly for the past year and a half, and this place takes the cake. On of the most varied, extensive, and delicious menus I've seen in a long time. My grilled tomato and spinach eggs benedict was incredibly yummy, and served on the lightest, fluffiest, and largest english muffin I've enjoyed in a long time. I also ordered the side of home fries (unnecessary in terms of food quantity - the eggs were certainly enough, but I'm so glad I did anyway - they were outstanding.) The service was great - helpful, attentive, not at all pushy, and gave us great recommendations from the menu. I found the coffee to be a bit strong (maybe the last cup from a pot that had sat too long?) but the mimosa with fresh squeezed OJ was great enough to make up for it. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but don't take reservations as a rule so expect to both wait a while and to take the first seat you can get. Trust me, it's worth it, regardless of whether it's interior or exterior. Make sure to put this place on your list!
(4)
Tracee D.
When I first moved here I came here all of the time. I liked the family small business feel to it. I would always get a yogurt and an expresso or a cappuccino . Maybe sometimes some gelato. Once or twice a salad or a panini. I have noticed that the same owners (the couple) aren't there as much, but that's a good thing. they have built a nice business and should go out and enjoy their lives. It is not my favorite cafe in the world but I don't mind using their free wireless. I am really happy for them that the "park" is finished out front, so that they may utilize more outside space. Good things happen to good people.
(4)
Jay L.
LOVE it. Ever since moving from D.C., I've bemoaned the lack of real "third place" coffee shops. Diesel feels too much like a diner; Someday Cafe is gone. 1369 is popular, but that's about it. I hadn't heard of La Luna, but I just moved around the corner, and I'm seriously impressed. Not only is their coffee great, but the pastries are too. I like their gelato (though I don't have much experience to compare it to), and I've enjoyed the sandwiches a few times. The frappes are delicious and smooth - better than Peet's Fredos, and of course a world apart from Starbucks's "flavored ice" Frappucinos. The staff is friendly, and it's family-owned. Oh: and did I mention the jazz? I'm not even a big jazz fan - Coltrane makes my brain hurt - but We Need More Jazz. Central Square has a good chunk of the area's live music, but it's mostly loud screamy alt-rock. Jazz is good. Last night, after closing, they hosted some sort of talk by one of the MIT guys that discovered the security flaws in the MBTA's CharlieCard system. Yay for current affairs. One tip: Now that the new plaza is open out front, please remember that slatted tables will NOT hold your glass upright. And coffee stains. Found that out. Get a plate. I voted "No" on "Good for Groups" because it's not a big place. But if the weather's good, there is usually plenty of seating on the plaza.
(5)
rewan a.
I'm sitting here right now- stalkers welcomed. Luna's great. I found this place on yelp when I searched for a coffee shop with board games. It was either this place or Diesel Cafe, so we decided to be adventurous and try something new. They have seating outside, which made our chess game a lot of fun because not only was it beautiful, but to our surprise, there was a jazz ensemble right outside in the park. People started gathering, and soon enough, we were playing a hot game of chess and listening to some great music in the best seats in the house. Score. I personally haven't had their food yet (update to come, I'm sure), but their menu seems appealing enough. I've had their coffee, gelato, and smoothies, and so far no complaints. They also serve beer, wine, and sangria which is always a summer delight. I just spoke to the owner (so lovely- in fact everyone who works here is very sweet and friendly) and apparently they have live music inside thursday, friday, and satruday nights. Sounds promising- come check it out.
(5)
Megan B.
The staff here are friendly in a very charming way, introducing themselves and getting my name, chatting me up about the Nabokov I was reading, and checking about my satisfaction with everything. Happy staffers make for a happy environment in which to read, eat, and drink, which makes me especially happy. Great coffee served in big, colorful ceramic cups. I definitely prefer their regular coffee to Toscanini's (haven't tried any espresso drinks here). The Tuscan salad, while big and beautiful with an array of fresh vegetables, had dry, rubbery pieces of chicken breast. I would go for a vegetarian salad next time, for sure. The salads come with lots of crusty, toasted bread that has a bit of sweet red pepper olive oil (something like that) drizzled on it, which is really satisfying. I definitely want to return and try some of their other salads and paninis. I would even come just for their coffee, actually.
(3)
Tracy K.
It's a good sign when you walk in on a lazy Sunday morning and there's only one open table. It's also a good sign when you can't decide between two equally delicious-sounding things, and make your decision purely by maximizing chocolate intake. I ended up getting the peppermint hot chocolate (I didn't taste the peppermint at first, but then as I got towards the bottom of the mug I tasted a nice hint of its soothing effects), and the breakfast panini. I wasn't so sure that the greens in it was actually spinach, but whatevs, it was good stuff. I couldn't stop staring at the gelato and the chalkboard lunch menu, though, and I had to keep telling myself that 10 am was a tad early to be diving into the oh-so-sweet icy goodness. Instead, I made a promise to myself to come back here another day for lunch. There'd better be an open table then.
(4)
Ashwini K.
This is my favorite place for weekend brunch, in Boston! The menu has so many options, and everything I've tried so far has been amazing. Also, the owner is so friendly and accommodating. He's managed to seat us even on the busiest of holidays! I suggest calling in to make a reservation ahead of time, especially on weekends. I think my favorite is the french toast with marshmallow sauce and chocolate, and the mixed berry smoothie!
(5)
Barney B.
DOY In a word - "Doy!" Doy, this is exactly the kind of place that should exist everywhere. A great little coffee shop meets loungey place. A place I can do a little work, grab a coffee. do some more work, grab a bite. wrap up my work, grab a beer. oh, and maybe hear some live tunes oh, and deal with really cool friendly staff oh, make it close to my house oh, and Doy
(5)
Heather S.
I went here recently with a long-lost friend to reconnect and had a great, inexpensive brunch. We went around noon on Sunday and while there was a short wait for the inside (15-20 minutes), we were able to sit at an outside table immediately. There aren't many outdoor tables that "belong" to them, but apparently you can place an order at the restaurant and then sit at the tables for the place next door (if they aren't open, which they weren't when we were there), or the public tables near by and then "carry-out" your food (but hey, then you don't have to tip!). Anyway, we both had the brioche french toast made with Iggy's bread and it was FANTASTIC. My friend had mixed berries on top, while I opted for the chocolate toast with carmelized bananas and nuts. Oh. My. Lord. They slather chocolate on the underside of each slice. It was amazing. There could've been more bananas, but I wasn't complaining too much. Our waitress was very nice and provided exuberant recommendations. She was definitely one of the nicest servers I've ever had in Boston or Cambridge (I was raised in the midwest). It was also pretty darn cheap for brunch in the area (I think the french toast was ~9 or 10 bucks, depending on the toppings) and portions were very generous. Good times.
(4)
Karen B.
Cafe Luna, I love you. Your goat cheese, leek, caramelized onion, and fig omelet changed my life. Your service is a little hipster for me but I'll look past it to eat all of your food.
(5)
Joanna C.
I rarely rate and recommend places as high as this - but it is warranted. I have gone back to Cafe Luna repeatedly, not only because it's within walking distance, but because it is well worth it. I've often brought out-of-town guests and every single person has literally roLLLLLed out of there satisfied. Of all that I have tried, I would recommend: Lemon-Berry Waffles: lemon curd and mascarpone, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries on a Brussels style waffle - complete with a balanced amount of whipped cream. This is by far my FAVORITE (!!!), and I never tire of it. This says a lot since I am someone who likes to try something different every time - yet for some reason, I cannot help but stray back to this staple. Everything about it is satisfying - light, fluffy, sweet, creamy, slight kicks of tart, no raspberries (I have an aversion to them), and leaves you full yet not overwhelmed. I cannot tout it's goodness enough. Everything but the Kitchen Sink: noted as a "Staff Favorite" and understandably so. Containing bacon, corned beef hash, sausage, ham, a poached egg over a Brussels style waffle. A great protein option and leaves you full for much of the day. Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict: eggs Benedict style on top of a fist-sized sirloin steak and a lobster tail, atop English muffins, complete with asparagus and Hollandaise sauce. The lobster was a little dry the one time I tried it which tends to make it slightly rubbery, but not enough to be distracting; it could have also been a one-time thing. This dish was especially good in that it really highlights the strengths of Cafe Luna - the eggs Benedict. I am not a fan of eggs Benedict, but the way Cafe Luna makes it - makes we really want it. Berry Stuffed French Toast: strawberries, blueberries, strawberry mascarpone packed between two slices of french toast. Good enough without maple syrup, stands alone very well. Monte Cristo sandwich: ham and Swiss cheese nestled between french toast Brioche; for dipping - jam, Dijon mustard, syrup. *Tip: this can also be ordered for take-out Other recs: banana pecan pancakes, pear goat cheese omelet, lobster eggs Benedict...just try it all! Other thoughts: Coffee with free refills. I have heard that the cinnamon rolls are yum but have not tried them personally. Outdoor seating is great on a sunny day. The owner/host is friendly, helpful, attentive, and takes the time to explain to you how the food is prepared, the way the ingredients are incorporated, the chef's skills, and it is clear that the food is the focus here. Tip: it helps to come early, the wait can be long - anywhere from 15-70 minutes. In my experience, they may quote you (for example) that it'll take 40 minutes, but in reality it turn out to only be 20 minutes. It'd better to come in at 10 am as opposed to 2 pm - so it'd be easier to just come earlier, eat and go home and take a nap than come later and wait until 3 pm or so to eat. They have take-out but they usually do not allow take-out for Brunch items - although you can ask, and they can sometimes very very obliging; another testament to the caliber of this place.
(5)
Claudia R.
Loved It! I was visiting Boston last week for the DMB concert and stayed at Le Meredian. This place is about a block up from the hotel and on the way to the T. My friends and I decided to stop in for some breakfast. The food was fabulous and the portions were generous for the price. Our only complaint was the service. For a slow Saturday morning we should not have had to go and retrieve our own sugar and creamer from the "to go" counter as we were dining in. This is definatley still a place I would go back to as the ingredients were fresh. When we were headed back out late Sunday afternoon I think I heard live music coming from the restaurant which would have been really nice to enjoy if we only had more time.
(4)
Daniel J.
Decent environment, good food, and free wifi. The space is a little claustrophobic to me, thanks to the narrow layout of the building. It would be nicer if it was a more rectangular layout, but they are doing a decent job with what they have to work with.
(4)
Silpa S.
Alright setting the scene it was a highly gloomy and rainy Sunday. The cafe was super crowded with people squished up near the entrance waiting their turn to be seated. Thankfully I had made a reservation for my friend and me. They were actually very nice in honoring our reservation even though we were a few minutes late. The cafe itself is very small but cozy. We had a paper table cloth and crayons to draw with which to keep ourselves occupied. :) I ended up getting the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet with home fries and my friend got the fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese omelet with multigrain toast. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and hospitable. Couldn't have asked for better service. As good as the service was though the food was just ok. Nothing to complain about but nothing that had a wow factor to it either. Maybe the sweet breakfast options would have been more "exciting" but that is to be left for another excursion to Cafe Luna.
(3)
Haley T.
As long as you don't have time constraints, go for it. The salads are delicious and it's cute (even if it's a little small/cramped)
(3)
Nicole S.
Hands down, without a doubt, 100% my favorite coffee place/cafe in Boston. The chai is ridiculously good, and any time I've gotten food it's been amazing. My absolute favorite thing to do on a cold day is take a book or my computer over to the Luna, sit near the window, and drink a pumpkin spice chai. The baristas are all very nice, the owner is super-kind, and Lee is the best waiter ever. On some nights you can be fortunate enough to catch live music, which I recommend getting to early cause the place will fill up. Definitely go here, just don't tell too many other people!!
(5)
Andrew M.
Great spot for breakfast or lunch. Very friendly staff and ownership. Always a pleasurable time
(5)
Eric A.
yum yum to the apple cider, my friend had their lobster eggs benedict and it was tasty. the black bean omelette was also rock solid I had their waffles with lemon zest to it and I was not that impressed. If I come back, I'll get something else
(4)
Jane P.
There doesn't seem to be a lot in the brunch family of eateries in the Central Square area which is why I picked this place. As other reviewers have said, the service was pretty bad; we ended up sitting outside, which was fine, but then why weren't we seated when we first arrived, since the table had been free the whole time? Also I noticed the waitress took our order at the same time that she took the order of the people sitting next to us -- who had sat down about 5-10 minutes before us. We showed up at noon and were seated at 12:17, which isn't that bad for a busy brunch place, but seems silly when you see that there are empty tables right there in front of you... It took another 10 minutes after ordering for coffee to arrive and when it did, it came without milk or sugar. The wait staff seems willing but not very detail-oriented. The seater guy was very nice and kept saying "thanks for waiting;" but all I could think was, if you trained the staff better, we wouldn't have had to wait...! I had the french toast with fresh fruit -- served without syrup or honey or anything -- and while it was fairly tasty it wasn't superb and not worth waiting all that time for. My friend had the omelet which looked perfectly fine. The apple cider, though, was really delicious. The coffee was only okay -- it tasted a bit acrid like it had been sitting around a bit, or the bean was over-extracted. It came to $31 for two of us before tip. All in all, I have better ways to spend my Sundays! If I do go there next time I'll probably make reservations.
(2)
Ger T.
I wanted something for lunch one day at work that didn't involve the cafeterias at MIT, so I decided to wander down Mass Ave for a bit and poke around for places serving soup. Surely, I thought, there would be at least a couple of cafes in the area close to campus that served soup!! ...a couple of blocks later and maybe I wasn't so sure. It seems like the area around MIT isn't known as much for restaurants as it is for nuclear reactors, so I was very glad to find La Luna Caffe. It wasn't that crowded at lunchtime, which was good since I was in a hurry. Kind of a narrow storefront, but I felt myself just relax as soon as I walked in the door due to the great smelling pastries and sandwiches being served over the counter. I ordered a bowl of their soup to go, and it came with warm bread as well. The portion was a good size for me. I actually ended up saving half of it for the next day's lunch, with a sandwich brought from home. I realize that I might eat less for lunch than other people...but definitely a bowl of soup does make a meal! Service wasn't the greatest, which did seem a little bit strange because I as I said, they weren't that busy. But the soup was good and next time I go back, I am definitely trying one of their big sandwiches and/or salads, and maybe a pastry!
(4)
Arnold C.
I had a superb breakfast once and it's fast becoming my favorite morning place. The whole ambiance has a laid-back coffee shop and comfortable feel to it. The table spaces are limited and the place is a little crowded in the morning, but that's about the only complaints I had. There is a short wait (10 min), but the server is pleasant. I had the Belgian waffles, which were fantastic. I also had chocolate french toasts for take-out, and they were decadently fabulous. The food was freshly made, service was fast, and the server was attentive and careful to my requests, especially when it came to packaging my take-out. Overall, I was impressed. If there is a little more space, that would be perfect.
(4)
Annie P.
I always find myself here during this time of year... the parting of Winter's chills and the coming of hot Summer nights. Coffee has never been a big thing for me until as of late. Drone life not in progress... but maybe age factor adds in. Anyways.. this is the spot I choose. The Americano is freshly steaming each time. La Luna seems to have changed owners and saw a lot of training going on this week but things seem untouched.. in a good way. Italian sodas, desserts including cheap huge oatmeal cookies, sandwiches and gelato offerings. Sometimes during the week you can catch good little live music going on by the front opened windows. Mood is mellow yellow wth the half moons all painted on the tiny table tops and mirrored darkness surrounding. It's nice or maybe I was just in a spectacular positive mood. Either way... one of my favorite spots as of late. Makes me want to kick boozing it up to the curb! Yeah I SAID IT!
(4)
Jessica L.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, the wait time for the weekend brunch is also getting longer. Fortunately, this place takes reservations. I'd call in even if you're planning on arriving early. I love this place so much that it takes a lot of will power to refrain from making recommendations to the tables around me. Every stuffed french toast I've had (seasonal: pumpkin pie, caramel apple; regular menu: chocolate), I'd recommend. Sometimes, I scroll through Luna's Yelp photos at night and dream about their pillow-y, thick slices of brioche french toast. It's a sickness, I know. Other favorites: corned beef hash benedict, kitchen sink sampler. It's probably better for my hips that I don't live closer to Luna.
(5)
Alexander H.
I went here for the first time for their brunch special. I can definitely understand why people have given them 4 or 5 stars because this place definitely has all the right elements. The service was more than friendly even though the waitress was obviously new. The host kept coming by to make sure we were okay, and overall it was a very good interaction. Unfortunately the food preparation was very slow (something they warned us about ahead of time), and it took about half an hour for our brunch to arrive, which was just too much time. Once it arrived, the food was pretty good (especially the home fries), but I don't think anything in particular distinguished it from other brunch places. I was honestly a little disappointed in my salami omelette just because it was a bit runny. Perhaps if I had come here for dinner or regular lunch, then this place would get a 4 stars, but for brunch, I can only recommend it as solid and nothing too spectacular.
(3)
Jeff W.
Food was delicious and their staff was super friendly. Not really a fan of the 'hipster' scene, but I would definitely go again if I was in or around central square. Glad to have found this place!
(4)
peggy c.
3 stars for pretending to do work, 4 for for vegging Due to the need to study but the complete lack of desire to do so... I'm been doing the cafe thing quite a bit lately, but I haven't quite found the perfect place that doesn't get uber packed, has decent food and free wireless (I like to be cheap). That was kind of how I ended up at La Luna... promise of free wifi - yay! I thought...at last, a good potential to pretend to do work while I'm googling. As promised, there was free wifi at La Luna and the place wasn't incredibly packed. There was also a band playing there which was cool for about the first hour but then it got a little annoying. The band was a great concept but in practice the acoustics in the room isn't exactly fantastic. In terms of food, I think I'm on sugar overload - caramel flan, some sort of mixed berry concoction, Italian soda and a deliciously pretty mocha (hello diabetes). Next time, I think I'll have to restrain myself on the sugar and try some of their other food. After I consumed the massive quantity of sugar I was eying the french toast and salads for a bit - they looked quite good. The guys who work at the cafe (it was all guys when i was there) are uber friendly in a slightly nerdy sort of way, which is quite endearing. They can be pretty chatty if you feel like striking up a conversation, but don't worry they're not going to stalk you or anything. The service here is better than most cafes I have been to in the Boston/Cambridge area in a while. If you're looking to camp out like I was, don't go when the bands are there, but otherwise the cafe is cozy and a good place to play catch up and talk to friends.
(3)
lw h.
Had an excellent salmon and avocado omelette here, with an option to select very fresh fruit as an alternative to the carb-laden toast. Service was good; food was excellent, and the latte and chai were served with an artistic flourish on top.
(5)
Dea A.
Good croissant, good latte, not so good service.
(3)
Julie B.
Recently I have been craving Nuttella, so when I saw "Nuttella and banana stuffed...." I was sold. Typically, I would never order french toast, but this was just outstanding. I also stole a couple bites of my boyfriend's goat cheese, prosciutto and fig omelet. I've said this before, but now I really mean it - best omelet ever. !00% worth the 20 minute weekend wait. Not to mention, this place is very cute and reminiscent of an Italian cafe.
(5)
Elin R.
I have been coming to Cafe Luna for a couple of years now. The food is always excellent and it's in a great location. But what makes this place so special and why I give it 5 stars is because of the staff there and the owners Matt and Teri. I have sponsored many events here. You can rent out the space on Sunday or Monday nights when they close early! Each time I have done an event they have gone above and beyond to make sure that everything is exactly the way I like it. Most times I have more people come than I anticipate and it is never a problem for them. There is always enough food and everyone walks away glad that they ate so well and found a new place to hang out!
(5)
Shaina S.
I am sitting in La Luna, sucking up their wireless rays because I had to had to had to get off the bus a few stops too early this morning. The stench from the man sitting across from me was just too unbearable. Watching the riders make ridiculous faces upon entering the bus after being greeted by this reeking STENCH was sort of amusing, but my nociceptors just kept firing and it was all very yuck. Cafe Luna is even more fabulous than I expected. The wonderful woman behind the counter is rocking a red scarf and a black and white striped shirt, giving her a fabulous boho pirate vibe. Love it! They also use a hand blender on their smoothies, just like I use at home. This is an excellent choice as it cuts down on that common yet pesky roar that interferes with my conversation/thoughts/music listening. There's a small but completely satisfying breakfast menu. I'm about to take my first bite of breakfast panini... and... OH MY GOD. So good. It doesn't feel blatantly unhealthy like many other breakfast sandwiches and the rosemary foccacia really kicks it up a notch. My smoothie is also well-sized and full of real fruits and juices which makes me say "Yeahy!" The sandwiches, salads, and gelato all look delicious. I'll definitely be back to try them all next summer when I'm longing to return to "la vecchia Italia..." P.S. On my way to work I saw STENCH-man sitting at the Central square bus stop across the street. Those poor Boston-bound souls..
(5)
Connie Y.
At the fringes of Central Square rule a triumvirate of coffee shops: Tosci's, Mariposa, and La Luna. I was asked by a friend what La Luna had to offer over the other two, since he had never been, and I almost immediately came up with these reasons: 1) Food Tosci's is great, but it doesn't offer panini, soup, salad, and bread pudding (and more). Admittedly Mariposa also offers food, but I go there the least out of the three (see review for more details?). 2) Live music La Luna stands alone here out of the three. One wonders how a place that opens its windows and has live music pouring out can remain so underground. I think it might be because Desi Dhaba is right next door, as Economy Hardware tends to hide Mariposa. Perhaps things will change with the addition of the common area outside. 3) Pretty coffee Served in generous, colorful mugs, this place offers presentation with their coffee. Actually they offer presentation with most of their items as well. 4) Free Wi-Fi! When Tosci's is too busy, I come to La Luna to do work. However, La Luna is not really equipped for the long haul with power outlets at only one end of the line of tables that are perfectly sized for a cozy lunch for two (thus accommodate approximately one laptop comfortably). The only confusing thing about this place to me is knowing when it's open late. I generally come here for lunch or meeting someone over coffee. It's small in capacity, but my experiences here are generally very pleasant.
(4)
Kelly A.
The boy and I were on our way to an afternoon rock show, and we had a little bit of time to kill, so we decided to stop into this cute little cafe for a hot beverage. It was such a nice surprise! That little stretch of Mass Ave seems so dingy and desolate, but La Luna offered a respite from that for sure. I had a hazelnut hot chocolate, he had a darjeeling tea, and we split a "meltaway bar" (a 7-layer bar of sorts). We had originally planned on taking it to go, but it was so nice and warm in there that we decided we wanted to grab a table. The wait staff were super accommodating and really friendly. Next time I'm in that neighborhood, I will be sure to stop in!
(5)
Margaret S.
Reservations for brunch is GENIUS. I don't know why more places don't do this-- standing around trying to get out of the way of busboys and other customers for 45 minutes can really put a damper on your Sunday morning. Not so at Cafe Luna! I was even super late to meet my friends, but they still got to sit down on time instead of waiting out in the cold, even though their whole party wasn't there. The food was also super. I had the corned beef hash eggs benedict-- what??! I didn't even know that was possible, but it was delicious. Two of my brunch favorites, together at last, with no painful decisions necessary and no regret to follow. I rarely finish an entire plate of food when I eat out, but my plate was *clean* at the end of the meal. I don't know if it was more the portion size (which I found to be perfect, apparently) or the deliciousness. Either way, I was happy. It's now easily my favorite brunch place in Cambridge.
(5)
Krystal T.
Best Chai Latte I have ever had and I've had MANY. Brunch at this place is heavenly, but not filling, wish they were a bit more generous. Their panini are great and the quality of the bread is good. Their smoothies are flavorful. Overall this is a wonderful cafe. Great place for casual dinning.
(4)
Nupur L.
Just stepped in today after reading all the good reviews and I was not disappointed. My latte was gorgeous and much tastier than the ones I used to get at that place a few doors down that exists due to Cambridge's misplaced priorities. The guy at the counter was extremely friendly and nice. I loved how he'd bring everyone their orders personally and apologized when he botched an order-and gave them free iced coffee. Prices are about the same as most places' in Cambridge. La Luna is a pleasant detour from the usually affected or apathetic service and mediocre coffee that is so typical around Cambridge. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Nor A.
Great sandwiches and soups during cold weather. Call ahead if you don't want to wait in the long lunch lines.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Very cozy atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, delicious food. I had the Genovese salad, which was very filling and tasty. I had asked for the goat cheese (but they gave me feta), but it wasn't too big of a deal, since it was still really good. Also, they had run out of turkey, which was my meat of choice, but the waiter came by and was so funny and friendly about it, I didn't mind. Really, the food is good, and even if something doesn't go quite as planned, it's still great food! And the waiter I had (Lee) made a point to introduce himself, get our names, and be just the nicest person! Highly recommended!
(4)
Jasmine K.
Wonderful service, nice coffee. I HAVE to come for brunch.
(4)
S R.
My 5 reasons (although I have more) for the 5 stars. 1. Great staff 2. Good food (they have gelato too!) 3. Amazing drinks (LOVE their chai latte) 4. Live music on the weekends 5. Free wifi I had read all the rave reviews on Yelp and decided to check out Cafe Luna myself. Upon entering, I had a 3 minute chat with some of the servers and by the end of our conversation I knew I was going to love this place. The place IS small and the layout is narrow, but I love the cozy feel of it. I went on a Sunday right before brunch time so I was able to grab a table for myself and my friend. We ordered from the weekend brunch menu and both our meals were fantastic (Greek omelet and Belgian waffle). We ate our plates clean. They even gave us free cinnamon buns (which were AMAZING). For drinks I ordered a tea and then the infamous chai latte. I loved both. My friend ordered a regular cafe latte and she loved it too. My friend and I then proceeded to whip out our laptops/books to study. Even though it was crazy busy, the staff was extremely accommodating and did not rush us to leave. I love the vibe the place and the live jazz music playing in the background was a plus. We were sitting towards the back so the music was not too loud while we studied. (Perfect for casual studying - NOT a place if you need absolute silence aka library studying). The place is perfect if you love to study with a constant busy (but non-intrusive) buzz around you. But beware! Tables are relatively small so don't expect to sprawl all your books out. I'll definitely be back...OFTEN!
(5)
Sophie I.
Family owned, wonderfully friendly - this place has provided a consistently great experience. I love the breakfast paninis and croissants especially. Their bread is really excellent and always fresh. And it's cheap! My new favorite for lazy weekend mornings when I can't be bothered to prep my own breakfast. Delicious espresso as well.
(5)
Ben W.
Live jazz trio saturday mornings. Great atmosphere. Greek omlete is very good .
(5)
Hiroki M.
Locally-owned with a great energy-conscious stance. Food can be a little pricey and service sometimes could be better but overall a great place to sit down with some coffee and do work or chill. Also they have free, fast wifi for an hour. Not bad at all, most of the people working are also really nice.
(4)
Dessa R.
Think Dutch coffee shop without the greens. Although small, La Luna is a pleasant spot where the wifi is free, the owners are warm and accomodating, and the coffee is goooood. It's quiet, charming, and hugely popular with the laptop crowd. The little round tables, each decorated with a happy crescent moon, can fill up fast on nights they feature jazz, folk, acoustic guitar, or other local color. Gelato, tiramisu, and wine by the glass just add to the Euro atmosphere of the cafe. An excellent choice when you need a break from the Starbucks frenzy.
(4)
elena k.
Love this cozy little place. It's great for brunch. My favorite are the dirty chai lattes... mmm!
(5)
Nors P.
I can't believe I have never written a review for Cafe Luna! I have been here about half a dozen times - I come whenever I want to impress an out-of-town guest or local food fiend - and it never fails to impress! I have had various benedicts (florentine, lobster, salmon) and belgian waffles (lemon curd/blueberry, pumpkin/autumn, marscapone/berries) becuase theose are my brunch favorites and they have always been wonderful. Whenever I have had to wait a little or have sat at the counter- they have brought out fresh complimentary mini-cinnamon buns. To drink I have had the pumkin latte and the hot chocolate with whipped cream - both were great (Its no burdicks- but its still good!) Brunch mates have gotten a variety of sweet and savory dishes and have always been blown away. I always walk away having gotten a few points on their people to ask for restaurant rec's scale! The service is always great. I believe it is the owner who acts as host and he is always very friendly and happy to talk about the restaurant - the waiters are great as well and seem like they really enjoy the food and have opions on it - which I like! Just rememer to call ahead to make a reservation for brunch - oh and portions are BIG!
(5)
Vanessa W.
I never really thought much of this place before the Scoutmob deal, but turns out that have a CRAZY (in a good way) brunch menu. With the specials, it's a packed 4 pages long, I think.. and nothing is really typical. I was torn between the lemon-ricotta pancakes with lemon mascarpone and raspberries, but thinking that might be too heavy, I went for the goat cheese and roasted sweet potato omelette (with egg whites).It was good - and I appreciate the creativity. I wouldn't go here if you're looking for some light options! Lots of rich, unique items on the menu.
(4)
Theresa M.
So i've been here twice now, delicious. I had a sandwich with their chicken salad with cranberries and apple chunks, it was refreshing and not excessive. Their house salad dressing is great. My boyfriend had a chicken caesar salad which was great, the chicken was delish =] i'd recommend this place on a nice day. Place your order and sit in the square right outside, they bring your food to you! so cute!
(5)
Nicole B.
Just ate saturday brunch... the lobster benedict was very good, and the chicken chorizo dish was also delicious. Also, the very nice owner gave us some freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
(4)
Aamir M.
Here's my equation for a good working lunch: Quick Service + Tasteful Food + Under $10 = Great Working Lunch. Luna delivers on all 3 components and further adds the following components: Outdoor Seating + High Quality My recommendations: Genovese Salad, Venezia Panini. Tips: All the salads can also be had as wraps, and if you're going later in the evening, check out their website for local live music offerings.
(4)
Sir william W.
Yup they're exceptionally good at everything except their sandwiches, which kind of suck.
(5)
Jeffrey H.
Yum. It's a cute little place with friendly staff and delicious sandwiches. Very relaxed and a perfect place to chill with friends for a bite or bring your laptop for a myspace stalking. And ya know those times when you're out to eat and you see a picture of a dessert or moan as a waitress walks by with the most fabulous looking piece of caloric intake that you ever did see--then you try and act all healthy by saying "Oh that looks good, but I shouldn't" or "If only I had gone to the gym this morning..." Welllllll, that's not happening here. You're ordering dessert. Maybe two. I remember sitting at a table with friends but my eyes refused to invest themselves in any conversation--they were busy in a sinful love affair with the sugary goodness looming nearby. I'm sure they had to use a whole bottle of Windex to clean the display case after I drooled all over it.
(4)
Ilya Jacob R.
Thanks to D&M, I was introduced to this place tonight. I'm going to have to revisit La Luna because it seems perfect. and because of their crazy selection of yummy goods. They have sandwiches, wine, pastries/desserts and coffee. I had a delicious mocha and good chocolate chip cookie (although I would've liked it a bit more if it was a bit softer and warmer...but it was good). Most importantly, the staff there is abnormally nice and helpful. I'm looking forward to a return trip. Another great thing is that the place isn't crazy packed like some other local cafes in the vicinity. If they had comfy couches, I'd likely spend hours there... Oh and by the way, they have free wifi! Big bonus.
(4)
Yasmin E.
AMAZING food! The reason this place doesn't get a 5* from me is because of how tiny it is (and I'm all about ambiance). I absolutely loved the Lobster Benedict, Berry waffles and smoked salmon omelet! Decently priced as well! This is an excellent quaint Sunday brunch spot with a few friends (you don't wanna go too wild with your guest list since space is limited). Be sure to call at least an hour in advance to make a reservation/be placed on the waitlist. Bon Apetite!
(4)
Nicole M.
Read the yelp reviews and went there this morning. Wow - you guys weren't kidding about the fluffy eggs and delicious chai! The food was just amazing - we had pancakes, an egg sandwich, potatoes and cinnamon buns. What was better? The owner/waitress were incredibly warm. One person in our party was late, but he told us to sit down and relax and enjoy ourselves. The waitress also gave us the cinnamon buns on accident, but he said just to leave them on the table - it was on them. Wonderful experience.
(5)
Moomin T.
Decent brunch, with live music.
(3)
Julie F.
What luck! This was my first time in Boston/Cambridge, and boy did I pick the right place for Easter brunch! I didn't want the $65 buffet brunch that a lot of places offer, so I started doing some research before I left. I called the restaurant to make sure that there would be no surprise buffet. She assured me that everything was cooked-to-order. We made a reservation, and it's a good thing that we did. Walk-ins had to wait 2 hrs that day! It's elbow to elbow seating, so you have to be the kind of person that is ok with that. My friend was not, but I saw it as an opportunity to see what others are eating! They also rushed the season by opening the front windows before the temperature outdoors hit 60 degrees, but there were people sitting in those window seats, and they didn't seem to mind. We just had to eat quickly to finish before the food got cold. 53 degrees must be like summer in MA. The lobster benedict was cause for yummy noises, and the soy latte was beautiful and delicious. I could have eaten more of the potatoes, which were to die for, but sparse. It would be worth another 6-hr train ride, just to eat here again. I hope they don't change a thing...except maybe to wait for warmer weather to open the windows!
(5)
Diane I.
I've been here for lunch as well as had them cater. Delicious food and great service!
(5)
Vivian L.
I'm a regular here - the barista knows my usual order: the Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and a glass of delicious, refreshing orange juice. I come here every week after my 8am dance rehearsal, right when they open. The waiters and host are always considerate and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Their French toast is absolutely to die for - it's deliciously soft, which may be a change for some who prefer it crispier, but it's also extremely melt-in-your-mouth delectable! Overall, the service here is hands-down the best I have ever seen in an eatery, and the brunch is the best I've ever tasted :) not enough good things to say about this place.
(5)
L T.
This place is awesome. 1 thing that quickly makes me a fan, free wifi. Trouble is you might not find a spot to sit if everyone's there on their laptops. I got the bomba per someone's recommendation on yelp. I got the turkey version. real good. the gormet olives and feta cheese really make the wrap awesome. Comes with Cape Cod style chips too. fantastic. People are wicked nice. Once you order, they bring you your sandwich, and then when it's clear you're finished, they take it away. Not something i expected out of a small coffee shop. oh and the wrap i got was grilled too. Tim
(4)
Alex M.
Fantastic place with amazing food! I ordered nutella French toast and never thought it would taste that good! Service is great and friendly.
(5)
Fran T.
We had lunch here and it was great. I got the Eggs Benedict and my fiance got the Lobster Omlette. Both egg dishes were great and the home fries (cubed potatos pefectly seasoned and browned) are "out of this world." Also got something interesting and delicious called "Frozen Hot Chocolate." Perfect for an 85 degree July day in Cambridge. I would have given them 5 stars but the seating sucks. Our table for 2 was butted up against this other table where the couple was making out during brunch - HEY, I'm trying to eat over here! I saw other tables for 2 with 3 people crammed in them. We waited about 10 minutes for a seat, but it looked like other parties waited longer. Maybe we'll go back when it's not super crowded.
(4)
Jason T.
Luna is so close to a four for me... but it's just a little too expensive for my tastes. The brunch is delicious. I recently had a fantastic 3 egg omelet with all fresh vegetables - roasted red peppers, red onions, and spinach - sandwiched inside. Their hash browns, quarter small red potatoes caught me off guard and were splendedly delicious. They could definitely either cut the cost of their coffee or give you a little more for the $2.50... but overall, if you're looking for quality over quantity this is a great place to go.
(3)
Katie M.
The only complaint I have is that we didn't get here earlier to grab a seat closer to the music. Went here on a whim to meet up with my cousin for dinner. There appeared to be no tables, but then our courteous waiter asked some people to move so we could squeeze into a table in the back. Wait staff is very accommodating. As the place filled up, they rounded up extra chairs to make room for all of their patrons. The owner spent some time chatting with us about the AMAZING Brazilian jazz band playing that night. And the food was great, too :) I had the vegetarian chili. Perfect accompaniment to our dropping temps.
(5)
Jaya B.
Great for brunch. Their French toasts and waffles are awesome. I loved the hot chocolate. AND... They take reservations for brunch :)
(4)
Blossom B.
oh I adore this little cafe. Great for free wi-fi. The food is good, not many options, but the salads are fresh and the gelato is fantastic. I really like the owners, sister and brother, I believe, I usually talk more with her, she is friendly, and they work so hard every day. It's somewhat quiet, which is nice to get some work done, and at other times, they have live music at night. I'm all for supporting independent businesses!
(4)
Yelp Z.
I fell into La Luna going in the wrong direction off the T, while looking for a store. SO glad. I decided on grabbing a DC and a delicious looking cupcake and asking for guidance on finding the store I was heading to. The person behind the counter was very patient with my ooogling over all the different items behind the glass, and honest when he said he wasn't sure about exactly what was on top of a cupcake I wanted but it was most likely a combination of caramel, chocolate and coconut. I didn't really care, it looked good enough and I really just wondered if it was ok to buy one and not say - a dozen. It was just the way they were arranged, I thought it was maybe a bulk type of place. ANY WAY. Moving on, I bought the cuppie cake for "here" and sat at a small table up front devouring it with a huge smile on the whole time, trying to keep my moans of satisfaction to a minimum. I also asked directions to the store in question, and was pointed in the direction (for later). The owner/manager came out front and we had eye contact a few times while I was eating. He waited for me to finish before asking how everything was. Apparently they have a new baker they've hired. I told him the cupcake was amazing and they are really lucky to have her, whoever she is. GO - GO NOW - GO BACK if you were grossed out before. They are very kind, patient, sweet and have amazing food. Update** went back during some Christmas Eve manic shopping for a little prezzie from me to me, and La Luna was about to close. I asked for a lemon bar and the kind woman behind the counter gave me ALL the lemon bars for the price of one. I thought that bag felt heavy....
(4)
Maryn H.
I wasn't too impressed. My sandwich was dry and not that tasty. However, I may have just been going through a rough patch in my life since everyone on yelp seems to love this joint. The waitstaff was friendly, but I did feel a little rushed. I don't know; it wasn't great.
(3)
shary m.
Raspberry italian soda and a Caruso panini with side salad is my favorite weekend lunch . Whatever can be, is made from scratch, and you can taste it. Purrrrrrrrrfect. I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!
(4)
Jungmin L.
Great atmosphere, nicest friendliest service, amaziiiiiing food. I'm an absolute fan. For brunch, get a french toast and omelette to share. You can also do half-portions!
(4)
Richard S.
I've ordered about forty chicken caesar wraps from here. Wraps come with a little salad and the balsamic dressing they supply in little cups is great. Ask for two. Not so cheap but cheap enough. Also they've got wi-fi and by next year the park should be finished in front of the shop - technically called Lafayette Square. Gelato is great and everyone is friendly.
(4)
leena A.
This is my favorite cafe in Cambridge! Seriously the best latte you can find on this side of the Atlantic. I usually get the breakfast sandwich (served all day) - egg and cheese on a sesame bagel and it's only $3. The baked goods and real homemade Italian tiramisu is to die for. They serve wine and gelato as well and really make you wonder why anybody would go all the way to the north end for tasty treats.
(5)
Meltem D.
It's a nice atmosphere but the food was disappointing. The sandwiches that I had there upset my stomach later and the belgian waffle was a little dry.
(3)
Leslie K.
This place is great. I've been here for meetings, to get work done, to hang out with friends, and on dates, and it's fit the bill every time. In the summer, there's a wonderful patio, and in the winter it's cozy and warm. All the food I've had is delicious -- especially the salad dressing!
(5)
Robert L.
Great little spot! The food is excellent, coffee drinks are excellent. I have only ever seen one waiter in the place, but he is AWESOME! Great personal service, if you get carded he will remember your name, pick on you, joke around, introduce you to other customers (unless you clearly don't want to be bothered!). There is outdoor seating available, it has free Wireless, and is all around great. Highly recommended!
(5)
Joy F.
la luna cafe was disappointing, considering the cafe competition in central square. it's with in spitting distance of toscanini's and i don't understand why anyone would prefer it for coffee or ice cream. for baked goods or sandwiches, mariposa is across the street and 1369 coffeehouse is a few blocks up mass ave. i think some people go to watch soccer...
(2)
Sunaina B.
Definitely the most delicious yet reasonable brunch destination: I've been in Boston for 4 years and can't believe I waited this long! We came in around 11:45am-12pm on a Saturday and the server was great. Although the rest of the party was taking a while to join, Cafe Luna didn't put excessive pressure on us to get our friends to hurry up - inspite of the long lines. I ordered the Nutella and Strawberry Waffle and it was the best waffle i've had - it was crispy and so tasty, the fruit was fresh and the nutella was soft and just nutella! PS: Another perk: they give you crayons and paper to draw on while you wait for your meal! My friends got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink Sampler" and the "Caramelized Banana and Pecan Chocolate Waffle (I don't remember the name correctly but that's what it had). And to add to the deliciousness and great atmosphere - it's extremely reasonable!
(5)
Jeruen D.
As we were staying in Cambridge, my companion and I opted to explore this side of town a little bit. So we opted to have brunch in Cafe Luna, and it turns out that this is a very famous place for brunch. We arrived around a little after half past nine, and were told that there was a 40-minute wait. We opted to wait, and we were glad that we did. When we finally got seated, I opted to order the Lobster Eggs Benedict, which was divine. My companion on the other hand ordered the figs omelette, coming with goat cheese and some other amazing tasty goodies. Overall, we had a very good experience, that we even opted to come back for another round, during our last day in Boston. It was a restaurant experience and I will definitely try to come back there again if I find myself in Boston in the future.
(5)
Jeroen S.
Really good service and food. The lobster roll is magnificent and there coffee great.
(5)
Kimmi V.
Biscuits. Eggs Benedict. Vegan chorizo. I'd skip on the french toast / pancakes, but the EGGS BENEDICT WERE AMAZING. Will 100% go again. Just email for a reservation ahead of time. The wait can get crazy, and it's not a huge place. Service was friendly and fast, and overall an awesome experience. The crayons at each table were a plus.
(5)
Jasmin V.
*Reservations are a brunches best friend & I love Luna for that! Must make reservations. It does get busy! +Ricotta Lemon Pancakes: Auh-maaaze-ing! No other words to describe. Stop wondering & order them. +Mac & Cheese: Add lobster & bacon = pure goodness. Although it's not big enough to share in my opinion but why would you want to share? +Corned beef hash omelette: So good it was gone in seconds. Specials are always changing but everything here is amazing!
Great brunch They are usually booked on Sunday and waiting time is long. But you can order for pick up and have your brunch sitting outside. And with good weather, life can't be better than this. The manager is awesome :)
(5)
William W.
Claustrophobic dining, uninspired decor, insane wait times, no cocktails. Somehow, despite all this, Cafe Luna stands as one of the best brunch joints in Cambridge, maybe even in the state of Massachusetts. It's all due to this small restaurant's fantastic service, adventurous menu, and jaw-dropping cuisine. As soon as you get in, grab some Honey Butter Biscuits ($3) to sate that monstrous appetite you've likely been working on outside. These biscuits are everything--soft, crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, filling, and flaky. We're known to put in an order per person. Here's what next: Lobster Avocado Omelet ($17) serves up heaping portions of fresh seafood in addition to probably a whole avocado, four plus eggs, and whatever sides you're craving. It's the breakfast version of the best lobster roll you've ever had. If you think $17 is a lot for an omelet, you'd be right... but goddamn do they make it worth your hard-earned cash. tl;dr - if you're in Cambridge, make a reservation.
(5)
Timmy L.
Disappointingly over-hyped and undeserving of the crowds it draws. If you like paying almost the highest prices for just alright food and don't mind waiting for almost an hour packed like a sardine, then this is your place. Although I love the extensiveness of the menu and the inventive ingredients, Cafe Luna simply failed to impress for multiple reasons. 1. How I waited: a dining experience starts from the moment you walk in. After I pushed past everyone to put my name in, I patiently alternated between getting jostled by people next to me and shivering whenever the door opened. A place this busy could definitely afford to construct a little buffer room to both alleviate the crowded waiting area and the chilly gusts. Also, I simply did not like how the host/owner kept on stalling us with little tidbits of information. It did not make me feel better to hear that our table was being set when I still had to wait 20 minutes after that. 2. The service: this cafe is clearly a victim of its own success. Throughout my experience, I felt like I was waiting on the restaurant. The host, although obviously very busy, was curt and distracted, giving me a strange look when I tentatively gave my name. Although it was a cool that the servers had ipads, it slowed down the process as our server had to look through all the categories to find our choices. I would much prefer they had notepads, which would provide a lot more flexibility. 3. The food: just alright. I had the fig and prosciutto benedict, my girlfriend had their hash, and we split their two choices of specialty potatoes. I liked my benedict, but that's only because I'm a huge fan of fig jam. Outside of the choice of ingredients, I wasn't wowed at all. My girlfriend liked the hash, however again, she's a big fan of hash. The potatoes were very disappointing. The Jalapeno flavor was simply a sauce poured over the potatoes, and while the ham combo was a little more impressive, the boring and bland breakfast potatoes were hard to get over. All-around, a very disappointing experience at an expensive and time-consuming restaurant. You'll have similar food, albeit with less options, at your local diner. If you want a cozy, family diner experience with top-notch breakfast food, Mike's in the South End is a much better choice.
(2)
Aneil B.
I came here with some friends on a Saturday afternoon and was completely blown away. The place was small yet bustling and the food was amazing. I had an omelette with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, goat cheese and arugula w/ home fries on the side. On top of that, our waiter was really friendly and helpful in catering to my friend's dietary restriction. I will definitely come back to this place when I am in Boston again.
(5)
Jessica J.
I am obsessed with this brunch spot! Although the wait can be long (up to an hour), it is definitely with the wait! The owner is so kind and is constantly making sure everyone who is waiting does get seatedas soon as possible. I am not a waffle and pancakes person but I chose to venture out an get the blueberry and lemon curd waffles and it was amazing! The waffle was crunchy and warm and perfect. I recommend it to anyone!
(5)
Diva K.
Hahaha, my first time here today and it was a great experience. We had a very nice waiter who took our orders. The funny part was that my friend told the waiter that my name was Luna and at that time, I ordered a "Luna" sandwich, so the waiter asked, "oh, is it really? Wait, you didn't call in the other day did you? We had someone called in the that day and she made reservations under the name Luna." I said "no", and we all laughed. The foods were delicious and very fulfilling. I wish I could have tried one of their special soups that the waiter mentioned to us, but maybe next time. Oh, and this place was really busy when we were there. ^_^
(5)
wendy g.
Once again I had my birthday brunch at my favorite place - lemon ricotta pancakes with eggs benedict!! The hollandaise sauce was light and perfect and the ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy. The service was outstanding. This is not fast food. it is very popular and has a reasonable wait. Relax and do what we did- cinnamon buns, biscuits and excellent coffee including a delicious cappuccino! And as a further plus- my son always says yes to a Cafe Luna meal !!!
(5)
Jakarta N.
Came here on a Saturday morning at 10 and figured we didn't need reservations since it was exactly when it opened. Boy was I wrong. The place was packed by 10:05 after we had parked and there was a line. Apparently they take reservations which I thought was really weird. Busy brunch places in Philadelphia would never do that. Anyway, I had the corned beef hash Benedict which was a little dry, the hollandaise could've been a little runnier but the corned beef was delicious. I also ordered the Creamsicle cocktail which was blood orange wine spritzer with vanilla syrup and cream. Tell them to add more vanilla syrup and it'll be perfection. Boyfriend had the usual eggs over easy with toast, Bloody Mary with sake he said was good. We also shared the Nutella banana French toast which was to die for. You can't really go wrong with anything smothered in Nutella though. The guys working there were also super nice and chill. Cute place.
(4)
Richard H.
I've been to Cafe Luna twice and I loved it both times. I could go on and on about the impressive menu, but as soon as you walk in the door, you just know you're going to get a good meal regardless of what you order. I've had the Prosciutto and Fig Eggs Benedict and the Autumn Vegetable Omelette. Both are solid choices, but my friends have devoured the waffles and the pancakes with great acclaim. The coffee is fantastic and oh-so-smooth. Also, do not let your server leave your table without ordering the buttermilk biscuits. These are a fantastic treat while you wait for your food. The food turn-around is extremely quick, and you will see that tables in the cafe are in high demand. However, this is not to say that you will feel rushed by the pleasant waitstaff, but just be prepared to push through a crowd to let the host know you are there (see below about arriving at Cafe Luna) and be watched from afar for your coveted throne in the Cambridge brunch domain. Very important: make sure you try to make reservations before you arrive or, depending on the size of your group, you may be disappointed with the wait. Both times I called ahead and was seated promptly. However, I witnessed several 4 and 6 person groups confront a 90-120 minute wait for a table. The host is also the owner and is very accommodating. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Alexandra G.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday. Good thing I made a reservation ahead of time because the place is tiny and, if you don't have a reservation, the wait is looooong. There really isn't a waiting area so the people waiting for a table are forced to awkwardly hover over those who are sitting and eating at the tables near the entrance. The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, helpful, and funny. The coffee was also very good. The food, on the other hand, was just average. It definitely sounded better when described on the menu. I had the Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet and it was pretty tasteless. My husband had the Greek Omelet and said the same thing about his meal. Our son did love the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries, so, perhaps, it's the omelets that are lacking. Overall, I would come back here again to try something that's not an omelet. I may end up giving the place additional stars then.
(3)
Leigh R.
Lovely. Must go for high quality brunch that pleases the masses.
(4)
Ariel Z.
Ever since I found this place while in school, I try to get my friends to come here with me all the time. I initially tried their lunch options, such as a seasonal panini with goat cheese and butternut squash. Superb lattes, some of the best I have ever tasted in Boston, with cool (often seasonal) flavors, like mint and spicy cocoa. The wait staff is always so friendly and up-beat, typical of the Central Sq vibe. No air conditioning, so it is really hot in the summer, even indoors (expert tip: wear minimal clothing and bring one of those Japanese fans and you'll be set). Totally worth it, no joke. Oh and how could I forget the extraordinary brunch? I ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict and my friend ordered the Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet...both to die for! We've come here a couple of times for brunch and always make sure to get that large glass of fresh mimosa to start off the most glorious of days :)
(5)
Andrew K.
After years of living in boston and never having tried the famous Luna I joined a large group of 7 on Saturday at Luna. We had to wait over an hour but that was not unexpected and I would say it was worth it. The owner, who's also the host, kept us informed, and was very gracious. We even got a free plate of delicious biscuits and pastries for our long wait. Lobster Benedict was expensive but also amazing. Chocolate cinnamon stuffed roll was delicious. Pretty much all the food around us looked great. Having heard a lot about blue bottle coffee (San Fran) I was a little disappointed in the coffee but it wasn't horrible. The place is small but the environment is warm. It can a bit tight with all of the waiters going back and forth but it didn't bother us. Honestly, for slightly cheaper pricing (most dishes were around $15) and a not so pleasant exchange about avocados I would have given the place five stars. The owner's wife who is also the cook was not happy about giving the avocado spread on the side and when the waiter asked if I wanted sliced avocado on the side instead, I was surprised at the end when I saw the bill and was charged for it. Overall It's worth the wait and I recommend it.
(4)
Amy Y.
Cafe Luna is great food and great service. What more can you want? They also have smooth Blue Bottle coffee, so that's yet another plus! I also want to mention that I had the best pancakes of my life here. Our server told us that the chef took months perfecting the recipe -- I believe it!
(5)
Joe T.
The flexible, friendly owners gave me an amazing vegan Easter brunch experience! When we first arrived, I just noticed that the restaurant looked nice and friendly, and had exciting daytime cocktails on the menu. The girl who picked Cafe Luna for Easter brunch said that it got great reviews online. As a vegan, I asked the waiter if I could just have a plate full of fruits and vegetables. The waiter kept going away and coming back, and asking me more questions about exactly what kind of vegetables I like. "Do you like brussel sprouts?" YES! "Do you like sweet potato?" "Yes!" Finally, the waiter left, and one of the owners showed up. The owner asked if I wanted any vegan chorizo. "Vegan chorizo!?" I was so excited. The owner explained that they had left it off the Easter Sunday menu to make it simpler, but that they had vegan chorizo available in the kitchen for vegans. I got the meal of vegan chorizo, potatoes, and veggies--with a side of fruit salad. Absolutely delicious! I told the owner to give a chef a hug for me, to thank the chef. The owner refused, saying, "I never hug the chef. She's my wife.
(4)
Meep M.
Came here for brunch based on the great reviews. Seems like they are known for their eggs benedict since most people were ordering this. We got their lobster benedict and expected it to be delicious but was barely visually apleasing. Their water was lukewarm had a fishy smell and food was placed on trays close to the bathroom, ugh. I would not personally come again since prices were a bit outrageous and quality wasn't up to par.
(2)
Andrew M.
Just enjoyed a lovely breakfast. The food is wonderful: well crafted and sometimes novel takes on traditional fare. Blue Bottle coffee on tap makes it all the better as well. But above all the friendly and enthusiastic staff make this a great place to start the day.
(5)
Alex S.
Came here for brunch, and there is surely no lack of amazing looking options on the weekend. The salmon and avocado omelette was delicious, and I hope to find excuses to return in the near future to try more of their fare. The cafe is small, but isn't cramped. On the weekends this place is very busy, so don't expect to come in for a quick stop. This place is almost 5 stars, but its just missing that special something. I still give Cafe Luna a strong recommendation.
(4)
Chad M.
This place is a must stop in Cambridge. They have some of the best coffee I've ever had. Their pastries and food are both very good. The only thing that rivals is the service in this place . Some of the best people working in here very happy to help you and very informative . If you're not sure what you want tell them what you like and they will recommend something delicious.
(5)
Chris P.
Called at 11:40am and ordered a salad they told me to pick it up in 10 min. I arrived waited another 35 minutes after paying. Unacceptable. Will not return for lunch.
(2)
Carrie P.
It really is as good as everyone says. It really is worth the ridiculous wait of 45 minutes even when you have a reservation. We got the lemon ricotta pancakes as an appetizer for the table and our waiter was blown away/maybe borderline grossed out by our ingenuity/ability to eat 1.25 breakfasts each. They were breathtakingly delicious. I've had the chicken chorizo huevos rancheros type dish and also the breakfast burrito. Both were fabulous. All of my friends loved their dishes as well. The also have blue bottle coffee which is really nice.
(5)
Dorothy C.
Sent hubby to fetch take-out today (Sunday brunch). They were so busy, they couldn't take phone orders - gotta go there and place it in person. Quite the wait, but Oh My God. So worth it. Everything we ordered was gobbled up with glee amongst the three of us: - Grilled Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter (salty, slightly pan-fried... with the sweet honey butter... I would seriously just go there and eat plate after plate of this...) - Blueberry Lemon Belgian Waffle with blueberry compote, lemon curd. (delicious, though second to the awesome Special of the Day - only b/c he has a sweet tooth) - Special of the Day: Caramel Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll French Toast (ridiculous in its awesomeness, so long as you have a sweet tooth - I was overwhelmed, but hubby and son fought over it). - Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict (perfectly poached eggs, with slightly runny golden yolk that mixed perfectly with the home-made not-too-salty hash; nice hollandaise sauce that complemented but didn't overwhelm everything; and very taste english muffin that seemed very freshly made). 3 of us ate for $52, for take-out. We have leftovers. We are stuffed & so happy. Make reservations, if you want to go on a weekend brunch, and you can just walk right in. Otherwise, be prepared to wait. Don't forget the Biscuits! omg...
(5)
Lea V.
Lovely food & very filling, great coffee but quite pricey for breakfast/brunch ($55 for two people). Also really crowded on Sundays.
(4)
Josh L.
I know that other people have started their reviews similar to this BUT this is my favorite brunch place in Boston. Make a reservation way ahead and make sure everyone arrives on time because they won't seat you unless everyone is there. They only have space for about 30 people and Boston LOVES brunch, especially Cafe Luna brunch. They have a very wide selection of sweet and savory dishes and you will never regret ordering any of their monthly specials. I had the berry stuffed Belgian waffle recently and it was magical. Also, Matt the owner/reservation manager/awesome person makes you feel welcome and tries to accommodate you as much as possible. Anything Benedict or Belgian waffle will explode your taste buds here.
(5)
Xiao Z.
I may not be the biggest fan of brunch, but I do know excellent service when I see it. Unlike many other brunch places, Cafe Luna had some of the most unique sandwiches, including the lobster egg Benedict with just enough hollandaise to marry the sweet texture of the fresh lobster meat. The ricotta pancake, however, was a bit too sweet for my taste and I couldn't savor the ricotta over the pancakes. There were multiple places to eat out, but given the hot day, i spoiled myself with electricity and AC. What really sets this place apart from other establishments was the exquisite customer support. I came here and was accidentally charged with a greater bill. I emailed the store owners lateral that week and was met with very prompt response. Food: 4 stars Services: 3 stars Ambiance: 3 stars Customer care: 5stars
(5)
Jenny T.
I had the lobster mac and cheese and it was on the dryer side. A bit pricey but service was great. My husband had the omelet. Nothing to rave about. Too expensive for what they have
(3)
Matthew C.
This is a good start to your day. Cafe Luna has fresh Orange juice with a good fruit waffle.
(4)
Heather C.
Hands down one of the best brunch spots in Boston. There was a one hour wait on a Saturday at 10:45am, so I expected it to be good - but it exceeded my expectations. Cozy ambience and perfect level of music - enough to drown out other tables but still have a conversation with your own party. A touch of whimsy with the crayons and drawing paper on each table. Ordered the butternut squash, carmelized onion, goat cheese and avocado omelet with a side of fruit. The omelet was a wonderful savory dish, flavored well with a hint of sweetness. Will definitely be returning to this cafe.
(5)
Lauren H.
#11 of 52 in 2014. Not sure how I hadn't been here before now. I think I just thought it was a coffee shop. This place is SO much more than a coffee shop. I've never been any place where everyone--from the servers to the host to the barista to the people eating--was so freakishly happy. It seriously felt like some kind of social experiment. The service was great, quick with suggestions and very friendly even though the place was packed. Fantastic menu--not sure how not everyone in a group couldn't find something they wanted. Excellent coffee. Not cheap. Our biggest complaint was that the eggs Benedict arrived cold, which is odd considering how busy it was. I would definitely go back, though.
(4)
Annie N.
This review is for their brunch! One of the best brunch jewels in Cambridge/Boston! Their Lobster Eggs Benedict is a must-try (regular item). Perfectly poached eggs; flavorful, zesty hollandaise sauce; grilled asparagus; and generous serving of lobster tossed in butter, atop a toasted English muffin. Served with a side of home fries. Yummmmy-o! They have a seasonal special Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict that's one of my favorite brunch item anywhere; you're lucky if you can catch it while it's on the menu. One benedict with flavorful tri-tip, one with decadent lobster. Can't lose! Service is excellent, although lines can be really long (wait time often up to 2 hours during peak hours (11-12). However, owner/manager is a superb hostess, sometimes bringing out warm cinnamon rolls sometimes for ravenous, committed patrons! They're busy, but definitely worth the wait. They do take reservations, but make them early! Would definitely give them 5-stars for brunch if it wasn't for the wait time.
(4)
Sam H.
Cafe Luna served one of the best brunches I've had in a long time. Delicate, subtle, and surprising flavors--often in unusual combinations. But also remarkably down-to-earth and filling. The atmosphere was hip yet unpretentious. Service was a bit slow and spacey. The servers were friendly, but we did have to ask for water three times before getting it, and our starters arrived after the entrees.
(4)
Bryan M.
Amazing food here, heard about Cafe Luna from a friend. Went here from brunch with a group of friends and as we got there, the line was out the door and we had to put our names on a waiting list. (making reservations is done a month ahead of time) Seating in the restaurant held maybe 30 people max. Ending up finding out the person in charge of the seating was the owner, really nice guy and always checked up on us while we were waiting outside. After about a 45 min wait, we were seated and as we were looking through the menu, the owner came over with a giant plate of cinnamon rolls on the house! Waiters were very friendly and helped accommodate special requests such as no dairy for my lactose friend. They put order through a high tech tablet and it seemed to work flawlessly. I got "everything but the kitchen sink" and I have to say that I was skeptical with the waffle being underneath the hash,sausage, egg etc. It all worked out wonderful and the waffle had a slightly sweet taste so no need for syrup. My friends got lobster eggs Benedict, and another friend got a smoked salmon, bacon and avocado omelet. No complains from them, just all smiles. Would definitely come back in the future and recommend to friends and family.
(5)
Mary G.
My favorite brunch place. Which says a lot since I love love love brunch. BUT make a reservation, people! The restaurant is small, but you go there for the great food. I'd say you can't really go wrong when you go to this place, but your best bet is to get something off of the special menu that they change each month. If you're not feelin' anything on the special menu, I'd say try their hash or if you're like me, get their breakfast sandwich sliders. You get two sandwiches on their AMAZING biscuits and you can make one with hash and the other with anything your heart desires (in my case, that's sausage). If you're feeling like dropping some extra money, their lobster eggs benedict is the perfect choice. I love eggs benedict, and this one definitely takes the cake. By the way, did I say that their biscuits are amazing? I did. But I wanted to reiterate it just in case.
(5)
Anne J.
Weekday omelette: Liked that the egg part of the omelette was as thin as a crepe. Mine contained chunks of sweet butternut squash. Too little goat cheese - hard to find. Sprinkling of bacon lent nice flavor. Need to return to discover the raves of other reviewers because I didn't experience it. Service was cheerful and capable.
(3)
Laura W.
Fabulous lunch spot! They are not just a cafe but has a nice restaurant with tablecloths and a delicious menu. I love their salads but everything looked wonderful. I had a feta, olive, chicken, avocado salad for $11. They also have a neat at the table tablet checkout. Very high tech in a fun way!
(5)
Arpita B.
Cafe Luna...Every time I think of this place, I sigh... my salivary glands go into action mode... and I am taken to this happy place of food wonderland. I have been to Cafe Luna several times but only for brunch(served only on weekends) and I can safely say it is one of those MUST try before you die places. The cafe itself is a small space owned by a husband-wife duo located in the heart of Central Square, a stone throw from the T stop.I can't think of a single time when I have come here, that it hasn't been packed to capacity(Yes they are THAT GOOD!!) Everything on the menu from the omelets, specialty dishes,pancakes, waffles to french toast are near perfection! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Eggs Benedict with corned beef hash (the corn beef hash elevates this dish to another level), Lobster egg benedict, lobster avocado omelet(can be made with egg whites) and the french toasts. The french toasts need a special mention only because of the diverse spread this place offers. My favorite is the Lemon blueberry. The tart from the lemon compote sandwiched between two pieces of bread balances the sweetness of the french toast itself and the freshest blueberry....mmm..simply DELECTABLE! I love the fact that they accept half orders for french toasts allowing you to try more than one variety. The only downside I can think of is probably the long wait despite making reservations...but with food this delicious it is definitely worth it!
(5)
Jimmy M.
Went in today to enjoy a lovely breakfast in Cambridge. Saw this Lunas came as recommended. Nice quiet seat yourself spot. Small menu that doesn't overwhelm you whatsoever. If you have kids they will have plenty to enjoy with crayons and drawing on the paper cover tops. And even if you don't have kids I had a great time drawing as well. Servers were pleasant. I wasn't too sure who my server was given that I felt like I was working with two. Seeing that one greeted me another took my order and the original checked on in and cleared our plates makes me wonder if it's a team service. Food was enjoyable. The other in my party order waffles with chocolate and fruit on top for an additional charge. I went with the smoked salmon bacon avocado omelet. The egg was plain tasting but the contents within brought plenty of flavor to the palate. Prices for everything in my mind was a bit steep but a price I would be willing to pay again
(4)
Katherine B.
No complaints. Couple things though, it's always crowded and a little loud, but it's worth it. The food is incredible. Eggs Benedict and pumpkin waffle are the best. All omelets come with lots of stuff in it!!INCREDIBLE.
(5)
Kristine C.
I don't want to go again. The server took my order wrong and brought lobster Benedict. The taste was okay but when I told him I didn't order it, he asked me that it is okay to just eat that dishes. I told him okay just because they were super busy. I don't want to wait another 20min. The funny thing is they charged me lobster Benedict which is almost double price than the dish I ordered. Of course I ate lobster Benedict but it was not what I intended. If I went there for lobster Benedict I would have gone the other restaurant in boston I liked for it. When someone made a mistake to take my order why should I be responsible?. I paid it because again I ate it and didn't want to stay any longer there. And to be honest I think only reason this place is popular is that there is nothing around here. This one is just the average of brunch restaurants in NYC .
(1)
Lisa K.
Had their buttermilk waffles and they were really good. Crispy and tender and the syrup soaked right into them. If you like waffles it's a definite must have here.
(4)
Blake A.
Recommended by the Meadhall because their internet was down. I thought it fitting to walk there instead of going back to the hotel, because the name is sentimental to me (name of a previous cat). Anyway, I decided to get the macchiato. It is basically 2 shots of espresso with a bit of steamed milk on top. They said, different than others, but it seemed correct to me. The cafe is laid out lengthwise, and is rather narrow. I like the coffee I had, but didn't have food. The space was mildly awkward, but I guess I can deal with that. A bit loud, as I could hear the kitchen doing some cleaning work. Perhaps I'll move outside. Excellent place for coffee, but I didn't have food, so I can't rate on that.
(3)
mike G.
I love breakfast and I truly cannot say enough about how much I love Cafe Luna. Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the service is on par with any 5 star restaurant I've been to. I moved to New York a few years ago and I make sure to return to Cafe Luna every time I got back to Boston. They have build something truly special with a neighborhood feel that is unique and hard to find today. Just go, you won't regret it!
(5)
Keith M.
Best breakfast and brunch spot in Cambridge HANDS DOWN!! I've been to a bunch of them in Mass but the selections and price you can't beat. Try the Lobster& Steak Benedict it's amazing.
(5)
Alex K.
Luna is terrific. The food is definitely superior, as is attested to by the line of people waiting to get in. However there's not a brunch place in cambridge that's not packed, so grab some coffee and wait in the park.
(4)
nancy c.
Fabulous brunch and great service! We had great special treatment by owner, Matt, as he accomodated our large group which is often a problem for Cafe Luna given the small space. We enjoyed the mimosas with fresh orange juice and all loved our meals but thought the pear stuffed french toast and lobster eggs benedict were the best dishes of the brunch. This is a great place and now we now why there is always a wait on weekends. It is worth the wait!
(5)
Cony C.
Service is slow. Reservation at 11am, seated at 11:30(becuz one of our friends arrived at 11:10), and we got our food after 12:00. Food looks amazing but tastes fine. If the waiting line is not that crazy(2 ppl in front of me asked for desk, and it's about 1.5 hrs wait), I might consider to come back.
(3)
Reshma B.
Came back here during my December visit because I was staying at the same apt in Central Square and it was just so darn convenient. The wait service was sketchy again...the waiter had to come back to confirm one of our orders because he forgot it. Then when we got our coffees & teas, we had to flag him down to bring us sugar & milk. We had a lot of time to kill so that was fine, but we were still shooting awkard glances at each other whenever we interacted with him. The food was great once again, so I guess the brunch was successful after all.
(4)
Kathleen G.
Restaurant's reservation system is not customer friendly. They will only hold your table 10 min past reservation time, but have no problem for a tab;e of 3 to wait 45 min and seat tables of 4 with later reservation times. Too many great restaurants in the area to waste time giving Luna another try. Walked across the street and had a fabulous lunch with great service
(1)
Sarah F.
Best Pumpkin French Toast ever!!!!
(5)
Renee B.
I have been a fan of Luna for about a year- NO LONGER. My husband and I stopped at Luna for lunch today. The food was great- the service however, was not even close to good. It started with our waiter, which is a new thing; (Luna used to have you order and pay at the counter, then let you find a comfortable seat, (which is sometimes hard because the tables are all cramped together). Today, we were asked to be seated. When we were ready to order, there was no one to be found. We ended up waiting for 10 minutes to get our order in. As we were waiting to order, there was a staff person (she seemed to be in a manager role) talking on the phone 3 feet from our table. It was hard to ignore her, as she was talking rather loud.. she proceeded to tell the person on the other end about recent costumers who complained about their experience. She said "They were such assholes!" Are you kidding me?! Really lady, this is how you treat costumers in front of other costumers? The waiter seemed to struggle with staying on top of things- as I noticed a man stand up and ask for his check 3 times.. and he never once asked us how our food was... or if we needed anything else. Then the same manager lady pulled the waiter aside (which happened to be right in front of our table) and started talking to him about costumers that were still in the restaurant- calling them "ridiculous." To be honest, the whole experience was very disappointing and I will not be returning.
(2)
Kabir H.
La Luna has a lot of personality, and buried in that, a definite sense of itself. Everything from the menus, to the tables, to the serving dishes adds up to a unique, seamless experience. And if you've got a sweet tooth, you won't leave disappointed. Between the gelato, tiramisu, and array of other dessert options, there is plenty of sugar to feast on. Don't let that stop you from sampling the paninis, which aren't just delicious, but look the part as well. Oh yeah, best Chai Lattes in Central! And somehow, I feel uniquely qualified to review La Luna, since I'm sitting there typing this. RIght now. If you run, you might still catch me..
(4)
A M.
I have absolutely fallen in love with their Genovese salad. Mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, chicken, and balsamic vinaigrette - absolutely delicious. It's also available as a wrap. So good!
(5)
Chris S.
Decent spot. Open nice & early. Good, well-prepared breakfast sandwich, but the chai tea was too sweet.
(3)
Jen G.
I've been to Cafe Luna twice now and I just keep being more impressed each time I go. The service has been phenomenal - the owner takes time to chat with customers, and the waitstaff is friendly. Food is fantastic - I highly recommend them for brunch!
(5)
Matt W.
My fiancee describes Cafe Luna as "super cute," which is definitely a compliment. We went today for the first time (for brunch) and were really happy. I got the turkey strata, and she got the goat cheese and asparagus omelette with home fries. The omelette was good, the home fries were good, and the strata was AMAZING. Seriously, both of us were bowled over. I called ahead and put our names in like 30 min in advance. I would really recommend doing that! We got seated right away, and it was pretty crowded. In addition to the great food, the customer service was great. The guy who showed us to our table was really friendly and brought us crayons, which was cute. We really wanted to order the french toast, cause it looked soooo good, but were sadly too full. Maybe next time... 4.5 stars.
(4)
L D.
La Luna is super convenient and your cup of coffee is served clear of the pretentious hipster crowd of 1369. The coffee drinks are priced on the average, maybe even a few cents cheaper than Toscanini's. The gelato is delicious but can sit for way too long and get gummy. When that happens, it's downright gross (for shame). Pastries are good (especially the croissants) as are the panini sandwiches. Service is really slow; usually there is only one person working at a time so, if the person in front of you orders a complicated coffee in the morning, you will most definitely be missing the bus. The seating area is disorganized and cramped with the cream and sugar station positioned awkwardly close to the tables.
(3)
Mags L.
killing time between work in kendall square and jazz funk to tighten the trunk at the dance complex in central square? -stroll into cafe luna -order the grilled cheese panini and ask for it w/tomato and pay extra for avocado -enjoy some refreshing water w/your panini deliciousness -dessert it up by getting a hot chocolate w/almond syrup and appreciate the cute little spider web design they created in chocolate-y goodness -listen to the jazz stylings of whoever is playing there that evening -let stomach settle before body-rocking done and done.
(4)
Lauren R.
Cafe Luna is my favorite place to eat lunch during the workweek. The paninis and salads are created using some of my favorite things: prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto, salmon, artichoke, and the like. Throw in the fact that they serve beer, wine, espresso and tasty desserts (gelato? yes, please!), and I'm basically destined to be schlepping over here long after I stop being an office drone in Central.
(5)
Hilary J.
It takes a lot to get me to roll out of bed for brunch, but this place can do it. They have great service and a menu full of yummy delights. I wouldn't recommend it every day though, because you'd gain about 50 pounds from yummyness. Try the french toast, you won't regret it!
(5)
Jess N.
I went yesterday on a whim. There was a jazz band playing music which was such a great touch for a Saturday afternoon tea stop. I also had a delicious chocolate chip cookie which I would highly recommend. My only complaint is how tiny the place is. I was lucky and was at a small table on the "isle" side. But when the people next to me were getting to the table and briefly got up they had to awkwardly pass my friend and me. Normally I would be irritated by people consistently bumping into me as they pass, but the music compensated quite nicely.
(3)
Jane K.
This place is pretty good. I've gone for brunch and dinner. For brunch, definitely recommend the eggs benedict with smoked salmon or ham. both very delicious and it's pretty cheap. Dinner, the pizza is pretty amazing and the buffalo chicken wrap just the way i like it. we also got cinnamon rolls before our meal. awesome! And I got the pumpkin spice chai latte. sooooo goood. recommend to anyone. Just the perfect amount of spice to bring a different flavor to the chai. And I dont' even like pumpkin flavored thigns too much (ice cream, pie, etc.) It was definitely a wonderful complement to my meal. the people are nice. staff is very friendly. The food takes a bit longer to come out than what I'm used to from brunch places but I think it's cuz there's a lot of care put into making each dish perfect. in summary: definitely worth a try.
(5)
Billy B.
They do so much with so little. And by "little" I mean, for the extremely tiny space they have to work with, they get amazing things done in this cafe. Yes the cafe is tiny. That means there is sometimes a wait, and sometimes you have to get cozy with your neighbors. The Positives: -Great coffee and chai. -Wonderful lunches during the week. -A sublime brunch. -all food made-to-order -FREE WiFi!!!! -Wonderful and attentive owners -Friendly staff -Great beer and wine selection at night -live music -open 'til 11 Th-Sa It's a small place, so if you go there you've been warned: There may be a wait. Especially if you show up with a party of greater than 3 or 4 people. The owners and staff know this issue very well, and do the best that they can to get people in to the cafe, while at the same time not making already seated customers feel rushed. Overall, my experience at Luna is always a wonderful one and I would not change a thing about it.
(5)
Alex L.
Cafe Luna is awesome. I had a really nice cafe mocha there today, and would also recommend their breakfast sandwiches highly. The mocha was nice and hot, served in a warm mug, with plenty of foam on top and not overly sweet -- A+ ! The breakfast sandwich came on a slightly toasted buttery crossaint, with nice cheese and a very fresh taste compared to the microwaved scrambled egg version they serve at the MIT student center market. It's well worth the extra $1 to go to Luna's. I hope to try some of their other food soon!
(4)
Ilana F.
This is my go-to spot. Its amazing, the people who work there are so friendly, its very "mom and pop". They do little things that show how much they value quality. Things like Iggy's bread, warming up and plating that orgasmic chocolate cake, fresh ingredients, and gelato imported from Italy. This place is the best, I can't say enough good things. The coffee is wonderful and always fresh, made just the way you like it (tons o' foam if you're me!) and their salads and pastries are always even better than they look. Another thing I love about this place is brunch. Best omelet ever. Awesome croissants, fresh with homemade nutella. French toast with 3 choices of fresh fruit compote. Sangria brimming with fruit and flavor. And... live music. This place gets 5 stars from me any day!
(5)
C S.
This is a cheery little cafe on the outskirts of Central Square. It's a great place for brunch, but it's tiny and gets very crowded. Don't expect to have a leisurely brunch here because they try to turn the tables over incredibly quickly. I recommend making a reservation if you plan to go for brunch. The food and coffee are all made-to-order, and everyone in our group was very satisfied with our pancake and egg selections. It's a nice alternative to the Friendly Toast, which can be a disaster scene on the weekends.
(4)
Lindy G.
La Luna is laid back and you are usually able to grab a seat. The salads are great and I love that you get a side salad or chips on the side of a sandwich, that is nice bonus you dont get at most places. They use Iggy's bread -- nothing to complain about there. Veggies are always fresh and they use REAL salad greens (none of that iceberg crap!) But when one of their sandwiches involves meat they are pretty skimp with it. like one slice of roasted turkey. if they gave one or two more, id give this place 4 stars. ill try the gelato someday! I really appreciate the free wifi and the guys that own it are really really nice. board games on the side is a nice touch and i think they have musicians playing in the late afternoon now every once and a while.
(3)
Tom S.
I sought out La Luna specifically because of the good reviews I read here on yelp. Well, after going I felt the need to register on yelp to give my own review. My visit today was the worst service I can ever remember receiving. It was unbelievable. I came on a Sunday morning so the place was somewhat busy but by no means hectic. My girlfriend and I ordered iced coffees and proceeded to wait at least 15 minutes for them. Not until we went up to the counter to ask for them did we receive the coffees five minutes later. Without trying to exaggerate, I would say about 30 minutes after ordering our rather simple breakfast order a gentleman, or i should say some dude, came over that worked there and asked if we had ordered. I said politely enough that we had in fact ordered awhile ago and he proceeded to give me a "this is not ihop or Denny's and everything we make is fresh, blah blah blah". I found this a weird comment considering I hadn't given him an attitude. Well, 20 minutes after this we are still sitting there twiddling our thumbs getting increasingly hungrier. Eventually we decided to just get up and tell them we would pay for our coffees and were leaving. Rather than apologizing for the slow service, or making up some excuse that the waitstaff was new or they were down a cook, he tells me "fine, just go." I really couldn't believe the complete lack of empathy from the guy who I believe was the owner, or at least manager, of the place. Didn't mean to make this a bitch-fest, but I was really appalled by the service we received today. Plus I think its pretty safe to say his demeanor wasn't simply reflective of attitude I was giving him; rude or threatening, are adjectives I've never heard used to describe myself.
(1)
Robert L.
Terrific food. Really great service. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Thuy Tien L.
I used to live right by here, and this was always a much better place to relaaaaaaaaax than anything else on the same block. Not as much traffic and noise as Tosci's, and not as expensive and unfriendly as Mariposa (sorry to name names). The owners are super friendly and will bring around cookies or candies every so often and chat up the customers. The coffee is pretty wonderful, and the jazz in the background makes for great ambiance. It always feels like a secret neighborhood joint that only you and a handful of clever, clever people know about. I love it! And I totally got some great MCAT studying done here. PS, live jazz on some nights. I think it's Fridays.
(5)
Allison B.
la luna is all i could ever ask for in a small coffee shop. 1. sandwiches (paninis)! a wider variety of stuffings than usual, and a great selection of vegetarian options! i had the copacabana, which was a grilled delight of focaccia, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto. all sandwiches are in the $7 range, and come with a side salad (good greens, peppers, and balsamic vinegar - perfect) or cape cod chips. 2. beer, wine, & sangria! most importantly, the sangria is actually made with a spanish rioja - thanks for keepin it authentic, guys :) secondly, it comes in a pint glass (huge!) and is only $5. this is the screaming deal of the summer, people! 3. "big bowl" salads - when they say big bowl, they really mean it! someone in our party got the tuna nicoise, and it looked amazing! it comes in an oversized wooden salad bowl, which was actually kind of amusing. it looked fresh and full of awesome veggies, and the person who ordered it raved. 4. desserts - keeping with the theme of authenticity, apparently these guys import their gelato from italy! they have a variety of flavors, with their most popular being tiramisu and hazelnut. and since a small comes with two scoops standard - um, can you imagine the delicious cacophony in your mouth that is tiramisu with a nutella drizzle? looking in their dessert case, i'd say there's something for everyone here: flan, apple cobbler, tiramisu, cookies, brownies, etc. yum! 5. espresso - finishing off a meal with an espresso or espresso drink always feels so extravagantly euro, and they didn't fail to please here. i had a latte, which came in a deep blue cup & saucer set. the mug is just big enough to hold it with both hands - one of my favorite decadent pleasures. 6. music - because this place has huge windows, we could easily satisfy both our sit-outside and listen-to-jazz desires. the combination of the cool breeze, the people watching, and the music made for a perfect summer evening. and an extra surprise - seeing the drummer from the back was actually really cool! we'd seen this particular ensemble twice already, but from this different perspective we really got to experience all the little tricks he does to create a spectrum of sounds. 7. service - lee is awesome! the service is quick, attentive, and friendly. the manager and waiters really give off a sincerity that only heighten the experience. they even explained the difference between gelato and ice cream to our curious minds. 8. prices - if it's not already apparent, the prices here are superb. the 5 of us had a variety of sandwiches, soup, salad, sangria, beers, espresso/espresso drinks, and desserts for around $70. we were all shocked when the bill came out at how outrageously affordable it really was - even left us with enough spare coin to tip the band! 9. clean bathroom. hey, that's important! all in all, this place rules! i'm sure i'll be here again, whether it be to do work on the free wi-fi, to play a game of cards over a glass of sangria, or to take in some more jazz and great food. cheers la luna! ps - they also are a member of bicycle benefits! sticker-holders save 10% :)
(5)
E G.
Stopped by here after trying to go to Craigie on Main but being told they had just stopped serving...2 minutes ago...grrr....I was hungry & my belly was now pissed off. Ended up here after walking by once, looking for something better...Cafe Luna's sign said they stopped serving 20 minutes ago, so I assumed I was SOL. My belly made me ask anyway & to my surprise, they said no problem & sat us right away at the only open table. Our waitress, Grace, if I remember, was the best I met in the last 3 years, the definition of professional. The food was just as excellent. I had the open faced sausage sandwich with jalapeno cheese sauce & my dining companion had the lobster & asparagus omelet. A cider Mimosa for her & a fresh OJ one for me & it was simply superb. I could go on for a while, but we're all busy people so let it just suffice to say the whole experience was the textbook example of ideal. I'm a Yankee born & raised...which means I'm kinda a cheap prick with my stars, but if I could give six in this case I would, they earned it.
(5)
mark m.
My family and I lived in italy for years, and Luna is as close as it gets to italian espresso in massachusetts. Luna's coffee is by far better than the other central square cafe's. toscanini's beats it on the ice cream, and if you like pastry, you have to go to boston or brookline. the pastries are nice, but overpriced. the gelato is not as good though
(5)
L. S.
Yay for free wireless! Since the wireless in my apartment is still a bit shakey, I'm at Luna for a quality chocolate crossiant, iced coffee and job applications. The coffee is strong, making me work extra hard (but get distracted enough to be playing on Yelp!) Until the cable is installed, I will definitely be making some visits here!
(4)
Shawn W.
I like this place a lot. Great little paninis, awesome smoothies, and the gelato looks great. Prices are pretty reasonable, too. It's really too bad that it took me almost 2 years of working in Central square before ever coming here. It's also really nice when they open up the front windows, and I imagine the view will be infinitely better after the construction outside is finished. They also have live music on occasion, which this past Sunday was a nice suprise. Also, I have to mention that the staff are super nice. Really, very friendly.
(5)
Charlie S.
The best two things about this cafe are the wait staff and the wine. Every staff member I've had there has been so much fun - they're like an extra member of your party, lightening conversation. And when you get a little bit of their wine in you, you tend to warm right up to them. I'm so psyched that I just moved in right down the street from this place - I envision being here very frequently.
(5)
E C.
Basically, La Luna has good, cheap brunch food and an awesome employee, Nate, who is not shy to suggest great eats around Boston (i.e. Moody's Falafel Palace). The world needs more people like Nate.
(4)
Kristen D.
Fair warning- I've only had the Italian sodas, gelato (which is amazing!), and hot chocolate here, but I've always been pleased. The sandwiches and other drink selections look really good and occasionally there's free jazz. And the service there is fantastic- I went in once for gelato and the guy behind the counter told me he felt bad that they had just raised the price on gelato. He couldn't give me a discount, but he did give me a good sized sample of their new cherry flavor as well as my order of bacchio (hazelnut/chocolate) gelato. A great little cafe!
(4)
Lora K.
We've decided to check this place out for Mother day. Our party of six have placed orders and recieved wrong orders. Instead of applogies we got : "OK" we will get this right. The next we knew, we had no napkins, no ice water. The water glasses were dirty. When the time came to bring the check, we received the incorrect one with the items listed that we didnt' had. I asked manager to correct it, he brought another bill that was wrong again. When approached, instead of applogies, manager and the owner stated "We are workign short today and it is a mother day" - we left very unhappy and unsatisfied. I will never recommend this place to anyone
(1)
Bindi N.
+Food is very tasty +Decent atmosphere +The coffee lady is super friendly -The service is REALLY slow. If you are in a rush, it's not the place to go.
(3)
JJ G.
Panninis, great coffe and cannoli for me and my hubby Blue "Puffo" gelato for the kids What more do you need in a quick lunch spot?
(4)
Laura T.
Absolutely fabulous breakfast foods. I went on a Saturday at 11:30 with a reservation (they take reservations!) and got seated pretty much as soon as my entire party came. We got very prompt service from a delightfully pleasant waiter. And the food was exceptional. From eggs benedict to omelets to pancakes, everything was great. My only complaint is that it's too hard to pick something to order--I wanted to order everything.
(5)
Ilana B.
I heart this place so much so that although I've never posted a thing on Yelp, I felt the need to sign up in order to post how delightful of a place La Luna is. (Although part of me selfishly wanted to keep the greatness to myself so it doesn't get ruined by the masses.) I work from home and often feel the need to get out of my own four walls to do some work. I'm constantly searching for the perfect coffee shop atmosphere. You know, the kind where you can sit for hours and the staff is still smiling at you instead of shooing you out the door, the kind that plays great music that blurs into the background, the kind that has great food and drinks, the kind that is always full so has a little buzz about it but I can always find a seat, and the kind that has really nice people working there. I can't say enough about how amazing of a find this is. The salads are delish, and oy, the Chai is to die for. And like I said, it's so easy to work here amongst the friendly staff. Much, much better than some of the other independent coffee shops in Central Square (I won't name names) that are too pretentious for me. Hurrah for La Luna!
(5)
Jeff B.
Played a gig here a few weeks back, really fun joint. The staff is awesome, and kept encouraging us to keep playing right up until the very end!
(4)
Sonia T.
I've heard good things about this place, and they have a nice outdoor seating area, but i was really disappointed. They seem to be known for their sandwiches. I went for lunch and I saw a few sandwiches with roasted veggies that looked good, and i ordered the one with pesto. Unfortunately they weren't roasted (except for maybe the peppers) so for about $10 all in all i got a little steamed squash/eggplant/peppers on toast and some greens. And I usually don't care about service, but the waitress was so sloppy (think like the cook from beetle bailey comics) it was unappetizing. People in my group ordered the chili and other sandwiches and seemed ok with them.
(2)
Alexander D.
There was a wait, so you should get a reservation. Food was pretty good.
(5)
Pauline L.
I love breakfast. Its probably my favorite meal that I don't eat on a daily basis. Hey, I just can't make a good omelet or waffle on my own...its stressful.... Anyway, Cafe Luna: Service: AMAZING! My friend made reservations which was definitely needed at noontime on a Saturday. The downside was that our entire party had to be there in order to be seated but luckily it wasn't too chilly outside. The owner, however, was incredibly courteous and just made me darn happy to be waiting in the semi-cold (and I'm from California!). Our waiter was also very cool and generally, the customer service was really amazing! Food: I got half of a stuffed Mixed Berry French Toast (you can half any stuffed French Toast, on the regular or specials menu!) because they're so ginormous and a side order of home fries, which are just seasoned potatoes. The FT had this white/yellow custard inside that was very unique and added a good touch to the sweetness of the bread. Seriously, it was carb heaven and I definitely felt the weight in my stomach long after brunch. But FYI, by stuffed French Toast they really mean a French Toast sandwich. I thought I was going to bite into a big fatty jelly donut sort of toast with berry goodness oozing out of it but it was just a sandwich, albeit a very good French Toast sandwich. Also, by mixed berry they really mean all strawberries with 1 blackberry (really, I only found ONE!). Granted, I just got half of a normal French Toast order but come on, 1 blackberry for 6.50?! I don't know if it was that delicious enough to go back for more but the presentation of the FT was very unique. The home fries were slightly too charred and overseasoned but it did me that saltiness to balance my very very sweet stuffed French Toast. Drinks: Cap was okay but my friend got the Pumpkin Spiced Latte that was perfectly sweet for me (she thought it was okay)!!! GAH! Overall, the food is good/okay but definitely NOT CHEAP. Sorry, I'm used to Hash House sort of deals where you pay 7-12 bucks for a meal the size of ones upper torso. I'll probably take out of towners to this place for a once in a while kind of deal (the atmosphere is cramped but nice and breakfasty) but its not what I would consider my personal go-to place for brunch. I feel bad for taking off 2 stars because its really not a horrible place and nothing is exceptionally wrong with the food/service. I've just had better (ouch)....
(3)
Ju L.
A great breakfast place though make sure you make reservations as this place is very busy. The lemon ricotta & blueberry french toast is amazing! The corned beef hash with the eggs benedict was so-so. The corned beef hash was a bit on the overcooked side, and the poached eggs were a little on the overcooked side too. However, the overall breakfast and service is very good and worth a visit.
(4)
Tanya S.
This is a great brunch place when you're looking for unusual brunch or lunch options (lots of goat-cheese in their food). Overall, I've been able to find a lot of gluten-free options and always felt fine afterwards. Also they have delicious, strong coffee. The only issue is that it's so tiny, so the wait time is really long for brunch. Unless you planned well-ahead of time and made a reservation! Lunch-time is less crowded, and also delicious. Especially the chili.
(4)
Rafael O.
This place has amazing brunch and the coffee here is the best I had in central square. Salmon egg Benedict was amazing and the cappuccino was just great! The wait time might be around 30 min to 1h or more if you get there after 11am. The place is very comfortable and it will be busy during brunch
(5)
Victor A.
We decided to check out Cambridge before heading back to NJ from Boston and were happy we picked this place. I love that they have a brunch menu on weekdays and its not the typical, boring menu you find in most places. I had the goat cheese, presuitto and dry figs omelette. It was pretty good! It was a nice day so we sat outside. The restaurant is in a cute area, facing a firehouse. The service was a little off. We got our food before our coffees and one of my friends only got her latte after she finished her meal! We still tipped them 20% because they were nice.
(4)
June C.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing and the honey butter took the biscuits to another level. Great spot but the lines are long so try making a reservation beforehand!
(5)
Jose G.
French toast amazing Waffles amazing Pretty much amazing brunch So we have been fans of this place lots of weekends. You know it's not cool? When there are eight tables empty and you sit down and you pretty much get ignored by the waiters for even coffee while the owner standing a few feet away. For a meal that's real going to run $40 getting cafeteria service for something as basic as "What would you like to drink" was a real bummer. I'm sure it was one of those outlier experiences so after I tried to flag a waiter who promptly ignored me, I gave up and went somewhere else C'mon Cafe Luna, I know you are basking I the accolades but sometimes it's just rude to be ignored.
(2)
Xenia A.
Amazing brunch on weekends, but there's always a long line, so either come early, or hang out in square in the sunshine while you wait! Best place for a nice leisurely breakfast in Central Square.
(4)
Nihan K.
Such a solid brunch spot. I've yet to encounter their infamous weekend brunch crowd-- the flow of patrons seemed perfectly reasonable for a Tuesday morning :) I grazed from my husband's kitchen sink platter, which featured a tasty waffle with protein packed sides including eggs, bacon, ham, and sausage. Though it was 10 am, I opted to try a sandwich and our server (who professed a love for meat) recommended a veggie sandwich: the roasted sweet potato. It. Was. Unbelievable! It's the perfect marriage of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. My one qualm stems from the prices, but as I learned from Parks and Rec, sometimes you just gotta treat yo' self.
(5)
Larry M.
Cafe Luna is a very welcome feature to the neighborhood. For what it is, I find it a little pricey although the food is reliably good. In warm weather, the rear part of the restaurant gets quite stuffy. Seating is a bit tight in general. However, the wait staff is perky, friendly and attentive.
(4)
Bailey Z.
While everyone else was lining up for Black Friday sales, we were in front of a growing crowd, waiting for Cafe Luna to open. Brunch is a hot commodity through the Thanksgiving holiday since many cafes are closed for the weekend. Unfortunately for us, heavily discounted sales did not extend to this restaurant. On the contrary, Cafe Luna used the opportunity to inflate their prices for Black Friday Brunch. Specials for the day included a surf and turf eggs Benedict and a lemon mascarpone Belgian waffle with berries among other dishes. I was excited to try their famous lobster Benedict, so I ordered the surf and turf. I was disappointed by the fact that there was only claw meat and the entire dish was cold. I liked the steak and asparagus, but nothing about that eggs Benedict could justify a $17 price tag. The waffle was good, but quickly became soggy. Two waffles and some fresh fruit for $13? Impermissible. It's just ridiculous to think that a brunch meal here with coffee cost $24 with tax and tip. Speaking of which, don't bother trying the espresso here either - the coffee was weak and the milk foam disappeared quickly. Overall, mediocre food at best, which didn't live up to their prices.
(3)
Adam Z.
I've only been here once but I can tell you that they have the hand's down best brunch in Boston! If you consider Cambridge Boston lol. We waited 40 minutes for a table inside and oh was it worth it! I ordered the lobster omelet which was stuffed with perfectly cooked lobster meat. My fiance has the eggs and lobster Benedict which she love love loved! We liked it so much that after we had cleaned our plates we had to go back for more and we got the Nutella French toast, which was equally amazing (pic added). From what I can tell this place is owned by a husband and wife team who are truly passionate about what they do and what the represent. This is a rarity to find these days. I've only thus far met the husband and he seems like a genuinely great, nice person. My plan is to go back here this weekend! YUMMBO!
(5)
Taylor P.
I've had some pretty great brunches in my day but I can't think of one that surpasses my experience at Cafe Luna this morning. The Roomie and I arrived around 11am and were told that it would be a 30 minute wait and to come back at 11:20. I should note that the host (who was also the owner) is one of the best hosts I've ever had. Friendly, calm in the insanity of Sunday brunch, and quick to update you on your status in the line. We ended up waiting until about 11:45, but given how kind and chatty everyone else waiting was, we barely noticed! We got to talking with the sweetest couple who drove over 2 hours from Connecticut for the lemon ricotta pancakes-- and they do this all the time! Then we were seated and the real magic began... Where to start?? Our waiter was fantastic- attentive but definitely not overbearing. Definitely need to get a mimosa- either the classic orange juice or the jazzier version with fresh pressed apple cider. And don't miss the honey butter biscuits- wow... As if it couldn't get better, the sweet couple from Connecticut sent over to us an order of lemon ricotta pancakes, which were ever better than advertised. The eggs benedict (with smoked salmon or prosciutto and fig jam) were both incredible. The host/owner stopped by to check up on us and was so great. From start to finish, a genuinely 5 star experience. Tip: come early to avoid a crazy long wait (but 100% worth it)!
(5)
Kari B.
This is definitely one of the best (if not the best) brunch places in the Boston area. First, the service was amazing. The host was friendly and accommodating. He could not have been nicer. He sat us and kept coming over to the table with suggestions for food, etc. Our waiter was just the same- friendly and extremely helpful. They have a HUGE menu so as a first time visitor the suggestions were needed. The food was as good as the service! We started with the honey butter biscuits. As a table we had the corned beef hash, Spicy Chicken Chorizo Sausage & Black Bean Home Fries Plate, "Joe's" Breakfast Slider Duo, and "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" Sampler . We would recommend all of them! Overall a 5-star experience at Cafe Luna!
(5)
Debbie M.
Cafe Luna has super friendly service and the best brunch menu *ever*. Joe's sliders melted in my mouth with scrumptious biscuits, eggs, corned beef hash and ham. Since we were able to get half orders of French toast, we tried both the Cookie Monster and the Lemon Berry. Yummy! This cafe is a happy wonderful place :) I got some takeout for my kids because I felt guilty having such a decadent meal without them. Thank you!
(5)
Emi Y.
Visited with my friend who highly recommended it, and she was not wrong. The Lobster and Avocado omelet was fantastic and even their simple pancake was perfect. My friend got the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and they were delicious as well and her Lobster Eggs Benedict looked AWESOME. Our tiny table for two was literally filled with plates of food, but we amazingly finished everything. Our surrounding neighbors definitely judged us (my friend and I are 2 relatively small asian girls). Such is the life of foodies :) Cafe Luna, amazing on all aspects of food, but golly, the bill was high. This won't be my last visit I assure you, but it can't be a weekly thing or else I will be going broke and have ridiculously high cholesterol.
(4)
Jenna K.
Loved everything about this cozy little restaurant! Boyfriend and I came from New York and saw the rave reviews so we stopped by for brunch on our second day. We got seated right away by the owner, who was very attentive and sweet.. The tables are very close to each other but we didn't even mind cause the service and delicious food made up for it! I ordered the lobster eggs benedict, he ordered the corned beef hash eggs Benedict and we ordered the brioche French toast with mixed fruits. Everything was delicious! They didn't skimp out on the lobster either, I got chunks of lobster! Our server, Joe, was super attentive also. He checked on us every chance he got but not to the point of annoying. Definitely going back there for brunch tomorrow!
(5)
Yuchun W.
It's a great place for a Sunday brunch. It's lovely to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Food was really good, but small portion, I think I could finish two. So it's a 3.5 stars.
(4)
Katie V.
Once, when I was about 10 years old, I was served homefries with flavor. Little did I know, the experience was not to be repeated for another 15 years, until the day I had brunch at Cafe Luna. Their homefries not only have flavor, they burst with it, seasoning falling luxuriously off of them all over the plate. These homefries are not to be taken lightly. The omelets are also serious business. I had the butternut squash and goat cheese one, a combination I'd never seen in an omelet before but that was very good. I hadn't been to Luna for about two years, and it has changed a lot since I was last there (in good ways). I liked it before, and I love it now. It seems to have grown out of its small cafe vibe into a more ambitious, full-fledged restaurant. Service is extremely friendly and attentive, and it's a great experience overall, as long as you don't mind rubbing elbows with the tables next to you.
(5)
Cositas I.
My favorite brunch spot in the Boston area! They have a great selection of both savory and sweet dishes. I especially love the open faced country sandwich and the banana nutella waffles. Read my full review here: cositasilove.wordpress.c…
(5)
Daniel S.
This place has changed very much for the better since the first time I came in last year. The entire staff is incredibly attentive and the lobster dishes are out of this world delicious. I highly recommend the lobster Benedict as the perfect brunch dish. The waffles with either berries or bananas are also delicious. In addition to all of this it is the owners themselves that put their heart and soul into this business. The owners' hard work coupled with the great food make this the best place for brunch in Boston/Cambridge.
(5)
Laura N.
Don't know what all the fuss is about this place. Went for breakfast and the waiter thought my order had been taken when it hadn't. No big deal, I wasn't in a hurry, but then when my lobster avo omelette came, it was kind of lukewarm. Waiter apologized and gave me free coffee and a cookie - clearly the staff here care and do their best, but if you want a great, hot breakfast that is just as refined and fresh (maybe more so) with excellent service, try Veggie Galaxy across the street.
(3)
Sarah J.
I used to love Cafe Luna and ordered lunch from them almost every day (I work just around the corner). But in the past few months, something has really gone wrong. Maybe they switched vendors? But the produce is just terrible. I have actually thrown out the last two salads I've gotten from them -- rotting lettuce, undercooked chicken, strange flavors in the formerly delicious signature salad dressing. I hope they can resolve these issues, but I probably won't be back until something changes. It's too bad, because they're really nice and have great coffee selections.
(2)
Catherine N.
I have been here several times with coworkers and with friends, the food is always delicious and the service is always friendly. I had trouble receiving the electronic version of a receipt from a work meal and the staff was extremely helpful and patient when I asked them if they could resend it. I would go back here just for the friendly staff, as a bonus the food is fantastic!
(5)
Tanya T.
Ok, a bit of a back story. My husband and I are (sniff sniff) leaving Brooklyn for Cambridge, because my husband wants to better his future by getting another degree or some bull like that. I'm still not too clear on the details because whenever he talks to me I'm too busy stuffing my face with all of the deliciousness Brooklyn has to offer. When we signed our new lease, we immediately panicked - WHERE WILL WE GET GOOD FOOD NOW? Fast forward to a few days ago, when we spent a "let's enjoy our new apartment without moving our stuff in yet" weekend in Cambridge. Brunch is very important to me (also, alcohol with brunch is a non-negotiable), so I immediately started searching yelp for the best brunch in Cambridge. As soon as I came across this page, I stopped looking and decided we would go here. I'm pretty sure I'll never have to look any further. The food was fan-freaking-tastic. We each got the lobsters eggs benedict and a red wine sangria. The potatoes were delicious, the portions were perfect (not too much, not too little), and they don't go overkill on hollendaise (a crime many restaurants tend to commit). The staff was really nice, and we talked to one of the owners who was pretty much the nicest guy I've ever met, who talked about the recent changes in Cambridge to become a little more of a gastro-destination. We also got there a little before 10 (on a Sunday) and were one of the firsts to put our names in. That worked out well, because by the time they actually opened, there was already a pretty long wait. Now, I wasn't too big on the sangria (too sweet) but I will just go with a mimosa next time. If they could start selling vodka and serving bloody marys, I'd be the happiest girl on earth. Till then, I'll just continue stuffing my face and working my way down the brunch menu while my husband toils his way through school.
(5)
Larry A.
Second visit to Cafe Luna and again impressed. Teri is absolutely fabulous in the kitchen. The best Eggs Benedict perhaps in the Western Hemisphere . So good, I couldn't get myself to try something else this time, though the French Toast and pancakes also looked amazing. Service? How's this? I messaged Teri at 645 am today (Sunday) and she got back to me 10 minutes later. I figured no way we get in for brunch today as reservations are made weeks ahead for this great brunch. But she found a way and Matt seated us right on time. Food and service are outstanding. Maybe the best brunch in Cambridge.
(5)
Jennifer T.
Came during lunch time, the servers are friendly enough though a bit absent minded. I ordered a salad, asking if the chicken was grilled (vs chicken salad) she said it was grilled. Then I said no onions, and she checked the menu and said it wasn't listed, so I joked that you never know somethings just get added on...what comes out but a salad that is chicken salad (not a grilled chicken breast) and lots of onion slices thrown on top *shakes head*
(3)
Mike A.
Sunday Brunch with the Wife. Called ahead to make a reservation & recommend you do the same as it is a small place. Service was very good except for the bad recommendation to walk to Harvard vs. drive & park.. However she loved her foot massage later that nite. Food was well presented and fresh.
Took my wife here for her birthday, the food was better than mistral for half the price!!! Little cramp, but the service was amazing, call ahead for a reservation! Will come back again:)
(5)
Cindy T.
Living west of the city, the options are so limited & it's so difficult to find good food. On this rare occasion that I'm not at my patient's bedside on a weekend, the bf decided to take me out for brunch knowing that eggs benedict & mimosa are my absolute favs. Yelp definitely helped score him some brownie points bc Cafe Luna is now my fav brunch destination! We were pleasantly greeted by Matt who told us it's going to be a 15-20 min wait. Not bad. He then came back and updated us on the status of our table, "they finished their meal, got their bill and have yet to pay"... Too funny! We started off with mimosas. We were already tipsy & giggly after a sip! They surely don't mess around with the champagne. Def have to come back to try their coffee bc it looks delish & I'm a sucker for latte art. We were fortunate to have Nick as our waiter. As first timers, he suggested a few speciality items and we ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict & Greek Omelette... Omg the best ever! The lobster was so buttery & literally melt in your mouth and the hollandaise sauce was perfect. As for the omelette, it was so fluffy! Try it with the brioche toast. Can't wait to return to try the pancakes & coffee!
(4)
Missy M.
This homey, adorable little cafe has amazing brunch. The biscuits with honey butter are unbelievable. Everything on the menu, from fluffy pancakes to super intense french toast to savory omelettes, is good. You really can't go wrong here. The staff is also really, really sweet, friendly, and accommodating. They go out of their way. One draw back: it's not cheap as far as brunch goes.
(4)
Roxxy Q.
Best lobster roll I've ever had.
(4)
Kristine R.
French toast with nutella! SOLD! What a cute little place (props to Scout Mob for introducing me to this place). Went here for brunch and loved the selection brunch items from waffles, french toast to omelettes and chorizo plates! YUM! But, I ordered the half order of nutella french toast. My friend had the chocolate chip waffles, which look amazing. I loved my french toast though! We also shared the honey biscuits. Service was great and it's wonderful they take reservations! I definitely want to come back here for brunch. This is just another place why I need to be in Cambridge!
(5)
Diana L.
I had some high expectations for this place from all the pictures and reviews, but was really underwhelmed at my experience. Came for brunch on a Saturday was busy and line out the door as usual. They got a cute little patio area and a very artsy decor interior. It's super small and the waitors are constantly hitting you and elbowing you if you sit on the aisle. All the bustle and smells of savoury and sweets mixed with the sounds of blenders and coffee expresso machines grinding away - feeling excited. I ordered a corned beef hash benedicts with fruit and my friend and omelete. The portions were really small I could barely find meat on my egg mcmuffin there was more white plate space than food. It shouldn't have been fruit OR roasted potatoes but BOTH. The roasted potatoes were amazing. Also, got a iced chai pumpkin latte was really expensive. Overall, came to $23? For brunch like wtf? I could have made something better at home. We saw other ppl order waffles/pancakes/french toast that might have been more appeasing and bigger portions but then again why pay $15 for batter? They have a really extensive menu maybe other items are a more bang for your buck.
(3)
Pito S.
The sandwich was great and the restaurant has a very good feel to it. Great place for an inexpensive delicious meal
(4)
Maria R.
This place has really good quality brunch, both sweet and savory options. The wait is a bummer, but it's just how it is. There are good vegetarian options, and the service is really quick. I was pleased with everything in the menu, especially the belgian waffles with berries.
(5)
Imran G.
After hearing my friends rave about this place for a good 10 minutes my fiancee and I quickly walked over for what were supposed to be the best paninis in all of Cambridge. Teri, one of the owners, is trying to redefine perfection. Their paninis are quite possibly the best I've ever had, ever. We thought we had found a place with really good paninis in Cambridge. I'm often known to be wrong, and I hate being wrong. So in order to redeem myself, and be correct, let me just say that everything about this panini is perfect. The bread on the outside seems to be slightly toasted with some olive oil first, and then all of the sandwich fillings go on and it gets pressed. There is a method to the madness, and it all involves subtleties that when combined make an infallible panini. Let me further explain these "subtleties", they are actually really important. The focaccia bread was perfectly chewy on the inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside. There is a very small layer of crispiness on the outside, and the rest of the bread just a joy to chew. Since we got a "proper" panini, the inside was perfectly well done. Most notable, this thick amazing slice of provolone was super gooey and melted. It was a great contrast in texture compared to the crispy-chewy bread, and the tender chicken. I don't quite remember the chicken, it was fresh, cooked to perfection, and sliced thin. Not remembering the flavor profile is really not a bad thing, because I was a little bit overwhelmed by the amazing homemade pesto sauce. Perfect blend of spices to pair up with the chicken. Chicken is never really flavorful by itself anyways, so the pesto made the sandwich a little bit more special than it already was. All this, and a side of chips for $9+tax (I'm serious about the side of chips). Part 2: (Coffee stuff): They have a really friendly barista, Nate, who knows everything a coffee noob like me would like to know. They make some pretty good iced lattes. However, the one thing I'm looking forward to is their eggs benedict for brunch. Sunday is my fiancee's birthday, and I trust Teri enough to make to bring my fiancee over here for brunch. Part 3 (Sunday Brunch): My fiancee's birthday was today. I felt like I should treat her out to a special brunch. So I brought here over here. While we do have a place that we like to go to for a super cheap brunch, I wanted to make her special. Besides, we already know the the quality of everything here is superb. I've heard so much of their eggs benedict that my sight was set on one thing, and one thing only. Since I don't eat pork, and I'm not a fan of lobster, I got the corned beef hash eggs benedict. This is by far, the best corned beef hash I have ever had. The seasoning was perfect, and the texture was also extremely amazing. It wasn't 100% ground beef, but rather, shredded beef steak. Perfection. On top of the hash was a perfectly poached egg. It looked amazing, and tasted amazing. The hollandaise sauce was also an exceptional addition to the whole thing. Everything by itself could have been divine, but when they all combined together, the effect was exponential. My fiancee got a spicy chicken chorizo with scrambled egg whites as a substitute. The chorizo had this decadent texture that perfectly complemented the spicy level. She also got a ridiculous amount of homefries, I just happened to have finished the homefries a few moments ago. Usually, I get excited by homefries, because it always sounds good. However, these homefries were in another universe. I'm not even sure if this is real life and I'm on Earth. It just doesn't make sense how good the homefries are. They are a little spicy, but I appreciate that sort of flavor. Unfortunately, I had no room for dessert during this brunch since we got a side order of jalapeno cheese sauce covered homefries. I thought the sauce was pretty good, and so were the homefries, but it wasn't that much for $6. I think this is mostly just a side effect of how much I loved the homefries. One thing that needs to be said is how accomodating this place is. First, they can pretty much create anything you want, though you probably don't want to do that since their culinary expertise is straight up amazing. Second, they will even change your reservation 30 minutes before you were supposed to show up to a whole 3 hours later. All in all, if you have friends, family, or special people in town, and you want to impress them. Bring them here.
(5)
Alia Z.
This place has THE best waffle I've ever had - the one with the lemon curd and berries on it. It crispy, delicate, and delicious. The corned beef hash is very tasty too, although very expensive. The line was long, but if you don't mind sitting at the bar, you can usually get a spot pretty quickly.
(5)
Leia O.
This place is amazing! The staff and the owner are so nice and so incredibly pleasant. It's not huge and sometimes the wait for a table can be very long, I suggest to always call in advance and make a reservation, even for brunch! I had the incredible steak and lobster eggs benedict with avocado, tomatoes and bacon...delicious! And my friend had the fig, prosciutto and goat cheese omelet...she said it was very good. We also shared the grilled buttermilk biscuits with honey butter (you must try these!!!) I highly recommend this place for brunch and I have heard that it's just as good for lunch (their lunch menu looks pretty yummy!)
(5)
Jon G.
This place is great as far as food, staff, and location is concerned. My only quarrel is that of the timing of food. Due to them being very busi especially on sundays it takes awhile for the food to come out. Also few items on the menu were suggested by the very kind staff would likely take a while to come out and there selection was a poor decision due to the increased wait time. Busi day (Ie: sundays) expect 30 min wait, all other days rapid food turnover...worth a taste for sure.. especially the hash it is a must have
(4)
Syl B.
Love this place. Been here for brunch several times and every time am completely happy as a clam at the end of the meal. The service is fantastic and the owner bends over backwards to make sure everyone is enjoying their meal. The S'mores French Toast satisfies a sweet tooth, and the Hash is great for those hankering for something savory. Highly recommended...
(4)
Charlie J.
outstanding service and great food. very popular so make sure you make a reservation.
(5)
Matthias J.
The mystery to me, is how come an espresso machine that has a skull and crossbones sign on it and a warning to "NEVER turn off", makes the best coffee anywhere in Boston. In a time when the general level of coffee appreciation has been raised significantly, this is no mean feat. The first espresso I had here a few weeks ago blew me away, but I ascribed it to either coffee starved taste buds or some imaginary sensory overload. I have been back twice again and keep been consistently blown away. The rest of their food is pretty good too.
(4)
Susan J.
The apple pastry was delicious and the free wifi signal is much stronger than some of the wifi in the area... *coughs* Toscanini's. Plus, with the front windows open it got a nice breeze. I'm definitely coming back!
(4)
Julie A.
I could take this place or leave it. It's god a minimal selection for food, but what they have is good but kinda blah, and is a nice change for the hood. Service is super BLAH and slow
(3)
Melissa W.
AWESOME gelato. I really like their tiramisu gelato (apparently they have their gelato made in Italy and shipped over!), and I definitely prefer it over Toscanini's ice cream. I also like their portabella panini. Tasty.
(4)
Ben B.
The coffee is OK, the pastry is OK, but there's better of both nearby (Tosci's for Coffee, Mariposa across the street for pastry). But La Luna Cafe has free no sign-in WiFi and is very mellow and comfortable. So it's a great place to do a little work at a cafe if you do that kind of thing. You'll often see 2-3 people with laptops, and another at the public desktop computer.
(4)
Patrick M.
This is my new favorite for brunch. The staff is very friendly and they don't try to hurry you. I went there twice this weekend with my friends because we liked it so much. I've had the blueberry pancakes and the brioche french toast with chocolate, whipped creme, carmelized bananas and pecans. The pancakes were giant and fluffy and they put about a half cup of blueberries on top. The chocolate french toast is perfect but obviously for the sweet-tooth in the bunch.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes Good for Working : No
Ryan R.
For Breakfast: The Belgian waffles were very well made, each dish comes with 2 large waffles. The chocolate waffles could have used more chocolate, but they did not fail to satisfy. The breakfast burrito had good texture, but there could have been a more savory flavor. There were no issues with quantity and service was adequate.
(4)John D.
Spoke to the owner Teri, she seems to be fully devoted to her business and having happy customer. Even if this does not resolve the frustration we had, it was nice talking with her and understanding that she is doing her best. I am updating my review to 4 stars ;-)
(4)Matt P.
We had an amazing meal here for Sunday brunch. There was a fairly typical wait, but the staff were apologetic and kind. Crayons were provided for the entertainment of the young at heart. I ordered the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict. The cholesterol phobic need not apply, but oh man was it delicious. The flavors were perfectly matched and proportioned and the end result was exciting. I had shivers with my first bite. The corned beef hash itself was home made and amazing - I didn't know it got this good. My date had the special - raspberry truffle french toast. This included raspberry jam, chocolate, cream cheese, and some cream served over very light french toast. Provided you like your french toast light and fluffy, I think this is about as good as it gets. It was sweet without being cloying, and there was enough flavor in the dish to keep it interesting. I don't often leave a restaurant feeling like I learned something. We will definitely be back.
(5)Farrah H.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Cafe Luna yet. They are awesome. This is my go-to neighborhood place. The sandwiches are good, the brunch is even better. Matt and Terry (the owners) run a clean, well-managed establishment. They are always courteous and sweet. They also keep a rotating specials menu which is nice. Oh and Mary (who works the morning shift) is awesome. She remembers the regulars and keeps the line moving. Be prepared to wait if you are coming in for brunch on the weekend. You can call ahead to see what the wait is like and make a reservation. The place is packed always (for good reason). During the week, lunch time gets pretty busy but I always find somewhere to sit. Definitely worth your time and money.
(5)Sara W.
Let me tell you a little story about my first encounter with Cafe Luna. It was 2pm on a typical spring day in Cambridge, and my roommates and I had finally mustered enough energy to venture into the world in search of brunch. We trotted down Mass Ave, happy as clams, looking for a cafe that could accommodate the four of us and our friendly dog. "I want an eggs benedict!" Roommate #1 exclaimed, eyes aglow with anticipation. "I want pancakes!" declared #2. "I just want a saucer of water and the loving companionship of you fine people!!!" said our dog, telepathically. Imagine our dismay when, upon being seating at the first outdoor cafe we came across, the waitress announced that we were 2 minutes late for the midday meal options. "I'm really sorry," she said, handing us menus. Plunged into brunch-related depression, we ordered orange juice and scanned the dinner menu with heavy hearts. "I really can't have any eggs benedict?" Roommate 1 wheedled when she returned. "No... I'm sorry." "I was really jonesing for a good eggs benedict." "Yeah..." "Okay, well, I think we need some more time to look at this dinner menu." "Oh," said our waitress. "We're actually not serving dinner yet." "So... we're too late for brunch and too early for dinner." "Right." "What kind of food are you serving now?" "Salad." "Yeah... I think we're going to have to leave now." "It was like, the options kept shrinking the longer we sat there," Roommate 1 said mournfully, as we staggered hungrily down the street. "No eggs benedict... that was the first blow. Then no lunch, then no dinner." "You were getting hangry," I appraised. "Hungry plus angry." A few blocks away, Cafe Luna came to the rescue. After waiting outside for a few minutes and sharing our brunch horror story with the sympathetic owner, we were seated at an outdoor table and presented with a diverse list of breakfast delights that included the much sought-after (lobster!) eggs benedict. The Belgian waffles were also a hit, airy and delicious, and I'm pretty sure the seasoning on the home fries that accompany the egg dishes is a mixture of herbs and powdered happiness. Also be sure to try the cinnamon muffins (presented free of charge by the owner "just because you guys are so nice") and the made-with-real-chocolate milk. The only things that keep Cafe Luna from attaining the coveted 5th star are the prices ($3 for a miniature side cup of fruit seems a little steep) and the somewhat inattentive service. But if you're not in a hurry, this is the perfect place to sit outside and while away a Sunday afternoon, enjoy great food, and respond to approximately 9,000 pedestrian inquiries about the breed of the dog tied to your table support. He's a Wheaton terrier, and he gives the water two enthusiastic paws up.
(4)Carol L.
Delicious brunch location. Lobster egg benedict: Delicious. Large chunks of tender lobster. Black bean omelette: the winner of the meal - incredibly tasty. I was so surprised! Blueberry lemon waffle: pretty good Pumpkin waffles: nice, fluffy, seasonal!
(4)Steve G.
Great desserts. Awesome waiter named lee.
(4)Jess N.
I've been to Cafe Luna several times. There is usually a wait (30-45min). The food is good and they have a wide variety for brunch options. The breakfast cocktails are good and worth the $9. Always good service ! Be prepared to wait.
(4)Mischa T.
His fingernails are clean!
(5)Jennifer C.
Cafe Luna, you continue to piss me off. First time I came here (not heeding advice about the rudeness of the owner), we asked whether we could sit at the tables in front of the Cafe. (Not the tables in Lafayette Square -- the ones owned by the cafe.) They brought us our little sandwiches, brought us water twenty minutes later, and then never came to give us the check. When we finally went inside to ask for the bill, the owner (the tall man with grey hair) told us we had to bus our own table. "But," we said, confused, "you seated us out their and served us..." The owner responds in an angry, indignant tone: "Listen, we were doing you a FAVOR by letting you sit out there." The angry tone? What the hell? Don't yell at your customers if they don't inexplicably intuit your weird policies about which responsibilities are up to the wait-staff and which are up to the customer. Today I went in because I was in a hurry, it was on my way to MIT, and I just wanted to grab a bagel to go. Well, for some reason it took them 10 minutes to put a bagel into a bag. Ten minutes is a long time to wait for someone to put a bagel into a bag -- especially when the waiters and waitresses are just standing around chewing the fat. It would have been twice as fast to backtrack to Clear Conscience Cafe and buy a bagel from them. And their bagel wouldn't have tasted like they bought it in the freezer section at Shaw's. Ugh. FU, Cafe Luna.
(1)Mckenzie Y.
Brunch it here!!!!! Really great menu - never been here for dinner or lunch or on the weekday though- eeeek... (i reside on the otherside of the river) but their brunch was one of the best I've had in boston for awhile. Call ahead seating. LOVE THE FRENCH TOAST!
(4)Rimi C.
The BEST BRUNCH in Cambridge!!! I took a friend here from out of town and ordered the pepper crusted tuna with eggs. We also shared the pumpkin stuffed french toast. Let's just say the only noises coming from our end of the table were "mmmm's and ahhhhh's" for about 5 whole minutes! The service was incredible, our waiter gave great recommendations and emphatically shared his love of the pumpkin stuffed french toast. Average price for brunch options are around $12 which is a bit on the high side, but I think it's worth it for a place with such great food and ambience.
(5)Ryan H.
I went her for brunch and a saturday and made sure to get there early to avoid a huge wait. This place has a cool small atmosphere if you are into that kind of thing. I have to say I was expecting a lot of this place just from the items on the menu. Everything looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Unfortunately they fell a little short on execution. I had the corned beef hash and the two people I was with had the lobster eggs benedict and huevos rancheros specials. I read on yelp the corned beef hash was the best thing on the menu and i love corned beef hash! It wasn't that it was bad it just wasnt "breakfast" corned beef hash. Im not comparing it to the canned finely diced stuff a lot of places serve either. It tasted like it belonged between two pieces of rye bread rather than underneath eggs. I tried bites of the other two dishes and felt the same way. Something was just a little bit off. The service was great here though and even though its not great I would still say it is one of the better breakfast places in the area. 3 stars is probably 3.5 in reality. Check this place out but don't go in with really high expectations.
(3)Ploy K.
I absolutely loved this place. It was small, so my party of four had a bit of a wait despite our reservation*, but the atmosphere was very cozy and comfortable. We sat outside, which allowed us to watch the various types of people walking around Central. The host was very gracious to us, apologetic for our wait but not overly so. Our waiter was adorable, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. The food came out in a timely manner, though only one plate at a time, one after another, presumably as they finished being prepared. I ordered the bacon eggs Benedict, two of my companions ordered the corned beef hash eggs Benedict, and the last ordered chocolate chip Belgian waffles. Everything looked delicious, and even better, tasted wonderful. I was really pleased with my choice, and had a bite of the corned beef hash dish, which was really good as well. Two of my friends also ordered a special seasonal drink, the pumpkin chai latte, which was great especially because the pumpkin taste wasn't overwhelming. I will definitely be going back to try the sweeter side of things; several versions of french toast, Belgian waffles, and pancakes (chocolate chip, berry, etc). I loved the cute interior and awesome location. I can't wait to go back! *N.B. They only take reservations for parties of six or more, so the Yelp info is slightly misleading. If you have five, get one more person and call ahead. If you have four, you have to wait.
(4)Omar R.
Pro's The food (The Grilled Biscuits with Honey flavored Butter, Home Fries w/ Bacon & Jalapeno Cheese Sauce, Crispy Waffles, fresh fruit, Frozen Hot Chocolate, etc [the list goes on]). The manager (On top of folks on wait-list [even though wait will be long], and maybe willing to provide free pastries if your wait is extremely long or your food takes too long to arrive at your table [I have yet to have this experience but I have been a witness to it]) The waiters(tresses) (Friendly, comes frequent with water and coffee refills without you having to ask several times [however, i have noticed a waiter who was not wearing the same attire as the rest who was serving folks on the outside seating who seemed to not care for his job; he emptied the cups of water and sangria on the bushes next to the cafe and did not notice that some of it splashed on a customer waiting to be seated. Unfortunately for the business, that customer did get up and leave]) Con's Seating (Its a small cafe; maybe 30 people can be seated [including the bar] but very tight especially on a packed weekend) Wait time (If you do not call in advance for a reservation, you could expect to wait an hour at minimum on a busy weekend [have yet to come here on a weekday]) Outside Seating (If the weather is very hot and the crowd is growing large, eating outside may cause sun burn or have a long wait for your food as most folks seated inside the small place get a lot more of the attention {I have yet to be seated outside but I have been a witness to hearing customer's complaints regarding their seating and experience}. Order Taking and paying Tablets (I have noticed the waiters having difficult times with their tablets that they take orders on and have customers use the tablet to pay their bill. Maybe an upgrade or fix some of the glitches that cause for waiters to look frazzled)
(4)Kate L.
Really really really awesome. I went for brunch on a rainy Saturday...and will be going back as soon as I get a chance. I went with a friend as a spur of the moment kind decision (thank you Yelp, for the excellent suggestion). We checked out the website and confirmed that, lo and behold, you can make reservations for brunch! So we called ahead and were told to be there in an hour. We arrived about five minutes early but only had to wait a couple of minutes before the friendliest host ever seated us (really, just a great guy!). We had been ogling the menu while we were waiting for the table, but still had no idea what to get...so after a few more minutes of hard decisions, my partner in crime and I settled on splitting belgian waffles and a fig/goat cheese/prosciutto omelet, with some biscuits and bellinis. While waiting for the food (which came out quite quickly, I must add), there was no time to get bored--not with a cup of crayons and a paper covering on the table! I suppose it could be seen as childish, but I'm leaning more to charming. The waffles were fantastic--two large waffles fresh berries, mascarpone and whipped cream. The omelet was also really good, though I felt like it could have used some more figs and goat cheese. We got it with home fries, which were also delicious. The biscuits were amazing too, served with honey butter. yum. And really, if you take nothing else out of this review: raspberry bellinis. SO GOOD. Beyond the food being delicious, I really appreciated the service. When were about to leave, the rainstorm turned into a thunderstorm, and since we were in no rush to leave, we asked if we could stay for another drink. One turned into two, and we eventually had to move because a jazz duo was setting up! Everyone was really sweet and apologetic for asking us to move (not really a big deal, since we had been there for probably at least 3 hours at that point). The music was great, and the lunch food they started serving also looked pretty delicious.
(5)Jana V.
They served brunch on Labor Day, however, many of the items were missing from the menu. For starters, they did not have bread and so I couldn't order french toast. I decided to go with eggs Benedict which were ok. The eggs were poached well, however, the hollandaise sauce had too much lemon , which became a bit over whelming. The coffee, however, was delicious. I think my party lucked out more with their food because they ordered sandwiches and pancakes both of which were apparently very good. Another downside was the slow service- we sat outside and perhaps that was the case, but really things just dragged on. Not bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there again.
(3)S D.
Did you know that you can make a reservation for weekend brunch? If only I had known sooner - none the less, it was worth the wait. Got the lemon ricotta pancakes (delicious!) and the servers and host are all very accommodating. The space is small so it can get a little crammed but the food is great. Went back for lunch and got the butternut squash sandwich - excellent! For the SCVNGR users in the house - be sure to rack up your points for discounts on your check!
(4)John P.
Best coffee shop i have ever been... Period
(5)May L.
It was the perfect morning for Cafe Luna. I came here with a goup of cool ladies I've been brunching with for the past year. On the whole, this was one of our favorite establishments! Most notably, the service at Cafe Luna is wonderful. The wait staff was extremely attentive yet relaxed and friendly. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. We were seated inside but with visual access to outside enjoying large, open windows. The coffee was good as was the breakfast burrito which I ordered. There is a choice between homefries and toast and although I heard good things about the homefries, the toast was very good quality bread and the serving was four pieces. So I liked my toast! My friends all enjoyed their meals too. There are cocktails available which a couple of people ordered. The location is good for people watching and an easy spot to find for those not familiar with the area. What I am trying to say is, there is no reason that you should not go to Cafe Luna. Go to Cafe Luna this weekend!
(4)Carol M.
Best brunch anywhere!! Helpful hint - make a reservation! I have been here a few times when visiting my daughter at college in Boston. She is graduating and now I will have to make a special trip to Boston to have brunch at Cafe Luna!
(5)Jay S.
Perfect. Good coffee, nice staff, yummy food, open air onto the square. Late afternoon but I could still get some breakfast stuff.
(5)Corey L.
Good sandwiches and good desserts. Nice place
(4)Anna F.
Enchanted. Stopped by here with a friend over the weekend for a quick bite. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. Pleasantly surprised by the live holiday music. Had a tasty sweet potato and goat cheese sandwich and an egg nog latte. The service was friendly, the food portions ample and reasonably priced. A win on all fronts.
(4)Tiffany S.
So much deliciousness. Raspberry hot chocolate and berry french toast, though it doesn't seem like you can go wrong with any of the dishes here. The best part was after our meal - there was no rush to get us out the door even though they were busy - I appreciated not being treated like I was no more than a wallet. Also, the servers were really nice and helpful.
(5)Rayshauna G.
Cafe Luna has my best interest at heart. Now, I had to take 'em down a star for the 'interesting' hours of operation, but other than that, they are amazing. The customer service is great - the employees are quick to greet you and make sure you feel welcome. Not sure if its seasonal, but they have the most amazing apple cider. Not that heated up apple juice crap that other places carry. I'm talkin' cider with some hair on its little chest, y'all - complete with cinnamon stick [and whipped cream, if that's your style]. The chicken caesar wrap is good too. They have scheduled musical performances - everything from jazzy stuff to sultry vocals - it's a good time.
(4)Tara G.
Two stars because of the tasty sandwich. Too bad we had to fight for it. When we got there, no tables for brunch were available; no problem, we could order take out sandwiches and wait in the park area and they'd call it out for us. But that meant that, as we pulled three consecutive items out of the bag that were not what we ordered, we ended up having to walk back across the park each time. -We ordered a wrap and a panini; one came with chips, one came with a choice of chips or salad. We took salad. Two salads and no chips made it into the bag. They fixed this up. On the upside, the chips are nice Kettle ones. -The rosemary foccacia panini we ordered was neither foccacia nor panini; it was ciabatta, and not grilled at all. We had to take this one back, because $8 is pretty steep for a sandwich and I'd expect a bit more quality than that. Once they fixed it, it was pretty good. But no apology for serving us a sandwich that was completely wrong. -Grilled veg wrap: I asked for wheat wrap; it came in white. The receipt even said white, so the person at the register tapped it in wrong. She had nodded when I asked for the wheat wrap, acknowledging that she heard my request, so it wasn't just that she didn't hear it. By the time we pulled this third wrong thing out of the bag we were tired of walking back and forth just to get what we ordered so we ate it anyway. I'm fine with substitutions but you need to inform the customer so they have the option of ordering something different if those changes don't work for them. If we hadn't been eating right in the park and had walked home or elsewhere, it would be a one star review, as we couldn't have gotten what we ordered. On a last note, I have a hard time believing their chai is "the best chai in Central Square"; I had the iced chai latte and it was like drinking heavy cream. Blech. Not the refreshing drink I wanted on a hot day.
(2)Stefano J. A.
Worst brunch experience ever. The service is non-existent. Slow and careless. The staff actually avoids eye contact to prevent you from asking something. The waitress didn't even let me finish my order before walking away. After that I had to serve myself from the counter for basically everything, except that soon cups, water and spoons were gone, so I basically had to pick up dirty ones and rinse them myself. The coffee is bad and carelessly prepared. Towards the end of the meal I was briefly blessed with the attention of the owner, who got the girl to remake my cappuccino. She took three attempts and still couldn't make me one that wasn't a bathtub full of milk with one espresso shot. The food is ok, but definitely not worth waiting an hour for in those conditions. Unless you take the situation in stride and laugh off the ridiculous service as a comic skit.
(2)Lina A.
Omg this place is amazing two thumbs up. Best tasting brunch ive ever had. Salmon omlet with avocado...awesome!
(5)Sam G.
This place is absolutely incredible! I went here for brunch one day and was able to sit outside. The service was fantastic and very fun, and the food was even better. They had seasonal pumpkin pancakes, steak from grilled on their special grill, and my favorite - everything but the kitchen sink. I would highly suggest this place. The only downside is it is a bit pricey and since it is so popular the wait can be very very long.
(5)Christina G.
After passing by many-a-time on our way to/from Central Sq. via Kendall, my boyfriend, good friend and I finally had a chance to stop in for a lateish lunch today. It was brunchtime, and hopping (as well as short-staffed, I overheard), but once we got someone's attention, we were seated quickly. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I had breakfasted at home, so we forewent the brunch menu and went to the sandwiches. I ordered the roasted eggplant sandwich, he ordered the portobello one and we got an Italian soda apiece. Our friend perused the brunch menu and decided on a make-your-own omelette (sausage, tomato, cheese, I believe) and a cup of coffee. We sipped our drinks (the Italian sodas had just enough syrup after a good swirl of the straw and I hear the coffee was a pretty decent cuppa) and drooled over the brunchy waffles wafting by. Our meals came quickly, and we all dug in. The side salads that come with the sandwiches were a nice mix of greens and veggies and the made-on-premises balsamic dressing was good enough that we ended up dipping our sandwiches in it a couple of times. The homefries were well-spiced and roasty hot. The omelette looked amazing, and I was assured that it was, and that the sausage was some of the best our friend had ever had. The boyfriend's sandwich was filled with meaty pieces of mushroom and mozz, and he said that it was great, but he would have loved it more if he hadn't had a bite of my sandwich... a perfect amount of filling, roasted veggies full of flavor, not at all soggy or overcooked, and the eggplant was a layer of amazing sweet&smokiness. I am often wary of eggplant that I don't make, but I'd let Cafe Luna make it for me any day. Not a bitter note, and not a flavorless mush! The other veggies bolstered the flavors, but the eggplant was definitely the star. A little bit of provolone and pesto, and pressed on that fresh rosemary foccacia? yes, please. 6 hours later, I'm still thinking about it. And I especially appreciate the non-overstuffedness of it. It left me perfectly sated, but not overfull at all. At the end of the meal, we paid our [completely reasonable] bill and were told "No rush! Stay as long as you'd like and listen to the [live jazz] music..." Such a nice and unusual sentiment these days. I'm definitely planning on trying another meal here, and hopefully get a chance to dine outside. The downfalls here are the small interior, (which is cozy, but a little warm and loud and the three of us shared a tiny table) and some seemingly hit-or-miss service. It doesn't seem really equipped for a big weekend brunch crowd, but I can imagine having a nice weekday lunch or dinner here, though, when it's quieter. In any case, I'd come back for that eggplant sandwich alone.
(4)Randy S.
Since Brunch is my absolute favorite meal of the day, I hold places that serve the 4th meal of the day to high standards. Luna receives high marks for it's location and ambiance. They specialize in the cafe feel with tables being close together, a manager that works the floor, and a staff that works very hard to make you feel like you're with friends at every visit. The menu is expansive and therefore daunting. But take a deep breath and find confidence in knowing that there is no wrong choice. The menu features fresh ingredients, and everything is customizable with no extra costs incurred (generally speaking). The reason I did not give them 5 stars is because although the staff is very accommodating and friendly there is just not enough of them. During my last visit the greeter took my reservation, my order, and bused my table. Whatever they're paying her just isn't enough. This lack of support does slow down progress, so come prepared to spend a couple hours.
(4)Andrew M.
Went on the seemingly awesome Yelp reputation it had. First off, my girlfriend and I were kept waiting for 10 minutes for a table when a half dozen were available. When we were finally seated the table hadn't received a wipe down from the last time it was used. The coffee was eh. At 2.25 a cup it should at least not be thin. I had the eggs benedict. Sauce had way too much lemon. Not horrible. My girlfriend had the Belgian waffle with fruit. It was pretty good. This place is topped off by really inattentive service. Our waitress had to come back twice to check our orders because she didn't write them down correctly. I'll be looking for other places for brunch from now on.
(3)Jess N.
Came here yesterday for breakfast, food was alright. Eggs were cooked well, and my latte was perfect. Chicken sausage tasted a bit weird (I've had chicken breakfast sausage prior to this). Overall, just average.
(3)Rebecca S.
Call me jaded. I've gone by Cafe Luna too many times to count, have had tea and coffee there a couple of times over the last few years ... but it never sticks in my memory as a place to return to. Unobjectionable but unremarkable. I met a friend there last night for coffee and/or a light supper. As it turns out neither of us ended up eating. I could have, but nothing leapt out at me when I eyed the menu, and I had leftovers at home. Good leftovers! The food of the people sitting six inches away from us looked all right. But nothing enticing. If I'd been hungry I would have eaten something and it would have been all right I'm guessing. But I didn't eat. What we did have was a chai (me) and a mocha (friend). Verdict on both: so-so. The chai was a bit too cloyingly sweet. I think my friend liked his mocha well enough. Neither of us were sold on the ambiance.The room is dark and cramped. It was pretty full, and the tables are tightly squeezed together. They have musicians come in for live sets which is nice but that means they have to shift the tables even closer together while people are seated. I was also asked, first by a staff person, and later by a patron with a laptop, to squirm around in my chair and fumble for a power strip hidden in a corner behind me so that various things could be plugged in and unplugged. Kind of weird. There's nothing specific I can point to that's off, except perhaps an injudicious use of space. And perhaps the price-to-experience ratio is a bit off -- $4.20 seems rather pricey for a large chai that was actually relatively small (but enough for me given the aforementioned heavy sweetness). When you consider how cramped everyone was, I didn't feel it was money well spent. The music wasn't bad, but it was loud enough to make conversation difficult ... always a trade-off with live music in a small space. So it's worth considering beforehand whether your purpose is to talk or be entertained. If you were hoping to talk ... you might be better off going at a time when they don't have live music. Or go somewhere else. The staff were very friendly, if a bit inattentive (we had to ask 3 times for the check). Last night confirmed what I'd always thought about Cafe Luna: it's okay, but never my first choice.
(2)Melanie T.
I've only been here for brunch, but been here twice. Food gets 4 stars, for sure. The menu is stellar, with a nice list of rotating list of specials. I had an egg and turkey sausage bread-y goodness dish this weekend that was somewhere between a brick of savory french toast and a quiche. The space is small and not remarkable at all. On my last visit, I was peeved by the hostess. I had called ahead and asked to make a reservation, which I've done in the passed and it notes you can do on the website. She said they were not accepting reservations. I asked then if she could add my name to the list, something also listed on the website. She said no and sounded bothered that I was asking. I asked how long the wait would be in 20 minutes and she said 30 min. When I showed up 20 min later, she quoted me a wait time of 90 min because they had reservations she needed to seat first. I was not pleased. When I said I had called to make a reservation she wasn't swayed. Just felt like a young kid who didn't care about her job much. Anyway, lucky for him, I overheard the owner telling someone else they could eat outside at the public tables and they'd bring the order out there. Score! Even though I was peeved about the service, the food is good and my out of town guests were on a schedule. So, we nabbed a table outside and went in to order. Though he was visibly busy, the owner was super nice to us. He was very accomodating and chatty. Our food came really quickly and was delicious. As I said, his great customer service made up for the lack of the hostess's. All in all, it turned out in our favor. We got to eat outside on the first nice day of the season, were treated well by the owner, and enjoyed our food lots. Knocked them down to 4 stars because we almost missed out on all of it due to the hostess being overwhelmed.
(4)E B.
Every time we call and ask how long the wait would be for two people including 5 minutes after they open, they tell you the wait is 2 hours...that is ABSURD. We've been told 3 hours when there are clearly only about 10 people waiting total...like, come on. The food is good but it's not that good- I'm from NYC and I've seen way better brunch. Get over it people.
(1)John H.
Having mostly only eaten sweet things here, I cannot comment too much on their savory menu items. My boyfriend says the omelettes are good but nothing special. I had an omelet with black beans and avocado that I liked a lot. But let me tell you, the sweet things here--pancakes, pastry, french toast--they will blow your mind. My favorite so far has been the lemon ricotta pancakes, although I haven't had anything here that I would complain about. The bar drinks are great, and the seasonal pumpkin chair is super delicious, if also super syrupy. The thing that really sets Luna apart is the staff. They are always polite, friendly, and helpful. In an ideal world, the restaurant would be bigger and better temperature-controlled (and easier to get a table at brunch); but it's definitely a favorite.
(4)Christine T.
I now know the secret of chai! Thanks Luna!
(4)Jeff W.
I like the pizza, and the sandwiches, especially the Florence/Florentine? A little less food than enough to sate me, and slightly overpriced, perhaps.
(3)Ligaya T.
This place saved my yelping life! I'm not exaggerating as I'm prone to either; since I don't have internet in the new pad I've been trekking down the street to La Luna everyday since I moved to this coast for their yummy paninis and free wi-fi. Back when I was a youngster I would visit in the warm months, roll some Bali shag for a smoke and drink me a tasty espresso. Talk about a double dose of stimulation! I've graduated to smoothies (their Amazonia tastes exactly like an Orange Julius, remember those?) and delicious tiramisu with the perfect amount of marsala. The best deal at this place is a gelato milkshake, $2.75 for a small (trumping the other blends at $4.25) and a piece of quiche (which comes with a lovely salad) for $10 total. The people there are the sweetest. They love soccer and play the important games, and also have live music some nights. No liquor license yet but go in and sign the petition by the register! This is going to be clutch when the area in front of the cafe turns into a park in the coming year. You know where I'll be on a balmy evening! Edit 7/11/07 - Since the management switched hands, the pastries have gone down hill. The case is practically empty. Come back, Jeanette!
(3)Christine F.
I took my parents and a few friends here for brunch (parents in town = free meals hooray!) on a Saturday. It was super-crowded but they let us put our order through at the counter before we even found a table. Luckily we did, outside to boot, and the food was extremely tasty on all acounts. I highly recommend the Greek omelette or the french toast. I remember reading about the hyperactive manager on another review, and knowing that beforehand somehow made it just really hilarious when he started hovering over our table, making frequent apologies, and micromanaging the other employees. I really don't think he does it in a bastardly sort of way, I think he's just a Type A personality in a perpetually hectic restaurant. One star deducted because it is really cramped inside and temperature control doesn't seem to be their strong suit.
(4)Hisham K.
I cannot say enough good things about Luna Cafe. I'm pretty much a regular Lunatic now, although not having a job means I don't eat here as much as I'd like - but on laundry days, while my clothes are tumbling in the drier, I'm at Luna Cafe scarfing down some Bomba Salad. Lee is engaging, Matt is cheery, and Teri spoils me rotten. ROTTEN, I tell you. My friend Elin works at Emerson College and has an event here at least once a semester, and the owners (Matt & Teri) always make it special. I showed up late to an event and most of the food was gone, but before I knew it Teri had whipped up a delicious salad for me! A few other late arrivals even got small sandwiches. This little cafe has some of the best service in Cambridge, and I love it. I'm never leaving Central Square!
(5)Heather G.
It is no secret that I am certainly a breakfast groupie. I love the idea of weekend brunch, only at like 8am (beat the rush and whatnot). I am also not the kind of girl who gets lured in at the though of making a breakfast/lunch out of cafe fare, as salads and sandwiches seem to be uniformly mediocre and overpriced. However, despite the "cafe" in the name and despite a 10am opening time, I found myself venturing over to Cafe Luna last Sunday morning to see what all the fuss was about. First off, this is not a "cafe" like you're used to - you don't have to order your food at the counter while staring at a pastry case, willing yourself into resisting a glazed, toffee sticky bun. Rather, you're greeted in the tiny entryway, shown to a table, and given proper wait-service. Though this place is very tiny and the tables are squished together, the crowdedness really does help take away the chill from the ever-opening front door. We arrived promptly at 10am and were among the first seated, though the dining room filled up within minutes with hungry patrons. The entire menu looked delicious, and the prices were decent-to-a-tad-expensive for brunch fare. Cafe Luna brews a great cup of coffee, though I did have to ask for my refills, as the server was too occupied running around taking orders to notice my caffeine-shortage. Not a big deal, however, as he may have been one of the only or THE only person on staff that morning. As a rule, when choosing breakfast, I eliminate all pancake/waffle/French toast options, instead opting for an egg dish, as sweets for breakfast really aren't my thing. My dining companion is the same way, so imagine my surprise when he spontaneously ordered a half order of the ricotta blueberry French toast. What what? Being the lady that I am, I smiled sweetly and supported his decision, though in the back of my mind, I was laughing at his soon-to-be-disappointed-stomach. Was I ever wrong (you hear that, Dan C.? There it is - admission I was wrong, in writing, for all to see. There may even be an apology coming, but I wouldn't hold your breath)! the toast was thick and crispy, and the fillings were creamy and tart. There was very little sweetness to this dish at all, and this is most definitely THE French toast to order for those who don't like sweet breakfasts but still crave bread. We also had the corned beef hash Benedict which was equally satisfying. Though this is a rushed/busy cafe, our eggs still came out perfectly poached. I cannot confirm for certain, but I am pretty sure the hash is house-made. The chunks of veg, meat, potato were minced to the appropriate size (TINY! eating really chunky hash is just awkward) and seasoned well. I ordered the asparagus leek omelette, which was OK but not great. They under-stuff the omelettes here, apparently, and mine was mostly egg and no filling. I could barely taste any hint of leek, and the goat cheese was set in a blob in the middle of the omelette, requiring me to pull it apart, spread the cheese, and re-fold. This was the least successful of the dishes, though it still wasn't awful. You could, however, save yourself the $9 and make a comparable omelette at home, so bear that in mind when you order and go for something more indulgent like the Benedict. On the server's rec, I chose a side of homefries rather than grilled Iggy's bread, though I wish I'd gone the other way because the potatoes came out over-seasoned and a bit cold. They weren't bad, they just weren't as stellar as the rest of our lovely brunch. I will certainly be back - friendly staff, great coffee, delicious food, cozy atmosphere. Just what brunch should be, though, Luna, hear my pleas and open at 8am?
(4)Maureen D.
Yummy! - food, service and atmosphere Came here with my boyfriend and parents on the fly after looking at some reviews. Given the reviews on the line, I called ahead to make a reservation. They couldn't accommodate us with a reservation at 12:30, but gave us 1 o'clock for brunch . The waiter was great - came quick, gave us all the menus (lots to choose from) and took our drink orders and made some witty conversation. I had the turkey sausage breakfast strata with fruit salad. I must add that I hate nothing more than fruit salad where the strawberries taste like pineapples and all the juices have blended together - so I rarely order it. I took the gamble here and it was delicious. NOT as delicious as the strata! Dad and the boy had omelettes, which were really good, as well. Also, best latte I've had in Boston thus far. Granted I frequent Dunkin and Panera due to funds, but even good by NY standards ;) Great brunch place! And they play music sometimes, too (though they were coming in as we were leaving). I'll be back for sure!
(4)Tamara T.
man, the brunch at this place is absolutely fabulous! I'm still thinking about my nutella french toast months later. when me and my friend opened the menu it was like we lost all self restraint! we sat at the bar and opened 4 dishes...4!! my friend got biscuits and gravy, and we got lemon ricotta pancakes and an order of eggs to split. after eating we walked back to our hotel and passed out for the rest of the afternoon. I really wish Cafe Luna would open a branch in Brooklyn, I'd be there every Sunday! I recommended this place to two friends that recently went to Boston and they returned with raves too. I'm only giving the place 4 stars because it is soooo tight in there. I really feel like a grouchy old woman saying this but I got annoyed sitting so close to all the college kids. I gotta say, I'm not a fan of Cambridge or the Boston area but I loves me some Cafe Luna!
(4)Jess C.
OH MY GOSH. Brunch, brunch, brunch heaven!! So. My mom and I wanted to check out Cambridge and wandered over to this gem only to find there was a bit of a wait (you can call ahead, which we didn't know!!) To make up for our wait, the host offered us some hot chocolate while we waited outside!! SO CUTE! Breakfast was delicious. My eggs were cooked perfectly and the jalapeno cheese sauce was great (i ordered it on the side because it is a little heavy). Homefries were on par and it was a success. Great overall experience and I will definitely be back.
(5)Amanda S.
3 words: pumpkin. chai. latte
(4)June P.
I'm a big fan of cafes and a big fan of La Luna! Free wireless, good lattes (strong), awesome desserts. The tiramisu is yum. Not that many people know about this place, it seems, because it's usually never really crowded. Definitely try it out if you're around!
(4)Leah T.
this place is awesome but unfortunately they only serve their brunch menu on weekends. looooove their corned beef eggs benedict!!! the hollandaise sauce is just amazing. and don't forget to order one of their wonderful espresso drinks. my fave is the hazelnut latte. yummmm!!!
(5)Amy B.
Once inside, you really have no idea you are even in Central Square. Seriously, I felt transported to one of the many cafes I enjoyed in Germany or Holland. (Okay, may be not quite the same since Americans don't really have the ability to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. We are all just too damn busy). I instantaneously thought to my self, I need to come here more often to relax with a cup of coffee and to enjoy the company of my friends (Won't really happen, because I am too damn busy. Sad, but the honest truth.) One of my co-workers swears by this place for her morning coffee with soy milk and she recently recommended we go here for lunch. I had no idea that they had an extensive panini menu. My sandwich was delicious which I was thankful for since it was about $7.95. Technically it was worth it but initially I thought it was a bit much. I ordered a small latte and lunch ended up being over $10, which is a little more than I would like to spend. Overall, I think you should check the place out if you are in the area. It's definitely a decent alternative to Starbucks or Dunkin if you are looking for coffee and it's a great place for lunch.
(4)Kathleen C.
The paninis here are amazing! As is the baked goods. It's a family-run place- when I went the teenage son took our order which was comical and endearing. Great place!
(4)Ali H.
Great Cafe in the heart of Cambridge in Boston. It's charming, quite and a great place for lunch with a friend. Nic selection fo salads, wraps , ice cream and other desserts.
(4)Matt B.
Breakfast was as incredible as the staff. They were quick, friendly, and all extremely knowledgable about the foods and drinks they serve. When we arrived they greeted us immediately and offered myself and my girlfriend 2 seats at their bar, since there were no tables available at that moment. Once we were seated after a couple of minutes we were asked if we wanted to move to a newly opened table, we were comfortable so we declined the offer but it was nice to be considered ahead of people that arrived later than us. They were all incredibly friendly, offered us detailed descriptions of their coffees, alcoholic drinks and foods and were happy to offer us a taste of the coffees before we made a decision; which we also declined, but it was very appreciated. I had the corned beef hash on an English muffin topped with eggs Benedict with a side of homefries. It was all extremely delicious and I had plenty more food than I could eat. My girlfriend had a Greek omelette with a side of biscuits which she described as the best she's had. They were light, lightly sweet and quite tasty. Her omelette was tangy and very delicious. The coffees were diverse and excellent, and had unlimited refills. The mimosa and mint Lemon beverages were also mixed extremely well. We will absolutely be back.
(5)Andres D.
Went for brunch with two friends. WOW!! before we talk food, there was a paper table cloth and every table had crayons. So that was amazing. now, the main event. I have the mac and cheese (FOR BRUNCH) topped with bacon and a poached egg. so delicious. Very unique, cant say that I have come across mac and cheese as a brunch option anywhere else. Tasted amazing. Friends had the eggs benny with salmon + avocado. They liked it, I was pretty focused on the mac. Mimosas. I tried the original, very good. Noticeable fresh orange juice. Also tried one of the other flavors (not memorable), stick with the classic, its fresh and mixed well, also comes in great quantities. Will revisit and re-review.
(5)Brian S.
This place is amazing. I ordered the prosciutto, toasted fig jam and arugala eggs Benedict with a Mac and cheese with bacon to share. The Mac and cheese is suppose to be an entree but I do not recommend ordering it on its own. It's very good, but you'll get tired of eating it. The eggs Benedict was definitely the best combo I've tried to date. It was just the right amount of sweet to balance out the saltiness of the prosciutto. The service here is also top notch. Very attentive and always very close by if you need anything. Super friendly and personable staff. My one and only gripe about them would be the fact that they do not have A/C. They do have a fan running and it does a pretty decent job, but again. It's still only a fan. All in all, a great experience. With ordering 3 entrees to share the meal came out to ~$50. Will definitely come again. Maybe when its not so hot.
(5)Marie H.
What can I say, Cafe Luna is one of my favorite brunch places in all of Boston! I've never had anything that I didn't absolutely love, whether it was sweet or savory. For sweet, all of the waffles and french toasts are delicious, especially the ones topped with fresh fruit. For savory (my fav), their eggs benedicts are amazing, with the eggs cooked to perfection - if you want to go all out, get the one with lobster (expensive but worth it!) The inside is kind of small, but they have a lot of outdoor seating when it's nice out. The wait does tend to get pretty long on the weekends, but I've found that it's not too bad if you go around like 10am.
(5)Claudia C.
No words can adequately describe how much I adore Cafe Luna. Everything from the friendly servers, reservation process, to the amazing food was perfect. I managed to snag a last minute brunch reservation for Father's Day at 3:15pm just in time to order off the weekend brunch menu. As a group, we shared the Lobster & Avocado Omelette, Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict, and S'mac and Cheese with Lobster (yes, we love lobster). The highlight was the Lobster & Avocado Omelette. The omelette was so fluffy and the lobster / avocado combination was divine. You have to get this. The eggs benedict and mac and cheese were also delicious and I would recommend it, but oh my goodness the lobster & avocado omelette totally blew it out of the water. I also tried my dad's New Orleans Iced Coffee and it was really really good. The only thing I wish this place did better was to maintain the restaurant cleanliness (the floor under our table had some crayons and spilled food) and the decor is a little outdated, but I guess that all adds to the mom and pop old charm feel of Cafe Luna. Please make a reservation via the email and prepare to be blown away with the best brunch experience of your life!
(5)Juliet K.
The Heater sandwich - was ok. Added avocado which made it creamier and the overall flavor was ok. But nothing special. Came with your choice of salad or chips. NO AIR CONDITIONING :( Has a decent selection of sandwiches and breakfast stuff but didn't try those. Would go back to try again.
(3)Aysha A.
I was so pleased that we woke up early and showed up without a reservation to eat here! We arrived 10 minutes before they opened and their were about 5 groups already waiting outside. We were seated fairly quickly, after only 10 minutes or so. It's a small space, not quite cramped but cozy! As a group of 4 we shared two biscuits with honey butter and a cinnamon roll for the table, delicious but didn't fill us up too much so we could still enjoy the meal! We ordered jalapeño Mac and cheese with two poached eggs, a bit heavy but a great combination that wasn't what I expected! Steak and eggs was perfect! Steak was so tender you didn't even need a knife to cut it! Eggs were done over easy just the way we like it! Dessert was the Cookie Monster French Toast, amazing but so rock we could only manage a few bites! I'll be back the next time I'm in Cambridge!
(5)Monica C.
Had the lemon ricotta pancakes, which were fluffy and delicious. I could have used a bit more of a lemon kick though. Generous with the berries, and I the chicken chorizo had a spicy kick. Friendly service, with a 40 minute wait for two people on Labor Day weekend. Overall, I definitely liked the atmosphere and the brunch is solid, but ultimately it was not wowing. Have had lemon ricotta pancakes elsewhere that I preferred. Will be back to try other things!
(3)David G.
Very good. Busy day but we wait only 15min. The welcoming was a bit cold but the waitress was excellent. Lobster Mac & cheese were awesome.
(5)Elisa C.
Love the service and brunch. The brunch menu has a great selection for all breakfast foods and portions were generous. It was a bit overwhelming, so I went the simple route. Three eggs scrambled with sausage and a New Orleans Ice Coffee. The ice coffee did not have much of a chicory flavor as described on the menu and a bit underwhelming, but it was a good tall glass full. The eggs were simple and I added a good healthy dose of S & P for taste. The fruit on the side was refreshing after a protein filled brunch. Definitely will go back to try their pancake a waffles next time! Service: 5/5 Food: 4.5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
(5)Cindy W.
It's a good place for brunch. I ordered the eggs benedict with prosciutto and fig jam. The waiter was very nice. However, it's WAY overpriced for what you get... $15 for a plate?! I think it's not worth it in my opinion. It's a cozy environment and spot for brunch but I'd rather go to Flour or something because I just don't think the value is worth it.
(3)Amy X.
Been here twice now and the food and service are just consistently great. Had their Belgian waffles with fruits and it was delicious! As good as the ones from Saus and better than zinnekins. Definitely one of the better ones I've had. The steak and lobster eggs Benedict was very generous with both meat. Egg was cooked to perfection the way I like it - a little poke and the warm juice egg yolk oozes out for perfect complement to the savoriness of the meat! Service was impeccable. At the end, we even got free cinnabuns! I'm not the biggest fan of those as they are usually too sweet but man cafe Luna should add them to their regular menu! Definitely go there super early or super late. You can eat cafe Luna brunch food for dinner. It's that good. They do run out of the hash toward the end of the day but with all the other delicious food, you won't notice a thing.
(5)Priscilla C.
Cafe Luna is probably one of the best brunch places I've been to! My whole experience here was amazing in terms of the service and of course the food!! When we first came in, we were greeted by a very nice man, what made me happy was that we actually got our table right on the reservation time! WOW! I've been so many places and I've always had to wait past my reservation time. Anyways the interior is very rustic, cute, and a bit squashy. One complaint was when we got to our table, I realized that the floor underneath our table was a bit dirty (crayons and spilled food underneath). Whenever I see floors like these, my appetite gets a bit ruined. What my family and I ordered was the Lobster & Avocado Omelette, S'mac and Cheese with Lobster, and Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict! WOO so much lobster! My favorite dish would probably be the Lobster & Avocado Omelette because it was just made to perfection. Who knew an omelette can be that amazing?! I would highly recommend this dish!! It is a must try. As for the benedict and mac and cheese, they didn't blow me away, but don't get me wrong here because they were both super delicious. All in all, I would highly highly recommend this place. I would also like to compliment the servers at this cafe, they were one of the friendlist bunch I've encountered! So a ++ on that.
(5)Teresa M.
So good! Let's just say, I'm not a steak person, but their lobster & steak eggs benedict was delicious! And their Blue Label coffee? Yumm! The only downside is the wait and the need to place your reservation much in advance, but that's what happens when the food is so yummy. Although, the person taking the reservations via email is very friendly, responsive and helpful, so it was a good experience.
(5)Justina D.
Simple good old American food in a small place in the heart of central. Go there for breakfasts and ask for waffles, French tons and coffee. I've heard that brunch is good too but never went. The service is super attentive and are very much into catering to your wishes.
(5)Jean R.
Just ordered a dozen different sandwiches for delivery. Easy ordering, very helpful personal service, right on time, fresh delicious food. All in all a great experience.
(5)Michael S.
I swear sometimes its pure luck finding these places either via word to mouth or through social avenues like yelp, but we saw the Sunday brunch menu (diff from weekday menu by the way, more expansive) and figured we had to make the trip over. Cafe Luna is nestled in Cambridge in a very busy area near public transp. but still maintains its charm and uniqueness. They have an outdoor patio seating area, as well as a full indoor seating area, both of which were jammed on this warm summer Sunday. We put our name in and were told an hour, but to come back in 45 min. as tables generally open up quickly. We did as instructed, and came back to a wonderful patio seat outside. We were greeted by a very warm and welcoming man, who we later found out was the owner. He had to be the most wonderful owner/server I've ever encountered. He happily answered all of our questions then took us through the menu suggesting not only Luna favorites, but his own personal picks. The fact that he asked me as I first sat down if my T-shirt was a Johnny Cupcakes shirt, also impressed me! He gave us complimentary homemade buttermilk biscuits, served with homemade honey butter from VT. These were such a treat, all because as he put it, we were the nicest people he helped all day. We then ordered brunch, consisting of Lobster eggs benedict, and steak and lobster eggs benedict. My god, not only were we so stuffed and satisfied, but truthfully no words can aptly describe just how tasty these were. The lobster and streak were prepared to perfection, and the homemade hollandaise was one of a kind. He even let us know his wife does all the cooking and is a perfectionist. Many compliments sent to her! I'll preface the end by reiterating how stuffed we were, and yet we had already pre-ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries for a dessert treat. These pancakes were outstanding, and even in splitting them were so much for the two of us, but we wiped our plates clean. As if we didn't exude a thanksgiving style full look already, the owner came back once more to ask if we had any room left, as he had other ideas in store for us and planned to keep giving us more food! While we were extremely thankful, we had to stop there or may have needed to be rolled home. All in all this place is a gem, and if you go there, make sure you try some form of the lobster brunch dishes, you will not be disappointed! We will def. be going back! Thanks again Matt, the food and experience were fantastic.
(5)Eddie S.
This place is the go-to for brunch!! It's my first couple days in the Boston area and this is one of my many positive experiences I've had so far. While I had the fruit and yogurt (very fresh fruit btw), the corn hash and the salmon egg benedict looked delicious! Granted it is a little small and crowded (expect a wait during peak brunch hours), I found the overall experience really pleasant. I will definitely be back for another brunch!
(5)Joseluis A.
cafe luna was good to us. granted we were starving and there was no wait line during brunch which after reading the reviews of yelp seems odd. im a lucky guy. what can i say? i went for the eggs benedict with lobster because YOLO. i dont even know what my brunch companion ordered cause i was all about my meal. she looked at it with puppy eyes too and i was like 'arent you a vegetarian?' - minus one star because there are way too many tables for such small space. i overheard every conversation on the floor. boring. we were by far the most entertaining table.
(4)N M.
Café Luna was by far one of the best, if not THE best, brunch place I have ever been too. Nestled among the streets of Cambridge, it has a very unassuming face. Waited 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon for three people but completely worth the wait. An extremely extensive brunch menu with something for everyone. Omelettes, benedicts, waffles, and French toast-all the classics! And beautifully crafted coffee drinks. There is white paper on the table with crayons to entertain the kids (and the adults too). Ordered the macchiato, an authentic one, not a cup of caramel and sugar like one from Starbucks (not to say that I don't buy those myself). And got the lobster roll eggs Benedict and was impressed. Two of the most beautifully poached eggs I have ever seen with tender lobster and avocado on the honey butter biscuits (you need to ask for biscuits or English muffin). With a side of amazingly crispy and flavorful home fries yet tender and potatoey on the inside. It is a small, close space and it would be beneficial to have a larger space to accommodate the amount of people that want to dine there. However, despite this, the atmosphere and experience is still top notch and pleasant. Definitely coming back again as soon as possible and would recommend it to anyone in Boston.
(5)Sophie P.
WEEKEND BRUNCH ------------------------ Their weekend brunch menu differs from the weekday menu, and it is so awesome. Come in between 9:30 - 4! FOOD Blue Bottle Coffee is here! You need to get a latte or some kind of espresso drink with your meal. The coffee art really enhances your meal and the coffee here is strong and very good. Winter special menu item - Blue Berry Stuffed Waffle A Belgian Waffle stuffed with blueberry mascarpone and topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and real whipped cream. The waffle was toasted PERFECTLY. The powdered sugar with the fruit and whipped cream really was the best breakfast choice, in my opinion. THE WAIT You can tell that this is a family-owned business, with the owner taking the reservations and seating the guests. You can call in and make a reservation if you are in a party of 2-3, or e-mail if your party is 4+. Walk-in guests are seated on a full-party basis. I suggest if you don't make a reservation to come in a party of 2, since the wait is not as long. SERVICE The service was super quick - we got our meal within 10-15 minutes after putting in our order. They put in guests' orders and checks all through a tablet system, so the entire process was very efficient. We were able to split the bill by items and paid by separate credit cards at our table without having to sign or wait for the waiter to take a receipt.
(5)Michael C.
This place serves Blue bottle New Orleans iced coffee and it is amazing. This might be Boston's biggest iced coffee hidden gem. They also serve pressed sandwiches for lunch and from what I have seen, a pretty amazing breakfast/brunch as well. Unfortunately it has always been a little too crowded for me to try something other than their iced coffee.
(4)Katherine H.
Absolutely amazing!!! This place is one of the best brunch places I've ever been to. Excellent coffee (Blue Bottle) either plain or as a cappuccino, excellent service, and INCREDIBLE FOOD. My boyfriend ordered their lemon ricotta pancakes and they were absolutely amazing. I had to stop myself from eating his meal in addition to my own! I got grilled pear, gorgonzola, and bacon omelet and it had to have been the best omelet I've ever had. I'm the type of person that throws ketchup all over any omelet or egg-based dish...and I didn't use a single drop on this! Practically a miracle. And I finished the entire giant thing (plus, more than is polite of my boyfriend's dish)! Trust me, this place is worth even the weekend brunch wait. I'll definitely be going again next time I'm in Cambridge.
(5)Jane L.
This place has great dishes that my friends and I really enjoyed it. It is understandable that this place is very crowded, thus it is not a quiet place to enjoy brunch. Still, it's a very trendy place with great food. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Alex D.
Reservations are highly suggested. Plan ahead or be prepared to wait. But the wait is well worth every delicious bite. I had the lobster eggs Benedict and it was the most delicious breakfast I've ever had. I'd eat two orders if I could. The potatoes on the side were cooked to perfection. Slightly crispy on the outside and soooooo flavorful inside. If I could not share mine is eat them all myself.
(5)Joann H.
BEST. BRUNCH. EVER. I am a huge brunch snob and this menu just kills it. The extensive menu covers just every sweet AND savory dish possible. The lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing. It's just tart enough to balance out the sweetness from the fruit and whipped cream. The pancakes are very moist and just melt in your mouth. However, I've had fluffier pancakes before. My go-to is the Joe's Breakfast Sliders. 2 warm honey biscuits stuffed with fig jam, arugula, your choice of meat, and pepper jack cheese. My IDEAL brunch meal. And it comes with the best home fries I've ever had. I usually pick the corned beef hash to go in the sliders. It's so flavorful and the texture is awesome. It's the perfect sweet & salty combo. The home fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and very well seasoned. I would order a side of home fries if they didn't already come with my meal. The one thing I was disappointed by with the belgian waffle. It was just WAY too sweet with the fruit and the lemon/marscapone topping, and the waffle itself was just super crunch and not very fluffy in the middle. It was like eating a cracker. Maybe it was just an off day. This is my favorite brunch spot in boston and I would 100% recommend this place for taking your friends when they come visit for an awesome brunch experience. Or I would just come every weekend cause it's that awesome. The service is also super quick and friendly considering how busy they are. LOVE THIS PLACE.
(5)Rita Y.
Wow. This place. I don't even know where to start. This place is AMAZING. It's given me some of the best brunches I've ever tasted and the most satisfied I've ever left a restaurant. This place is THAT amazing that it's always crowded. I mean lines outside waits for a hour +. You've got to email them for a reservation (Yeah I know that's strange but oh well) and I would definitely recommend doing that. The service is so good. The owner is so incredibly friendly and just comes up to you and talks to you and makes sure your time here is good. The food comes out fast - and you can draw on the tables with crayons! Isn't that so fun? I came here with a friend who recommended this place and we got: Lobster & Steak Eggs Benedict: Holy moly, this has seriously had to been the BEST eggs benedict I've ever had. The lobster was so creamy and melted in your mouth. I don't even like lobster and it was amazing. The steak was so tender. Everything just meshed together so well. You have to try this. Mac & Cheese with Corned Beef Hash & Poached Eggs: Oh gosh, I don't even know what to say. This tasted GODLIKE as well. You're given an option of what you want as a topping and we asked the waiter what he suggested. He told us that the corned beef was amazing and explained what it was (since I've never had corned beef before). It's kind of like pulled pork honestly, super soft and tender. Would totally recommend both of these! This place is amazing, I wish we came with more people so I could try more dishes but I was so full just off of those two.
(5)N S.
New favorite brunch place in Cambridge!! I had passed by Café Luna many times and it was always full, so I'm happy I finally learned what the hype was all about! The food was absolutely delicious. I had ordered the lobster and steak eggs benedict and they were perfect from start to finish. Of course, no brunch would be complete without great coffee, and the New Orleans Iced Coffee here is to die for! Service was also equally excellent. I can't recommend this place enough!
(5)Eric C.
It was worth waiting for 45 min in sunday morning. I started with a shot of espresso, and they made it perfect. I figured out that they use Blue Bottle Coffee. I'm a coffee guy, so quality of coffee is very important to me. I had "Kitchen sink", and the portion is pretty generous. It came with a waffle, sausage, ham, bacon, corn beef hash, and 2 eggs. It could've felt greasy while I was eating all that, but I spiced it up with Stiracha sauce, so it balances up. I know it's kinda ghetto, but it worked for me.
(5)Damian W.
Food: 4.0/5.0 Service: 3.5/5.0 Value: 2.5/5.0 Decor: 3.0/5.0 Overall: 4.0/5.0 The brunch lines can get really long and the prices are a tad high for a small neighborhood spot that really packs in the tables, but being able to start the day with [well, technically, waiting for] a steak and lobster BLT benedict and a Blue Bottle iced coffee is totally worth it. They don't do dinner so you know tables must really be turning in the daytime. Worth the wait, assuming you have the time.
(4)Thunderwoman R.
One of my favorite cafes in Cambridge area. Never had a dish that I didn't like. Fresh foods always served variety in choice of salads, sandwiches, beverages etc.
(5)Liliana C.
Waited in line for 45 minutes this morning out in 90 degree heat. Let me tell you that it was completely worth it. We shared the open faced breakfast sandwich (ham, fried eggs, and jalapeño cheese sauce on a delicious biscuit) and LEMON CURD mascarpone pancakes topped with fresh berries. Every bite was great. Best brunch in Central Square, hands down. Maybe in all of Cambridge. Would go back here in a heartbeat. I'm sure the experience is even better when you make a reservation.
(5)Tra H.
We go here almost every time we go to Boston. The brunch is really good - I always get the egg benedict. Fiance's sisters gotten waffles here and they look and smell great as well! And fiance's brother is a vegetarian and he goes nuts here, so I guess their vegetarian options are great as well :-)
(4)Renee L.
Cafe Luna is a name that seems to make its way to the forefront amongst brunch competitors. I will admit I was confused as to why parties of 3 or more are encouraged to email their reservation a month in advance to Cafe Luna... but understood completely once I stepped foot inside. Seating is very cramped but they make it work. I wasn't completely taken with my order--my eyes were glued to my neighbors' selection the entire time; the smart man had ordered what looked like poached eggs atop a hearty bed of jalapeño mac and cheese! I ordered the prosciutto benedict with arugula and fig jam. The blend of flavors was excellent, but my muffin was hard to the bite and my home fries were burnt :( Although I had to remind our waiter about my forgotten ginger latte, the sweet and deep flavors of the in-house syrup made up for it. You could tell that the host that morning took great pride in Cafe Luna. They offer a satisfying menu sure to whet anyone's breakfast preference. I would make a second trip back for sure! p.s. coffee aficionados will be overcome with joy to know that they serve Blue Bottle coffee!!
(4)Min-Ji K.
Ordered the Luna sandwich and kitchen sink waffles(?). So delicious! Really great sandwich, the pesto topped it off nicely. The waffles were delicious especially with the buttery syrup. Best invention ever! Fulfilling brunch. Nearly everything on the menu looked appetizing. It was hard to choose. Definitely come with a friend so you can share. Try to get in early. A coworker and I came on a Wednesday afternoon and it got crowded pretty fast towards noon. As soon as we ordered, the food came out right away! The service was friendly and efficient. If you're around MIT, this is a must visit. It was a little pricey but definitely worth it.
(5)l. a.
This place serves blue bottle coffee!!! And they make an awesome latte (says the coffee snob). This place is awesome. The staff is super friendly, the menu is unique and delicious and the wifi is free.
(5)Jason S.
Such a great restaurant! The staff at Luna's are some of the friendliest people I have ever experienced. Me and two friends went for Sunday brunch. The food was fantastic and their menu offers a wide variety of unique meals (i.e. pear,Gorgonzola, bacon omelet...fig, prosciutto, goat cheese omelet). This is a really small place so get there early or try to make a reservation.
(5)J. L.
Cafe Luna is simply AMAZING. My favorite spot for a salad or sandwich (both of which are fantastic). The people who work here are equally great. Very friendly. Such a cute place, just amazing place. Highly recommend Cafe Luna!! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Erica W.
My absolute favorite brunch spot. The staff are rushed with the amount of service but that never stops them from being fun and helpful at all times. Get there right when they open and you could get seated quickly. No reservations. The menu has specials so there's always something new, but I can't help myself from getting the amazing chorizo dish every time ( theres an option to have it over home fries. SEIZE THE DAY). Except the first time when I got the lemon ricotta pancakes. LEMON RICOTTA PEOPLE. amazing. I just tend toward savory breakfast most days, otherwise I would eat this for every meal
(5)Matt Q.
This is one of my favorite places to go for weekend brunch in Central Square. The place isn't too large, so make reservations or show up early if you don't want to wait. To start off we had their delicious honey biscuits, which were buttery and crumbly, with a honey spread. Their eggs benedict is to die for and they dress it up with everything from homemade corn beef hash to fresh lobster. Their rich hollandaise is also made fresh. For those who like Blue Bottle coffee from California, they can also get their fix here. Finally, to finish everything off we had the Cookie Monster French Toast. If you have a sweet tooth this dish is for you. But consider getting a half portion it there's 1-2 people...it's quite large. Be warned though, their brunch menu isn't available during the week. So I'd suggest going on the weekend for the full amazing experience.
(5)Nhi H.
We ordered the bacon mac & cheese and the lobster and steak benedict. The mac & cheese was one of the best mac & cheese I ever had. The lobster and steak benedict was out of this world and the BEST benedict I've ever had. I also ordered the almond latte and it was very yummy! Food alone would have warrant 5 stars. Unfortunately, both my partner and I had digestive problems after eating at Cafe Luna so beware.
(3)Marcy Z.
Great breakfasts! Superior specialty coffees, best Benedicts in Boston. Order biscuits for your table. I've ordered Raspberry Kiss twice. Arrive before they open and prepare to wait until seated. Usually $40 for two of us.
(5)Autumn K.
I visited Cafe Luna while I was in Boston based on Yelp review. I wasn't able to get a reservation, but I didn't have to wait any more than what they told me. The place was very cozy and the service was great! Im not sure if he was the owner or the manager but he was very attentive; a gentleman spilled something and he showed up with extra napkins before anyone asked and checked on tables to make sure everyone was happy. He also went outside to have conversation with those waiting for a table. Making a payment was fast and easy, they brought my check on a tablet and i was able to make the payment right there, no waiting for them to take my card and bring it back. Then of course the food was amazing! It was worth the every second of 45 min i had to wait; the best waffles i had! Ill definitely go back there when I visit Boston again!
(5)Lorenso E.
Don't come if you're on a tight schedule. Been here multiple times and there is always a substantial wait. However, if you've got time, come here. Recently had the steak and lobster benedict. Steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly while the lobster fit into the mix very well. Despite the chaos, the staff is still very friendly and helpful.
(5)Allison C.
I came surreptitiously on Monday, believing the hype of the weekend brunch would make for a similarly delicious weekday menu, even if it were missing some of the weekend favorites. Goodness was I wrong, and I am embarrassed to have brought my tourist friend here on a weekday. The food was overpriced at around $10 each for the small breakfast sandwiches. They didn't have any croissants for some sandwich on their menu that listed croissant as the bread. When do your food deliveries even happen, man! It's Monday, and my friend and I had arrived mid-morning. The service was so-so, as there were long absences of our wait person between sitting down, ordering, getting the food, and even getting the check. That said, make a reservation and GO HERE ON WEEKENDS ONLY. One small smile was the fact that they serve Blue Bottle coffee.
(2)Robin S.
Very friendly staff, good ambience. Great place to sit and have a good coffee or tea. Great quality beverages.
(5)Devika G.
Awesome Saturday Brunch !! We had to wait for more than an hour to get seated for a party of 7. But trust me when the food arrived it was totally worth the wait. The biscuit, potato beacon and cheese fries were awesome. The waffles were delicious. Also u should should try the jalapeño Mac and cheese with beacon. You wouldn't regret eating any of it. We all thoroughly enjoyed the food and place. The servers were friendly. Tip: to avoid long wait come in early.
(4)Mic F.
By far, one of the best breakfast spots we've been to in a long time. Congrats to one of the owners Matt on creating a magnificent menu. It's a MUST stop if you are visiting in or near Cambridge. We will be back.
(5)Victoria G.
This is one of my go-to weekend brunch spots in Cambridge. A huge plus is that they accept reservations for weekend brunch, so you don't have to wait around for an hour like many other places in Cambridge. I enjoy their honey butter biscuits, eggs Benedicts (I especially like the salmon one), omelettes, waffles (especially the plain with berries), and their coffee drinks. The place is kinda cramped, but it's more cozy than uncomfortable. My only real complaint is that they don't let you sit down unless your whole party is there. Last time there were three of us waiting for one more to show, and they wouldn't let us sit until the fourth person showed. Seems a bit odd considering we would be using a 4 person table regardless if the fourth person showed, but whatever. Just make sure everyone in your party is there before you're seated.
(4)Lauren L.
This was one of the most delicious brunches I've had, and definitely the Mecca for eggs benedict. My boyfriend and I split the Steak and Lobster BLT Eggs Benedict (to absolutely die for) and the lemon ricotta pancakes with berries (also incredible). The staff was very friendly and attentive, making plenty of recommendations, and the owner, who greeted everyone as they walked in, came to check on us several times, telling us about certain ingredients and recommending how to enjoy things. Not only was the food heavenly, but the people running the show were passionate about the food's quality and the service. Do note, though: expect a long wait (easily more than an hour) without a reservation. It's a really small, cozy place.
(5)Anna-Claire F.
Looks like a casual diner spot. Friendly staff. Delicious food. And Blue Bottle Coffee!
(5)Steve S.
Everything was "OUT OF BOUNDS". Had the Lobster Roll Eggs Benedict followed by a half order of The Cookie Monster. Best brunch ever..Owner and wait staff were very outgoing and attentive. RESERVATIONS A MUST...
(5)E V.
Small but cozy. Went there for late breakfast had the panini with eggs, spinach, bacon and pepper jack cheese. It was fantastic. Our waiter Nick was Super nice and gave us suggestions on what to do in Boston.
(5)Patrick L.
Food was great but the line is crazy long. I had the lobster benedict and it was very good. Looking forwad to trying the steak and lobster next time. The owner and servers are great. They really try to make everyone feel comfortable even though you wait a long time and the space is tiny.
(4)Vee V.
It's a small narrow cafe, but very cozy. Great place to enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch, with good people watching. We had the prosciutto and fig pizza, and the mac and cheese with bacon and lobster eggs. One of the better lunches I've had recently. The figs on the pizza had a balsamic glaze, the goat cheese blended perfectly with it. There was an abundance of lobster in the mac and cheese dish, which was a nice surprise. The servers were really friendly and attentive to their tables. This was my first lunch, on my first trip to Boston, and I'm glad we selected this cafe!
(5)Kiki D.
Whoa. That's all I can say about brunch at Cafe Luna. I went with my dad and roommate a few weeks ago and I'm still dreaming of all the delicious food we had. People are definitely right when they say to get there early if you don't want to wait forever -- we got there around 9:50 and had to wait about 10 min so no complaints there whatsoever but if we'd come any later, it definitely would have taken awhile. We sat outside on a beautiful Sunday morning and it was just lovely. Our waiter was incredibly friendly, attentive, and personable. Now for the food: - We got an order of biscuits for the table and if you don't do this, you're doing it all wrong. Nuff said. Amazing. - We also got an order of the mac and cheese with poached eggs to share and also really good. Not AS life changing as I was expecting based on a lot of reviews and photos but still really good. It could have been a little saucier. - I ordered the chocolate and caramelized banana French toast and again whoaaaa so amazing. The bread was fluffy and delicious with lots of toppings and a generous portion. All the French toast varieties are offered as waffles also and I'm tempted to try it/another variety prepared on a waffle because the table next to us had them and they looked amazing also. - My friend ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with mixed berries and lemon curd and they were so moist and fluffy and refreshing. I would definitely be tempted to order that for myself when I'm in a fruity mood. - My dad ordered the lobster eggs benedict and also really enjoyed his. I don't like lobster so can't speak for it personally but it looked great! Cafe Luna is hands down one of the best places to brunch in all of Boston/Cambridge/really anywhere, and I'll be going back asap!
(5)Maria V.
We order: Chocolate chunk cookie Lobster and avocado omelette Smoked salmon omelette Cappuccino Loved everything!
(5)Marcus M.
This place was very cool and quaint and friendly. The cappuccino I had was quite tasty. The kindness of the staffpersons is what really blew me away, though. I will definitely have to check this place out again and I suggest you do the same!
(4)Joyce A.
Here's my biggest beef about the place: We had a reservation for 1:45 pm, and still had a long wait - not seated until after 2:30. Okay it's not entirely the fault of the restaurant, but rather those TROLLS HOGGING THE TABLES. C'mon man, have a heart! Some of us need to EAT! (Rant: If you know it's a small place, do be considerate of others: eat at a leisurely pace but for heaven's sake: LEAVE when you're done). Now the manager or owner Matt was very solicitous in checking with us and letting us know the situation, so I don't know if it would have been rude of him to ask those trolls to leave...whatever.. That being said, once we were seated and placed our orders, the food came out fairly quickly. I enjoyed my Lobster Benedict, only wish it had more chunks of lobster in it. I also should have read the menu better: I personally dislike avocado especially when it's warm. The "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" Sampler has everything in it: eggs, home fries, corned beef hash, and a Waffle! what! If you are getting omelettes though, they will make yours to order.
(3)Elica Y.
One of my favorite brunch spots in Boston! Such great food, service, and drinks. Location wise - it's located in Cambridge and in a very small place. Seating is rather crammed so I definitely recommend making a reservation especially if you are trying to come here for brunch. I had reservations and arrived promptly. I was seated immediately. Service was fantastic and was offered drinks/coffee as soon as I sat down. The coffee was delicious. I also ordered a cocktail (I forgot the name of it) but it was made of champagne and fresh fruits. It was presented beautifully but the cocktail itself was alright. Food was consistently good. We started off with the honey biscuits and butter which were served nice and warm. These were absolutely divine. They were nice and buttery and a great way to start off any meal. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes which I loved. They were light and fluffy and were not overly sweet. I was worried that the lemon mascarpone would have been sweeter than I anticipated but it was cooked perfectly. It gave the pancakes an additional freshness and the fresh fruits were ripe and delicious. My boyfriend got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" sampler, which came with a crisp Belgian waffle topped with corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, ham, egg of choice and topped with jalapeno cheese sauce and home fries. This was surprisingly good as well. Thought it would be more on the heavier side but it was not too big of a portion. My boyfriend doesn't like eggs and they were able to substitute it for an avocado. Overall, this dish was executed well and the portion of meat was not lacked. You have to try this place out! I can't stop raving about it. A stunning place.
(5)Jinyoung S.
Good place to have brunch. I had buttermilk waffle with 2 eggs, fruits and 2 cups of coffee. It was good and the service was good also. I got there probably at 10:20 in the morning, so I didn't have to wait to be seated but when I finished my brunch, I saw people were waiting to get table. So If you don't want to wait, hurry up :)
(4)Dongying S.
Cafe Luna is my all-time favorite for brunch. Lobster egg Benedict and omelet were delicious, even though both are not cheap (Benedict: $20). Specially, the taste of fresh lobster was enhanced by the Hollandaise sauce that was made with Truffle salt. The fruit plate that came along with Benedict was delicious and fresh. Also, coffee was really good; both Latte and Cappuccino had great foam on the top, and the coffee was roasted very properly. Absolutely amazing. Warning: wait could be long, if you do not have a reservation.
(5)Judith C.
Great brunch restaurant! I'm a fan of their sweet dishes like their seasonal pumpkin french toast which has delicious pumpkin mousse, but they also have good savory dishes. I enjoyed their jalapeno s'mac & cheese with poached eggs. I opted to add bacon to the dish for an extra $1 and there was a generous amount of it. The dishes have good portions that leave you stuffed after your meal. There's often a wait time because it's a popular place and there's even a crowd of people right when it opens, but from the times I've gone the wait hasn't been too long. For instance, it was around 10-15 min for a group of 3 soon after opening.
(4)Jess C.
Yet another prime example of how Bostonians (or er, people from Cambridge) are the nicest people ever. The host, Matt, actually apologized to us for a 30 minute wait. During prime brunch time! (11AM on Labor Day Monday) Cafe Luna is a popular brunch place located in the heart of Central Square. Especially with their outdoor seating, it seems that the wait time can be quite long when the weather is nice. Inside, there is bar seating as well as at least 8-10 tables along the wall. The menu is two full pages of awesomeness. We were so overwhelmed by their variety of sweet and savory choices, but ended up settling on classics: Poached eggs over Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with bacon, Lobster Eggs Benedict, Steak & Lobster Eggs Benedict, and the Avocado and Lobster Omelet. The Jalapeno Mac and Cheese was done very well, with the subtle spiciness hitting you at the end of the bite, and the bacon gave the dish a more three-dimensional flavor with its smokiness. The English muffins in the eggs benedicts were extremely tough and impossible to cut, and they sadly used the lobster claw meat in the benedicts. (We would have preferred the tail meat, but that's probably more expensive.) Also, the avocado in the omelet was merely guacamole instead of fresh avocado slices. Our server, Kim, was extremely sweet. She was enthusiastic and pleasant the entire time. They use an advanced mobile credit card payment system ("MIT technology"), but when they printed out our receipt, no tip was listed. Kim was confident she saw us select a tip, but when I checked my bank statement later, only the original amount was charged - so sorry! We're going to come back to give you that tip, and we hope all the wrinkles in your system get fixed! Overall, the cafe looks great on paper with a very ambitious menu, but the execution of the food can be improved. However, I would absolutely look forward to another visit to see their improvements (& visit Kim)! Notes: - They serve Blue Bottle Coffee here! ("roasted in Brooklyn," it said) Not that we would come all the way to Cambridge to get it haha. - This place is also kid-friendly (or for the kid within you) as they have crayons to draw on the tabletops! Games of M.A.S.H., Tic Tac Toe, and scribble contests galore!
(4)Jon S.
My taste buds just exploded due to the amount of delicious flavors from my fried pear, bacon and Gorgonzola omelette. I called 911 so they could resuscitate my tongue. While I was waiting for the ambulance and wondering if I will need a tongue transplant, I had a sip of their smooth delicious coffee which resurrected my tongue from the great beyond. My tongue has been to heaven and has seen God. Thank you café luna for this life changing experience.
(5)Kim P.
WOW. I was staying at the Le Meridian MIT which is just a hop and a skip away from Cafe Luna. I was starving for something wholesome and healthy and yearning to top it off with a cappuccino. It was late morning/early afternoon on a weekend and I had heard there was an amazing brunch to be had here! And there was!! I had the best cap I've ever had in the States. And a wonderful lobster and avocado omelet that was just perfect for my empty stomach. Be ware overcrowding though.. I was only by myself and was one person so I was easy to seat at the bar (yes they have a bar!! great for singles!!)... but it looked like parties of 2+ had quite a wait time... for weekend brunch at least ps- love the waitress behind the bar.. the one who made my capp. if only i lived in Boston..
(5)Sargam B.
Visited Boston this past weekend and went here for Sunday brunch. It was super packed and since they don't take reservations, we waited about 30-40 minutes for a table. We ended up getting a table outside which I would've enjoyed more if the sun weren't directly hitting me. Regardless, our servers made the experience very pleasant. We ordered two baskets (three orders) of the biscuits to share between five people. These were heaven, probably the main reason people frequent this place. Densely buttered biscuits served with warm honey butter. Pure deliciousness. As for my entree, I ordered the open faced country biscuit sandwich. So yummy - two halves of biscuits topped with sausage or ham and your choice of eggs. A jalapeño cheddar sauce to add flavor. Also came with a side of home fries which were roasted, seasoned potatoes. All in all, a great restaurant for brunch. I really enjoyed it and will go again whenever I'm back in Boston!
(4)Gene L.
Amazing brunch! We arrived a few minutes before it officially opened, which was great because we didn't have to wait at all for a table. If we had arrived even 5 minutes later, we probably wouldn't have been seated for a while. The french toast is absolutely amazing, the corned beef hash was delicious, and the servers are so nice! This wouldn't be a place for a long catch up session with a friend since you see the eyes of many hungry people outside the window eyeing your brunch. But regardless, it was still a cozy, calm environment inside.
(5)Marc P.
One of my favorite brunch locations in the Boston area. The only downside is that the place is quite small, and sometimes there's over an hour wait to find a table if you get there at the wrong time of day. Other than that, I have nothing but positive things to say about the place. The staff is friendly and calm, which keeps what could be an otherwise cramped and chaotic experience into an easy and relaxed meal. My favorite item on the menu is the Eggs Benedict special with corn beef hash substituted for ham. The eggs are always poached to perfection...which leads me to my second favorite item on the menu, which is the Jalapeno Mac & Cheese, which can come with poached eggs or even steak on top. This is the soaring heights of culinary genius few mortals will ever attain. Lastly, the lattes and teas are excellent, and (unlike most places) aren't served scathingly hot, but at a perfect temperature for immediate drinking.
(4)Laura G.
Outstanding place for brunch!!! Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. The owners are fantastic. The wife, Terry, is the chief chef trained in Italy. Matt, the husband, made us feel very welcomed. And our waiter, Nick, was awesome! Everything is made from scratch and cooked to delicious perfection. Their ordering/POS system is advanced and fast. I had a latte with soy milk (also offer almond milk) and a smoked Salmon with avocado omelette. My friend had the lobster and avocado omelette also amazing. And if you're looking for something sweet, my other friend loved the Cookie Monster waffle. Great options for vegetarians, vegan and gluten free. The place is small and obviously very popular so I recommend making a reservation, even if you think you don't need one bc of day/time. Overall food and experience are top notch. Will definitely visit next time I'm in Boston!
(5)Sam L.
Came here to catch up with a friend who I hadn't seen in over half a year! Food: Being the meat lover I am... I, of course, gravitated towards the Everything But The Kitchen Sink Sampler. It includes literally everything: corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, ham, egg AND a waffle. It was all very tasty. Not too big fan of the ham though. Savory meats with a sweet belgian waffle to top it off. Delish. Service: The wait for Saturday Brunch time was a bit long ~30m. The staff and manager, however, were incredibly friendly. All had smiles on their faces. Were super attentive. Ambiance: The seating was a bit small and cramped. But had a cozy feeling. I like the jar of crayons & white blank sheet for a table cloth idea.
(4)Kaitlyn G.
Amazing food! Went to brunch here with some friends and though it was packed full of people the food was worth it. Owner would come around and make sure everyone was happy and the staff was friendly and efficient. Will absolutely be going back.
(5)Joclyn O.
went in a few weeks ago and literally had the best time at brunch. Lobster mac n cheese so bomb and $1 cinnabuns YASSS! the service was so sweet and sincere. just a cute little brunch paradise.
(5)Shayna Y.
Overall: great casual place to eat a unique brunch in Cambridge Likes: - great assortment of sweet and savory with unique offerings - pear and Gorgonzola omelette had great flavor, pear added natural sweetness - potatoes were spiced well Gripes: - small place, always a wait - some of the omelets could use more ingredients, I would've loved some more pears in mine! - ambiance is pretty bland
(4)Fiona H.
I was looking for #bluebottlecoffee for a long time in Boston! Finally! They have it here. It is also the only place in MA that offers #bluebottle!!!! Love it!
(5)Emily G.
Cafe Luna is a great, casual sit-down restaurant and there are't a ton of restaurants that meet that criteria in Central Square. I have been here many times and had their omelets, sandwiches, salads, French toast, and coffee. Everything is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Some personal favorites are the Harvest salad and Pompei sandwich. Blue Bottle coffee is also amazing, definitely not cheap but that's standard for that brand. Breakfast and lunch on the weekdays are always easy and quick, I've never had to wait for a table. I have heard the lines for brunch on the weekends can be easily 1+ hours though. The service can be on the slower side, and it seems like some of the waiters really struggle with the whole iPad ordering/payment system, which can be frustrating, but not a major issue.
(4)Gill T.
Best French toast I've ever had~ the tables are too crowd , but the great service makes up for that. The payment tablet is cool
(5)Michelle T.
We hit up café luna for a nice Saturday brunch - FINALLY, somewhere I'd been dying to try. We made reservations for 3 people for 11:45am only the day before and were seated promptly when we arrived. I think of myself as an eggs Benedict connoisseur. It's my go-to brunch dish and it's something I can never get enough of (if done well). Café luna definitely won me over with the lobster eggs benedict. Not only was the presentation picture perfect, but everything on the place as cooked to perfection. The English muffins were toasted and not too soggy. The lobster meat was poached in butter and was so sweet 'n tender, even my non-lobster-loving boyfriend gave it a thumbs up. The eggs were perfectly poached so the whites were no longer translucent and the yolk still had a runny consistency. And last but not least, it was topped with the lightest hollandaise sauce I'd ever tasted. Yes, it's a little steep to pay $20 for benedict, but compared to many other places I've been to around the US, this was a very fair price to pay for the amount and quality of food I got. The boyfriend went for the lemon ricotta pancakes, another highly recommended dish as seen on Yelp. They were really light and fluffy, but definitely more sweet and desserty than what I would prefer for breakfast. The bf shared the same thoughts and was actually not exactly happy with what he ordered, but ...you live and you learn I guess! I'd totally bring out of town guests back here for the lobster benedict instead of getting Boston lobster rolls! :P
(4)Phil G.
I look forward to nothing more every morning than Cafe Luna. I lived by Cafe Luna for 6 months and only went in once during my last week there. I now live 20 minutes away and walk out of my way every morning to get there New Orleans Iced Coffee - one of the great inventions of the modern age. I used to be a small business analyst and have worked on close to 100 restaurants and cafes. The customer service at Luna can't be beat. Every morning Kim(the manager) wishes me an exuberant "Hello!" and Kat(serves the coffee) always asks me if I'd like "the usual". I have returned to Yelp after a year long absence for the sole purpose of reviewing Luna because I was so impressed. As someone who analyzed cafe's for a living, I cannot recommend Luna more.
(5)Akzhan M.
Great place for brunch! We received an amazing service. Dishes were delicious, especially their fresh hollandaise sauce. One note: make reservations and get there early. It gets quite busy over the weekend.
(5)Dianna S.
It's been 4 months since my New England honeymoon, 4 months since I tried 10 days worth of different coffee shops in search of that perfect espresso, 4 months since I stepped foot in Cafe Luna and experienced the absolute best, most delicious cafe mocha I've ever had in my life. In. My. Life. People, that's 39 years of coffee! Cafe Luna, I just wanted you to know I still dream about you.
(5)Asuka N.
After a late night out and a long overdue sleep-in, our group hopped on the subway and headed out to Cafe Luna, which (as far as I can tell) lies somewhere between Harvard and MIT. It's definitely a popular place, with the brunch seatings still packing the interior (and outdoor seating areas) at nearly 2 PM. Although we had to wait a little bit, the host was very apologetic and chatted us up while we waited for a spot to get cleared. When it did, we got seated quickly, with our orders taken quickly, and honey biscuits served on the house - a very kind gesture, given there were 6 of us. As for the food - the biscuits is probably the best place to start, and they are phenomenally good. They're not quite as fluffy as your average Southern biscuit would be, but the honey gives it that tinge of sweetness that works really well with the buttery taste of the biscuit. Combine it with additional honey butter you can spread on, and you have a decadent (if maybe not the healthiest) treat to start off brunch just right. For my main course, I went big and tried the cinnamon French toast out, which came with a heaping dosage of melted Belgian chocolate. It's so good, but it's almost too decadent from a sweetness perspective to be considered a true brunch dish. It's also huge - so plan on sharing the French toast if you order it. Because the bread and chocolate is still warm, every bite is just a chewy hunk of sweet deliciousness. There are plenty of other variations of French toast served here, and I have to think it's hard to go wrong with any of them. The side of corned beef hash that we ordered for the table was also very well-done; the beef was shredded and stringy, a good way of serving it when cooked together with lightly (s)mashed potatoes. I sampled pretty much everyone else's dish as well, and everything else I had a bite of was really good as well. Just on what I had alone, I'd say this is a top-notch brunch spot. Add on top the very personable waiters, the host who comped us the biscuits, and a very casual, laid-back atmosphere that doesn't reek of pretension despite how good the food is, and you have a brunch spot that would've made me gone broke from excessive visitation if I was a college student in this area back in the day. Even though it's a bit of a trip if you're coming out from Boston, it's definitely worth it.
(5)Robin S.
We had brunch at cafe Luna this morning. This was our third time here and every time we are very happy. The food and drinks are great. The servers are all very helpful. If you have a long wait it is worth it!
(5)Cliff U.
Location and service were 5 stars. The Med Wrap, 1 star - boring! Lots of lettuce and bread, little else and no real flavor. They could do a lot better for those looking for a vegan sandwich.
(3)Buddy F.
I have enjoyed many a Sunday enjoying jazz, lobster eggs Benedict ( a great N.E. must have for out of to owners BTW), coffee and best cinnamon buns around. Extraordinary food with unparalled service always brings me back around. Ask for a seat by the band to watch them play. Get there early to even get a seat. This place is small and fills up quickly. Don't miss the cinnamon buns.Take some extras home for later. Seriously. Do it.
(4)Jenn K.
The restaurant is very small and modest and can get a little crowded (especially because this place is so popular), but it's located right in central square which is such a gorgeous area in the Boston area. We were able to get seated outside and it was just a really nice atmosphere having brunch in the middle of Central Square. In terms of food, basically get the eggs benedict when you come here. There are different variations of the eggs benedict so you can pick based on your palette. The food was definitely anything BUT disappointing. The hollandaise sauce was extremely tasty and delicious. I got the peach bellini here and thought it was a little strong for my taste but they gave me the leftover wine cooler that they didn't use up in the peach bellini which was a plus. The waiter was really friendly and I loved how they used an ipad payment system so you can pay with multiple cards and you guys can each individually choose how much you want to tip. The place is small and can get crowded but there was never any pressure from the waiters to hurry up and it was great. I would highly recommend coming here in small groups just because it is such a small space, but also it's a great place to connect with people one on one. I came in a group of three including myself and found it to be the perfect amount because we all got to chat and catch up and enjoy the food.
(5)Sarah F.
They delivered some cookies and bars to my work for me while I was on vacation. Everyone said they were great. It seemed a touch expensive with a $10 delivery fee to go 6 blocks but choices were few for delivery. They tried to be very accommodating on the phone and made my request, even though they thought it was strange, happen.
(4)Megan F.
Cafe Luna is wonderful. I went there for breakfast and had all my favorite things on a plate. An omelette with smoked salmon, bacon, avocado, onion, and tomato, with a side of fruit. It was a big portion, served quickly, and very delicious. My regular coffee was good too, and I would like to try some of the coffee drinks. Service was excellent, both from my waiter and the manager. The manager, Kim, helped me directly to figure out a confusion paying with LevelUp, but I was also impressed just seeing her manage the shift as I was eating. Everyone working was courteous and professional to each other, which made for a pleasant environment in a small cafe. The only problem is that Cafe Luna is very expensive! Usually I say "pricey" when I spend a little more than I'd like to, but as I was thinking that to myself, it didn't really fit. Straight up expensive! I spent more than $20 on breakfast, and that looked pretty typical. A once-in-a-while treat.
(4)Heidi L.
So, the lemon ricotta pancakes are wonderful. It's been difficult to find LMP (you can tell I'm dedicated) in Boston, aside from Trident. The pancakes have a light texture but are also extremely rich. That said, I ended up paying $17 (inc. tax and tip) for 3 medium size pancakes. For that price, I think I gotta make them at home...
(3)Emily D.
Phenomenal brunch place. Loved their Autumn brunch menu, especially the meat-decked Belgian waffles. Single best brunch dish I've ever had. There's usually a line so definitely worth it to make reservations. Given its popularity, I wish the place was a bit bigger, but other than that, there's not a single thing I would change.
(5)Wasim Q.
This place is awesome for brunch; the best I've been able to find in Boston (which isn't saying much: I've recently come up with the theory that brunches get better and better the further south you go on the east coast, with Atlanta being the pinnacle of brunchly awesomeness). Back to this place. Great service-- the waiters are friendly and a lot of fun. The lobster eggs benedict is apparently the must-try for here, but they weren't serving that when I went. So instead I went with the berry stuffed french toast which was great. Only problem is that you have to ask for real maple syrup. The home fries (nice and greasy with a gritty cheese sauce) are a good side to balance out your meal if you basically ordered a giant dessert for your breakfast. The menu is big enough to keep coming back for a while and I think they have occasional specials too. If the weather is nice, wait can be pretty long even at off peak times (like 25 minutes at 1:30pm on a Sunday). But on the plus side they do take reservations.
(4)Audrey Z.
I rarely write reviews on Yelp, but I was just blown away by the service here when I came here for a birthday brunch. This place had no shortage of customers even when it was snowing outside - reservations were completely booked, but they reserve of the place for walk-ins. I was told the wait was an hour for a walk-in group of 3 - and it was, almost down the minute. The manager kept checking in with us to let us know our table was almost ready even though it hadn't reached the estimated available time yet - super-impressed by their consideration. Our waiter struck just the right balance of attentiveness - and when my parents mentioned it was my birthday, the manager came to deliver free cinnamon rolls on the house! Given how crowded it was, we were all super-impressed with how friendly everyone was and with the speed of service (food came out probably 10 minutes after we ordered). All the other reviews will give you a sense of how wonderful all the food options are - I'll just add that we got the steak and lobster BLT eggs benedict, smoked salmon and avocado omelette, and lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh fruit, and all three dishes were delicious with generous portions. Come for the food, but be aware that this is a small restaurant and you'll be getting cozy.
(5)Alex A.
Luna has the best corned beef hash in central square! Their lobster dishes are fresh and delicious! Carb lovers, load up on their weekend brunch honey butter biscuits, French toast, and lobster mac and cheese. The only con is it gets packed and on a weekend from 10am to 1pm a 1.5 hour wait is not uncommon.
(5)Noura M.
Found this place through Yelp and I am glad I did! There was a short line, the waitresses were so nice! I came with my husband and 2 kids. We ordered waffles for the kids and they loved it. I tasted it it was very crunchy and yummy. I had the butternut squash and goat cheese and arugula omlettes and my oh my! It was so delicious.. the sweet and salty flavours complemented each other. My husband had the "kitchen sink" waffles and eggs and was so happy. Overall we had a great experience. The seating may be a little too cozy inside!
(4)Amber B.
Ordered jalapeno mac n' cheese with lobster as an addition. Mac n' cheese was lukewarm but lobster as frozen solid upon the first bite. This was so disgusting and disappointing. I alerted one of the waitstaff, who was really receptive to my inquiry, and the dish was taken and returned with sautéed lobster. However, one of the employees (for some reason) mentioned that lobster cannot be microwaved, which implies that the rest of my meal was microwaved. I do not like that, especially for the price point of the food. I also do not understand how this mistake could have happened without gross negligence and oversight. The meal was not very good but I appreciate the receptiveness of two of the employees, they were both very nice about fixing my order. The manager was very loud and I heard her complain about some customers behind the bar. In addition, I was also able to clearly hear her meeting with other employees for reviews. I ended up having to put headphones in because of how loud she was and how awkward I felt as a result. The employees are largely great, but the manager should meet with her employees somewhere outside of the dining area in the future. Sadly, I do not think I will ever be returning to Cafe Luna. There are far better dining options in the area that are much better, less awkward and way cheaper.
(1)Lauren S.
Best brunch spot I've ever been to, hands down. Every menu option tempted me. I feel like I could have eaten there every day for a month and never gotten sick of it. The customer service is great, too. My friend ordered the Fig and Prosciutto Omelette sans meat, and they accidentally forgot to omit the meat. When she informed them of the mistake, they made her another one, apologized profusely, and gave her the entire meal at no cost. Be aware that the seating is tight and the place gets very busy. If you don't like waiting, make a reservation, or don't come during peak hours!
(5)Hanzhou P.
An amazing place for Brunch!! The crisp Belgian waffle was the best! Never tried such a fantastic waffle before definitely loved it! I ordered a New Orleans Iced Coffee and didn't like it very much, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the bitter flavor for me which made the original coffee tasted so much better! Great service :-)
(5)Kiley S.
*make a reservation* Such a huge menu! A large variety of specialty eggs/french toast - but you can also get the classic eggs and bacon. My friend and I each got the classic eggs benedict and split a half portion of the banana chocolate nut french toast. The french toast was amazing!! There was a certain taste in the hollandaise sauce I couldnt put my finger on, and it tasted like truffle oil. My server let me know that it was truffle salt. I really don't like truffle at all - oh well. That being said - I would definitely come back. Definitely a pricey brunch especially if you're getting cocktails.
(4)Kristy M.
My husband and I went for a late brunch. Once we ordered it took a longtime to get the food. When we did get the good it was really good. Don't go there starving because it will take a little bit to get your good.
(3)Wilma O.
One of my favorite brunch places in Boston! My college suitemates and I had a reunion on Sunday and our brunch here ended up lasting until 5pm! First thing's first - if you want to have a weekend brunch here, you better make a reservation! The place is pretty cramped, but once you enter, you'll become a part of a warm, comfy world with extremely friendly service and crayons to decorate the table cover (though sometimes also people trying to squeeze by your chair). I almost always get the lobster and steak BLT eggs benedict, which also has pieces of bacon, tomato, and avocado, because it is just so amazing (and the store's flagship dish). Get it!! I remember the desserty brunch items also always send me into dreamland, and the OJ mimosa feels like a good start to the weekend. This place is well known for its good brunches - if you live in Cambridge (or Boston) for any extended period of time, I hope you'll make the journey here.
(5)Regina P.
Lovely, small cafe on Massachussetts Ave. Great food, friendly staff. I had a decaf, sugar free iced caramel coffee with cream that was delicious. I also ordered a Belgium waffle with fresh fruit. The waffle was delicious and I was pleased with the amount of fruit provided. Generous portions, fair pricing, and great staff. I will be back next time I am in Cambridge.
(4)R H.
I must say I was pretty disappointed after reading all the amazing reviews. I went to Cafe Luna with my mom and brother who were visiting me from NYC. We ordered the: Berry French Toast, Corned Beef Hash plate with eggs benedict, Joe's "slider plate", and roasted potatoes with jalapeno cheese sauce. I had the corned beef hash plate with eggs benedict. A very dry plate. There was no type of sauce on the plate at all ....just a huge amount of (very dry) corned beef hash with two poached eggs on top. Since there was no type of sauce on the plate, I was sure the eggs would ooze out and the yolk would sort of serve as a sauce. Nope. Eggs were extremely dry and yolk was almost hardened. The french toast was...okay. In no way did it stick out as an amazing dish or something I would remember. It also didn't help that the total came out to over $70 for three people. Overall, I was pretty disappointed. I know I shouldn't compare, but there are better brunch spots on every corner of NYC than this place... On the plus side, the restaurant had a nice atmosphere though and the waiters were very nice.
(2)Nat B.
This place has great breakfasts on the weekends. Their french toasts are totally worth the line up you're going to have to wait in if you didn't make a reservation in the morning.
(4)Te R.
we went there for a sunday brunch. the wait wasn't that bad. (it was summer time so people sat outside as well) i got egg benedicts. they were fine. nothing spectacular on the menu. but they give you crayons to play with when you are waiting for the food. (we ended up writing equations and stuff though. we were a group of four grad students from mit, harvard, and princeton. so we were a bunch of nerds..) decent place for brunch. but i won't go out of my way to come to this place.
(3)Joy R.
The service my brother and I received here from beginning to end was nothing less than exceptional..especially for a busy saturday afternoon. The owner was manning the door and got us in promptly and even made a few suggestions on the best dishes for brunch. Got to the table, it was real wobbly..annoying right? I didn't have to say anything. The staff noticed, got herself under the table and took care of it. Just needed to mention that. I got the cup of the blue bottle coffee I ordered in less than 1 min. Our waiter was attentive with lots of smiles, also something important to me. While we waited for our food the owner (who I'm beginning to like more & more at this point) brought by the table COMPLIMENTARY HOT CINNAMON ROLLS. YUM. And this is all before the meal?? Our food arrives in no time..more brownie points.. I got the benedict with fig, arugula and the hollandaise sauce that was done perfectly. My brother got the lemon ricotta berry pancakes..that's right ricotta is baked into the dough making a texture/flavor combo out of this world. HIGHLY recommend both dishes! Everything was so delicious we'll definitely be coming back for more! The last thing I'll comment on that I think they did well is something that is so rare in Boston, and that I think is annoying coming from the midwest. Why can no one split your checks here? Well they offer it here. Easy pay..nothing is rushed. The whole experience felt homey, you can tell they take pride in their establishment. I like that.
(5)Sophers M.
This place is awesome. We went here on a Sunday afternoon, and it was pretty busy. We were told 25 minutes to wait for a table, but it ended up being about 15 minutes. The service was really fast, and our waiter had great insight into every dish and beverage option, which was helpful, since we are quite indecisive. We liked that you could get half orders, especially since their full orders are huge. We got three different French toasts and loved all of them. I had the French toast with blueberry compote. The blueberry compote is lightly sweetened, and the blueberries were fresh and still a little hard, which made it like a syrup and fresh fruit. The French toast itself was really good, but I think it could have been a little softer. Either way, it was a great experience, and we'll definitely go back.
(5)Ann Marie S.
One of my favorites! There's nothing on the menu that you could go wrong with, you have my personal guarantee! The best is the Pompeii Sandwich and the Fiesta chicken salad, I get it in a wrap, which you can do with any of the salads. Homemade soup is always good. Staff is super friendly and quick service is a plus. The only downsides are how cramped the space is and how long the weekend brunch line can get. Tortuous.
(4)H T.
Came for the free wifi. There was no wifi. (And they pretended it's fixed after another customer asked for it to be reseted.) Ordered a veggie panini Didn't get a panini, Got a sandwich. What I want: a crispy melty panini sandwich! What came out was a fluffy ciabatta veggie sandwich. Disappointed filling too, quite bland. It wasn't grilled. I thought a panini's default identity is a grilled sandwich. You stick it in the P-Press to make it crispy, no?
(3)Lindsey B.
BEST BRUNCH EVER! The food was absolutely amazing. I ate it too quickly to even take a photo ( sorry, next time ). I ordered the French toast which is so delicious I can't even begin to explain. If you love French toast trust me, you HAVE to order this!!! I also ordered the omlette with bacon, pears, and onions. It was one of the best omlettes I've actually ever had - the filling is what made it. The pears were very juicy and sweet and everything was perfectly blended. They also have a bunch of tasty coffee flavors. I chose the iced hazelnut latte (yum). The place was super crowded so I'd suggest getting their a little early as I had to wait 10 minutes for a seat. The wait staff was very nice and helped us decide in what to order. Can't wait to return for another amazing brunch :) another tip - if it's far too crowed and a long wait you can always order food to go and there are a bunch of tables in the courtyard you can sit at and enjoy your food (if it's a nice day of course)
(5)Cliff H.
Small. Varied. Busy. Did I mention Luna is busy? Arrive before 10 or bring a heavy jacket because you are going to wait, likely outside, in the cold. The reason for that is simple: small space, good food, excellent service. Cannot decide? Order the kitchen sink, including pretty much every bfast item your parents ever fed you across 18 years of your youthful existence. The insiders also know to wash that sink down with a Luna exclusive: the New Orleans icedcoffeemostamazingthingintheworld drink. Yes, it has a chicory root in it. No, it does not taste like tree bark. Yes, you may become addicted. Never, should you drink more than one per sitting. Else? Service is fantastic and Buck Rogers futuramtastic via dinky tablets to pay your bill with. Why not 5 star? Menu runs a tad pricey. Not outrageous, just the expected premium for Star Trek check out, Hitchhikers out of this world drinks/menu, and FlyMeToTheLuna service.
(4)Matthew B.
To say I love this place with all my breakfast-loving heart is an understatement. Best meal for the hungry gluten-digestible wanderer is Everything But The Kitchen Sink. Seeing a homemade Belgian waffle covered in homefries, homemade corn beef hash, bacon, ham, sausage, eggs and hollandaise sauce.... it's just heaven. For those with a sweet tooth in the am, they have you covered. The risk of waiting 1-2 hours is not exaggerated. Show up early and not hungry yet. It's totally worth it. Also, snag a coffee or a latte while you wait. The owner is the nicest guy and will make your waiting time feel worth it.
(5)Ricardo T.
We had a good brunch, the restaurant could be cooler but the staff was very polite and nice.
(4)Saraswathi N.
Amazing Food and Amazing Service... Worth the wait !!! Honey Butter Biscuits are way out of the world :)
(5)Athens F.
Brilliant Brunch and funny wait staff. Excellent Experience
(5)Cris B.
I am usually one to criticize but there is nothing bad I can say about this restaurant! The service was really superb and the food was great. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, anytime. Only problem you might face, as with many great places - you might have to wait. But please persevere, I assure you it's worth it!
(5)Alexa B.
I used to give this place 4 even 5 stars, but today was a complete disappointment. I used to leave this place satisfied with my meal. However, today my husband and I ordered the double buttermilk waffles topped with fruit and honeybutter, which by the sound of them would be enough and delicious. My husband and I even asked the waiter couple questions and he seemed to even like this dish. Then, we wanted, if possible, the fruit on one waffle and the other one plain but we were told the chef was pretty particular and this couldn't be done, either both with fruit on top or fruit on the side. Well, the food came and it didn't look like much for it to be $10. No syrup on the table, the honeybutter was just a teaspoon, and there was nothing special about the waffles nor the fruit to say that the chef couldn't just put fruit on one of them. The waffles didn't really taste any differently from a standard ready to make mix from the grocery, the fruit was OK but not much either. When we asked for more honeybutter the waiter apologized for not having given us more. And got us more, mostly frozen though. We finished the dish in couple minutes completely unhappy about it and left. I used to love this place, but today just changed my mind. Oh and BTW the bacon side is paper thin!
(1)Scharjeel S.
The decor of the place is really cute and service is IMPECCABLE. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a cute coffee date spot or coffee on the go. The only downside is that it's a bit tiny inside. But I guess that's what makes this place cozy. Pleasantly memorable in every way.
(5)Robbie R.
Came in for brunch with family. The food at this place is very good but the service is not on even close to the same level. They messed up our order twice and over charged us on the bill then I realize it is also our fault but the to-go bag was not given to us. By the time we realized we were several miles from Cafe Luna. Food was excellent but Service was Meh.
(2)Hector I.
I've been there a few times now and the service is a plus. The food fluctuates but most of it is good. I've had some disappointing drinks there so I keep it basic now when I go (coffee). I would avoid the ahi tuna since is was served oxidized. I recommend the nutella selection as did other reviewers, if you can handle the sweetness. The space is cozy. Probably adds to its charm but a group of 10 would be overwhelming in most busy days. Being able to sit outside in an open free-form style is also a bonus and a good place to people watch or chill.
(4)Sabrina P.
This place is great! A wonderful place to sit with your laptop (free, fast wi-fi) or have lunch/coffee with a friend or just listen to the LIVE JAZZ on a Sunday. It seems they have a lot of live music here (at least during the summer). Great drinks, and friendly owners too. They also have a good selection of gelato that looked tasty, though I haven't tried it yet. I give it 4.5 stars - it loses half a star because it could be just a little more cozy - and I don't mean in size (because it certainly isn't very big), but rather in atmosphere. Otherwise, a solid best bet for a Central Square cafe.
(4)Karen S.
This place epitomizes customer experience in the truest sense. During my time in Cambridge I spent many mornings doing work and catching up with friends at Cafe Luna. When I moved away and returned 2 years later for a recruiting trip, Cafe Luna immediately came to mind as a perfect place to conduct student interviews as it was close to campus and has great food and coffee. When I walked in, I was a little worried because it seemed like a bit more upscale than the casual cafe I was used to. It was now more of a sit-down-and-order place rather than go-to-the-counter-and-order place, which is great but not exactly the ideal situation for an entire day of interviews. I was worried because I felt bad taking up 2 tables for an entire day, and even though my coworkers and I were going to order a lot of food and drinks throughout the day, for ourselves and our candidates, it probably wouldn't be as much as other paying customers on their typical day. I wavered between telling the manager what we were up to, and just carrying through with our plans, hoping that we wouldn't be asked to leave because we were there for too long. A friend encouraged me to talk to the manager and just communicate what we were trying to do. So I asked for the manager, who introduced herself as Kim and I told her my concerns. Her response: "No problem! Stay as long as you want! We're open until 5pm. I also have pen and paper if you need it. And don't feel obligated to order anything more than you need or want!" And that's how you get a customer for life. Also, the lobster omelette, latte, and hot chocolate are all amazing. :)
(5)Barbara P.
Reservations for a party of 6, we were seated right away. Our server, Brayden, was awesome, incredible personality and he made great suggestions. The Bloody Mary made with saki was a unique twist on an old standby. All six meals were fabulous, with huge portions (only one person was able to finish the whole meal, and that was because the lobster eggs Benedict was simply too amazing) We will be back, sooner rather than later
(5)X Z.
This seems to be the best in Boston for brunch. For food, I have not tried anything that is less than exceptional. My favorite is the Lobster and Avocado omelet. For drinks, I have mainly tried the coffee notably the latte. It is excellent - the milk is so fresh and the beans are premium. The waitstaff are very efficient and accommodating. The only issue with this place is that it is a small space (some may find it cramped) and that you need a reservation for weekend brunch. Overall high praise for Cafe Luna!
(5)Tania A.
I don't know why it's taken me this long to write a review for Cafe Luna. It's hand down my favorite place for brunch. If you like French Toast, this place is heaven. They typically have at least 3 or 4 varieties, including holiday or seasonal flavors. Their cookie monster french toast is possibly the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. The only downside is that this place is small. I believe there are 5 tables inside and a few outside when the weather is warm. I don't recommend coming here with a large group (more than 3), and if you do, reserve well in advance (a week prior if not earlier). The drinks are also really good, especially in the winter. Try their raspberry hot chocolate! YUM!!! I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Cristina R.
Esteemed friends and guests, please join me in congratulating Cafe Luna for winning my Best Brunch in the Boston Area Award. Considering the extent of my research, this is a much-coveted and highly-respected honor. Can't decide between savory and sweet? Get Everything But the Kitchen Sink for a miraculous medley of sausage, waffles, corn beef hash, bacon, and home fries. This is brunch epitomized. Want a New England take on a classic? The Lobster Eggs Benedict provides sweet chunks of crustacean under a delicately poached egg with asparagus and homefries. Do you wish you could just eat dessert? The Nutella and Banana Stuffed French Toast will hit the spot with just a little less guilt than eating cake for breakfast. And drink up! The chai is spicy-sweet, and in the fall the pumpkin latte stomps this staple at Starbucks. But in all seriousness, trust me on this, people. I realize the enormity of my statement, but Cafe Luna just gets brunch. And I love them for it. The place is tiny, so if you're looking to come without reservations on a weekend, try to keep your party small (which of your friends do you like the best?) and arrive just a few minutes before they open. Chances are, there will be others with the same idea, but using this method I've only ever had to wait a few minutes. Cafe Luna, it is my honor to present you with this bacon-shaped trophy. Display it proudly, and brunch on.
(5)Megan Y.
I can now confidently say that Cafe Luna is the BEST brunch spot in Cambridge and maybe all of Boston! I have been 4x now and the experience and food are consistently top notch. Regardless of what you are craving (sweet vs. savory) or your state (hungover vs. post-workout), the menu will have exactly what you need. Love it: - On the weekend brunch menu there are literally 4 pages of sweet and savory masterpieces. You cannot go wrong with any of of the options! - The Lobster & Avocado Omelet is really special and has a generous amount of lobster. I have also really enjoyed their Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet - the combination including caramelized onions is absolutely delicious. An honorable mention is the Grilled Pear, Bacon & Gorgonzola Omelet, which is an interesting and tasty combination. - I have a HUGE sweet tooth and Cafe Luna does not disappoint in this department. The Nutella Stuffed French Toast and all the pancake options are amazing! Like it: - The chai tea is good, but not amazing! They use Oregon concentrate, but make it fun with seasonal specials like pumpkin spice chai and chocolate chai.
(5)Jack C.
I've been only once and had a pleasant visit. The lady behind the counter taught me about steaming milk and touted the superiority of their milk, which comes from a farm in the Berkshires. She got my hopes up for the mocha (supposedly "out of this world skim milk" and a rich chocolate syrup); I was very happy to find it substantive and indeed rich, but my socks weren't knocked off. Worth $5, though? No.
(4)Lisa R.
Came here for a latte and a mocha with a friend. Service was a bit on the slow side, but the espresso drinks were good. Overall, nothing really stood out to me and it was an average cafe, but perhaps when I try the food my rating will go up!
(3)Katie R.
Yum! Yelp and a friend of mine both recommended this place eagerly for brunch, so we went around 10am on a Sunday. Although I was tempted by the waffles (I'm a sucker for waffles, truly), we decided to each get an order of french toast - one cinnamon apple, the other chocolate and banana. Heavenly. The place was crowded, even right at opening, so I recommend making reservations if you want weekend brunch (10-3). We ended up sitting way in the back, almost atop another couple, but it was okay, the food made up for it. And, they gave us crayons to color on the tablecovers with. Yay! Bottomless coffee, delicious food, and cozy surroundings. It was all I had hoped for on a gray Sunday morning. Next time I'll have to go for lunch and try the cafe drinks that others have raved about so much, and hopefully the crowds will be more manageable!
(4)Lieu T.
Make a reservation because this place is incredibly busy on the weekends. Warning: the entire party must be present to be seated. We started out with the very delicious order of grilled english muffins with this amazing honey, buttery, mayonnaise spread. I think I could have eaten that spread by itself (yes it was that good). The fresh squeezed orange juice hit the spot. I had the surf and turf poached egg with hollandaise sauce on an english muffin while my friend had the Everything but the kitchen sink dish. Great place for brunch. I am definitely a fan and plan to go back soon!
(4)Winifred X.
I read the reviews on Yelp about this place and decided to give it a try with my cousin while I am in town. -- decor: intimate and comfy, chic, definitely a 4+ star, the wait for brunch on a weekend can get long, get there early. -- service: the waitresses are probably just other college kids, so they are a bit less attentive and not as dexterous (incident) -- food: we ordered a half order of Nutella+banana french toast, definitely the BEST item we ordered. The blueberry+lemon curd Belgian waffle is nothing to rave about, in fact not crispy enough (due to the soaking of the compote juice). And the Stratta special tasted alright but more of a disappointment from the fancy description on the menu. -- pricing: I like that they have "half" portion on their menus, and the $2 discount for each pancake in the stack is decent. But I am still surprised at how pricey this place is compared to similar places around where I live... 2.5 items (half order on the French toast) runs to $30, I am over stuffed with carbohydrate here.. All in all, alright is all I can say about this experience. so next time I am in town, I will try one of the places on the next block down..
(3)Champika F.
I haven't been Cambridge very long but this has become my favorite place here. They are awesome on so many fronts: 1. The service is amazing - the staff is super friendly, attentive and considerate - even during mad rush brunch hours. 2. The food (that I've tried so far) - is delicious. The Thanksgiving sandwich is amazing - I could eat it every day. The "everything but the sink" brunch item was delicious in theory but a little too extreme for me ..at least on that particular day. The warm chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream alone is worth a visit. 3. The prices are reasonable. 4. Oh and they have breakfast items during the weekdays!
(5)Avin N.
Have been coming here, mostly for breakfast/brunch since moving to Central Sq last summer. Hands down one of our favorite places in the area, and IMO some of the best breakfast food in Cambridge (sidebar: I thought I had reviewed this place long ago, and just realized that somehow it had slipped my mind). On the weekends, expect to wait. The inside of Luna is fairly small, and most people who live in the area all seem to like this place as much as we do bc it is literally overflowing on Saturdays and Sundays (even in the dead of winter, it's fairly common to see people huddled together out front waiting for their table). As long as you can deal with that, the service (contrary to some of the other reviews here) has been generally excellent in my experience. We're often greeted by the manager (who may also be the owner, but sadly I've yet to ask), and despite crazy crowds we are usually seated fairly quickly (though that's also because it's usually just the fiancee and I, suppose if we came with a brunch army, it would be a different story). In fact, when we are kept waiting, we have often been given complimentary pastries to hold us over. Bonus points. And on that note, on to the food. Everything we've tried here has been excellent. The fiancee usually goes for the healthy wrap, and I, as I do at most brunch spots, go for the eggs benedict. I've also had sandwiches (the grilled cheese is particularly tasty). They also have a great fruit bowl, which seems like it should be easy, but it's surprising how many places just overload any fruit bowl with mushy melon + honey dew. Beyond brunch/lunch, live music in the late afternoon and evening, along with a good selection of beer and wine, is another reason to check out Luna. Regardless of when you come, it's good food, and a good vibe, for surprisingly little $$. Highly recommend.
(5)Theodore D.
This is the hidden type of place that Yelp ruined. What was once the best hidden Brunch spot in Cambridge is now the least hidden brunch spot in all of Massachusetts. The Food is AMAZING. You won't get better Brunch anywhere - or at least I won't (really I refuse). Everything is an exotic twist on a usual favorite. I highly recommend you try it once. That said - its a tiny place, with tables stuffed together, high prices, and long lines. You're herded in, and rushed out. I understand they're trying to maximize their revenue and serve a high quality product but damn - If I'm gonna spend $22 on my omelet with some funky ass toast at least let me finish it before you try to steal my plate and drop the bill.
(3)Cherie C.
Let's do a rundown: free wifi free wifi that allows my vpn client so I can telecommute tasty panini friendly service excellent gelato coffee Yeah, that about sums it up. Great place!
(4)Maria C.
I came here recently with a friend. I made reservation for 10am which is what is allowed for Sunday brunch. The T, as usual, was mighty slow and we showed up about 15-20 minutes late. I was prepared to wait an hour thinking we had lost our reservation, but to my surprise they were still expecting us and took us right in to our table as soon as we arrived. I had the waffles and fresh fruit - definitely something that I enjoyed and still think about from day to day :) I love the French toast here - highly recommend this place for a great meal.
(5)Norwin E.
I really wanted to like this place because of the reviews and great location near central square, but I was disappointed by the service and food. The only bright spot of my review: I had made a reservation as suggested by the website and other yelp reviewers, and although we were a few minutes late, we were still seated right away and by the front window. So that's a plus. Here's are the reason for two stars: -Our waiter took our orders and gave us our drinks in a timely fashion, but after that it was like we never existed. I couldn't even find him to get our check. And when I eventually saw him, he was just chatting with someone at the bar (keep in mind that it's a Sunday during brunch hours). After several minutes, we finally get the check, then he disappears, never to come back. I had to give our payment to someone else, who I believe is the owner. We never saw our waiter again. He didn't seem professional and he looked like he was still in high school. -It took about 40 minutes for us to receive our food. I understand it's busy time, but most places, even the busiest, don't normally take that long. -I ordered corned beef has eggs benedict. I expected a lot since it had the corned beef hash bonus. The bottom of the biscuit was hard as a rock. My wrist started to hurt cuz I was trying to hack it into smaller pieces. It was still edible but didn't enjoy the food. I was too nice to ask to take it back. -Lone eggs benedict on a large plate looks so bare. Like most brunch places, it should include a side like a salad or potatoes. Not worth the $13. I'm normally easy to please with food, but i was not satisfied at all with Cafe Luna.
(2)Beth M.
UPDATE: So Luna wrote to me and said that this move away from being green is not their fault - they're being ordered to do this by the city of Cambridge because they're technically not allowed to serve in the little park. This is ridiculous! I think a good way to at least help deal with this would be some obvious recycling bins with good signage! But seriously Cambridge, WTF? Glad to have lil Cafe Luna down the street from my office. It's one of my favorite places to lunch during the summer, esp with the tiny park wedged in there, with tables and plantings and such. I usually go for sandwiches or salads (crazy right!?) - I love the roasted veggie sandwich especially - it changes seasonally which is always fun. The salads are good too - full of the "good stuff", not just a ton of lettuce. The chicken bomba is probably my favorite. Prices are fine - about even with Flour up the street. So - though I'd like to exclusively exalt this small bustling cafe, I do have a problem with a recent change they've made. If you sit outside, you're now brought your lunch in a giant handled paper bag - all salads are in plastic containers, same with dressing, plastic silverware, and sandwiches are wrapped up in foil. This is opposed to a few months ago, when you got your sandwich on a real plate, with salad on the side and a real fork and a napkin - no plastics, no packaging... Guys, what happened?? This vexes me. Were people stealing the plates/silverware? Did it take to much time to go collect them again outside? All this wasteful packaging hurts me - it's a noticeable move in the wrong direction. And there is nary a recycle bin to throw any of it in when I'm done. Just a big ol' trashcan. So, I like your food. A lot actually. But I am confused by your very deliberate move toward more packaging and less recycling. So there we are - 3 stars.
(3)Tressa S.
I wanted to like this place, I really did. My boyfriend and I wanted to eat there on a Monday night a few weeks back, but when we got there it was closed, and it was only 7 PM, which I thought a bit odd. Fast forward to this past Sunday, and we woke up and thought we would try it again. We tried calling ahead to see what the wait time was, but for some reason the phone wasn't working. We decided to go anyways. We get there and of course it's crowded, it's Sunday brunch. We find the guy to put our names on the list, and he tells us it's about a 30-35 minute wait. Sure, no problem. We stand in the crowd and wait to be called. 45 minutes later, we still haven't been seated, while everyone around us has. The manager (I'm not sure if he was in charge, but he seemed like it) notices our growing frustration and assures us that we will be the next to be seated. 15 more minutes pass, and two more tables are seated. Guess who is not among them? That's right, my boyfriend and I. Finally, we are seated (at a tiny table in the back but it was a table nonetheless). The waiter comes up to us, and we already know what we want to order, so he jots it down and says he'll be back with some waters for us. 10 minutes pass, no water. We try to get his attention, and by this point my boyfriend is fed up with how things are going, so he gets up and goes to the counter to ask if we can get 2 glasses of water. Our waiter is up there, and looks right at him while my boyfriend is asking for water, and does not say a word to him. No apology, NOTHING. I also ordered a hot chocolate when we ordered our food; it did not arrive when our food was brought out so I had to ask another waiter to bring it. Pathetic. Our waiter ignored us the rest of the time. As for the food: it was very good (which I am sad to report because I very much wanted to hate this place). Their menu offered a large variety of things, and it all sounded delicious. From now on, my boyfriend and I will order take-out from here. The food is not worth sitting through their horrible service. They get two stars for food, but I couldn't bring myself to give them more.
(2)Oski B.
We'd made a reservation here for Saturday morning brunch and were seated right away. The food was great, the service was friendly, and we were able to advantage of a $15 Scoutmob discount. The only slight hiccup was being charged $5 for two croissants that we'd been led to believe were on the house after being told that the complimentary cinnamon buns they ordinarily have hadn't yet been put in the oven. The owner offered to reverse the charge or to give us something gratis, but I declined as I kind of felt bad for using the $15 discount because he was so nice.
(4)Tammy H.
This place has single-handedly made me like tuna in salads. I've had it with the Bomba, and I asked for it in my Davio last night. I didn't even need dressing because the tuna made it perfectly moist and tasty enough! The white bean chicken chili (a.k.a. white chili) was good and hearty, and I love the toasted bread that they put on the side of everything. Their antipasto platter is pretty yum as well. They're a little slow when serving you your food, but aside from that, it's a very chill place to get some music and food.
(4)Laura J.
Brunch is probably my favorite meal. So when I find a good place, I feel obligated to spread the word to fellow brunch lovers. So this is meeeee spreeeeeading the worrrrrrd. Brunch lovers unite! I'd heard good things about Cafe Luna so decided to give it a shot. I met my super hungover bestie outside the cafe and at that moment said a silent prayer hoping we wouldn't have to wait for a table, seeing as food was needed in the imminent future to prevent a hangover disaster. Someone was listening. As soon as we stepped in, our lovely host informed us that since the other parties waiting we not complete, we could help ourselves to a table by the front. SCORE! I ordered a latte, complete with foam art, and drunkie pants mcgee requested an iced tea. We skimmed over the menu. A ton of options and EVERYTHING sounded delicious. After deep contemplation, and fighting over who was going to order what, we both finally settled. I went with the chicken chorizo sausage and black bean homefries. A sauteed mixture of sausage, potatoes, peppers, onions, and black beans, topped with cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs and a smidge of fresh made salsa. I loved it. Flavor explosion. D went with the corned beef hash eggs bennie. It was enjoyable. Only complaint on his end was the eggs were over poached and there could have been a better corned beef to potato ratio in the hash. I tried it and thought it was very good. And yes, being gawky and overly nosey, we checked out what our neighbors had ordered, one being the western omelette, another the brioche french toast with fresh berries and cream. Ummmm ya, I'll definitely be returning to try both of those, along with 2 of everything else on the menu.
(4)Jess P.
I had one of those cravings for brunch (which I get so often) that I had to fulfill. Upon searching Yelp for some good spots, I came across Café Luna. I was drawn by the images and good ratings so I decided to try this place. It's a cute café with lots of personally. It was a little packed and it took a few minutes for someone to greet me however they more than made up for it with the service and the food. The service of the manager and staff were really great. We were given complimentary cinnamon rolls to start which was completely unexpected but very nice. My sis and I both ordered pumpkin spice chai lattes which were absolutely delicious! For food, I ordered "everything but the kitchen sink" sampler (don't judge me...I was hungry) and she ordered the lemon ricotta berry pancakes. Food was so yummy!!!!! Her pancakes were so moist and fluffy. They also loaded her pancake stack with fresh juicy berries. Yum yum yum! The everything sampler had so much food and there was every type of breakfast meat that you could ever dream of on my plate... to top it off, it came with an egg (any way you like it), waffle, home fries and a spicy jalepeno cheese sauce. Yes I was in heaven! So I will definitely be back to Café Luna! Best brunch experience I've had in Boston/Cambridge!!!!
(5)Danielle H.
I would go here for brunch more often if it were easier to get a table. Any random weekend morning around 11a or 12pm, pass by Cafe Luna, and you will see a waiting crowd spilling out of its doors and into the sidewalk. The reservation system leaves a bit to be desired, as I'm not sure they've got a very well-organized one. The few times I've been here, the wait has been at least 20 min. Even today, when I made a reservation early, we still had to wait! And the host asked for my name and table size about 3 times. But the wait is TOTALLY worth it. Especially if you love sweet dishes for brunch. Their stuffed French toast is to die for. My friend had the chocolate raspberry stuffed special today, and she finished every last bite. They also have a yummy lunch menu with more savory items for those, like me, who might not always be in the mood for sugar in the morning. I had the chicken panini (the pompeii) that came with a side salad. Crunchy, flavorful, and just the right portion. Our waiter was especially pleasant and rushed to correct a mistake when an order came out wrong (an omelet came without the ordered bacon...god forbid). So all in all, a fabulous eating experience if you are patient enough to get a table...
(5)scott g.
I've walked past this place countless times and always thought it was just a posh coffee shop and never thought of eating there before I read a few posts on Yelp. I was pleasantly surprised how fast they were able to accommodate me and my friends (6 people total) for Brunch at noon on a nice Saturday. Even for a busy Saturday, the waitress and owner gave phenomenal service. They were very attentive to our large brunch group and even gave us a batch of their homemade cinnamon rolls. I got the healthy egg sandwich which was very reasonably priced at $4.95, but it seemed like their specials were priced quite high. Also drinks were $3-6 which I consider quite high. Summary: If you're looking for a nice place to take out-of-town friends and show off the area, I highly suggest going to Cafe Luna.
(5)Perla B.
Fabulous food! I've had breakfast and lunch here and everything is delicious! The prices are good too. I want to try their brunch but it is super crowded each time I go there, I Will try going earlier because I think it is worth it! The only downside to it is that it is a bit small and I don't think they have a good ventilation system because my eyes hurt with the smoke from the kitchen, and the kitchen is not that tidy. Other than that, it rocks.
(5)Jeremy B.
Yes, their sandwiches and salads are great, however it doesn't come CLOSE to the brunch they serve. Starting at around 10AM on Sat/Sun, Cafe Luna opens it's doors and is immediately swarming with customers. It's a very quaint restaurant, so I would recommend calling ahead (as you drive/T over). The staff is super friendly and Matt, the co-owner, is one of the nicest people you will probably ever meet. He is always accommodating! If I had to choose on my food of choice...well...I really can't. They have outstanding omelettes and eggs benedict (their hollandaise sauce is better than others). The french toast they serve is always thick and Terry, the co-owner/head chef, constantly finds ways to add some incredible toppings (i.e. Smores, Lemon Raspberry, Apple Crisp). I'd also HIGHLY recommend their chai tea lattes - best you'll ever have! Right now, my favorite meal is their butternut squash/goat cheese omelette with a soy chai (hot or iced).
(5)Dorise G.
update 6/11/11: I was finally here on a crowded day, and even though we had a reservation things were a little crazy (inclement weather = no outdoor seating), so we weren't seated for quite awhile. My friend and I waited patiently, gabbing away, and the manager was just the nicest guy around, who was so so apologetic for the wait. Some jerks were giving him a hard time about it, and after they'd gone my friend and I apologized on their behalf - clearly those people had no understanding of life in the service industry. The manager was so appreciative he sent my friend and I a couple extra *delicious* goodies on the house, which was totally unnecessary but super sweet. The server we had was totally adorable and extra swift to boot, and I always dig the vibe of a restaurant that will let me draw with crayons anyhow :)
(5)Jamie H.
Used to be a regular here when I was still going to school in Boston. I'd describe this place as unique and cutesy. I loved the french toast and lobster benedict. Good ambiance for casual conversation. Its best to make reservations as it get really packed on the weekends. Plus they give you crayons to draw on the table...too cute.
(5)Sophia C.
My husband and I had read pretty decent reviews for Brunch and we've tried to go there for Brunch multiple times. We turned around because there was generally a long wait and we were hungry. This past weekend, we were able to go right as they opened and was able to sit. The dining room was much much smaller than I thought. There were TOO many waiters for such a small place, they were all constantly running into each other. They gave me tap water as I sat down... what, no ice? I ordered Coffee. Kudos for having soy milk but Thumbs DOWN for coffee quality - YUCK!! My husband ordered Banana Nutella French Toast. So sweet and it was good but not great. I ordered an omelette that was part of their specials... it was not that great either. Nothing specific to complain about the food but I've definately had better for the smiliar price. I came out smelling like fried food, HATED that!
(2)Abishek C.
One of my favorite brunch places. The service is exceptional, with awesome quality of food. Everything on their menu is worth trying!! Will keep going back to this place as long as the quality of food remains consistently good. BUT, be prepared to wait for a long time. At least 30+ mins for two people and 60+ minutes for three or more people.
(5)Chrysanthe P.
I've been here twice for lunch with coworkers and each time got a salad. The first time I wanted to make one of the sandwiches into a salad and they were very accommodating. I haven't been here for their brunch or anything, but the size and deliciousness of their salads have won me over.
(4)Hans J.
Great place for brunch...A little small but comfortable. The owners; Matt is very friendly and Teri is very observant! I have eaten there for lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday and the times I've been there the food has always been 110%. I try to go there a minimum of once a month...I try not to overdose because I live too close and don't want to get sick of going there, all though I'm already an addict of the food! Make your reservation for Sunday brunch, and i'll meet you there!
(5)Ben L.
and I finally go there for brunch. We time it just perfectly when it's starting to slow down just a little but right when the person handling the people waiting switched from the first guy that was magically managing almost everything in his head over to a girl that had to sort through the quick notes on who was waiting. I wait with my friend a little longer then get seated. There's something about the brunch menu, it might just not fit my taste but there seem to be a lot of simple seeming regular items and a mix of salmon heavy specials. Play it safe and go for a regular omlette and while we're waiting I make some casual comments and that's when the interesting thing happens, our waiter sort of disappears. We can still spot him from time to time but it's not like he's checking in. Did something happen, is he somehow offeended? Our food shows up and the omlette is quite good but our coffees that we ordered are AWOL. It's a little more interesting though, they come over with their tablet device with the bill on it and one coffee that didn't show up was on there but the other one somehow never even got entered, they remove the one that was on the bill without any issue but I can't figure out what happened. Why didn't our drinks show up, how is it that only one was even on the bill, why did our waiter kind of skip out. Every good brunch place that I've been to will check by on a regular basis to make sure that your coffee is full, if you haven't even brought the coffee you've seriously fucked up.
(2)Kathy A.
This is a great and affordable spot to grab a sandwich or other quick bite for lunch. I'm a sucker for any place that has a turkey thanksgiving sandwich with stuffing and all so that immediately sold me. On top of that they have a ton of delicious paninis. They have larger entree portion meals too if you'd like. They've also expanded their menu to serve some breakfast items all day and they do a weekend brunch which I am yet to try (but it all sounds good). All of their ingredients are fresh and so tasty! They also have a fantastic location in Central Square.
(4)Mary D.
This review is late, late, late! My experience here was good enough to justify a late review, though. They take reservations for Sunday brunch. I made those reservations two evenings previous, guaranteeing that they would hold a table in the early AM for myself and three ladies whose company I enjoy. Cafe Luna is not a large venue by any stretch of the imagination, despite its popularity as a brunch spot...meaning said ladies and I were gonna be pretty cozy for the duration of the meal. Protip: invite people to brunch here that you're not afraid to share airspace with. Not that you'll be doing a lot of talking -- you won't. You'll be stuffing your face. Our breakfasts were delicious start to finish, and the pumpkin chai I had was indecently sugary and sinfully tasty. Four stars for flavor, service, and ability to reserve a table. That's everything I need in a brunch (except for maybe a glass of milk punch, and I'm resigned to never getting that outside of New Orleans anyway). They get a fifth star because part of our party arrived late. They couldn't seat us until our entire party arrived...but instead of treating us like lepers for clogging up their teeny-tiny foyer after our lack of punctuality, they laughed and were totally understanding of the half-hour lapse, and found a way to slide us into a table as soon as one was available. With the kind of crunch they were facing down with that full house and the ungodly hour of the weekend morning that it happened to be at the time, that kind of relaxed service was pretty great.
(5)Denis S.
Maybe we were here on an off-day, because my friend really loves this place, but I was thoroughly disappointed. I got the Panini with prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto sauce, which was pretty good, but a bit cold and nothing special. But my main complaint was the service. We came in and stood around not knowing whether and where to sit. Eventually someone asked us if we wanted to sit (as if we just came to stand around) and we were finally seated. A while went by for someone else to come by and ask if we had ordered food or needed to be served (again, questions most restaurants can figure out on their own). The three of us were given one dinky menu, and we made our choices. We ordered sandwiches and my friend ordered a juice. Time went by, nothing came. Finally a third server came and asked if we ordered two juices, we only ordered one. A juice which didn't sound like my friend's order was frantically placed next to him. Within a minute, a fourth server came with a different juice. When we explained that we only ordered one, she said "whatever" and left the juice. Before my friend could decide what to do with his two juices, the owner or manager or someone who seemed kind of in charge, stormed over, and without a word scooped up one of the drinks, and stormed away. Finally, the sandwiches arrived. The waitress who brought the sandwiches had no idea what they were called or what was inside of them. She described two sandwiches that sounded like my friend's, so they claimed them. The third sandwich was described as egg-whites with turkey. That was definitely not mine, and I said so. So that plate was taken away and put on the counter. In another five minutes, someone realized that the sandwich she brought was actually mine, she just misidentified the ingredients and I was given the sandwich that had been sitting on the counter (which probably explains why it was getting cold). I'm having no luck with Boston food...
(2)Shaina P.
For my 200th review, I didn't want to disappoint anyone by reviewing something from, say, Texas, but I was having a desperately difficult time trying to figure out which business to highlight. So, what better place to review than the one that I'm sitting in right now? When I couldn't handle being couped up in an over-chilled yet ultra humid office anymore, I borrowed a company computer with wireless and headed to Central Square. La Luna has been my savior. I've been here for over 4 hours and no complaints from the staff yet. Besides that, I'm getting a shit ton of work done, staying pleasantly caffeinated, hydrated with complimentary ice cold water, stuffed with tasty breakfast AND lunch, and all of this with free access to Wi-Fi and food stuff for about $15 total (so far). I'm getting a little sick of the background jazz. Some is good, but there is some ultra cheezy music that gets played occasionally. Think elevator music. Ick. But the crispy rosemary focaccia used to hug the panini I ordered is making me forget about the background sound. Before I leave, I might even grab a sweet snack since there are a ton of creamy gelato flavors offered here. And if I may continue, when did La Luna start serving beer? Like I said in my last review of the OtherSide, every place I go that offers beer gets four stars in my mind. Oh, and another thing, sitting by the big windows is a lovely view of endless patio (otherwise known as the Jill Brown Rhone Park) and plenty of people to watch. Alright then. Back to work!
(4)Kay S.
I hardly ever leave food on my plate---I eat it or take it to go--- imagine my surprise when I had no interest in finishing my meal or asking for a doggy bag. I ordered what's become a Sunday fave: lox and bagel with cream cheese. Cafe Luna failed to toast the bagel and served it with cold, hard cream cheese, with a side of ....lettuce (?). The tomato and onion were sparse. And all this for 8.95. I only ate the lox, 1/4 of the bagel and tomatoes. I also ordered the homestyle fries--and they were dry and forgettable. The service was spotty. Our waiter was distracted and we kept hounding him for missing orders, utensils, condiments. The good: we called ahead for reservations and were seated on-time
(2)Al A.
DIRTY! Crap coffee. Bad service. A quick survey of the food prep. reveals several health concerns. Here's a list. 1) a pile of dirty dished from the day before randomly placed on a shelf (I know it was from the day before due to the decomposing nature of the food left on top of the pile) 2) bananas touching said pile of dirty dishes 3) a very dirty floor mat rolled up and stored above an open food container 4) coffee cups stored open-up 5) employee wiping hands on pants 6) dirty table tops at 8:00AM (obviously dirty from the day before) 7) fruit served slightly past ripe
(1)Huong P.
Came down to Cafe Luna for a small brunch with a good friend of mine. The rain was pouring but that did not detract us from trying out this popular cafe! I'm glad that my friend reserved us a table the night before because by the time I arrived, there was already a long line! Although we both were a little late, the servers and host were nevertheless very accommodating and very efficient. The table for four by the window was no more--in its stead was a perfect nice two seater with paper and crayons to keep us company. Our waiter was very great and knowledgable. He seems to want his customers to not only be happy, but get the right food as well. My friend was thinking of getting the fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese omelet without the prosciutto, but he nicely recommended a different choice since he believed the prosciutto is quintessential to the special omelet. Too bad that he selected the choice that I was going to get!--which was the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet :(. Oh well, I decided to get the one with the prosciutto. The food was great and prices were decent, but nothing super stood out for me. I would definitely go here again and I am already eying the more sweeter and more fruity options!
(4)Rachel C.
I love this place so much. I'd recommend brunch most of all. It is delicious. They have great espresso drinks here and wine and beer. I love the staff, they're friendly, accommodating and work hard. The portions are medium-sized, so if you're looking for a huge feast, go elsewhere. This place also seems to try to be as healthy while still delicious, so if you're looking for greasy, again, look elsewhere. At night, most nights, there is live music. You can sit outside the restaurant for free and listen a while, or order a drink and listen, or better yet have dinner here and be part of the party.
(4)Jeff C.
By far, one of my absolute favorites. I lived in Central Square for several years, and whenever I had guests come through town, this is where I brought them for brunch on the weekends. Now that I've moved away, I still visit Boston from time to time and still make Luna a top priority. As others have mentioned, the wait for brunch on the weekends can be brutal. But it's for good reason, and it's worth it. Their menu is fantastic and the food quality is outstanding. They have both sweet (french toast, belgian waffles) and savory (eggs benny, omelets, breakfast sandwiches) and do all of the above extremely well. My personal recommendation would be a chai latte (theirs are a bit on the sweet side but very good), a warm cinnamon roll, and the corned beef hash eggs benedict. Their wait staff is so-so in my opinion (a few are great, others are a bit too 'high school musical'), but the owner, Matt, more than makes up for it. He is the face of the restaurant - greeting folks at the door, seating parties, checking in at every table, and occasionally taking orders - and he's just great. Despite the stress that inevitably comes from having so many people impatiently tapping their feet as they wait for a table, he is always cheerful, helpful, and has a great sense of humor. Always a pleasure to see him. If only the could swap spaces with the Indian place next door, which has twice the square footage and a fraction of the customer volume. This just makes sense in my mind, and I think it's gotta happen sooner or later.
(5)Lena K.
Had a bad experience with their breakfast, however they have good coffee. We came in for breakfast on a Friday at 10:30 ( they stop serving breakfast at 11am). First we were ignored by the waitress for a while, but then she came by to get our drink orders. By the time she came around again with our drinks it was almost 11 and told us that they will not be able to serve us breakfast anymore. Furthermore everything else we tried to pick from the menu (that they were supposed to be serving after 11am) was sold out for the day. So if you do come in for breakfast do not come during the weekday.
(2)Diana T.
NEW COSTUMERS BE AWARE!!!!! Unfortunately my boyfriend and i did not get the chance to try the food. First time to the place we got at the restaurant on Sunday afternoon craving coffee and pastries. We arrived at the same time with another couple and we decided to let them go first. The place was crowded but there were a couple of tables available. The host proceeded to sit the couple and went away and did not come back. We were there standing for at least 15 minutes. During that time at least THREE different waiters came to us asking if we were being helped, but all of them told us to wait for the host. In the meantime we saw the host again talking to people at the patio, (people that were not eating just walking by), we reached a waiter and told him to let know the host the fact that we wanted to be seated. Host came back with and attitude and in very rude terms he stated he was talking to his regulars and that we have to keep waiting. We kept waiting at least 10 more minutes and more waiters came to us, we thought it was ridiculous and decided to leave. As we were walking out host came and SCREAMED if we wanted to be seated! We do not mind to wait because it is something you are used to at a busy place, but we don't appreciate the hosts attitude and his lack of manners. Hope this place does well with their regulars because they obviously don't need new costumers.
(1)Orly M.
Anyone that knows me well knows I get obsessed with foods and then eat them every day for months until I get sick of them and never want to see them again. Well, I recently discovered Cafe Luna's healthy wrap, which is delicious and potentially even "healthy." Its's a wheat wrap with eggwhites, lowfat chease, roasted red peppers and spinach. I've been getting it with a side salad and it keeps me going all day, no easy feat for a girl who is hungry every 2 hours. If this review was only about the food, I would give Cafe Luna 5 stars, no question. The problem with this place is the service. For one, I get a 30 min lunch break (I know, sucks to be me), and it can easily be a 15 minute wait for my food and take several minutes to order, even if I go at a time when they aren't that busy. But more importantly there just doesn't seem to be any consistency. I went a few times and asked for a side salad and it was no problem and I paid extra and received a side salad and suddenly it has become much more confusing. The last couple of times I ordered I had to engage in a discussion about what a side salad is. We've also ordered food as an office a few times recently and things like the chips the sandwiches come with have been missing a couple of times. So, I want to love Cafe Luna, i love the outdoor seating, the food is good, but I want ordering lunch to be simple. If I am going to be a regular somewhere I want to get the same thing every time I order it. I know I am a creature of habit and maybe mildly OCD, but I don't think i'll be going here much anymore. Now someone find me a new Central Sq food obsession kthx.
(2)Ravi M.
Cafe Luna just became my favorite Sunday Brunch Spot! I decided to drop by last Sunday to check the place out. One of the nicest things is that the staff go out of their way to be friendly and helpful, especially the owner Matt. Everything I tried was just superb! The Mocha was creamy and very chocolatey - one of the best I've had! It must be their combination of dark chocolate syrup, good quality chocolate powder (I had a sniff!) and espresso. Seeing the Lobster Benedict on the menu I told them that what I would like, however, was Lobster in an omelette. The nice girl at the counter said "sure" she thinks that's possible and would check with the kitchen. They obliged and I had a scrumptious custom order of Lobster omelette with asparagus! Although somewhat full I was keen on trying the French Toast stuffed with fresh fruits and custard/cream. Guess what?! They do half orders! So I had a delicious half order of stuffed French Toast which was still sizable and required some effort to put away. I was only sad that I could not listen to the Jazz ensemble as I had to head out around the time they came in (which is about 2:30-3:00pm). Well, next time... The prices were reasonable too. I highly recommend it! The daughter of Hyperion and Theia would be pleased! :-)
(5)Marcos R.
Great place for Sunday brunch! Gotta love the hazelnut coffee. And the panini are phenomenal! Service is excellent and will accommodate to your needs. The location is excellent for people watching and the ambiance of the place (especially the warm colors) does reminisce well of Italy. I try to reserve the five stars for the top-quality places, but if this were a price-value relationship, Café Luna would definitely receive five stars!
(4)Jesse R.
Cafe Luna is definitely one of the finest brunch places I've eaten at in a long while; they truly celebrate the idea of brunch. Even the Decider himself would be stunned because the menu is extensive, and everything looks great. Yeah, I just made a George W. Bush reference in a review of an establishment smack in the middle of the liberal heartland. Back to brunch: my two friends and I enjoyed the Lobster & Avocado omelette, the Fig/Prosciutto/Goat Cheese omelette, and the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Ben. All were excellent, as were the lattes. The owner/manager seemed extremely gracious, deftly rearranging tables to get people seats as soon as possible. He even came outside to whisk us to our table because we were busy playing in the snow. All in all, this is a solid place for brunch. Definitely a must-visit if you're staying anywhere in the Cambridge area.
(5)PT R.
Grossly unsanitary! Will NEVER come back. I used to like Cafe Luna a lot, but one day I came for brunch and ordered a waffle. The woman who made it had been cleaning all these tables and doing random tasks around the cafe. When she went to make my waffle, not only did she not wash her hands but she used her bare hands make my waffle, pick it up and transfer it to the plate! I am in no way a germaphobe, but that's just plain gross. There are kitchen tools for a reason. Plus no one should be working a restaurant who touches your food without washing their hands! P.S. It's not cool for the management to insinuate that yelpers are lying just because they didn't have a positive experience. If you sit in the back, you can see the waffle maker near the doorway. Maybe you guys should move the waffle maker.
(1)Lynn C.
Delicious local place with great food and friendly service! They have the best brunch ever - a huge menu to chose from. I got the Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and my fiance got the corned beef hash eggs benedict. Both were huge portions and utterly delicous! The service was awesome. We had multiple people checking in on us and the manager/host was so friendly and helpful. He knew I was having some issues making a decision (there was so many things to chose from) and was able to tell me a lot about each dish. He also thanked every single table as they left. I can't believe it's taken me so long to try this place. Can't wait to go back!
(5)K F.
Nothing so special about Cafe Luna in terms of menu (we ordered salmon omelet and pancake). But outside area was great to have a Sunday brunch.
(3)noam m.
We headed to Cafe luna on a Saturday morning. Even though i hate the sitting rule that all the party has to be present in order to be sitted it still didn't ruin our experience. We arrived with two babies and everyone was very accommodating. Given the rather small premises it was quite a challenge. Food was great! All the dishes that we ordered were tastefully arranged and yummy. We will definitely head here again - not just the fine food but the cheerful service.
(4)Thaddeus M.
Of all the brunch places I have tried. I would have to give Cafe Luna, the title of best one in all of Boston. It's only flaw is that the restaurant is a little small, so from time to time you may be subject to having to wait for a table. Besides that, everything is great. The owner is usually present and is very talkative, he even tries to speed things up with the waiters while you wait in line so you do not have to wait too long. One time ever, we should up a little past their breakfast schedule and he still had the chefs allow us to order from the breakfast menu. As well as keep us company while we waited outside for our table and tell us a little of the story behind Cafe Luna. What is nice about Cafe Luna as well are the live performances by local artists in the area, which provide a very comfortable and chill breakfast. The menu is amazing, and their twist of breakfast mixed with seafood was delicious. Anything Lobster is a must try for when you visit. As well as anything mixed with Hollandaise. What am I kidding, just try anything and you will be happy. The portions are fairly big, and the alcoholic drinks are also quite tasty. I highly recommend you pay a visit, for its good food, service, and ambience.
(5)EricaLynn J.
Thanks to Tara C., I am a believer! I love love love this little spot. It's cute and cozy but usually not too crowded and uncomfortable... the menu is fab - even the pickiest of diners will find something to nosh on. And the drinks... they're so creative and fun and tasty. You must go.
(4)Ash T.
One of my favorite places for breakfast/brunch/coffee Very highly recommended PROS: Great Food, Great Service, Well Priced Everything I've tried so far on the menu tastes great...Spicy Black bean omlette with avocado, French toast stuffed strawberry on a waffle with cream and chocolate drizzle, cinnamon rolls, Goat Cheese and Leek omlette. The dirty chai is friggin awesome!!! (shot of espresso in the chai tea latte) Homefries are well seasoned You can ask for half portions of the waffles so can try 2 at once. A friend of mine had the corned beef hash on eggs benedict and was amazed...gotta go back and try rest of the items on the menu CONS: Can get a little cramped and it's very busy, call ahead for reservations and be on time. Sometimes even if you're on time, expect to wait 20-30 min cause its so popular and busy. But the wait time is well worth it
(5)Renuka B.
Great food & a great location!! I loved the pancake & French toast with fruits on. It was so delicious.
(4)Miles D.
Went for brunch today and it was incredible! GREAT service starting from the owner to our waiter. Excellent food on a diverse menu (we're both vegetarian and there were plenty of options). They gave us our coffee to go in paper cups and the owner stopped to talk to us and tell us about the place and menu. You should make reservations otherwise you will wait forever It was overall the best brunch experience I have had in a long time. Recommendations - the belgian waffle, jalapeno cheese home fries, and the coffee!
(5)Eli E.
After my comment, Teri sent an email to apologize and confirmed that Alex wasn't the owner (but i'm sure he'll still tell people so). I appreciated her email, but have given this place more than enough tries. There are many other decent places around this area. I still give this place a 2 star. Food was decent, service not so much. I won't return since there's no need to with the alternatives around here. For example, Middlesex is a half-block away. Not a cafe, but some of their sandwiches are pretty good like the jumbo taco and reuben. Corn bisque is good. Service - sometimes lacking, but tolerable. Mariposa across the street has decent pastry options and more space if you're just looking to get work done. It's also brighter. And these are just two options nearby. --------- about 30 minutes later... YIKES!! I received a rather angry email from Teri shortly after updating my original post to commend her for putting the effort in. Make sure she doesn't find out your email -or- just don't agree to update your post and then actually do it. Don't know how I got involved in all this merely by Yelping honestly. Beware! 10 minutes later... Just to be fair, Teri did email again to apologize. I am utterly confused by this place.
(2)ali m.
Cafe Luna is like my second home. The staff is so friendly (the owners are almost always there, and are so great), and the paninis and chai lattes are to die for. It's a great place to sit and relax - I've brought friends after work, and on Saturdays (always packed - live jazz music!) and it's one of the only places I feel really comfortable going when I'm by myself. I never feel rushed or out of place, and when the weather is nice they open the big front windows. :))) Must-haves: Gingerbread Chai Latte Pompeii Panini Florence Panini Copacabana Panini and their tuna wrap is good too. One of my friends (whose family makes their own apple cider in Vermont) had their hot apple cider and gave his stamp of approval. I'm a huge huge huge fan of Luna. I could have one cup of their gingerbread chai latte and I really could die happy. It's so sweet, and just perfect. No other flavored chai/chai latte I've had comes even remotely close.
(5)Ravi P.
First off, let me say that the staff here are well-intentioned, friendly people. And the free WiFi is awesome. And the food does taste pretty good. However, almost 100% of the times I come to this place, service is veeeeeeery slow and servers often don't keep track of what you ordered. My first experience here about a year or so ago, I remember meeting a friend to get some work done in the cafe. I ordered a smoothie - that after 30-45 minutes didn't come. I went up to the register, and asked where my smoothie was. Of course, it was created promptly and I was given my smoothie. Then I was never charged for it, and my server who seemed too busy to deal with me just said that it was on the house. At the time, I said, hey, it's a free drink, whatever. But then I started ordering sandwiches from the place. And every time I have had to ask the staff where my sandwich was and how long it would take. Once, they gave my sandwich to another customer (who happened to order the same thing as me and at about the same time my sandwich was wrapped up and ready to go). It was the customer who noticed my confusion and gave me my sandwich - not the staff. These experiences just make me feel like the management is a little haphazard and I'd rather not deal with it any longer. While the food's decent and the environment is pleasant, the long waits make the less than five minute walk down Mass Ave to Clear Conscience Cafe worth it.
(2)Juan C.
I tried this place for the first time last weekend. My girlfriend and I were strolling along and felt like having a bite. We were looking for lunch and/or brunch and thought this would be a good idea. She got a panini that looked and tasted alright, but nothing spectacular. I got the black bean breakfast burrito and the home fries. the home fries were very good, but the burrito was nothing amazing. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't out of this world either. The kicker came at the end. They don't take AMEX and the only reason the waiter didn't continue to kick us out was because a downpour was taking place outside while we were finishing and nobody was coming in for food. I'd probably come back for breakfast only by myself since most reviewers swear by it.
(3)Stephany D.
Let me start my review with an anecdote. Every year, my dad gets up at 4am on Thanksgiving Day and begins cooking the turkey. He spices it perfectly, inserts an onion, lemon and fresh sprigs of rosemary into the open cavity. Then, he lets it cook for hours and hours. When it is finally time to sit around the table and enjoy the turkey, it is the moistest, tastiest turkey anyone has had all year. Imagine this kind of tender, juicy turkey on lightly toasted bread, and you have Cafe Luna's Roma Panini. Too often, paninis are not well executed. I often find that the bread is too crunchy and in some cases, nigh impossible to eat from all of the toasting. At Cafe Luna, the bread (which tasted like it was dipped lightly in olive oil and rosemary) was ever so delicately browned, but still retained the soft, fluffy texture of fresh bread. The individual parts of the sandwich were meticulously stacked, so I got every single flavor in every bite. The cheese was perfectly melted. The turkey, as I mentioned, was tender and juicy, but it also had a wonderfully sweet and savory flavor. I got halfway through the panini before I realized that the wonderful flavor I was tasting was the turkey itself. Even though I was very full after finishing the panini, I really didn't want the experience to end. I went back to work and talked incessantly to my coworkers about how delicious my lunch had been. In short, this was THE BEST PANINI I'VE EVER HAD. If you're in Cambridge, or even just passing through Central, do yourself a favor and stop by. It's a very short walk down Mass Ave from the T and you can sit inside or outside (which I recommend if the weather is nice). The staff were super friendly, eager to answer questions, and the food was so good that I felt compelled to return to the cafe (after having eaten my lunch outside in the square) to tell them just how wonderful the food was. Seriously. It was THAT good. :)
(5)Rishabh J.
I have been to cafe Luna almost every weekend since the start of the year, so at least 20 times, for their weekend Brunch, and I still have a fantastic time every time I go. The specifics of why it's so good everyone else has covered really well - and you just need to try it - words are not enough.
(5)Rebecca G.
Very very busy, which I understand could get this place bad reviews. But let me just say that the food here was delicious! The wait to be seated/get in can be atrocious. It is crowded but well worth the wait. I would recommend calling in advance and reserving a table, otherwise it might be a 20-minute wait.
(5)Stephanie F.
I like Cafe Luna. I really didn't think much of it everytime I passed by it, but I heard good things about it from a friend who would always say "you have to try the brunch at Cafe LuUuUUUuuuUna!" So I did-- this past Sunday at 11:54am, which, I expected would be a long wait. We must have hit the jackpot because right after, there was a bunch of people that had to wait for a few minutes. Everything on the menu looked delicious. Even the specials. But I wasn't in the mood for french toast, pancakes, or something sweet that morning. I wanted something savory.... like eggs and beans and potatoes (I know... I was lame for ordering something I could have made at home for much cheaper). With my main plate, I also ordered a mochalatte envisioning that I would get a pretty picture like a heart or a leaf in the foam as in the Yelp page for this restaurant. I did not. (Booo) Despite that, I honestly enjoyed my meal, and my fellow bruncher definitely enjoyed his. He got the pancake special which included lemon ricotta cheese with raspberries. It was delicious too, but I couldn't have a lot of it. The good thing about this place is that you have the option of ordering a smaller portion of the pancakes or french toasts that they give you. AND at a cheaper price, too. So it's good you have that option. I think all restaurants should be like that. I would give it 5 stars but the waiters seemed all over the place. Maybe just ours. But I'm guessing he was hungover from the night before. He was one of those waiters that tries to wow you with their memorization skills by taking your order and not writing it down.. and then 5 minutes later come back to you to ask if you ordered a coke or something totally different than what you asked for. I mean really, is it that hard to write it down on a piece of paper? I don't want to tell you again. But that's a different story and this rant should belong in a Yelp equivalent of service people. Oh yeah, when I ordered my latte, I wish he had told me that there were 2 shots of espresso in it. I was totally wired the whole day making Monday morning unbearable... Overall, it's a pretty good brunch place and I'll definitely come back despite the frazzled service.
(4)Rafael A.
I would highly recommend trying their paninis, they are probably the best I've had in Cambridge. The atmosphere is really welcoming, and the waiters and waitresses have all been very polite and helpful with the menu. If I would have to write something bad about this place it would be that it gets kind of crowded at times. Other than that this place is amazing!
(5)Brad F.
I am soooo glad I came here because the breakfast I had here was one to remember. I ordered the "everything but the kitchen sink", which includes a belgium waffle, topped with ham, bacon, sausage, a poached egg, corned beef hash, and to top it off hollandaise sauce. I was absolutely blown away by its awesomeness!!!! Also, I got the banana bread french toast with the nutella.....YA go ahead and try to top that breakfast....I DARE YOU!
(5)Ryan S.
I've been there 4 times. Because it's so crowded I was only able to sit twice. Minus one star, they really can't help it. Otherwise extremely friendly and personable staff. Food was excellent (although I never deviated from the greek omelet, black coffee, and homefries). The live music has always been excellent, will go back. If you can't get in, go to the other place a few doors down...er... I remember a yellow store front.
(4)Emily T.
I went to Cafe Luna with 3 others for a late lunch (3pm) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The person taking names wrote ours town and insured us that he would find us on the tables nearby. However, after 20 minutes, we went to check in with him and he claimed he had called our name already. Well, we weren't far and we definitely didn't hear a thing. Luckily he seated us right away. The food was INCREDIBLE. So many delicious and unique options. 1 page of specials, another page of awesomeness, and I didn't even look at the regular menu. I got the S'Mac and Cheese (spicy mac and cheese with bacon) and it was amazing. Others got unique omelets that were great. Another person got the lemon ricotta pancakes which were to die for. All in all, food was fantastic. The only downfalls come from the service- waitstaff was REALLLLLLLY slow and not super responsive to refills. Coffees came at all different times and it took awhile to get condiments, etc. Also, $$$$ but worth the money in my opinion. Not looking forward to cooler weather when this place gets packed and has no outdoor seating!!
(4)Kylie B.
Ross and I went to Sunday brunch today. We had Lobster Eggs Benedict and Lemon Blueberry Stuffed French Toast. It was delicious! The place is small and was constantly full throughout our time there. There are four tables out front on the sidewalk for when its sunny. The waitress said the kitchen was slow, so they gave us complementary cinnamon buns that were absolutely worth any wait we endured (especially the entirely reasonable wait we actually encountered). The orange juice was fresh squeezed. The portions were perfect. The price ($30.00) was well worth how lovely the food was. Excellent and attentive service by Natalie even though she was busy. Bottom line: You might have to wait for brunch, but don't skip it. If you like sweet and citrus you can't go wrong with the Lemon Blueberry French Toast, but there are at least seven other types to tempt you. If you like lobster, the Eggs Benedict is an absolutely great way to enjoy it for breakfast. Fresh squeezed orange juice is a bit pricey at $3.00, but tasty. Go get brunch here! I think you'll be glad you did. I asked Ross, "Can we come back?" because I just have to try more stuff! ... He said, "Yes!"
(4)Jim D.
Free wireless. That's why I came to Cafe Luna on quiet sunny afternoon. And not to be bothered. I didn't even look at the food menu (shocking, I know). I ordered my mint mochas (which by the way were luscious!), took a seat in a private corner and proceeded to freeload on their wireless -- uninterrupted. Perfect. A comfy interior, convenient outside tables, a great assortment of hot and cold drinks and decent music playing are all I need to park my fanny and surf away. With none of the staff bothering me as I sat for a few leisure hours sucking up their internet, what's not to love about this place?!
(4)Iris M.
Cafe Luna no doubt has THE best brunch in Cambridge. Everything is fresh including the corned beef hash, which is really difficult to order from a restaurant and have it not be out of a can. Waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, sausages, etc. you can't really go wrong. Luna has a solid sandwich & salad menu with really good lentil soup and chili. Wine and beer are sold here. Smoothies are good and the hot chocolate is hands down the best you will ever have! The pastries in the front case are really good, although they don't always look as appealing as they taste. The reason I give Luna five stars is because of the spacey staff, wait time and lack of dinner options. The wait staff is really nice, but can be really spacey and take a while to fulfill simple requests. It's been the same way since the place opened. However, once you've been going there long enough, it just becomes part of the scene because the food outweighs everything. It's also really difficult to just walk in during the weekend to enjoy a meal. Now you have to call in advanced for brunch and they have a 10 minute hold. I miss the quieter days, but I'm happy that the business is doing well. The only good dinner option is the pizza, which isn't served everyday. The lasagna is flavorless. And I think I've tried something else, but it was just as flavorless and therefore, not memorable. Oh, and they used to serve the best gellato that I've ever tasted (better than anything you'll find in the North End or elsewhere), but problems with the freezer case and the new design caused them to get rid of it. I wish they still sold it. Cafe Luna = good for a scheduled brunch or laidback lunch.
(4)David M.
I'm pretty late to jump on the dogpile, but... this was the best breakfast/brunch I've had in years. And I'm not a breakfast person. Cherries jubilee waffles? YUM. Smoked salmon omelette? Righteous. And LOBSTER Eggs Benedict? Are you kidding me? I blew my entire calorie count for the week on one meal, but it was worth it. On a technical level, I have to point out that the omelette was fluffy, the waffles were amazingly light and delicious and the lobster was obviously real in the benedict. It was better than I could have done myself, which is my new standard. Only kink was the black coffee was only sorta OK, but thats one small thing. I'm a coffee snob, but it wasn't bad, just OK.
(5)Tiffany Z.
A terrific neighborhood café that really benefits from having a beautiful and spacious public plaza area with plenty of seating right outside their front door (especially during the warmer months). Their sandwiches and flatbread pizzas are tasty and the coffee drinks are as good as any in the area. The very friendly owners are typically always somewhere to be found. What makes this place really special though is the live music (typically jazz) emanating from their open windows and filling the plaza on select nights and weekend afternoons. My only complaint is that I wish they were open later at night (especially Sun/Mon when they close at 6 PM and Tues/Wed when they close at 9)!
(4)Hannalore T.
This is BY FAR one of my favorite breakfast place. I love to go on Sundays, Negative part, there is always a wait, but it it because it is THAT good, and its a small quaint place. It is all part of the atmosphere. There food is wonderful, It is a family team, Dad is the host, son is my favorite waiter, and the wife is the amazing cook! I have NEVER been dissapointed, and they always remember me, no matter how long it has been since I was last in there.
(5)Annie M.
I looovveee Sunday brunch! :) This cute cafe had a very cozy atmosphere and yummy food. Thanks Kenneth F. for taking me! Being a Sunday, it was quite crowded and we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table to open up. While I'm more of a sweet person and the boyfriend is more of savory, this place offered great choices in both. I was very impressed by the selection as well as their seasonal menu. We ended up ordering a french toast (half order) and an egg's benedict, and a side of rosemary potatoes to share. I thought the egg's benedict was good but the french toast was a little dry. The potatoes were well seasoned and made the perfect side. One of the coolest things I liked about this place was that you can order all their brunch entrees as a half order for half the price. That's freaking awesome and even more awesome for not overpricing you to do so. I definitely want to return and try some more dishes. :) Also while you wait for your food, they give you crayons and paper table cloth so you can draw on the table like kids again. Fun!
(4)Darlene R.
I waited several minutes to place a takeout order when there were relatively few people in the restaurant and no one in line. Seems like two of the cashiers/servers don't like each other and would rather ignore customers than help each other. Received first coffee immediately (1st server), second coffee order was wrong and needed to be re-made (2nd server), and when I asked about my food order, was told, "Oh I don't cook, the kitchen will call your name." (2nd server). First, you don't need to cook a fruit cup, Second, I have nothing to do with your bad day and the appropriate response is, "Let me check on it for you"...even if you do nothing.
(2)Lauren B.
Simply amazing. Absolutely worth the typical hour wait for a table. Really great coffee and even better food. I have tried the lemon ricotta pancakes and the eggs benedict with fig, prosciutto, and arugula and I basically was still licking my plates when the servers came to clean up.
(5)Celin W.
Very impressive brunch - on the slightly pricey side, and yes seating is crowded, and yes go early or make a reservation if not end up waiting (I just chose to go early at 930am on Saturday, but I think this place is delicious. They also have blue bottle coffee and free refills so what's not to like? In my two visits (in two months) I've had: Lobster eggs benedict - generous portion of fresh lobster meat, yolky eggs benedict on a light english muffin. Side of fruit. French toast - light, fluffy, sweet, but not too sweet. Came with eggs and blueberries. Lemon ricotta pancakes - shout out for these because they are a lovely complement to a brunch that might be getting too sweet. Love the generous helping of fresh berries that were on top of the light and fluffy and lemon-y pancakes. Kitchen sink - a sweet waffle, two eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, potatoes, this dish can be slightly intimidating but very delicious
(4)Sean M.
For me, breakfast and brunch shops seem to always fall into one of four categories...diner food done poorly, diner food done well, sub-par to par creative dishes or memorable experiences. Cafe Luna must be placed in the memorable category. I ordered the salmon, bacon and avocado omelet which should be pretty standard and low-risk. To my great surprise, the omelet was not only prepared perfectly with the ingredients on the inside of the not-too-thick egg, but each ingredient presented independently and to perfection. She had the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet which performed equally as well. The fruit cup side was full of fresh blueberries and pineapple; and even the melon was fresh with a bit of crunch. Finished with a well-done New Orleans style iced coffee and the iced chai for her and we were happy to contribute to the yelp review for Cafe Luna. One word of warning...there is most times a wait and the climate reflects the day, so if you need an a/c place to cool down, this won't be it. Enjoy.
(4)Jess L.
An hr and a half wait. But well worth the wait. Avg $15-20 per person on the pricey side for breakfasts. Also they charge 20% minimum for party 5 or more. Friendly waiters and waitresses.
(4)Joseph L.
Let me start by saying wow! The food and the atmosphere was awesome. Reminded me of a little place back home. I had the jalapeño Mac and cheese with bacon and eggs and I added lobster for $6.00. I am impressed with how much lobster they added to it. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 only because they didn't warm up the lobster first-which was the only thing weird. All in all I truly recommend this place for brunch.
(4)Jasmine C.
The food here is fantastic, and I think that the appeal of this restaurant is the menu, in that the food offered is meant to fulfill anyone's Boston brunch dream. Lobster avocado omlette, lobster eggs benedict, and a full menu of sweet items such as stuffed french toast and pancakes etc. I ended up only ordering the yogurt and fruit bowl because I really wasn't hungry, but the tablecloth is paper and it's so fun just to draw on it and the fruit bowl was absolutely wonderful compared to other brunch places, whilst the service was fast and efficient. Please DEFINITELY make a reservation before you go, because otherwise the wait will be impossibly long. It's loud and there are a lot of people coming in and out, so be prepared for that as well.
(4)Marisa M.
The absolute best breakfast I've ever eaten! You'll want to get there a half hour before they open.
(5)Iris S.
Without a doubt my favorite brunch spot in the area. I've been to Cafe Luna around 5 times, and have yet to find something on the menu that disappoints. On the most recent visit, mom and I ordered the steak and lobster eggs benedict and the lemon ricotta pancakes. On its own, eggs Benedict is already one of the greatest creation known to man, but when you add steak and lobster on top, well, need I say more? The eggs benedict is adorned with a generous amount of steak/lobster meat as well as perfectly poached eggs. The lemon ricotta pancakes are super fluffy, not too sweet, and topped off with fresh berries. There is no way to leave Cafe Luna with an unhappy stomach. Just an additional note: Cafe Luna is on the pricier side, but portion sizes are HUGE. Also, it's a tiny place so arrive real early or expect to wait on weekends.
(5)Shir L.
I wish i was informed about this on weekdays... No honey bisquits No corn beef hash No lobster eggs benedict ONLY on weekdays could i get those dishes. Therefore settled for the usual New orleans iced coffee, Kitchen sink and Lobster omelette. Dishes were good and exactly as described but the food and service was limited.
(4)Lara S.
Great service, great food, but a long wait without a reservation! The lobster Benedict was amazing.
(4)Karin Y.
Favorite brunch place! I had heard about Cafe Luna for awhile before finally just deciding to go there early October, and wait in line (normally, I just go to wherever has the shortest line cuz I'm so hangry!!) - but luckily, my friend and I didn't have to stand around for too long before we were seated. At first, I'll be honest - I was a little annoyed because the place was SO small and my table was almost touching the party next to our's. I like a little more privacy when I'm out grabbing brunch, so that I can gossip and talk with my friend LOL. But once the food came out, none of that mattered because we were too busy eating and taking pictures of the food, to even talk. My friend and I ordered the French toast, Jalapeno Mac n Cheese, and Spinach tomato and cheese egg benedict on biscuit. The jalapeno mac and cheese was SO delicious - the poached eggs on top was different (and normally I don't eat eggs), but I was able to finish the whole plate with my friend. The eggs benedict -- this was my first time EVER eating benedict (like I said before, I didn't like eggs) -- became my new favorite brunch food.
(4)Elica F.
Why do people give good reviews to this restaurant? I dont understand! Super crowded and the food is pricy and not delicious at all!
(1)Ehsan A.
Food is not that good. You are not a customer there, your are a walking money for them. They just want you to finish your food and leave.
(1)Susanna L.
Great coffee. Loved their lobster eggs benedict. And you get to color on the table with crayons :) Just a little cramped inside. Is the kind of place where you have to pull your little 2-seater table out to squeeze/trap one person inside, and sit shoulder to shoulder with the others on the booth side.
(4)Joyce L.
Yes, Cafe Luna is extremely small, but that didn't stop me from having one of the best brunch experiences in Boston. It's always nerve-racking to try a new place, especially one that is so highly rated on yelp probably because I hate leaving disappointed. I cannot tell you how glad I was that Cafe Luna surpassed my expectations. When we walked in, I could tell there would be a wait because of how chaotic and cramped it was, so as soon as I saw 2 bar seats open up, I immediately asked if I could sit there and the host said to sit right down. Good sign. My sister and I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and the lobster roll eggs benedict. I thought the lobster + avocado + eggs + hollandaise sauce would be overwhelming and heavy, but it wasn't at all. It was a $20 dish and there was certainly $20 worth of lobster on my plate. So refreshing to see a small cafe not skimp on the meat, you know what I mean? I always get my eggs benedict with smoked salmon, but the lobster was a nice twist and I don't know if I can go back to having my smoked salmon after I've tried this! The pancakes were really good too - HUGE pancakes, but to be honest... nothing beats mistral's lemon poppyseed pancakes . I'm not a big pancake person, but these were pretty good. Not too tart, not too sweet. For my drink, I ordered the orange mimosa. It was massive and had a 70:30 ratio for champagne to OJ, which was automatically 2 thumbs up in my book. Lastly, Sandy made the experience a perfect one. Her purple hair - that was awesome in itself, but her personality and the occasional checkins to see how we were doing was the definition of good service. I like that we were able to pay via ipad/tablet, so the payment transaction was a quick one and we were able to leave as soon as we were ready. This gem of place is certainly worth the hype on yelp, people! Believe it
(5)Michelle L.
Came here last time on a Friday, ready to order the lobster eggs benedict, only to find out that they don't serve it on weekdays. Disappointed, I ordered the panini instead. My server was really helpful and accommodating despite me wanting a panini and an egg sunny side up haha. The latte was pretty awesome though. Service - Average. I called for a reservation on Wednesday for Friday. Upon arrival, a server told me they don't take reservations which left me confused. Maybe the person who took my call was new? Turns out they also only take reservations on weekends. The servers are all very attentive though. The place was a little smaller than I expected. My friend and I couldn't get up out of our seat until the place cleared up because it was just so busy! Do try to get the few seats near the window though, its a little more spacey and easier to maneuver. Oh there's also crayons for you to doodle on the paper table cloth which is such a cute idea!
(4)Stephanie L.
My two friends and I came here on Saturday for brunch about 11 am. It has a huge crowd! They do take reservations, but we didn't make them. We waited about 15 minutes. It was still cold outside so we all huddled inside together friends and strangers all together! The host was friendly and welcoming. We got a table and I ordered the Lemon Mascarpone pancakes which comes with fresh berries, lemon marmalade and mascarpone cheese. I thought I would need maple syrup too, but it was actually sweet enough. It was very yummy. My two friends got cappuccino drinks and it came with fancy frothy artwork. They got egg dishes which looked good. Our server was friendly and helped my friend pick the condiments for her egg dish. The customers are mostly young. Its lively and you can order alcoholic drinks too. The tables are covered with butcher paper and there's crayons at the table so you can doodle.
(5)Jon H.
First yelp review and there could not have been a better choice than to write about this place. Cafe Luna is just minutes away from Hmart and MIT with ample meter parking along mass ave. The feel of the cafe reminds me of a little diner. My gf and I ended up ordering two sides of sausage patties, side of scrambled eggs, lobster and avocado omelette, and chocolate waffles with fruit. Although the sausage patties were a little on the saltier side, this place still warrants 5 stars based on that lobster and avocado omelet. They also toast and butter up the bread for you. Just thinking about this place has me salivating for the dish I ordered; check the pics! I also ordered a blue bottle coffee iced mocha, which was definitely worth it.
(5)FoodUnit F.
First time here for lunch. I ordered the BLT on multigrain with chicken. The sandwich was very tasty and the bread seemed real fresh. I would order it again. Friendly wait staff. Clean bathroom means clean kitchen. They get 4 swords.
(4)Nicole O.
Since moving from Chicago a year ago, I have had an extremely difficult time finding a brunch spot that lives up to that of my favorite brunch spot, Toast. However, I think this place really lives up to my high expectations. As with all brunch spots, the seats fill up quickly and there is usually a long wait by 11 am; however, my friend and I were able to walk right up and find 2 seats at the bar. They have a great selection of mimosas and savory and sweet food items, additionally, they have a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free as well. They have great food for everyone and I will definitely be going back again.
(5)Camille B.
FACT: I have traveled the world in search of the holy grail of eggs benedict. FACT: I found the holy grail of eggs benedict at Cafe Luna. It's the Prosciutto with Roasted Fig Jam and Arugula. What a waste of money traveling the world was. FACT: The people who work here are the kindest you can find. I came with my arm in a sling once. The barista literally cut my food for me when she saw me struggling. Eventually the chef sliced up the entire plate of food so I could eat! I've only ever gotten help like that from my mom. FACT: I never bother getting eggs benedict anywhere else.
(5)Fiona H.
I've been trying to eat here for the longest time but it's always been crowded, so today was my first time trying. The food here is awesome! I ordered the buttermilk waffles and I have to say I've never had such a fluffy and soft waffle before. It came with some honey butter that i tried for the first time and it wss pretty delicious-- kind of like a smooth apple sauce taste. I also ordered a side of eggs and bacon. The eggs were garnished with some type of herb so it had an extra flavoring which was good and the bacon was cooked perfectly. For a drink I got a latte because I knew they did latte art and it was really beautiful. Overall, this place is cool. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars is for the amount of room in the place. Very small and a long wait. Easy to knock things over. Everything else was perfect so it's really too bad it doesn't have a larger space.
(4)Moha A.
Loved this place. Came here for valentines day with my sister, no reservations so we had to wait an hour but it ended up being 40 minutes until the bar seats opened up. Had their raspberry kiss cocktail which was strong but so pretty looking, it was perfect for valentines, For brunch, i got the eggs benedict with lobster which was good, but i realized im not the biggest fan of seafood with my breakfast food. Also got the waffles with berries and they were to die for. Had strawberry cream filling and great quantity too. Coffee is free refills and blue bottle so its really good. Overall, great experience. They have a lot of items on their menu so i cant wait to come back and try something else! It was and is def worth the wait.
(4)Audrey C.
OMG so delicious. Came here around 11 on a Sunday and the wait was about 45 minutes. We we went over to Toscaninis while we were waiting. The seating is pretty tight inside but it's definitely bearable. They give you crayons to play with at your table and it's pretty fun to play tic tac toe or something as you wait for your food. I had the prosciutto, arugula and fig jam Benedict and it was prob the best Benedict combo that I've ever had. The sweetness of the jam perfectly compliments the saltiness of the prosciutto and the egg was perfectly cooked. The home fries are also super delish, perfectly crispy on the outside with some herb flavor that's super good too. You can ask for ketchup on the side too. I definitely want to come back to try more of their menu.
(5)Nicky F.
The lobster and steak egg Benedict was amazing. We also tried the Nutella banana Belgian waffle, the waffle tasted great but I felt like they put in too much Nutella. I also ordered the soy milk white mocha and it tasted so good! It's a seasonal drink but you should definitely try it out. My friends and I went during the super bowl weekend so the wait was very long. We waited for an hour because they did not take reservation that weekend. The staffs were nice and everything tastes good!
(5)Mary T.
If you are going to get brunch here on the weekends, I suggest to make a reservation beforehand! My friends and I obviously learned the hard way. We waited for over an hour to get seated because we were not aware that we can make a reservation. The restaurant is small, but cozy. I like how they put a paper to cover the tables and have crayons on the table. I drew on the paper while we were waiting for our food. I can imagine kids would love to do this too! I always contemplate whether to get a savory or sweet dish for brunch, but that day I was thinking--why not both? Mainly it's because I couldn't resist! As I was waiting and waiting, I saw all of the beautiful dishes that came out from the kitchen--the eggs benedict...the omelet...the waffles...the fruit bowl... Wow! I wanted them all! My friends and I all ended up ordering eggs benedict and also an order of waffles to share! I got the lobster "roll" eggs benedict. It comes with lobster (duh) and avocado. I was hesitant at first to order this because I remember trying eggs benedict with avocado at a different restaurant and I did not like it. But this place made the eggs benedict just right! The eggs were poached just right. The yolk was still runny. As I cut into the egg for the first bite, the yolk slowly spilled over and coated the lobster meat. The avocado portion was just right to complement the lobster, eggs, and english muffin. The lobster meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was love at first bite! I finished every bite of it! I was full after that, but I still saved room for some waffles! The waffles came with fruits on top and the fruits definitely lighten the heaviness of the waffles. I thought the waffles were slightly overdone but they was still good! The waffles were more crunchy than I would have liked them though. Normally, I like a little crunch to it, but it should be soft and light. The service was overall really pretty good. Our server was really attentive. The host of the restaurant was really friendly as well. I believe I just found my favorite brunch place!
(4)Jane P.
Awesome place for a weekend brunch or weekday lunch. I've been here for both and have always had a great experience! I came here on a weekday around 11:00 and they were serving from both the breakfast and lunch menus. Everything on the menu sounded so delicious that it was hard to decide what I wanted. I had the lunch special ($12) where you have the option 2 of the following: half of a sandwich, salad or soup. I had half the turkey, brie and apple sandwich and the genovese salad w/ avocado. The 1/2 salad portion was pretty large and the sandwich was pretty hearty as well. Everything was very fresh (no wilted greens!) and clean. My friend ordered the steak and cheese sandwich and a cashew latte, which I took a sip of and was awesome! The cafe is pretty small so on weekends, expect to wait OR call ahead and make a reservation. I love that they have the reservation option since many popular brunch places do not because they know people are willing to wait for their brunch fix.
(5)Katy P.
Delicious food but I felt like I was in the middle of the kitchen. All of the conversation and stress that happens behind the scenes was right there playing out loudly in front of me. I've worked in restaurants so I understand that this is a part of the job but it is imperative to separate the stressful bustle of working the restaurant and the should be calm for those dining. Also, the background music did not fit the white table cloths and expensive salads. It was hard rock with heavy guitar, pretty unsettling.
(2)Donald D.
Went on a saturday morning for brunch. It was very good overall. I didn't particularly love at particular thing we got, but it was overall a great experience. The lobster eggs benedict was good, but I didn't love it (I think I just don't love that combo). I also tried some of the sweet things that my table-mates got, and they were all delicious. One person at my table misspoke when ordering (she wanted bananas AND strawberries but accidently asked for the bananas to be replaced by strawberries), and the waitstaff immediately fixed it, even when she insisted that it didn't need to be done. The service was great. Definitely make a reservation. Some people were waiting when we sat down and were still waiting when we left.
(5)Sam O.
Favorite weekend brunch place! They're less crowded on the weekdays but they only offer a quarter of what they offer on their weekend brunch menu. Love coming here with my boyfriend and we do one savory and one sweet dish. The savory is usually some type of eggs Benedict and the sweet is brioche French toast or waffles with fruits. The honey biscuits are delicious. I've never had trouble making a reservation by email (it's on their website). Just make sure to do it in advance :)
(5)Andrea L.
This place is basically the definition of 5 stars. As my uber-foodie mom kept repeating (loudly), it has "THE BEST BRUNCH EVERRRR!" The savory is amazing. The sweet is amazing. The portions are huge. The seats are crammed together and a little noisy, but I couldn't care less because the food is absurdly good. I have no idea how it is that good. But it is. The location is tiny and you need a reservation (potentially weeks in advance) for the weekend unless you want to wait for a very long time. Trust me, though, this is one brunch that is worth planning ahead for. So what are you waiting for? Put it on your calendar already!
(5)Andrew L.
To whoever the manager lady was that felt the need to reach over me as I was sitting near the front at Cafe Luna to check on coffee bag stock. Thanks for awkwardly reaching over me without a care, shifting my drink with your gritty hands and spilling it on the counter. Thanks for making me feel right at home. Sometimes the downtime service at cafes like this can be fabulous--this wasn't one of those days. Let's just say you could have taken extra measures to ensure I felt more like a customer, and less like a rug on the floor. The New Orleans Iced Coffee can stay though.
(3)Liz M.
What a place! Friendly service (efficient!) and great food. Highlights: - Blue Bottle Coffee (from SF) - we got cappuccinos - Goat cheese/butternut/avocado omelette - great! - Jalepeno Mac n Cheese - great! - Fig goat omelette - great! Will come back!
(5)Girl S.
I loved it!!! We will come back for sure. Service and food were top notch. The barista was a perfectionist. She knew her shit! The head server Brayden was a sweetheart and owner Matt added the icing on top.
(5)Joyce D.
Where's the fancy coffee? Found this place on...well, Yelp! Came here with the fam bam while on vacation. The reviews of this place are accurate! The food is amazing and worth the price. Let's see, we came here for Sunday brunch and the wait time was not that long. We waited for only 30 minutes, then again, we arrived at 1:30pm. So, if you do come in the morning for brunch, be sure to arrive early. Also, the smaller your party the easier it is to seat your party sooner. The bigger the party, the longer the wait. I cannot remember what we each ordered, but I do remember that the hazelnut coffee was really good. I was a but disappointed that there was not any fancy drawing in the foam, but hey, it's okay. The food made up for the lack of fanciness. The staff is very friendly and this place seems very hipster-ish. I love that it is small and very intimate. So cute! I love the paper table covering because they provide crayons for your to draw or write thank you notes on. This place seems very eco-friendly. Great customer service from the owner! A great place for brunch! Will definitely come back here when I visit!
(4)Liebling 3.
Great food and excellent service. That's all I can say. I highly recommend everyone to go there. Make reservation before you come. If not, it takes long time for you to wait.
(5)Stephany L.
Such an amazing place!! Although this cafe is small and you typically need a reservation on the weekend, it's worth it! The food is always hot and delicious. The biscuits with honey butter are a must! I also enjoy the hot caramel apple cider and the breakfast slider duo. I've been many times and have never had anything bad. The customer service Matt provides is superb! All of the staff are polite and knowledgable. Call and make reservations for brunch on the weekends. Now that I'm moving 4 blocks away, I will soon be a regular!
(5)Sheba V.
This place is always packed, but it is worth the wait! It can get pricey, but it is great for Sunday brunch. It's pretty small, but that may be why their service is wonderful. I had lobster with poached eggs and it just melted in my mouth. So, so, so good!
(5)Lauren V.
Best brunch in town! I had the Gorgonzola, pear and bacon omelette. I do not like Gorgonzola normally, but it was incredible! The manager/owner made us feel like were regulars and treated us to warm honey buns. Definitely coming back and hopefully soon.
(5)Farrah A.
Incredible service and delicious food! Had the Roasted Butternut Squash, Carmelized Onion Omelet...Yum! Owner brought over made to order Cinnamon Rolls and the Cookie Monster French Toast - To die for!
(5)Xin Z.
Despite the long lines at weekends, this is one of the best brunch places in Cambridge. Not only the signature brunch dishes are delicious, we also tried their sandwiches and salads, which were tentatively made and full of flavor as well. Very Nice!
(4)Kimberly S.
Service is great and the food is delicious! Servers are always friendly and accommodating.
(5)Vivian C.
The plan was to visit Cafe Luna for a quick dinner. In that, I was successful. I got in and out in under an hour with a bbq short rib and caramelized onion pizza $11 (day's special) sitting happily in my tummy. Service was friendly. The dinner crowd was sparse. The cafe was noticeably prepping for a catering order. Bathrooms were two individual unisex rooms - the one I visited was rich with toilet paper. Mastercard and Visa accepted. A couple of tables were available outside for those who enjoy that sort of thing. Free Wi-Fi.
(3)Morra Y.
We went there for brunch. I tried lobster and avocado omelet and latte. They were really good. Will come back for coffee and food though the service was mediocre.
(4)Sean S.
Many places you get good food or good service but few do you find both. Cafe Luna being on of those places. I couldn't ask for a better way to start off my Sunday morning... Ill be sure to stop back every week I'm in town from NY
(5)Nicole S.
Make a reservation!!! And you have to be ok with sitting uncomfortably close to the near by eaters. But it's worth it. I've eaten at cafe luna numerous times and the food never disappoints. So many options, and endless possibilities. And the people working here are always nice. That's saying something.
(4)Linh V.
Came here for a Saturday brunch bc they take reservations (made one the day of), which is great. The service, especially from the host, was also great. I got the lemon ricotta pancakes, which were good. The bf got the corn beef hash, which was just ok and a little small. However, the space is terrible--totally cramped. I had to get up 3 times to let ppl in and out and the tables are pretty much right on top of each other so chances are you're probably eating with another party. I realize they're accommodating demand, but it kinda kills a relaxing weekend meal. Plus, if you're sitting outside, ppl just kinda hover over you. I think the servers try to make up for it, but not enough that we'd go back. Bummer.
(3)Brittany H.
Pros: Coffee--amazing! Biscuits and honey--also amazing. It's as if they threw it on a griddle after bacon. Lobster eggs ben and omelets--just yes. Paper table clothes and crayons--you know you like it. Cons: Pricy but worth it. So, I've got nothing. If it's this good next time the rating is subject to change.
(4)Right Y.
Here on this Saturday morning. How the host is able to make you feel you are the only client in this place is beyond me, but he is successful. The home fries, lemon ricotta pancakes are the best I've had! The barista is no joke either!
(5)Mary M.
I would call and make reservations in advance. I feel like the staff couldn't handle seating everyone in a timely matter. Aside from that the lobster egg Benedict was amazing as well as the chocolate banana waffle. The lobster avocado omelette isn't something I would order again.
(3)Christina C.
This is by far my favorite brunch spot in Boston/Cambridge. Stellar food plus the most genuine customer service. GETTING IN Make a reservation if you want to come here for brunch and not wait 1-2 hours. Easier of course for smaller parties of 2-4 but the staff will try to squeeze you in and then seat you close to your time. On my most recent visit, Matt the owner walked out every few minutes while we were waiting to give us status on our table. He even offered to bring us coffee/tea while we sat outside! FOOD * I have come here twice for brunch. The first time, I ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict - to die for. Picture a generous portion of fresh lobster meat, asparagus, eggs poached just right (you can request whatever degree of firmness you fancy), a dash of hollandaise sauce that doesn't leave you with a stomach ache, on tasty English muffins. The dish comes with a handful of home fries (really potatoes). * I loved the Smoked Salmon, Bacon, and Avocado Omelet on my second visit. The smoked salmon tasted fresh and flaky while the avocado came in generous slices. I chose toast which came with the omelet and ate all three slices - an anomaly for me but the buttery toasted crunch was too good to refuse. * One friend ordered the Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Omelet which he raved about. I tried a bit and enjoyed the tart balsamic twist to the figs plus the fresh leaks. My other friend splurged on the S'Mac and Cheese with no regrets. She comes from the South so she knows good gourmet mac and cheese. * Sides: Try the biscuits with honey butter. Puts Krispy Kreme to shame. :P * Coffee: Lovely roasts. They do the authentic leaf swirls on lattes too. * Overall, portion sizes here are just right - not too big so that yo have room for dessert! SERVICE Matt is the best restaurant owner I know. He makes an effort to meet and remember his customers, makes food recommendations, offers samples, and makes you feel right at home. This is the Zappos experience taken up one notch!
(5)Denise C.
Ok so everyone has already spoken for the food. It is all very good. So I'm going to speak to something not food related. This was my first time at Cafe Luna and they have this awesome tablet payment system. The waiter drops a tablet about the size of an ipad mini and it allows you to split the bill by meal or by % of the bill and you can add the tip to your own bill with a short cut for 10-20% calculator. Then swipe your card, sign, opt for email or paper receipt and you're all set. So cool! This needs to be in every restaurant. I don't know how you would handle a cash payment but I'm assuming you would leave it at the table. Oh and the place is kid friendly..kinda. Tables are covered in paper and provided with crayons. Though if your kid is antsy there isn't room for them to waddle around.
(4)Richard S.
The quality is there, but the food was cold and the flavors were muted. For the price, they should have taken more care in execution. Unfortunate, since the great reviews got my fiancé and my hopes up. North street grill has much better eggs Benedict, and Deluxe Diner still has the best cornbeef hash. We won't be coming back.
(2)Scott S.
Best brunch and coffee in town! Creative and delicious. Awesome space
(5)Monica F.
It was freezing cold traversing the empty streets in the MIT area...and we dreadfully imagine the long walk we have to follow, guided by our blue ball on our Iphone Maps app... I was cheating as i multi-tasked switching over from the Maps app and the Yelp app..when the nearby coffee search listed Cafe Luna, appeared first on the list. And there we went..... Wow. What a wonderful save from the cold. The place was warm and cozy. It almost felt like Christmas with the lights, and the pile of snow covering the outside tables. We were greeted by the wonderful bar server, Kenneth, as we took a seat at the bar. The ambiance was very chill and there were probably only 12 to 15 tables in the cafe. The bar has beautiful arrangements of stacked brownie squares and pies that were ooooh so tempting to touch and scarf down. I also noticed a few beers on tap and bottles of wine at the bar. But as planned, we were there to get something to warm up our almost frozen used-to-California-weather bodies. The menu was posted on a chalkboard at the top of the bar. They do have a good selection of caffeine filled drinks, paninis, salads, sandwiches and other entrees. I decided to get the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Oh my. This is bloody ooh to the goodness, best fancy hot chocolate I've ever had. It is made with their own homemade caramel and hot cocoa, with a dash of organic sea salt. I definitely tasted the blast of salty and sweet in my first sip, and savoured every liquid traveling down my throat. Soooo Gooooood!!! the last sips were the best as all the salty goodness and the caramel glaze that settled at the bottom of the cup just flowed together and created the irresistable yummy flavor to my tastebuds This magic cup of goodness is part of their Specials. So definitely try it while they still have it....(However Kenneth said it might make it to their daily serves as it's a big HIT to the crowd) My friend ended up with the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and said it was like eating a spoonfull of Nutella. Who hates Nutella? Kenneth: if you're reading this..thanks for the chat! and So sorry we didn't make it to brunch! our waking times were pretty screwey...But we'll definitely see you when we come back to Boston!
(5)Ridhima S.
Cafe Luna is the best brunch place in the area, in my opinion. I've been there twice now and have not been disappointed. The wait can be very long (we called around noon and said the earliest reservation they had was for 2:30)-- SO CALL IN ADVANCE! But it is so worth the wait. Plus, they let you color on the table while you wait for your food! You cannot go to Cafe Luna and not try their honey butter biscuits. Seriously, they are absolutely amazing! The omelettes are delicious (especially the veggie one with butternut squash)! My favorite dishes are the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with berries and the nutella banana french toast. My friends enjoyed their lobster eggs benedict and corned beef hash. And don't forget to try their home fries!! It's rare to find TASTY home fries, and Cafe Luna does them right!
(5)NINI P.
Highly recommend the Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict, it's definitely LARGE enough for two people to split. My fiancé and I both have "eyes larger than our stomach" and ordered the Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict, Stuffed French Toast, and Breakfast Panini, with hash brown sides. Clearly, it was way too much food for two people, but totally worth it. I also highly recommend their chai latte and expressos. and make sure to make reservations for their weekend Brunch, it gets packed fast and the wait can get really really long.
(4)Sarah S.
Amazing brunch but I have the most experience with their catering. I order from the several times a week for my job in nearby Kendall Square. They are, by far, the most dependable and client focused caterer I have ever used ( and I have used a lot!) They put as much care in a sandwich lunch for 6 to a large social hour for 150 and they are always thinking of delicious new items! Their sandwiches are delicious, flatbread pizzas are amazing for a lunch ( paired with a salad) or as an appetizer. Their hot food is also amazing, spinach lasagna, chicken piccatta are delicious but the biggest hits are the brisket and the taco buffet. Teri ( chef and owner) could NOT be easier to work with. Cafe Luna makes my life at work a lot easier!
(5)Nish K.
As I mentioned in my profile Cafe Luna serves the only meal (brunch) or the last meal on Earth that I would like to eat before I die. I cannot get enough of this place and now since moving to Pittsburgh, I miss it even more. This is a small cafe, located in Central Square - a short walk from the T stop. I have been here for lunch, evening coffee and of course weekend brunch. It is recommended you make reservations (either in person or on the phone) for the weekend brunch - they do take them up to a month in advance. However, there might be a wait even then when you arrive due to the size of the place. The staff is super friendly - the owners are a couple - the husband works at the front of the house, while his wife manages the kitchen. I have to say they do a good job in running this place. The staff is super friendly and even though the place is packed for brunch, I have never felt rushed. They serve freshly squeezed orange juice (excellent) and a wide variety of coffees and specialty mochas. Most of the drinks can be read off the menu on the wall. As for the food, where do I start...... Notable items for me are: "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" sampler - this is a lot of food on a plate - waffles topped with corned beef hash (a must try), bacon, eggs, sausage, home fries. Steak and Lobster BLT Benedict - the lobster and steak are perfectly cooked and their hollandaise sauce is creamy and delicious. (Lobster Eggs Benedict is another good choice) Fig Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Omelet - this one is for the healthy food lovers that don't mind a little sweet and a little salty. And my favorite, the Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict - if you have never tried corned beef hash, this is where you try it. The eggs are poached perfectly on top of an English muffin to make an ultimate brunch item for me. If you like to end your brunch on a sweet note, I would recommend getting a side of the French toast (you can order half portion sizes) - the Blueberry Lemon and Nutella are the best IMO but you can't go wrong with any of the choices. There is plenty of street parking, outdoor seating in the summer, friendly staff, great food and the opportunity to hear local bands perform in the cafe - what more can you ask for!!!
(5)Alisa K.
One of the better brunch spots in a city sorely lacking in brunch pickins. The owner was extremely gracious and kind. My only gripe is apparently the chef is super picky and will refuse to make any modifications to a dish -- like say if you are vegetarian. Seems a little ridiculous to me that you can't just leave off the side of honkin pork, but I guess there are lots of alternative options. The line is pretty long though we were able to call in earlier the same morning (Saturday) and get a table around noon. Loved my berry stuffed French toast. Will definitely go back but won't expect to be substituting any dishes made with pork juice with tofu drippings.
(4)James O.
Welcome to one of Boston's brunch hot spots. Glad to say that the hype is well-deserved. It's got that mix of local charm, quality food, and superb staff that keeps people coming back. That being said, make a reservation. The space is small and I've heard of waits 1 hour or more. Ain't nobody got time for that. I don' think breakfast/brunch food should be too fussy and Cafe Luna delivers all the staples and a few surprises with gusto. It's all about great ingredients elevating simple dishes, which was perfectly showcased in the Spring Wrap I had on my last visit. A lightly grilled whole wheat wrap stuffed with cheddar cheese and seasonal veggies like asparagus and leeks. Paired with their home fries, an iced coffee, and good company - that's what Sundays are all about. Basically when I think of a nice casual brunch, I think of places like this. Reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere, and comforting food.
(4)Rasha B.
This review is for their weekend brunch. It was saturday and it was very busy. the wait time for 2 was almost 20-30 min which was worth it. the had a variety of typical brunch menu. I tried the lobster avocado omelette... It was delicious.. They severe blue bottle coffee which is one of my favorite coffee beans. I'm coming back to this place for sure...
(4)Lissa X.
I gave this place so many tries for lunch & breakfast. You would really have to have low standards to like this place. The food has no flavor. They only have a couple of soups & sandwiches that are decent but not worth the price though. Today, I decided to try their french toast. It was not french toast. It was like a heavy, sweet, disgusting cake. I also can't stand the female manager. Although she's weird & overbearingly nice with customers, she's very rude to her employees by reprimanding them in front of customers. One time, she was helping me and then she just walked away from me to yell at one of the employees. Today, her reprimanding & interrupting to the cashier took me like 10 minutes to get rung out for my to-go order. Don't think I want to go back to this place again.
(2)David A.
What a happenin' place! Very courteous wait-staff, great menu. I stopped by on Saturday during their brunch. This little place was packed with a 30-min table wait, but I got a counter seat right away. The menu features a varied selection of typical breakfast fare, along with a number of specialty items like lobster, steak, etc. On the waiter's suggestion, I tried the corned beef hash with poached eggs. Because I'm gluten-free, they substituted home fries for toast. The meal was delivered quickly. Everything was to order and great. I'll be back.
(5)Hansel B.
Came here for lunch about 3 times... my co-workers kept saying it was good so I gave it a try. Third time I ordered a panini, part of the chicken was completely raw. I'm not talking under cooked here, completely RAW! ( piece about the size of a thumb). The panini's are overpriced (most places in this area are) and I wasnt crazy about the place to begin with. After that experience, I've never been back. I go to Sola (the sister restaurant), they are overpriced as well, but at least the food isn't raw!
(2)Kaitlyn O.
Went there for brunch. It's good but its just so crowded and cramped that I can't give it full credit.
(3)Susanna W.
3.5 stars for food. We stopped by bright and earlyish Sunday morning for brunch. Lucky for us we arrived just as they were opening, and were seated promptly. AMBIANCE: Snug and cozy, Cafe Luna was all hustle and bustle Sunday morning. Tables were spaced fairly close to one another, making it quite easy to listen in on neighboring conversations. The walls are decorated with staff voted best table art drawings. SERVICE: Nothing to complain about here. Our waiter was friendly, and fairly easy to flag down. Plus he brought me a brand spankin' new black crayon with a nice sharp tip. FOOD: - Pumpkin stuffed french toast: Too soft for my taste. The texture just seemed wrong for french toast. There was no crispy chewiness to be found anywhere! Just a whole lot of slightly mushy brioche. The pumpkin spice flavor could have been taken up a notch as I also found it to be a bit bland. - Corned beef hash eggs benedict: Advertised as "addictive," this dish was quite good. I loved that the poached eggs had runny yolks and that they were sparing in the use of Hollandaise (not too rich). The corned beef hash was a little bit on the salty side. - Western home fries: Standard fare-- nice mix of ham, onions and bell peppers. Eggs were pretty tasteless... so the whole thing could've used a good dousing of ketchup and tabasco. OVERALL: We had a fun time creating our crayontastic table art piece ("Lobster Tea Party") and enjoyed sharing our food family style. However, we decided to stop by a day later to see if they would follow through on their promises to hang up our art... and they DID NOT! Minus points right there. :( Otherwise, arrive early if you don't want to wait for seating!
(3)Kathy M.
Brunch!! Fortunately, my gf and i got here at 9:55am and we were seated early as they opened at 10am and man, they got packed right away...and for good reason. Awesome selection of brunch items. I went for the nutella french toast which was really great and a mocha latte. Chocolate heaven! Service was great but the space was pretty tight as they got slammed pretty early. They also serve booze which is great! will def be back.
(4)Geoff c.
On a beautiful weekend, the wait was pretty long, but with a combination of a very nice manager, jazz band playing outside, and sunshine, waiting was not a problem. As with many gems in the area, seating is very limited so.. expect to wait, even with a reservation. The food is the reason for the mediocre rating. We were there for a brunch/lunch on Sunday. I ordered a sampler, which was described as a staff favorite, but I found the food to be quite plain and lacking. The bacon was overdone. The waffle was a bit dull. The ham and sausage were nothing worth noting. My friends' dishes were better than mine. But still nothing that I thought was spectacular. The biscuits and apple butter honey were, however, amazing. If I could choose one dish with which I would die, I think I've found it. Death by apple butter honey biscuits. ftw.
(3)Kelsey C.
For starters, get the Blueberry Italian Soda every time you come and you can't go wrong. I could taste sweet juicy blueberries in the syrup, and considering Café Luna offers more soda flavors than Bernie Bott's every flavor beans, I doubt you can go wrong. The Pumpkin Pie Stuffed French Toast was soft and gloriously gooey, but the toast obscured the more subtle spices of the pie. The Blueberry Lemon Stuffed French Toast, on the other hand was sweeter than I'm usually comfortable with due to the use of lemon curd instead of fresh lemon, but Café Luna really made it work. There's tons of different stuffings to choose from, and you have the option of getting two half-portions for the price of one. Now THAT is a holiday for the indecisive! The Omelet with goat cheese, sweet potato, and caramelized onion was a fabulous combination of ingredients that can't possibly go wrong. t I just wish all the ingredients had been distributed evenly throughout the omelet - those three things were absolutely explosive when combined. Bottom line: Cafe Luna is a must-try and a must-return. So sit down, sip your soda, stew over the scrumptious stuffed French toast, and stutter a simple toast to the chef, but never, ever, EVER add syrup to your toast.
(4)Meg N.
This place is amazing - if you are thinking about brunch somewhere near central square definitely go here. I've been a few times and made reservations - with reservations my wait has ranged from 0 - 10 mins which is not bad at all. The tables have table clothes and paper for coloring which is a very nice idea. They do have restrooms in the back which is convenient. I lean towards the more savory dishes and have tried eggs benedict and omelets - I do think I prefer the omelets more but probably personal preference. Definitely get the home fries - very flavorful. Also, I recommend the honey butter biscuits for a brunch appetizer. The coffee is wonderful - but the chai with an espresso shot - YUM. The food arrives quickly after you order which is nice because it takes me forever to decide after receiving the huge menu, and the service is fantastic. I agree with most other reviews - the owner really seems to enjoy working there and is a wonderful host. If you pay with a credit card they bring the machine over and you don't even have to calculate tip - just press the percentage and you're good to go - full and happy.
(5)Zulu Q.
People who know me well know that I hate sandwiches. This place has good sandwiches. That's not me lowering my standards and settling for mediocrity. Those sandwiches are actually rather good. (Of course, I order them without condiments).
(4)Tamara S.
The lobster avocado omelette was insanely delicious. The waffles also looked amazing, and I'll have to go back for them. It was a little on the pricey side, but the major downside was the wait - we managed to get in early because we were willing to take an outside seat in the cold that nobody wanted - but there was a *2* hour wait!! I don't think it's quite worth that - I might try going on a weekday and see if that helps.
(4)Eric F.
Solid (more or less) brunch fare, but a forgettable experience all things considered. Thank goodness I got there early, it was 10 minutes til opening and there were already 5 people in front of me. My friends and I did manage to get seated in a decent amount of time, but we ended up having to sit at the bar...comfy stools, but no hooks or space to put bags/coats. I appreciated the expansive list of options for every category including half orders and single or short stacks as it let me try both the Fresh Berry Stuffed French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes. The former was quite good, soft and fluffy albeit a bit cold. The pancake was small and, honestly, just marginally better than one made at home from some mix. It's a rare occurrence when I decide not to finish brunch despite still being hungry. My cappuccino was mediocre too - where's the foam art? On a more positive note, the staff's very friendly...just not very attentive. At least the host had the awareness to let us know that our food was on the way after a lengthy wait. As some others have mentioned, the atmosphere is indeed cramped and uncomfortable. So in a nutshell, good (but not great) French toast salvaged lackluster...well...everything else. Worth a one time try if you have a reservation, otherwise don't bother waiting more than a couple minutes for a table especially in the freezing weather.
(2)John B.
I recently had my first experience at Cafe Luna. Thanks to many Yelpers, I arrived at Cafe Luna 10 minutes before they opened on a Sunday morning. Even arriving early, my girlfriend and I were still subject to a wait. The manager kindly informed us that he would try to get us in but otherwise we may need to wait for a short period of time. He was very personable and up front and was eager to learn that it was our first time there. He made the wait much more pleasant than it could have been. Our lucked turned up as the people in front of us disappeared and we were able to get a table almost immediately. The hardest part about dining at Cafe Luna is not the wait, but rather what to select from their expansive menu. Being a rather picky breakfast eater, I found myself unsure of what I wanted to order, but eventually landed on the banana split french toast. It was the most decadent and creative breakfast meals I have had in a long time. My girlfriend ordered the grilled pear, bacon and gorgonzola omelet and she did not go wrong either. Those meals paired with a well brewed and artfully crafted cappuccino made for a great breakfast. In closing, if you are interested in their brunch, be smart and make a reservation. I know I will going forward. You make not like it if you do not like sitting close to people you do not know but the crowd is very excited to be there and people tend to be pretty friendly in those situations.
(5)Jenny D.
Delicious brunch! Get there early (before 10) to avoid a wait. We waited an hour but the food was well worth it. Amazing selection on brunch menu. Service was excellent also and the manager even brought free cinnamon rolls over. I had the lobster benedict and it was one of the best meals I had in my whole 4 month stay in Boston!
(5)Brett A.
Cool place for lunch. I've gotten many unique sandwiches and great soups here for a while now. I do recommend it! Their salads are pretty good too!! I've loved their greek salad, and chicken salad sandwich and their steak and cheese sandwich. All very tasty :)
(4)Monica B.
I was recently at Cafe Luna and loved, loved, loved the food! A few things you need to take into consideration: - The place is small, so don't expect to have much leg/table room. - Be prepared for a long wait unless you make a reservation, then you will wait but for much less time. - Be prepared to eat delicious food. We had Lobster Egg Benedict, Avocado Lobster omelet and Blueberry pancakes. EVERYTHING was delicious. I promise, you will have trouble deciding what to get. Everything sounds and looks delicious. We had a small problem at first, when the host tried to sit our party of three in a table for two. My friend pointed out the issue and the host was quick to find us a more satisfactory solution. We also received complimentary delicious cinnamon rolls. Nicely done. I will definitely go back to this place!
(5)Alan S.
I've been interested in trying this place for a very long time and finally was able to try it out with a group of friends on Friday morning. We had a group of 6 and it was nice to be able to make a reservation for brunch. The restaurant was at capacity but they had our table ready when we arrived. Only downside was that the temperatures were sky high and the restaurant did not have air conditioning. We were all sweaty when we left. Otherwise the food was fantastic. The menu was extensive and there were several alternatives to traditional breakfast items that I look forward to trying. One of my all time favorite breakfast items are lemon ricotta pancakes (I first had them when I was a server at the Four Seasons in Seattle) and was thrilled when I saw them on the Cafe Luna menu. These lived up to my high expectations. So light and moist compared to a traditional pancake. We also got a few orders of honey biscuits. Sweet and delicious .. wish I could have had a few more! My friends were very happy with their french toast, pancakes, and egg benedict choices. I look forward to trying their corned beef hash! Can't wait to come back.
(5)Katie O.
Absolutely delicious everything! Even the grilled cheese is delectable. Also, hands down the BEST hazelnut latte I've ever had. Will definitely go back.
(4)Fay F.
lobster egg benedict is classic and a must try. Atmosphere is casual. I always like to draw and Start imagining at the table of LunA!
(4)Elaine L.
We had to wait for 10-15 minutes even though we made a reservation. The manager (owner?) was very nice, so we had no problem waiting. I had fun drawing on the table while waiting for my food. And the Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict was so GOOOOOD! The table next to us ordered french toast and waffle and both looked very yummy. I will definitly come back and try the french toast soon!!
(5)Calvin Y.
French Toast -- Cafe Luna's French Toast was not bad -- it had a lot going for it -- fresh fruit, yummy whipped cream. Unfortunately as we were dining al fresco in the 90 degree heat (not by choice, but because the restaurant was packed), it was a lot harder to enjoy Cafe Luna in its full glory. Cafe Luna could make it a lot more enjoyable if they made sure we had iced water readily available -- oftentimes our glasses were empty and didn't get much service. It could be that we were dining right in front of the Indian restaurant, so were a little further away.
(3)jun k.
First of all, great food, great ambiance, GREAT service. and totally worked for a group for 11 people. I found this place through Yelp and I called to make a reservation and left a message. I called them a few days later and they said that a later time would be good for a reservation for such a large party. They called also to make sure that we would know that since everything is made to order and because it's smaller, that there might be some delays with the food and that they would be able to accomodate us during a non-busy hour (so 2pm). Well, as usual with groups, people dropped and added, and Cafe Luna was super gracious about the changes.. and even when we were there at 2, they were fixing tables around and we had to wait extra because the numbers kept changing. Also, they want EVERYONE WHO IS IN THE PARTY TO BE THERe.. so make sure you get there on time! The food was amazing.. and yeah, there were bits of delays, but that was okay. The service was great.. and I just loved everything about it. I'd definitely come again because the menu looked amazing and everyone's food looked great. Next time I want to get the french toast or a benny. This time around, I got an omelet, which was yummy.. what's interesting that I noticed is that with their omelets, they seem to make a generic "egg blanket" and then they fill it. Mine had prosciutto, goat cheese, and figs. Someone else had bacon, avocado, and salmon. But it wasn't necessarily cooked "into" the omelet. Loved their homefries too. I love brunches so I'm pretty picky so this was definitely a pleasant surprise WARNING: my coat/cardigan can't get the food smell out. :( I had to air them out all day outside. I'd suggest you wear something that's washable...
(5)Stephen T.
This place lives up to its reputation as one of the best places in Boston area to get brunch. Some awesome dishes include: - Surf n turf eggs benedict (eggs benedict with lobster and steak) - Mixed berry stuffed french toast - Smoked salmon, bacon, and avocado omelet - Smothered sausage and egg biscuit Everything tastes tremendously awesome. The eggs are well poached, the biscuits are fluffy and flaky. The sauces complement all the other ingredients quite well. So why not a five star rating? Getting in can be a hassle. On Sundays they open at 10. To get seated at any time between 10 and noon, you must either call ahead to make a reservation or come at least 15 before 10. By 10:30 the is usually an hour long line at the door. The other problem is the main guy doing the seating and reservations. He has a particular way of working and if anything deviates from his method, he has trouble recovering. This means if you change the number of your party or request to be seated inside instead of outside or vice versa, He doesn't quite wrap his head around it and you eventually get regulated to the back of his head. But overall, the food is worth the hassles if you can get in without the 1+ hour wait. My suggestion, if you get there and see a long line, just come back another day. They will still be there and the food will taste just as good as if you waited in the line.
(4)Samantha S.
The perfect cafe. Cozy interior, cheerful and laid-back waitstaff, and satisfying food, perfect for lunch/brunch. I had the Pompeii panini (moist grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, pesto), which was both delicious and perfectly constructed. The rosemary focaccia was an ideal base. A (huge) smoothie made a great accompaniment. Everyone seemed to be eating salads here, but I found the dressing on my side salad to be pretty bland. I also tasted the lentil soup (daily special), which was hearty without being heavy. It was also, surprisingly, vegetarian. Nice. The meatloaf sandwich was generous, but I thought the meatloaf itself needed more seasoning. When in need of refuge in Central Square, this should be high on your list.
(4)Cynthia L.
4.5 Stars for a Brunch-Out of Town Review - Lobster Eggs Benedict - Huge chunks of lobster with a perfectly done egg, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce. The muffin was super tough but everything else in this dish was amazing. - French Toast with Fresh Berries - Bf thought it was ok. Although this french toast was not as good as the one I had a The Paramount, I liked that all the berries were super ripe & juicy. - Hot Apple Cider (minus only because it came in a chipped and dirty cup) - Apple Cider Mimosa - Usually you can taste the champagne in a mimosa but this one tasted like straight apple cider. - Reservations Recommended. We made a reservations for 2 on a Saturday and got a seat next to the big bay windows. It also happened to be a nice day so they opened up the windows (plus!)...people lined up before the place opened. - Pricey - I'm not sure how much breakfast is supposed to cost but for 2 people, we spent almost $60...that hurts a little, especially for breakfast.
(4)Eliza F.
If heaven was a brunch place, it would taste like Cafe Luna. Their rotating menu of incredible and creative dishes is always made from the freshest ingredients. Not only do they have the most delicious brunch menu that I've seen in the Boston Area, it's easily the most delicious brunch menu I've ever seen. ...and I've been there multiple times. From exquisite Nutella French Toast, French Toast with cream and fresh strawberries, to perfectly done omlettes - This place is fab. Assume that you'll have to wait without a reservation and account for that, but know that it's worth the wait. The host runs a tight, well choreographed ship. (Yes, I know. I just mixed a metaphor.) On weekends, I highly recommend arriving 10 minutes before they open to get your name on the list OR making a reservation and having all of your party there on time. However, once your in - The service is friendly and extremely attentive. Even when I know they're slammed, I've never felt rushed. The seating is tight. It's good for groups of 2-4 people, but not more. Once it's warm, they do have outside seating too. If your wheelchair or scooter can fit into tight spots, it's fully accessible including the bathroom. Be warned though, there isn't much room to maneuver. Great for catching up with an old friend or taking your special someone out for a treat.
(5)Ladyjane S.
I really wasn't prepared to dish out a 5 star review for an overpriced brunch spot, but considering the amount of times I muttered "oh my god" during my meal, I think it's only fair. I loved my lemon berry waffle. Picture a perfectly cooked waffle topped with the freshest berries imaginable with a lemon compote and a dollop of marscapone. Oh. My. God. My dining companions loved their steak & eggs and corned beef hash benedict. I think you can get pretty much anything on the menu and it will be great. We were assured as soon as we sat down that everything was made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. I believe it. This is quality food done right. Not only is the food great, but the waitstaff are some of the happiest and friendliest people I've ever seen in a restaurant. Whatever happy pills they're taking, I want some. I really wish they had a bigger space but honestly, it is worth the wait. If you're going to be a crabbypants after waiting, you might want to wait until the warmer months to come here, and shorten the line for me while I'm shivering out in the cold waiting for my dose of happy.
(5)David P.
I've been here for both lunch and brunch. Brunch is to die for. The surf and turf eggs benedict is phenomenal - the poached eggs are always cooked to perfection. The omelets are also good but you can't go wrong with eggs benedict. The hazelnut latte is also really good. It's sweet but not overly sweet. If you want to go for brunch on the weekend, make sure to call the night before and get your name on their list. Or make sure you get there at least 10-15 minutes before they open to make sure you're first in line. If you're not first or second in line you're in for at least an hour wait. Also, keep your party small - aka four or less. They can occasionally fit 5 but then you better call ahead. For lunch the food is pretty good for a sandwich shop. I'm not a huge fan of sandwiches either way so it's pretty good but not the cheapest. For lunch, just walk up to the counter and order and then find a seat. If you are eating with someone, you may want to have someone save the seat while the other person orders. Cafe Luna also accepts LevelUp for payments. You get $2 off your first purchase and $10 once you spend $100.
(5)Mei l.
Not only their food are good. Their service are the best. I love everyone who works there. I had brunch there and the price is reasonable.
(5)Angela Q.
Cafe Luna is my favorite Brunch place in Boston. Word of warning, reserve early if you are planning to come here for Sunday brunch. The place is small and is a very popular destination for weekend brunch. My favorite is the Berry Stuffed French Toast. I wish I could eat it every day. AMAZING!!
(5)Jennifer B.
Delicious. We went for brunch. They have such a unique menu plus a seasonal menu that changes every month. You know a place is good when you want to order and are deciding between 6 different things. My boyfriend ordered the pear and Gorgonzola omelette and I ordered everything but the sink. Everything was super tasty
(5)Joyce T.
Pros: 1. Lemon curd pancakes with fresh berries: light, fluffy amazingness. I actually liked this more than the omelet and I'm usually a savory breakfast person! 2. Coolest "check" app ever where each party can select their dishes and pay separately. Awesome! 3. Service: We made reservations so as soon as my 3rd person got there, they seated us promptly. Server was great. 4. Outdoor seating on a 90 degree day was actually not that bad with the breeze. About 10 degrees cooler and it would have been perfect! But unfortunately, weather is not under the jurisdiction of Cafe Luna. Middle ground: 1. Fig proscuitto omelet: Goat cheese was not spread out so a lot of the omelet tasted a bit dry until I uncovered my omelet to spread the goat cheese love. Interesting sweet-savory taste. 2. Chai: Well, it was 90 degrees out so the ice melted pretty fast and diluted the chai. I'd like to taste the chai hot sometime this fall and evaluate again. Cons: 1. Potatoes: Too crisy, like rocks and half of them too hard to eat. The pancakes made up for that, though.
(4)Kelly S.
My fiancé read several good reviews about brunch here and made reservations for us this past Saturday morning. As we walked into the restaurant a little before 9:30 (not realizing they didn't open until 9:30) we were looked at with disgust by all the employees prepping for the morning. We were rudely told the restaurant isn't open yet. This wouldn't have been a big deal and we wouldn't have minded sitting outside until they opened (it was our fault we arrived a little early), but the condescending tone and looks really made us feel unwelcomed. I turned around and walked outside to wait while my fiancé stated that we had 9:30 reservations, apologized for coming in early and asked if he could quickly use the restroom. One of the servers said "umm... I guess so." As I'm sitting outside I hear a lady screaming through all the open front windows "who let that guy in here to use the bathroom?!" And started causing a scene. After feeling really uncomfortable my fiancé walked back in and canceled the reservations and we walked down to Flour for breakfast, much better choice. I worked in the restaurant industry for years and I would never treat guests like that. WILL NEVER GO BACK!!!
(1)lizzie b.
I went here recently for brunch and loved it! The lemon ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy with just enough sweetness. Highly recommend! My friend enjoyed her gorgonzola pear omelette. Just wish there was some complimentary bread. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Erica Z.
I love brunch here! It's always crowded since it's so small, but I don't mind waiting outside in the summer when I forget to make a reservation. The hostess & servers are SO friendly. I've had a few different things from the menu, and they're always delicious. The biscuits w/ honey butter are the best things I have ever tasted. Mimosas & lattes also tasty. Inside is crowded but cute & there's nice outdoor seating in the summer. I've stopped in a few times at night for a hot beverage, and there's always a nice sized crowd of couples & friends.
(5)Rob Y.
Food (9.5/10) = I want to kidnap these people, take them back with me to Shreveport, LA, and force them to open up a Cafe Luna. My friends and I arrived at Cafe Luna on a Saturday at 10 am (when they open), and there was already a line at the door. Incredible. A sign that the food was going to be absolutely delicious. Indeed it was! We ordered the following: 1) Hazelnut Cafe Latte = This was amazing. I got the medium, but should've gotten the large. Several yelpers have posted pictures of the art that these guys do to their drinks. It's beautiful. It's delicious. It's....I don't know what else to say. Go try it! 2) French Toast with Nutella and Bananas = If there was a place to worship the French Toast Gods...it's right here at Cafe Luna. The French Toast has been mentioned several times by Yelpers, and there is damn good reason for it. If you could only order ONE thing from this place, it has to be the french toast. If you don't try this...we can't be friends. 3) Omelette with Figs, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese, served with home fries = When I saw this on the menu, I couldn't let it go. I already had the french toast in mind, and did not want to spend more money on brunch. In the end, I'm glad I did (since I don't have these kind of things in Shreveport, LA). There was the sweetness coming from the figs. There was the saltiness from the prosciutto. There was the creaminess from the cheese. A wonderful flavor profile! 4) Waffles with Bananas and Chocolate = The waffles were good, but nothing special. I'm talking about the regular waffles. No idea how good their Belgium waffles are. 5) Omelette with Lobster and Avocado, served with home fries = My friend got this dish. Lobster and avocado go well together in my opinion, and they also work with eggs. I enjoyed the fig/prosciutto/goat cheese omelette more though. Ambiance (8.0/10) = A really nice establishment in Cambridge. Several tables outside. Service (8.5/10) = Servers were attentive. No complaints. It took a while for the food to get out, but I soon forgot about the wait after tasting the food. Overall Opinion = Would I come back to this place the next time I visit Boston? Hell yea! It's a sure thing. Going straight for their french toast. If you live in Boston and haven't tried this place,....what the hell are you doing?! There is no excuse!
(5)Eric M.
This has to be one of the best places to eat, hands down. I've been venturing to Central Square for a few years solely for this place. The food is incredible, the prices are good, the owners are awesome, plus you get to color on the tables! What more could you ask for? I bring all my friends and out of town guests here because its worth it. The weekend brunch is easily one of the best around. You have to try the Lobster Eggs Benedict OR the Nutella & Banana stuffed French Toast. No syrup necessary and it's still moist and quite delicious.
(5)Alex K.
Lemon Ricotta pancakes are literally the most delicious thing I have ever had!!! Perfectly balanced flavor, light and fluffy! Their prosciutto and fig jam eggs Benedict are also awesome! Totally worth the ridiculous wait!
(5)Jaimie M.
This place makes a mean salad! I love the salads with goat cheese and dried cranberries. Absolutely delicious. The bread that comes with it is also perfect, and I love the big, wooden bowls they're served in. Also makes a mean iced chai.
(4)Steven W.
I have been hearing the buzz about Café Luna so on Sunday January 25th my wife and I went-and all we can say is that it was everything we heard and SO MUCH MORE. I had the Lobster Eggs Benedict and my wife had the Fruit Stuffed Waffle; both were amazing! However while the food was fantastic, it was the staff that will have us coming back and spreading the word about Café Luna. My wife and I eat out 6 days a week so we have seen our share of good service as well as bad. For such a small restaurant there are 3 wait staff along with a food runner and two back servers, and mind you, I am not even mentioning the owner and the host-all running and working excellently well together in a tiny space that was packed to the rafters with a line outside. As I mentioned, there were 3 wait staff, all of whom we were lucky enough to interact with. Every one of them outstanding, accommodating and most pleasant of all-FUNNY!! Kudos to the owners Matt and Teri for not only having enough talent to create a restaurant and menu to be proud of but the foresight to hire a wait staff to keep people coming back and looking for them by name: Bradon, Sandy and Marie. Well done Café Luna.
(5)Lia B.
I came here with four of my friends, and I'm excited to come back. I wasn't too hungry, so I got a cup of soup, white chicken chili. It came with a french baguette that was perfectly crispy and delicious. I also got the pumpkin chocolate chip bread pudding, which was good, though not mind-blowing. It was also quite a large portion. The best part, though, is getting to color on the tablecloths.
(4)Erin R.
This place isn't innovative, but completely necessary. The latte was hot and fantastically decorated with a foam leaf. The Belgium waffle was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and had just a hint of vanilla. Also, the fruit was fresh and juicy. The only thing I didn't love was sitting elbow-to-elbow with college students who did nothing but gossip about their friends and hook-ups. I thought MIT students were a bit more intellectual... turns out, no. Choosy Eaters Certified
(3)Shalin D.
Even though Cafe Luna has a strip-mall feel to it, you feel like you're in an out of way restaurant, munching on some solid lunch food. Case in point: on a late Thursday afternoon, I and a friend ordered up some sandwiches and a pint of beer. I ordered the turkey, brie, and apple sandwich. A good choice: fresh bread with all the right textures (creamy from the brie, chewy from the turkey, and crispy from the apple). And the beer was a nice complement to the sandwich - a good way to relax on one of the last sunny days in Boston for a while.
(4)Julia Z.
Went there for brunch on a Saturday; it was overly crowded but service was warm and friendly. They worked very hard to meet everyone's need and even made a Green Tea Latte for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Brunch menu was creative and their corn beef hash browns were phenomenal. Its a must try breakfast place and highly recommended!
(4)Helen V.
I hate to deliver the unpopular decision, but I'll have to... It was Sunday afternoon, bustling with the brunch crowd. The weather was glorious and of course, the seating spilled outside the restaurant. Trusting Yelp after reading many reviews and after drooling at the posted pictures, I decided this is where our group should satisfy our taste buds. We walk up to the location and notice plenty of people sitting on the concrete benches waiting for what seemed like a 20 person seater restaurant. There is, what seems to be, a host standing just outside the door by a utensil cart. He seemed a bit idle in the midst of the chaos inside. I ask him how long the wait will be and he responds uncertain that it is an hour. Ok, we leave, dawdle around Mass Ave., and I return as the boys are getting the last minutes of the Spain vs Italy game. This time, there seemed to be no wait and more of a calm. The 'host' couldn't tell me how long we would have to wait and kept insisting that I wait for the manager to tell me the estimated wait time. Time passes by...and by...and by...the 'host' tells me that the manager is almost coming out and that it is busy... So I wait...I catch a glimpse of the manager near the door, chatting for another 5 minutes with customers...I think to myself, once he's done, he'll pop out and tell me quick, then get back to his duties. Nope...he finishes his convo and turns away into the restaurant abyss. So, I wait,...another couple waits with me. I give them my account of the waiting game I've played and the woman goes in requesting that we be spoken to. Another minute or two, the manager comes out with a 'Oh, what can I do?'...I tell him that I've been waiting for 15 minutes...he says something to the extent to imply that I lied... I leave...and am dragged back in 15 minutes... The boys really want to grab brunch there, since the crowd seemed to say something about the quality. My bf tries to grab us seats once again...And even him, more patient than I, was not even spoken to for another 5-10 minutes. He noticed the manager not even acknowledging him or others waiting at the door..., the staff were not bustling about as the restaurant had been, rather just gabbing in a group while patrons waited for some help. I wanted to like you Cafe Luna. I read reviews that the manager was nice and in turn, thought the service would be so.... I don't think I'll ever give you a cent and I'll definitely have to warn others of your rude behavior.
(1)Steven B.
Overall a good experience, the guy knew the RIGHT way to do a latte. None of that starbucks crap here folks! I had to take off 1 star, though because my server refused to "hook it up" even after asking politely!
(4)Emily W.
Cafe Luna is unparalleled in breakfast/brunch fare! The wait might be a little long, especially for weekend brunch, but let me assure you, it is well worth the wait. Making reservations ahead of time will save you a little waiting time. (Although I will say, the one time we waited super long, the owner was super apologetic and gave us free, delicious cinnamon rolls! Such a nice guy.)
(5)Emily R.
just left this place...it was amazing. i ate everything on my plate ..which is rare for me. i had the "everything but the kitchen sink" and im obsessed! to top it off the service was amazing. the manager i think..was seating people and was so great..as was our server. make sure you get the orange juice..so good! this place was worth every penny and the short wait to be seated! ill be back very soooon!
(5)Katie I.
We decided to be brave and daring on a late Sunday morning and tried to get into brunch without a reservation. We got lucky, and got a table in the front window of Cafe Luna on the first shot. :) The host was very friendly and offered us a choice of which seats he had available in the cafe. We parked ourselves at a small table in the front window and waited for brunch to begin. If you like ecclectic coffee shops, delicious breakfast foods, and lattes made by artists, then please come to Cafe Luna. You will not be disappointed. The vanilla latte was fantastic. Not too sweet, not too dry - just right. could have stayed all day just for the coffee. My fella had the eggs benedict and I went with the lemon ricotta pancakes. Needless to say, we needed naps after we ate. The food was absolutely delicious. The pancakes were lighter than you would expect, and the flavors worked in perfect harmony. The eggs benedict were cooked perfectly as welll. I was hoping to snag more than one taste, but they were gone from his plate before I could even look up from mine. Cafe Luna is a must-have when you are in Cambridge. My only reason for not giving a full five stars is the amount of space in the cafe. It is a smaller space and they use every square foot of space in order to accomodate their patrons. I would not mind seeing them expand or open a second location. (hint hint...)
(4)Holly K.
I was sadly very disappointed with Café Luna. I was really excited to try the corn beef hash eggs benedict, two of my favorite things combined sounded pretty awesome! Unfortunately, that day they had roast beef has instead of corn beef hash, ummmm not the same thing. The waitress convinced me it was really good so I got it. It was not really good. It was okay, kind of bland and well roast beef. The eggs were cooked well but they slightly drizzled it with hollandaise sauce. I didn't want a drizzle of hollandaise sauce on my eggs and English muffin I wanted eggs benedict. It was just really disappointing all around, especially for $15.
(2)Cathy S.
This review is for brunch menu only. 1. The famous French toast: I got the stuffed berries french toast and i definitely misunderstood the name. By "stuffed" they mean no more than ten berries and a strawberry (maybe two). They did a good job presenting it though and check the photo you will see what i mean. The first few bites are actually pretty charming;the fruit is fresh and there are no heavy loads of syrupy attack. But after the limited amount of berries are consumed all you have on plate are soggy bread, which tastes bland and unpleasant on its own. I normally don't like sweeties, but at that point i craved for more sugar powder or whipped cream. 2. The pumpkin-spiced chai latte: now this is the item that brings down the rating to two stars. It is a cup of liquid sugar in essence. The pumpkin spice is definitely there, but boy all that sweetness paralyzed my taste instantly. If you enjoy eating Oreos piece after piece without stop, this is the drink for you. Cafe Luna gets seriously busy during weekend brunch hours. I was able to grab a seat at the bar inside, but i came out with kitchen smell all over me. It is a tiny little cafe with very limited seats, not so good ventilation and huge traffic. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for a quiet and mind-soothing dining spot i don't suggest this place.
(2)Moses S.
Let me save you guys the trouble of deciding what you want: corned-beef hash benedict... That is all
(5)Pear M.
Last weekend I visited Boston and thanks to my old college roommate, we got reservations for brunch at Cafe Luna. She told me that they had "the best French Toast you'll ever have." Bold statement imo! Among the seven of us, we decided to share 5 entrées so we could have a taste of a little bit of everything. On our table: - Pumpkin Pie Brioche French Toast - Belgian Waffles with Fresh Fruit - Lobster Eggs Benedict - Lobster-Avocado Omelet - Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs A mighty fine selection of goodies if you ask me! The best from that list was by far the French Toast. And now I have tasted the best French Toast I'll ever have. I hope I haven't tainted my taste buds for future brunches, but I probably have.. The pumpkin they used wasn't overwhelming at all, and tied perfectly with the fluffy brioche. YUM. Her statement wasn't bold, it was the truth. My next favorites were the omelet and the lobster Eggs Benedict. They were not stingy with their lobster chunks, and just had you asking for more. The waffles and corned beef hash were also good, but weren't stand out as compared to the other dishes. Lastly, I had a cup of gingerbread latte which I'll have to say is better at Starbucks. I, however, also go to try the pumpkin chai latte. IT WAS SO GOOD. Creamy and delicious. Cafe Luna unexpectedly turned me into a pumpkin lover on this day. I highly recommend it if you're there in Nov-Dec. I suspect it's a seasonal drink. I'll have to come back the next time I visit Boston! Now I know why this place has so many reviews.
(4)Sara B.
When it comes to brunch in Boston, Cafe Luna is the place to go! I have always had amazing and friendly service from the owner/manager on down to the wait staff. Sometimes the staff will bring cinnamon buns warm from the oven 'just because'. The brunch menu is very good and high quality. The space is small, but very cozy and lively. They put white paper on the tables and provide crayons so that you can doodle while you wait for your food. Overall, worth waiting for a spot on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning!
(5)Eric B.
This was the third time we had brunch at Cafe Luna and this place is my favorite. I had waffles with caramelized apples which is like have breakfast and desert at the same time. The first time I had waffles and wings on a Saturday and then came back on Sunday and had the same thing again. I would have had them again on this trip but they must have been a special and weren't available. There will be a wait but it is well worth it. The people working there are a lot of fun. You need to try this place!
(5)Emily T.
This place is a brunch heaven. I have been here several times and it is my go to spot for weekend brunch with a lover, friends, family you name it. The food is delicious and the people are great. Waffles come with the perfect combination of crunchy yet chewy. Their menu allows you to satisfy any breakfast desire you have. From the fresh and fruity pancakes and waffles with a beautiful assortment of berries and fruit to smoked salmon Benedict and vegan sausage chorizo egg scramble awesomeness (or chicken sausage if you're into that sort of thing). Coffee is great, lattes always made to perfection and mimosas are Very generous! Try the fall apple cider mimosa special. Delicious@
(5)Breun R.
Service was excellent. Food was even better! The "Everyting but te Kitchen Sink" Sampler is worth its weight in gold. Seriously, it's that good. I also sampled the Lemon Ricota Pancakes wit Fresh Berries and it was heavenly. The owner was very welcoming and ensured that we had a great visit. I now understand why there's a wait here. TIP: The restaurant is very small and cozy. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. However, I think it's worth the hour wait without one. I love their checkout process. It's quick and efficient. Swipe, Sign, and print receipt (or not). It's a 30 second process if that. This may be that best brunch I've had in the Boston area. Thanks for making me a new regular customer Cafe Luna!
(5)Joel F.
Blue Bottle coffee! Only place I've found it in Boston. Servers are very friendly.
(5)Kara H.
Cafe Luna is delicious, I deduct one star because I think it is a bit pricey for what you get. I've tried many of the brunch options and never had a bad experience, their sandwiches are also interesting (the thanksgiving sandwich is especially good!) The service is really good for how crowded this place is, and believe me this place is PACKED on the weekends. The nicest part is that they take reservations, so I would definitely make one before you go so you don't end up waiting 3 hours for a table.
(4)Charlie C.
Excellent brunch spot! Very attentive wait staff, great coffee and delicious eats. I had the lobster eggs Benedict - outstanding. My wife had the delicious lemon ricotta pancakes. Every member of our group raved about their choices - and we shared biscuits and waffles.
(5)Ellen A.
Went here yesterday afternoon, reservations at 1:15pm on a Saturday. The man that we checked in was swonderful from the very start. Checking in with us whenever he had a chance. Would have his eye on tables finishing up, check-in with tables finishing to see if they needed their check but without being invasive (but was reasonable esp since there was a number of people waiting). Even saw him clean-up a few tables. He was calm, yet in control. Couldn't of imagined a better way of being greeted at a busy, brunch venue. Also, food was great! Had the Fig, Prosciutto Benedict and my boyfriend got the Lobster benedict. Added joy in our day, the seasonal mimosas. One minor set back was our waiter lagged/prbly forgot about a drink order. Which is fine. Busy day. Tots get it, it's a weekend brunch day. But still, major plus on the host and the food! Thanks for a great afternoon brunch. Was worth every dime. Will def go again!
(5)Nhi N.
The wait at this restaurant is obscene! There were people who came in with a reservation and still had to wait. I'm not docking points because of the wait, I'm just surprised that the wait is that long for a restaurant that isn't that memorable. The brunch menu is admittedly quite exciting by description (pumpkin spice pancake, grilled pear & cheese omelet - if I recall correctly). My friend ordered a steak & omelet (she tends to go safe; and for a safe choice that's hard to mess up, it's ok, not spectacular). I ordered the lobster egg benedict. The eggs were poached perfectly, but the rest was alright. It was good, but I don't think I care enough to wait here. We waited 1 hour.
(3)Carrie P.
Lobster. Eggs. Benedict. The three most magical brunch words that you will ever hear. Unless you hear Goat. Cheese. Omelet. It was a bummer to wait outside in all the heat, and the place isn't very air conditioned, but it was definitely worth it. The manager, a very friendly gentleman, was accurate about our wait time, and the food made it completely worth the wait. Check out the menu. Seriously. Look it up. Right now. The variety is stunning, and everything sounds delicious. I never would have thought of Lobster Eggs Benedict, but it was delicious. Brunch places in Boston-area always have a long wait. The key is to either go early (pre 9am) or go late (post 2pm) to cut down on the wait. I would recommend this place on a cooler day, but hopefully not a cold day.
(4)Lauren D.
Cafe Luna has one of the best, if not the best, brunches in Cambridge. It is reasonably priced for the quality of the food and there are many scrumptious options. I highly recommend their fall specials. We had the pumpkin pie french toast and the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet. We also ordered a side of corned beef hash, which was some of the best corned beef hash I've ever had. Oh, and the lattes are beautiful and tasty. We tried the mint and the hazelnut. Both were exceptional. It's true the service is not perfect. On the one hand, they have a really cool check out system where you get your receipt and can pay and divide the check amongst your party. This is very efficient. On the other hand, they manage their reservations and waiting parties on a piece of paper. With the volume of customers they have on Sunday, they really need to invest in pagers. I was so happy we had a reservation because even with a reservation we waited 15 minutes. I thought the man in charge of seating every one did very well, but the magnitude of the job was too great for just a pen and paper. I also thought they could have someone (more people?) walking around to fill water glasses. Other than that, great experience and truly wonderful food. I feel no hesitancy in giving Cafe Luna five stars.
(5)Tia K.
This review is for their flat bread pizza! They tasted fresh and very tasty!!! We ordered the buffalo chicken pizza and margherita pizza and they're gone within seconds coz they were very delicious! I only wish that in general the service would have been faster (perhaps it was because we sat outside?). They mixed up our order, so we had to wait longer. The owner and waitress apologized to us (twice) for the mistake, so that was very kind of them. My friends who go there often have mentioned that you can't go wrong with anything that you order from Cafe Luna. I will certainly check out this place again the next time I visit Cambridge.
(4)Colin P.
Great food and service once we got in. I had the everything but the kitchen sink and my GF had brioche french toast with fresh fruit. Would recommend both and the americano was great! I am giving them a four star review simply because we got there when it opened, put our names down, and were told it would take 30-35 minutes to be seated. It ended up taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. For the record we were there on a Sunday morning at 10am so I imagine if we had gotten there 15 minutes earlier we would not have had to wait at all.
(4)Jae C.
Got lucky on a Sunday afternoon. They take rsvps on a clipboard and the wait seemed to be 45 min on average, but we were able to snag some seats as another group was a no-show. The brunch entrees are just so well done. We got their biscuits and honey butter to start. The biscuits were lightly grilled and had a lovely crumbly texture. The honey butter was just ridiculously good. I could've probably ate 10 of those but I had to hold back. I got the "everything but the..." entree and it was a waffle topped with ham, bacon and scrambled eggs--also came with corned beef hash on the side. They serve coffee using Blue Bottle beans and they did it justice in preparing it. Coffee is bottomless if you order but they don't really do a good job of refilling. The concept of the restaurant reminds me a bit of a Philadelphia spot called Sabrina's, if you've ever been.
(4)Christopher F.
I have gone to Cafe Luna on two occasions and overall would give this place a 3.5 stars based on the items I have had from them. The first time I came to Cafe Luna, I ordered the specialty meatloaf melt . The sandwich was very dry and and the combination of flavors did not mix well to me. Also, the meatloaf was very sweet--which could be from the ketchup commonly used for this dish, but I felt was a bit too much. The most recent occasion, I ordered the specialty steak and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was very good overall--thinly slice beef, caramelized onions and gooey cheese all complimenting each other. That was the good. So what was the bad? The sandwich was not on a baguette as advertised, instead on a panini bread, and was very very greasy. I do not think that steak and cheese sandwiches should be this greasy. ***Complaints about service*** Also, the service was a bit mediocre. I head my steak and cheese order being completed and the sandwich maker calling for a completed order. It wasn't until 5 minutes later that I received my sandwich. This practice is unacceptable because service was slow on this day and people had already been served! Second complaint was that my friend and I never received nor were asked whether we wanted water until we requested it--which was after we had been served food. Isn't the first rule when seating tables to give the customers utensils and ask them whether they wanted water? The decor and placement is very versatile-- good for enjoying food outside on a nice, sunny day but nice and enough spacing for dining indoors. Dare I say, a good place for a romantic lunch if the food wasn't so mediocre. Would've liked to try the breakfast that fellow Yelpers have been fussing about, but I do not think it's worth the money. Overall, the decor, location, and atmosphere is good for a quick lunch in an area dotted with nothing but mediocre restaurants. This place is good if you're stuck in that area-- but that is not saying much. Very mediocre all-around.
(3)Katie P.
Such delicious food, friendly waitstaff, and all in all an awesome experience! My boyfriend took me out to brunch at Cafe Luna this morning and it was delicious! I had the pear, bacon, and Gorgonzola omelette and it was delicious! Also had a mocha which was beautifully crafted and also delicious! We made a reservation this morning, arrived about 20 minutes early and were surprised to be seated right away! What a great morning, can't wait to go back.
(5)Jeff D.
Good food (especially if you love cheese/dairy) Get here early, this place is tiny and fills up quickly! Great personal service and seasonal menu.
(4)Josephine L.
If I'd reviewed Cafe Luna last year, it would have gotten 5 stars for sure. Great service, abundant, delicious food and best of all, wine-gelato floats! Sadly, they no longer have gelato and therefore do not serve the floats anymore. But much worse, the service has clearly deteriorated. My friends and I were forced to wait some 45 min for a table, even though for at least 15 of those minutes, a table for 4 was available right in front of us. The host told us we couldn't have it but no other party was seated there in the meantime. In fact, by the time we were seated, the table was still empty. Seriously, what gives? Our waiter was non-existent and didn't give us water when we asked for it (we were so thirsty!), nor our menus. It came down to "flag whoever you can". When we were done, our dishes weren't cleared and our empty water glasses were never filled--ugh! I know they were busy and I know they were packed. I would have happily adjusted my expectations accordingly if, throughout my brunch, I hadn't seen servers just hanging out at the counter chatting, male servers flirting with female servers, female servers giggling and flirting right back, all while orders sat on the counter not being delivered and diners (like us) sat famished and parched. I guess this is what happens when your entire staff are young, attractive twenty-somethings. Cafe Luna, you let me down in a big way. I've been coming to you for brunch since I moved to Boston and this ranks with some of my worst service experiences of all time.
(1)David M.
Come for the Brunch (expect a wait) but come back for the Lattes and drinks. We tried to leave here, after finding it was an hour wait... but after getting a bit misdirected by my Black Berry (I know, I need a droid) we found ourselves back at Luna and only 20 minutes left on our wait. The staff was very courteous and nimble in there navigating the people crowded into this tiny brunch mecca, making quips (what makes a dirty chai latte? Because its naughty, of course) weaving in and out with delicious looking and smelling foods and drinks, and never making you feel like you were a nuisance for wanting to crowd inside rather than waiting in the freezing cold. The manager moved a few tables around to get our party of four seated, while explaining that the tables of two, that were clearing out, weren't next to each other. Our drinks came quickly, which involved a few of the best Chair Latte's I have ever had, and a mexican hot chocolate that just a bit spicy, but not overwhelming. For food, we got the french toast, which involved very fresh berries and was great... but didn't hold a candle to the perfectly made Avacado and Lobster omelette. It went great with the home fries. The five star review, however, goes to the fact that we weren't rushed out the door. There was a list of people waiting, and at one point the manager brought this to our attention, but in the most polite way possible. He even looked a bit guilty when he saw our party finishing up our conversation in front of the restaurant before parting ways. No hard feelings, we really were taking our time there. So, it was a bit of a wait, but I think I'll be back for brunch. I know I'll be back to get a Latte from there (foamy, creamy and amazing)
(5)Theresa G.
Went to visit a friend in Cambridge for the weekend and she made a reservation for us for Brunch. Great, because the last time I visited they didn't take reservations and we could never bring ourselves to wait for hours. We arrived a little early and were seated right on time. There were 4 of us, and we each ordered something different and split 4 ways. Lobster Eggs Benedict: By far my favorite. I was sad I had to share. Plenty of lobster on it and it just tasted awesome. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Rich and fluffy at the same time. Love them. Lobster Avocado Omelet: This is my friend's favorite, but I'm not an omelet fan so I can't really comment. Banana Split French Toast: This was really tasty, but I probably wouldn't order it again. With so many other options on the menu I wasn't wowed by something that was mostly good because it was covered in chocolate. All in all, great food, and I'm so glad they take reservations now.
(5)Dondi D.
There were two of us who ate. One rated the food 3.5 another 4.5. We recommend the crabs eggs Benedict, but the home fries were average. Pancakes were very good. The service was good, we ate at bar so the wait was not long. The lady serving us was very efficient. Drinks were good as well. One of us had hot chocolate another latte, both were prepared well.
(4)Caitlin C.
Luna is an unbeatable neighborhood gem and undoubtedly my favorite Cambridge spot. Meals are cooked to order, the space drips with charm, and the menu is creative, seasonal, and lovingly crafted. The owner, Matt, has a lovely eye for detail and affectionately shepherds the hungry hordes who line up for the legendary weekend brunch. He'll occasionally stop to chat if he has a free second. The best part, of course, is the food. I've never had a miss yet: their chai is fantastic (even better dirty!), as are the beautifully presented lattes and fresh mimosas. The brunch menu offers a weekly dilemma: seasonal pumpkin french toast, a western omelette with thick-cut black forest ham, and pepper-dusted steak with perfectly poached eggs are frequent contenders. Their sandwiches are served on artisan bread next to lightly dressed green salads (try the vegetarian Florence grilled panini). The homemade chicken salad is another perennial favorite. I make it a point to steer visiting family and friends over to Luna whenever they're in town; the lines can get a bit long, but the owner is welcoming and uncannily good at fitting people in wherever possible. Warm weather means an open front patio, which is perfect for lazy people watching. There are also regular evening jazz performances--check their website for details. Tip: They'll take brunch reservations to the best of their ability; calling ahead may not guarantee you a table on the hour, but they'll accommodate you better and sooner if they know you're coming. Their liquor license doesn't allow hard liquor, so beer and wine are the only libations available.
(5)Jeremy P.
Great breakfast spot. Food is always good, great hash, and staff is friendly. Only downside is that they open too late.
(4)Gelsey B.
A great place to have supper! Tasty food and nice energetic staff! I wish they had longer hours.
(5)Taryn M.
Cafe Luna is one of my new favorite brunch places in Boston. As pretty much all the reviews indicate, the food is super tasty. I'm fairly convinced that anything you get will be good. I had a special french toast for January which was delicious and not overly sweet despite it being covered in oreo cookies and chocolate. I'm still not sure how they managed that but I was pleased by how well balanced it was. A friend ordered a steak and eggs which didn't look like anything special when it came out. However afterwards, she said that it was one of the best steak and eggs she's had which I thought was a pretty bold statement. For the indecisive person, Cafe Luna is great because they allow you to order half orders of any of their french toasts and pancakes by the cake (with the exception of their lemon ricotta pancakes). Coffee snobs like my husband also appreciate that Cafe Luna serves Blue Bottle coffee. It happens too often that a restaurant will excel in either food or service however Cafe Luna delivers on both fronts. It has been a long time since I've been as impressed by the service as I was at Cafe Luna. Everyone we interacted with was super friendly and helpful and it really made me want to go back very soon. Their payment system was also very cool (on some touch pad device with a credit card reader) which made it really easy to pay and split the bill between two parties. Some might argue it's a bit pricey for brunch but you just have to know that going in. Another thing to know is that if you walk in on a weekend without a reservation, expect a wait...perhaps a long wait of an hour or more depending on how large your party is. If you are not interested in waiting, I suggest making a reservation or doing take out. Either way, I would make sure you give Cafe Luna a try at some point because they serve some dang good food.
(5)Ari L.
There's a lot of talk about their brunch, but their normal lunch sandwiches are pretty good too. The Thanksgiving Turkey is exactly what it should be and the Pork Loin sandwich with bacon and pear is a great mix of flavors.
(5)Nathan C.
Went there on a crowded Sunday for brunch. It was worth the wait. French toast was sweet and tasty.
(4)Jennie C.
Thank the Presidents for Presidents' Day! Cafe Luna had a special for the weekend -- Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict: one had steak, the other was lobster. Too good to pass up! We didn't have reservations, but we were able to squeeze in (literally, I had my luggage to the airport with me) for 2. But definitely do reservations, it's no wonder why this place is so popular. The food was absolutely delicious, and if it wasn't for my stomach filling full, I would have gotten dessert or a sweet treat. I had the apple cider mimosa which was very good and my friend had the pumpkin spice latte. They have a wonderful, diverse drink selection, so drink up!
(5)Angela S.
Probably the best french toast I've ever had. ever. seriously. That is some fine brioche- Not so soft that it's kinda custard-y. The crust wasn't dry/gross like it normally is on brioche either. Also had the hash, which was awesome! My only complaint is that some bits of meat were rather dry like beef jerky. I also had a side of home fries... mmmmm tasty.
(4)Greg M.
This place was great! I woke up late and decided to give this place a try. Unfortunately I missed the breakfast and all the good reviews were about the breakfast, but I decided to stay anyway. The service was really good and the servers were really friendly. The people sitting next to us accidentally knocked over our water and the servers came running with towels to clean it up (thats dedication!) Service was fast as well. I ordered the Luna Panini and my girlfriend ordered the Ipanema panini. The Luna was really tasty with a nice pesto sauce. It had a ton of meat in it (which is unusual for paninis, but I very much appreciated it). The bread was crunch on the outside, but nice and soft on the inside. The chips that came with it were nothing special, but then again, they're just chips. Towards the end of my meal, the sandwich got a little salty, but I think it was due to their generous portions of meat which I'll take any day! The Ipanema panini was really good as well! Normally tuna melts are mixed with a ton of mayonnaise and things other than tuna. This sandwich actually had tuna in it and it was really good as well. The environment was really nice, but they mostly have tables for 2, so don't come with a big party. Best part is they give you crayons to draw on the table! I had a fun time with that and I saw most of the customers enjoying that as they waited for their food.
(4)Christopher G.
When you are as popular as Cafe Luna, you could say to hell with your customers. I've seen it happen. "Yeah, okay - you individual man with family are not important" This is not one of those places. The owner (I assume) was so friendly. Older guy who was there with his son (a waiter). The store opened a little late (due to open at 9:00, opened around 9:45) but who cares? Brunch didn't start until 10:00 and that is where the magic happened. Lobster eggs Benedict, Nutella stuffed French toast. My Gods man, that is the magic. My kind of place. My wife loves The Paramont, on beacon hill. I'm going to have to vote for Cafe Luna. I liked my breakfast kicked up, and this place does it. So thank you Mr. Luna, it was a great brunch!.
(4)Rebeccah M.
I've been here twice and have been quite pleased both times. Location is right around the corner from Tuscanini's and just a 5 min walk down Mass Ave from Central Sq. It's packed around lunch, but there are public tables and benches right outside as well as indoor seating. Everyone working there was very friendly and answered our questions with ease. The first time I was rocked OUT of this world by their Sweet Potato Sandwich with bacon. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten in my life. Not a bad deal for $9, including a side. My second time I got the same thing, but I was a bit disappointed- too high expectations I suppose. Proportions weren't working as well and I had to mash my sweet potato across the sandwich since it only covered one side (which I hate! poor sandwich planning!). The entire menu looks delicious though- even salads, which I almost never get as a meal. Drinks have been consistently good here though- I especially like their Frozen Pumpkin Spiced Chai and my friend raved about their Frozen Lemonade. A bit expensive in my opinion, but the taste is phenomenal, so it's worth it to splurge. I also find they have a good selection of alcohol for a cafe. Overall, a great place- hopefully our second time around was just an off day!
(4)Kenneth F.
Sometimes the key differentiating factor between restaurants is the SERVICE. It can make or break a business, and this cafe near Central Square is no exception. One thing I noticed was constant human interaction. We had a 10 minute wait to seat our table of four. However, he made sure to let us know exactly how much time we'd be waiting and even checked in with us again 5 minutes later to tell us that they were cleaning up the tables. Secondly, after ordering the corned beef hash eggs benedict, he made sure we weren't on a tight deadline and since the item was being prepared by hand, exactly how much time we'd have to wait for it.. Even after the dish came out, even thought it wasn't a long wait, the employees apologized for the delay - AND even gave us a tray of pretty amazing and fresh cinnabuns while we were waiting. Again, when they go above your expectations, that gives you the 5 (in my mind) On to the food. I'm a huge fan of savory over sweet for brunch - but whichever way you go, there's plenty of items that will get your salivary glands going. My friend and I split the Homemade Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict ($13) and the Steak and Eggs Burrito ($8). Both hit the spot - especially the home fries which accompanied the burrito. Make sure to check out the pics I put up as well. While this is traditionally a bit more than I would pay for brunch, again the service and taste was well worth it. Good job Cafe Luna! :)
(5)Anthony B.
We had an AMAZING breakfast there! The French Toast is out of this world, as is the Lobster Eggs Benedict (I believe it was a special). One odd thing to note, they open at 10am.
(5)Joe S.
Legitimately my favorite restaurant ever. The line is always out the door, but make a reservation and you'll be seated within a few minutes. It's become a tradition to hit up their weekend brunch, and if you throw a dart at the menu you should be very full and happy. Grab their biscuits with honey butter for an appetizer, and a mimosa+latte combo to get things started.
(5)Jana R.
Not only is the food is fantastic, but the service is amazing. Even when the place is packed, the host somehow finds the time to keep checking up on you and keep you updated. Cafe Luna packs the friendliness of a small-town cafe into a bustling city location. And the food, mmmmmmm. Everything I've tried has been delicious. I'm especially partial to the jalepeno mac and cheese and the waffles. The actually quality of the waffle itself are easily the best I've had.
(5)Lauren J.
Reasonably priced brunch, great service and excellent food. I had the open face breakfast sandwich and it was delicious. If you're thinking of putting the jalapeno cheese sauce on the side, don't. Its good - just try it.
(5)Kyla C.
Yummy sandwiches and soups but it took forever to get our check. The girl walked past our table a bunch of times and never brought it...not sure why. After we gave it to her with a credit card, she didn't run the card but the other guy ended up doing it. Not sure if something was going on or if she was just distracted but closing people out efficiently is important. Not bad overall though.
(4)Bryan R.
What an awesome Saturday brunch. Had to wait a few minutes past our reservation but it was interactive and friendly. Owner/manager (not sure?) was all over the place and making conversation. The house special strata was very complex and filling. Eggs and homefries across the table were equally good. Oh, and big points for offering 1/2 portions of pretty much everything. Our two meals alone were enough but just to get a little more stuffed we added 2 pieces of french toast and compote for $3.50. Also a nice way to try a few different things. The latte-to-go was not particularly good. Girl next to us had a scary laugh. It can get a bit noisy inside. That's about all I can say negatively about our experience. The food is great as is the value. Consider this another establishment I'd love to see picked up and planted somewhere near my apartment.
(5)KJ F.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Cafe Luna. The customer service is incredible, the owner bends over backwards to treat every customer like a regular. The food is incredible, service is always efficient even though the place is always packed. Now that they take reservations for brunch, things have only gotten better. I will be moving out of Central Square in Sept, and I will be sad not to be able to swing by for a cup of coffee on my way out the door...but I will keep going back for brunch and dinner. Thank you Cafe Luna!!
(5)Kelsey F.
While in Central Square this past weekend my friends and I were looking for the perfect brunch spot.....thanks to Yelp, we found it at Cafe Luna! It was about a half hour wait for 3 of us but was to be expected. It was a gorgeous fall day and we ended up sitting outside since they have a bunch of tables out there. We started with mimosas, bloody mary's made with sake, and a side of home fries. All delicious! The home fries were drizzled with a jalapeno, cheesy sauce and bacon - amazing. I got the omelette that was stuffed with sweet potatoes, carmelized onions, and goat cheese - so different but so so good. It was a tough choice because there were so many other things on the menu that looked equally as delectable (wow I found a new synonym for delicious!). I will definitely be back to try more!
(4)Anna L.
Cafe Luna was very good and very reasonably priced. We went for breakfast. I would say that making a reservation is a good idea (we did) as it was very crowded on a weekend morning. I'm not going to say the food was outstanding, but it was better than average and I would definitely go back. Space is tight, but we had good service, which was a complaint on many of the reviews.
(4)D. N.
Pretty decent brunch, but they are packing too many tables in there. The server was really nice about it, but she practically had to climb over the folks at the table next to ours in order to get to us!
(2)Suzana U.
Inexpensive And great brunch.. fast friendly service! It is not high end breakfast but a good breakfast and inexpensive and the reason for 4 star. I would give 5 star for places I would like to go back and miss it.. but this place is really good if you consider price and service. We live in NY now so we are spoiled with so many options but the prices in Boston seem more friendly as well!! We spent $30 for our brunch (2 breakfast meals and 2 drinks)
(4)Lisa M.
My husband and I are real "brunch" people and this is one of our go-to's. When they have it, the lobster eggs benedict is phenomenal - we were skeptical since lobster is so easily drowned out by anything it's paired with, making it not worth the price (most lobster ravioli I've tried would fall into this category). But was truly worth it - it was the brunch version of a lobster roll and we both loved every bite (we split it - so that we could also get French toast). Also wonderful: their French toast. They have various kinds and you can get a "half order" for just half the price, so you can mix and match instead of being limited to choosing just one. My husband's favorite is their mixed berries one - it's usually a "special." My favorite is the chocolate banana. They have excellent expresso drinks and I'd second the reviewer who said their iced chai is phenomenal. I once went there for lunch and my sandwich was amazing. It had tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil, pesto, and prosciutto, great bread. The sandwiches (paninis) my parents ordered were also excellent. I have to give 5 stars on the food, especially for the price. I don't doubt that others had problems with the service but that's never been an issue when we've gone.
(5)K P.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese omelette style. Hell yes.
(4)Samantha C.
Excellent experience! I had the lobster omelet, pumpkin spice chai, wild berry Bellini. Great service from beginning to end. Save to my list of favs.
(4)Mary H.
I had the best brunch here this morning. I mean I'm still happy from it now at 11:30 at night. I got the Sweet potato and goat cheese omelet with home fries and omg! If I could choose a last meal before dying I think that may be it. My other brunch cohorts also enjoyed their meals. I'm talking I wanted to die with each bite good! Not only was the food good, but the service was amazing as well. Despite it being busy our waiter sat down with us, answered all of our questions and gave suggestions. It made for a very enjoyable, relaxing experience. You can also make reservations which is a huge plus! I highly recommend this place. I'm already dreaming of the next time I get to go and try something else.
(5)LuluandDaquan B.
Seriously, this place has a major wait for brunch! We woke up extra early (9 AM) on Saturday to come here. We rolled in around 10:30 and got a table by the window, perfect spot to catch some sun during breakfast. We actually asked the host for food recommendations and picked the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Strawberries and the Corned Beef Hash with Steak and Eggs. While waiting for the food we took full advantage of the crayon and paper tablecloth and it definitely made waiting for the food so much better (I'm crazy impatient with food). Brunch was: hearty not heavy and pretty delicious! I wasn't in love with my pancakes but deep in my heart I know its me not the pancakes. Sometimes a girl just wants a salty breakfast with bacon ya know? But DQ really liked his Corned Beef with Steak deal, eating steak for breakfast really puts a smile on his face I guess. I just hope our waiter doesn't forget to fill up the empty water glasses next time!
(4)Eileen M.
Wow, this was some of the best service and food I've experienced in some time. We had a reservation (went for Easter weekend brunch on Saturday, there was a 2 hour wait!), showed up 5 minutes before and our table wasn't quite ready. They said it would be just a few minutes and apologized (even though we were early!). Probably waited a total of 3 minutes past our reservation time, were seated and given menus and water promptly. We ordered and were never left wanting for anything (two people came to refill water etc). Our food came surprisingly fast and was hot and DELICIOUS. I had the ricotta, goat cheese, and fig omelette and my boyfriend had the lobster and steak eggs Benedict special. Both were absolutely phenomenal. The menu was huge and full of too many appealing dishes, both sweet and savory. We were given great coffee (on the house!) and checked out on their tablet system, which is uber convenient. Will DEFINITELY be back here, I was so impressed.
(5)Azeem K.
Highly recommend this place. It's a bit pricey, but you will be satisfied. I loved the Greek omelet. I live right by here so I go all the time. Perfect for a nice brunch. The seating outside is great when the weather is good too.
(5)Annie Y.
I went here a year ago and have been meaning to post a review. First of all, the atmosphere here is very calm. I love it that they have crayons and scratch paper as tablecloth so that you can draw while you wait. It's like being a kid again :-). I had the lobster eggs benedict which was amazing - the lobster really came through and tasted fresh :-). About a month ago I went back and had a light dinner - their vegetable soup which was just as good and flavorful with lentils and carrots. The people there are super friendly and nice - just ask :-).
(5)Azalea K.
Hands-down best brunch in Central Square. Numerous tasty menu options, great environment (especially if its warm outside), and good service. Price is totally reasonable for what you get at Luna.
(5)Ariel A.
Very tasty for breakfast.
(5)Derek D.
Amazing brunch spot, omelettes are amazing, as is the coffee and the fresh juices, well worth a visit if you are in the area
(4)Brittany B.
I work in the area, so I dropped by for some takeout during lunch. Not only was every member of the staff helpful and friendly, but the food was great! I got the half salad, half soup--the lentil soup was awesome, the salad portion was huge. Will definitely be making this a part of my regular lunch rotation.
(5)Andy C.
My first review, and only thus far, but I think the owner deserves a 6/5 if that were possible. I was meeting some friends for brunch, and the waitstaff was incredibly courteous in extending our reservation 45 minutes to accommodate our delayed arrival. Not only that, but they held a table for five for us for over half an hour while we were ordering, and brought out free, fresh biscuits and cinnamon rolls for us in the process! The service was impeccable, the atmosphere friendly, and the food marvelous. I had no choice but to order the lobster eggs benedict, and they did not disappoint. I want to thank Tom and the entire staff at Cafe Luna for making my trip to Boston. I hope my job takes me back to the east coast so I can stop by for brunch at your place more often :)
(5)Piyali S.
Now I'm usually a pretty tough critic but why would you ever give this place anything less than 5 stars?? There's a reason the average wait without a reservation is an hour and a half to two hours: their brunch is so yummy! I got the crab cakes eggs benedict with potatoes which was a classically done benedict period. My friend Annie got the house specialty, the lobster eggs benedict which did not disappoint either. Because one entree is never quite enough (right? right?) and the never-ending dilemma between sweet and savory brunch continues, we also ordered the lemon-ricotta pancakes topped with fresh, in season blueberries. I don't even like lemon flavored desserts but I could probably eat this every day. Big yum here. The waiter didn't even judge us for ordering three entrees either; if he secretly was, he played it totally cool and suggested he bring it to us later as a dessert. This guy really got us. Because of the brunch wait, there can be large crowds, especially when the weather isn't as nice as it was this weekend, and the entire place can get quite stressy but psttttt....they take reservations and they're reasonably good about sticking to them despite the crowd.So make a reservation and get over there to enjoy some classics and lemon ricotta pancakes!
(5)Laura T.
Really enjoyed my meal at Cafe Luna. I loved our seat right in the huge open window. The waitstaff is extremely laid back, to the point that it would probably drive me nuts if I worked with them, but it definitely worked for the vibe of the restaurant. My turkey, brie, and apple sandwich was a great combo, and the sangria was sweet but not too sweet. The were nice enough to start serving lunch early just because I asked for it (When I had called earlier in the week, they said they served lunch all day on Sundays, so I must have gotten the wrong info). My one complaint is that they kept their pitchers of ice water in the sun outside which meant that they quickly turned into pitchers of lukewarm water. We asked for more ice but it melted immediately. Oh well, I just concentrated on the sangria!
(4)Marc S.
Firstly, thank you so much Yelp for making me discover Café Luna. The thing I prefer in the U.S is definitely the concept of Brunch, often imitated in Paris but never quite right. So that's what I'm going to write about in this review. After late Saturday nights (Well I mean till 2am. Oh, Cambridge/Boston, what have you done with your nightlife...) Café Luna was there on Sunday to help me get through the day with an amazing brunch. Yes, that's what brunch is made for in my book, eat some delicious food to wash the hungover away and chat about the events of last night. I've been there about 4 times in the last 2 months and always had a great experience. It's a really small restaurant with inside and outside tables, nice layout, very typical of what you would imagine a Brunch place to be. It's also very crowded because of the good reviews and nice location so if you have a big party you should probably make a reservation. I often go there around 2pm, there are still some people waiting in line but if I'm on my own I just sit at the bar and talk with the staff who is young and very friendly. The owner, who is the one responsible to sit the customers, is also really friendly and polite, you will feel at ease instantaneously. I really appreciated that last time he offered me a table outside even though I was by myself. So about the meals: It got me addicted to this place and excited to go back. I'm usually the type of person who finds in a menu maybe one or two thing he really wants to eat but at Café Luna I just wanted to try them all. I really recommend the Eggs Benedict Lobster (my favorite), Corned Beef Hash and the Three Eggs Omelet with lobster. I usually drink fresh orange juice there, so I did not explore the drinks area of Café Luna. Nice quantity but not too much either so you can enjoy the rest of your day without feeling like you ate too much. That's something that I need to underline because in the States sometimes the food amount is just out of control... And then I feel bad not eating everything, regretting it for days and days after (Yes I'm being dramatic right now). The food comes pretty fast after you ordered it, waiters are nice and ask frequently if you need anything, which is a good point as this place gets so busy and crowded. This way you don't have to yell for somebody to take your order. If I had to be very picky, and at this stage it would just mean being bitchy, I would say that Café Luna would really need two bathrooms, they currently just have one for both sexes, and a bigger space. But really, I think that the small dimensions of Café Luna are part of its charm. Oh and again, it's all about delicious food in a nice place with friendly people. That's perfect to me.
(5)Kendall H.
It's always expensive having brunch here only because the food is so good that it always tempts/lures you to order and eat more... its not even fair:( they have some sort of fetish with infusing and stuffing really tasty fruits into delicious sweet pancakes/french toasts/waffles and things of that sort in any way they possibly can... pretty much anything on the menu will be a home run. Specials on the weekends are off the charts, which is why i advise you never to go there because, as good as the service is, i hate anything that stands between me and sunday brunch at luna's! not pretentious, casual, friendly, tasty
(5)Stephanie L.
This is *not* a brunch review! I was wandering down the street from Central Square looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, whipped out my Yelp Ap and saw I was right in front of the 4 starred Luna! I peeked in the window and the abundance of tables for 2 (that could easily be combined for larger parties) appealed to me greatly as I'd be dining alone. I scanned the menu and my eyes immediately locked on the roasted butternut squash sandwich with goat cheese and caramelized onions. Wow, so many of my favorite things between two pieces of bread! I had to have it. To drink? A raspberry Italian soda went perfectly. I was all prepared for my dining alone experience, with a book in my bag and the iPhone charged up, but really didn't need it. I was entertained reading the menu board on the wall and my food came out in no time. The flavors were great together and with the accompanying salad I was satisfactorily stuffed to the point where I couldn't manage a slice of the very tempting pecan pie on the counter. The coffee selection looked wonderful, and I'd definitely come back another time for just a hot beverage and dessert. Being May 1 though, I find it a bit funny that the seasonal drink selections were highlighted with a chalk drawing of Rudolph and included gingerbread flavored beverages. I'd be interested to see what an updated list of seasonal flavors would look like.
(4)Josephine P.
I don't understand why Cafe Luna states: Mon. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tue-Wed. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thu-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. as their hours, yet on multiple occasions I have gone there (not on a holiday) and they have closed up to 2 hours before their posted hours of operations. There was no private party, they just felt like closing early. Good for them and that is the life, BUT PLEASE update your site if you are not going to stick to your schedule. It's just irresponsible as an establishment. I know this is petty but as a customer I don't want to keep getting disappointed if I plan a night to go there with friends- only to discover that they decided to close early... So annoying... we were excited to eat there all day. Update: Thanks for addressing the problem Cafe Luna! I appreciate it!
(4)Sarah P.
Brunch on a Saturday: The service here was excellent. The host was very vigilant about giving people wait times and seating people. I had reservations, actually, but the rest of my party had gotten trapped on Boston Common b/c of the Red Sox parade so I waited 30 minutes and then decided to grab a spot for the bar. I waited another 15 minutes for a spot to open up and the host got me a cup of coffee while waiting, which i thought was generous. The eggs benedict over ham with a side of asparagus was just lovely -- perfectly cooked and prepared. I passed by the kitchen where the poaching situation did actually look a little dodgy but that didn't stop me from enjoying the breakfast! I loved that they serve giant wine glasses full of mimosa instead of the usual champagne flute. I couldn't drink the whole thing! I left stuffed and happy. And the waiter was very considerate too. It is a very welcoming, friendly place with great food. I'd definitely recommend it for brunch.
(4)Sue P.
The brunch at Cafe Luna is the best I've ever had. No exaggeration. It's beautiful to look at! It's delicious to eat! It's detrimental to your waistline! It's probably the slowest service i've ever encountered! But it's totally, Totally, worth it.
(5)Silent S.
I'm reviewing the Saturday brunch...no comment on the lunch offerings, the sandwiches, etc. I'm an 82-year old living in a 28-year old's body. I hate standing in a line of my peers for weekend brunch. Granted, Cafe Luna is one of the few weekend brunches in Cambridge-Somerville that I might consider standing in line for, but even then, nope, not gonna do it. I'm grumpy, I'm impatient, and I'm tired. My work schedule gives me certain weekday mornings off, so being out and about among the hustle of weekend brunch humanity makes me especially angry. I'm always comparing it (unfavorably) to the happy lull of a quiet weekday morning breakfast. Stand in line for weekend brunch? No way. That's just me. So here's the deal: my sister-in-law wanted to take me out for my birthday last month, and she wanted to go to Saturday brunch in Cambridge. What does she do? She calls Cafe Luna and makes RESERVATION. What? A weekend brunch that takes reservation? Yes. We arrived five minutes early with one member of our party missing. There was a line out the door in the bitter cold - typical weekend brunch in Cambridge. Someone who must have been the manager was walking around greeting people, smiling, reassuring potential customers but forcefully enforcing the rules and logic of the line (I appreciate that). He told us we'd have to wait for the missing member of our party to arrive; she did arrive a few minutes late, and we were promptly seated. I was amazed. A weekend brunch that takes reservations, treats its customers humanely, and does it all efficiently. That alone wouldn't earn Cafe Luna five stars. The brunch was incredible. I ordered "everything but the kitchen sink," a menu item that allowed me to sample all their meats, their lovely citrusy hollandaise sauce (I love it when you can really taste the citrus), an egg, and a waffle. The corned beef hash was out of sight. The ham was perfect (I'm a ham snob). The waffle blew my mind. This particular dish didn't feature maple syrup, but the waffle was sweet enough on its own. My wife ordered the eggs benedict, which I tried and found delicious. I absolutely loved every part of this breakfast...and I'm not normally enthusiastic about breakfast fare. (One of the reasons I refuse to stand in line for brunch is that, normally, I don't like brunch all that much!) One complaint: our waiter, though excellent, didn't offer any coffee refills. The restaurant was PACKED, and although we felt comfortable and not crowded in, I think it affected the service. I'd generally deduct a star for an empty coffee mug, but everything else about Cafe Luna deserves five stars. What a great experience! I'm coming back.
(5)Jeffrey L.
I couldn't choose between 3 or 4 stars because the food was just average and the prices were high however I've never had the chance to try their renowned specials on the weekends, so I'll reserve my full review for the future.
(4)Joan X.
Great brunch place in the middle of Cambridge. Came here with a party of four & we were seated reasonably quickly, given the popularity of the restaurant. I split the lobster & avocado omelette and pumpkin french toast with a friend - separate, they were delicious, together, perfect complements! The omelette was respectably generous in lobster apportionment, and the french toast almost too decadent to be an entrée (pumpkin pie was actually wedged in between the slices of french toast). Overall, a heavily indulgent (though definitely worthwhile) meal. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Jim M.
Second update: Teri the owner really cares. I'm going to go back and try it again. I really appreciate my voice being heard. Update: Teri sent me a nice email. Very attentive. I am still disappointed with that day and previous experiences but at times they've been very good. 3 stars, I'll update again next time I visit. Consistently inconsistent. Sometimes good, but like today, not what I asked for. No I'm not walking 15 minutes back to get another. Bored staff in the morning is more interested in chatting with each other than communicating with the customer. Lindsey the manager is quite disinterested. Gentleman making the coffee (Nate?) is one bright spot. Cheap with their ingredients. There are better places, Flour being one. Don't waste your time.
(3)Greg C.
Best cinnamon buns on the planet! You must order some with your meal! By the way everything else on the menu is amazing and the service is too!
(5)Aboud Y.
A solid four stars. This is an excellent breakfast/brunch place that I can't believe eluded me for this long (considering how close it is to where I live). Thanks to my fellow Yelpers it didn't stay off my radar screen forever. Cafe Luna has an awesome menu consisting of various omelettes, Eggs Benedict concoctions, and dozens of pancake/waffle/french toast creations. Today I opted for the surf and turf Eggs Benedict (steak tips on one muffin, lobster on the other), I tried their pancakes, sausage, and biscuits with honey butter and everything was good to downright delicious. Outdoor seating is a big bonus when its nice out too. I will definitely be back...and with the size of their menu and summer kicking off in earnest , I'll probably be back with some frequency.
(4)Mai L.
Absolutely my favorite brunch place. Love their lobster eggs benedict. My boyfriend got the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, not my kind of thing but he loved it. So many other things on their menu I can't wait to try. LOVE that they take reservations, I wish I knew that earlier. Came in on a Saturday morning w/ my boyfriend and was told an hour wait. However, they were actually able to squeeze us in and we were given a table after only waiting 15 minutes. Speaking of "squeeze", it's a tight fit in there. Staff is cool and funny. Just wish parking was easier in that area.
(5)Emily R.
I'm a BIG fan of their sandwiches. so good and a great deal. Paninis run about $8.50 with tax for a sizeable sandwich & choice of salad or chips. I looove their bread...some of the best around. Everything tastes fresh and a bit higher quality than anywhere around. I've had the thanksgiving wrap several times, their big-bowl salads which are huge!, and some of the veggie paninis. Get anything with pesto-you'll be glad you did. I'm always too full for the amazing looking baked goods though. I look forward to trying everything else. They serve a great lunch crowd and it's always busy, especially on nice days to eat outside. Their counter help is efficient and friendly.
(4)Jeanne M.
This is the Brunch review only! Caveat: If you want to walk in somewhere on a Saturday/Sunday morning and get seated immediately, this place is probably not for you. However, if you can hang out on the sunny park space outside and chill in the spring air while you wait, this place is definitely worth the wait. A friend and I went on a Saturday morning, and ended up waiting about an hour and a half to get seated. We found out later that you can call ahead, and it will cut your wait time. The inside is small, and they have a great outdoor patio space. The food, OMG, the food. Once we were seated, we realized that we were starving. They kindly brought us some cinnamon rolls on the house (not sure why, except we are so cute) which were warm and delicious. We also order the honey biscuits as an appetizer (4 wonderful, grilled biscuits with honey butter). So warm and delicious! I got a fig, proscuitto and goat cheese omelet special, which was great, but they forgot the goat cheese. It was still good. I would never have thought to put fig into an omelet, but it was the perfect counterpart to the saltiness of the proscuitto. My friend got a Steak & Onion Breakfast Burrito which she also loved. She said it was basically a steak & cheese (like from philly) but with an egg added. She is a Philly girl, so she knows of which she speaks. One of the most important part of brunches for us is the mimosa option. They had an apple cider mimosa that came in a large wine glass, and topped with cinnamon spice. We each had two because they were so easy to drink and delicious. They also offered bellinis, and regular mimosas. I will definitely go again, but next time I am calling a few days ahead to get on the list! Give it a try!
(5)alison k.
got to add my 2 cents worth - as everyone says great staff, yummy food, good value . A very courteous manager who seems to just want things to be perfect with the dining experience. Free wi-fi. Not going to give it 5 stars because sometimes things arent labelled in the cabinet, like my husband (nut allergic) ordered a muffin, and to be honest it was a combination that could have nuts in it, but the flavour wasnt specified as being say cranberry walnut, the server just said cranberry. We should have asked, we usually do, but lukcily I realised there were nuts in it so all was ok. We went at the weekend and I see that htey now have a notice at the till saying full ingredients availible on request - that is really good. Brunch at the weekend, as usual was awesome! I am now actually going to go to meet hubbie there for lunch now!! SWEET!!!
(4)Julie B.
Shortly after moving to Cambridge a few years ago, I discovered Luna. It's a great spot and has that quintessential small cafe feel. If you're looking for a good weekend brunch spot, give Luna a try! They have a fantastic menu and in my opinion you really can't go wrong when it comes to the food. Recommended Food: * Iced Chai is phenomenal * French Toast (and other brunch items - you really can't go wrong!) * Amazing Leek & Asparagus Omelets Things to keep in mind: * They serve wine and beer! * They open up at 10 am for brunch - but get in line because they fill up quickly. * There is a lot of our door seating - in a court yard like area and they will serve you out there (just not alcohol) * Sometimes service can be a bit slow, so keep this in mind for a time when you want a leisurely breakfast. Support a small business & drink a latte!
(4)Dennis Y.
Great service. Really. I mean, s--t happens. But what's important is communication. If your waitress keeps coming back to tell you what's going on with your food in the kitchen and apologizing, despite the fact that we were waiting for almost 45 minutes for our brunch food to come, it's OK. No, really. It's OK. In the meantime, she kept our coffee mug filled up (so we were wired! yay!) and offered us pastries... She explained to us that there had been a mistake in the kitchen. I was very very very very hungry, annoyed, but not frustrated or pissed. Manager (or owner?) came, apologized, made sure that our waitress had told us what was going on. He promised that we would have the best EGG WHITE BREAKFAST BURRITO ever. He also offered us a dessert on the house. He was right, we were blown away by the EWBB. Fluffy, juicy, warm, it just sticks to the stomach. He said he was actually going to have an EWBB later himself. (Note: The breakfast burrito was on the menu but we request egg white.) Communication does matter.
(4)Inna H.
This place is very cozy and cute. And guys that work there are very nice, pleasant and helpful.
(4)Alicia N.
Not only is the food delicious but the staff is pretty nice too. I came here with a friend for lunch after what seems like decades of me rolling past thinking "man that place looks good I should probably go there" only to revert to old faithful lunch spot. I came here with a baby strapped to my chest via a contraption that allows limbs to flail and grab at will. I am not well versed in bringing children in public, I am a nanny and even after 8 years of doing it every child is different in eating establishments. She was an angel but even when she was wandering around our table at one point no employee gave me the stink eye which is much appreciated. The food is unique but not trying to be unique to the extent it just sounds gross. The prices are fair and the ice coffee is the way I always think it should be but for some reason most companies don't care what tastes good. All in all I may have to start taking trips out here!
(4)Azriel G.
I'm not sure why I did not write a review sooner, but this place gets my vote. Saturday jazz brunch is awesome--- at this point, the usual guitarist will play me the usual song when he sees that I'm there. Service, food, vibe-- For The Win. Only drawback is often spacing/seating, but it all adds to the charm. Highly recommended. I am a little worried, though, about what effects super popularity will have on the establishment, but we'll see.
(5)Laura C.
I have to say that what bumps Cafe Luna up to a 5-star experience is the staff. Yes, the food is beyond description in terms of yumminess. Yes, the live music gives a great ambiance. But the owners and a few staff members are customer service exemplified. My first time here was after the kitchen had closed on a random Thursday night in September 2008. The musicians were packing up and chairs were being placed on tables. My roommates and I walked in, tired and hungry from dancing at Middlesex. Instead of apologizing and turning us away we were asked to sit and order whatever we liked from the menu; they would happily serve us! Our waiter was playful & friendly - to the extent that a few weeks later, there for brunch with my mother, he remembered my name & the night we had come in! 3 thumbs up, absolutely
(5)Jordan M.
My girlfriend and I saw an opening in the crowd that usually congregates outside this local favorite brunch spot on the weekends and took it. We were immediately greeted by the owner who is super friendly and a few minutes later found ourselves at the bar counter with breakfast menus at ready. For any food establishment, I feel that the best place to be to get an overall sense and feel of a place is the counter and Cafe Luna outshone the lot. We quickly realized the business is family run as our waiter was the son of the owner. Both, the owner and his son, were more than helpful with showing us favorites in the menus (there were 3) since everything sounded so so good. My girlfriend got the butternut squash and goat cheese omelette which was great. I went for the "everything but the kitchen sink" sampler which was a little more difficult to conquer. I made it about 60% before I started shutting down. When the owner said "if you leave hungry let me know" [and I'll fix that] he wasn't kidding. He brought us a basket of biscuits to try - *delicious* with the honey butter (since he knew it was our first time there). The barista was super friendly as well and a master at pulling an espresso shot and foam art. With organic beans, a passionate chef, and super friendly service, all in the package of a family business, this place easily gets 5 stars.
(5)Victor P.
Great sandwiches, nice environment. I have been here about two times for lunch and fully enjoyed both times.
(4)kwala t.
I'm so spoiled. San Diego has dozens of independently-owned cafes with free wireless, tolerant staff, good music. Then I moved to Cambridge, and realized this wasn't the norm, but the exception. Since I make my own schedule as a grad student in research phase, I need a few reliable coffee shops to spice up the libraries where I usually spend my days. La Luna has become the go-to spot, the reliable and funky cafe with internet access, friendly staff and a mellow atmosphere for a couple hours (or more) of work. All the food is priced well, with many sandwich and salad options, and a whole case of gelato. I had a salad once - spinach with tomato and bacon - but don't really come here to eat. For me, by far the greatest treat at La Luna is their Chai. If you like chai, you need to try it here - they grind up all the yummy spices and flavors fresh, and mix with black tea and generously foamy milk, and it's like heaven in a glass. Even the iced chai is amazing - with soy milk, it's the closest thing to a chai shake you could get. One of the few things I crave, to be honest. Coffee's also good, and pastries look nice, too. It's never TOO crowded in the daytime, and if the weather's nice you can sit outside. My only complaints are not enough power outlets, and sometimes they don't clean the tables very quickly.
(4)Scott J.
Went there for Easter brunch with my wife and two daughters, (6 & 11). Not a great place for kids, but the service was fantastic, despite being very crowded. They were a little long in seating us, and in getting our food to us, but they did it with a smile, and that goes along way. The owner was helping out his staff and making sure all was taken care of. He wa phenomenal. It is worth going just to see how a busy restaurant should be run. As for the food, the Chocolate French Toast and the French Toast stuffed with Nutella and Bananas were both off the charts good. Try the buttermil biscuits as well. We'll return, for sure.
(5)Joseph R.
Coffee's good, food's good, music's usually good. And they let me sit here for hours on their internet. What's not to love?
(5)L J.
this place is too cute for my taste. however, i cannot deny it's quality in both service and food/beverage items. a 'lady friend' and i were waiting in line, but somehow, someway, got cut in line by some equally-oblivious dude. the lady behind the counter was extremely on point when she kindly told the gentleman what's up, and we got our order in next. the sandwiches and drinks were good, and i went back in after the meal and got an iced tea & lemonade. they don't have that on the menu, but the people working are pretty awesome people. this place is a good date spot, and is a well operated establishment. it's just a little too classy for my taste. it's more of a restaurant than a laid back cafe, as someone comes out and gives you your food. now that i think about it, shouldn't that person be getting tipped? that's something that is earned when somebody brings food to another person. perhaps that person gets paid well, but this place deserves at least 4 stars for their service.
(4)Adrian S.
This place is simply perfect. The staff is wonderful, helpful, and knowledgeable. The owner is as friendly as one could be. Their belgium chocolate is scrumptious in or on anything. Honey Butter! Amazing. A sandwich for anyone, any day, any mood. And DID I mention the Chocolate Hazelnut latte....the velvety froth will make you smile while their Chai Latte is best in town, possibly the east coast. I will be back.
(5)alice g.
We went to Luna for brunch, which was excellent. It starts at 10 and fills up right away - get there right on time, or wait for the first wave to leave. There was a big group in front of us and a bit of a wait for the food (really, maybe 5 min more than you'd expect?) - we got our drinks right away and the owner brought us complimentary cinnamon buns with an apology. The eggs Benedict with black forest ham is awesome, as was the frittata with a brioche base. And the wait staff is super friendly.
(5)Britney A.
FInally made it over for dinner after bookmarking it on my "to try" list ages ago. It wasn't very busy for a Saturday, so five of us were able to snag outdoor seating on a perfect, breezy night. Everyone cleaned their plates. Seriously, there wasn't a bite left over. We shared a bottle of Riesling and some of the entrees included: - Fig & Prosciutto Flat Bread (pizza) - Margherita Flat Bread - Turkey, Apple, Brie Sandwich on Iggy's Multigrain bread I didn't taste test any of the others' meals, but my turkey sandwich was phenomenal! The pizzas came out piping hot. We were each saying it would be worth going back just for the chance of having what everyone else ordered. While the server was nice and generally accommodating, he seemed a bit inexperienced. I'll be back for the Fig pizza.
(4)molly f.
I'm all about locally owned, friendly businesses and La Luna totally rocks! The staff is great- very helpful when trying to decide which of their tasty menu items you're going to try...they have outside seating, great indoor seating, and free WiFi. you really can't beat that... I had the chicken ceaser salad and it didn't dissapoint...it was a really big salad and hit the spot! Had I not over done it with lunch I would have absolutely tried out some of the delicious looking gelato & pastries in their case for dessert.. Looks like I'll be back soon to sample more deliciousness :)
(4)Stephen Y.
Cafe Luna is a really eclectic combination of elements which makes for a wonderful whole. The staff are friendly and hard working - they go out of their way to make you comfortable, and if you're friendly back will treat you almost like family. The panini use delicious rosemary infused bread with very fresh ingredients. The "Caruso" with prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato is my favorite. The Chai Lattes are wonderfully sweet and frothy. The gelato is tasty, light, and refreshing; great for hot summer days. The live music always makes for a fun atmosphere. I often make a longer walk to Central square just so I can stop by.
(5)Ditte S.
I've been brunching monthly for the past year and a half, and this place takes the cake. On of the most varied, extensive, and delicious menus I've seen in a long time. My grilled tomato and spinach eggs benedict was incredibly yummy, and served on the lightest, fluffiest, and largest english muffin I've enjoyed in a long time. I also ordered the side of home fries (unnecessary in terms of food quantity - the eggs were certainly enough, but I'm so glad I did anyway - they were outstanding.) The service was great - helpful, attentive, not at all pushy, and gave us great recommendations from the menu. I found the coffee to be a bit strong (maybe the last cup from a pot that had sat too long?) but the mimosa with fresh squeezed OJ was great enough to make up for it. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but don't take reservations as a rule so expect to both wait a while and to take the first seat you can get. Trust me, it's worth it, regardless of whether it's interior or exterior. Make sure to put this place on your list!
(4)Tracee D.
When I first moved here I came here all of the time. I liked the family small business feel to it. I would always get a yogurt and an expresso or a cappuccino . Maybe sometimes some gelato. Once or twice a salad or a panini. I have noticed that the same owners (the couple) aren't there as much, but that's a good thing. they have built a nice business and should go out and enjoy their lives. It is not my favorite cafe in the world but I don't mind using their free wireless. I am really happy for them that the "park" is finished out front, so that they may utilize more outside space. Good things happen to good people.
(4)Jay L.
LOVE it. Ever since moving from D.C., I've bemoaned the lack of real "third place" coffee shops. Diesel feels too much like a diner; Someday Cafe is gone. 1369 is popular, but that's about it. I hadn't heard of La Luna, but I just moved around the corner, and I'm seriously impressed. Not only is their coffee great, but the pastries are too. I like their gelato (though I don't have much experience to compare it to), and I've enjoyed the sandwiches a few times. The frappes are delicious and smooth - better than Peet's Fredos, and of course a world apart from Starbucks's "flavored ice" Frappucinos. The staff is friendly, and it's family-owned. Oh: and did I mention the jazz? I'm not even a big jazz fan - Coltrane makes my brain hurt - but We Need More Jazz. Central Square has a good chunk of the area's live music, but it's mostly loud screamy alt-rock. Jazz is good. Last night, after closing, they hosted some sort of talk by one of the MIT guys that discovered the security flaws in the MBTA's CharlieCard system. Yay for current affairs. One tip: Now that the new plaza is open out front, please remember that slatted tables will NOT hold your glass upright. And coffee stains. Found that out. Get a plate. I voted "No" on "Good for Groups" because it's not a big place. But if the weather's good, there is usually plenty of seating on the plaza.
(5)rewan a.
I'm sitting here right now- stalkers welcomed. Luna's great. I found this place on yelp when I searched for a coffee shop with board games. It was either this place or Diesel Cafe, so we decided to be adventurous and try something new. They have seating outside, which made our chess game a lot of fun because not only was it beautiful, but to our surprise, there was a jazz ensemble right outside in the park. People started gathering, and soon enough, we were playing a hot game of chess and listening to some great music in the best seats in the house. Score. I personally haven't had their food yet (update to come, I'm sure), but their menu seems appealing enough. I've had their coffee, gelato, and smoothies, and so far no complaints. They also serve beer, wine, and sangria which is always a summer delight. I just spoke to the owner (so lovely- in fact everyone who works here is very sweet and friendly) and apparently they have live music inside thursday, friday, and satruday nights. Sounds promising- come check it out.
(5)Megan B.
The staff here are friendly in a very charming way, introducing themselves and getting my name, chatting me up about the Nabokov I was reading, and checking about my satisfaction with everything. Happy staffers make for a happy environment in which to read, eat, and drink, which makes me especially happy. Great coffee served in big, colorful ceramic cups. I definitely prefer their regular coffee to Toscanini's (haven't tried any espresso drinks here). The Tuscan salad, while big and beautiful with an array of fresh vegetables, had dry, rubbery pieces of chicken breast. I would go for a vegetarian salad next time, for sure. The salads come with lots of crusty, toasted bread that has a bit of sweet red pepper olive oil (something like that) drizzled on it, which is really satisfying. I definitely want to return and try some of their other salads and paninis. I would even come just for their coffee, actually.
(3)Tracy K.
It's a good sign when you walk in on a lazy Sunday morning and there's only one open table. It's also a good sign when you can't decide between two equally delicious-sounding things, and make your decision purely by maximizing chocolate intake. I ended up getting the peppermint hot chocolate (I didn't taste the peppermint at first, but then as I got towards the bottom of the mug I tasted a nice hint of its soothing effects), and the breakfast panini. I wasn't so sure that the greens in it was actually spinach, but whatevs, it was good stuff. I couldn't stop staring at the gelato and the chalkboard lunch menu, though, and I had to keep telling myself that 10 am was a tad early to be diving into the oh-so-sweet icy goodness. Instead, I made a promise to myself to come back here another day for lunch. There'd better be an open table then.
(4)Ashwini K.
This is my favorite place for weekend brunch, in Boston! The menu has so many options, and everything I've tried so far has been amazing. Also, the owner is so friendly and accommodating. He's managed to seat us even on the busiest of holidays! I suggest calling in to make a reservation ahead of time, especially on weekends. I think my favorite is the french toast with marshmallow sauce and chocolate, and the mixed berry smoothie!
(5)Barney B.
DOY In a word - "Doy!" Doy, this is exactly the kind of place that should exist everywhere. A great little coffee shop meets loungey place. A place I can do a little work, grab a coffee. do some more work, grab a bite. wrap up my work, grab a beer. oh, and maybe hear some live tunes oh, and deal with really cool friendly staff oh, make it close to my house oh, and Doy
(5)Heather S.
I went here recently with a long-lost friend to reconnect and had a great, inexpensive brunch. We went around noon on Sunday and while there was a short wait for the inside (15-20 minutes), we were able to sit at an outside table immediately. There aren't many outdoor tables that "belong" to them, but apparently you can place an order at the restaurant and then sit at the tables for the place next door (if they aren't open, which they weren't when we were there), or the public tables near by and then "carry-out" your food (but hey, then you don't have to tip!). Anyway, we both had the brioche french toast made with Iggy's bread and it was FANTASTIC. My friend had mixed berries on top, while I opted for the chocolate toast with carmelized bananas and nuts. Oh. My. Lord. They slather chocolate on the underside of each slice. It was amazing. There could've been more bananas, but I wasn't complaining too much. Our waitress was very nice and provided exuberant recommendations. She was definitely one of the nicest servers I've ever had in Boston or Cambridge (I was raised in the midwest). It was also pretty darn cheap for brunch in the area (I think the french toast was ~9 or 10 bucks, depending on the toppings) and portions were very generous. Good times.
(4)Karen B.
Cafe Luna, I love you. Your goat cheese, leek, caramelized onion, and fig omelet changed my life. Your service is a little hipster for me but I'll look past it to eat all of your food.
(5)Joanna C.
I rarely rate and recommend places as high as this - but it is warranted. I have gone back to Cafe Luna repeatedly, not only because it's within walking distance, but because it is well worth it. I've often brought out-of-town guests and every single person has literally roLLLLLed out of there satisfied. Of all that I have tried, I would recommend: Lemon-Berry Waffles: lemon curd and mascarpone, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries on a Brussels style waffle - complete with a balanced amount of whipped cream. This is by far my FAVORITE (!!!), and I never tire of it. This says a lot since I am someone who likes to try something different every time - yet for some reason, I cannot help but stray back to this staple. Everything about it is satisfying - light, fluffy, sweet, creamy, slight kicks of tart, no raspberries (I have an aversion to them), and leaves you full yet not overwhelmed. I cannot tout it's goodness enough. Everything but the Kitchen Sink: noted as a "Staff Favorite" and understandably so. Containing bacon, corned beef hash, sausage, ham, a poached egg over a Brussels style waffle. A great protein option and leaves you full for much of the day. Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict: eggs Benedict style on top of a fist-sized sirloin steak and a lobster tail, atop English muffins, complete with asparagus and Hollandaise sauce. The lobster was a little dry the one time I tried it which tends to make it slightly rubbery, but not enough to be distracting; it could have also been a one-time thing. This dish was especially good in that it really highlights the strengths of Cafe Luna - the eggs Benedict. I am not a fan of eggs Benedict, but the way Cafe Luna makes it - makes we really want it. Berry Stuffed French Toast: strawberries, blueberries, strawberry mascarpone packed between two slices of french toast. Good enough without maple syrup, stands alone very well. Monte Cristo sandwich: ham and Swiss cheese nestled between french toast Brioche; for dipping - jam, Dijon mustard, syrup. *Tip: this can also be ordered for take-out Other recs: banana pecan pancakes, pear goat cheese omelet, lobster eggs Benedict...just try it all! Other thoughts: Coffee with free refills. I have heard that the cinnamon rolls are yum but have not tried them personally. Outdoor seating is great on a sunny day. The owner/host is friendly, helpful, attentive, and takes the time to explain to you how the food is prepared, the way the ingredients are incorporated, the chef's skills, and it is clear that the food is the focus here. Tip: it helps to come early, the wait can be long - anywhere from 15-70 minutes. In my experience, they may quote you (for example) that it'll take 40 minutes, but in reality it turn out to only be 20 minutes. It'd better to come in at 10 am as opposed to 2 pm - so it'd be easier to just come earlier, eat and go home and take a nap than come later and wait until 3 pm or so to eat. They have take-out but they usually do not allow take-out for Brunch items - although you can ask, and they can sometimes very very obliging; another testament to the caliber of this place.
(5)Claudia R.
Loved It! I was visiting Boston last week for the DMB concert and stayed at Le Meredian. This place is about a block up from the hotel and on the way to the T. My friends and I decided to stop in for some breakfast. The food was fabulous and the portions were generous for the price. Our only complaint was the service. For a slow Saturday morning we should not have had to go and retrieve our own sugar and creamer from the "to go" counter as we were dining in. This is definatley still a place I would go back to as the ingredients were fresh. When we were headed back out late Sunday afternoon I think I heard live music coming from the restaurant which would have been really nice to enjoy if we only had more time.
(4)Daniel J.
Decent environment, good food, and free wifi. The space is a little claustrophobic to me, thanks to the narrow layout of the building. It would be nicer if it was a more rectangular layout, but they are doing a decent job with what they have to work with.
(4)Silpa S.
Alright setting the scene it was a highly gloomy and rainy Sunday. The cafe was super crowded with people squished up near the entrance waiting their turn to be seated. Thankfully I had made a reservation for my friend and me. They were actually very nice in honoring our reservation even though we were a few minutes late. The cafe itself is very small but cozy. We had a paper table cloth and crayons to draw with which to keep ourselves occupied. :) I ended up getting the butternut squash and goat cheese omelet with home fries and my friend got the fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese omelet with multigrain toast. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and hospitable. Couldn't have asked for better service. As good as the service was though the food was just ok. Nothing to complain about but nothing that had a wow factor to it either. Maybe the sweet breakfast options would have been more "exciting" but that is to be left for another excursion to Cafe Luna.
(3)Haley T.
As long as you don't have time constraints, go for it. The salads are delicious and it's cute (even if it's a little small/cramped)
(3)Nicole S.
Hands down, without a doubt, 100% my favorite coffee place/cafe in Boston. The chai is ridiculously good, and any time I've gotten food it's been amazing. My absolute favorite thing to do on a cold day is take a book or my computer over to the Luna, sit near the window, and drink a pumpkin spice chai. The baristas are all very nice, the owner is super-kind, and Lee is the best waiter ever. On some nights you can be fortunate enough to catch live music, which I recommend getting to early cause the place will fill up. Definitely go here, just don't tell too many other people!!
(5)Andrew M.
Great spot for breakfast or lunch. Very friendly staff and ownership. Always a pleasurable time
(5)Eric A.
yum yum to the apple cider, my friend had their lobster eggs benedict and it was tasty. the black bean omelette was also rock solid I had their waffles with lemon zest to it and I was not that impressed. If I come back, I'll get something else
(4)Jane P.
There doesn't seem to be a lot in the brunch family of eateries in the Central Square area which is why I picked this place. As other reviewers have said, the service was pretty bad; we ended up sitting outside, which was fine, but then why weren't we seated when we first arrived, since the table had been free the whole time? Also I noticed the waitress took our order at the same time that she took the order of the people sitting next to us -- who had sat down about 5-10 minutes before us. We showed up at noon and were seated at 12:17, which isn't that bad for a busy brunch place, but seems silly when you see that there are empty tables right there in front of you... It took another 10 minutes after ordering for coffee to arrive and when it did, it came without milk or sugar. The wait staff seems willing but not very detail-oriented. The seater guy was very nice and kept saying "thanks for waiting;" but all I could think was, if you trained the staff better, we wouldn't have had to wait...! I had the french toast with fresh fruit -- served without syrup or honey or anything -- and while it was fairly tasty it wasn't superb and not worth waiting all that time for. My friend had the omelet which looked perfectly fine. The apple cider, though, was really delicious. The coffee was only okay -- it tasted a bit acrid like it had been sitting around a bit, or the bean was over-extracted. It came to $31 for two of us before tip. All in all, I have better ways to spend my Sundays! If I do go there next time I'll probably make reservations.
(2)Ger T.
I wanted something for lunch one day at work that didn't involve the cafeterias at MIT, so I decided to wander down Mass Ave for a bit and poke around for places serving soup. Surely, I thought, there would be at least a couple of cafes in the area close to campus that served soup!! ...a couple of blocks later and maybe I wasn't so sure. It seems like the area around MIT isn't known as much for restaurants as it is for nuclear reactors, so I was very glad to find La Luna Caffe. It wasn't that crowded at lunchtime, which was good since I was in a hurry. Kind of a narrow storefront, but I felt myself just relax as soon as I walked in the door due to the great smelling pastries and sandwiches being served over the counter. I ordered a bowl of their soup to go, and it came with warm bread as well. The portion was a good size for me. I actually ended up saving half of it for the next day's lunch, with a sandwich brought from home. I realize that I might eat less for lunch than other people...but definitely a bowl of soup does make a meal! Service wasn't the greatest, which did seem a little bit strange because I as I said, they weren't that busy. But the soup was good and next time I go back, I am definitely trying one of their big sandwiches and/or salads, and maybe a pastry!
(4)Arnold C.
I had a superb breakfast once and it's fast becoming my favorite morning place. The whole ambiance has a laid-back coffee shop and comfortable feel to it. The table spaces are limited and the place is a little crowded in the morning, but that's about the only complaints I had. There is a short wait (10 min), but the server is pleasant. I had the Belgian waffles, which were fantastic. I also had chocolate french toasts for take-out, and they were decadently fabulous. The food was freshly made, service was fast, and the server was attentive and careful to my requests, especially when it came to packaging my take-out. Overall, I was impressed. If there is a little more space, that would be perfect.
(4)Annie P.
I always find myself here during this time of year... the parting of Winter's chills and the coming of hot Summer nights. Coffee has never been a big thing for me until as of late. Drone life not in progress... but maybe age factor adds in. Anyways.. this is the spot I choose. The Americano is freshly steaming each time. La Luna seems to have changed owners and saw a lot of training going on this week but things seem untouched.. in a good way. Italian sodas, desserts including cheap huge oatmeal cookies, sandwiches and gelato offerings. Sometimes during the week you can catch good little live music going on by the front opened windows. Mood is mellow yellow wth the half moons all painted on the tiny table tops and mirrored darkness surrounding. It's nice or maybe I was just in a spectacular positive mood. Either way... one of my favorite spots as of late. Makes me want to kick boozing it up to the curb! Yeah I SAID IT!
(4)Jessica L.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, the wait time for the weekend brunch is also getting longer. Fortunately, this place takes reservations. I'd call in even if you're planning on arriving early. I love this place so much that it takes a lot of will power to refrain from making recommendations to the tables around me. Every stuffed french toast I've had (seasonal: pumpkin pie, caramel apple; regular menu: chocolate), I'd recommend. Sometimes, I scroll through Luna's Yelp photos at night and dream about their pillow-y, thick slices of brioche french toast. It's a sickness, I know. Other favorites: corned beef hash benedict, kitchen sink sampler. It's probably better for my hips that I don't live closer to Luna.
(5)Alexander H.
I went here for the first time for their brunch special. I can definitely understand why people have given them 4 or 5 stars because this place definitely has all the right elements. The service was more than friendly even though the waitress was obviously new. The host kept coming by to make sure we were okay, and overall it was a very good interaction. Unfortunately the food preparation was very slow (something they warned us about ahead of time), and it took about half an hour for our brunch to arrive, which was just too much time. Once it arrived, the food was pretty good (especially the home fries), but I don't think anything in particular distinguished it from other brunch places. I was honestly a little disappointed in my salami omelette just because it was a bit runny. Perhaps if I had come here for dinner or regular lunch, then this place would get a 4 stars, but for brunch, I can only recommend it as solid and nothing too spectacular.
(3)Jeff W.
Food was delicious and their staff was super friendly. Not really a fan of the 'hipster' scene, but I would definitely go again if I was in or around central square. Glad to have found this place!
(4)peggy c.
3 stars for pretending to do work, 4 for for vegging Due to the need to study but the complete lack of desire to do so... I'm been doing the cafe thing quite a bit lately, but I haven't quite found the perfect place that doesn't get uber packed, has decent food and free wireless (I like to be cheap). That was kind of how I ended up at La Luna... promise of free wifi - yay! I thought...at last, a good potential to pretend to do work while I'm googling. As promised, there was free wifi at La Luna and the place wasn't incredibly packed. There was also a band playing there which was cool for about the first hour but then it got a little annoying. The band was a great concept but in practice the acoustics in the room isn't exactly fantastic. In terms of food, I think I'm on sugar overload - caramel flan, some sort of mixed berry concoction, Italian soda and a deliciously pretty mocha (hello diabetes). Next time, I think I'll have to restrain myself on the sugar and try some of their other food. After I consumed the massive quantity of sugar I was eying the french toast and salads for a bit - they looked quite good. The guys who work at the cafe (it was all guys when i was there) are uber friendly in a slightly nerdy sort of way, which is quite endearing. They can be pretty chatty if you feel like striking up a conversation, but don't worry they're not going to stalk you or anything. The service here is better than most cafes I have been to in the Boston/Cambridge area in a while. If you're looking to camp out like I was, don't go when the bands are there, but otherwise the cafe is cozy and a good place to play catch up and talk to friends.
(3)lw h.
Had an excellent salmon and avocado omelette here, with an option to select very fresh fruit as an alternative to the carb-laden toast. Service was good; food was excellent, and the latte and chai were served with an artistic flourish on top.
(5)Dea A.
Good croissant, good latte, not so good service.
(3)Julie B.
Recently I have been craving Nuttella, so when I saw "Nuttella and banana stuffed...." I was sold. Typically, I would never order french toast, but this was just outstanding. I also stole a couple bites of my boyfriend's goat cheese, prosciutto and fig omelet. I've said this before, but now I really mean it - best omelet ever. !00% worth the 20 minute weekend wait. Not to mention, this place is very cute and reminiscent of an Italian cafe.
(5)Elin R.
I have been coming to Cafe Luna for a couple of years now. The food is always excellent and it's in a great location. But what makes this place so special and why I give it 5 stars is because of the staff there and the owners Matt and Teri. I have sponsored many events here. You can rent out the space on Sunday or Monday nights when they close early! Each time I have done an event they have gone above and beyond to make sure that everything is exactly the way I like it. Most times I have more people come than I anticipate and it is never a problem for them. There is always enough food and everyone walks away glad that they ate so well and found a new place to hang out!
(5)Shaina S.
I am sitting in La Luna, sucking up their wireless rays because I had to had to had to get off the bus a few stops too early this morning. The stench from the man sitting across from me was just too unbearable. Watching the riders make ridiculous faces upon entering the bus after being greeted by this reeking STENCH was sort of amusing, but my nociceptors just kept firing and it was all very yuck. Cafe Luna is even more fabulous than I expected. The wonderful woman behind the counter is rocking a red scarf and a black and white striped shirt, giving her a fabulous boho pirate vibe. Love it! They also use a hand blender on their smoothies, just like I use at home. This is an excellent choice as it cuts down on that common yet pesky roar that interferes with my conversation/thoughts/music listening. There's a small but completely satisfying breakfast menu. I'm about to take my first bite of breakfast panini... and... OH MY GOD. So good. It doesn't feel blatantly unhealthy like many other breakfast sandwiches and the rosemary foccacia really kicks it up a notch. My smoothie is also well-sized and full of real fruits and juices which makes me say "Yeahy!" The sandwiches, salads, and gelato all look delicious. I'll definitely be back to try them all next summer when I'm longing to return to "la vecchia Italia..." P.S. On my way to work I saw STENCH-man sitting at the Central square bus stop across the street. Those poor Boston-bound souls..
(5)Connie Y.
At the fringes of Central Square rule a triumvirate of coffee shops: Tosci's, Mariposa, and La Luna. I was asked by a friend what La Luna had to offer over the other two, since he had never been, and I almost immediately came up with these reasons: 1) Food Tosci's is great, but it doesn't offer panini, soup, salad, and bread pudding (and more). Admittedly Mariposa also offers food, but I go there the least out of the three (see review for more details?). 2) Live music La Luna stands alone here out of the three. One wonders how a place that opens its windows and has live music pouring out can remain so underground. I think it might be because Desi Dhaba is right next door, as Economy Hardware tends to hide Mariposa. Perhaps things will change with the addition of the common area outside. 3) Pretty coffee Served in generous, colorful mugs, this place offers presentation with their coffee. Actually they offer presentation with most of their items as well. 4) Free Wi-Fi! When Tosci's is too busy, I come to La Luna to do work. However, La Luna is not really equipped for the long haul with power outlets at only one end of the line of tables that are perfectly sized for a cozy lunch for two (thus accommodate approximately one laptop comfortably). The only confusing thing about this place to me is knowing when it's open late. I generally come here for lunch or meeting someone over coffee. It's small in capacity, but my experiences here are generally very pleasant.
(4)Kelly A.
The boy and I were on our way to an afternoon rock show, and we had a little bit of time to kill, so we decided to stop into this cute little cafe for a hot beverage. It was such a nice surprise! That little stretch of Mass Ave seems so dingy and desolate, but La Luna offered a respite from that for sure. I had a hazelnut hot chocolate, he had a darjeeling tea, and we split a "meltaway bar" (a 7-layer bar of sorts). We had originally planned on taking it to go, but it was so nice and warm in there that we decided we wanted to grab a table. The wait staff were super accommodating and really friendly. Next time I'm in that neighborhood, I will be sure to stop in!
(5)Margaret S.
Reservations for brunch is GENIUS. I don't know why more places don't do this-- standing around trying to get out of the way of busboys and other customers for 45 minutes can really put a damper on your Sunday morning. Not so at Cafe Luna! I was even super late to meet my friends, but they still got to sit down on time instead of waiting out in the cold, even though their whole party wasn't there. The food was also super. I had the corned beef hash eggs benedict-- what??! I didn't even know that was possible, but it was delicious. Two of my brunch favorites, together at last, with no painful decisions necessary and no regret to follow. I rarely finish an entire plate of food when I eat out, but my plate was *clean* at the end of the meal. I don't know if it was more the portion size (which I found to be perfect, apparently) or the deliciousness. Either way, I was happy. It's now easily my favorite brunch place in Cambridge.
(5)Krystal T.
Best Chai Latte I have ever had and I've had MANY. Brunch at this place is heavenly, but not filling, wish they were a bit more generous. Their panini are great and the quality of the bread is good. Their smoothies are flavorful. Overall this is a wonderful cafe. Great place for casual dinning.
(4)Nupur L.
Just stepped in today after reading all the good reviews and I was not disappointed. My latte was gorgeous and much tastier than the ones I used to get at that place a few doors down that exists due to Cambridge's misplaced priorities. The guy at the counter was extremely friendly and nice. I loved how he'd bring everyone their orders personally and apologized when he botched an order-and gave them free iced coffee. Prices are about the same as most places' in Cambridge. La Luna is a pleasant detour from the usually affected or apathetic service and mediocre coffee that is so typical around Cambridge. I will definitely be back.
(4)Nor A.
Great sandwiches and soups during cold weather. Call ahead if you don't want to wait in the long lunch lines.
(4)Stephanie S.
Very cozy atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, delicious food. I had the Genovese salad, which was very filling and tasty. I had asked for the goat cheese (but they gave me feta), but it wasn't too big of a deal, since it was still really good. Also, they had run out of turkey, which was my meat of choice, but the waiter came by and was so funny and friendly about it, I didn't mind. Really, the food is good, and even if something doesn't go quite as planned, it's still great food! And the waiter I had (Lee) made a point to introduce himself, get our names, and be just the nicest person! Highly recommended!
(4)Jasmine K.
Wonderful service, nice coffee. I HAVE to come for brunch.
(4)S R.
My 5 reasons (although I have more) for the 5 stars. 1. Great staff 2. Good food (they have gelato too!) 3. Amazing drinks (LOVE their chai latte) 4. Live music on the weekends 5. Free wifi I had read all the rave reviews on Yelp and decided to check out Cafe Luna myself. Upon entering, I had a 3 minute chat with some of the servers and by the end of our conversation I knew I was going to love this place. The place IS small and the layout is narrow, but I love the cozy feel of it. I went on a Sunday right before brunch time so I was able to grab a table for myself and my friend. We ordered from the weekend brunch menu and both our meals were fantastic (Greek omelet and Belgian waffle). We ate our plates clean. They even gave us free cinnamon buns (which were AMAZING). For drinks I ordered a tea and then the infamous chai latte. I loved both. My friend ordered a regular cafe latte and she loved it too. My friend and I then proceeded to whip out our laptops/books to study. Even though it was crazy busy, the staff was extremely accommodating and did not rush us to leave. I love the vibe the place and the live jazz music playing in the background was a plus. We were sitting towards the back so the music was not too loud while we studied. (Perfect for casual studying - NOT a place if you need absolute silence aka library studying). The place is perfect if you love to study with a constant busy (but non-intrusive) buzz around you. But beware! Tables are relatively small so don't expect to sprawl all your books out. I'll definitely be back...OFTEN!
(5)Sophie I.
Family owned, wonderfully friendly - this place has provided a consistently great experience. I love the breakfast paninis and croissants especially. Their bread is really excellent and always fresh. And it's cheap! My new favorite for lazy weekend mornings when I can't be bothered to prep my own breakfast. Delicious espresso as well.
(5)Ben W.
Live jazz trio saturday mornings. Great atmosphere. Greek omlete is very good .
(5)Hiroki M.
Locally-owned with a great energy-conscious stance. Food can be a little pricey and service sometimes could be better but overall a great place to sit down with some coffee and do work or chill. Also they have free, fast wifi for an hour. Not bad at all, most of the people working are also really nice.
(4)Dessa R.
Think Dutch coffee shop without the greens. Although small, La Luna is a pleasant spot where the wifi is free, the owners are warm and accomodating, and the coffee is goooood. It's quiet, charming, and hugely popular with the laptop crowd. The little round tables, each decorated with a happy crescent moon, can fill up fast on nights they feature jazz, folk, acoustic guitar, or other local color. Gelato, tiramisu, and wine by the glass just add to the Euro atmosphere of the cafe. An excellent choice when you need a break from the Starbucks frenzy.
(4)elena k.
Love this cozy little place. It's great for brunch. My favorite are the dirty chai lattes... mmm!
(5)Nors P.
I can't believe I have never written a review for Cafe Luna! I have been here about half a dozen times - I come whenever I want to impress an out-of-town guest or local food fiend - and it never fails to impress! I have had various benedicts (florentine, lobster, salmon) and belgian waffles (lemon curd/blueberry, pumpkin/autumn, marscapone/berries) becuase theose are my brunch favorites and they have always been wonderful. Whenever I have had to wait a little or have sat at the counter- they have brought out fresh complimentary mini-cinnamon buns. To drink I have had the pumkin latte and the hot chocolate with whipped cream - both were great (Its no burdicks- but its still good!) Brunch mates have gotten a variety of sweet and savory dishes and have always been blown away. I always walk away having gotten a few points on their people to ask for restaurant rec's scale! The service is always great. I believe it is the owner who acts as host and he is always very friendly and happy to talk about the restaurant - the waiters are great as well and seem like they really enjoy the food and have opions on it - which I like! Just rememer to call ahead to make a reservation for brunch - oh and portions are BIG!
(5)Vanessa W.
I never really thought much of this place before the Scoutmob deal, but turns out that have a CRAZY (in a good way) brunch menu. With the specials, it's a packed 4 pages long, I think.. and nothing is really typical. I was torn between the lemon-ricotta pancakes with lemon mascarpone and raspberries, but thinking that might be too heavy, I went for the goat cheese and roasted sweet potato omelette (with egg whites).It was good - and I appreciate the creativity. I wouldn't go here if you're looking for some light options! Lots of rich, unique items on the menu.
(4)Theresa M.
So i've been here twice now, delicious. I had a sandwich with their chicken salad with cranberries and apple chunks, it was refreshing and not excessive. Their house salad dressing is great. My boyfriend had a chicken caesar salad which was great, the chicken was delish =] i'd recommend this place on a nice day. Place your order and sit in the square right outside, they bring your food to you! so cute!
(5)Nicole B.
Just ate saturday brunch... the lobster benedict was very good, and the chicken chorizo dish was also delicious. Also, the very nice owner gave us some freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
(4)Aamir M.
Here's my equation for a good working lunch: Quick Service + Tasteful Food + Under $10 = Great Working Lunch. Luna delivers on all 3 components and further adds the following components: Outdoor Seating + High Quality My recommendations: Genovese Salad, Venezia Panini. Tips: All the salads can also be had as wraps, and if you're going later in the evening, check out their website for local live music offerings.
(4)Sir william W.
Yup they're exceptionally good at everything except their sandwiches, which kind of suck.
(5)Jeffrey H.
Yum. It's a cute little place with friendly staff and delicious sandwiches. Very relaxed and a perfect place to chill with friends for a bite or bring your laptop for a myspace stalking. And ya know those times when you're out to eat and you see a picture of a dessert or moan as a waitress walks by with the most fabulous looking piece of caloric intake that you ever did see--then you try and act all healthy by saying "Oh that looks good, but I shouldn't" or "If only I had gone to the gym this morning..." Welllllll, that's not happening here. You're ordering dessert. Maybe two. I remember sitting at a table with friends but my eyes refused to invest themselves in any conversation--they were busy in a sinful love affair with the sugary goodness looming nearby. I'm sure they had to use a whole bottle of Windex to clean the display case after I drooled all over it.
(4)Ilya Jacob R.
Thanks to D&M, I was introduced to this place tonight. I'm going to have to revisit La Luna because it seems perfect. and because of their crazy selection of yummy goods. They have sandwiches, wine, pastries/desserts and coffee. I had a delicious mocha and good chocolate chip cookie (although I would've liked it a bit more if it was a bit softer and warmer...but it was good). Most importantly, the staff there is abnormally nice and helpful. I'm looking forward to a return trip. Another great thing is that the place isn't crazy packed like some other local cafes in the vicinity. If they had comfy couches, I'd likely spend hours there... Oh and by the way, they have free wifi! Big bonus.
(4)Yasmin E.
AMAZING food! The reason this place doesn't get a 5* from me is because of how tiny it is (and I'm all about ambiance). I absolutely loved the Lobster Benedict, Berry waffles and smoked salmon omelet! Decently priced as well! This is an excellent quaint Sunday brunch spot with a few friends (you don't wanna go too wild with your guest list since space is limited). Be sure to call at least an hour in advance to make a reservation/be placed on the waitlist. Bon Apetite!
(4)Nicole M.
Read the yelp reviews and went there this morning. Wow - you guys weren't kidding about the fluffy eggs and delicious chai! The food was just amazing - we had pancakes, an egg sandwich, potatoes and cinnamon buns. What was better? The owner/waitress were incredibly warm. One person in our party was late, but he told us to sit down and relax and enjoy ourselves. The waitress also gave us the cinnamon buns on accident, but he said just to leave them on the table - it was on them. Wonderful experience.
(5)Moomin T.
Decent brunch, with live music.
(3)Julie F.
What luck! This was my first time in Boston/Cambridge, and boy did I pick the right place for Easter brunch! I didn't want the $65 buffet brunch that a lot of places offer, so I started doing some research before I left. I called the restaurant to make sure that there would be no surprise buffet. She assured me that everything was cooked-to-order. We made a reservation, and it's a good thing that we did. Walk-ins had to wait 2 hrs that day! It's elbow to elbow seating, so you have to be the kind of person that is ok with that. My friend was not, but I saw it as an opportunity to see what others are eating! They also rushed the season by opening the front windows before the temperature outdoors hit 60 degrees, but there were people sitting in those window seats, and they didn't seem to mind. We just had to eat quickly to finish before the food got cold. 53 degrees must be like summer in MA. The lobster benedict was cause for yummy noises, and the soy latte was beautiful and delicious. I could have eaten more of the potatoes, which were to die for, but sparse. It would be worth another 6-hr train ride, just to eat here again. I hope they don't change a thing...except maybe to wait for warmer weather to open the windows!
(5)Diane I.
I've been here for lunch as well as had them cater. Delicious food and great service!
(5)Vivian L.
I'm a regular here - the barista knows my usual order: the Nutella and banana stuffed French toast and a glass of delicious, refreshing orange juice. I come here every week after my 8am dance rehearsal, right when they open. The waiters and host are always considerate and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Their French toast is absolutely to die for - it's deliciously soft, which may be a change for some who prefer it crispier, but it's also extremely melt-in-your-mouth delectable! Overall, the service here is hands-down the best I have ever seen in an eatery, and the brunch is the best I've ever tasted :) not enough good things to say about this place.
(5)L T.
This place is awesome. 1 thing that quickly makes me a fan, free wifi. Trouble is you might not find a spot to sit if everyone's there on their laptops. I got the bomba per someone's recommendation on yelp. I got the turkey version. real good. the gormet olives and feta cheese really make the wrap awesome. Comes with Cape Cod style chips too. fantastic. People are wicked nice. Once you order, they bring you your sandwich, and then when it's clear you're finished, they take it away. Not something i expected out of a small coffee shop. oh and the wrap i got was grilled too. Tim
(4)Alex M.
Fantastic place with amazing food! I ordered nutella French toast and never thought it would taste that good! Service is great and friendly.
(5)Fran T.
We had lunch here and it was great. I got the Eggs Benedict and my fiance got the Lobster Omlette. Both egg dishes were great and the home fries (cubed potatos pefectly seasoned and browned) are "out of this world." Also got something interesting and delicious called "Frozen Hot Chocolate." Perfect for an 85 degree July day in Cambridge. I would have given them 5 stars but the seating sucks. Our table for 2 was butted up against this other table where the couple was making out during brunch - HEY, I'm trying to eat over here! I saw other tables for 2 with 3 people crammed in them. We waited about 10 minutes for a seat, but it looked like other parties waited longer. Maybe we'll go back when it's not super crowded.
(4)Jason T.
Luna is so close to a four for me... but it's just a little too expensive for my tastes. The brunch is delicious. I recently had a fantastic 3 egg omelet with all fresh vegetables - roasted red peppers, red onions, and spinach - sandwiched inside. Their hash browns, quarter small red potatoes caught me off guard and were splendedly delicious. They could definitely either cut the cost of their coffee or give you a little more for the $2.50... but overall, if you're looking for quality over quantity this is a great place to go.
(3)Katie M.
The only complaint I have is that we didn't get here earlier to grab a seat closer to the music. Went here on a whim to meet up with my cousin for dinner. There appeared to be no tables, but then our courteous waiter asked some people to move so we could squeeze into a table in the back. Wait staff is very accommodating. As the place filled up, they rounded up extra chairs to make room for all of their patrons. The owner spent some time chatting with us about the AMAZING Brazilian jazz band playing that night. And the food was great, too :) I had the vegetarian chili. Perfect accompaniment to our dropping temps.
(5)Jaya B.
Great for brunch. Their French toasts and waffles are awesome. I loved the hot chocolate. AND... They take reservations for brunch :)
(4)Blossom B.
oh I adore this little cafe. Great for free wi-fi. The food is good, not many options, but the salads are fresh and the gelato is fantastic. I really like the owners, sister and brother, I believe, I usually talk more with her, she is friendly, and they work so hard every day. It's somewhat quiet, which is nice to get some work done, and at other times, they have live music at night. I'm all for supporting independent businesses!
(4)Yelp Z.
I fell into La Luna going in the wrong direction off the T, while looking for a store. SO glad. I decided on grabbing a DC and a delicious looking cupcake and asking for guidance on finding the store I was heading to. The person behind the counter was very patient with my ooogling over all the different items behind the glass, and honest when he said he wasn't sure about exactly what was on top of a cupcake I wanted but it was most likely a combination of caramel, chocolate and coconut. I didn't really care, it looked good enough and I really just wondered if it was ok to buy one and not say - a dozen. It was just the way they were arranged, I thought it was maybe a bulk type of place. ANY WAY. Moving on, I bought the cuppie cake for "here" and sat at a small table up front devouring it with a huge smile on the whole time, trying to keep my moans of satisfaction to a minimum. I also asked directions to the store in question, and was pointed in the direction (for later). The owner/manager came out front and we had eye contact a few times while I was eating. He waited for me to finish before asking how everything was. Apparently they have a new baker they've hired. I told him the cupcake was amazing and they are really lucky to have her, whoever she is. GO - GO NOW - GO BACK if you were grossed out before. They are very kind, patient, sweet and have amazing food. Update** went back during some Christmas Eve manic shopping for a little prezzie from me to me, and La Luna was about to close. I asked for a lemon bar and the kind woman behind the counter gave me ALL the lemon bars for the price of one. I thought that bag felt heavy....
(4)Maryn H.
I wasn't too impressed. My sandwich was dry and not that tasty. However, I may have just been going through a rough patch in my life since everyone on yelp seems to love this joint. The waitstaff was friendly, but I did feel a little rushed. I don't know; it wasn't great.
(3)shary m.
Raspberry italian soda and a Caruso panini with side salad is my favorite weekend lunch . Whatever can be, is made from scratch, and you can taste it. Purrrrrrrrrfect. I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!
(4)Jungmin L.
Great atmosphere, nicest friendliest service, amaziiiiiing food. I'm an absolute fan. For brunch, get a french toast and omelette to share. You can also do half-portions!
(4)Richard S.
I've ordered about forty chicken caesar wraps from here. Wraps come with a little salad and the balsamic dressing they supply in little cups is great. Ask for two. Not so cheap but cheap enough. Also they've got wi-fi and by next year the park should be finished in front of the shop - technically called Lafayette Square. Gelato is great and everyone is friendly.
(4)leena A.
This is my favorite cafe in Cambridge! Seriously the best latte you can find on this side of the Atlantic. I usually get the breakfast sandwich (served all day) - egg and cheese on a sesame bagel and it's only $3. The baked goods and real homemade Italian tiramisu is to die for. They serve wine and gelato as well and really make you wonder why anybody would go all the way to the north end for tasty treats.
(5)Meltem D.
It's a nice atmosphere but the food was disappointing. The sandwiches that I had there upset my stomach later and the belgian waffle was a little dry.
(3)Leslie K.
This place is great. I've been here for meetings, to get work done, to hang out with friends, and on dates, and it's fit the bill every time. In the summer, there's a wonderful patio, and in the winter it's cozy and warm. All the food I've had is delicious -- especially the salad dressing!
(5)Robert L.
Great little spot! The food is excellent, coffee drinks are excellent. I have only ever seen one waiter in the place, but he is AWESOME! Great personal service, if you get carded he will remember your name, pick on you, joke around, introduce you to other customers (unless you clearly don't want to be bothered!). There is outdoor seating available, it has free Wireless, and is all around great. Highly recommended!
(5)Joy F.
la luna cafe was disappointing, considering the cafe competition in central square. it's with in spitting distance of toscanini's and i don't understand why anyone would prefer it for coffee or ice cream. for baked goods or sandwiches, mariposa is across the street and 1369 coffeehouse is a few blocks up mass ave. i think some people go to watch soccer...
(2)Sunaina B.
Definitely the most delicious yet reasonable brunch destination: I've been in Boston for 4 years and can't believe I waited this long! We came in around 11:45am-12pm on a Saturday and the server was great. Although the rest of the party was taking a while to join, Cafe Luna didn't put excessive pressure on us to get our friends to hurry up - inspite of the long lines. I ordered the Nutella and Strawberry Waffle and it was the best waffle i've had - it was crispy and so tasty, the fruit was fresh and the nutella was soft and just nutella! PS: Another perk: they give you crayons and paper to draw on while you wait for your meal! My friends got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink Sampler" and the "Caramelized Banana and Pecan Chocolate Waffle (I don't remember the name correctly but that's what it had). And to add to the deliciousness and great atmosphere - it's extremely reasonable!
(5)Jeruen D.
As we were staying in Cambridge, my companion and I opted to explore this side of town a little bit. So we opted to have brunch in Cafe Luna, and it turns out that this is a very famous place for brunch. We arrived around a little after half past nine, and were told that there was a 40-minute wait. We opted to wait, and we were glad that we did. When we finally got seated, I opted to order the Lobster Eggs Benedict, which was divine. My companion on the other hand ordered the figs omelette, coming with goat cheese and some other amazing tasty goodies. Overall, we had a very good experience, that we even opted to come back for another round, during our last day in Boston. It was a restaurant experience and I will definitely try to come back there again if I find myself in Boston in the future.
(5)Jeroen S.
Really good service and food. The lobster roll is magnificent and there coffee great.
(5)Kimmi V.
Biscuits. Eggs Benedict. Vegan chorizo. I'd skip on the french toast / pancakes, but the EGGS BENEDICT WERE AMAZING. Will 100% go again. Just email for a reservation ahead of time. The wait can get crazy, and it's not a huge place. Service was friendly and fast, and overall an awesome experience. The crayons at each table were a plus.
(5)Jasmin V.
*Reservations are a brunches best friend & I love Luna for that! Must make reservations. It does get busy! +Ricotta Lemon Pancakes: Auh-maaaze-ing! No other words to describe. Stop wondering & order them. +Mac & Cheese: Add lobster & bacon = pure goodness. Although it's not big enough to share in my opinion but why would you want to share? +Corned beef hash omelette: So good it was gone in seconds. Specials are always changing but everything here is amazing!
(5)Rachel L.
I feel like maybe I did something wrong when I went to Café Luna....Maybe I should have drank (drunk? drunken?) the Kool-Aid on my walk there...maybe I should have gone with a big group so I could have tried a sampling of what they offer....maybe I need to go back and try it again? But I don't want to. See, I WANT to want to, but I don't actually want to. I had super high hopes. I'd been looking forward to breakfast here for the whole 6 weeks I spent planning my trip to Boston. There was no talking me out of it either...my 3am wakeup time to catch the flight from JFK & the 3.2 mile walk from my hotel could not deter me from the promise of Lobster Benedict (cue: choir of angels). That's kind of a long walk too, especially on like 4 hours of sleep. I got there about 15 minutes after they opened on a Sunday morning and the place was cram packed, which I expected. Luckily, it was just little old me by myself so I grabbed the one empty seat at the bar and watched a few groups of 3 and 4 get frustrated when they were quoted wait times of an hour. Anyway, I ordered a Bloody Mary because I needed some help, and what I was hoping would be the breakfast of my dreams, the Lobster Benedict. I earned it, dammit. They make the Bloody Mary with sake, which was a fun twist, and it was good but...I wanted more. More spicy. I missed the vodka. I don't know. I wasn't blown away. Then my Lobster Benny came out and...it was also ok. I mean. It was good....it was lobster. And hollandaise sauce. It would have been really hard for it to be BAD but....I wanted more. Fresher lobster or something. I don't know. The potatoes were really good? Seating at the bar was kind of uncomfortable. It's a really tiny space and there are only 3 bar stools so you're sort of getting bumped into and crowded the whole time, but it is what it is with that. The service was friendly enough, I guess....but....I wanted more. The barista was awesome though...and I didn't even get a coffee. Maybe I should have. Maybe that's what I did wrong? Sigh. To sum up, for me, Café Luna missed the mark. Maybe my expectations were too high? I'd try it again, but I definitely wouldn't walk a 5k to get there....I don't know...I was just hoping for MORE.
(3)Karina S.
Amazing Omlettes and great coffee. You really can't go wrong with either. Book in advance for weekend brunch, this place can get packed!
(5)Kaleigh H.
Everything that people said to me, all of the (what I assumed to be) exaggerated descriptions - they came true for me on Sunday. Is it called Café Luna because it's the brunch place of my dreams? The espresso - nutty, not bitter. The French toast - you could cut it with a fork, but it wasn't soggy. Omelette - packed full of filling, and not dry. I had the seasonal stuffed pumpkin French toast, which is filled with a light and fluffy pumpkin mousse. It was dense, but not heavy! The quad iced latte was better than most independent coffee shops in the Greater Boston area. Overall, I give Café Luna 5 stars for breakfast/brunch - with my only complaint being the walk-in wait time, and tight seating. Other than that, do NOT miss this little gem!
(5)Mary F.
Great brunch They are usually booked on Sunday and waiting time is long. But you can order for pick up and have your brunch sitting outside. And with good weather, life can't be better than this. The manager is awesome :)
(5)William W.
Claustrophobic dining, uninspired decor, insane wait times, no cocktails. Somehow, despite all this, Cafe Luna stands as one of the best brunch joints in Cambridge, maybe even in the state of Massachusetts. It's all due to this small restaurant's fantastic service, adventurous menu, and jaw-dropping cuisine. As soon as you get in, grab some Honey Butter Biscuits ($3) to sate that monstrous appetite you've likely been working on outside. These biscuits are everything--soft, crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, filling, and flaky. We're known to put in an order per person. Here's what next: Lobster Avocado Omelet ($17) serves up heaping portions of fresh seafood in addition to probably a whole avocado, four plus eggs, and whatever sides you're craving. It's the breakfast version of the best lobster roll you've ever had. If you think $17 is a lot for an omelet, you'd be right... but goddamn do they make it worth your hard-earned cash. tl;dr - if you're in Cambridge, make a reservation.
(5)Timmy L.
Disappointingly over-hyped and undeserving of the crowds it draws. If you like paying almost the highest prices for just alright food and don't mind waiting for almost an hour packed like a sardine, then this is your place. Although I love the extensiveness of the menu and the inventive ingredients, Cafe Luna simply failed to impress for multiple reasons. 1. How I waited: a dining experience starts from the moment you walk in. After I pushed past everyone to put my name in, I patiently alternated between getting jostled by people next to me and shivering whenever the door opened. A place this busy could definitely afford to construct a little buffer room to both alleviate the crowded waiting area and the chilly gusts. Also, I simply did not like how the host/owner kept on stalling us with little tidbits of information. It did not make me feel better to hear that our table was being set when I still had to wait 20 minutes after that. 2. The service: this cafe is clearly a victim of its own success. Throughout my experience, I felt like I was waiting on the restaurant. The host, although obviously very busy, was curt and distracted, giving me a strange look when I tentatively gave my name. Although it was a cool that the servers had ipads, it slowed down the process as our server had to look through all the categories to find our choices. I would much prefer they had notepads, which would provide a lot more flexibility. 3. The food: just alright. I had the fig and prosciutto benedict, my girlfriend had their hash, and we split their two choices of specialty potatoes. I liked my benedict, but that's only because I'm a huge fan of fig jam. Outside of the choice of ingredients, I wasn't wowed at all. My girlfriend liked the hash, however again, she's a big fan of hash. The potatoes were very disappointing. The Jalapeno flavor was simply a sauce poured over the potatoes, and while the ham combo was a little more impressive, the boring and bland breakfast potatoes were hard to get over. All-around, a very disappointing experience at an expensive and time-consuming restaurant. You'll have similar food, albeit with less options, at your local diner. If you want a cozy, family diner experience with top-notch breakfast food, Mike's in the South End is a much better choice.
(2)Aneil B.
I came here with some friends on a Saturday afternoon and was completely blown away. The place was small yet bustling and the food was amazing. I had an omelette with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, goat cheese and arugula w/ home fries on the side. On top of that, our waiter was really friendly and helpful in catering to my friend's dietary restriction. I will definitely come back to this place when I am in Boston again.
(5)Jessica J.
I am obsessed with this brunch spot! Although the wait can be long (up to an hour), it is definitely with the wait! The owner is so kind and is constantly making sure everyone who is waiting does get seatedas soon as possible. I am not a waffle and pancakes person but I chose to venture out an get the blueberry and lemon curd waffles and it was amazing! The waffle was crunchy and warm and perfect. I recommend it to anyone!
(5)Diva K.
Hahaha, my first time here today and it was a great experience. We had a very nice waiter who took our orders. The funny part was that my friend told the waiter that my name was Luna and at that time, I ordered a "Luna" sandwich, so the waiter asked, "oh, is it really? Wait, you didn't call in the other day did you? We had someone called in the that day and she made reservations under the name Luna." I said "no", and we all laughed. The foods were delicious and very fulfilling. I wish I could have tried one of their special soups that the waiter mentioned to us, but maybe next time. Oh, and this place was really busy when we were there. ^_^
(5)wendy g.
Once again I had my birthday brunch at my favorite place - lemon ricotta pancakes with eggs benedict!! The hollandaise sauce was light and perfect and the ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy. The service was outstanding. This is not fast food. it is very popular and has a reasonable wait. Relax and do what we did- cinnamon buns, biscuits and excellent coffee including a delicious cappuccino! And as a further plus- my son always says yes to a Cafe Luna meal !!!
(5)Jakarta N.
Came here on a Saturday morning at 10 and figured we didn't need reservations since it was exactly when it opened. Boy was I wrong. The place was packed by 10:05 after we had parked and there was a line. Apparently they take reservations which I thought was really weird. Busy brunch places in Philadelphia would never do that. Anyway, I had the corned beef hash Benedict which was a little dry, the hollandaise could've been a little runnier but the corned beef was delicious. I also ordered the Creamsicle cocktail which was blood orange wine spritzer with vanilla syrup and cream. Tell them to add more vanilla syrup and it'll be perfection. Boyfriend had the usual eggs over easy with toast, Bloody Mary with sake he said was good. We also shared the Nutella banana French toast which was to die for. You can't really go wrong with anything smothered in Nutella though. The guys working there were also super nice and chill. Cute place.
(4)Richard H.
I've been to Cafe Luna twice and I loved it both times. I could go on and on about the impressive menu, but as soon as you walk in the door, you just know you're going to get a good meal regardless of what you order. I've had the Prosciutto and Fig Eggs Benedict and the Autumn Vegetable Omelette. Both are solid choices, but my friends have devoured the waffles and the pancakes with great acclaim. The coffee is fantastic and oh-so-smooth. Also, do not let your server leave your table without ordering the buttermilk biscuits. These are a fantastic treat while you wait for your food. The food turn-around is extremely quick, and you will see that tables in the cafe are in high demand. However, this is not to say that you will feel rushed by the pleasant waitstaff, but just be prepared to push through a crowd to let the host know you are there (see below about arriving at Cafe Luna) and be watched from afar for your coveted throne in the Cambridge brunch domain. Very important: make sure you try to make reservations before you arrive or, depending on the size of your group, you may be disappointed with the wait. Both times I called ahead and was seated promptly. However, I witnessed several 4 and 6 person groups confront a 90-120 minute wait for a table. The host is also the owner and is very accommodating. Can't wait to return!
(5)Alexandra G.
Came here for brunch on a Saturday. Good thing I made a reservation ahead of time because the place is tiny and, if you don't have a reservation, the wait is looooong. There really isn't a waiting area so the people waiting for a table are forced to awkwardly hover over those who are sitting and eating at the tables near the entrance. The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, helpful, and funny. The coffee was also very good. The food, on the other hand, was just average. It definitely sounded better when described on the menu. I had the Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet and it was pretty tasteless. My husband had the Greek Omelet and said the same thing about his meal. Our son did love the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries, so, perhaps, it's the omelets that are lacking. Overall, I would come back here again to try something that's not an omelet. I may end up giving the place additional stars then.
(3)Leigh R.
Lovely. Must go for high quality brunch that pleases the masses.
(4)Ariel Z.
Ever since I found this place while in school, I try to get my friends to come here with me all the time. I initially tried their lunch options, such as a seasonal panini with goat cheese and butternut squash. Superb lattes, some of the best I have ever tasted in Boston, with cool (often seasonal) flavors, like mint and spicy cocoa. The wait staff is always so friendly and up-beat, typical of the Central Sq vibe. No air conditioning, so it is really hot in the summer, even indoors (expert tip: wear minimal clothing and bring one of those Japanese fans and you'll be set). Totally worth it, no joke. Oh and how could I forget the extraordinary brunch? I ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict and my friend ordered the Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Omelet...both to die for! We've come here a couple of times for brunch and always make sure to get that large glass of fresh mimosa to start off the most glorious of days :)
(5)Andrew K.
After years of living in boston and never having tried the famous Luna I joined a large group of 7 on Saturday at Luna. We had to wait over an hour but that was not unexpected and I would say it was worth it. The owner, who's also the host, kept us informed, and was very gracious. We even got a free plate of delicious biscuits and pastries for our long wait. Lobster Benedict was expensive but also amazing. Chocolate cinnamon stuffed roll was delicious. Pretty much all the food around us looked great. Having heard a lot about blue bottle coffee (San Fran) I was a little disappointed in the coffee but it wasn't horrible. The place is small but the environment is warm. It can a bit tight with all of the waiters going back and forth but it didn't bother us. Honestly, for slightly cheaper pricing (most dishes were around $15) and a not so pleasant exchange about avocados I would have given the place five stars. The owner's wife who is also the cook was not happy about giving the avocado spread on the side and when the waiter asked if I wanted sliced avocado on the side instead, I was surprised at the end when I saw the bill and was charged for it. Overall It's worth the wait and I recommend it.
(4)Amy Y.
Cafe Luna is great food and great service. What more can you want? They also have smooth Blue Bottle coffee, so that's yet another plus! I also want to mention that I had the best pancakes of my life here. Our server told us that the chef took months perfecting the recipe -- I believe it!
(5)Joe T.
The flexible, friendly owners gave me an amazing vegan Easter brunch experience! When we first arrived, I just noticed that the restaurant looked nice and friendly, and had exciting daytime cocktails on the menu. The girl who picked Cafe Luna for Easter brunch said that it got great reviews online. As a vegan, I asked the waiter if I could just have a plate full of fruits and vegetables. The waiter kept going away and coming back, and asking me more questions about exactly what kind of vegetables I like. "Do you like brussel sprouts?" YES! "Do you like sweet potato?" "Yes!" Finally, the waiter left, and one of the owners showed up. The owner asked if I wanted any vegan chorizo. "Vegan chorizo!?" I was so excited. The owner explained that they had left it off the Easter Sunday menu to make it simpler, but that they had vegan chorizo available in the kitchen for vegans. I got the meal of vegan chorizo, potatoes, and veggies--with a side of fruit salad. Absolutely delicious! I told the owner to give a chef a hug for me, to thank the chef. The owner refused, saying, "I never hug the chef. She's my wife.
(4)Meep M.
Came here for brunch based on the great reviews. Seems like they are known for their eggs benedict since most people were ordering this. We got their lobster benedict and expected it to be delicious but was barely visually apleasing. Their water was lukewarm had a fishy smell and food was placed on trays close to the bathroom, ugh. I would not personally come again since prices were a bit outrageous and quality wasn't up to par.
(2)Andrew M.
Just enjoyed a lovely breakfast. The food is wonderful: well crafted and sometimes novel takes on traditional fare. Blue Bottle coffee on tap makes it all the better as well. But above all the friendly and enthusiastic staff make this a great place to start the day.
(5)Alex S.
Came here for brunch, and there is surely no lack of amazing looking options on the weekend. The salmon and avocado omelette was delicious, and I hope to find excuses to return in the near future to try more of their fare. The cafe is small, but isn't cramped. On the weekends this place is very busy, so don't expect to come in for a quick stop. This place is almost 5 stars, but its just missing that special something. I still give Cafe Luna a strong recommendation.
(4)Chad M.
This place is a must stop in Cambridge. They have some of the best coffee I've ever had. Their pastries and food are both very good. The only thing that rivals is the service in this place . Some of the best people working in here very happy to help you and very informative . If you're not sure what you want tell them what you like and they will recommend something delicious.
(5)Chris P.
Called at 11:40am and ordered a salad they told me to pick it up in 10 min. I arrived waited another 35 minutes after paying. Unacceptable. Will not return for lunch.
(2)Carrie P.
It really is as good as everyone says. It really is worth the ridiculous wait of 45 minutes even when you have a reservation. We got the lemon ricotta pancakes as an appetizer for the table and our waiter was blown away/maybe borderline grossed out by our ingenuity/ability to eat 1.25 breakfasts each. They were breathtakingly delicious. I've had the chicken chorizo huevos rancheros type dish and also the breakfast burrito. Both were fabulous. All of my friends loved their dishes as well. The also have blue bottle coffee which is really nice.
(5)Dorothy C.
Sent hubby to fetch take-out today (Sunday brunch). They were so busy, they couldn't take phone orders - gotta go there and place it in person. Quite the wait, but Oh My God. So worth it. Everything we ordered was gobbled up with glee amongst the three of us: - Grilled Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter (salty, slightly pan-fried... with the sweet honey butter... I would seriously just go there and eat plate after plate of this...) - Blueberry Lemon Belgian Waffle with blueberry compote, lemon curd. (delicious, though second to the awesome Special of the Day - only b/c he has a sweet tooth) - Special of the Day: Caramel Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll French Toast (ridiculous in its awesomeness, so long as you have a sweet tooth - I was overwhelmed, but hubby and son fought over it). - Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict (perfectly poached eggs, with slightly runny golden yolk that mixed perfectly with the home-made not-too-salty hash; nice hollandaise sauce that complemented but didn't overwhelm everything; and very taste english muffin that seemed very freshly made). 3 of us ate for $52, for take-out. We have leftovers. We are stuffed & so happy. Make reservations, if you want to go on a weekend brunch, and you can just walk right in. Otherwise, be prepared to wait. Don't forget the Biscuits! omg...
(5)Lea V.
Lovely food & very filling, great coffee but quite pricey for breakfast/brunch ($55 for two people). Also really crowded on Sundays.
(4)Josh L.
I know that other people have started their reviews similar to this BUT this is my favorite brunch place in Boston. Make a reservation way ahead and make sure everyone arrives on time because they won't seat you unless everyone is there. They only have space for about 30 people and Boston LOVES brunch, especially Cafe Luna brunch. They have a very wide selection of sweet and savory dishes and you will never regret ordering any of their monthly specials. I had the berry stuffed Belgian waffle recently and it was magical. Also, Matt the owner/reservation manager/awesome person makes you feel welcome and tries to accommodate you as much as possible. Anything Benedict or Belgian waffle will explode your taste buds here.
(5)Xiao Z.
I may not be the biggest fan of brunch, but I do know excellent service when I see it. Unlike many other brunch places, Cafe Luna had some of the most unique sandwiches, including the lobster egg Benedict with just enough hollandaise to marry the sweet texture of the fresh lobster meat. The ricotta pancake, however, was a bit too sweet for my taste and I couldn't savor the ricotta over the pancakes. There were multiple places to eat out, but given the hot day, i spoiled myself with electricity and AC. What really sets this place apart from other establishments was the exquisite customer support. I came here and was accidentally charged with a greater bill. I emailed the store owners lateral that week and was met with very prompt response. Food: 4 stars Services: 3 stars Ambiance: 3 stars Customer care: 5stars
(5)Jenny T.
I had the lobster mac and cheese and it was on the dryer side. A bit pricey but service was great. My husband had the omelet. Nothing to rave about. Too expensive for what they have
(3)Matthew C.
This is a good start to your day. Cafe Luna has fresh Orange juice with a good fruit waffle.
(4)Heather C.
Hands down one of the best brunch spots in Boston. There was a one hour wait on a Saturday at 10:45am, so I expected it to be good - but it exceeded my expectations. Cozy ambience and perfect level of music - enough to drown out other tables but still have a conversation with your own party. A touch of whimsy with the crayons and drawing paper on each table. Ordered the butternut squash, carmelized onion, goat cheese and avocado omelet with a side of fruit. The omelet was a wonderful savory dish, flavored well with a hint of sweetness. Will definitely be returning to this cafe.
(5)Lauren H.
#11 of 52 in 2014. Not sure how I hadn't been here before now. I think I just thought it was a coffee shop. This place is SO much more than a coffee shop. I've never been any place where everyone--from the servers to the host to the barista to the people eating--was so freakishly happy. It seriously felt like some kind of social experiment. The service was great, quick with suggestions and very friendly even though the place was packed. Fantastic menu--not sure how not everyone in a group couldn't find something they wanted. Excellent coffee. Not cheap. Our biggest complaint was that the eggs Benedict arrived cold, which is odd considering how busy it was. I would definitely go back, though.
(4)Annie N.
This review is for their brunch! One of the best brunch jewels in Cambridge/Boston! Their Lobster Eggs Benedict is a must-try (regular item). Perfectly poached eggs; flavorful, zesty hollandaise sauce; grilled asparagus; and generous serving of lobster tossed in butter, atop a toasted English muffin. Served with a side of home fries. Yummmmy-o! They have a seasonal special Surf and Turf Eggs Benedict that's one of my favorite brunch item anywhere; you're lucky if you can catch it while it's on the menu. One benedict with flavorful tri-tip, one with decadent lobster. Can't lose! Service is excellent, although lines can be really long (wait time often up to 2 hours during peak hours (11-12). However, owner/manager is a superb hostess, sometimes bringing out warm cinnamon rolls sometimes for ravenous, committed patrons! They're busy, but definitely worth the wait. They do take reservations, but make them early! Would definitely give them 5-stars for brunch if it wasn't for the wait time.
(4)Sam H.
Cafe Luna served one of the best brunches I've had in a long time. Delicate, subtle, and surprising flavors--often in unusual combinations. But also remarkably down-to-earth and filling. The atmosphere was hip yet unpretentious. Service was a bit slow and spacey. The servers were friendly, but we did have to ask for water three times before getting it, and our starters arrived after the entrees.
(4)Bryan M.
Amazing food here, heard about Cafe Luna from a friend. Went here from brunch with a group of friends and as we got there, the line was out the door and we had to put our names on a waiting list. (making reservations is done a month ahead of time) Seating in the restaurant held maybe 30 people max. Ending up finding out the person in charge of the seating was the owner, really nice guy and always checked up on us while we were waiting outside. After about a 45 min wait, we were seated and as we were looking through the menu, the owner came over with a giant plate of cinnamon rolls on the house! Waiters were very friendly and helped accommodate special requests such as no dairy for my lactose friend. They put order through a high tech tablet and it seemed to work flawlessly. I got "everything but the kitchen sink" and I have to say that I was skeptical with the waffle being underneath the hash,sausage, egg etc. It all worked out wonderful and the waffle had a slightly sweet taste so no need for syrup. My friends got lobster eggs Benedict, and another friend got a smoked salmon, bacon and avocado omelet. No complains from them, just all smiles. Would definitely come back in the future and recommend to friends and family.
(5)Mary G.
My favorite brunch place. Which says a lot since I love love love brunch. BUT make a reservation, people! The restaurant is small, but you go there for the great food. I'd say you can't really go wrong when you go to this place, but your best bet is to get something off of the special menu that they change each month. If you're not feelin' anything on the special menu, I'd say try their hash or if you're like me, get their breakfast sandwich sliders. You get two sandwiches on their AMAZING biscuits and you can make one with hash and the other with anything your heart desires (in my case, that's sausage). If you're feeling like dropping some extra money, their lobster eggs benedict is the perfect choice. I love eggs benedict, and this one definitely takes the cake. By the way, did I say that their biscuits are amazing? I did. But I wanted to reiterate it just in case.
(5)Anne J.
Weekday omelette: Liked that the egg part of the omelette was as thin as a crepe. Mine contained chunks of sweet butternut squash. Too little goat cheese - hard to find. Sprinkling of bacon lent nice flavor. Need to return to discover the raves of other reviewers because I didn't experience it. Service was cheerful and capable.
(3)Laura W.
Fabulous lunch spot! They are not just a cafe but has a nice restaurant with tablecloths and a delicious menu. I love their salads but everything looked wonderful. I had a feta, olive, chicken, avocado salad for $11. They also have a neat at the table tablet checkout. Very high tech in a fun way!
(5)Arpita B.
Cafe Luna...Every time I think of this place, I sigh... my salivary glands go into action mode... and I am taken to this happy place of food wonderland. I have been to Cafe Luna several times but only for brunch(served only on weekends) and I can safely say it is one of those MUST try before you die places. The cafe itself is a small space owned by a husband-wife duo located in the heart of Central Square, a stone throw from the T stop.I can't think of a single time when I have come here, that it hasn't been packed to capacity(Yes they are THAT GOOD!!) Everything on the menu from the omelets, specialty dishes,pancakes, waffles to french toast are near perfection! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Eggs Benedict with corned beef hash (the corn beef hash elevates this dish to another level), Lobster egg benedict, lobster avocado omelet(can be made with egg whites) and the french toasts. The french toasts need a special mention only because of the diverse spread this place offers. My favorite is the Lemon blueberry. The tart from the lemon compote sandwiched between two pieces of bread balances the sweetness of the french toast itself and the freshest blueberry....mmm..simply DELECTABLE! I love the fact that they accept half orders for french toasts allowing you to try more than one variety. The only downside I can think of is probably the long wait despite making reservations...but with food this delicious it is definitely worth it!
(5)Jimmy M.
Went in today to enjoy a lovely breakfast in Cambridge. Saw this Lunas came as recommended. Nice quiet seat yourself spot. Small menu that doesn't overwhelm you whatsoever. If you have kids they will have plenty to enjoy with crayons and drawing on the paper cover tops. And even if you don't have kids I had a great time drawing as well. Servers were pleasant. I wasn't too sure who my server was given that I felt like I was working with two. Seeing that one greeted me another took my order and the original checked on in and cleared our plates makes me wonder if it's a team service. Food was enjoyable. The other in my party order waffles with chocolate and fruit on top for an additional charge. I went with the smoked salmon bacon avocado omelet. The egg was plain tasting but the contents within brought plenty of flavor to the palate. Prices for everything in my mind was a bit steep but a price I would be willing to pay again
(4)Katherine B.
No complaints. Couple things though, it's always crowded and a little loud, but it's worth it. The food is incredible. Eggs Benedict and pumpkin waffle are the best. All omelets come with lots of stuff in it!!INCREDIBLE.
(5)Kristine C.
I don't want to go again. The server took my order wrong and brought lobster Benedict. The taste was okay but when I told him I didn't order it, he asked me that it is okay to just eat that dishes. I told him okay just because they were super busy. I don't want to wait another 20min. The funny thing is they charged me lobster Benedict which is almost double price than the dish I ordered. Of course I ate lobster Benedict but it was not what I intended. If I went there for lobster Benedict I would have gone the other restaurant in boston I liked for it. When someone made a mistake to take my order why should I be responsible?. I paid it because again I ate it and didn't want to stay any longer there. And to be honest I think only reason this place is popular is that there is nothing around here. This one is just the average of brunch restaurants in NYC .
(1)Lisa K.
Had their buttermilk waffles and they were really good. Crispy and tender and the syrup soaked right into them. If you like waffles it's a definite must have here.
(4)Blake A.
Recommended by the Meadhall because their internet was down. I thought it fitting to walk there instead of going back to the hotel, because the name is sentimental to me (name of a previous cat). Anyway, I decided to get the macchiato. It is basically 2 shots of espresso with a bit of steamed milk on top. They said, different than others, but it seemed correct to me. The cafe is laid out lengthwise, and is rather narrow. I like the coffee I had, but didn't have food. The space was mildly awkward, but I guess I can deal with that. A bit loud, as I could hear the kitchen doing some cleaning work. Perhaps I'll move outside. Excellent place for coffee, but I didn't have food, so I can't rate on that.
(3)mike G.
I love breakfast and I truly cannot say enough about how much I love Cafe Luna. Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the service is on par with any 5 star restaurant I've been to. I moved to New York a few years ago and I make sure to return to Cafe Luna every time I got back to Boston. They have build something truly special with a neighborhood feel that is unique and hard to find today. Just go, you won't regret it!
(5)Keith M.
Best breakfast and brunch spot in Cambridge HANDS DOWN!! I've been to a bunch of them in Mass but the selections and price you can't beat. Try the Lobster& Steak Benedict it's amazing.
(5)Alex K.
Luna is terrific. The food is definitely superior, as is attested to by the line of people waiting to get in. However there's not a brunch place in cambridge that's not packed, so grab some coffee and wait in the park.
(4)nancy c.
Fabulous brunch and great service! We had great special treatment by owner, Matt, as he accomodated our large group which is often a problem for Cafe Luna given the small space. We enjoyed the mimosas with fresh orange juice and all loved our meals but thought the pear stuffed french toast and lobster eggs benedict were the best dishes of the brunch. This is a great place and now we now why there is always a wait on weekends. It is worth the wait!
(5)Cony C.
Service is slow. Reservation at 11am, seated at 11:30(becuz one of our friends arrived at 11:10), and we got our food after 12:00. Food looks amazing but tastes fine. If the waiting line is not that crazy(2 ppl in front of me asked for desk, and it's about 1.5 hrs wait), I might consider to come back.
(3)Reshma B.
Came back here during my December visit because I was staying at the same apt in Central Square and it was just so darn convenient. The wait service was sketchy again...the waiter had to come back to confirm one of our orders because he forgot it. Then when we got our coffees & teas, we had to flag him down to bring us sugar & milk. We had a lot of time to kill so that was fine, but we were still shooting awkard glances at each other whenever we interacted with him. The food was great once again, so I guess the brunch was successful after all.
(4)Kathleen G.
Restaurant's reservation system is not customer friendly. They will only hold your table 10 min past reservation time, but have no problem for a tab;e of 3 to wait 45 min and seat tables of 4 with later reservation times. Too many great restaurants in the area to waste time giving Luna another try. Walked across the street and had a fabulous lunch with great service
(1)Sarah F.
Best Pumpkin French Toast ever!!!!
(5)Renee B.
I have been a fan of Luna for about a year- NO LONGER. My husband and I stopped at Luna for lunch today. The food was great- the service however, was not even close to good. It started with our waiter, which is a new thing; (Luna used to have you order and pay at the counter, then let you find a comfortable seat, (which is sometimes hard because the tables are all cramped together). Today, we were asked to be seated. When we were ready to order, there was no one to be found. We ended up waiting for 10 minutes to get our order in. As we were waiting to order, there was a staff person (she seemed to be in a manager role) talking on the phone 3 feet from our table. It was hard to ignore her, as she was talking rather loud.. she proceeded to tell the person on the other end about recent costumers who complained about their experience. She said "They were such assholes!" Are you kidding me?! Really lady, this is how you treat costumers in front of other costumers? The waiter seemed to struggle with staying on top of things- as I noticed a man stand up and ask for his check 3 times.. and he never once asked us how our food was... or if we needed anything else. Then the same manager lady pulled the waiter aside (which happened to be right in front of our table) and started talking to him about costumers that were still in the restaurant- calling them "ridiculous." To be honest, the whole experience was very disappointing and I will not be returning.
(2)Kabir H.
La Luna has a lot of personality, and buried in that, a definite sense of itself. Everything from the menus, to the tables, to the serving dishes adds up to a unique, seamless experience. And if you've got a sweet tooth, you won't leave disappointed. Between the gelato, tiramisu, and array of other dessert options, there is plenty of sugar to feast on. Don't let that stop you from sampling the paninis, which aren't just delicious, but look the part as well. Oh yeah, best Chai Lattes in Central! And somehow, I feel uniquely qualified to review La Luna, since I'm sitting there typing this. RIght now. If you run, you might still catch me..
(4)A M.
I have absolutely fallen in love with their Genovese salad. Mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, chicken, and balsamic vinaigrette - absolutely delicious. It's also available as a wrap. So good!
(5)Chris S.
Decent spot. Open nice & early. Good, well-prepared breakfast sandwich, but the chai tea was too sweet.
(3)Jen G.
I've been to Cafe Luna twice now and I just keep being more impressed each time I go. The service has been phenomenal - the owner takes time to chat with customers, and the waitstaff is friendly. Food is fantastic - I highly recommend them for brunch!
(5)Matt W.
My fiancee describes Cafe Luna as "super cute," which is definitely a compliment. We went today for the first time (for brunch) and were really happy. I got the turkey strata, and she got the goat cheese and asparagus omelette with home fries. The omelette was good, the home fries were good, and the strata was AMAZING. Seriously, both of us were bowled over. I called ahead and put our names in like 30 min in advance. I would really recommend doing that! We got seated right away, and it was pretty crowded. In addition to the great food, the customer service was great. The guy who showed us to our table was really friendly and brought us crayons, which was cute. We really wanted to order the french toast, cause it looked soooo good, but were sadly too full. Maybe next time... 4.5 stars.
(4)L D.
La Luna is super convenient and your cup of coffee is served clear of the pretentious hipster crowd of 1369. The coffee drinks are priced on the average, maybe even a few cents cheaper than Toscanini's. The gelato is delicious but can sit for way too long and get gummy. When that happens, it's downright gross (for shame). Pastries are good (especially the croissants) as are the panini sandwiches. Service is really slow; usually there is only one person working at a time so, if the person in front of you orders a complicated coffee in the morning, you will most definitely be missing the bus. The seating area is disorganized and cramped with the cream and sugar station positioned awkwardly close to the tables.
(3)Mags L.
killing time between work in kendall square and jazz funk to tighten the trunk at the dance complex in central square? -stroll into cafe luna -order the grilled cheese panini and ask for it w/tomato and pay extra for avocado -enjoy some refreshing water w/your panini deliciousness -dessert it up by getting a hot chocolate w/almond syrup and appreciate the cute little spider web design they created in chocolate-y goodness -listen to the jazz stylings of whoever is playing there that evening -let stomach settle before body-rocking done and done.
(4)Lauren R.
Cafe Luna is my favorite place to eat lunch during the workweek. The paninis and salads are created using some of my favorite things: prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto, salmon, artichoke, and the like. Throw in the fact that they serve beer, wine, espresso and tasty desserts (gelato? yes, please!), and I'm basically destined to be schlepping over here long after I stop being an office drone in Central.
(5)Hilary J.
It takes a lot to get me to roll out of bed for brunch, but this place can do it. They have great service and a menu full of yummy delights. I wouldn't recommend it every day though, because you'd gain about 50 pounds from yummyness. Try the french toast, you won't regret it!
(5)Jess N.
I went yesterday on a whim. There was a jazz band playing music which was such a great touch for a Saturday afternoon tea stop. I also had a delicious chocolate chip cookie which I would highly recommend. My only complaint is how tiny the place is. I was lucky and was at a small table on the "isle" side. But when the people next to me were getting to the table and briefly got up they had to awkwardly pass my friend and me. Normally I would be irritated by people consistently bumping into me as they pass, but the music compensated quite nicely.
(3)Jane K.
This place is pretty good. I've gone for brunch and dinner. For brunch, definitely recommend the eggs benedict with smoked salmon or ham. both very delicious and it's pretty cheap. Dinner, the pizza is pretty amazing and the buffalo chicken wrap just the way i like it. we also got cinnamon rolls before our meal. awesome! And I got the pumpkin spice chai latte. sooooo goood. recommend to anyone. Just the perfect amount of spice to bring a different flavor to the chai. And I dont' even like pumpkin flavored thigns too much (ice cream, pie, etc.) It was definitely a wonderful complement to my meal. the people are nice. staff is very friendly. The food takes a bit longer to come out than what I'm used to from brunch places but I think it's cuz there's a lot of care put into making each dish perfect. in summary: definitely worth a try.
(5)Billy B.
They do so much with so little. And by "little" I mean, for the extremely tiny space they have to work with, they get amazing things done in this cafe. Yes the cafe is tiny. That means there is sometimes a wait, and sometimes you have to get cozy with your neighbors. The Positives: -Great coffee and chai. -Wonderful lunches during the week. -A sublime brunch. -all food made-to-order -FREE WiFi!!!! -Wonderful and attentive owners -Friendly staff -Great beer and wine selection at night -live music -open 'til 11 Th-Sa It's a small place, so if you go there you've been warned: There may be a wait. Especially if you show up with a party of greater than 3 or 4 people. The owners and staff know this issue very well, and do the best that they can to get people in to the cafe, while at the same time not making already seated customers feel rushed. Overall, my experience at Luna is always a wonderful one and I would not change a thing about it.
(5)Alex L.
Cafe Luna is awesome. I had a really nice cafe mocha there today, and would also recommend their breakfast sandwiches highly. The mocha was nice and hot, served in a warm mug, with plenty of foam on top and not overly sweet -- A+ ! The breakfast sandwich came on a slightly toasted buttery crossaint, with nice cheese and a very fresh taste compared to the microwaved scrambled egg version they serve at the MIT student center market. It's well worth the extra $1 to go to Luna's. I hope to try some of their other food soon!
(4)Ilana F.
This is my go-to spot. Its amazing, the people who work there are so friendly, its very "mom and pop". They do little things that show how much they value quality. Things like Iggy's bread, warming up and plating that orgasmic chocolate cake, fresh ingredients, and gelato imported from Italy. This place is the best, I can't say enough good things. The coffee is wonderful and always fresh, made just the way you like it (tons o' foam if you're me!) and their salads and pastries are always even better than they look. Another thing I love about this place is brunch. Best omelet ever. Awesome croissants, fresh with homemade nutella. French toast with 3 choices of fresh fruit compote. Sangria brimming with fruit and flavor. And... live music. This place gets 5 stars from me any day!
(5)C S.
This is a cheery little cafe on the outskirts of Central Square. It's a great place for brunch, but it's tiny and gets very crowded. Don't expect to have a leisurely brunch here because they try to turn the tables over incredibly quickly. I recommend making a reservation if you plan to go for brunch. The food and coffee are all made-to-order, and everyone in our group was very satisfied with our pancake and egg selections. It's a nice alternative to the Friendly Toast, which can be a disaster scene on the weekends.
(4)Lindy G.
La Luna is laid back and you are usually able to grab a seat. The salads are great and I love that you get a side salad or chips on the side of a sandwich, that is nice bonus you dont get at most places. They use Iggy's bread -- nothing to complain about there. Veggies are always fresh and they use REAL salad greens (none of that iceberg crap!) But when one of their sandwiches involves meat they are pretty skimp with it. like one slice of roasted turkey. if they gave one or two more, id give this place 4 stars. ill try the gelato someday! I really appreciate the free wifi and the guys that own it are really really nice. board games on the side is a nice touch and i think they have musicians playing in the late afternoon now every once and a while.
(3)Tom S.
I sought out La Luna specifically because of the good reviews I read here on yelp. Well, after going I felt the need to register on yelp to give my own review. My visit today was the worst service I can ever remember receiving. It was unbelievable. I came on a Sunday morning so the place was somewhat busy but by no means hectic. My girlfriend and I ordered iced coffees and proceeded to wait at least 15 minutes for them. Not until we went up to the counter to ask for them did we receive the coffees five minutes later. Without trying to exaggerate, I would say about 30 minutes after ordering our rather simple breakfast order a gentleman, or i should say some dude, came over that worked there and asked if we had ordered. I said politely enough that we had in fact ordered awhile ago and he proceeded to give me a "this is not ihop or Denny's and everything we make is fresh, blah blah blah". I found this a weird comment considering I hadn't given him an attitude. Well, 20 minutes after this we are still sitting there twiddling our thumbs getting increasingly hungrier. Eventually we decided to just get up and tell them we would pay for our coffees and were leaving. Rather than apologizing for the slow service, or making up some excuse that the waitstaff was new or they were down a cook, he tells me "fine, just go." I really couldn't believe the complete lack of empathy from the guy who I believe was the owner, or at least manager, of the place. Didn't mean to make this a bitch-fest, but I was really appalled by the service we received today. Plus I think its pretty safe to say his demeanor wasn't simply reflective of attitude I was giving him; rude or threatening, are adjectives I've never heard used to describe myself.
(1)Robert L.
Terrific food. Really great service. Would definitely go back.
(4)Thuy Tien L.
I used to live right by here, and this was always a much better place to relaaaaaaaaax than anything else on the same block. Not as much traffic and noise as Tosci's, and not as expensive and unfriendly as Mariposa (sorry to name names). The owners are super friendly and will bring around cookies or candies every so often and chat up the customers. The coffee is pretty wonderful, and the jazz in the background makes for great ambiance. It always feels like a secret neighborhood joint that only you and a handful of clever, clever people know about. I love it! And I totally got some great MCAT studying done here. PS, live jazz on some nights. I think it's Fridays.
(5)Allison B.
la luna is all i could ever ask for in a small coffee shop. 1. sandwiches (paninis)! a wider variety of stuffings than usual, and a great selection of vegetarian options! i had the copacabana, which was a grilled delight of focaccia, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto. all sandwiches are in the $7 range, and come with a side salad (good greens, peppers, and balsamic vinegar - perfect) or cape cod chips. 2. beer, wine, & sangria! most importantly, the sangria is actually made with a spanish rioja - thanks for keepin it authentic, guys :) secondly, it comes in a pint glass (huge!) and is only $5. this is the screaming deal of the summer, people! 3. "big bowl" salads - when they say big bowl, they really mean it! someone in our party got the tuna nicoise, and it looked amazing! it comes in an oversized wooden salad bowl, which was actually kind of amusing. it looked fresh and full of awesome veggies, and the person who ordered it raved. 4. desserts - keeping with the theme of authenticity, apparently these guys import their gelato from italy! they have a variety of flavors, with their most popular being tiramisu and hazelnut. and since a small comes with two scoops standard - um, can you imagine the delicious cacophony in your mouth that is tiramisu with a nutella drizzle? looking in their dessert case, i'd say there's something for everyone here: flan, apple cobbler, tiramisu, cookies, brownies, etc. yum! 5. espresso - finishing off a meal with an espresso or espresso drink always feels so extravagantly euro, and they didn't fail to please here. i had a latte, which came in a deep blue cup & saucer set. the mug is just big enough to hold it with both hands - one of my favorite decadent pleasures. 6. music - because this place has huge windows, we could easily satisfy both our sit-outside and listen-to-jazz desires. the combination of the cool breeze, the people watching, and the music made for a perfect summer evening. and an extra surprise - seeing the drummer from the back was actually really cool! we'd seen this particular ensemble twice already, but from this different perspective we really got to experience all the little tricks he does to create a spectrum of sounds. 7. service - lee is awesome! the service is quick, attentive, and friendly. the manager and waiters really give off a sincerity that only heighten the experience. they even explained the difference between gelato and ice cream to our curious minds. 8. prices - if it's not already apparent, the prices here are superb. the 5 of us had a variety of sandwiches, soup, salad, sangria, beers, espresso/espresso drinks, and desserts for around $70. we were all shocked when the bill came out at how outrageously affordable it really was - even left us with enough spare coin to tip the band! 9. clean bathroom. hey, that's important! all in all, this place rules! i'm sure i'll be here again, whether it be to do work on the free wi-fi, to play a game of cards over a glass of sangria, or to take in some more jazz and great food. cheers la luna! ps - they also are a member of bicycle benefits! sticker-holders save 10% :)
(5)E G.
Stopped by here after trying to go to Craigie on Main but being told they had just stopped serving...2 minutes ago...grrr....I was hungry & my belly was now pissed off. Ended up here after walking by once, looking for something better...Cafe Luna's sign said they stopped serving 20 minutes ago, so I assumed I was SOL. My belly made me ask anyway & to my surprise, they said no problem & sat us right away at the only open table. Our waitress, Grace, if I remember, was the best I met in the last 3 years, the definition of professional. The food was just as excellent. I had the open faced sausage sandwich with jalapeno cheese sauce & my dining companion had the lobster & asparagus omelet. A cider Mimosa for her & a fresh OJ one for me & it was simply superb. I could go on for a while, but we're all busy people so let it just suffice to say the whole experience was the textbook example of ideal. I'm a Yankee born & raised...which means I'm kinda a cheap prick with my stars, but if I could give six in this case I would, they earned it.
(5)mark m.
My family and I lived in italy for years, and Luna is as close as it gets to italian espresso in massachusetts. Luna's coffee is by far better than the other central square cafe's. toscanini's beats it on the ice cream, and if you like pastry, you have to go to boston or brookline. the pastries are nice, but overpriced. the gelato is not as good though
(5)L. S.
Yay for free wireless! Since the wireless in my apartment is still a bit shakey, I'm at Luna for a quality chocolate crossiant, iced coffee and job applications. The coffee is strong, making me work extra hard (but get distracted enough to be playing on Yelp!) Until the cable is installed, I will definitely be making some visits here!
(4)Shawn W.
I like this place a lot. Great little paninis, awesome smoothies, and the gelato looks great. Prices are pretty reasonable, too. It's really too bad that it took me almost 2 years of working in Central square before ever coming here. It's also really nice when they open up the front windows, and I imagine the view will be infinitely better after the construction outside is finished. They also have live music on occasion, which this past Sunday was a nice suprise. Also, I have to mention that the staff are super nice. Really, very friendly.
(5)Charlie S.
The best two things about this cafe are the wait staff and the wine. Every staff member I've had there has been so much fun - they're like an extra member of your party, lightening conversation. And when you get a little bit of their wine in you, you tend to warm right up to them. I'm so psyched that I just moved in right down the street from this place - I envision being here very frequently.
(5)E C.
Basically, La Luna has good, cheap brunch food and an awesome employee, Nate, who is not shy to suggest great eats around Boston (i.e. Moody's Falafel Palace). The world needs more people like Nate.
(4)Kristen D.
Fair warning- I've only had the Italian sodas, gelato (which is amazing!), and hot chocolate here, but I've always been pleased. The sandwiches and other drink selections look really good and occasionally there's free jazz. And the service there is fantastic- I went in once for gelato and the guy behind the counter told me he felt bad that they had just raised the price on gelato. He couldn't give me a discount, but he did give me a good sized sample of their new cherry flavor as well as my order of bacchio (hazelnut/chocolate) gelato. A great little cafe!
(4)Lora K.
We've decided to check this place out for Mother day. Our party of six have placed orders and recieved wrong orders. Instead of applogies we got : "OK" we will get this right. The next we knew, we had no napkins, no ice water. The water glasses were dirty. When the time came to bring the check, we received the incorrect one with the items listed that we didnt' had. I asked manager to correct it, he brought another bill that was wrong again. When approached, instead of applogies, manager and the owner stated "We are workign short today and it is a mother day" - we left very unhappy and unsatisfied. I will never recommend this place to anyone
(1)Bindi N.
+Food is very tasty +Decent atmosphere +The coffee lady is super friendly -The service is REALLY slow. If you are in a rush, it's not the place to go.
(3)JJ G.
Panninis, great coffe and cannoli for me and my hubby Blue "Puffo" gelato for the kids What more do you need in a quick lunch spot?
(4)Laura T.
Absolutely fabulous breakfast foods. I went on a Saturday at 11:30 with a reservation (they take reservations!) and got seated pretty much as soon as my entire party came. We got very prompt service from a delightfully pleasant waiter. And the food was exceptional. From eggs benedict to omelets to pancakes, everything was great. My only complaint is that it's too hard to pick something to order--I wanted to order everything.
(5)Ilana B.
I heart this place so much so that although I've never posted a thing on Yelp, I felt the need to sign up in order to post how delightful of a place La Luna is. (Although part of me selfishly wanted to keep the greatness to myself so it doesn't get ruined by the masses.) I work from home and often feel the need to get out of my own four walls to do some work. I'm constantly searching for the perfect coffee shop atmosphere. You know, the kind where you can sit for hours and the staff is still smiling at you instead of shooing you out the door, the kind that plays great music that blurs into the background, the kind that has great food and drinks, the kind that is always full so has a little buzz about it but I can always find a seat, and the kind that has really nice people working there. I can't say enough about how amazing of a find this is. The salads are delish, and oy, the Chai is to die for. And like I said, it's so easy to work here amongst the friendly staff. Much, much better than some of the other independent coffee shops in Central Square (I won't name names) that are too pretentious for me. Hurrah for La Luna!
(5)Jeff B.
Played a gig here a few weeks back, really fun joint. The staff is awesome, and kept encouraging us to keep playing right up until the very end!
(4)Sonia T.
I've heard good things about this place, and they have a nice outdoor seating area, but i was really disappointed. They seem to be known for their sandwiches. I went for lunch and I saw a few sandwiches with roasted veggies that looked good, and i ordered the one with pesto. Unfortunately they weren't roasted (except for maybe the peppers) so for about $10 all in all i got a little steamed squash/eggplant/peppers on toast and some greens. And I usually don't care about service, but the waitress was so sloppy (think like the cook from beetle bailey comics) it was unappetizing. People in my group ordered the chili and other sandwiches and seemed ok with them.
(2)Alexander D.
There was a wait, so you should get a reservation. Food was pretty good.
(5)Pauline L.
I love breakfast. Its probably my favorite meal that I don't eat on a daily basis. Hey, I just can't make a good omelet or waffle on my own...its stressful.... Anyway, Cafe Luna: Service: AMAZING! My friend made reservations which was definitely needed at noontime on a Saturday. The downside was that our entire party had to be there in order to be seated but luckily it wasn't too chilly outside. The owner, however, was incredibly courteous and just made me darn happy to be waiting in the semi-cold (and I'm from California!). Our waiter was also very cool and generally, the customer service was really amazing! Food: I got half of a stuffed Mixed Berry French Toast (you can half any stuffed French Toast, on the regular or specials menu!) because they're so ginormous and a side order of home fries, which are just seasoned potatoes. The FT had this white/yellow custard inside that was very unique and added a good touch to the sweetness of the bread. Seriously, it was carb heaven and I definitely felt the weight in my stomach long after brunch. But FYI, by stuffed French Toast they really mean a French Toast sandwich. I thought I was going to bite into a big fatty jelly donut sort of toast with berry goodness oozing out of it but it was just a sandwich, albeit a very good French Toast sandwich. Also, by mixed berry they really mean all strawberries with 1 blackberry (really, I only found ONE!). Granted, I just got half of a normal French Toast order but come on, 1 blackberry for 6.50?! I don't know if it was that delicious enough to go back for more but the presentation of the FT was very unique. The home fries were slightly too charred and overseasoned but it did me that saltiness to balance my very very sweet stuffed French Toast. Drinks: Cap was okay but my friend got the Pumpkin Spiced Latte that was perfectly sweet for me (she thought it was okay)!!! GAH! Overall, the food is good/okay but definitely NOT CHEAP. Sorry, I'm used to Hash House sort of deals where you pay 7-12 bucks for a meal the size of ones upper torso. I'll probably take out of towners to this place for a once in a while kind of deal (the atmosphere is cramped but nice and breakfasty) but its not what I would consider my personal go-to place for brunch. I feel bad for taking off 2 stars because its really not a horrible place and nothing is exceptionally wrong with the food/service. I've just had better (ouch)....
(3)Ju L.
A great breakfast place though make sure you make reservations as this place is very busy. The lemon ricotta & blueberry french toast is amazing! The corned beef hash with the eggs benedict was so-so. The corned beef hash was a bit on the overcooked side, and the poached eggs were a little on the overcooked side too. However, the overall breakfast and service is very good and worth a visit.
(4)Tanya S.
This is a great brunch place when you're looking for unusual brunch or lunch options (lots of goat-cheese in their food). Overall, I've been able to find a lot of gluten-free options and always felt fine afterwards. Also they have delicious, strong coffee. The only issue is that it's so tiny, so the wait time is really long for brunch. Unless you planned well-ahead of time and made a reservation! Lunch-time is less crowded, and also delicious. Especially the chili.
(4)Rafael O.
This place has amazing brunch and the coffee here is the best I had in central square. Salmon egg Benedict was amazing and the cappuccino was just great! The wait time might be around 30 min to 1h or more if you get there after 11am. The place is very comfortable and it will be busy during brunch
(5)Victor A.
We decided to check out Cambridge before heading back to NJ from Boston and were happy we picked this place. I love that they have a brunch menu on weekdays and its not the typical, boring menu you find in most places. I had the goat cheese, presuitto and dry figs omelette. It was pretty good! It was a nice day so we sat outside. The restaurant is in a cute area, facing a firehouse. The service was a little off. We got our food before our coffees and one of my friends only got her latte after she finished her meal! We still tipped them 20% because they were nice.
(4)June C.
The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing and the honey butter took the biscuits to another level. Great spot but the lines are long so try making a reservation beforehand!
(5)Jose G.
French toast amazing Waffles amazing Pretty much amazing brunch So we have been fans of this place lots of weekends. You know it's not cool? When there are eight tables empty and you sit down and you pretty much get ignored by the waiters for even coffee while the owner standing a few feet away. For a meal that's real going to run $40 getting cafeteria service for something as basic as "What would you like to drink" was a real bummer. I'm sure it was one of those outlier experiences so after I tried to flag a waiter who promptly ignored me, I gave up and went somewhere else C'mon Cafe Luna, I know you are basking I the accolades but sometimes it's just rude to be ignored.
(2)Xenia A.
Amazing brunch on weekends, but there's always a long line, so either come early, or hang out in square in the sunshine while you wait! Best place for a nice leisurely breakfast in Central Square.
(4)Nihan K.
Such a solid brunch spot. I've yet to encounter their infamous weekend brunch crowd-- the flow of patrons seemed perfectly reasonable for a Tuesday morning :) I grazed from my husband's kitchen sink platter, which featured a tasty waffle with protein packed sides including eggs, bacon, ham, and sausage. Though it was 10 am, I opted to try a sandwich and our server (who professed a love for meat) recommended a veggie sandwich: the roasted sweet potato. It. Was. Unbelievable! It's the perfect marriage of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. My one qualm stems from the prices, but as I learned from Parks and Rec, sometimes you just gotta treat yo' self.
(5)Larry M.
Cafe Luna is a very welcome feature to the neighborhood. For what it is, I find it a little pricey although the food is reliably good. In warm weather, the rear part of the restaurant gets quite stuffy. Seating is a bit tight in general. However, the wait staff is perky, friendly and attentive.
(4)Bailey Z.
While everyone else was lining up for Black Friday sales, we were in front of a growing crowd, waiting for Cafe Luna to open. Brunch is a hot commodity through the Thanksgiving holiday since many cafes are closed for the weekend. Unfortunately for us, heavily discounted sales did not extend to this restaurant. On the contrary, Cafe Luna used the opportunity to inflate their prices for Black Friday Brunch. Specials for the day included a surf and turf eggs Benedict and a lemon mascarpone Belgian waffle with berries among other dishes. I was excited to try their famous lobster Benedict, so I ordered the surf and turf. I was disappointed by the fact that there was only claw meat and the entire dish was cold. I liked the steak and asparagus, but nothing about that eggs Benedict could justify a $17 price tag. The waffle was good, but quickly became soggy. Two waffles and some fresh fruit for $13? Impermissible. It's just ridiculous to think that a brunch meal here with coffee cost $24 with tax and tip. Speaking of which, don't bother trying the espresso here either - the coffee was weak and the milk foam disappeared quickly. Overall, mediocre food at best, which didn't live up to their prices.
(3)Adam Z.
I've only been here once but I can tell you that they have the hand's down best brunch in Boston! If you consider Cambridge Boston lol. We waited 40 minutes for a table inside and oh was it worth it! I ordered the lobster omelet which was stuffed with perfectly cooked lobster meat. My fiance has the eggs and lobster Benedict which she love love loved! We liked it so much that after we had cleaned our plates we had to go back for more and we got the Nutella French toast, which was equally amazing (pic added). From what I can tell this place is owned by a husband and wife team who are truly passionate about what they do and what the represent. This is a rarity to find these days. I've only thus far met the husband and he seems like a genuinely great, nice person. My plan is to go back here this weekend! YUMMBO!
(5)Taylor P.
I've had some pretty great brunches in my day but I can't think of one that surpasses my experience at Cafe Luna this morning. The Roomie and I arrived around 11am and were told that it would be a 30 minute wait and to come back at 11:20. I should note that the host (who was also the owner) is one of the best hosts I've ever had. Friendly, calm in the insanity of Sunday brunch, and quick to update you on your status in the line. We ended up waiting until about 11:45, but given how kind and chatty everyone else waiting was, we barely noticed! We got to talking with the sweetest couple who drove over 2 hours from Connecticut for the lemon ricotta pancakes-- and they do this all the time! Then we were seated and the real magic began... Where to start?? Our waiter was fantastic- attentive but definitely not overbearing. Definitely need to get a mimosa- either the classic orange juice or the jazzier version with fresh pressed apple cider. And don't miss the honey butter biscuits- wow... As if it couldn't get better, the sweet couple from Connecticut sent over to us an order of lemon ricotta pancakes, which were ever better than advertised. The eggs benedict (with smoked salmon or prosciutto and fig jam) were both incredible. The host/owner stopped by to check up on us and was so great. From start to finish, a genuinely 5 star experience. Tip: come early to avoid a crazy long wait (but 100% worth it)!
(5)Kari B.
This is definitely one of the best (if not the best) brunch places in the Boston area. First, the service was amazing. The host was friendly and accommodating. He could not have been nicer. He sat us and kept coming over to the table with suggestions for food, etc. Our waiter was just the same- friendly and extremely helpful. They have a HUGE menu so as a first time visitor the suggestions were needed. The food was as good as the service! We started with the honey butter biscuits. As a table we had the corned beef hash, Spicy Chicken Chorizo Sausage & Black Bean Home Fries Plate, "Joe's" Breakfast Slider Duo, and "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" Sampler . We would recommend all of them! Overall a 5-star experience at Cafe Luna!
(5)Debbie M.
Cafe Luna has super friendly service and the best brunch menu *ever*. Joe's sliders melted in my mouth with scrumptious biscuits, eggs, corned beef hash and ham. Since we were able to get half orders of French toast, we tried both the Cookie Monster and the Lemon Berry. Yummy! This cafe is a happy wonderful place :) I got some takeout for my kids because I felt guilty having such a decadent meal without them. Thank you!
(5)Emi Y.
Visited with my friend who highly recommended it, and she was not wrong. The Lobster and Avocado omelet was fantastic and even their simple pancake was perfect. My friend got the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and they were delicious as well and her Lobster Eggs Benedict looked AWESOME. Our tiny table for two was literally filled with plates of food, but we amazingly finished everything. Our surrounding neighbors definitely judged us (my friend and I are 2 relatively small asian girls). Such is the life of foodies :) Cafe Luna, amazing on all aspects of food, but golly, the bill was high. This won't be my last visit I assure you, but it can't be a weekly thing or else I will be going broke and have ridiculously high cholesterol.
(4)Jenna K.
Loved everything about this cozy little restaurant! Boyfriend and I came from New York and saw the rave reviews so we stopped by for brunch on our second day. We got seated right away by the owner, who was very attentive and sweet.. The tables are very close to each other but we didn't even mind cause the service and delicious food made up for it! I ordered the lobster eggs benedict, he ordered the corned beef hash eggs Benedict and we ordered the brioche French toast with mixed fruits. Everything was delicious! They didn't skimp out on the lobster either, I got chunks of lobster! Our server, Joe, was super attentive also. He checked on us every chance he got but not to the point of annoying. Definitely going back there for brunch tomorrow!
(5)Yuchun W.
It's a great place for a Sunday brunch. It's lovely to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Food was really good, but small portion, I think I could finish two. So it's a 3.5 stars.
(4)Katie V.
Once, when I was about 10 years old, I was served homefries with flavor. Little did I know, the experience was not to be repeated for another 15 years, until the day I had brunch at Cafe Luna. Their homefries not only have flavor, they burst with it, seasoning falling luxuriously off of them all over the plate. These homefries are not to be taken lightly. The omelets are also serious business. I had the butternut squash and goat cheese one, a combination I'd never seen in an omelet before but that was very good. I hadn't been to Luna for about two years, and it has changed a lot since I was last there (in good ways). I liked it before, and I love it now. It seems to have grown out of its small cafe vibe into a more ambitious, full-fledged restaurant. Service is extremely friendly and attentive, and it's a great experience overall, as long as you don't mind rubbing elbows with the tables next to you.
(5)Cositas I.
My favorite brunch spot in the Boston area! They have a great selection of both savory and sweet dishes. I especially love the open faced country sandwich and the banana nutella waffles. Read my full review here: cositasilove.wordpress.c…
(5)Daniel S.
This place has changed very much for the better since the first time I came in last year. The entire staff is incredibly attentive and the lobster dishes are out of this world delicious. I highly recommend the lobster Benedict as the perfect brunch dish. The waffles with either berries or bananas are also delicious. In addition to all of this it is the owners themselves that put their heart and soul into this business. The owners' hard work coupled with the great food make this the best place for brunch in Boston/Cambridge.
(5)Laura N.
Don't know what all the fuss is about this place. Went for breakfast and the waiter thought my order had been taken when it hadn't. No big deal, I wasn't in a hurry, but then when my lobster avo omelette came, it was kind of lukewarm. Waiter apologized and gave me free coffee and a cookie - clearly the staff here care and do their best, but if you want a great, hot breakfast that is just as refined and fresh (maybe more so) with excellent service, try Veggie Galaxy across the street.
(3)Sarah J.
I used to love Cafe Luna and ordered lunch from them almost every day (I work just around the corner). But in the past few months, something has really gone wrong. Maybe they switched vendors? But the produce is just terrible. I have actually thrown out the last two salads I've gotten from them -- rotting lettuce, undercooked chicken, strange flavors in the formerly delicious signature salad dressing. I hope they can resolve these issues, but I probably won't be back until something changes. It's too bad, because they're really nice and have great coffee selections.
(2)Catherine N.
I have been here several times with coworkers and with friends, the food is always delicious and the service is always friendly. I had trouble receiving the electronic version of a receipt from a work meal and the staff was extremely helpful and patient when I asked them if they could resend it. I would go back here just for the friendly staff, as a bonus the food is fantastic!
(5)Tanya T.
Ok, a bit of a back story. My husband and I are (sniff sniff) leaving Brooklyn for Cambridge, because my husband wants to better his future by getting another degree or some bull like that. I'm still not too clear on the details because whenever he talks to me I'm too busy stuffing my face with all of the deliciousness Brooklyn has to offer. When we signed our new lease, we immediately panicked - WHERE WILL WE GET GOOD FOOD NOW? Fast forward to a few days ago, when we spent a "let's enjoy our new apartment without moving our stuff in yet" weekend in Cambridge. Brunch is very important to me (also, alcohol with brunch is a non-negotiable), so I immediately started searching yelp for the best brunch in Cambridge. As soon as I came across this page, I stopped looking and decided we would go here. I'm pretty sure I'll never have to look any further. The food was fan-freaking-tastic. We each got the lobsters eggs benedict and a red wine sangria. The potatoes were delicious, the portions were perfect (not too much, not too little), and they don't go overkill on hollendaise (a crime many restaurants tend to commit). The staff was really nice, and we talked to one of the owners who was pretty much the nicest guy I've ever met, who talked about the recent changes in Cambridge to become a little more of a gastro-destination. We also got there a little before 10 (on a Sunday) and were one of the firsts to put our names in. That worked out well, because by the time they actually opened, there was already a pretty long wait. Now, I wasn't too big on the sangria (too sweet) but I will just go with a mimosa next time. If they could start selling vodka and serving bloody marys, I'd be the happiest girl on earth. Till then, I'll just continue stuffing my face and working my way down the brunch menu while my husband toils his way through school.
(5)Larry A.
Second visit to Cafe Luna and again impressed. Teri is absolutely fabulous in the kitchen. The best Eggs Benedict perhaps in the Western Hemisphere . So good, I couldn't get myself to try something else this time, though the French Toast and pancakes also looked amazing. Service? How's this? I messaged Teri at 645 am today (Sunday) and she got back to me 10 minutes later. I figured no way we get in for brunch today as reservations are made weeks ahead for this great brunch. But she found a way and Matt seated us right on time. Food and service are outstanding. Maybe the best brunch in Cambridge.
(5)Jennifer T.
Came during lunch time, the servers are friendly enough though a bit absent minded. I ordered a salad, asking if the chicken was grilled (vs chicken salad) she said it was grilled. Then I said no onions, and she checked the menu and said it wasn't listed, so I joked that you never know somethings just get added on...what comes out but a salad that is chicken salad (not a grilled chicken breast) and lots of onion slices thrown on top *shakes head*
(3)Mike A.
Sunday Brunch with the Wife. Called ahead to make a reservation & recommend you do the same as it is a small place. Service was very good except for the bad recommendation to walk to Harvard vs. drive & park.. However she loved her foot massage later that nite. Food was well presented and fresh.
(4)Maddie C.
OMG. Just OMG. I don't know why Boston Magazine named Zaftig's (in Brookline) as the best brunch, because Café Luna clearly blows that place (and many others) out of the water. They do take reservations, which I'd recommend unless you plan it right and are ready to wait about an hour (on weekends). I did that and it was fine. The owner himself does all the seating when it's busy, and he's really on top of things. The staff is really friendly and helpful. I recommend taking a look at a menu while you wait so you can order right away! Pro tip: you can get a 1/2 order of any of the french toast, so if you're like me and have trouble deciding between savory or sweet, you don't have to!
(5)charles s.
Took my wife here for her birthday, the food was better than mistral for half the price!!! Little cramp, but the service was amazing, call ahead for a reservation! Will come back again:)
(5)Cindy T.
Living west of the city, the options are so limited & it's so difficult to find good food. On this rare occasion that I'm not at my patient's bedside on a weekend, the bf decided to take me out for brunch knowing that eggs benedict & mimosa are my absolute favs. Yelp definitely helped score him some brownie points bc Cafe Luna is now my fav brunch destination! We were pleasantly greeted by Matt who told us it's going to be a 15-20 min wait. Not bad. He then came back and updated us on the status of our table, "they finished their meal, got their bill and have yet to pay"... Too funny! We started off with mimosas. We were already tipsy & giggly after a sip! They surely don't mess around with the champagne. Def have to come back to try their coffee bc it looks delish & I'm a sucker for latte art. We were fortunate to have Nick as our waiter. As first timers, he suggested a few speciality items and we ordered the Lobster Eggs Benedict & Greek Omelette... Omg the best ever! The lobster was so buttery & literally melt in your mouth and the hollandaise sauce was perfect. As for the omelette, it was so fluffy! Try it with the brioche toast. Can't wait to return to try the pancakes & coffee!
(4)Missy M.
This homey, adorable little cafe has amazing brunch. The biscuits with honey butter are unbelievable. Everything on the menu, from fluffy pancakes to super intense french toast to savory omelettes, is good. You really can't go wrong here. The staff is also really, really sweet, friendly, and accommodating. They go out of their way. One draw back: it's not cheap as far as brunch goes.
(4)Roxxy Q.
Best lobster roll I've ever had.
(4)Kristine R.
French toast with nutella! SOLD! What a cute little place (props to Scout Mob for introducing me to this place). Went here for brunch and loved the selection brunch items from waffles, french toast to omelettes and chorizo plates! YUM! But, I ordered the half order of nutella french toast. My friend had the chocolate chip waffles, which look amazing. I loved my french toast though! We also shared the honey biscuits. Service was great and it's wonderful they take reservations! I definitely want to come back here for brunch. This is just another place why I need to be in Cambridge!
(5)Diana L.
I had some high expectations for this place from all the pictures and reviews, but was really underwhelmed at my experience. Came for brunch on a Saturday was busy and line out the door as usual. They got a cute little patio area and a very artsy decor interior. It's super small and the waitors are constantly hitting you and elbowing you if you sit on the aisle. All the bustle and smells of savoury and sweets mixed with the sounds of blenders and coffee expresso machines grinding away - feeling excited. I ordered a corned beef hash benedicts with fruit and my friend and omelete. The portions were really small I could barely find meat on my egg mcmuffin there was more white plate space than food. It shouldn't have been fruit OR roasted potatoes but BOTH. The roasted potatoes were amazing. Also, got a iced chai pumpkin latte was really expensive. Overall, came to $23? For brunch like wtf? I could have made something better at home. We saw other ppl order waffles/pancakes/french toast that might have been more appeasing and bigger portions but then again why pay $15 for batter? They have a really extensive menu maybe other items are a more bang for your buck.
(3)Pito S.
The sandwich was great and the restaurant has a very good feel to it. Great place for an inexpensive delicious meal
(4)Maria R.
This place has really good quality brunch, both sweet and savory options. The wait is a bummer, but it's just how it is. There are good vegetarian options, and the service is really quick. I was pleased with everything in the menu, especially the belgian waffles with berries.
(5)Imran G.
After hearing my friends rave about this place for a good 10 minutes my fiancee and I quickly walked over for what were supposed to be the best paninis in all of Cambridge. Teri, one of the owners, is trying to redefine perfection. Their paninis are quite possibly the best I've ever had, ever. We thought we had found a place with really good paninis in Cambridge. I'm often known to be wrong, and I hate being wrong. So in order to redeem myself, and be correct, let me just say that everything about this panini is perfect. The bread on the outside seems to be slightly toasted with some olive oil first, and then all of the sandwich fillings go on and it gets pressed. There is a method to the madness, and it all involves subtleties that when combined make an infallible panini. Let me further explain these "subtleties", they are actually really important. The focaccia bread was perfectly chewy on the inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside. There is a very small layer of crispiness on the outside, and the rest of the bread just a joy to chew. Since we got a "proper" panini, the inside was perfectly well done. Most notable, this thick amazing slice of provolone was super gooey and melted. It was a great contrast in texture compared to the crispy-chewy bread, and the tender chicken. I don't quite remember the chicken, it was fresh, cooked to perfection, and sliced thin. Not remembering the flavor profile is really not a bad thing, because I was a little bit overwhelmed by the amazing homemade pesto sauce. Perfect blend of spices to pair up with the chicken. Chicken is never really flavorful by itself anyways, so the pesto made the sandwich a little bit more special than it already was. All this, and a side of chips for $9+tax (I'm serious about the side of chips). Part 2: (Coffee stuff): They have a really friendly barista, Nate, who knows everything a coffee noob like me would like to know. They make some pretty good iced lattes. However, the one thing I'm looking forward to is their eggs benedict for brunch. Sunday is my fiancee's birthday, and I trust Teri enough to make to bring my fiancee over here for brunch. Part 3 (Sunday Brunch): My fiancee's birthday was today. I felt like I should treat her out to a special brunch. So I brought here over here. While we do have a place that we like to go to for a super cheap brunch, I wanted to make her special. Besides, we already know the the quality of everything here is superb. I've heard so much of their eggs benedict that my sight was set on one thing, and one thing only. Since I don't eat pork, and I'm not a fan of lobster, I got the corned beef hash eggs benedict. This is by far, the best corned beef hash I have ever had. The seasoning was perfect, and the texture was also extremely amazing. It wasn't 100% ground beef, but rather, shredded beef steak. Perfection. On top of the hash was a perfectly poached egg. It looked amazing, and tasted amazing. The hollandaise sauce was also an exceptional addition to the whole thing. Everything by itself could have been divine, but when they all combined together, the effect was exponential. My fiancee got a spicy chicken chorizo with scrambled egg whites as a substitute. The chorizo had this decadent texture that perfectly complemented the spicy level. She also got a ridiculous amount of homefries, I just happened to have finished the homefries a few moments ago. Usually, I get excited by homefries, because it always sounds good. However, these homefries were in another universe. I'm not even sure if this is real life and I'm on Earth. It just doesn't make sense how good the homefries are. They are a little spicy, but I appreciate that sort of flavor. Unfortunately, I had no room for dessert during this brunch since we got a side order of jalapeno cheese sauce covered homefries. I thought the sauce was pretty good, and so were the homefries, but it wasn't that much for $6. I think this is mostly just a side effect of how much I loved the homefries. One thing that needs to be said is how accomodating this place is. First, they can pretty much create anything you want, though you probably don't want to do that since their culinary expertise is straight up amazing. Second, they will even change your reservation 30 minutes before you were supposed to show up to a whole 3 hours later. All in all, if you have friends, family, or special people in town, and you want to impress them. Bring them here.
(5)Alia Z.
This place has THE best waffle I've ever had - the one with the lemon curd and berries on it. It crispy, delicate, and delicious. The corned beef hash is very tasty too, although very expensive. The line was long, but if you don't mind sitting at the bar, you can usually get a spot pretty quickly.
(5)Leia O.
This place is amazing! The staff and the owner are so nice and so incredibly pleasant. It's not huge and sometimes the wait for a table can be very long, I suggest to always call in advance and make a reservation, even for brunch! I had the incredible steak and lobster eggs benedict with avocado, tomatoes and bacon...delicious! And my friend had the fig, prosciutto and goat cheese omelet...she said it was very good. We also shared the grilled buttermilk biscuits with honey butter (you must try these!!!) I highly recommend this place for brunch and I have heard that it's just as good for lunch (their lunch menu looks pretty yummy!)
(5)Jon G.
This place is great as far as food, staff, and location is concerned. My only quarrel is that of the timing of food. Due to them being very busi especially on sundays it takes awhile for the food to come out. Also few items on the menu were suggested by the very kind staff would likely take a while to come out and there selection was a poor decision due to the increased wait time. Busi day (Ie: sundays) expect 30 min wait, all other days rapid food turnover...worth a taste for sure.. especially the hash it is a must have
(4)Syl B.
Love this place. Been here for brunch several times and every time am completely happy as a clam at the end of the meal. The service is fantastic and the owner bends over backwards to make sure everyone is enjoying their meal. The S'mores French Toast satisfies a sweet tooth, and the Hash is great for those hankering for something savory. Highly recommended...
(4)Charlie J.
outstanding service and great food. very popular so make sure you make a reservation.
(5)Matthias J.
The mystery to me, is how come an espresso machine that has a skull and crossbones sign on it and a warning to "NEVER turn off", makes the best coffee anywhere in Boston. In a time when the general level of coffee appreciation has been raised significantly, this is no mean feat. The first espresso I had here a few weeks ago blew me away, but I ascribed it to either coffee starved taste buds or some imaginary sensory overload. I have been back twice again and keep been consistently blown away. The rest of their food is pretty good too.
(4)Susan J.
The apple pastry was delicious and the free wifi signal is much stronger than some of the wifi in the area... *coughs* Toscanini's. Plus, with the front windows open it got a nice breeze. I'm definitely coming back!
(4)Julie A.
I could take this place or leave it. It's god a minimal selection for food, but what they have is good but kinda blah, and is a nice change for the hood. Service is super BLAH and slow
(3)Melissa W.
AWESOME gelato. I really like their tiramisu gelato (apparently they have their gelato made in Italy and shipped over!), and I definitely prefer it over Toscanini's ice cream. I also like their portabella panini. Tasty.
(4)Ben B.
The coffee is OK, the pastry is OK, but there's better of both nearby (Tosci's for Coffee, Mariposa across the street for pastry). But La Luna Cafe has free no sign-in WiFi and is very mellow and comfortable. So it's a great place to do a little work at a cafe if you do that kind of thing. You'll often see 2-3 people with laptops, and another at the public desktop computer.
(4)Patrick M.
This is my new favorite for brunch. The staff is very friendly and they don't try to hurry you. I went there twice this weekend with my friends because we liked it so much. I've had the blueberry pancakes and the brioche french toast with chocolate, whipped creme, carmelized bananas and pecans. The pancakes were giant and fluffy and they put about a half cup of blueberries on top. The chocolate french toast is perfect but obviously for the sweet-tooth in the bunch.
(5)