Almost a year to the day since the last time I've been to Cuchi Cuchi, I stopped by with the lovely Erin M to grab an early dinner and finally try the food and not get sidetracked by the cocktails. Since we were literally the first people in the restaurant, we immediately sat down and were greeted by our friendly waitress with warm towels to clean our hands - a nice touch, considering that this was probably going to be finger food. I had a delicious citrus vodka and champagne cocktail called the AliCat, with muddled mint and ginger, while Erin indulged in a rich alcoholic coffee. We decided upon four small plates, plus some bread, and our waitress suggested that we have them in a certain order, starting off with the tuna lavash and fresh Asian salad, and then the Cuban cigar and the brie en croute. It turned out to be the perfect amount of food - in fact, almost too much as I slowly came under the power of a food coma. The tuna lavash was raw tuna with pickled watermelon, greens, and bacon wrapped and grilled in lavash bread; substantial enough for one person, but great to share as it comes in four pieces. The ginger citrus sauce brought out all the great flavors of the tuna. The Asian salad was incredibly refreshing and clean tasting, with mint and peanuts and sprouts - great to cleanse the palate, especially for the heavier fare we were about to take on. The Cuban cigar was definitely the most delectable of the evening: flaky buttery pastry, smooth tender short ribs, savory gravy....mmmmm. The brie was also very rich, but we still had room for dessert! The cornucopia was a pizzelle cone filled with fruit and topped with fruit drizzle and cream, bringing together the anise flavor with tart fruit and sweet cream. The small plate style is definitely conducive to great conversation and good times; it is tough to get space large enough for a group, but then, there's always the light-up table...
(5)
Bryan F.
Went there to celebrate my anniversary and essentially told the waitress that we were celebrating and to take care of us. She did. We had an extraordinary meal (mushroom risotto & duck l'orange are must haves). The drinks were very fun, but more importantly delicious. Didn't anticipate getting full on small plates, but we left extremely happy. It was a bit pricey, but it was perfect for a "casually elegant" evening, and totally worth it. We also sat next to the cool LED table that lights up when you touch it. Looked fun for some special occasion post-work drinks.
(5)
Caitlin S.
Fabulous eclectic menu... the scallops and stuffing on the oyster shell are to die for delicious along with the mushroom risotto. Very patient wait staff dealt flawlessly well with my 9 loud drunk obnoxious sorostitutes and myself Exceedingly marvelous cocktails (mango margarita gets extra snaps J) , decors, and costume all home runs Only downfall is that the whole cuchi cuchi experience is a bit pricy pricy...but way worth it worh it.
(4)
Dan S.
This food rocked! Let me start by saying that Cuchi Cuchi is generally not the type of place I - as a newly minted 40-year-old - tend to frequent. I want to go out and have a terrific meal, but usually I won't put up in a place that doesn't take reservations, tells you that you'll have a table in an hour as if they are doing you a favor, and is generally a "scene." When we got there, we got some drinks and apps from the completely packed bar for about 45 minutes. Then there was a service screw-up as they brought us to our table only to find out that they had given it to somebody else already. We had to wait by the silverware station for 20 minutes while our new table lingered over paying their check. All these things were overlooked once the food started to arrive. Everything here is served "tapas" style - and comes our very quickly - so you can just order a few plates and then get more of what you like later. Not everything here was a winner, but the things that worked were spectacular. Most memorable were the bliny with mushroom filling, the grilled skirt steak w/Chimichurri Sauce and the grilled Indian lamb. Other dishes were pretty good, including a sharp scallop ceviche and seared tuna. Drinks were great too. The hands-down winner was AJ's strawberry basil martini. My mojito wasn't bad, but didn't have enough sugar. After one, I switched to Newcastle Brown Ale, which complemented the food wonderfully. Overall, I'd definitely go back - but maybe really act like an old man and go earlier.
(5)
patrick w.
Over priced drinks and food. The whole idea of tapas is that you can have small CHEAP tasty bites to eat between drinks (actually in Spain tapas is usually free). So the idea people would come here and pay $9 a pop for virtually nothing is insane, especially when the drinks are so expensive as well. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. This is not a tapas bar, this is a themed restaurant charging super-expensive amounts for super-small servings of food. They call it "tapas" so they can justify ripping off the patrons.
(2)
Josh S.
This is one of the more maddening places I've ever been. it proves that style and class are not the same thing. Yes, it has style in spades, if your idea of style is to be visually overwhelmed by layers upon layers of fake art nouveau decor and costume. And that's the problem: the servers' getups aren't "outfits" -- they're "costumes," meaning that the whole thing is fake. The drink menu is equally overwhelming, with a ton of complicated drinks that all look too sweet. I did not try the food, but I can't imagine enjoying it in such a frantic atmosphere. it's fun enough if you want an antidote to Irish pubs, I suppose.
(3)
Bethany B.
I love this place. Really. I wish I had a job where it was acceptable to wear sequins, fishnet, and tulle. I am a big fan of their espresso martini's. I like to come here to sit at the bar and chat as well as for dinner. I try not to come too hungry though... I could eat like eight of those tapas plates (mmm baked brie) and that adds up fast. But for a couple of plates and some drinks, it's a great time!
(4)
Cara P.
I was a little upset. I read Yelp reviews beforehand as well as glanced the posted "LocaL" pics of Cuchi, Cuchi..... I came here expecting to see at least ONE girl spread eagle, while their feet were hoisted up by the table they were eating off of.........no chance............pooey What did happen... -We spent a shit load of money....well worth it -we took "bottom up" shots of yummy liquor, from the unique shot glasses in the form of a womens torso and sexy posed leg -The hostess station is in the shape of a dress! -Gorgeous antique and Art Nouveau tiles everywhere. even the bathroom -cool kimono on the wall in the dining room -Oak wood everywhere, gorgeous curtains made of rich colors and amazing print fabrics, retro couches -amazing drinks, full bar -amazing light fixtures and lamps strewn throughout -I had an amazing tarot card reading-YUP!!! Cool, huh? -staff decked out in vintage jewelery and clothing.....out waitress was a flapper! Plus they were the right amount of saucy not obnoxious...... We all shared: Oysters Rockefeller-so yummy, perfect amount of bread crumbs Cuban Cigar -the meat was wrapped in dough with black beans Bliny- Pancakes w/mushroom filling-mmmm it has a sour cream & caviar.......so mutherf'in yummy Mushroom Risotto and some fried Tomatoes I had for drinks: The bottoms up shot and their signature cocktail Strawberry Basil Martini.........unbelievable...not too sweet, not too basil-ee.....it was perfect. I could not do the food nor drinks justice in my less than par explanation. Just know, it was exquisite and well worth the money. Not too expensive but the average price of $12 an entree and at least $10 for a drink Everything drips luxury, sexiness and just having a wonderful naughty evening. I felt like I was in a time machine traveling back to a time where I would have fit in perfectly. Come here with your date or your girlfriends and marvel at the sexy waitresses, the retro and glamorous feel of everything you touch, see, and hear....it is hard to shake off the feeling once you step outside the door, back to reality..........but you smile once again, knowing you can go back anytime you walk through the door. And that is just how they wanted you to feel........
(5)
L. O.
Fully in the five star camp on the place too. Definitely kitsch, but they pull it off, particularly because of the great cocktails (which is a plus since I always feel like there's a good wait for a table) and really good food. While I try to always get something new on the food front, my must have is the Cuban Cigar (beef short rib)-so good, really, so so good. Easy enough to walk from the Central redline stop and they do have valet parking if you drive (but since you're probably going to spend a good amt of time enjoying the cocktail menu while waiting at the bar, I definitely recommend the T option).
(5)
Colleen T.
Five stars for effort, zero stars for taste and service. Bartender was super slow and inattentive. Waitress made three trips to the table before I could order another glass of wine. And the food wasn't even that good. Once was plenty for me.
(2)
Back B.
Ok I ate there last night for dinner for the first time. The atmosphere is very cool, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful. The waitress was very knowledgeable and gave an honest opinion about their dishes and drinks which helped allot. But certain aspects were left out. What bugged me is that they don't refer to them selves as a tapas restaurant. That's fine because a restaurant that serves taps style food would serve smaller portions in small plates at a lower price. But at Cuchi Cuchi they serve smaller to medium portioned style meals that's slightly bigger then a typical tapas style plate at a higher price. If you went to a restaurant and paid $15 and up for a meal, you would expect a full portion. Rather then dishing out $5-8 dollars a plate, at Cuchi Cuchi you are paying $15 a plate and up for a smaller meal. I'm sorry but the decor, atmosphere, and retro drinks, is really a smoke screen for what this place is. Its a rip off. I left this restaurant hungry. But to be positive, I do think that this restaurant is cool to visit once for the experience, but keep in mind that its novelty, and overpriced.
(3)
Kish K.
There is not much I don't love about Cuchi Cuchi. The ambiance, the fabulously-decorated servers and bar staff, the unbelievably awesome cocktail menu, the vegan options...seriously, stop me. Let me just say that a perfect summer meal consists of the white gazpacho followed by their nearly-perfect risotto (coupled with a few outstanding old-skool cocktails). For a vegan chic like me to be able to go to a non-vegan place and be so happy with the food, it really does take a lot. Also! Did I mention the cocktails? Muddled fruit in those cocktails? Divine. Just go there and stop dragging your feet already.
(4)
Erin B.
With over 400 reviews, I doubt I'll be saying anything new, but this place is just too amazing to not talk about!! I had NO idea about what I was getting myself into. I arrive to meet some friends who were waiting for me at the bar. Everywhere around me were beautiful women in hot outfits! Kitchy and eclectic! We were seated and greeted by a loquacious server who gave us all the deets. Cuchi Cuchi has a huge (HUGE) cocktail list so our party tried at least 8 different ones between us. We also got in on the porron (sp?) action and slurped sweet cava from a spout 2 feet above our heads. Now the food....ahhh (sigh).....food. Glorious small plate after glorious small plate. Specifics? Scrumptious garlic shrimp, fried oysters, fried balls of goodness with cheese fondue, fresh bread, and fried artichoke hearts. Top it all off with a bit of heaven - Baily's, coffee, with whipped creme (no room for non-alcoholic dessert). Great food, great service, great atmosphere. I loved, loved, loved, Cuchi Cuchi! My wallet...did not love Cuchi, Cuchi. Coming back here next time I have some dough to burn!
(5)
G S.
This place has pages of amazing cocktails. I ordered a strawberry-basil drink. It was a bit strong and although it seems like an odd mix, it was delicious. The bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant is very chill 1920s chic. It's a great place for a date or a girl's night out. The plates are small so it's a good idea to order multiple plates and share with your friends. I will say that the one downside (the only thing keeping this from 5 stars) is that there are very few vegetarian options and I didn't notice anything on the menu that is vegan.
(4)
Daphne M.
Oh my gaaad I loved this place. I went here with a biggish party of 7 on a Friday. They had given us reservations for 6 p.m., and then...the Red Line crapped out on us (WTF, Red Line?! and I'm always *grateful* to live on you!). Most of my party, including myself, couldn't even get there till 6:30 or well after, but despite this the hostess was kind enough to seat the 3 present and hold the rest of the table till we figured out a way there. First points! And going inside was everything I was told to expect. Gorgeous decor, a real feast for the eyes, and I loved a lot of the seating. We got seated in a somewhat dark corner, but despite the size and popularity of the restaurant it wasn't crowded at all. We all ordered some signature cocktails and when they arrived, our hearts sang. No, truly - I have never had cocktails like these in my life, and I imagine I will be hard-pressed to find any comparable. The fresh muddled fruit and the perfect balance of flavor and liquor - they were strong, for sure, but didn't taste overpoweringly so. The food had a lot to live up to after those drinks arrived, but amazingly enough it succeeded at doing so in spades. Because we'd already blown so much money on drinks, we each stuck to two dishes, hoping we wouldn't be hungry - but to our delight, the portions were actually fairly generous. And DELICIOUS. Moorish rice...lots of veggies and awesome spices. Fried artichokes were about the best preparation of this vegetable I've ever had. I tasted lots of other stuff I don't remember well, I just know it was all perfect. Sharing the French banana bread explosion with a friend to top off the meal was the perfect capstone to a perfect evening. We all had a wonderful, funny, amazing evening, and it was a good group, but it was Cuchi Cuchi that really made the night. I can't wait to go back and sip another Raspberry Beret.
(5)
Banana R.
This is by far my favorite place to eat in Cambridge! The deco is wonderful, the cocktails AMAZING (I recommend the Black Dahlia...pricey BUT wonderful!) and tasteful and original food! The only problem is if you want to go there on a Sat night, it gets really really busy and you might wait for a table for a long time as I experienced myself. Just go on a week day and you will be enchanted! Love it Love it!
(5)
Reyna A.
Went here last year for a drink after going to Bertolucci's next door. Didn't know the area since I visiting, but what a pleasant surprise. Fantastic and huge selection of martini cocktails. Low-key, speakeasy, cool vibe. Definitely would go back next time I find myself in Cambridge.
(4)
David K.
The dinner was amazing - probably the first time my wife and I walked away from a restaurant and thought to ourselves "I would not have changed a thing!" Though it is expensive and the plates are small if you look at the menu, you will probably get at least two dishes per person. Even after paying far more than we would have liked for drinks and dinner, I was still happy I went there
(4)
pete g.
I've gone to Cuchi Cuchi three times now. Here is how I find it: Service is shit poor. Don't expect to get seated within an hour, even if there are three or four open tables. Reservations do not help with this. Once you're seated, if you're seated, don't expect a lot of attention. The place is often busy, so I'm sure the servers are busy, but you know what? They're charging premium bucks for the privilege of being there. Hire another fucking waitress. I do not react well to being ignored in a place of business. The food is not as good as at the sister restaurant, Dali (which is like Cuchi Cuchi done right, in my opinion). It's tapas, wow small plates, gee the lighting is so romantic in here. By the time you have a chance to eat, it's been two hours and you're getting pretty tipsy and you'd shovel mostly anything into your mouth gratefully. Speaking of which, the drinks are very well-made. This is the one thing I like about the place -- the bartenders seem to be unafflicted with the stingy wrist so popular virtually everywhere else in Boston. Sit at the far end of the bar if you can, Nathan the bartender is a real pro. This restaurant seems to favor those who have an aching need for "superb atmosphere" or style over substance or whatever... I dunno. I just ain't feeling this place. -- Edit: Another data point. Was there last Thursday. Had an 8pm reservation; arrived at 7:55; seated at 8:40. Don't worry, Chungo, I'm sure it's just me.
(2)
Jen H.
I FINALLY made it back to Cuchi Cuchi... and it ooooonly took me about 1 year and 7 months to do so. haha. Actually, I probably still wouldn't have been back except for the fact that I had a date last night and they recommended going here. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to come back to try the tapas... it's just that there are SO many places I still want to try that I just hadn't gotten around to it yet! Anyhoo, I digress... Each plate is around $15 and they recommend two plates per person. If you go in hungry, this is about right, and I would stick to that golden rule. I wasn't really hungry so I just ordered one item, and my date ordered two. All in all we had the Grilled Indian Lamb, Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in dough to look like a cigar), and the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato (white cheese, avocado, tomato, and salsa). The steak was good, and dipping it into the mint yogurt sauce added a good amount of additional flavor. The Cuban Cigar, honestly the best thing that we ordered. It was ultra flavorful, the meat was tender, the dough was nice and flaky/crusty, and just overall very well done. Now... the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato... what to say about this. Going into it we were both thinking: it's got tomato, cheese, avocado, and it's going to be fried. How can that possibly go wrong?! It can't, it will be delicious. When they brought it over, it looked so crispy and yummy on the outside... and when my date cut into the tomato the various elements started going all over the place. No worries, they're all going the same place anyway, just scoop them together and .... nothing. Total blandness! *sigh* It had the makings to be GREAT, but it just fell short. It was also served cold. Very odd, not what we were expecting, and while it looks and sounds great, it's just not worth it. Both of us agreed that we'd not get that again. So, now I know... Cuchi Cuchi has some great food, some good food, and some some meh food, but all in all it's a nice spot. I think this is a good date spot, it's nice, you get to share in the ordering process together, you get to try little bits of everything and conversation in an environment where, should you not know what to say, you could always comment on the decor because it's eclectic.
(4)
Casey F.
Until I was about 8, I wanted to grow up to be a princess. My mother informed me that I could not be a princess because you have to be born into it. I informed HER that I would marry a prince, thereby solving all my birth issues (wasn't I a clever one!). She then crushed my dreams by saying that only current royalty can marry royalty (and stay royal). I don't know if I ever recovered. Aren't parents supposed to support your dreams and goals? Anyway. The point of that anecdote is that my seven year old self would have died and gone to heaven had I been able to dine at Cuchi Cuchi. Rhinestones, lace, feathers, and sequins drip from every surface, the furniture is gilded, and the waitresses wear very fun/sexy 1920s style outfits. Well, heck, my 26 year old self loves it too. The martinis are delish - my personal favorite is the lemon one. The food is tapas style, so make sure you order a few. It's quite good as well. They do have a $20 minimum on food per person for any party bigger than 6, which is 2 - 3 tapas per person. With all the alcohol you're likely consuming, that's quite a bit to eat. I come here with my lady friends when we want a special night out. The bar gets VERY crowded, but it might be a good date spot as well. Cuchi cuchi coo!
(4)
Melissa T.
I loved this place! The decor is spectacular; even the restrooms have a funky touch. The waitstaff is dressed in roaring 20s costumes - what's not to love about that? We started out at the bar, waiting for our party of six to arrive. I'm not a big fan of mixed drinks, and I tend to stick to beer and wine, but after sipping my friend's Dancing with Ginger, I veered from my usual path - it was one of the best drinks I've ever tasted! We sat down to dinner and broke into two sections - vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Over in our neck of the woods, we sampled six of the veggie options. First to arrive were the potato croquettes, served with two dipping sauces. There were plenty to share, and I sampled three of these delicious little bites of potato goodness. Next we tried the deep fried Mexican tomato, which was outstanding. The Gobi Manchurian contained both white and purple cauliflower, both of which were amazing. The Bliny, minus the caviar, was light and delicious. My least favorite dish was the fried artichoke hearts, only because they were a little too salty for my liking. I also had a small bite of the mushroom risotto and the Gazpacho, both excellent. We did not sample dessert, but I'm sure they would not disappoint in this area.
(5)
Karin J.
This is a great place for birthdays, or any other celebratory occasion. Plates are small though, so you can end up spending a pretty penny if you're real hungry. Of course, you could always just fill up with cocktails instead (This maneuver is actually highly recommended, as this place has one of the swankiest drink menus around). As an aside, If I could quit my 9-5 and become a waitress, I'd work here. This is mainly because the staff likes to dress up in these fabulous Gatsby-like getups. Makes me envious indeed.
(4)
Che R.
I love this place. It's so sexy 1940s city! The waitstaff is great! The food is scrumptious! Get the blini with caviar - yum. The drinks are great! They have soooo many drinks, and they are all good. The decor is so romantic too. I went here for before dinner drinks for my b-day last year. I loved it! Either sit at the bar or grab a table -- both work for me.
(4)
Kate B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston by far... it's amazing, go there now. I can't say enough about this place. I just went there last night for the fourth time and yet again it was fantastic. Everything that I have had there is great. Some of my favorites are the Scallops Provencale, mushroom risotto, and the Cuban cigar. As for the drinks, the white sangria is not to be missed- I get it every time I go there. I can also say for a fact that the blackberry and watermelon martinis are divine. The only drink I have sampled that I haven't been crazy about is the Between the Sheets martini- it's just a little too strong for my tastes. But then again, I am a total pansy. The decor is also incredible.... it is completely over the top whimsical and fun. It is like a mixture of Zsa Zsa Gabor, Marelene Dietrich and Betty Boop. I love the outfits the waitresses wear. Apparently the restaurant owns the costumes and before each shift the staff picks out an ensemble for a night. How fun is that?! I will say that I have probably had better food at other restaurants but this place more than makes up for it with personality and an incredibly extensive and inventive drink list. I think everyone should go there at least once.
(5)
Dave A.
I really liked this place a lot. A really expansive menu, with tons of options, many of which you won't see any where else. Food was great, service was pretty good, only real downfall is their Valet service which is overpriced, and failed to tell me when they got a parking ticket while they had my car.
(4)
Carmen R.
Hold a few hours of your night and be ready to live a creative experience around food, unique (a large offer) drinks, 1920's/burlesque ambience and a great service. Cuchi cuchi is a whole experience. We were group of 10 people and we got lucky to seat at this cool and funny Led table that lights up with motion! we sat around this table in little couches surrounded by a great ambience; all kind of objects creating a weird but beautiful looking enviroment. The waitress were all dressed in bright shinny outfits that reminds me Chicago movie but with a creative and funnier twist The food was really impressive, we just ordered a bunch of dishes to share and honeslty every time a new dish arrived to the table it was more delicious than the last one! We had the artichoke hearts very tastefull, soft and perfectly coocked; then we got the Brie in croute which was an spectacular kind of bread filled with brie, one of the hits of the night! We also had the Tuna Tartare cone which was refreshing and perfect to move to the next few dishes a perfectly cooked steak with a fresh/ delicious sauce to dip it in and an entree with a few ribs sazoned with a sweet touch... The drinks were the queen of the night; this place has full menu with all kind of international mix of drinks, many of them fruity, colorful looking and really good... I oould keep going on and on....I just say Go! (warning: don't expect cheap prices or big dishes...be ready to pay a bit more but totally worth it!)
(5)
Lindsay C.
SoOooooo, I was really craving some tapas style dishes one evening. I yelped tapas and this fabulous little jewel popped up. BUT, don't ever walk in there saying you want tapas! They might just rare back and slap you across the face...okay kidding! But seriously, they strongly hold to their word that these are not tapas; that they are in between a tapa size and an entree size. My husband and I started off at the bar because this 180 person capacity restaurant was PACKED to the gills with college sophisticates and a semi older crowd mixed in. The wait was about 35-45 minutes so we sat down at a bar seat and were handed the drink menu. OMG, so much wonderfulness graced the pages, Alot of muddled cocktails with lemongrass and different ingredients that you don't usually see. I tried the Orient Express with the lemongrass and other misc fruits; was to die for! We also ordered the bread basket and oil with olives and peppers and Parmesan cheese, it was pretty tasty too. After about 40 minutes the greeter actually came to the bar and let us know our seat were ready. We walked to our small 2 seater table and quickly opened the menus (My husband and I were STARVING). I ordered one of the lamb plates and the Duck Crepes with an orange sauce and my husband ordered the a chicken dish and the Beef Stroganoff. The waitress told us it was good to start off with two dishes each, which usually filled you up and you could of course always order more later. We devoured our plates, sharing a bit every so often. We then decided we'd split a dessert just to see what it was like. We ordered the tiramisu, just because when I really like something it's hard for me to order anything else. Well this tiramisu was different than any of the hundreds I've tried before! We literally almost got drunk off of it! The Coffee Liqueur was saturating the lady fingers and we LOVED ever single second of it! We paid our almost $100 bill but with a smile on our face, then got up and hobbled out of there...all in all a VERY good night if I do say so! We would definitely go back! CUCHI CUCHI!!!!
(4)
Yasir B.
Loved this place! The servers remember you by name, the all have the biggest smile on their face, and are so accmodating! I took a friend here for her birthday, and we loved the taste of the food, the selection, and the drinks! Absolutely a great date spot for tapas.
(5)
Danielle F.
The wait can be rather long, but it is wonderful food. The martini list is definitely big enough to accomodate the wait. My fave drink is the Raspberry Lime Rickey Ricardo. YUMMY! There is a basil martini that is quite good as well. The selection of tapas is great and every time I go I always seem to find something new to try. the servers and the outfits are a riot. It must be great to raid a costume store on a regular basis for your work attire.
(5)
Kait K.
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Had no problem getting a table for 2 and the costumes were AWESOME!! Great service and the food was out in a flash. Also the menu was eclectic and exciting to try. It was fun and convenient to order dishes as we pleased depending on how much more we could eat and what else we wanted to try. Absolutely check this place out. Delish!
(5)
Christine T.
BRIE EN CROUTE = mouth orgasm! OMG! everything is tasty but the brie en croute is to DIE for.... It puts me into orgasmic ecstasy when you bite in the gooey cheesy goodness and hit a walnut spot with the tang of bacon...... It is expensive though. There's a minimum of $20 per person when you're in a group. Plus drinks and tip it adds up pretty hefty. The atmosphere is cute kitchy, they change the clothes on a mannequin like every week. The waitress wear 20's flapper clothing, or Flamenco dancer style dresses, the bar is beautiful. You get seated on antique furniture, its not the most comfortable but you completely forget cuz you're having such a good time. If you call ahead in advance you can reserve this little corner table for 2 in the back of the restaurant which is tre romantique! Nice drink menu, haven't tried the desserts yet, I'm always too full by dessert time.
(4)
Dave D.
ugh ... awful! I went here a little while ago for my friend's mother's birthday and there was really nothing to like about this place. - The decor was 1920's but it looked like my grandmother's attic. - NOTHING was comfortable. Benches and chairs were very harsh and everyone was cramped. - Martini's were WAY overpriced and not very good. - Food was okay ... and also WAY overpriced. - Wait staff looked SO uncomfortable in their 1920's clothes ... it looked like they raided the costume room for a production of The Great Gatsby. They were always adjusting their attire and nothing looked like it fit. - It was easy to understand why the wait staff was rude ... if I was that uncomfortable in my clothes, I would be rude too. Overall assessment: For 2, we spent $180 and (about $90 a piece), and I walked out of there starving and sober.
(1)
John C.
Probably my favorite, "not your every day" restaurant. Food is served tapas style, about 4 or 5 dishes would be good for a dinner for two. The Eggplant Napoleon is amazing, and the Cuban Cigar is not to be missed. I could on and on about the drink menu. I can't say I have a favorite drink, I try something new each time. The staff is great, full of personality, all dressed in Casual Hollywood from the 20s-30s. The atmosphere is very intimate, I felt as if I had been invited to a very exclusive party. A great first date spot, the menu offers a lot to talk about. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Victoria X.
The atmosphere is amazing, the staff there are dressed like 1940's flappers and the food is incredible. They also have an amazing choice of drinks at the bar, Pretty much anything you want they got it!
(5)
Tasha M.
Woulda been four stars if not for the fact that everyone knows about it and it's so damn crowded. Woulda been five if they didn't periodically take away some of their most wonderful dishes. I know, chef, that variety is the spice of life..but pretty please can we have the bouillabaisse back? how about that yummy coconut shrimpy soup with the radishes? what about the savory cupcakes? huh? can we, please? big ups to all the chill and wonderful peoples working the bar. don't be a afraid to eat at the bar, you'll be in great company!
(3)
Meaghan S.
I am pretty shocked that it's taken me this long to write a review for Cuchi Cuchi. I'll chock that up to being way too tipsy after drinking two or three of their cocktails thus forgetting how to type by the time I get home. I love Cuchi Cuchi and my husband hates it. Although we can both agree that Nathan the bartender is a genius and at least in my experience (varied and frequent!) one of the best bartenders in the greater-Boston area. The drink menu here is unrivaled. They have some of the most delicious and creative drinks I have ever had the pleasure to imbibe. They make their cocktails with fresh fruit and forgo those weird artificial "fruit" syrups that so many bars use. I personally enjoy The Blood Orange Sidecar, The Black Dalia and the Lemongrass Martini. As you may be able to decipher from the names of the drinks and the name of the restaurant (a homage to Charo) this place caters heavily to the female audience. The decor is Art Deco/Art Nouveau, and as mentioned before the waitresses wear feathers, glitter and lace. The servers are always gorgeous and prompt. The dishes, tapas, are creative and tasty, although I do prefer their sister restaurant, Dali's, more Spanish inspired dishes. But the Marinated Mushrooms are to die for if fungus is your thang, and their beef dishes are generally all delicious. Also try the Oysters Rockefeller, yum! Harmony Dawn (who I admit is one of my BFFs) does $20 psychic/tarot readings here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is a gorgeous ethereal doll and if readings are your gig definitely check her out. You may need to call in advance as she books pretty quickly. My one complaint, the thing that keeps Cuchi Cuchi from getting 5 stars, is the wait time. Of the times that I've gone there for dinner (rather than just drinks) I've had reservations 4 out of the 5 times and each time I've had to wait at least 1/2 hour beyond my reservation time to be seated. That is just a warning, so sidle up to the bar get a drink and make yourself comfortable.
(4)
E C.
Went here for a surprise birthday dinner. There were 12 of us in total and they said they couldn't seat our party until we were all present. Luckily they sat us with 10 out of the 12 present. The decor was eclectic but I was really struck with how terrific the staff looked. The bar and food menus were intense. I had the triple passion daiquiri (tasty) and ordered 3 dishes. The Caspian Heaven was exactly that - each bite was pure happiness. The scallops provencale was tasty and the presentation was terrific (on a large shell). I didn't shoot the scallop ceviche shot which was good since it was something to savor. Since the party was large, a good portion of the menu was on the table. Since I'm a pescatarian (I love that made up word) many of the dishes were passed over me but it sounded like everyone loved everything. Since someone brought a cake I wasn't able to try any desserts, but you can bet I'll make another visit. It's not the cheapest place ever (especially since they are small servings) so i won't go regularly, but I highly recommend this place. PS - I did laugh at the fact that they refused to say their dishes were tapas. I get the fact that it wasn't exclusively Spanish, but c'mon.
(5)
Jessica M.
I went here with a friend a short time ago for appetizers and drinks. Their drink menu is long and full of delicious concoctions - plus the bartenders are more than willing to experiment and create a custom drink just for you. I was trying to copy a drink I had in Toronto at the Drake Hotel (a twist on a French 75 - YUMMY!!) and the bartender was really set on getting it right for me. He was incredibly nice and good hearted - great service! The atmosphere is amazing and completely makes you forget where you are or the time of day. It's warm and friendly, dim but not dark. Shimmering but not tacky. You get the point. Atmosphere wins. The only disappointing part was the overly salty appetizer. The mushrooms were AMAZING but we also ordered cornets with tuna tartare (an item inspired by Thomas Keller at The French Laundry) and they came out packed full of salt. I must say that the staff was incredibly nice about it when we said we wouldn't be finishing it - although happy to pay for it - and they took it off our bill. The manager also came over to apologize. Maybe we just got an off batch? I'd be willing to try again - everything else made up for it.
(4)
RK T.
Great vibe. Food was quite tasty as well - at least 4 of 5 dishes. Definitely a place to return to. Friendly, patient, and helpful waiter.
(4)
Sheri S.
A fun atmosphere, but the food and drinks are mediocre, especially for the price. The cocktails tend to the sweet side and are made with low to mid quality liquor. The food is decent, and inventive, but the dishes we had were kind of sweetish and bland. For the price you could do much better. You can get amazing cocktails for the same price at Craigie or ES.
(2)
Christopher C.
I've not eaten here, just drinks. Hmmm.. if you start reading my reviews you might think I don't ever eat, just always drinks. Well, it's a bit true, I admit. Maybe that makes me an expert in drinks? Or maybe it just makes me embarrassed. Anyway, Cuchi Cuchi is fabulous. And yes, I have the gay cred to use the word: fabulous. How can you go wrong with wait staff in gypsy outfits and vaudeville decorations all around? The look is a lot of fun, and I think the staff get a kick out of it too, as they seem to camp it up in their crazy feathers. Now to the drinks: they are _amazing_. So amazing, in fact, that below my 25% tip to the bartender, I had to write "best drinks in Cambridge, thanks!" on my receipt. I also thanked the hostess profusely on my way out, but I think that was probably due to the aforementioned strong drinks. A varied and creative cocktail menu is often a bad sign for me. It screams "juice-tini". But these are not juice-tinis. They use odd and creative mixtures of liquors and some high quality mixes to achieve some original and interesting flavours. My absolute fave, and also the favorite of everyone in my party was the strawberry-basil. Other hits: the happiness cocktail, and the Gypsy Rose Lee. I think Gypsy Rose would have liked this place.
(5)
Melody M.
First and foremost: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT GETTING DESSERT. read on.... Great place! I went there last night to treat my amazing boyfriend to dinner and we absolutely fell in love and wondered why we'd never tried Cuchi Cuchi before. Be prepared to spend money, especially if you drink. I don't so, I couldn't tell you what is good. However, if I did, this is the kind of place I'd love to get a drink - their wine and cocktail list is expansive, expensive, but creative and wonderful! This place is great for couples and parties of 4. The ambiance is romantic, the music selection is spriteful and ecclectic. The waitresses are friendly and wonderfully dressed in 20's flapper style. If you like a nice quiet place to spend a romantic or fun and fancy evening (not too fancy) with your friends...this is the place! The fair is tapas style dishes ranging from 9 - 15 bucks. We enjoyed (in this order from best to not-so-best-but-still-good) the Moorish Rice, the Mexican Fried Tomato (which, my boyfriend who HATES tomatoes LOVED), the Seafood Filled Avocado, and the Scallop Ceviche. THE BEST PART: For dessert we got the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Which is basically like sex on plate. Actually, even better, according to our waitress. It's basically Banana bread flamed on top (like creme brulee) with sweet bananas on top, delicious ice cream with caramel sauce and creme anglaise, and thick to die for whipped cream. TRUST ME: you will want more. It's a pretty big portion (good enough for 2 people) but YOU WILL WANT MORE. They also serve many different dessert coffees and wines to go along with their awesomely satisfying list of "finales." This is the kind of place were you should go and get 3 or 4 dessert dishes alone. Definitely try this place. More than once. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Patty W.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great restaurant for a special night or to meet out for drinks. Making sure that you are prepared to pay a little more for the experience...plates being tapas style, the drinks all have fun names the dressed up staff and decor of the restaurant. I went with some friends and we reserved the table with the couches.....We had a great time! Dinner can get pricey but just watch what your order and don't go over board... If you are counting your pennies...save them and try Cuchi Cuchi to just be able to say you went to a place called Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)
Jane L.
The preface: This is one of my favorite bars in Boston. The decor, the atmosphere, the outfits, the tasty and powerful drinks...totally darling. If you had asked me to rate them prior to July of this year, I would have definitely given them 4 stars and considered 5. Why they suck a little bit (and why I gave them 3 stars): we came here for my sister's birthday. She was really tipsy by then and the bartender was not happy with us. I totally understand they must deal with drunk a-holes all the time but still, we weren't misbehaving, we're polite happy drunks. Anyway, we could tell my sister had passed the point of no return so we sat her on a bench outside. I went back inside and asked the bartender for some water for her. He then sold me a bottle of Voss for $7.50, pre-tip. Seriously?? That was the ONLY water you had? No tap water? No Crystal Springs for $4? What do they serve their restaurant goers? I hate to think they'd take advantage of some tipsy customers but...I do.
(3)
Chris S.
A friend of mine introduced me to this place a month ago. It's a favorite hangout of her and her girlfriends. We had delicious cocktails and enjoyed the ambiance, but it was crowded and noisy. However, I wanted to go back to try their dinner, and when the opportunity arose this evening I took advantage, this time with another friend. What a great choice. This being a Monday night CC was much more conducive to conversation. We ordered 3 dishes, my fav being the tuna tartar with avocado mousse cornets and hers the fried oysters with caviar. Of course we had some crazy cocktail and followed up with some delicious desert. The meal was perfectly satisfying and well presented. Our server gave no pressure to turn the table. All together it made for a wonderful evening with a great friend over excellent food in a unique environment.
(5)
leon p.
This place is interesting, the best way to experience it is to walk in, use the restroom and leave. It is nicely decorated in "Art Nouveau" style and staff is dressed up. Staying for food or drinks is a grave mistake though - they serve overpriced "tapas" of very poor quality. Most seem to be ordered from the "delicatessen" section of "S&S" store a few blocks away. Deep fried chips, over-fried duck chunklets, mayonessy, ice-cream cone with salty guacamole. Service is bad, visitors are noisy, music selection is bad.
(1)
Kathleen M.
I heart Cuchi Cuchi (don't tell my Mom I said that, she might think it's dirty). Actually, I took my Mom here once, and she thought it was a "place for young people." In a town full of college kids, it's hard for me to feel young, so thanks Mom for that comment. I was proud, though, that with a trip to the Sam Adams brewery and Cuchi Cuchi, I was able to get my stepfather drunk twice in one day. It made for quite an amusing evening, and a fun adventure home. Anyway, the food, drinks, and atmosphere here are all I could ever want in a place. It is pricey, but so worth it. Each delicious tapa dish melts in your mouth--the skirt steak, the bracioletta, the Caspian Heaven (Heaven it is!), the potato and artichoke gratin, the scallop ceviche, the oysters Rockefeller, the zukes with cheese and ham, the Moorish rice--all of it, so good! The drinks are amazing (yeah, I know $11 is a lot to pay for a drink, but considering there is enough alcohol in each of these for both you and your dining partner to get a buzz, it seems reasonable), lots with muddled fruits, which I love (like the Caipiroska and the Raspberry Lime Rickey Ricardo). Two of these and you'll be falling out of your chair. The atmosphere is fun, and the decor is just something you have to see to appreciate. It's a great intimate setting for parties of 2-4. I've been there with larger groups, but it's hard to share in those settings, and you really want to try everything you order here. This place gets packed in the evenings, so go early, try to reserve, or just hang out in the bar for a while.
(5)
Tanvi D.
The food is good, but, quite expensive and they require you to order atleast 2 tapas dishes (I think is a $20 food minimum per person at the table). Its a small place, so, the wait can be long. But, you can hang out at the bar and have some of their expensive drinks. I've had mojitos and white sangria. Both good. I liked their 1. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp (though, I like Dali's better) 2. Baby Back Ribs w/Apple Fritters 3. Potatoes and Onion Gratin 4. Artichoke hearts stuffed with cheese
(3)
Kristin S.
My coworkers and I went out for a celebratory dinner to Cuchi Cuchi and it was a great time. We were looking for something different from your normal restaurant experience. The small plates were a big hit with my coworkers and while I was abstaining from drinking that day they enjoyed their martinis and cocktails. I have to say that there are some very creative drinks here, a particular favorite that night was Dancing with Ginger. We ordered many many of the small plates and each plate was just fantastic. Each of us chose two that the group shared and it was enough food. When we topped it off with dessert it was the perfect amount of full. For dessert we ordered two of the banana bread dish and the cheesecake. The banana dish is very large and the cheesecake is small, just as a warning. Both were phenomenal. The banana reminded me almost of the stuffed banana french toast at Masa. Honestly, it wasn't that expensive. None of were paying but if you broke down the bill at the end it came to about $40 per person. I'm glad that I went with my coworkers; while it is a fun place I'm not sure that my husband would have gone for it. The hostesses and servers all wear adorable flapper-esque costumes and the decor walks the line between hokey (the gigantic mannequin we ate under) and tasteful (the bar area)
(4)
Monique D.
Amazing, Fun, Flamboyant, Food is Delicious and that is all she wrote!
(5)
Kristina M.
Very stylish, charming place with waiters dressed in 20ies-something funky clothes. Great drinks and the food is good, too (as mentioned by others, portions are tapas-like - so you should order a couple). The only reason I don't give it five stars is that I still think it's overpriced. Not recommendable if you're on a budget, but otherwise it will make for an extravagant night out. I have to adjust my first rating down to 3 stars. While I still like the place and am charmed by its decor (although it feels like they're trying a bit too hard with it), I have to say that the food is just not worth it. Maybe portions have been getting smaller and quality has been going down since my first visit, or maybe my memory of that first encounter was just blurred by too much alcohol, but upon revisit I have to say that the food is definitely not worth it and feels like a rip-off. Drinks are ok (although I have had better), but over-priced as well. So I'd say once in a while it's a good place to have a drink, but don't eat here!
(3)
Haley T.
The atmosphere and quality mixed drinks are the big draws here. The drink menu is extensive! It is the epitome of a girly bar, with the waitstaff dressed immaculately in 20's costume. However wonderful the menu may be for the omnivore folk, it offers nothing remotely customizable for vegetarians or vegans. I'll be here for a quality (if pricey) cocktail, but no more than that.
(4)
Elizabeth m.
I just went here for my bachelorette/ birthday. Food is great and drinks are even better. A lot of people compare this place to Dali's. Food wise I think Dali is better but drink selection wise this place is way better, although Dali does make a mean sangria. Atmosphere wise Cuchi Cuchi is awesome. I love the 20's themes decor and drinks. If you wanted an intimate date like setting I would go with Dali, but to go and have a great time with a group of friends then Cuchi Cuchi is the place to be.
(4)
Jessie C.
Two of my friends and I decided to make a reservation (on a Wed. I think) to have dinner and see the tarot card reader. The night started swell enough with expensive but delicious drinks at the bar while we waited for our appointment (they wouldn't let us sit or order food until we were done with our reading). The tarot girl was very cute and sweet, if a little spacey. After our reading the hostess was about to seat us when the Manager came over and told us that we "could have our table, but that there was another reservation after us for 8:30." At this point, we had well over an hour, so I didn't think it would be an issue to order a quick dinner, maybe a few drinks and then jet. Well, the whole time we were there, the Manager kept an eye on us, even when she walked around the room she continued to stop and stare enough that I felt ridiculously uncomfortable. At 8, I asked my waitress if she minded that I order a dessert as long as I promised I would take it to go if the next table came in. The waitress told me "not to worry about it" but as soon as the dessert came, the Manager came over and asked us if we were "all set" and if "we needed our check." At this point, I was really upset because I worked as a waitress and fully understand how these things work. I made complete sure that we were watching the clock the entire time we ate, and would have loved to have ordered food sooner, but they refused to let us have a table until after the tarot reading (even tho this was never mention when our reservation was made). When I explained that my friends and I had been very much looking forward to eating there and experiencing everything they touted on their website, the Manager then pulled a complete reversal and told me that we should just "relax and finish our night." Needless to say that food was good, but the complete craziness that I had to go through subtracted any stars that I could have given this place.
(2)
Cheryl Y.
Just ate here recently. This is such a cute place, it really takes eating out up a notch. The atmosphere and menu items are so much fun, although I'm not sure how I will ever talk a guy into going to a place called Cuchi Cuchi. I guess it will have to be a place just for me and my girl friends. For food I had Brie en Crote (a pastry with brie, walnuts and bacon) and Duck Crepes. I also sampled some of my friends dishes. They were all interesting as something to try, but nothing stood out as something I definitely must go back for. Something to note is this: the food is HEAVY. You will get filled up fast. Next time I will order only one plate, although another review mentioned a price minimum, so that might be difficult. The drink menu was extensive and my drinks were good. The waitstaff was knowledgeable, but our waitress had some strange accent (picture Martin Short in Father of the Bride) and we could tell towards the end that she wanted us out of there.
(4)
Jeff R.
Amazing drinks, excellent food and very high quality service! The drink menu is as inspired as the decor and Whitney, Isham et al mix a mean cocktail! I can vouch for the eggplant, artichoke, baby back ribs, and scallops ceviche dishes- very yummy. Three dishes will fill you, just leave room for the banana bread extravaganza! I wish Cambridge - and Boston, in general - had more fun places that weren't afraid to have a little flair. Not everyone wants to do the burger/beer/bosox or tragically hip thing; Cuchi Cuchi is a great idea that has been well executed.
(5)
Naomi U.
This place is really popular...but I was really disappointed. Ever hear the jokes about Treos just after the IPhone was unveiled? "it's almost a great browser", etc... My experience at CuchiCuchi was sorta like that.... $200 (for 2) to have sorta okay tapas in an environment, that might sound: devilish, sexy, romantic, bordello-like, exotic, roaring 20's etc. if someone wrote about it glowingly...but the experience was much like community theater...committed people, who lack the resources, to pull off something they have never seen. I would have 'gone with it' if any one of the following had been a solid 8 out of 10: food quality, food presentation, menu, decor, space, lighting, costuming, service There is also even less parking than usual in their neighborhood! I "try to say something nice": 1) On a positive note, it was a birthday dinner dine-out treat for my sweetie (while I was MORTIFIED and felt totally ripped off to boot) he was happy---Of course, it's often said the Suggestion of many things works on the men of the species... 2) Our waitress was also nice. 3) I envision it as a perfect venue for a drunken bridal shower party.
(1)
Julia G.
One of my favorite bars! The drinks are interesting, and my friends and I always have a fun time trying each others' out. A bit of a girlier bar, but the guys enjoy it, too. The tables are especially fun to play with as they light up when you touch them.
(5)
Daphne X.
I never had Tapas before Cuchi Cuchi... Its amazing! I highly recommend their "cuban cigar" and "orange duck crepes." If you want to experience something different and unique, this restaurant has the most extravagant decorations and sexy flappers as staff. Although I have to say... their muddle fresh fruit drinks sounded tastier on the menu... Its a crowded little spot and most people are there to get social and not for yummy gourmet drinks.
(4)
Giuseppe F.
Food, drinks, decor, and service are all very good. I wish I could give 4 stars, but there were some blemishes on our evening. 1- Overcharged for an extra bottle of wine. A friend had called ahead of time and paid for a bottle of wine with his credit card. But when the bill came the bottle of wine was on our check. Not cool. 2- The server would just show up with the food and we had to scramble to find a place for her to put it down. As more and more plates came out it got kinda ridiculous. Had it not been for these things, I would happily give a 4.
(3)
Babs P.
This place is definitely good for girl groups on girlie outings. We had a two tables' worth of yelpers for our girl's night out, and they accommodated us. The menu was eclectic and the food was delicious. We ordered the small plates and it was a good amount of food. Spendy, though. The waitresses had style as did the ambience of this place. It's also a perfect date restaurant if you need a Valentine's dinner spot.
(5)
Steve G.
Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Awesome small plates. Fantastic chorizo soup special.
(5)
Fitzroy R.
I've been frequenting Cuchi Cuchi for several years now and it has never dissapointed. The management and staff at Cuchi should be a model for other restaurants to follow. Even on the busier nights, everyone tries to accomodate you and make you feel welcome. The decor is just as fabulous as the people and the music always seems to provide the proper mood. Over the years I've had just about every dish on the menu and they are all amazing. My favorites include the garlic shrimp, the fried artichoke hearts, and the brie. The preparation of the chicken kiev was recently modified and the dish went from being good to being truly outstanding. I'm not into cocktails but I've heard nothing but compliments about the various drinks on the menu. I've always been quite happy with the wine selection. On the great majority of my visits to Cuchi I generally sit at the bar and chat with the very friendly bartenders and other patrons. This is definitely 1 bar where you will not feel out of place dining alone. Recently, celebs like Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, and Ben Affleck have discovered Cuchi. I highly recommend my second home, Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)
Tinimini K.
One of my fav restaurants! Unlike it's older sister Dali, Cuchi Cuchi is more international with lots of options for vegetarians! I love the atmosphere. It scared me just a little bit the first time I went there. I was just wearing jeans and a t-shirt and the hostess somehow felt the need to let me know that there is a $20 minimum for sitting at the table (as opposed to the bar). I've been back many times (better dressed I have to admit) but I haven't seen her there so yay! Make reservations as it can get packed! Perfect for a date night! The tables are cozy so I wouldn't recommend it for a group larger than 6. They give bread, hummus, and baba ghanoush while waiting for the food. I love all three! I order these dishes OVER and OVER again! Fried Artichoke Hearts - AMAZING! Brie en Croûte - Vegetarians: They will make this without the bacon! Who-hoo! Gratin Dauphinois - a little greasy but heavenly! Mushroom Risotto
(5)
Christopher M.
Atrocious service. I understand it taking a few minutes to get to drink orders at the bar because a place is packed, but there were just about as many people as there were bar seats. The staff was slow and unresponsive. We attempted to order several times over the course of 30 minutes, and each time were met with "Sorry, one minute." as yet another apathetic employee walked away to mix one drink and stand there, or to simply disappear. I can't even comment on the food or drinks because we never got that far! Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Hey Cuchi squared - YOU SUCK!!!!!!
(1)
Ja H.
Food and drinks are great! I wish they had a bigger space. The atmosphere is great if you can manage to get in.
(4)
Diane W.
We decided to go to Cuchi Cuchi for a ladies night, something different. The costumes were great and we sat at a very nice table that allowed us to talk and hear each other. There were two ladies with us that have been there before so we had a personal narative of the place. The waiter came over and asked if we wanted water, two of us order still water and three of us ordered sparkling water. The waiter brought over a bottle of sparkling water for us. We were asked if we wanted more sparkling water, however the two ladies that had still water were never asked if they wanted more. Throughout the meal the waiter kept bringing over bottles of the sparkling water and opening them. Scam, because although we never ordered them if they are brought to your table and they are open you pay and we did. Three bottles later with half the the last bottle still there. I spoke to him about this and cautioned him about just bringing the watere over, he did apoligize however we paid for the water. All of the food we ordered was delicious, we were very happy with our choicces. We then ordered our desert, one that was large enought for us to share. As we were eating one of the ladies pulled out a long black hair, not possible that it came from our table. We called the waiter over who then notified the manager. She stated that all the people in the kitchen were either bald or had short light hair, the catch here is that she had long black hair. She apologized and left. We got the bill and notice that the desert was still on the bill, we called over another manager looking woman, who then told us that she was the owner. She too assured us that all the people in the kitchen were either bald or short light hair. The catch here, she has medium length black hair. They were very reluctant to remove this from the bill, which should have been a no brainer. It felt as if they thought we had planted this hair in this awesome desert! What is a $13 desert after paying $16 for several 4" plates of food?? For the guff we caught for the hair and the waiter contiunally spending our money on water I will give this a two star.
(2)
Amanda A.
I went to this place for the first time on a Thursday night around 7:30pm. There were 4 of us going for dinner without reservations so we did have to wait a good 45min before being seated. SO I do suggest making reservations. While waiting we indulged in some very orginal drinks with even more original names! I love the dcor; it's very unique, not to mention the cute costumes the waitresses got to wear. Though the plates are very small portions; it is very good. We did go there for dinner so between the 4 of us we ordered about 7-8 plates. In the future, I would most likely return for dinner it it's a special occasion (birthday, anniversary) or any other time just for drinks and a small snack (as the other yelper noted).
(4)
S W.
Fellas. Listen now and listen good. Cuchi cuchi will get you laid. As a female, there is nothing like a romantic restaurant to get me in the mood and Cuchi cuchi rivals the North End on romance. Between the warm lighting, the beaded curtains, the pretty fancy cocktails, and the luxurious small plates that you are sharing with your date, Cuchi Cuchi has all of the right elements for a romantic evening. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Boston and while the ambiance might seem gimmicky, it works really well because the food is so excellent that the "gimmick" just enhances the enjoyment of the meal. The vibe here is "Goddess chic"-- Go here when you feel a little rich and when you feel like you feel a need to bask in luxury and beauty for an evening. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Amber H.
I love, love love this place! Ash, some friends and I went for my birthday, and unfortunately they did not take reservations, but the wait wasn't that terrible. I waited with a fantastic drink served by a girl with cool dreads. Bonus there! Once sat, the waitress came and she was extremely nice and helpful. For anyone who dines with me, I order like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" and it can be a teensy bit meticulous. I have my reasoning though, a serious allergy to onions, which seem to be in everything I want to order! Off topic... So, I told her and I was steered by the chef to things that were safe. I ended up with stuffed artichokes and chicken kiev. For those of you who may not know, I am obsessed with artichokes. I mean, it borders on unhealthy, this love. I was not disappointed one single bit. I can still taste them if I close my eyes... To sum it up: The food was phenomenal, the waitress was personable and ensured that I didn't spend my birthday sick from food allergies and they snuck up and sang to me. I don't prefer that, but it was my birthday. All in all, one of my new favorite places to indulge!
(4)
Mia T.
Swanky, quirky atmosphere. Great drink menu. Favorite part: waitress' dress.
(4)
Kirs P.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Cuchi Cuchi and will definitely be back. The food was delicious, the drinks inventive and mixed well, and the atmosphere was spot on. A fellow yelper and I split three of the small plates and had a few drinks. First to arrive was the Insalata del Liguria. The dressing was a little sweet, but it ended up having a nice balance with the sometimes bitter endive and the gorgonzola. Next to the table were the Blinies. Although not authentically Russian, it was a nice twist on a traditional Russian meal. I loved the mushroom filling, but it was almost too powerful and swallowed the caviar on top. The bliny part of the meal was perfect- wonderfully fluffy little pancakes. Last to arrive was the Caspian Heaven. Oh my god. So awesome. Fried oysters topped with creme fraiche and caviar. And this awesome champagne sauce surrounding the whole thing. For something so little it was amazingly decadent and filling. By far the best thing I had that evening. (Also sampled some of the marinated mushrooms- eh. And the potatoes au gratin- pretty tasty). The drinks were fabulous. I had the Happiness cocktail- which was sweet, but not sickeningly so. My friend had the Fred A-Pear, which, despite it's completely kitschy name, was light and refreshing. To top things off I finished the meal with a Ripped Stocking. Limoncello, a citron flavored vodka, and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Usually not something I go for, but it was amazing. And it came in the coolest shot glass ever- which they sell- for a whopping 40 bucks. Our very cool waitress suggested I try ebay. Also- the waitresses wear cool vintage clothing from the 20s and 30s. In the basement they have racks and racks of clothes for the waitresses to chose from. What I wouldn't give to raid that closet. Anyway- I will definitely be back to Cuchi Cuchi. Probably more than a few times since I'm going to have to try every single drink on their extensive menu.
(4)
Chad F.
I thought their food was good. They didn't hit it out of the ballpark for me (especially given the prices), but solid. I enjoyed the decor and unique dinner presentation enough to want to go back, but what would prevent me from doing that is the noise. Man, the place was noisy when I went. Definitely not the kind of place where you can sit and enjoy your food/drink peacefully.
(3)
Laura M.
I loved everything about Cuchi Cuchi except the amount of money I spent there. There's very little on the menu that's less than $10, including the drinks. So if you order two drinks, two tapas-style plates, and dessert (as I did), say goodbye to $50. If you make it a date night and don't order a ton of stuff, it's not a bad deal (you can share!), but going it alone I felt was just too expensive. That being said, it's a PERFECT place if you've committed to splurging a little on cash. The cocktails are absolutely divine; I really appreciated their menu of old-fashioned drinks. I had a Negroni (gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) and a Singapore Sling (cherry brandy? and uh, some stuff?). I'd had Negronis before and should just commit to buying Campari so I can make them at home, but the Singapore Sling has a ton of ingredients and is freakin' delicious, so I feel okay ordering it at a bar like this. The other ladies with me spoke very highly of their drinks as well, especially the strawberry-basil martini and the Dirty Little Secret. Food was awesome. I had braccioletta, which are these peppery little pork rolls with pancetta and cheese inside, as well as the delicious mushroom risotto with truffle oil. I'd recommend both, but esp. the risotto. For dessert I had the cornucopia, a wonderful little pizzelle cone filled with fresh berries and cream, drizzled with amaretto. Everything on the menu looked fabulous, and unlike traditional tapas bars they offer cuisine from all over the world, not just Spanish-style dishes, so you can get a great sample of stuff. I will definitely come back for another special occasion. I was tempted to bring the review down to four stars for the expensive factor, but this is really a place that gives you a step up in quality and service in exchange for the higher cost, plus I must admit that the rockin' good time I had at Yelp Ladies Night is biasing me to put five stars.
(5)
Eric B.
Don't let the drab mustard yellow brick on the outside, this place is top notch. I went here last Friday and was blown away when I walked in said. I exclaimed, "Now this place has atmosphere!" I had called ahead to find out what the reservation situation was. The woman on the other end was polite and helpful and already made me feel like I wanted to be there. We arrived, just past 7 and were told there would be about a 45 minute wait. That wasn't a problem. The bar looked inviting. The wait ended up being a bit shorter than we were quoted which was a pleasant surprise. The food was fantastic. Tapas style dishes is what they serve. They recommended 5 dishes for two people. We ordered a Scallop Ceviche, Insalata, Cuban Cigar, Chicken Kiev and a Skirt Steak and wine. Everything was impeccable. For those who like their steak cooked more than medium, I suggest telling the cook. Parts of ours were raw. That isn't a problem for me though. Dinner was finished with coffee was actually served hot! We had the cornucopia dessert too which sounded too good to pass up even for me who doesn't usually eat sweets. I had a great time and will go back here often. I think it's a great place to go for groups sized 2 to 6. A good time is sure to be had by all.
(5)
Karina S.
I went there twice. The first time I was impressed with the cuchi martini (dirty martini with a bit of siracha). The food was ok, but we loved the ambiance. My boyfriend and I were so happy with the place that we recommended it to everyone we knew and then came back a second time, this time with my family. Unfortunately that visit was the last. We ordered the cuchi martinis all around and they were terrible. They were too spicy and the vodka wasn't good. We asked our waitress if we could send them back, she said she could but would not take them off our bill. We were shocked. I mean who does that? We had tried the same drinks a while back and they were amazing so obviously they were not made right this time. We asked to speak to the manager who turned out to be a very rude woman who basically told us that she could bring us another drink but would not take it off the menu. When we tried to explain to her our situation, she told my mother to be quiet. She was extremely rude and unprofessional. At this point our meal was ruined. So that was the last time we will come back to this place. It's unfortunate that just another Boston restaurant crossed off the list. Honestly the food is just not that great and when considered along with terrible service, I just would not recommend it ever again.
(3)
Philippa Q.
I read the reviews out of curiosity and then remembered it has been waaay too long since my last visit to Cuchi Cuchi. Walk in and be instantly charmed by the art deco glam craziness, oh and the excellent food and drinks! The tuna tartar/avocado mousse cornets are mind blowing. It is a bit expensive but the more people in your group the better to sample all the dishes. I came here one night with about 10 people and I think we got one of everything off the menu and it was all great. The brie en croute is the stuff dreams are made of!
(5)
michelle m.
I love to come here with the girls! Great cocktails, great service, very fun atmosphere!
(4)
Lauren T.
There is nothing better than a little class for this Allston lass! I hate following everyone else, but damn! This place rocks. It was the best birthday dinner I have ever had. The Tuna Tartar in Avocado Mousse is to DIE FOR (almost as good as sushi and even served like a handroll!) The Banana French Pudding Dessert was great. Anyone who has a panache of 1920's glam, will love the drink menu! The Raspberry Lime Ricky Ricardo was perfecto! Take your girl there for an anniversary or b'day. It is made especially for a special occasion!
(5)
Heather T.
The drinks really are great - it's hard to find a good pisco sour in this city! However, the food is overpriced. They use to give you the chicken liver pate as a free tapa/bar app and now they charge you $9 for it. Add on an app sized dry chicken kiev for $14 and I'd rather go have an guaranteed good meal at Salts across the street.... So, a star each for the beautiful bar, great drinks, and good bartenders. A star detracted for being overpriced and having so-so food. Drink and be merry here, but eat somewhere else.
(3)
John F.
I really, really enjoyed Cuchi Cuchi. I went for dinner with a bunch of friends recently and couldn't have enjoyed it more unless it had been free. First of all, I really dug the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. All the waitresses dress in 1920s-style flapper-esque garb, which is pretty cool. The drinks were a bit pricey for my tastes (a whiskey sour was around $9), but they made up for it by making them STRONG and delicious. Speaking of the drinks, they carried one of my favorite beers, Hoegaarden, so bonus points there! And the mango margarita is one of the most delicious things I'd ever conceived of. As for the food, it was kind of like tapas in that you order a bunch of dishes; they have a $20 minimum per person, according to the menu. I got some sort of steak and a "Cuban cigar," both of which were amazingly delicious. Also worth trying was the chicken kiev. It's the kind of restaurant where you'll be doing a lot of sharing with your friends. I would definitely go back here (and intend to come birthday time!). Highly recommended.
(5)
Nathan G.
Went to Cuchi Cuchi with a some friends for a birthday dinner. Found the staff attitude off-putting - very transactional and snotty. Killed the mood for the whole table. Sad way to spend a birthday. Had reservation at 6PM for a 9 person group. The restaurant was empty. came in a and spent 15 minutes being ignored by the hostess, who informed us that the 9-top table we were standing wasn't for us... which of course it was. When she figured it out, didn't say 'hey my bad,' but seated us like she was doing a favor. Waitress came over, and essentially asked us to hurry up and order. Guess we had to make up for lost time. We were hungry... Over the course of dinner ordered plenty of food, three to four bottles of wine, dessert, and drinks/espresso - racked up a pretty good bill. A hot second after we finished dessert the manager came over, literally leaned in over the table until it became awkwardly quiet, and ten asked us if we wouldn't mind leaving because people were waiting for the table. Then, a few feet away, complained in a loud stage voice to our waitress that we were taking to long. Kinda see how the staffs' tone is set - starts at the top. I get it that a restaurant wants to turn as many tables as possible during the night, but what a lame experience.
(1)
Ana M.
Wow. I'm officially putting the Cuch (as I will lovingly refer to it forthwith) on my list of favorites. I enjoyed it so much that I feel compelled to list everything that was consumed. Here goes: I started with the Ali Cat and then realized what I always realize after I order a fruity drink - I don't really like fruity drinks. So I switched over to the Cuchi Martini (somewhat-spicy dirty martini with gorgonzola-stuffed olives), and that was damn good. We had the Cuban Cigar, Skirt Steak, Scallops Provencale, Brie en Croute, Caspian Heaven (the piece de resistance for me, since I absolutely love potatoes and salmon roe) and the Banana Bread Extravaganza. Sooo...yes, we may have gotten a bit greedy, but everything was ridiculous. Plus, these are tapas sized portions (except for the dessert, which was huge). The service and atmosphere were perfect. We spent almost 2 1/2 hours here and weren't rushed at all. Over the course of the evening, the dim lighting masked my increasingly expanding waistline quite nicely. Note that on Friday and Saturday, they only accept reservations for 5:30 or 6.
(5)
Chin C.
Despite all the hype I gave them 2 stars. I went there on Friday night for a date. Well, the place isn't meant for a date, it's noisy but I was OK with that. We ordered drinks and wait for a long while, then our waitress told us that she made wrong orders so we had to wait for a little longer. So we ordered the food. A minute passed and our waitress came to us then asked what did we order because she lost our order. Then the food came I love the Mexican Fried Tomato, Grilled Skirt Steak and Seared Tuna. The other 4 plates were just so so. When we checked we noticed that a mysterious drink was added to our bill. We told that to the waitress and she explained that it was a mistake. Seemed like we were unlucky that night, didn't we? But even if anything didn't go wrong I would give Cuchi Cuchi 3 stars because I felt the food was way too overpriced and tasted just fine. The decor seems interesting but not that interesting. I should have gone to Tapeo.
(2)
Dachary C.
How have I not reviewed this place yet? This is by far my favorite classy drinking place in Cambridge! I've been here a number of times; on dates, with work events, with girl friends, with people I know socially. Every single time I've been here, I've gotta say that it totally rocks. The bartenders are great - if you don't know what you like, they'll whip you up something based on your tastes. They have a ton of creative drinks I've never been able to find anyplace else, and their tapas are fantastic. Awesome, wonderful, tasty... to die for. If you're going with a group, order a bunch of tapas and pass them around. Beyond the high quality food and drink is the atmosphere here. It's fun, kinda funky, a little dark and moody in the evenings, sometimes crowded, but always a blast. The waitstaff and barstaff are super friendly. This is really a fantastic place and I cannot say enough good stuff about it. (However, it is pricey. You get what you pay for.) I highly recommend this venue for *ANY* occasion. Be prepared for crowds on the weekend, but it's worth a visit anyway.
(5)
amanda l.
I LOVE CUCHI CUCHI!!! went there for my 21st birthday, and it was the best decision ever! they have an AMAZING cocktail menu and each drink i had was better than the last! go for one with muddled fruits and you will not be disappointed! really cute restaurant and the waiters and waitresses were dressed to match! 50's french flair and I loved it! the food was equally amazing! we had a little bit of everything and it was all soooo good! can't wait to go back!
(5)
chungo m.
BEST IN TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! food = amazingly, deliciously fantastically perfect drink = $$ but worth soooo worth it. service = on it and cute (why could they be cute and on ME?) atmosphere = to die for who can not like this place? Pete? maybe you need to wait for a table because it;s so busy by appreciating customers. are you the fucking king of the world and expect to be seated wherever you go at whatever time right away? I come here a lot. and I do mean a lot. I make a reservation the day of and get seated within 5 minutes of when I get there. pretty good if I do say so myself. Seriously, the place can do no wrong.
(5)
Todd B.
Went here for the first time the other night after hearing about it forever. Pretty damn sweet! Cool outfits, one of the male waiters had a smoking jacket and all the women are dressed like flappers. The decor is really funky and it does a lot to the space. It definitely isn't cheap for sure, cocktails are $9 or $11 easily. Based on other yelper's recs we got the Cuban cigar (awesome), Brie (awesome), Skirt steak (good, nothing super special), Ceviche shots (awesome) and the Chicken Kiev (wicked good dood!). The best though, and I only got a few bites, was the banana bread dessert. Wow, so good! The presentation on everything was incredible and certainly helps take the sting out of the prices. Between drinks and food we spent about $50-$60 a person. The only downside was that drink service was pretty damn slow but since they're muddling and mixing everything from scratch that's kinda to be expected. And i'm sure my wallet and liver are actually thankful. Next time we're definitely going to try and sit at the table with all the lights in it and there definitely will be a next time!
(4)
RedlineFight S.
An oasis after a long night's work! Absolutely outstanding cocktails, generously-sized. I don't mind paying more for drinks that are that good and that unique. The ambiance is distinct and comfortable, the music is varied and interesting, and the staff are friendly and wear eye-catching couture. It could only be better if the kitchen was open until midnight.
(5)
Hiroko S.
I went cuchi cuchi for drink on Saturday. It was very nice. They have great music. I had Singapore sling and it was tropical and good for summer! -------------------------------Former review 4 stars-------------------------- This restaurant is pretty good. This is not only delicious but also taking care of entertainment. Since this is Tapas place, I think it is better to go there with some people. In my opinion, 4 is the best number because easy to cut foods into 4pieases. We were 3 that it was kind like math class during eating lol. Desserts also looks good but I was too full so I could not eat. They have minimum order price $20 for each person.
(4)
Tanya S.
I'm not a Bostonian (or a Cambridgean or whatever), so you should keep that in mind, but I really enjoyed this restaurant. I have a very close friend who lives in the area and suggested this spot for dinner while I was in town for business. Since we don't get to see each other often, it was awesome to catch up and what-not. The food was great! I really liked the Cuban Cigar and the Deep-fried Artichoke heart. Now, I'm not from HERE, but I'm from Northern California, where fried artichokes were born and I'm here to tell ya - this place has the stuff! Gooey and crunchy and spiced just right. Nice stuff. But the best of the best was the dessert: Something-something-Banana Bread-something....EWWWWWEEEEEE! We shared it, which I recommend, and it rocked. Ice cream, whipped cream, caramel dripped overtop, with sauteed banana slices and sauteed banana-bread slices. Oh, I also tried the Thai Martini at the bar. This is one of those yummy drinks that you could have 10 before you realize you'll never stand up straight again - strong but so tasty you could become a very fun date. I love this town - so many interesting spots around every corner. Cuchi-cuchi-coo!
(5)
Tricia C.
Atmosphere - Antique closet meets burlesque show Food - Fabulous Drinks - Delayed Service - Stinks! If you are a large party, make sure you make reservations and arrive right at 6 regardless of a suggestion to "just show up at 6 and we should be able to accommodate your bachelorette party." 7/11 of our party showed up at 6 sharp and was refused a table (and couldn't go on a wait list) in a then -empty- dining area. The hostess said she was expecting a -larger- party - who HAD reservations! It was 6:10 (and they don't take reservations after 6). I said, "Either we get a table in 10 min or we're leaving." The hostess / manager told me to "Calm down or you will ruin your friend's evening" - I was not waiving my arms and spoke in a normal volume. I was CLEAR and FIRM. I doubt she would have said that to me if I was a man. She then went over to my friends and said, "I need to speak to someone CALM." Very UNPROFESSIONAL. At 6:20 we were offered a table. At the very least, to make up for bad reservation advice (given twice over the phone) and initially refusing to take us, we at LEAST deserved a couple drinks or plates on the house. There are too many wonderful restaurants that do it ALL right for me to ever step foot into "Cuchi Cuchi" again.
(1)
Kaitlyn H.
Went back for food and loved it! They recommend about 2-3 plates per person because they are small portioned...went with a group of four and we order 5 food options and 2 dessert options and drinks and we were pleasantly full. Great place for a date!
(5)
Richard S.
A lot of people love this place. Probably that's because it attracts women, and alcohol + women = fun by most metrics. I've been to a couple of birthday parties here and go in for a quick beer occasionally since it's so close to my house. The decor is tarted up quite elaborately and it can come off as taking itself a bit too seriously. Food isn't legendary or anything, but nothing about the place sucks and I've always left feeling happy.
(4)
Dave M.
I'm giving Cuchi Cuchi 3 out of 5 bc it's one of the priciest tapas places I've been to and while the food is good, the added price isn't justified. That said, let me get on to the awesome atmosphere. Cuchi Cuchi is a really fun place with great decor. The waitstaff wear these great costumes: women in traditional spanish fare, and the men in seinfeld-esque puffy shirts (our waiters was this great color of green). I went here with a big group for a going away party and despite our reservation they seemed a little confused and had some trouble seating us quickly. Overall: if you want a great atmosphere and don't mind spending a few extra bucks over other tapas joints, go for it.
(3)
Julie A.
by far my favorite restaurant in town! I can not say enough about the amazing selection of the tapas menu. The food tastes outrageously fabulous The cocktails are potent and creative. The atmosphere and wait-staff are also a lot of fun. I love too much about this place to list it all, just know that when you go, you will fall in love.
(5)
Vanilla P.
As a recent SF transplant, I'm realizing this review _might_ be a little skewed. It's hard to leave a place like SF (with all it's fine tapas restaurants) and come to a place that has, well, so far I've only found one tapas restaurant. The upside of going to Cuchi Cuchi? If you say "Tapas" really fast, then people SOMETIMES hear "TOPLESS" and then ask you, "Where are you going??" and then you say, "Cuchi Cuchi" and then they look really confused. Maybe it's just my lazy California accent. Drinks were ... good. I ordered the namesake Strawberry Basil Martini, and it was just okay. I could have made it at home, and probably 5 more for the same price of $11. My husband ordered the Blackberry Cosmo, which was very good, almost like that blackberry pancake syrup that's too sweet for pancakes! Yummy! The bartender was nice, and the ambiance was amazing. If it wasn't for the interior of the restaurant, we probably would have been scared off by the prices. Which leads me to the food... First we got a dish with fried artichokes, which was AMAZING... but was pretty much the only AMAZING thing that we ordered. Nice crunchy coating with cheesy gooey sauce. Next was a dish called the Cuban Cigar, which was tasty, but it seemed like the flavors weren't fully developed. Dunno, maybe Chef was having an off night. Next the Mexican Tomato, which sounded promising but was really disappointing. Finally, the Brie. How can you go wrong with Brie? It's virtually indestructible! I think it must have originally started in MRE's. The Brie must have heard my criticism because.... I think it was the Brie that did me in. I got a nice little stomach bug at about 4 AM, and spent the next two days exploding from every orifice. So, sad to say, only three stars. I might try it again, but definitely only for drinks. I'm not brave enough for the food.
(3)
Hannah L.
cuchi cuchi is super cool. i am sad this was my first time there out of the couple years i've been in boston! the art nouveau theme inside is amazing, with stained glass windows, art nouveau paraphernalia, a gorgeous bar and costumed flapper waitresses. so the night begins - randomly see 2 of my friends who ended up there too! we all wait 2.5 hours for a table annnnd ask the very stressed out waitress and hostess if our table is ready yet. the bar was SUPER packed, so i was afraid to get a martini beverage so i wouldn't spill it everywhere by someone knocking into me. (the drink menu was very interesting by the way, yummy fruity cocktails). i've learned that you can't get drunk while waiting for a table at cuchi cuchi, because you need to stay sober-ish to keep following up about your table...everyone is hawking for a table. chaos. crankyness. that's what happens when you have a restaurant that doesn't take reservations! huge pet peeve of mine. c'mon, don't be lazy! just space out dining at 1.5 hrs and go for it. not too hard!!! waiting for a table was stressful and annoying, and even though the ambiance was so cool, there were too many people waiting for a table by the bar and not enough waitstaff...which sucks! once we were sat much later FINALLY, our waitress was super nice and funky and the delicious tapa-style food, unlike the wait, came out pretty fast! impressive. so, overall sum up is that cuchi cuchi is awesome. i was majorly pissed about the long table wait i practically ate the napkin out of starvation when i sat down. i realllly wish they fixed this, and then i will give them 5 stars!
(4)
Lindsey W.
How to experience Cuchi Cuchi: Go on a weekday for no wait. I went on a Monday with no reservation and only had to wait long enough to get a drink. If you aren't last minute like me call ahead and reserve some of the cozy couch areas for a group. Head to the bar while waiting and order a Dancing with Ginger. All the drinks are great though. A lot of places have drinks that sound really fun but taste awful, not so here. Order the meat dishes. I loved the ribs, they were sweet and tender, and the flank steak was great too. This is the place for people who love flavor. Keep drinking. The mixed drinks are awesome, ask your server what she recommends. I got something with bananas for dessert. Loved it though at this point I was pretty drunk. Leave with a smile on your face.
(5)
Jeanette D.
I think I'm in love. Seriously fun and delicious cocktails, really nice staff and an atmosphere that I'm ready to move into. I would almost be willing to work here just to be immersed in the 1920's feel. Haven't eaten there yet, but will return in time period appropriate garb. Any food recs, Yelpers? As for my selections, go for the Raspberry Beret. But the Pimm's Cup is done better elsewhere.
(5)
Jonathan S.
What an unbelievably good restaurant. I feel like I've been giving too many 5-star reviews, but I would give Cuchi Cuchi 6 if I could. The drinks are unique and delicious and not absurdly priced. The servers are dressed like they're in a hipster soft-core porn. The food...absolutely r.i.d.i.c.u.l.o.u.s. I would trade my soul for another plate of beef stroganoff. The perfect place to celebrate an exciting occasion with great friends. But even if the occasion is that your dog died and you don't have friends, you'll love Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)
Mark S.
My boyfriend and I had a fabulous time here last night for our anniversary. We had really fun cocktails and 6 small plates. Its better than tapas because each one is a different gourmet experience. Loved it loved it loved it! Service was really fun too!
(5)
Megan M.
Amazing restaurant. I can never make up my mind on what to eat at any restaurant, so this tapas-style setting is just perfect for me. I've been with both girlfriends and the boy. The girls and I had much more fun, I think the boy felt like Ray S...still hungry, and slightly poorer. The costume-esque getups the waitstaff wore also confused him greatly, which I find add to the overall charm and ambience of the place. I loved our tiara-clad waiter, he was hysterical! Drink menu = extensive, and delicious. Food = diverse and freaking yummy. If only we still lived in the area, I'm sure we'd be much more frequent patrons.
(5)
Jessica M.
I love this place, but I have to take one point off for the long wait. At least the bar is always fun, so you're occupied with fantastic drinks while waiting for a table. I was sitting at the bar with a friend one random Wednesday night sucking down French 75s and chilling with the bar tenders - they were all so friendly! Since they close early (12:30) we were looking for other options in the area. The bartender's recommendation that night was my first introduction to the oh-so fun B-Side Lounge. Cuchi's food is inventive and delicious, but a little expensive. I like to enjoy it in a group... the more passing around and sharing the better!
(4)
Greta K.
There is no place is better for five girls, cocktails, and a birthday celebration in Boston than Cuchi Cuchi. Especially when we were seated at the very cool electric light table that lights up in certain places when you touch it. I'm very happy the waitstaff placed us here! i was the first to arrive for our dinner (because I came from a completely different area of town) and was promptly seated at the bar. The decor was exquisitely beautiful and unique; I also really liked the music, which was older and provided a perfect, romantic setting. The waitresses were dressed rather, differently, in 1920's type outfits, although skimpier. I wonder if the outfits are provided or if the girls choose themselves. After waiting for a few minutes at the bar, I received a drink menu. I ordered the riesling just as my group arrived. Now, I hate to be picky here, but the menu said the riesling was only $7.00 and I was charged $7.50 (please update). We were seated, as aforementioned, at the very cool light table in the first room. I hope our birthday girl felt special. As we perused the menu, we finally decided to order the bread basket, the wild rice, the mushroom risotto, the chicken kiev, the fried artichokes, the eggplant napoleon, and the brie. All the small (quite small) plates were delicious, but my personal favorites were the kiev and the brie. My friend and I commented that we could've eaten both by themselves. Whenever I think of chicken kiev, I picture those Barber frozen chicken breasts in the grocery store, but this dish was quite different and very, very tasty. For dessert, everyone but me (surprised? I am) ordered a dessert. The selections for our table were the chocolate cake a la mode (which I did share a little), the cheesecake (literally, two bites for a eight dollars), the ice cream trio, and the tirami-su. My real dessert was the Moulin Rouge cocktail, which was kind of sweet, but still a lovely and girly cocktail. By the way, they have an excellent drink menu, but don't get too many, because all of the cocktails are $11.00 apiece. I think that if I hadn't been forewarned about the price and portions of the food, I would have been upset. But now I understand the tapas concept and I do like it because you're like overstuffed with food at the end of your meal. Cuchi Cuchi is for celebrations and though I would like to come back more often, because of the price, I won't be back until there is another event to celebrate.
(4)
Lauren S.
LOVE cuchi cuchi. They have awesome drinks with muddled berries, ginger, basil..., great decor and sassy looking flapper waitresses, and EXCELLENT food. I'm a big fan of variety in my meal, and it's great to be able to have a tapas-type meal other than Spanish tapas (not that I don't love those as well). On my last visit we got the seared tuna (excellent), Mexican deep fried tomato, artichoke hearts, grilled pork rolls stuffed w/ pecorino, pancetta & garlic, grilled skirt steak w/ chimichurri, cuban cigar, brie en croute, st. jacob's zucchini, and the cheesy potatoes (real name escapes me). Each one was excellent. I can't find words to do the food justice so I will stop trying. It can get quite expensive, but it's great for a special occasion or a place to bring visiting friends/parents.
(5)
Angela H.
Well, it was kind of cool that Rachel Ray's camera crew was there video taping us. But when they saw that we had boas on for my cousin's bachelorette party they forced us to drink from the communal champagne flask, which I sucked at and instead of pouring the bubbly in my mouth, I poured it on my chin and chest on camera. Luckily we never did see that episode of the Albanyite's best bites in Boston. Cuchi Cuchi is totally over hyped, in my opinion. It's a fun time and the people are wearing interesting outfits, some kind of costume combination where Henry James meets the slutty criminals of Broadway's Chicago. The drinks are raved about, but really they just have cute names and are totally over priced...ten or eleven dollars for a something like a fuzzy wuzzy martini, which I think they should be paying you to drink. We got a fair number of dirty looks from the waitresses when one of our party didn't show up. As if it's any harder to seat 11 girls than it is 12. And is if they'd really be making that much less money off us. The food, though. The food is great. And if you go with fewer then eleven crazy bachelorettes, you won't be absolutely forced to spend a million zillion bucks. It's mostly tapas so the orders are small, but they are all delicious.
(3)
Dave F.
I ate here last Friday and had a fantastic meal. There were three of us and we had six of the small plates. All were delicious. We only had vegetarian options, and so can't comment on the meat dishes. Our dishes were: Fried stuffed artichoke hearts, a fried tomato with avocado and mole sauce, a lovely salad, a rich mushroom risotto, eggplant medallions, and a warm beet salad. The dishes were rich, flavorful, and well balanced. Everything was extremely well done; the food was inventive and fun. We shared a chocolate cake for desert, which was also fantastic. All this, plus one drink for each of us, and the bill came to around $120. Not cheap, but seems reasonable for food of this quality. It was an exceptionally good meal. The art deco theme of the restaurant is attractive. The wait staff dresses in art deco era clothing, which did nothing to enhance our dining experience, but was harmless enough. The restaurant was quite loud, so having a conversation was at times a little difficult. We were in the quieter back room and it was still loud. The noise level was the only aspect of the evening that was less than excellent. All in all, though, it was an excellent meal with creative cuisine. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Sharon B.
This restaurant is a fabulous oasis. It looks small and unassuming, but the decor and menu boast large tastes and selection. Inside you feel as though you are no longer in Cambridge, it is as if you have taken a trip to Europe as you sit nestled into one of their overtly adorned tables. It seemed that everything within the walls was done with reason, from the bejeweled bathroom accessories to the ornately framed windows. The food was pricey, but well worth the unusual combinations such as Tuna tar tar and avocado puree. The drinks, Oh the delicious libations! The drinks are done up just as the decor, rich and decadent. The entire experience was five star, from the food to the wait-staff, who is pleasantly dressed to suit their surroundings!
(5)
Eric S.
A very kitschy space - it reminds me of Bleu Bistro in Seattle (random reference). Everyone's outfitted in roaring-20's themed attire, so a good place to take a quirky date. The food is all very small plates, so what seem like reasonable prices won't actually get you much if you're hungry. The garlic shrimp appetizer was good (they were kind of floating in a tangy, sizzling oil with garlic cloves) as were the steak strips. I thought the gratin potatoes were too cheesy, but that's just me. The place gets packed on the weekends, FYI - there was an hour-long wait two saturdays ago.
(4)
Rebecca L.
I'm dividing my review into two parts: the food, and the everything else. The food: AMAZING! I came here with my sister and we went all out with the small plates. Therefore we had a good sampling of everything that caught our eye. Everything we tried was amazing, especially the green gazpacho made from cucumbers and white beans. The presentation was beautiful too. And of course the drink menu was the best I've seen, perhaps anywhere. Fun, flirty cocktails galore. Everything else: not so great! I went with my sister because it seemed like it would be a fun, girly place with lots of personality. In reality, we thought the decor crossed the line between kitschy and just plain tacky! It felt like a bad halloween costume shop inside: kind of run down, but decked out with cheapo satin and lace. A creepy manequin was staring at us the whole time. The pictures on their website make it look much better that it is. I would certainly NOT associate this quality of food with the low-budget tackiness inside, but hey. I guess you ultimately go for the food. Additionally, our waiter left a LOT to be desired, but I don't hold that against the place. If you want to go for the international cuisine, the food is good. But don't expect a romantic, whimsical ambiance. Do NOT bring a date here. For truly good tapas and romantic atmosphere, go to Tapeo on Newbury Street.
(3)
erica c.
I finally got over there last night and was totally impressed. I loved romantic decor, funky vintage costumes on the staff and the AMAZING tarot card reader Harmony. This place exudes a totally fun vibe....the drinks are great and the food is really great too. We ordered and split a bunch of the tapas style international dishes. The risotto, skirt steak and ligurian salad were among my favorites but I can't leave out the asian wontons with pickled watermelon....what a great blend of sweet and sour. I would stay away from the chicken Kiev and artichoke gratin....heavy and not worth the calories. And try the fine del mundo malbec cab blend from Argentina...MUY DELICIOUS!
(5)
D. H.
Great atmosphere, a mind-blowing cocktail list, and delicious tapas-style food--this place would get 5 stars from me if it weren't so damn expensive. The cocktails are so tasty that they're almost, maybe, possibly worth the $11 they charge--but unless you've got money to burn there are cheaper places with equally enchanting drinks. Plus, the seating is a little tight so our waitress' red tutu kept brushing our arms and nearly knocking over our pricey cocktails every time she passed. Overall, it's a really fun little place for special occasions, but only if you're willing/able to drop a lot of cash.
(3)
Shannon S.
This has quickly become my favorite place to take my out of town friends for a lovely night of conversation over beautiful, classy cocktails. I love the decor and be sure to go on Tuesday or Thursday nights because the Tarot Card reader is there. It costs 20$ but it was worth it. She spent nearly 30 minutes telling my future and let me cut the cards about 4 times. Harmony, the Tarot Reader, was an expert entertainer. If you can, eat at the bar if you have only 1 person with you. Or make a reservation for 6 or more for the coffee-table like accommodations--those are the best. I like the bar because your drinks are fresher and there are little bag-holders under the bar, too. Best place to get girly drinks and martinis in the city without the atmosphere being stuffy. The drinks are worth the extra dollars $$$ and the staff will make sure the ladies feel taken care of. The tapas (more like little International Dishes) get a little pricey but if you're going to order something small with a friend over drinks be sure to get the Mushroom Risotto and the Brie En Croute (Freaking Fantastic!) I also like Caspian Heaven--very, very tasty. I took off a star because of some minor problems--the hostess was incredible and sweet and so are the bartenders, but the waitresses are varied. I've had an excellent one and a sub par waitress so I'm not sure if the staff is slapdash or what. Be careful if you order beer. My boyfriend ordered a Hoegaarden and the waitress didn't know how to pour it. It was nearly half foam. The bartenders are EXPERTS at mixing drinks though. Try to get the red haired guy, who works there, if you can (if he's still working) he's the best. This place is great for a sexy date, high class hipsters, young professionals. I took my mom here and she loved the atmosphere, very girly. The servers all dress up as "Cuchi" Girls from the 20s. I love the feathers, the boas, the glam.
(4)
Lalin A.
Great ambiance- When I get off the cab, it was irresistible to recognize how cool the place looked from outside. The costumes, helpful, warm and cheerful stuff are a big plus! But I felt like the service was a bit slow due to the interactions the waitresses had among themselves and with the customers. Food- I agree that the prices are the highest I have seen at a tapas place, BUT they don't have regular tapas that you'd find at other tapas places. I have come across a lot of goat cheese-tomato, sausage, fried cheese plates but Cuchi Cuchi has much more to offer. Plus, the plates are bigger. 5 stars for duck a l'orange and cuban cigars. OK for grilled skirt steak w/ chimichiurri and scallop ceviche. Try the banana extravaganza for dessert: It is more than enough for two! Drink menu is mind blowing. I got the Pisco Sour, which is quite hard to find at bars. It was just right. There are classical drinks and then specialty ones (martinis being at the top of the list). Overall- a delicious experience. Would love to go again.
(4)
sarah t.
Go here. The drinks are great, the tapas are so tasty. I've never been disappointed, and I have been here many times. Its really a treat to go to Cuchi Cuchi on a cold, winter night - it is very cozy and rewarding on such a night. It is a great atmosphere for a romantic evening. I was very impressed when my boyfriend and I were first dating and he brought me here for a belated birthday dinner. We brought his french uncle here later and he of all people would have criticism... although his English is not great, I could tell he loved the Brie and all the other food he ordered.
(4)
molly f.
It pains me to give Cuchi Cuchi 3 stars. This is one of my favorite places to eat & drink, and I had thought I had reviewed it earlier and given it 5...apparently not. Either way, this is a place that usually lives up to & exceeds expectations. With the exception of Monday night. Let me be clear- the food & drink at Cuchi Cuchi are still tremazing. Top notch, delicious, perfect flavors that keep your taste-buds intrigued with interesting layers of flavors and combinations. We ordered about 10 dishes to split between the four of us and each one that came of the kitchen was an absolute delight. From the garlic shrimp, to the artichokes, to the chicken kiev, and the potatoes, the food lived up to its previously established expectations. The drinks, as usual, were also wonderful. I could drink their Raspberry Lime RickyRicardo until the cows came home...fresh raspberries and lime muddled with chacaca and something delicious? yes please. no complaints there...and the bartender was lovely to boot. I should have just stayed at the bar, honestly. So where did Cuchi Cuchi go wrong for us gals? SERVICE. I have never experienced such bad service there. We're not just talking a silly thing here, some novice stuff there...we're talking our sizzling hot starters came WELL before any of our cocktails did. Then when we wanted to check on our drinks, we couldn't find our waiter anywhere...he was completely MIA. Menu's were asked to be taken away before we had even finished ordering, drinks finally arrived and one was missing...it was just painful, really. Something totally unacceptable for a restaurant with such a fabulous reputation. We spoke with the manager and our server was switched to another gal who seemed to be more on the ball, but in all honestly, it soured the evening. Two of us dining that night had been there many times and swore the service was usually better, but to the other's who dined with us that night...first impressions mean everything. I know this was just a one-off experience, which is why I'm giving what I feel are 3 generous stars, but it was just so disappointing to love a restaurant so much only to be completely let down by poor service. The snide looks, the contemptuous tone does not a pleasant meal make. To add insult to injury, after all the debacle with our food, drinks, and our waiter...many conversations with the hostess and (i think?) the manager... no attempt was made to even comp/discount the drink which was forgotten when the rest came out. The four of us work in PR & Marketing and know how much customer experience matter. We talk, a lot. We tell people things we love & hate. We bring our friends to restaurants we adore...which is why we were all there. What a shame for Cuchi Cuchi to drop the ball with little apology. It doesn't take much to keep a happy customer happy...but to win someone back, thats a whole new ball game. I'll absolutely be back to Cuchi Cuchi- its one of my favorites in our neighborhood. But earning back those lost stars ...that will take some time.
(3)
Alyssa L.
My sister had a horrible experience here with rude waitstaff and a rude manager, but I still went when my boyfriend suggested we try it out. The food was good but pricey. I felt AWFUL later with a horrible stomachache. That, combined with my sister's experience = I probably will not be returning.
(2)
Chris M.
Dear Tamara and Fernanda, I just want to write and say my boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Cuchi Cuchi for dinner Valentine's day night. The food was excellent, the service was great. The whole experience the decor, that bartender, waitress and hostess outfits were great! Even though Cuchi Cuchi, is not a gay place per sec, my boyfriend and I were very comfortable as a gay couple. We loved everything we ate, I had an Argentine shirt steak and my bf that Italian pork rolls. They had a huge cocktail menu, we both had blood orange martinis , which were amazing! The price were very reasonable, not counting the martinis, we had two appetitizers, two meals and one glass of wine for $65, not including tip. The only thing I would suggest is that on some very busy nights, like Valentine's Day, they consider taking reservations. The wait was almost two hours, the staff was great about it, helpful and honest. I will say the hostess, Wafita, was funny, charming and really made the wait go much faster!
(4)
mickey l.
Yelp. I was a little worried about the cost of the food as I had thought I was out with the boys for a pub night, but then I began tasting wonderful things. Clean execution of myriad themes with quality ingredients gave me a surprise that allowed me to appreciate the value. To speak to other reviews I've read: Our Service was quite nice and attentive. The speak-easy flapper theme from the 1920's (not 1940's as Yelper Victoria States) was almost convincing--if you want to go back in time check out BIX in SF. Cuchi is Cambridge fun, campy, gypsy goofy and home-spun.. I left pleasantly stuffed on those little plates of international madness.
(4)
Frank G.
I don't think I can add anything new to all the great reviews that people have posted, but I love this place, especially if I'm with a group. The food is the work of very imaginative chefs and great for sharing. I love their cleverly-named cocktails and the silly clothes on the waitstaff. It does get very crowded on weekends and getting a table is hard even with a reservation, but the wait is worth it. I think everyone in/around Cambridge should give this place a try if they're in the mood for something different.
(5)
Food Bandicoot M.
go to this place if - you are on a sultry date. you've got something to talk about. you don't mind spending $13 on drinks you've already eaten earlier and are in the mood for tapas (small portioned delicacies) NOT a place for picky eaters NOT a place for townies NOT a place for baseball caps NOT a place that serves budlight. all in all for what its worth, i have imagined better. international food - some dishes were great (skirt steak is bomb) although the duck crepes were pretty dry. drinks super strong, not really good when drinking with food. and again, tapas is such small portions. the decor in this place (bridal maniquins in the corner ceiling, bohemian tapestries and tasell lamps,) looks as though it were all dragged in from the garment district. its not your AVERAGE place, but it's not at all impressive. so figure, kendall square artsy restaurant with overpriced drinks. fun for groups. sofa seating! if you can't think of anywhere else to go...make the best of it, wear something sexy.. belly dancers may take your order.
(3)
A M.
I have frequented Cuchi Cuchi several times for different social engagements. I love the decor; it's very artsy/funky, and unusual. And as a connoisseur if fruity girlie drinks, I LOVE their drink menu, my favorite being Moulin Rouge, soooo yummy! My first visit there was at about 10:30 on a Wednesday night for drinks. The place was mostly empty, and 5 of us easy sat at the bar. Contrary to the opinion of others, I found the drinks to be plenty strong; as did the men who were in our party. My second visit was on a date, and that is why I deduct a star. It has so much potential to be a great date place, but it's just too cramped and noisy. several bachelorette parties and birthdays made it impossible to have a conversation, and the tiny table we had was not conducive to ordering multiple plates of food, as one needs to do. The bar was also insanely crowded, this place could do well with a bar twice the size. The food was quite good though, goose liver pate? Sounds so gross, but was delicious. I loved the brie most of all, but the seared tuna was good, and the drinks were again, divine. The mushrooms though were disgusting, inedible really. I don't know why they have these on the menu, they were patently foul. My third trip was the best, we sat at the bar (by some miracle arrived just as two people got up) we were actually able to hear each other talk, given we were sitting NEXT to each other, rather than across the table. We had more room to spread out the food we ordered too, and with bartenders walking back and forth, we never had to wait for drinks, water, or additional food. Usually I hate sitting at the bar and dining, but in this instance, it might be preferable. Finally, there is a back room that appears as though it might actually be more quiet. I have not been lucky enough to get seated back there though, I have been seated in the front room, where the bar is. In Summation: All in all, the art nouveau decor and the fun flapper style waitress outfits, coupled with setting appropriate music (when you can hear it) makes Cuchi my preferred spot in Cambridge; I'm going there tonight! It IS a bit expensive, especially the drinks, but it's a unique experience and worth it IMO. Also, I prefer to dine "tapas style" because usually an entree is too much for me, and I hate carrying around left overs!
(4)
California G.
Cuchi Cuchi is the first restaurant i fell in love with when I moved to Boston. Everything is perfect. Right down from the menu, vast array of cocktails to choose from, service, waitress' outfits and decor. I couldn't dream up a more delicately perfect place to eat and share a few plates and drinks with your friends and loved ones. A Romantic and dreamy atmosphere this is what every restaurateur inspires to be. I've been back several times and each time I'm greeted with such a welcome, it's no wonder people keep coming back. They always remember me and i've even had previous waitress' come to my table to say hello even if they are not serving me. I can't speak more highly of a place than this. You can't go wrong with any of their plates or cocktails, but i do recommend you save room for dessert their banana fosters extravaganza is to die for!!!
(5)
Felecia C.
Cuchi Cuchi was the perfect choice for a mini-college reunion dinner last week. This restaurant was able to accommodate everyone in our party: people who love tapas, people who love drinks, and people who have weird dietary restrictions. I am, of course, all of the above, so I was definitely looking forward to this outing. What I was unaware of when I called to make reservations was that they only take them at 5:30 or 8:30. Unfortunately, my party had already planned to meet at 7, so we were advised to show up anyway and they would try to seat us. Well, that didn't exactly work out, since we ended up getting seated with the 8:30 crowd. However, there were plenty of fun drinks to be ordered and a cute bar area conducive to socializing. I wasn't too adventurous in the drink department, but friends enjoyed some pomegranate-basil concoction and orange martinis. In the spirit of international tapas, everyone ordered several dishes to share. The gluten-free menu isn't huge, but there were still plenty of selections. I ordered the Grilled Eggplant Napoleon, Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and Gratin of Asparagus and Potatoes...and I loved everything. Maybe I could have done without the potatoes, since it was the last to come out and I was basically full, but whatever. Other delicious items on our table: Gazpacho soup of the day, Brie en Crote (yes, I am copying this directly from the online menu), Oysters Rockefeller, the Cuban Cigar, and the Grilled Skirt Steak. Dessert was the Cornicopia and the Artisanal Chocolates - with the favorite being the goat cheese chocolate. Everything was a hit. Even though we had to wait for a table, I have no complaints about service. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were worth the wait.
(5)
Eli G.
Food: check. Atmosphere: check. Drinks: check. I'm just upset that I slept on Cuchi Cuchi for so long. It's pretty much the perfect spot to start off your weekend night or just to relax on a week night. I went here on Saturday at 9:30 and it was still mobbed for dinner and they quoted us a 30-45 minute wait so we waited 10 minutes and sat at the bar (a great option anywhere when you don't want to wait for a table). Let me start by explaining the drinks. If there's one thing about my drink preferences, it's that I hate sweet and fruity drinks (not because I am insecure, but because I like to taste the liquor I am drinking.) This usually makes it hard to order cool mixed drinks, because so many of the are of the sweet/fruity variety. Thank you Cuchi Cuchi for your drink menu that includes such greats options as the Brandy Clapa or the Sugar Daddy from Miami that are built from Brandy and Bourbon. So after we started drinking we moved on to the food... I love how Cuchi Cuchi's tapas are not just traditional Spanish options. They have dishes from 4 continents! And all are food was exceptional. I highly recommend the seafood stuffed avocado, the shirt ribs (which were brand new to the menu) and the deep fried tomatoes. Bonus: our bartender took PROPER care of us! I got so drunk I forgot his name, but big up. I have a new favorite tapas joint.
(5)
Bonnie G.
1) The food is good. The choices for vegetarians ain't so bad, but I had to choose b/w giving in and have a lil seafood or going for dishes that had a lot of cheese (not so good for lactose intolerance). The shrimp and eggplant dish was mighty tasty. The portions were simply TOO small and I really like tapas-the amount of scallops were pretty damn pathetic and there were only three of us! The bread basket may be one of the tastiest I've had-soft doughy warm different kinds, we harrassed our poor server to give us more, more more! 2) The drinks-holy sh*t, they have a LOT of different drinks! My martini was tasty (I had some kind of berry drink) and everyone elses was good too. A mind boggling assortment menu of drinks longer than the food options. Expensive, but its more like alcohal with a touch of juice. VALUE. 3) Why the three stars: The decor seems really stuffy to me. It is supposed to be whimsical and sassy, but it comes off as a New Orleans whorehouse/Golden Girl/Old lady idea of "fun". It seems like a place my mom and her friends would think was naughty and adorable. It was also cold-who wants to eat in a freezer unless you are also practicing your upper cuts on a slab of cow a la Rocky? I also had trouble hearing my friends at our table and was distracted by awkward first dates all around me thinking "ok this place is supposed to be romantic...god, I need more alcohal". I will go back again, but this time I will try the bar area-it seemed like people were having more fun there than in the resturant part.
(3)
deanna p.
sadly, i've only been to this hot spot once, but was greatly impressed through and through...plus it was new years eve and rockin'. food was fantastic, atmosphere kicked ass and their drinks....dear god, you need to sit down for this one. they make them NICE and stiff. most def. a good time. go.
(4)
June P.
Loved the decor, loved the feel, cocktails were ok (at least on the Fri night I went), food was good. The waitress was a bit rude when we didn't order that many dishes in the beginning (3 for 3 ppl). We just weren't sure what to order yet, but she took offense. We ended up order a few more things because the food was good, just not amazing. Overall, I just wasn't impressed by anything, but let me tell you, my friends love this place. Just not me! If you're going to go though, I'd recommend their 'nod' to French Laundry - the Cornets w/Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse.
(3)
Jenn L.
This place is marvelous in decor and uniqueness. Most of the food is spectacular. All of the drinks when made correctly are superb. The problems are: the portions are really small especially for the price, my sister got the same drink twice and one was a nice deep red and one was almost clear, and the employees start out pretty great but end up seeming pretentious and almost a little too flirty with each other by the end of the night. Our waitress spilled an entire glass of water on my sister's lap and while she did apologize and clean it up, she hardly seemed that sincere about it and she didn't offer us anything to make up for it. Not to sound cheap but when you go out to dinner and the waitress soaks your lap, I feel like you should at least get something extra out of it or something taken off your bill. We spent about $150 so it wouldn't have killed her to take one of the small plates, or even just a coffee off the bill! Oh - and we waited over an hour and a half for a table for four on a Saturday evening around 7:30pm - which I realize is a bad time so I won't even count that as a negative. I am glad we went but I probably won't go back. Dali is much better.
(3)
Melissa B.
EAT HERE! This is an excellent special occasion dinner place. Very funky atmosphere and killer cocktails. Ladies, don't go here to pick up a guy, the are mostly looking at each other here.
(4)
Greg M.
What more can I add to the 90+ reviews? In case you couldn't tell, girls LOVE this place. If you have some money to spend and want to impress a girl, bring her here. As you probably know by now, they have smaller portions (not exactly tapas though). I have a big appetite and two were plenty for me. (My GF and I got five to share because everything looked so good, but by the time the fifth came out, we were stuffed.) The duck l'orange crepes and "cuban cigar" are incredible. The potatoes gratin left something to be desired though. The ribs and fried tomato were good.
(5)
Aaron B.
I like this restaurant. Cool atmosphere, funky vibe with wait staff typically in some kind of costume. Good drinks. That said, it easily gets expensive...like every tapas restaurant in Boston seems to do. They also don't take reservations (on peak nights at least). It's hard to get a table, so come early or late.
(3)
Blair M.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi only once thus far, but it impressed me THAT much, it was applied the fresh appointed title of "new favorite restaurant". The second I walked into the place, I knew I had something special in store for me. I didn't care how long we would have to wait to sit down, as the bar was a veritable party and not one person looked annoyed that they weren't seated yet. This was a good sign. I went there on a first date. Guys - if you're going out with a chick for the first time, take her here. There's so much activity, ambiance, and killer liquor flowing that there's no way you can have any awkward "getting to know you" conversations or drawn out silences. The servers outfits were outlandish and immediately made me wish I could work there. Upon sitting down, it was suggested by the waitress that we try a "bottoms up shot", which is a large mixed shot that's served in a cone shaped glass that has a rounded bottom so you can't put it down! They had a ton of different varieties to try, all a swift throwback to the vintage 20's. Now, I'm definitely more of a beer girl, so it saddened me that I couldn't partake in some of the yummy cocktails, but the bottoms up shots are a great way to still be adventurous whilst getting yourself sauced. The food - amazing. I fell in LOVE with the Mexican Fried Tomato, the Cuban Cigar and the Tuna Tar Tar - which had an exciting but unusual element of banana in it. Yes, it is a little pricey but it's worth it if you enjoy not only great food, but the art of plating and presentation. The website was also fantastic at showing a picture of each tapa so you can mull it over before you go. The one downside, and one I found more than a little insulting: you have to pay for your own bread. Whaaaaaa?????
(5)
Countess O.
The only reason that I'm not giving it 5 stars is the price. Avg price for the small plates is $13, with the most expensive one being $22. And, you have to pay for bread, which is actually very worth paying for (see details below). I went to Cuchi Cuchi last week with my boyfriend for my birthday. I live very close to Central Square, and I know this area like the back of my hand. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is great - an eclectic blend of the jazz age, Victorian furniture, and all the waitresses dress in glittery black halter dresses, bright red lipstick, with elaborate feathers in their hair. The hostess even wore what looks like a flapper wig. Needless to say, this is a good place to impress. Everything is small plates, and our waitress suggested 2-3 plates per person. We had the Russian-inspired Caspian Heaven (Roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce), the Italian-inspired Fried Artichoke Hearts (filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil), Scallop Provençale (seared; w/ herb & mushroom stuffing on the half shell), Duck a l'Orange Crepes (w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette), Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (Grilled pork rolls stuffed w/ pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic), and gelato trio plate for dessert (Nougat, Mexican Chocolate, Pistachio). Now I'm regretting getting ice cream as dessert, especially within the vicinity of Toscanini's. Everything was very good, but some are better than others. In order of deliciousness: 1. Caspian Heaven, i.e. fried oysters topped w/ salmon roe, hands-down. It was the most moist and savory and fresh oysters I've ever had, with just the right balance of fishiness and creaminess. The giant salmon roe pops in your mouth and is simply delightful. 2. the Duck a l'Orange Crepes. The presentation was beautiful, with 2 rolled soft crepes stuffed with pulled duck meat marinated w/ some kind of slightly tart and sweet sauce that resembles a citrus-y white balsamic. They also cut very easily, and I savored every single bite down to the last drop of the vinaigrette. 3 & 4. I must tie the fried artichoke hearts with the scallops, because they're both common dishes where the freshness and quality of the ingredients play a more prominent role than preparation. I couldn't really taste the gorgonzola and pistachio in the artichoke hearts, which were the biggest ones i've ever seen. They were so juicy that they reminded me of those little Chinese soup-buns. The scallops are equally huge, fried just enough to add a slight crunch to the tender interior, which was very sweet and pure-tasting, with little seasoning. What interested me the most about the scallops dish was the bed of mushroom stuffing that they came on - it tasted like couscous fried with herbs and mushroom bits. i finished every grain of that as well. 5. The grilled pork stuffed rolls weren't popular with me because I don't like pork, but my boyfriend liked this dish the most. My only complaint, besides my natural aversion toward pork, is the texture of the meat - it was slightly rough and dry, and the contents tasted a little too eclectic because there were so many competing tastes. And I'd recommend getting the bread plate, which was $2 for small and $3 for a large. We got a small one and it came with 3 rolls: tomato-basil, rosemary, and some kind of cheese. The dipping that it came with is exceptional - a layer of very good olive oil atop several drops of some kind of aromatic, balsamic-like vinaigrette (looks very pretty) with herb seasonings, and a spoonful of flavorful olive tapanade at the corner of the dipping dish. I'm not a big fan of olive nor olive oil as dipping, so I asked for balsamic vinaigrette on the side (like I always do). When that came with the olive dipping, it was a real dilemma because while the olive dipping was unexpectedly amazing, but the balsamic vinaigrette was also a strong competitor because it was the kind that they used in cooking, so it was sweeter and a lot thicker than usual, almost like a spread. The cocktails are generally very good, especially the vintage ones. My only complaint, again, is that they're over $10 each. The overall presentation was very impressive and makes you feel like you're getting every penny's worth. I stole the paper coasters because they were so pretty.... btw, I uploaded pictures of all the dishes except for the stuffed pork rolls. Sorry for the poor quality... it was the camera on my Sony Ericsson. *sigh* when the day comes that I stop being a poor student who picked a major I like (and as a result will live in a box), I intend to try everything on Cuchi Cuchi's menu. Until then, maybe I can use my womanly wiles to get first dates there.
(4)
Jane M.
RaspberryLimeRickey Ricardo, Coffee with Rum and creme de cacao. Warm yellow lamps, a touch-lit table, old Victorian armchairs, cute dready bartender, 20's dresses, fur and retro chic.
(5)
Katie V.
Cuchi Cuchi is probably my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. The atmosphere is fun -- the waitstaff wear vintage costumes and festive hats and jewelry. It's like being in a 1930s movie. The cocktail menu is very exciting -- my blackberry cosmo was delicious! They have some very inventive concoctions plus old fashioned drinks like sidecars. The food menu is equally innovative and exciting, with a wide range of global tapas. Favorite dishes: the tuna/avocado mousse cones, the fried artichoke hearts, and the sizzling garlic shrimp. Lamb and beef dishes also did not disappoint. Portions are good for sharing but not skimpy. Everything comes to the table quickly and looks beautiful. Also, if you can save room, you should try the banana bread dessert. It's like french toast with carmelized bananas and ice cream on top. Our waitress described it as "sex on a plate" and she was not exaggerating!
(5)
.amy E.
Assorted Half-Truths Pertaining To Cuchi Cuchi Menu Items 1. The key to Charlemagne's expansion of the Frankish kingdoms during the eighth century was Baby Back Ribs with Apple Fritters; he used these to fortify his men during the siege of Pavia as a part of the Conquest of Lombardy. 2. Their "Between the Sheets" drink has made multiple appearances in the DC Comics universe, and in particular, is prominently featured in Detective Comics #29, Superman #76, Detective Comics #327. 3. Eating an entire plate of their Gratin Dauphinois has a 1/100 chance of bestowing dark, eldritch powers upon thyself. a. Potatoes are a well known aphrodisiac. b. There is also a 1/200 chance that the person across from you will gain dark, eldritch powers as well. c. They may also grow tentacles. 4. The Cuban Cigar is an oft-overlooked part of String Theory, and in particular, is being investigated as a potential source of hadrons. 5. Their version of the Kir Royale contains equal parts sparkling wine and thermite. a. Thermite is made from ground up bears. b. Sparkling wine is empirically delicious; the Materials Science dept at MIT has published studies about this. 6. Originally, it was their French Banana Bread Extravaganza and Tiramasu that combined to form Voltron. However, this did not fare well with the teenage demographic, and further market research and surveying led to experimentation with different combinations (five Japanese school girls, three samurai pizza cats, two enormous monsters) before they settled on the five robot lions that we know and love today. 7. Their Brie en Croute was one of the driving forces of inspiration for Martin Page as he wrote Go West's "King of Wishful Thinking" in 1990. He had in fact been wishfully thinking about brie, bacon, and walnuts in a delicious puff pastry, but the song was taken and adapted for a more romantic context and then used in the film "Pretty Woman," making it Go West's biggest hit ever.
(5)
kristin b.
Cuchi Cuchi is the perfect restaurant for special occasions or drinks with the girls. Their cocktail list is so extensive that it makes it impossible to choose. I've sampled about half of their menu, and I can honestly say that there hasn't been a single drink that I haven't enjoyed. The food is to die for. The stuffed artichoke is my absolute fav. It can get a little pricey, for 2 people probably 2-4 plates is necessary. So on The ambiance...well it's just perfect. You have to go and least see it once, words do not do it justice. I secretly want to work there just so I can dress up like the waitresses. Whenever I go with four or more people (probably 10 tops), I request the LED table. It's super fun and everyone winds up loving it!
(5)
Rob B.
It's loud, kind of obnoxious, and a little too faux-retro for my tastes. But that's me. If I was a maid of honor throwing a bachelorette party, this would be a stop on the agenda. But I'm a cantankerous 38-year-old man who doesn't do the quirky cocktail thing. The food was tasty, although a little pricy for the portion sizes. And if I want to call their food tapas, they should just deal. If I have to deal with the beads in unexpected places (should probably rephrase that...), they can deal with me calling their little food plates tapas. I really dug the baby back ribs with the apple fritters. The potato croquettes were delicious, but $10 should buy at least 10 of the little guys, not 8. The tartufo was fine, but didn't blow me away. Did I mention I'm a cantankerous old man? Good. The end.
(3)
Anne H.
The atmosphere here is awesome - it seems like every surface is jewel encrusted, which makes me smile. The staff even dress up in fabulous getups and they have an awesome lounge table that lights up when you touch it. We went for drinks on a Friday night and it was kind of a frustrating experience at first. They were still only seating for dinner and the bar area is TINY compared to the rest of the restaurant. Everyone was packed in there much like the T at rush hour, which was no fun. Luckily, a smooth-talking friend arrived and talked them into seating our group if we ordered desserts - so we got to sit at the awesome light-brite table and the desserts really were fabulous. Although, the waitress was visibly irritated that we were taking up her 7-top and only ordering drinks and about 3 desserts. I can see her point, but it still killed my buzz a bit. The drinks were pricey, but high quality. I would probably go back on a week night when it would be less crowded and maybe take the opportunity to dress snazzy.
(4)
Kim K.
Cuchi cuchi gets 5 stars for the entire dining experience. Although the tiny place gets crowded and the waits are long, the expertly made cocktails, 20's ambiance, and wait staff in flapper-garb makes even the wait at the bar a pleasure. Once you get to the food . . . wow! Rich, delicious, unique small plates great for sharing. While the choices are a bit heavy, this really hits the spot on a cold Cambridge night. The mushroom risotto, chicken kiev, brie, and zucchini are all excellent. So why the 4 star review? In a foodie neighborhood like Central, Cuchi Cuchi is lacking in creativity these days. Yes the menu is delicious, but it has been essentially the same for 5 years. Come on cuchi, cuchi, show us something new! I'm sure it would be excellent!
(4)
Tracee D.
Gosh I love it here. The Mexican deep fried tomato, the tuna tar tare cornets, seafood stuffed avocado it is all so GOOD. You know the beginning part of Salt & Pepa's "Push It" when the guy says that this song is for "only the sexy people?" ( youtube.com/watch?v=BCV5… 1:28 min) He's talking about people who eat here. The Best Cambridge has to offer. Seduce your friends & co workers here!
(5)
Kristin G.
I can't believe that I had no clue this place existed until this past weekend! My friends and I were out on the town, and a friend of mine got a text from a friend of hers who was in Cuchi Cuchi- so we headed over there. I think we were a bit underdressed (I was wearing jeans and a band t-shirt) but it atmosphere was totally cool. I had one of the best drinks I've ever had in my life- a strawberry-ish drink called "You give me Fever." AMAZING! I also had a watermelon martini, which was really tasty as well and had a slice of real watermelon on the side of the glass. I did not have any food- but will try some next time. I'm soo glad i found this place!!!
(5)
Debra C.
Absolutely delicious. The drinks are divine, and the decor is fabulous. My only complaint is that there is a $20/per person food minimum - combined with the drinks ($10-11 each), this can quickly lead to a very expensive evening. Try the cheesecake dessert for an amazing finish!
(4)
Shree M.
Oh My God. After writing the first review, things just got sooooo much more hilarious, when I see I have a "private message" from Cuchi Cuchi. Well, not so "private" anymore: Tamara B. has sent you a message on Yelp: thank you for your intelligent review of Cuchi Cuchi "Dear Shree, Cuchi Cuchi welcomes all types of people, even homophobics like yourself. If you bothered to do a little menu research, you'd see that only 6 dishes contain mushrooms and this is because we're a European restaurant where mushrooms are appreciated. You have misinformed the public about the 80% mushroom statistic. Our dishes are priced @ 30% food cost or lower. Have you been to other restaurants to see their prices and smaller portions? We use quality liquor in all our drinks and most are hand-muddled w/fresh fruits/herbs and are priced accordingly. Perhaps you're used to drinks out of a can? I'm not fond of your name either... perhaps you'll change it for us? You seem like another mean-spirited customer who likes to complain about things you don't understand. Again, thanks for publicly humiliating us. Too bad you didn't complain to us in person before you left but that would have taken courage.... Tamara Bourso (co-owner)" So instead of apologizing for a customer's bad experience, this is your behavior? Man, I have to be honest, the restaurant scene in Cambridge gets more and more disappointing. Awesome - you're welcome to try this place out, but I had to share my personal experience because this is just the most ridiculous thing I have gone through on Yelp.
(1)
sarah b.
Every time I eat here, it is great! Awesome place for a date, or a night out with the girlfriends. Staff is very friendly, drinks are awesome. I always go with a large group, and am always amazed at how little we spend. I could eat here once a week!
(5)
Devendra S.
My wife is a regular at this place and it's no surprise as to why. This burlesque themed restaurant is charming. The decor is unique. The service is fantastic! The food also matches the service. They serve up an international cuisine. The cocktails were off. On this particular day the drink had a lot of lemon which was more bitter than sour. It was inedible. The food portion is tapas style. And I think this let's you try a wide variety of dishes. The food was delicious and the meat well cooked and packed with flavor. The star of the show was the banana bread with ice cream. The weekend has past by and I still remember exactly how each bite felt on the tongue. The cake was moist and warm and perfectly sweet. The ice cream provided the thermal contrast. The portion size for the dessert which initially seemed too large by the end it left us craving for more.
(4)
R S.
Awesome ambience, delicious food - one of the best bars and tapas places in the city.
(5)
Mike D.
I met a friend here on a Monday night for a drink to celebrate her 29th birthday (again!), and what a cool little spot. The decor was definitely "Cambridge" and a lot of fun! The 1920's costumes and style was great. The waitstaff and barstaff were attentive and friendly. I didn't have any food, but from what I saw (and smelled!) it sure appeared tasty! My martini was "perfect" (which is exactly how I ordered it). I wouldn't say this is a place to go for a night out with "the boys" - nary a television in sight, and no up-to-the-minute scores or highlights, but (on a Monday night at 10:30 pm) it was quiet enough to have a good conversation and not have to yell. I hope I make it back as I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)
Cindy A.
Recommend making reservation, otherwise 45 min wait. Had the scallop ceviche, the cuban cigar, and sangria. Were really good! Food is international and the plates are rather small, they recommend two plates per person. Great ambience & good service.
(4)
Julia H.
Love love love love this place. I ate way too much, but regret nothing. I came with my family for my older sister's birthday dinner. It was great coming with a lot of people because we ordered so many different kinds of food and I got to try everything. Go with people who like to share in order to truly appreciate this extra fun culinary treat! I got a virgin cocktail with strawberry and basil and it tasted like a melted Popsicle-- in a good way! Reminded me of being a kid again. Next time I go, I will order fewer of the fried things. They were all incredible, but I wish I had gotten a more rounded experience. Favorite items were the fried artichokes, the carbonara, risotto, and the puff pastry thing with brie and bacon. So good. And for dessert, get the banana bread thing. Nothing else should even be contemplated. So incredibly delicious. Yum.
(5)
Pearl E.
Super fun atmosphere to enjoy on Mother's Day. Had my first ever Blood Orange Sidecar and cannot wait to have another. Highlight of the meal were the Bliny. Their filling was superb. (would order without the caviar next time) The Gobi Manchurian cauliflower fritters were delicious as were the baby back ribs with apple fritters. Ordered the banana bread dessert because of its many yelp recommendations. It is an immense dessert that can serve four people. To me it seemed like a breakfast entree from Denny's or IHOP. (I would have preferred a different flavor ice cream than banana.) Definitely want to go back for more Bliny and try some of the many other interesting items on the menu.
(5)
John H.
I thought this place was awesome. The staff was super friendly. The menu was very unique and had a lot of options. The drink menu was also huge. The space it self was small, but once seated it felt pretty roomy. You can only make reservations for the first seating, if you're going to go after 6 you kind of just need to show up and put your name on the list. I would definitely go back.
(5)
coy r.
One of the highest compliments I could ever pay to a restaurant is "I don't care that I got food on my shirt, it is so delectable and tasty, I just don't care! " This is food you will relish and love and the staff is awesome, the bartender is a true mixologist. Live, laugh, eat, love! ! Thank you guys
(5)
Yuliana D.
Amazing cocktails!!!! SO amazing! It's hipsterish place. Eclectic decor. Nice music. Great vibe. Great for groups as it has lots of tables. Service is great. But best feature - still - cocktails!
(5)
Jenny R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole world!!! I've been here many times but the malt memorable was my first wedding anniversary with my husband. After each delicious small bite (not tapas, they are from more areas that just Spain!!), we giggled into the night. With the delectable small bites, dangerous & delicious drinks as well as the wait staff dressed in fun vintage Spanish Harlem nights fashion it is always a night to remember. Go with an open mind and an empty stomach!
(5)
Denise B.
Drinks are devine, the food was great. Three of us shared a number of items, favorites are the fried artichoke hearts, Bracioletta Ripiena, carbonara, gratin Dauphinois. Don't miss this place. Reservations a must.
(5)
Jeyashri S.
This place was honestly a unique experience and a must-try for anyone into eclectic vibes and small plate style meals. There is food on the menu from all over the world and there is evidently a lot of thought that goes into the preparation of each and every delicious item. The service was phenomenal and I enjoyed the originality of the atmosphere quite a bit. It is just a diverse dining experience that you can't really put into words until you try it out!
(5)
M K.
We had gone on New Year's Eve, it was busy. They serve tapas style continental dishes and the cocktails are amazing. Love the decor, and the 1920s costumes. Good for a special occasion for a girls night out...since it's pricey.
(3)
Ali D.
I've always been a huge fan of Cuchi Cuchi. Birthdays, friends visiting, or just a desire for a unique and tasty cocktail? I'd head over for drinks and food. While pricey, the restaurant offers a fun atmosphere, some very delicious small plates, and creative cocktails. However, the service I experienced this past Friday would make me think twice before returning. My friend and I sat at the bar, and we proceeded to order numerous plates. The bartender forgot one of our dishes, but was quick to remedy this when we pointed it out. It took a little while to get someone's attention to order our final dessert item, but that's completely understandable given how labor intensive the drink-making process is and the number of people around the bar. No problem with that. The problem began when, right before our dessert arrived, a different bar tender put a "reserved" sign up right in front of our faces... kind of weird, but OK. She then proceeded to ask if we wanted anything else, so we said no, the check would be great. We ate our dessert, I left my friend with my card, and went to the restroom before leaving. When I got back, I signed the receipt, and we started to gather our stuff and get ready to leave. This is when it went REALLY downhill: The woman comes back over and says "these seats are reserved." I responded, oh, we were the ones that have been sitting here, don't worry, we aren't a new group. She then said "ya, but it's reserved, you can't be here." So I pointed out we had just finished singing the check and were getting ready to leave. She then said, "well it's rude to sit here. you can't just hang out here. we have a birthday coming in or something." At this point, I was completely shocked by such rude service on her part, that I replied, "we are leaving, but not only did we just sign our check, you kind of need to give us time to get up." Her response? "Awww, well this is really awkward, but you know, it's reserved." Her entire attitude was abrupt, condescending, and just plain rude. I was so offended, it almost put a mark on an otherwise very nice night. I've worked in restaurants, and am usually pretty understanding when it comes to services, but this was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'm also very sensitive about turning over tables, and am not one to linger. I often end up spending $75-$100 a person at Cuchi Cuchi, but I'm going to think twice before returning. It's a busy place, but I will no longer be recommending them as enthusiastically as I once did.
(2)
Jennifer F.
Not sure what went wrong with our dinner: Was it the ass we brought (he was rude)? Did the kitchen not respond to our order in a timely fashion? Or was it our waitress, who, while delightful, would disappear for some time? Not sure what the problem was but it was a less than successful dinner for 10. Love the atmosphere, love the costumes, love the bar...everything else was less than successful. A bottle of wine ordered took over 20 minutes to get to the table, so long that the group ordered another as soon as it arrived, fearful they might have to go without for a minute (we are that kind of crowd). One of our party received both his plates in short order. The rest of us, not so much. I received my Chicken Kiev before my mussels which had obviously been hanging out under the heat lamp while the Kiev was taking its 30 minutes to get made. A compatriot ordered the chicken kiev without mushrooms...it arrived ten minutes later than mine but still had mushrooms (sigh). Needless to say, we had a less than spectacular evening. I will go back as perhaps it is large parties that confuses them....
(2)
Jennifer W.
Decor: different and fun Food: depends on dishes Beef stroganoff: not that flavorful and just okay Duck: very good Tangine chicken: excellent Chocolate dessert: great Server: very friendly and attentive Overall, would like to give it a 3.5...but not a four.
(3)
Claire H.
I had the pleasure of dining here with a friend's parents two weeks ago and found myself back there the following week for my boyfriend's birthday celebration. The sizzling garlic shrimp had my mouth watering for the entire week in between the two times I went there. Can't recommend it enough! The second time I was there we ordered the Asian salad because we were looking for something refreshing. Not something I would typically order but I give it two thumbs up! It has a really nice kick to it, spicy but not overpowering. The tuna cornets win for presentation. They are pretty to look at and fun to eat! Definitely too expensive for me to dine here that frequently but I definitely have a new favorite place to dine on special occasions. The decorations are awesome and their website goes into detail about the history of each piece and is worth checking out ( cuchicuchi.cc/aboutcuchi… ). The only critique I can offer is that when I made the reservation for my boyfriend's birthday, I told them his name and that I would like them to bring a candle out when we ordered dessert. They confirmed this with me when confirming my reservation the morning of. However, when they brought out our dessert, they put the candle in front of me and when I corrected them, they asked me his name. Not a big deal but it seemed kind of unprofessional seeing as they had double-checked his name, etc. with me.
(5)
Kay W.
Late review-Lived in the Boston area for almost 4 years and visited this place at least once per week, some weeks twice. Drinks are delicious and strong, international savory dishes, great staff and service. Now residing out of state and my search is on to find another Cuchi Cuchi. Don't think i will, so ill just be making trips back to boston for my dose of Cuchi Cuchi. Must haves Cuban Cigar Moroccan Chicken Tagine Duck a l'Orange Crepes Drinks? you just cant go wrong. My favorites: Heat of the night Pendennis Club Shout out to Hunter-hands down the best bartender.
(4)
Yash U.
The place is vibrant. Apt for an evening with friends or a romantic date. Great choice of drinks and choice of small plates from all over. Staff was a lot helpful and service was quick. Always enjoyed the small plates from Russia. A bit pricey...but thats what you pay for a good evening.
(4)
Shing H.
I really wasn't a fan of the decor, but the food was alright, if a bit overpriced, even for a small-plates place. They made me a pretty solid whiskey smash, and I started with the fried artichoke hearts filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil, which came with an olive-y sauce -- really excellent & packed with flavor. If I'd stopped here, it probably would have been a decent late-night snack. But, I also had the bracioletta -- pork rolls stuffed with pecorino, pancetta, and garlic -- which were extremely salty and tough. Averaging between the two dishes, I decided on three stars, but it probably varies depending on what you order, since it seems the menu is a bit hit-or-miss.
(3)
Ryan Y.
Don't come as a single diner. The groups who were seated seemed to have a great time, so please take this review with a grain of salt. I walked in and asked to be seated, and was redirected to a seating area opposite the bar. No problem. I then proceeded to sit there for 10 minutes without any service. Later, the host asked if I look like to order food and was then affirmed that the bar back would come with a place mat and take my order. Another 10 minute wait. Finally I was told that I needed to go to the bar to order, so I got up to order, only to be disappointed again. Multiple people received service before me and out of order. I started feeling silly and completely out of place. I shouldn't have come to dine here at all. No drink order was taken. The steak was cooked well done. No one asked how I was doing. I could go on with the laundry list of reasons why the service was non-existent and rude. In general, I had a terrible experience and couldn't enjoy the food.
(1)
D J.
Kicked off 2015 with some notable additions to the cocktail vocabulary thanks to finally making it over to Cuchi Cuchi - and it certainly lived up to the hype and reputation! Nice interiors, teeming with people on a Friday night of course, great selection of cocktails, all mild enough that no unintended mistakes can be attributed to a drink too many :) I was duly entertained by the peach schnapps / champagne combination (LetMeEntertainYou) and moved onto the very fruity, very refreshing Blackberry Cosmo The spicy cocktails are quite intriguing - there was a good deal of jalapeno in a single sip of the HeatOfTheNight! I stuck to my fruity flavors. One drink sums it all perfectly - SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime -- yes! One of the most extensive menus I've seen, with the usual array and more of very creative names and interesting liquor combinations. Prepare to fork up a bit of a fortune but it is a worthwhile inebriation experience.
(4)
Ilya F.
I went here for my brother's 21st. Happy Birthday to him! :) The atmosphere of this restaurant is very nice. The wait staff wear 20s costumes which adds to the fun. The soft lighting makes this a perfect place for a romantic date. I was pleased with the Vesper martinis I got. They were of consistent strength and flavor which I think speaks to the professionalism of the bartender. The food ranged from good to mediocre. The tapa - sized dishes were imaginative, but some did not pack the flavor I was expecting. For example the flatbread on the tuna lavash was slightly mealy. This dish was still tasty, but at the price point I wish the lavash was a bit more moist. The best thing I ate during the night was the tuna and avocado cone with a fries lotus root edible garnish. This is a great chaser to the martini by the way, if anyone was looking for a good pairing. Overall, great place for a date, but not ideal for a large dinner as the dishes are rather small. I would come back just for a few more of the Vespers.
(4)
Alex A.
Absolutely delicious! Their drinks and food are amazing. The portions are perfect to share, bigger than tapas, so 3-4 would be perfect for a couple. The waitstaff all wear costumes and i'd definitely go back there.
(5)
Trina P.
Seriously...this is BY FAR the BEST tapas place I have ever been to...and I been to quite a few...some I still go to when in the area...but I rather make reservations here and go out of my way when possible just to get their food and DRINKS! Their cocktails are amazing, I haven't tried one tapas dish I haven't totally fell in love with and savored every bite. My favs are: -Scallops Provençale (France) - -Sizzling Garlic Shrimp (Spain) -Asian Salad (Cambodia, Thailand) -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon -Fried Artichoke Hearts (Italy) -Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) -Cuban Cigar Cocktail- HeatOfTheNight muddled jalapeño, lemon juice, watermelon juice, citrus vodka, elderflower liqueur Did I mention the atmosphere is totally cool, the waitresses are attentive, nice and just simply awesome!
(5)
G K.
Colleague friend took me to this establishment tonight and I loved it. From the 20s "Chicago - the movie" type of atmosphere, to the eclectic choices of global small plates, vintage cocktails, to the super cute staff oufits, I had a great time. I'd come again to try more of the food and the desserts!
(4)
Nikhil P.
Nothing short of outstanding. From the drinks, to the decor, to our waitress Ksenia, to the food... One of the best -- yes, the very BEST -- restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. And we've been to a lot of restaurants. What a night. And so much more menu to sample... Amazing. Cuchi cuchi. I want to just say it, and go back, and drink some more, and cuchi cuchi some more!!
(5)
Christine J.
4 stars for the decor and idea of dressing up like the Hollywood 20's glam. Tapas, on the other hand, is average. Need improvement. Kudo's for the creativity, fun restaurant concept.
(4)
Anna D.
My friend and I celebrated Christmas in this fabulous place. Our experience was just excellent! Great choice of cocktails, yummy avocado stuffed with seafood and the best eclectic atmosphere! Just such a marvelous place to have fun!
(5)
Sakshi B.
We came here in a huge group for a friends birthday!. the ambience is really nice, dim lights but casual. The food and drinks are unique and amazing. their service was really good too considering how crowded the restaurant was. The prices are a little steep when it comes to the quantity(which is really less). They really mean it when they say tapas for individuals! But I would definitely visit again.
(4)
Noel H.
Amazing ambience, delicious food, friendly and attentive staff and huge selection of cocktails. The perfect date spot or venue to celebrate a special occasion. French banana bread desert nicest desert I've ever had!
(5)
Emily W.
The drinks are, for sure, the reason to go to this place. They're delicious, and watching the bartenders muddle/mix all of the fresh ingredients is mouthwatering. The Strawberry Basil cocktail and the Black Dahlia were both SO good-- perfectly balanced and not overly sweet (although definitely sweet enough). The service we received the one time I went, though, was bad enough to knock this place down a few stars. We were a somewhat large group (around 7 people) there at a busy time (on a Thursday evening), so we were prepared to wait, but we ended up waiting for more than an hour because the hostess kept telling us that a table would be ready soon. We waited to go to the bar because it seemed like we were about to be seated imminently at every turn, so we ended up waiting in an awkward hallway between the two seating areas and being in the way. If we had just been told it would take half an hour when we first walked in, we would have just headed to the bar in the fist place! After we were finally seated, our servers were friendly (and their getups were cool, I guess?) but definitely overwhelmed. It took a while to receive our food, which was fine-- we split desserts and breads and got our own small plates as entrees, which seemed like a good way to do it. I loved my baby back ribs and apple fritters-- definitely enough food to fill me up with the drinks and other shared portions! The bread was just burnt white bread, and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza was nothing to write home about (soggy and cloyingly sweet). Also, the prices are a little outrageous for what you get. Overall, next time, I'd probably just head straight for the bar and skip the wait and the overpriced food.
(3)
tammy l.
Good service and good choice of food. The pricing is a bit high for the portion of the food.
(4)
Darrin N.
This place is such a gem! Amazing dishes. Ordered about 10-12 dishes for the four of us for mom's day. Love the decor & the cheery waitress we had. Definitely order the banana dessert! It's big so we were able to split between 4. Will be returning soon!
(5)
Lea V.
Lovely food, lovely atmosphere. Everything we got ranged from good to excellent. Highlights: the chicken liver mousse and the incredible banana bread dessert. Also get a cocktail from the very interesting long list. I recommend HeatOfTheNight: the combination of jalapeños and elderflower liqueur give it a very distinctive flavor.
(5)
Iris Z.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi now 3 times in the last month, which is saying a lot since I live 1.5 hours away. I don't care much for the food since each plate is quite small and gets expensive very fast but I think the cocktails are to die for. They are super delicious and unlike the cocktails of many other places around Kendell, they are super strong. Last night, I tried the Once Upon a Time in Mexico, which was spicy, sweet and minty and mind boggling good. I agree with other reviewers in that the service is indeed slow. I don't usually mind waiting since the ambiance and music are enjoyable, but sometimes it does take 10 min just to get the check. However, everyone is friendly and the maitre d' even remembered my name and the last time I came! I take all my fancy friends to Cuchi Cuchi now to impress them.
(5)
Adeline H.
It is a bit expensive but the food is worth it. The service has always been friendly, and I have never gotten a sour or curt waitress. Sadly there is only street parking, but we always find a spot so not too bad. Ive come here mulitiple times, and I definitely recommend this place to anyone. Its a nice spot for a dinner date and coming with friends. First off, I love ordering the Blue Hawaii from Cucchi one of the best ever. The mai tai is great as well. These are two safe choices. The other drinks on their inventive menu are nice but most of the time too strong for me. Now the food is my favorite! I always order the mushroom truffle risotto (best I ever had,) a scallop cerviche shot (the salmon skin chip is awesome,) the duck la orange crepes, fried cauliflower, grilled skirt steak, and the brie en croute was surprisingly to die for so delectable. The reason for 4 stars is simply because you cant like everything on a menu. The cuban cigar, seafood avocado, indian lamb, and the scallops provencale were okay, but it is worth trying everything on the menu to see if you like it. Since I was surprised I liked the brie en croute as much as I did. Ive only had the banana bananza for desert it is good but way too much for two people. Unless youre the type that requires loads and loads to get full tapas or Cucchi probably isnt for you. I definitely recommend this place for the food!
(4)
Erin M.
Love this place! This is my favorite place to come for a nice dinner and drinks, the cuban cigar is the best thing on the menu , risotto is amazing too! Everything pretty much is mouth watering! They also have a themed dress code that is very cool vibe.
(5)
Susan L.
Cuchi Cuchi is...Coool! The ambience of early Hollywood glamour sets the stage for a fun evening. The cocktail list is even fun to read. Being a gin and tonic fan, I had a "Gin Before Breakfast" that had elderflower liqueur and a touch of champagne in addition to the gin with some muddled kiwi. So good I had two. From the menu we ordered Chicken Liver Pate, Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower fritters), Scallops Provencale, and Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in pastry in the shape of a cigar). All were delicious. For my friend's birthday, the costumed staff brought a candelabra, and a hat and boa for her to wear while the whole place sang Happy Birthday! What a kick. For dessert we shared a Tirami-su--just enough dessert to send us happily on our way. I'd definitely return--great place for a celebration. Valet parking available and definitely needed. Only downside--very noisy where we were sitting.
(5)
LaiGuen F.
My boyfriend's birthday was coming up. I wanted to host a fun dinner for him and a few close friends. Being in Cali, I had no idea where in Boston to find a restaurant that's fun and a bit 'different'. I immediately went to Yelp and found Cuchi Cuchi. I read through all the reviews, came up with a menu and emailed manager Elena. Elena responded quickly with her suggestions, she was super helpful and patient in answering all my questions and helping me plan out the evening! Once our party arrived, Elena greeted us! Our server was extremely knowledgeable on all the cocktails, she made excellent recommendations! The food and drinks were excellent! The atmosphere and staff were amazing! My personal favorites are the potato croquets, caspian heaven, tuna lavash, and mushroom risotto! I will definitely come back next time I'm in Boston! Thanks so much, Cuchi team, for making it such a memorable birthday celebration for my boyfriend, his friends, and I!!
(5)
Elica Y.
Great restaurant in Boston! The ambiance is great. The restaurant itself is a roaring 20's theme, which makes this place even more adorable. All of the employees are dressed up and play their roles so perfectly. I definitely have to give them some recognition for serving great food while staying in character. Anyways, everything we ordered here was phenomenal. I love the fact that this is a tapas place because you are able to order as many dishes as you like without feeling overly full. We ordered: Mushroom Risotto - SO GOOD! Very decadent and delicious Brie en Croute - My absolute favorite dish of the night. The brie is baked and comes out nice and warm and is served with apples and an onion/garlic jam. This dish has so many layers of flavor and all of the ingredients compliment each other well. You must order this if you ever come here! I insist. Baby Back Ribs with Apple Fritters- Another amazing dish! The apple fritters were a nice surprise but tied the dish all together Beef Stroganoff - Pretty good but more on the heavy side Tuna Tartare - My least favorite dish of the night. The shell that the tuna tartare is served in is rather squishy. This dish gets rather tiring to eat and can be difficult to finish the entire dish. My friends and I were arguing about who has to finish the last tuna tartare cone.
(4)
Annie K.
I really liked the ambience, decor, and overall theme of the restaurant. With the menus, costumes, and music, the restaurant did a great job of setting the stage for a unique dining experience. Unfortunately, I think that it fell short when it came to the food and drink. I had the "some like it hot" drink (jalapeño and tequila) that was hot without any flavor, the mussels were too salty, and the beet salad had an unusual and unpleasant spice. Not to mention, they charged
(3)
Maha H.
I absolutely loved this place...decor was very Moulin Rouge I thought I had gone back to Paris. It is very eclectic and I loved that about it...wide range of things to try and all were delicious. I appreciated that they had a wide range of virgin cocktails (mocktails) as most places don't! The waiter was very friendly and the food is served in a very well presented manner. My eyes and taste buds were satisfied on this visit. I will definitely be coming back to this place and I still crave their Tartufo dessert...that has to be the best Tartufo I have ever had! Cuchi Cuchi you should consider a branch in downtown Boston, it is a shame you are such a hidden gem!!!
(5)
Rachel M.
Rarely do you find a place that is able to serve a variety of different foods and do it this incredibly well. Both the food and drinks had outstanding flavor with an extreme attention to detail brought by the mixologist and chef. Not to mention the fun and unique atmosphere that's unlike anywhere else. A must eat if you've got friends and family coming to Boston!
(5)
Jacqueline D.
I came here after work during the week and was very pleased with my decision. Parking was a hassle but I think it was more from the snow than availability of spaces. There was no wait and we were seated promptly in the quirky and eclectically decorated dining area. The server, dressed in attired that fit the restaurant flare ( think flapper dress and pearls) was the best ! She was very prompt but also did not rush us through our meal. The menu has dishes influenced by countries around the world and the descriptions fit the meal perfectly. We got the mussels, the eggplant and the dumpling-Ish sliders ! A++ on everything, and I left the meal feeling full. I would definitely come here again and would be curious to see it on the weekends!
(4)
Jen W.
If you only have time to go out to 1 restaurant in Cambridge, Cuchi Cuchi should be your 1st choice. This place was AWESOME! Everything from the food to the presentation, to the atmosphere, to the drinks, and the service. TOP NOTCH. THis place has done it RIGHT. You will not be disappointed - Amazing food (& Dessert - you have to get the BANANA BREAD EXTRAVAGANZA!) and an amazing time.
(5)
Lulu T.
Do you like a creative decor? Do you like a unique menu - one w/foods you actually eat? Do you like the European feel? Do you like great wait staff? Do you like vintage? Do you like funky? Do you like a cozy hip? Do you like terrific background music? Then THIS is your place. Hands down this place is a huge favorite. Been here countless times and never been disappointed. Fun yummy and best ambiance to boot.
(5)
Misty S.
I really love the atmosphere, food and drinks at Cuchi Cuchi. Service is stellar. Their cocktail list is amazing- this is THE place to go if you want a delicious classic or creative cocktail. My only complaint is the hit that my wallet takes whenever we go there. Drinks are typically between $10-13. Small plates run between $10-20 and desserts between $10-15. Last time I went we had dessert, a small plate and a few drinks and my husband and I spent over $250. Can't go there all the time, but really do enjoy it every time we go!
(4)
Laura B.
tasty food and even better drinks, with great ambiance. Only things that would make it better would be if they took table reservations after 6 pm and the prices were a smidge lower.
(4)
Jiyea C.
I love this place. I'm saving the 5th star because I'm planning to come here again in the next month or so, and I think my first time here wasn't my best experience (not because of anything to do with the venue, more the company) Drinks are STRONG. Even the girly-looking ones that are fruity and look pretty. Price point is kind of high for anything other than an occasion, but sometimes, a girls night out is an occasion enough!
(4)
Rebekah C.
I have been to Cuchi Cuchi twice and I am torn because there are some really cool things about this spot, but it honestly it hasn't made me a real fan yet. I GIVE IT 3.5 STARS. Atmosphere: 4 stars Cuchi Cuchi offers a unique atmosphere in decor and wait staff. I love that the staff dresses up. I was a little disappointed that they didn't seem all that into it and the mood on both nights just didn't match the stage that had been set so well on all other levels. Service: 4 stars The waitresses I have had were both pleasant, made recommendations and followed up appropriately Drinks: 4 stars okay so you have to appreciate muddled drinks, but if you do this place has some great ones. The variety, creativity and taste are spot on. If this were a solely a bar it would have me won over. Food: 3 stars I love small plate menus, as I am a big sharer when it comes to food. I was so excited to find some unique sounding dishes that promised a robust variety of flavors. However I feel like most of the dishes I tried just fell flat and failed to deliver on their potential. - I did really enjoy the beet and cheese salad. - Gobi . . . cauliflower - had potential, but it was mushy/overcooked - Tuna was not seasoned well at all - Marinated mushrooms - way to much marinated that wasn't very tasty - Moroccan chicken - dry chicken and I think I missed the Moroccan flavor - Skirt steak - over cooked - Cuban cigar - okay so this may just be a personal preference, but there was build up about how good it was and maybe this is just not my favorite flavors - Thai mussels- smelled good, but really didn't have much flavor and kind of chewy
(3)
Julia D.
Unique place with fun decor. Service was friendly. Food was just OK. I was expecting a little more after all they hype. We ordered: Seafood stuffed avocado: Meh... for $18 it was a small serving of ceviche. Not very exciting at all. Caspian Heaven: Best dish we got but nothing remarkable. The sauce was extremely over powering. Ended up dipping our unexciting sea food into it from the previous dish. Tsukune (Japan): Meatballs with little flavor on top of mushrooms with some sauce. Again the flavors were lacking. For all the hype and the price tag, I was really hoping for something special but this missed the mark. Def not in the top restaurants in Boston.
(3)
Ashley C.
Great tapas defin a gem of Cambridge. Wait is never to long and have great drinks staff super friendly
(5)
Anna Sofia B.
AMAZING! Consider yourselves lucky that Lady Laura makes your drinks. The food was delicious, the ambience is unique and I loved all of the servers outfits. More than a meal-an experience!
(5)
M. M.
Loved the drinks. Too bad the kitchen was closed when we got there. Good ambiance and Moroccan/Egyptian playlist on Thurs night.
(4)
Michael C.
On a Friday or Saturday evening there is often a long wait and they do not take reservations. One tip I can offer you is that is you tell the bartender you want to eat a meal at the bar they will give the seat to you before a drinker by placing a reserved sign over the newly emptied seats. The real draw of this place is the bar and their extensive eclectic cocktail list, I got a drink that was muddled strawberries with basil and vodka, it was very good. I was most impressed by the crowd that goes here, it made for some great people watching. The decor is also very cool most of the staff is dressed in extravagant clothing from the early 1900's. What holds this place back a little bit is their food. While not short on creativity there were some great dishes and others that just didn't work as well. That shouldn't steer you away, the food is still better than most places. Here is what I had: Bread Basket - You have to pay a few bucks for it but the bread is great, comes out warm and has olive oil for dipping Seafood Avocado - One of the highlights. It is basically a cerviche served inside a hollowed perfectly ripe avocado with a side of lobster tail. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - Pretty much what the title says. The shrimp themselves were on the smaller side. This actually also makes a great dipping sauce for your bread Cuban Cigar - Short rib inside a filo dough roll. It does strangely resemble a cigar. It is served with a bean salad. It was good but wasn't crazy about the spices they use on the short rib. Thai Mussels - Not a fan of these. I believe it was the overdose of basil in the broth that was the turn off.
(4)
Ari P.
I chose Cuchi Cuchi very capriciously to begin the celebration of my birthday week. After hearing the opinions of a few of my co-workers about this place, I'm glad I did not do the usual Gallup before choosing a restaurant. I thought the name was cute and a little silly, and then I got there and realized it's exactly as much of a double-entendre as I could have hoped. Loved the interior, it lived up to the post-Prohibition vibe, and the bartenders dresses made it seem almost like a holiday in Havana. I started with a Negroni cocktail which was pleasantly strong, even with club soda. Then moved onto the deep fried tomato which was excellent and artfully presented. However, the Brie en Croûte stole the show with the decadent pairing of sauteed onions with apple and walnuts. The meal came to a head with the Caspian Heaven, which was delicious, but the potatoes were not well integrated into the dish, almost pushed into the corner. They say it best on the back of the menu, "And darlings, have a memorable night." Oh I did. I did.
(5)
Brittany T.
Cuchi Cuchi was amazing! Make sure you make a reservation as it gets packed. It is great for small or large parties. Be prepared to spend at least $50 per person. The cocktails are amazing as was everything we ate. The staff was lovely and really helpful! I would go back in a heart beat!
(4)
Travis G.
First off, the ambiance is very interesting here. The hostesses and the rest of the staff is dressed in 1920s clothes which is very cute and interesting. The bar is usually bustling but we had reserved ahead for a table. Food portions are smaller and pricey so you will be paying more if you want to get full. However, food quality is just exceptional and the dishes are very unique. The drinks are amazing. The favs are tuna tartare, mushroom risotto, scallops, seafood avocado, baby back ribs, brie en croute: all impeccable. Now I feel like I need to go back for more!
(4)
Guillermo M.
The quality of the food and the drinks is top top top. That, together with the concept, the decor, the service makes it one of the best restaurants in Boston. It also demonstrates that a restaurant doesn't have to be formal, have prix fixe menus or be crazy expensive to make a great experience. I loved the fact that every single tapa we ordered was excellent and was a detailed and unique concept with multiple flavors and nuances. It has been a long time since we don't go to a restaurant where 100% of what you order is top notch. We got the fried artichoke hearts, the potato croquettes, the caspian heaven, and the cuban cigar. All delicious. For drinks this is also a great place, with nice old style cocktails. Would love to come back and try more tapas and their desserts.
I love Cuchi Cuchi, from the amazing decor (a fusion of ornate Spanish, Mexican et al pieces/artwork.) Fresh mottled fruit garnishes the depths of your drink, a beaded divider provides separation within the three rooms and the bursts of color everywhere you turn is beautiful, not overwhelming. There was even authentic Arabic music playing the last time I visited. Though I have only popped in for drinks I would without a doubt dine should the opportunity arise.
(5)
Jenn H.
One of my favorite spots in (greater) Boston, hands down. Strrrrong cocktails and such a long list of options too! The food is amazing - everything from the risotto to the seafood avocado to the oooh-so-delicious baby back ribs. The sizzling shrimp and chicken dishes here are also good. Don't skip on the desserts either - great coffees and tiramisu. I also love the service and the great atmosphere. I frequent this place, especially since it's so close to where I work. I am never disappointed!
(5)
Mia B.
Can't say enough great things about this place! Incredible food, cocktails, and service! Our server last night, Laura, completely made the experience for our celebratory group of four!! Nothing like corsets and cocktails!!! Thanks Cuchi Cuchi from the table of four - dressed to the nines - seated at the chaise lounge & bench! Much much love for this place!!
(5)
Julia L.
We walked in and I was immediately impressed by the costumes the waitresses were wearing. They looked like they were workers at a speakeasy in the 20s. The ambiance was very 20s-ish too (look at that mannequin in the corner!) I noticed a ton of big groups celebrating birthdays were in attendance this night and the group of servers would surround the table and sing their version of Happy Birthday. This restaurant is known for their international cuisine served in small portions (do not call 'em tapas!). I think ever since the show Sex and the City hit cable tv, the cosmopolitan became the "it" drink. All the cool girls were drinking one. when I saw it on this menu, I was drawn to the unique ingredient of blackberry which I have never seen before in my cosmopolitans. This cocktail is aptly named....it tasted just like strawberries and basil. A very creative combination, I've never thought of it before. But it works! This is one of their most popular signature drinks. We got an order of savory cornets with tuna tartare and avocado mousse. A cornet is actually an instrument, shaped like a horn. This savory cornet was crispy and flavorful. The avocado mousse was so light and filling. A very delicious dish. The cuban cigar was beef short ribs wrapped in pastry dough served w black bean salsa. This dish was awesome! The pastry dough was a nice contrasting consistency from the juicy beef short ribs. I liked the lightness and slight acidity of the black bean salsa. This Argentinian grilled skirt steak served gaucho style w a chimichurri sauce. The chimichurri sauce is a classic thick parsley, garlic and herb sauce. This dish was sadly my least favorite, the steak was just too hard for me to chew. The sauce was good though. The Italian Bracioletta Ripiena de Maiale was grilled pork rolls stuffed with pecorino cheese, pancetta and garlic. This dish was amazing! The pancetta and pecorino gave the dish a delicious savory/salty flavor. Add cheese to garlic and I am sold! This dessert is called the French banana bread extravaganza. It was grilled bread, topped with caramelized banana served with whipping cream and caramel syrup. This dessert was really good. The description didn't sound that appealing, but it was amazing! This Russian dish was a thin pancake filled with a mushroom filling and topped with sour cream and caviar. This was delicious! Maybe because I am partial to mushroom flavors.
(5)
Brice C.
This place was great. Good food and a fun, romantic atmosphere. The waitresses were all dressed in 1920's costumes, most that resembled show girl outfits. The decor matches, and casts a great mood on the place. The custom cocktails were excellent. I tried the VoodooYouDo with vodka, which reminded me a bit of a mojito, but better. I also tried the Strawberry Basil one, which was sweeter, and also good. The food was great, too. The mushroom risotto was really amazing, and the banana bread for dessert was out of this world.
(5)
Vanessa P.
Totally excellent. We came here kind of by chance - wasn't much else in the area, and the reviews were good - and we had our socks knocked off and our hair blown back. Lovely cocktails, really well made, and absolutely outstanding food. The tuna tartare served in a savory cornet - YES. The Asian salad was fantastic. The lamb, the tom kha soup.... I could go on and on but then I would cry, because I live 2000 miles from this place. The Gobi cauliflower was better than any cauliflower ever has a right to be. Just fantastic all the way around. Excellent and friendly service by Vadim. You guys gotta check this out, it's wicked good (that's the best Boston I got for ya).
(5)
Adam A.
Heavy and gimmicky. That appears to be the prevailing philosophy of Cuchi Cuchi from the decor, to the staff, to the food. Why does my waitress really need to be dressed up in what appears to be a 1920s peacock costume? Why does my tuna tartare really need to come in three "cornets" that look like glorified ice cream cones? For that matter, why do they really need to be called "cornets" anyway? And does guacamole really need to be called "avacado mousse"? Does that really make it taste any different? After eating my meal here, I had many questions that remain unanswered. Don't get me wrong. There can be something fanciful and wonderful about food gimmicks. But there's something very tiresome about those tricks when used on food, like Cuchi Cuchi's, that tends to be heavy and dull. Nothing was bad, but dishes tended to be one-dimensional. Take the fried artichoke hearts stuffed with gorgonzola. The frying and strong molten cheese just overwhelm whatever else might be in that dish. The menu is diverse enough that I'm sure there is some good stuff in there, but definitely hit or miss. And that atmosphere is just way to heavy-handed to enjoy.
(3)
Tasty Bee Review S.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great fun restaurant, visited it at least 5 times. Everything was great about it all the time. The only downside is that it gets So loud..
(5)
Richard A.
I wanted to like this place because the menu was really interesting, but we had slow service and the dishes were hit and miss, with some dishes feeling like experiments by a bored singleton playing with food at home. When the food was good, it was REALLY good. Avocado and seafood was perfectly prepared. When it was bad, we felt cheated by the price. Sushi Tuna in (burnt) tortilla wraps and (soggy) lettuce is inspired but in reality a bit gross. Generally, each dish had something a bit wrong with it, which isn't quite the feeling you want from a place like this. The kitsch vintage look is interesting if you've not seen a place like this before, but there are many places that do it better and with more style. It feels like someone won the lottery and bought a load of 'vintage' stuff than someone carefully curating a space over years. The staff also looked more like pantomime characters than stylist. The wine was great, and the cocktails looked outstanding. There's a lot to like about this place but for the price and the high-class style I think it falls quite short.
(3)
Ribblet N.
Very good. Was a party of 10 or more... Ordered everything they had, tried to eat it all. There was a cheese that blew out my taste buds. Excellent place, good service. No complaints.
(5)
Karina S.
This is a real gem in Boston. Fantastic ambiance with an eclectic menu featuring a smattering of the finest dishes from around the globe. My fav dishes: Seafood Avacado and Cuban Cigar; however there are a range of other dishes my friends rave about What you've gotta go there for are the cocktails which are phenomenal. They really know how to blend a variety of flavors to give a you a drink that not only soudns interesting but tantalizes the senses. Moulin Rouge, Black Dahlia and Huchi Coochi are my favs.
AMAZING food. I call this place "international tapas" since you can get any countries main dish in a tapas format and with a unique twist. They just do it better! We tried a ton of dishes: -Caspian Heaven: Roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce -Duck a l'Orange Crepes -Moroccan Chicken Tagine -Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) -Mexican Deep-fried Tomato -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon ALL AMAZING. Drinks are very unique and service too. Hard to get a table and no reservations. Staff dresses like 20's prohibition, which makes for a great ambiance.
(5)
Shannon H.
I have been here three times now. I'm still not a fan of it enough that I'd go out of my way to go. If friends are going I'm happy to tag along (& split a tab for food). Otherwise I doubt I'd go at all. The food is good, but not good enough for the prices. The drinks are made with all fresh ingredients, which is nice. But, I don't drink often enough to spend this kind of money for that sort of thing normally when I do. In going with several friends each time and splitting many of the tapas plates I've tried at least half of the food on the menu. The three things I really like are the Fried Artichoke Hearts, the Mushroom Risotto, and the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp. The rest I can eat somewhere else better & cheaper.
(3)
Douglas P.
This is a fun place for dinner and drinks with friends. The wait staff all where vintage clothes, and are super friendly. The menu has a huge selection of vintage and novel cocktails (which I think is the main draw of this place). The menu is mezze/tapas style (i.e., a bunch of small palates for sharing). Everything is tasty, and you can ask for cocktail recommendations. There's a seriously fun vibe to the place. Downsides: a little loud. This place is going to make it hard to have cross-table conversations. You're going to be restricted to talking to people sitting close to you. This is maybe not a great place for big groups.
(4)
Valeska A.
love this place :) has amazing drinks!! the moulin rouge is my favorite cocktail there! i've had a cauliflower app that was also ssosoooo yummy. kind of expensive though- was like $12-14 for a super small dish! but worth it! DEFF NEED TO GO BACK THERE SOON!
(5)
Cara W.
I have heard great things about Cuchi Cuchi for years, but was always hesitant to try it over Dali, its Spanish tapas sister-restaurant. I was wrong. The cocktails were inventive, diverse, and incredible. The plates are small, the two of us easily ate 6 dishes: Savory Cornets with tuna and avocado, caspian heaven, gobi manchurian, mushroom risotto, fried artichoke hearts, and seafood-filled avocado. The only one I wasn't blown away by was the Caspian Heaven, the fried oysters were good, but the dish wasn't coming together for me. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Chryssandra B.
While the service, decor and cocktail menu were pretty great, the food was subpar. We ordered the scallops Provençal, the tuna lavash, the chicken balls, the bracciola, and the seafood stuffed avocado. Each item sounded great but the execution was off and most items were bland. Probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Lachlan T.
best resturant in the boston area.
(5)
Chandra V.
The 3 stars are for the ambience and the drinks. The drinks are amazing. Ambience is so different and classy.. They lose 2 stars for the food, it was mediocre at best. The service was absolutely rude. The hostess was really really good but our waitress was rude and unhelpful. It was almost like we had to waive her down to get attention everytime. I expected more!
(3)
Ngan T.
Haven't you read the reviews?? GO! This place admittedly gets packed but the experience is worth the wait. I'm going to use a new term that no one here has yet used to describe this place--quirky. haha. It really is. Very unique knick knacks along the walls and the themed outfits the waitstaff wears. Food: absolutely outstanding. We started out with a couple of small plates and ended up ordering the other half of the menu when we were done. Admittedly most people will probably have better self control--in which case, I'd recommend the chicken pate and the fruits de mer. Outstanding Service: I'm taking a star off for service. Our waitress was very rushy about things and hard to find her when we needed her. My second drink had to wait until we placed a second order. Ambiance: This place gets loud! The bar, the surrounding people...very lively atmosphere. Not so great for all first dates but if you guys are adventurous and wanna step off the beaten path a little--come here.
(4)
Angelina E.
I was in town for work last week and this was recommended to me and my co-workers. Since there were 8 of us, we decided to order about 12 different dishes a split them Tapas style. EVERYTHING was amazing. The "spanish cigar" was to die for. The seafood was fresh and tasty. The perfect amount of spices making the food extremely flavorful. The staff was also fantastic. They accommodated our group and make great suggestions. The decor is pretty neat too. I recommend checking this place out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)
Amanda H.
Fun environment with amazing sharing dishes. I must say I think this is one of the best in Boston.. great food, fun atmosphere. Recommend the Cuban Cigar, the ribs and the brie. Everything I had here was phenomenal! Highly recommend getting a couple of friends and being adventurous with your food! My friends had some pretty cool drinks so great place for a celebration and a delightful evening!
(5)
Maria B.
This place was absolutely amazing- everything from the atmosphere, to the drinks, to the food was totally awesome. Atmosphere- chic, unique, fun, romantic. Drinks- unique, delicious, fun, strong! Food- amazingggg! Top favorites included the Russian Bliniy, Cuban Cigar, Scallops, and Tuna Cones. Would love to come back and try everything else!
(5)
Luke L.
By far one of the best experiences i have had at any restaurant in the Boston area in quite a long time. The ambiance is fantastic!! 20's themed decor as well as staff that enjoy dressing up in clothing that has a style to match the decor. My waitress Olivia was the absolute best! Intelligent, helpful, funny, upbeat, on task, consistent and easily earned my continued business. I would return just for her service if the food wasn't spectacular
(5)
Yasa E.
Very cute place! A little crammed and cold. The concept and decor has been the same for years, the flapper/international feel... I feel like the place needs a facelift. The food is good overall. Tuna tartare is amazing but insanely overpriced. Baked Brie was one of my faves. The honey and green apples had such a nice contrast and the gooey Brie was delish! Stroganoff was ok. I'm russian so I had high hopes, but it ain't as good as my mama makes it. Steak and chimichurri was yummy and cooked to the right temp. Garlic shrimp was pretty standard, nothing different than other tapas restaurants. Bread was good. Chicken Kiev was actually very good! Stuffed with mushrooms (not the traditional seasoned butter) and perfectly crispy on the outside it is one of the biggest portions on the menu and in my opinion, one of the best. The service was spectacular. We had a russian waitress who was a total sweetheart. Very attentive and quick. Overall, nice place, will definitely come back again, just not with a huge party like last time.
(4)
Lauretta L.
5 stars for the festive environment, 5 stars for the service, 3.5 stars for the drinks...and the food ranges from 1 to 5 stars. All in all, I'd say that's 3 stars... I've been wanting to try Cuchi Cuchi for a long time because after Yelp stalking their pictures, I thought the place was quite unique. I was happily indecisive while trying to decide what cocktail to start with. Cuchi Cuchi has a ridiculous amount of concoctions to try, although I do think they could be more creative. A lot of them were just different types of muddled fruits with flavored vodka and champagne. How about some crazier ingredients...I don't know, like jack fruit? Honeycomb? Just something more exciting! I tried the Moulin Rouge because it had lemongrass, but couldn't taste it. Perhaps it just enhances the other flavors? It was still good overall. The Black Dahlia was a bit bland and diluted (in terms of flavor), but still a refreshing summer drink. As for the food - hit or miss. The Caspian Heaven is still etched in my tongue's memory. Creamy and luxurious champagne creme fraiche, salty salmon roe, hearty yet refreshing fried oysters and thin crispy slices of fingerling potatoes. Next time I'm ordering two of these, just for myself. My only gripe is that the portion is so effing small. Only 2 thin slices of a fingerling potatoe? Come on! At least give me a whole potato...which would maybe be 4 slices. The filling for the Fried Artichoke Hearts should have been mixed better. Some bites were bland, some bites were much too salty and some were balanced. It came with 3 pieces, about the size of a golf ball. It was okay, nothing that special. Do NOT get the Chimichurri Steak. It's horrible. The WORST steak I've ever eaten at a restaurant. We requested medium rare and it arrived dry and tough. It comes in tiny pre-sliced pieces and I had to chew for quite a long time until I could swallow it. I wanted to send it back but my bf is much too nice to do that. Plus, it's a waste of food. For $17, this was far from worth it, since you basically get a tiny portion of crappy steak. Other than the actual meat, the chimichurri sauce and thinly sliced red onions was delicious together. So all in all, this is a great go to place to get a few cocktails and appetizers. Don't expect to get full here unless you want to blow lots of money.
The atmosphere is somewhat pleasant, And the drink list is extensive, but the drinks are so weak! And overpriced! Literally I felt like I was drinking juicy juice. My friend ordered the same drink as I did and his was strong but my drink didn't taste alcoholic at all! This is not the place to come for consistency.
(2)
Ariana Z.
I was kind of stuck between 3 and 4, but I settled with 4 because the place was truly great. The only problem I had was the prices and how little food you get. I got the zucchini with queso , but it turned out to be 3-4 measly slices of zucchini topped with cheese. Because it was not filling at all, I had to order the soup of the day, the chourizo soup. It was delicious! Unfortunately I still wanted more when I was done. At least I was closer to being full. I would come back for the bar since the two Black Dahlia's I had were amazing and reasonably priced. I definitely loved the decor, the friendly staff and their marvelous outfits. Great girls night out place!
(4)
Ro M.
There is so much to love about this place, from the drinks and the food, to the ambiance of the restaurant (down to the attire of the staff!) Drinks - They have an exhaustive cocktail menu, with very clever names. I am a sucker for drinks containing ginger and there are several to choose from. A friend raved over her Moulin Rouge - highly recommended if you like sweet drinks with a smoothie-like texture. Dishes - Over my 3 visits, I have yet to taste a dish that was just ok. Each of the dishes have a unique flavor. Highlights from my previous visits were the cauliflower fritters, deep fried tomato, fried artichoke hearts (you really can't go wrong with anything fried right?!) and the mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Save room for dessert! There isn't much of a description on the menu for the French Banana Bread Extravaganza, but it is amazing! It was large enough for 5 of us to share. The banana bread was drizzled in rum and caramel and served warm, with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. I actually had a birthday dinner here with girlfriends and it was the perfect spot. We were seated at this unique table that lights up when it senses touch. While the novelty wore off after about 5 minutes, it added something memorable to the evening.
(5)
Jay C.
What a find! Excellent atmosphere, I felt like an extra in the Great Gatsby! Service was attentive and yet unobtrusive. Two thumbs up for the scallops, tuna coronets, and the artichokes. The cocktails were fun and inventive.
(4)
Fancypants X.
3.5 stars Decor is equal parts gypsy, 1920s flapper, & dusty attic that's been rediscovered after half a century of abandonment. Moody, dim, that sort of thing. Don't call their fare tapas; theirs is a bigger portion & represents countries other than Spain. As always, we ordered quite a bit: -- pork rolls & scallop ceviche: that was all him. He seemed to enjoy both -- fried artichoke: 3-4 large croquettes stuffed w/ goat cheese. A little heavy. -- scallop Provençal: I like my scallops a little more firm. Herb crumbs were moist. -- Cuban cigar: short rib wrapped in dough. Again, a little heavy. -- sizzling garlic shrimp: shrimp were on the small side & garlic sauce did not have a buttery consistency; not good for bread dipping If absolutely give them a 2nd try, but I'd order completely different items like the Russian bliny or chicken tagine.
(3)
Kelly F.
I love this place. The decor, the food, the service, the drinks. Maybe a little too pricey, you know Boston area has gotten out of control when I now think NYC is cheaper. But, anyway... I digress. If I have to overpay, I don't mind doing it here. I had the tequila drink and the bourbon drink...so good. The bartender was great, although it wasn't as busy as it usually is. We had the potatoes, the Cuban cigar, and a vegetable dish. It was all very good. I've been here several times since it opened and they haven't lost it, I hope to come back many more times, especially since I'm moving closer.
(4)
Arpita B.
This is one of the best places to come for a upscale/romantic dinner in the Boston/Cambridge area. From the minute you enter this place you will be drawn into the world of burlesque dancers. The decor, paintings, the outfits and the accessories the staff wear all are a part of this theme. The place is usually packed over the weekends and can get pretty loud(not really for intimate dinners) The food is from around the world but small plate style (they don't like being called a Tapas place...its on the menu!). I have tried almost everything on this menu and a few of my favorites are Sizzling Garlic Shrimp(I can lick a bowl of this clean if they would let me..the garlic sauteed in butter is the BEST part of this dish!!), Tuna Tartare Cornets, Grilled Indian lamb, Eggplant Napoleon, Brie en Croute. In all honesty there are very few dishes on their menu which doesn't live up to the expectations. A must try on the dessert menu is the Banana Bread Extravaganza...OMG!! The alternating layers of glazed banana slices on bread pudding with ice cream, drizzled liberally with caramel makes this dish truly an EXTRAVAGANZA!. Cuchi Cuchi also offers a wide variety of interesting cocktails. My personal favorite is Dancing with Ginger...its not really a sweet drink and ginger features majorly in the drink. If you are willing to experiment try Heat of the Night or Some Like it Hot ( its definitely spicy!). Some other good ones are Moulin Rogue, You Give Me Fever. Definitely worth an experience!
(4)
Lauren P.
Went here for the first time last night. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, especially when I walked in and saw the hostess wearing a full-length gown, fur stole and a tiara! I thought maybe we'd walked in on a private party, turns out they all dress like The Great Gatsby and the place has the decor to match. I ordered a delicious cocktail, it was the first one on the list, and it was great. Our server was cheerful and helpful, the skirt steak was my favorite dish I tried, along with the potato dish. I loved the variety of countries represented with dishes on the menu, Mexican, Italian, Russian, French and more! My only complaint is the lack of paper towels in ladies room (very clean, nice room otherwise), I just hate those hand driers, especially in the winter. I was very pleased and had a great meal. I think it's a good spot for a date or small group. I would go back again!
(4)
Mariam E.
A good choice in the area- go with an open mind as you will travel in time and place. This restaurant / cocktail bar is very uncommon, very quirky but in all fairness cocktails were really good (I recommend the Avenue) and food was good, although quite pricey if you are expected to eat 2-3 dishes per person. We tried the ceviche which came in a small glass (very good) followed by the Asian salad (my favourite) and the Indian lamb (good but could have done with some rice on the side or veg which do not feature on the menu). In summary - an eclectic very quirky place which serves very decent food.
(4)
Lisa W.
So much fun and so unique! We went here for Valentines Day- which happened to fall on a Friday. My understanding is that they only take reservations for an "early" sitting on the weekends, which suited us well as my husband works down the street and we met here after work. They also have valet parking...YAY! I was in stiletto's (ya kind have to here...) so valet is essential...along with the adorable waitstaff in '20's/bordello attire, the food was delicious, the drinks were creative- and what a selection! A place with character and humor, and lack of pretension - I almost can't believe they've survived in Cambridge -OMG! Hats off to you, Cuchi Cuchi! You CAN have great, sophisticated food and have FUN! Must be because its Portuguese! YESSSSS!!!!!! Obrigada!!!! PS they gave out feather boas to the women. Awesome.
(5)
Judy L.
Extremely cute. The servers and hostess were all dressed up. Food was good, but small and pricey. Seafood filled avocado: really delicious. I'd recommend. Fried artichoke hearts: not bad but not that memorable. Brie en croute: delicious. It's surprisingly sweet. The puff pastry adds an interesting texture. Cigar: Not as memorable as the brie, but not bad at all. Banana bread dessert: this was probably the largest dish of the four that we got. This was one of our favorites of the evening.
(3)
Brooke H.
I brought my family here for our Christmas Eve dinner..... So fun and delicious! Loved the food, the service , the ambiance and the cocktails. This is one my favorite places in Boston! Thank you cuchi cuchi!!
(5)
Jennifer M.
I have been here before and truly enjoyed the atmosphere and ambiance. My 1-star is for the horrendous customer service I received from staff trying to book an engagement party. I had called and booked a date and time for a group of 10 and was told I could order some plates and champagne in advance for my party and everything was all set. Apparently, it wasn't. When I emailed the office manager to order my plates, I was told there's a minimum of two plates per person to make a reservation of my size which I wasn't told and that because they are very busy weekend evenings that's their policy. They said they could not keep my reservation unless my party purchased that quantity. Really?? Unless we're spending enough $$$, we're not welcome? So incredibly unprofessional. To be fair, the person who I spoke with apologized that I wasn't told this earlier, but what if I had already sent out invitations to everyone or had just showed up instead? Would I have been told to leave? Sorry my money isn't good enough for you Cuchi Cuchi. All glitz and glamour, no substance.
(1)
Arianna S.
This restaurant is very original, the servers are dressed as saloon girls and a '20 mixed New Orleans's Bourbon St touch with a hint of Spanish. The food is very delicious, an international touch but they don't have a vast variety to choose from, I'm not a fan of mushrooms and it looks like that's the main ingredient.
(4)
Hana K.
As tacky as it looks outside, you feel like you're entering an old 1920's Hollywood dress room when you walk into Cuchi Cuchi -- everything from the servers outfits, make up, interior decor and atmosphere! I love coming here for a girls night out or even a date. The alcoholic drinks here are the best I've had in Boston especially their Muddled Drinks. They have really cute and creative names for their drinks like Moulin Rouge, my personal favorite. Their desserts are also a must-try like the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Their food menu is international and quite delicious but portions are very small (tapas style -- small bites meant to be shared with everyone) so it's best to come with a lot of people to try different dishes. Given it's small size, the bar gets crowded and loud sometimes so reservations are highly recommended if you're looking to have dinner.
(5)
Dalia D.
I hate to oversell a place and build overly high expectations but this is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. I take friends and family from out of town there all the time and we have an absolute blast. Despite the fact that Cuchi Cuchi doesn't take reservations on the weekend and the place gets very packed with long wait times, the food, drinks, and atmosphere are great. I recommend going a tad early and having drinks at the bar to secure a table or trying it during the week when you can reserve. Note they are closed on Sundays. The food is global cuisine served in small plates (tapas-style, though they don't like that description). The ambiance is reminiscent of the prohibition era (with a cocktail list to match) mixed with burlesque. The service and food quality is consistently good. I have yet to have a bad or even average experience there and I've been about 20 times. It's great to take people from out of town to or for special occassions like birthdays. Don't worry about parking if you can't find any - they offer valet services. Best dishes: all are amazing down to their bread, but my favorites are the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp, Mushroom Risotto (and I dont usually like mushrooms), Eggplant Napoleon, and Cuban Cigar. Ditch the beer and wine and try their unique cocktails.
(5)
Andrea K.
Excellent drinks. annoying to be told by the bartender, "what can I get you?", "just the check", "well, you'll have to ask someone else, I'm doing 18 other things now". She's the bartender with the lizard-like tattoos on her face - no need to be snarky - I wasn't pestering you, just waiting patiently & quietly for my check.
(4)
Joel M.
Living right around the corner somehow this is a restaurant I always forget about when making dinner plans... I would encourage you not to make the same mistake. The selection of styles is broad, and a few drinks, four small plates and a dessert is enough to leave you satisfied at the end with a reasonable check to cover for two. I've yet to find something on the drink list that wasn't amazing, and we had so many plates I can't even remember which ones stood out. Great service in that I didn't notice it at all... stuff just appeared when it should!
(5)
Matthew B.
In a phrase, this spot has the most baffling ambiance since you walked into Lady Gaga's wardrobe. Waitresses are decked out in 20's flapper attire while the hostesses rock a combo of sleeveless bearskins and small shiny hats, yet there are precarious nonspecific ethnicities represented throughout the dim lit space. I think I saw Attila the Hun. Oh, and there are mannequins on the ceiling. What's up with that? Once you step back the over-simulation, you'll start to realize why this spot deserves 5 stars. Step 1: Killer mixed drinks. We ran the gambit - from Vespa martini (James Bond's drink!) to girlies. All hit the pallet like a tasty shot to the liver. On that note: If you're planning on getting it on after might l recommend limiting yourself to two of their potent cocktails. Step 2: Order small plates. Just don't call them tapas. Our favorite was a badass tagine full of luscious Moroccan lamb, squash, onion, and tomato goodness. The cous cous was delicious; cooked to perfection with a buttery tone. On the question of quantities, three was a good number for the two of us, but after hitting some drinks we could have gone for a fourth. Step 3: Save room for Tiramisu. Holy. Shit. That's the best. My girlfriend probably doesn't know it because I ate it all before she returned from the bathroom. I blame the drink with absinthe. All in all: You will leave satisfied yet thoroughly confused.
(5)
Caroline R.
I absolutely love Cuchi Cuchi! It's a very fun and unique place that you will probably never experience anywhere else. Even the decorations here are amazing (I love the story behind the glow in the dark plates). The staff is wonderful and friendly and the food and drinks are delicious. I have been here a number of times just for drinks. Their drinks are definitely pricy (About $11) but they are very yummy and boozy. I recently came here for a birthday dinner and finally tried the food. Everything was great! We were a group of five and shared 5 plates of food (they specialize in "small plates") which we felt was just enough to satisfy all of us. We had the cuban cigar, the mussels, the sizzling shrimp, the bliny, and the tuna tartar in cones. The tuna tartar thing was AMAZINGGGG. Everything was amazing truthfully but I am still dreaming about that tuna. If you are looking for a fun night out, I recommend heading to Cuchi Cuchi!
This idea is great! Servers in costumes--- the FEMALE ONES. Short skimpy dresses; COOL. The guys are just in regular black/white attire. My friend picked this place for our get together for the four of us, and I wasn't really sure what to expect, because it is a sort of loungey-place isn't it? That's my take on it anyways, until I arrived. FYI, they don't sit you until your whole group has arrived! It's pretty dark in there, but it's nice. We were seated in the back, since the front was full, at 645 on a friday, and this place only opened what? 2 hours earlier? Crazy.... Took a while for our server to come to take our orders. To start off, two of us ordered drinks. My friend go the thai cocktail $11 and i got the strawberry basil martini based on reviews here. My friend's cocktail was good, better than mines anyways, i felt mine was too strong...and barely any strawberry taste--so if you want a medicine tasting cocktail that will get you buzzed, choose this! I asked my waiter--i swear, it's like they switched waiters on me, or it was too dark to tell! hahaha. but I asked if i can get a different drink, the same one as my friend and he had to check with his manager but he brought the menu back over when it was approved. So much better this time. Though I did feel like our waiter can be more..friendly but everyone's the same there. For food we ordered: (all portions are small for the price you pay as others have said) Asian Salad - $9; tastes like a regular salad Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse 5@$26; best part! This is the only one I felt justified in paying for...so delicious...but in the middle it's very salty O__O Duck a l'Orange Crepes (France) - $14; could use more duck...i'll head to china town next time i order duck Caspian Heaven (Russia) - $13 it was good...but it was really just 4 oysters and like 2 pieces of potato wedges Seafood-filled Avocado (Guatemala) - $18; oh this one was good too...how can too much avocado be bad?!?! seafood was fresh i think. then dessert: Cornucopia Tartufo French Banana Bread Extravaganza just skip the desserts..they are medicore... it's just ice cream! and fruits! Our bill came out to 146$
(3)
Ann B.
Came here on a Tues night with a date, around 10:30 PM. It was busy enough not to feel vacant, but we were able to find a nice little perch at the bar and didn't feel like I was being breathed on by other cocktail-sippers like the last time I was here. The service is really good and the bartenders are helpful and very attentive. I had fun admiring the little x-mas tree decorated with glittery Mer-men and the glitzy-kitchy holiday decor was pretty awesome overall. I had the "Surprise" cocktail which I could not figure out the contents of but still enjoyed. It was pink and I believe there was egg white involved. To continue the embarrassingly girlie drink orders, I got a Pink Squirrel, which was like an alcoholic burlesque dancer's equivalent of a strawberry milk. Could be disgusting but instead it was strangely delish. Seems that late-nigh weekdays here are the way to go!
(4)
Alyson G.
I love retro, old Hollywood glamour, small plates and theme parties, so this year I decided to have a roaring 20's themed birthday dinner at Cuchi Cuchi. We may have dressed the part (a little) and some boas might have shown up, but we fit right in! We were transported back in time as soon as we walked in- super cute decor with dim lighting and fabulous music. They didn't take reservations at the time we wanted to go, so a group of eight of us planned to meet at the bar for some drinks. Even though the place was packed the bartender was attentive and helped select our cocktails. They have so many options with cute names and fresh muddled ingredients it was hard to pick just one! Of course, I settled on the AliCat after some indecision, since that's one of my nicknames! We also tried the Blackberry Cosmo and a few others I can't remember the names of. I was starving so we also ordered a few small plates, the fried artichoke hearts and prosciutto wrapped melon. They were delish! The wait was about an hour since we had a larger group and it was a Saturday night, but we had fun chatting at the bar and the time flew by! Once we were seated I tried the SomeLikeItHot for my next cocktail, a spicy martini with olives that was awesome. My friend ordered some of her fave small plates to get us started (garlic shrimp and brie en croute), and then we continued to sample as much as we could including the deep fried tomato, seafood stuffed avocado, Cuban Cigar (short ribs wrapped in dough), grilled skirt steak, potato gratin, marinated mushrooms, deep fried zucchini, lamb, puff pastry bites, salad and probably something I am forgetting! My faves were definitely the artichokes, brie, the Cuban cigar and the skirt steak. Our waitress was so sweet, and handled our crazy loud table effortlessly. Plus she recommended the skirt steak which makes her even more fab! And the waitresses get to dress in 20's attire, which is so fun it made me want to work there. Lucky for you though (since I might not be the best waitress) I will stick to just stepping back in time for an evening of cocktails or dinner, which I'll be doing again real soon!
(5)
Michelle L.
Yes,girls love this place. I love this place! And why not? The small plates are great for sharing amongst friends. The theatrical atmosphere and consumed-up staff make it feel like an evening escape. Did I mention the drinks are absolutely fabulous? My award for Favorite Desert Ever goes to the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. It's like french-toast banana bread, paired with banana's foster, plus caramel drizzled vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. Just amazing. A definite place to hit up for drinks and small plates.
(4)
Rebecca K.
Wow, what an incredibly adorable little place! Came here the other day to grab a drink after work and it was definitely a nice little change of pace. The decor - kind of a 20's retroish feel - definitely makes you feel like you're in a totally different locale, which can be very refreshing. It's small and cozy and the ambiance is fabulous! I didn't have anything to eat, so I can't speak to the food, but the cocktails...oh, the cocktails....Be still my heart. They have a nice mix of classics and new fun stuff. I had a strawberry basil cocktail, which was nice and fruity and large and all that stuff, but what won me over was the French 75. I fell in love with French 75's a few years ago and have very rarely seen them on menus anywhere, much less one that was made well. But at Cuchi Cuchi, it came out as the perfect mix of a little lemony, a bit fizzy and just what I wanted. Cuchi Cuchi is definitely a nice little place for anything from a nice romantic dinner to first date to fun night out with the girls. The food looked great, so right now it's hovering around the top of my list of places to come back to and actually get some food!
Wow. Awesome EVERYTHING (food, service, ambiance). Particularly great for group of 4-20, but I probably wouldn't make this a top date place. Ambiance is over the top fun. It's what you would get if you put the 1920's (flappers), Paris (french chic), and a brothel (sultry and tantalizing) in a blender. Food is very global and served in 'small plate' style (like Tapas, but more than just Spanish food). Shockingly, ALL of the dishes were tasty. We ordered in 'stages' because we weren't sure how much we'd need (verdict: ~2 per person). In each round, we fought over what to order next, cause each of us wanted to re-order a different dish that was SO tasty from the first time! Instead, we kept getting new things, and we liked each new one even better than the last. Drink menu is fun, unique, and eclectic (though a little pricey). We collectively tried ~10 varieties and all were delicious and exotic. MUST HAVES: cuban cigar; seafood-filled avacado; potato croquettes; and the french banana bread extravaganza for dessert (save room!!!) PASS ON: duck a l'orange crepes; moroccan chicken tagine; chocolate cake
(5)
Orly M.
This is such a beautiful spot. I haven't eaten here, always checked it out for cocktails, but it never disappoints. The space is beautiful, the bartenders and waiters/waitresses are beautiful and retro chic. The cocktails are glorious. There's not much to the previous reviews. The LED table is hours of entertainment. What you may or may not know is that there is a random Middle Eastern dance party going on here on a regular basis. I've been here twice in the past 3 weeks, once on a Friday and once on a Saturday. Both times I got in on a Moroccan dance party complete with drums and tambourines. They even let me play with the instruments, probably not a good idea. 5 stars for consistent awesomeness and random good times.
(5)
Sasha R.
You know it's gonna happen... You know when you walk in that there will be a wait, and you will get shamelessly shitfaced at the bar, and completely joyously debauched when they finally seat you! The drink list is too extensive and the cocktails too tasty, the restaurant is too quirky and the waitresses' outfits are too crazy - ours had a stuffed pigeon in her hair - not to get positively giddy. For a fru fru drink, I like the Lemon Drop, the Black Dahlia, and the Happiness Cocktail. Once you make it to a table, and if you're lucky, it'll be the glass topped anatomically correct mermaid coffee table, you will want everything on the menu, and your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. It's tapas, so the illusion is, you can order tons of food because the amounts will be small. But the dishes are actually decently sized; for 2 maybe 4-5 is enough. I recommend the Brie en Croute (oh god oh god), Indian Lamb, Cous Cous, Mexican Deep Fried Tomato - and don't forget a big dish of marinated mushrooms, the best ever. By the end, you'll be satiated, and likely frisky. The mermaid knows. That's why she looks so happy. (see photo) Check out the loo, the ladies' has the most hilarious little table on stockinged legs. It IS expensive, not for every weekend, but so fun.
(5)
Sylvia S.
Holy crap, pink squirrel. Cocktails of the gods. If I had more money I'd get drunk here and feel pretty freaking good about it.
(5)
wolf t.
Best ambiance/decor/vibe in town. They go to great lengths to create a feeling of elegance and succeed on most levels. The food is good, but lacks some of Dali's more sublime flavor combinations. Some of the croquettes are so over-fried that they just taste like breading. But the asian salad is refreshing and the baby back ribs heavenly. As with any other tapas-like place, go with a big group and share everything. (Especially a liter of Clerico.)
(4)
Ted S.
Wow! I had so much fun having dinner at Cuchi Cuchi. The "small plate" thing is a blast, the bar is unbelievable, and the atmosphere is amazing. I tried the Seafood-filled Avocado, the Brie en Croûte, the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and the Cuban Cigar, all of which were wonderful. And I think there was one more dish I tried, but I can't remember what it was because I also had a cocktail called the Corpse Reviver. The Corpse Reviver was my introduction to absinthe, which was very welcome when it showed up but then I couldn't get it to leave for a really long time. Cuchi Cuchi is the place to take your best friend. What are you waiting for?
(5)
Barney B.
This place is too damn popular, and mostly for good reasons. But when I am still getting assaulted by elbows into my back from SRO folk at the bar at 1030pm, sometimes popular spots are not appealing to me. So I reserve the final star for my next experience (likely on a weeknight) The food was pretty solid - flavorful, interesting, and not as small as 'small plates' can be. But it will still set you back like any tapas resto will. This isn't the place for a cheap date. Drink list is extensive and funky, and the bartenders work hard to crank them out - but as busy as mine was, I never had to ask for a water refill. To me, this is the sign of a great bartender - and sadly, they are few and far between in this town. While sharing samples of my dinner choices with some bar neighbors, I was asked if I thought this place better/worse than its siblings Dali/Tapeo - and it's really hard to say - and I guess I won't, and instead leave it to you to compare... Because if you haven't at least tried this place and Dali - well my friends*, you are missing out. *not a shout out to McCain.
(4)
Annie P.
My one word for Cuchi Cuchi: Androgynous. Will I be punished or given kisses on the cheek for saying that? It's true though. I always get that vibe here and people thrive on it. Anywho.. yoohooo,... as for the food: MUSHROOM RISOTTO if you are a fan of fungi/truffle oil. Cocktails with your homegirls.. I mean lady friends are always a win here. With their giggle worthy names like You Give Me Fever or Dirty Little Secret... or just sick with the enormous pours of twinkling Cava. Bartender win WIN: WHITNEY. Belly dancing with gypsy music or fascinating table service for two+... it's a good place to have in Central.. for those cravings of out of the ordinary nights.
(4)
Natasha W.
My friends and I wanted to go here for a birthday, there were 10 of us so we were planning on a later dinner. We called and they told us they didnt take reservations but to call back on the day. We called back and they were very rude on the phone saying we could "possibly be seated by 9:30" if people didn't show up. But they don't take reservations? What if we come early and wait...they were "full". We called at 2 in the afternoon, how do they know they will be full at 8 if they dont take reservations? Whoever answers the phone needs some people skills or a better way to explain how Cuchi Cuchi works. We were dying to try it, maybe some other time...
(2)
Angela A.
I hadn't been to Cuchi Cuchi in a few years, and I'd been dying to get back there. I was wondering if I had built it up in my mind over the intervening years... While I felt we annoyed our waitress by not ordering all at once, she was still very pleasant to us. We called ahead to put our names on the "preferred" list so we wouldn't wait too long when we arrived. As soon as we walked in the door, our table was ready for us. While we were deciding on our menu, the three of us all had the watermelon cocktail. The star-shaped watermelon slice is a lovely little detail (although it could have tasted more like a watermelon). Among the large selection, the most memorable were the st. jacob's zucchini, brie en croute, fried artichokes, gratin dauphinoise and the cuban cigar. We may have re-ordered the zucchini a few times. It was really crowded, and really loud, but lots of fun. If you go expecting the noise and the crowd, you'll have a great time. Everyone around us seemed to enjoy the place, too. I was right to come back, it was just as I remembered!
(4)
Bernadette S.
I went here for the first time a few weeks ago with a client who will have a small wedding reception here. We wanted to try everything so we ordered 10 small plates and 2 desserts, and several fun cocktails. Just about everything was highly flavorful and delicious. Highlights included: Baby Back Ribs w/ Apple Fritters; the artichoke hearts; and the Braciolette Ripiena di Maiale. The only thing I didn't love was the mushroom risotto. I totally agree with all - the atmosphere is amazing. A great date spot.
(4)
Heather G.
If tapas dining was Celebrity Deathmatch, the Mills Lane claymation would ring his bell, spout a profanity, and declare Dali the clear victor over similar-yet-very-different sister-restaurant Cuchi Cuchi. What I liked: 1. Strolled in, sans-reservation, at 7pm on Saturday, and the restaurant was pleasantly full (dining in an empty restaurant at peak hours is a bit awkward) yet we snagged one of the few remaining tables. However, this is obviously just fortuitous and not restaurant-specific. 2. The decor is funky, cute, kitchy, and REALLY commits to the Moulin-Rouge-esque theme. 3. The waitress costumes, matching the theme, are pretty inventive. It's like they're playing a role in some sort of dinner theater that I get to be an active part of. What I didn't like: 1. The noise was INSANE. There are so many tables crammed into a small space with lots of hard surfaces so there's a lot of noise with little to absorb it. The conversations just came out of mouths and bounced around the mirrored-walls and linen-less tabletops like an old school pinball machine. Zing zing zing. I had to holler across the table to my date! Writing this, 3 hours later, I still have a killer headache...which is either from the restaurant noise or the Amherst basketball team party, hosted by my roommate, going on in our living room. 2. The drinks were small and weak for their prices ($10-11 for a Pimm's Cup in a juice glass, and it wasn't made even close to "authentically"). Not a great value. if you're a value-imbiber, go for the wine and skip the cocktails. 3. The food. Ahh the food. Pains me to do this but as rankings go, the originality of offerings, breadth and depth of menu options, and actual taste all fell oh-so-short to all the other tapas restaurants I have been to in the area. I expected the food to be on par with Dali for taste, but a bit more refined in presentation. However, the reality was an equally-refined presentation, less successful flavor, and higher prices....which brings me to: 4. The prices. Overall, $12-15 for a tapas offering is what I'd expect to pay, but for the size, quality, and level of creativity, there's not a ton of value to extract here. If you're curious about what we had: 1. Tuna lavash - oddly the most successful of the dishes (it was the least-bad, not the most-good), the tuna was fresh and tasty, but it was wrapped in some grilled lavash, which meant you were eating some cold, sushi-grade tuna stuffed inside hot, crusty, grilled bread, which was a weird sensory experience. The roll was also filled with bacon. I'm a big proponent on putting bacon into nearly everything, but this combination was a bit too much for me. 2. Seafood-stuffed avocado - The avocado itself was delicious, but the seafood inside it was ill-represented and overcooked. Very chewy. While I enjoyed this dish, what I liked was the creamy avocado...which would have been equally delicious purchased from the market and consumed on my couch at home. 3. Skirt steak - the accompanying cilantro sauce has quite a punch so if you like heat, this will be up your alley. The meat was a bit chewy despite the fact that it was cooked mid-rare. The skewer of heirloom tomatoes were tasty and fresh, though. 4. Indian Lamb - ordered mid-rare but came really tough, chewy, and dry. Yogurt sauce was flavorful but a bit too runny. Thickened up, it would have worked better for me. The dish came with a pile of beets, but one bite of those buggers and I couldn't get the taste out for the rest of the dish. They overpowered everything. 5. Asian salad - the most disappointing of all dishes. I think this is like $10 or $12, and comes on a cocktail-sized plate - you know, the kind you get at the company Christmas party. To top it off, the spicy-cabbage-veggie-peanut salad had too big a kick (perhaps too much fiery toasted sesame oil?) for the components, and it tasted like a hot, crunchy mess. I was obviously more than a little bummed out about the food here, and because it was so difficult to pass by Craigie on Main and keep on walkin' to get here, I don't know if I'll be able to resist the urge again, knowing how this meal was.
(2)
Geoff P.
So I have eaten here twice in the past 10 days - first for a recruiting event, then with some out of town friends/family. What I liked: Friendly and cool servers Atmosphere is moulin-rouge chic Drink list (and I'm typically a vodka soda guy) Mushroom risotto and fried artichokes What bugged me: The great thing about small plates is that you can get a bunch and share - unfortunately, many of the dishes here are tough to share without destroying the food when you cut it up (especially the otherwise delicious mexican tomato). Also, both times I was here, the food came out super fast. I prefer to take my time when eating out. I'll come back here for the atmosphere and drinks, but probably with a small group so that it is easier to share the food. And I will order a few dishes at a time to string out the meal.
(3)
Happy H.
So... I took my boy out for dinner. I didn't expect the concept or the decor. And I felt as though the menu did not match the scenery. The place was fun, different and not expected. I was expecting the menu to be set as classic american/french cuisine but instead it was over size tapas from around the world. Which was fine but the tastes among the shared dishes didn't flow nicely. This place was OK nothing for me to run back to. I think it would be just a good place to go and drink with friends.
(3)
Stephanie F.
Since I got to try this place out on my birthday, money wasn't an issue for me and so I got to enjoy the place not based on how it could break my wallet. My boyfriend and I dined here recently, and what I thought was the price when I took a sneak peek at the bill was probably something like $80? Our meals consisted of like 3 tapas dishes, a cocktail for each of us (well, I had an extra glass of wine), and a dessert (I believe it was the small cheesecake). If you want something different in the Boston/Cambridge area (where you'll get to go for your birthday dinner), this place is definitely it! The decor inside was very trendy, dim-lit, but they were very meticulous about their designs (from 1920's style flapper waitresses to 1920's style toilet paper roll holder). I haven't found too many restaurants in the Boston area that I could completely RAVE about and this place is actually the first of very few that I've been able to reccommend to people visiting Cambridge. Thanks Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)
Shaina P.
girls seeks fun cocktail and unique atmosphere. taste in my mouth (from small plated dishes not to be confused with the term tapas) explodes with unbelievable flavor (take my money!). drinks from the bar squad turn me from quiet butterfly to loud squall (mmm....hendricks blackberry and basil, Salome's something, strange but truly engaging - a conversation starter). kind service is tops. though controversial, they brought me a dipping cup filled with that mesmerizing lemon wine sauce typically accompanied with the fried stuffed artichoke amazement (in my mouth). they served this with a pound of bread. why for a person in singular? not so sure. coulda fed an army. ladies in flapper gear. handsome bartenders. unisex bathrooms. food and drink. you others nearby stink. and cuchi cuchi tickles my cuchi.
(4)
Mike M.
We were seated at a tiny table for two right by the hostess station because they were so packed on a Saturday night - that mainly meant that we got to have people crowding over us while we ate all night. It was a nice thought to try and get us a seat as quick as possible, but I would have rather waited. The highlights were definitely the brie and skirt steak - VERY tasty. Also, the bread bowl is a relatively cheap good item with some good olive spread and fresh rolls. I dont really enjoy their cocktails that much and think they are a little overpriced relative to other local places like Green St or Craigie. Also, the duck crepes were pretty blah. Overall, it was ok if you are in the mood for small plates, but I would rather go elsewhere.
(2)
Yushan K.
My fallback for a guaranteed feast for the eyes and the tummy. I love bringing out of towners here because it's so unique. The menu is "international small dishes" (as opposed to tapas), which I haven't found anything I haven't liked in the many times I've been here. Cocktails are also very well done. Just don't be shocked with the long wait for a table, even on weekdays. They do take reservations sometimes for earlier in the evening. Dali is the sister restaurant with a more traditional Spanish menu. The ambiance there is warm and cavernous, whereas this place is completely luxurious and over-the-top. Both are great, but I prefer Cuchi Cuchi. Current menu fave is the tuna tartare cornets. Tip: if you've got a large merry group going, ask for a porron (pronounced PER-own). It's a Spanish party pitcher used to pour a little stream of wine into your mouth without touching your lips. Just try it. Makes for a memorable birthday dinner!
(5)
Haley S.
This is the first place I've ever had a martini....it was a Pomegranate mint thing and I seriously considered licking the glass. I have more trials to compare it to now and they still win. I've been back to check just in case....yup, yup still good. I've only been with a group of 4 or larger and each time was fantastic. I almost needed a cigarette after the wonderful Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale. And the duck..and the chicken kiev...and the potatoes... The waitstaff not only look amazing but I've never encountered a mistaken plate or drink. This place is at my top!! Expensive, but well worth it!
(5)
Patty M.
As my birthday week continues, I picked Cuchi Cuchi for dinner last night with my dad and his gf. I really wanted to try this place and naturally my dad is into your traditional American fare, so I knew this place might be a stretch. (I made sure there was some form of steak on the menu) I have to admit I knew it would be built in entertainment watching him react to this girly, vintage establishment :) Talk about sensory overload! I loved everything from the jazzy melodies and bustling bar at 7pm to the waitresses scurrying around in 1920s garb and the elaborate decor (nothing matches, but everything goes). Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Duck a l'Orange Crepes- This perfectly packaged pair was drizzled with a delicious citrus and fennel vinaigrette that complemented the duck quite nicely. I sipped a Strawberry Basil cocktail, which was delightful in every way. Do not underestimate the power of a basil leaf in a martini, it totally made this drink. Beef Stroganoff - This was my dad's choice and a good one for him. Our food was at the table after I returned from the powder room (have to check these out, the beautiful tile accents will totally inspire your next home reno) I saw the size of his plate and I said to Rose, "What did he say when she put this in front of him?...Where is the rest of it?" They both smirked; I know this guy too well. He did enjoy the beef cooked medium and actually had a little left, because he was full. One last note: my dad needs his salt and pepper and of course these are not fixtures on the table, so our beautiful, Colombian waitress returned with a white duck salt shaker for him...priceless. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale- Rose enjoyed these stuffed pork rolls with just the right hint of spice. This was my favorite of the three, and I will def be sharing this with someone on my next visit. She also fancied her Watermelon cocktail garnished with a pink melon star. We rounded out our meal with the French Banana Bread Extravaganza and the pizzelle Cornucopia with fresh fruit. The bananas were caramelized goodness with vanilla ice cream, but I found the bed of bread to be slightly charred. The cornucopia was a light, tangy and refreshing close to our meal. I've read some reviews saying that the waitresses insist it is not a tapas place because the portions are larger, but I still found them to be fairly small, yet tasty and filling nonetheless. Can't wait to bring my girlfriends, get all dolled up and travel back in time at this treasure in Cambridge.
(4)
DeeJay H.
I have been twice and have always been impressed. The food is flavorful and well executed. I have had the steak, the lamb, the gratin and on both occasions a tomato that is pinned with avocado and then fried. Delectable! Both times I have sat at the bar and got to enjoy the friendly personable bar tenders. The drink menu is extensive and has something for every palate. I enjoyed a ginger gimlet and then a watermelon martini. Tasty tasty tasty. Followed it up with a gorgeous glass of cava. The decor is interesting...I guess it depends upon what you are into. Music was great and overall vibe was friendly and fun. I would highly recommend Cuchi Cuchi for any fun night out.
(5)
Nicole M.
Are you kidding me? Are you frickin KIDDING me?!! How is it that I've lived in Boston for nine years, yet just made my way to Cuchi Cuchi this weekend? I deserve some serious punishment for that catastrophic mistake on my part. And don't think my friends are getting off easy - they're in trouble too, for not forcing me to go here and make it a regular on my list. It was recently my birthday, and my husband asked, what do you want to do? I said - let's go to a new restaurant where I can get all dolled up, have delicious drinks and good food, then go dancing after (see my review for Middlesex). I chose Cuchi Cuchi. He called in the afternoon to put our name on some "preferred list" for 8pm. I thought it was hilarious that the place is connected to a Bertucci's, and across the street was some random old dude eating a full 3-course meal in a parking lot. Walked in and immediately loved the vibe. It's all over the place, but I loved it - from the ceiling to the outfits to the vintage furniture. We had to wait a bit for our table, so we sat down at a cute doily-ed table and chose our drinks. Hubby had the Ricky Ricardo and I dove into the Black Dahlia. Yum-ola. Maybe 15mins later, we get seated. I don't know if it was the bottle of wine we drank before coming here, or the 4 Black Dahlias I had on top of that, but I found this to be one of the best places I've been in a while. Our waitresses were adorable and very helpful. Drinks, as mentioned, were yumola. And the food was excellent. We shared the brie (I just picked out the bacon), hubby got garlic shrimp and baby back ribs, and I got a salad (del Liguria) and the eggplant napolean. I was oh so tempted to get dessert, but knowing I had to get my groove on, I decided to leave room for beer instead. I'll definitely be back. And I'll definitely force my friends to come with me.
(5)
Julie R.
I came to Cuchi Cuchi for the first time on a rainy Friday night. We arrived before 5:30 and they were not open yet but the bartender let us in and we sat at the bar while they prepared to open. The place has a very interesting atmosphere. Elegant stained glass, lamps, manequins, jewel toned bar. It was really neat. The waitresses all were wearing flapper like attire. Drinks were great. I had the "Happiness" cocktail which was like sangria with a touch of champage. My boyfirend had the "Ali Cat" which was minty and good too. We split a bunch of things off the menu: Chicken Liver Pate: Very good. It had a nice raspberry glaze at the bottom that gave it a sweet touch. It could of came with more crackers cause the pate was large and 3 crackers were not enough. Caspian Heaven: roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon caviar & champagne sauce. This was my favorite of all we tried. The oysters were wonderful against the creme fraiche. Elegant and tasty! Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse: This was ok. Not the best Tartare I've had and the little cornets were cool but not the best for eating tartare out of them. Cuban Cigar: beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa. Very good. Interesting presentation. Looked like a large eggroll. Good to split. Overall this was a great meal. Service at first was a little slow but the food came out prompty through the end of the meal. Looking forward to coming back!
(4)
Marc C.
Great date night bar/restaurant! I came here 2 years ago as part of a recommendation from a good friend. We have been about 3x since then and it dosent dissappoint. The restaurant drips sex appeal as the waitress' are all dressed in roaring 20's flapper costumes and are right into character as soon as you walk in. Food is OK, great place for meeting up with friends! Great experience and will continue going. Only bad points go for extremely expensive cocktails (and Martinis). Cheers!
(4)
Bilal A.
Scallops were great. I do recommend the Insalata del Liguria. Olives, Gorgonzola w/ fragrant chestnut honey is an amazing combination. I do recommend the Seafood filled avocado. Great ambiance. Friendly staff. A bit small portion for the price.
(4)
Amy W.
Food is good and has a nice mix of options. Cocktails are different and yummy. And the atmosphere was so kitschy and fun. Went with a girlfriend and had a great time.
(5)
Jan Marie D.
A pseudo-vintage, clearly upscale establishment, adorned with beaded lamps and waitresses in vintage Versace gowns. It's like a Baz Luhrman film with smell-o-vision. Drink-wise, The VoodoYouDo is most excellent. I wish they had more dry/sour/pucker drinks than sweet ones; this was the only thing I found that was fresh not fruity. Food-wise, get the risotto. And the eggplant. And the cauliflower. You will not be sorry. As someone allergic to dairy, having a vegan menu was really a plus. Gluten-free friends are all-set here too.
(5)
Xin Z.
Here for a New Years Eve celebration. Love love the Cuban cigar and their massive cocktail choices!
(4)
John P.
The puff pastry with some pork and cheese was great. The ribs were good, the mushroom risotto was good however a little heavy on the truffle oil. The drinks were ok, but I found the head bartender to be a little rude. Probably woudn't go back. As you can see in my post history, one of my rarer 1-3 star reviews. I usually skip them.
(3)
Emily A.
Great food and I love the atmosphere! The drinks are also delicious and very fresh!! Lots of vegetarian options but only one or two vegan options, and all the vegetarian food was extremely heavy and fattening so I felt like I needed a nap afterwards. I want to come back soon with my friends!
(4)
Kelly G.
Really cute restaurant, great drink list, good food, ok service. The tables are REALLY close together, and on a busy night you have to yell for the person next to you to hear you amongst all of the other noise. Extra star for having a valet. I love a valet.
(4)
Jeff F.
Exceptional food in an 'interesting' setting. Recommend the following (ranked): scallops app, Duck l'Orange, Indian Lamb and Garlic Shrimp.
(4)
Eunice E.
I love small plates, and I love Old Hollywood glamour, so this place is absolutely perfect. Just don't call it "tapas," since it's global cuisine represented here, not just Spain! The staff is beautiful and friendly, and I just adore their outfits and jewelry. It really does feel like stepping into the 20's. It's small, intimate, and romantically lit, so it's great for dates. I came here for my birthday, and it was definitely special and the venue made the entire experience a memory I won't soon forget. I got a Singapore Sling, and it was spectacular - the way a classic cocktail should be concocted. It went quite well with all the small plates we ordered and shared: grilled eggplant napoleon (tasty, but really tomato-y), seafood-filled avocado (omg, yum), baby back ribs with apple fritters (the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and ridiculously delicious... the fritters, not so much), cuban cigars (good, but not sure if it lived up to the hype, though that black bean salsa was smack-your-lips good), and mushroom risotto (yes, yes, yes... rich, decadent, feed me this as my last meal kinda good). Overall, awesome food, with just a few things here and there that were a little off. But the cocktails are definitely something to write back home about. The service was superb, and when I told our waitress that I was chilly, she immediately went and turned up the heat -- like I said, superb. And they're all so friendly, attentive, and spot-on with recommendations! A wonderful place to try a bunch of really yummy food, and a MUST for drinks! A little hard to find parking (ended up valet parking), but still worth the trek.
(4)
Adrian C.
All house recommendations: Strawberry Basil Cocktail, Fruits de Mer & Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale; simply amazing! The Fruits de Mer comes in this wonderfully heavenly tasting shrimp/brandy/cream sauce that brings up the flavors of the shrimp, scallops, oyster & lobster in such a ridiculous wonderful way. It is without a doubt, one of the best placed I've ever eaten.
(5)
Amanda H.
First of all, let me say that I'm glad this place exists. I understand it's purpose in the world. I also understand why it's had lots of great reviews. If you want a fun, funny, decadent night out with "the girls," then this place is great. However, if you want a really fantastic meal, I don't know if this place is worth the price. All of the food was good. Not "fabulous", not "super-delish", not "yummo", but, good enough, inoffensive. The cocktails, however, were not -- overwhelmingly sweet and fruity, both mine and the two others that I sipped tasted like vodka and fruit punch (even though one was made with bourbon and another with rum). Finally, I found the decor a little chintzy -- but maybe it's just not my scene. All-in-all, it wouldn't be my first choice for a special occasion, but I have lots of friends who I think might enjoy it more than I did.
(3)
Brittany R.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi with my boyfriend after hearing some great reviews about it. Let me say it more than lived up to the hype. Everything was delicious and the cocktails were phenomenal! We recommend the Thai basil cocktail, the Brie, the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and the duck Crepes... but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Great time, great atmosphere. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Nate Y.
A brightly lit entrance with colorful Christmas lighting beckons you to enter. With name like Cuchi Cuchi, the first thing that comes to mind is the Spanish blonde bombshell Charo. In a sense this place is like that; colorful, sexy and a lively atmosphere. I've been here for drinks, but this first time I sat down for a meal. The drinks cannot be ignored, with a plethora of specialty cocktails to choose from, spiked or in virgin form. The food was fabulous! The Thai seafood soup had several complex tastes with each spoonful. A risotto with mushrooms and truffle oil (optional) was tasty, and this is from someone who isn't a big fan of mushrooms. The tuna lavash , a fusion of raw tuna and bacon, was inspiring. Sizzling garlic shrimp was out of this world! Make sure to order more bread to finish up the garlic oil. Grilled Indian lamb was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and wasn't gamy. My only disappointment was the chicken kiev, which was a bit on the dry side since they use chicken breast. Overall a fantastic meal! Wait staff was excellent, checking in on us and keeping our water glasses filled. The female staff were dressed beautifully, making the place feel like Moulin Rouge. Make sure to make a reservation since this place gets busy.
(4)
Adi D.
Brilliant food and ambiance. Good drinks and desserts to accompany a wide range of tapas style appetizers. Very tasty!
(5)
J S.
The food is delicious and the environment is really good however we had a waiter that was very inconsiderate and be warned the portions are very small so do not come here hungry. It is pricey for what it is
(3)
Heather-Mae A.
Went here last weekend with my girlfriends at the referral of a friend and was SO glad that we did. All the food was amazing, I'm still salivating over their Thai Muscles. SO GOOD! Will definitely be back when my boyfriend comes to visit. (get their early, they fill up quick)
(5)
Sarah P.
Delicious Mediterranean small plates paired with a great drink menu in an interesting atmosphere - highly recommended! Favorites include the Cuban Cigar (short ribs in a flaky pastry), the Duck Crepes (which have a sweet orange highlight), and the Banana Bread dessert (amazing!) And the small plates mean you get to try a little bit of everything!
(4)
Chrissie M.
Oh Cuchi Cuchi I wanted to love you, that being said, I like you... here's why: As someone else stated, the whole scene can be translated as gimmicky but I knew that going in. We had dinner this past Saturday night. We love small plate dining. Its such a fun way to have a bunch of different little tastes while having foods/spices. They have a fun cocktail menu, I had the Hoochie Cuchi, how could I not! It was ok. Hubs had Red Stripe. Right from the start I sort of doubted the sincerity of our waitress. I couldn't decide if her vibe was genuine or not. Is it possible you & I both love the exact same drinks and plates darling? I'm thinking no... We started our dinner with the Caspian Heaven---fried oysters & the Brie en Croute, both were good. We figured we'd try those and decide what would be next while we were eating. The waitress told us we really should place the rest of our order as the kitchen gets very busy. Hmmm, its Saturday obviously the kitchen is going to get busy but we have no clue what else we want. Oh wait, you really just want us to eat and leave so you can turn the table over... again, does she really care about our food or getting us out of her table? We then ordered the Cuban Cigar-very good! The fried cauliflower was as my hubs said-meh... We were thinking we'd order maybe one more thing possibly seafood as we were saving room for dessert. We asked our waitress for suggestions and here's where dawn broke: without batting an eyelash, she literally suggested two most expensive seafood items, because conveniently those are her favorite. Come on, seriously? Are they really? You were perfectly scripted and it was an obvious upsell... I was thinking it & when she walked away hubs said it. Whatever, I get it, you're a waitress & you work on tips/totals but its extremely insulting & worse INSINCERE, you don't care about us, I get it... We didn't take her advice & instead Hubs got the ceviche and we got the Carbonara which was sooooooooooooooooooo over seasoned/salty it was barely edible, I mean soooo salty I could feel my blood pressure rising as I was eating it! For dessert we had the banana bread pudding & it was probably my favorite thing all night! Five stars for that! That was totally worth it and soooooooooo yummy, so yummy! Oh & the espresso that hubs ordered never made it to the table, go figure... Overall it was decent & fun but I loathe when I feel like someone is trying to take advantage of me---the obvious upsell and the 'darling' If i had to rank it, i'd say it comes in behind Sarma, Tico, Dali, Casa B.& Orinoco... Clearly i'm in the minority as the place was PACKED when we left. You could not even walk through the bar to get out. Would I go back, probably not as we love trying different places, unless we're wowed and we were not...
(2)
Suejean L.
Cuchi Cuchi is quite the experience. Grrrrreat food, especially if you like tapas style dining. Wonderful ambience, very eclectic/bohemian/flapper-esque.
(5)
Jamie F.
Delicious and creative drink and food menu matched the decor. Fried oysters were AMAZING little bites of goodness, tuna lavish rolls were delicious, and we ordered BRACIOLETTA RIPIENA DI MAIALE which are grilled pork rolls stuffed w/pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic-highly recommended! Long wait on Saturday but can make reservations. The bartenders have their own wait list which we took advantage of. The drinks are creative like the food! The have a list of muddled drinks with cutesy names. Try "some like it hot" huge fan! We will be back! Check it out yourself...
(5)
Joseph F.
I like the colors and the costumes of this place. The drinks have funny names. And I laugh every time the hostess says "Welcome to Cuchi Cuchi." Yes, I'm basically twelve years old. But I've been to this place about five times and I've never been let down. The ambiance, the decor, the service, the cocktails, the food. Everything is just top-notch. It's the kind of restaurant that just works for every occasion (a first date, a fifth date, a reunion, a business dinner, a casual Wednesday night meal, a pre-show meal, etc.) and every type of guest (your partner, your best friend, a colleague, a classmate, a hook-up, etc). Everything is sharable, and share you must, so that you can try as many dishes as possible in one sitting. My favorite dishes are the cuban cigars (so savory and packed with flavor), the brie en croute (a must for any cheese-lover), and the moroccan chicken tagine (wonderfully seasoned and cooked). After a hearty, delicious meal, be sure to save room for dessert (tip: the French Banana Bread Extravaganza is even more indulgent than it sounds, but it's worth every calorie). Overall, a must-visit restaurant in Cambridge and in Greater Boston!
(5)
C R.
Two words: Speakeasy. Ok, so it's one word. This place is as exciting as getting a private tour of Martha Rae's closet; flapper costumed mannequins (and stunningly beautiful waitresses), gorgeous guys and everything is bedazzled! Decor = 10. Menu = outstandingly eclectic and equally as delicious. I have no idea about the price because everything was so dazzlingly delicious I don't even think I thought to look. There's drink menu that goes on for pages. The staff is fantastic. This review is a mess; all over the place. I"m still trying to sort it all out - but in a word, this place is GREAT. It is to food what Space Mountain is to amusements parks. Please Jesus, give me a reason to go back there. Again.
(4)
Bobby C.
I have been meaning to go to Cuchi Cuchi for awhile. One of my close foodie friends was in town visiting so we went to check out Cuchi Cuchi. I had read the reviews about reserving a table, but we ended up getting dinner early on a weekday. It did get busy pretty quickly though. The noise can get a bit loud, but my friend and I sat along a wall near the hostess. It wasn't bad at all. Doug was our waiter for the evening. He was excellent! Doug was very accommodating when we inquired about the serving sizes for sangria. We were not heavy drinkers. The sangria was amazing. It was just right. I didn't think I could find sangria better than Tasca. My friend and I had decided which tapas we were getting. Doug then made some recommendations. He informed us we were ordering too many plates. He didn't want us to order too little or too much. Once we selected the tapas, Doug recommended which tapas should be served first, second, etc. Doug was right! We had just enough room for dessert. We ended up getting the banana bonanza. Loved it! For the guys, this is not a first date place. Maybe a third date. The decor is slightly over the top, but I like it. Service and food were great!
(5)
Joanna F.
Came in on Friday with three girlfriends. I had planned a girls' night around going here because I assumed it was a pretty girly place that most dudes wouldn't enjoy. I think I was kind of wrong. The atmosphere wasn't quite as over the top as I expected and even though our server was dressed in 20's clothes, the service was SPECTACULAR. I was concerned I may not take the service as seriously. We also got seated fairly quickly on a Friday night around 6:30. We were sitting in the front window by the bar so I feel like we didn't get a full representation of the atmosphere either, but oh well. Tapas style food was good and reasonably priced for tapas. Some stand outs include the brie en croute and the potato balls. The server was also really good with my friend's nut/avocado allergy (although A LOT of the dishes have nuts baked in,so there was no way my friend could eat those). The star of the show was obviously the drinks. These drinks are so well made that it tastes like no liquor is involved - dangerous. I got the Some Like It Hot (vodka, sriracha chili, gorgonzola stuffed olives) and it was AMAZING. I think most guys would love most of the drink menu too,so I shouldn't have judged so much. Long story short, I would prob come back for drinks before food again, but it was a good time overall.
(4)
Sophie C.
Fun, Gatsby-esque, delicious, not cheap! I've come here for drinks before and the cocktails are superb. My favorite is the Ramos Fizz - their twist on a gin fizz, which has ginger and egg white. Yum! They also have shooters that are served in shotglasses shaped like lady parts that you cannot set down. Raunchy. I ordered the Beef Stroganoff and the Gratin potatoes. I came here starving and left satiated - the potatoes are wonderfully rich. The duck and cuban cigar are lighter but very well made - not sure if I think the price point is worth it. Go for the atmosphere, for something different, or to impress someone. One of my favorite places for fun and classy drinks.
(4)
Nina J.
The service was really awful. They were unbelievably rude to us. We (group of 4) got there around 8pm on a Saturday night and were told we'd be seated in a few minutes. That turned into a 45 minute wait. In the course of waiting, we (very politely) mentioned we needed to be somewhere by 10pm. After we had eaten, we were hanging out and chatting at our table. Around 10pm, a waiter came over to our table, interrupted the conversation, and said, "Don't you have to leave? I thought you had to be somewhere at 10pm." Yes, the waitress ACTUALLY asked us to leave. We are polite, paying customers. We couldn't believe the rudeness either! We ignored her comment. A few minutes later, a different girl came to our table and said, "I'm going to have to ask you to get up from your table because there are people waiting to be seated for dinner. You can go to the bar if you want." The level of rudeness was unparalleled. There are plenty of tapas places in Cambridge/Boston with MUCH politer service.
(1)
Lisa I.
I had been dying to go to this place for years because I had heard such great things. It's supposed to be a great place to go with your girlfriends, and I came with my boyfriend, so maybe that was the first mistake. I think it's definitely better for larger groups so you can share more dishes. And we didn't have their cocktails, just wine and beer, so that was strike two against us. The food itself was pretty good, but as many others have noted, the small plates really are TINY for the price. I've been to plenty of other tapas places, and you usually get a bit more for $10-15 a pop. We had the Cuban Cigar, which was delish, but probably not worth $14. The Grilled Eggplant Napoleon was just ok - it was kind of greasy and the cheese wasn't the right consistency for the dish. The Moroccan Chicken Tagine was good, but again not worth the $$. The atmosphere is very distinct, with flapper waitresses and interesting decor. But our table for 2 was tiny, the tables are all packed in super close to each other, and it was hard to hear. Won't be coming back any time soon.
(2)
Tamara W.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I came here on Friday night RANDOMLY with a friend who was in from New York City. We called and they said they did not take reservations after 6 30pm however when we arrived at 8pm we were able to get a few drinks and were seated around 45 minutes later just as they expected the wait would be. The hostess was wonderful, very friendly and had great cleavage, ha. The drinks at the bar were great and strong. I ordered a vodka soda with splash of grapefruit and they by accident gave me tonic water; after I asked the bar tender apologized right away and gave me another drink which was great. The bar area is VERY CROWDED but as you get your drunk on it does not seem so loud/bothersome. The food was FANTASTIC. Our waitress, Dijara, was wonderful. She gave excellent recommendations; we had the raw tuna in lavash wrap, beet salad, the fried artichokes and the cheese/potato balls. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS!!! The best by far was the fried artichokes. At one point Dijara asked how the food was and my response was, "I think my friend was about to orgasm eating them and is finishing herself off in the rest room..." Enough said. Wonderful atmosphere, very pricey but worth it for a great night with a girlfriend in town or friends. A date place? Maybe not to so much as it is very loud then again the cocktails are great and there is a lot to look at/make small talk about because the atmosphere is so interesting. Will be here VERY SOON again... when my wallet can handle it :) Tamara p.s. VERY easy parking on the streets because everything is metered and free after 6pm.
(5)
K C.
Wonderful, eclectic place to grab drinks with friends! The Heat of the Night is a mild watermelon 'tini with a kick of spice from hints of jalapeño, the Thai Cocktail is über tasty, and the Blood Orange Side Car is a nice twist on a classic cocktail! If you have time, stay for dinner! The garlic shrimp are wonderful, the seafood avocado is refreshing, the fried artichoke hearts are to die for, the mussels are full of flavor, and you must save room for the banana bread pudding dessert. Not what you'd typically think of when you think of bread pudding. So yummy! See you next time!
(5)
Sepoy S.
Great service, great food, worth every penny!! The ambiance is amazing with all the staff dressed in vintage 30s flapper girl outfits, and the men dressed in old school tuxedos. Extensive drink menu, and good for vegetarians. Highly recommended!
(5)
Cindy N.
Liked the vibe, food was ok. RaspberryBeret cocktail - the ginger in this made it very yummy Gobo manchurian - not very special. It's cauliflower in fried batter. Cuban cigar - pretty good, but not very outstanding Brie en croute - delicious! Can't go wrong when you've got bacon and Brie Tuna tartare cornets - tuna was not cold enough, everything else in the cornet was creamier than the tuna, the cornet was too soft. Biggest flop of the night. Maybe I should have said something there... Mushroom risotto - yum! But maybe if you have porcini mushrooms and truffle oil, you just can't go wrong. Tartufo - delicious, especially the strawberry gelato and little chocolate crisps Service - good. Nothing to complain about Atmosphere - a little cramped, as we were seated in the back section. Were the people in front just more important than us?
(3)
N T.
This place is very cute, but I would have to say that it's a little overpriced...
(2)
Ridhima S.
Can't believe I've never been to Cuchi Cuchi before! Interesting ambiance, unique cocktails, friendly wait staff, and fun experience. The food was all amazing-- gobi manchurian was delicious but my favorites were definitely the garlic shrimp, brie puff pastry, and mushroom risotto-- they're all delicious! If you're in a group, try their banana bread dessert.
(5)
Corona W.
Cuchi Cuchi is one of those places where the food is good but the atmosphere and service completely make up for whatever they may lack. Don't get me wrong,the food is good but it is a little expensive for what you get and it isn't anything amazing or out of this world. Even so, we would absolutely return because it's so much fun in there are the drinks are delicious!!
(4)
Girl S.
Love this place... Best things on the menu are the Deep Fried Tomato, Cuban Cigar and Artichoke Hearts!!! They're phenomenal in my opinion. Drinks are wonderful and dessert is not to be missed. I would recommend this place for a date night. It can get pricey but I say well worth it. Servers are a little stupid sometimes but the food and drinks make it ALL up. I got a drink just the other day and when I told my waitress, Kelly, that I hated it she asked me why and tried to insist on "fixing" it. I specifically said its too sweet and too much pulp from the muddled fruit and she didn't seem too willing to get it replaced with my fav... The Between the Sheets never disappoints. With all that being said, I know I said "I love this place", I should just say, I live for this place. If I could go every wknd I would. Next up in the foodie tour: Dali. I hear they aren't so bad...
(5)
Liana K.
The decor and theme of the restaurant was fun. The bf and I got some My Thais which were pretty well made and average price for drinks. $9 or so. I got Orange Duck Crepe (I think it had a fancier burlesque title but I forgot it) $13 or so. I would definitely get those again. The bf got some raw tuna stuff on a plate with a pool of couscous surrounding it and a plate of Oysters covered in cheesy, spinachy goodness. The tuna was just pink sushi tuna on a plate and not really worth the $15 or so for it.. The Oysters dish was okay. Overall, I think the restaurant was fun a nice change from the usually pub food or Asian fusion I do.. Definitely worthy of stopping by for drinks.
(4)
Arta L.
How did I live in Boston for a whole year and not discover this place until I left. It's THE perfect place for a low-key yet fun night with your friends, with awesome drinks (creative and delicious!), cool ambiance, reasonable prices, and good service. I LOVED IT! I had the watermelon jalapeño drink which was awesome. For appetizers we had the cuban cigar (beef short ribs) and duck, both of which were perfectly done and tender. Finally for dessert we had the gelato and French banana bread extravangza ... the latter of which left me saying... IS THIS DESSERT FOR REAL? Unbeliavably delicious with a bread that was underneath it all that was amazing! It fed all four of us satisfactorily. It ranks among the top 5 desserts that have ever met my palate. I would love to go back every time I'm in Cambridge! And with a name like Cuchi Cuchi, how could I resist?
(4)
Robert S.
Delicious, well-presented small plates that were a bit pricy but ultimately worth it. We ordered four dishes plus a bread basket for two adults - just right for moderate appetites. Brie en croute - delicious flaky crust, warm Brie center Fried Artichoke Hearts - three good-sized pieces of deep fried goodness Beef Stronganoff - nice cuts of beef, yummy sauce and noodles Garlic Shrimp - the classic tapas dish, fantastic with thinly sliced garlic pieces that were perfectly crisped - great with some pieces of bread. Best of the four dishes we ordered. Service was a bit shaky by our waiter, but their 'team approach' to service worked as the host and hostess backed him up and delivered a good experience. Worth the $$ if you value great food in a eclectic environment.
(5)
William D.
Great food, great drinks, and a great place to bring a date, but seating/reservations is extremely unaccommodating. I've had big issues with it twice... (1)I tried to book a reservation on my birthday, when they said that though they could not do reservations on a Friday or Saturday, it wouldn't be an issue if we called ahead (which we did). Once we got there, they told us it would be a 1 hour wait (at 530pm)... once 630pm hit, they told us it would be another 45 minutes to an hour. By that point, we were so frustrated, that we went to a different restaurant. The second time (2) was a smaller instance where I came here for dinner/drinks on a Tuesday night once at 630PM, and the wait was 1.5 hours long. If the food wasn't so delicious here (beef stroganoff FTW), it would be lower.
(3)
Elizabeth L.
Yum.
(4)
P'raka ..
Absolutely loved it - tasty small plate dishes and AMAZING drinks. Some plates are bigger than others. We got the a plentiful serving of mussels and caspian heaven (4 fried oysters, potato fingerlings, cream fraiche). Very satisfying and will come again. As others have noted - the decor and staff dressing are very playful, girly and sparkly!
(5)
Hana C.
Cuchi Cuchi is a lil hidden gem in Cambridge. My most recent visit to Cuchi Cuchi was last Wednesday with my two lovely girlfriends. I was the first one to arrive so I waited for the girls by the bar. It was roughly 6:30PM and the place was packed. I started off with a Moulinrouge cocktail. It was okay- don't get it. Too too sweet, it was like cubes of sugar in your mouth. I couldn't finish it, save the calories for dinner. 6:45PM- the girls arrive and we are seated right away (we had a 6:30PM reservation). Our waitress was extremely friendly and very attentive. Some memorable dishes we ordered: Grilled Eggplant Napoleon- an excellent dish. I don't usually like eggplants but this was cooked very nicely with tomato and cheese. Seared Tuna- tuna & watermelon tartar and couscous. Another great dish, the tuna was very freshly prepared and had a lovely sweet and fresh, crisp taste with the mix of little watermelon cubes. Cuban Cigar- beef short ribs wrapped in dough with black bean salsa. This was my favorite dish. We got two. It has shredded beef short ribs inside, meat was so succulent, moist and melted in your mouth. Beef Scallops Provençale- seared scallops with herb and mushroom stuffing on the half shell. A lovely dish. Scallops were excellently prepared and loved the stuffing. Stroganoff- sirloin with shallot and mushroom sauce on egg noodles. Probably my least favorite dish. The beef was a little chewy and the egg noodles were too bland and lacking in flavor. We left stuffed. We also had a pitcher of sangria- it had all sorts of fruits in it, fresh watermelon, apples, blueberries.. I usually dont eat the fruits in the sangrias because it is soaked with the sangria. But I could actually eat all the fruits which means that the fruits are freshly prepared with the sangrias when ordered. The place can get a little loud but overall, a very lively, lovely place.
(4)
Brad D.
By far, my wife and I's most favorite establishment in all of Ma.! This place is so beautiful, hip, and romantic, that it's as if you're in a modern day burlesque. Such a great place to hang w/ friends, especially at their bar which is a large comfortable size. In fact, after eloping to Camb.'s City Hall in Jan. 2008, we celebrated our marriage with 15 friends at the their window table, and felt more than welcome by the staff, considering such short notice. Not only that, but our entire liquor tab was comped, as a congratulatory gift from Cuchi Cuchi. Service such as this, is a dying breed. We LOVE you Cuchi Cuchi !!! Come Summer, it's a must that you have at least 1 Cucumber Gimlet - out of this world good!
(5)
George W.
Cool, vintage 20s feel to the place. Old jazz rounds out the ambiance. Amazing, classic, original, and forgotten cocktails. Perhaps eat at Salt's across the street the mosey in here for some great drinks. Good date spot if you wanna impress a classy lady and still have fun. Expect to pay about 10 bucks a cocktail though... The food is pretty lame. They insist that it IS NOT a tapas joint because tapas are from Spain and they serve "international" small plates. That's bullshit. That's like saying if you add creamcheese to a sushi roll that it isn't sushi anymore. It's tapas. Deal with it. Your atitude don't make tapas not tapas. And the tapas are WAY too expensive for their quality, and we had quite a few. Their desserts, especially the chocolate banana thing was excellent.
(3)
Stacey D.
3.5 stars . There's a lot I like about this place. I went here on a Friday evenig and the price was packed, but while waiting there's plenty to look it. The wait staff as described are dressed in wonderful costumes, although my feminist side was slightly bothered, where were all the hot men to oogle at? For food we had several items, unfortunately, the quality which started out fantastic, decreased through the meal. We started with the scallops ceviche, and it was delicious, the perfect mix of cilantro, tomatoes, and spice. It was incredibly refreshing, and sooo yummy. Though, in all honesty, you couldn't really taste the scallops. I actually really like the cuban cigars, the short ribs wrapped in a croissant pastry. It was deliciously flavorful, crisp where it should be crisp, and moist where it should be moist. Unfortunately, after this the meal went down hill, the beet salad, and fried oysters were bland, and the dessert - I can't remember what its called, a cone filled with fresh fruit and whip cream, was good, but didn't suprise or thrill me. The first two items I thought were fantastic and would definitely bring me back, but three .5 stars, because it was very pricey and the quality wasn't maintained.
(3)
Ana T.
Awesome place for girls night out. Cool decor with mannequins, florescent lights, and Christmas lights outside year round. They have a cool table on one corner that lights up when you touch it. I love sitting at that table with a large group or at the bar with another friend and having their amazing cocktails and a small appetizer. The mushrooms are perfect with any drinks. They also play a variety of music which you can get up and dance to when dinner is done. Fun all around!
(4)
Ken D.
i adore this place. the bartenders,the servers,the atmosphere,the food is brilliant! the wine flows like water! its just beautiful and a great place for any occasion!
(5)
Kate G.
Visited for the fist time last week. I went on a Monday night so I figured I didn't need a reservation. Made on just in case and I was glad I did. It was still very busy. The food was great. Huge variety to choose from. Server was helpful with suggestions and gave me a couple options that he considered his favorites. I recommend getting the picture of sangria. It was delish. It was the perfect amount to share.
(4)
Veronica A.
Okay - beside the eXcellent drinks & eXcellent tasteful food (that's the great news), the servers are slow, the place is LOUD as HECK, there are no reservations, they don't listen when it comes to your requests, it is so annoyingly crowded where you will definitely have your drink spilled and they are SO SO SO SO SO SLOW with the BILL! They also dont split the bill if you ask them to. You basically have to sacrifice everything to enjoy your food. Thats the problem. But boy their drinks are YUM!
(3)
Raea Z.
AMAZING! Cuchi Cuchi is hands down my favorite restaurant on the face of the planet! A intimate party of five of us went out for my birthday a few weeks ago. Two of my friends had been there before so we were prepared and dolled ourselves up. The waitresses dress in 1920's garb; flappers and burlesque attire as far and the eye car see. The restaurant itself has an art nouveau feel. Upon being seated (there was NO WAIT Friday at 7pm! Packed by 8pm) our waitress bought top hats for the boys and boas for the girls! Very festive, so of course we were thrilled. The drinks are pricey ($7 non-alcoholic, $10-12 alcoholic) but well worth every penny! My favorite is the Black Dahlia---muttled blackberries and kiwis--YUM! Absolutely delish! And the food....oh the food! Everything was flawless! Insalata del Liguria, Fried Artichoke Hearts, Tuna Lavash, Scallops Provençale, Scallop Ceviche Shot, Seafood-filled Avocado, Caspian Heaven, Mushroom Risotto, Brie in a puff pastry, St. Jacob's Zucchini...every dish more mouth-watering than the previous! The entire meal and drinks came to about $250 for 5 people. Well worth it for a special night out! The service was just impeccable. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful. They take your coats at the door and return them to you as you leave. They also sing a lively Happy Birthday rendition. Actually, we heard them sing about five times that night. ;) Couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Thank you Cuchi Cuchi! You have a customer for LIFE!
(5)
Josh P.
Cuchi is the BOMB-DIGITTY! Everyone who works there is hot, especially the bartenders ;) Great vegan menu and the best drinks on this planet! Cuchi Cuchi, a place so nice they named it twice! Thank you soooo much :p XXXXXXOOOOOO
(5)
Tiffany W.
Wow. This restaurant is one of the best places to dine in Boston. It has flair, character, and really great food. The waiters and waitresses are lovely from dress to personality. Cocktails: tons to choose from. A bunch of vintage! My date and I opted for some gin drinks, but you'll have to come here 100 times to try everything they offer. Food: LIttle plates of gourmet deliciousness. The fried clams (i believe it was called Russian Heaven or something) were decadent. The tuna tartar in crisp torches were fresh and light. The chicken tagine was very flavorful with lots of great veggies and couscous. The duck crepes were my favourite! For dessert we had the chocolate dipped ball of ice cream-- worth it, even though we were full. And of course, shots! Served in vintage shot glasses (with bottoms up)-- the orange blossome and the green goddess were both liquid candy. Do not fear, indulge!
(5)
Anne W.
I knew this was a swanky place.. and I was meeting friends here for drinks. The drinks are way too overpriced. Yes.. you are getting good reasonable alcohol.. but there isn't any place to sit or stand if there are over three people with you. I tried the flying grasshopper (really creamy) and the mint julep (tasted almost like a mojito). We were creating a fire hazard frankly and the hostess wouldn't let us sit down at one of their tables until the place closed for food. And when we did sit down, they weren't cozy enough for just drinks.. we were sitting way too far apart to have an actual group conversation. I wouldn't come here again for drinks.. but maybe for dinner.
(3)
Ken M.
Pretentious for the sake of being pretentious. I think we all know how I feel about that. Rude and discourteous staff from the get go (hostess, I'm talkin' bout you!). Let's just get this out of the way, Cuchi Cuchi: Your plates aren't bigger than tapas, and are more expensive, so just get over yourself. The only reason Cuchi Cuchi gets any stars at all is for the bartender who was mostly taking care of us (other people kept trying to jump on us, poor staff management), who was a rockstar and flirted back and forth with Andy. She deserves far better than this place. This is totally not my scene or my food. I'd be okay getting dragged back for drinks, but never again the food. My beet salad ($10) was hit and miss. The beets were good (it's hard to screw up when cooking beets) but the greens were too bitter and vinegary.
(2)
Traci H.
Great place for a nice shared meal of small plates. It's not cheap but you get good quality food. Make reservations to avoid waiting forever. Love the mango margaritas and mojitos. The bread is served with an eggplant type of spread - and they'll give you more if you like it! Favorite plates: Garlic Shrimp Skirt Steak Beef Stroganoff Couscous Baby back ribs - Fall off the bones tender! Other notables: Cuban cigar Grilled Indian Lamb Caspian Heaven (I don't really do a lot of seafood, but my friends LOVED this dish) Not a huge fan of the Bliny or the Artichoke hearts. The fried tomato is also just ok - impressive looking but I'd try some of the other great dishes instead of these three. Servers are dressed in "cool Latin dresses" (trying to be politically correct) and on Tuesday nights there's a tarot card reader. Tiramisu was great and served in an upglass. Good meal, would get 5 stars if it wasn't so expensive for a nice meal out for such small portions. You definitely pay for the good dining experience and I think it's worth it but it still cracks the wallet.
(4)
Coupe Et C.
This is officially my favorite place on Earth right now. I could really live in this gorgeous restaurant. Not only did the decor and atmosphere go above my expectations, but the food really was phenomenal and worth the $$$ you pay. I had the duck crepes and the brie en croute which was nothing short of an orgasm in my mouth. One of my girl friends had the skirt steak and scalloped potatoes which were also delicious. I think dessert may have been my favorite though: French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Goddamn, they give you a lot. Quality AND quantity?! That rarely happens anymore at restaurants. I would eat here every weekend if my metabolism and wallet could handle it. Till then, I'll recommend this to everyone and count down the days till a date takes me here.
(5)
Jenan A.
this place really doesn't need a review - but I figured I should write something given how much I love it the cocktails are amazing - they have something like a full 4 pages - and if you're still not sure, the bar tenders will make something up for you. The food is equally delicious It is a little on the pricy side, but your pallet will love you forever if you try it
(5)
Francesca R.
Entering Cuchi Cuchi is what I imagine it would be like to visit the mind of Alphons Mucha while he's on a bitchin' acid trip. It's a magical Art Nouveau mystery tour of sensual delights. There has been great care taken to make every inch of this place a visual journey, from the giant kimono on the wall to the impeccably dressed flapper waitresses to the jewel-encrusted tampon disposal boxes in the bathrooms. If this was someone's apartment, it would be your melodramatic aunt who used to be a courtesan in Borneo and now just swans around in silk dressing robes and still smokes with a cigarette holder. This artfully crafted experience continues with the walloping drink menu, which has pretty much every kind of cocktail you can imagine or didn't even know you would like but now must have. You Give Me Fever (muddled strawberries, lime juice and vodka) was a big hit around the table. We ordered a carafe of Cava which you pour directly into your mouth--a style of drinking imported directly from Spain that lent a festive air to every table, bachelorette party (as ours was) or no. The Bottom's Up drinks come in glasses that cannot be set down because the bottom is straddled by a wee naked man and his pert bum. You have to drink it down and then set the cup upside down on its little resting plate. Here's a place where most of the menu is dedicated to alcoholic confections and this adds to the dizzying pleasures. Next up on this delectable adventure is the food--words cannot describe. No, really, I don't have the right words. We shared 28 plates between 14 people. We managed to pass all of them and I took a wee bite of everything. *Everything was delicious.* There was not one single item that was boring or bad. The two plates I ordered were Brie en Croute (warm brie, walnuts and bacon in a puff pastry) and the Seared Tuna (with watermelon tartar and couscous). Those were amazing. The two other standouts were the Duck a la Orange crepes and the seafood-filled avacado. ::drools remembering the taste:: The only time the luxurious whimsy fades is if you suggest these are tapas--no no, these are international dishes. They are quite persnickety about it--presumably because the owners have an actual Tapas restaurant called Dali? Fair enough, but the Spanish definition (small portions of food served with drinks) still holds. I'd say this is the perfect place for a big group, boys included. But it's not exactly romantic--it's a bit too ornate, tawdry and loud for romance. As long as there's more than two in your dining party, however, you will definitely have a good time. I had to knock off a star because after a fantastic night, our waitress came running out after us (well, I say running out--we were all standing around the entrance saying goodbye to some people) and said we were $20 short. We had counted that sucker about 17 million times, and paid all in cash, to the penny. I'm sure she just miscounted and wasn't being deliberately snotty, but it was a lame ending to an otherwise perfect night. Even so, I will be back--I'll just be sure to count the payment with the server next time.
(4)
Bethany B.
Can you say cocktails?! So many delicious options it was next to impossible to pick...so I HAD to get a few. What an amazing concept. Loved the throwback burlesque outfits of everyone who worked there--totally up my alley. The food was also excellent. The garlic butter shrimp was very flavorful--a quality that I feel is always lacking in their sister restaurant Dali's version of the same thing. This would be such a fun place for a birthday party/gathering/random saturday. The cocktails are date-worthy but I would probably not recommend it for a first date. Don't let the long lines scare you away, sidle up for the bar and wait for a table, the wait moves much faster than you would think!
(5)
Maxine B.
Oh my GOD, this place is incredible. I recognize there are some difficulties with the lack of reservations and how crowded it could get, but this is because this is possibly the best restaurant I've ever been to. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. The server was kind. The food is top-notch. Every dish I had I was in a new kind of love. Extremely expensive for someone of my age and means, but worth it as a treat from time to time. I really have nothing but love for this place. If you're in the Boston area, eat here!
(5)
Alexandra K.
This place gets packed fast and is on a pricier side, but never disappoints! Get here early as they don't take reservations and they only seat you when you entire party is present. The concept is flawlessly executed from the decor to the outfits everything screams 1920s. The food delicious, taps style just try anything! Cocktail list endless, but don't try everything :)
(5)
Renee G.
My primary objection to Cuchi Cuchi is the name. I understand the Charo connection, but nobody should ever have to experience the embarrasment of being admonished by a coworker on a well-attended conference call, "Get this done or no Cuchi Cuchi for you!", or have to repeatedly ask another coworker to please not refer to it as "the Cooch" around senior executives. My secondary objection is the fact that nobody behind their bar seems to be able to mix a passable Manhattan, though a Some Like It Hot is an acceptable alternative, what with the bleu-cheese stuffed olives and the Sriracha afterburn. My tertiary objection is the fact that it's just expensive, the service ranges from okay at best to confoundingly rude, and while the whole "globe trotting" non-tapas concept is a cute idea, the food is not nearly as good as the actual tapas at the other restaurants owned by the same couple. Give me Dali and it's melting wall and fish skeleton art and queso rebozado con miel any day. All that said, I come here a lot, because it's so close to my office, and my aforementioned coworkers are extremely keen on the place. The atmosphere is fun, and I was once allowed to wear a vintage paste necklace around all night when I lamented that I felt underaccessorized, which is worth a star in and of itself.
(3)
Rosie Z.
Really extensive cocktail menu and friendly bartender. Three of us went on a Saturday early evening without reservation so we had to sit at the bar. Still we loved the ambiance and food. The mushroom pancakes were delicious, so were the Brie en Croûte and Cuban Cigar. They actually have rather generous serving for "small plates" which I was quite happy about. Crowd is on the older side. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. A great place to hang out with girlfriends or have a date.
(4)
James B.
Lovely atmosphere. Service was impeccable! Long list of cocktails will never leave you bored. My new favorite place.
(5)
Nicholas A.
Hmmm.... The first time I went, in December, I would have given this dazzling place 5.5 stars if possible, but last night, my second visit, though still enjoyable, I would have to knock it down a bit. The level of salt, for at least five of the dishes we had, was really too high for all four of us. I suppose if we had ordered a lot of booze (and maybe that's the point of using a lot of salt), I may not have minded, but since our group did not have that much alcohol, it did have a negative impact. Since two points do not make a trend, I will give them another shot in the future. One other negative is the overall loudness of the patrons, but that is more a reflection of our society than the restaurant (unless a restaurant is encouraging obnoxious behavior, I certainly am more focused on the quality and taste of food).
(4)
Kristen C.
Yummy but lethal Strawberry Basil cocktail
(4)
Billy Su B.
CUCHI? do you have any idea what this does inside my brain? to hear the word CUCHI?? not once but TWO TIMES?? IN A ROW????? gyrating, lady secret, "cuchi cuuchi coooo0000oooo," flock of hussies, pink panties, alcohol, sex, low lights, potty mouth, private part, ruffles, lubricant, ostrich feather.. well... i got 2 right. alcohol and ostrich feather. they have an extensive list of fun cocktails with scandalous names, hot young thangs zipping around in roaring 20's type getups, GORGEOUS and EXTRAVAGANT decor- this place is dripping with rich color, wild accent lamps, life-size taxidermy peacocks.. ok, why are you still reading this? you should be on your way to cuchi cuchi. i'm kidding, keep reading. here are my cons: i say this all the time because i think people are suckers- this is nice food folks, some of it's even great, but if you don't have tons of cash to toss around this ain't the place to have a sit-down, full fledged meal. by the time you have enough of their small plates to constitute a full meal, you're averaging 30 dollars and up per person on just their dinner. we're talkin' sky high. HOWEVER- i fully condone and encourage setting up camp at their so so fabulous bar, ordering tons of their yummy cocktails (great pisco sour) and enjoying a small plate or two with a pal- the menu is really really diverse, there really is something for everyone. don't jump all over me- i'm not saying their food is not good, it is. just isn't 35 dollars a person not including apps and drinks brilliant- toss in 3 drinks and an app and you're sitting at about 75 a person. all i'm sayin. ***the garlic shrimp was really really tasty- i highly recommend. final statement: cuchi chuchi's atmosphere is pretty much unrivaled. you have to go and try.
(3)
Jack M.
Of all the restaurants in the area, I've been to this one the most. So it is with a heavy heart that I downgrade my opinion of this place, after Saturday's experience, to three stars. - Now, that still means it's GOOD. Just not the fantastic experience I remember from being here many times before. And it was because of the food. I just was not impressed this time. - We got there around 6:30 on a Saturday night, and the place was packed. I was surprised, because I've been here before around 7 PM on a Saturday and found it DEAD. The hostess said it would be an hour to seat us, which is fine - I always expect a wait here - and I don't mind waiting because the mixed drinks here are phenomenal. So we go sit by the bar after putting our name in. We order some drinks, and before we get them, the hostess comes to tell me they have a table ready! Fastest hour of my life! I think we were there what, 5 minutes? Maybe the recognize me as their biggest-tipper or most valued client? (I wish!). - Anyhow so that was nice - no wait. Had a good seat and loved our waiter: Sebastian. He was really great. We talked to him for a bit and I learned Doug, my favorite waiter of all time from this place, has moved on and is now the manager over at Dali (sort of a sister-restaurant to this place). That stinks because it means Doug will never be my waiter again and he was simply awesome. I'm not surprised he's moved on! But Sebastian was excellent too. I asked if they still had the $30 minimum per person and he said they have done away with that. That may explain why it was so crowded with people I, uh, don't usually see here..... - But the food was just not up to scratch. I had brought someone who had never been before, and I could tell they were not wowed either. They liked the place and the drinks and the service, but the food just wasn't doing it for her. OK Let's dig in: - "Vietnamese Tofu" - garbage. This was just 4 pieces of tofu on thin slices of cukecumber with a light sauce of some sort. Very bland. This was a new menu item and I was shocked they were charging 8 bucks for this. I mean that was pretty pathetic. "Potato Croquettes" - This is one of my favorites here and they were fine. "Brie en Croute" - excellent. I could eat just this all night. "Cuban Cigar" - their most popular dish, was very good. Maybe I am tired of this dish. But it's still pretty good. Maybe the meat was a bit overdone but, well, I'd still get this again. "Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale" - these are mini pork rolls. No good. The meat was terribly tough to chew, and the 2 rolls I had each contained big hunks of un-chewable fat. It grossed me out. Very salty, too. Just not good. Remind me not to get this again. "Duck a l'Orange Crepes" - not bad but didn't wow us. The orange sauce on top was pretty overpowering, so you couldn't really taste that duck. Maybe it was just me. I guess it was OK. For desert, we split that banana-bread thing I love so much. It was all right, too. It tasted a little burnt to me. The mixed drinks are great. I can't remember what we got first - the menu online just has the names, not the ingredients, so I can't pick it out. Anyhow it was excellent. After that I had 2 of the Satan's Whiskers, which was also excellent. ---- So, I don't know - sure it was a good time, but the food just didn't do it for me this time. At least I have yelp to help remind me what to order next time (and what to skip!) I will be back, just not with high expectations.
(3)
Sara S.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I hate to share. What can I say, I'm an only child and always had everything to myself. My "issue" has transcended to my adult life and dining. I am not a sharer of food. I don't like to split meals, appetizers, desserts, whatever. What's mine is mine, what's yours is yours. However, Cuchi Cuchi is different. You HAVE to share at Cuchi Cuchi. You WANT to share at Cuchi Cuchi! The large, eclectic, delicious-sounding menu nearly made me jump through my computer when I read it online, and I was more than ecstatic to go to Cuchi Cuchi and share the hell out of many "small plates". The atmosphere is what first struck me. Jeffrey H. said it perfectly. Cuchi Cuchi is like an antique shop. There are tons of vintage items all over the place, as well as beautiful stained glass light fixtures and a large stained glass piece behind the bar. The room is dimly lit, and the waitresses are dressed like flappers (right...?). The music is a mix of reggae, Middle Eastern, and techno and strangely fits the mood of this antique-shop-turned-small plates restaurant perfectly. I started with a Dancing With Ginger, which had amaretto, fresh ginger, ginger syrup, and a few other ingredients in it. It was rimmed with sugar in the raw, which was a nice sweet touch. From least favorite to favorite, we had: Seared Tuna (five small pieces) Fried Artichoke Hearts (3 small pieces) Brie en Croute (one big puff) Chicken Tagine (one plate) French Banana Bread Extravaganza (HUGE dessert) The Seared Tuna really isn't tuna tartare. There were five seared pieces of tuna with mount of couscous and watermelon served in the middle. The flavors were good and the watermelon added a nice refreshing touch and crunch, but it wasn't exactly what we excepted. Artichoke hearts: the pistachios weren't detectable, but the Gorgonzola cheese was. There was NOTHING healthy for you in this dish, but the cheesy friedness in combination with the tartness of the marinated artichoke hearts was delicious. Brie en Crouts was AMAZING. It was a huge puff pastry filled with tons of brie and bacon. There was enough puff pastry so you didn't feel like you were just eating a huge glob of brie, and enough bacon pieces to be detectable. Chicken Tagine: I was surprised this was nearly my favorite. I'm typically a little weary of dishes with fruits in them, but the flavors of this went perfectly. I think because the white raisins and fruits were balanced out with salty olives and other vegetables. It was served over couscous and could have been a small meal in itself. Banana Bread Dessert: Wow, another suprise. I'm not a huge banana fan, but this dessert was AMAZING! The bananas were almost grilled and tasted carmalized. They were spread on thin pieces of bread pudding which was also served with vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream. Cuchi Cuchi is the exact reason why I hate the geography and public transportation system of Boston. There T isn't quite as close as I'd like, and you have to cross a river to get there. Plus, the whole Cambridge thing in general. ANYWAY, I'll be back very, very, VERY soon. As in tonight. Girls nights out, night out with mom, bachelorette party... THIS PLACE IS FOR YOU!
(5)
Ken S.
A girls-night-out destination that Kim Cattrall and friends would snub, this earnest Moulin Rouge reprise is more faux than fou. Keep looking...
(2)
Liz A.
This is a fantastic, quirky, and unique little spot! Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly (this can make or break your experience). The food was truly OUTSTANDING. We order many different things: - warm baby beets & french sheep cheese salad: was good, although in retrospect we probably didn't need it, we were stuffed from everything else! -fruits de Mer - BAAHHH! SOOOO yummy. pastry puff filled with different kinds of delicious seafood like scallops, shrimp, lobster, etc. -seafood filled avocado: It sounds amazing, but I wasn't crazy about it. 2 things: it was served cold (intentionally) and had cilantro in the salsa the seafood was mixed in. Neither of these things are listed on the menu, but then again the idea of a warm avocado is a little odd I suppose. The people I was with don't have a problem with cilantro, so they ate it, but we all agreed it was probably the one dish we could've lived without. - scallops provencale : basically scallops with mushroom stuffing. I have a serious weak spot for stuffing, and this totally hit the spot. wasn't an ABSOLUTELY make sure you try this dish though - brie en Croute : brie, walnuts and BACON in a puff pastry. MUST TRY THIS. this has to be what heaven tastes like -baby back ribs with apple fritters : self explanatory, delicious and interesting pair though! - cuban cigar : beef short ribs wrapped in dough with black bean salsa. by this point I was stuffed and a little tipsy, so I don't remember truly loving it, but the people I was with said it was their favorite dish. It's a little pricey, but definitely a fun atmosphere and truly delicious food!
(5)
Adam D.
We had a good meal here, but not great. The ginger drink was wAAAAAAAAAy too sweet. The cigar, ok, but greasy. The sizzling shrimp were perfect. The other dishes were forgettable, as in... I don't remember what we had. We'll probably go back to give it another chance. Order the small bread, the big is too much for two, unless you eat like an elephant.
(3)
Kelly G.
Got in last night to try out their gluten free menu and it was surprising how much from the original was on it! I had the gratin dauphinois and the baby back ribs - each dish was perfectly cooked. I also nibbled at the Indian lamb which was to die for! We sat in the back where the chairs *are* comfortable, remediating what I knocked a star off for before. The foodie friends I had along (who aren't avoiding gluten at present) were exclaiming at every bite of their food and the cocktail menu continues to impress. Go CC, go!
(5)
M P.
One of my all time FAVs. Awesome Drinks, fabulous food and personality and atmosphere to boot. Great for going out with that special other or for celebratory outings w the girls. Live Life Large.
(5)
H. G.
It's like how they say you're either an Elvis man or a Beatles guy.... you either like Superman or you like Batman.... Magic or Bird... vanilla or chocolate... Ginger or Mary Ann.... Well, you either love Cuchi Cuchi or you love Dali. I don't begrudge the Cuchi Cuchi fans, but I'm a Dali guy.
(3)
Morris R.
Seriously good food. But for some reason the bar area is riddled with d-bags.
(4)
Shubhra P.
If i could give them 0 stars then I would ! My review is NOT about their food but about how they treat customers. We had a reservation for my birthday dinner here and arrived 5 mins before the reservation time. We were asked to wait a minute as they were getting our table ready. After about ten minutes of waiting another group of 6 people comes by and they seat them right away. We still keep waiting, and after another 5 mins or so the attendant comes to us and says that they do not have a free table anymore and she messed up the reservation system and that we have to leave !!!! And later when we complained then she said that she had to give the table to the 6 people party that came after us since they were more in number than us ! How ridiculous !! So much for making a reservation beforehand, coming a little early and still having to wait a lot and then in the end being sent away!! It was already past 930pm by then and it would be impossible to get reservations at any other restaurants around! Thanks a bunch for ruining my birthday. This is just a pompous place with no real concern for customers. I will never go here again and will make sure that none of my friends do either!
(1)
Neva C.
I want to give this place two stars because I feel like it's really overrated, but I can't deny some very good qualities. So let's say 2.5. The food is interesting and delicious. On the expensive side, but really original flavors and combinations. The cocktails are also quite diverse. Not all combinations work, but there is plenty of variety. I don't know anywhere else in Boston where you can find such a large and varied menu of drinks. They are not super strong and are a little pricey, basically what you'd expect at a cocktail bar. Now, I for one find the decor and costumes that the waitresses wear a little much. On the depressing side, even, particularly for the older waitresses who have to squeeze into some small dress that isn't age-appropriate and doesn't fit. It's a weird combination between a classy place and too overdone, too kitsch, trying too hard. I'm sure I'll be going back, since everyone seems to love this place, but it's really not my preference.
(3)
A J.
First off, the atmosphere is so cute, which makes the experience awesome in itself. But the food was also really good and the waitress was super friendly even though a loud group of us bombarded her with orders. The absolute favorite dish of everyone at the table was the Cuban Cigar (Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa). The Brie en Croûte (Brie, walnuts, bacon in puff pastry), Gratin Dauphinois (baked thin-sliced potatoes, onions, cheese & cream) and Sizzling Garlic Shrimp were also really good. However, I didnt like the Prosciutto-wrapped Melon so much....despite my love for prosciutto, I found it to be too tough. The tapa dishes are pretty small and can quickly add up in price so its a much better deal to go in a big group to get a taste of everything without breaking the bank.
This place has it all, ambiance, good food, good drinks, good service. The hostess was very accommodating even though it was a full house. The waitress was very attentive. The drinks are delicious (champagne float martine..mmm). The food comes in small plates for sharing (ceviche-great balance of salt and citrus). Good times.
(4)
Dan S.
Unique atmosphere, great bar and drink menu. Sampled ~12 dishes and all were excellent. Service was very good. Will go back a lot!
(4)
Ashley F.
My second stab at Cuchi Cuchi was much improved. Our server was charming and willingly answered all of my questions. The food was pricey, but you get what you pay for: amazing dishes. I really wanted to like this place because of the cute atmosphere, and I was pleased to find that I had a good time all around.
(5)
Annabel J.
I went here for a late dinner and drinks with two friends Friday night. When we arrived the place was packed and the host quoted us a wait time of 45 mins. We decided to grab drinks at the bar while we waited for our table. The wait turned out to be only about 20 mins, and the staff was so friendly and efficient trying to get everyone served as quickly as possible. The cocktail menu was massive but between the three of us we tried 8 different cocktails and every single one was delicious. My favorites were the Moulin Rouge and the Black Dahlia. We shared 4 small plates: the tuna tar tar in cornets was the clear favorite. Also delicious were the cuban cigar, the mexican fried egg, and liver pate. This place is very expensive but absolutely worth the money. There is nothing mediocre about the food or the service. I love the atmosphere and the employees costume-esque clothing; it makes you feel like you are in a time capsule.
(4)
Maria S.
I've never experienced in my life such poor service like in this restaraunt. I got my table after 2 hour wait, even though I made reservation. More over, I was charged for bread which I assumed should've been for free as the waitress without asking me brought on the table. I ordered Sicilian Chicken, I didn't enjoy it, it was too sour. And the waitress I had was extremely rude with me and my boyfriend, she gave us check before we even finished to eat our deserts. I will never go back, there are more interesting places in the city.
(1)
Aaron G.
The more distinctive a bar, the more the personality and choices of the owners and managers shows through. The decor reflects this: wild and funny, tasteful and inviting, with a hint of playful flirtation. Past 7:00, on the weekdays, the lights are low, the stained glass is lit up, and the ambiance is one of quirky, calm indulgence. Fernanda, the female component of the couplet that owns and runs both this restaurant and Dali's, is a solid and friendly sight at the bar and will go far out of her way to make you feel welcome and appreciated. It's an excellent place to unwind after work, though the vibe changes drastically on the weekends. You can come and get classy-crunk on any Friday or Saturday night. The menu of Cuchi Cuchi is eclectic. You will have choices including Thai steamed mussels or grilled Indian lamb. One of the strongest items are the tuna coronets, copies of a recipe devised by Thomas Keller, of French Laundry fame. These were the opening statement of that famous restaurant, and they are recreated here with a different interpretation. This is seamed-out sushi grade raw tuna, set on top of an avocado mousse with a creme freche garnish, wrapped in a cone of a butter-crumbly sesame filo dough. The cocktails are some of the strongest in Cambridge. They're not as refined as those on showcase at Craigie on Main, but boy, there are a lot of them. They also have a vintage cocktail section if you're feeling nostalgic. The size and complexity of the drink menu, and the fact that all the fruit drinks are freshly hand muddled, keeps crap bartenders away from this place: the people who work to make your drinks know what they are doing. Not everything on the menu is strong. The chicken a l'orange is quite bland, the Caspian Heaven, featuring oysters and a champagne sauce can be hit or miss depending on your tastes. Ask the staff: they are honest and familiar with the menu and they will politely steer you towards the better items. Speaking of, the staff delivers on the vintage 1920 ideal of class in service, which is normally only available at much higher menu prices. They develop rapports with new customers, make a real effort to remember likes and dislikes of regulars, and provide an intimate and professional face to the restaurant. If you can go on nights when Hicham or Whitney are working and sit at the bar, you will be immensely pleased with the service. Although I name those two because I am most familiar with them, the entire staff and restaurant seems uniformly committed to their roles, and all display an attention to detail that is very refreshing. While you can go with a friend or a date and hunker down to get drunk on food, wine, and great cocktails, this is also a place where you can meet an interesting set of people. I've met BC basketball coaches, standup comedians, CEOs, designers, researchers, rocket scientists, engineers, upper-crust pharma, and palliative care doctors. The vibe of the bar section supports a conversation with a stranger to your side, so order a drink and chat with the unassuming internet billionaire sitting to your left.
(5)
Lisa M.
Went here last night for a friend's birthday. Unbelievable! Every dish that came was better than the last. I totally recommend the artichokes, mushroom risotto and the seafood-stuffed avocado, beef stroganoff, chicken kiev...I could go on. Everything was delish, the atmospher was fun, the wait staff very friendly, and the bartender was amazing. The drinks rocked also! What more can you ask for in a restaurant? Everyone should try this place!!!
(5)
Erin R.
Lest you think I'm being stingy with the stars, it should be stated that the food here is excellent. Cuchi Cuchi gets three stars because although the food was very yummy and very interesting, the service was only so-so. The cocktail offerings were interesting - I ordered a corpse reviver, but it took much too long for them to arrive at the table. Once I had my corpse reviver and a glass of red sangria in hand (one can only order a pitcher so my dining partner had to order enough for all of us), I was happy and excited about the offerings. We ordered a myriad of items hailing from all areas of the world - a Moroccan cous cous dish, an indian lamb, chinese sizzling shrimp, and two "cuban" cigars. The cuban cigar is dough wrapped around shredded beef. Absolutely delicious. We rounded off the huge dinner with dessert and practically had to roll ourselves out of the restaurant. The decor is confusing - it is supposed to be an old fashioned brothel? Which would explain why the waiters and waitresses looked so ridiculous? I'm not sure. The crazy dresses and fur stoles were less sexy and romantic than absolutely ridiculous and unflattering. But all of that doesn't really matter, does it? The food was great and I recommend it.
(3)
Yarilda I.
When I first opened their menu, their extensive list of cocktails and "bottom up" shots put a smile on my face. I think it's pretty sweet having more than half your menu consist of alcohol. Anyway, I originally was told this restaurant is a tapas place; however, the waitress told me to not refer to their dishes as tapas because their dishes are larger. Go for the lamb and the skirt steak. Both are delicious!!!! I also enjoy the Gratin dish. I'd recommend this place to anyone who loves to try everything. This is a international restaurant and they cook each dish accordingly to their country roots.
(4)
Brian M.
This place was a joy, from start to finish. I've visited both of the related establishments, Tapeo (v good) and Dali (overrated), but have to say this is definitely the pick of the bunch. The overall ambience is quite feminine; but in the fun, sexy sense rather than a cuddly toy / 'hold my bag' way. In terms of dress code, it is actually somewhere you'd make an effort for. Jeans are fine, but maybe paired with shoes and a shirt rather than sneakers and a T-shirt. The food we sampled I can divide into three categories; good, excellent and superlative: Very good: * Brie en Croûte - Brie, walnuts, bacon in puff pastry * Duck a l'Orange Crepes * Gratin Dauphinois Excellent: * Bracioletta - pork rolls stuffed w/ cheese, pancetta, garlic * Chicken Kiev - with a twist - mushrooms Superlative: * Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse...I could have eaten these all night * Grilled Eggplant Napoleon...wonderful...especially considering I don't really like eggplant Service was excellent; the staff were very friendly and very helpful - little touches like giving us a heads-up that our table would be ready shortly. All in all, a great experience, soon to be repeated
(5)
Kristen F.
Saturday night - roommies birthday so we decide to have a girls dinner and 8 of us went to Cuchi Cuchi. I expected a tapas restaurant. What I got was so much more and then some. We walked in and immediately felt like we had gone back in time to the 1920's flapper era. Are we here to eat or are we here to try on fun wigs and costume jewelry? Do we have time for a movie montage? A definite nod to the prohibition period speakeasy as we were greeted by women in wigs and hats and brought to a booth made up of a large coffee table, day bed, and cushion-y bench. The drink menu was filled with fun cocktails such as the TickleYourBrain and the LetMeEntertainYou. Our waitress was adorable. Annamarie was so much fun and was dressed in a slinky red number with tassels hanging, and black elbow length gloves. We had the Chicken Kiev, Cuban Cigars, Artichoke Hearts, Baked Brie... just to name a few. Delicious. Plates are small so we ordered a couple rounds of each. Annamarie was fine with keeping them coming. The whole experience was a blast... a perfect spot for a girls night. Not so sure this would have been a spot for the boys, as was proven later when we met up and they all asked how Vagina Vagina was. *Siiigh silly boys* A bit expensive but worth it. You gotta try it. Get there early - the place gets packed! And if you really want to get crazy wear a bright colored wig - they'll love it and you'll fit right in!
(4)
Eric B.
This is a great place-with an emphasis on cocktails...my favorite being the "some like it hot" a martini with srihachi and gorgonzola stuffed olives. The food is tapas style and always enjoyable...I just wish there was more volume of food for your money. Desert was awesome-we got the banana bread ice cream thing..delicious. My only complaint is that they don't take reservations after a certain time and you feel rushed to leave. I don't like being stressed out about enjoying dinner and drinks and feeling pressured to get a move on. When you're spending a lot of money you shouldn't be treated like that-between 7 of us we spent over 500$ so let us chill a bit!
(4)
Anna R.
The ambiance is great, as well as the food and drinks. However, the waitress was extremely rude on both occasions (we went with a small group of three). Perhaps service at the bar is a better experience.
(2)
Heather B.
Excellent food, wonderful decor, perfect for a fun weekend dinner. Hard to find a bad dish on the menu.
(5)
Angelina C.
Cuchi Cuchi has been on my "places to take my little sister" list for a while and I finally got the chance! The catch was that we were after a table late one weekend and still were unsure if some friends were joining us. Upon arriving and seeing a packed bar, I put my name in for a table, we sat down within a few minutes and my sis got a text saying that the two people who might join us turned into four. With a smile, we told our server of the situation. She talked to the hostess and they were able to square off the table adjacent to ours for the crew. At 11 pm. On a Saturday. Saved! Also: 1. Banana bread pudding 2. Pisco Sour done right 3. The party dresses worn by the staff are bought by the restaurant's owner. I'm not sure if that's really creepy or really cool.
(4)
Holly W.
God damn this place is fabulous. Do you love feathers? And boozing with friends in a place where you feel grown up and classy? Come here. Throughout the course of the evening I had several of their very delicious alcoholic beverages. Normally I am a dollar draft kind of girl (hello recession.. ), but at Cuchi Cuchi i went all out. And it was worth it. Orient Express? Why not. SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime? Don't mind if I do... After getting sufficiently liquored up at the bar, we were seated at the COOLEST TABLE EVER. And those of you that have sat there know what I'm talking about. The one in the corner? with the lights? mmhmm... All in all, the nine of us ordered 21 plates of food and I have absolutely no regrets. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Everything was fantastic. There were deifnitely some highlights: number one - the brie with apples, walnuts and bacon.. in a puff pastry. good lord. We ordered three. Following that would have to be the deep fried tomato, the cuban cigars, eggplant napoleon, tuna tartare cornets and the indian lamb. And this awesome potato gratin dish. Sadly, there was no cuchi cuchi dessert to be had at the end of the meal, since it was a friend's birthday. Instead we had this fabulous cake from some crazy family owned italian bakery in Greenwich, CT. unreal. must review them next... Definitely go here! Oh and prepare to spend half your paycheck.
(5)
Lauren K.
I went here the other night with a group of eight people for the first time. I knew what to expect from some of the past reviews but was still a bit disappointed. The small plates are very small and extremely overpriced. I ordered the Moroccan Chicken Tagine, which is a steep $18 for a medium plate. The dish was good but it was not a true tagine. Perhaps I should have gotten that hint when I ordered and the waitress said "Oh, the taNgine?" Sure- that'll do.... Aside from the overpriced tiny plates the service was a little quirky. Everyone's food came out at very different times and I had to cover mine with another plate so that it would not get cold. I think that because most people share this isn't usually a big deal, but the waitress knew we weren't sharing and should have brought it all at once. The drinks and the drink menu redeem this place. The drinks are fresh, fun and delicious. They have a great cocktail list from which to choose and they are made with fresh fruit ingredients. Beware that when ordering drinks in a group it takes a long time for them to come- order your next one when she brings a new drink! So if you're in the mood to have some good drinks and explore a different theme, Cuchi is your place. If you are looking for great food I would suggest going down the street to Craige or across the street to Salts where you'll probably get more food for your dollah. (Yes, you read that right: more bang at those two than at Cuchi!)
(3)
Katie B.
One of the gems I miss most about Boston. Chicken Kiev, drinks with the gals... too bad they stopped making the blended drinks... the Blue Cuch was my favorite. Anyhow, I highly recommend it.
(5)
Thuy L.
What an awesome place!!! After a friend suggested going there after reading some reviews, we decided to go (as a group with 10 girls). This restaurant does not take reservations and you better make sure that if you do have a big group, that you have everyone there....otherwise you won't be seated. After telling everyone to arrive at 7:30, we didn't get seated until about an hour later. The drinks were the prominent items on the menu. I think they had more cocktails than they did food items. Yes, this place serves tapas-like portions in small plates and the items very much resemble items you might get at a tapas restaurant, but don't let them hear you call it tapas. They said that it was "international cuisine" and not just strictly "tapas." Okay then. The food was excellent. The portions were small, but that's what they are. We split up into pairs so that it would be easier to order. We got a plate with duck l'orange, a thing with gorgonzola cheese fried with mussels, and we got some kind of vegetable. Everything was excellent. They even had a vegan and gluten-free menu for my friend who is allergic to gluten. I was very surprised and very delighted that our friend could enjoy some of the food as well. I had the vespar as my cocktail and it was absolutely delicious. A little bit of gin, a little bit of vodka, some lemon zest, its so delicious that once you taste it, you never want anything else...so james bond said:) Our waitress had a little bit of attitude that we could have done without. She was this small woman of about 5' tall and when 2 of the girls said that they didn't order something, she came over and said disagreed with them. I will definitely go back. Can't wait til the next time. And with a name like cuchi cuchi...you dont' want to miss it.
(4)
Lance S.
Stopped in (early) on a weeknight recently. Have always wanted to try and finally got around to it. Man have I been missing out! First off, a creative and exceptional martini list. The newly updated Thai Basil martini was outstanding and alone worth the price of admission. Food was creative and of very high quality - we had a variety of small plates with no disappointments. The atmosphere is funky, fun and unpretentious. What more do you want from an evening out. Enjoy.
(5)
Natalie M.
I am always pleased with the food and drink here! I dined here last night and was reminded that when I am paying for excellent food, drink and atmosphere, I also expect great service. Sometimes, people forget about genuine hospitality and are just interested in turning tables. With that said, when you dine at Cuchi Cuchi next, ask for Katie P. She epitomizes what a great server should be, valued her tables and was very accommodating even with the pressure of a bustling Thursday night crowd.
(4)
Sumaiya R.
I came here on a Wednesday night for a few drinks and dinner. I had heard rave reviews from a few friends of mine and many yelp reviews. So I thought I'd give it a shot. I ordered the Mulan Rouge and it was very delicious! We also ordered the oysters and mushrooms. Neither me or my friend were impressed with the Mushrooms. They were drenched in a sour lemon sauce. The oysters however were very good. I can't forget the Tiramisu which was delicious! I'd go here for the fabulous drinks and decor, not so much for dinner.
(4)
Karl R.
Cuchi Cuchi is an eclectic restaurant with a delicious menu to match. If you love the 1920s and flappers (or consider yourself a flapper), then you must give Cuchi Cuchi a visit. Although it took a while for a server to show up and take our order, the service was very entertaining and friendly and significantly sped up as the night carried on. Came here with my girlfriend and shared 3 dishes. BE WARNED: this restaurant serves mini-entrees, so don't get fooled by the prices on their menu. To satisfy 2 bellies, my girlfriend and I ordered 3 dishes and a side of bread. Here were the choices: - Brie en Croute: amazing. You need to really like cheese though. If you do, then you MUST give this a try. It was phenomenal. - Mexican Deep-Fried Tomato: this was a very interesting looking dish on the menu and I'm glad we ordered it. It was very tasty. It even comes in a savory mole sauce. I would definitely order this again. - Cuban Cigar: very good, possibly delicious depending on your tastes. Everyone on Yelp talked about how amazing the Cuban Cigar is, and it is very good. The meat is tender and juicy. HOWEVER, I picked up a slight taste of nori (seaweed paper) in the outside pastry layer. Call my crazy, but when I pointed this out to my girlfriend she said she could taste it too. She likes nori whereas I'm not a huge fan, so this flavor prevented me from loving the dish. Maybe the flavor is supposed to represent the smoky cigar taste? I don't know. But you have been warned. NOTE: The dish likely does not have any seaweed in it, I just noticed a flavor similar to it. Overall the dinner was fabulous. I want to come back again and try out some of their other dishes. I would have given Cuchi Cuchi 5 stars if they were slightly cheaper. We were charged $2 for bread (somewhat lame considering the price of their dishes). I've had food of this quality but with much larger portions for the same price. Just saying. Maybe you are paying for the atmosphere...
(4)
Jatin R.
The goal of a great restaurant is not just to provide great food, but a great experience as well. Cuchi Cuchi does both, and, hence, is a great restaurant in my opinion. When I walked in I was charmed by the lavish outfits the attractive staff wear. Hats, feathers, neck-ties. Very cool! I began with a drink at the bar: a Pegu Club. Absolutely perfect. The drink list reflects old classics from history that have been resurrected (Pegu Club was apparently a favorite of the Brits in Rangoon, circa 1920s). The Food: my reviews only apply to vegetarian food. We ordered a fried tomato dish, a fried artichoke dish, and the gratin daphinois. Everything was delicious, well prepared, and generous in portion.
(5)
Polite G.
I had heard about this place endlessly, people talked, and talked about it and I was curious to try the food and decor. I was underwhelmed. First on the food, not bad, but not fantastic. Just good but a bit overpriced for what you are getting. We had the garlic shrimp, the risotto, the artichokes, and ordered some bread. It was enough for 2 of us but we ate absolutely everything. The amount of food you get is not quite enough for what are paying. The place feels pretentious and overdone, probably because it is in Cambridge and not in Los Angeles or New York. We arrived at 5:45 PM. and were told we could not have a table because all their tables were reserved for the evening. I found this quite strange, a restaurant that does not have a table for walk-ins? Not a single table? Very strange. I wouldn't make a special trip to go back to Cuchi Cuchi and eat or have drinks.
(3)
Curt W.
4 stars because of the food, not so much the service. Not that the service was terrible, it's just that the folks next to us who had the tall, male waiter got much better advice and attention then we did with our short, bob-cut female waitress. We noticed that he (& we will request him next time!) politely offered to stagger the plate delivery to the table of the folks next to us. Our chick didn't, and so she brought it all at once, so, food got cold. We expect a high-end place like this to have consistency in their staff training. stagger it a bit! or ... we should know to only order two plates at a time if they are inept at this basic level of service. As for the food, most excellent choices were the oysters, fried artichokes, potato croquettes and the eggplant napoleon. fantastic and the food looks just like it does on their website. tip: get the small 2 dollar bread basket for 3 nice warm rolls, to sop up all the great sauces. the large gets you 4 rolls. drinks: the moulin rougue is like an alcoholic smoothie, delicious and recommended. its tough choosing a drink from the wide selection. bottom line: nice place for a different sort of up-scale dinner out, as long as you get good service you will leave happy!
(4)
Drew D.
Cuchi Cuchi has latched onto a concept that is great in theory but hard to come through on. Fortunately, it does so masterfully. International tapas can make for some strange bedfellows on the table but the potential combinations are awesome. Between my friend and I, we shared Spanish, Thai, Russian, Italian, and French foods along with some bread and fabulous cocktails. Though not all of the food matched perfectly, there were some pleasant surprises. The crisp Thai salad paired amazingly with the rich Beef Stroganoff, as one example. The portions were perfect and more generous than other tapas places I can get to. Inevitably, tapas can make for an expensive meal because there are so many things that each person wants to try. As long as you come with the expectation of spending a bit more than you might on a standard three course meal, the price is perfectly reasonable. The cocktail list is truly a sight to behold, almost to a fault. There are so many choices that we had not even looked at the food menu the first time our waitress came to ask if we were ready to order. When combined with the myriad of food options, this can be a bit dizzying. I tried one with thai basil and lime that was really refreshing, and my date had a rose flavored martini that was really unique, in the good way. The smell and taste of the rose were there but they weren't overpowering or diminutive in any way. I also cannot speak to dessert here because we ended up going to Toscanini's down the street but I bet that their creative takes on international sweets are as successful as their savory ones. The servers are exuberant in their personalities and their dress; they make you feel as if you have walked into the world's greatest cabaret show. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, and everyone was incredibly friendly. I had a great experience and I will definitely be back again.
(4)
A Z.
This is what you'd call a unique little restaurant worth trying out. You might love it, you might hate it, but it's worth going at least once. So I'm a vintage nerd, and I appreciated the waitresses dressed up like flappers, even though some of them did a better job than others. Our waitress in particular was actually a tiny bit scary. With that said, this is a theme restaurant, but I felt like the theme was a little loose. I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm, even some classic music, but we didn't even hear Doris Day pop on until about 10 minutes before we were about to leave, Anyway, food. They ask that you don't call their plates "tapas", but lets face it, they're tapas. They claim their plates are bigger than traditional spanish tapas, but we left hungry even though we ordered five or six. My guest in particular wasn't a gigantic fan of this place. Between the theme and overpriced small portions (and yes he does like tapas), I do't think I'd get him back here again. I didn't hate it but I agree the portions ARE tapa sized, but double priced. We didn't order anything that was particularly delicious and left feeling like we needed another meal.
(3)
Cara J.
Love Cuchi. It's a wonderful exotic place. The food is always fabulous - although I will say a bit scant these months. Usually bread comes with an entree - I had to ask. The bartenders are good - although the "chronic cocktail muddling" as I sat at the bar got a bit annoying, with ice splashing over everywhere. She was in a hurry I suppose. She moved away when my food came and apologized. The psychic was not too good - very quick to take the cash - reading was low-to-mediocre and short. I believe the "psychics" come from the tea room in Boston. I was somewhat intrigued, but have had much better readings. For 20 bucks, they should give a good 20 minutes. It was half of that. I didn't even bother to write anything down. Food and service otherwise, is good.
(4)
Joe R.
Very swank with a cool crowd, fascinating martinis, and excellent food. I can't go the full five-star route, though, as I felt it was overpriced for what it was. I find that I think tapas joints are almost always overpriced, though. Many of the martinis are made with fresh ingredients. For example, if you order the strawberry & basil martini, they throw several large strawberries and a few sprigs of basil in a glass and grind it up. Definitely a hip spot to show your class if you have the bling to back it.
(4)
sara m.
Don't go here so I can get a seat at the bar!!! The decor reminds me of when I was really little and we lived with my grandma. I should take her here. My favorite bartender is the hot dreadhead, favorite dish is the risotto, favorite drink salome's potion. Oh and they spank you with a tambourine on your birthday.
(5)
Michel R.
I will give it a four for the food. Tapas style from all over the world. (not just spanish) The atmosphere is definitely ahem... eclectic to say the least. So if you are into wigs, dressing up etc... the ambiance was definitely made for you. I must say that the name is a bit misleading (or at least I thought so) because the food is really really good. Definitely try the lamb, the ceviche and the short steak
(4)
Dan C.
What is so great about Cuchi Cuchi? Um, have you ever heard of the 1920s? Flappers? Art Deco? Tapas? Okay, I'm not sure tapas were on the menu back in 1920, but with the stock market crash and great depression, portions probably shrank to tapa size (speaking of which McDonalds is releasing the "I'm still hungry, but can maintain life function" burger, only $1.29+tax). Mirroring our current, or current up until the point where everyone realized poor people who couldn't afford ridiculous loans just wouldn't pay them, culture Cuchi Cuchi offers an extravagant experience with a price tag that will let you keep your house another month. The bar offers mixologists. If you are not sure of what a mixologist is there here is a little analogy for you: mixologist:bartender::Emeril Lagasse:guy who fries wings at Hooters These alcohol pouring geniuses kick it old school with turn of the century classics like the Blood and Sand made with equal parts scotch, fresh orange juice, cherry brandy, and sweet vermouth. If you are interested in just libations, the bar gets packed pretty quick, so get ready for that awkward "stand and chat while holding your coat" with your date. The menu was most likely decided by throwing darts at a map as almost every popular genre is included. In the mood for couscous? Head on down Moroccan way for that savory nutty treat. Wantons representative of China are also quite good. Personally, being the fascist (and mild communist?) that I am go for the rainbow tour: Grilled Skirt Steak and the risotto, which is to die for. The portions are small and made to be shared, but expect to get two, as there is a $20 food minimum per person per table. Split a sangria over dinner and you wont regret it, trust me...just do it. Deserts are on the meh side, but they have quite the collection of after dinner drinks, impress her by ordering a digestivo and pronouncing it correctly (Dee-jess-TiVo). If desert is a necessity, head towards central to Toscanini for some ice cream (until they get closed for still not paying taxes). The waitress are dressed in a deco flapper style which is fun to say the least. There is parking outside so you wont have to run down Myrtle (Great Gatsby reference). Dinner will run you at least in the $80 with tip and all. Bottom line:Go here, she will be all "Wow, this place is so cool, and historical." Then you can be all like, "You should see my summer house in Ireland--its a castle."
(5)
Denise W.
I only went here for drink with my girls, so this review is just about that. Pros: - SICK decor, like they went all out, even the waitresses and hostesses are in costume to convey the flapper era thing - amazing martini list, which our waitress navigated brilliantly when answering our questions and gave us great recommendations - relatively near to Central Square, an easy walk Cons: - $15ish per drink = way too rich for my blood = the -1 star This place really is awesome but, as my friend said, unless you're rollin in the dough, you probably wouldn't get more than one drink here. Otherwise, I was thoroughly impressed and would recommend it to anyone if even just for the experience.
(4)
Vivian W.
Cuchi Cuchi. ONE MILLION stars for you. You are the new love of my life. Or maybe that's just the bar menu in my belly talking. No matter. Here's the deal. When I told my husband I was going out with my bitches to Cuchi Cuchi he thought we were going to a strip bar. When I told the adorably and over-the-top gay dude at the MAC counter I was going to Cuchi Cuchi he asked me if it was a new lesbian hangout (seriously). At this point, I had pretty low expectations despite the great buzz about this joint because if I have to use that much energy to explain that it's a relatively G-rated adventure I'm not sure it's worth it. 25 minutes later, after squeezing into a spot at the bar and being presented with a bar menu and yummy rice bar snacks, I realized that yes. It is definitely worth being mistaken for a pervert by all of Facebook for a Cuchi Cuchi status update. I have NEVER been to a place with better, or more inventive drinks. Even if the food hadn't been off the chart delicious, I'd still be out of my mind over this spot for the "Some Like It Hot" martini. Amazing how the addition of sriracha to a Ketel One dirty martini makes a difference. I would never have though of that. And that's why this place rules. Because you'll have the same general impression I did- you'd never have thought of pairing the flavors that are in your mouth together. But they work, and you'll just want to eat them again and again. Other highlights that didn't go without notice: the fried artichoke, the raw tuna coronets, and the devestating chocolate gateau with cherry sauce. Also, I'd like to fill my bathtub with the garlic shrimp and get in for a swim. The garlic butter sauce they come in is just that fantastic. Only potential downside is the wait- though in my book when the drinks are so varied and fantastic, the wait may actually be a benefit as you get to drink more than one before dinner. You'll be happy to have the extra time to try out the Thai Cocktail or Strawberry Basil Martini. So, Cuchi Cuchi. Your name sounds like a Nevada Brothel. But man, do you have the food/drink thing figured out. I think I love you more than my husband. It's our secret. Just between us ladies of the night.
(5)
So S.
food = 3.5 starts, pretty good but pricey (I prefer their sister restaurant, DALI and TAPEO) service: see review below I use to frequent this place but now I will try to find other alternatives I had a company party here last Thursday and I was very disappointed in them. I had a spreadsheet with all the details for them to follow and they did not do anything I requested. The servers were very nice but the owner could have been more attentive to details and more accomodating. Overall, the company party ended up ok. However, the owner (after making the money) started being extremely rude to people who stayed after the party. These people paid for their own drinks! Not cool and I will convince my company not to do business with them anymore.
(1)
Matt T.
Like their sister restaurant, Dali, more than half the appeal is the decor and the gloriously attired and friendly waitstaff. Also like Dali the menu consists of small plates (but the menu insists that you don't call it tapas, since that's just for Spanish dishes and this is more international - the plate's country of origin is listed next to each one), so it'll get pricey if you want a decently-sized meal, but I think the point is to order several dishes among your group and share. Reservations are recommended, it fills up fast. The prices make it a place only for special occasions for me, but that's what I choose it for.
(4)
Jeffrey H.
The chick flick of dining. The Moulin Rouge of restaurants. A straight man's worst nightmare. A gay man's wildest dream. And I feckin' love it. Cuchi Cuchi is not just a restaurant - it's an experience. Your waitress - she's a performer. The food - it's a sensation. The menu features a wide variety of cocktails as well as small plate items for your liking. My personal recommendation would be the following (try not to climax as I copy and paste from their website): *Fried Artichoke Hearts filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil *Chicken Kiev - Melted butter, mushrooms & herbs inside crispy chicken breast (place order early as item may sell out) *Cuban Cigar - Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/ black bean salsa Words cannot explain the space but I'll try my best... Picture an antique shop. Owned by a crazy cat lady. Who left Broadway decades ago but the tap dancing still goes on in her head. This is her restaurant. From the over-the-top costumes worn by the waitresses to the Random McWhatTheHell items on the walls - this place is madness. And I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mel V.
I've had tapas before, as in Tasca tapas or Taberna de Haro tapas. But these tapas are like none other. In fact, the menu explicitly states not to call them tapas. So they're not tapas. But they're delicious.
(5)
Melissa P.
There is nothing like a girls' night out. And there is no better place to celebrate how amazing it is to have good girl friends than to have dinner and drinks at Cuchi Cuchi. I always love using the girliest language to describe this place: pretty, frilly, sparkly, bubbly, glitzy, and sassy. Indeed, the sass factor is in full effect. Case in point: I went there for a bachelorette party a couple of weeks ago and when I walked in, approached the hostess stand, and told them what kind of party it was, I got the following response: "Damn! We're losing another one?" Yes, another single girl bites the dust. And the ladies at Cuchi Cuchi were pissed. Because here, in the land of all things girly, you get to embrace what it means to put yourself and your fabulous girl friends first. But fear not, Cuchi Cuchi ladies, with your adorably sexy outfits and sleek hairdos, men love coming here too and you will see my newlywed friends once they are back from their honeymoon. Each dish on the menu is rich and flavorful, there are enough meat and vegetarian options to keep a large group happy, and reading through the drink list could probably be the best icebreaker I've ever encountered. So, get dolled up and put on your favorite outfit that you can't wear anywhere else in Boston or Cambridge. Ladies, make sure you have some rhinestones, feathers, or flowers in your hair. Sashay or swagger your way up to the bar. The wait for a table is long, but well worth it. My favorite drink: the vodka cucumber gimlet. My favorite dish is a tie between the Chicken Kiev and the Brie en Croute. Lucky for us, they recommend ordering 2-3 plates per person. All of the tapas-style dishes are served on plates painted with flowers in swirls of black, white, and pink. Most of the tables have glitter and lights embedded in them. Lines of gold sequined threads run through the curtains. The restroom has a huge, ornate vase overflowing with fresh and beautiful flowers. The lighting is dim; the colors are soft. You will look fabulous here. Your pictures will make people wonder where you were and how to get there. Whether it is a date, a birthday party, or the beloved girls' night out, Cuchi Cuchi will add that extra sparkle to any evening.
(5)
Danielle S.
I've been here so much that the waitresses know my name and tease me every time I walk in. It's one of my favorite places in Cambridge, hands down. Initially I was drawn in because of the decor and the glitziness of the waitresses' outfits (I love sparkles and dress-up), and because I'm a fan of Cuchi Cuchi's sister restaurant, Dali, I figured I'd give it ago. Some people have problems with the drinks, but I think they're delicious. From a simple Kir Royale (throwback to my days in France), to a Happiness Cocktail (sweet and delicious), there are wonderful concoctions to satisfy everyone. Cuchi Cuchi is not a tapas restaurant because it doesn't serve authentic Spanish meals. Instead, it serves small plates from around the world. My favorites are the Cuban Cigar (crispy, flaky crust and beef short ribs), the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato (cheese, avocado, and salsa), and the Gratin (potatoes and cheese). It's a great place to go with a bunch of friends to have some good food, good drinks, and a lovely chat.
(5)
shannon c.
A few months back I went to Cuchi Chuchi with a girlfriend, and it was the best food night out in forever! The atmosphere is adorable, as most people write about. I loved how cozy everything was. Everywhere you look there was something to see. And the waitress's were friendly and attentive. We were told there was going to be a 45 minute wait but we were seated just a few minutes after we got our cocktails. Oh my God were they good and worth every penny. I got something with blackberries in it and they were fresh and delish! For dinner we split 5 small plates between us. The best was the lamb-perfectly cooked and I still crave the baked brie with bacon! A great night out, a little pricey but well worth the pay. I'll be back again, perhaps for a romantic excursion next time. It definitely has that feel to it!
(4)
Lindsay W.
I am a major fan of this restaurant...primarily because of the ambiance, service, and drinks. I didn't eat anything this time, but I will be back to try the food :) We sat at a table with a translucent surface and lights installed underneath. When ever you touched surface, the lights underneath would begin to blink on and off, cascading across the table! So trippy!!! Our server was so nice despite our large size and rowdiness. The drinks I ordered were fab. They make a mean caipirinha and the ramos fizz was delightful...
(4)
Serena H.
One of those places you go once for the experience, recommend to all your friends, but never return. Why recommend it? Drinks have sexy names that match the moulin rouge decor and the servers' interesting, unique flapper costumes. Such a sweet concept. Why not return? Those aforementioned drinks are so weak and virgin you never lose yourself in the ambiance. Similarly, the food is interesting in concept and somewhat in presentation but lack the subtlety and finesse to make you salivate for more. Such sad failings. If you're looking for a kooky first-date ish kind of place, this could be your default venue. Bring the novice here and impress them with all the superficial seductive hooplah and your deep wallet. But have a backup venue just in case they're the kind to notice the cheap lace frippery, sticky menus and vapid top 40 music.
(3)
Jabe Z.
A couple friends and I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a long time now, and we finally coordinated our schedules! Unfortunately Cuchi Cuchi was a little bit of a let down. Atmosphere: fun decor--thrift-store chic, retro Hollywood! and the servers look like they're stepping out of a 1930s costume party. Drinks: the cocktail menu is extensive, and it was fun looking through and choosing. All our drinks were very tasty. Service: Good, our waitress was friendly and helpful. However there was some trouble in the restaurant computer's calculation when we asked to split the bill 3 ways, which resulted in us having to stand around for 10 minutes right before we left. The biggest disappointment was by far the food. When I'm paying $10-15 dollars for a plate of food that offers at most a few bites each for 3 people, I expect those few bites to be EFFING DELICIOUS. and, quite frankly, Cuchi Cuchi's plates are not that. The duck in our duck a l'orange crepes did not taste like much of anything, and our bracioletta (grilled pork rolls) were tough, greasy, and largely flavorless. Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, oysters, and the fried tomato were all OK but nothing was fantastic or noteworthy. Thankfully one of our desserts--the french banana bread and ice cream-- was both AWESOME and ENORMOUS, so we ended the meal on a high note. All in all, certainly not a terrible night--if I do return, I will probably stick to cocktails at the bar-- but we left feeling unsatisfied.
(3)
Zeeshan S.
I'm not from Boston; I visit now and then and go around... A lot of business dinners usually with groups of 4-10...... anyway, we showed up here 3/2012. We had a reservation (take note you people complaining about lack of attention without reservation) but since our group of 8 was not here yet they asked if we wanted to start at the bar or head to our table. We picked the bar and had a very attentive bartender. Drinks were out in a few minutes and the 3 of us were deep in business covno. A couple more showed up and the bartender got their drinks out right away. A server pointed to our table letting us know that we can head out there whenever we felt like it... Since we were taking up a decent amount of space at the bar we sat at our table. The table was a great convo piece. We had servers with great big smiles greet us. Our server asked if she could interrupt and go over the menu, and she did explaining the portions an the type of food they have and suggestions on what and how much to order (take note you over fed slobs complaining about portion sizes). We were there for hours!!!! 3? 4? And the service never stopped. I think they were getting ready to close down by the time we started to leave. The food was great! The service was great! The atmosphere was great! At some point we looked up and saw the entire bar was packed... But that did not effect our service. There was a post here speaking about "overweight" staff..... It's sad that someone would decide to write about that.... Esp when it's not true... The staff was wonderful. Look at the pictures of the food posted... The stuff is amazing!! The drinks are heavy handed so don't get carried away. ;) Anyway; because we had such a blast last time, we are going there again 10/2012 for our meeting... Looking forward to the same experience again... P.s; we drove up our bill just over $1000 in those few hours for a group of 6-8.... If this place wasn't worth it we wouldn't be coming back.... Tamara B. thank you for having such a great place!
(5)
Alicia H.
I mean, is this my new favorite restaurant in the world? Methinks yes... I came here with three other friends (I feel like 4 may be the perfect number of people to come here with btw) on a Friday night and everyone in my party was in a grouchy mood. You'd think that would pretty much ruin dinner, right? I feel like it might actually be emotionally impossible to be unhappy here - the lighting is just so, the music is relaxing (did I hear sade?), the waitresses are all decked out in ballgowns from the early 1900s, the drink menu is extensive and inspired, and the food service is perfectly timed. By the end of it you would have assumed someone had snuck happy pills into our meal. Don't be scared of Tapas dining either - I feel like I might have been scared of a full tapas-style meal, but you definitely get enough to eat and I'm definitely a double-quarter-pounder kind of gal. In short awesome meal, but also an awesome dining experience more than anything. Sure, it's pricey at the end of the day (I would budget around $60pp for the full experience - 2 plates, a couple of martinis, dessert, tip, etc.) but does that really matter if it's worth it? I would rather spend $60 here than $30 at Joe's Crab Shack anyday. It's a truly a memorable meal, which is more than I can say for lots of places I've spent more money at. And the warm feeling in your pants while you're there is just really the cherry on top....
(5)
Sadaf K.
I had dinner at Cuchi Cuchi tonight with 5 of my girlfriends. We had a 6 PM reservation (they only take reservations at 5:30, 6 or 8:30 and later) and a couple of us were a little late (~15 min) due to bad traffic on the Pike coming in from work. The hostess told the 4 of us who arrived on time that we would have to leave by 8 PM. Really? Um, weird. The space was also crowded so we were asked not to put our jackets on the back of our seats - this just made the place feel generally unwelcoming. Around 8 PM the hostess started to come by our table, give us dirty looks, hover etc. but we were waiting for our dessert and stayed seated and finished our dinner. She did this about 4 times over the course of the next 30 min. It was both uncomfortable and obnoxious. We ultimately headed out at around 9 PM. When we got the check, the included gratuity was 20%, instead of the customary 18%. Don't get me wrong - I usually tip 20% anyway, but this was a bit odd and given how rude the hostess had been, it added to the overall bad experience. The food was okay, but nothing to rave about. Our waiter was super nice - nothing bad to say about him :). That said, I won't go back.
(2)
Leah K.
This is a place that everyone must go to at least once. I find it a bit expensive, but there is no disappointment. The drinks are fabulous. The food is exceptional and creative and interesting. This place has ambiance to the nth power. The staff is incredibly friendly and genuine. In fact, I think it's a perfect place to reconnect with everyone at the end of the summer. We had our first and only "mom's night out" there many years ago. It's time for another one!
(4)
Cyndie B.
Atmosphere is unlike any other restaurant around! The staff are dressed in 40's attire and everyone was pleasant . My party felt welcomed. Be warned - the place is small and can get loud and expect to spend some serious money. But it was worth it. The cocktails are many and have fun names like Black Dahlia and Some Like it Hot. I had the AliCat and it was delicious. The plates are for sharing which makes the dinner very interactive and social. we had the artichoke hearts which though fried were light and not greasy. You can taste the basil which was not overwhelmed by the gorgonzola. My friends had the Cuban Cigar which they raved about ( I do not eat beef and so I take their word for it!). I had the Duck l'Oange crepes. The crepes were not heavy and the citrus was a good complement not overwhelming. My favorite item would have been the mushroom risotto which was cooked perfectly with just enough mushrooms but I found it a bit salty. Avoid the desserts - I think they may be shipped in and not prepared on premises. We found them dry and flavorless and hence disappointing especially after such a fine meal. We all agreed we would go back.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I went to cuchi cuchi last week for the first time for one of my bffs 3rd 29th birthday party. As others have mentioned this is a great spot for any special event. Great decor, fun vibe, cool servers in slinky dresses with Charleston headbands and a really unique drink menu. I didn't get a chance to order any food but from what I saw coming out of the kitchen everything looked very good. drinks are made with muddled fruit and fresh juices and are dangerously strong though expensive. As some of you might have surmised from my previous reviews, I have a weakness for caipirinhas. but if your husband left you for a brazilian 6 months after your wedding you would have a perverse fascination with all things brazilian too. theirs are very strong and sour. Just cachaça and lime I think. It was good, but a bit too tart and lime pulpy. The music was the highlight for me as they were playing to my utter surprise and delight, amy winehouse and cheb mami all night. The crowd was definitely over 30's and is the type of place you could feel comfortable taking your mom out to for a laugh. assuming your mom, like mine, likes to get looped on obscure cocktails and cheb mami.
(4)
Hatra M.
The atmosphere is nice and I loved the music. I saw alot of people complain about the costumes but I really loved how each waitress had a different unique costume. I loved their tiramisu it was really good but the portion was small. The gelato wasn't great it was just ok although it's expensive
(4)
Emma S.
To go to cuchi cuchi is to step into a version of the 1940's! The staff all dress in vintage clothes, awash with sequins and feathers. The cocktail list is inventive, with plenty of unique options. I got a variation on a Dark N Stormy, with lime juice and fresh muddled Ginger. The food is mostly small plates; I would suggest sharing three for two people. This is one of the most interesting and unusual places in Boston.
(4)
Priscila K.
Great ambience and good food. The dishes are small so make sure to order enough with that in mind.
(4)
Maureen H.
Last night i was a princess. First of all, the atmosphere is so unique. The wait staff was all dressed in a moulin rouge/ hot 20's type style, which was so cool. The menu is a very eclectic, but well though out combination of French, Russian, Spanish, oh gosh, really just everything. First of all - we were those people - the table that shows up last, at like 9:30, but our waitress was so chill about it - never once did we feel rushed or pressured to leave. We were intrigued by the Blood Orange options on the cocktail menu, a round of the Blood Orange Martini anf the Blood Orange Sidecar proved to be an awesome way to start out such an amazing evening. They were sweet, almost too much, I didnt want to order another, but it was just enough to start off. The portions are small, but we ordered two each and split everything, which filled both of us up. The first thing to arrive was the Seared Tune with watermelon. This was my friend's favorite dish. Everything worked so well together. The texture of the tuna, watermelon and cous cous worked so well together -very cohesive. Second arrival, the Bliny, which is a russian dish. Similar to a crepe, filled with mushrooms and topped with salmon caviar. This was my favorite. The mushrooms were so tasty and delicious, and while i was initially hesitant about the salmon caviar, it ended up being the one ingredient that really tied the dish together. Third, the Mushroom Risotto with truffle oil. This was a close call for the favorite for me. It was also very rich and filling. the creamy risotto tied in so nicely with the porcini and portobello mushrooms and the truffle oil just made it that much more heavenly. Finally the Grilled Eggplant Napolean, which was an awesome combination of roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and eggplant. The part that pulled it together for me was the goat cheese in the center. Oh and did i mention our FABULOUS bottle of Malbec? My friend loves malbec and this had such a nice spice to it. Our waitress was so knowledgeable too because the wine really did open up so much when it is allowed to breath, so she decanted it for us. Overall, this is one of my new favorites, and while i definatly cannot afford to eat here every week, i would love to be able to come back, our dining experience, from start to finish was exactly how it should be done - delicious food, good wine and awesome company. Like i said, we were the late night table and never once was i pressured to leave. Awesome. Tell the boyfriend, you want some Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)
Judith B.
Wow! First time at Cuchi Cuchi and we loved it!!! It is so unique and the decor is fun! From the moment we walked in (party of 4) we were treated wonderfully. The hostesses were friendly as was the bar tender. We had to wait for a table (did not have a reservation) and the hostess pulled 4 bar stools for us. The drinks were delicious. We were seated at the back of the restaurant behind a group of 20. They were very loud (of course because they were having fun) so it was a little difficult to hear the waiter. However, he was all about helping us choose from the menu. He knew the menu inside and out. Food was delicious. We had Indian lamb, fried oysters with shrimp, Cuban cigar, Brie, eggplant, banana dessert and ice cream. We also had wine with dinner. Food was as good as it gets as well as the service! We will be back!
(5)
Pablo S.
Great cocktails and martinis but the food it's not that great, the bar is definitely the best spot if you are just having drinks, it's also a little bit loud and service can use some help.
(3)
Alex M.
I went here for a graduation party and really enjoyed it. I can't comment extensively on the cocktails, but my party split a couple pitchers of a white sangria that was really tasty. I also had some mushroom risotto which was just delicious--warm, lush, flavorful. My girlfriend had a sort of generic Asian salad with a very nice ginger dressing. The atmosphere of the place--sort of a pastiche of impressionist era Europe--is great though one of the older hostesses (maybe an owner or manager?) was a bit dour. The other hostess was very friendly and chatted intelligently with my party about U.S. history for several minutes. My only real complaint is their menu is very vegetarian unfriendly as it is oriented to game-meat eaters. Sadly, most of your vegetarian stuff will be among the appetizers.
(4)
Derek K.
I was meeting the missus here after work on a Friday. She was late, I arrived a few minutes before closing. As it was freezing outside, they let me mull about inside until they opened, at which time I had my choice of seats at the bar. It filled up quickly, and though we didn't have a reservation we scored a table in time for food. The food was good, not great. Definiitely above mediocre though not quite excellent. I think the ambience, friendliness fo the staff and overall spirit of the place more than make up for up. Great variety on the menu--we had brie en croute, mexican deep fried tomato, tuna tartare in cones, steak chimichurri and cuban cigars--the tuna being the only immemorable one. Dessert (cheesecake) was way too small. Excellent cocktails and service, both at the bar and the table.
(4)
Bird B.
Good place to go for a unique atmosphere. The owner/hostess wasn't very friendly and didn't seat us at the table we requested at the time of our reservation. We ordered a bunch of tapas which jacked the bill up, and we went home hungry. The food was very good, we just wished there was more of it for what we paid. We would recommend Cuchi Cuchi for drinks and light snacks but not for dinner.
(2)
Lindsey C.
My husband and I went here for my birthday a few years ago. While it's kind of a bummer they don't take reservations, it was ok, because we had some great drinks at the bar while we waited. Their food is great, their service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was the best. I would definitely go back, but really only for a special occasion, as all those dishes can add up fast.
(4)
Jeremy and Jessi S.
Favorite place to eat in Cambridge, MA - and was lucky enough to once live down the street. Vintage french feel, mood lighting and succulent, mouth watering tapas style dishes. Anyone can find a drink on their creative bar menu, there is also a nice selection of wines. You'll want to shower and put some nice clothes on before you go, and above all, MAKE A RESERVATION! My first experience I went on a Monday evening; and my date and I drank a whole bottle of wine before getting seated. Listed now are few of the amazing treats you should consider: Cuban Cigar, Gratin Dauphinois, Brie en Croute, and for dessert, the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Enjoy!
(5)
C S.
I've dined at Cuchi Cuchi a couple of times, and now I think I have it all figured out: arrive by 6:45pm on a weekend night or you WILL wait for close to 2 hours (there aren't many tables and people linger over their small plates). Here is my tip: plan to have everyone in your party at the restaurant by 6:30pm; they won't seat you unless you're all there. If you get seated, great, but if not, make a beeline for the chairs at the bar. They fill up quickly and it's essential to get a seat at the bar if you want to order cocktails (it will take you a good 20 minutes to get drinks if you're not seated at the bar and you will have to wave like an idiot at the bartender from behind the seated patrons). Once you're seated at the bar, order a pitcher of clerico and get comfy because you're going to be sitting there for a while. The food here is good, but it's the ambiance and alcohol people come for. It's a great place to celebrate with a group of friends-- the waitresses dress up, the plates are meant to be shared, and they have fabulously festive cocktails made by excellent bartenders. Don't bother going to Cuchi Cuchi if you're in the mood for gourmet food or a quiet evening. And for God's sake get there early to grab a table!
(3)
Naitasia H.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi back in November. It had been on my list of places to try for quite a while. It was a friend's birthday so we made a reservation and we got to sit at the table that lights up like lite-brite. I liked the 20's-flapper atmosphere a lot; it's a very eclectic place and full of quirky knick-knacks. But I think if Dali and Cuchi Cuchi combined it would be perfect. The food was interesting and we tried a bunch of different items; but the drinks were trying too hard- so that's why it gets a 3. I definitely think everyone should try it; especially that deep fried tomato (scrumptious!!)
(3)
Natural A.
If I could combine Cuchi Cuchi w/ Dali (their sister restaurant) I would! I love the tapas and food from Cuchi, but prefer the atmosphere at Dali. The servers at Dali are also more friendly, but maybe grouchy staff is part of the ambiance at Cuchi Cuchi! The atmosphere is eccentric! Be prepared to wait as service is slow. The food is worth your wait, because it is delectable!!!!
(4)
Jason L.
This place is fabulous. The decor is loud and a little ridiculous but still on the classy side of things. The drink list is extensive and has a great selection of old fashioned classic drinks. All of the dishes are very creative and taste amazing. It gets pricey quickly but is worth it for a nice dinner out. We thought the Savory Cornets with Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse and the Brie en Croute were excellent and the dessert we had, French Banana Bread Extravaganza, was amazing (and enough to stuff four people easily). Service was outstanding!
(5)
Jimmy Z.
HIgh-energy, razzle and dazzle with a twist of Bohamian snap, Cuchi Cuchi draws focus not only to the food but the ambiance and decor. Although the drinks are tortuously weak and the slightly-off-the-beaten menu a shade more expensive and brashly toss together (if I wanted my Fried Artichoke Hearts to be fibrous, I would have walked next door to Bertucci's), Cuchi Cuchi is, unequivocally and unbashfully, ... an experience.
(4)
Shirley Y.
i love cuchi cuchi! if restaurants had a theme, cuchi cuchi's would be to celebrate a woman's sensuality. the place is just chock full of fun, eclectic girly-girliness, from the flowers in the bathroom, to the costumes the servers wear, to the mannequin who presides over the front dining area above the pressure-sensitive lighted glass cocktail table. there are actually 3 mannequins that are rotated, and each of the 3 have 4 dresses. the mannequin actually has a name, which i believe is conchichi? the establishment was actually founded by 3 women, one of whom is the wife of the founder of dali in somerville. like dali, the atmosphere is fun and sensual. unlike dali, the place is full of light during the day and more open. their cocktail menu is a delight. it takes up 2 full pages for their inventive cocktails along with dessert cocktails on another page. they have a full bar, but i love their "some like it hot" martini made with sriracha, the thai chili sauce. they also serve shots in such a classy manner, in the form of after dinner dessert cocktails in "bottoms up" glasses [literally a woman draped over the bottom of the glass so one cannot put down the glass unless the drink is finished]. their food is fabulous. they are served in small portions that encourage people to share. personal favorites of mine are the fried artichoke hearts, moroccan lamb tagine with couscous, sizzling garlic shrimp, brie en croute, duck crepes, grilled indian lamb and the skirt steak. the flavors and textures are amazingly perfect. i am salivating as i am writing this. with a name like 'cuchi cuchi,' it is harder to get my contractor guy friends to come here, and especially not without comments such as "should i bring dollar bills?" i successfully hoarded a 20-person party at this location in the back room for an end of project celebration. it is well worth it, as demonstrated by their daily crowds after work [they do not open until 5pm] and for dinner.
(5)
Sue P.
Absolutely loved this place! Went there for my birthday and had a wonderful time. The food was amazing and drinks were delicious (but a little pricey). Had a little of almost everything, but absolutely must try the Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (it just melts in your mouth), Chicken Kiev, and the Grilled Indian Lamb. Now, I must say, I'm not the biggest lamb fan, in fact, I try to stay away from it as much as possible! But after having the lamb at Cuchi Cuchi, I'm willing to try other lamb items. To top it off, you must have the French Banana Dessert--we were literally trying to lick every drop of it. As for drinks, try the Candy from a Stranger, that was delicious! The atmosphere is fantastic--low lighting with great antique-like decor. Love the flapper dressed waitresses. They provided great service and even sang me happy birthday! Wonderful first experience, can't wait to go back and try the "Diva Night" experience.
(5)
Nan T.
I love this place - the staff is incredibly friendly, and the atmoshpere is top-notch! The drinks are made from reall fruit, not lame bar mixes that most establishments rely on. The only reason I would give this 4 stars as opposed to 5 is that I think the menu could be expanded.
(4)
Carolyn S.
Being such a fan of Dali's, I was really looking forward to trying out its sister restaurant, Cuchi Cuchi. The cute little spot has an excellent selection of delicious-sounding cocktails (I couldn't drink, but my friends all gushed over the Blood Orange Sidecars and the Happiness Cocktails - had I not been on these proton-pump inhibitors, I would have gone NUTS over this extensive drink menu.) The ambience was more spacious and light than at Dali's. I especially loved the beautiful stained glass windows behind the bar (from the 1890's and formally housed in a Chicago.) The only drawback to this place is that you are not allowed to sit in the restaurant area unless everyone orders an entree - as a result, later in the evening the bar area gets backed and the tables empty out. We patiently waited until a bar table opened up and then planted ourselves for the rest of the evening. We began with the Caspian Heaven (Russia), with a roasted fingerling potato, crispy, fried oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce. This was good. I ate half the plate myself. We also had the classic sizzling garlic shrimp dish, which was very similar to the Dali's version. The shrimp wontons (China) had a mixed following. I loved them - light shrimp filled wonton wrappers, boiled not fried, with a sliver of pickled ginger on top. My friends were not huge fans - the ginger was a little overpowering. The Brie en Croûte, was basically a baked brie in puff pastry with walnuts and bacon. I couldn't really taste the walnuts or the bacon, but the brie was great on the hot rolls that came with our meal. The Duck a l'Orange Crepes (France) were possibly my favorite dish (although I should tell you about dessert) w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette. The duck was moist, flavorful and extremely "meaty" wrapped in a deliciously light crepe with a hint of orange in that citrus sauce. Yum! I avoided the Cuban Cigar, which had beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa. The dish looked unusually phallic and heavy so I stuck with the other dishes instead. My friends were not especially impressed by the flavor of this dish. Disappointingly the side dishes, the "middle eastern" Rice Pilaf, and Gratin Dauphinois (France), had very unappealing flavors or lack of flavors. I would not bother with these at all. Stick with the warm bread rolls instead. For dessert we tried the tiramisu - light and authentic-tasting, but too heavy on the rum. The chocolate cake with liquor-infused cherries was TO DIE FOR. This was possibly the most delicious chocolate cake I have had for as long as I can remember. The cake was warm, moist and chocolately - not too sweet and perfectly complimented by the booze-y cherries. Fabulous. I would go back just for the cake (and the crepes!)
(4)
rewan a.
I really like this place. I went with a large group and prayed that there would be room for all of us. We chose not to sit and stood at the bar area instead. I informed the manager (possibly the owner?) that it was my sister's birthday and we have a cake, etc. She was so helpful and polite. Arranged to have plates and silverware for us even though we brought the cake with us. The drinks are awesome- I had the ginger martini. Also, the waitress with long dreadlocks was really sweet and has the most beautiful hair ever. Definitely check this place out :)
(5)
Dessa R.
I adore Cuchi Cuchi. This tapas bar (don't let them tell you differently) is hoppin! The waitresses wear extravagant flapper gear, the atmosphere is a ridiculous exaggeration of a martini lounge, which just adds to the charm, and the menu boasts of unusual and flavorful combinations of small dishes. Cuchi Cuchi's most drawing asset is their cocktails. They offer a variety of classic cocktails which are fantastic, but I recommend trying one of their original cocktails, which are hands down some of the best drinks I've ever had, EVER. They frequently include unconventional ingredients, like muddled blackberries, basil, or fresh ginger. A few words to the wise, however- it tends to be jam-packed with exorbitantly long wait times on Friday and Saturday nights, so try going on a weeknight. Be prepared to eat tapas style, ordering 2 or 3 dishes per person for dinner-- so if you're thrifty, try going for just a drink and just 1 dish as an appetizer. Lastly, those $12 drinks and little tasty dishes add up quickly over the night, so don't be stunned when you get the bill. So completely worth it. Five stars for creative delicious dishes, silly gaudy decor, amazing cocktails, and for being just a block away.
(5)
jennifer j.
As other reviewers have said, the decor is... interesting. I thought the food was good but expensive. I'd recommend the garlic shrimp (my favorite), strip steak with chimichurri sauce (tender and flavorful), cornitas with tuna (nice new dish-- like a hand roll in a crispy shell), eggplant napoleon (nice and tomatoey), and the avocado stuffed with seafood. We also had the mushroom risotto, scallops provencale, and seared tuna, which were fine but not as good as the other dishes. Random, but no refills on the smallish glass of soda you order. They tell you to order 2-3 dishes per person, but we found eight plates was WAYYYY too much for the three of us (and we're not dainty eaters). Here's a link to their menu: cuchicuchi.cc/menu.html Summary: good food, but quite expensive. With a drink, $30+/person. Probably a good option for a first date (lots of decor to talk about, upbeat/not too quiet music, a bit different than the average restaurant), a once-in-a-while treat, or a small girls' dinner before a bachelorette splurge. Worth trying, but not a "regular staple."
(4)
Samantha B.
Great! I recently went here with some friends to celebrate a birthday. It was a funky, fun atmosphere - great for a date or a get together with a group of people. We had so much fun. The service was wonderful - the hostess was so kind and was great about keeping us in the loop regarding our wait time/reservation. Our waitress was really accommodating and nice. The overall experience did take a while - definitely not a place for a quick in and out bite. We were ok with that because we were having drinks and hanging out but if you're looking for someplace quick to go this probably isn't it. The food is served small plates style so we all got some foods we wanted to try and shared, which was fun. Everything - literally everything - we ordered was delicious! From our dinner food to our drinks to dessert. It was my friend's birthday and they made a huge deal out of singing and embarrassing her, which of course was fun for us! Would definitely recommend this place. Looking forward to going back!
(5)
Jackie K.
WOW!!! I went here for my sister's bachelorette party and it was tons of fun. When I walked into Cuchi Cuchi, I was taken aback by the decor of the restaurants and the outfits on the people who worked there. We were still waiting for a few people to arrive for our 6 o'clock reservation so we all got drinks at the bar. I was overwhelmed by the choices of fun drinks they had on the menu. The reason I am giving the restaurant 4 stars is because they were making us wait for our entire reservation to make it even though there were 11 of us there already. The food was great. We had the mushroom risotto, crepes, chicken kiev, but the favorite seemed to be the croquettes. I would absolutely go back to Cuchi Cuchi. They were extremely accommodating for our large table and the food came out very quickly.
(4)
Amanda B.
A few of us finally made it over to Cuchi Cuchi last night - it was amazing! Everything from the atmosphere, to the service, to the drinks, to the food and dessert were spot on. We went as a group of four and were able to try a bit of everything. We had the fried artichoke hearts and Cuban cigars because of the rave yelp reviews of these items - they did not disappoint. In addition, we had: Caspian Heaven - The hubby is from Russia so we were sure to get a couple of their Russian selections - while this was good, my husband mentioned that it wasn't super authentic in regards to how he ate when he lived there. Shrimp Wontons - these were amazing! The best way I can explain it is "sophisticated." The flavors come together in a way I never experienced before. Bliny - this was another of our Russian selections and was delicious - bonus: my hubby said it made him feel like he was back in Russia! Duck a l'Orange - delicious, but the sweetness of the dish made us mention that we almost felt like it were a dessert, until you remember there is pork in the middle. Gratin Dauphinois - fabulous, cheesy, potato goodness. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale - we could actually taste the grill on the pork rolls which was a great touch. Very yummy. One thing we couldn't help but notice throughout the meal was how well all of the garnishes on the dishes actually complemented the food; once we noticed that we made it a point to have a little of the garnish with the food. Some other highlights were: our server (I think Ana) - she was very, very educated on the menu, with great recommendations to boot; the food came out staggered, which was perfect - we never had too many plates on our tables at one time, and there was no need to rush and try everything before it got cold; we had a pleasantly long meal and were not being rushed out the door so they could turn the table. One of my best dining experiences since living in Cambridge!
(5)
Arestia R.
Cuchi Cuchi is everything a night out should be: fun, delicious food and good drinks. Sure, it was pricey, but treat yourself and you won't be disappointed. Once was with my best girlfriends for our Valentine's day dinner where we splurged. We started with drinks at the bar with Strawberry Basil Martinis all around. As we waited for our table (there were no reservations on Valentine's day, but we didn't care) we enjoyed the gypsy-like scenery. When we sat down, we decided to go for a bottoms up shot a piece and not only were they delicious, it was fun, too. You have to hold the shot because the glass doesn't allow you to put it down until your done and can put it on the dish provided upside down. We laughed and cheered to one another. The tapas style menu was so good and I am addicted to the baked brie. The food was delicious and the merriment was had by all. I definitely recommend this for a special event or a night out.
(4)
Laura K.
LOVE THIS PLACE The perfect date spot. Favorite cocktail: Black dahlia ...and I love me some marinated mushrooms. The staff are engaging and the place has a fantastic atmosphere. A bit pricey but that's to be expected considering the deliciousness.
(5)
Priya C.
tapas that has a varied and delicious vegetarian selection!? Not only is the atmosphere great, but there are actually things that vegetarians can eat and will like! The mushroom risotto is excellent and quite filling. I love the potato dish with the cheesy goodness baked in the oven. Also, the moorish rice reminds me a lot of my favorite indian dish (chana). The layered thing was good, but not my favorite. And recently I tried the fried tomato and it was delicious! This is a great place to go on a date, or for big groups and it's always a good time.
(5)
aaron t.
Great place for gatherings. Yummy food, though somewhat pricey and sparse.(tapas mainly) Good service. Exciting environment. Some tapas rocked, some were just ok. Sangria rocked! risotto was amazing. There is a wait time, but not too bad usually.
(3)
Terry S.
What can I say about a place that is willing to make me a strange a brown sugar alteration to a caipirinha and make a pretty excellent pisco sour? I suppose that I will have another. By nature, I am a beer and whiskey fan. My choices are simple and rather manly. Now, I enter this establishment and I am delivered an ovarian smack to the face that pushes my soul in the direction of lovely and girly mixed drink land. The general layout is rather feminine indeed, which, I must admit is a nice break from the normal sports bar or "cool kid" places that are littered throughout the entirety of Boston and Cambridge. I would like to mention that having dinner there is a one-time event for me. I found the dishes to be creative, but they lacked a certain something that makes them actually worth the dollar amount charged. They have a "european small portion" concept in their mind that leaves most americans going "huh? thats my plate?". Which, having lived in Europe for a number of years, there really isn't that much of small portions happening. I remember being fed quite well while living there. Anyway, sometimes its in the idea of it. The service can be daunting at times and I think its best to take your boozing opportunities with this place on more of the quiet of nights. Stumble your way out the door and feel free to make out with anyone who is willing. Have fun with the place if you haven't already.
(4)
Neno S.
This is our base pretty much. We love everyone there. They make mean cocktails and food is a bit on the fried side but it's awesome!
(5)
JeNnIfEr S.
I have always enjoyed going to Cuchi Cuchi! The atmosphere is quite unique. The Tapas are a tad on the pricey side, but not so much that I wouldn't go back. If you choose to eat at Cuchi Cuchi on a Friday or Saturday it would be wise to make a reservation... Otherwise it will be a long wait. Try the Stuffed Artichoke Hearts!
(4)
shary m.
This is a very prrretty restaurant and perfect to come with a group of girl friends, for an instant "girls night out". The vintage costumed waitresses look wonderful and work hard to keep you happy, the bartenders are total mixmasters, hand pulverizing fresh fruit and ice and choice liquors to make refreshing and intricate elixers that keep you curious for more and the tapas are all stellar. The artichoke hearts, scallops, and the risotto were all equally scrumptious. I saw some couples eating here, but I find the vibe very feminine. It would feel odd to have dinner with my boyfriend here.
(4)
Ricka P.
I love Cuchi Cuchi. I always come here on my birthday. The food, decor, and atmosphere are fabulous and unique. The scallops Provencale, bracioletta, and St. Jacob's zucchini are my absolute favorites. I always taste beautiful flavors here that I never taste anywhere else. The clerico (white sangria) is a must-try. The place is dimly/romantically lit, the service is good, and the overall atmosphere is festive and fun.
(5)
A L.
Fun decor, great drinks, good food, bad service This past Saturday night, my friends and I gathered for Ladies Night Out and made an early reservation at Cuchi Cuchi for dinner. The dcor was fun and so were the costumes the waitresses wore. The drinks were very inventive (and strong!) and the food was surprisingly yummy. All of these great things were clouded by the poor service. At the beginning of the evening, it took the waitress 15 minutes to take our drink order. I asked for bread and she informed me that after she took our order she would deliver it, but forget to get it for us. I had to ask twice before I received it. The waitress had friends at the bar that distracted her the whole evening. Fast forward to a few hours later: we had ordered two rounds of drinks and three rounds of food (translation: we spent A LOT of money) and the waitress asked us if we wanted more food or desert 3 times in five minutes. We told her we were digesting, but were considering dessert. I could tell something was fishy, considering the third time she asked, she had "back-up" with her (the hostess). Then, she informed us they really needed the table and we should pay the bill if we weren't going to order anymore. I was appalled! We spent over $250 in two hours and were willing to spend another $200 on dessert and additional drinks, but they needed us to leave. Instead of staying, we were so disgusted that we paid the bill and left to go spend our money at the Middlesex Lounge ($150). I just wanted to let the other Yelpers out there to know about my experience, so you will be forewarned on the customer service (or lack there of) at Cuchi Cuchi.
(1)
D M.
Holy Christ. There are 91 reviews for Cuchi Cuchi. I figure I may as well review it, because I have been a few times and enjoyed it a lot. They have AMAZING cocktails there, which in my opinion, if drinks start out at $9, they should be awesome. There are a lot of drinks that are muddled and involve all sorts of purees and good things. My fav? Happiness Cocktail. Also good, the Ali Cat, and the Blood Orange Sidecar. I've been here only with girls (Dorian and Shannon B.) and it's pretty perfect for a girl's night out. I've mainly just had drinks there, but the apps I've tried have ruled. Definitely a good place to go for a few cocktails or dinner; it's a great setting to relax in.
(5)
Jennifer P.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi this past weekend for the first time in 5 years. I went with a group of friends fairly late at night hoping to eat. The hostess came off as very rude and refused to seat us until the entire party was there, even though the 1 person we were waiting on wasn't eating. We stood at the bar for about 45 minutes. The drink menu is great and the bartenders were very quick. We finally sat down and had a great meal. The ribs were delicious as were all the other dishes. The cornucopia of fruit for dessert was so good. With the exception of the hostess, it was a great night.
(4)
Roberto C.
I really love their other two places in town, but I'm not sure if their prices are justified. I love good food & have a pretty good appetite, but I dropped a lot of cash here only to leave unsatiated (unless you take out a second mortgage on the house) - where I've never had this problem @ Tapeo or Dali - ever. The drinks are also cutesy & unique - but these feel like downtown (or even manhattan) prices. If you typically eat a good amount of food, you might want to eat something before going here if you're hungry.
(2)
Melanie S.
Cuchi Cuchi is wonderful! I dine here quite frequently and it has never failed to impress me or my guests. Because of its interesting seating areas, Cuchi Cuchi is ideal for both date nights and groups alike (if you are going to go with a group, be sure to request to be seated in the couch area for your meal). The drink list is quite impressive; a few great throwbacks like the French 75 and the Singapore Sling and a few specialty drinks like the Black Dahlia Darling (all of which are very drinkable, but beware...they pack a punch)! Equally as fabulous are the tapas. A short list of my favorites: the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato, St. Jacob's Zucchini, Beef Stroganoff, and the Seafood-Filled Avocado...I am getting hungry just typing this! Be sure to leave room for dessert though...the banana bread pudding is sinfully delectable!
(5)
Bree R.
When I imagine heaven, I imagine it much like Cuchi Cuchi. I mean seriously, if there's a heaven I want it to have decor, food and cocktails as beautiful as they are in Cuchi Cuchi. In fact, I love this place so much, my boyfriend was sick of hearing about how wonderful it was... that was... until I brought him here. Then he was still talking about it three days later, getting starry eyed as he recalled dishes... I left Boston five years ago and I try and get to Cuchi every time I visit. This last time I was there over Christmas and it did not disappoint. While my favorite leather clad bartender is no longer there, the drinks are still amazing. They even looked up and made some off-the-wall drink my friend asked for that wasn't on the menu. And when we left, the bartender wrote down the recipe for him. All of the food we tried from melt-in-your-mouth scallops to perfectly cooked duck crepes was simply lovely. And while it's a bit pricey, you leave completely happy and satisfied to part with your money for such delectable treats. It's really a glorious night out from food to drinks to exceptional service. I miss it already...
(5)
Tamara J.
This place is unbelievable- a true dining experience and one I will never forget. The atmosphere is a unique blend of 1920s and 1930s decor. The waitresses even dress the part! They serve old fashioned cocktails and incredible food- all types including Russian, French and more! The prices are great for the quality you get and each dish is absolutely delicious. My cousin and I loved it so much we said we wanted to meet the chef and marry him! It turned out the chef is a woman and since her name is also Tamara, we dropped the idea, but offered her our sincere thanks for an incredible meal. I will definitely go here each time I visit Boston!
(5)
Sara F.
Delicious food and great martini selection. Try the brie en croute and the blood orange martini. The waitresses and bar staff all dress in costumes -- well maybe not costumes exactly as just flirty/funky secondhand outfits involving tulle and feathers and bustiers, depending on what strikes them. My only complaints are that it's very tough to find parking and it's pretty pricey (the martinis are about $11 each).
(4)
Jezzieo O.
This is my favorite place in Cambridge - delicious food, yummy cocktails, and great service.
(5)
Abdullah A.
Amazing drinks (pisco sours!). Tapas style dishes which are extremely tasty. Not so sure of the decor, but everyone that works here is exceptionally nice. Always crowded, so either go early in the evening or try to reserve in advance for large parties.
(4)
Satori B.
This place definitely has a love/hate relationship with a lot of people. You either love it the second you walk in, or you simply hate it. I love it. The unique decor, the costumes of the staff, and the drinks are all fun and creative! It's a great place to have a cocktail (or 2) with a friend. Just be prepared to spoil yourself, as everything is pretty expensive.
(4)
R A.
I will reiterate the comment that girls LOVE this place. If you're a guy that's really the only reason for stepping foot in this place. As a guy I find Tapas annoying, it's overpriced and the portions are waaaay too small to enjoy, and this place is no exception. So from a food stand point I left very unsatisfied, still hungry, with an empty wallet but a very happy girl on my arm. The cocktails were great however. I highly recommend this place for a special night out with your girl or a big group of friends, just be prepared to hit up an ATM on your way there and a pizza place on your way home :-)
(4)
S S.
This Friday, was the second time i have been to Cuchi-Cuchi, but got a table without much wait , 20 mins, while we waited at the very packed bar. This place is bustling, very interesting decor, stuffed peacock, stained glass painted window, a water faucet and bench right in the middle of the resturant. The waitress ofcourse and dressed soo fun, with big shiny jewelery and old world spanish dresses! This place is flamboyant! But the crowd is very cambridge.The service was excellent. I recommend, artichoke dish, shrimps with ginger, and scallop tapas. The sangria was made in white and not red wine that i am generally perfer. Oh and do they celebrate B'days!! in style, with singing and music. Very fun place, should be explored with big groups
(4)
Etta M.
i have only been for food once and found it to be quite good. i have been for drinks a few times and they make a killer lemon martini! the decor is festive and the staff has always been really friendly and nice.
(5)
Eliz G.
Uh-mazing. I'll admit, I didn't go here with stellar expectations, I think b/c I couldn't quite make sense of the menu. I came here tonight for my friend's bday. 5 of us, 2 vegetarians. We ordered the Asian salad (crunchy, very fresh tasting, lots of mint), Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (faaabulous, eggplant layered with goat cheese and onions, delicious), Insalata di Liquria (nice mix of endive, gorgonzola and chestnut honey), Gratin Dauphinois (potato gratin, not too heavy/cheesy, delicious), Mushroom Risotto (very good, drizzled with truffle oil). The meat eaters also enjoyed the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp and the Cuban Cigar- which came with a tasty black bean salsa. Dessert was Cheesecake and Tartufo. Cheesecake was small but excellent. Tartufo was good. Came with strawberry (meh), pistachio and mexican chocolate ice cream. The staff could not have been kinder. From seating us well before our reservation time, as we were early, to triple checking for gluten content, to making a fabulous birthday presentation, they completed a delicious and very enjoyable evening. The decor is awesome as well.
(4)
Bernice S.
Dress to impress, take a taxi, take a guy on each arm, flirt with the bar tenders, order decadent tapas and exotic cocktails, make out in the bathroom, lounge salaciously on the settee... it won't be long before you wonder, "is this a restaurant or a boudoir?"
(5)
Mariko W.
Fantastic! Everyone was friendly and I love the eccentric decor. Only problem was that the table we were at was so tiny.
(4)
Oleana B.
This is my favorite restaurant. I have been coming here for years. Yes, they did change the ingredients on one of my favorite blood orange martini to a point of no recognition but this is what you get for going to the same place too many times. The drinks are made wit fresh fruit and alcohol and are delicious. My favorite is the Raspberry Beret (well used to be Raspberry Beret and Blood Orange Martini but .. ) made with 10+ ingredients which include fresh raspberries and ginger. The food is what seems to be international tapas. Some of my favorite ones are blini with caviar, liver pate and grilled eggplant napoleon but everything else I tried is very good. The place has some interesting decor and the wait staff is dressed up as if they are attending a halloween party and the costumes are always different.
(5)
Enrique D.
really awesome place. go with friends or a date and its just always a nice time. the food is awesome. id say u can order a bunch of apps to share and call it enough. the drinks are delicious. the bartenders here are what they should be. they know art of making a drink. mixology vs. bartending. the atmosphere evokes relaxation and conversation. u gotta se the decor and the attire the staff is in... its just unique and really worth seeing.
(4)
Ed M.
This place was amazing...the food was delicious and worth the wait for a table. Full of people and waitresses dressed like they are in a burlesque show. Great atmosphere with noise all around but low enough to have a conversation. Can get a little pricy but again, totally worth it. Only complaint I had was no red wine sangria available, only white wine sangria which is not nearly as good. Look forward to going back for dinner again!
(5)
Amelia L.
If you know nothing about Cuchi Cuchi, instead of reading reviews go to their website and look around. Look at their menu, look at pictures... what you see is a pretty good preview for what to expect when you go. I actually thought the pictures were a joke. They are not. Waitstaff is fully decked out which is a lot of fun if you like to dress up when you go out - since you know if you go to Cuchi Cuchi you definitely will not be alone! But more important than the very fun atmosphere are the food and the drinks. I'll start with the drinks. I am usually a beer drinker but it is absolutely impossible not to order one of their cocktails. The names alone are fun but the drinks themselves are so inventive. I tried something called "tickle your brain" and followed with a hibiscus martini. Both quite tasty. So the food...Oh my goodness. If I were richer I would order everything because the three things I got were so delicious. I highly recommend the eggplant napoleon... everything melts in your mouth, the tender eggplant and tomato, the soft cheese, the creamy golden sauce... yeah. Get this. And for dessert, they have something with grilled bananas and ice cream. I would never get this on my own but someone else had it and I tried it... SO delicious. Having said how much I loved this, I would just say that I am glad I knew I was in for a night of spending money, because it's not cheap. However if you have decided you need a great night out, go for it!
(4)
andrej s.
Food, deserts, drinks and atmosphere. All awesome. Crowd is largely international. Downside: packed on Friday and Saturday night, long wait for a table, pricey food and drinks.
(5)
marisa h.
I went here with my cousin about two weeks ago who was in town visiting from San Jose and the food was AMAZING!!! we had the gazpacho to start with and I have never had such an interesting variation of that soup in my life!!! There was also a beet salad, a meditareanian couscous, and an eggplant and goatcheese dish that we ordered that no words can ever do justice for. On her last night here- we did it all again!!! This restuarant is worth every penny and then some!!!!
(5)
Bene K.
Ambiance is nice, food is good, but the dessert is to DIE FOR !!!! Oh, and i certainly don't want to let you miss out on the sangria! Get a carafe or two! My recs for dessert: banana bread pudding---like you've never had it before!! MMMMMM......just thinking about it....
(4)
Ann C.
some may call it spunky and others may call it eerie but you must go to check out the decor and the variety of cocktails (look for the manequin in the corner). a bit on the pricey side, but worth dining out. try the mushroom risotto- DELISH!
(4)
P. K.
I went here with a group of maybe eight or nine people for my 21st birthday, I made a reservation several days in advance seeing as it's such a large party. The LED table was indeed very cool and the place is gorgeous and the cocktails (while pricey) are delicious, especially the blackberry cosmo. However, the food was way too expensive for tapas. $13 dollars for tapas? No thank you. It was good tapas but certainly not worth that kind of money. Price aside what made me knock this place down a star was the service. Our waitress was very rude and closed out our bill before we were ready and an hour and a half or two hours before the place closed. The blackberry cosmo is an incentive for coming back but the pricey of a single dish and the snooty service makes me think otherwise.
(3)
Joe S.
The food here is delicious - the cuban cigar, bracioletta, and stuffed avocado were fantastic. Everything we had was great, and I am looking forward to trying more. The drinks are interesting, but not particularly great for a place that people rave about. The prices are a little expensive, but not bad. My biggest issue is the service. Showed up with reservations, my name on the list of reservations (she showed it to me), and was told that we would simply be moved to the front of the line for those without reservations. No explanations, and the estimated waiting time of " a couple minutes" quickly turned into half an hour.
(4)
Akilesh A.
Delicious tapas-style food served in an "over-the-top 20s/30s/40s hollywood glam style" decor (as one of the feather-hatted waitresses explained). A little annoying on the wait: they don't accept reservations, the wait was about an hour on a Friday, and they wouldn't even start the clock until we told them we had our entire party there... I'm a vegetarian, and I enjoyed the mexican deep-fried tomato and the moorish rice very much. Excellent spice combinations. The sangria is excellent, and though I tried neither the cocktails nor the desserts, they both looked delectable. Far superior to Dali in my humble opinion... though they have in common that they are not particularly cheap.
(5)
Andrea G.
The drinks at Cuchi Cuchi are SO yummy. Expensive, but definitely worth it. It's a great place for happy hour with friends or coworkers.
(5)
Andres M.
Great food and funny atmosphere. The waitress are dressed up in old-style clothing. The portions are very decent size so the waitress might try to push you to get more than one dish. I was satisfied with only one dish though.
(5)
Josh O.
Extremely over-priced drinks and food and an atmosphere that I just find annoying. Really, I just don't like this place at all.
(1)
Michelle B.
The place was very unique and the owner put a lot of effort on the decoration. Waitresses dressed to match the tone of the whole restaurant's weird classy feel. Loved it. We went as three girls, ordered four dishes. If you don't usually eat that much, it's plenty with the bread. Total costed about 27 pp. Out of the four things that we tried, one thing you must have: "Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse." It had some raw tuna in it but it was cubed into small pieces and you don't taste the raw part of it. Somebody here suggested "Cuban Cigar" which was also very good. Also tried "Brie en Croûte", one thing remember, don't share this. The walnuts tasted pretty good but is spread out unevenly. The part I took didn't have any walnuts nor bacon, only the pastry and melted brie, which was way to oily, felt like eating a layer of oil on top of it. Last dish, "Duck a l'Orange Crepes." It tastes odd to me. The orange's sweet and the duck's savory didn't really go quick as good together. Feel like you're putting sugar on our savory meal. But the overall experience was very good. It's always fun to try new dishes. Try to come during weekday and avoid weekend nights. It's impossible to get a seat especially on Friday nights and they don't take reservation after 6.
(4)
Kza W.
mmmm!!! the tings you can do in this place! lets start with getting our palms read, then, off to the bar with waiters that are in costumes. oh, I forgot, they greet you in them too. The host is working it well. great environment
(4)
Jessica R.
Fancy tapas restaurant on Main Street near Central Square. Seems to attract the young professionals crowd after work. Nice decor but the food is pricey for small tapas. Also a little scant on vegetarian options but I suggest the asparagus.
(3)
Liza H.
This is a great place to have a drink. The cocktail menu is super and the room is pretty/sexie/cool. I confess, I know zilch about the food. Screw it, I'm drinking tonight
(4)
Michelle K.
Spent my birthday here because the menu is huge and sure to please a group. I did enjoy the dolled up staff and the kooky decor. However, despite what the website says, it's more than just 5 minutes from the T and the menu has a $20 minimum per person at the tables, so plan on indulging. My disappointing drink was my own fault. [Word to the wise, don't try bourbon for the first time in a 10 dollar cocktail just because the name is Sugar Daddy from Miami]. Still, I appreciate their creativity and hope to come back for a simple fruity martini.
(3)
Samantha J.
My girlfriends took me to Cuchi Cuchi for cocktails and apps for my birthday. I fell in love! Such color and glamour...every girl in town should visit this place! And guys, remember to surprise your lady with an evening of Cuchi Cuchi...I guarantee she'll give you a lil' coochie coochie right back.
(5)
Molly D.
I'll give them 5 stars because after 9 months of being pregnant it was the first place I wanted to go for a FABULOUS cocktail :)
(5)
Mark T.
You'll notice from the other reviews that this is a "Girl's Night Out" type of restaurant which is MUCH more focused on providing a fun atmosphere than a quality meal (which is great if that's what you're looking for... it's not what I'm looking for) Dali and Tapeo (the other two restaurants which I believe are owned by the same people) are SO much better in the food department if you're looking for lovingly prepared tapas. It's clear that they wanted to have the fun burlesque-ish environment of Dali (which they did, cuchi-cuchi is a very fun place to eat) while offering food that was more generically 'continental' to appeal to a less adventurous palate. There's nothing wrong with that. I bet that they *clean up* in the late 20 something to early 30 something female birthday market. If I'm looking to take a girl on a date or even just go someplace for a few glasses of wine and some tapas, I'll go to one of their other establishments.
(3)
Sara C.
The food is wonderful and the drinks are delish! The service can be pretty poor though, and they just jam people in there. I certainly recommend going here, but you may want to order your second drink when they bring you your first!
(4)
Maria V.
Interesting decor, amazing food and cocktails. I would come here again.
(5)
Kevvy K.
The BEST mixed drinks I've ever had in my life. Fresh basil in a cocktail, who'd a thunk it? Tapas are great too. As is the sensory overload that is the ambience. Enhances the fresh fruitiness of the drinks perfectly.
(5)
Jessie H.
Another great choice for a vegetarian night out. Lots of choices and some of the best martinis in Boston. Yummy. I've had 5-star nights here and a few 4-star nights - slight inconsistency = 4 stars. I like the front dinning room better than the back. The waiters/waitresses are required to waer sparkly jewerly and some don vintage dresses - fun!
(4)
sunny n.
Excellent..for tapas...flavourful menu..and sweet endings like the champagne truffles and warmmmm banana bread pudding....or even late night loungin..Chic atmosphere with an interesting decor....tucked away in Cambridge...Perfect Lighting..pleasant service..!! Superb!
(5)
Ethan H.
This is one of those places where each dish is spot on- every time. I have eaten here 5-6 times and each time it has been incredible. The drinks are great as well. The bartender (with the dreadlocks) is easily one of the best bartenders in the boston area. This place is killer- but prepare to wait- cause everyone else thinks so to.
(5)
Ann B.
I LOVE it here. I have been many times for drinks and dinner and don't think I will ever tire of it. It does get crowded, so follow all the advice about arriving early. For what it's worth, my waits for a table when I've gone for dinner have always been shorter than the hostess originally stated. I haven't tried everything on the menu, but nothing's been a disappointment yet. The baby back ribs w/apple fritters are a must-have.
(5)
Kai L.
It is our favorite neighborhood tapas place. The ambience was great, turn of the century American design, even for the wait staff, but not pretentious. The ambience was friendly, intimate. The food was great, especially the lamb and... the bread pudding is NOT to miss. I would have never guessed bread pudding could be this good. I usually do not drink, but I couldn't resist its cocktails when I was there. I especially like grasshopper. In summary, a good place for friends, good food, good drink, and a night of great conversation and company. Should make observations if possible. The place fills up quick.
(5)
Debbie M.
Love it!! Cool name, funky decor, cool waitstaff, and wide variety of international (not just Spanish) tapas. The banana dessert was absolutely amazing. The highly unusual drink names had us laughing. I remember the Argentinian skirt steak and the cuban cigar but everything was fabulous. I heard about it from someone at work who said it was cool. Great date place too.
(5)
Sophia C.
Cuchi Cuchi - was a nice little place. Decor is very electic - there is a hanging kimono on the wall, some Mucha-inspired looking prints on the wall and we sat underneath a tilted mannequin hanging from the corner of the ceiling in a flapper dress. Kind of cool, but kind of spooky. Wonderful girly drinks. Even though Im not a huge drinker, I am always excited to see curly lemon zest and fancy stems. Cuchi cuchi has them. The food - eh - In my opinion, a little on the pricey side for what it was and everything is pre-made, so you don't have the option to ask for anything vegan. I ate some marinated mushrooms (salty) and risotto (ok) and, to their credit, the waitress was honest & knowledegable about the food & what ingredients were used. We were lucky to get a cozy corner table, which was 2 couches seperated by a glass table, that was good for conversation & privacy without feeling isolated. Will I go back? certainly. But I'll eat somewhere else first.
(4)
Ethan C.
good: cool atmosphere, fun drinks. bad: long waits, bad waitstaff, high prices, small food portions, small tables.
(3)
Kira D.
A truly unique place! The drinks are overpriced, but creative and worth it for a special night out. The decor is to-die-for, it's vintage, chic, cozy, and elegant. If there's no room at the bar (which is likely), there are many small tables to sit and enjoy drinks under dim, intimate lighting. Their drink menu is unlike any other, including cocktails from the prohibition era and unique mixes. I had the Blood & Sand one time (not so good, but makes sense for something named blood & sand, yuck), and a You Give Me Fever another time (yummy and fruity). I didn't try any food, but had a bite of their cornucopia dessert, and it was very delicious. We had the waitresses sing happy Birthday for my friend, and chose their chocolate cake (divine), and they bring over a fancy gold candlestick on an ornate holder to blow out. The waitresses dress in 20s/30s flapper-style attire, complete with feathered hats and sassy dresses. Cuchi Cuchi is the perfect place to go for a drink (and just one, because they're pricey) and dessert with girlfriends or on a special date! Viva la Cuchi Cuchi!
(4)
Chris R.
This place is a lot of fun and perfect for a special occasion. I took my girlfriend here for her 21st birthday and it was fantastic. Ended up getting 5 plates and 3 drinks and the bill came to about $110 which I suppose isn't all that bad since we left very satisfied. The food was better than I expected after reading some of the reviews and the service was quite good. At $11 a piece the drinks are competitive for Boston/Cambridge and are some of the best I have had (blood orange sidecar=I will be going back). Yes, the food does come out at different times, but get over it, it's "tappas style" and that's just how it goes (I even think it makes the experience better because you never know whats gonna come next). I really can't think of anything bad about my experience...I guess the hostess (possibly owner-she was older) was a little standoffish when we came in, but our waitress made up for that.
(5)
Rina R.
Fun! Lively! Cute! Reminiscent of Dali, this tapas restaurant is great. But like any tapas place, order a bunch of tapas and before you know it, your wallet is all tapped out.
(4)
Smitha S.
Really good food.. We went in a group of 4 and had about 7 dishes (as they are appetizer style entrees) . The taste was as good as the presentation. Shrimp wontons, scallops, chicken SKiev, Grilled Indian lamb, Deep friend tomato and eggplant were the ones we tried... Everything was tasty. Would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Sara H.
Cuchi Cuchi is a whirlwind of ambiance, fine cuisine, energetic staff and unusual martinis. Owners of Dali and Tapeo added to their spectacular collection of Tapas restaurants with this, their third, and the name says it all. You'll want to curl into a ball of joy after experiencing a fun filled meal! I highly recommend CC for girls' night martinis (My favorites: blood orange or strawberry basil. So sexy.) I often grab a seat at the mosaic bar with a girlfriend or two and order food (winners: the cuban cigar and fried tomato). Otherwise - date night! For intimacy request the very last table in the back with glorious chairs that can only be described as thrones --- you've got to see them. Enjoy all of this amongst the candlelit splendor of the decor. They didn't leave a cranny untouched --- even the stools in the bathroom have more character than my entire apartment. Bonus: If you are there with a crew order a Cava Poron (a communal drinking vessel) or try their white sangria. The only drawback: the dime. It's a little pricey, but only makes it more special. Closest to the Central T on red line.
(4)
Daisy K.
i probably had one too many black dahlias (2) and one too many tawny ports (2), oh and one strawberry basil martini.... but i had to manage the tipsy with the topsy right?? my tummy was topped with mushrooms, brie, eggplants, pork rolls (sounds salacious tastes delicious), fried zucchini (black vinegar sauce brews it your tongue dissolves it!!!!!!!!) and the beef. the three of us dined and then some. seriously recommending the black dahlia to extend the evening of extravaganza for the wallet oh and the banana desert to truly make it hard to see your toes in the shower, but honestly, you feel good and gorgeous - in a place laced with twinkling lights and silky flowers - to gorge that much... and to laugh and get drunk with your loved ones :)
(4)
Jay and Jenn O.
Tapas and cocktails are great, but this place is spendy. I would have given this place four stars had we not gone to Barcelona this summer and had the real deal. Worth going to though.
(3)
Ligaya T.
funnily enough, my boyfriend was intrigued by the name thinking it was a house of ill repute. for those of you who actually appreciate exquisite food that caters to decadent tastes and creative drinks, this is an awesome spot. like their first restaurant, dali, the decor is eclectic but tasteful, very 40's and romantic. also like dali, the portions are tapas size, but that allows you to try a variety of things which is fine because you will undoubtedly want to.
(5)
Georgia Y.
Cuchi Cuchi is...adorable. I came here on Valentine's Day, and the waitresses were done up in wigs and vintage gowns - I wanted to steal their style on the spot. Our waitress was attentive without being annoying, and the dishes were mostly delicious - I highly recommend the mushroom risotto. Four dishes were enough for this pair, and we accompanied our meal with swishy (pricey!) little cocktails. All in all, we got out of there for about $80 - more than we normally pay for a meal, but the distractingly interesting decor, flashy waitresses and fab food and drinks made me want to come back for another celebration.
(5)
Emily D.
Went here after already achieving a happy hour buzz. The drinks at this place definitely kept me there (nice strong cosmo), and the food was fantastic. I went with a group of 8 people, so we ordered a ton of food and I got to try alot of things I might not have ordered. Unfortunately I can't remember what I liked best (blame the cosmos), but I know I was impressed. The decor is cool: funky boudoir. I recommend this place as a group outing, but expect to pay the price for a great time.
(5)
Lala L.
Unique decor and high energied hang out. A great place to grab a few bites and lounge with a group of friends. Do try to get that little corner by the window behind the hostess. Their drinks are really good, from a slushy mango cocktail to their sangria. The food is tapa styled and pretty creative.
(4)
Mihir P.
I feel like I am on a movie set when I am in this place. The decor transports you to the Mediterranean. The drinks are amazing - the bartenders here are the REAL thing. The only place in the Boston area that I know of that concoct, as we call in the industry, 'cheftails' or artisan cocktails. 'They make your drink with passion and attention. They know what they are doing - hard to describe so just watch and you'll know what I mean. The diverse menu is very good but portions are minimal.
(4)
Rachel D.
Without a doubt one of my favorites. Small plates, full of taste. I've never had a bad bite here, even when I've been in a lets-try-something-new mode. The continental atmosphere and quirky waitstaff have always brought me back. And not for nothing, the wine list and cocktails are amazing. There are Dali people and there are Cuchi Cuchi people, and I find myself strongly aligned with the latter. And can we talk scallops for a minute here? Amazing.
(5)
Angel S.
Cuchi Cuchi COOOO. All types of food... basically, international tapas ticklin the senses. Staff gets an A+ in kindness and knowledge. Decor gets another A. Food although a little pricey for the portions, was freakin delicious. However, a group of about ten of us each ate a major bellyload and spent only $30 each. Drinks are strong and simply awesome, just how they should be. Try their rendition of Caipiroska with strawberries... can I hear a rigggght?? You really can't go wrong here. Seriously, A's all around.
(5)
Peter P.
Bring a date here, have a drink, and she WILL show you a good rest-of-the-night. Great place, very warm, romantic...nothing else to say...check it out for yourself. It's not cheap, but it's worth it.
(5)
Crystal K.
Love love love this place. Excellent drinks, amazingly tasty tapas and a fun, lively decor. It's a bit pricey for tapas and Friday and Saturday nights are WAY too crowded but overall, it's still one of my favorite places to go. The eclectic menu, waitstaff "uniforms" and the story behind the restaurant's decor is all worth it. The Cuban Cigar is delish!!
(5)
Laura A.
ok so i know i have a list entitled "small plates must die!" but there is a time & a place for small plates, i will grudgingly admit, and cuchi cuchi is a fun place to have them. the cuisine is all over the place but the mushroom risotto, moorish rice, & the eggplant napoleon are pretty good, and the drinks are ridiculous. the best time to go to a place like this is in a big group although the bill can be pretty bad by the time you're done (taking off a star for the pricing - $12 for a tapas-sized portion of risotto, are you for real?). it's a fun place to go with your girls and get wasted (although if i ever hear that you were involved in a "diva night" at this place, i'm sorry but we're no longer friends). i also went here once as part of a big group for work (corporate card yeah!!!!) and we spent almost a thousand dollars on sangria, drinks, food, and dessert for the whole table. i had never ordered dessert before here and my dessert, the "assorted chocolates", was RIDICULOUS. one was shaped like a high heel?? i passed them around but people were afraid to eat them because they looked so nice. they were great, though.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
Cuchi cuchi is an awesome restaurant to go to for "Diva Night". Myself and 5 friends took up this opportunity and were served delicious appetizers, drinks, shots, chocolates, and were allowed to dress up in fancy jewels and boas for the night. It was soooooooo much fun! They even took pics of us. Two waitresses waited on us all night, bringing the food, filling our drinks, and even fanning us at times. It was complete diva-style. The restaurant is so cute, the waitstaff is glammed out in dresses and jewels. You feel almost like you're in a genie's lamp with all the gold design and embellishment. The waitresses who took the pics sent them to all of our friends online to view after the session. It was alot of fun.
(5)
Alison R.
Oh yes, this place really gave me what I was looking for! I've been exploring more wine bars/restaurants with a group of girlfriends (think Jewish Sex and the City) in and around the city, and this lovely establishment definitely fit the bill for our monthly sexy girl night. First off, we were there on a Tuesday and met early at 6 and left at 9. Perfect for a school night. We four sat at the beautifully decorated bar - no pretention or attitude from any customers, bartenders, or tutu-bedecked servers. The extensive decorating and extra ecoutrements made me feel as if I was in the budoir of a 1920's French courtesan...definitely a perfect background for sipping on amazing drinks! The bartender (Josh?) was incredibly hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Watching his hand-pummeling method with each drink definitely made one grip the bar while watching his pounding forearm...*swoon*! Try the Happiness drink...fruity and just strong enough. My girlfriends had a variety of martinis that missed my taste, as well as an excellent raspberry mohito. We ordered a bunch of dishes and split them up at the bar - a great idea. A fresh salad...beef short ribs that were tender and fell off the bone...garlic shrimp-more mini shrimp in scampi sauce, I would've prefered bigger prawns...potatoes au gratin that were creamy without being too heavy...and finally, perfectly seasoned morroccan cous cous. Between the four of us, we each spent 50 dollars. We will definitely be going there for the diva night for one of our next birthdays!
(5)
Macall Z.
I absolutely love this restaurant! I've never tried a tapas that I didn't enjoy. The cuban cigar is probably my favorite. The skirt steak is also delicious. When my mother was in town, we went here 2 nights in a row. They also have quite an extensive drink list. The only complaint I could possibly come up with is that it can get a little loud if you're trying to have quiet conversation. Overall, this could possibly be my favorite restaurant around!
(5)
Rebecca Y.
Don't squinch your nose, but order the basil lime gimlet. It is mint julip-y and tasty. Great date restaurant or night out with the ladies. The deep fried tomato is a crowd pleaser. More upscale than its tapas sisters throughout the city.
(3)
Matt R.
I can't speak for the food yet, but the drinks are amazing, amazing, amazing. Pricey, but worth it. They are like works of art, seriously. I don't frequent this place very often since I don't do the martini/fancy drink thing too much, but when I do decide it's time for another visit, I always leave satisfied.
(5)
am i.
Bad food, incompetent staff, disgusting drinks and borderline racist manager seal this as the worst restaurant in the Boston-area. As a life-long resident and restaurant connoisseur, I recommend you try any of the other restaurants in the Central Square area or the rest of Cambridge or Boston before wasting your night at Cuchi Cuchi.
(1)
Brandy S.
Perfect spot for dates or a girl's night out. The drinks are well executed and addicting. I reccomend the Mojito. The small plates, or tapas for lack of a better term, are perfect for sharing. The highlight of the meal was their dessert - the warm banana bread is utterly mouthwatering.
(4)
Mike P.
I felt that this place really under-delivered. The place has a great decor and the wait-staff is very friendly and helpful, but the food just isn't that great. The preparation and variety were both lacking.
(2)
Raquel F.
Spectacular drinks, great food, friendly service: Cuchi Cuchi is an experience that never disappoints!This has been a great spot to bring out of town guests, coworkers, and friends that I'm trying to impress ;). I will really miss this place when I move out of Central Square this year. Just try to call ahead and put your name in/ get a time estimate or you could end up waiting an hour for a table. At other places, it's easy to just sip a drink while you wait. I've always found this difficult at Cuchi Cuchi because one drink, with no food, gets me right to my pleasure plateau of dizziness.
One of my friends I went with is paleo, and she found it a little hard to find items she could eat, buuuut that's what happens when you're on a restricting diet. I loved this place!! I found the drinks to be a little pricey but WORTH EVERY PENNY. They do not skimp on the alcohol and the cocktails are creative and delicious with hilarious names (I think mine was the Ricky Ricardo?). The atmosphere is playful and fun. I would call it sophisticated but sassy. No formal frumps here. If it were the prohibition period and you wanted to go to a sexy/classy underground joint that served alcohol on the downlow, I think Cuchi Cuchi would've been that place. Also, they have this dessert called "banana bread extravaganza" and it is incredible. So much whipped cream, and the banana bread/cake is sooooo good. I'm salivating just typing about it.
(4)
Katherine H.
Great food, phenomenal cocktails. The atmosphere is pretty kitschy, but it's fun for a night out with the girls or something! My friend and I got 4 dishes to split (it's all small plates there). The Cuban Cigar is a must have - it was both of our favorites! The duck l'orange crepes are also definitely worth ordering. The real star of this place I think are the cocktails, which are generously poured and absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be back just to grab drinks at some point.
(4)
Lidia P.
Most. Favorite. Place. On. Earth. I can't exactly explain why I feel the way I feel. Yes, the menu is delicious and diverse. Yes, the service is friendly and fun. Yes, the atmosphere is playful and romantic. But it is also something else. And that something else is what I cannot explain. I feel something here that I don't feel anywhere else.
(5)
Maeghan R.
I don't even know what to say so I'll start with this: if you live in/near Cambridge or if you're here for a trip, RUN, DON'T WALK, TO CUCHI CUCHI. My friend and I are both in town for separate conferences and we've been seeing the sights over the last few days. Today we decided to venture down to Harvard, and I did a quick check of Yelp reviews of some local restaurants. As we were walking, Cuchi Cuchi looked to be the closest on Google maps. What a happy accident that we ended up here!! I would recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. When we arrived, the hostess told us it would be a 45 minute wait. Luckily, neither of us minded eating at the bar and we were able to sit down right away. The ambiance of the restaurant is so, so cool. It has a burlesque-y vibe and the best word I can use to describe it is simply "sexy". This would be a fun place to take a date! It took us awhile to decide on our food and drinks. There were so many great options! I ended up getting a lemon drop martini and two dishes: the brie en croûte and the grilled Indian lamb. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and the gratin dauphinois. She had some trouble deciding on a drink, so we asked the bartender for her recommendation. She was incredibly helpful and as soon as she learned my friend's tastes, she suggested the Heat of the Night - it has jalapeño, citrus vodka, watermelon juice, and lemon juice. What an incredible drink! I tried some and it was one of the most unique things I've ever tasted. Overall, this was a superb experience. The food was to die for, the atmosphere was fun, and we were still talking about dinner hours later. That's how you KNOW it's good!!
(5)
Daisy C.
Food was flavorful and presentation matched the decor. But almost in a matchy matchy way. The burlesque theme of the decor and servers' attire was unique but the frou frou mannequin in the upper corner of the dining area was over the top and a little tacky. Some art nouveau prints would have been more effective. Loved the banana bread dessert but the Once Upon a Time in Mexico cocktail was way too sour. A little tart is nice...but sourness dominated the drink. The menu states their shared plate portions are large compared to "tapas," but I've had tapas in Spain, and "large" is a stretch.
(3)
Bryan N.
Really cool and elegant atmosphere. They serve tapas from an array of different cultures. My favorites were the Thai mussels (Thai) , pasta carbonara (Italian) , fruits del mar (French), and the chicken Kiev (Russian). The two meat dishes we ordered lamb (Indian) and skirt steak (Argentina) wasn't very appealing. I will say that the portions are a decent size and that about 5 dishes should fill up 2 people. The waitresses are friendly and are dressed in Portuguese costumes which is unique.
(4)
Tim S.
Great ambiance, great food, great for a date. This place will put you in a great mood. The decor, ambiance, service, drinks, and food are all delicious. The last time I ate at this place was about a year ago (:() but there was a meat dish with nutmeg and cinnamon that tasted like Christmastime that was to die for and the Moroccan Chicken was also quite tasty.
(5)
Bindiya T.
Better than Toro... Much better. From a vegetarian stand point, they have a lot of options. Each dish we tried from the croquettes, artichokes, fried tomatoes, risotto, gobi Manchurian and risotto were delectable. But the banana bread was out of this world and surprisingly a big portion. Drinks were very nice too. Food is slow to come but it gives you time to enjoy your meal and company. We had friends from NYC who are foodies and they raved about the food too. Great for a date night but it's loud. Perfect for a rendezvous with friends. Make reservations, they do honor online reservations through yelp. The best Tapas I have had so far. Must must try
(5)
Cristina R.
Cuchi Cuchi is the best travel agent because she's got me going all over the place. Ms. C takes you back to the 20's with the servers' roaring era attire and eclectic ambiance. Then she takes you around the world with the food. The small plates (the menu urges not to utter "tapas" since everything ain't Spanish) are inspired by countries as varied as Russia, Japan, Italy, and Cuba. Out of the 4 we tried, the standout was the Cuban cigar with ropa vieja meat encased by empanada dough and served with black bean salsa and sweet plantains. Cuchi takes you to another time with the decor, another place with the tastes, and another state of being with the creative (and extensive) cocktail menu. The Beetofmyheart is more gingery than beety. Beautiful, bubbly and refreshing! The Thai cocktail is an ingenious combo of coconut rum and basil. Be sure to end the trip right with boozy coffee (or a dessert cocktail like the espresso martini) and an extravaganza of warm banana bread. Thank you Cuchi for taking me to my happy place.
(5)
denise b.
Fabulous drinks and food. The seafood stuffed avocado was amazing. Everyone truly enjoyed the atmosphere, the staff was so happy & nice, drinks beautiful. Look forward to heading here next time I'm with the girls for a GNO
(4)
Kimberly J.
Diego is awesome. He had great suggestions and the food came out really fast the drinks were good and I loved the atmosphere.
(5)
Tuli S.
Great atmosphere and I had an awesome time here! I came with a few friends and we ordered a TON of a food and drinks. Service was good and I loved the costumes. The food was very average so I've come back for apps/drinks only. We ordered the bottoms up shots and they were great and super cute! I've never seen these anywhere else. Notes on the items we ordered are below- Roasted Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad- regular ole salad! Seafood-filled Avocado- I thought this was going to be amazing but it was boring and didn't have a lot of flavor Caspian Heaven- fried oysters- MMMM Cuban Cigar- my favorite app! I've gotten this a few times. Beef short ribs in a light dough- it's really good! Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce - yummy but the steak at Tango in Arlington wins. The cook on it was good but it was missing that extra level of flavor Scallops Provençale- the scallops were NOT good quality, but it was cheap so I guess I shouldn't be expecting that much.. We ordered other items but I don't remember them- nothing amazing. I really like coming here to see friends and have drinks but I think the food is hyped up.
(3)
Vassiliki K.
Great Saloon themed bar in Cambridge, close to Central. Great place to come with friends. I have seen Bachelorette parties taking place here several times. The drinks are all really good, and even their virgin (non-alcoholic) drinks are worth the trip.
(5)
Taj K.
I hadn't been to this place in years. I forgot how awesome it is. The drink list alone is amazing! I got one of their ginger cocktails. It was delicious! Everyone at my table got different drinks and all were very happy. The food is not technically tapas even though many people think that's what this restaurant is about. They have dishes inspired from many nations and the portion sizes are bigger than tapas. I feel like 3 dishes is enough to share with two people. The garlic shrimp was probably my favorite. Be warned there is a lot of garlic. We also had the skirt steak, one of the chicken dishes and a few others. Everything tasted fabulous! The banana bread dessert is one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. I also adore the ambience. It's got a time period feel of either the 20s or 40s depending on which server you get. I love the outfits the waitstaff wears. We had a party of 7 for a Wednesday. We did call ahead so I'm guessing they either take reservations or are happy to be made aware of your party's interest. We maybe had to wait 20 minutes for a table but that was enough time to enjoy one drink. Love this place and can't wait to go back. I know it gets crazy busy on the weekends so try to go for a mid week dinner.
(5)
Kayla V.
Amazing experience! Food that will rock your world! And Victoria our server was fabulous! One of the best restaurants I've ever been to.
(5)
Yingna L.
Very cute restaurant with high quality food. Perfect place for bridal shower/bachelorette party dinners. A wide selection of exotic drinks. Servers all dress well and interestingly. Food is amazing. I loved the Brie, cigar, lamb. Will definitely visit again. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time! The wait is usually an hour or more on the weekend without reservations.
(5)
Danae K.
My Favorite Bar In all of Cambridge and the Surrounding Boston area! I've been coming here for years and every time is phenomenal. The waitresses are dressed up to match the 20s style, and take you to a different era where women wore hats with feathers and corsets. The energetic vibe of this place is something everyone (fun people) should experience! From the cocktail list, I highly recommend the Strawberry Basil Cocktail, Pisco Sour and Between the Sheets. Or if you want to describe what flavor you are going for, ask the bartender and they'll point you in the right direction! Exceptionally knowledgeable staff of their menu. From the appetizers, I highly suggest the melted brie for the cheese lovers and the Duck a l'Orange Crepes. Dinner options are all excptional as well. All in all: Ambiance: 5/5 Music: 5/5 Cocktails: 1000/5 :) Seating Area: 4/5 (not enough seats!) Staff: 5/5 Food: 5/5
(5)
Nicole S.
I loved the atmosphere, music, drinks and food. The hostess was a little 'tude-y and the waitress wasn't as attentive as I would have liked, despite the fact that it was a Monday night and the place was half empty. However, the pros outweigh the con, and I'd happily go again and take the risk while hoping for a different server! Also, the drinks are Amazing!
(4)
Izzy D.
DEEZ. DRANKS. The cocktail list here will make your hair fall out. It's about four (five? six?) full pages and each one is more enchanting than the one before. I showed up with a group of five and we were grabbing each other's drinks for sips like they were magical elixirs. Our waitress explained that the restaurant has a *costume room* where the servers can pick out which vintage outfit they'd like to wear that night (think: flapper dresses, furs, and incredible jewels). The food is tapas (or XYZ small plate)-style, but each dish is from a different part of the world (Russian, Thai, French, Chinese, etc.). Everything was fantastic, but honestly... I'd go back just for the drinks.
Drinks are . If you like something sweet and minty, go for the grasshopper. The space is small and tables are hard to get during the weekend, but you can always hang around the bar area, which is nice and cozy. The crowd seems more mature and chill than other bars in the area, mostly because people come here for the food and drinks rather than anything else.
(4)
Jackie K.
I have come here a few times now and the food it awesome. Everything else is annoying--the service is slow, the decorations seem contrived, staff not polite/friendly, it's loud with lots of annoying people (mostly bacherlorettes (and I had mine here so I know how annoying it is)). The food is great--they say it's not tapas style on their menu but it is. Everything was delicious--even though the food is fusion and you might not know what you are ordering, it is very good. The Bliny dish was great. Drinks are also good and strong. I liked their Edelflower martini. Make a reservation because they are constantly packed and bar service is slow.
(4)
Emily D.
Very unique ambience that's a lot of fun. Booked this restaurant for my husband's birthday and while it was a bit annoying that we had to wait for our whole (large) party to arrive before we could be seated, they did manage to seat us in the end. The food is interesting, in a good way. It's tapas style so it's fun to try a little bit of everything, although some dishes were REALLY small and we had to order 3 of the same thing just to allow each person to try one bite. Most of the dishes were quite good though, I would give the food 4/5. Service was great, they came by enough times to make sure we were attended to but too many times to be annoying. Drinks were amazing, 5/5 for sure. I think this would be kind of a strange place for a date simply because of all the well-endowed waitresses walking around in corsets, but it was definitely fun with a group of friends!
(5)
Ali S.
I've been here so many times, and last night was probably my last time. My previous review reflected a menu that is hit or miss. But honestly, I've tried 3/4 of the dishes and most of them are misses. If you're already sitting at the restaurant, order the cuban cigar, brie, and ribs. The dishes that I add on to the do not order are the Gobi Manchurian (tastes like frozen Chinese food) and the mushroom risotto (our waitress literally poured a 1/4 cup of truffle oil over the dish and that was all we could taste). The scallops were good, but nothing spectacular. But the reason I won't come back even for the three dishes I love and the Heat of the Night cocktail was because of the absolutely terrible service (I never even review about a restaurant's service!). I brought my friend to the restaurant and she ordered one of their cocktails (gin with muddled blackberries and basil), and it was terrible. We both love gin, but all you could taste was the gin. It was purple, but you couldn't taste the blackberries or the basil. I asked the waitress for another one and she told us that the restaurant's policy was that you are free to order another drink (how nice), but they won't comp the bad drink. That's pretty terrible for a nice restaurant. I asked if I could speak to the manager since her hands are tied. She took the drink from the table and said she would go speak to the manager. Then she handed us the menu and made a snarky comment about finding a non-gin drink. She came back and told us that the manager had tasted the drink, and had agreed that it was done poorly. In the end, the waitress apologized and the drink was comped. But it was handled so poorly that I won't be coming back.
(2)
Anastasia R.
GLUTEN FREE MENU Cuchi Cuchi is by far one of the best restaurants in the Boston Area. The servers are dressed in vintage evening wear, the atmosphere is smoky (not in the literal sense, but that's how it feels), the cocktail menu is robust, inventive, and AMAZING! It does have a gluten free menu, so if your best friend who has a gluten allergy is trying to figure out a place to introduce you to her homophobic socialite mom from out of town, I would suggest here. It is pretty spendy so I usually go and have a few drinks (the blood orange side car is my bevie of choice) and some starters. I mostly don't eat liver but here I almost always get the pate, then pick a few more and munch tapas style. NOTE: in phone conversations, the words "tapas" and "topless" can be easily confused, so stick with phrases like "small plates" and "not a strip joint" when describing it. I feel most places don't have the ability to pull off the theatrics that you experience at Cuchi Cuchi without being uber lame. Plus the costumes and the girly drinks get my gf in the mood.
(5)
Elizabeth F.
There is radioactive glass on the walls. No, really. The glowing glass on the walls is radioactive. And the staff dresses straight out of the glamor of old Hollywood. I can't speak for the food since I haven't eaten here yet, but I really love the vintage cocktails and the atmosphere. I've been here before, and returned, and will return again. I hope I don't get cancer from the radioactive glass, though.
(4)
Lauren B.
Picture a high end brothel in the late 20s with beautiful flirtatious girls in form fitting sequined flapper dresses and matching hats with playful smirks across their faces . Now, substitute prostitution with decadent cocktails and a delicious international tapas menu. That, my friends, is Cuchi Cuchi. I went with my family to celebrate my birthday and it was the perfect choice for a special occasion- festive, trendy and exotic. I savored several of their cocktails (my favorite was one with muddled raspberries, Citron and a hint of ginger-) and their white sangria. I don't eat meat so the majority of our dishes were just vegetables and fish. My favorites were the Fried Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom Risotto and Sizzling Garlic Shrimp. My dad did remark that it was a restaurant geared towards women but he still enjoyed himself. It's my new favorite Cambridge restaurant!
(5)
Maggi B.
We LOVE Cuchi Cuchi! The food is wonderful. The atmosphere is fun and playful. Very romantic - a great place for a special occasion.
(5)
Shan L.
This place is consistently yummy, and conveniently near work. There is a nice 1920s vibe (waitresses dress as flappers) and the ambiance is awesome. It can get a little noisy, but depends on where they sit you. Haven't tried all the dishes yet, but there hasn't been a bad order yet! Favorite dessert of all time is the Banana Extravaganza - to die for!
(4)
D S.
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I LOVE this place! There are so many elements of what made my experience here simply divine. When we walked in it was quite late, so the bar was pretty full, and while we waited for our table we wanted a drink. I took the chance of asking the hostess if there was any way to get a drink without shoving up against the bar and she immediately took our order and saved us the hassle of throwing bows into the crowd around the bar. Very nice of her! The decor was so beautiful! It is funky, unique, and entertaining to look at-- every detail is so eclectically harmonious, down to the twenties style uniforms of the waitstaff. While the food and drinks are a little on the spendy side, they are well worth it (I would not show up too hungry though...) The following dishes were out of this world: Brie en Croute Caspian Heaven- INSANE GOODNESS! the oysters melted in my mouth. Good God, give it to me again please. Duck L'Orange Crepes Chicken Kiev - I believe it was made with morels. mmmmm drinks: singapore slings were great! they tend to be a little too sweet when not well made, but they were fantastic! clerico- get a pitcher of this white sangria goodness! yummmmy! well priced at only $22, and seriously delicious! finally, our waitress was a delight! she was so helpful and totally on the ball! great service all around! i can't wait to go back!
(5)
Damien P.
This was a fantastic experience.... and I call it an experience because it felt like a lot more than just dinner. It was like a food theme park. There were so many really good things that I tried, but I just wish I could have fit more in. Plus, all of the staff in costume... if that doesn't have "theme park" written all over it, I don't know what does. The drinks were fantastic and very creative, normally I would have wine with a nice dinner, but the cocktails were so good that I kept with those. Their "Salome's Potion" was incredible, definitely my favorite. The food was really interesting. Not every dish was incredible, but they were all good and interesting. Their seafood dishes were by far the best. The "caspian heaven" was incredible and so were the cornets with tuna tartare. The setting and ambiance was nice. This was a date, so the romantic feel was really nice. We happened to come when it was a little busy, so it was a little loud at times, but to be expected. The one and only complaint that I have is that I wish that they took reservations. I didn't wait for long, but it would have been nice to arrange it in advance.
(5)
Paprika F.
If Charo ate at Cuchi Cuchi, she would wiggle her bottom with glee. Perhaps it is over-the-top with the burlesque decorations and the wait staff's vintage attire, but Boston could use a little more whimsy. At first, I was taken aback by the prices, but Cuchi Cuchi is smart. They get you real drunk first, and then you don't even notice. Their cocktail menu is divine (hello, blood orange sidecar!). And, if you do in fact get seated and get around to solid food, do not pass go and order the St. Jacob's zucchini. I was skeptical of a ham-cheese-zucchini combo, but you'll be sold. And it will help absorb your cocktails.
(4)
Julie A.
Here are my thoughts about Cuchi Cuchi. People go here because it's dark and has interesting decor and the waitresses dress up like old-timey prostitutes. And the food is pretty good also. However, for my taste it is overpriced and underwhelming. I would maybe go again for a drink or the fried zuchinni w/ ham & cheese tapas.... We waited a REALLY long time for a table, so I am perhaps embittered.
(2)
Jenny L.
It took me a long time to finally make it to Cuchi Cuchi for dinner. It's not a place you chose randomly since they don't take reservations during regular dining hours and there is usually a wait. But since I've seen a crowd outside on a regular basis, I expected the food to be at least 4 stars...it was more like 3 stars in terms of taste. And the size of the portion and price you pay for it brings it down to 2 stars. We had the following: Scallop Ceviche - the sour flavor overpowered the dish and I could barely taste the scallops Duck a l'Orange Crepes - too citrusy and barely any duck Cuban Cigar - this dish was actually pretty good, the black beans were quite tasty Mushroom Risotto - probably the best dish of the night but I've still had better at Italian restaurants We had another dish but it wasn't memorable... After 5 "small plates" we were still hungry and ordered the French Banana Bread Extravaganza for dessert. It was basically caramelized bananas on top of toasted french bread. It was pretty good but nothing spectacular. Overall, we were underwhelmed and frankly a little bored by the end of the night and ready to go home. I understand that the place is more about atmosphere but you still need to serve good food if you want to charge $15 a plate. We won't return..not with the price or the wait.
(2)
aja m.
Very cool atmosphere, beautiful decorations, felt like we were in an art nouveau painting. Lovely hostess and wait staff, very fun and friendly. We ordered the lobster and avacado, duck l'orange, steak, fried artichokes and some cocktails. Everything couldn't have been more delicious, and came to our table so fast! The cocktails were lovely, all prohibition themed and tasty, and we even had an after dinner shot. It was served in a crazy bottoms up shot glass that the waitress described the history of. All in all, would love to go here any old time or for a special occasion. Two thumbs way up!
(5)
Anguel M.
This place is just awesome great food a bit expensive but worth. i also love the look of the place
(4)
Furmur W.
Overall Cuchi Cuchi is one of my favorite places, i love the food and the atmosphere. however, it's getting more and more difficult to get a table. I called well in advance for a party of 8 and they will only take our table at a specific time- either 6:30pm or 8:30pm on a thursday night. i wanted 7pm and they were not willing to accomodate. basically they want the tables available again at 8:30pm for new customers. I will go elsewhere with our group of 8.... to a restaurant that is more accomodating....
(3)
Louie M.
The best restaurant in Cambridge. Notice the lack of hesitation in that statement. The best - restaurant - in Cambridge. Maybe even best inside 128. The cocktails were unique and thoughtful, crafted with fresh and diverse ingredients. An impressive list of bartender invented drinks. The two of us had two different ones each and were not disappointed. Food selection was outstanding. International tapas, each perfectly prepared. Avocado stuffed with lobster, raw tuna in pastry cones, mushroom risotto with truffles, fried artichoke hearts, fried oysters with caviar. I could have eaten the entire menu. We didn't have any of the meat riches, only fish and veg - it's good excuse to go back :) The staff was also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The bartender mentioned the first drink he had invented there (excellent). If I lived in the area still, I would be a regular.
(5)
Alicia W.
I would live to give Cuchi Cuchi 5 stars as their food and drinks are amazing! But they don't take reservations after 6 on Saturdays. So definitely go, but be willing to either wait or eat early.
(3)
Alisa K.
When I first walked into Cuchi Cuchi, I thought I had walked into a house of ill repute. The hostesses were dressed like a cross between 1800s saloongirls, 1920s burlesque dancers, and attendees of the 2011 royal wedding. The decor was similarly eclectic, unified only by a theme of women from various cultures in various states of rapture. The menu even describes tiramisu in the following manner: "Venetian courtesans fortified themselves in between amorous encounter with this 'pick-me-up.'" The men, in contrast, were dressed like matadors. Decor aside, their tapas were amazing. (The menu pretentiously asks the reader to kindly not refer to their dishes as tapas "which are from Spain; our plates are larger and we globe-trot," but they are tapas.) Loved the potato croquets, the blinies, and the eggplant Napoleon. These were really some of the best tapas I'd ever had. The service was also really great. My feelings about the objectification of women notwithstanding, the food here is spectacular--especially for a tapas place--and I will definitely go back.
(5)
Lieu T.
Went here with a couple of friends and it was a great dinner experience. The decor is fantastic, the wait staff are dressed nicely, and the music was good. We ordered several dishes (I recommend the starred dishes below): 1) Fruits de Mer* - the broth was delicious 2) Sizzling garlic shrimp* - holy garlic flavor! 3) Scallops provencale - not bad, not amazing, 4) Grilled eggplant napoleon* - awesome and cheesy 5) Fried artichoke hearts - personally it was okay for me but the rest of the group liked it a lot 6) Baby back ribs* - the meat falls right off the bone and the apple fritters that go along with it was so delicious 7) Duck a l'orange crepe* - such great flavor For dessert we ordered the tiramisu (pretty good), fried banana bread* (MUST GET!) and chocolate cake (blech!). My group had a great time. Although the dishes were small and expensive, the flavors that were packed in each bite made it worthwhile! Of note, the waitstaff will also bring out hats and wigs to add to the fun time.
(4)
Christine A.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi with my sister last Saturday night and we had a lot of fun. I love the 1920s decor, the bartender and waitresses were very friendly, and the drinks we ordered were delicious. I ordered the moulin rouge, which was one of the best cocktails I've ever had and my sister had something else with passion fruit, which was also really good. I can't wait to go back there and try their tapas. I also enjoyed the music which was a fun mix of throwbacks and new hits!
(5)
Vanessa G.
Last night was definitely a top notch visit. We arrived around 10pm and were able to order a round of drinks and be seated at a table within minutes. This place is always hoppin and sometimes the service is less than awesome. But last night was great. Ryan and Mike took great care of us, we're funny and attentive. The food was all amazing and the knowledge of gluten free issues was the best I've experienced here. Looking forward to going back again soon.
(5)
Mel C.
Cool concept. Gained some cocktail knowledge. Small plates were good. The review highlights have it all right. The Cuban cigar is the best.
(5)
Jessica E.
I am seriously in LOVE with this place! Came here for my birthday with my boyfriend and his mom on a Sunday evening. There was supposed to be 2 others in our party, and my boyfriend reserved us the LED light table. Althought the others cancelled at the last minute, they were very accomadating and had no problem with still seating us at the LED table, which was awesome. We were very amused by the twinkling lights, LOL. All the decor was very eclectic, and I really loved the vibe. Even the waitstaff dressed the part, in vintage burlesque type outfits. Great touch. On to the food...This is a small plates restaurant, which is something we aren't quite used to, so we kind of overordered, but everything was so delicious, we had no problem finishing it. Each dish came out at different times, so it wasn't too overwhelming. The menu has food dishes from all over the world, and they specify the origin of each one. Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Grilled Eggplant Napoleon- My boyfriend LOVED this. It wasn't my favorite, but it was very good. Fried Artichoke Hearts- This was my FAVE! It's filled with pistachio and basil and cheese, and has an olive sauce. The flavors are great together! Bliny- Another favorite; These are mushroom and cheese crepes topped with sour cream and caviar. So delicious. Grilled Indian Lamb- Very well done. I am a huge fan of lamb, but not many restaurants get it right. This was served with a yummy cucumber suace and a beet salad. Mushroom Risotto- Delicious and flavorful! Mushroom a little strong in this one but very good. Cauliflower Fritters- This one wasn't my choice, and I didn't think I'd like it. It comes in a spicy sauce, and I dont do spicy, but luckily it wasn't completly covered in sauce, and I ended up loving it! I am not a big drinker, so can't say mich about that, but my boyfriend and his mom both ordered the wine flight and really enjoyed it. We ordered the cheesecake for dessert, and the waitstaff came over singing for my birthday with a pretty tall candle for me to blow out. Overall great experience!
(5)
Ana J.
My friends and I made a reservation for 9pm. We got there and had to wait over 30 mins to get seated. Not one staff member came over to apologize for the wait or even update us on how long. One of my friends got a little impatient and even had to go speak to the manager. The food was AMAZING- if I return, it will solely be for the food because the service was just completely awful.
(3)
Janka L.
Pros *cocktail list is divine *small plates = you'll only overeat if you order 10 of em Cons -cuchi cuchi decor is a little kitschy kitschy -cocktail price
(3)
Toodles K.
Went here last night for a birthday party and it was fabulous, beyond my expectations, LOVED IT! The atmosphere, the staff, the white lilies everywhere, THE FOOD, the drinks, and the 20s ambiance is just spectacular. Our waiter suggested his favorite Scotch and it reminded me so much of Glen Livet, I was delighted. A bunch of us did a birthday shot called Bottoms Up. I don't want to spoil the mystery but I will say this: your mouth will be the happiest it has ever been. Do not hesitate to try this place out.
(5)
Randy V.
It's taking me a week to write this, but I am still daydreaming about the marvelous food at this place. It's that GOOD! Had an old college friend from California visit me and couldn't think of a place to take him.. made a couple of calls and was directed to Cuchi Cuchi. The ambiance and decor was pretty cool. A mix of swag, swanky, and hip!! Nothing pretentious like you will find in downtown Boston. I wish the lighting would have been a little brighter for photo opportunities, but my iPhone 5 held up pretty good with the little lamp at our table. The portions were good enough for sharing, but if you have a big empty stomach maybe sharing is out of the question. What we had: -Duck a l'Orange Crepe (a plate of wonder and savory!!) -Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse (OMG X100; just wonderful! Amazing mix of texture from the crunchy shell to the tuna tartare and the dallop of avocado.) -Cuban Cigar (Good, but a little on the small side for sharing.) -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (I'm not a big fan of goat cheese. And I found myself scrapping it off. A good dish, but the goat cheese did it for me.) -FRENCH BANANA BREAD EXTRAVAGANZA (The most wonderful crafted dessert I have tasted!! The bread was crusted or caramelized with pieces of banana on top with ice cream and cream and drizzles of sauce. It was a good size for sharing, but I could have easily eaten it all by myself!!) I would definitely come back to this restaurant!
(5)
Kay B.
I came here a few months back with some friends for my birthday. The service was great. The food was absolutely amazing!!! Everything was so delicious. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Big S.
this place is great! we came here for a birthday party, and all had great drinks and great dishes. all of the food we ordered was tasty, and the drink menu is very unique. the spicy dirty martini is a great drink! and the muddled jalapeño was also very good. there were a number of other drinks that looked tasty as well. we got a lot of different items and everything was really good. the crepe dish was amazing, but really everything was. i would go back in a heart beat, and the service is fun. with everyone dressed up, its not your typical tapas.
(5)
Jane D.
Delicious cocktails and desserts! A bit pricey, but you pay for an amazing ambiance and costumed wait staff. We ordered the banana bread and it was extremely delicious. I would go back just for that! We were only two but it seemed like it would be a great place for larger groups as well. Definitely coming back sometime soon!
(5)
Kara H.
love the ambiance, love the drinks and love the food. be prepared to drop some $$ but I thought it was worth it for a fancier night out Highlights from the tapas menu: Duck L'orange crepe, thai mussels, mushroom risotto I'm not much of a drinker, but damn the black dahlia was delicious, can't wait to be back to try more of their signature drinks!
(5)
Rebecca N.
This place is incredible. The ambience is wonderful. Fresh flowers, great decor, wait staff is dressed up. You feel like you've been whisked away to some fantasy version of Paris or New Orleans. The cocktails are incredible. The food was great. The service was outstanding. There is really no reason not to go here, except that it's expensive. Definitely not a place to go if you're on a budget. Love this place.
(5)
John L.
I must have lived in a cave for the last couple of years, because I have never heard of this amazing Tapas joint with a roaring 20s theme! The waitstaff are all dressed up, and the decor is awesome! From many recommendations, I had heard that they had strong drinks, and I had to try the garlic shrimp and cuban cigars. I actually tried to play down my spiky Asian hair to sort of style it like Jim Dormandy from Boardwalk Empire. And I decided to rock some suspenders, but unforutnately couldn't figure out how to tie my bowtie for dinner.... Anyways, I had dinner with a group of 10 colleagues. It was a little cramped, but we managed. Drinks I tried a bunch of cocktails raning from the Vesper Martini, Corpse Reviver, among others. But those two were my favorites. As other people have mentioned, the drinks are strong, but very good. Eats Mexican Deep-fried Tomato (Queso Chihuahua, avocado, tomato & Pico de Gallo salsa & mole sauce) - Pretty amazing burst of flavors, delicious. Potato Croquettes - These were good, glorified cheesy tater tots. Again, these were tasty, but I'd rather save room in my belly for some of the other dishes. Mushroom Risotto - Quite a heavy dish, really savory and creamy. Again, good for a bite, but I'd rather save tummy room for other dishes. Seafood-filled Avocado (1/2 grilled lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, octopus, crabmeat in salsa) - From the description, this dish looked particularly intriguing, but it just didn't do it for me. On paper, it looks amazing with all the components and I am a big seafood guy. May have to give this bad boy another shot... Scallop Ceviche Shot (in tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime, mango & banana salsa) - Simply a pure shot of amazing seafood goodness. Perfect acidity ratio, with real crisp and clean flavors. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - Flavor explosion packed with these shrimp. A bit on the small side, but the flavors are intense. Tuna Lavash (sushi-grade raw tuna, greens, pickled cucumber, organic bacon - rolled in lavash bread & grilled; Asian dipping vinaigrette) - meh, not my cup of tea. I think a comment at the table said, "glorified Trader Joes". Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse - Best dish there. I could eat these all night. Perfect composition, mixture of textures are on point. Baby Back Ribs w/Apple Fritters - Ribs were a little too sweet for my taste, but the Apple Fritters are out of this world. Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa) - 2nd favorite dish, the dough is like a fragile phyllo dough that works amazingly well with the beef short ribs. Flavor explosion, great bite. Duck a l'Orange Crepes (roasted duck w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette) - Meh, duck was underwhelming. Not horrible, not great. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (grilled pork rolls filled w/Pecorino Romano cheese, sauteed garlic, arugula; wrapped in pancetta) - Meh, the arugula was either too large or just an overpowering component relative to the dish. Sweets Cheesecake - ok Chocolate Cake -not bad Tirami-su - probably my fav. Cornucopia (pizzelle cone filled with fresh fruit, fruit kissel, whipped cream) - pretty tasty French Banana Bread Extravaganza - not a huge banana dessert guy... Tartufo (chocolate-coated gelato ball) - pretty good Le Gateau Nantais (almond/rum cake w/poached mini-pears) - delicious My personal highlights were the Tuna Tartare Cornets, Cuban Cigar, and the Scallop Ceviche Shot. Also, every drink I had was on point. Had an absolutely amazing time, considering holding my birthday party there next summer, of course flapper attier would be required for admission. And I could care less if you Great Gatsby or Boardwalk Empire it up, just come dressed to impress!
(5)
Anouska B.
Summary: Really delicious (albeit pricey) cocktails and small plates served to you by Speak Easy-inspired waitresses against a backdrop of kooky Old Hollywood. I met up with an old student of mine to catch up on life post-graduation. I've been here before for a blow-out dinner (it was my birthday and we got the table that lights up!), so this time I was keeping it more small-scale -- we sat at the bar, and were immediately offered the drink menu. Their signature cocktails are $11 each and the 'vintage' (i.e. classic) cocktails, like French 75, are a dollar cheaper. They have SO many concoctions (plus the bartenders are willing to play around with substitutions), it can be difficult to decide with which to begin. I had the Black Dahlia (which was a head and shoulders better than the Black Dahlia at Noir in Harvard Square), and my friend had the Moulin Rouge. Both were fruity without cloying sweetness (the benefit of using freshly muddled fruit instead of syrups), and were quickly consumed... leading to repeated consternation over which drink to order next! The Thai Cocktail is a supremely refreshing smack of alcohol, reminiscent of a detox in the mountains and a breezy day at the beach, simultaneously. Salome's Potion, served as it is in a deep brandy glass, was divine -- sumptuous, rich flavour, innocuously without garnish -- and the perfect way to round up the evening. We got so caught up in talking and drinking (bless the wait staff: they let us gab on happily without disruption), we didn't get around to ordering food. I'll have to return to review the food, and see if I can add an extra star to my experience.
(4)
Marilyn C.
I'll give Cuchi Cuchi the full 5. Here's why: I had been here once a few years back and had fond memories as it was to celebrate a birthday and I remembered the atmosphere being unique. I now live down the street and stopped by New Year's Eve as the second stop on my jaunt around Central Square. I have to say I left impressed and with a smile! The waitstaff was attentive, friendly and on their A game. The whole place was running smoothly and efficiently - and it was crowded! But it was crowded in a good way. The atmosphere was lively and jovial. We had a cocktail and split a cauliflower small plate that was delicious. I should have ordered more food here as the cauliflower was perfectly cooked and had the right amount of flavor and ooo the flavors - just thinking about my mouth is watering. The cocktails were also good. I have to say that Cuchi Cuchi exceeded my expectations. I really thought the service was spot on and the food was excellent. I will make a point of stopping in here more often now!
(5)
Shiv P.
AMAZING!!! Every bite is like a party in my mouth. So delicious. Have been here a few times and each time is better than the last! Can't wait to go again.
(5)
Daniel T.
Place is nice, seating area is small and quant. Service is friendly and dimly light. Tapas is good as well as the drinks.
(3)
Emily L.
Their food is delicious and drinks area great. However, I've been coming here about once a week or 2 years and I still think it's obnoxious that they don't give free drinks for birthdays. It was my birthday!
(3)
R ALopo C.
This is officially my new favorite restaurant in Greater Boston. I'm surprised I'd never been to this place! My friend had been here before, so we decided on going on a Wednesday night. It was packed, but they sat us down pretty quick. The atmosphere was so lively and had some of the best music I've heard in a restaurant/bar in the area. A mix of Salsa, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, and everything in between. The waitresses were also really friendly, dressed out of something out of Moulin Rouge (so cool!!!), and amazingly accommodating of my diet restrictions and allergies (most seafood... i know, it sucks). We ordered a few cocktails, which were phenomenal and super strong. (I had a Thai Cocktail with basil, and a Triple Passion Daiquiri. YUM) Also I was pretty hungry after a long day at work, so we ordered a few things off the menu, and couldn't have been happier with our choices: Fried Artichoke Hearts Mexican Deep fried Tomato (my favorite thing on the menu!!!!!!) Tsukune (chicken balls with a glaze. came with a seaweed salad) Grilled Skirt Steak Potato Croquette Tartufo (chocolate covered gelato ball dessert) All in all, this place is OUT OF THIS WORLD fantastic and I highly recommend it for special occasions, or birthdays, a date, or just a night out with a good friend. They should totally do delivery!!
(5)
Matt S.
Simply amazing! Every plate was literally mouth-watering goodness...here's what we HIGHLY recommend: Brie en Croute - just trust me on this when I say you will be happy when you take the first bite of this. Holy freaking heaven in your mouth. Words cannot describe how unbelievably tasty this is. Cuban Cigar - savory, rich, sweet, crispy, delicous. Beef Stroganoff - salty, creamy, earthy, awesomeness. Those plates are an absolute MUST-TRY...and the rest are all good too - can't go wrong with anything on this menu.
(5)
Caitlin C.
SO good. Fun, cozy, atmosphere. Great cocktails, perfect place for a late dinner. Tapas were delicious and easy to share. The waitstaff is experienced, dressed in awesome 1920-era costumes. Look forward to my next time back.
(5)
Leigh B.
A great atmosphere with some fantastic food. The restaurant proclaims a 1920s theme in decoration, whilst the food and beverages are perhaps based on that era, it indeed spans from old to new around a global menu. The sharing plates style is ideal for a fun date or any group / family interaction. The food was outstanding, tasty, well presented and certainly provides a lot of variety. Our group tasted 8 dishes from Duck a l'orange, scallops, Indian lamb to 'cuban cigar'! All with some tasty cocktails from a vintage menu list. As you will want about 2 dishes per person plus drinks, it can be pricey, however, well worth it for the experience. We would definately go back...especially for the Pate!
(4)
Elena E.
Had a great evening of dinner and drinks with a group of 7 friends last Friday. A few of us arrived at 6pm and put our name down to hold a table while we waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Sat at the bar and enjoyed some of there amazing drinks while we waited. Since we were a large, and hungry, group we order a majority of the dishes on the menu. Everything was great! Some of the stand-outs were Cornets with Tuna Tartar, eggplant napoleon, and duck crepes. But really there were no bad choices. Same story for the drinks. Outstanding and creative cocktails. I really enjoyed the VoodoYouDo. Great food, great drinks, and the servers were fun and friendly. Yes it was expensive, but worth it for such a fun night.
(5)
Priyanka A.
Love the vibe of this place, and the (long!) cocktail list is all fantastic. I found the food underwhelming, though, and not really worth the prices. Definitely go for drinks!
(3)
Karen S.
This is a fun place but I wasn't blown away by the food. I did love the Brie, scallops, chicken balls, and chocolate cake. The chicken Kiev, oysters, and Cuban cigars were meh. Drinks were super plentiful and creative. While I do appreciate the eclectic decor, our table was extremely uncomfortable as the table was too low and the bench used as seating on one side of the table was hard and tough to sit on. Overall it was a fun experience but I doubt I'll be back.
(4)
L D.
Mushroom risotto is a force to be reckoned with. The Brie en croute is incredible. The chimichuri beef is delicious. Totally worth the wait and cost! I do wish they had a standard rum offering.
(5)
Sandy H.
I've been wanting to try this place for over 4 years and when I finally got around to it tonight. The service was terrible and the food was hit or miss. It took 15-20 minutes before our waiter took our order. He checked in on us twice before, but would rush off before we could ask him questions about menu or even tell him we were ready to order. We couldn't figure out why since the place was half-empty. Overall, the food was overpriced, overly salty, and the portions were tiny. I like salt, but not to the point where I feel it burning my mouth like what I experienced with the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp and the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (Grilled pork rolls stuffed w/pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic). The Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad was the best dish we had and I would order it again, but for portion we got for $12 was just so tiny I'd rather not. The prices they're charging for their tapas are on par with what fancy places in Boston are charging for their appetizers, but Cuchi Cuchi just lacked the quality and quantity. We actually wanted to order more food, but seeing as our waiter just kept disappearing and our food was just so salty and tiny, I just didn't see the point. We got our check and went somewhere else to eat.
(1)
Mike O.
Cuchi Cuchi, in Spanish you mean "Knife Knife", in Basque you mean "Hear Hear", in Czech you mean "Smell Smell", and in American English you mean something I suspect that would get me slapped in the face if I said it to the wrong person. Truth be told, it doesn't matter which language you intended your namesake to derive from; they all make perfect sense. Passing through its threshold, patrons are transported to another time, another place altogether, a distant land where song, dance, eating, drinking, and celebration among peers is at the heart of this seemingly Romani Gypsy sanctum. Beyond the wonderfully ornate decor the staff's distinctive garb adds to your experience and allows your imagination to whisk you far away from the bustling streets of the city. The hosts are always so gracious and if you feel so inclined, you can get your fortune read while you wait, which at times can be a bit longer than most would like. Given the fun nature of it all, you may as well indulge and not try to rush your experience. The cocktail list is quite extensive, exquisitely creative, and has just about anything to suit your tastes and preferences. All of the liquid libations have the descriptions listed in detail on the menu so there is no guesswork when it comes to picking your potent poison. I've tried many options as well as some classics and have never been disappointed with what I've been served. Most of the food is very good, but there are clearly some plates that stand far above the rest. These include: the Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad; the Scallop Ceviche Shot; the Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse; St. Jacob's Zucchini (you could not possibly dislike this!); and the Cuban Cigar (absolutely the best thing on the menu). Yes, you will take notice that this is not your traditional tapas bar, with fare coming from far and wide. They have taken liberty on much of what comes out of their kitchen and for this I applaud their effort. Price per plate runs a little higher than a lot of other places but when you stop to consider that you probably pay a cover to get into Gypsy Bar (or any other nightlife "hot-spot"), I think it's fair to say that this nominal, extra charge is well within reason given the experience, product, and allure provided in this wonderful, hidden gypsy gem.
Cuchi Cuchi is one my favorite girls' night out spots on a Friday night straight after work. The restaurant's ambiance can be described as 20's and 40's elegant, romantic and European chic. Cuchi Cuchi has a good cocktail list and it's a place one should be sipping fancy looking cocktails. I like the Elderflower Martini. The food consists of small international plates and it's meant to be shared. We ordered a bunch of dishes. The Scallops Provençale were 3 overpriced nano scallops that we had to share 4 ways, needed a microscope to dissect them. I liked the Chicken Kiev, Asian Salad and the Potato Croquettes, they have good bread with EVOO too. Tartufo is a good dessert and the Chocolate Cake was not my forte. As they don't take reservations after 6-6:30PM and the place fills up, we were actually asked to leave as we were finishing our desserts, which is unheard of. Our waitress was nice, but we had to ask her to slow down bringing the dishes... It felt like dining at Giacomo's (where they keep feeding people fast, so they can leave fast and more people can be served) but with a much higher bill.
(3)
Shariya T.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston! Service, presentation and quality are always on point. They have a lot of great dishes, but here are my absolute faves: -Fruits de Mer: don't be deterred by the price, it is excellent! One of the best on the menu. -Tsukune: also comes with a watermelon/seaweed salad with toasted sesame seeds. Delicious! -Potato croquettes: simple and elegant. -French banana bread: a must-have! One of the best desserts I've ever had hands down, and it is always as good as I remember. The entire meal can get a bit pricey, but it's totally worth it. I can guarantee it'll be an experience that you won't forget!
(4)
Sruti G.
The BEST meal I've had in Boston so far. The small plates allow you to try out a lot more--and everything we ordered was quality, quality food. Fresh ingredients, crisp, clean flavors, and everything exceeded expectations. The decor is definitely eccentric--and the waitresses are dressed super...risque? Probably a place I wouldnt bring my little niece to or my mom, but for a night out with friends, it's perfect.
(5)
Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3.5 Ambiance: 4 I'm a fan of this place for its character. It's a very memorable place. But I am not sold on the authenticity of the place. It feels a little too much. a little too fake. The waitresses are dressed in burlesque outfits bordering on skanky. The decor is just a unique and fun to look at. Service is okay. The food was given promptly and drinks were brought. However, there wasn't much of a smile or explanation of anything we were served, just a rushed drop of the plate. The food portions were small, so we had to order a few extra dishes at the end. Beware. We had the potato croquettes (nicely fried, but perhaps a bit overly fried), beef stroganoff (good), grilled skirt steak (normal, ask for medium rare), and mushroom risotto (fan). We also had a pitcher of the sangria, which had a bit too much fake flavoring and wasn't very strong. Overall, decent place, would visit for the ambiance, particularly for a birthday or with a group, but not for upscale great food.
(3)
Shuchi K.
Probably one of my favorite Cambridge haunts, I've frequented Cuchi Cuchi on numerous occasions.It's great for a couple of reasons: - The ambience is fun, funky and classy. A sexy and offbeat kitschy red interior creates a great mood for this space that borders on burlesque. - The drinks are always top notch and the bar is definitely a main draw, particularly for the young and trendy happy hour go-ers. - This venue has rarely given me grief for organizing large group dinners - The tapas style menu offers a relatively good variety of eclectic selections with a Middle Eastern and Indian understone and allows for family style sharing. The seafood filled avocado and Indian lamb are always favorites. Overall, a great spot I'd strongly recommend!
(5)
Reem o.
Forget about poor service, we got no service last night at Cuchi Cuchi. After being strung along for 1.5 hours for a table for dinner, we finally sat down with many apologies from the hosts. But 5 minutes later, we still didn't have water, or bread or anyone coming by to serve us. After having us wait so long, the least I expected was excellent and immediate service. Very disappointing. So we got up and walked out without dinner. Only good thing was drinks at the bar. With so many great restaurants right next door, don't waste your time and $$ here.
(2)
Leann F.
Delicious. I dined here with a large group of friends recently. I knew before going that they don't accept reservations for dinner, so I expected a long wait at a packed bar. Though I was initially annoyed by the thought of standing around a a crowded bar, one look at the cocktail menu made me wish that our wait for a table was even longer; I needed time to try all of the creative cocktails! I started with a strawberry and basil concoction called Splendor in a Glass, and then moved on to the best French 75 that I've ever had. After just one drink our table was ready (I didn't notice exactly how long we waited because I was enjoying my drink and the company of friends). The meal was excellent and the service was good (not perfect, but good overall). I highly recommend this restaurant for groups of at least four. The food is tapas-style, and the cocktail menu is long, so you'll want to have plenty of people around to maximize the tapas and cocktail tasting experience.
(4)
Dara S.
If I did not have so much trouble getting a table here - I would give it 5 stars. I love Cuchi Cuchi. While most of their cocktails are vodka based - they still have an incredible list with great options. I love the ambiance, the retro dress, oh yea and the food. Also the touch table is a lot of fun... especially when you have been waiting two hours for a table at the bar and drinking!
(4)
Noshii R.
One of my all time favorite places in Cambridge...we go there at least a few times a month and are always 100% satisfied. Meticulous service, great food and an excellent drinks selection. Shem and Whitney are the best!!! Both accommodate us and put up with our requests--no matter what they may be. The place is a bit pricey and the food portions are getting smaller--but for a fun night out with some tapas this is the spot. Great for groups too--be sure to make reservations.
(5)
Alexis C.
After I wrote my 3-star review (Yelp says 3-stars means "A-OK" when you pick the stars), meaning that I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either, I got a nasty personal message filled with ad hominem attacks from someone claiming to be the owner of Cuchi Cuchi. I thought it was a troll because it was incredibly unprofessional and sounded like an unhinged nutjob wrote it. Why would anyone represent their business that way? But a quick Google search for "Cuchi Cuchi owner" revealed that, why yes, "Tamara B." is Tamara Bourso, owner of Cuchi Cuchi. She has written two reviews, one being a 5-star review of her own restaurant, and the other being a 1-star review of another restaurant. I'm not sure why someone whose restaurant has a 4-star average rating on Yelp, which is very positive, and hundreds of glowing reviews would go after someone who wrote a 3-star review. From the other reviews, I'd guess that Cuchi Cuchi gets a lot of business and that my single review out of 540 reviews is not going to make a difference. It's sort of like if a consumer reviewed a popular product they got from Amazon and then the manufacturer went crazy psycho on them and bombarded them with personal insults. I'd understand a, "Hm, looks like your tastes don't mesh with mine" or a "Sorry you didn't love us even though everyone else does," but this was akin to Joe Schmoe watching a movie and then blogging about it--and then Michael Bay shows up pissed as hell because someone said his movie was 3 stars and not 5 stars. Given Cuchi Cuchi's leadership, it's not surprising that the place was lacking in class and refinement but did have a trashy vibe. Yelp says 1-star means "Eek! Methinks not." Due to my experience with Cuchi Cuchi's owner, I'm now in the "Nothing could induce me to ever step back in there" camp instead of the "I wouldn't suggest going there but if my friends want to go, I'll go" camp. (I didn't write back to her, and it's a good thing you can block scary users.)
(1)
Alyssa B.
This was a spectacular dining experience. I went with a client after work, so there were about 12 of us. We told the waitress who had food preferences and allergies, and we asked for a recommendation on how to attack the menu. She offered to make all the selections for us, and it could not have been better. We had quite a few of the dishes, but the baby back ribs with apple fritters, and the sizzling garlic shrimp were my two favorites. I loved the ambiance and the costumes all of the employees were wearing. Overall, I enjoyed dinner very much. It was about $40/person and we had 22 dishes.
(5)
Neal M.
Love the food here. The international tapas is a great idea. The scallops provancal (sp?) was great. The "Cuban cigar" or pork fried in fillo dough was awesome. My FAV was the Tuna tartar dish. I love the avacado mousse. The shrimp plate was the low light of the night but still decent. Overall I LOVE me some Cuchi Cuchi
(5)
Kim B.
I came to Cuchi Cuchi for birthday dinner and drinks. I have two words for you: Salome's Potion (it's a fantastic cocktail--try it!). The drinks are out-of-this-world delicious and made with fresh ingredients. We didn't sit in the dining room, but the service at the bar was superb. We tried several small plates. None of them were mind-blowing, but they were across-the-board good eats. I love the decor and the vibe of the place too. The homage to the 1920s is a lot of fun!
(4)
Elizabeth G.
OK... I thought this place was new and now I see there are reviews here from 2009, and then I check the website and it opened in 2001. I guess I am a little behind the times. Whatever. New or not, Cuchi Cuchi deserves some serious buzz. I'm not sure if the vibe is Moulin Rouge or Mardi Gras, but it sure is fun. I love restaurants where there is lots to look at. This was so much the case here that it was almost hard to concentrate on the conversation. Our server wore black lace; another had a feather in her hair. The crowd of biotech folks in khakis and loafers, with their work ID badges still clipped to their belts, didn't quite fit in. The music sounded like a Spanish-speaking (or singing) Edith Piaf. The decor was kooky and perplexing, in the style of Dali or Miro... which is funny because the owners seem to object to the restaurant being characterized as a tapas bar. "Please don't refer to CC's dishes as tapas, which are from Spain," the website proclaims. "Our dishes are larger and we prefer to globe-trot." I'm not sure why the attitude. I really do think the best way to sum up Cuchi Cuchi's menu is tapas with a twist. It's true, there's no chorizo or paella in sight. But the menu is made up of small plates for sharing so what's the beef? The Russian dishes are a particularly cool addition: crispy oysters with salmon roe, roasted potatoes, creme fraiche, and champagne sauce ($13) or mushroom blini topped with sour cream and caviar (both $13). Other selections hail from France, Italy, Panama, Guatemala, Argentina, Morocco, India, China, and Japan. I went with a vegetarian, and we especially enjoyed the Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower fritters with a tangy, spicy -- tamarind? -- sauce) ($12); the fried artichoke hearts stuffed with gorgonzola, pistachios, and basil ($14); and the deep-fried tomato with avocado and pico de gallo ($11). (There were lighter, non-fried vegetarian options; we just didn't choose them.) The wine list is just as international as the menu, with selections from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Sicily, and Portugal, as well as the usual suspects (France, Spain, California). In general, I found the prices here to be a bit high for the size of the dishes. But dining here is a unique experience, so whaddaya gonna do?
(4)
Shelagh M.
I really can't say anything bad about this place besides that it may be a little over-priced. The ambience is UBER cool. They don't have a dresscode, but know that you will feel ridiculous if you walk in there with ugg boots and/or a sweatshirt. All the servers and hosts are dressed in "old hollywood glamour" style and they DO NOT do it half-ass. The best dishes we got were the mushroom risotto (super truffle-y), cuban cigar, fried artichoke hearts and a delicious cone thing with tuna tartar and avocado mousse. We didn't get the garlic shrimp but they smelled amazing, We also got the banana extravaganza for dessert which might have been my favorite part of the meal. It was SO delicious and surprisingly bigger than any of the tapas we got.
(4)
Julia F.
And so begins the love affair between Julia F. and Cuchi Cuchi. She was just a middle class girl from around the corner, and then one night she stepped out with a friend for a girls night out, they found themselves putting in a first name for a 45 minute wait, Friday night. Caipirinha in Julia F's hand, Caipiroska in Erica P's; they were about to rest up and wait for a table and sip. No sooner were the drinks raised, a table was announced, drinks were taken by the host, and they were led past beautiful tables full of color and light, and plates of amazing looking food. Right in the furthest corner from the door, was a table for two. Massive chairs fit for mis-matched royalty, with a kitchy table lamp and lace curtains - overwhelmed with excitement, they sat down and drank and asked millions of questions about the menu and the makeup the waitress was wearing. Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad : delectable. Cuban Cigar (which is beef short ribs wrapped in an empanada dough w/black bean salsa made with mint) : out of this world! it melts in the mouth! Fried Artichoke Hearts : the center of the artichokes were a little cold, but other than that, it was amazing - gorganzola cheese, pastachios and black olives and basil in a nice sauce (made out of god knows what, butter and heaven?!) Julia F. convinced Erica P that the Caipirinha was the drink not only of the night, but must be made correctly. None of this silly, vodka, russian spinoff Caipiroska, bull. And they drank a few more drinks, fully enjoying every moment spent indoors. That "gypsy restaurant" her mother had talked about, really was as good as she had thought it to be, and will forever be her first choice for a date or a girls night out. (With reservations made beforehand though... Can't be lucky like that more than once!)
(4)
Alex R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston! The atmosphere is so eccentric, the servers are so nice and wear fun costumes! The drinks are amazing as well as the food. I bring all my family and friends that are visiting me in Boston to Cuchi Cuchi. Highly recommended.
(5)
Aparna S.
If you have eaten at any mid range restuarant in any cosmopolitan city this restaurant is going to disappoint you. 1) the house wasn't nearly full yet we waited over 10 minutes to get our drink orders taken. 2) the drink I ordered tickle me something....had rotten muddled strawberries. When we told the waiter that it tasted smoky or off...He admitted that many guests comment it tastes odd and like, you guessed it, rotten strawberries. He did not offer to get another drink made...and basically wanted me to deal with it. 3) when our 1st course (baked brie) was brought out...they brought us the meat version...When we had asked if it could be made without the bacon. Our waiter seemed confused and was unapologetic. Could not stay for forth rest of the meal. Would not recommend. Which is a shame....because the menu really did seem interesting!
(1)
Jacquee P.
SO MUCH FUN! We agreed that San Francisco needs a place like Cuchi Cuchi. It's whimsical and feisty! Our wait was about an hour and it was worth it. Our waiter was a total tip whore but boy, oh boy! He worked it! *wink*wink* The seafood stuffed avocado really quite good with the exception of the chewy bits of calamari. The tuna coronets! Oh! A++! This is an exploration of texture and flavor for your mouf! The chicken kiev was okay. It was a little oily and a little dry but had a nice mix of mushrooms and such. It's worth it to come here just to oogle the ladies who work here and their fun fun hats and accessories. If you come with a party, book the light up table! It is so cool! *blinky*blinky*
(4)
Megan D.
I've been here three times now. The cocktails are fantastic and the food is nice too. The wait staff sparkle and pop! Last time I was there I got epically drunk, stole a waiter's spider brooch, and ended up on stage at a goth industrial club. I returned the brooch, but I'm not sure I'm allowed back. Cuchi Cuchi, I love you. Take me back.
(5)
Kim W.
Cuchi Cuchi is a fun hot spot in Cambridge. If I had to describe this place in a sentence: "International Tapas in a 1930's setting". There is a range of food selection in small portioned dishes which makes it really fun to go with a small group of friends. On top of that, the cocktail menu is very impressive and it always takes me at least 5 minutes to really decide what I want to drink as everything looks so good! And finally my absolute favorite thing about this restaurant is the BANANA EXTRAVAGANZA ! Its THE best dessert I have ever had in Boston. I always get this dish when I come here, even if i'm just at the bar having a couple drinks with friends. If you don't get this dish when you get there, you are truly missing out.
(4)
Marc F.
I have been coming here for 10 years and I want to tell you that this place is crummy, crowded, has terrible food so you won't go and I can always get a table but I can't. My hands down favorite restaurant in Boston. Not tapas but small plates with a variety of international foods. The restaurant has such a fun and festive environment you can't help but be happy when you're there. First, the drinks...the cocktails are great. My fave is The Heat of the Night which has jalapeños, watermelon juice, and St Germain in it. Used to also love the Thai Martini but they took it off the menu :( The food is fantastic...I could go on about it but trust me, pretty much everything is great and you will just have to try based on what you prefer. 2 plates per person plus dessert is my reco. The banana bread dessert IMO is the best dessert in Boston/Cambridge. So, stay away! You will love this place!
(5)
Stacey S.
So our night here did not start out well.... I was at the bar waiting for my husband and was told it was going to be 40 minutes. an HOUR and 40 minutes later, we were finally sat - I was so hungry and not a happy camper. Once sat down, the waitress took such good care of us - we had an excellent meal - some of the highlights were the pork, steak, and potato croquettes. At the end, she brought us out a HUGE dessert and dessert wine and said it was on the house for our wait. The dessert was the highlight of the meal (banana bread experience - you need to try this) and I really appreciated the thought. Overall, I would come back - food was amazing and service was good!
(4)
Monica R.
Went here for a girls night out / semi bachelorette party. I call it "semi" because there were 5 of us, and we wanted an intimate and relaxing, club-free scene for our girls-only special night out. What a perfect pick!! Highly recommended if you are looking for a great place for a similar event - or just a fun dining or drinking environment. Food was great, the ambiance was strange and yet very welcoming, the staff was kind, light-hearted and educated on their food and drinks. The staff dress as 1920's flappers and you will find the decor to match. With a bit of creativity, you could allow yourself to feel like you've stepped back in time into a speakeasy of sorts - even when you are seated by the window :) The HIGHLIGHT of this restaurant's offerings are the cocktails. The list is exciting and creative (even foreign to me - so I had to ask for recommendations). Drinks with fresh cilantro, mint, lemongrass, basil, berries and other fruits - you name it. They seem to use only the best alcohols too. These cocktails run about $10-11 but are better than any others that you will find in this price range or higher in the city. Needless to say, our party was on a weeknight - and I was shocked that I woke up with no hangover!! I say its because of the fresh ingredients and quality of the booze - but whatever it was - could not have had a better night! Thank you, Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)
Moises F.
I went for a friend's birthday a month ago. We were a party of 20 and I was surprised by how diligent the service was. They brought drinks immediately, food arrived 20 mins after we ordered it and personnel was always friendly and helpful explaining the menu. You can't miss the "Savory Cornets W/tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse" they are amazing!! We ordered a bit of everything in the Menu but these were by far the best. When you go to a tapas bar you expect a flavorful and tasty dish in small portions. They only stick to the later. Food was plain and far from special. Ambience is great. The red interiors combined with the dark furniture, low lights and nice plates create a great mood. I've heard many times that drinks are great, but I found them boring (nothing different from any other place in town). It's a great place to bring groups, but I would hesitate to go out on a date in this place.
(4)
Ira H.
This place is great. I visited last night with 3 buddies. The place is decorated in a festive Tiffany glass kind of way. The waiters are dressed in 1920's through 1940's garb. It took a while to get a table so we hung out at the bar trying some of the signature drinks. I ended up sticking with the Thai Basil mojito drink. It was unique with a lemongrass, mint and basil mix within the concoction. I usually don't experiment with strange new drinks but this is a good place to do so. We sat a table after a while and had prompt service. We had the ribs/apple fritter, cuban cigar, Tuna Carpacio/avocado hand rolls and honestly a few other dishes that I cant recall. All of them were excellent. I will definitely return to Cuchi-Cuchi.
(5)
Kelsey A.
Seven of us went to Cuchi Cuchi last night around 8:45 to get drinks for Sahil G.'s birthday (it's been a weeklong celebration). I immediately noticed the decor -- it's hard not to -- and I loved it. It's really fun/funky in there. We asked the waitress if we could sit at a table, though only a few of us were ordering food, but she said the tables were reserved for dinner patrons only. Ok, that's fine. But then we stood awkwardly without seats or menus in the bar area for a good five minutes before we had to go get menus for ourselves. I thought it was a little weird that the waitresses/hostess ignored us, considering we were such a large party, but whatever. We picked out our drinks, and then tried to go up to the bar to get attention from the bartender. No luck -- waited for over five minutes without any acknowledgment. One of my friends was able to snag a bartender and put in a drink order, but only because she stood literally right in front of him while he was making a drink for someone else. The hostess came up to us at this point and told us not to order drinks because she was able to manage a table for us -- this was very nice of her, considering we were not going to be ordering much food. We sat down and she promptly handed us menus. The waiter came around in about five minutes or so and took our orders. After a long wait -- over fifteen minutes -- we got our drinks. I got a Pimm's Cup, which was not that great. I can make it better myself. They used mint syrup instead of muddled fresh mint, which did not taste right. The whole time we were there, I felt like the waitstaff was annoyed by our presence. Granted, they seated us even though the kitchen was still open, but then they basically ignored us. The waiter came back once or twice to take away empty glasses, but did not ONE TIME ask us if we wanted another round -- which we definitely would have, had he asked. He came back after about an hour, check in hand, and asked if we wanted anything else. No thanks, check please. All in all, I was disappointed with my experience at Cuchi Cuchi, but I would go back for food if an opportunity arose (I won't go out of my way to go back). I was just really put off by the fact that they treated us so disdainfully.
(2)
Justin M.
Went to this place on a date. Appreciated the flappers and the whole roaring 20s environment. Appetizers were on point! I just couldn't stop eating here!
(5)
Mairead N.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi several times, once I had my fortune told at the bar, can't remember what she told me, must have been a load of crap. Either way, I love this place and keep coming back! I've been on dates here, been asked out on dates here, visited with friends, work colleagues.... doesn't matter, it's a great place to have a fun time. It feels like you could almost be in Manhattan. I love fashion and Boston sometimes doesn't really have that edgy fashion feel to it but I always feel I can dress up to come here and be different and feel comfortable and maybe get my dance on a little if I feel like it. I was here one night and I had a dance party in the loo, it's big enough for a few people and we laughed our bums off! The food is mostly small plates and tapas like food. I love sitting at the bar with a blood orange martini and chatting up a storm. The martini list is very cool and all yummy. The last time I was a there it was a rainy Wednesday afternoon and just went for a drink, ended up meeting a really interesting guy at the bar and starting up a great and fun conversation with him and three martinis later we were still there!! Love this place and always come back for the atmosphere!
(4)
Erica Z.
This is my favorite place in Boston. I think I've managed to make it in here every year for the last 6 years on my birthday, even after I've returned to the blah food abyss that is CT. And somehow, even if I haven't been in for 6 months at a time, the hostess still remembers me & my bf. I can not say enough about how friendly & knowledgeable (not to mention good looking) all of the staff is. Even better than the service is the cocktails here - truly out of this world (and that goes for the bf who dislikes "weak" & "too sweet" cocktails that I prefer). The Moulin Rouge is the best cocktail I have ever had. A few other highlights: the bliny, cuban cigar, cornets & baby back ribs. the light table! the bathroom. really. tips: I usually get 5-6 plates for 2 people to share & 3 drinks per person, and spend ~$250. Some might say expensive, but seems pretty reasonable for the quality of food/drinks Crowd varies from 20 somethings - 40's. A nice top & heels is pretty standard wear Only complaint is I have often waited 1-3 hrs for a table on the wknd; but you really can't be upset with a place for being too sought after now, can you? Plus after a few cocktails from the bar, you won't even mind that you've been wedged between two strangers in your heels waiting for a table. (I've also sat at the bar for dinner & been perfectly happy).
(5)
Jen C.
Was in Cambridge for a conference and the concierge recommended this place. It was a Friday night and it was packed. We snagged the last two seats at the bar. The bartender was pleasant and attentive. The entire staff is dressed in contumes of the era. It is very cool. We ordered some drinks and some tapas. Everything was delicious and the prices were reasonable for great food. If I wind up back in Cambridge, I will be back there for more tapas.
(4)
Shelly J.
I have been here for a number of special occasions, including birthdays. The drinks here are fabulous and all the small plates are yummy. My favorite dish here is the mushroom risotto, and the bread plate is yummy, too!
(4)
Bha d.
2.5 hours and $$ I will never get back(2 hours of wait time btw). Seriously, all the people who have given positive reviews for this place are saints. I am holding myself from being derogatory here, but in what * world is the ambience in this shit hole great? I thought yelp has genuine reviews. I guess most of the positive reviewers about this dungeon are associates of cuchi cuchi...Word of advice for guys...If you are thinking of going here to watch girls in skimpy clothes, go to Hooters..You will find GOOD looking Pleasant girls there.... Food was below par btw...
(1)
Jessica L.
My favorite restaurant in cambridge!! The short ribs tapas are amazing!! Caipirinhas are also very good! The atmosphere is entrancing and such a wonderful experience for dinner with friends or a significant other.
(5)
L J.
This place is amazing-- cool decor, great vintage drinks, and delicious small plates. The vibe is very fun, all of the waitresses and hostess are in costume (think 1920s cigarette girls) and the drink list is both extensive fun. The great thing for vegans is that all the drinks are described in detail, so you don't accidentally end up with an egg white in your drink (I'm looking at you, 28 degrees...). There is a separate menu for vegan small plates (just ask), which is awesome. We shared the gobi manchurian (delicious), the insalata del liguria had amazing dressing, the mushroom risotto was delicious, and the bread basket was yummy. the beet salad was just okay, so i might skip that one next time. and there will be a next time, and i will be more dressed up! two downsides-- it is pricey (we paid about $45 per person with drinks and tip), and it is loud. so it is a fun night out, but not good for a first date (too loud) or if you are on a budget. Oh, it also had a gluten-free menu. It didn't look like there was much overlap between the vegan and gluten-free menus, but still, good to know.
(5)
Nicole S.
Awful service. We had a party of 11 and wanted drinks and desserts but we were refused a table. We asked multiple times to have the corner table since it was empty but the man in front was so rude and told us to just stand near the bar. It is impossible to stand and have desserts so we left. I'm sure the food is good but I'll never come here again.
food was good, with a burlesque feel. the decor itself was not that impressive, and the theme seemed more eclectic than anything else; we were greeted by a lady who seemed to have stepped out of the moulin rouge, but were served by a water in boring black pants and shirt who could have worn the same outfit to work at Applebee's. As for the food itself, it was very delicious and well thought out, but serving sizes were small. They recommended that each person get two plates, which are ~$15-$25 each, but we managed to get away with 6 entrees + bread for our group of 5. Of the things we ordered, I thought the tuna cornets were the best, with a delvious smoked sesame flavor
(4)
Thy L.
I had to go back to this restaurant because it was a friend's birthday dinner. To be honest, I don't really understand the hype. It's a cute little restaurant with an interesting theme, but the food isn't worth the price they charge. I am only including the new dishes I tried this time. We decided to try the fried artichoke hearts since that was what the waitress recommended last time. It was unimpressive, bland, dull, something you could probably do at home The Beef Stroganoff wasn't bad. The egg noodles were chewy and the beef was tender. I like the mushroom sauce. Overall, it was a good dish, but not worth $14. very bite of the risotto will overwhelm you with a very strong mushroom flavor. It was delicious, but I probably wouldn't order it again considering it's $12 for a small plate. Things I would order are the Scallops Ceviche and Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse
(2)
Odin B.
Unique international small plates (tapa-like) representing a variety of nations. Wait staff in fun flapper-type (?) flair oufits. Nice for a small gathering or catching up with an old friend. Every bite tends to delicious -- although I was there two nights in a row recently, and it was a little inconsistent with some of the same dishes varying in more or less saltiness and bold flavor. Dessert - get the French Banana Bread Extravanganza!
(4)
Milla J.
We went out to Cuchi Cuchi for food and drinks last week. The cocktails were great. Most of us loved our drinks. My friend who didn't like his wine had it exchanged without any difficulty. The staff were very accommodating. The food was amazing. I loved the garlic shrimp dish and the fried oysters. The music was fantastic. Fun decor. I had a great time.
(4)
danielle S.
I went here to start off my Bachlorette party and it was wonderful. The food was delicious and came to the table in timely manner for a large group. The only complaint was that the waitress only split my check out and the rest of our 16 people party had to divide it themselves not cool
Such a fun atmosphere! Wonderfully unique decor and uniforms for their wait staff. The service was impeccable, the food was delish, and the cocktails were out of this world. Will undoubtedly be returning.
(5)
Andi M.
Had dinner at Cuchi Cuchi the other night and it was fabulous! From the moment you enter you are transported back to a time of beauty and glamor. The decor in the place was simply grand and beautiful. From the paintings to the sofa to the lamp shades. One of a kind pieces for sure. Very eclectic. The service was outstanding. The staff was all dressed up. You felt like you were dining with Old Hollywood's elite or dining with the Royals in Paris. The food was impeccable. We had the Gobi Manchurian, Gratin Dauphinos, Brie en Croute, Chicken Kiev, Baby Back Ribs and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. OMG every item was superb!! I was slowly savoring every morsel. It was a party of three and the dishes were more than enough for us to share. The drinks were just so glamorous and sophisticated. The bar tender reminded me of an artist creating a master piece..... dancing and mixing drinks. The music in the background was the ultimate. This place is the best. I wish Chicago had a spot like this. When in Boston hop over the Charles River into Cambridge and go to Cuchi Cuchi for one of the best experiences in fabulous fun fine dining!!
(5)
Erika B.
They do the menu just like I would if I had a restaurant. Favorites from all over the world, tapas style...so you can try all of them...and I nearly did. From blini, to tagine, to fried zucchini with procuitto and manchego, chicken Kiev, tuna BLT, rum fried banana bread. We are fat happy kids. The music is great and fitting to the well decorated art-deco interior. The servers costumes are inspired.
(5)
Susan K.
What an interesting place! I know the restaurant says its not a tapas place but they serve small portions of food and its meant to be shared with 2-3 people. Hmmm...kind of like tapas? But they said they're not? Who knows. Anyway, the food here was great and the presentation was great too. I love how the portions are small yet I was satisfied. I think its so interesting that the staff dress up funky and different. Even the atmosphere of the place is kind of funky and cool. The lighting is dim but its full of character. Price is up there but I did not pay, which was an extra bonus for me! Woohoo!
(4)
Lisa O.
The girliest restaurant ever? Possibly. But I'm a girl and I was here for girls' night so it was a perfect fit actually. The only thing here for (straight) boys was the rather impressive cleavage on one of the servers. DAMN, girl. Also, the short ribs. Short ribs are for everyone. I love the whole small plates thing (NOT TAPAS, TAPAS ARE SPANISH) and it's perfect for groups. We ordered a small array of options and reserved the right to order more if we were still hungry. I'd like to say that when we ordered more that we got something different...but we all loved the Cuban Cigars so much that we just got more of those. Melt in your mouth delicious, those things. The cocktails were also super tasty, although one of mine had chunks of lemongrass in it. I could have done without that part because I don't like to chew my drinks. Tasty overall though! We also split a to DIE for dessert that I can't quite remember - something banana bready and AMAZING. So grab your girls (those ones too) and head to Cuchi Cuchi for shortribs and bananas and cleavage! You won't regret it.
(4)
S Z.
The atmosphere on this place is fabulous. I love that the waitresses dress up as flappers and the restaurant is decorated like a speak easy. The food was good, not amazing, but definitely creative.
(4)
Neil H.
What a fun place! I had no idea what to expect when a friend of mine chose this place as her birthday celebration spot. The vibe at the place was great! We were out for good food, good drink, with good friends, and they hit the right tone. Go here now.
(5)
MJ H.
I just moved to the area, so I've been excited about trying places nearby that seem like they'd offer something unique. Cuchi Cuchi definitely does just that! There isnt much to say that hasn't been said... atmosphere is quirky and fun, the staff really get into dressing up which adds a lot to the charm, the signature drinks are out of this world, and most of the dishes I had were superb. I wasnt impressed with the pork rolls... they were dry and flavorless. I loved the tuna tartare cornets and the moroccan chicken; they were melting in my mouth. Cant wait to have them again. Go to this place if you are looking for an intimate setting with a quirky panache and tasty small dishes to share.
(4)
Snuffles B.
While I was intrigued by all the talk about the premise of this place as well as by the raves about its cocktails, when I got there I was just confused. It was kitschy, but too kitschy. Rather than old world Hollywood feel, it seemed a mish-mash of a church that was loaded up with stuff from grandma's house, except grandma also liked S&M. My ginger cocktail was decent, but tasted strikingly like a muted/ginger-y lemon drop. The other offerings seemed interesting but I'm too much of a lightweight to have handled more. The ribs w/ fritters were a bit sweet and the duck l'orange crepes were a bit spongey, but were both tasty enough to satiate a snack craving. All in all, I think your experience here is totally a matter of personal taste. Maybe if I vamped it up and got a boa or something, I could have gotten more into it.
(3)
Jenn S.
Drawback #1: Cuchi Cuchi doesn't take reservations and they get CROWDED. Drawback #2: The bar area is fairly tight, so while you're waiting for a table, be prepared to be jostled. Drawback #3: I arrived earlier than the rest of my party and requested the LED table. I was told no problem and that it would be available in about an hour - which I expected. However, about 30 minutes into my wait, the hostess told me she had "awful news." The owner was coming in and wanted that table, so we were out of luck. On one of the busiest nights of the week, what owner comes into a restaurant and takes the best table?? Especially when there is a group waiting for it, as part of a surprise party! We ended up getting another "special" table in an alcove behind the hostess stand, but it still put a damper on our evening. The drinks are tasty and STRONG, the food is tasty. My favorite? The Cuban Cigar (Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa for $14). Also tasty? The Gratin Dauphinois (baked thin-sliced potatoes, onions, cheese & cream for $10) A lot of what we ordered is not listed online - I think they need to update their online menu. And come to think of it, I THOUGHT we ordered the Duck L'Orange Crepes, but cannot remember eating them! I also can't remember how much the bill came to - but we were a bunch of people and got several cocktails each. The birthday girl got a shot, which came in a fun shot glass (after you do the shot, you put the glass down on the table upside-down and it's a woman bending over!). OH. And the French Banana Bread Extravaganza? EXTRAVAGANT!!! And AMAZING. The host gave us fun boas to celebrate the birthday, so the atmosphere is definitely one that's fun and exciting. However, it's a LOUD place, with dim lighting. Don't go here for a romantic night out. This is a perfect place to come for a Girls' Night Out - which is exactly what we did.
(4)
Debra L.
I had this drink here that was pretty much like Bloody Mary meets a Martini. I don't remember what it was called but it was one of the best drinks I've ever had! And I love the way the place is decorated, right down to the waitresses in their corset tops, funky hair and makeup, high heels, bouncy skirts, fabulous accesories. They totally add to the experience. Like most tapas places, it can get a little pricey for 2 (especially if 1 of the 2 is a male). I obviously noticed this because I paid this time. But it was so good and so worth it. My favorite item was the Brie en croute but I think I would actually eat Brie inside anything...maybe even sandpaper. We also had tuna tartare, endive salad with goat cheese and fried artichoke hearts. I love that their food & drink menu and atmosphere are totally unique. I just don't really like their location in Kendall Square - but I bet the rent is cheap (relatively speaking).
(4)
S D.
I cannot think of a more appropriate place to review this restaurant than on a site called "yelp." Surrounded by screaming hyenas, who clearly don't know the difference between a restaurant and a Disney resort, we were unable to conduct a conversation during our dinner (after waiting well over an hour for our table -- they don't take reservations on the weekend). When we complained to a staff member about the noise, we were told that the young women at the table next to ours, who were pouring wine into each other's mouths directly from the carafe and cheering, were "friends of the owner," so it would be hard to get them to calm down. It's frightening to think of these drunks making their way out into the world after their liquid dinner, and it's scarier to know that a restaurant wouldn't cut off howling and unruly patrons (probably because they were female and not big, burly guys with crew cuts from Southie). The food was admittedly very good. We won't be going back, though. It's just not worth it. We should have realized that a place that doesn't care enough about its customers to take reservations is probably not going to try to make sure that their dining experience is a pleasant one. Big thumbs down.
(1)
John W.
One of my favorite local places for small plates, can't call it "tapas" because it's not entirely Spanish. Either way, this place is great to meet with friends, and romance(s). :) The atmosphere is classy, I love the decor, and the attire of the wait staff is exquisite. The service is good. The food is delicious! international small plates (Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Asia, etc.), about two to three plates per person would suffice. What's good? EVERYTHING! :) My favorites include, chicken kiev, beef stroganoff, scallops Provençal, sizzling garlic shrimp, cuban cigars, thai mussels, grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, and grilled eggplant napoleon (I need my veggies, lol). My new favorite is the mushroom risotto. I know, that's almost the whole menu, Seriously, everything here is good, each dish is so different, and so flavorful. This place is very good! Give it a try, with friends, dates, or whoever.
(4)
Amanda G.
This place is my go-to girls night out hot spot. I LOVE Cuchi Cuchi and that's not something I say lightly... Why? - Fantastic ambience - fun, funky and dimly lit. The girls all wear costumes they get from a dressing room downstairs and the place is strewn up in lights... que romantico. - Gourmet tapas from all over the world! Such good food, I've honestly never had a dish here I didn't like. I recommend the blinys, with are fluffy pancakes filled with mushrooms and topped with sour cream and caviar. YUM. Also good: Potato croquettes with yummy cheese fondue; Mushroom risotto; Scallops provencale; and of course the tuna tartare cornets with avocado mousse. - Great service - bartenders are extremely nice, so buddy up to one and you may get a free drink. - DRINKS. Don't leave here without trying one of their trillion cocktails. If you're a woman between the ages of 21 and 100, GO NOW and take your girlfriends, your boyfriend, just GO.
(5)
Su R.
Cuchi Cuchi definitely has embraced both eating and atmosphere into one expensive yet delightful package. In general i'm a big fan of all things vintage-y so of course i love the flapper esque decor and dress that is the core of this restaurant. That added with the tapas, delicious! and the huge selection of cocktails (all with delightfully sexy names) and this place is awesome. I had my 30th bday party here and despite a reservation mishap by one of the hostesses, they were very accomodating and made it a great night. It's pricey, so this place is usually a party or date place for me.
(4)
Meka A.
Cuchi Cuchi is definitely one of central square's hidden gems. If you want creative, delicious cocktails, this is your place. Each time I dine here, I see 4 or 5 different drinks I'd like to try. All of them end up blowing my mind. On top of this, the food is really top notch. Cuchi Cuchi does tapas or small plates from lots of different regions and has quite the diverse menu. The brie and the bacon wrapped dates are especially life changing, but everything here is fantastic. It has a good ambience for a date night or drinks and dinner with buddies before hitting the town. The prices are reasonable and the service has always been good. I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE.
(5)
Cindy H.
garlic shrimp - perfectly seasoned shrimp + garlic chips! delicious! goes well with the bread. mushroom risotto with truffle oil - heavenly, very delicious. grilled eggplant with goat cheese - not my favorite since I don't like goat cheese skirt steak with chimichurri - it was ok/good
(5)
aland f.
Best Group Dinner restaurant in Boston, hands down. Please take note, I said "Group Dinner," not "Date Place." Pros: - The servings are "tapa" style small plates that are meant to be shared (though the menu is global, not just spanish). This is great for those of us that have ADD when it comes to food and like to nibble on tons of smaller samples. - The booze menu is full of fancy (and pricey) cocktails which are a ton of fun to read through and order. I ordered the "watermelon cocktail" last night which is basically vodka and fresh watermelon juice.. It was outstanding. Only bad thing was that it comes with a giant watermelon heart on the rim of the glass... Yes, I felt like a total tool.. But it was darn delicious! - The ambiance is dark, crowded, and somewhat loud. Like I said, this isn't a date place, but it's definitely great for groups of friends. - RECOMMENDATION: If you're in a group, order the PERRON/PORRON wine decanter with the cheapest cava they have. If you've never had it, it's a glass decanter you pass around as part of a group and each member takes a turn drinking from the wine that flies out of the nozzle.. It's a ton of fun and helps break the ice in a group (you'll thank me later, I promise). - One last thing, don't leave without ordering the banana bread for dessert. Cons: - It's loud and crowded on the weekends.. I've heard people wait as long as 2 hours for a table. Thankfully there's a full service bar there where you can mingle and lose track of time.
(5)
Jen F.
Here's the deal--Cuchi Cuchi is a good restaurant. They make some super awesomely delicious drinks, and have a one-of-a-kind ambiance. But, their food just is not worth the price. It just isn't, there is nothing else I can say. I have been to Cuchi Cuchi twice, most recently a few weeks ago. Our server was incredible. I ordered a cocktail that I didn't really like, and asked for a recommendation for another. Instead of letting me order, she offered to take it back to the bar and have the bartender "spruce it up". Which they did, and it turned out amazing!!! This is truly great service. Moreover, she gave us great recommendations for dinner, which were right on point. I didn't have a bad experience, in fact, I had a good one. However, the food is good, but it is nothing special, and I really don't feel compelled to return to Cuchi Cuchi for dinner again. I don't think it's fair to give it a higher rating, since the food is what should always count the most.
(3)
Josephine L.
I wanted to like this place more, I really did. Maybe my expectations were too high due to all the hype, but for whatever reason, it was pretty underwhelming. First off, the decor: Not anywhere near as kitschy and extravagant as the pictures made it out to be. I expected more. Cute waitstaff outfits (sparkly!) but not quite as Lady Gaga-bedroom as I would have thought. Maybe they toned it down recently? Cocktails: Fantastic. I got the Hibiscus Martini which was tasty, but fell in love at first sight/sip with my friend's Thai Cocktail. Get this! It's green and South Asian-y and delicious like a perfectly grilled pork chop. Food: Not bad but not mind-blowing, on average, with some stand-outs. I had the seafood-filled with avocado which was delicious at first, then overwhelmingly rich when the too-little seafood ran out and it was just avocado left. Potato croquettes are decent, skirt steak is quite delicious, scallop ceviche is lacking and the thick, heart Caribbean-style tomato soup is amazing. Service: Friendly and flamboyant. Prices: Too high for the quality of the food.
(3)
Kat L.
Went last night again. Showed up at 10:55, they found us seats at the bar asap, and took our food order, and it came out piping hot and perfect. The staff was awesome, friendly, and the music was fun! Great energy in this place. I love love love it! Strawberry Basil Martini knows how to treat a girl well ;)
(5)
Jolene S.
Very fun for a ladies night out. If you're organizing get there early (say 6pm on a Friday) and have your party together by 6:45pm. Those tables go quickly and the bar area gets packed. A set of four is easier to work with than a set of six, but our 6-set had a great time. The thai ginger soup was outstanding. Potato croquettes were a knockout. You can spring for champagne and bread baskets, then order away--everything looked good (including the desserts). My favorite entree is the chicken tagine but the cocktails are also spectacular (though if you're not feeling up to drinking, they do virgin drinks and exotic juices--i.e. watermelon--that are just as much fun). I did enjoy a serenade after a long wait. It got us all laughing. V. nice. This place is great fun (the servers dress up, etc.) but the food and service measure up too. That's why I'm a fan.
(4)
Jennafir E.
Things that make Cuchi Cuchi a great date spot. woman in burlesque outfits. the mushroom risotto is out of this world, creamy and perfect texture. The baby back rib with apple fritters had too much cinnamon but were perfectly cooked and fell off the bone. The wine can't be beat. I don't think you could get a bad glass here. Perfect. The chocolate cake was the perfect ending and the fruit dessert with homemade whip cream was nice and light. Go with the chocolate cake though! The steak with avocado was delicious. I didn't want to share. The seafood soup I was told was flavorful with an amazing consume. The ambiance was intimate and fun. The server was fantastic and attentive enough without being overbearing. I cannot wait to return and taste test the rest of the menu.
(4)
Terry C.
small plates...tapas...what's the difference?? I've been dying to try Cuchi Cuchi 'cause i've heard and read so much good things about it. At the end, they just did not live up to the hype. We called ahead and were told the wait will be 45-90 minutes. But the hostess offered to put my name on the list and when we arrived, we were told about 45 minutes. At the end, we waited 90+ minutes for a table. The decor of Cuchi Cuchi is nice, very early Hollywood. The wait staff were all dressed up very nicely - dresses, furs, pearls, headpiece, ruffles... The drink menu is plentiful - wine, a ton of cocktails & shots. For drinks, my friends had wine and I ordered the Strawberry basil cocktail. The drink was so strong. I sipped on this for the entire meal and did not finish it at the end. This is probably a good thing for most people especially during the long wait. You can hang out at the bar and perhaps, forget how long you've been waiting! For food: There were 4 of us and we each picked two "small plates" to share. Yum Grilled Eggplant Napoleon - The eggplants were delicious! served with goat cheese and tomatoes. The tomatoes were a bit tart though. Potato Croquettes - yummy little balls of heaven Chicken Kiev - chicken breast stuffed with chopped mushrooms OK Fried Artichoke Hearts - Not bad. I love cheese but i there was too much. Thai Mussels - the mussels were ok. The Thai sauce had A LOT of tom yum. Cuban Cigar - this was just ok for me. Its essentially short ribs wrapped in a croissant like roll. You can get similar pastries from Chinatown for a buck. Blah Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce - the steak was bland Duck a l'Orange Crepes - the crepes were soggy and the citrus/orange taste was so overpowering in the dish. For dessert, we shared the French Banana Bread and a tiramisu. The french banana bread is good but nothing mind blowing and the tiramisu is average; a bit much on the liqueur. With tips it was $50/person, I definitely won't be back for dinner. Maybe a drink and an appetizer at the bar.
(2)
Assaf G.
Amazing food. Great atmosphere and service. Great effort was taken in creating the detail of the decor and the food.
(5)
Nancy Z.
Cuchi Cuchi raises the bar for any tapas style restaurant. The name also makes me giggle from time to time. Asking someone for directions to "Cuchi Cuchi" made me reminisce to the feeling I had when I made my first prank call. I'm giving this place four stars which means it's almost "flawless" to me in all the important areas. YES, the hostesses were in costumes, but they all had a "You're an insignificant and feeble minded person" look on their face, but that might be because it was packed and my group of ten was blocking part of the entrance... there was no room for us... *sigh* =( YES... the wait was an hour and a friggin' half, but turns out they don't take reservations on Friday/Saturday nights. So why am I still so ecstatic about this place? Oh friend, I will tell you. Decor/Service: The place itself is very cute; dim litted, designed with somewhat corny decor, but what the hell, I appreciate their efforts. The food, the waiter said, is served Tapas style... small portions per order. I was so happy to see that the portions were triple the size compared to what I thought was gonna be like Dim Sum. The table was greeted by an awesome waiter that was pimped out with a fedora hat, nice tweed jacket- his whole ensemble made me want to warp back into time. He was the nicest waiter I've ever had! He made conversation (not the prolonged conversation where you're forced to nod and smile) and he refilled our drinks right before we were about to hit the end of the cup. I love that... Thanks Fedora Man. Food RECOMMENDED: The food was muy delicioso. The Cuban Cigar dish (like an awesome steak and cheese), Scallop Ceviche Shot (good and cute presentation), Brie en Croute (yummy, very straightforward... can't mess it up type of dish), Chicken Liver Pate... condensed Port Wine glaze and dried fruit... tastes as good as it sounds, I got the lamb (which they cooked perfectly... the beets side dish was questionable.) STAY AWAY FROM: Mushroom Risotto... Eh. I had high hopes for this one. They gave this dish to us by accident. It was the risotto with truffle oil, BUT the rice wasn't cooked well and it just had a bad mushy consistency... not the good creaminess you'd expect. (drinks are pricey but are really good... this is a good place to splurge on drinks when you're in the mood for it) Overall, this place brings me back good memories. Good service, good food, and it has a hilarious name.
(4)
Robert W.
Great vibe at this place. Comfortable, interesting atmosphere. Creative drink menu with a vintage speakeasy flair to it. You'd think that the quality would stop there, but the food was great too! Interesting multi-ethnic style with great, creative flavors. We had 2 vegetarian, 2 meat, and 2 fish dishes that we shared at the table and they were all delicious. Top that off with a reasonable check and this place is a keeper. We'll be back soon!
(4)
Keith B.
If you like sangria, you're in the right place! Our group ordered pitchers of the red and white, both of which were good. Sangria, of course, goes really well with tapas. The garlic shrimp was very good, and had just a touch of spice as a result of the red pepper cooked with it (it's a pepper like the ones in Kung pao dishes). The breaded and fried artichokes were also amazing, which isn't surprising since they also have "vitamin" cheese in them. I also recommend the steak dish, which pairs amazingly with the mint chutney drizzled over it, and the lamb dish. If you still have room, you gotta try the deserts; if not you might want to start with desert. French Banana bread was amazing, and is terrific with a nice cappuccino.
(5)
Rebecca H.
I lurrrrrve this place. The art nouveau style, the servers' costumes, the photo of Charo over the bar. It is the perfect mix of cheeky glam but always feels comfortable. The bartenders are true mixologists that specialize in old-timey drinks like the sidecar and the manhattan as well as creative modern drinks, my favorite being the blackberry cosmo with fresh muddled berries and the raspberry lime rickey Ricardo a close second. The food is creative tapas. The mushroom risotto with truffle oil is so good, they could just sell bowls of that and stay in business. I have been here a bunch of times and tried most things on the menu by now and can honestly say nothing disappoints.
(5)
Rachel T.
I had such a great time at this place last night. The drinks were awesome and the food was fantastic. At first I wasn't sure about the whole "small plates" thing, but I loved it. We got to try a ton of things, and yes, we were actually full at the end. Our waiter was great, and was so knowledgeable about the menu (a member of our party has a lot of food allergies), and was super helpful making sure that she got food that would not make her sick...that's always appreciated. Overall, we had a great time and will definitely be back!
(5)
Yamil S.
A brought a big group of out of town friends here because I knew they would like the both the great food and drinks, but also the great decor and waitstaff costumes. My friends all really enjoyed the complete experience, as so did I. Though be advised that the drinks and meal are not cheap, but very very worth it. The dishes are small, but still slightly larger than traditional Spanish tapas. It is true that you should order two dishes to be satisfied, even though at first I was skeptical.
(5)
Jes D.
We came here for a birthday party! The food was DELICIOUS and the atmosphere was fun. I come from a family of restaurant owners as well as chefs( which means I'm a costumer that knows her food) I can't wait to go back again! Highly recommend it!
(5)
Lakiya T.
Great atmosphere! I went on a Friday night and it helps that my friend knows a bartender there... The staff and patrons are friendly and well dressed. The drink menu is very diverse and the bartenders are excellent at making a cocktail on a whim if you can't find anything on the menu. There was some interesting music in the background that I've never heard before; like a pop/rock, Middle Eastern sound. I really liked it.
(5)
Andrew K.
A solid 4. Riding the tide of popularity surrounding tapas-style "small plates" dining and flapper-era, Prohibition themed aesthetics. The decor may be trying too hard, but it's sort of fun in a whimsical sort of way. The food, however, is great. The two of us split scallops provencale, mushroom risotto, fried artichoke, and seafood filled avocado and were not at all disappointed. Of the four, I think the avocado and the risotto stood out above the rest as exceptional. We also each had a good cocktail, ordered off a fairly impressive list. All in all, I'm a fan.
(4)
Melissa J.
The food is good, the atmosphere is funky and the service is rude. We had a 6 o'clock reservation on a Saturday. 3 of us were there at 6:15 and 5 people were mia. We were texting the others to determine their location and kept being informed that they were "almost there." Our hostess kept checking-in with us and informing us that she would have to give away our table if they didn't arrive soon. She held the table for us until 6:50 when most of the party finally arrived and asked if we would mind being limited at the table to 2 hours. It was very nice of her to hold the table and we had no problem with the time constraint so it seemed to all work out. Flash forward to dessert when the hostess came over to remind us of our time limit. We were having dessert and clearly wrapping things up! I spoke with our waitress to see if there was a problem and when she approached the hostess to discuss the situation she could be seen rolling her eyes. I later approached the waitress before we were getting ready to leave informing her that I thought the whole exchange was very unprofessional. She defended the hostess stating that she held the table for us even though a lot of our party was late and that we had asked to be reminded of our time limit. The girl in our party who made the reservation denies this claim to be reminded. Perhaps, it was just a misunderstanding but it could have been handled much better by the staff. The whole situation was just poor customer service. If you don't want to hold a table for someone, don't. If you do, then don't remind them to leave. There are plenty of other places in the city with good food and better customer service.
(2)
Regan C.
When you walk into this place, the decor slaps you in the face, in a good way. I like places that are a little different and quirky, and this place definitely fits the bill. It's like a classier, tastier version of something along the lines of the Friendly Toast. I had the Ramos Fizz to start which was pretty tasty. My friend and I decided to order the fried artichokes, mushroom risotto, duck l'orange crepes, and Indian style lamb. ALL YUMMY! For dessert, I had another cocktail. I forget the name but it had muddled raspberries, gin, and basil. DELISH! On top of that, the service was super friendly, and the courses were paced perfectly. I will definitely be back, whether it's just for a cocktail, or for dinner!
(5)
Krystal T.
Love this place! The staff is awesome, the drinks are phenomenal and the food is good, not excellent, but definitely good. They serve small portions, tapas style. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday, for a girls night out or any type of adult celebration.
(4)
Anna L.
Drinks and food are good!!!! Though the dishes are pretty small but hey, their cocktails are superb! The ambience is very flapper-ish and the server is actually good at remembering today's special without looking at their notepad. Overall, great experience!
(4)
Rebecca F.
I've never wanted to be a flapper bar maid more in my life. The hair! The pearls! The lamps! Velvet blazers! The music! Not to mention the endless list of delicious creations - from classic prohibition style to modern and fruity, I've never enjoyed imbibing quite this much. This place is probably too cute for it's own good, but I'm a sucker for it.
(5)
Alex M.
Delicious cocktails, great ambiance. Haven't tried the food
(5)
Najat K.
This place is ideal for celebrations!!! I have organized my boss's surprise pre-wedding party @ Cuchi Cuchi, we were a group of 14 people. The manager and the waiters were so accomodating and helped us with the planning. It was wonderful. Food: International cuisine, a very tasty variety of dishes from around the world. Just AWESOME! Quantities: All thier dishes are small sizes better suited for ordering many and sharing. We have ordered many dishes and passed them around the table and everyone had plenty to eat. Prices: Slightly pricy whe you look at the prices per dish however our final bill was only around $650 all included for 14 people! We were there for 3 hours. Drinks: They have the best drinks especially the cocktails! I don't drink alcohol so I have ordered about 3 virgin cocktails and they were all made with fresh fruits and they were to die for! Everyone else in our group was super happy with their drinks and food. The service: Excellent! Plus they have their waitresses dressed up in the most beautiful dresses and jewelry 20s and 40s style. The decor: is from the same era 20s and 40s style so cool Dress code: Dressy, elegant/chic tops over casual jeans are ok. I will definitely go back for another celebration!
(5)
Anya S.
I think my vocabulary lacks the proper words needed to describe how amazing this place is!! International menu! Chicken Kiev was amazing!! So was the mushroom risotto!!! They picked the best from around the globe and deliver it all to your table. Creativity!!! Amazing!! The presentation is beyond what I thought was possible. Wine, drinks, deserts!! The design and ambiance!! It seems like that every piece was picked out and thoughtfully placed. Amazing!! This place has real character, and Im a sucker for creativity and unique approaches. The service was impeccable too. This is a perfect place for that romantic date with your significant other!!! Magnificent. I think I said amazing too many times! P.S. It is pricey!! Expect to spend 60-70 per person.
(5)
Juliana N.
We came here on a quest for some yummie drinks and small plates! I've been wanting to come here for YEARS!!! And it was thorougly satisfying!!! We ordered a pitcher of Sangria.... deliciously prepared! The perfect amount of wine, alcohol, and fruits! 1) Tuna tartar.... SO FREAKING GOOD. You must order 2) Croquette... option of dipping it in the cheese or tomato sauce. YUM!!! I'd definitely come back for a full dinner!
(5)
Karen D.
Hip place, cool atmosphere, and fun. I love the outfits with lots of corsettes and vintage fashion. The food is small plates and a bit pricier than other small plates restaurants I've been to, but it was fantastic. -Scallops Provicale:cooked to perfection with a delicious stuffing -Steak Chimicurri:worth it for the sauce -Mushroom risotto: fantastic -Pork rolls: a little to meaty for me, but the guys liked it -Sizzling Shrimp: Flavorful with lots of garlic slivers I wasn't drinking, but tasted a beautifully made margarita and the other guys had some martinis that they really liked. The owner is very friendly and pays a lot of attention to what is going on. It's a little pricey, for a cool place, delicious food and drinks, it's worth it for a great experience!
(5)
Gira P.
My boyfriend and I decided to go on a fancy date here and it was pretty nice! The waiters and waitresses have uniforms that give off a 1930s vibe (I'm just going to pretend I didn't see a mannequin with neon pink hair in the corner lol.) Our waitress was super friendly and helped us if we didn't know what something was or the size. We went on a Wednesday at 6pm, so it wasn't packed at all, the noise level was fine for us. We got three dishes: two seafood and one game/meat--they were both delicious! I really enjoyed the sauce in the Fruits de Mer. While we didn't order them, we noticed lots of diverse dishes from different countries, which is pretty cool. We also got two desserts, the Tiramisu, which was too strong for my liking, and the Tartufo, which tasted fantastic! I'd go back. :)
(4)
Liz G.
Birthdays are a big deal, and when it comes to that special day, you don't want to go just anywhere. That's when Cuchi Cuchi steps in. The restaurant is a throwback to the 1920s with waitresses and hostesses decked out in flapper-esque costumes. It has a large selection of cocktails to chose from (quite tasty!), and the prices are pretty much in line with what you'd expect from a lounge or formal restaurant. On the other hand, the small plates are quite expensive. Needless to say, you might not be able to afford to come here on a weekly basis. But it's well worth it for enjoying the "finer" things in life for a special occasion. The wait is....well...a wait! On a weekend night, be prepared to stand around for an hour, hour and a half. (I believe there are no reservations after 6pm on the weekend.) I haven't been on a weekday, but I hear it's not quite as busy during that time.
(4)
Jen D.
If you live in the area, I would recommend stopping by Cuchi Cuchi for a dinner date at some point - you won't be disappointed. The drink menu was overwhelming since this was our first time and our server recommended drinks to us based on our preferences - the boyfriend and I were both happy with what we got. The food was delicious and we were surprisingly full on four small plates. In case you didn't know this already, the serving size is small - a little bigger than tapas, but not by much. We both thought the entrees were saltier than what we would've liked, but overall I would definitely come back.
(4)
Abir H.
This place is so unique. It starts from the moment you walk in and check out the decor. Be sure to make a reservation as it's always packed! It's a fun place as the waitresses dress up in different costumes. The food is great here. It is served in little portions so it's a great place for groups of 4-6 as you can have a taste of several dishes. The mushroom risotto is amazing!! The cuban cigar is really good as well. Try the sizzling garlic shrimp and the stroganoff!!! It's a lot of fun and a great place for bigger sized groups.
(4)
stephanie c.
Came for second time for dinner last night and was better than my first experience. Sat at the bar, so didn't have to wait very long which was nice compared to the hour plus wait before. A few new dishes I tried...Potato Croquettes (my favorite), so incredibly delicious and tasty. Comes with two types of dipping sauces but the flavors and textures were yummy. Also tried the fried Mexican Tomato. My second time every eating a fried tomato and it was delicious. A definite must-try. The lamb unfortunately wasn't that impressive to us. Tuna tartare tasty as always. Ended with the French Banana Bread aka Dessert Heaven. To die for!! The bread was crispy, soft, the banana complemented perfectly. Served with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon swirls. It was sooooo delicious. And drinks-muddled cocktails taste so incredibly fresh. Tried the Passion Upside-Down-Shot. Cool glasses and great concept. Now I upgraded it from 4 to 5 stars. Definitely a must-come-again.
(5)
jen r.
Expensive weak fancy drinks
(3)
Vanessa V.
My friends and I had a nearly perfect experience at Cuchi Cuchi. We're young enough and poor enough to be intimidated at some fancy places, so when our group of seven made a reservation for dinner last week, I was prepared to ignore any snobbishness that emanated from the servers or the clientele and have a good time anyway. Instead of snobbishness, however, we got attentive and gracious service paired with a feeling of comfort, rather than intimidation. The cocktails were amazing- we shared them around almost as much as we did the small plates- and the food was very good. I had a pisco sour (which I'd never had before but exceeded my expectations), marinated mushrooms, and potato croquettes. The croquettes were extremely popular at the table, and although most of my friends turn up their noses at mushrooms of any kind I enjoyed them. I'm vegetarian, but the reviews from the meat eaters at the table were uniformly positive, except for my girlfriend who found she didn't like the pate that much. We stayed for desert (the coffee drinks were great, but deceptively good at masking their alcoholic content), and so the price tag was pretty high. Even so, I'd definitely scrimp and save to go again some day.
(4)
Aboud Y.
Fun, playful place to grab dinner or enjoy a few inventive cocktails. All the waitresses are decked out in fun 20s garb (think flappers, bobs, cloche hats and such). Very pricey though and food is just ok. I'll be back.
(4)
Emily S.
The banana bread extravaganza was the best dessert I have ever eaten. No talking was going on when they put that plate down, just continual eating till basically we could just lick the plate. The muddled fruit cocktails were out of hand. The black dahlia was my favorite with muddled blackberries. The decor has a nice vintage vibe and it is the perfect place to spend a night out.
(5)
Masmin P.
Had a fabulous girls' night out here. Love the funky eccentric vibe of this place. We were seated in the nook behind the hostess stand, like a private little living room setting, really nice! Next time we might reserve the coffee table with the flashing lights... Good wines - had a very good Portuguese red and sweet Reisling. Food was terrific - would recommend the tuna tartare cornets, fried cauliflower, Indian lamb, fruits de mer, and of course the cuban cigars that everyone talks about. The potato balls and avocado seafood dish were good but not super memorable. The banana bread dessert was humongous! and super delicious. Tiramisu was loaded with alcohol - not a bad thing, but otherwise just okay. I was surprised our bill only came up to $50 per person despite us getting wine, 7 or so plates, and dessert.
(4)
Jay D.
New favorite. This place is great. The decor is so unique and charming, the staff is very friendly and helpful, and the food is amazing. My favorite dishes were the bliny and the brie en croute. It's a little pricey--the plates are small so you'll probably end up getting at least two dishes per person--but the food is so delicious it's absolutely worth it.
(5)
Joanna N.
This is my favorite restaurant ever! I love their Cuban cigar, deep fried tomato, beef stroganoff, lamb, giant scallops, awesome ambience, awesome staff in cool costume, my favorite drink is "so much to drink, so little time". Always have a coffee and dessert afterwards! You won't regret it! Try as many things as possible here, it is all good!
(5)
Karyn V.
I always have fun at Cuchi Cuchi - waitresses dressed like flappers from the 1920s, ceilings and walls dripping in beads and sparkly things, quirky-vintage decor. It is the perfect place for celebrations and groups, but it is also romantic enough for a fun date. My favorite things about Cuchi Cuchi however are their drinks which are only made from the freshest ingredients and the fact that the menu is designed around those who love to order dinner off the appetizer list. Their focus is on small plates (not called tapas since tapas are from Spain and their dishes have a global influence) to be shared. It is recommended that you order two to three plates per person so our group of five ordered the warm baby beet and French sheep cheese salad ($12), Mexican deep-fried tomato ($11), gratin Dauphinois ($10), Cuban cigar ($14), Thai mussels ($15), sizzling garlic shrimp ($10), and baby back ribs with apple fritters ($12). Everything was good, but our favorite was definitely the baby back ribs with apple fritters. We started out in ordering just one order and at the end of the night had ordered four plates of ribs. I have never been a huge rib fan, but the meat easily falls off the bone and is seasoned so they couldn't be anything but addictive. Yum! For dessert we had the tirami-su ($10) and cornucopia ($10). The desserts for me were below average. So, my recommendation would be to skip the dessert and instead order another plate of ribs and/or cocktail. Cuchi Cuchi is very popular and only takes reservations for seatings before 6pm. If you are going with a big group on a Friday or Saturday night, I would recommend taking the 6pm seating. Yes, it is early, but once you have a table, you are free to sit there all night. If your party really doesn't want to meet that early, be prepared for a possible wait time of 45 to even 90-minutes. Also, for those who may need a special menu, Cuchi Cuchi does have a gluten-free menu and vegan menu.
(4)
Justin K.
What a fun place! We weren't expecting such an interesting atmosphere before we walked through the door and saw how seriously they take their 1920's theme. The whole staff is dressed in outfits straight from the roaring 20's, complete with feathers in the hair for the flappers. Our waitress was very friendly and enthusiastic which was enjoyable and we were sure to give her some positive feedback on the comment card at the end. I really liked how they paired each dish with their country of origin and presented a very eclectic menu. I split a few very delicious small plates (not tapas) with my boyfriend including the chicken kiev, the rollatini in prosciutto, the croquettes, the risotto, and the bread basket. We'll definitely consider coming back again the next time we're in town.
(4)
Lisa S.
Cuchi Cuchi has been one of my favorite places in Boston since I discovered it a few years ago. The food is amazing, the decor is interesting, and the drinks are delicious. I haven't been in awhile, and I went last night with a group of friends. We put our name "on the list" (they don't take reservations after 6pm, but will put your name on a list ahead of time) for a group of 5 at 9pm. We went to the bar beforehand and had one or two drinks, all of which were delicious. (I had a raspberry beret and a moulin rouge, both of which I enjoyed). They also have a great wine list- I got a chenin blanc, which is my favorite white wine. The bar was pretty busy. It wasn't too long of a wait before we were seated. I had called beforehand, and they actually have both a vegan menu and gluten-free menu. I can't eat any dairy, but I've found in restaurants it's easier to ask about a vegan menu then to go down the menu asking if each one has dairy in it. The vegan menu was short but had some of my favorites on it. I ordered the mushroom risotto (heavenly), marinated mushrooms (huge serving) and a small order of bread. I was slightly hungry afterward, but I stole a piece of bread from my friend and then I was fine. It was all delicious. Everyone ordered my favorite staples- including the brie, the scallops provencale, and the duck crepe. We left no food on the table and everybody was quite happy and content. Towards the end of the meal, I ordered a round of bottoms-up shots. I forget what the drink was, but it had coconut rum, bacardi 151 and a mixer in it. It was delicious! And the glassware was cute as always. My one complaint is that the music was kinda loud. We felt like we were yelling at each other at some points. Other than that, Cuchi Cuchi always produces a perfect night!
(5)
Veronica B.
I went here with some girlfriends a few weeks ago and we had such a fun time. We had to wait a while longer than what our original reservation was for but it was worth it. We shared about 4 small plates and had a bottle wine and the total was only around $80! Great deal, great food, will definitely return.
(5)
D M.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great little place with a great little name. I can't stop repeating it. Now I like all things quirky so the masks and oddball things they have hanging on the walls definitely got my attention. The cold, rainy Tuesday night we went there on was surprisingly busy, which I understood once we got our food. The Tuna Tartare is de-li-ci-ous! It's a must-order. Try any of their cocktails...they're all great and soak in the cosy vibe especially as the weather gets miserable in Boston.
(4)
Lia M.
I was so excited to come here, but the food was disappointing, and menu limited. Some it was good - the fried tomato and the tiramisu. But other options, such as shrimp wontons and the Asian salad left much to be desired. I would not come here looking for a meal, but would definitely come back for the drinks - wow. I had the Splendor in the Glass, and it was delicious. My friend's gimlet with basil looked quite good, as well. And the service was good - friendly, though they took a little long with the bill and asking for our order. But I loved my drink. Everything written about the ambience & atmosphere is right on. Just a note: got her around 6 on a Monday, and there was a wait for a table, so I reccommend making reservations. We were able to sit at the bar once a table was called.
(3)
Denise M.
Cuchi Cuchi is a cute place to go once and experience the atmosphere but I won't be going back by choice. The food was OK, the staff were not very friendly and the drinks were a metered pour, AKA small glass of wine for $14. I went for dinner with a friend and for allergy reasons I had to ask for some accommodations. They weren't able to do any accommodations because all of their food was pre-made. That was what I was told by the staff. I was disappointed, I had heard great things about the quality of the food. If your looking for a place for drinks this might be a hit but it is quite noise so don't come here if your looking to have great conversations. There are so many places in the area I would rather try some place else. Some where that doesn't serve pre-made food for the evening.
(2)
Tara H.
If you love the following items, get off your butt and visit this place: -A HUGE, glittering mermaid that greets you upon entering. -A staff that dresses like sassy 1920's cabaret performers. -A drink list that makes you drunk just looking at it. -Delicious plates of food you can selfishly devour yourself, or share (eh hem) graciously with others. -A variety of said delicious plates, from all over the world, to please even the pickiest of eaters. -A GLITTERING MERMAID, people. I rest my case.
(5)
Anik M.
I love the concept. When they said it was right out of Moullan Rouge they weren't kidding. The food is very international and has amazing flavours and designed to be shared. The drinks are on a whole-nother level! They make an excellent Vesper and their cocktails are perfectly blended. They take care in everything they do and the attention to detail is staggering. This may be one of my favourite places in Boston and look forward to coming back many, many more times. I would recommend some favourite dishes but they are all good - so feel free to order whatever you feel like when you go.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Excellent experience. The decor is so much fun as are the wait staff's outfits. The service was great and the food was even before. My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful Kir Royale before dinner- highly recommended and sampled a couple of the small dishes. Among my favorites were the Cuban Cigars, Fried Tomatoes, Eggplant and Duck Crepes. Great date spot, great place to go with girlfriends. They have a very cool LED table for groups- the five year old in me really wanted to go wave my hands over it, but alas, there was a group already there. Tant pis
(4)
Katie W.
Great Drinks and fantastic food. We stared our night out fantastic here--great cocktails. Whether its the DancingWithGinger or GiveMeFever, the drinks are all made with expertise and top notch ingredients, we're talking real fruit purees and actually pieces of ginger. The small plates were fantastic as well!! The mushroom risotto with truffle oil and lamb with mint yogurt and beet salad were both highlights of the night. What was not a highlight of the night was waiting over well over an hour for the check. Yes your credit card machine is down, but do something to make our over an hour wait a little more enjoyable then ignoring us and taking over 45 minutes to decide to manually process our cards. The icing on the cake was then overcharging us and having to have you reprocess it again. Yes these are special circumstances and life happens. But the fact that nothing was done to try and ameliorate the situation for the hour we waited for our check....forcing majority of our party to miss buses home, doesn't fit the bill for a great restaurant. The service up until this point in the night was fantastic--attentive, friendly, not pushy. But we all felt let down by the showing at the end of the night. Will def be back, but will bring cash....
(3)
Aytekin T.
It was my first time here. I had amazing food and time. The owner ms fernanda is great person! Loved to chat with her at the bar. Whitney ( bar tender) is the right person for best cocktails in town. Thx. Will definitely be back.
(5)
K C.
As they say it's not exactly tapas, it's multi-cuisine, global small plates and they are fun. Good service. Good plating. Fun decor. Overall a great experience. Quirky and very Cambridge. Have to go again. And probably again.
(5)
Terra N.
Had the St. Germain Martini and saw much other stuff I wanted to try. One drink made me feel quite nice and I can't wait to go back. My friend ordered tiramisu which was yummy but could have used more espresso. But none the less, it was a good way to end a working night. As an artist, I was enamored by the decor and couldn't stop looking around. Nothing exuberant but definitely interesting and fun. Also they play some good music. The staff seemed a bit off and sad to be working. I mean they all looked nice which made me jealous but I can't look that great at work. But it was after all a Wednesday night and seemed to be winding down. Some of the older people that were there weirded me out; kinda made it not cool. Will definitely stop in hopefully this weekend and bringing some ladies!
(4)
Sweety A.
Last night I dined here with few friends. As soon as I walked into the doors, saw the servers were dressed in some vintage costume : The first thought came to my mind was I hope the food is good. When a place has all bells and whistles it kind of alarms me. I am vegetarian so was very excited to see a vegetarian section. The first thing I noticed everything was fried or deep fried. I ordered artichokes, potatoes and eggplant. The food was below average. It lacked in seasoning and taste. As the menu had it - it was only fried. The service was good but how much can it make up for the food. For me dining outside is a combination of excellent service (1.5) , food( 2) and ambiance (1.5). Henceforth the 3 points.It clearly lacks the food.
(3)
Stacylynn M.
Went here on Saturday, 4/ 20 for a fun, romantic date night. Have been trying to get in for a while, having heard awesome things about it. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! From the host staff to the bartenders, this was probably one of the best all-around restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. Knowing that they did not take reservations, we put our names in around 7:45, expecting an hour long wait. By some miracle, two seats became immediately available at the bar. We were greeted by Sebastian, one of the BEST servers/bartenders I have ever come in contact with! Upon telling him it was our first time there, he immediately began making suggestions for drinks, the menu, etc. and explaining the actual history of the restaurant. We watched in amazement as he mixed drinks for the service bar, helped people just walking up for a cocktail, and waited on patrons seated at the bar, all with ease and smile!! In fact, ALL of the employees that were behind the bar were equally as helpful... Food?? FANTASTIC. Can't say enough how delicious it was. Had appetizer plates (DON'T CALL THEM TAPAS!! They are larger, but will still fill you!!) of Beef Stroganoff, Eggplant and the Thai Mussels, which I highly recommend. Drinks? Even better...Carefully mixed and served with love, the "You Give Me Fever" was a mix of pineapple, tequila and jalapeno, mixed to drinkers preferred level of mild or spicy. Clearly, my new favorite. Overall, a wonderful experience. John Taffer from "Bar Rescue" should use this place as a standard on training, service, drinks, atmosphere, etc. My boyfriend and I decided that THIS will be "our" new place. Thank you Cuchi Cuchi, and especially Sebastian, for helping two hard working people enjoy their well deserved Saturday night out!! Will be seeing you soon!!!!
(5)
Lauren P.
Funky, kitschy and just perfect for a fun date or girls night out dinner! Amazing, inventive drinks and a extremely eclectic tapas type menu will literally make you feel like you traveled the world. Though tapas, the portions are slightly larger (they make it a point to mention that on the menu) so the dishes are perfect sharing quantity.The Cuban Cigars were delicious and their presentation was adorable. If you remember nothing else from this review, remember this - order the Brie en Croute (brie, walnuts, bacon in a puff pastry) - it WILL change your life.
(4)
John C.
Loved everything we tasted. I hate desserts, but the Banana Bread dessert was one of the best I've ever eaten. Great ambience, drink list and service. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Leah M.
Mushroom risotto- to die for! Especially covered in their truffle oil :) Our group had an array of cocktails ranging from the moulin rouge to champagne to the strawberry basil martini- no one was disappointed! Cuban cigar was good, but not amazing. I think my hopes may have been to high on this one! Parking was tough, but woth the aggrivation!
(4)
Jon P.
Delicious and fun experience! Great small plate options for a variety of palates. We loved the eggplant and the grilled pork rolls! The cocktails were also superb (GinBeforeBreakfast was our fav) and the service was terrific. If you are dining for two, ask for the King and Queen table. We'll be back!
(4)
Kelly O.
I was So. Excited. to finally try Cuchi Cuchi tonight for the first time, and Yelpers didn't disappoint- it was just fabulous. There were 10 of us celebrating a friend's b-day, and we got the awesome LED table... can we say easily amused? Seriously, I think we could have played with it all night and not gotten bored. But aside from that, the whole decor and ambiance is soooo what I would have come up with if it were up to me to make a wicked awesome bar/restaurant (also I couldn't stop goggling over the waitresses' attire, absolutely adorable- HUGE fan of the 20s/30s/40s, I can't get enough). Our waitress was efficient and easily handled our large table- props for the lovely 'happy birthday' renditions the waitstaff did throughout the night (not to our friend though, we spared her that). On to the food and drink... I dare say CC's cocktails rival Eastern Standard (and you know that's hard to do). The Raspberry Beret, the SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTIme... fall down flawless and worth every sip at $11 each. The food, although pricey, was really solid: I ordered the duck a l'orange crepes which were quite good (not as good as everything else I tried IMO, but still really tasty, especially considering I'm not normally a duck fan- don't ask why I ended up ordering it), and the mushroom risotto with truffle oil that was mouth-wateringly fantastic. I tried bites of the Brie en Croute, the garlic shrimp, and the scallop provincale, and each were delicious. And the bread... yes you pay for it, but hot damn was it good, warm and toasty from the oven with great flavor, accompanied by herbed olive oil. Addictive. I was pretty full with the duck, risotto, a bread roll, and 2 cocktails; I recommend sticking with 2 plates each (especially if you get two heavy dishes), unless you get something like the shot of seafood which is only a mouthful or two. The size of your dish can really vary, so choose wisely (especially with the high price of each dish, you wanna get as much for your money as you can- I suggest sharing 3 with someone). I gotta say, Cuchi Cuchi was not too far from 5 stars, not too far at all. I can't wait to try it again (after I save up for a few months, that is).
(4)
Cris E.
Cuchi Cuchi Cute atmosphere with tasty appetizers and very good cocktails! Karen, our server was a doll! I'll be yelping back with a detailed report when I come for dinner! Four stars due to the fact, I haven't tried dinner. We'll see how finely it will be executed. Five stars to our lovely waitress!
(4)
Ver D.
Drinks are great, but the food, although interesting - is inconsistent. Sometimes really good, sometimes disappointing. For the price, that's not very easy to forgive. The ambiance, however, makes up for a lot. They try hard to make it visually interesting, both with the decor and the costuming of the staff. It is a lively bar, and the bartenders are really good. So the food gets a 2, the drinks and decor get a 4 - yielding an overall 3..
(3)
A D.
The food is outstanding ! The mushroom risotto is amazing. It is great for a special occasion so save your pennies.
(5)
Jeremy K.
So let me get this embarrassing fact out of the way before I proceed to the review. I have lived in Kendall Square, 3 blocks away from this joint for almost 5 years and didn't set a foot in it until a couple of weeks ago. There, I said it and boy do I feel much better! With that out of the way, I can tell you that I will be returning there. The cocktails they have there are incredible and the drinks list is both long and creative. I had a couple of really neat drinks which featured citrus, ginger and a whole bunch of ingredients. Both drinks tasted awesome, as they should for the hefty $11 that they each cost. What really stands out in this place is the decor and the tone that they've set. It's very eclectic and different: like the 40s kind of theme with the waitresses all dressed up in these chic little costumes. It's adorable really and a lot of fun. They are also some modern elements to this retro place, like their interactive table which has a sensitive surface which lights up on human contact. It's pretty cool to play with. I have not tried any of the food there but I've heard good things about it and apparently it is similar to their other place, which means that it's tapas-style; small, easy-to-share portions. I cannot wait to return to this place in the near and distant future to savor more of their cocktails. Excellent place!
(5)
IamInthebiz ..
The decor is sexy-chic. The server uniforms add a touch of "you're here to have a good time so don't take yourself so seriously" vibe to everything and the food is exactly as listed. A journey through different regions. All in all Cuchi Cuchi's atmosphere, service and menu was very enjoyable. Hostess took my coat - server was happy to get my coat and complimented it at the same time. Nice touch of ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE. Thank you.
(5)
Lisa J.
This restaurant has a sexy Moulin Rouge-themed burlesque vibe. Their food is amazing and the price is pretty reasonable for what you get!! ..and their fresh-fruit martinis ....OMG! Overall, a great experience to repeat.
(4)
Stacey W.
This place is just So. Much. FUN. Amazingly delicious and fresh cocktails (my favorite is the strawberry basil), tasty food, and a colorful and sparkly ambience that will transport you to Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras. Bring all your friends though--this is a more-the-merrier type of place, because more people = more opportunities to sample different tapas!
(5)
Selena K.
This is a great place in Cambridge. Great atmosphere - if you have a group, try to get the lite brite table in the back. Lots of small plates make this ideal for larger groups or for a date. Make sure you get the Brie... you won't regret it. There is also an extensive cocktail list that will introduce you to a ton of new drinks. Service is excellent.
(5)
Em V.
LOVE Cuchi Cuchi - it's a cute spot in Central Square, love the decor and the dress code for the servers. Cocktails are delicious - my favorite is the Moulin Rouge. The food is mouth-wateringly-good - you can't go wrong! I always get the Cuban Cigar...Sizzlin' Garlic Shrimp, Potato Croquettes, and Mexican Deep-fried Tomato are all also very good. I went with my sister on my last visit and we really wanted the apple fritters from their pork dish for dessert and they happily obliged - we had these treats with coffee to round out our meal. Amazing!
(4)
EricaLynn J.
There's no better way to celebrate someone fabulous than by taking them to Cuchi Cuchi for their special occasion. Why? Because you can't help but feel like a king or a queen when you are partaking in everything that Cuchi Cuchi has to offer - from the food to the beverages to the cleverly costumed waitstaff. Whoever says over the top is too much obviously hasn't been to Cuchi Cuchi or is just in dire need of some fun to be sent their way. It's a bit pricey, but you certainly get what you pay for: tapas-style dishes (small plates, meant to share) and not just from one region - you can get anything from risotto to beef stroganoff and anything in between. And if you like specialty drinks, get ready for page after page of the drink list from heaven. My drink had a chocolate kiss on the bottom of it while others' had fresh fruit soaking inside. Things are just dandy over at Cuchi Cuchi, I'm telling you! Now I won't spoil the surprise too much because you should experience it for yourself -- but if someone you know is having a special birthday, this is the place where you should go. No question about it. Get ready to sit in a big, grandiose chair and let loose. You won't regret it!
(4)
Jeff S.
Really great place. Food has been top notch everytime I've been. Really great drink menu as well
(5)
Christine C.
Like, whoa. Excellent tapas. Excellent service. Excellent ambiance. Excellent drinks. Totally excellent! The whole place has a great atmosphere, and all the staff is dressed for the occasion. It's like a period costume party! All the drinks are amazing. Mixed well, with care. The selection of martinis are wonderful. Food standouts: - Seared scallops: big pieces surrounded with herb-mushroom stuffing. Tender and flavorful. - Cuban cigar: tender beef short ribs and a flakey crust. - Bliny: kind of like crepes with mushroom filling and some tasty sour cream and caviar on top. - Potato croquettes: mini mountain of potato balls with two different dipping sauces (a white and red). Each tapas order is a decent portion, so definitely it's all for sharing! Wonderful service with some thespian routines, a bit playful but a nice touch. Definitely a standout worth coming to even if you are a local or a visitor like I was.
(5)
Jamie C.
The food was great but Cuchi Cuchi really shines in it's amazing drink menu. Delicious and great variety. Friendly service. Awesome atmosphere. My favorite location for a fun night out!
(5)
Carole H.
While the atmosphere was great, unfortunately the food was just not that good-- especially for the price. The risotto was waaay over salted as to be barely inedible and the seafood filled avocado had basically no seasoning so the flavors didn't blend well (and the avocado was slightly unripe and tough, didn't help). The garlic shrimp and beet salad were alright I suppose, but it would be seriously hard to mess up either of those. There's better tapas around town for sure, I probably won't come back here.
(3)
Sereia C.
MUDDLED MARTINIS IN HUGE MARTINI GLASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, that's all that needs to be said. . . . . . . Okay, fiiiiine...I'll go on...about the fabulous martinis, that is...have the chick with the long dreds make you an Alicat martini...amazing. I have always loved Cuchi Cuchi. When you step in there you get the feeling you are nowhere near Boston. You walk in and you are in the bar area; high ceilings, and a 40 foot bar with stained glass windows from the 1800's behind it. Lots of great pieces to look at throughout the place...Vaseline glass on shelving that give off a fluorescent green glow...a large Kimono on the wall close by....a cozy little nook with a small couch in the bar area to hang out at...and my favorite...an LED table that lights up with motion. The staff are all in vintage clothing and jewelry...lots of sequins, jewels, feathers, long strands of pearls, fishnets, and fringe. The food...good, but not great. Lots of little dishes to share, but nothing that blew my shirt off. Definitely among my top choices for where to go to catch up with friends over drinks though. Parking, a bit of meter parking, always full. If you have a Cambridge parking sticker, residential parking is your best bet. Otherwise, they vallet. Bonus points for having a tarot card reader there once a week. Very unique bar experience!
(4)
Sarah C.
As far as I'm concerned, Cuchi Cuchi is as weird as it sounds. I'm in a pro/con kinda mood... Pros: 1 - Very friendly waitstaff - hostesses were nice too. 2 - One of the largest cocktail menus I've seen in Boston - very creative! 3 - I liked the food I ate - the chicken liver pate was delicious, the tuna tartare and avocado mousse cornets were strange but tasty too, and the bread they brought was wonderful and warm. Cons: 1 - Perhaps the hostesses were so nice because upon arrival, they told us they wouldn't seat our group of 8 (for which we had an 8:30 reservation) until everyone was there - we had 6 people. Come on. We're going to give you a decent amount of business right there. But, whatever, it would have been nice if they publicized that policy on their website - or at LEAST when you make the reservation. Luckily our last 2 people arrived just after 8:30, around 8:35. Was our table ready? Nope. We finally got seated at 8:45, at a table they said could seat 8 or 10 comfortably. That was a blatant lie. It's a large coffee table with a couch on one side that will fit 4 people squished, and tiny bench seats on the other leaning up against the glass of the entryway. Not only could it DEFINITELY not have fit 10, it wasn't remotely comfortable for 8. And, the table is so large and it's so loud in there, you can't hear the people sitting across from you unless everyone is yelling. Also, while our waitress was cute and friendly, the service was pretty atrocious. It took close to 20 minutes to get our drinks, even the sodas that two people in our party ordered! WTF?! And, I'm all for chatting up with waitstaff, but when the service is bad, I really don't need to hear how sorry you are and how long your night has been and how tired you are. When I'm paying this much for drinks and food I expect the service to match. 2 - Most people liked their cocktails, but it would have been nice if we didn't have to wait 20 minutes to start drinking after being seated 15 minutes late for a reservation. 3 - The food is overpriced. If you want to go somewhere busy and relatively schizophrenic for a cocktail or two you might like it, but you can get more food elsewhere for the price, and you might actually be able to hear the people you go with.
(2)
Mikael N.
So, a big group went to this place giving the opportubity to sample almost the whole menu. The whole setup with smaller entree-type dishes makes this a great place for just that. The idea of sharing from a diverse menu is a great for the conversation and getting into the place's atmosphere. There's couple of dishes that stand out and rest is kinda...just good. First of all the Tuna Tartare is feast for the eyes AND the mouth. Lots of flavor and you crave more from the frist bite to the last. The sizzling lamb is pink and perfect, a real treat for meat lovers. Also the thai mussles are outstanding. Big flavor in that one. A bit of disappointment is the Cuban Cigar. I had big expectations after seeing the review here, but it ends up being just ok. Finish it up with a cup of coffee and that big plate of Banana Bread. It outshines the rest of the dessert menu by far. In summary; nice atmosphere, great menu for sharing in a larger group, nice staff making it a treat to stay for dessert too.
(4)
R S.
When it comes to Cambridge, I am a "tourist". We accidentally came across Cuchi Cuchi about a month ago and sat at the bar. The bar tender gave us drink menus, a bit overwhelming, and I handed it back to him and said "I like sweet and don't want it to taste like alcohol".... Let me tell you, the MOST amazing drinks I have ever had! They use fresh fruit in all of their drinks! The ambiance was "cool", and the music was sexy French/Spanish/Italian tango style. The place was clean and very alluring. The bar tender suggested some food for us to try, and he was right! Everything we tried, one better than the other. The place quickly started to fill up and within an hour, people were waiting in line. He suggested we come back on a Saturday night to have a "real" experience. A few weeks later, I had gathered a few people together and we headed to Cambridge. The bar area was packed, and we felt like sardines, we had to wait 45 minutes for a table. We found a small corner and ordered drinks, the patrons were so nice that when their "cool" drinks came out, I quickly asked what it was and ordered the same thing! You really can't go wrong with whatever you choose! Once at the table, we started ordering plate after plate, again, one better than the other... The tuna cones, baby back ribs with apple fritters, seafood avocado, skirt steak, and the Cuban cigar are a MUST!!! I will say one thing, the music on our 2nd trip wasn't as "sexy". I loved the tango and European music on our first trip. But this time, they played old music (i.e. Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, etc). The music matched the sexy ambiance and the way the staff is dressed in costume on our first trip. Needless to say, I can't wait to go back again and again! Too bad they don't take reservations, but the drinks and the food are definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Molly J.
I am disappointed. I don't like the decoration of the place nor the dresses of the waitresses. I was excited reading the menu and saw exotic dishes in one place. However, I can't really tell if the food is authentic. The only dish we both were amazed was the eggplant napoleon. I'm sure its not difficult to make but at least the flavor was well balanced with acidness of the tomato, salty and richness of the cheese.
(3)
Colleen H.
Listen, five stars for the drinks. Hands down. This is one of the most creative drink menus I've seen in my life and the flavors were luscious. Who wouldn't want luscious drinks? Hi alcoholism. Now that I've got that off my chest...this place really is cute and charming. It has a fun 1920's American revival feel. All the girls dressed as flappers with costume jewelry. It looked like the best little girl dress-up party ever. haha! This is a fun little date spot in Cambridge and I'm definitely going back. We were sort of in a rush and not terribly hungry (more thirsty, obv) so we only ordered a couple plates. They were really good (no Toro, but still). My advice: Your last drink of the night should be "SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime." You can't drink it all night, because there's a whole lotta sweet mango in there. But really, you'll thank me.
(5)
Jessie C.
Met up with 8 girls last night around 6pm. Had a great time. We had made a reservation for the 8 of us but they wouldn't seat us till we all where there. Wouldn't it have made more sense to seat us as a party of 6 and get out us out of the bar so they could free up those seats? oh well. We had great drinks! Great food! and the table service was great. I ordered the Fried artichokes, baked brie and i had the Moroccan chicken Tangine. SO DELICIOUS. I'm going to be dreaming about the chicken for days.
(4)
Jonathan B.
In my last post, I complained about never receiving a call from management. They absolutely made good on it today. The manager apologized numerous times for the experience we had on Saturday. I plan on making a return visit to Cuchi Cuchi very soon. Due to their response, I will bump my review up a bit in rating. I'll have to wait and see how dinner goes next time. As mentioned prior to this update the reviews for this eatery have been positive. Hopefully my next stop in will be a different story.
(2)
Meghan M.
Cuchi, cuchi, cuchi!!!! All that comes to mind when I think of this place is Charo shouting out that catch phrase (on Hollywood Squares, no less). I love Cuchi Cuchi. It's one of my favorite "fun" places. Yes, there are long waits and crowds but the amazing drinks at the bar that you get while waiting are well worth it. The Lemongrass Martini is phenominal (and I'm not a huge sweet mixed drink person). It is a little bit of a pain that you have to keep re-checking with the hostess on your table but the wait staff there is so cute that it can't possibly be that bad! The food here, every time I've been, has been surprisingly excellent (usually these kitchy places have so-so food). I'd highly recommend the cheese-stuffed artichoke hearts. The seafood/ceviche filled avocado and many other things are very good as well. Enjoy everyone...See you there!
(5)
Sami W.
If you were wondering where to go on a first date, impress...and probably score (depending on whether you play your cards right) at the end of the night, then Cuchi Cuchi is THE place to go to! Unfortunately, it wasn't the case for me, as I was meeting up with a friend (a guy) that was leaving the country for good. I got the following: Blood Orange Martini: excellent Insalata del Liguria: excellent Potato Croquettes: I've had better. Beef Stroganoff: I've had better, but it's wasn't bad at all. Fresh Banana Bread extravaganza: I thought I had an orgasm and had to go to the bathroom to splash water on my face!
(4)
Shannon S.
Yes, it is a "fun" place but crowded and overpriced. Also - My party of 8 put in cash- the remainder going on my visa which I signed after the fact for the correct amount, but a few days later checked my bank statement to see the ENTIRE bill had be charged..mmmm...I wonder what happened to the check I signed for with the correct amount? Only can think t was voided and re-rung in hopes I was someone who didn't check my account often??? Anyway I called to have it corrected, I was very polite and just explained what happened. The response was, "Uh ok we'll refund your account". No apology, no "so sorry this happened", nothing! Even if this was an innocent mistake, when you overcharge someone almost $200...I think you should at least apologize!
(2)
Richard D.
Nice, if you are enthralled with that 1920's - 1930's decor - even on the waitstaff. We had a reservation for eight; arrived at 7:20. I stepped up to the bar (my accompaniment for the evening already had her drink) and waited to be served. The bartender stood, dazed, as though she had just hit the Cmax of her lithium dose, blinking her eyes at me. I asked for a drink menu (widely reputed as the best in the neighborhood). I asked again ~ Hello! Pluto! Finally, a gentleman walked past and I asked to see a drink menu. a little less than 10 minutes later I was served a Pegu Club Cocktail (I had now been there 25 minutes after a 90-minute drive up from Providence: I needed that drink). It was fantastic - but, 25 minutes?! 8:45 ~ On to a table and dinner. We had the Spanish Zucchini (Meh), the Cuban Cigar (4 of 5), the Blini (4 of 5 ~ I'm Russian, I know from Blini) and garlic shrimp which was great except that - by their size - you knew they were farmed in some shise-wasser field in Asia, not caught anywhere near Boston, MA. So how is this place rated so well (I haven't yet mentioned the prices)? I can only say that the economy is doing just fine in Boston and that an abundance of restaurants has done little to bring sophistication to the audience. Or people are just plain bored and will spend on anything. But, I would most assuredly take a pass on this over-styled, overpriced and inattentively staffed period piece. The rest of the evening was great including the bar and ice-creamery down the street!
(1)
Amanda F.
A friend of mine had been telling me about this place for a while. One night after work, we met up, drove around Cambridge, and found ourselves there. She's a vegetarian, and I'm not, but we found plenty of things that we both liked so we could share them. We got: -Gratin Dauphinois: basically Potatoes au Gratin. Tasty, but not incredibly flavorful. I'll probably try something else next time. -Mushroom Risotto: self-explanatory. So far beyond unbelievable, I can't even explain it. I'll definitely be getting this again. -Fried Artichoke Hearts: crispy artichokes with gorgonzola, pistachios and basil. They only give you 3 pieces, so I might go for an extra order.. or 10 of these next time, but they're definitely worth ordering again. -Mexican Deep-fried Tomato: a crispy tomato filed with mexican cheese, avocado and pico de gallo. This one was hard to share because it fell apart when we cut into it, but it was so good that I'll order it again, and deal with it falling apart. I need to go back here ASAP and eat those dishes again and try more things (plus the drinks, which I've heard good things about) At the end of the night, we paid $30 and that didn't include drinks.
A bit pricey, but love the atmosphere and food. Quality service, drinks and food. It can get crowded, but find a seat at the bar. Love the little plates of "not Tapas!" food-stuffs. Never had a bad meal here. Try it!
(4)
Wendy B.
Well, I've read all the four and five star reviews, and as near as I can tell, this place gets those ratings based on its cocktails and kitschy costumes on the waitstaff. The food is mediocre for not being tapas, and even as tapas, mediocre and way over priced. I've experienced better nearby and priced more reasonably. Add to that tapping on a 20% gratuity for a big party, and not giving me the opportunity to notch it up that high, gives me a bad taste in my mouth, as did the food. I'll give it a meh, but I don't foresee returning to this place for anything but drinks.
(2)
Erin M.
Sexy and elegant, Cuchi Cuchi provides a unique atmosphere for drinking, dining, and conversing. The dim lighting, parlor lights, and fringe decor are not overwhelming and set the scene of an early-mid 1900s-style evening. The service is fantastic and beautifully dressed. This is where the beautiful imbibe and dine - when you're there, you are one of the beautiful. Having already been here once before and getting slap-happy with the light-up table, I knew I wanted to go and indulge on everything that Cuchi Cuchi has to offer, not just drinks. The cocktail menu is lengthy, creative, and can best be described as completely delicious. While there is beer and wine available, go for the Cuchi cocktails to try something new or sip on one (or more) of the vintage cocktails on the menu. I could drink grasshoppers and martinis until the end of time. In my most recent venture, the dessert cocktails called my name and I had the Spanish Monk. Strong and delicious, I was easily able to sip this during the two-hour meal which consisted of not only a fantastic date (the lovely Calli C.) but four memorable small plate-style dishes: *Tuna Lavash: warm, crispy lavash bread surrounded tuna, greens, watermelon, and bacon. The Asian-style vinaigrette that it comes with enhances the flavor, so do not skip it. It adds a kick of ginger. *Asian Salad: I do not remember at all what was in this other than bean sprouts, mint?, cilantro?, and other greens but it was light, fresh, and cleansed our palettes for the next two courses, which were a bit heavier. *Cuban Cigar: This roll of rib meat, which comes with a black bean salsa, was soft and basically perfect. It was tender and rich with flavor. Calli and I both pretty much agreed that this was the highlight of the meal. *Brie en Croûte: Can anyone say no to a big ball of brie that also contains bacon and walnuts? No, they can not. Cutting into the puff pastry, the brie flowed all over in a beautiful cheesy mess. This was a delightful mess to clean up, especially when the bacon came into the play. This is a very rich dish so definitely get this to share. *DESSERT(!!!), Cornucopia: Better than any Thanksgiving nonsense, this cornucopia came filled with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and had a glob of whipped cream and blackberry on top. Sweet and tart, this was a perfect ending to the meal. The sauce this comes in is phenomenal and I want that bottled and saved for my own personal use at home; it's that good. Let's not forget the music and service. Classic jazz played through the speakers during our meal but later at night Cuchi Cuchi kicks it into high gear with a small band and dancers. It turns into a hot mess of a party; actually, it's more like a hot party. Get in on it sometime. Servers are dressed like flappers essentially and look gorgeous. When not being overwhelmed by the awesomeness of your drink, food, or company, you will definitely find yourself ogling the waitstaff. It's cool. They're used to it and are happy to talk to you about their outfits. Juliana is a great waitress as well, always available and able to answer our questions about the meal and decor. Whether with friends or a date, Cuchi Cuchi has all the elements in place for an unforgettable evening. Make it happen! (Tip: reservations preferred unless you get there exactly when they open)
(5)
Stacy B.
If you don't like this place, then I don't like you. PS: The delish tapas style cuisine partnered with the elegantly dressed servers, creative ambience, and extensive drink menu are all 5-star.
(5)
Min C.
Read this review at: wp.me/p1x1Ja-6 A place that claims to serve "International, 'straight-up' smaller plates to be paired and shared" as the menu "represents classic dishes - with [their] own twist - from other countries," Cuchi Cuchi quite literally serves "straight-up smaller plates" if anything else. To get a better idea of what kind of food they serve see their menu. Think tapas, but sorta-kinda-not-really as tapas are of Spanish origin and most of their dishes aren't. The biggest disappointment of the night was when we received our rounds of food to find the dishes (sans the fried ones) to really be lacking in flavor. The meat dishes carried the strong taste of meat-not-well-seasoned (the taste of game in the Bracioletta Ripiena and Duck a l'Orange Crepes) and the desserts were a smidge more than disappointing (a punch-in-your-mouth Tiramisu and dry, dense Le Gateau Nantais). Normally, a well crafted dish goes beyond its description as words should only be so sufficient to describe the delectable intricacies of the food they attempt to portray. That, or the fine fusion of the stated ingredients is so perfect their combination is but short of flawless (e.g. their French Banana Bread Extravaganza: a gooey, caramel-y delicious goodness on toasted French bread topped with in-house vanilla ice cream). Either way, Cuchi Cuchi didn't quite meet our culinary standards, especially for the cost of these "smaller plates." On the other hand, the drinks were delicious! And strong! Hats off to the bartender for the re-vamping of vintage cocktails and creation of new cocktails. Food - 2.5/5 Taste: The description is literally what you get; nothing more, nothing less. Most dishes lack a complexity of flavor. The drinks are innovative and strong -- a plus in my book! Quality: Nothing too amazingly superb. For most of the dishes, you pay more than is merited. Presentation: The dishes come out clean and nicely displayed on beautiful plates. Creativity: The food definitely strikes up points here. Given that they have a whole world of cuisine to choose from, the chef picks an eclectic mix of dishes to remake. Service - 3.5/5 Attentiveness: All of the FOH staff is amazingly welcoming and dressed to fit the style of the restaurant. Our water glasses were rarely empty, if that's any sign of service. However, it was difficult to get a server's attention as they often walked by tables without regard for patrons trying to flag them down. Comfort: There was a slight unease and tension we felt during our stay. It might have been due to the fact that staff were constantly walking by our table. We were seated towards the back kitchen. Being seated so far removed from the main part of the restaurant really disrupts the mood they are trying to set. If you can, request to sit in the front half of the restaurant. Friendliness: When we could get a hold of our waitress, she was kind and engaged but that was only when we could catch her attention. Atmosphere - 3/5 Style: "We wanted to personify the age of Old World Beauty (la belle epoch) and Early Hollywood, the time of luxury, glamour, gaiety, jewels and furs, lipstick on silk collars, dramatic little trysts, tinkling champagne and martini glasses." Decor: A good effort to revive the style of an era past, however it errs slightly on the gaudy side. Mood: Feels like your crazy aunt's home kitchen: dimly lit, cozy and fully equipped with too much going on for the eye/mind to process. My recommendations: Try the seafood dishes and any dishes that are fried (e.g. Caspian Heaven, Fried Artichoke Hearts). This is a great place to meet friends for drinks, and maybe one or two dishes at the bar. Average price per person: Two dishes, one drink, and one dessert including tax and tip - $55.
(3)
Christopher M.
I used to come here regularly with my old roommate and an erratic group of friends for nights of sin and debauchery. The wait for a table is usually long at night, but that means you get to spend more time in the bar - the drinks here are AMAZING! Far too often I've found myself beyond buzzed, flirting with the maitre'd, hoping he would get us a table before he realized I was straight. Once we sat down I could flirt with the gorgeous wait staff, who get to wear the coolest clothes and costume jewelry. Seating is unconventional, which means we were usually cuddled up close to each other. The menu is a non-traditional, fusion style of tapas, so everyone gets a few plates to share. Plates were passed, food would fly, and eventually we'd end up just feeding each other. EVERYTHING is good, and most dishes are chock full of aphrodisiacs. However, I'd highly recommend hogging the seafood acavado, Cuban cigar, and the balsamic duck. The bill will be sizeable at the end of the evening, but hopefully you'll be so drunk/full/horny that it won't matter.
(5)
May W.
We decided to come here on a whim based on the great and fun Yelp reviews. We entered and were greeted by some friendly and greatly costumed servers. I had a lime-based cocktail that was delicious. The name starts with an "A," that's all I can remember-- I loved it though. The garlic butter shrimp was phenomenal, but the bread that came with it to dip in the garlic butter sauce was like a brick. Small problem, easily forgiveable. We had the fried artichoke hearts which was stuffed with a cheese and nut blend. It was super tender and full of flavor, a bit on the salty side though. The third tapa we had was the Cuban cigar, which was our favorite dish that we tried. It was braised short rib that's been wrapped in a dough and baked, served with a delicious bean and veggie salsa/salad. LOVED! Overall, the food was oversalted, but we really enjoyed the ambience and service.
(3)
Ro C.
I'm not sure how to express my feelings about this place. This is a review site, so I'll give it a go anyways. The food is worth a solid four. It loses a star on portion size. Food's tiny. The drink list is creative but a hair smug. "Look at how double entendre we made this cocktail!" The waitstaff and the room are all set up like a 1930s cabaret. Pretty nifty, really wonderful use of colors, period costuming, and accessorizing (women wearing fascinators on this side of the pond? Oh my!) What the hell, then, is up with the hooker-drag queen get up on the mannequin? Freaking A, dudes. Where Cuchi Cuchi loses it for me is service. My buddy and I come in. "Do you have a reservation?" "No, we can wait." The bar is available." "Ok." We sit. We peruse the menu. We discuss the horrific doll. For about 15 minutes. No one comes by, no one asks if we are ready to order or want a drink. We finally make it to the bartender and ask for an order. "We don't do that here." Well, kindly let me know next time if I need to get my own drink from the side bar where we'd sitting. Should I bus my own table too? Put in my dinner order and prepare the short ribs as well? The staff is sort of everywhere with us the rest of the night.. My dining buddy get a doily placemat put into a puddle of the previous diner's water, and I stare at a giant bugger someone had kindly excavated and smeared onto the glass blocks in front of me. It's the perfect conversation piece if you get bored with your fellow diner. The food was great, but I honestly think it'd have to take some mighty boozey horses to get me back here.
(2)
Lo-an L.
Cuchi Cuchi has always been my date spot. Not by choice, mind you. There's some bulletin out there that the boys read that says Cuchi Cuchi is a must for the first couple of dates.. me think not! Been on several occasion (several more than I wanted) and after last night's dinner, I remember why I was not a fan. The wait staffs are all very friendly (plus they go above and beyond with their costumes) and the lighting is perfectly subdue so why is it that I can't help but feel under dress when I come here. Maybe I should have a burlesque dress on too with red lipstick... so not fair. The food is only ok.. I like the chicken tagine with the cous cous and the skirt steak was lovely but pulease make up your mind with the menu. Those dishes are too pricey to be a tapas and it's too small to be a main entree. Although I like em both.. I feel like a pig ordering it ALONG with the fried zucchini and tuna lavish (fyi, seared tuna SHOULD NOT be served in any sandwich-like ways). The very creative drinks are ALWAYS stiff... so much so that you want to enjoy the flavor but can't. Did they know that we're on a date? Do they always make their drinks so stiff in order to stay on the guy's manual for date night..whose motto is "get her slosh to get laid"? I never really protest when they suggest the place but I'm starting to think maybe I should.
(2)
Sara B.
No it is not cheap but YES it is worth it. I prefer to sit at the bar instead of at a table because you can appreciate the vibe of this unique little place. I love that the bartenders and waitstaff are so open and friendly. If you find the drinks on the menu too fruity just tell your bartender what you are looking for and they will whip together something brilliant. Always ask about the soup of the day it is usually AMAZING! Don't go here if you are starving. The plates are adequate but small (tapas) and not the American super sized tapa. I have more fun when my group is no larger than 4.
(5)
Joy E.
LOVE IT LOVE IT!! It is, as others have posted, Cuchi squared is an experience. In many cases you sometimes sacrifice good food and services for an "experience" - that is NOT the case here. We came with 8 in our party on a busy Friday (often times an invitation for customer-service disaster) and had a fantastic experience. If you have to wait for a table it is made VERY enjoyable by their amazing list of cocktails and their wonderful wine list. I had the "Some Like it Hot" which was almost like an appetizer with its 2 HUGE gorgonzola stuffed olives. It was one of the most enjoyable cocktails I have ever had. Strong, but well made, spicy and delicious. Our group was seated fairly quickly and we ordered almost every plate on the menu. The food was AMAZING. I could have had 10 of the Seafood avocado and scallop ceviche. Everyone raved about the food, the cocktails and the service was efficient, friendly and so stylish - the outfits are fantastic. It is not a place to go if you are penny pinching but it was a GREAT place for girls night out and we ALL thought it was well worth the money. GO GO!!
(5)
Avin N.
Even though we've been living in the area for some time, came here for the first time a couple weeks ago after seeing Midnight In Paris. The decor of Cuchi Cuchi seemed to be a nice fit for the evening (almost an extension of the movie), and as soon as we walked in I had high hopes for the place. We were seated right away, actually a couple minutes before our reservation. I have a feeling that during the school year when students are around this place gets far more crowded, but on a nice summer night it was lively but not out of control. I'm not a big cocktail person but we had heard the drinks were killer here, and my wife (Ameesha C) loved the concoction she ordered. For the beer drinkers there's a decent list but I suppose that's not why most people come here. The bread. Wow. Really fantastic. I could have made almost an entire meal out of just the bread and oil. In fact I almost did. The highlights of the food were the scallops and the croquettes. The former were prepared perfectly, paired with a light sauce which complimented the dish perfectly. And the latter were just awesome, served with two dips that were both equally fantastic. I also ordered the grilled pork rolls w/ cheese + pancetta, tasty but it was a little too much after all the bread and croquettes. Also take note that the pork rolls take a while to prepare, and came out well after everything else. All in all, a really great experience, great service, and excellent food. Highly recommend.
(5)
Rhea B.
I was there for the first time last weekend. The food was really good and imaginative. The server we had was super-accommodating and friendly. I had no idea what a good party place it would be.
(4)
Deanna D.
A group of 10 lovely ladies went to dinner at Cuchi Cuchi to celebrate a dear friend's bachelorette party. Heres what we found: Beautifully decorated atmosphere---stained glass, lanterns, and awesome wall decor created an eclectic & festive atmosphere. Very creative, delicious, and artfully made cocktails! Standout was the Black Dahlia but the Orient Express tasted a bit like bath water--the herb infusion was a bit overpowering. Friendly staff in awesome 20's themed costumes which were fun & gorgeous. The menu has some great choices with dishes from all around the globe. The dishes were beautifully presented and everything was delicious!! Some standout were: Cuban Cigar, Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Grilled Eggplant Napoleon, Caspian Heaven, Duck a l'Orange Crepes, and Chicken Kiev The French Banana Bread Extravaganza & cappuccino was the perfect ending to a lovely meal. Yes it is a pricey but it worth it for a special event or fun girls night out, but maybe not for an every day dinner. Overall a lovely meal & fun experience. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)
Catherine K.
Cuchi Cuchi is good but often times I feel like it can be a hit or miss. I've been enough to know which dishes to order but if you are new to the restaurant OR are with a small group you may find it overwhelming. My recommendation is to go with a larger group so that you can try multiple dishes which will surely satisfy everyone. Cuchi Cuchi is known for its tasty cocktails which are quite delicious.
(3)
Judy C.
Went here because two of my friends who have lived in Boston both told me that it's a great place to go. Simply from the website, I knew I had to check it out. Went on a Saturday night. 1 hour wait for a table, so my friend and I ate at the bar (which was no more than 10 minute wait). The bartenders were really nice. I got their classic blackberry cosmo, which was not only pretty but also quite tasty. My friend got the blood orange sidecar, and I guess if you like cognac, then it's good. Otherwise, I and my friend didn't care for it. Food wise, we had the breads with olives. It was warm, and the olives were good. We also got the warm marinated mushrooms, which was pretty easy and tasty to eat, and the St. Jacobs' Zucchini (deep fried zucchini, cured Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, pomegranate syrup) was surprisingly delicious!!! (and I am not a big fan of ham...) The service was also surprisingly fast, considering how packed that place was. Only complaints are that the music is a tad too loud (had to somewhat yell to converse with my friend) and the price is high for some of these dishes. I now understand why my friends love this place.
(4)
Kristen F.
I can't believe I've been here 4 times and neglected to post a review! I've been 3 times for dinner and once or twice solely for drinks...Dinner was once with a group of 4, twice with the Fiance for some sexy date time. I LOVE this place. Sure it's got that theatrical 1920's flapper/grandma's attic feel...but that's one of the things that makes it so fun. I love having an excuse to put something sexy on (glamorous sexy, not trashy club sexy) and go for a vintage cocktail and delicious food. DRINKS- A lot of posters have complained about the $10-11 vintage cocktails. PS. This is a restaurant that carries GOOD liquor, not that no-name crap you find in a plastic bottle. They now carry Absinthe...the real stuff (FYI). I've never had a bad cocktail here. Mojitos are amazing, the corpse reviver and ANY of their champagne cocktails are amazing. They carry a number of fantastic after dinner ports, single malts, cordials...etc. If you appreciate the quality of a well made drink, please stop by. FOOD- I've had nothing short of awesome when it comes to their food. We went last week and ordered 6 or 8 dishes. They have an amazing scallop ceviche shot that was cold, spicy, citrusy, and the scallop was so creamy and good. The duck a l'orange crepes and potato croquettes were a delicious standard. We also had some amazingly tender braised short ribs and a mixed meat tangine with very yummy figgy sauce. We ordered a side of bread, but really only ate one of the hunks. it was 2.50 or so, but whatever. we know for next time. SERVICE- We have never had any problems with service. We've eaten when it has been packed full, we've been during Valentine's Day, as well as when the restaurant was nearly 1/2 empty on a week night. The ladies that work there are as attentive as we'd like. They bring our food, ask us if we need drinks when we're nearly done with our current ones, clear our plates when they're empty, and refilled our waters. Go here if you are looking for a sexy time with awesome drinks, awesome food, and GREAT people watching. If you're a d-bag...stay on the red line...transfer at Park St to the green line and get off at Kenmore and go to Tequila Rain.....
(5)
Kathleen H.
It was a dark and stormy night. The lemon drop was scary good. The mojito a friend ordered, also way too good. Fun decor, good music, waitstaff decked out in flapper gear. The food was delicious. Service - once we said we'd be happy to eat at our little itty bitty bar table instead of waiting the 3.6 days for a real dinner table, the service was very quick and efficient. The coconut soup with shrimp wrapped in fresh ginger was excellent. I licked out my bowl, because it was dark by the bar and no one could see me except people who already know I do that kind of thing. I also had the seared tuna with couscous - also very good. Friend had a beautifully presented beet salad, other friend had moroccan lamb with a mint sauce/chutney thing that I kept trying to steal *pointing dramatically in opposite direction* "WHAT is THAT!!!!?" nomnomnomnom. what? We got there about 8 and there was a looooooong wait for a table. By the time we left at 9:45, there were people just crammed in there like sardines. Just sayin'. They only take reservations for dinner for 5:30 and 6 - so if you want to be guaranteed a table larger than a man hole cover AND get out of there in under 2 hours - think early.
(4)
Howe L.
The ability to transport you to another world makes this place simply amazing. The fun and funk, from the food to the decor to the wait staff, creates such an unique experience. Def one for the memory books.
(5)
Tara G.
Was taken here on a dinner date and was impressed by the food, service and most importantly, the cocktail list (and cocktails!). I'm a tough judge, being a bartender, but this is the greatest cocktail list I've seen in Boston. Atmosphere was fun and quirky, great for a first date or a girls night out. Small plates were incredible and great to share. Highly recommend- one of my favorites in Boston!
(5)
Vanessa E.
Cuchi Cuchi is very near and dear to my heart. When I walked in with 6 friends and asked how long the wait was, they told me an hour and I immediately frowned and said 'shit.' The two male hosts looked at each other and then at me and said in unison, "It's Cuchi Cuchi," as if I was the one insulting them! They directed us to the bar and insisted we wait there even though we're under-aged and couldn't even buy anything at the bar. The only plus side to waiting at the bar is that it was super packed by queens, straits, gays, and those who bat for both teams. It was a nice cluster of all types of preferences and races and I enjoyed myself immensely. There's also a 20's Hollywood theme that people get in really into and the waitresses were dressed in really fun outfits. The food may or may not have inspired me to care about small animals and children. It revolutionized the way I look at Tuna Tar Tar! If they have lamb on the menu, you must eat it or it will be a crime against humanity itself. I tried the Argentinean beef too but I wasn't completely sold. Maybe I'm just anti-red meat subconsciously, but it didn't excite me or intrigue my taste buds at all. It was just, okay. ALL of the deserts are fabulous and the whiskey selection is the best I've seen in Boston. Drink up!
(4)
Christine C.
I am newly obsessed. I went to Cuchi Cuchi for the first time after hearing a rave review from a co-worker, and I was nearly shocked by how charming and delicious it all was. The dishes are a bit larger than your average tapas portions, so two per person really does the trick. I had the "Caspian Heaven" (roasted fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe, and champagne sauce) and sauteed mushrooms, and my friend had the beef stroganoff and beet and goat cheese salad. Impeccable--all of it. It's exactly the kind of food I love, where the flavors mesh together perfectly and pop in your mouth. The drinks are also a treat--although be warned, they're stronger than they appear. I tried the Blood Orange Sidecar and a French 75, and that was more than enough for one night. I love that it's primarily a '20s-themed restaurant, although some facets seemed out of place. One of the waitresses was dressed in more of a Old West showgirl costume, for example, which was a little jarring--but for the most part, they maintained the vibe, and the service was very good. It's easy to get carried away here, but it's perfect for an occasional indulgence. I fully intend to have my birthday outing here this year since it's such a lovely spot.
(5)
Deidred A.
Cuchi Cuchi is a unique restaurant that provides a unique experience. The cocktail menu is huge! Even though I did not try one my date said her drink was excellent. The entree selection is incredibly diverse with plates from Russia, France, and Argentina being offered (Cuban cigar is the best item on the menu. Everything on the menu is artfully crafted and made fresh in house. Meals are served "Europe" style, think large tapas. Service was exceptionally good as well; our waitress did a near perfect job. My only heads up is that the place is unique, so be ready to try something new.
(4)
Sarah C.
Let's start with the star of the show at Cuchi Cuchi...the cocktail menu. If you prefer a standard Jack and Coke, go elsewhere because these cocktails are designed to dance on the taste buds belonging to lovers of distilled, aged, and flavored spirits. Try whatever suits your fancy, just be prepared for it to be strong. My party was about 8 people on a Friday night. The place was popping but we sat down as soon as our party was present for our reservations. The waitstaff was fantastic although if you are waiting outside for your table, be sure to tell them you are outside, we had some confusion. Once seated, we decided to order numerous small plates due to many different diets (a few vegetarians, 2 non-pork eaters, 1 picky eater, and 2 self proclaimed foodies). Everyone was able to find multiple dishes to suit their needs and everything we had was cooked properly and delightful. Be prepared to shell out some cash if you are ordering various small plates, particularly if you come with an appetite since you will need multiple dishes. The waitstaff was accurate with helping us estimate how much to order and we continued to order throughout our stay as we devoured as many menu items as possible. Overall, this is a great place and I will certainly be returning here in the near future!
(4)
Abishek C.
This is one of my favorite places to visit with friends or to bring a date. There are multiple factors why I like this place. 1. This a sort of a themed lounge, like a 1920s Moulin Rouge atmosphere, playing some morrocan music in the background. 2. The staff, particularly the bartenders are very polite, knowledgeable and help you deciding a drink. 3. They have a good selection of mixed drinks and cocktails, some of which have funny names. 4. The food portions are perfect with a very different way of serving them. Some of my favorites here are, the potato croquettes, beef stroganoff, mushroom risotto, Chicken Kiev, Cuban cigars, Scallop Ceviche Shot. For dessert you should definitely have either the French Bread Banana Extragavanza or the Cornucopia. Trust me, you will not regret it
(5)
Allison R.
Yum! I hit up Cuchi Cuchi a couple weeks ago, and was verrry pleasantly surprised. If you don't already know, this tapas establishment is decked out all 1920s antique-style, with waitstaff dressed as flappers to match. Dimly lit, comfy chairs, all that good stuff. Split a bottle of champagne, which was in the neighborhood of $30, and came on a floor stand champagne chiller thing. Tres fun. And the food....yum. My hungry stomach was wary that there wouldn't be enough to eat, but those tiny plates deceive. Try the duck a l'orange crepes, and also the seafood stuffed avocado and potatoes au gratin.
(4)
Steve S.
Without question Cuchi Cuchi is one of the most eclectic and original restaurants of recent memory. The place is adorned in an offbeat yet funky type of way with everything from dresses on the wall to really interesting lighting. The waitresses all dress up like can can girls. Its all very likeable But you still have to eat. I liked the food, but $15 for essentially tapas seems a tad pricey, entertainment not withstanding. The salad Liquiri and the Chicken Tangine were flavorful dishes, especially the chicken with sun dried tomatoes and artichokes over cous cous We had the duck, ceviche and the risotto, which were decent. The food overall is very good, but certainly not the best in Boston. The experience, however, .......must be experienced
(4)
Elyssa C.
I heard good things about it (expensive but nice) but I went for the first time Friday and was super impressed. The decor was fun, and I loved the outfits. But the food was phenomenal. Our food came quickly and all four of the dishes we got were out of this world. Of course the portions were small and expensive - but that's called a nice restaurant in my book. Also, I really liked my drink, and I usually don't like mixed drinks. So great decor (as expected), great drinks (as hoped) and (unexpectedly) great food. If you're looking for a nice date or to splurge with a girlfriend, would definitely recommend.
(5)
Marina N.
Super popular and busy, but we were seated quickly at the time of our reservation. The decor and costumes of the waitstaff are a lot of fun. Great place for a festive celebratory atmosphere. They have a lot of great and unique cocktails. If you order the right dishes, you will have an outstanding meal. Outstanding: Caspian Heaven Scallops Provenale Border of OK & Awful: Savory Cornets P.S. They do sing Happy Birthday but do not give any free dessert.
(5)
Claudia H.
We went to Cuchi Cuchi with a group of 20 people and experienced a great atmosphere, lovely waitresses, terrific food and great, creative cocktails. Besides our big group the service was pretty fast - we finished food (3 courses) with 2 hours, but then stuck around for more of their delicious cocktails. Cuchi Cuchi is one of these smaller places in Cambridge with a great ambience AND amazing food and is definitively worth a visit. Things I love there are: Cocktails: Triple Passion Daiquiri or the Strawberry Basil (a lot of my friends also love the Watermelon cocktail, but it is a bit too sweet for me to have it before dinner) Food: - Savory Cornets w/ Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse - my favorite as the tuna is super fresh and just a tiny bit spicy and the avocado mouse is creamy and rich - Fried Artichoke Hearts with gorgonzola, pistachios and basil - you definitively have to try this if you like artichokes - Beef Stroganoff on egg noodles - the beef is sooooo tender and the shallot and mushroom sauce is delicious - French Banana Bread Extravaganzaef (dessert) - without words Soooo, enjoy it! :-)
(5)
Fahad B.
Here's a short one to save you some time Great atmosphere Good food Great place for after work drinks or a date You won't be disappointed Done
(4)
Jennifer O.
I met up with four friends at Cuchi Cuchi on a Sunday night. We got there right when it opened and were pretty much the first people through the door. We sat at the bar where the bartender Sabastian took excellent car of us. I was a little overwhelmed by the hugeness of the drink menu and he asked me what I liked and picked something out for me (Alley Cat) which I then drank for the rest of the night. Any time he had a little extra he allowed us to try it - which led to my friends ordering many different types of drinks. The only complaint (and why it gets 4 stars) I have is that you can't get a table if you aren't getting full meals. We just wanted appetizers and lucky for us the two couches near the windows opened up and doubly lucky for us Sabastian still took care of us. We had a great time and will go back for sure. Thank you Sabastian!
(4)
John J.
We went there for a friends birthday. The service terrible, it took three hours to eat, we weren't checked on. The food is expensive for not great portions and not outstanding food. It wasn't bad just not worth the price. The waiter took 45 minutes to run one card for our friend when she wanted to leave. Then to top it all off they brought my friend a sunday/cake thing with her birthday candle. We thought it was compliments of the house, no the waiter added it to our bill with out us ordering it even after we told him we didn't want desert. Absolutely terrible service, bad portions, high prices. One more grip the seats were very uncomfortable, but that may have been because we sat for 3 hours what should have been a pleasant hour long meal. I certainly won't be returning.
(1)
Annie M.
Cuchi Cuchi is amazing! Cute waitstaff in adorable outfits, delicious food, and pages and pages of cocktails! How could you possibly go wrong?! The Duck L'Orange crepes were divine- and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza definitely lives up to its name! My new mission in life is to try everything of their drink menu... I just hope I live long enough to accomplish it! ;o)
(5)
Ed P.
Two words: Happiness cocktail. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with this drink. I've been here for cocktails and the occasional appetizer on a handful of occasions and believe me, I sweat the Happiness cocktail and the St. Jacob's zucchini but I had no clue what I was missing out on until my birthday. Brie en Croûte with walnuts and bacon could have been better melted in the middle but the bacon and walnut combo made up for it. I chose the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale and yes, someone else pronounced it for me. Thanks Dess! The waitress emerged with the dish. It featured a burning stalk of herbs. The server said something about spoons and walked away. Huh? Well, I like fire and I like swine so this dish was for me. Then came the ridiculous chocolate cake. Worth the trip alone. It tasted fresh baked and was covered in chocolate sauces, crunchy bits, cherry sauce, whipped cream and at the top a ball of hollow chocolate. I almost feel like going for one right now... Hands down, other than that Darth Vader cake ma made me when I was little, this is the best damn chocolate cake I have ever had. Not to mention the great atmosphere, the other hundred or so fantastic drink offerings or the rest of the menu. Total 5 star.
(5)
Annie C.
Not that this place needs any of my help, but it's my FAVORITE restaurant, so I thought I'd share. The ambiance is great...wait staff has a sort of 20's flapperesque feel to them, fun decor, and there's one table in particular that reminds me of Light Bright because it glows with different colors when you touch it! Cuchi Cuchi is great for a romantic anniversary, a first date, or a fun night w friends, because after all, sharing is caring. The food is fantastic, and for someone who is a bit on the picky side, it's nice to have so many options of small plates to share and try! Aside from the great food, the cocktails are out of hand. The Black Dahlia might have changed my life. I still don't really know what kind of booze is in this bad boy, but two drinks here will have you feeling just right. And with all the muddled fruit they so carefully incorporate into the beverages, you can tell your mom you're eating healthy.
(5)
Joseph K.
Actually a reasonable place. Went on a date and had a few cocktails. Cocktails were well made and the service was good. The big issue was they overbilled my credit card. It was only $2-3 more than I wrote, but it is really bad form. Certainly never going back.
(1)
Alaina B.
Everything is amazing, especially the service and atmosphere. Highly worth the price. My boyfriend reserved the LED table for my 30th birthday and they accomodated our changing party size with ease. Our waiter was extremely helpful and entertaining. Drinks at the bar seemed better than ones served at the table, but it was all still good. Get the brie. You'll thank me later.
(5)
Louis R.
Their cocktails are great, and the tapas are very good as well.However, this is not a place to go on an empty stomach. The portions were small--really small. Not that that was a problem with me, because that is what I expected. It is more about the ambiance--and the ambiance is great!
(4)
Ashley R.
Ate here once with a friend and we both loved it! The atmosphere is fun and yes a bit pretentious but whatever, it works somehow. The food itself was great! I definitely liked that the restaurant has so many different cuisine options. I don't remember all the dishes that were ordered but I think in there was the tagine dish and maybe the duck? Either way it was all good. The drinks were awesome too. The only downside was the price. It is on the more expensive side but it's a fun place to go once in a while.
(4)
Greg F.
Two words: date spot. Cuchi Cuchi is an entirely different world inside. The waitresses and decor alike is a mix of retro/antique/couture/awesome. As Christian would say: they're pretty fierce. The ambiance, mixed crowd, low lighting, savory aromas and exciting menu make for a fun, inviting and romantic date spot. Amazing selection among the tapas and drinks. I was there over a year ago but I still remember what I got: sizzling garlic shrimp and couscous with a strawberry basil martini. The shrimp were miniature and cooked to perfection- they sort of had that satisfying POP when I bit them. They came in a little plate with a delicious garlic sauce (strong... but not too strong.) I don't usually like seafood, but these were amazing. The couscous was simple (I mean, its couscous- how complicated could it get) but absolutely delicious. It clumped perfectly together on my fork, and it was light and fluffy on my tongue, seasoned just right. Then there was the drink. I generally like basil. I put it in food all the time. But my experience with the herb in drinks has been depressing, outside of Cuchi Cuchi. Whereas other bars will overpower the drink with strong, sweet and somehow bitter basil (*cough* Noir-ehem... excuse me.), the strawberry basil martini at Cuchi Cuchi was perfectly proportioned. It ended up being a little pricey, and you'll probably need to get a second dinner on the way home since the servings are small, for two of us our bill ended up being $100. But if you like him/her enough, its totally worth it to splurge. Everyone should go here at least once.
(5)
Jane S.
Honestly, I don't know what the fuss is about. Now, the Strawberry Basil Martini is unfrigginbelievable, I'll give you that, but everything else about the place is... Meh. My friend and I got two tapas to start: the mushrooms and the brie. Maybe I'm daft, but the brie didn't come with anything to put it on, and our waiter was so busy fixing his hair that we couldn't get his attention, so we just ate it as it was. Not so much fun. Still, the brie was better than the mushrooms, which came from a can. The waitstaff was well-dressed, but they were less than attentive. For example, we wanted to order more, but (and maybe this was because we sat at the bar?) we couldn't get anyone's attention to help us. So we left, drunk and hungry. Now, granted, my friend and I both came in dressed far more casual than most of the clientele. We hadn't planned on eating there, so we were unprepared and, since the staff obviously views themselves as hip, we may have offended. While it's true we didn't fit in, I didn't actually get the impression that they were aggressively ignoring us. I think, the real truth of the matter is the waitstaff just all kinda suck there. In short: vapid waitstaff, insipid top-40 music, and cheap decor that's trying its hardest imbue a sense of Belle Epoque-seductiveness. Honestly, I question if the owners have even been to Montreal, let alone Paris. It's cool though. This place seems to serve a purpose, though not really mine. I'll come back for the Strawberry Basil Martini, but when it comes to dressing up and getting a fantastic dinner, I'll just walk across the street to Salts.
(2)
Marisa H.
Cuchi Cuchi, if I could marry you, I would.
(5)
Kate I.
Rich tapas, flappersy-ish waitresses, fun bar. You will over-over order and get slaphappy stuffed, like a fat kid at thanksgiving. Drool - the Cuban Cigar and Brie en Croûte. The cocktails are very good. If you've never had a French 75, you have to try one here!
(4)
Stacey H.
My experience at Cuchi Cuchi was hyped up before I even set my foot inside the door. I was told all kinds of glorious things about this trendy, flamboyant and festive restaurant. However, the experience of actually dining there deserves three stars, not five. Here's why: 1. Minimum order per person is $20. Now, thats not very much, especially for a place where each tapas dish is about $9 a pop. However, its the principle of this that annoys me. 2. Crowded! We sat a table close to the bar and through much of our dinner the crowd at the bar was loud which made it hard to hear my date's lovely voice. 3. Tapas were okay, they weren't amazing. That being said I'd rather go to Dali or Tapeo for tapas that I know are amazing (plus Dali has kick-ass Sangria). The best thing about Cuchi Cuchi? It's decor! With vintage-inspired curtains, lighting and flair I'd love to model my next apartment after this place. Also, there was a huge table of drag queens next to mine so that made the entire experience a little more fabulous, a little more Cuchi Cuchi!!
(3)
Su S.
Mmmmm... raspberry beret! *Sigh* We came here to celebrate a birthday. It was our first time, and I was impressed! The Moulin Rouge inspired atmosphere is fun and unique. Apparently Cuchi Cuchi does not take online reservations( or it did not when we visited ). It's a tiny space, and being wait listed usually means having to wait at the bar, or outside. Well, they have two small chairs in a dark corner, but no thanks, the bar it is! Luckily for us that weekday, the bar was not full, though the tables were, and the wait time was less than 15 minutes. The place was much smaller and much darker inside than I expected. The drinks are great. I ordered the RaspberryBeret and the SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime. The cocktail menu is extensive! The food is great as well. The concept of small plates appeals to me more 'coz I have a small appetite. The cuban cigar was delish. I cannot wait to go back and try the rest of their cocktail menu.
(5)
Emma D.
Definitely 4 stars - I highly recommend it for a girls night out. The drinks are quality although pricey, and it's tons of fun to crowd around a table and steal tapas from each other. You will spend $ here! But the atmosphere makes it great fun for a special occasion. It gets packed on the weekends, so make a reservation or get there early.
(4)
ali m.
Expensive, but worth it. I love the wacky decor and the food and drinks are delicious. I don't have anything bad to say about Cuchi. I usually go for drinks in the beginning of a night out if I'm with a small group. It's a great place to meet friends on a slow night for drinks (they'll let you sit at the tables if it's not busy, usually you have to order food to sit). It's not great for large groups unless you're getting dinner (for the above reason). The hostesses and waitresses are always dressed up so cute, and it just has a great vibe - even the outside is alluring! Definitely a good date spot.
(5)
Mel's Thoughts F.
You will basically be paying for the decor and atmosphere. Although the drinks were phenominal, the food was not. It was good, but not excellent. The tapas were overly priced and came in VERY SMALL portions, not enough to share w another person. The Cuban Cigar, a beef stuffed empanada was more like a Hot Pocket you put in the microwave, definitely not worth $15-$18 for 1 piece. We paid almost $20 for 3 pieces of scallop!! Its not worth the money I must say that the 3 spoonfull of the Mushroom risotto was DELICIOUS.... BUT..... its a trendy place to go for drinks which were abt $11 ea....
(2)
S. M. S.
What's the BFD about this place??? Overpriced, not great food, a disjointed menu of odd dishes, a big wait to get in... Want (really great) small plates and noise? Go to Toro.
(2)
Theodore D.
Cool and trendy with fairly good food and wicked cool drinks, but costs too much for what you get. Plus its fun to tell people how much you want to go get some cuchi cuchi.
I was here last night for [part of] a bachelorette party. What a fun place. Our table was covered in lights which got brighter when any motion was sensed - sounds annoying but it entertained us while we waited for 20 min + for our waitress to come back and take drink orders (oh and then to take our food order - maybe she thought we were slow decision makers...? ha.). What a drink menu though! So many choices (mostly very typically girly)! I had "You Give Me Fever" and "Orient Express" which were fruity and tasty (although very weak, especially for $11/each). In the spirit of the place we ordered a bunch different "small plates" and shared everything. They said to order 2-3 plates each (ranging $9 - $15 each), but we just ended up yelling out random things until we felt we had enough, so I can't say if that is accurate. In our group there was not only a vegetarian (the future bride), but also a vegan, so not much meat was ordered. I can say the chicken kiev was very good, and I don't even like mushrooms (it helped that they were chopped up very small so I didn't get the plastic texture I associate with mushrooms). Actually, everything that we got was enjoyed by all (well, other than the fact that everything had cheese all over it and the vegan basically just had bread and a fried tomato which she scrapped the cheese off of). My favorite was probably the fried zucchini (two pieces of sliced zucchini with ham and cheese in between, all fried). Yeah, mostly everything had cheese and was fried. Even if it didn't mention that in the menu. Hey, it tasted good! As we were about to leave a few of the waitresses came over holding a big candlestick style candle and singing to the bride, "You're getting married in the morning..." who seemed to be enjoying herself.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Calli C.
Almost a year to the day since the last time I've been to Cuchi Cuchi, I stopped by with the lovely Erin M to grab an early dinner and finally try the food and not get sidetracked by the cocktails. Since we were literally the first people in the restaurant, we immediately sat down and were greeted by our friendly waitress with warm towels to clean our hands - a nice touch, considering that this was probably going to be finger food. I had a delicious citrus vodka and champagne cocktail called the AliCat, with muddled mint and ginger, while Erin indulged in a rich alcoholic coffee. We decided upon four small plates, plus some bread, and our waitress suggested that we have them in a certain order, starting off with the tuna lavash and fresh Asian salad, and then the Cuban cigar and the brie en croute. It turned out to be the perfect amount of food - in fact, almost too much as I slowly came under the power of a food coma. The tuna lavash was raw tuna with pickled watermelon, greens, and bacon wrapped and grilled in lavash bread; substantial enough for one person, but great to share as it comes in four pieces. The ginger citrus sauce brought out all the great flavors of the tuna. The Asian salad was incredibly refreshing and clean tasting, with mint and peanuts and sprouts - great to cleanse the palate, especially for the heavier fare we were about to take on. The Cuban cigar was definitely the most delectable of the evening: flaky buttery pastry, smooth tender short ribs, savory gravy....mmmmm. The brie was also very rich, but we still had room for dessert! The cornucopia was a pizzelle cone filled with fruit and topped with fruit drizzle and cream, bringing together the anise flavor with tart fruit and sweet cream. The small plate style is definitely conducive to great conversation and good times; it is tough to get space large enough for a group, but then, there's always the light-up table...
(5)Bryan F.
Went there to celebrate my anniversary and essentially told the waitress that we were celebrating and to take care of us. She did. We had an extraordinary meal (mushroom risotto & duck l'orange are must haves). The drinks were very fun, but more importantly delicious. Didn't anticipate getting full on small plates, but we left extremely happy. It was a bit pricey, but it was perfect for a "casually elegant" evening, and totally worth it. We also sat next to the cool LED table that lights up when you touch it. Looked fun for some special occasion post-work drinks.
(5)Caitlin S.
Fabulous eclectic menu... the scallops and stuffing on the oyster shell are to die for delicious along with the mushroom risotto. Very patient wait staff dealt flawlessly well with my 9 loud drunk obnoxious sorostitutes and myself Exceedingly marvelous cocktails (mango margarita gets extra snaps J) , decors, and costume all home runs Only downfall is that the whole cuchi cuchi experience is a bit pricy pricy...but way worth it worh it.
(4)Dan S.
This food rocked! Let me start by saying that Cuchi Cuchi is generally not the type of place I - as a newly minted 40-year-old - tend to frequent. I want to go out and have a terrific meal, but usually I won't put up in a place that doesn't take reservations, tells you that you'll have a table in an hour as if they are doing you a favor, and is generally a "scene." When we got there, we got some drinks and apps from the completely packed bar for about 45 minutes. Then there was a service screw-up as they brought us to our table only to find out that they had given it to somebody else already. We had to wait by the silverware station for 20 minutes while our new table lingered over paying their check. All these things were overlooked once the food started to arrive. Everything here is served "tapas" style - and comes our very quickly - so you can just order a few plates and then get more of what you like later. Not everything here was a winner, but the things that worked were spectacular. Most memorable were the bliny with mushroom filling, the grilled skirt steak w/Chimichurri Sauce and the grilled Indian lamb. Other dishes were pretty good, including a sharp scallop ceviche and seared tuna. Drinks were great too. The hands-down winner was AJ's strawberry basil martini. My mojito wasn't bad, but didn't have enough sugar. After one, I switched to Newcastle Brown Ale, which complemented the food wonderfully. Overall, I'd definitely go back - but maybe really act like an old man and go earlier.
(5)patrick w.
Over priced drinks and food. The whole idea of tapas is that you can have small CHEAP tasty bites to eat between drinks (actually in Spain tapas is usually free). So the idea people would come here and pay $9 a pop for virtually nothing is insane, especially when the drinks are so expensive as well. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. This is not a tapas bar, this is a themed restaurant charging super-expensive amounts for super-small servings of food. They call it "tapas" so they can justify ripping off the patrons.
(2)Josh S.
This is one of the more maddening places I've ever been. it proves that style and class are not the same thing. Yes, it has style in spades, if your idea of style is to be visually overwhelmed by layers upon layers of fake art nouveau decor and costume. And that's the problem: the servers' getups aren't "outfits" -- they're "costumes," meaning that the whole thing is fake. The drink menu is equally overwhelming, with a ton of complicated drinks that all look too sweet. I did not try the food, but I can't imagine enjoying it in such a frantic atmosphere. it's fun enough if you want an antidote to Irish pubs, I suppose.
(3)Bethany B.
I love this place. Really. I wish I had a job where it was acceptable to wear sequins, fishnet, and tulle. I am a big fan of their espresso martini's. I like to come here to sit at the bar and chat as well as for dinner. I try not to come too hungry though... I could eat like eight of those tapas plates (mmm baked brie) and that adds up fast. But for a couple of plates and some drinks, it's a great time!
(4)Cara P.
I was a little upset. I read Yelp reviews beforehand as well as glanced the posted "LocaL" pics of Cuchi, Cuchi..... I came here expecting to see at least ONE girl spread eagle, while their feet were hoisted up by the table they were eating off of.........no chance............pooey What did happen... -We spent a shit load of money....well worth it -we took "bottom up" shots of yummy liquor, from the unique shot glasses in the form of a womens torso and sexy posed leg -The hostess station is in the shape of a dress! -Gorgeous antique and Art Nouveau tiles everywhere. even the bathroom -cool kimono on the wall in the dining room -Oak wood everywhere, gorgeous curtains made of rich colors and amazing print fabrics, retro couches -amazing drinks, full bar -amazing light fixtures and lamps strewn throughout -I had an amazing tarot card reading-YUP!!! Cool, huh? -staff decked out in vintage jewelery and clothing.....out waitress was a flapper! Plus they were the right amount of saucy not obnoxious...... We all shared: Oysters Rockefeller-so yummy, perfect amount of bread crumbs Cuban Cigar -the meat was wrapped in dough with black beans Bliny- Pancakes w/mushroom filling-mmmm it has a sour cream & caviar.......so mutherf'in yummy Mushroom Risotto and some fried Tomatoes I had for drinks: The bottoms up shot and their signature cocktail Strawberry Basil Martini.........unbelievable...not too sweet, not too basil-ee.....it was perfect. I could not do the food nor drinks justice in my less than par explanation. Just know, it was exquisite and well worth the money. Not too expensive but the average price of $12 an entree and at least $10 for a drink Everything drips luxury, sexiness and just having a wonderful naughty evening. I felt like I was in a time machine traveling back to a time where I would have fit in perfectly. Come here with your date or your girlfriends and marvel at the sexy waitresses, the retro and glamorous feel of everything you touch, see, and hear....it is hard to shake off the feeling once you step outside the door, back to reality..........but you smile once again, knowing you can go back anytime you walk through the door. And that is just how they wanted you to feel........
(5)L. O.
Fully in the five star camp on the place too. Definitely kitsch, but they pull it off, particularly because of the great cocktails (which is a plus since I always feel like there's a good wait for a table) and really good food. While I try to always get something new on the food front, my must have is the Cuban Cigar (beef short rib)-so good, really, so so good. Easy enough to walk from the Central redline stop and they do have valet parking if you drive (but since you're probably going to spend a good amt of time enjoying the cocktail menu while waiting at the bar, I definitely recommend the T option).
(5)Colleen T.
Five stars for effort, zero stars for taste and service. Bartender was super slow and inattentive. Waitress made three trips to the table before I could order another glass of wine. And the food wasn't even that good. Once was plenty for me.
(2)Back B.
Ok I ate there last night for dinner for the first time. The atmosphere is very cool, the hostess was very accommodating and helpful. The waitress was very knowledgeable and gave an honest opinion about their dishes and drinks which helped allot. But certain aspects were left out. What bugged me is that they don't refer to them selves as a tapas restaurant. That's fine because a restaurant that serves taps style food would serve smaller portions in small plates at a lower price. But at Cuchi Cuchi they serve smaller to medium portioned style meals that's slightly bigger then a typical tapas style plate at a higher price. If you went to a restaurant and paid $15 and up for a meal, you would expect a full portion. Rather then dishing out $5-8 dollars a plate, at Cuchi Cuchi you are paying $15 a plate and up for a smaller meal. I'm sorry but the decor, atmosphere, and retro drinks, is really a smoke screen for what this place is. Its a rip off. I left this restaurant hungry. But to be positive, I do think that this restaurant is cool to visit once for the experience, but keep in mind that its novelty, and overpriced.
(3)Kish K.
There is not much I don't love about Cuchi Cuchi. The ambiance, the fabulously-decorated servers and bar staff, the unbelievably awesome cocktail menu, the vegan options...seriously, stop me. Let me just say that a perfect summer meal consists of the white gazpacho followed by their nearly-perfect risotto (coupled with a few outstanding old-skool cocktails). For a vegan chic like me to be able to go to a non-vegan place and be so happy with the food, it really does take a lot. Also! Did I mention the cocktails? Muddled fruit in those cocktails? Divine. Just go there and stop dragging your feet already.
(4)Erin B.
With over 400 reviews, I doubt I'll be saying anything new, but this place is just too amazing to not talk about!! I had NO idea about what I was getting myself into. I arrive to meet some friends who were waiting for me at the bar. Everywhere around me were beautiful women in hot outfits! Kitchy and eclectic! We were seated and greeted by a loquacious server who gave us all the deets. Cuchi Cuchi has a huge (HUGE) cocktail list so our party tried at least 8 different ones between us. We also got in on the porron (sp?) action and slurped sweet cava from a spout 2 feet above our heads. Now the food....ahhh (sigh).....food. Glorious small plate after glorious small plate. Specifics? Scrumptious garlic shrimp, fried oysters, fried balls of goodness with cheese fondue, fresh bread, and fried artichoke hearts. Top it all off with a bit of heaven - Baily's, coffee, with whipped creme (no room for non-alcoholic dessert). Great food, great service, great atmosphere. I loved, loved, loved, Cuchi Cuchi! My wallet...did not love Cuchi, Cuchi. Coming back here next time I have some dough to burn!
(5)G S.
This place has pages of amazing cocktails. I ordered a strawberry-basil drink. It was a bit strong and although it seems like an odd mix, it was delicious. The bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant is very chill 1920s chic. It's a great place for a date or a girl's night out. The plates are small so it's a good idea to order multiple plates and share with your friends. I will say that the one downside (the only thing keeping this from 5 stars) is that there are very few vegetarian options and I didn't notice anything on the menu that is vegan.
(4)Daphne M.
Oh my gaaad I loved this place. I went here with a biggish party of 7 on a Friday. They had given us reservations for 6 p.m., and then...the Red Line crapped out on us (WTF, Red Line?! and I'm always *grateful* to live on you!). Most of my party, including myself, couldn't even get there till 6:30 or well after, but despite this the hostess was kind enough to seat the 3 present and hold the rest of the table till we figured out a way there. First points! And going inside was everything I was told to expect. Gorgeous decor, a real feast for the eyes, and I loved a lot of the seating. We got seated in a somewhat dark corner, but despite the size and popularity of the restaurant it wasn't crowded at all. We all ordered some signature cocktails and when they arrived, our hearts sang. No, truly - I have never had cocktails like these in my life, and I imagine I will be hard-pressed to find any comparable. The fresh muddled fruit and the perfect balance of flavor and liquor - they were strong, for sure, but didn't taste overpoweringly so. The food had a lot to live up to after those drinks arrived, but amazingly enough it succeeded at doing so in spades. Because we'd already blown so much money on drinks, we each stuck to two dishes, hoping we wouldn't be hungry - but to our delight, the portions were actually fairly generous. And DELICIOUS. Moorish rice...lots of veggies and awesome spices. Fried artichokes were about the best preparation of this vegetable I've ever had. I tasted lots of other stuff I don't remember well, I just know it was all perfect. Sharing the French banana bread explosion with a friend to top off the meal was the perfect capstone to a perfect evening. We all had a wonderful, funny, amazing evening, and it was a good group, but it was Cuchi Cuchi that really made the night. I can't wait to go back and sip another Raspberry Beret.
(5)Banana R.
This is by far my favorite place to eat in Cambridge! The deco is wonderful, the cocktails AMAZING (I recommend the Black Dahlia...pricey BUT wonderful!) and tasteful and original food! The only problem is if you want to go there on a Sat night, it gets really really busy and you might wait for a table for a long time as I experienced myself. Just go on a week day and you will be enchanted! Love it Love it!
(5)Reyna A.
Went here last year for a drink after going to Bertolucci's next door. Didn't know the area since I visiting, but what a pleasant surprise. Fantastic and huge selection of martini cocktails. Low-key, speakeasy, cool vibe. Definitely would go back next time I find myself in Cambridge.
(4)David K.
The dinner was amazing - probably the first time my wife and I walked away from a restaurant and thought to ourselves "I would not have changed a thing!" Though it is expensive and the plates are small if you look at the menu, you will probably get at least two dishes per person. Even after paying far more than we would have liked for drinks and dinner, I was still happy I went there
(4)pete g.
I've gone to Cuchi Cuchi three times now. Here is how I find it: Service is shit poor. Don't expect to get seated within an hour, even if there are three or four open tables. Reservations do not help with this. Once you're seated, if you're seated, don't expect a lot of attention. The place is often busy, so I'm sure the servers are busy, but you know what? They're charging premium bucks for the privilege of being there. Hire another fucking waitress. I do not react well to being ignored in a place of business. The food is not as good as at the sister restaurant, Dali (which is like Cuchi Cuchi done right, in my opinion). It's tapas, wow small plates, gee the lighting is so romantic in here. By the time you have a chance to eat, it's been two hours and you're getting pretty tipsy and you'd shovel mostly anything into your mouth gratefully. Speaking of which, the drinks are very well-made. This is the one thing I like about the place -- the bartenders seem to be unafflicted with the stingy wrist so popular virtually everywhere else in Boston. Sit at the far end of the bar if you can, Nathan the bartender is a real pro. This restaurant seems to favor those who have an aching need for "superb atmosphere" or style over substance or whatever... I dunno. I just ain't feeling this place. -- Edit: Another data point. Was there last Thursday. Had an 8pm reservation; arrived at 7:55; seated at 8:40. Don't worry, Chungo, I'm sure it's just me.
(2)Jen H.
I FINALLY made it back to Cuchi Cuchi... and it ooooonly took me about 1 year and 7 months to do so. haha. Actually, I probably still wouldn't have been back except for the fact that I had a date last night and they recommended going here. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to come back to try the tapas... it's just that there are SO many places I still want to try that I just hadn't gotten around to it yet! Anyhoo, I digress... Each plate is around $15 and they recommend two plates per person. If you go in hungry, this is about right, and I would stick to that golden rule. I wasn't really hungry so I just ordered one item, and my date ordered two. All in all we had the Grilled Indian Lamb, Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in dough to look like a cigar), and the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato (white cheese, avocado, tomato, and salsa). The steak was good, and dipping it into the mint yogurt sauce added a good amount of additional flavor. The Cuban Cigar, honestly the best thing that we ordered. It was ultra flavorful, the meat was tender, the dough was nice and flaky/crusty, and just overall very well done. Now... the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato... what to say about this. Going into it we were both thinking: it's got tomato, cheese, avocado, and it's going to be fried. How can that possibly go wrong?! It can't, it will be delicious. When they brought it over, it looked so crispy and yummy on the outside... and when my date cut into the tomato the various elements started going all over the place. No worries, they're all going the same place anyway, just scoop them together and .... nothing. Total blandness! *sigh* It had the makings to be GREAT, but it just fell short. It was also served cold. Very odd, not what we were expecting, and while it looks and sounds great, it's just not worth it. Both of us agreed that we'd not get that again. So, now I know... Cuchi Cuchi has some great food, some good food, and some some meh food, but all in all it's a nice spot. I think this is a good date spot, it's nice, you get to share in the ordering process together, you get to try little bits of everything and conversation in an environment where, should you not know what to say, you could always comment on the decor because it's eclectic.
(4)Casey F.
Until I was about 8, I wanted to grow up to be a princess. My mother informed me that I could not be a princess because you have to be born into it. I informed HER that I would marry a prince, thereby solving all my birth issues (wasn't I a clever one!). She then crushed my dreams by saying that only current royalty can marry royalty (and stay royal). I don't know if I ever recovered. Aren't parents supposed to support your dreams and goals? Anyway. The point of that anecdote is that my seven year old self would have died and gone to heaven had I been able to dine at Cuchi Cuchi. Rhinestones, lace, feathers, and sequins drip from every surface, the furniture is gilded, and the waitresses wear very fun/sexy 1920s style outfits. Well, heck, my 26 year old self loves it too. The martinis are delish - my personal favorite is the lemon one. The food is tapas style, so make sure you order a few. It's quite good as well. They do have a $20 minimum on food per person for any party bigger than 6, which is 2 - 3 tapas per person. With all the alcohol you're likely consuming, that's quite a bit to eat. I come here with my lady friends when we want a special night out. The bar gets VERY crowded, but it might be a good date spot as well. Cuchi cuchi coo!
(4)Melissa T.
I loved this place! The decor is spectacular; even the restrooms have a funky touch. The waitstaff is dressed in roaring 20s costumes - what's not to love about that? We started out at the bar, waiting for our party of six to arrive. I'm not a big fan of mixed drinks, and I tend to stick to beer and wine, but after sipping my friend's Dancing with Ginger, I veered from my usual path - it was one of the best drinks I've ever tasted! We sat down to dinner and broke into two sections - vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Over in our neck of the woods, we sampled six of the veggie options. First to arrive were the potato croquettes, served with two dipping sauces. There were plenty to share, and I sampled three of these delicious little bites of potato goodness. Next we tried the deep fried Mexican tomato, which was outstanding. The Gobi Manchurian contained both white and purple cauliflower, both of which were amazing. The Bliny, minus the caviar, was light and delicious. My least favorite dish was the fried artichoke hearts, only because they were a little too salty for my liking. I also had a small bite of the mushroom risotto and the Gazpacho, both excellent. We did not sample dessert, but I'm sure they would not disappoint in this area.
(5)Karin J.
This is a great place for birthdays, or any other celebratory occasion. Plates are small though, so you can end up spending a pretty penny if you're real hungry. Of course, you could always just fill up with cocktails instead (This maneuver is actually highly recommended, as this place has one of the swankiest drink menus around). As an aside, If I could quit my 9-5 and become a waitress, I'd work here. This is mainly because the staff likes to dress up in these fabulous Gatsby-like getups. Makes me envious indeed.
(4)Che R.
I love this place. It's so sexy 1940s city! The waitstaff is great! The food is scrumptious! Get the blini with caviar - yum. The drinks are great! They have soooo many drinks, and they are all good. The decor is so romantic too. I went here for before dinner drinks for my b-day last year. I loved it! Either sit at the bar or grab a table -- both work for me.
(4)Kate B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston by far... it's amazing, go there now. I can't say enough about this place. I just went there last night for the fourth time and yet again it was fantastic. Everything that I have had there is great. Some of my favorites are the Scallops Provencale, mushroom risotto, and the Cuban cigar. As for the drinks, the white sangria is not to be missed- I get it every time I go there. I can also say for a fact that the blackberry and watermelon martinis are divine. The only drink I have sampled that I haven't been crazy about is the Between the Sheets martini- it's just a little too strong for my tastes. But then again, I am a total pansy. The decor is also incredible.... it is completely over the top whimsical and fun. It is like a mixture of Zsa Zsa Gabor, Marelene Dietrich and Betty Boop. I love the outfits the waitresses wear. Apparently the restaurant owns the costumes and before each shift the staff picks out an ensemble for a night. How fun is that?! I will say that I have probably had better food at other restaurants but this place more than makes up for it with personality and an incredibly extensive and inventive drink list. I think everyone should go there at least once.
(5)Dave A.
I really liked this place a lot. A really expansive menu, with tons of options, many of which you won't see any where else. Food was great, service was pretty good, only real downfall is their Valet service which is overpriced, and failed to tell me when they got a parking ticket while they had my car.
(4)Carmen R.
Hold a few hours of your night and be ready to live a creative experience around food, unique (a large offer) drinks, 1920's/burlesque ambience and a great service. Cuchi cuchi is a whole experience. We were group of 10 people and we got lucky to seat at this cool and funny Led table that lights up with motion! we sat around this table in little couches surrounded by a great ambience; all kind of objects creating a weird but beautiful looking enviroment. The waitress were all dressed in bright shinny outfits that reminds me Chicago movie but with a creative and funnier twist The food was really impressive, we just ordered a bunch of dishes to share and honeslty every time a new dish arrived to the table it was more delicious than the last one! We had the artichoke hearts very tastefull, soft and perfectly coocked; then we got the Brie in croute which was an spectacular kind of bread filled with brie, one of the hits of the night! We also had the Tuna Tartare cone which was refreshing and perfect to move to the next few dishes a perfectly cooked steak with a fresh/ delicious sauce to dip it in and an entree with a few ribs sazoned with a sweet touch... The drinks were the queen of the night; this place has full menu with all kind of international mix of drinks, many of them fruity, colorful looking and really good... I oould keep going on and on....I just say Go! (warning: don't expect cheap prices or big dishes...be ready to pay a bit more but totally worth it!)
(5)Lindsay C.
SoOooooo, I was really craving some tapas style dishes one evening. I yelped tapas and this fabulous little jewel popped up. BUT, don't ever walk in there saying you want tapas! They might just rare back and slap you across the face...okay kidding! But seriously, they strongly hold to their word that these are not tapas; that they are in between a tapa size and an entree size. My husband and I started off at the bar because this 180 person capacity restaurant was PACKED to the gills with college sophisticates and a semi older crowd mixed in. The wait was about 35-45 minutes so we sat down at a bar seat and were handed the drink menu. OMG, so much wonderfulness graced the pages, Alot of muddled cocktails with lemongrass and different ingredients that you don't usually see. I tried the Orient Express with the lemongrass and other misc fruits; was to die for! We also ordered the bread basket and oil with olives and peppers and Parmesan cheese, it was pretty tasty too. After about 40 minutes the greeter actually came to the bar and let us know our seat were ready. We walked to our small 2 seater table and quickly opened the menus (My husband and I were STARVING). I ordered one of the lamb plates and the Duck Crepes with an orange sauce and my husband ordered the a chicken dish and the Beef Stroganoff. The waitress told us it was good to start off with two dishes each, which usually filled you up and you could of course always order more later. We devoured our plates, sharing a bit every so often. We then decided we'd split a dessert just to see what it was like. We ordered the tiramisu, just because when I really like something it's hard for me to order anything else. Well this tiramisu was different than any of the hundreds I've tried before! We literally almost got drunk off of it! The Coffee Liqueur was saturating the lady fingers and we LOVED ever single second of it! We paid our almost $100 bill but with a smile on our face, then got up and hobbled out of there...all in all a VERY good night if I do say so! We would definitely go back! CUCHI CUCHI!!!!
(4)Yasir B.
Loved this place! The servers remember you by name, the all have the biggest smile on their face, and are so accmodating! I took a friend here for her birthday, and we loved the taste of the food, the selection, and the drinks! Absolutely a great date spot for tapas.
(5)Danielle F.
The wait can be rather long, but it is wonderful food. The martini list is definitely big enough to accomodate the wait. My fave drink is the Raspberry Lime Rickey Ricardo. YUMMY! There is a basil martini that is quite good as well. The selection of tapas is great and every time I go I always seem to find something new to try. the servers and the outfits are a riot. It must be great to raid a costume store on a regular basis for your work attire.
(5)Kait K.
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Had no problem getting a table for 2 and the costumes were AWESOME!! Great service and the food was out in a flash. Also the menu was eclectic and exciting to try. It was fun and convenient to order dishes as we pleased depending on how much more we could eat and what else we wanted to try. Absolutely check this place out. Delish!
(5)Christine T.
BRIE EN CROUTE = mouth orgasm! OMG! everything is tasty but the brie en croute is to DIE for.... It puts me into orgasmic ecstasy when you bite in the gooey cheesy goodness and hit a walnut spot with the tang of bacon...... It is expensive though. There's a minimum of $20 per person when you're in a group. Plus drinks and tip it adds up pretty hefty. The atmosphere is cute kitchy, they change the clothes on a mannequin like every week. The waitress wear 20's flapper clothing, or Flamenco dancer style dresses, the bar is beautiful. You get seated on antique furniture, its not the most comfortable but you completely forget cuz you're having such a good time. If you call ahead in advance you can reserve this little corner table for 2 in the back of the restaurant which is tre romantique! Nice drink menu, haven't tried the desserts yet, I'm always too full by dessert time.
(4)Dave D.
ugh ... awful! I went here a little while ago for my friend's mother's birthday and there was really nothing to like about this place. - The decor was 1920's but it looked like my grandmother's attic. - NOTHING was comfortable. Benches and chairs were very harsh and everyone was cramped. - Martini's were WAY overpriced and not very good. - Food was okay ... and also WAY overpriced. - Wait staff looked SO uncomfortable in their 1920's clothes ... it looked like they raided the costume room for a production of The Great Gatsby. They were always adjusting their attire and nothing looked like it fit. - It was easy to understand why the wait staff was rude ... if I was that uncomfortable in my clothes, I would be rude too. Overall assessment: For 2, we spent $180 and (about $90 a piece), and I walked out of there starving and sober.
(1)John C.
Probably my favorite, "not your every day" restaurant. Food is served tapas style, about 4 or 5 dishes would be good for a dinner for two. The Eggplant Napoleon is amazing, and the Cuban Cigar is not to be missed. I could on and on about the drink menu. I can't say I have a favorite drink, I try something new each time. The staff is great, full of personality, all dressed in Casual Hollywood from the 20s-30s. The atmosphere is very intimate, I felt as if I had been invited to a very exclusive party. A great first date spot, the menu offers a lot to talk about. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)Victoria X.
The atmosphere is amazing, the staff there are dressed like 1940's flappers and the food is incredible. They also have an amazing choice of drinks at the bar, Pretty much anything you want they got it!
(5)Tasha M.
Woulda been four stars if not for the fact that everyone knows about it and it's so damn crowded. Woulda been five if they didn't periodically take away some of their most wonderful dishes. I know, chef, that variety is the spice of life..but pretty please can we have the bouillabaisse back? how about that yummy coconut shrimpy soup with the radishes? what about the savory cupcakes? huh? can we, please? big ups to all the chill and wonderful peoples working the bar. don't be a afraid to eat at the bar, you'll be in great company!
(3)Meaghan S.
I am pretty shocked that it's taken me this long to write a review for Cuchi Cuchi. I'll chock that up to being way too tipsy after drinking two or three of their cocktails thus forgetting how to type by the time I get home. I love Cuchi Cuchi and my husband hates it. Although we can both agree that Nathan the bartender is a genius and at least in my experience (varied and frequent!) one of the best bartenders in the greater-Boston area. The drink menu here is unrivaled. They have some of the most delicious and creative drinks I have ever had the pleasure to imbibe. They make their cocktails with fresh fruit and forgo those weird artificial "fruit" syrups that so many bars use. I personally enjoy The Blood Orange Sidecar, The Black Dalia and the Lemongrass Martini. As you may be able to decipher from the names of the drinks and the name of the restaurant (a homage to Charo) this place caters heavily to the female audience. The decor is Art Deco/Art Nouveau, and as mentioned before the waitresses wear feathers, glitter and lace. The servers are always gorgeous and prompt. The dishes, tapas, are creative and tasty, although I do prefer their sister restaurant, Dali's, more Spanish inspired dishes. But the Marinated Mushrooms are to die for if fungus is your thang, and their beef dishes are generally all delicious. Also try the Oysters Rockefeller, yum! Harmony Dawn (who I admit is one of my BFFs) does $20 psychic/tarot readings here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is a gorgeous ethereal doll and if readings are your gig definitely check her out. You may need to call in advance as she books pretty quickly. My one complaint, the thing that keeps Cuchi Cuchi from getting 5 stars, is the wait time. Of the times that I've gone there for dinner (rather than just drinks) I've had reservations 4 out of the 5 times and each time I've had to wait at least 1/2 hour beyond my reservation time to be seated. That is just a warning, so sidle up to the bar get a drink and make yourself comfortable.
(4)E C.
Went here for a surprise birthday dinner. There were 12 of us in total and they said they couldn't seat our party until we were all present. Luckily they sat us with 10 out of the 12 present. The decor was eclectic but I was really struck with how terrific the staff looked. The bar and food menus were intense. I had the triple passion daiquiri (tasty) and ordered 3 dishes. The Caspian Heaven was exactly that - each bite was pure happiness. The scallops provencale was tasty and the presentation was terrific (on a large shell). I didn't shoot the scallop ceviche shot which was good since it was something to savor. Since the party was large, a good portion of the menu was on the table. Since I'm a pescatarian (I love that made up word) many of the dishes were passed over me but it sounded like everyone loved everything. Since someone brought a cake I wasn't able to try any desserts, but you can bet I'll make another visit. It's not the cheapest place ever (especially since they are small servings) so i won't go regularly, but I highly recommend this place. PS - I did laugh at the fact that they refused to say their dishes were tapas. I get the fact that it wasn't exclusively Spanish, but c'mon.
(5)Jessica M.
I went here with a friend a short time ago for appetizers and drinks. Their drink menu is long and full of delicious concoctions - plus the bartenders are more than willing to experiment and create a custom drink just for you. I was trying to copy a drink I had in Toronto at the Drake Hotel (a twist on a French 75 - YUMMY!!) and the bartender was really set on getting it right for me. He was incredibly nice and good hearted - great service! The atmosphere is amazing and completely makes you forget where you are or the time of day. It's warm and friendly, dim but not dark. Shimmering but not tacky. You get the point. Atmosphere wins. The only disappointing part was the overly salty appetizer. The mushrooms were AMAZING but we also ordered cornets with tuna tartare (an item inspired by Thomas Keller at The French Laundry) and they came out packed full of salt. I must say that the staff was incredibly nice about it when we said we wouldn't be finishing it - although happy to pay for it - and they took it off our bill. The manager also came over to apologize. Maybe we just got an off batch? I'd be willing to try again - everything else made up for it.
(4)RK T.
Great vibe. Food was quite tasty as well - at least 4 of 5 dishes. Definitely a place to return to. Friendly, patient, and helpful waiter.
(4)Sheri S.
A fun atmosphere, but the food and drinks are mediocre, especially for the price. The cocktails tend to the sweet side and are made with low to mid quality liquor. The food is decent, and inventive, but the dishes we had were kind of sweetish and bland. For the price you could do much better. You can get amazing cocktails for the same price at Craigie or ES.
(2)Christopher C.
I've not eaten here, just drinks. Hmmm.. if you start reading my reviews you might think I don't ever eat, just always drinks. Well, it's a bit true, I admit. Maybe that makes me an expert in drinks? Or maybe it just makes me embarrassed. Anyway, Cuchi Cuchi is fabulous. And yes, I have the gay cred to use the word: fabulous. How can you go wrong with wait staff in gypsy outfits and vaudeville decorations all around? The look is a lot of fun, and I think the staff get a kick out of it too, as they seem to camp it up in their crazy feathers. Now to the drinks: they are _amazing_. So amazing, in fact, that below my 25% tip to the bartender, I had to write "best drinks in Cambridge, thanks!" on my receipt. I also thanked the hostess profusely on my way out, but I think that was probably due to the aforementioned strong drinks. A varied and creative cocktail menu is often a bad sign for me. It screams "juice-tini". But these are not juice-tinis. They use odd and creative mixtures of liquors and some high quality mixes to achieve some original and interesting flavours. My absolute fave, and also the favorite of everyone in my party was the strawberry-basil. Other hits: the happiness cocktail, and the Gypsy Rose Lee. I think Gypsy Rose would have liked this place.
(5)Melody M.
First and foremost: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT GETTING DESSERT. read on.... Great place! I went there last night to treat my amazing boyfriend to dinner and we absolutely fell in love and wondered why we'd never tried Cuchi Cuchi before. Be prepared to spend money, especially if you drink. I don't so, I couldn't tell you what is good. However, if I did, this is the kind of place I'd love to get a drink - their wine and cocktail list is expansive, expensive, but creative and wonderful! This place is great for couples and parties of 4. The ambiance is romantic, the music selection is spriteful and ecclectic. The waitresses are friendly and wonderfully dressed in 20's flapper style. If you like a nice quiet place to spend a romantic or fun and fancy evening (not too fancy) with your friends...this is the place! The fair is tapas style dishes ranging from 9 - 15 bucks. We enjoyed (in this order from best to not-so-best-but-still-good) the Moorish Rice, the Mexican Fried Tomato (which, my boyfriend who HATES tomatoes LOVED), the Seafood Filled Avocado, and the Scallop Ceviche. THE BEST PART: For dessert we got the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Which is basically like sex on plate. Actually, even better, according to our waitress. It's basically Banana bread flamed on top (like creme brulee) with sweet bananas on top, delicious ice cream with caramel sauce and creme anglaise, and thick to die for whipped cream. TRUST ME: you will want more. It's a pretty big portion (good enough for 2 people) but YOU WILL WANT MORE. They also serve many different dessert coffees and wines to go along with their awesomely satisfying list of "finales." This is the kind of place were you should go and get 3 or 4 dessert dishes alone. Definitely try this place. More than once. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Patty W.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great restaurant for a special night or to meet out for drinks. Making sure that you are prepared to pay a little more for the experience...plates being tapas style, the drinks all have fun names the dressed up staff and decor of the restaurant. I went with some friends and we reserved the table with the couches.....We had a great time! Dinner can get pricey but just watch what your order and don't go over board... If you are counting your pennies...save them and try Cuchi Cuchi to just be able to say you went to a place called Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)Jane L.
The preface: This is one of my favorite bars in Boston. The decor, the atmosphere, the outfits, the tasty and powerful drinks...totally darling. If you had asked me to rate them prior to July of this year, I would have definitely given them 4 stars and considered 5. Why they suck a little bit (and why I gave them 3 stars): we came here for my sister's birthday. She was really tipsy by then and the bartender was not happy with us. I totally understand they must deal with drunk a-holes all the time but still, we weren't misbehaving, we're polite happy drunks. Anyway, we could tell my sister had passed the point of no return so we sat her on a bench outside. I went back inside and asked the bartender for some water for her. He then sold me a bottle of Voss for $7.50, pre-tip. Seriously?? That was the ONLY water you had? No tap water? No Crystal Springs for $4? What do they serve their restaurant goers? I hate to think they'd take advantage of some tipsy customers but...I do.
(3)Chris S.
A friend of mine introduced me to this place a month ago. It's a favorite hangout of her and her girlfriends. We had delicious cocktails and enjoyed the ambiance, but it was crowded and noisy. However, I wanted to go back to try their dinner, and when the opportunity arose this evening I took advantage, this time with another friend. What a great choice. This being a Monday night CC was much more conducive to conversation. We ordered 3 dishes, my fav being the tuna tartar with avocado mousse cornets and hers the fried oysters with caviar. Of course we had some crazy cocktail and followed up with some delicious desert. The meal was perfectly satisfying and well presented. Our server gave no pressure to turn the table. All together it made for a wonderful evening with a great friend over excellent food in a unique environment.
(5)leon p.
This place is interesting, the best way to experience it is to walk in, use the restroom and leave. It is nicely decorated in "Art Nouveau" style and staff is dressed up. Staying for food or drinks is a grave mistake though - they serve overpriced "tapas" of very poor quality. Most seem to be ordered from the "delicatessen" section of "S&S" store a few blocks away. Deep fried chips, over-fried duck chunklets, mayonessy, ice-cream cone with salty guacamole. Service is bad, visitors are noisy, music selection is bad.
(1)Kathleen M.
I heart Cuchi Cuchi (don't tell my Mom I said that, she might think it's dirty). Actually, I took my Mom here once, and she thought it was a "place for young people." In a town full of college kids, it's hard for me to feel young, so thanks Mom for that comment. I was proud, though, that with a trip to the Sam Adams brewery and Cuchi Cuchi, I was able to get my stepfather drunk twice in one day. It made for quite an amusing evening, and a fun adventure home. Anyway, the food, drinks, and atmosphere here are all I could ever want in a place. It is pricey, but so worth it. Each delicious tapa dish melts in your mouth--the skirt steak, the bracioletta, the Caspian Heaven (Heaven it is!), the potato and artichoke gratin, the scallop ceviche, the oysters Rockefeller, the zukes with cheese and ham, the Moorish rice--all of it, so good! The drinks are amazing (yeah, I know $11 is a lot to pay for a drink, but considering there is enough alcohol in each of these for both you and your dining partner to get a buzz, it seems reasonable), lots with muddled fruits, which I love (like the Caipiroska and the Raspberry Lime Rickey Ricardo). Two of these and you'll be falling out of your chair. The atmosphere is fun, and the decor is just something you have to see to appreciate. It's a great intimate setting for parties of 2-4. I've been there with larger groups, but it's hard to share in those settings, and you really want to try everything you order here. This place gets packed in the evenings, so go early, try to reserve, or just hang out in the bar for a while.
(5)Tanvi D.
The food is good, but, quite expensive and they require you to order atleast 2 tapas dishes (I think is a $20 food minimum per person at the table). Its a small place, so, the wait can be long. But, you can hang out at the bar and have some of their expensive drinks. I've had mojitos and white sangria. Both good. I liked their 1. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp (though, I like Dali's better) 2. Baby Back Ribs w/Apple Fritters 3. Potatoes and Onion Gratin 4. Artichoke hearts stuffed with cheese
(3)Kristin S.
My coworkers and I went out for a celebratory dinner to Cuchi Cuchi and it was a great time. We were looking for something different from your normal restaurant experience. The small plates were a big hit with my coworkers and while I was abstaining from drinking that day they enjoyed their martinis and cocktails. I have to say that there are some very creative drinks here, a particular favorite that night was Dancing with Ginger. We ordered many many of the small plates and each plate was just fantastic. Each of us chose two that the group shared and it was enough food. When we topped it off with dessert it was the perfect amount of full. For dessert we ordered two of the banana bread dish and the cheesecake. The banana dish is very large and the cheesecake is small, just as a warning. Both were phenomenal. The banana reminded me almost of the stuffed banana french toast at Masa. Honestly, it wasn't that expensive. None of were paying but if you broke down the bill at the end it came to about $40 per person. I'm glad that I went with my coworkers; while it is a fun place I'm not sure that my husband would have gone for it. The hostesses and servers all wear adorable flapper-esque costumes and the decor walks the line between hokey (the gigantic mannequin we ate under) and tasteful (the bar area)
(4)Monique D.
Amazing, Fun, Flamboyant, Food is Delicious and that is all she wrote!
(5)Kristina M.
Very stylish, charming place with waiters dressed in 20ies-something funky clothes. Great drinks and the food is good, too (as mentioned by others, portions are tapas-like - so you should order a couple). The only reason I don't give it five stars is that I still think it's overpriced. Not recommendable if you're on a budget, but otherwise it will make for an extravagant night out. I have to adjust my first rating down to 3 stars. While I still like the place and am charmed by its decor (although it feels like they're trying a bit too hard with it), I have to say that the food is just not worth it. Maybe portions have been getting smaller and quality has been going down since my first visit, or maybe my memory of that first encounter was just blurred by too much alcohol, but upon revisit I have to say that the food is definitely not worth it and feels like a rip-off. Drinks are ok (although I have had better), but over-priced as well. So I'd say once in a while it's a good place to have a drink, but don't eat here!
(3)Haley T.
The atmosphere and quality mixed drinks are the big draws here. The drink menu is extensive! It is the epitome of a girly bar, with the waitstaff dressed immaculately in 20's costume. However wonderful the menu may be for the omnivore folk, it offers nothing remotely customizable for vegetarians or vegans. I'll be here for a quality (if pricey) cocktail, but no more than that.
(4)Elizabeth m.
I just went here for my bachelorette/ birthday. Food is great and drinks are even better. A lot of people compare this place to Dali's. Food wise I think Dali is better but drink selection wise this place is way better, although Dali does make a mean sangria. Atmosphere wise Cuchi Cuchi is awesome. I love the 20's themes decor and drinks. If you wanted an intimate date like setting I would go with Dali, but to go and have a great time with a group of friends then Cuchi Cuchi is the place to be.
(4)Jessie C.
Two of my friends and I decided to make a reservation (on a Wed. I think) to have dinner and see the tarot card reader. The night started swell enough with expensive but delicious drinks at the bar while we waited for our appointment (they wouldn't let us sit or order food until we were done with our reading). The tarot girl was very cute and sweet, if a little spacey. After our reading the hostess was about to seat us when the Manager came over and told us that we "could have our table, but that there was another reservation after us for 8:30." At this point, we had well over an hour, so I didn't think it would be an issue to order a quick dinner, maybe a few drinks and then jet. Well, the whole time we were there, the Manager kept an eye on us, even when she walked around the room she continued to stop and stare enough that I felt ridiculously uncomfortable. At 8, I asked my waitress if she minded that I order a dessert as long as I promised I would take it to go if the next table came in. The waitress told me "not to worry about it" but as soon as the dessert came, the Manager came over and asked us if we were "all set" and if "we needed our check." At this point, I was really upset because I worked as a waitress and fully understand how these things work. I made complete sure that we were watching the clock the entire time we ate, and would have loved to have ordered food sooner, but they refused to let us have a table until after the tarot reading (even tho this was never mention when our reservation was made). When I explained that my friends and I had been very much looking forward to eating there and experiencing everything they touted on their website, the Manager then pulled a complete reversal and told me that we should just "relax and finish our night." Needless to say that food was good, but the complete craziness that I had to go through subtracted any stars that I could have given this place.
(2)Cheryl Y.
Just ate here recently. This is such a cute place, it really takes eating out up a notch. The atmosphere and menu items are so much fun, although I'm not sure how I will ever talk a guy into going to a place called Cuchi Cuchi. I guess it will have to be a place just for me and my girl friends. For food I had Brie en Crote (a pastry with brie, walnuts and bacon) and Duck Crepes. I also sampled some of my friends dishes. They were all interesting as something to try, but nothing stood out as something I definitely must go back for. Something to note is this: the food is HEAVY. You will get filled up fast. Next time I will order only one plate, although another review mentioned a price minimum, so that might be difficult. The drink menu was extensive and my drinks were good. The waitstaff was knowledgeable, but our waitress had some strange accent (picture Martin Short in Father of the Bride) and we could tell towards the end that she wanted us out of there.
(4)Jeff R.
Amazing drinks, excellent food and very high quality service! The drink menu is as inspired as the decor and Whitney, Isham et al mix a mean cocktail! I can vouch for the eggplant, artichoke, baby back ribs, and scallops ceviche dishes- very yummy. Three dishes will fill you, just leave room for the banana bread extravaganza! I wish Cambridge - and Boston, in general - had more fun places that weren't afraid to have a little flair. Not everyone wants to do the burger/beer/bosox or tragically hip thing; Cuchi Cuchi is a great idea that has been well executed.
(5)Naomi U.
This place is really popular...but I was really disappointed. Ever hear the jokes about Treos just after the IPhone was unveiled? "it's almost a great browser", etc... My experience at CuchiCuchi was sorta like that.... $200 (for 2) to have sorta okay tapas in an environment, that might sound: devilish, sexy, romantic, bordello-like, exotic, roaring 20's etc. if someone wrote about it glowingly...but the experience was much like community theater...committed people, who lack the resources, to pull off something they have never seen. I would have 'gone with it' if any one of the following had been a solid 8 out of 10: food quality, food presentation, menu, decor, space, lighting, costuming, service There is also even less parking than usual in their neighborhood! I "try to say something nice": 1) On a positive note, it was a birthday dinner dine-out treat for my sweetie (while I was MORTIFIED and felt totally ripped off to boot) he was happy---Of course, it's often said the Suggestion of many things works on the men of the species... 2) Our waitress was also nice. 3) I envision it as a perfect venue for a drunken bridal shower party.
(1)Julia G.
One of my favorite bars! The drinks are interesting, and my friends and I always have a fun time trying each others' out. A bit of a girlier bar, but the guys enjoy it, too. The tables are especially fun to play with as they light up when you touch them.
(5)Daphne X.
I never had Tapas before Cuchi Cuchi... Its amazing! I highly recommend their "cuban cigar" and "orange duck crepes." If you want to experience something different and unique, this restaurant has the most extravagant decorations and sexy flappers as staff. Although I have to say... their muddle fresh fruit drinks sounded tastier on the menu... Its a crowded little spot and most people are there to get social and not for yummy gourmet drinks.
(4)Giuseppe F.
Food, drinks, decor, and service are all very good. I wish I could give 4 stars, but there were some blemishes on our evening. 1- Overcharged for an extra bottle of wine. A friend had called ahead of time and paid for a bottle of wine with his credit card. But when the bill came the bottle of wine was on our check. Not cool. 2- The server would just show up with the food and we had to scramble to find a place for her to put it down. As more and more plates came out it got kinda ridiculous. Had it not been for these things, I would happily give a 4.
(3)Babs P.
This place is definitely good for girl groups on girlie outings. We had a two tables' worth of yelpers for our girl's night out, and they accommodated us. The menu was eclectic and the food was delicious. We ordered the small plates and it was a good amount of food. Spendy, though. The waitresses had style as did the ambience of this place. It's also a perfect date restaurant if you need a Valentine's dinner spot.
(5)Steve G.
Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Awesome small plates. Fantastic chorizo soup special.
(5)Fitzroy R.
I've been frequenting Cuchi Cuchi for several years now and it has never dissapointed. The management and staff at Cuchi should be a model for other restaurants to follow. Even on the busier nights, everyone tries to accomodate you and make you feel welcome. The decor is just as fabulous as the people and the music always seems to provide the proper mood. Over the years I've had just about every dish on the menu and they are all amazing. My favorites include the garlic shrimp, the fried artichoke hearts, and the brie. The preparation of the chicken kiev was recently modified and the dish went from being good to being truly outstanding. I'm not into cocktails but I've heard nothing but compliments about the various drinks on the menu. I've always been quite happy with the wine selection. On the great majority of my visits to Cuchi I generally sit at the bar and chat with the very friendly bartenders and other patrons. This is definitely 1 bar where you will not feel out of place dining alone. Recently, celebs like Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, and Ben Affleck have discovered Cuchi. I highly recommend my second home, Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)Tinimini K.
One of my fav restaurants! Unlike it's older sister Dali, Cuchi Cuchi is more international with lots of options for vegetarians! I love the atmosphere. It scared me just a little bit the first time I went there. I was just wearing jeans and a t-shirt and the hostess somehow felt the need to let me know that there is a $20 minimum for sitting at the table (as opposed to the bar). I've been back many times (better dressed I have to admit) but I haven't seen her there so yay! Make reservations as it can get packed! Perfect for a date night! The tables are cozy so I wouldn't recommend it for a group larger than 6. They give bread, hummus, and baba ghanoush while waiting for the food. I love all three! I order these dishes OVER and OVER again! Fried Artichoke Hearts - AMAZING! Brie en Croûte - Vegetarians: They will make this without the bacon! Who-hoo! Gratin Dauphinois - a little greasy but heavenly! Mushroom Risotto
(5)Christopher M.
Atrocious service. I understand it taking a few minutes to get to drink orders at the bar because a place is packed, but there were just about as many people as there were bar seats. The staff was slow and unresponsive. We attempted to order several times over the course of 30 minutes, and each time were met with "Sorry, one minute." as yet another apathetic employee walked away to mix one drink and stand there, or to simply disappear. I can't even comment on the food or drinks because we never got that far! Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Hey Cuchi squared - YOU SUCK!!!!!!
(1)Ja H.
Food and drinks are great! I wish they had a bigger space. The atmosphere is great if you can manage to get in.
(4)Diane W.
We decided to go to Cuchi Cuchi for a ladies night, something different. The costumes were great and we sat at a very nice table that allowed us to talk and hear each other. There were two ladies with us that have been there before so we had a personal narative of the place. The waiter came over and asked if we wanted water, two of us order still water and three of us ordered sparkling water. The waiter brought over a bottle of sparkling water for us. We were asked if we wanted more sparkling water, however the two ladies that had still water were never asked if they wanted more. Throughout the meal the waiter kept bringing over bottles of the sparkling water and opening them. Scam, because although we never ordered them if they are brought to your table and they are open you pay and we did. Three bottles later with half the the last bottle still there. I spoke to him about this and cautioned him about just bringing the watere over, he did apoligize however we paid for the water. All of the food we ordered was delicious, we were very happy with our choicces. We then ordered our desert, one that was large enought for us to share. As we were eating one of the ladies pulled out a long black hair, not possible that it came from our table. We called the waiter over who then notified the manager. She stated that all the people in the kitchen were either bald or had short light hair, the catch here is that she had long black hair. She apologized and left. We got the bill and notice that the desert was still on the bill, we called over another manager looking woman, who then told us that she was the owner. She too assured us that all the people in the kitchen were either bald or short light hair. The catch here, she has medium length black hair. They were very reluctant to remove this from the bill, which should have been a no brainer. It felt as if they thought we had planted this hair in this awesome desert! What is a $13 desert after paying $16 for several 4" plates of food?? For the guff we caught for the hair and the waiter contiunally spending our money on water I will give this a two star.
(2)Amanda A.
I went to this place for the first time on a Thursday night around 7:30pm. There were 4 of us going for dinner without reservations so we did have to wait a good 45min before being seated. SO I do suggest making reservations. While waiting we indulged in some very orginal drinks with even more original names! I love the dcor; it's very unique, not to mention the cute costumes the waitresses got to wear. Though the plates are very small portions; it is very good. We did go there for dinner so between the 4 of us we ordered about 7-8 plates. In the future, I would most likely return for dinner it it's a special occasion (birthday, anniversary) or any other time just for drinks and a small snack (as the other yelper noted).
(4)S W.
Fellas. Listen now and listen good. Cuchi cuchi will get you laid. As a female, there is nothing like a romantic restaurant to get me in the mood and Cuchi cuchi rivals the North End on romance. Between the warm lighting, the beaded curtains, the pretty fancy cocktails, and the luxurious small plates that you are sharing with your date, Cuchi Cuchi has all of the right elements for a romantic evening. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Boston and while the ambiance might seem gimmicky, it works really well because the food is so excellent that the "gimmick" just enhances the enjoyment of the meal. The vibe here is "Goddess chic"-- Go here when you feel a little rich and when you feel like you feel a need to bask in luxury and beauty for an evening. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Amber H.
I love, love love this place! Ash, some friends and I went for my birthday, and unfortunately they did not take reservations, but the wait wasn't that terrible. I waited with a fantastic drink served by a girl with cool dreads. Bonus there! Once sat, the waitress came and she was extremely nice and helpful. For anyone who dines with me, I order like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" and it can be a teensy bit meticulous. I have my reasoning though, a serious allergy to onions, which seem to be in everything I want to order! Off topic... So, I told her and I was steered by the chef to things that were safe. I ended up with stuffed artichokes and chicken kiev. For those of you who may not know, I am obsessed with artichokes. I mean, it borders on unhealthy, this love. I was not disappointed one single bit. I can still taste them if I close my eyes... To sum it up: The food was phenomenal, the waitress was personable and ensured that I didn't spend my birthday sick from food allergies and they snuck up and sang to me. I don't prefer that, but it was my birthday. All in all, one of my new favorite places to indulge!
(4)Mia T.
Swanky, quirky atmosphere. Great drink menu. Favorite part: waitress' dress.
(4)Kirs P.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Cuchi Cuchi and will definitely be back. The food was delicious, the drinks inventive and mixed well, and the atmosphere was spot on. A fellow yelper and I split three of the small plates and had a few drinks. First to arrive was the Insalata del Liguria. The dressing was a little sweet, but it ended up having a nice balance with the sometimes bitter endive and the gorgonzola. Next to the table were the Blinies. Although not authentically Russian, it was a nice twist on a traditional Russian meal. I loved the mushroom filling, but it was almost too powerful and swallowed the caviar on top. The bliny part of the meal was perfect- wonderfully fluffy little pancakes. Last to arrive was the Caspian Heaven. Oh my god. So awesome. Fried oysters topped with creme fraiche and caviar. And this awesome champagne sauce surrounding the whole thing. For something so little it was amazingly decadent and filling. By far the best thing I had that evening. (Also sampled some of the marinated mushrooms- eh. And the potatoes au gratin- pretty tasty). The drinks were fabulous. I had the Happiness cocktail- which was sweet, but not sickeningly so. My friend had the Fred A-Pear, which, despite it's completely kitschy name, was light and refreshing. To top things off I finished the meal with a Ripped Stocking. Limoncello, a citron flavored vodka, and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Usually not something I go for, but it was amazing. And it came in the coolest shot glass ever- which they sell- for a whopping 40 bucks. Our very cool waitress suggested I try ebay. Also- the waitresses wear cool vintage clothing from the 20s and 30s. In the basement they have racks and racks of clothes for the waitresses to chose from. What I wouldn't give to raid that closet. Anyway- I will definitely be back to Cuchi Cuchi. Probably more than a few times since I'm going to have to try every single drink on their extensive menu.
(4)Chad F.
I thought their food was good. They didn't hit it out of the ballpark for me (especially given the prices), but solid. I enjoyed the decor and unique dinner presentation enough to want to go back, but what would prevent me from doing that is the noise. Man, the place was noisy when I went. Definitely not the kind of place where you can sit and enjoy your food/drink peacefully.
(3)Laura M.
I loved everything about Cuchi Cuchi except the amount of money I spent there. There's very little on the menu that's less than $10, including the drinks. So if you order two drinks, two tapas-style plates, and dessert (as I did), say goodbye to $50. If you make it a date night and don't order a ton of stuff, it's not a bad deal (you can share!), but going it alone I felt was just too expensive. That being said, it's a PERFECT place if you've committed to splurging a little on cash. The cocktails are absolutely divine; I really appreciated their menu of old-fashioned drinks. I had a Negroni (gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) and a Singapore Sling (cherry brandy? and uh, some stuff?). I'd had Negronis before and should just commit to buying Campari so I can make them at home, but the Singapore Sling has a ton of ingredients and is freakin' delicious, so I feel okay ordering it at a bar like this. The other ladies with me spoke very highly of their drinks as well, especially the strawberry-basil martini and the Dirty Little Secret. Food was awesome. I had braccioletta, which are these peppery little pork rolls with pancetta and cheese inside, as well as the delicious mushroom risotto with truffle oil. I'd recommend both, but esp. the risotto. For dessert I had the cornucopia, a wonderful little pizzelle cone filled with fresh berries and cream, drizzled with amaretto. Everything on the menu looked fabulous, and unlike traditional tapas bars they offer cuisine from all over the world, not just Spanish-style dishes, so you can get a great sample of stuff. I will definitely come back for another special occasion. I was tempted to bring the review down to four stars for the expensive factor, but this is really a place that gives you a step up in quality and service in exchange for the higher cost, plus I must admit that the rockin' good time I had at Yelp Ladies Night is biasing me to put five stars.
(5)Eric B.
Don't let the drab mustard yellow brick on the outside, this place is top notch. I went here last Friday and was blown away when I walked in said. I exclaimed, "Now this place has atmosphere!" I had called ahead to find out what the reservation situation was. The woman on the other end was polite and helpful and already made me feel like I wanted to be there. We arrived, just past 7 and were told there would be about a 45 minute wait. That wasn't a problem. The bar looked inviting. The wait ended up being a bit shorter than we were quoted which was a pleasant surprise. The food was fantastic. Tapas style dishes is what they serve. They recommended 5 dishes for two people. We ordered a Scallop Ceviche, Insalata, Cuban Cigar, Chicken Kiev and a Skirt Steak and wine. Everything was impeccable. For those who like their steak cooked more than medium, I suggest telling the cook. Parts of ours were raw. That isn't a problem for me though. Dinner was finished with coffee was actually served hot! We had the cornucopia dessert too which sounded too good to pass up even for me who doesn't usually eat sweets. I had a great time and will go back here often. I think it's a great place to go for groups sized 2 to 6. A good time is sure to be had by all.
(5)Karina S.
I went there twice. The first time I was impressed with the cuchi martini (dirty martini with a bit of siracha). The food was ok, but we loved the ambiance. My boyfriend and I were so happy with the place that we recommended it to everyone we knew and then came back a second time, this time with my family. Unfortunately that visit was the last. We ordered the cuchi martinis all around and they were terrible. They were too spicy and the vodka wasn't good. We asked our waitress if we could send them back, she said she could but would not take them off our bill. We were shocked. I mean who does that? We had tried the same drinks a while back and they were amazing so obviously they were not made right this time. We asked to speak to the manager who turned out to be a very rude woman who basically told us that she could bring us another drink but would not take it off the menu. When we tried to explain to her our situation, she told my mother to be quiet. She was extremely rude and unprofessional. At this point our meal was ruined. So that was the last time we will come back to this place. It's unfortunate that just another Boston restaurant crossed off the list. Honestly the food is just not that great and when considered along with terrible service, I just would not recommend it ever again.
(3)Philippa Q.
I read the reviews out of curiosity and then remembered it has been waaay too long since my last visit to Cuchi Cuchi. Walk in and be instantly charmed by the art deco glam craziness, oh and the excellent food and drinks! The tuna tartar/avocado mousse cornets are mind blowing. It is a bit expensive but the more people in your group the better to sample all the dishes. I came here one night with about 10 people and I think we got one of everything off the menu and it was all great. The brie en croute is the stuff dreams are made of!
(5)michelle m.
I love to come here with the girls! Great cocktails, great service, very fun atmosphere!
(4)Lauren T.
There is nothing better than a little class for this Allston lass! I hate following everyone else, but damn! This place rocks. It was the best birthday dinner I have ever had. The Tuna Tartar in Avocado Mousse is to DIE FOR (almost as good as sushi and even served like a handroll!) The Banana French Pudding Dessert was great. Anyone who has a panache of 1920's glam, will love the drink menu! The Raspberry Lime Ricky Ricardo was perfecto! Take your girl there for an anniversary or b'day. It is made especially for a special occasion!
(5)Heather T.
The drinks really are great - it's hard to find a good pisco sour in this city! However, the food is overpriced. They use to give you the chicken liver pate as a free tapa/bar app and now they charge you $9 for it. Add on an app sized dry chicken kiev for $14 and I'd rather go have an guaranteed good meal at Salts across the street.... So, a star each for the beautiful bar, great drinks, and good bartenders. A star detracted for being overpriced and having so-so food. Drink and be merry here, but eat somewhere else.
(3)John F.
I really, really enjoyed Cuchi Cuchi. I went for dinner with a bunch of friends recently and couldn't have enjoyed it more unless it had been free. First of all, I really dug the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. All the waitresses dress in 1920s-style flapper-esque garb, which is pretty cool. The drinks were a bit pricey for my tastes (a whiskey sour was around $9), but they made up for it by making them STRONG and delicious. Speaking of the drinks, they carried one of my favorite beers, Hoegaarden, so bonus points there! And the mango margarita is one of the most delicious things I'd ever conceived of. As for the food, it was kind of like tapas in that you order a bunch of dishes; they have a $20 minimum per person, according to the menu. I got some sort of steak and a "Cuban cigar," both of which were amazingly delicious. Also worth trying was the chicken kiev. It's the kind of restaurant where you'll be doing a lot of sharing with your friends. I would definitely go back here (and intend to come birthday time!). Highly recommended.
(5)Nathan G.
Went to Cuchi Cuchi with a some friends for a birthday dinner. Found the staff attitude off-putting - very transactional and snotty. Killed the mood for the whole table. Sad way to spend a birthday. Had reservation at 6PM for a 9 person group. The restaurant was empty. came in a and spent 15 minutes being ignored by the hostess, who informed us that the 9-top table we were standing wasn't for us... which of course it was. When she figured it out, didn't say 'hey my bad,' but seated us like she was doing a favor. Waitress came over, and essentially asked us to hurry up and order. Guess we had to make up for lost time. We were hungry... Over the course of dinner ordered plenty of food, three to four bottles of wine, dessert, and drinks/espresso - racked up a pretty good bill. A hot second after we finished dessert the manager came over, literally leaned in over the table until it became awkwardly quiet, and ten asked us if we wouldn't mind leaving because people were waiting for the table. Then, a few feet away, complained in a loud stage voice to our waitress that we were taking to long. Kinda see how the staffs' tone is set - starts at the top. I get it that a restaurant wants to turn as many tables as possible during the night, but what a lame experience.
(1)Ana M.
Wow. I'm officially putting the Cuch (as I will lovingly refer to it forthwith) on my list of favorites. I enjoyed it so much that I feel compelled to list everything that was consumed. Here goes: I started with the Ali Cat and then realized what I always realize after I order a fruity drink - I don't really like fruity drinks. So I switched over to the Cuchi Martini (somewhat-spicy dirty martini with gorgonzola-stuffed olives), and that was damn good. We had the Cuban Cigar, Skirt Steak, Scallops Provencale, Brie en Croute, Caspian Heaven (the piece de resistance for me, since I absolutely love potatoes and salmon roe) and the Banana Bread Extravaganza. Sooo...yes, we may have gotten a bit greedy, but everything was ridiculous. Plus, these are tapas sized portions (except for the dessert, which was huge). The service and atmosphere were perfect. We spent almost 2 1/2 hours here and weren't rushed at all. Over the course of the evening, the dim lighting masked my increasingly expanding waistline quite nicely. Note that on Friday and Saturday, they only accept reservations for 5:30 or 6.
(5)Chin C.
Despite all the hype I gave them 2 stars. I went there on Friday night for a date. Well, the place isn't meant for a date, it's noisy but I was OK with that. We ordered drinks and wait for a long while, then our waitress told us that she made wrong orders so we had to wait for a little longer. So we ordered the food. A minute passed and our waitress came to us then asked what did we order because she lost our order. Then the food came I love the Mexican Fried Tomato, Grilled Skirt Steak and Seared Tuna. The other 4 plates were just so so. When we checked we noticed that a mysterious drink was added to our bill. We told that to the waitress and she explained that it was a mistake. Seemed like we were unlucky that night, didn't we? But even if anything didn't go wrong I would give Cuchi Cuchi 3 stars because I felt the food was way too overpriced and tasted just fine. The decor seems interesting but not that interesting. I should have gone to Tapeo.
(2)Dachary C.
How have I not reviewed this place yet? This is by far my favorite classy drinking place in Cambridge! I've been here a number of times; on dates, with work events, with girl friends, with people I know socially. Every single time I've been here, I've gotta say that it totally rocks. The bartenders are great - if you don't know what you like, they'll whip you up something based on your tastes. They have a ton of creative drinks I've never been able to find anyplace else, and their tapas are fantastic. Awesome, wonderful, tasty... to die for. If you're going with a group, order a bunch of tapas and pass them around. Beyond the high quality food and drink is the atmosphere here. It's fun, kinda funky, a little dark and moody in the evenings, sometimes crowded, but always a blast. The waitstaff and barstaff are super friendly. This is really a fantastic place and I cannot say enough good stuff about it. (However, it is pricey. You get what you pay for.) I highly recommend this venue for *ANY* occasion. Be prepared for crowds on the weekend, but it's worth a visit anyway.
(5)amanda l.
I LOVE CUCHI CUCHI!!! went there for my 21st birthday, and it was the best decision ever! they have an AMAZING cocktail menu and each drink i had was better than the last! go for one with muddled fruits and you will not be disappointed! really cute restaurant and the waiters and waitresses were dressed to match! 50's french flair and I loved it! the food was equally amazing! we had a little bit of everything and it was all soooo good! can't wait to go back!
(5)chungo m.
BEST IN TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! food = amazingly, deliciously fantastically perfect drink = $$ but worth soooo worth it. service = on it and cute (why could they be cute and on ME?) atmosphere = to die for who can not like this place? Pete? maybe you need to wait for a table because it;s so busy by appreciating customers. are you the fucking king of the world and expect to be seated wherever you go at whatever time right away? I come here a lot. and I do mean a lot. I make a reservation the day of and get seated within 5 minutes of when I get there. pretty good if I do say so myself. Seriously, the place can do no wrong.
(5)Todd B.
Went here for the first time the other night after hearing about it forever. Pretty damn sweet! Cool outfits, one of the male waiters had a smoking jacket and all the women are dressed like flappers. The decor is really funky and it does a lot to the space. It definitely isn't cheap for sure, cocktails are $9 or $11 easily. Based on other yelper's recs we got the Cuban cigar (awesome), Brie (awesome), Skirt steak (good, nothing super special), Ceviche shots (awesome) and the Chicken Kiev (wicked good dood!). The best though, and I only got a few bites, was the banana bread dessert. Wow, so good! The presentation on everything was incredible and certainly helps take the sting out of the prices. Between drinks and food we spent about $50-$60 a person. The only downside was that drink service was pretty damn slow but since they're muddling and mixing everything from scratch that's kinda to be expected. And i'm sure my wallet and liver are actually thankful. Next time we're definitely going to try and sit at the table with all the lights in it and there definitely will be a next time!
(4)RedlineFight S.
An oasis after a long night's work! Absolutely outstanding cocktails, generously-sized. I don't mind paying more for drinks that are that good and that unique. The ambiance is distinct and comfortable, the music is varied and interesting, and the staff are friendly and wear eye-catching couture. It could only be better if the kitchen was open until midnight.
(5)Hiroko S.
I went cuchi cuchi for drink on Saturday. It was very nice. They have great music. I had Singapore sling and it was tropical and good for summer! -------------------------------Former review 4 stars-------------------------- This restaurant is pretty good. This is not only delicious but also taking care of entertainment. Since this is Tapas place, I think it is better to go there with some people. In my opinion, 4 is the best number because easy to cut foods into 4pieases. We were 3 that it was kind like math class during eating lol. Desserts also looks good but I was too full so I could not eat. They have minimum order price $20 for each person.
(4)Tanya S.
I'm not a Bostonian (or a Cambridgean or whatever), so you should keep that in mind, but I really enjoyed this restaurant. I have a very close friend who lives in the area and suggested this spot for dinner while I was in town for business. Since we don't get to see each other often, it was awesome to catch up and what-not. The food was great! I really liked the Cuban Cigar and the Deep-fried Artichoke heart. Now, I'm not from HERE, but I'm from Northern California, where fried artichokes were born and I'm here to tell ya - this place has the stuff! Gooey and crunchy and spiced just right. Nice stuff. But the best of the best was the dessert: Something-something-Banana Bread-something....EWWWWWEEEEEE! We shared it, which I recommend, and it rocked. Ice cream, whipped cream, caramel dripped overtop, with sauteed banana slices and sauteed banana-bread slices. Oh, I also tried the Thai Martini at the bar. This is one of those yummy drinks that you could have 10 before you realize you'll never stand up straight again - strong but so tasty you could become a very fun date. I love this town - so many interesting spots around every corner. Cuchi-cuchi-coo!
(5)Tricia C.
Atmosphere - Antique closet meets burlesque show Food - Fabulous Drinks - Delayed Service - Stinks! If you are a large party, make sure you make reservations and arrive right at 6 regardless of a suggestion to "just show up at 6 and we should be able to accommodate your bachelorette party." 7/11 of our party showed up at 6 sharp and was refused a table (and couldn't go on a wait list) in a then -empty- dining area. The hostess said she was expecting a -larger- party - who HAD reservations! It was 6:10 (and they don't take reservations after 6). I said, "Either we get a table in 10 min or we're leaving." The hostess / manager told me to "Calm down or you will ruin your friend's evening" - I was not waiving my arms and spoke in a normal volume. I was CLEAR and FIRM. I doubt she would have said that to me if I was a man. She then went over to my friends and said, "I need to speak to someone CALM." Very UNPROFESSIONAL. At 6:20 we were offered a table. At the very least, to make up for bad reservation advice (given twice over the phone) and initially refusing to take us, we at LEAST deserved a couple drinks or plates on the house. There are too many wonderful restaurants that do it ALL right for me to ever step foot into "Cuchi Cuchi" again.
(1)Kaitlyn H.
Went back for food and loved it! They recommend about 2-3 plates per person because they are small portioned...went with a group of four and we order 5 food options and 2 dessert options and drinks and we were pleasantly full. Great place for a date!
(5)Richard S.
A lot of people love this place. Probably that's because it attracts women, and alcohol + women = fun by most metrics. I've been to a couple of birthday parties here and go in for a quick beer occasionally since it's so close to my house. The decor is tarted up quite elaborately and it can come off as taking itself a bit too seriously. Food isn't legendary or anything, but nothing about the place sucks and I've always left feeling happy.
(4)Dave M.
I'm giving Cuchi Cuchi 3 out of 5 bc it's one of the priciest tapas places I've been to and while the food is good, the added price isn't justified. That said, let me get on to the awesome atmosphere. Cuchi Cuchi is a really fun place with great decor. The waitstaff wear these great costumes: women in traditional spanish fare, and the men in seinfeld-esque puffy shirts (our waiters was this great color of green). I went here with a big group for a going away party and despite our reservation they seemed a little confused and had some trouble seating us quickly. Overall: if you want a great atmosphere and don't mind spending a few extra bucks over other tapas joints, go for it.
(3)Julie A.
by far my favorite restaurant in town! I can not say enough about the amazing selection of the tapas menu. The food tastes outrageously fabulous The cocktails are potent and creative. The atmosphere and wait-staff are also a lot of fun. I love too much about this place to list it all, just know that when you go, you will fall in love.
(5)Vanilla P.
As a recent SF transplant, I'm realizing this review _might_ be a little skewed. It's hard to leave a place like SF (with all it's fine tapas restaurants) and come to a place that has, well, so far I've only found one tapas restaurant. The upside of going to Cuchi Cuchi? If you say "Tapas" really fast, then people SOMETIMES hear "TOPLESS" and then ask you, "Where are you going??" and then you say, "Cuchi Cuchi" and then they look really confused. Maybe it's just my lazy California accent. Drinks were ... good. I ordered the namesake Strawberry Basil Martini, and it was just okay. I could have made it at home, and probably 5 more for the same price of $11. My husband ordered the Blackberry Cosmo, which was very good, almost like that blackberry pancake syrup that's too sweet for pancakes! Yummy! The bartender was nice, and the ambiance was amazing. If it wasn't for the interior of the restaurant, we probably would have been scared off by the prices. Which leads me to the food... First we got a dish with fried artichokes, which was AMAZING... but was pretty much the only AMAZING thing that we ordered. Nice crunchy coating with cheesy gooey sauce. Next was a dish called the Cuban Cigar, which was tasty, but it seemed like the flavors weren't fully developed. Dunno, maybe Chef was having an off night. Next the Mexican Tomato, which sounded promising but was really disappointing. Finally, the Brie. How can you go wrong with Brie? It's virtually indestructible! I think it must have originally started in MRE's. The Brie must have heard my criticism because.... I think it was the Brie that did me in. I got a nice little stomach bug at about 4 AM, and spent the next two days exploding from every orifice. So, sad to say, only three stars. I might try it again, but definitely only for drinks. I'm not brave enough for the food.
(3)Hannah L.
cuchi cuchi is super cool. i am sad this was my first time there out of the couple years i've been in boston! the art nouveau theme inside is amazing, with stained glass windows, art nouveau paraphernalia, a gorgeous bar and costumed flapper waitresses. so the night begins - randomly see 2 of my friends who ended up there too! we all wait 2.5 hours for a table annnnd ask the very stressed out waitress and hostess if our table is ready yet. the bar was SUPER packed, so i was afraid to get a martini beverage so i wouldn't spill it everywhere by someone knocking into me. (the drink menu was very interesting by the way, yummy fruity cocktails). i've learned that you can't get drunk while waiting for a table at cuchi cuchi, because you need to stay sober-ish to keep following up about your table...everyone is hawking for a table. chaos. crankyness. that's what happens when you have a restaurant that doesn't take reservations! huge pet peeve of mine. c'mon, don't be lazy! just space out dining at 1.5 hrs and go for it. not too hard!!! waiting for a table was stressful and annoying, and even though the ambiance was so cool, there were too many people waiting for a table by the bar and not enough waitstaff...which sucks! once we were sat much later FINALLY, our waitress was super nice and funky and the delicious tapa-style food, unlike the wait, came out pretty fast! impressive. so, overall sum up is that cuchi cuchi is awesome. i was majorly pissed about the long table wait i practically ate the napkin out of starvation when i sat down. i realllly wish they fixed this, and then i will give them 5 stars!
(4)Lindsey W.
How to experience Cuchi Cuchi: Go on a weekday for no wait. I went on a Monday with no reservation and only had to wait long enough to get a drink. If you aren't last minute like me call ahead and reserve some of the cozy couch areas for a group. Head to the bar while waiting and order a Dancing with Ginger. All the drinks are great though. A lot of places have drinks that sound really fun but taste awful, not so here. Order the meat dishes. I loved the ribs, they were sweet and tender, and the flank steak was great too. This is the place for people who love flavor. Keep drinking. The mixed drinks are awesome, ask your server what she recommends. I got something with bananas for dessert. Loved it though at this point I was pretty drunk. Leave with a smile on your face.
(5)Jeanette D.
I think I'm in love. Seriously fun and delicious cocktails, really nice staff and an atmosphere that I'm ready to move into. I would almost be willing to work here just to be immersed in the 1920's feel. Haven't eaten there yet, but will return in time period appropriate garb. Any food recs, Yelpers? As for my selections, go for the Raspberry Beret. But the Pimm's Cup is done better elsewhere.
(5)Jonathan S.
What an unbelievably good restaurant. I feel like I've been giving too many 5-star reviews, but I would give Cuchi Cuchi 6 if I could. The drinks are unique and delicious and not absurdly priced. The servers are dressed like they're in a hipster soft-core porn. The food...absolutely r.i.d.i.c.u.l.o.u.s. I would trade my soul for another plate of beef stroganoff. The perfect place to celebrate an exciting occasion with great friends. But even if the occasion is that your dog died and you don't have friends, you'll love Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)Mark S.
My boyfriend and I had a fabulous time here last night for our anniversary. We had really fun cocktails and 6 small plates. Its better than tapas because each one is a different gourmet experience. Loved it loved it loved it! Service was really fun too!
(5)Megan M.
Amazing restaurant. I can never make up my mind on what to eat at any restaurant, so this tapas-style setting is just perfect for me. I've been with both girlfriends and the boy. The girls and I had much more fun, I think the boy felt like Ray S...still hungry, and slightly poorer. The costume-esque getups the waitstaff wore also confused him greatly, which I find add to the overall charm and ambience of the place. I loved our tiara-clad waiter, he was hysterical! Drink menu = extensive, and delicious. Food = diverse and freaking yummy. If only we still lived in the area, I'm sure we'd be much more frequent patrons.
(5)Jessica M.
I love this place, but I have to take one point off for the long wait. At least the bar is always fun, so you're occupied with fantastic drinks while waiting for a table. I was sitting at the bar with a friend one random Wednesday night sucking down French 75s and chilling with the bar tenders - they were all so friendly! Since they close early (12:30) we were looking for other options in the area. The bartender's recommendation that night was my first introduction to the oh-so fun B-Side Lounge. Cuchi's food is inventive and delicious, but a little expensive. I like to enjoy it in a group... the more passing around and sharing the better!
(4)Greta K.
There is no place is better for five girls, cocktails, and a birthday celebration in Boston than Cuchi Cuchi. Especially when we were seated at the very cool electric light table that lights up in certain places when you touch it. I'm very happy the waitstaff placed us here! i was the first to arrive for our dinner (because I came from a completely different area of town) and was promptly seated at the bar. The decor was exquisitely beautiful and unique; I also really liked the music, which was older and provided a perfect, romantic setting. The waitresses were dressed rather, differently, in 1920's type outfits, although skimpier. I wonder if the outfits are provided or if the girls choose themselves. After waiting for a few minutes at the bar, I received a drink menu. I ordered the riesling just as my group arrived. Now, I hate to be picky here, but the menu said the riesling was only $7.00 and I was charged $7.50 (please update). We were seated, as aforementioned, at the very cool light table in the first room. I hope our birthday girl felt special. As we perused the menu, we finally decided to order the bread basket, the wild rice, the mushroom risotto, the chicken kiev, the fried artichokes, the eggplant napoleon, and the brie. All the small (quite small) plates were delicious, but my personal favorites were the kiev and the brie. My friend and I commented that we could've eaten both by themselves. Whenever I think of chicken kiev, I picture those Barber frozen chicken breasts in the grocery store, but this dish was quite different and very, very tasty. For dessert, everyone but me (surprised? I am) ordered a dessert. The selections for our table were the chocolate cake a la mode (which I did share a little), the cheesecake (literally, two bites for a eight dollars), the ice cream trio, and the tirami-su. My real dessert was the Moulin Rouge cocktail, which was kind of sweet, but still a lovely and girly cocktail. By the way, they have an excellent drink menu, but don't get too many, because all of the cocktails are $11.00 apiece. I think that if I hadn't been forewarned about the price and portions of the food, I would have been upset. But now I understand the tapas concept and I do like it because you're like overstuffed with food at the end of your meal. Cuchi Cuchi is for celebrations and though I would like to come back more often, because of the price, I won't be back until there is another event to celebrate.
(4)Lauren S.
LOVE cuchi cuchi. They have awesome drinks with muddled berries, ginger, basil..., great decor and sassy looking flapper waitresses, and EXCELLENT food. I'm a big fan of variety in my meal, and it's great to be able to have a tapas-type meal other than Spanish tapas (not that I don't love those as well). On my last visit we got the seared tuna (excellent), Mexican deep fried tomato, artichoke hearts, grilled pork rolls stuffed w/ pecorino, pancetta & garlic, grilled skirt steak w/ chimichurri, cuban cigar, brie en croute, st. jacob's zucchini, and the cheesy potatoes (real name escapes me). Each one was excellent. I can't find words to do the food justice so I will stop trying. It can get quite expensive, but it's great for a special occasion or a place to bring visiting friends/parents.
(5)Angela H.
Well, it was kind of cool that Rachel Ray's camera crew was there video taping us. But when they saw that we had boas on for my cousin's bachelorette party they forced us to drink from the communal champagne flask, which I sucked at and instead of pouring the bubbly in my mouth, I poured it on my chin and chest on camera. Luckily we never did see that episode of the Albanyite's best bites in Boston. Cuchi Cuchi is totally over hyped, in my opinion. It's a fun time and the people are wearing interesting outfits, some kind of costume combination where Henry James meets the slutty criminals of Broadway's Chicago. The drinks are raved about, but really they just have cute names and are totally over priced...ten or eleven dollars for a something like a fuzzy wuzzy martini, which I think they should be paying you to drink. We got a fair number of dirty looks from the waitresses when one of our party didn't show up. As if it's any harder to seat 11 girls than it is 12. And is if they'd really be making that much less money off us. The food, though. The food is great. And if you go with fewer then eleven crazy bachelorettes, you won't be absolutely forced to spend a million zillion bucks. It's mostly tapas so the orders are small, but they are all delicious.
(3)Dave F.
I ate here last Friday and had a fantastic meal. There were three of us and we had six of the small plates. All were delicious. We only had vegetarian options, and so can't comment on the meat dishes. Our dishes were: Fried stuffed artichoke hearts, a fried tomato with avocado and mole sauce, a lovely salad, a rich mushroom risotto, eggplant medallions, and a warm beet salad. The dishes were rich, flavorful, and well balanced. Everything was extremely well done; the food was inventive and fun. We shared a chocolate cake for desert, which was also fantastic. All this, plus one drink for each of us, and the bill came to around $120. Not cheap, but seems reasonable for food of this quality. It was an exceptionally good meal. The art deco theme of the restaurant is attractive. The wait staff dresses in art deco era clothing, which did nothing to enhance our dining experience, but was harmless enough. The restaurant was quite loud, so having a conversation was at times a little difficult. We were in the quieter back room and it was still loud. The noise level was the only aspect of the evening that was less than excellent. All in all, though, it was an excellent meal with creative cuisine. We will definitely be back.
(5)Sharon B.
This restaurant is a fabulous oasis. It looks small and unassuming, but the decor and menu boast large tastes and selection. Inside you feel as though you are no longer in Cambridge, it is as if you have taken a trip to Europe as you sit nestled into one of their overtly adorned tables. It seemed that everything within the walls was done with reason, from the bejeweled bathroom accessories to the ornately framed windows. The food was pricey, but well worth the unusual combinations such as Tuna tar tar and avocado puree. The drinks, Oh the delicious libations! The drinks are done up just as the decor, rich and decadent. The entire experience was five star, from the food to the wait-staff, who is pleasantly dressed to suit their surroundings!
(5)Eric S.
A very kitschy space - it reminds me of Bleu Bistro in Seattle (random reference). Everyone's outfitted in roaring-20's themed attire, so a good place to take a quirky date. The food is all very small plates, so what seem like reasonable prices won't actually get you much if you're hungry. The garlic shrimp appetizer was good (they were kind of floating in a tangy, sizzling oil with garlic cloves) as were the steak strips. I thought the gratin potatoes were too cheesy, but that's just me. The place gets packed on the weekends, FYI - there was an hour-long wait two saturdays ago.
(4)Rebecca L.
I'm dividing my review into two parts: the food, and the everything else. The food: AMAZING! I came here with my sister and we went all out with the small plates. Therefore we had a good sampling of everything that caught our eye. Everything we tried was amazing, especially the green gazpacho made from cucumbers and white beans. The presentation was beautiful too. And of course the drink menu was the best I've seen, perhaps anywhere. Fun, flirty cocktails galore. Everything else: not so great! I went with my sister because it seemed like it would be a fun, girly place with lots of personality. In reality, we thought the decor crossed the line between kitschy and just plain tacky! It felt like a bad halloween costume shop inside: kind of run down, but decked out with cheapo satin and lace. A creepy manequin was staring at us the whole time. The pictures on their website make it look much better that it is. I would certainly NOT associate this quality of food with the low-budget tackiness inside, but hey. I guess you ultimately go for the food. Additionally, our waiter left a LOT to be desired, but I don't hold that against the place. If you want to go for the international cuisine, the food is good. But don't expect a romantic, whimsical ambiance. Do NOT bring a date here. For truly good tapas and romantic atmosphere, go to Tapeo on Newbury Street.
(3)erica c.
I finally got over there last night and was totally impressed. I loved romantic decor, funky vintage costumes on the staff and the AMAZING tarot card reader Harmony. This place exudes a totally fun vibe....the drinks are great and the food is really great too. We ordered and split a bunch of the tapas style international dishes. The risotto, skirt steak and ligurian salad were among my favorites but I can't leave out the asian wontons with pickled watermelon....what a great blend of sweet and sour. I would stay away from the chicken Kiev and artichoke gratin....heavy and not worth the calories. And try the fine del mundo malbec cab blend from Argentina...MUY DELICIOUS!
(5)D. H.
Great atmosphere, a mind-blowing cocktail list, and delicious tapas-style food--this place would get 5 stars from me if it weren't so damn expensive. The cocktails are so tasty that they're almost, maybe, possibly worth the $11 they charge--but unless you've got money to burn there are cheaper places with equally enchanting drinks. Plus, the seating is a little tight so our waitress' red tutu kept brushing our arms and nearly knocking over our pricey cocktails every time she passed. Overall, it's a really fun little place for special occasions, but only if you're willing/able to drop a lot of cash.
(3)Shannon S.
This has quickly become my favorite place to take my out of town friends for a lovely night of conversation over beautiful, classy cocktails. I love the decor and be sure to go on Tuesday or Thursday nights because the Tarot Card reader is there. It costs 20$ but it was worth it. She spent nearly 30 minutes telling my future and let me cut the cards about 4 times. Harmony, the Tarot Reader, was an expert entertainer. If you can, eat at the bar if you have only 1 person with you. Or make a reservation for 6 or more for the coffee-table like accommodations--those are the best. I like the bar because your drinks are fresher and there are little bag-holders under the bar, too. Best place to get girly drinks and martinis in the city without the atmosphere being stuffy. The drinks are worth the extra dollars $$$ and the staff will make sure the ladies feel taken care of. The tapas (more like little International Dishes) get a little pricey but if you're going to order something small with a friend over drinks be sure to get the Mushroom Risotto and the Brie En Croute (Freaking Fantastic!) I also like Caspian Heaven--very, very tasty. I took off a star because of some minor problems--the hostess was incredible and sweet and so are the bartenders, but the waitresses are varied. I've had an excellent one and a sub par waitress so I'm not sure if the staff is slapdash or what. Be careful if you order beer. My boyfriend ordered a Hoegaarden and the waitress didn't know how to pour it. It was nearly half foam. The bartenders are EXPERTS at mixing drinks though. Try to get the red haired guy, who works there, if you can (if he's still working) he's the best. This place is great for a sexy date, high class hipsters, young professionals. I took my mom here and she loved the atmosphere, very girly. The servers all dress up as "Cuchi" Girls from the 20s. I love the feathers, the boas, the glam.
(4)Lalin A.
Great ambiance- When I get off the cab, it was irresistible to recognize how cool the place looked from outside. The costumes, helpful, warm and cheerful stuff are a big plus! But I felt like the service was a bit slow due to the interactions the waitresses had among themselves and with the customers. Food- I agree that the prices are the highest I have seen at a tapas place, BUT they don't have regular tapas that you'd find at other tapas places. I have come across a lot of goat cheese-tomato, sausage, fried cheese plates but Cuchi Cuchi has much more to offer. Plus, the plates are bigger. 5 stars for duck a l'orange and cuban cigars. OK for grilled skirt steak w/ chimichiurri and scallop ceviche. Try the banana extravaganza for dessert: It is more than enough for two! Drink menu is mind blowing. I got the Pisco Sour, which is quite hard to find at bars. It was just right. There are classical drinks and then specialty ones (martinis being at the top of the list). Overall- a delicious experience. Would love to go again.
(4)sarah t.
Go here. The drinks are great, the tapas are so tasty. I've never been disappointed, and I have been here many times. Its really a treat to go to Cuchi Cuchi on a cold, winter night - it is very cozy and rewarding on such a night. It is a great atmosphere for a romantic evening. I was very impressed when my boyfriend and I were first dating and he brought me here for a belated birthday dinner. We brought his french uncle here later and he of all people would have criticism... although his English is not great, I could tell he loved the Brie and all the other food he ordered.
(4)molly f.
It pains me to give Cuchi Cuchi 3 stars. This is one of my favorite places to eat & drink, and I had thought I had reviewed it earlier and given it 5...apparently not. Either way, this is a place that usually lives up to & exceeds expectations. With the exception of Monday night. Let me be clear- the food & drink at Cuchi Cuchi are still tremazing. Top notch, delicious, perfect flavors that keep your taste-buds intrigued with interesting layers of flavors and combinations. We ordered about 10 dishes to split between the four of us and each one that came of the kitchen was an absolute delight. From the garlic shrimp, to the artichokes, to the chicken kiev, and the potatoes, the food lived up to its previously established expectations. The drinks, as usual, were also wonderful. I could drink their Raspberry Lime RickyRicardo until the cows came home...fresh raspberries and lime muddled with chacaca and something delicious? yes please. no complaints there...and the bartender was lovely to boot. I should have just stayed at the bar, honestly. So where did Cuchi Cuchi go wrong for us gals? SERVICE. I have never experienced such bad service there. We're not just talking a silly thing here, some novice stuff there...we're talking our sizzling hot starters came WELL before any of our cocktails did. Then when we wanted to check on our drinks, we couldn't find our waiter anywhere...he was completely MIA. Menu's were asked to be taken away before we had even finished ordering, drinks finally arrived and one was missing...it was just painful, really. Something totally unacceptable for a restaurant with such a fabulous reputation. We spoke with the manager and our server was switched to another gal who seemed to be more on the ball, but in all honestly, it soured the evening. Two of us dining that night had been there many times and swore the service was usually better, but to the other's who dined with us that night...first impressions mean everything. I know this was just a one-off experience, which is why I'm giving what I feel are 3 generous stars, but it was just so disappointing to love a restaurant so much only to be completely let down by poor service. The snide looks, the contemptuous tone does not a pleasant meal make. To add insult to injury, after all the debacle with our food, drinks, and our waiter...many conversations with the hostess and (i think?) the manager... no attempt was made to even comp/discount the drink which was forgotten when the rest came out. The four of us work in PR & Marketing and know how much customer experience matter. We talk, a lot. We tell people things we love & hate. We bring our friends to restaurants we adore...which is why we were all there. What a shame for Cuchi Cuchi to drop the ball with little apology. It doesn't take much to keep a happy customer happy...but to win someone back, thats a whole new ball game. I'll absolutely be back to Cuchi Cuchi- its one of my favorites in our neighborhood. But earning back those lost stars ...that will take some time.
(3)Alyssa L.
My sister had a horrible experience here with rude waitstaff and a rude manager, but I still went when my boyfriend suggested we try it out. The food was good but pricey. I felt AWFUL later with a horrible stomachache. That, combined with my sister's experience = I probably will not be returning.
(2)Chris M.
Dear Tamara and Fernanda, I just want to write and say my boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Cuchi Cuchi for dinner Valentine's day night. The food was excellent, the service was great. The whole experience the decor, that bartender, waitress and hostess outfits were great! Even though Cuchi Cuchi, is not a gay place per sec, my boyfriend and I were very comfortable as a gay couple. We loved everything we ate, I had an Argentine shirt steak and my bf that Italian pork rolls. They had a huge cocktail menu, we both had blood orange martinis , which were amazing! The price were very reasonable, not counting the martinis, we had two appetitizers, two meals and one glass of wine for $65, not including tip. The only thing I would suggest is that on some very busy nights, like Valentine's Day, they consider taking reservations. The wait was almost two hours, the staff was great about it, helpful and honest. I will say the hostess, Wafita, was funny, charming and really made the wait go much faster!
(4)mickey l.
Yelp. I was a little worried about the cost of the food as I had thought I was out with the boys for a pub night, but then I began tasting wonderful things. Clean execution of myriad themes with quality ingredients gave me a surprise that allowed me to appreciate the value. To speak to other reviews I've read: Our Service was quite nice and attentive. The speak-easy flapper theme from the 1920's (not 1940's as Yelper Victoria States) was almost convincing--if you want to go back in time check out BIX in SF. Cuchi is Cambridge fun, campy, gypsy goofy and home-spun.. I left pleasantly stuffed on those little plates of international madness.
(4)Frank G.
I don't think I can add anything new to all the great reviews that people have posted, but I love this place, especially if I'm with a group. The food is the work of very imaginative chefs and great for sharing. I love their cleverly-named cocktails and the silly clothes on the waitstaff. It does get very crowded on weekends and getting a table is hard even with a reservation, but the wait is worth it. I think everyone in/around Cambridge should give this place a try if they're in the mood for something different.
(5)Food Bandicoot M.
go to this place if - you are on a sultry date. you've got something to talk about. you don't mind spending $13 on drinks you've already eaten earlier and are in the mood for tapas (small portioned delicacies) NOT a place for picky eaters NOT a place for townies NOT a place for baseball caps NOT a place that serves budlight. all in all for what its worth, i have imagined better. international food - some dishes were great (skirt steak is bomb) although the duck crepes were pretty dry. drinks super strong, not really good when drinking with food. and again, tapas is such small portions. the decor in this place (bridal maniquins in the corner ceiling, bohemian tapestries and tasell lamps,) looks as though it were all dragged in from the garment district. its not your AVERAGE place, but it's not at all impressive. so figure, kendall square artsy restaurant with overpriced drinks. fun for groups. sofa seating! if you can't think of anywhere else to go...make the best of it, wear something sexy.. belly dancers may take your order.
(3)A M.
I have frequented Cuchi Cuchi several times for different social engagements. I love the decor; it's very artsy/funky, and unusual. And as a connoisseur if fruity girlie drinks, I LOVE their drink menu, my favorite being Moulin Rouge, soooo yummy! My first visit there was at about 10:30 on a Wednesday night for drinks. The place was mostly empty, and 5 of us easy sat at the bar. Contrary to the opinion of others, I found the drinks to be plenty strong; as did the men who were in our party. My second visit was on a date, and that is why I deduct a star. It has so much potential to be a great date place, but it's just too cramped and noisy. several bachelorette parties and birthdays made it impossible to have a conversation, and the tiny table we had was not conducive to ordering multiple plates of food, as one needs to do. The bar was also insanely crowded, this place could do well with a bar twice the size. The food was quite good though, goose liver pate? Sounds so gross, but was delicious. I loved the brie most of all, but the seared tuna was good, and the drinks were again, divine. The mushrooms though were disgusting, inedible really. I don't know why they have these on the menu, they were patently foul. My third trip was the best, we sat at the bar (by some miracle arrived just as two people got up) we were actually able to hear each other talk, given we were sitting NEXT to each other, rather than across the table. We had more room to spread out the food we ordered too, and with bartenders walking back and forth, we never had to wait for drinks, water, or additional food. Usually I hate sitting at the bar and dining, but in this instance, it might be preferable. Finally, there is a back room that appears as though it might actually be more quiet. I have not been lucky enough to get seated back there though, I have been seated in the front room, where the bar is. In Summation: All in all, the art nouveau decor and the fun flapper style waitress outfits, coupled with setting appropriate music (when you can hear it) makes Cuchi my preferred spot in Cambridge; I'm going there tonight! It IS a bit expensive, especially the drinks, but it's a unique experience and worth it IMO. Also, I prefer to dine "tapas style" because usually an entree is too much for me, and I hate carrying around left overs!
(4)California G.
Cuchi Cuchi is the first restaurant i fell in love with when I moved to Boston. Everything is perfect. Right down from the menu, vast array of cocktails to choose from, service, waitress' outfits and decor. I couldn't dream up a more delicately perfect place to eat and share a few plates and drinks with your friends and loved ones. A Romantic and dreamy atmosphere this is what every restaurateur inspires to be. I've been back several times and each time I'm greeted with such a welcome, it's no wonder people keep coming back. They always remember me and i've even had previous waitress' come to my table to say hello even if they are not serving me. I can't speak more highly of a place than this. You can't go wrong with any of their plates or cocktails, but i do recommend you save room for dessert their banana fosters extravaganza is to die for!!!
(5)Felecia C.
Cuchi Cuchi was the perfect choice for a mini-college reunion dinner last week. This restaurant was able to accommodate everyone in our party: people who love tapas, people who love drinks, and people who have weird dietary restrictions. I am, of course, all of the above, so I was definitely looking forward to this outing. What I was unaware of when I called to make reservations was that they only take them at 5:30 or 8:30. Unfortunately, my party had already planned to meet at 7, so we were advised to show up anyway and they would try to seat us. Well, that didn't exactly work out, since we ended up getting seated with the 8:30 crowd. However, there were plenty of fun drinks to be ordered and a cute bar area conducive to socializing. I wasn't too adventurous in the drink department, but friends enjoyed some pomegranate-basil concoction and orange martinis. In the spirit of international tapas, everyone ordered several dishes to share. The gluten-free menu isn't huge, but there were still plenty of selections. I ordered the Grilled Eggplant Napoleon, Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and Gratin of Asparagus and Potatoes...and I loved everything. Maybe I could have done without the potatoes, since it was the last to come out and I was basically full, but whatever. Other delicious items on our table: Gazpacho soup of the day, Brie en Crote (yes, I am copying this directly from the online menu), Oysters Rockefeller, the Cuban Cigar, and the Grilled Skirt Steak. Dessert was the Cornicopia and the Artisanal Chocolates - with the favorite being the goat cheese chocolate. Everything was a hit. Even though we had to wait for a table, I have no complaints about service. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were worth the wait.
(5)Eli G.
Food: check. Atmosphere: check. Drinks: check. I'm just upset that I slept on Cuchi Cuchi for so long. It's pretty much the perfect spot to start off your weekend night or just to relax on a week night. I went here on Saturday at 9:30 and it was still mobbed for dinner and they quoted us a 30-45 minute wait so we waited 10 minutes and sat at the bar (a great option anywhere when you don't want to wait for a table). Let me start by explaining the drinks. If there's one thing about my drink preferences, it's that I hate sweet and fruity drinks (not because I am insecure, but because I like to taste the liquor I am drinking.) This usually makes it hard to order cool mixed drinks, because so many of the are of the sweet/fruity variety. Thank you Cuchi Cuchi for your drink menu that includes such greats options as the Brandy Clapa or the Sugar Daddy from Miami that are built from Brandy and Bourbon. So after we started drinking we moved on to the food... I love how Cuchi Cuchi's tapas are not just traditional Spanish options. They have dishes from 4 continents! And all are food was exceptional. I highly recommend the seafood stuffed avocado, the shirt ribs (which were brand new to the menu) and the deep fried tomatoes. Bonus: our bartender took PROPER care of us! I got so drunk I forgot his name, but big up. I have a new favorite tapas joint.
(5)Bonnie G.
1) The food is good. The choices for vegetarians ain't so bad, but I had to choose b/w giving in and have a lil seafood or going for dishes that had a lot of cheese (not so good for lactose intolerance). The shrimp and eggplant dish was mighty tasty. The portions were simply TOO small and I really like tapas-the amount of scallops were pretty damn pathetic and there were only three of us! The bread basket may be one of the tastiest I've had-soft doughy warm different kinds, we harrassed our poor server to give us more, more more! 2) The drinks-holy sh*t, they have a LOT of different drinks! My martini was tasty (I had some kind of berry drink) and everyone elses was good too. A mind boggling assortment menu of drinks longer than the food options. Expensive, but its more like alcohal with a touch of juice. VALUE. 3) Why the three stars: The decor seems really stuffy to me. It is supposed to be whimsical and sassy, but it comes off as a New Orleans whorehouse/Golden Girl/Old lady idea of "fun". It seems like a place my mom and her friends would think was naughty and adorable. It was also cold-who wants to eat in a freezer unless you are also practicing your upper cuts on a slab of cow a la Rocky? I also had trouble hearing my friends at our table and was distracted by awkward first dates all around me thinking "ok this place is supposed to be romantic...god, I need more alcohal". I will go back again, but this time I will try the bar area-it seemed like people were having more fun there than in the resturant part.
(3)deanna p.
sadly, i've only been to this hot spot once, but was greatly impressed through and through...plus it was new years eve and rockin'. food was fantastic, atmosphere kicked ass and their drinks....dear god, you need to sit down for this one. they make them NICE and stiff. most def. a good time. go.
(4)June P.
Loved the decor, loved the feel, cocktails were ok (at least on the Fri night I went), food was good. The waitress was a bit rude when we didn't order that many dishes in the beginning (3 for 3 ppl). We just weren't sure what to order yet, but she took offense. We ended up order a few more things because the food was good, just not amazing. Overall, I just wasn't impressed by anything, but let me tell you, my friends love this place. Just not me! If you're going to go though, I'd recommend their 'nod' to French Laundry - the Cornets w/Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse.
(3)Jenn L.
This place is marvelous in decor and uniqueness. Most of the food is spectacular. All of the drinks when made correctly are superb. The problems are: the portions are really small especially for the price, my sister got the same drink twice and one was a nice deep red and one was almost clear, and the employees start out pretty great but end up seeming pretentious and almost a little too flirty with each other by the end of the night. Our waitress spilled an entire glass of water on my sister's lap and while she did apologize and clean it up, she hardly seemed that sincere about it and she didn't offer us anything to make up for it. Not to sound cheap but when you go out to dinner and the waitress soaks your lap, I feel like you should at least get something extra out of it or something taken off your bill. We spent about $150 so it wouldn't have killed her to take one of the small plates, or even just a coffee off the bill! Oh - and we waited over an hour and a half for a table for four on a Saturday evening around 7:30pm - which I realize is a bad time so I won't even count that as a negative. I am glad we went but I probably won't go back. Dali is much better.
(3)Melissa B.
EAT HERE! This is an excellent special occasion dinner place. Very funky atmosphere and killer cocktails. Ladies, don't go here to pick up a guy, the are mostly looking at each other here.
(4)Greg M.
What more can I add to the 90+ reviews? In case you couldn't tell, girls LOVE this place. If you have some money to spend and want to impress a girl, bring her here. As you probably know by now, they have smaller portions (not exactly tapas though). I have a big appetite and two were plenty for me. (My GF and I got five to share because everything looked so good, but by the time the fifth came out, we were stuffed.) The duck l'orange crepes and "cuban cigar" are incredible. The potatoes gratin left something to be desired though. The ribs and fried tomato were good.
(5)Aaron B.
I like this restaurant. Cool atmosphere, funky vibe with wait staff typically in some kind of costume. Good drinks. That said, it easily gets expensive...like every tapas restaurant in Boston seems to do. They also don't take reservations (on peak nights at least). It's hard to get a table, so come early or late.
(3)Blair M.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi only once thus far, but it impressed me THAT much, it was applied the fresh appointed title of "new favorite restaurant". The second I walked into the place, I knew I had something special in store for me. I didn't care how long we would have to wait to sit down, as the bar was a veritable party and not one person looked annoyed that they weren't seated yet. This was a good sign. I went there on a first date. Guys - if you're going out with a chick for the first time, take her here. There's so much activity, ambiance, and killer liquor flowing that there's no way you can have any awkward "getting to know you" conversations or drawn out silences. The servers outfits were outlandish and immediately made me wish I could work there. Upon sitting down, it was suggested by the waitress that we try a "bottoms up shot", which is a large mixed shot that's served in a cone shaped glass that has a rounded bottom so you can't put it down! They had a ton of different varieties to try, all a swift throwback to the vintage 20's. Now, I'm definitely more of a beer girl, so it saddened me that I couldn't partake in some of the yummy cocktails, but the bottoms up shots are a great way to still be adventurous whilst getting yourself sauced. The food - amazing. I fell in LOVE with the Mexican Fried Tomato, the Cuban Cigar and the Tuna Tar Tar - which had an exciting but unusual element of banana in it. Yes, it is a little pricey but it's worth it if you enjoy not only great food, but the art of plating and presentation. The website was also fantastic at showing a picture of each tapa so you can mull it over before you go. The one downside, and one I found more than a little insulting: you have to pay for your own bread. Whaaaaaa?????
(5)Countess O.
The only reason that I'm not giving it 5 stars is the price. Avg price for the small plates is $13, with the most expensive one being $22. And, you have to pay for bread, which is actually very worth paying for (see details below). I went to Cuchi Cuchi last week with my boyfriend for my birthday. I live very close to Central Square, and I know this area like the back of my hand. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is great - an eclectic blend of the jazz age, Victorian furniture, and all the waitresses dress in glittery black halter dresses, bright red lipstick, with elaborate feathers in their hair. The hostess even wore what looks like a flapper wig. Needless to say, this is a good place to impress. Everything is small plates, and our waitress suggested 2-3 plates per person. We had the Russian-inspired Caspian Heaven (Roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce), the Italian-inspired Fried Artichoke Hearts (filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil), Scallop Provençale (seared; w/ herb & mushroom stuffing on the half shell), Duck a l'Orange Crepes (w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette), Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (Grilled pork rolls stuffed w/ pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic), and gelato trio plate for dessert (Nougat, Mexican Chocolate, Pistachio). Now I'm regretting getting ice cream as dessert, especially within the vicinity of Toscanini's. Everything was very good, but some are better than others. In order of deliciousness: 1. Caspian Heaven, i.e. fried oysters topped w/ salmon roe, hands-down. It was the most moist and savory and fresh oysters I've ever had, with just the right balance of fishiness and creaminess. The giant salmon roe pops in your mouth and is simply delightful. 2. the Duck a l'Orange Crepes. The presentation was beautiful, with 2 rolled soft crepes stuffed with pulled duck meat marinated w/ some kind of slightly tart and sweet sauce that resembles a citrus-y white balsamic. They also cut very easily, and I savored every single bite down to the last drop of the vinaigrette. 3 & 4. I must tie the fried artichoke hearts with the scallops, because they're both common dishes where the freshness and quality of the ingredients play a more prominent role than preparation. I couldn't really taste the gorgonzola and pistachio in the artichoke hearts, which were the biggest ones i've ever seen. They were so juicy that they reminded me of those little Chinese soup-buns. The scallops are equally huge, fried just enough to add a slight crunch to the tender interior, which was very sweet and pure-tasting, with little seasoning. What interested me the most about the scallops dish was the bed of mushroom stuffing that they came on - it tasted like couscous fried with herbs and mushroom bits. i finished every grain of that as well. 5. The grilled pork stuffed rolls weren't popular with me because I don't like pork, but my boyfriend liked this dish the most. My only complaint, besides my natural aversion toward pork, is the texture of the meat - it was slightly rough and dry, and the contents tasted a little too eclectic because there were so many competing tastes. And I'd recommend getting the bread plate, which was $2 for small and $3 for a large. We got a small one and it came with 3 rolls: tomato-basil, rosemary, and some kind of cheese. The dipping that it came with is exceptional - a layer of very good olive oil atop several drops of some kind of aromatic, balsamic-like vinaigrette (looks very pretty) with herb seasonings, and a spoonful of flavorful olive tapanade at the corner of the dipping dish. I'm not a big fan of olive nor olive oil as dipping, so I asked for balsamic vinaigrette on the side (like I always do). When that came with the olive dipping, it was a real dilemma because while the olive dipping was unexpectedly amazing, but the balsamic vinaigrette was also a strong competitor because it was the kind that they used in cooking, so it was sweeter and a lot thicker than usual, almost like a spread. The cocktails are generally very good, especially the vintage ones. My only complaint, again, is that they're over $10 each. The overall presentation was very impressive and makes you feel like you're getting every penny's worth. I stole the paper coasters because they were so pretty.... btw, I uploaded pictures of all the dishes except for the stuffed pork rolls. Sorry for the poor quality... it was the camera on my Sony Ericsson. *sigh* when the day comes that I stop being a poor student who picked a major I like (and as a result will live in a box), I intend to try everything on Cuchi Cuchi's menu. Until then, maybe I can use my womanly wiles to get first dates there.
(4)Jane M.
RaspberryLimeRickey Ricardo, Coffee with Rum and creme de cacao. Warm yellow lamps, a touch-lit table, old Victorian armchairs, cute dready bartender, 20's dresses, fur and retro chic.
(5)Katie V.
Cuchi Cuchi is probably my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. The atmosphere is fun -- the waitstaff wear vintage costumes and festive hats and jewelry. It's like being in a 1930s movie. The cocktail menu is very exciting -- my blackberry cosmo was delicious! They have some very inventive concoctions plus old fashioned drinks like sidecars. The food menu is equally innovative and exciting, with a wide range of global tapas. Favorite dishes: the tuna/avocado mousse cones, the fried artichoke hearts, and the sizzling garlic shrimp. Lamb and beef dishes also did not disappoint. Portions are good for sharing but not skimpy. Everything comes to the table quickly and looks beautiful. Also, if you can save room, you should try the banana bread dessert. It's like french toast with carmelized bananas and ice cream on top. Our waitress described it as "sex on a plate" and she was not exaggerating!
(5).amy E.
Assorted Half-Truths Pertaining To Cuchi Cuchi Menu Items 1. The key to Charlemagne's expansion of the Frankish kingdoms during the eighth century was Baby Back Ribs with Apple Fritters; he used these to fortify his men during the siege of Pavia as a part of the Conquest of Lombardy. 2. Their "Between the Sheets" drink has made multiple appearances in the DC Comics universe, and in particular, is prominently featured in Detective Comics #29, Superman #76, Detective Comics #327. 3. Eating an entire plate of their Gratin Dauphinois has a 1/100 chance of bestowing dark, eldritch powers upon thyself. a. Potatoes are a well known aphrodisiac. b. There is also a 1/200 chance that the person across from you will gain dark, eldritch powers as well. c. They may also grow tentacles. 4. The Cuban Cigar is an oft-overlooked part of String Theory, and in particular, is being investigated as a potential source of hadrons. 5. Their version of the Kir Royale contains equal parts sparkling wine and thermite. a. Thermite is made from ground up bears. b. Sparkling wine is empirically delicious; the Materials Science dept at MIT has published studies about this. 6. Originally, it was their French Banana Bread Extravaganza and Tiramasu that combined to form Voltron. However, this did not fare well with the teenage demographic, and further market research and surveying led to experimentation with different combinations (five Japanese school girls, three samurai pizza cats, two enormous monsters) before they settled on the five robot lions that we know and love today. 7. Their Brie en Croute was one of the driving forces of inspiration for Martin Page as he wrote Go West's "King of Wishful Thinking" in 1990. He had in fact been wishfully thinking about brie, bacon, and walnuts in a delicious puff pastry, but the song was taken and adapted for a more romantic context and then used in the film "Pretty Woman," making it Go West's biggest hit ever.
(5)kristin b.
Cuchi Cuchi is the perfect restaurant for special occasions or drinks with the girls. Their cocktail list is so extensive that it makes it impossible to choose. I've sampled about half of their menu, and I can honestly say that there hasn't been a single drink that I haven't enjoyed. The food is to die for. The stuffed artichoke is my absolute fav. It can get a little pricey, for 2 people probably 2-4 plates is necessary. So on The ambiance...well it's just perfect. You have to go and least see it once, words do not do it justice. I secretly want to work there just so I can dress up like the waitresses. Whenever I go with four or more people (probably 10 tops), I request the LED table. It's super fun and everyone winds up loving it!
(5)Rob B.
It's loud, kind of obnoxious, and a little too faux-retro for my tastes. But that's me. If I was a maid of honor throwing a bachelorette party, this would be a stop on the agenda. But I'm a cantankerous 38-year-old man who doesn't do the quirky cocktail thing. The food was tasty, although a little pricy for the portion sizes. And if I want to call their food tapas, they should just deal. If I have to deal with the beads in unexpected places (should probably rephrase that...), they can deal with me calling their little food plates tapas. I really dug the baby back ribs with the apple fritters. The potato croquettes were delicious, but $10 should buy at least 10 of the little guys, not 8. The tartufo was fine, but didn't blow me away. Did I mention I'm a cantankerous old man? Good. The end.
(3)Anne H.
The atmosphere here is awesome - it seems like every surface is jewel encrusted, which makes me smile. The staff even dress up in fabulous getups and they have an awesome lounge table that lights up when you touch it. We went for drinks on a Friday night and it was kind of a frustrating experience at first. They were still only seating for dinner and the bar area is TINY compared to the rest of the restaurant. Everyone was packed in there much like the T at rush hour, which was no fun. Luckily, a smooth-talking friend arrived and talked them into seating our group if we ordered desserts - so we got to sit at the awesome light-brite table and the desserts really were fabulous. Although, the waitress was visibly irritated that we were taking up her 7-top and only ordering drinks and about 3 desserts. I can see her point, but it still killed my buzz a bit. The drinks were pricey, but high quality. I would probably go back on a week night when it would be less crowded and maybe take the opportunity to dress snazzy.
(4)Kim K.
Cuchi cuchi gets 5 stars for the entire dining experience. Although the tiny place gets crowded and the waits are long, the expertly made cocktails, 20's ambiance, and wait staff in flapper-garb makes even the wait at the bar a pleasure. Once you get to the food . . . wow! Rich, delicious, unique small plates great for sharing. While the choices are a bit heavy, this really hits the spot on a cold Cambridge night. The mushroom risotto, chicken kiev, brie, and zucchini are all excellent. So why the 4 star review? In a foodie neighborhood like Central, Cuchi Cuchi is lacking in creativity these days. Yes the menu is delicious, but it has been essentially the same for 5 years. Come on cuchi, cuchi, show us something new! I'm sure it would be excellent!
(4)Tracee D.
Gosh I love it here. The Mexican deep fried tomato, the tuna tar tare cornets, seafood stuffed avocado it is all so GOOD. You know the beginning part of Salt & Pepa's "Push It" when the guy says that this song is for "only the sexy people?" ( youtube.com/watch?v=BCV5… 1:28 min) He's talking about people who eat here. The Best Cambridge has to offer. Seduce your friends & co workers here!
(5)Kristin G.
I can't believe that I had no clue this place existed until this past weekend! My friends and I were out on the town, and a friend of mine got a text from a friend of hers who was in Cuchi Cuchi- so we headed over there. I think we were a bit underdressed (I was wearing jeans and a band t-shirt) but it atmosphere was totally cool. I had one of the best drinks I've ever had in my life- a strawberry-ish drink called "You give me Fever." AMAZING! I also had a watermelon martini, which was really tasty as well and had a slice of real watermelon on the side of the glass. I did not have any food- but will try some next time. I'm soo glad i found this place!!!
(5)Debra C.
Absolutely delicious. The drinks are divine, and the decor is fabulous. My only complaint is that there is a $20/per person food minimum - combined with the drinks ($10-11 each), this can quickly lead to a very expensive evening. Try the cheesecake dessert for an amazing finish!
(4)Shree M.
Oh My God. After writing the first review, things just got sooooo much more hilarious, when I see I have a "private message" from Cuchi Cuchi. Well, not so "private" anymore: Tamara B. has sent you a message on Yelp: thank you for your intelligent review of Cuchi Cuchi "Dear Shree, Cuchi Cuchi welcomes all types of people, even homophobics like yourself. If you bothered to do a little menu research, you'd see that only 6 dishes contain mushrooms and this is because we're a European restaurant where mushrooms are appreciated. You have misinformed the public about the 80% mushroom statistic. Our dishes are priced @ 30% food cost or lower. Have you been to other restaurants to see their prices and smaller portions? We use quality liquor in all our drinks and most are hand-muddled w/fresh fruits/herbs and are priced accordingly. Perhaps you're used to drinks out of a can? I'm not fond of your name either... perhaps you'll change it for us? You seem like another mean-spirited customer who likes to complain about things you don't understand. Again, thanks for publicly humiliating us. Too bad you didn't complain to us in person before you left but that would have taken courage.... Tamara Bourso (co-owner)" So instead of apologizing for a customer's bad experience, this is your behavior? Man, I have to be honest, the restaurant scene in Cambridge gets more and more disappointing. Awesome - you're welcome to try this place out, but I had to share my personal experience because this is just the most ridiculous thing I have gone through on Yelp.
(1)sarah b.
Every time I eat here, it is great! Awesome place for a date, or a night out with the girlfriends. Staff is very friendly, drinks are awesome. I always go with a large group, and am always amazed at how little we spend. I could eat here once a week!
(5)Devendra S.
My wife is a regular at this place and it's no surprise as to why. This burlesque themed restaurant is charming. The decor is unique. The service is fantastic! The food also matches the service. They serve up an international cuisine. The cocktails were off. On this particular day the drink had a lot of lemon which was more bitter than sour. It was inedible. The food portion is tapas style. And I think this let's you try a wide variety of dishes. The food was delicious and the meat well cooked and packed with flavor. The star of the show was the banana bread with ice cream. The weekend has past by and I still remember exactly how each bite felt on the tongue. The cake was moist and warm and perfectly sweet. The ice cream provided the thermal contrast. The portion size for the dessert which initially seemed too large by the end it left us craving for more.
(4)R S.
Awesome ambience, delicious food - one of the best bars and tapas places in the city.
(5)Mike D.
I met a friend here on a Monday night for a drink to celebrate her 29th birthday (again!), and what a cool little spot. The decor was definitely "Cambridge" and a lot of fun! The 1920's costumes and style was great. The waitstaff and barstaff were attentive and friendly. I didn't have any food, but from what I saw (and smelled!) it sure appeared tasty! My martini was "perfect" (which is exactly how I ordered it). I wouldn't say this is a place to go for a night out with "the boys" - nary a television in sight, and no up-to-the-minute scores or highlights, but (on a Monday night at 10:30 pm) it was quiet enough to have a good conversation and not have to yell. I hope I make it back as I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)Cindy A.
Recommend making reservation, otherwise 45 min wait. Had the scallop ceviche, the cuban cigar, and sangria. Were really good! Food is international and the plates are rather small, they recommend two plates per person. Great ambience & good service.
(4)Julia H.
Love love love love this place. I ate way too much, but regret nothing. I came with my family for my older sister's birthday dinner. It was great coming with a lot of people because we ordered so many different kinds of food and I got to try everything. Go with people who like to share in order to truly appreciate this extra fun culinary treat! I got a virgin cocktail with strawberry and basil and it tasted like a melted Popsicle-- in a good way! Reminded me of being a kid again. Next time I go, I will order fewer of the fried things. They were all incredible, but I wish I had gotten a more rounded experience. Favorite items were the fried artichokes, the carbonara, risotto, and the puff pastry thing with brie and bacon. So good. And for dessert, get the banana bread thing. Nothing else should even be contemplated. So incredibly delicious. Yum.
(5)Pearl E.
Super fun atmosphere to enjoy on Mother's Day. Had my first ever Blood Orange Sidecar and cannot wait to have another. Highlight of the meal were the Bliny. Their filling was superb. (would order without the caviar next time) The Gobi Manchurian cauliflower fritters were delicious as were the baby back ribs with apple fritters. Ordered the banana bread dessert because of its many yelp recommendations. It is an immense dessert that can serve four people. To me it seemed like a breakfast entree from Denny's or IHOP. (I would have preferred a different flavor ice cream than banana.) Definitely want to go back for more Bliny and try some of the many other interesting items on the menu.
(5)John H.
I thought this place was awesome. The staff was super friendly. The menu was very unique and had a lot of options. The drink menu was also huge. The space it self was small, but once seated it felt pretty roomy. You can only make reservations for the first seating, if you're going to go after 6 you kind of just need to show up and put your name on the list. I would definitely go back.
(5)coy r.
One of the highest compliments I could ever pay to a restaurant is "I don't care that I got food on my shirt, it is so delectable and tasty, I just don't care! " This is food you will relish and love and the staff is awesome, the bartender is a true mixologist. Live, laugh, eat, love! ! Thank you guys
(5)Yuliana D.
Amazing cocktails!!!! SO amazing! It's hipsterish place. Eclectic decor. Nice music. Great vibe. Great for groups as it has lots of tables. Service is great. But best feature - still - cocktails!
(5)Jenny R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole world!!! I've been here many times but the malt memorable was my first wedding anniversary with my husband. After each delicious small bite (not tapas, they are from more areas that just Spain!!), we giggled into the night. With the delectable small bites, dangerous & delicious drinks as well as the wait staff dressed in fun vintage Spanish Harlem nights fashion it is always a night to remember. Go with an open mind and an empty stomach!
(5)Denise B.
Drinks are devine, the food was great. Three of us shared a number of items, favorites are the fried artichoke hearts, Bracioletta Ripiena, carbonara, gratin Dauphinois. Don't miss this place. Reservations a must.
(5)Jeyashri S.
This place was honestly a unique experience and a must-try for anyone into eclectic vibes and small plate style meals. There is food on the menu from all over the world and there is evidently a lot of thought that goes into the preparation of each and every delicious item. The service was phenomenal and I enjoyed the originality of the atmosphere quite a bit. It is just a diverse dining experience that you can't really put into words until you try it out!
(5)M K.
We had gone on New Year's Eve, it was busy. They serve tapas style continental dishes and the cocktails are amazing. Love the decor, and the 1920s costumes. Good for a special occasion for a girls night out...since it's pricey.
(3)Ali D.
I've always been a huge fan of Cuchi Cuchi. Birthdays, friends visiting, or just a desire for a unique and tasty cocktail? I'd head over for drinks and food. While pricey, the restaurant offers a fun atmosphere, some very delicious small plates, and creative cocktails. However, the service I experienced this past Friday would make me think twice before returning. My friend and I sat at the bar, and we proceeded to order numerous plates. The bartender forgot one of our dishes, but was quick to remedy this when we pointed it out. It took a little while to get someone's attention to order our final dessert item, but that's completely understandable given how labor intensive the drink-making process is and the number of people around the bar. No problem with that. The problem began when, right before our dessert arrived, a different bar tender put a "reserved" sign up right in front of our faces... kind of weird, but OK. She then proceeded to ask if we wanted anything else, so we said no, the check would be great. We ate our dessert, I left my friend with my card, and went to the restroom before leaving. When I got back, I signed the receipt, and we started to gather our stuff and get ready to leave. This is when it went REALLY downhill: The woman comes back over and says "these seats are reserved." I responded, oh, we were the ones that have been sitting here, don't worry, we aren't a new group. She then said "ya, but it's reserved, you can't be here." So I pointed out we had just finished singing the check and were getting ready to leave. She then said, "well it's rude to sit here. you can't just hang out here. we have a birthday coming in or something." At this point, I was completely shocked by such rude service on her part, that I replied, "we are leaving, but not only did we just sign our check, you kind of need to give us time to get up." Her response? "Awww, well this is really awkward, but you know, it's reserved." Her entire attitude was abrupt, condescending, and just plain rude. I was so offended, it almost put a mark on an otherwise very nice night. I've worked in restaurants, and am usually pretty understanding when it comes to services, but this was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'm also very sensitive about turning over tables, and am not one to linger. I often end up spending $75-$100 a person at Cuchi Cuchi, but I'm going to think twice before returning. It's a busy place, but I will no longer be recommending them as enthusiastically as I once did.
(2)Jennifer F.
Not sure what went wrong with our dinner: Was it the ass we brought (he was rude)? Did the kitchen not respond to our order in a timely fashion? Or was it our waitress, who, while delightful, would disappear for some time? Not sure what the problem was but it was a less than successful dinner for 10. Love the atmosphere, love the costumes, love the bar...everything else was less than successful. A bottle of wine ordered took over 20 minutes to get to the table, so long that the group ordered another as soon as it arrived, fearful they might have to go without for a minute (we are that kind of crowd). One of our party received both his plates in short order. The rest of us, not so much. I received my Chicken Kiev before my mussels which had obviously been hanging out under the heat lamp while the Kiev was taking its 30 minutes to get made. A compatriot ordered the chicken kiev without mushrooms...it arrived ten minutes later than mine but still had mushrooms (sigh). Needless to say, we had a less than spectacular evening. I will go back as perhaps it is large parties that confuses them....
(2)Jennifer W.
Decor: different and fun Food: depends on dishes Beef stroganoff: not that flavorful and just okay Duck: very good Tangine chicken: excellent Chocolate dessert: great Server: very friendly and attentive Overall, would like to give it a 3.5...but not a four.
(3)Claire H.
I had the pleasure of dining here with a friend's parents two weeks ago and found myself back there the following week for my boyfriend's birthday celebration. The sizzling garlic shrimp had my mouth watering for the entire week in between the two times I went there. Can't recommend it enough! The second time I was there we ordered the Asian salad because we were looking for something refreshing. Not something I would typically order but I give it two thumbs up! It has a really nice kick to it, spicy but not overpowering. The tuna cornets win for presentation. They are pretty to look at and fun to eat! Definitely too expensive for me to dine here that frequently but I definitely have a new favorite place to dine on special occasions. The decorations are awesome and their website goes into detail about the history of each piece and is worth checking out ( cuchicuchi.cc/aboutcuchi… ). The only critique I can offer is that when I made the reservation for my boyfriend's birthday, I told them his name and that I would like them to bring a candle out when we ordered dessert. They confirmed this with me when confirming my reservation the morning of. However, when they brought out our dessert, they put the candle in front of me and when I corrected them, they asked me his name. Not a big deal but it seemed kind of unprofessional seeing as they had double-checked his name, etc. with me.
(5)Kay W.
Late review-Lived in the Boston area for almost 4 years and visited this place at least once per week, some weeks twice. Drinks are delicious and strong, international savory dishes, great staff and service. Now residing out of state and my search is on to find another Cuchi Cuchi. Don't think i will, so ill just be making trips back to boston for my dose of Cuchi Cuchi. Must haves Cuban Cigar Moroccan Chicken Tagine Duck a l'Orange Crepes Drinks? you just cant go wrong. My favorites: Heat of the night Pendennis Club Shout out to Hunter-hands down the best bartender.
(4)Yash U.
The place is vibrant. Apt for an evening with friends or a romantic date. Great choice of drinks and choice of small plates from all over. Staff was a lot helpful and service was quick. Always enjoyed the small plates from Russia. A bit pricey...but thats what you pay for a good evening.
(4)Shing H.
I really wasn't a fan of the decor, but the food was alright, if a bit overpriced, even for a small-plates place. They made me a pretty solid whiskey smash, and I started with the fried artichoke hearts filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil, which came with an olive-y sauce -- really excellent & packed with flavor. If I'd stopped here, it probably would have been a decent late-night snack. But, I also had the bracioletta -- pork rolls stuffed with pecorino, pancetta, and garlic -- which were extremely salty and tough. Averaging between the two dishes, I decided on three stars, but it probably varies depending on what you order, since it seems the menu is a bit hit-or-miss.
(3)Ryan Y.
Don't come as a single diner. The groups who were seated seemed to have a great time, so please take this review with a grain of salt. I walked in and asked to be seated, and was redirected to a seating area opposite the bar. No problem. I then proceeded to sit there for 10 minutes without any service. Later, the host asked if I look like to order food and was then affirmed that the bar back would come with a place mat and take my order. Another 10 minute wait. Finally I was told that I needed to go to the bar to order, so I got up to order, only to be disappointed again. Multiple people received service before me and out of order. I started feeling silly and completely out of place. I shouldn't have come to dine here at all. No drink order was taken. The steak was cooked well done. No one asked how I was doing. I could go on with the laundry list of reasons why the service was non-existent and rude. In general, I had a terrible experience and couldn't enjoy the food.
(1)D J.
Kicked off 2015 with some notable additions to the cocktail vocabulary thanks to finally making it over to Cuchi Cuchi - and it certainly lived up to the hype and reputation! Nice interiors, teeming with people on a Friday night of course, great selection of cocktails, all mild enough that no unintended mistakes can be attributed to a drink too many :) I was duly entertained by the peach schnapps / champagne combination (LetMeEntertainYou) and moved onto the very fruity, very refreshing Blackberry Cosmo The spicy cocktails are quite intriguing - there was a good deal of jalapeno in a single sip of the HeatOfTheNight! I stuck to my fruity flavors. One drink sums it all perfectly - SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime -- yes! One of the most extensive menus I've seen, with the usual array and more of very creative names and interesting liquor combinations. Prepare to fork up a bit of a fortune but it is a worthwhile inebriation experience.
(4)Ilya F.
I went here for my brother's 21st. Happy Birthday to him! :) The atmosphere of this restaurant is very nice. The wait staff wear 20s costumes which adds to the fun. The soft lighting makes this a perfect place for a romantic date. I was pleased with the Vesper martinis I got. They were of consistent strength and flavor which I think speaks to the professionalism of the bartender. The food ranged from good to mediocre. The tapa - sized dishes were imaginative, but some did not pack the flavor I was expecting. For example the flatbread on the tuna lavash was slightly mealy. This dish was still tasty, but at the price point I wish the lavash was a bit more moist. The best thing I ate during the night was the tuna and avocado cone with a fries lotus root edible garnish. This is a great chaser to the martini by the way, if anyone was looking for a good pairing. Overall, great place for a date, but not ideal for a large dinner as the dishes are rather small. I would come back just for a few more of the Vespers.
(4)Alex A.
Absolutely delicious! Their drinks and food are amazing. The portions are perfect to share, bigger than tapas, so 3-4 would be perfect for a couple. The waitstaff all wear costumes and i'd definitely go back there.
(5)Trina P.
Seriously...this is BY FAR the BEST tapas place I have ever been to...and I been to quite a few...some I still go to when in the area...but I rather make reservations here and go out of my way when possible just to get their food and DRINKS! Their cocktails are amazing, I haven't tried one tapas dish I haven't totally fell in love with and savored every bite. My favs are: -Scallops Provençale (France) - -Sizzling Garlic Shrimp (Spain) -Asian Salad (Cambodia, Thailand) -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon -Fried Artichoke Hearts (Italy) -Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) -Cuban Cigar Cocktail- HeatOfTheNight muddled jalapeño, lemon juice, watermelon juice, citrus vodka, elderflower liqueur Did I mention the atmosphere is totally cool, the waitresses are attentive, nice and just simply awesome!
(5)G K.
Colleague friend took me to this establishment tonight and I loved it. From the 20s "Chicago - the movie" type of atmosphere, to the eclectic choices of global small plates, vintage cocktails, to the super cute staff oufits, I had a great time. I'd come again to try more of the food and the desserts!
(4)Nikhil P.
Nothing short of outstanding. From the drinks, to the decor, to our waitress Ksenia, to the food... One of the best -- yes, the very BEST -- restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. And we've been to a lot of restaurants. What a night. And so much more menu to sample... Amazing. Cuchi cuchi. I want to just say it, and go back, and drink some more, and cuchi cuchi some more!!
(5)Christine J.
4 stars for the decor and idea of dressing up like the Hollywood 20's glam. Tapas, on the other hand, is average. Need improvement. Kudo's for the creativity, fun restaurant concept.
(4)Anna D.
My friend and I celebrated Christmas in this fabulous place. Our experience was just excellent! Great choice of cocktails, yummy avocado stuffed with seafood and the best eclectic atmosphere! Just such a marvelous place to have fun!
(5)Sakshi B.
We came here in a huge group for a friends birthday!. the ambience is really nice, dim lights but casual. The food and drinks are unique and amazing. their service was really good too considering how crowded the restaurant was. The prices are a little steep when it comes to the quantity(which is really less). They really mean it when they say tapas for individuals! But I would definitely visit again.
(4)Noel H.
Amazing ambience, delicious food, friendly and attentive staff and huge selection of cocktails. The perfect date spot or venue to celebrate a special occasion. French banana bread desert nicest desert I've ever had!
(5)Emily W.
The drinks are, for sure, the reason to go to this place. They're delicious, and watching the bartenders muddle/mix all of the fresh ingredients is mouthwatering. The Strawberry Basil cocktail and the Black Dahlia were both SO good-- perfectly balanced and not overly sweet (although definitely sweet enough). The service we received the one time I went, though, was bad enough to knock this place down a few stars. We were a somewhat large group (around 7 people) there at a busy time (on a Thursday evening), so we were prepared to wait, but we ended up waiting for more than an hour because the hostess kept telling us that a table would be ready soon. We waited to go to the bar because it seemed like we were about to be seated imminently at every turn, so we ended up waiting in an awkward hallway between the two seating areas and being in the way. If we had just been told it would take half an hour when we first walked in, we would have just headed to the bar in the fist place! After we were finally seated, our servers were friendly (and their getups were cool, I guess?) but definitely overwhelmed. It took a while to receive our food, which was fine-- we split desserts and breads and got our own small plates as entrees, which seemed like a good way to do it. I loved my baby back ribs and apple fritters-- definitely enough food to fill me up with the drinks and other shared portions! The bread was just burnt white bread, and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza was nothing to write home about (soggy and cloyingly sweet). Also, the prices are a little outrageous for what you get. Overall, next time, I'd probably just head straight for the bar and skip the wait and the overpriced food.
(3)tammy l.
Good service and good choice of food. The pricing is a bit high for the portion of the food.
(4)Darrin N.
This place is such a gem! Amazing dishes. Ordered about 10-12 dishes for the four of us for mom's day. Love the decor & the cheery waitress we had. Definitely order the banana dessert! It's big so we were able to split between 4. Will be returning soon!
(5)Lea V.
Lovely food, lovely atmosphere. Everything we got ranged from good to excellent. Highlights: the chicken liver mousse and the incredible banana bread dessert. Also get a cocktail from the very interesting long list. I recommend HeatOfTheNight: the combination of jalapeños and elderflower liqueur give it a very distinctive flavor.
(5)Iris Z.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi now 3 times in the last month, which is saying a lot since I live 1.5 hours away. I don't care much for the food since each plate is quite small and gets expensive very fast but I think the cocktails are to die for. They are super delicious and unlike the cocktails of many other places around Kendell, they are super strong. Last night, I tried the Once Upon a Time in Mexico, which was spicy, sweet and minty and mind boggling good. I agree with other reviewers in that the service is indeed slow. I don't usually mind waiting since the ambiance and music are enjoyable, but sometimes it does take 10 min just to get the check. However, everyone is friendly and the maitre d' even remembered my name and the last time I came! I take all my fancy friends to Cuchi Cuchi now to impress them.
(5)Adeline H.
It is a bit expensive but the food is worth it. The service has always been friendly, and I have never gotten a sour or curt waitress. Sadly there is only street parking, but we always find a spot so not too bad. Ive come here mulitiple times, and I definitely recommend this place to anyone. Its a nice spot for a dinner date and coming with friends. First off, I love ordering the Blue Hawaii from Cucchi one of the best ever. The mai tai is great as well. These are two safe choices. The other drinks on their inventive menu are nice but most of the time too strong for me. Now the food is my favorite! I always order the mushroom truffle risotto (best I ever had,) a scallop cerviche shot (the salmon skin chip is awesome,) the duck la orange crepes, fried cauliflower, grilled skirt steak, and the brie en croute was surprisingly to die for so delectable. The reason for 4 stars is simply because you cant like everything on a menu. The cuban cigar, seafood avocado, indian lamb, and the scallops provencale were okay, but it is worth trying everything on the menu to see if you like it. Since I was surprised I liked the brie en croute as much as I did. Ive only had the banana bananza for desert it is good but way too much for two people. Unless youre the type that requires loads and loads to get full tapas or Cucchi probably isnt for you. I definitely recommend this place for the food!
(4)Erin M.
Love this place! This is my favorite place to come for a nice dinner and drinks, the cuban cigar is the best thing on the menu , risotto is amazing too! Everything pretty much is mouth watering! They also have a themed dress code that is very cool vibe.
(5)Susan L.
Cuchi Cuchi is...Coool! The ambience of early Hollywood glamour sets the stage for a fun evening. The cocktail list is even fun to read. Being a gin and tonic fan, I had a "Gin Before Breakfast" that had elderflower liqueur and a touch of champagne in addition to the gin with some muddled kiwi. So good I had two. From the menu we ordered Chicken Liver Pate, Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower fritters), Scallops Provencale, and Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in pastry in the shape of a cigar). All were delicious. For my friend's birthday, the costumed staff brought a candelabra, and a hat and boa for her to wear while the whole place sang Happy Birthday! What a kick. For dessert we shared a Tirami-su--just enough dessert to send us happily on our way. I'd definitely return--great place for a celebration. Valet parking available and definitely needed. Only downside--very noisy where we were sitting.
(5)LaiGuen F.
My boyfriend's birthday was coming up. I wanted to host a fun dinner for him and a few close friends. Being in Cali, I had no idea where in Boston to find a restaurant that's fun and a bit 'different'. I immediately went to Yelp and found Cuchi Cuchi. I read through all the reviews, came up with a menu and emailed manager Elena. Elena responded quickly with her suggestions, she was super helpful and patient in answering all my questions and helping me plan out the evening! Once our party arrived, Elena greeted us! Our server was extremely knowledgeable on all the cocktails, she made excellent recommendations! The food and drinks were excellent! The atmosphere and staff were amazing! My personal favorites are the potato croquets, caspian heaven, tuna lavash, and mushroom risotto! I will definitely come back next time I'm in Boston! Thanks so much, Cuchi team, for making it such a memorable birthday celebration for my boyfriend, his friends, and I!!
(5)Elica Y.
Great restaurant in Boston! The ambiance is great. The restaurant itself is a roaring 20's theme, which makes this place even more adorable. All of the employees are dressed up and play their roles so perfectly. I definitely have to give them some recognition for serving great food while staying in character. Anyways, everything we ordered here was phenomenal. I love the fact that this is a tapas place because you are able to order as many dishes as you like without feeling overly full. We ordered: Mushroom Risotto - SO GOOD! Very decadent and delicious Brie en Croute - My absolute favorite dish of the night. The brie is baked and comes out nice and warm and is served with apples and an onion/garlic jam. This dish has so many layers of flavor and all of the ingredients compliment each other well. You must order this if you ever come here! I insist. Baby Back Ribs with Apple Fritters- Another amazing dish! The apple fritters were a nice surprise but tied the dish all together Beef Stroganoff - Pretty good but more on the heavy side Tuna Tartare - My least favorite dish of the night. The shell that the tuna tartare is served in is rather squishy. This dish gets rather tiring to eat and can be difficult to finish the entire dish. My friends and I were arguing about who has to finish the last tuna tartare cone.
(4)Annie K.
I really liked the ambience, decor, and overall theme of the restaurant. With the menus, costumes, and music, the restaurant did a great job of setting the stage for a unique dining experience. Unfortunately, I think that it fell short when it came to the food and drink. I had the "some like it hot" drink (jalapeño and tequila) that was hot without any flavor, the mussels were too salty, and the beet salad had an unusual and unpleasant spice. Not to mention, they charged
(3)Maha H.
I absolutely loved this place...decor was very Moulin Rouge I thought I had gone back to Paris. It is very eclectic and I loved that about it...wide range of things to try and all were delicious. I appreciated that they had a wide range of virgin cocktails (mocktails) as most places don't! The waiter was very friendly and the food is served in a very well presented manner. My eyes and taste buds were satisfied on this visit. I will definitely be coming back to this place and I still crave their Tartufo dessert...that has to be the best Tartufo I have ever had! Cuchi Cuchi you should consider a branch in downtown Boston, it is a shame you are such a hidden gem!!!
(5)Rachel M.
Rarely do you find a place that is able to serve a variety of different foods and do it this incredibly well. Both the food and drinks had outstanding flavor with an extreme attention to detail brought by the mixologist and chef. Not to mention the fun and unique atmosphere that's unlike anywhere else. A must eat if you've got friends and family coming to Boston!
(5)Jacqueline D.
I came here after work during the week and was very pleased with my decision. Parking was a hassle but I think it was more from the snow than availability of spaces. There was no wait and we were seated promptly in the quirky and eclectically decorated dining area. The server, dressed in attired that fit the restaurant flare ( think flapper dress and pearls) was the best ! She was very prompt but also did not rush us through our meal. The menu has dishes influenced by countries around the world and the descriptions fit the meal perfectly. We got the mussels, the eggplant and the dumpling-Ish sliders ! A++ on everything, and I left the meal feeling full. I would definitely come here again and would be curious to see it on the weekends!
(4)Jen W.
If you only have time to go out to 1 restaurant in Cambridge, Cuchi Cuchi should be your 1st choice. This place was AWESOME! Everything from the food to the presentation, to the atmosphere, to the drinks, and the service. TOP NOTCH. THis place has done it RIGHT. You will not be disappointed - Amazing food (& Dessert - you have to get the BANANA BREAD EXTRAVAGANZA!) and an amazing time.
(5)Lulu T.
Do you like a creative decor? Do you like a unique menu - one w/foods you actually eat? Do you like the European feel? Do you like great wait staff? Do you like vintage? Do you like funky? Do you like a cozy hip? Do you like terrific background music? Then THIS is your place. Hands down this place is a huge favorite. Been here countless times and never been disappointed. Fun yummy and best ambiance to boot.
(5)Misty S.
I really love the atmosphere, food and drinks at Cuchi Cuchi. Service is stellar. Their cocktail list is amazing- this is THE place to go if you want a delicious classic or creative cocktail. My only complaint is the hit that my wallet takes whenever we go there. Drinks are typically between $10-13. Small plates run between $10-20 and desserts between $10-15. Last time I went we had dessert, a small plate and a few drinks and my husband and I spent over $250. Can't go there all the time, but really do enjoy it every time we go!
(4)Laura B.
tasty food and even better drinks, with great ambiance. Only things that would make it better would be if they took table reservations after 6 pm and the prices were a smidge lower.
(4)Jiyea C.
I love this place. I'm saving the 5th star because I'm planning to come here again in the next month or so, and I think my first time here wasn't my best experience (not because of anything to do with the venue, more the company) Drinks are STRONG. Even the girly-looking ones that are fruity and look pretty. Price point is kind of high for anything other than an occasion, but sometimes, a girls night out is an occasion enough!
(4)Rebekah C.
I have been to Cuchi Cuchi twice and I am torn because there are some really cool things about this spot, but it honestly it hasn't made me a real fan yet. I GIVE IT 3.5 STARS. Atmosphere: 4 stars Cuchi Cuchi offers a unique atmosphere in decor and wait staff. I love that the staff dresses up. I was a little disappointed that they didn't seem all that into it and the mood on both nights just didn't match the stage that had been set so well on all other levels. Service: 4 stars The waitresses I have had were both pleasant, made recommendations and followed up appropriately Drinks: 4 stars okay so you have to appreciate muddled drinks, but if you do this place has some great ones. The variety, creativity and taste are spot on. If this were a solely a bar it would have me won over. Food: 3 stars I love small plate menus, as I am a big sharer when it comes to food. I was so excited to find some unique sounding dishes that promised a robust variety of flavors. However I feel like most of the dishes I tried just fell flat and failed to deliver on their potential. - I did really enjoy the beet and cheese salad. - Gobi . . . cauliflower - had potential, but it was mushy/overcooked - Tuna was not seasoned well at all - Marinated mushrooms - way to much marinated that wasn't very tasty - Moroccan chicken - dry chicken and I think I missed the Moroccan flavor - Skirt steak - over cooked - Cuban cigar - okay so this may just be a personal preference, but there was build up about how good it was and maybe this is just not my favorite flavors - Thai mussels- smelled good, but really didn't have much flavor and kind of chewy
(3)Julia D.
Unique place with fun decor. Service was friendly. Food was just OK. I was expecting a little more after all they hype. We ordered: Seafood stuffed avocado: Meh... for $18 it was a small serving of ceviche. Not very exciting at all. Caspian Heaven: Best dish we got but nothing remarkable. The sauce was extremely over powering. Ended up dipping our unexciting sea food into it from the previous dish. Tsukune (Japan): Meatballs with little flavor on top of mushrooms with some sauce. Again the flavors were lacking. For all the hype and the price tag, I was really hoping for something special but this missed the mark. Def not in the top restaurants in Boston.
(3)Ashley C.
Great tapas defin a gem of Cambridge. Wait is never to long and have great drinks staff super friendly
(5)Anna Sofia B.
AMAZING! Consider yourselves lucky that Lady Laura makes your drinks. The food was delicious, the ambience is unique and I loved all of the servers outfits. More than a meal-an experience!
(5)M. M.
Loved the drinks. Too bad the kitchen was closed when we got there. Good ambiance and Moroccan/Egyptian playlist on Thurs night.
(4)Michael C.
On a Friday or Saturday evening there is often a long wait and they do not take reservations. One tip I can offer you is that is you tell the bartender you want to eat a meal at the bar they will give the seat to you before a drinker by placing a reserved sign over the newly emptied seats. The real draw of this place is the bar and their extensive eclectic cocktail list, I got a drink that was muddled strawberries with basil and vodka, it was very good. I was most impressed by the crowd that goes here, it made for some great people watching. The decor is also very cool most of the staff is dressed in extravagant clothing from the early 1900's. What holds this place back a little bit is their food. While not short on creativity there were some great dishes and others that just didn't work as well. That shouldn't steer you away, the food is still better than most places. Here is what I had: Bread Basket - You have to pay a few bucks for it but the bread is great, comes out warm and has olive oil for dipping Seafood Avocado - One of the highlights. It is basically a cerviche served inside a hollowed perfectly ripe avocado with a side of lobster tail. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - Pretty much what the title says. The shrimp themselves were on the smaller side. This actually also makes a great dipping sauce for your bread Cuban Cigar - Short rib inside a filo dough roll. It does strangely resemble a cigar. It is served with a bean salad. It was good but wasn't crazy about the spices they use on the short rib. Thai Mussels - Not a fan of these. I believe it was the overdose of basil in the broth that was the turn off.
(4)Ari P.
I chose Cuchi Cuchi very capriciously to begin the celebration of my birthday week. After hearing the opinions of a few of my co-workers about this place, I'm glad I did not do the usual Gallup before choosing a restaurant. I thought the name was cute and a little silly, and then I got there and realized it's exactly as much of a double-entendre as I could have hoped. Loved the interior, it lived up to the post-Prohibition vibe, and the bartenders dresses made it seem almost like a holiday in Havana. I started with a Negroni cocktail which was pleasantly strong, even with club soda. Then moved onto the deep fried tomato which was excellent and artfully presented. However, the Brie en Croûte stole the show with the decadent pairing of sauteed onions with apple and walnuts. The meal came to a head with the Caspian Heaven, which was delicious, but the potatoes were not well integrated into the dish, almost pushed into the corner. They say it best on the back of the menu, "And darlings, have a memorable night." Oh I did. I did.
(5)Brittany T.
Cuchi Cuchi was amazing! Make sure you make a reservation as it gets packed. It is great for small or large parties. Be prepared to spend at least $50 per person. The cocktails are amazing as was everything we ate. The staff was lovely and really helpful! I would go back in a heart beat!
(4)Travis G.
First off, the ambiance is very interesting here. The hostesses and the rest of the staff is dressed in 1920s clothes which is very cute and interesting. The bar is usually bustling but we had reserved ahead for a table. Food portions are smaller and pricey so you will be paying more if you want to get full. However, food quality is just exceptional and the dishes are very unique. The drinks are amazing. The favs are tuna tartare, mushroom risotto, scallops, seafood avocado, baby back ribs, brie en croute: all impeccable. Now I feel like I need to go back for more!
(4)Guillermo M.
The quality of the food and the drinks is top top top. That, together with the concept, the decor, the service makes it one of the best restaurants in Boston. It also demonstrates that a restaurant doesn't have to be formal, have prix fixe menus or be crazy expensive to make a great experience. I loved the fact that every single tapa we ordered was excellent and was a detailed and unique concept with multiple flavors and nuances. It has been a long time since we don't go to a restaurant where 100% of what you order is top notch. We got the fried artichoke hearts, the potato croquettes, the caspian heaven, and the cuban cigar. All delicious. For drinks this is also a great place, with nice old style cocktails. Would love to come back and try more tapas and their desserts.
(5)Hrishikesh H.
Experience - Cuchi Cuchi's ambiance really stands out from the other restaurants. The decor, waitresses' costumes are unique. It is a great place to hang out with friends. Service - our waitress was very friendly. Checked on us from time to time. Food came out relatively quickly in about 10 - 15 mins. But they were very slow with the drinks order. Food - I don't go to expensive restaurants often. The restaurant has $$$ but because they have small plates we could even say it is $$$$. I expect at such place everything should be extraordinary. And most of the entrées were extraordinary. We were six of us so had ordered a variety of food to share. For me the Tagine was the best among all the entrées I had that evening. We liked fried artichokes so much that we ordered it again. Roasted eggplant well done as well. Gobi manchurian could have been more flavorful especially the batter in which it was fried. The manchurian sauce was tasty though. Another item that was below par was the sangria. It was just red wine with some fruits floating in it. The fruit flavor was not infused in the wine. Overall it was a good experience. Like the idea of small menu with food from around the globe.
(4)Georgina C.
I love Cuchi Cuchi, from the amazing decor (a fusion of ornate Spanish, Mexican et al pieces/artwork.) Fresh mottled fruit garnishes the depths of your drink, a beaded divider provides separation within the three rooms and the bursts of color everywhere you turn is beautiful, not overwhelming. There was even authentic Arabic music playing the last time I visited. Though I have only popped in for drinks I would without a doubt dine should the opportunity arise.
(5)Jenn H.
One of my favorite spots in (greater) Boston, hands down. Strrrrong cocktails and such a long list of options too! The food is amazing - everything from the risotto to the seafood avocado to the oooh-so-delicious baby back ribs. The sizzling shrimp and chicken dishes here are also good. Don't skip on the desserts either - great coffees and tiramisu. I also love the service and the great atmosphere. I frequent this place, especially since it's so close to where I work. I am never disappointed!
(5)Mia B.
Can't say enough great things about this place! Incredible food, cocktails, and service! Our server last night, Laura, completely made the experience for our celebratory group of four!! Nothing like corsets and cocktails!!! Thanks Cuchi Cuchi from the table of four - dressed to the nines - seated at the chaise lounge & bench! Much much love for this place!!
(5)Julia L.
We walked in and I was immediately impressed by the costumes the waitresses were wearing. They looked like they were workers at a speakeasy in the 20s. The ambiance was very 20s-ish too (look at that mannequin in the corner!) I noticed a ton of big groups celebrating birthdays were in attendance this night and the group of servers would surround the table and sing their version of Happy Birthday. This restaurant is known for their international cuisine served in small portions (do not call 'em tapas!). I think ever since the show Sex and the City hit cable tv, the cosmopolitan became the "it" drink. All the cool girls were drinking one. when I saw it on this menu, I was drawn to the unique ingredient of blackberry which I have never seen before in my cosmopolitans. This cocktail is aptly named....it tasted just like strawberries and basil. A very creative combination, I've never thought of it before. But it works! This is one of their most popular signature drinks. We got an order of savory cornets with tuna tartare and avocado mousse. A cornet is actually an instrument, shaped like a horn. This savory cornet was crispy and flavorful. The avocado mousse was so light and filling. A very delicious dish. The cuban cigar was beef short ribs wrapped in pastry dough served w black bean salsa. This dish was awesome! The pastry dough was a nice contrasting consistency from the juicy beef short ribs. I liked the lightness and slight acidity of the black bean salsa. This Argentinian grilled skirt steak served gaucho style w a chimichurri sauce. The chimichurri sauce is a classic thick parsley, garlic and herb sauce. This dish was sadly my least favorite, the steak was just too hard for me to chew. The sauce was good though. The Italian Bracioletta Ripiena de Maiale was grilled pork rolls stuffed with pecorino cheese, pancetta and garlic. This dish was amazing! The pancetta and pecorino gave the dish a delicious savory/salty flavor. Add cheese to garlic and I am sold! This dessert is called the French banana bread extravaganza. It was grilled bread, topped with caramelized banana served with whipping cream and caramel syrup. This dessert was really good. The description didn't sound that appealing, but it was amazing! This Russian dish was a thin pancake filled with a mushroom filling and topped with sour cream and caviar. This was delicious! Maybe because I am partial to mushroom flavors.
(5)Brice C.
This place was great. Good food and a fun, romantic atmosphere. The waitresses were all dressed in 1920's costumes, most that resembled show girl outfits. The decor matches, and casts a great mood on the place. The custom cocktails were excellent. I tried the VoodooYouDo with vodka, which reminded me a bit of a mojito, but better. I also tried the Strawberry Basil one, which was sweeter, and also good. The food was great, too. The mushroom risotto was really amazing, and the banana bread for dessert was out of this world.
(5)Vanessa P.
Totally excellent. We came here kind of by chance - wasn't much else in the area, and the reviews were good - and we had our socks knocked off and our hair blown back. Lovely cocktails, really well made, and absolutely outstanding food. The tuna tartare served in a savory cornet - YES. The Asian salad was fantastic. The lamb, the tom kha soup.... I could go on and on but then I would cry, because I live 2000 miles from this place. The Gobi cauliflower was better than any cauliflower ever has a right to be. Just fantastic all the way around. Excellent and friendly service by Vadim. You guys gotta check this out, it's wicked good (that's the best Boston I got for ya).
(5)Adam A.
Heavy and gimmicky. That appears to be the prevailing philosophy of Cuchi Cuchi from the decor, to the staff, to the food. Why does my waitress really need to be dressed up in what appears to be a 1920s peacock costume? Why does my tuna tartare really need to come in three "cornets" that look like glorified ice cream cones? For that matter, why do they really need to be called "cornets" anyway? And does guacamole really need to be called "avacado mousse"? Does that really make it taste any different? After eating my meal here, I had many questions that remain unanswered. Don't get me wrong. There can be something fanciful and wonderful about food gimmicks. But there's something very tiresome about those tricks when used on food, like Cuchi Cuchi's, that tends to be heavy and dull. Nothing was bad, but dishes tended to be one-dimensional. Take the fried artichoke hearts stuffed with gorgonzola. The frying and strong molten cheese just overwhelm whatever else might be in that dish. The menu is diverse enough that I'm sure there is some good stuff in there, but definitely hit or miss. And that atmosphere is just way to heavy-handed to enjoy.
(3)Tasty Bee Review S.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great fun restaurant, visited it at least 5 times. Everything was great about it all the time. The only downside is that it gets So loud..
(5)Richard A.
I wanted to like this place because the menu was really interesting, but we had slow service and the dishes were hit and miss, with some dishes feeling like experiments by a bored singleton playing with food at home. When the food was good, it was REALLY good. Avocado and seafood was perfectly prepared. When it was bad, we felt cheated by the price. Sushi Tuna in (burnt) tortilla wraps and (soggy) lettuce is inspired but in reality a bit gross. Generally, each dish had something a bit wrong with it, which isn't quite the feeling you want from a place like this. The kitsch vintage look is interesting if you've not seen a place like this before, but there are many places that do it better and with more style. It feels like someone won the lottery and bought a load of 'vintage' stuff than someone carefully curating a space over years. The staff also looked more like pantomime characters than stylist. The wine was great, and the cocktails looked outstanding. There's a lot to like about this place but for the price and the high-class style I think it falls quite short.
(3)Ribblet N.
Very good. Was a party of 10 or more... Ordered everything they had, tried to eat it all. There was a cheese that blew out my taste buds. Excellent place, good service. No complaints.
(5)Karina S.
This is a real gem in Boston. Fantastic ambiance with an eclectic menu featuring a smattering of the finest dishes from around the globe. My fav dishes: Seafood Avacado and Cuban Cigar; however there are a range of other dishes my friends rave about What you've gotta go there for are the cocktails which are phenomenal. They really know how to blend a variety of flavors to give a you a drink that not only soudns interesting but tantalizes the senses. Moulin Rouge, Black Dahlia and Huchi Coochi are my favs.
(5)Marko C.
"Come See Us For 2 Kisses And A Hug" - that is what the two owners, Tamara and Fernanda promise you if you come to Cuchi Cuchi for a meal. You would be GLAD that you did! You walk into the restaurant and you are greeted by employees who are dressed in 1940's & 1950's outfits. The women are wearing can-can dresses with lace hats. The guys are dressed wearing Spanish inspired costumes (and they kinda forget to button their shirts, so they look like they are on dancing with the stars!). FUN!!!!! Everyone working here is super friendly and the service is outstanding! This is a tapas-inspired place that highlights globally focused food (Asia, Latin America, France, Germany, Russian, etc). yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Out server, Sebastian, was OUSTANDING!!!! He knew his drinks and food. He was professional in every facet! We asked for his assistance with ordering tonight. yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Drink #1: We ordered the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé (California) bubbling wine. It was sparkling wine with a tint of pink. Small bubbles (you know what this means if you know your drinks) and full of flavor! WOW! Grade: A- yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Drink #2: We each ordered the Tukulo Pinot Noir. OUTSTANDING. This red was super dark red-brown in color with full body fruit flavors that hit the back of the tongue. Grade: A-. Appetizer #1: White asparagus gaspacho ($9) served in a martini glass and garnished with a rim of basil and three cucumbers. Made with almonds. I almost melted in my seat with the first bite! OUTSTANDING! Grade: A+ yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Appetizer #2: Scallops Provençale (France) - ($11) seared; w/herb & mushroom suffing on the half shell. Four delicious scallops cooked to perfection. Seared on the outside and tender raw on the inside. WOW! Grade: B+/A yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Appetizer #3: Thai Mussels ($15) - about 20 mussels arranged beautifully in a bowl and topped with fried long-rice and carrots. The sauce was a very strong Thai green curry combination which made this dish delicious! Grade: B+ yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… My colleague ordered these three dishes and enjoyed his dishes (see pictures). I didn't try them, but thought I'd offer up the pictures so you can see how well the food is prepared. Appetizer #4: Garlic Shrimp ($10) - a Spanish inspired dish in a terra-cotta plate. The dish is complete with chunks of garlic, olives, and dried chilis. yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Appetizer #5: Asian Salad ($9) - a mix of wonbok cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and sesame seeds with a nice vinegarette dressing. yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… Appetizer #6: Gobi Manchurian ($11) - (Indo-Chinese) Crispy cauliflower fritters w/tangy, spicy sauce. yelp.com/biz_photos/C7FK… This place is LOUD and full of energy. The wait staff is outstanding and super friendly. I especially loved it when we were leaving and Tamara, one of the owners, thanked us for coming in and gave us huge hugs. THAT is class! Food Grade: A- Service Grade: A! (Give Sebastian a raise!) Worth the Money Grade: A- Overall Impression Grade: A-
(5)Shar A.
AMAZING food. I call this place "international tapas" since you can get any countries main dish in a tapas format and with a unique twist. They just do it better! We tried a ton of dishes: -Caspian Heaven: Roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce -Duck a l'Orange Crepes -Moroccan Chicken Tagine -Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) -Mexican Deep-fried Tomato -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon ALL AMAZING. Drinks are very unique and service too. Hard to get a table and no reservations. Staff dresses like 20's prohibition, which makes for a great ambiance.
(5)Shannon H.
I have been here three times now. I'm still not a fan of it enough that I'd go out of my way to go. If friends are going I'm happy to tag along (& split a tab for food). Otherwise I doubt I'd go at all. The food is good, but not good enough for the prices. The drinks are made with all fresh ingredients, which is nice. But, I don't drink often enough to spend this kind of money for that sort of thing normally when I do. In going with several friends each time and splitting many of the tapas plates I've tried at least half of the food on the menu. The three things I really like are the Fried Artichoke Hearts, the Mushroom Risotto, and the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp. The rest I can eat somewhere else better & cheaper.
(3)Douglas P.
This is a fun place for dinner and drinks with friends. The wait staff all where vintage clothes, and are super friendly. The menu has a huge selection of vintage and novel cocktails (which I think is the main draw of this place). The menu is mezze/tapas style (i.e., a bunch of small palates for sharing). Everything is tasty, and you can ask for cocktail recommendations. There's a seriously fun vibe to the place. Downsides: a little loud. This place is going to make it hard to have cross-table conversations. You're going to be restricted to talking to people sitting close to you. This is maybe not a great place for big groups.
(4)Valeska A.
love this place :) has amazing drinks!! the moulin rouge is my favorite cocktail there! i've had a cauliflower app that was also ssosoooo yummy. kind of expensive though- was like $12-14 for a super small dish! but worth it! DEFF NEED TO GO BACK THERE SOON!
(5)Cara W.
I have heard great things about Cuchi Cuchi for years, but was always hesitant to try it over Dali, its Spanish tapas sister-restaurant. I was wrong. The cocktails were inventive, diverse, and incredible. The plates are small, the two of us easily ate 6 dishes: Savory Cornets with tuna and avocado, caspian heaven, gobi manchurian, mushroom risotto, fried artichoke hearts, and seafood-filled avocado. The only one I wasn't blown away by was the Caspian Heaven, the fried oysters were good, but the dish wasn't coming together for me. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Chryssandra B.
While the service, decor and cocktail menu were pretty great, the food was subpar. We ordered the scallops Provençal, the tuna lavash, the chicken balls, the bracciola, and the seafood stuffed avocado. Each item sounded great but the execution was off and most items were bland. Probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Lachlan T.
best resturant in the boston area.
(5)Chandra V.
The 3 stars are for the ambience and the drinks. The drinks are amazing. Ambience is so different and classy.. They lose 2 stars for the food, it was mediocre at best. The service was absolutely rude. The hostess was really really good but our waitress was rude and unhelpful. It was almost like we had to waive her down to get attention everytime. I expected more!
(3)Ngan T.
Haven't you read the reviews?? GO! This place admittedly gets packed but the experience is worth the wait. I'm going to use a new term that no one here has yet used to describe this place--quirky. haha. It really is. Very unique knick knacks along the walls and the themed outfits the waitstaff wears. Food: absolutely outstanding. We started out with a couple of small plates and ended up ordering the other half of the menu when we were done. Admittedly most people will probably have better self control--in which case, I'd recommend the chicken pate and the fruits de mer. Outstanding Service: I'm taking a star off for service. Our waitress was very rushy about things and hard to find her when we needed her. My second drink had to wait until we placed a second order. Ambiance: This place gets loud! The bar, the surrounding people...very lively atmosphere. Not so great for all first dates but if you guys are adventurous and wanna step off the beaten path a little--come here.
(4)Angelina E.
I was in town for work last week and this was recommended to me and my co-workers. Since there were 8 of us, we decided to order about 12 different dishes a split them Tapas style. EVERYTHING was amazing. The "spanish cigar" was to die for. The seafood was fresh and tasty. The perfect amount of spices making the food extremely flavorful. The staff was also fantastic. They accommodated our group and make great suggestions. The decor is pretty neat too. I recommend checking this place out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Amanda H.
Fun environment with amazing sharing dishes. I must say I think this is one of the best in Boston.. great food, fun atmosphere. Recommend the Cuban Cigar, the ribs and the brie. Everything I had here was phenomenal! Highly recommend getting a couple of friends and being adventurous with your food! My friends had some pretty cool drinks so great place for a celebration and a delightful evening!
(5)Maria B.
This place was absolutely amazing- everything from the atmosphere, to the drinks, to the food was totally awesome. Atmosphere- chic, unique, fun, romantic. Drinks- unique, delicious, fun, strong! Food- amazingggg! Top favorites included the Russian Bliniy, Cuban Cigar, Scallops, and Tuna Cones. Would love to come back and try everything else!
(5)Luke L.
By far one of the best experiences i have had at any restaurant in the Boston area in quite a long time. The ambiance is fantastic!! 20's themed decor as well as staff that enjoy dressing up in clothing that has a style to match the decor. My waitress Olivia was the absolute best! Intelligent, helpful, funny, upbeat, on task, consistent and easily earned my continued business. I would return just for her service if the food wasn't spectacular
(5)Yasa E.
Very cute place! A little crammed and cold. The concept and decor has been the same for years, the flapper/international feel... I feel like the place needs a facelift. The food is good overall. Tuna tartare is amazing but insanely overpriced. Baked Brie was one of my faves. The honey and green apples had such a nice contrast and the gooey Brie was delish! Stroganoff was ok. I'm russian so I had high hopes, but it ain't as good as my mama makes it. Steak and chimichurri was yummy and cooked to the right temp. Garlic shrimp was pretty standard, nothing different than other tapas restaurants. Bread was good. Chicken Kiev was actually very good! Stuffed with mushrooms (not the traditional seasoned butter) and perfectly crispy on the outside it is one of the biggest portions on the menu and in my opinion, one of the best. The service was spectacular. We had a russian waitress who was a total sweetheart. Very attentive and quick. Overall, nice place, will definitely come back again, just not with a huge party like last time.
(4)Lauretta L.
5 stars for the festive environment, 5 stars for the service, 3.5 stars for the drinks...and the food ranges from 1 to 5 stars. All in all, I'd say that's 3 stars... I've been wanting to try Cuchi Cuchi for a long time because after Yelp stalking their pictures, I thought the place was quite unique. I was happily indecisive while trying to decide what cocktail to start with. Cuchi Cuchi has a ridiculous amount of concoctions to try, although I do think they could be more creative. A lot of them were just different types of muddled fruits with flavored vodka and champagne. How about some crazier ingredients...I don't know, like jack fruit? Honeycomb? Just something more exciting! I tried the Moulin Rouge because it had lemongrass, but couldn't taste it. Perhaps it just enhances the other flavors? It was still good overall. The Black Dahlia was a bit bland and diluted (in terms of flavor), but still a refreshing summer drink. As for the food - hit or miss. The Caspian Heaven is still etched in my tongue's memory. Creamy and luxurious champagne creme fraiche, salty salmon roe, hearty yet refreshing fried oysters and thin crispy slices of fingerling potatoes. Next time I'm ordering two of these, just for myself. My only gripe is that the portion is so effing small. Only 2 thin slices of a fingerling potatoe? Come on! At least give me a whole potato...which would maybe be 4 slices. The filling for the Fried Artichoke Hearts should have been mixed better. Some bites were bland, some bites were much too salty and some were balanced. It came with 3 pieces, about the size of a golf ball. It was okay, nothing that special. Do NOT get the Chimichurri Steak. It's horrible. The WORST steak I've ever eaten at a restaurant. We requested medium rare and it arrived dry and tough. It comes in tiny pre-sliced pieces and I had to chew for quite a long time until I could swallow it. I wanted to send it back but my bf is much too nice to do that. Plus, it's a waste of food. For $17, this was far from worth it, since you basically get a tiny portion of crappy steak. Other than the actual meat, the chimichurri sauce and thinly sliced red onions was delicious together. So all in all, this is a great go to place to get a few cocktails and appetizers. Don't expect to get full here unless you want to blow lots of money.
(3)Jessica S.
I have been wanting to come to this place for years and was a bit disappointed by my visit. We had dinner here this weekend. I got the steak with chimichurri sauce and garlic shrimp. My friend had a salad and potato croquettes. The shrimp and the croquettes were good. My friend liked the dressing on her salad but did not find it to be worth the price and it included some ingredients that were not listed on the menu. When people are not sharing plates, they should both be getting at least one at the same time. The waiter brought my friends croquettes while I waited for my steak. It took a long time. When I got my very small steak he said it was medium rare, which is not what I ordered, and it had red onions all around the plate. I hate red onion and it was not in the description. I had to send it back with him to get it cooked right, more waiting, in an almost empty restaurant. What I got back was a now cold steak, odd since it was supposed to be just off the grill. I gave up and just ate it so we could get out of there. The flavor was good but it was in no way worth $17. $10 tops. To spend $30 and still be hungry when you leave somewhere is a bit ridiculous. The menu says their small plates are bigger than normal tapas, no they definitely are not and they know that. Small plates does not mean overpriced plates that are not worth the price. The bar area was very nice but some of the other décor needs some work. The middle part of the room where there is a cheap looking light colored wood attached to clear blocks not only did not match each other but did not match the rest of the room. It was mismatched and cheap looking. I expected more of the décor from what I saw online. At least paint the wood white and the blocks just don't belong. The stuff on the walls was ok. Costumes are cute. Our waiter was nice, though my friend had an odd experience with one of the staff. There was a snow storm this weekend and they asked that people try to get some of the snow off at the door. Ok so we do that and we sit down and apparently some of the snow had fallen off of my friends pants. One of the women comes over to my friend and tells her that now they have to mop because of this. Um ok. My friend says sorry, and the woman was like its fine we are just letting you know so you can be careful. The snow fell off near the door and nowhere near our table so the reason for her doing that was clear. My friend found it odd and very rude to have a staff member go to a customers table to guilt them over snow on the floor Overall it was disappointing and I would not go out of my way to go back. It was definitely not what we expected.
(2)Emily W.
The atmosphere is somewhat pleasant, And the drink list is extensive, but the drinks are so weak! And overpriced! Literally I felt like I was drinking juicy juice. My friend ordered the same drink as I did and his was strong but my drink didn't taste alcoholic at all! This is not the place to come for consistency.
(2)Ariana Z.
I was kind of stuck between 3 and 4, but I settled with 4 because the place was truly great. The only problem I had was the prices and how little food you get. I got the zucchini with queso , but it turned out to be 3-4 measly slices of zucchini topped with cheese. Because it was not filling at all, I had to order the soup of the day, the chourizo soup. It was delicious! Unfortunately I still wanted more when I was done. At least I was closer to being full. I would come back for the bar since the two Black Dahlia's I had were amazing and reasonably priced. I definitely loved the decor, the friendly staff and their marvelous outfits. Great girls night out place!
(4)Ro M.
There is so much to love about this place, from the drinks and the food, to the ambiance of the restaurant (down to the attire of the staff!) Drinks - They have an exhaustive cocktail menu, with very clever names. I am a sucker for drinks containing ginger and there are several to choose from. A friend raved over her Moulin Rouge - highly recommended if you like sweet drinks with a smoothie-like texture. Dishes - Over my 3 visits, I have yet to taste a dish that was just ok. Each of the dishes have a unique flavor. Highlights from my previous visits were the cauliflower fritters, deep fried tomato, fried artichoke hearts (you really can't go wrong with anything fried right?!) and the mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Save room for dessert! There isn't much of a description on the menu for the French Banana Bread Extravaganza, but it is amazing! It was large enough for 5 of us to share. The banana bread was drizzled in rum and caramel and served warm, with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. I actually had a birthday dinner here with girlfriends and it was the perfect spot. We were seated at this unique table that lights up when it senses touch. While the novelty wore off after about 5 minutes, it added something memorable to the evening.
(5)Jay C.
What a find! Excellent atmosphere, I felt like an extra in the Great Gatsby! Service was attentive and yet unobtrusive. Two thumbs up for the scallops, tuna coronets, and the artichokes. The cocktails were fun and inventive.
(4)Fancypants X.
3.5 stars Decor is equal parts gypsy, 1920s flapper, & dusty attic that's been rediscovered after half a century of abandonment. Moody, dim, that sort of thing. Don't call their fare tapas; theirs is a bigger portion & represents countries other than Spain. As always, we ordered quite a bit: -- pork rolls & scallop ceviche: that was all him. He seemed to enjoy both -- fried artichoke: 3-4 large croquettes stuffed w/ goat cheese. A little heavy. -- scallop Provençal: I like my scallops a little more firm. Herb crumbs were moist. -- Cuban cigar: short rib wrapped in dough. Again, a little heavy. -- sizzling garlic shrimp: shrimp were on the small side & garlic sauce did not have a buttery consistency; not good for bread dipping If absolutely give them a 2nd try, but I'd order completely different items like the Russian bliny or chicken tagine.
(3)Kelly F.
I love this place. The decor, the food, the service, the drinks. Maybe a little too pricey, you know Boston area has gotten out of control when I now think NYC is cheaper. But, anyway... I digress. If I have to overpay, I don't mind doing it here. I had the tequila drink and the bourbon drink...so good. The bartender was great, although it wasn't as busy as it usually is. We had the potatoes, the Cuban cigar, and a vegetable dish. It was all very good. I've been here several times since it opened and they haven't lost it, I hope to come back many more times, especially since I'm moving closer.
(4)Arpita B.
This is one of the best places to come for a upscale/romantic dinner in the Boston/Cambridge area. From the minute you enter this place you will be drawn into the world of burlesque dancers. The decor, paintings, the outfits and the accessories the staff wear all are a part of this theme. The place is usually packed over the weekends and can get pretty loud(not really for intimate dinners) The food is from around the world but small plate style (they don't like being called a Tapas place...its on the menu!). I have tried almost everything on this menu and a few of my favorites are Sizzling Garlic Shrimp(I can lick a bowl of this clean if they would let me..the garlic sauteed in butter is the BEST part of this dish!!), Tuna Tartare Cornets, Grilled Indian lamb, Eggplant Napoleon, Brie en Croute. In all honesty there are very few dishes on their menu which doesn't live up to the expectations. A must try on the dessert menu is the Banana Bread Extravaganza...OMG!! The alternating layers of glazed banana slices on bread pudding with ice cream, drizzled liberally with caramel makes this dish truly an EXTRAVAGANZA!. Cuchi Cuchi also offers a wide variety of interesting cocktails. My personal favorite is Dancing with Ginger...its not really a sweet drink and ginger features majorly in the drink. If you are willing to experiment try Heat of the Night or Some Like it Hot ( its definitely spicy!). Some other good ones are Moulin Rogue, You Give Me Fever. Definitely worth an experience!
(4)Lauren P.
Went here for the first time last night. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, especially when I walked in and saw the hostess wearing a full-length gown, fur stole and a tiara! I thought maybe we'd walked in on a private party, turns out they all dress like The Great Gatsby and the place has the decor to match. I ordered a delicious cocktail, it was the first one on the list, and it was great. Our server was cheerful and helpful, the skirt steak was my favorite dish I tried, along with the potato dish. I loved the variety of countries represented with dishes on the menu, Mexican, Italian, Russian, French and more! My only complaint is the lack of paper towels in ladies room (very clean, nice room otherwise), I just hate those hand driers, especially in the winter. I was very pleased and had a great meal. I think it's a good spot for a date or small group. I would go back again!
(4)Mariam E.
A good choice in the area- go with an open mind as you will travel in time and place. This restaurant / cocktail bar is very uncommon, very quirky but in all fairness cocktails were really good (I recommend the Avenue) and food was good, although quite pricey if you are expected to eat 2-3 dishes per person. We tried the ceviche which came in a small glass (very good) followed by the Asian salad (my favourite) and the Indian lamb (good but could have done with some rice on the side or veg which do not feature on the menu). In summary - an eclectic very quirky place which serves very decent food.
(4)Lisa W.
So much fun and so unique! We went here for Valentines Day- which happened to fall on a Friday. My understanding is that they only take reservations for an "early" sitting on the weekends, which suited us well as my husband works down the street and we met here after work. They also have valet parking...YAY! I was in stiletto's (ya kind have to here...) so valet is essential...along with the adorable waitstaff in '20's/bordello attire, the food was delicious, the drinks were creative- and what a selection! A place with character and humor, and lack of pretension - I almost can't believe they've survived in Cambridge -OMG! Hats off to you, Cuchi Cuchi! You CAN have great, sophisticated food and have FUN! Must be because its Portuguese! YESSSSS!!!!!! Obrigada!!!! PS they gave out feather boas to the women. Awesome.
(5)Judy L.
Extremely cute. The servers and hostess were all dressed up. Food was good, but small and pricey. Seafood filled avocado: really delicious. I'd recommend. Fried artichoke hearts: not bad but not that memorable. Brie en croute: delicious. It's surprisingly sweet. The puff pastry adds an interesting texture. Cigar: Not as memorable as the brie, but not bad at all. Banana bread dessert: this was probably the largest dish of the four that we got. This was one of our favorites of the evening.
(3)Brooke H.
I brought my family here for our Christmas Eve dinner..... So fun and delicious! Loved the food, the service , the ambiance and the cocktails. This is one my favorite places in Boston! Thank you cuchi cuchi!!
(5)Jennifer M.
I have been here before and truly enjoyed the atmosphere and ambiance. My 1-star is for the horrendous customer service I received from staff trying to book an engagement party. I had called and booked a date and time for a group of 10 and was told I could order some plates and champagne in advance for my party and everything was all set. Apparently, it wasn't. When I emailed the office manager to order my plates, I was told there's a minimum of two plates per person to make a reservation of my size which I wasn't told and that because they are very busy weekend evenings that's their policy. They said they could not keep my reservation unless my party purchased that quantity. Really?? Unless we're spending enough $$$, we're not welcome? So incredibly unprofessional. To be fair, the person who I spoke with apologized that I wasn't told this earlier, but what if I had already sent out invitations to everyone or had just showed up instead? Would I have been told to leave? Sorry my money isn't good enough for you Cuchi Cuchi. All glitz and glamour, no substance.
(1)Arianna S.
This restaurant is very original, the servers are dressed as saloon girls and a '20 mixed New Orleans's Bourbon St touch with a hint of Spanish. The food is very delicious, an international touch but they don't have a vast variety to choose from, I'm not a fan of mushrooms and it looks like that's the main ingredient.
(4)Hana K.
As tacky as it looks outside, you feel like you're entering an old 1920's Hollywood dress room when you walk into Cuchi Cuchi -- everything from the servers outfits, make up, interior decor and atmosphere! I love coming here for a girls night out or even a date. The alcoholic drinks here are the best I've had in Boston especially their Muddled Drinks. They have really cute and creative names for their drinks like Moulin Rouge, my personal favorite. Their desserts are also a must-try like the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Their food menu is international and quite delicious but portions are very small (tapas style -- small bites meant to be shared with everyone) so it's best to come with a lot of people to try different dishes. Given it's small size, the bar gets crowded and loud sometimes so reservations are highly recommended if you're looking to have dinner.
(5)Dalia D.
I hate to oversell a place and build overly high expectations but this is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. I take friends and family from out of town there all the time and we have an absolute blast. Despite the fact that Cuchi Cuchi doesn't take reservations on the weekend and the place gets very packed with long wait times, the food, drinks, and atmosphere are great. I recommend going a tad early and having drinks at the bar to secure a table or trying it during the week when you can reserve. Note they are closed on Sundays. The food is global cuisine served in small plates (tapas-style, though they don't like that description). The ambiance is reminiscent of the prohibition era (with a cocktail list to match) mixed with burlesque. The service and food quality is consistently good. I have yet to have a bad or even average experience there and I've been about 20 times. It's great to take people from out of town to or for special occassions like birthdays. Don't worry about parking if you can't find any - they offer valet services. Best dishes: all are amazing down to their bread, but my favorites are the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp, Mushroom Risotto (and I dont usually like mushrooms), Eggplant Napoleon, and Cuban Cigar. Ditch the beer and wine and try their unique cocktails.
(5)Andrea K.
Excellent drinks. annoying to be told by the bartender, "what can I get you?", "just the check", "well, you'll have to ask someone else, I'm doing 18 other things now". She's the bartender with the lizard-like tattoos on her face - no need to be snarky - I wasn't pestering you, just waiting patiently & quietly for my check.
(4)Joel M.
Living right around the corner somehow this is a restaurant I always forget about when making dinner plans... I would encourage you not to make the same mistake. The selection of styles is broad, and a few drinks, four small plates and a dessert is enough to leave you satisfied at the end with a reasonable check to cover for two. I've yet to find something on the drink list that wasn't amazing, and we had so many plates I can't even remember which ones stood out. Great service in that I didn't notice it at all... stuff just appeared when it should!
(5)Matthew B.
In a phrase, this spot has the most baffling ambiance since you walked into Lady Gaga's wardrobe. Waitresses are decked out in 20's flapper attire while the hostesses rock a combo of sleeveless bearskins and small shiny hats, yet there are precarious nonspecific ethnicities represented throughout the dim lit space. I think I saw Attila the Hun. Oh, and there are mannequins on the ceiling. What's up with that? Once you step back the over-simulation, you'll start to realize why this spot deserves 5 stars. Step 1: Killer mixed drinks. We ran the gambit - from Vespa martini (James Bond's drink!) to girlies. All hit the pallet like a tasty shot to the liver. On that note: If you're planning on getting it on after might l recommend limiting yourself to two of their potent cocktails. Step 2: Order small plates. Just don't call them tapas. Our favorite was a badass tagine full of luscious Moroccan lamb, squash, onion, and tomato goodness. The cous cous was delicious; cooked to perfection with a buttery tone. On the question of quantities, three was a good number for the two of us, but after hitting some drinks we could have gone for a fourth. Step 3: Save room for Tiramisu. Holy. Shit. That's the best. My girlfriend probably doesn't know it because I ate it all before she returned from the bathroom. I blame the drink with absinthe. All in all: You will leave satisfied yet thoroughly confused.
(5)Caroline R.
I absolutely love Cuchi Cuchi! It's a very fun and unique place that you will probably never experience anywhere else. Even the decorations here are amazing (I love the story behind the glow in the dark plates). The staff is wonderful and friendly and the food and drinks are delicious. I have been here a number of times just for drinks. Their drinks are definitely pricy (About $11) but they are very yummy and boozy. I recently came here for a birthday dinner and finally tried the food. Everything was great! We were a group of five and shared 5 plates of food (they specialize in "small plates") which we felt was just enough to satisfy all of us. We had the cuban cigar, the mussels, the sizzling shrimp, the bliny, and the tuna tartar in cones. The tuna tartar thing was AMAZINGGGG. Everything was amazing truthfully but I am still dreaming about that tuna. If you are looking for a fun night out, I recommend heading to Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)Cindy T.
Unable to keep our reservations for Vday weekend bc of the snowstorms, we finally made it in on Monday night... very quiet and not as entertaining as we hoped but maybe bc it's a Monday =( Drinks that we tried: Mango Margarita - not impressed The Moulin Rouge - delish The Heat of the Night - refreshing but sp!cy The Black Dahlia - not impressed, thick Dishes that we tired: Mushroom risotto - too salty Brie en Croûte - ok Cuban cigar - overrated Tuna tartar - delish Garlic shrimp - order bread for dipping, shrimps were tiny Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce - yum Dessert shots: Ménage a Trois (sooo good), Cuchi Kaze (worst), Passion & a Smoke (fruity) We were glad we took the opportunity to visit this establishment but not eager to return anytime soon. Our waitress, Ksenia, definitely made it a fun experience!
(4)Diane H.
This idea is great! Servers in costumes--- the FEMALE ONES. Short skimpy dresses; COOL. The guys are just in regular black/white attire. My friend picked this place for our get together for the four of us, and I wasn't really sure what to expect, because it is a sort of loungey-place isn't it? That's my take on it anyways, until I arrived. FYI, they don't sit you until your whole group has arrived! It's pretty dark in there, but it's nice. We were seated in the back, since the front was full, at 645 on a friday, and this place only opened what? 2 hours earlier? Crazy.... Took a while for our server to come to take our orders. To start off, two of us ordered drinks. My friend go the thai cocktail $11 and i got the strawberry basil martini based on reviews here. My friend's cocktail was good, better than mines anyways, i felt mine was too strong...and barely any strawberry taste--so if you want a medicine tasting cocktail that will get you buzzed, choose this! I asked my waiter--i swear, it's like they switched waiters on me, or it was too dark to tell! hahaha. but I asked if i can get a different drink, the same one as my friend and he had to check with his manager but he brought the menu back over when it was approved. So much better this time. Though I did feel like our waiter can be more..friendly but everyone's the same there. For food we ordered: (all portions are small for the price you pay as others have said) Asian Salad - $9; tastes like a regular salad Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse 5@$26; best part! This is the only one I felt justified in paying for...so delicious...but in the middle it's very salty O__O Duck a l'Orange Crepes (France) - $14; could use more duck...i'll head to china town next time i order duck Caspian Heaven (Russia) - $13 it was good...but it was really just 4 oysters and like 2 pieces of potato wedges Seafood-filled Avocado (Guatemala) - $18; oh this one was good too...how can too much avocado be bad?!?! seafood was fresh i think. then dessert: Cornucopia Tartufo French Banana Bread Extravaganza just skip the desserts..they are medicore... it's just ice cream! and fruits! Our bill came out to 146$
(3)Ann B.
Came here on a Tues night with a date, around 10:30 PM. It was busy enough not to feel vacant, but we were able to find a nice little perch at the bar and didn't feel like I was being breathed on by other cocktail-sippers like the last time I was here. The service is really good and the bartenders are helpful and very attentive. I had fun admiring the little x-mas tree decorated with glittery Mer-men and the glitzy-kitchy holiday decor was pretty awesome overall. I had the "Surprise" cocktail which I could not figure out the contents of but still enjoyed. It was pink and I believe there was egg white involved. To continue the embarrassingly girlie drink orders, I got a Pink Squirrel, which was like an alcoholic burlesque dancer's equivalent of a strawberry milk. Could be disgusting but instead it was strangely delish. Seems that late-nigh weekdays here are the way to go!
(4)Alyson G.
I love retro, old Hollywood glamour, small plates and theme parties, so this year I decided to have a roaring 20's themed birthday dinner at Cuchi Cuchi. We may have dressed the part (a little) and some boas might have shown up, but we fit right in! We were transported back in time as soon as we walked in- super cute decor with dim lighting and fabulous music. They didn't take reservations at the time we wanted to go, so a group of eight of us planned to meet at the bar for some drinks. Even though the place was packed the bartender was attentive and helped select our cocktails. They have so many options with cute names and fresh muddled ingredients it was hard to pick just one! Of course, I settled on the AliCat after some indecision, since that's one of my nicknames! We also tried the Blackberry Cosmo and a few others I can't remember the names of. I was starving so we also ordered a few small plates, the fried artichoke hearts and prosciutto wrapped melon. They were delish! The wait was about an hour since we had a larger group and it was a Saturday night, but we had fun chatting at the bar and the time flew by! Once we were seated I tried the SomeLikeItHot for my next cocktail, a spicy martini with olives that was awesome. My friend ordered some of her fave small plates to get us started (garlic shrimp and brie en croute), and then we continued to sample as much as we could including the deep fried tomato, seafood stuffed avocado, Cuban Cigar (short ribs wrapped in dough), grilled skirt steak, potato gratin, marinated mushrooms, deep fried zucchini, lamb, puff pastry bites, salad and probably something I am forgetting! My faves were definitely the artichokes, brie, the Cuban cigar and the skirt steak. Our waitress was so sweet, and handled our crazy loud table effortlessly. Plus she recommended the skirt steak which makes her even more fab! And the waitresses get to dress in 20's attire, which is so fun it made me want to work there. Lucky for you though (since I might not be the best waitress) I will stick to just stepping back in time for an evening of cocktails or dinner, which I'll be doing again real soon!
(5)Michelle L.
Yes,girls love this place. I love this place! And why not? The small plates are great for sharing amongst friends. The theatrical atmosphere and consumed-up staff make it feel like an evening escape. Did I mention the drinks are absolutely fabulous? My award for Favorite Desert Ever goes to the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. It's like french-toast banana bread, paired with banana's foster, plus caramel drizzled vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. Just amazing. A definite place to hit up for drinks and small plates.
(4)Rebecca K.
Wow, what an incredibly adorable little place! Came here the other day to grab a drink after work and it was definitely a nice little change of pace. The decor - kind of a 20's retroish feel - definitely makes you feel like you're in a totally different locale, which can be very refreshing. It's small and cozy and the ambiance is fabulous! I didn't have anything to eat, so I can't speak to the food, but the cocktails...oh, the cocktails....Be still my heart. They have a nice mix of classics and new fun stuff. I had a strawberry basil cocktail, which was nice and fruity and large and all that stuff, but what won me over was the French 75. I fell in love with French 75's a few years ago and have very rarely seen them on menus anywhere, much less one that was made well. But at Cuchi Cuchi, it came out as the perfect mix of a little lemony, a bit fizzy and just what I wanted. Cuchi Cuchi is definitely a nice little place for anything from a nice romantic dinner to first date to fun night out with the girls. The food looked great, so right now it's hovering around the top of my list of places to come back to and actually get some food!
(4)Liz M.
This is an incredible place for a date night or a bachelorette party. Especially a party where everyone doesn't know each other. The décor and atmosphere are fun to talk about. I've been to Cuchi Cuchi's twice, both times we had reservations (they are only available at 5:30 & 6:00). The food was AMAZING and the drinks are to die for. Yes, expensive, but worth every penny. I reserved the LED table for the bachelorette party and it was a big hit. All of the ladies loved everything they ate. I wrote about the night on my blog if you want more details ( lizzymc.com/2011/05/09/m… ). I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for something new and exciting. I can't wait to go back! Cuban Cigar is the best!!
(5)Lauren G.
Wow. Awesome EVERYTHING (food, service, ambiance). Particularly great for group of 4-20, but I probably wouldn't make this a top date place. Ambiance is over the top fun. It's what you would get if you put the 1920's (flappers), Paris (french chic), and a brothel (sultry and tantalizing) in a blender. Food is very global and served in 'small plate' style (like Tapas, but more than just Spanish food). Shockingly, ALL of the dishes were tasty. We ordered in 'stages' because we weren't sure how much we'd need (verdict: ~2 per person). In each round, we fought over what to order next, cause each of us wanted to re-order a different dish that was SO tasty from the first time! Instead, we kept getting new things, and we liked each new one even better than the last. Drink menu is fun, unique, and eclectic (though a little pricey). We collectively tried ~10 varieties and all were delicious and exotic. MUST HAVES: cuban cigar; seafood-filled avacado; potato croquettes; and the french banana bread extravaganza for dessert (save room!!!) PASS ON: duck a l'orange crepes; moroccan chicken tagine; chocolate cake
(5)Orly M.
This is such a beautiful spot. I haven't eaten here, always checked it out for cocktails, but it never disappoints. The space is beautiful, the bartenders and waiters/waitresses are beautiful and retro chic. The cocktails are glorious. There's not much to the previous reviews. The LED table is hours of entertainment. What you may or may not know is that there is a random Middle Eastern dance party going on here on a regular basis. I've been here twice in the past 3 weeks, once on a Friday and once on a Saturday. Both times I got in on a Moroccan dance party complete with drums and tambourines. They even let me play with the instruments, probably not a good idea. 5 stars for consistent awesomeness and random good times.
(5)Sasha R.
You know it's gonna happen... You know when you walk in that there will be a wait, and you will get shamelessly shitfaced at the bar, and completely joyously debauched when they finally seat you! The drink list is too extensive and the cocktails too tasty, the restaurant is too quirky and the waitresses' outfits are too crazy - ours had a stuffed pigeon in her hair - not to get positively giddy. For a fru fru drink, I like the Lemon Drop, the Black Dahlia, and the Happiness Cocktail. Once you make it to a table, and if you're lucky, it'll be the glass topped anatomically correct mermaid coffee table, you will want everything on the menu, and your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. It's tapas, so the illusion is, you can order tons of food because the amounts will be small. But the dishes are actually decently sized; for 2 maybe 4-5 is enough. I recommend the Brie en Croute (oh god oh god), Indian Lamb, Cous Cous, Mexican Deep Fried Tomato - and don't forget a big dish of marinated mushrooms, the best ever. By the end, you'll be satiated, and likely frisky. The mermaid knows. That's why she looks so happy. (see photo) Check out the loo, the ladies' has the most hilarious little table on stockinged legs. It IS expensive, not for every weekend, but so fun.
(5)Sylvia S.
Holy crap, pink squirrel. Cocktails of the gods. If I had more money I'd get drunk here and feel pretty freaking good about it.
(5)wolf t.
Best ambiance/decor/vibe in town. They go to great lengths to create a feeling of elegance and succeed on most levels. The food is good, but lacks some of Dali's more sublime flavor combinations. Some of the croquettes are so over-fried that they just taste like breading. But the asian salad is refreshing and the baby back ribs heavenly. As with any other tapas-like place, go with a big group and share everything. (Especially a liter of Clerico.)
(4)Ted S.
Wow! I had so much fun having dinner at Cuchi Cuchi. The "small plate" thing is a blast, the bar is unbelievable, and the atmosphere is amazing. I tried the Seafood-filled Avocado, the Brie en Croûte, the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and the Cuban Cigar, all of which were wonderful. And I think there was one more dish I tried, but I can't remember what it was because I also had a cocktail called the Corpse Reviver. The Corpse Reviver was my introduction to absinthe, which was very welcome when it showed up but then I couldn't get it to leave for a really long time. Cuchi Cuchi is the place to take your best friend. What are you waiting for?
(5)Barney B.
This place is too damn popular, and mostly for good reasons. But when I am still getting assaulted by elbows into my back from SRO folk at the bar at 1030pm, sometimes popular spots are not appealing to me. So I reserve the final star for my next experience (likely on a weeknight) The food was pretty solid - flavorful, interesting, and not as small as 'small plates' can be. But it will still set you back like any tapas resto will. This isn't the place for a cheap date. Drink list is extensive and funky, and the bartenders work hard to crank them out - but as busy as mine was, I never had to ask for a water refill. To me, this is the sign of a great bartender - and sadly, they are few and far between in this town. While sharing samples of my dinner choices with some bar neighbors, I was asked if I thought this place better/worse than its siblings Dali/Tapeo - and it's really hard to say - and I guess I won't, and instead leave it to you to compare... Because if you haven't at least tried this place and Dali - well my friends*, you are missing out. *not a shout out to McCain.
(4)Annie P.
My one word for Cuchi Cuchi: Androgynous. Will I be punished or given kisses on the cheek for saying that? It's true though. I always get that vibe here and people thrive on it. Anywho.. yoohooo,... as for the food: MUSHROOM RISOTTO if you are a fan of fungi/truffle oil. Cocktails with your homegirls.. I mean lady friends are always a win here. With their giggle worthy names like You Give Me Fever or Dirty Little Secret... or just sick with the enormous pours of twinkling Cava. Bartender win WIN: WHITNEY. Belly dancing with gypsy music or fascinating table service for two+... it's a good place to have in Central.. for those cravings of out of the ordinary nights.
(4)Natasha W.
My friends and I wanted to go here for a birthday, there were 10 of us so we were planning on a later dinner. We called and they told us they didnt take reservations but to call back on the day. We called back and they were very rude on the phone saying we could "possibly be seated by 9:30" if people didn't show up. But they don't take reservations? What if we come early and wait...they were "full". We called at 2 in the afternoon, how do they know they will be full at 8 if they dont take reservations? Whoever answers the phone needs some people skills or a better way to explain how Cuchi Cuchi works. We were dying to try it, maybe some other time...
(2)Angela A.
I hadn't been to Cuchi Cuchi in a few years, and I'd been dying to get back there. I was wondering if I had built it up in my mind over the intervening years... While I felt we annoyed our waitress by not ordering all at once, she was still very pleasant to us. We called ahead to put our names on the "preferred" list so we wouldn't wait too long when we arrived. As soon as we walked in the door, our table was ready for us. While we were deciding on our menu, the three of us all had the watermelon cocktail. The star-shaped watermelon slice is a lovely little detail (although it could have tasted more like a watermelon). Among the large selection, the most memorable were the st. jacob's zucchini, brie en croute, fried artichokes, gratin dauphinoise and the cuban cigar. We may have re-ordered the zucchini a few times. It was really crowded, and really loud, but lots of fun. If you go expecting the noise and the crowd, you'll have a great time. Everyone around us seemed to enjoy the place, too. I was right to come back, it was just as I remembered!
(4)Bernadette S.
I went here for the first time a few weeks ago with a client who will have a small wedding reception here. We wanted to try everything so we ordered 10 small plates and 2 desserts, and several fun cocktails. Just about everything was highly flavorful and delicious. Highlights included: Baby Back Ribs w/ Apple Fritters; the artichoke hearts; and the Braciolette Ripiena di Maiale. The only thing I didn't love was the mushroom risotto. I totally agree with all - the atmosphere is amazing. A great date spot.
(4)Heather G.
If tapas dining was Celebrity Deathmatch, the Mills Lane claymation would ring his bell, spout a profanity, and declare Dali the clear victor over similar-yet-very-different sister-restaurant Cuchi Cuchi. What I liked: 1. Strolled in, sans-reservation, at 7pm on Saturday, and the restaurant was pleasantly full (dining in an empty restaurant at peak hours is a bit awkward) yet we snagged one of the few remaining tables. However, this is obviously just fortuitous and not restaurant-specific. 2. The decor is funky, cute, kitchy, and REALLY commits to the Moulin-Rouge-esque theme. 3. The waitress costumes, matching the theme, are pretty inventive. It's like they're playing a role in some sort of dinner theater that I get to be an active part of. What I didn't like: 1. The noise was INSANE. There are so many tables crammed into a small space with lots of hard surfaces so there's a lot of noise with little to absorb it. The conversations just came out of mouths and bounced around the mirrored-walls and linen-less tabletops like an old school pinball machine. Zing zing zing. I had to holler across the table to my date! Writing this, 3 hours later, I still have a killer headache...which is either from the restaurant noise or the Amherst basketball team party, hosted by my roommate, going on in our living room. 2. The drinks were small and weak for their prices ($10-11 for a Pimm's Cup in a juice glass, and it wasn't made even close to "authentically"). Not a great value. if you're a value-imbiber, go for the wine and skip the cocktails. 3. The food. Ahh the food. Pains me to do this but as rankings go, the originality of offerings, breadth and depth of menu options, and actual taste all fell oh-so-short to all the other tapas restaurants I have been to in the area. I expected the food to be on par with Dali for taste, but a bit more refined in presentation. However, the reality was an equally-refined presentation, less successful flavor, and higher prices....which brings me to: 4. The prices. Overall, $12-15 for a tapas offering is what I'd expect to pay, but for the size, quality, and level of creativity, there's not a ton of value to extract here. If you're curious about what we had: 1. Tuna lavash - oddly the most successful of the dishes (it was the least-bad, not the most-good), the tuna was fresh and tasty, but it was wrapped in some grilled lavash, which meant you were eating some cold, sushi-grade tuna stuffed inside hot, crusty, grilled bread, which was a weird sensory experience. The roll was also filled with bacon. I'm a big proponent on putting bacon into nearly everything, but this combination was a bit too much for me. 2. Seafood-stuffed avocado - The avocado itself was delicious, but the seafood inside it was ill-represented and overcooked. Very chewy. While I enjoyed this dish, what I liked was the creamy avocado...which would have been equally delicious purchased from the market and consumed on my couch at home. 3. Skirt steak - the accompanying cilantro sauce has quite a punch so if you like heat, this will be up your alley. The meat was a bit chewy despite the fact that it was cooked mid-rare. The skewer of heirloom tomatoes were tasty and fresh, though. 4. Indian Lamb - ordered mid-rare but came really tough, chewy, and dry. Yogurt sauce was flavorful but a bit too runny. Thickened up, it would have worked better for me. The dish came with a pile of beets, but one bite of those buggers and I couldn't get the taste out for the rest of the dish. They overpowered everything. 5. Asian salad - the most disappointing of all dishes. I think this is like $10 or $12, and comes on a cocktail-sized plate - you know, the kind you get at the company Christmas party. To top it off, the spicy-cabbage-veggie-peanut salad had too big a kick (perhaps too much fiery toasted sesame oil?) for the components, and it tasted like a hot, crunchy mess. I was obviously more than a little bummed out about the food here, and because it was so difficult to pass by Craigie on Main and keep on walkin' to get here, I don't know if I'll be able to resist the urge again, knowing how this meal was.
(2)Geoff P.
So I have eaten here twice in the past 10 days - first for a recruiting event, then with some out of town friends/family. What I liked: Friendly and cool servers Atmosphere is moulin-rouge chic Drink list (and I'm typically a vodka soda guy) Mushroom risotto and fried artichokes What bugged me: The great thing about small plates is that you can get a bunch and share - unfortunately, many of the dishes here are tough to share without destroying the food when you cut it up (especially the otherwise delicious mexican tomato). Also, both times I was here, the food came out super fast. I prefer to take my time when eating out. I'll come back here for the atmosphere and drinks, but probably with a small group so that it is easier to share the food. And I will order a few dishes at a time to string out the meal.
(3)Happy H.
So... I took my boy out for dinner. I didn't expect the concept or the decor. And I felt as though the menu did not match the scenery. The place was fun, different and not expected. I was expecting the menu to be set as classic american/french cuisine but instead it was over size tapas from around the world. Which was fine but the tastes among the shared dishes didn't flow nicely. This place was OK nothing for me to run back to. I think it would be just a good place to go and drink with friends.
(3)Stephanie F.
Since I got to try this place out on my birthday, money wasn't an issue for me and so I got to enjoy the place not based on how it could break my wallet. My boyfriend and I dined here recently, and what I thought was the price when I took a sneak peek at the bill was probably something like $80? Our meals consisted of like 3 tapas dishes, a cocktail for each of us (well, I had an extra glass of wine), and a dessert (I believe it was the small cheesecake). If you want something different in the Boston/Cambridge area (where you'll get to go for your birthday dinner), this place is definitely it! The decor inside was very trendy, dim-lit, but they were very meticulous about their designs (from 1920's style flapper waitresses to 1920's style toilet paper roll holder). I haven't found too many restaurants in the Boston area that I could completely RAVE about and this place is actually the first of very few that I've been able to reccommend to people visiting Cambridge. Thanks Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)Shaina P.
girls seeks fun cocktail and unique atmosphere. taste in my mouth (from small plated dishes not to be confused with the term tapas) explodes with unbelievable flavor (take my money!). drinks from the bar squad turn me from quiet butterfly to loud squall (mmm....hendricks blackberry and basil, Salome's something, strange but truly engaging - a conversation starter). kind service is tops. though controversial, they brought me a dipping cup filled with that mesmerizing lemon wine sauce typically accompanied with the fried stuffed artichoke amazement (in my mouth). they served this with a pound of bread. why for a person in singular? not so sure. coulda fed an army. ladies in flapper gear. handsome bartenders. unisex bathrooms. food and drink. you others nearby stink. and cuchi cuchi tickles my cuchi.
(4)Mike M.
We were seated at a tiny table for two right by the hostess station because they were so packed on a Saturday night - that mainly meant that we got to have people crowding over us while we ate all night. It was a nice thought to try and get us a seat as quick as possible, but I would have rather waited. The highlights were definitely the brie and skirt steak - VERY tasty. Also, the bread bowl is a relatively cheap good item with some good olive spread and fresh rolls. I dont really enjoy their cocktails that much and think they are a little overpriced relative to other local places like Green St or Craigie. Also, the duck crepes were pretty blah. Overall, it was ok if you are in the mood for small plates, but I would rather go elsewhere.
(2)Yushan K.
My fallback for a guaranteed feast for the eyes and the tummy. I love bringing out of towners here because it's so unique. The menu is "international small dishes" (as opposed to tapas), which I haven't found anything I haven't liked in the many times I've been here. Cocktails are also very well done. Just don't be shocked with the long wait for a table, even on weekdays. They do take reservations sometimes for earlier in the evening. Dali is the sister restaurant with a more traditional Spanish menu. The ambiance there is warm and cavernous, whereas this place is completely luxurious and over-the-top. Both are great, but I prefer Cuchi Cuchi. Current menu fave is the tuna tartare cornets. Tip: if you've got a large merry group going, ask for a porron (pronounced PER-own). It's a Spanish party pitcher used to pour a little stream of wine into your mouth without touching your lips. Just try it. Makes for a memorable birthday dinner!
(5)Haley S.
This is the first place I've ever had a martini....it was a Pomegranate mint thing and I seriously considered licking the glass. I have more trials to compare it to now and they still win. I've been back to check just in case....yup, yup still good. I've only been with a group of 4 or larger and each time was fantastic. I almost needed a cigarette after the wonderful Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale. And the duck..and the chicken kiev...and the potatoes... The waitstaff not only look amazing but I've never encountered a mistaken plate or drink. This place is at my top!! Expensive, but well worth it!
(5)Patty M.
As my birthday week continues, I picked Cuchi Cuchi for dinner last night with my dad and his gf. I really wanted to try this place and naturally my dad is into your traditional American fare, so I knew this place might be a stretch. (I made sure there was some form of steak on the menu) I have to admit I knew it would be built in entertainment watching him react to this girly, vintage establishment :) Talk about sensory overload! I loved everything from the jazzy melodies and bustling bar at 7pm to the waitresses scurrying around in 1920s garb and the elaborate decor (nothing matches, but everything goes). Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Duck a l'Orange Crepes- This perfectly packaged pair was drizzled with a delicious citrus and fennel vinaigrette that complemented the duck quite nicely. I sipped a Strawberry Basil cocktail, which was delightful in every way. Do not underestimate the power of a basil leaf in a martini, it totally made this drink. Beef Stroganoff - This was my dad's choice and a good one for him. Our food was at the table after I returned from the powder room (have to check these out, the beautiful tile accents will totally inspire your next home reno) I saw the size of his plate and I said to Rose, "What did he say when she put this in front of him?...Where is the rest of it?" They both smirked; I know this guy too well. He did enjoy the beef cooked medium and actually had a little left, because he was full. One last note: my dad needs his salt and pepper and of course these are not fixtures on the table, so our beautiful, Colombian waitress returned with a white duck salt shaker for him...priceless. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale- Rose enjoyed these stuffed pork rolls with just the right hint of spice. This was my favorite of the three, and I will def be sharing this with someone on my next visit. She also fancied her Watermelon cocktail garnished with a pink melon star. We rounded out our meal with the French Banana Bread Extravaganza and the pizzelle Cornucopia with fresh fruit. The bananas were caramelized goodness with vanilla ice cream, but I found the bed of bread to be slightly charred. The cornucopia was a light, tangy and refreshing close to our meal. I've read some reviews saying that the waitresses insist it is not a tapas place because the portions are larger, but I still found them to be fairly small, yet tasty and filling nonetheless. Can't wait to bring my girlfriends, get all dolled up and travel back in time at this treasure in Cambridge.
(4)DeeJay H.
I have been twice and have always been impressed. The food is flavorful and well executed. I have had the steak, the lamb, the gratin and on both occasions a tomato that is pinned with avocado and then fried. Delectable! Both times I have sat at the bar and got to enjoy the friendly personable bar tenders. The drink menu is extensive and has something for every palate. I enjoyed a ginger gimlet and then a watermelon martini. Tasty tasty tasty. Followed it up with a gorgeous glass of cava. The decor is interesting...I guess it depends upon what you are into. Music was great and overall vibe was friendly and fun. I would highly recommend Cuchi Cuchi for any fun night out.
(5)Nicole M.
Are you kidding me? Are you frickin KIDDING me?!! How is it that I've lived in Boston for nine years, yet just made my way to Cuchi Cuchi this weekend? I deserve some serious punishment for that catastrophic mistake on my part. And don't think my friends are getting off easy - they're in trouble too, for not forcing me to go here and make it a regular on my list. It was recently my birthday, and my husband asked, what do you want to do? I said - let's go to a new restaurant where I can get all dolled up, have delicious drinks and good food, then go dancing after (see my review for Middlesex). I chose Cuchi Cuchi. He called in the afternoon to put our name on some "preferred list" for 8pm. I thought it was hilarious that the place is connected to a Bertucci's, and across the street was some random old dude eating a full 3-course meal in a parking lot. Walked in and immediately loved the vibe. It's all over the place, but I loved it - from the ceiling to the outfits to the vintage furniture. We had to wait a bit for our table, so we sat down at a cute doily-ed table and chose our drinks. Hubby had the Ricky Ricardo and I dove into the Black Dahlia. Yum-ola. Maybe 15mins later, we get seated. I don't know if it was the bottle of wine we drank before coming here, or the 4 Black Dahlias I had on top of that, but I found this to be one of the best places I've been in a while. Our waitresses were adorable and very helpful. Drinks, as mentioned, were yumola. And the food was excellent. We shared the brie (I just picked out the bacon), hubby got garlic shrimp and baby back ribs, and I got a salad (del Liguria) and the eggplant napolean. I was oh so tempted to get dessert, but knowing I had to get my groove on, I decided to leave room for beer instead. I'll definitely be back. And I'll definitely force my friends to come with me.
(5)Julie R.
I came to Cuchi Cuchi for the first time on a rainy Friday night. We arrived before 5:30 and they were not open yet but the bartender let us in and we sat at the bar while they prepared to open. The place has a very interesting atmosphere. Elegant stained glass, lamps, manequins, jewel toned bar. It was really neat. The waitresses all were wearing flapper like attire. Drinks were great. I had the "Happiness" cocktail which was like sangria with a touch of champage. My boyfirend had the "Ali Cat" which was minty and good too. We split a bunch of things off the menu: Chicken Liver Pate: Very good. It had a nice raspberry glaze at the bottom that gave it a sweet touch. It could of came with more crackers cause the pate was large and 3 crackers were not enough. Caspian Heaven: roasted Fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon caviar & champagne sauce. This was my favorite of all we tried. The oysters were wonderful against the creme fraiche. Elegant and tasty! Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse: This was ok. Not the best Tartare I've had and the little cornets were cool but not the best for eating tartare out of them. Cuban Cigar: beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa. Very good. Interesting presentation. Looked like a large eggroll. Good to split. Overall this was a great meal. Service at first was a little slow but the food came out prompty through the end of the meal. Looking forward to coming back!
(4)Marc C.
Great date night bar/restaurant! I came here 2 years ago as part of a recommendation from a good friend. We have been about 3x since then and it dosent dissappoint. The restaurant drips sex appeal as the waitress' are all dressed in roaring 20's flapper costumes and are right into character as soon as you walk in. Food is OK, great place for meeting up with friends! Great experience and will continue going. Only bad points go for extremely expensive cocktails (and Martinis). Cheers!
(4)Bilal A.
Scallops were great. I do recommend the Insalata del Liguria. Olives, Gorgonzola w/ fragrant chestnut honey is an amazing combination. I do recommend the Seafood filled avocado. Great ambiance. Friendly staff. A bit small portion for the price.
(4)Amy W.
Food is good and has a nice mix of options. Cocktails are different and yummy. And the atmosphere was so kitschy and fun. Went with a girlfriend and had a great time.
(5)Jan Marie D.
A pseudo-vintage, clearly upscale establishment, adorned with beaded lamps and waitresses in vintage Versace gowns. It's like a Baz Luhrman film with smell-o-vision. Drink-wise, The VoodoYouDo is most excellent. I wish they had more dry/sour/pucker drinks than sweet ones; this was the only thing I found that was fresh not fruity. Food-wise, get the risotto. And the eggplant. And the cauliflower. You will not be sorry. As someone allergic to dairy, having a vegan menu was really a plus. Gluten-free friends are all-set here too.
(5)Xin Z.
Here for a New Years Eve celebration. Love love the Cuban cigar and their massive cocktail choices!
(4)John P.
The puff pastry with some pork and cheese was great. The ribs were good, the mushroom risotto was good however a little heavy on the truffle oil. The drinks were ok, but I found the head bartender to be a little rude. Probably woudn't go back. As you can see in my post history, one of my rarer 1-3 star reviews. I usually skip them.
(3)Emily A.
Great food and I love the atmosphere! The drinks are also delicious and very fresh!! Lots of vegetarian options but only one or two vegan options, and all the vegetarian food was extremely heavy and fattening so I felt like I needed a nap afterwards. I want to come back soon with my friends!
(4)Kelly G.
Really cute restaurant, great drink list, good food, ok service. The tables are REALLY close together, and on a busy night you have to yell for the person next to you to hear you amongst all of the other noise. Extra star for having a valet. I love a valet.
(4)Jeff F.
Exceptional food in an 'interesting' setting. Recommend the following (ranked): scallops app, Duck l'Orange, Indian Lamb and Garlic Shrimp.
(4)Eunice E.
I love small plates, and I love Old Hollywood glamour, so this place is absolutely perfect. Just don't call it "tapas," since it's global cuisine represented here, not just Spain! The staff is beautiful and friendly, and I just adore their outfits and jewelry. It really does feel like stepping into the 20's. It's small, intimate, and romantically lit, so it's great for dates. I came here for my birthday, and it was definitely special and the venue made the entire experience a memory I won't soon forget. I got a Singapore Sling, and it was spectacular - the way a classic cocktail should be concocted. It went quite well with all the small plates we ordered and shared: grilled eggplant napoleon (tasty, but really tomato-y), seafood-filled avocado (omg, yum), baby back ribs with apple fritters (the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and ridiculously delicious... the fritters, not so much), cuban cigars (good, but not sure if it lived up to the hype, though that black bean salsa was smack-your-lips good), and mushroom risotto (yes, yes, yes... rich, decadent, feed me this as my last meal kinda good). Overall, awesome food, with just a few things here and there that were a little off. But the cocktails are definitely something to write back home about. The service was superb, and when I told our waitress that I was chilly, she immediately went and turned up the heat -- like I said, superb. And they're all so friendly, attentive, and spot-on with recommendations! A wonderful place to try a bunch of really yummy food, and a MUST for drinks! A little hard to find parking (ended up valet parking), but still worth the trek.
(4)Adrian C.
All house recommendations: Strawberry Basil Cocktail, Fruits de Mer & Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale; simply amazing! The Fruits de Mer comes in this wonderfully heavenly tasting shrimp/brandy/cream sauce that brings up the flavors of the shrimp, scallops, oyster & lobster in such a ridiculous wonderful way. It is without a doubt, one of the best placed I've ever eaten.
(5)Amanda H.
First of all, let me say that I'm glad this place exists. I understand it's purpose in the world. I also understand why it's had lots of great reviews. If you want a fun, funny, decadent night out with "the girls," then this place is great. However, if you want a really fantastic meal, I don't know if this place is worth the price. All of the food was good. Not "fabulous", not "super-delish", not "yummo", but, good enough, inoffensive. The cocktails, however, were not -- overwhelmingly sweet and fruity, both mine and the two others that I sipped tasted like vodka and fruit punch (even though one was made with bourbon and another with rum). Finally, I found the decor a little chintzy -- but maybe it's just not my scene. All-in-all, it wouldn't be my first choice for a special occasion, but I have lots of friends who I think might enjoy it more than I did.
(3)Brittany R.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi with my boyfriend after hearing some great reviews about it. Let me say it more than lived up to the hype. Everything was delicious and the cocktails were phenomenal! We recommend the Thai basil cocktail, the Brie, the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale, and the duck Crepes... but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Great time, great atmosphere. We will definitely be back!
(5)Nate Y.
A brightly lit entrance with colorful Christmas lighting beckons you to enter. With name like Cuchi Cuchi, the first thing that comes to mind is the Spanish blonde bombshell Charo. In a sense this place is like that; colorful, sexy and a lively atmosphere. I've been here for drinks, but this first time I sat down for a meal. The drinks cannot be ignored, with a plethora of specialty cocktails to choose from, spiked or in virgin form. The food was fabulous! The Thai seafood soup had several complex tastes with each spoonful. A risotto with mushrooms and truffle oil (optional) was tasty, and this is from someone who isn't a big fan of mushrooms. The tuna lavash , a fusion of raw tuna and bacon, was inspiring. Sizzling garlic shrimp was out of this world! Make sure to order more bread to finish up the garlic oil. Grilled Indian lamb was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and wasn't gamy. My only disappointment was the chicken kiev, which was a bit on the dry side since they use chicken breast. Overall a fantastic meal! Wait staff was excellent, checking in on us and keeping our water glasses filled. The female staff were dressed beautifully, making the place feel like Moulin Rouge. Make sure to make a reservation since this place gets busy.
(4)Adi D.
Brilliant food and ambiance. Good drinks and desserts to accompany a wide range of tapas style appetizers. Very tasty!
(5)J S.
The food is delicious and the environment is really good however we had a waiter that was very inconsiderate and be warned the portions are very small so do not come here hungry. It is pricey for what it is
(3)Heather-Mae A.
Went here last weekend with my girlfriends at the referral of a friend and was SO glad that we did. All the food was amazing, I'm still salivating over their Thai Muscles. SO GOOD! Will definitely be back when my boyfriend comes to visit. (get their early, they fill up quick)
(5)Sarah P.
Delicious Mediterranean small plates paired with a great drink menu in an interesting atmosphere - highly recommended! Favorites include the Cuban Cigar (short ribs in a flaky pastry), the Duck Crepes (which have a sweet orange highlight), and the Banana Bread dessert (amazing!) And the small plates mean you get to try a little bit of everything!
(4)Chrissie M.
Oh Cuchi Cuchi I wanted to love you, that being said, I like you... here's why: As someone else stated, the whole scene can be translated as gimmicky but I knew that going in. We had dinner this past Saturday night. We love small plate dining. Its such a fun way to have a bunch of different little tastes while having foods/spices. They have a fun cocktail menu, I had the Hoochie Cuchi, how could I not! It was ok. Hubs had Red Stripe. Right from the start I sort of doubted the sincerity of our waitress. I couldn't decide if her vibe was genuine or not. Is it possible you & I both love the exact same drinks and plates darling? I'm thinking no... We started our dinner with the Caspian Heaven---fried oysters & the Brie en Croute, both were good. We figured we'd try those and decide what would be next while we were eating. The waitress told us we really should place the rest of our order as the kitchen gets very busy. Hmmm, its Saturday obviously the kitchen is going to get busy but we have no clue what else we want. Oh wait, you really just want us to eat and leave so you can turn the table over... again, does she really care about our food or getting us out of her table? We then ordered the Cuban Cigar-very good! The fried cauliflower was as my hubs said-meh... We were thinking we'd order maybe one more thing possibly seafood as we were saving room for dessert. We asked our waitress for suggestions and here's where dawn broke: without batting an eyelash, she literally suggested two most expensive seafood items, because conveniently those are her favorite. Come on, seriously? Are they really? You were perfectly scripted and it was an obvious upsell... I was thinking it & when she walked away hubs said it. Whatever, I get it, you're a waitress & you work on tips/totals but its extremely insulting & worse INSINCERE, you don't care about us, I get it... We didn't take her advice & instead Hubs got the ceviche and we got the Carbonara which was sooooooooooooooooooo over seasoned/salty it was barely edible, I mean soooo salty I could feel my blood pressure rising as I was eating it! For dessert we had the banana bread pudding & it was probably my favorite thing all night! Five stars for that! That was totally worth it and soooooooooo yummy, so yummy! Oh & the espresso that hubs ordered never made it to the table, go figure... Overall it was decent & fun but I loathe when I feel like someone is trying to take advantage of me---the obvious upsell and the 'darling' If i had to rank it, i'd say it comes in behind Sarma, Tico, Dali, Casa B.& Orinoco... Clearly i'm in the minority as the place was PACKED when we left. You could not even walk through the bar to get out. Would I go back, probably not as we love trying different places, unless we're wowed and we were not...
(2)Suejean L.
Cuchi Cuchi is quite the experience. Grrrrreat food, especially if you like tapas style dining. Wonderful ambience, very eclectic/bohemian/flapper-esque.
(5)Jamie F.
Delicious and creative drink and food menu matched the decor. Fried oysters were AMAZING little bites of goodness, tuna lavish rolls were delicious, and we ordered BRACIOLETTA RIPIENA DI MAIALE which are grilled pork rolls stuffed w/pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic-highly recommended! Long wait on Saturday but can make reservations. The bartenders have their own wait list which we took advantage of. The drinks are creative like the food! The have a list of muddled drinks with cutesy names. Try "some like it hot" huge fan! We will be back! Check it out yourself...
(5)Joseph F.
I like the colors and the costumes of this place. The drinks have funny names. And I laugh every time the hostess says "Welcome to Cuchi Cuchi." Yes, I'm basically twelve years old. But I've been to this place about five times and I've never been let down. The ambiance, the decor, the service, the cocktails, the food. Everything is just top-notch. It's the kind of restaurant that just works for every occasion (a first date, a fifth date, a reunion, a business dinner, a casual Wednesday night meal, a pre-show meal, etc.) and every type of guest (your partner, your best friend, a colleague, a classmate, a hook-up, etc). Everything is sharable, and share you must, so that you can try as many dishes as possible in one sitting. My favorite dishes are the cuban cigars (so savory and packed with flavor), the brie en croute (a must for any cheese-lover), and the moroccan chicken tagine (wonderfully seasoned and cooked). After a hearty, delicious meal, be sure to save room for dessert (tip: the French Banana Bread Extravaganza is even more indulgent than it sounds, but it's worth every calorie). Overall, a must-visit restaurant in Cambridge and in Greater Boston!
(5)C R.
Two words: Speakeasy. Ok, so it's one word. This place is as exciting as getting a private tour of Martha Rae's closet; flapper costumed mannequins (and stunningly beautiful waitresses), gorgeous guys and everything is bedazzled! Decor = 10. Menu = outstandingly eclectic and equally as delicious. I have no idea about the price because everything was so dazzlingly delicious I don't even think I thought to look. There's drink menu that goes on for pages. The staff is fantastic. This review is a mess; all over the place. I"m still trying to sort it all out - but in a word, this place is GREAT. It is to food what Space Mountain is to amusements parks. Please Jesus, give me a reason to go back there. Again.
(4)Bobby C.
I have been meaning to go to Cuchi Cuchi for awhile. One of my close foodie friends was in town visiting so we went to check out Cuchi Cuchi. I had read the reviews about reserving a table, but we ended up getting dinner early on a weekday. It did get busy pretty quickly though. The noise can get a bit loud, but my friend and I sat along a wall near the hostess. It wasn't bad at all. Doug was our waiter for the evening. He was excellent! Doug was very accommodating when we inquired about the serving sizes for sangria. We were not heavy drinkers. The sangria was amazing. It was just right. I didn't think I could find sangria better than Tasca. My friend and I had decided which tapas we were getting. Doug then made some recommendations. He informed us we were ordering too many plates. He didn't want us to order too little or too much. Once we selected the tapas, Doug recommended which tapas should be served first, second, etc. Doug was right! We had just enough room for dessert. We ended up getting the banana bonanza. Loved it! For the guys, this is not a first date place. Maybe a third date. The decor is slightly over the top, but I like it. Service and food were great!
(5)Joanna F.
Came in on Friday with three girlfriends. I had planned a girls' night around going here because I assumed it was a pretty girly place that most dudes wouldn't enjoy. I think I was kind of wrong. The atmosphere wasn't quite as over the top as I expected and even though our server was dressed in 20's clothes, the service was SPECTACULAR. I was concerned I may not take the service as seriously. We also got seated fairly quickly on a Friday night around 6:30. We were sitting in the front window by the bar so I feel like we didn't get a full representation of the atmosphere either, but oh well. Tapas style food was good and reasonably priced for tapas. Some stand outs include the brie en croute and the potato balls. The server was also really good with my friend's nut/avocado allergy (although A LOT of the dishes have nuts baked in,so there was no way my friend could eat those). The star of the show was obviously the drinks. These drinks are so well made that it tastes like no liquor is involved - dangerous. I got the Some Like It Hot (vodka, sriracha chili, gorgonzola stuffed olives) and it was AMAZING. I think most guys would love most of the drink menu too,so I shouldn't have judged so much. Long story short, I would prob come back for drinks before food again, but it was a good time overall.
(4)Sophie C.
Fun, Gatsby-esque, delicious, not cheap! I've come here for drinks before and the cocktails are superb. My favorite is the Ramos Fizz - their twist on a gin fizz, which has ginger and egg white. Yum! They also have shooters that are served in shotglasses shaped like lady parts that you cannot set down. Raunchy. I ordered the Beef Stroganoff and the Gratin potatoes. I came here starving and left satiated - the potatoes are wonderfully rich. The duck and cuban cigar are lighter but very well made - not sure if I think the price point is worth it. Go for the atmosphere, for something different, or to impress someone. One of my favorite places for fun and classy drinks.
(4)Nina J.
The service was really awful. They were unbelievably rude to us. We (group of 4) got there around 8pm on a Saturday night and were told we'd be seated in a few minutes. That turned into a 45 minute wait. In the course of waiting, we (very politely) mentioned we needed to be somewhere by 10pm. After we had eaten, we were hanging out and chatting at our table. Around 10pm, a waiter came over to our table, interrupted the conversation, and said, "Don't you have to leave? I thought you had to be somewhere at 10pm." Yes, the waitress ACTUALLY asked us to leave. We are polite, paying customers. We couldn't believe the rudeness either! We ignored her comment. A few minutes later, a different girl came to our table and said, "I'm going to have to ask you to get up from your table because there are people waiting to be seated for dinner. You can go to the bar if you want." The level of rudeness was unparalleled. There are plenty of tapas places in Cambridge/Boston with MUCH politer service.
(1)Lisa I.
I had been dying to go to this place for years because I had heard such great things. It's supposed to be a great place to go with your girlfriends, and I came with my boyfriend, so maybe that was the first mistake. I think it's definitely better for larger groups so you can share more dishes. And we didn't have their cocktails, just wine and beer, so that was strike two against us. The food itself was pretty good, but as many others have noted, the small plates really are TINY for the price. I've been to plenty of other tapas places, and you usually get a bit more for $10-15 a pop. We had the Cuban Cigar, which was delish, but probably not worth $14. The Grilled Eggplant Napoleon was just ok - it was kind of greasy and the cheese wasn't the right consistency for the dish. The Moroccan Chicken Tagine was good, but again not worth the $$. The atmosphere is very distinct, with flapper waitresses and interesting decor. But our table for 2 was tiny, the tables are all packed in super close to each other, and it was hard to hear. Won't be coming back any time soon.
(2)Tamara W.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I came here on Friday night RANDOMLY with a friend who was in from New York City. We called and they said they did not take reservations after 6 30pm however when we arrived at 8pm we were able to get a few drinks and were seated around 45 minutes later just as they expected the wait would be. The hostess was wonderful, very friendly and had great cleavage, ha. The drinks at the bar were great and strong. I ordered a vodka soda with splash of grapefruit and they by accident gave me tonic water; after I asked the bar tender apologized right away and gave me another drink which was great. The bar area is VERY CROWDED but as you get your drunk on it does not seem so loud/bothersome. The food was FANTASTIC. Our waitress, Dijara, was wonderful. She gave excellent recommendations; we had the raw tuna in lavash wrap, beet salad, the fried artichokes and the cheese/potato balls. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS!!! The best by far was the fried artichokes. At one point Dijara asked how the food was and my response was, "I think my friend was about to orgasm eating them and is finishing herself off in the rest room..." Enough said. Wonderful atmosphere, very pricey but worth it for a great night with a girlfriend in town or friends. A date place? Maybe not to so much as it is very loud then again the cocktails are great and there is a lot to look at/make small talk about because the atmosphere is so interesting. Will be here VERY SOON again... when my wallet can handle it :) Tamara p.s. VERY easy parking on the streets because everything is metered and free after 6pm.
(5)K C.
Wonderful, eclectic place to grab drinks with friends! The Heat of the Night is a mild watermelon 'tini with a kick of spice from hints of jalapeño, the Thai Cocktail is über tasty, and the Blood Orange Side Car is a nice twist on a classic cocktail! If you have time, stay for dinner! The garlic shrimp are wonderful, the seafood avocado is refreshing, the fried artichoke hearts are to die for, the mussels are full of flavor, and you must save room for the banana bread pudding dessert. Not what you'd typically think of when you think of bread pudding. So yummy! See you next time!
(5)Sepoy S.
Great service, great food, worth every penny!! The ambiance is amazing with all the staff dressed in vintage 30s flapper girl outfits, and the men dressed in old school tuxedos. Extensive drink menu, and good for vegetarians. Highly recommended!
(5)Cindy N.
Liked the vibe, food was ok. RaspberryBeret cocktail - the ginger in this made it very yummy Gobo manchurian - not very special. It's cauliflower in fried batter. Cuban cigar - pretty good, but not very outstanding Brie en croute - delicious! Can't go wrong when you've got bacon and Brie Tuna tartare cornets - tuna was not cold enough, everything else in the cornet was creamier than the tuna, the cornet was too soft. Biggest flop of the night. Maybe I should have said something there... Mushroom risotto - yum! But maybe if you have porcini mushrooms and truffle oil, you just can't go wrong. Tartufo - delicious, especially the strawberry gelato and little chocolate crisps Service - good. Nothing to complain about Atmosphere - a little cramped, as we were seated in the back section. Were the people in front just more important than us?
(3)N T.
This place is very cute, but I would have to say that it's a little overpriced...
(2)Ridhima S.
Can't believe I've never been to Cuchi Cuchi before! Interesting ambiance, unique cocktails, friendly wait staff, and fun experience. The food was all amazing-- gobi manchurian was delicious but my favorites were definitely the garlic shrimp, brie puff pastry, and mushroom risotto-- they're all delicious! If you're in a group, try their banana bread dessert.
(5)Corona W.
Cuchi Cuchi is one of those places where the food is good but the atmosphere and service completely make up for whatever they may lack. Don't get me wrong,the food is good but it is a little expensive for what you get and it isn't anything amazing or out of this world. Even so, we would absolutely return because it's so much fun in there are the drinks are delicious!!
(4)Girl S.
Love this place... Best things on the menu are the Deep Fried Tomato, Cuban Cigar and Artichoke Hearts!!! They're phenomenal in my opinion. Drinks are wonderful and dessert is not to be missed. I would recommend this place for a date night. It can get pricey but I say well worth it. Servers are a little stupid sometimes but the food and drinks make it ALL up. I got a drink just the other day and when I told my waitress, Kelly, that I hated it she asked me why and tried to insist on "fixing" it. I specifically said its too sweet and too much pulp from the muddled fruit and she didn't seem too willing to get it replaced with my fav... The Between the Sheets never disappoints. With all that being said, I know I said "I love this place", I should just say, I live for this place. If I could go every wknd I would. Next up in the foodie tour: Dali. I hear they aren't so bad...
(5)Liana K.
The decor and theme of the restaurant was fun. The bf and I got some My Thais which were pretty well made and average price for drinks. $9 or so. I got Orange Duck Crepe (I think it had a fancier burlesque title but I forgot it) $13 or so. I would definitely get those again. The bf got some raw tuna stuff on a plate with a pool of couscous surrounding it and a plate of Oysters covered in cheesy, spinachy goodness. The tuna was just pink sushi tuna on a plate and not really worth the $15 or so for it.. The Oysters dish was okay. Overall, I think the restaurant was fun a nice change from the usually pub food or Asian fusion I do.. Definitely worthy of stopping by for drinks.
(4)Arta L.
How did I live in Boston for a whole year and not discover this place until I left. It's THE perfect place for a low-key yet fun night with your friends, with awesome drinks (creative and delicious!), cool ambiance, reasonable prices, and good service. I LOVED IT! I had the watermelon jalapeño drink which was awesome. For appetizers we had the cuban cigar (beef short ribs) and duck, both of which were perfectly done and tender. Finally for dessert we had the gelato and French banana bread extravangza ... the latter of which left me saying... IS THIS DESSERT FOR REAL? Unbeliavably delicious with a bread that was underneath it all that was amazing! It fed all four of us satisfactorily. It ranks among the top 5 desserts that have ever met my palate. I would love to go back every time I'm in Cambridge! And with a name like Cuchi Cuchi, how could I resist?
(4)Robert S.
Delicious, well-presented small plates that were a bit pricy but ultimately worth it. We ordered four dishes plus a bread basket for two adults - just right for moderate appetites. Brie en croute - delicious flaky crust, warm Brie center Fried Artichoke Hearts - three good-sized pieces of deep fried goodness Beef Stronganoff - nice cuts of beef, yummy sauce and noodles Garlic Shrimp - the classic tapas dish, fantastic with thinly sliced garlic pieces that were perfectly crisped - great with some pieces of bread. Best of the four dishes we ordered. Service was a bit shaky by our waiter, but their 'team approach' to service worked as the host and hostess backed him up and delivered a good experience. Worth the $$ if you value great food in a eclectic environment.
(5)William D.
Great food, great drinks, and a great place to bring a date, but seating/reservations is extremely unaccommodating. I've had big issues with it twice... (1)I tried to book a reservation on my birthday, when they said that though they could not do reservations on a Friday or Saturday, it wouldn't be an issue if we called ahead (which we did). Once we got there, they told us it would be a 1 hour wait (at 530pm)... once 630pm hit, they told us it would be another 45 minutes to an hour. By that point, we were so frustrated, that we went to a different restaurant. The second time (2) was a smaller instance where I came here for dinner/drinks on a Tuesday night once at 630PM, and the wait was 1.5 hours long. If the food wasn't so delicious here (beef stroganoff FTW), it would be lower.
(3)Elizabeth L.
Yum.
(4)P'raka ..
Absolutely loved it - tasty small plate dishes and AMAZING drinks. Some plates are bigger than others. We got the a plentiful serving of mussels and caspian heaven (4 fried oysters, potato fingerlings, cream fraiche). Very satisfying and will come again. As others have noted - the decor and staff dressing are very playful, girly and sparkly!
(5)Hana C.
Cuchi Cuchi is a lil hidden gem in Cambridge. My most recent visit to Cuchi Cuchi was last Wednesday with my two lovely girlfriends. I was the first one to arrive so I waited for the girls by the bar. It was roughly 6:30PM and the place was packed. I started off with a Moulinrouge cocktail. It was okay- don't get it. Too too sweet, it was like cubes of sugar in your mouth. I couldn't finish it, save the calories for dinner. 6:45PM- the girls arrive and we are seated right away (we had a 6:30PM reservation). Our waitress was extremely friendly and very attentive. Some memorable dishes we ordered: Grilled Eggplant Napoleon- an excellent dish. I don't usually like eggplants but this was cooked very nicely with tomato and cheese. Seared Tuna- tuna & watermelon tartar and couscous. Another great dish, the tuna was very freshly prepared and had a lovely sweet and fresh, crisp taste with the mix of little watermelon cubes. Cuban Cigar- beef short ribs wrapped in dough with black bean salsa. This was my favorite dish. We got two. It has shredded beef short ribs inside, meat was so succulent, moist and melted in your mouth. Beef Scallops Provençale- seared scallops with herb and mushroom stuffing on the half shell. A lovely dish. Scallops were excellently prepared and loved the stuffing. Stroganoff- sirloin with shallot and mushroom sauce on egg noodles. Probably my least favorite dish. The beef was a little chewy and the egg noodles were too bland and lacking in flavor. We left stuffed. We also had a pitcher of sangria- it had all sorts of fruits in it, fresh watermelon, apples, blueberries.. I usually dont eat the fruits in the sangrias because it is soaked with the sangria. But I could actually eat all the fruits which means that the fruits are freshly prepared with the sangrias when ordered. The place can get a little loud but overall, a very lively, lovely place.
(4)Brad D.
By far, my wife and I's most favorite establishment in all of Ma.! This place is so beautiful, hip, and romantic, that it's as if you're in a modern day burlesque. Such a great place to hang w/ friends, especially at their bar which is a large comfortable size. In fact, after eloping to Camb.'s City Hall in Jan. 2008, we celebrated our marriage with 15 friends at the their window table, and felt more than welcome by the staff, considering such short notice. Not only that, but our entire liquor tab was comped, as a congratulatory gift from Cuchi Cuchi. Service such as this, is a dying breed. We LOVE you Cuchi Cuchi !!! Come Summer, it's a must that you have at least 1 Cucumber Gimlet - out of this world good!
(5)George W.
Cool, vintage 20s feel to the place. Old jazz rounds out the ambiance. Amazing, classic, original, and forgotten cocktails. Perhaps eat at Salt's across the street the mosey in here for some great drinks. Good date spot if you wanna impress a classy lady and still have fun. Expect to pay about 10 bucks a cocktail though... The food is pretty lame. They insist that it IS NOT a tapas joint because tapas are from Spain and they serve "international" small plates. That's bullshit. That's like saying if you add creamcheese to a sushi roll that it isn't sushi anymore. It's tapas. Deal with it. Your atitude don't make tapas not tapas. And the tapas are WAY too expensive for their quality, and we had quite a few. Their desserts, especially the chocolate banana thing was excellent.
(3)Stacey D.
3.5 stars . There's a lot I like about this place. I went here on a Friday evenig and the price was packed, but while waiting there's plenty to look it. The wait staff as described are dressed in wonderful costumes, although my feminist side was slightly bothered, where were all the hot men to oogle at? For food we had several items, unfortunately, the quality which started out fantastic, decreased through the meal. We started with the scallops ceviche, and it was delicious, the perfect mix of cilantro, tomatoes, and spice. It was incredibly refreshing, and sooo yummy. Though, in all honesty, you couldn't really taste the scallops. I actually really like the cuban cigars, the short ribs wrapped in a croissant pastry. It was deliciously flavorful, crisp where it should be crisp, and moist where it should be moist. Unfortunately, after this the meal went down hill, the beet salad, and fried oysters were bland, and the dessert - I can't remember what its called, a cone filled with fresh fruit and whip cream, was good, but didn't suprise or thrill me. The first two items I thought were fantastic and would definitely bring me back, but three .5 stars, because it was very pricey and the quality wasn't maintained.
(3)Ana T.
Awesome place for girls night out. Cool decor with mannequins, florescent lights, and Christmas lights outside year round. They have a cool table on one corner that lights up when you touch it. I love sitting at that table with a large group or at the bar with another friend and having their amazing cocktails and a small appetizer. The mushrooms are perfect with any drinks. They also play a variety of music which you can get up and dance to when dinner is done. Fun all around!
(4)Ken D.
i adore this place. the bartenders,the servers,the atmosphere,the food is brilliant! the wine flows like water! its just beautiful and a great place for any occasion!
(5)Kate G.
Visited for the fist time last week. I went on a Monday night so I figured I didn't need a reservation. Made on just in case and I was glad I did. It was still very busy. The food was great. Huge variety to choose from. Server was helpful with suggestions and gave me a couple options that he considered his favorites. I recommend getting the picture of sangria. It was delish. It was the perfect amount to share.
(4)Veronica A.
Okay - beside the eXcellent drinks & eXcellent tasteful food (that's the great news), the servers are slow, the place is LOUD as HECK, there are no reservations, they don't listen when it comes to your requests, it is so annoyingly crowded where you will definitely have your drink spilled and they are SO SO SO SO SO SLOW with the BILL! They also dont split the bill if you ask them to. You basically have to sacrifice everything to enjoy your food. Thats the problem. But boy their drinks are YUM!
(3)Raea Z.
AMAZING! Cuchi Cuchi is hands down my favorite restaurant on the face of the planet! A intimate party of five of us went out for my birthday a few weeks ago. Two of my friends had been there before so we were prepared and dolled ourselves up. The waitresses dress in 1920's garb; flappers and burlesque attire as far and the eye car see. The restaurant itself has an art nouveau feel. Upon being seated (there was NO WAIT Friday at 7pm! Packed by 8pm) our waitress bought top hats for the boys and boas for the girls! Very festive, so of course we were thrilled. The drinks are pricey ($7 non-alcoholic, $10-12 alcoholic) but well worth every penny! My favorite is the Black Dahlia---muttled blackberries and kiwis--YUM! Absolutely delish! And the food....oh the food! Everything was flawless! Insalata del Liguria, Fried Artichoke Hearts, Tuna Lavash, Scallops Provençale, Scallop Ceviche Shot, Seafood-filled Avocado, Caspian Heaven, Mushroom Risotto, Brie in a puff pastry, St. Jacob's Zucchini...every dish more mouth-watering than the previous! The entire meal and drinks came to about $250 for 5 people. Well worth it for a special night out! The service was just impeccable. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful. They take your coats at the door and return them to you as you leave. They also sing a lively Happy Birthday rendition. Actually, we heard them sing about five times that night. ;) Couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Thank you Cuchi Cuchi! You have a customer for LIFE!
(5)Josh P.
Cuchi is the BOMB-DIGITTY! Everyone who works there is hot, especially the bartenders ;) Great vegan menu and the best drinks on this planet! Cuchi Cuchi, a place so nice they named it twice! Thank you soooo much :p XXXXXXOOOOOO
(5)Tiffany W.
Wow. This restaurant is one of the best places to dine in Boston. It has flair, character, and really great food. The waiters and waitresses are lovely from dress to personality. Cocktails: tons to choose from. A bunch of vintage! My date and I opted for some gin drinks, but you'll have to come here 100 times to try everything they offer. Food: LIttle plates of gourmet deliciousness. The fried clams (i believe it was called Russian Heaven or something) were decadent. The tuna tartar in crisp torches were fresh and light. The chicken tagine was very flavorful with lots of great veggies and couscous. The duck crepes were my favourite! For dessert we had the chocolate dipped ball of ice cream-- worth it, even though we were full. And of course, shots! Served in vintage shot glasses (with bottoms up)-- the orange blossome and the green goddess were both liquid candy. Do not fear, indulge!
(5)Anne W.
I knew this was a swanky place.. and I was meeting friends here for drinks. The drinks are way too overpriced. Yes.. you are getting good reasonable alcohol.. but there isn't any place to sit or stand if there are over three people with you. I tried the flying grasshopper (really creamy) and the mint julep (tasted almost like a mojito). We were creating a fire hazard frankly and the hostess wouldn't let us sit down at one of their tables until the place closed for food. And when we did sit down, they weren't cozy enough for just drinks.. we were sitting way too far apart to have an actual group conversation. I wouldn't come here again for drinks.. but maybe for dinner.
(3)Ken M.
Pretentious for the sake of being pretentious. I think we all know how I feel about that. Rude and discourteous staff from the get go (hostess, I'm talkin' bout you!). Let's just get this out of the way, Cuchi Cuchi: Your plates aren't bigger than tapas, and are more expensive, so just get over yourself. The only reason Cuchi Cuchi gets any stars at all is for the bartender who was mostly taking care of us (other people kept trying to jump on us, poor staff management), who was a rockstar and flirted back and forth with Andy. She deserves far better than this place. This is totally not my scene or my food. I'd be okay getting dragged back for drinks, but never again the food. My beet salad ($10) was hit and miss. The beets were good (it's hard to screw up when cooking beets) but the greens were too bitter and vinegary.
(2)Traci H.
Great place for a nice shared meal of small plates. It's not cheap but you get good quality food. Make reservations to avoid waiting forever. Love the mango margaritas and mojitos. The bread is served with an eggplant type of spread - and they'll give you more if you like it! Favorite plates: Garlic Shrimp Skirt Steak Beef Stroganoff Couscous Baby back ribs - Fall off the bones tender! Other notables: Cuban cigar Grilled Indian Lamb Caspian Heaven (I don't really do a lot of seafood, but my friends LOVED this dish) Not a huge fan of the Bliny or the Artichoke hearts. The fried tomato is also just ok - impressive looking but I'd try some of the other great dishes instead of these three. Servers are dressed in "cool Latin dresses" (trying to be politically correct) and on Tuesday nights there's a tarot card reader. Tiramisu was great and served in an upglass. Good meal, would get 5 stars if it wasn't so expensive for a nice meal out for such small portions. You definitely pay for the good dining experience and I think it's worth it but it still cracks the wallet.
(4)Coupe Et C.
This is officially my favorite place on Earth right now. I could really live in this gorgeous restaurant. Not only did the decor and atmosphere go above my expectations, but the food really was phenomenal and worth the $$$ you pay. I had the duck crepes and the brie en croute which was nothing short of an orgasm in my mouth. One of my girl friends had the skirt steak and scalloped potatoes which were also delicious. I think dessert may have been my favorite though: French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Goddamn, they give you a lot. Quality AND quantity?! That rarely happens anymore at restaurants. I would eat here every weekend if my metabolism and wallet could handle it. Till then, I'll recommend this to everyone and count down the days till a date takes me here.
(5)Jenan A.
this place really doesn't need a review - but I figured I should write something given how much I love it the cocktails are amazing - they have something like a full 4 pages - and if you're still not sure, the bar tenders will make something up for you. The food is equally delicious It is a little on the pricy side, but your pallet will love you forever if you try it
(5)Francesca R.
Entering Cuchi Cuchi is what I imagine it would be like to visit the mind of Alphons Mucha while he's on a bitchin' acid trip. It's a magical Art Nouveau mystery tour of sensual delights. There has been great care taken to make every inch of this place a visual journey, from the giant kimono on the wall to the impeccably dressed flapper waitresses to the jewel-encrusted tampon disposal boxes in the bathrooms. If this was someone's apartment, it would be your melodramatic aunt who used to be a courtesan in Borneo and now just swans around in silk dressing robes and still smokes with a cigarette holder. This artfully crafted experience continues with the walloping drink menu, which has pretty much every kind of cocktail you can imagine or didn't even know you would like but now must have. You Give Me Fever (muddled strawberries, lime juice and vodka) was a big hit around the table. We ordered a carafe of Cava which you pour directly into your mouth--a style of drinking imported directly from Spain that lent a festive air to every table, bachelorette party (as ours was) or no. The Bottom's Up drinks come in glasses that cannot be set down because the bottom is straddled by a wee naked man and his pert bum. You have to drink it down and then set the cup upside down on its little resting plate. Here's a place where most of the menu is dedicated to alcoholic confections and this adds to the dizzying pleasures. Next up on this delectable adventure is the food--words cannot describe. No, really, I don't have the right words. We shared 28 plates between 14 people. We managed to pass all of them and I took a wee bite of everything. *Everything was delicious.* There was not one single item that was boring or bad. The two plates I ordered were Brie en Croute (warm brie, walnuts and bacon in a puff pastry) and the Seared Tuna (with watermelon tartar and couscous). Those were amazing. The two other standouts were the Duck a la Orange crepes and the seafood-filled avacado. ::drools remembering the taste:: The only time the luxurious whimsy fades is if you suggest these are tapas--no no, these are international dishes. They are quite persnickety about it--presumably because the owners have an actual Tapas restaurant called Dali? Fair enough, but the Spanish definition (small portions of food served with drinks) still holds. I'd say this is the perfect place for a big group, boys included. But it's not exactly romantic--it's a bit too ornate, tawdry and loud for romance. As long as there's more than two in your dining party, however, you will definitely have a good time. I had to knock off a star because after a fantastic night, our waitress came running out after us (well, I say running out--we were all standing around the entrance saying goodbye to some people) and said we were $20 short. We had counted that sucker about 17 million times, and paid all in cash, to the penny. I'm sure she just miscounted and wasn't being deliberately snotty, but it was a lame ending to an otherwise perfect night. Even so, I will be back--I'll just be sure to count the payment with the server next time.
(4)Bethany B.
Can you say cocktails?! So many delicious options it was next to impossible to pick...so I HAD to get a few. What an amazing concept. Loved the throwback burlesque outfits of everyone who worked there--totally up my alley. The food was also excellent. The garlic butter shrimp was very flavorful--a quality that I feel is always lacking in their sister restaurant Dali's version of the same thing. This would be such a fun place for a birthday party/gathering/random saturday. The cocktails are date-worthy but I would probably not recommend it for a first date. Don't let the long lines scare you away, sidle up for the bar and wait for a table, the wait moves much faster than you would think!
(5)Maxine B.
Oh my GOD, this place is incredible. I recognize there are some difficulties with the lack of reservations and how crowded it could get, but this is because this is possibly the best restaurant I've ever been to. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. The server was kind. The food is top-notch. Every dish I had I was in a new kind of love. Extremely expensive for someone of my age and means, but worth it as a treat from time to time. I really have nothing but love for this place. If you're in the Boston area, eat here!
(5)Alexandra K.
This place gets packed fast and is on a pricier side, but never disappoints! Get here early as they don't take reservations and they only seat you when you entire party is present. The concept is flawlessly executed from the decor to the outfits everything screams 1920s. The food delicious, taps style just try anything! Cocktail list endless, but don't try everything :)
(5)Renee G.
My primary objection to Cuchi Cuchi is the name. I understand the Charo connection, but nobody should ever have to experience the embarrasment of being admonished by a coworker on a well-attended conference call, "Get this done or no Cuchi Cuchi for you!", or have to repeatedly ask another coworker to please not refer to it as "the Cooch" around senior executives. My secondary objection is the fact that nobody behind their bar seems to be able to mix a passable Manhattan, though a Some Like It Hot is an acceptable alternative, what with the bleu-cheese stuffed olives and the Sriracha afterburn. My tertiary objection is the fact that it's just expensive, the service ranges from okay at best to confoundingly rude, and while the whole "globe trotting" non-tapas concept is a cute idea, the food is not nearly as good as the actual tapas at the other restaurants owned by the same couple. Give me Dali and it's melting wall and fish skeleton art and queso rebozado con miel any day. All that said, I come here a lot, because it's so close to my office, and my aforementioned coworkers are extremely keen on the place. The atmosphere is fun, and I was once allowed to wear a vintage paste necklace around all night when I lamented that I felt underaccessorized, which is worth a star in and of itself.
(3)Rosie Z.
Really extensive cocktail menu and friendly bartender. Three of us went on a Saturday early evening without reservation so we had to sit at the bar. Still we loved the ambiance and food. The mushroom pancakes were delicious, so were the Brie en Croûte and Cuban Cigar. They actually have rather generous serving for "small plates" which I was quite happy about. Crowd is on the older side. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. A great place to hang out with girlfriends or have a date.
(4)James B.
Lovely atmosphere. Service was impeccable! Long list of cocktails will never leave you bored. My new favorite place.
(5)Nicholas A.
Hmmm.... The first time I went, in December, I would have given this dazzling place 5.5 stars if possible, but last night, my second visit, though still enjoyable, I would have to knock it down a bit. The level of salt, for at least five of the dishes we had, was really too high for all four of us. I suppose if we had ordered a lot of booze (and maybe that's the point of using a lot of salt), I may not have minded, but since our group did not have that much alcohol, it did have a negative impact. Since two points do not make a trend, I will give them another shot in the future. One other negative is the overall loudness of the patrons, but that is more a reflection of our society than the restaurant (unless a restaurant is encouraging obnoxious behavior, I certainly am more focused on the quality and taste of food).
(4)Kristen C.
Yummy but lethal Strawberry Basil cocktail
(4)Billy Su B.
CUCHI? do you have any idea what this does inside my brain? to hear the word CUCHI?? not once but TWO TIMES?? IN A ROW????? gyrating, lady secret, "cuchi cuuchi coooo0000oooo," flock of hussies, pink panties, alcohol, sex, low lights, potty mouth, private part, ruffles, lubricant, ostrich feather.. well... i got 2 right. alcohol and ostrich feather. they have an extensive list of fun cocktails with scandalous names, hot young thangs zipping around in roaring 20's type getups, GORGEOUS and EXTRAVAGANT decor- this place is dripping with rich color, wild accent lamps, life-size taxidermy peacocks.. ok, why are you still reading this? you should be on your way to cuchi cuchi. i'm kidding, keep reading. here are my cons: i say this all the time because i think people are suckers- this is nice food folks, some of it's even great, but if you don't have tons of cash to toss around this ain't the place to have a sit-down, full fledged meal. by the time you have enough of their small plates to constitute a full meal, you're averaging 30 dollars and up per person on just their dinner. we're talkin' sky high. HOWEVER- i fully condone and encourage setting up camp at their so so fabulous bar, ordering tons of their yummy cocktails (great pisco sour) and enjoying a small plate or two with a pal- the menu is really really diverse, there really is something for everyone. don't jump all over me- i'm not saying their food is not good, it is. just isn't 35 dollars a person not including apps and drinks brilliant- toss in 3 drinks and an app and you're sitting at about 75 a person. all i'm sayin. ***the garlic shrimp was really really tasty- i highly recommend. final statement: cuchi chuchi's atmosphere is pretty much unrivaled. you have to go and try.
(3)Jack M.
Of all the restaurants in the area, I've been to this one the most. So it is with a heavy heart that I downgrade my opinion of this place, after Saturday's experience, to three stars. - Now, that still means it's GOOD. Just not the fantastic experience I remember from being here many times before. And it was because of the food. I just was not impressed this time. - We got there around 6:30 on a Saturday night, and the place was packed. I was surprised, because I've been here before around 7 PM on a Saturday and found it DEAD. The hostess said it would be an hour to seat us, which is fine - I always expect a wait here - and I don't mind waiting because the mixed drinks here are phenomenal. So we go sit by the bar after putting our name in. We order some drinks, and before we get them, the hostess comes to tell me they have a table ready! Fastest hour of my life! I think we were there what, 5 minutes? Maybe the recognize me as their biggest-tipper or most valued client? (I wish!). - Anyhow so that was nice - no wait. Had a good seat and loved our waiter: Sebastian. He was really great. We talked to him for a bit and I learned Doug, my favorite waiter of all time from this place, has moved on and is now the manager over at Dali (sort of a sister-restaurant to this place). That stinks because it means Doug will never be my waiter again and he was simply awesome. I'm not surprised he's moved on! But Sebastian was excellent too. I asked if they still had the $30 minimum per person and he said they have done away with that. That may explain why it was so crowded with people I, uh, don't usually see here..... - But the food was just not up to scratch. I had brought someone who had never been before, and I could tell they were not wowed either. They liked the place and the drinks and the service, but the food just wasn't doing it for her. OK Let's dig in: - "Vietnamese Tofu" - garbage. This was just 4 pieces of tofu on thin slices of cukecumber with a light sauce of some sort. Very bland. This was a new menu item and I was shocked they were charging 8 bucks for this. I mean that was pretty pathetic. "Potato Croquettes" - This is one of my favorites here and they were fine. "Brie en Croute" - excellent. I could eat just this all night. "Cuban Cigar" - their most popular dish, was very good. Maybe I am tired of this dish. But it's still pretty good. Maybe the meat was a bit overdone but, well, I'd still get this again. "Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale" - these are mini pork rolls. No good. The meat was terribly tough to chew, and the 2 rolls I had each contained big hunks of un-chewable fat. It grossed me out. Very salty, too. Just not good. Remind me not to get this again. "Duck a l'Orange Crepes" - not bad but didn't wow us. The orange sauce on top was pretty overpowering, so you couldn't really taste that duck. Maybe it was just me. I guess it was OK. For desert, we split that banana-bread thing I love so much. It was all right, too. It tasted a little burnt to me. The mixed drinks are great. I can't remember what we got first - the menu online just has the names, not the ingredients, so I can't pick it out. Anyhow it was excellent. After that I had 2 of the Satan's Whiskers, which was also excellent. ---- So, I don't know - sure it was a good time, but the food just didn't do it for me this time. At least I have yelp to help remind me what to order next time (and what to skip!) I will be back, just not with high expectations.
(3)Sara S.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I hate to share. What can I say, I'm an only child and always had everything to myself. My "issue" has transcended to my adult life and dining. I am not a sharer of food. I don't like to split meals, appetizers, desserts, whatever. What's mine is mine, what's yours is yours. However, Cuchi Cuchi is different. You HAVE to share at Cuchi Cuchi. You WANT to share at Cuchi Cuchi! The large, eclectic, delicious-sounding menu nearly made me jump through my computer when I read it online, and I was more than ecstatic to go to Cuchi Cuchi and share the hell out of many "small plates". The atmosphere is what first struck me. Jeffrey H. said it perfectly. Cuchi Cuchi is like an antique shop. There are tons of vintage items all over the place, as well as beautiful stained glass light fixtures and a large stained glass piece behind the bar. The room is dimly lit, and the waitresses are dressed like flappers (right...?). The music is a mix of reggae, Middle Eastern, and techno and strangely fits the mood of this antique-shop-turned-small plates restaurant perfectly. I started with a Dancing With Ginger, which had amaretto, fresh ginger, ginger syrup, and a few other ingredients in it. It was rimmed with sugar in the raw, which was a nice sweet touch. From least favorite to favorite, we had: Seared Tuna (five small pieces) Fried Artichoke Hearts (3 small pieces) Brie en Croute (one big puff) Chicken Tagine (one plate) French Banana Bread Extravaganza (HUGE dessert) The Seared Tuna really isn't tuna tartare. There were five seared pieces of tuna with mount of couscous and watermelon served in the middle. The flavors were good and the watermelon added a nice refreshing touch and crunch, but it wasn't exactly what we excepted. Artichoke hearts: the pistachios weren't detectable, but the Gorgonzola cheese was. There was NOTHING healthy for you in this dish, but the cheesy friedness in combination with the tartness of the marinated artichoke hearts was delicious. Brie en Crouts was AMAZING. It was a huge puff pastry filled with tons of brie and bacon. There was enough puff pastry so you didn't feel like you were just eating a huge glob of brie, and enough bacon pieces to be detectable. Chicken Tagine: I was surprised this was nearly my favorite. I'm typically a little weary of dishes with fruits in them, but the flavors of this went perfectly. I think because the white raisins and fruits were balanced out with salty olives and other vegetables. It was served over couscous and could have been a small meal in itself. Banana Bread Dessert: Wow, another suprise. I'm not a huge banana fan, but this dessert was AMAZING! The bananas were almost grilled and tasted carmalized. They were spread on thin pieces of bread pudding which was also served with vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream. Cuchi Cuchi is the exact reason why I hate the geography and public transportation system of Boston. There T isn't quite as close as I'd like, and you have to cross a river to get there. Plus, the whole Cambridge thing in general. ANYWAY, I'll be back very, very, VERY soon. As in tonight. Girls nights out, night out with mom, bachelorette party... THIS PLACE IS FOR YOU!
(5)Ken S.
A girls-night-out destination that Kim Cattrall and friends would snub, this earnest Moulin Rouge reprise is more faux than fou. Keep looking...
(2)Liz A.
This is a fantastic, quirky, and unique little spot! Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly (this can make or break your experience). The food was truly OUTSTANDING. We order many different things: - warm baby beets & french sheep cheese salad: was good, although in retrospect we probably didn't need it, we were stuffed from everything else! -fruits de Mer - BAAHHH! SOOOO yummy. pastry puff filled with different kinds of delicious seafood like scallops, shrimp, lobster, etc. -seafood filled avocado: It sounds amazing, but I wasn't crazy about it. 2 things: it was served cold (intentionally) and had cilantro in the salsa the seafood was mixed in. Neither of these things are listed on the menu, but then again the idea of a warm avocado is a little odd I suppose. The people I was with don't have a problem with cilantro, so they ate it, but we all agreed it was probably the one dish we could've lived without. - scallops provencale : basically scallops with mushroom stuffing. I have a serious weak spot for stuffing, and this totally hit the spot. wasn't an ABSOLUTELY make sure you try this dish though - brie en Croute : brie, walnuts and BACON in a puff pastry. MUST TRY THIS. this has to be what heaven tastes like -baby back ribs with apple fritters : self explanatory, delicious and interesting pair though! - cuban cigar : beef short ribs wrapped in dough with black bean salsa. by this point I was stuffed and a little tipsy, so I don't remember truly loving it, but the people I was with said it was their favorite dish. It's a little pricey, but definitely a fun atmosphere and truly delicious food!
(5)Adam D.
We had a good meal here, but not great. The ginger drink was wAAAAAAAAAy too sweet. The cigar, ok, but greasy. The sizzling shrimp were perfect. The other dishes were forgettable, as in... I don't remember what we had. We'll probably go back to give it another chance. Order the small bread, the big is too much for two, unless you eat like an elephant.
(3)Kelly G.
Got in last night to try out their gluten free menu and it was surprising how much from the original was on it! I had the gratin dauphinois and the baby back ribs - each dish was perfectly cooked. I also nibbled at the Indian lamb which was to die for! We sat in the back where the chairs *are* comfortable, remediating what I knocked a star off for before. The foodie friends I had along (who aren't avoiding gluten at present) were exclaiming at every bite of their food and the cocktail menu continues to impress. Go CC, go!
(5)M P.
One of my all time FAVs. Awesome Drinks, fabulous food and personality and atmosphere to boot. Great for going out with that special other or for celebratory outings w the girls. Live Life Large.
(5)H. G.
It's like how they say you're either an Elvis man or a Beatles guy.... you either like Superman or you like Batman.... Magic or Bird... vanilla or chocolate... Ginger or Mary Ann.... Well, you either love Cuchi Cuchi or you love Dali. I don't begrudge the Cuchi Cuchi fans, but I'm a Dali guy.
(3)Morris R.
Seriously good food. But for some reason the bar area is riddled with d-bags.
(4)Shubhra P.
If i could give them 0 stars then I would ! My review is NOT about their food but about how they treat customers. We had a reservation for my birthday dinner here and arrived 5 mins before the reservation time. We were asked to wait a minute as they were getting our table ready. After about ten minutes of waiting another group of 6 people comes by and they seat them right away. We still keep waiting, and after another 5 mins or so the attendant comes to us and says that they do not have a free table anymore and she messed up the reservation system and that we have to leave !!!! And later when we complained then she said that she had to give the table to the 6 people party that came after us since they were more in number than us ! How ridiculous !! So much for making a reservation beforehand, coming a little early and still having to wait a lot and then in the end being sent away!! It was already past 930pm by then and it would be impossible to get reservations at any other restaurants around! Thanks a bunch for ruining my birthday. This is just a pompous place with no real concern for customers. I will never go here again and will make sure that none of my friends do either!
(1)Neva C.
I want to give this place two stars because I feel like it's really overrated, but I can't deny some very good qualities. So let's say 2.5. The food is interesting and delicious. On the expensive side, but really original flavors and combinations. The cocktails are also quite diverse. Not all combinations work, but there is plenty of variety. I don't know anywhere else in Boston where you can find such a large and varied menu of drinks. They are not super strong and are a little pricey, basically what you'd expect at a cocktail bar. Now, I for one find the decor and costumes that the waitresses wear a little much. On the depressing side, even, particularly for the older waitresses who have to squeeze into some small dress that isn't age-appropriate and doesn't fit. It's a weird combination between a classy place and too overdone, too kitsch, trying too hard. I'm sure I'll be going back, since everyone seems to love this place, but it's really not my preference.
(3)A J.
First off, the atmosphere is so cute, which makes the experience awesome in itself. But the food was also really good and the waitress was super friendly even though a loud group of us bombarded her with orders. The absolute favorite dish of everyone at the table was the Cuban Cigar (Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa). The Brie en Croûte (Brie, walnuts, bacon in puff pastry), Gratin Dauphinois (baked thin-sliced potatoes, onions, cheese & cream) and Sizzling Garlic Shrimp were also really good. However, I didnt like the Prosciutto-wrapped Melon so much....despite my love for prosciutto, I found it to be too tough. The tapa dishes are pretty small and can quickly add up in price so its a much better deal to go in a big group to get a taste of everything without breaking the bank.
(4)Bailey B.
This is my 10 th time visiting. I love the décor, the ambiance, the service. I have never had a bad time here. It has an art deco feel and all the waiters are dressed up beautifully. I guess you can call this place magical and whimsical. Definitely reserve, it fills up pretty quick and it does get noisy. If you like your cocktail fruity, this is the place to go. I recommend, Splendor in the Glass, Black Dahlia and Happiness. This visit we had, Warm Baby Beets - multi colored beets and perfectly added garlicky spinach. Garlic Shrimp - hot tiny shrimp, wish they were bigger Chicken Kiev - fabulous big ball of crispy chicken bursting with mushrooms Bliny - delicious mini tender crepe in a creamy mushroomy sauce with caviar Grilled Skirt Steak - so tender with delicious vibrant sauce, hits the spot with tiny tomatoes I'll be back next month. It's perfect for girl's night out.
(5)Monique S.
This place has it all, ambiance, good food, good drinks, good service. The hostess was very accommodating even though it was a full house. The waitress was very attentive. The drinks are delicious (champagne float martine..mmm). The food comes in small plates for sharing (ceviche-great balance of salt and citrus). Good times.
(4)Dan S.
Unique atmosphere, great bar and drink menu. Sampled ~12 dishes and all were excellent. Service was very good. Will go back a lot!
(4)Ashley F.
My second stab at Cuchi Cuchi was much improved. Our server was charming and willingly answered all of my questions. The food was pricey, but you get what you pay for: amazing dishes. I really wanted to like this place because of the cute atmosphere, and I was pleased to find that I had a good time all around.
(5)Annabel J.
I went here for a late dinner and drinks with two friends Friday night. When we arrived the place was packed and the host quoted us a wait time of 45 mins. We decided to grab drinks at the bar while we waited for our table. The wait turned out to be only about 20 mins, and the staff was so friendly and efficient trying to get everyone served as quickly as possible. The cocktail menu was massive but between the three of us we tried 8 different cocktails and every single one was delicious. My favorites were the Moulin Rouge and the Black Dahlia. We shared 4 small plates: the tuna tar tar in cornets was the clear favorite. Also delicious were the cuban cigar, the mexican fried egg, and liver pate. This place is very expensive but absolutely worth the money. There is nothing mediocre about the food or the service. I love the atmosphere and the employees costume-esque clothing; it makes you feel like you are in a time capsule.
(4)Maria S.
I've never experienced in my life such poor service like in this restaraunt. I got my table after 2 hour wait, even though I made reservation. More over, I was charged for bread which I assumed should've been for free as the waitress without asking me brought on the table. I ordered Sicilian Chicken, I didn't enjoy it, it was too sour. And the waitress I had was extremely rude with me and my boyfriend, she gave us check before we even finished to eat our deserts. I will never go back, there are more interesting places in the city.
(1)Aaron G.
The more distinctive a bar, the more the personality and choices of the owners and managers shows through. The decor reflects this: wild and funny, tasteful and inviting, with a hint of playful flirtation. Past 7:00, on the weekdays, the lights are low, the stained glass is lit up, and the ambiance is one of quirky, calm indulgence. Fernanda, the female component of the couplet that owns and runs both this restaurant and Dali's, is a solid and friendly sight at the bar and will go far out of her way to make you feel welcome and appreciated. It's an excellent place to unwind after work, though the vibe changes drastically on the weekends. You can come and get classy-crunk on any Friday or Saturday night. The menu of Cuchi Cuchi is eclectic. You will have choices including Thai steamed mussels or grilled Indian lamb. One of the strongest items are the tuna coronets, copies of a recipe devised by Thomas Keller, of French Laundry fame. These were the opening statement of that famous restaurant, and they are recreated here with a different interpretation. This is seamed-out sushi grade raw tuna, set on top of an avocado mousse with a creme freche garnish, wrapped in a cone of a butter-crumbly sesame filo dough. The cocktails are some of the strongest in Cambridge. They're not as refined as those on showcase at Craigie on Main, but boy, there are a lot of them. They also have a vintage cocktail section if you're feeling nostalgic. The size and complexity of the drink menu, and the fact that all the fruit drinks are freshly hand muddled, keeps crap bartenders away from this place: the people who work to make your drinks know what they are doing. Not everything on the menu is strong. The chicken a l'orange is quite bland, the Caspian Heaven, featuring oysters and a champagne sauce can be hit or miss depending on your tastes. Ask the staff: they are honest and familiar with the menu and they will politely steer you towards the better items. Speaking of, the staff delivers on the vintage 1920 ideal of class in service, which is normally only available at much higher menu prices. They develop rapports with new customers, make a real effort to remember likes and dislikes of regulars, and provide an intimate and professional face to the restaurant. If you can go on nights when Hicham or Whitney are working and sit at the bar, you will be immensely pleased with the service. Although I name those two because I am most familiar with them, the entire staff and restaurant seems uniformly committed to their roles, and all display an attention to detail that is very refreshing. While you can go with a friend or a date and hunker down to get drunk on food, wine, and great cocktails, this is also a place where you can meet an interesting set of people. I've met BC basketball coaches, standup comedians, CEOs, designers, researchers, rocket scientists, engineers, upper-crust pharma, and palliative care doctors. The vibe of the bar section supports a conversation with a stranger to your side, so order a drink and chat with the unassuming internet billionaire sitting to your left.
(5)Lisa M.
Went here last night for a friend's birthday. Unbelievable! Every dish that came was better than the last. I totally recommend the artichokes, mushroom risotto and the seafood-stuffed avocado, beef stroganoff, chicken kiev...I could go on. Everything was delish, the atmospher was fun, the wait staff very friendly, and the bartender was amazing. The drinks rocked also! What more can you ask for in a restaurant? Everyone should try this place!!!
(5)Erin R.
Lest you think I'm being stingy with the stars, it should be stated that the food here is excellent. Cuchi Cuchi gets three stars because although the food was very yummy and very interesting, the service was only so-so. The cocktail offerings were interesting - I ordered a corpse reviver, but it took much too long for them to arrive at the table. Once I had my corpse reviver and a glass of red sangria in hand (one can only order a pitcher so my dining partner had to order enough for all of us), I was happy and excited about the offerings. We ordered a myriad of items hailing from all areas of the world - a Moroccan cous cous dish, an indian lamb, chinese sizzling shrimp, and two "cuban" cigars. The cuban cigar is dough wrapped around shredded beef. Absolutely delicious. We rounded off the huge dinner with dessert and practically had to roll ourselves out of the restaurant. The decor is confusing - it is supposed to be an old fashioned brothel? Which would explain why the waiters and waitresses looked so ridiculous? I'm not sure. The crazy dresses and fur stoles were less sexy and romantic than absolutely ridiculous and unflattering. But all of that doesn't really matter, does it? The food was great and I recommend it.
(3)Yarilda I.
When I first opened their menu, their extensive list of cocktails and "bottom up" shots put a smile on my face. I think it's pretty sweet having more than half your menu consist of alcohol. Anyway, I originally was told this restaurant is a tapas place; however, the waitress told me to not refer to their dishes as tapas because their dishes are larger. Go for the lamb and the skirt steak. Both are delicious!!!! I also enjoy the Gratin dish. I'd recommend this place to anyone who loves to try everything. This is a international restaurant and they cook each dish accordingly to their country roots.
(4)Brian M.
This place was a joy, from start to finish. I've visited both of the related establishments, Tapeo (v good) and Dali (overrated), but have to say this is definitely the pick of the bunch. The overall ambience is quite feminine; but in the fun, sexy sense rather than a cuddly toy / 'hold my bag' way. In terms of dress code, it is actually somewhere you'd make an effort for. Jeans are fine, but maybe paired with shoes and a shirt rather than sneakers and a T-shirt. The food we sampled I can divide into three categories; good, excellent and superlative: Very good: * Brie en Croûte - Brie, walnuts, bacon in puff pastry * Duck a l'Orange Crepes * Gratin Dauphinois Excellent: * Bracioletta - pork rolls stuffed w/ cheese, pancetta, garlic * Chicken Kiev - with a twist - mushrooms Superlative: * Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse...I could have eaten these all night * Grilled Eggplant Napoleon...wonderful...especially considering I don't really like eggplant Service was excellent; the staff were very friendly and very helpful - little touches like giving us a heads-up that our table would be ready shortly. All in all, a great experience, soon to be repeated
(5)Kristen F.
Saturday night - roommies birthday so we decide to have a girls dinner and 8 of us went to Cuchi Cuchi. I expected a tapas restaurant. What I got was so much more and then some. We walked in and immediately felt like we had gone back in time to the 1920's flapper era. Are we here to eat or are we here to try on fun wigs and costume jewelry? Do we have time for a movie montage? A definite nod to the prohibition period speakeasy as we were greeted by women in wigs and hats and brought to a booth made up of a large coffee table, day bed, and cushion-y bench. The drink menu was filled with fun cocktails such as the TickleYourBrain and the LetMeEntertainYou. Our waitress was adorable. Annamarie was so much fun and was dressed in a slinky red number with tassels hanging, and black elbow length gloves. We had the Chicken Kiev, Cuban Cigars, Artichoke Hearts, Baked Brie... just to name a few. Delicious. Plates are small so we ordered a couple rounds of each. Annamarie was fine with keeping them coming. The whole experience was a blast... a perfect spot for a girls night. Not so sure this would have been a spot for the boys, as was proven later when we met up and they all asked how Vagina Vagina was. *Siiigh silly boys* A bit expensive but worth it. You gotta try it. Get there early - the place gets packed! And if you really want to get crazy wear a bright colored wig - they'll love it and you'll fit right in!
(4)Eric B.
This is a great place-with an emphasis on cocktails...my favorite being the "some like it hot" a martini with srihachi and gorgonzola stuffed olives. The food is tapas style and always enjoyable...I just wish there was more volume of food for your money. Desert was awesome-we got the banana bread ice cream thing..delicious. My only complaint is that they don't take reservations after a certain time and you feel rushed to leave. I don't like being stressed out about enjoying dinner and drinks and feeling pressured to get a move on. When you're spending a lot of money you shouldn't be treated like that-between 7 of us we spent over 500$ so let us chill a bit!
(4)Anna R.
The ambiance is great, as well as the food and drinks. However, the waitress was extremely rude on both occasions (we went with a small group of three). Perhaps service at the bar is a better experience.
(2)Heather B.
Excellent food, wonderful decor, perfect for a fun weekend dinner. Hard to find a bad dish on the menu.
(5)Angelina C.
Cuchi Cuchi has been on my "places to take my little sister" list for a while and I finally got the chance! The catch was that we were after a table late one weekend and still were unsure if some friends were joining us. Upon arriving and seeing a packed bar, I put my name in for a table, we sat down within a few minutes and my sis got a text saying that the two people who might join us turned into four. With a smile, we told our server of the situation. She talked to the hostess and they were able to square off the table adjacent to ours for the crew. At 11 pm. On a Saturday. Saved! Also: 1. Banana bread pudding 2. Pisco Sour done right 3. The party dresses worn by the staff are bought by the restaurant's owner. I'm not sure if that's really creepy or really cool.
(4)Holly W.
God damn this place is fabulous. Do you love feathers? And boozing with friends in a place where you feel grown up and classy? Come here. Throughout the course of the evening I had several of their very delicious alcoholic beverages. Normally I am a dollar draft kind of girl (hello recession.. ), but at Cuchi Cuchi i went all out. And it was worth it. Orient Express? Why not. SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime? Don't mind if I do... After getting sufficiently liquored up at the bar, we were seated at the COOLEST TABLE EVER. And those of you that have sat there know what I'm talking about. The one in the corner? with the lights? mmhmm... All in all, the nine of us ordered 21 plates of food and I have absolutely no regrets. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Everything was fantastic. There were deifnitely some highlights: number one - the brie with apples, walnuts and bacon.. in a puff pastry. good lord. We ordered three. Following that would have to be the deep fried tomato, the cuban cigars, eggplant napoleon, tuna tartare cornets and the indian lamb. And this awesome potato gratin dish. Sadly, there was no cuchi cuchi dessert to be had at the end of the meal, since it was a friend's birthday. Instead we had this fabulous cake from some crazy family owned italian bakery in Greenwich, CT. unreal. must review them next... Definitely go here! Oh and prepare to spend half your paycheck.
(5)Lauren K.
I went here the other night with a group of eight people for the first time. I knew what to expect from some of the past reviews but was still a bit disappointed. The small plates are very small and extremely overpriced. I ordered the Moroccan Chicken Tagine, which is a steep $18 for a medium plate. The dish was good but it was not a true tagine. Perhaps I should have gotten that hint when I ordered and the waitress said "Oh, the taNgine?" Sure- that'll do.... Aside from the overpriced tiny plates the service was a little quirky. Everyone's food came out at very different times and I had to cover mine with another plate so that it would not get cold. I think that because most people share this isn't usually a big deal, but the waitress knew we weren't sharing and should have brought it all at once. The drinks and the drink menu redeem this place. The drinks are fresh, fun and delicious. They have a great cocktail list from which to choose and they are made with fresh fruit ingredients. Beware that when ordering drinks in a group it takes a long time for them to come- order your next one when she brings a new drink! So if you're in the mood to have some good drinks and explore a different theme, Cuchi is your place. If you are looking for great food I would suggest going down the street to Craige or across the street to Salts where you'll probably get more food for your dollah. (Yes, you read that right: more bang at those two than at Cuchi!)
(3)Katie B.
One of the gems I miss most about Boston. Chicken Kiev, drinks with the gals... too bad they stopped making the blended drinks... the Blue Cuch was my favorite. Anyhow, I highly recommend it.
(5)Thuy L.
What an awesome place!!! After a friend suggested going there after reading some reviews, we decided to go (as a group with 10 girls). This restaurant does not take reservations and you better make sure that if you do have a big group, that you have everyone there....otherwise you won't be seated. After telling everyone to arrive at 7:30, we didn't get seated until about an hour later. The drinks were the prominent items on the menu. I think they had more cocktails than they did food items. Yes, this place serves tapas-like portions in small plates and the items very much resemble items you might get at a tapas restaurant, but don't let them hear you call it tapas. They said that it was "international cuisine" and not just strictly "tapas." Okay then. The food was excellent. The portions were small, but that's what they are. We split up into pairs so that it would be easier to order. We got a plate with duck l'orange, a thing with gorgonzola cheese fried with mussels, and we got some kind of vegetable. Everything was excellent. They even had a vegan and gluten-free menu for my friend who is allergic to gluten. I was very surprised and very delighted that our friend could enjoy some of the food as well. I had the vespar as my cocktail and it was absolutely delicious. A little bit of gin, a little bit of vodka, some lemon zest, its so delicious that once you taste it, you never want anything else...so james bond said:) Our waitress had a little bit of attitude that we could have done without. She was this small woman of about 5' tall and when 2 of the girls said that they didn't order something, she came over and said disagreed with them. I will definitely go back. Can't wait til the next time. And with a name like cuchi cuchi...you dont' want to miss it.
(4)Lance S.
Stopped in (early) on a weeknight recently. Have always wanted to try and finally got around to it. Man have I been missing out! First off, a creative and exceptional martini list. The newly updated Thai Basil martini was outstanding and alone worth the price of admission. Food was creative and of very high quality - we had a variety of small plates with no disappointments. The atmosphere is funky, fun and unpretentious. What more do you want from an evening out. Enjoy.
(5)Natalie M.
I am always pleased with the food and drink here! I dined here last night and was reminded that when I am paying for excellent food, drink and atmosphere, I also expect great service. Sometimes, people forget about genuine hospitality and are just interested in turning tables. With that said, when you dine at Cuchi Cuchi next, ask for Katie P. She epitomizes what a great server should be, valued her tables and was very accommodating even with the pressure of a bustling Thursday night crowd.
(4)Sumaiya R.
I came here on a Wednesday night for a few drinks and dinner. I had heard rave reviews from a few friends of mine and many yelp reviews. So I thought I'd give it a shot. I ordered the Mulan Rouge and it was very delicious! We also ordered the oysters and mushrooms. Neither me or my friend were impressed with the Mushrooms. They were drenched in a sour lemon sauce. The oysters however were very good. I can't forget the Tiramisu which was delicious! I'd go here for the fabulous drinks and decor, not so much for dinner.
(4)Karl R.
Cuchi Cuchi is an eclectic restaurant with a delicious menu to match. If you love the 1920s and flappers (or consider yourself a flapper), then you must give Cuchi Cuchi a visit. Although it took a while for a server to show up and take our order, the service was very entertaining and friendly and significantly sped up as the night carried on. Came here with my girlfriend and shared 3 dishes. BE WARNED: this restaurant serves mini-entrees, so don't get fooled by the prices on their menu. To satisfy 2 bellies, my girlfriend and I ordered 3 dishes and a side of bread. Here were the choices: - Brie en Croute: amazing. You need to really like cheese though. If you do, then you MUST give this a try. It was phenomenal. - Mexican Deep-Fried Tomato: this was a very interesting looking dish on the menu and I'm glad we ordered it. It was very tasty. It even comes in a savory mole sauce. I would definitely order this again. - Cuban Cigar: very good, possibly delicious depending on your tastes. Everyone on Yelp talked about how amazing the Cuban Cigar is, and it is very good. The meat is tender and juicy. HOWEVER, I picked up a slight taste of nori (seaweed paper) in the outside pastry layer. Call my crazy, but when I pointed this out to my girlfriend she said she could taste it too. She likes nori whereas I'm not a huge fan, so this flavor prevented me from loving the dish. Maybe the flavor is supposed to represent the smoky cigar taste? I don't know. But you have been warned. NOTE: The dish likely does not have any seaweed in it, I just noticed a flavor similar to it. Overall the dinner was fabulous. I want to come back again and try out some of their other dishes. I would have given Cuchi Cuchi 5 stars if they were slightly cheaper. We were charged $2 for bread (somewhat lame considering the price of their dishes). I've had food of this quality but with much larger portions for the same price. Just saying. Maybe you are paying for the atmosphere...
(4)Jatin R.
The goal of a great restaurant is not just to provide great food, but a great experience as well. Cuchi Cuchi does both, and, hence, is a great restaurant in my opinion. When I walked in I was charmed by the lavish outfits the attractive staff wear. Hats, feathers, neck-ties. Very cool! I began with a drink at the bar: a Pegu Club. Absolutely perfect. The drink list reflects old classics from history that have been resurrected (Pegu Club was apparently a favorite of the Brits in Rangoon, circa 1920s). The Food: my reviews only apply to vegetarian food. We ordered a fried tomato dish, a fried artichoke dish, and the gratin daphinois. Everything was delicious, well prepared, and generous in portion.
(5)Polite G.
I had heard about this place endlessly, people talked, and talked about it and I was curious to try the food and decor. I was underwhelmed. First on the food, not bad, but not fantastic. Just good but a bit overpriced for what you are getting. We had the garlic shrimp, the risotto, the artichokes, and ordered some bread. It was enough for 2 of us but we ate absolutely everything. The amount of food you get is not quite enough for what are paying. The place feels pretentious and overdone, probably because it is in Cambridge and not in Los Angeles or New York. We arrived at 5:45 PM. and were told we could not have a table because all their tables were reserved for the evening. I found this quite strange, a restaurant that does not have a table for walk-ins? Not a single table? Very strange. I wouldn't make a special trip to go back to Cuchi Cuchi and eat or have drinks.
(3)Curt W.
4 stars because of the food, not so much the service. Not that the service was terrible, it's just that the folks next to us who had the tall, male waiter got much better advice and attention then we did with our short, bob-cut female waitress. We noticed that he (& we will request him next time!) politely offered to stagger the plate delivery to the table of the folks next to us. Our chick didn't, and so she brought it all at once, so, food got cold. We expect a high-end place like this to have consistency in their staff training. stagger it a bit! or ... we should know to only order two plates at a time if they are inept at this basic level of service. As for the food, most excellent choices were the oysters, fried artichokes, potato croquettes and the eggplant napoleon. fantastic and the food looks just like it does on their website. tip: get the small 2 dollar bread basket for 3 nice warm rolls, to sop up all the great sauces. the large gets you 4 rolls. drinks: the moulin rougue is like an alcoholic smoothie, delicious and recommended. its tough choosing a drink from the wide selection. bottom line: nice place for a different sort of up-scale dinner out, as long as you get good service you will leave happy!
(4)Drew D.
Cuchi Cuchi has latched onto a concept that is great in theory but hard to come through on. Fortunately, it does so masterfully. International tapas can make for some strange bedfellows on the table but the potential combinations are awesome. Between my friend and I, we shared Spanish, Thai, Russian, Italian, and French foods along with some bread and fabulous cocktails. Though not all of the food matched perfectly, there were some pleasant surprises. The crisp Thai salad paired amazingly with the rich Beef Stroganoff, as one example. The portions were perfect and more generous than other tapas places I can get to. Inevitably, tapas can make for an expensive meal because there are so many things that each person wants to try. As long as you come with the expectation of spending a bit more than you might on a standard three course meal, the price is perfectly reasonable. The cocktail list is truly a sight to behold, almost to a fault. There are so many choices that we had not even looked at the food menu the first time our waitress came to ask if we were ready to order. When combined with the myriad of food options, this can be a bit dizzying. I tried one with thai basil and lime that was really refreshing, and my date had a rose flavored martini that was really unique, in the good way. The smell and taste of the rose were there but they weren't overpowering or diminutive in any way. I also cannot speak to dessert here because we ended up going to Toscanini's down the street but I bet that their creative takes on international sweets are as successful as their savory ones. The servers are exuberant in their personalities and their dress; they make you feel as if you have walked into the world's greatest cabaret show. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, and everyone was incredibly friendly. I had a great experience and I will definitely be back again.
(4)A Z.
This is what you'd call a unique little restaurant worth trying out. You might love it, you might hate it, but it's worth going at least once. So I'm a vintage nerd, and I appreciated the waitresses dressed up like flappers, even though some of them did a better job than others. Our waitress in particular was actually a tiny bit scary. With that said, this is a theme restaurant, but I felt like the theme was a little loose. I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm, even some classic music, but we didn't even hear Doris Day pop on until about 10 minutes before we were about to leave, Anyway, food. They ask that you don't call their plates "tapas", but lets face it, they're tapas. They claim their plates are bigger than traditional spanish tapas, but we left hungry even though we ordered five or six. My guest in particular wasn't a gigantic fan of this place. Between the theme and overpriced small portions (and yes he does like tapas), I do't think I'd get him back here again. I didn't hate it but I agree the portions ARE tapa sized, but double priced. We didn't order anything that was particularly delicious and left feeling like we needed another meal.
(3)Cara J.
Love Cuchi. It's a wonderful exotic place. The food is always fabulous - although I will say a bit scant these months. Usually bread comes with an entree - I had to ask. The bartenders are good - although the "chronic cocktail muddling" as I sat at the bar got a bit annoying, with ice splashing over everywhere. She was in a hurry I suppose. She moved away when my food came and apologized. The psychic was not too good - very quick to take the cash - reading was low-to-mediocre and short. I believe the "psychics" come from the tea room in Boston. I was somewhat intrigued, but have had much better readings. For 20 bucks, they should give a good 20 minutes. It was half of that. I didn't even bother to write anything down. Food and service otherwise, is good.
(4)Joe R.
Very swank with a cool crowd, fascinating martinis, and excellent food. I can't go the full five-star route, though, as I felt it was overpriced for what it was. I find that I think tapas joints are almost always overpriced, though. Many of the martinis are made with fresh ingredients. For example, if you order the strawberry & basil martini, they throw several large strawberries and a few sprigs of basil in a glass and grind it up. Definitely a hip spot to show your class if you have the bling to back it.
(4)sara m.
Don't go here so I can get a seat at the bar!!! The decor reminds me of when I was really little and we lived with my grandma. I should take her here. My favorite bartender is the hot dreadhead, favorite dish is the risotto, favorite drink salome's potion. Oh and they spank you with a tambourine on your birthday.
(5)Michel R.
I will give it a four for the food. Tapas style from all over the world. (not just spanish) The atmosphere is definitely ahem... eclectic to say the least. So if you are into wigs, dressing up etc... the ambiance was definitely made for you. I must say that the name is a bit misleading (or at least I thought so) because the food is really really good. Definitely try the lamb, the ceviche and the short steak
(4)Dan C.
What is so great about Cuchi Cuchi? Um, have you ever heard of the 1920s? Flappers? Art Deco? Tapas? Okay, I'm not sure tapas were on the menu back in 1920, but with the stock market crash and great depression, portions probably shrank to tapa size (speaking of which McDonalds is releasing the "I'm still hungry, but can maintain life function" burger, only $1.29+tax). Mirroring our current, or current up until the point where everyone realized poor people who couldn't afford ridiculous loans just wouldn't pay them, culture Cuchi Cuchi offers an extravagant experience with a price tag that will let you keep your house another month. The bar offers mixologists. If you are not sure of what a mixologist is there here is a little analogy for you: mixologist:bartender::Emeril Lagasse:guy who fries wings at Hooters These alcohol pouring geniuses kick it old school with turn of the century classics like the Blood and Sand made with equal parts scotch, fresh orange juice, cherry brandy, and sweet vermouth. If you are interested in just libations, the bar gets packed pretty quick, so get ready for that awkward "stand and chat while holding your coat" with your date. The menu was most likely decided by throwing darts at a map as almost every popular genre is included. In the mood for couscous? Head on down Moroccan way for that savory nutty treat. Wantons representative of China are also quite good. Personally, being the fascist (and mild communist?) that I am go for the rainbow tour: Grilled Skirt Steak and the risotto, which is to die for. The portions are small and made to be shared, but expect to get two, as there is a $20 food minimum per person per table. Split a sangria over dinner and you wont regret it, trust me...just do it. Deserts are on the meh side, but they have quite the collection of after dinner drinks, impress her by ordering a digestivo and pronouncing it correctly (Dee-jess-TiVo). If desert is a necessity, head towards central to Toscanini for some ice cream (until they get closed for still not paying taxes). The waitress are dressed in a deco flapper style which is fun to say the least. There is parking outside so you wont have to run down Myrtle (Great Gatsby reference). Dinner will run you at least in the $80 with tip and all. Bottom line:Go here, she will be all "Wow, this place is so cool, and historical." Then you can be all like, "You should see my summer house in Ireland--its a castle."
(5)Denise W.
I only went here for drink with my girls, so this review is just about that. Pros: - SICK decor, like they went all out, even the waitresses and hostesses are in costume to convey the flapper era thing - amazing martini list, which our waitress navigated brilliantly when answering our questions and gave us great recommendations - relatively near to Central Square, an easy walk Cons: - $15ish per drink = way too rich for my blood = the -1 star This place really is awesome but, as my friend said, unless you're rollin in the dough, you probably wouldn't get more than one drink here. Otherwise, I was thoroughly impressed and would recommend it to anyone if even just for the experience.
(4)Vivian W.
Cuchi Cuchi. ONE MILLION stars for you. You are the new love of my life. Or maybe that's just the bar menu in my belly talking. No matter. Here's the deal. When I told my husband I was going out with my bitches to Cuchi Cuchi he thought we were going to a strip bar. When I told the adorably and over-the-top gay dude at the MAC counter I was going to Cuchi Cuchi he asked me if it was a new lesbian hangout (seriously). At this point, I had pretty low expectations despite the great buzz about this joint because if I have to use that much energy to explain that it's a relatively G-rated adventure I'm not sure it's worth it. 25 minutes later, after squeezing into a spot at the bar and being presented with a bar menu and yummy rice bar snacks, I realized that yes. It is definitely worth being mistaken for a pervert by all of Facebook for a Cuchi Cuchi status update. I have NEVER been to a place with better, or more inventive drinks. Even if the food hadn't been off the chart delicious, I'd still be out of my mind over this spot for the "Some Like It Hot" martini. Amazing how the addition of sriracha to a Ketel One dirty martini makes a difference. I would never have though of that. And that's why this place rules. Because you'll have the same general impression I did- you'd never have thought of pairing the flavors that are in your mouth together. But they work, and you'll just want to eat them again and again. Other highlights that didn't go without notice: the fried artichoke, the raw tuna coronets, and the devestating chocolate gateau with cherry sauce. Also, I'd like to fill my bathtub with the garlic shrimp and get in for a swim. The garlic butter sauce they come in is just that fantastic. Only potential downside is the wait- though in my book when the drinks are so varied and fantastic, the wait may actually be a benefit as you get to drink more than one before dinner. You'll be happy to have the extra time to try out the Thai Cocktail or Strawberry Basil Martini. So, Cuchi Cuchi. Your name sounds like a Nevada Brothel. But man, do you have the food/drink thing figured out. I think I love you more than my husband. It's our secret. Just between us ladies of the night.
(5)So S.
food = 3.5 starts, pretty good but pricey (I prefer their sister restaurant, DALI and TAPEO) service: see review below I use to frequent this place but now I will try to find other alternatives I had a company party here last Thursday and I was very disappointed in them. I had a spreadsheet with all the details for them to follow and they did not do anything I requested. The servers were very nice but the owner could have been more attentive to details and more accomodating. Overall, the company party ended up ok. However, the owner (after making the money) started being extremely rude to people who stayed after the party. These people paid for their own drinks! Not cool and I will convince my company not to do business with them anymore.
(1)Matt T.
Like their sister restaurant, Dali, more than half the appeal is the decor and the gloriously attired and friendly waitstaff. Also like Dali the menu consists of small plates (but the menu insists that you don't call it tapas, since that's just for Spanish dishes and this is more international - the plate's country of origin is listed next to each one), so it'll get pricey if you want a decently-sized meal, but I think the point is to order several dishes among your group and share. Reservations are recommended, it fills up fast. The prices make it a place only for special occasions for me, but that's what I choose it for.
(4)Jeffrey H.
The chick flick of dining. The Moulin Rouge of restaurants. A straight man's worst nightmare. A gay man's wildest dream. And I feckin' love it. Cuchi Cuchi is not just a restaurant - it's an experience. Your waitress - she's a performer. The food - it's a sensation. The menu features a wide variety of cocktails as well as small plate items for your liking. My personal recommendation would be the following (try not to climax as I copy and paste from their website): *Fried Artichoke Hearts filled w/ gorgonzola, pistachios & basil *Chicken Kiev - Melted butter, mushrooms & herbs inside crispy chicken breast (place order early as item may sell out) *Cuban Cigar - Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/ black bean salsa Words cannot explain the space but I'll try my best... Picture an antique shop. Owned by a crazy cat lady. Who left Broadway decades ago but the tap dancing still goes on in her head. This is her restaurant. From the over-the-top costumes worn by the waitresses to the Random McWhatTheHell items on the walls - this place is madness. And I can't wait to go back.
(5)Mel V.
I've had tapas before, as in Tasca tapas or Taberna de Haro tapas. But these tapas are like none other. In fact, the menu explicitly states not to call them tapas. So they're not tapas. But they're delicious.
(5)Melissa P.
There is nothing like a girls' night out. And there is no better place to celebrate how amazing it is to have good girl friends than to have dinner and drinks at Cuchi Cuchi. I always love using the girliest language to describe this place: pretty, frilly, sparkly, bubbly, glitzy, and sassy. Indeed, the sass factor is in full effect. Case in point: I went there for a bachelorette party a couple of weeks ago and when I walked in, approached the hostess stand, and told them what kind of party it was, I got the following response: "Damn! We're losing another one?" Yes, another single girl bites the dust. And the ladies at Cuchi Cuchi were pissed. Because here, in the land of all things girly, you get to embrace what it means to put yourself and your fabulous girl friends first. But fear not, Cuchi Cuchi ladies, with your adorably sexy outfits and sleek hairdos, men love coming here too and you will see my newlywed friends once they are back from their honeymoon. Each dish on the menu is rich and flavorful, there are enough meat and vegetarian options to keep a large group happy, and reading through the drink list could probably be the best icebreaker I've ever encountered. So, get dolled up and put on your favorite outfit that you can't wear anywhere else in Boston or Cambridge. Ladies, make sure you have some rhinestones, feathers, or flowers in your hair. Sashay or swagger your way up to the bar. The wait for a table is long, but well worth it. My favorite drink: the vodka cucumber gimlet. My favorite dish is a tie between the Chicken Kiev and the Brie en Croute. Lucky for us, they recommend ordering 2-3 plates per person. All of the tapas-style dishes are served on plates painted with flowers in swirls of black, white, and pink. Most of the tables have glitter and lights embedded in them. Lines of gold sequined threads run through the curtains. The restroom has a huge, ornate vase overflowing with fresh and beautiful flowers. The lighting is dim; the colors are soft. You will look fabulous here. Your pictures will make people wonder where you were and how to get there. Whether it is a date, a birthday party, or the beloved girls' night out, Cuchi Cuchi will add that extra sparkle to any evening.
(5)Danielle S.
I've been here so much that the waitresses know my name and tease me every time I walk in. It's one of my favorite places in Cambridge, hands down. Initially I was drawn in because of the decor and the glitziness of the waitresses' outfits (I love sparkles and dress-up), and because I'm a fan of Cuchi Cuchi's sister restaurant, Dali, I figured I'd give it ago. Some people have problems with the drinks, but I think they're delicious. From a simple Kir Royale (throwback to my days in France), to a Happiness Cocktail (sweet and delicious), there are wonderful concoctions to satisfy everyone. Cuchi Cuchi is not a tapas restaurant because it doesn't serve authentic Spanish meals. Instead, it serves small plates from around the world. My favorites are the Cuban Cigar (crispy, flaky crust and beef short ribs), the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato (cheese, avocado, and salsa), and the Gratin (potatoes and cheese). It's a great place to go with a bunch of friends to have some good food, good drinks, and a lovely chat.
(5)shannon c.
A few months back I went to Cuchi Chuchi with a girlfriend, and it was the best food night out in forever! The atmosphere is adorable, as most people write about. I loved how cozy everything was. Everywhere you look there was something to see. And the waitress's were friendly and attentive. We were told there was going to be a 45 minute wait but we were seated just a few minutes after we got our cocktails. Oh my God were they good and worth every penny. I got something with blackberries in it and they were fresh and delish! For dinner we split 5 small plates between us. The best was the lamb-perfectly cooked and I still crave the baked brie with bacon! A great night out, a little pricey but well worth the pay. I'll be back again, perhaps for a romantic excursion next time. It definitely has that feel to it!
(4)Lindsay W.
I am a major fan of this restaurant...primarily because of the ambiance, service, and drinks. I didn't eat anything this time, but I will be back to try the food :) We sat at a table with a translucent surface and lights installed underneath. When ever you touched surface, the lights underneath would begin to blink on and off, cascading across the table! So trippy!!! Our server was so nice despite our large size and rowdiness. The drinks I ordered were fab. They make a mean caipirinha and the ramos fizz was delightful...
(4)Serena H.
One of those places you go once for the experience, recommend to all your friends, but never return. Why recommend it? Drinks have sexy names that match the moulin rouge decor and the servers' interesting, unique flapper costumes. Such a sweet concept. Why not return? Those aforementioned drinks are so weak and virgin you never lose yourself in the ambiance. Similarly, the food is interesting in concept and somewhat in presentation but lack the subtlety and finesse to make you salivate for more. Such sad failings. If you're looking for a kooky first-date ish kind of place, this could be your default venue. Bring the novice here and impress them with all the superficial seductive hooplah and your deep wallet. But have a backup venue just in case they're the kind to notice the cheap lace frippery, sticky menus and vapid top 40 music.
(3)Jabe Z.
A couple friends and I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a long time now, and we finally coordinated our schedules! Unfortunately Cuchi Cuchi was a little bit of a let down. Atmosphere: fun decor--thrift-store chic, retro Hollywood! and the servers look like they're stepping out of a 1930s costume party. Drinks: the cocktail menu is extensive, and it was fun looking through and choosing. All our drinks were very tasty. Service: Good, our waitress was friendly and helpful. However there was some trouble in the restaurant computer's calculation when we asked to split the bill 3 ways, which resulted in us having to stand around for 10 minutes right before we left. The biggest disappointment was by far the food. When I'm paying $10-15 dollars for a plate of food that offers at most a few bites each for 3 people, I expect those few bites to be EFFING DELICIOUS. and, quite frankly, Cuchi Cuchi's plates are not that. The duck in our duck a l'orange crepes did not taste like much of anything, and our bracioletta (grilled pork rolls) were tough, greasy, and largely flavorless. Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, oysters, and the fried tomato were all OK but nothing was fantastic or noteworthy. Thankfully one of our desserts--the french banana bread and ice cream-- was both AWESOME and ENORMOUS, so we ended the meal on a high note. All in all, certainly not a terrible night--if I do return, I will probably stick to cocktails at the bar-- but we left feeling unsatisfied.
(3)Zeeshan S.
I'm not from Boston; I visit now and then and go around... A lot of business dinners usually with groups of 4-10...... anyway, we showed up here 3/2012. We had a reservation (take note you people complaining about lack of attention without reservation) but since our group of 8 was not here yet they asked if we wanted to start at the bar or head to our table. We picked the bar and had a very attentive bartender. Drinks were out in a few minutes and the 3 of us were deep in business covno. A couple more showed up and the bartender got their drinks out right away. A server pointed to our table letting us know that we can head out there whenever we felt like it... Since we were taking up a decent amount of space at the bar we sat at our table. The table was a great convo piece. We had servers with great big smiles greet us. Our server asked if she could interrupt and go over the menu, and she did explaining the portions an the type of food they have and suggestions on what and how much to order (take note you over fed slobs complaining about portion sizes). We were there for hours!!!! 3? 4? And the service never stopped. I think they were getting ready to close down by the time we started to leave. The food was great! The service was great! The atmosphere was great! At some point we looked up and saw the entire bar was packed... But that did not effect our service. There was a post here speaking about "overweight" staff..... It's sad that someone would decide to write about that.... Esp when it's not true... The staff was wonderful. Look at the pictures of the food posted... The stuff is amazing!! The drinks are heavy handed so don't get carried away. ;) Anyway; because we had such a blast last time, we are going there again 10/2012 for our meeting... Looking forward to the same experience again... P.s; we drove up our bill just over $1000 in those few hours for a group of 6-8.... If this place wasn't worth it we wouldn't be coming back.... Tamara B. thank you for having such a great place!
(5)Alicia H.
I mean, is this my new favorite restaurant in the world? Methinks yes... I came here with three other friends (I feel like 4 may be the perfect number of people to come here with btw) on a Friday night and everyone in my party was in a grouchy mood. You'd think that would pretty much ruin dinner, right? I feel like it might actually be emotionally impossible to be unhappy here - the lighting is just so, the music is relaxing (did I hear sade?), the waitresses are all decked out in ballgowns from the early 1900s, the drink menu is extensive and inspired, and the food service is perfectly timed. By the end of it you would have assumed someone had snuck happy pills into our meal. Don't be scared of Tapas dining either - I feel like I might have been scared of a full tapas-style meal, but you definitely get enough to eat and I'm definitely a double-quarter-pounder kind of gal. In short awesome meal, but also an awesome dining experience more than anything. Sure, it's pricey at the end of the day (I would budget around $60pp for the full experience - 2 plates, a couple of martinis, dessert, tip, etc.) but does that really matter if it's worth it? I would rather spend $60 here than $30 at Joe's Crab Shack anyday. It's a truly a memorable meal, which is more than I can say for lots of places I've spent more money at. And the warm feeling in your pants while you're there is just really the cherry on top....
(5)Sadaf K.
I had dinner at Cuchi Cuchi tonight with 5 of my girlfriends. We had a 6 PM reservation (they only take reservations at 5:30, 6 or 8:30 and later) and a couple of us were a little late (~15 min) due to bad traffic on the Pike coming in from work. The hostess told the 4 of us who arrived on time that we would have to leave by 8 PM. Really? Um, weird. The space was also crowded so we were asked not to put our jackets on the back of our seats - this just made the place feel generally unwelcoming. Around 8 PM the hostess started to come by our table, give us dirty looks, hover etc. but we were waiting for our dessert and stayed seated and finished our dinner. She did this about 4 times over the course of the next 30 min. It was both uncomfortable and obnoxious. We ultimately headed out at around 9 PM. When we got the check, the included gratuity was 20%, instead of the customary 18%. Don't get me wrong - I usually tip 20% anyway, but this was a bit odd and given how rude the hostess had been, it added to the overall bad experience. The food was okay, but nothing to rave about. Our waiter was super nice - nothing bad to say about him :). That said, I won't go back.
(2)Leah K.
This is a place that everyone must go to at least once. I find it a bit expensive, but there is no disappointment. The drinks are fabulous. The food is exceptional and creative and interesting. This place has ambiance to the nth power. The staff is incredibly friendly and genuine. In fact, I think it's a perfect place to reconnect with everyone at the end of the summer. We had our first and only "mom's night out" there many years ago. It's time for another one!
(4)Cyndie B.
Atmosphere is unlike any other restaurant around! The staff are dressed in 40's attire and everyone was pleasant . My party felt welcomed. Be warned - the place is small and can get loud and expect to spend some serious money. But it was worth it. The cocktails are many and have fun names like Black Dahlia and Some Like it Hot. I had the AliCat and it was delicious. The plates are for sharing which makes the dinner very interactive and social. we had the artichoke hearts which though fried were light and not greasy. You can taste the basil which was not overwhelmed by the gorgonzola. My friends had the Cuban Cigar which they raved about ( I do not eat beef and so I take their word for it!). I had the Duck l'Oange crepes. The crepes were not heavy and the citrus was a good complement not overwhelming. My favorite item would have been the mushroom risotto which was cooked perfectly with just enough mushrooms but I found it a bit salty. Avoid the desserts - I think they may be shipped in and not prepared on premises. We found them dry and flavorless and hence disappointing especially after such a fine meal. We all agreed we would go back.
(4)Jennifer S.
I went to cuchi cuchi last week for the first time for one of my bffs 3rd 29th birthday party. As others have mentioned this is a great spot for any special event. Great decor, fun vibe, cool servers in slinky dresses with Charleston headbands and a really unique drink menu. I didn't get a chance to order any food but from what I saw coming out of the kitchen everything looked very good. drinks are made with muddled fruit and fresh juices and are dangerously strong though expensive. As some of you might have surmised from my previous reviews, I have a weakness for caipirinhas. but if your husband left you for a brazilian 6 months after your wedding you would have a perverse fascination with all things brazilian too. theirs are very strong and sour. Just cachaça and lime I think. It was good, but a bit too tart and lime pulpy. The music was the highlight for me as they were playing to my utter surprise and delight, amy winehouse and cheb mami all night. The crowd was definitely over 30's and is the type of place you could feel comfortable taking your mom out to for a laugh. assuming your mom, like mine, likes to get looped on obscure cocktails and cheb mami.
(4)Hatra M.
The atmosphere is nice and I loved the music. I saw alot of people complain about the costumes but I really loved how each waitress had a different unique costume. I loved their tiramisu it was really good but the portion was small. The gelato wasn't great it was just ok although it's expensive
(4)Emma S.
To go to cuchi cuchi is to step into a version of the 1940's! The staff all dress in vintage clothes, awash with sequins and feathers. The cocktail list is inventive, with plenty of unique options. I got a variation on a Dark N Stormy, with lime juice and fresh muddled Ginger. The food is mostly small plates; I would suggest sharing three for two people. This is one of the most interesting and unusual places in Boston.
(4)Priscila K.
Great ambience and good food. The dishes are small so make sure to order enough with that in mind.
(4)Maureen H.
Last night i was a princess. First of all, the atmosphere is so unique. The wait staff was all dressed in a moulin rouge/ hot 20's type style, which was so cool. The menu is a very eclectic, but well though out combination of French, Russian, Spanish, oh gosh, really just everything. First of all - we were those people - the table that shows up last, at like 9:30, but our waitress was so chill about it - never once did we feel rushed or pressured to leave. We were intrigued by the Blood Orange options on the cocktail menu, a round of the Blood Orange Martini anf the Blood Orange Sidecar proved to be an awesome way to start out such an amazing evening. They were sweet, almost too much, I didnt want to order another, but it was just enough to start off. The portions are small, but we ordered two each and split everything, which filled both of us up. The first thing to arrive was the Seared Tune with watermelon. This was my friend's favorite dish. Everything worked so well together. The texture of the tuna, watermelon and cous cous worked so well together -very cohesive. Second arrival, the Bliny, which is a russian dish. Similar to a crepe, filled with mushrooms and topped with salmon caviar. This was my favorite. The mushrooms were so tasty and delicious, and while i was initially hesitant about the salmon caviar, it ended up being the one ingredient that really tied the dish together. Third, the Mushroom Risotto with truffle oil. This was a close call for the favorite for me. It was also very rich and filling. the creamy risotto tied in so nicely with the porcini and portobello mushrooms and the truffle oil just made it that much more heavenly. Finally the Grilled Eggplant Napolean, which was an awesome combination of roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and eggplant. The part that pulled it together for me was the goat cheese in the center. Oh and did i mention our FABULOUS bottle of Malbec? My friend loves malbec and this had such a nice spice to it. Our waitress was so knowledgeable too because the wine really did open up so much when it is allowed to breath, so she decanted it for us. Overall, this is one of my new favorites, and while i definatly cannot afford to eat here every week, i would love to be able to come back, our dining experience, from start to finish was exactly how it should be done - delicious food, good wine and awesome company. Like i said, we were the late night table and never once was i pressured to leave. Awesome. Tell the boyfriend, you want some Cuchi Cuchi.
(5)Judith B.
Wow! First time at Cuchi Cuchi and we loved it!!! It is so unique and the decor is fun! From the moment we walked in (party of 4) we were treated wonderfully. The hostesses were friendly as was the bar tender. We had to wait for a table (did not have a reservation) and the hostess pulled 4 bar stools for us. The drinks were delicious. We were seated at the back of the restaurant behind a group of 20. They were very loud (of course because they were having fun) so it was a little difficult to hear the waiter. However, he was all about helping us choose from the menu. He knew the menu inside and out. Food was delicious. We had Indian lamb, fried oysters with shrimp, Cuban cigar, Brie, eggplant, banana dessert and ice cream. We also had wine with dinner. Food was as good as it gets as well as the service! We will be back!
(5)Pablo S.
Great cocktails and martinis but the food it's not that great, the bar is definitely the best spot if you are just having drinks, it's also a little bit loud and service can use some help.
(3)Alex M.
I went here for a graduation party and really enjoyed it. I can't comment extensively on the cocktails, but my party split a couple pitchers of a white sangria that was really tasty. I also had some mushroom risotto which was just delicious--warm, lush, flavorful. My girlfriend had a sort of generic Asian salad with a very nice ginger dressing. The atmosphere of the place--sort of a pastiche of impressionist era Europe--is great though one of the older hostesses (maybe an owner or manager?) was a bit dour. The other hostess was very friendly and chatted intelligently with my party about U.S. history for several minutes. My only real complaint is their menu is very vegetarian unfriendly as it is oriented to game-meat eaters. Sadly, most of your vegetarian stuff will be among the appetizers.
(4)Derek K.
I was meeting the missus here after work on a Friday. She was late, I arrived a few minutes before closing. As it was freezing outside, they let me mull about inside until they opened, at which time I had my choice of seats at the bar. It filled up quickly, and though we didn't have a reservation we scored a table in time for food. The food was good, not great. Definiitely above mediocre though not quite excellent. I think the ambience, friendliness fo the staff and overall spirit of the place more than make up for up. Great variety on the menu--we had brie en croute, mexican deep fried tomato, tuna tartare in cones, steak chimichurri and cuban cigars--the tuna being the only immemorable one. Dessert (cheesecake) was way too small. Excellent cocktails and service, both at the bar and the table.
(4)Bird B.
Good place to go for a unique atmosphere. The owner/hostess wasn't very friendly and didn't seat us at the table we requested at the time of our reservation. We ordered a bunch of tapas which jacked the bill up, and we went home hungry. The food was very good, we just wished there was more of it for what we paid. We would recommend Cuchi Cuchi for drinks and light snacks but not for dinner.
(2)Lindsey C.
My husband and I went here for my birthday a few years ago. While it's kind of a bummer they don't take reservations, it was ok, because we had some great drinks at the bar while we waited. Their food is great, their service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was the best. I would definitely go back, but really only for a special occasion, as all those dishes can add up fast.
(4)Jeremy and Jessi S.
Favorite place to eat in Cambridge, MA - and was lucky enough to once live down the street. Vintage french feel, mood lighting and succulent, mouth watering tapas style dishes. Anyone can find a drink on their creative bar menu, there is also a nice selection of wines. You'll want to shower and put some nice clothes on before you go, and above all, MAKE A RESERVATION! My first experience I went on a Monday evening; and my date and I drank a whole bottle of wine before getting seated. Listed now are few of the amazing treats you should consider: Cuban Cigar, Gratin Dauphinois, Brie en Croute, and for dessert, the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. Enjoy!
(5)C S.
I've dined at Cuchi Cuchi a couple of times, and now I think I have it all figured out: arrive by 6:45pm on a weekend night or you WILL wait for close to 2 hours (there aren't many tables and people linger over their small plates). Here is my tip: plan to have everyone in your party at the restaurant by 6:30pm; they won't seat you unless you're all there. If you get seated, great, but if not, make a beeline for the chairs at the bar. They fill up quickly and it's essential to get a seat at the bar if you want to order cocktails (it will take you a good 20 minutes to get drinks if you're not seated at the bar and you will have to wave like an idiot at the bartender from behind the seated patrons). Once you're seated at the bar, order a pitcher of clerico and get comfy because you're going to be sitting there for a while. The food here is good, but it's the ambiance and alcohol people come for. It's a great place to celebrate with a group of friends-- the waitresses dress up, the plates are meant to be shared, and they have fabulously festive cocktails made by excellent bartenders. Don't bother going to Cuchi Cuchi if you're in the mood for gourmet food or a quiet evening. And for God's sake get there early to grab a table!
(3)Naitasia H.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi back in November. It had been on my list of places to try for quite a while. It was a friend's birthday so we made a reservation and we got to sit at the table that lights up like lite-brite. I liked the 20's-flapper atmosphere a lot; it's a very eclectic place and full of quirky knick-knacks. But I think if Dali and Cuchi Cuchi combined it would be perfect. The food was interesting and we tried a bunch of different items; but the drinks were trying too hard- so that's why it gets a 3. I definitely think everyone should try it; especially that deep fried tomato (scrumptious!!)
(3)Natural A.
If I could combine Cuchi Cuchi w/ Dali (their sister restaurant) I would! I love the tapas and food from Cuchi, but prefer the atmosphere at Dali. The servers at Dali are also more friendly, but maybe grouchy staff is part of the ambiance at Cuchi Cuchi! The atmosphere is eccentric! Be prepared to wait as service is slow. The food is worth your wait, because it is delectable!!!!
(4)Jason L.
This place is fabulous. The decor is loud and a little ridiculous but still on the classy side of things. The drink list is extensive and has a great selection of old fashioned classic drinks. All of the dishes are very creative and taste amazing. It gets pricey quickly but is worth it for a nice dinner out. We thought the Savory Cornets with Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse and the Brie en Croute were excellent and the dessert we had, French Banana Bread Extravaganza, was amazing (and enough to stuff four people easily). Service was outstanding!
(5)Jimmy Z.
HIgh-energy, razzle and dazzle with a twist of Bohamian snap, Cuchi Cuchi draws focus not only to the food but the ambiance and decor. Although the drinks are tortuously weak and the slightly-off-the-beaten menu a shade more expensive and brashly toss together (if I wanted my Fried Artichoke Hearts to be fibrous, I would have walked next door to Bertucci's), Cuchi Cuchi is, unequivocally and unbashfully, ... an experience.
(4)Shirley Y.
i love cuchi cuchi! if restaurants had a theme, cuchi cuchi's would be to celebrate a woman's sensuality. the place is just chock full of fun, eclectic girly-girliness, from the flowers in the bathroom, to the costumes the servers wear, to the mannequin who presides over the front dining area above the pressure-sensitive lighted glass cocktail table. there are actually 3 mannequins that are rotated, and each of the 3 have 4 dresses. the mannequin actually has a name, which i believe is conchichi? the establishment was actually founded by 3 women, one of whom is the wife of the founder of dali in somerville. like dali, the atmosphere is fun and sensual. unlike dali, the place is full of light during the day and more open. their cocktail menu is a delight. it takes up 2 full pages for their inventive cocktails along with dessert cocktails on another page. they have a full bar, but i love their "some like it hot" martini made with sriracha, the thai chili sauce. they also serve shots in such a classy manner, in the form of after dinner dessert cocktails in "bottoms up" glasses [literally a woman draped over the bottom of the glass so one cannot put down the glass unless the drink is finished]. their food is fabulous. they are served in small portions that encourage people to share. personal favorites of mine are the fried artichoke hearts, moroccan lamb tagine with couscous, sizzling garlic shrimp, brie en croute, duck crepes, grilled indian lamb and the skirt steak. the flavors and textures are amazingly perfect. i am salivating as i am writing this. with a name like 'cuchi cuchi,' it is harder to get my contractor guy friends to come here, and especially not without comments such as "should i bring dollar bills?" i successfully hoarded a 20-person party at this location in the back room for an end of project celebration. it is well worth it, as demonstrated by their daily crowds after work [they do not open until 5pm] and for dinner.
(5)Sue P.
Absolutely loved this place! Went there for my birthday and had a wonderful time. The food was amazing and drinks were delicious (but a little pricey). Had a little of almost everything, but absolutely must try the Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (it just melts in your mouth), Chicken Kiev, and the Grilled Indian Lamb. Now, I must say, I'm not the biggest lamb fan, in fact, I try to stay away from it as much as possible! But after having the lamb at Cuchi Cuchi, I'm willing to try other lamb items. To top it off, you must have the French Banana Dessert--we were literally trying to lick every drop of it. As for drinks, try the Candy from a Stranger, that was delicious! The atmosphere is fantastic--low lighting with great antique-like decor. Love the flapper dressed waitresses. They provided great service and even sang me happy birthday! Wonderful first experience, can't wait to go back and try the "Diva Night" experience.
(5)Nan T.
I love this place - the staff is incredibly friendly, and the atmoshpere is top-notch! The drinks are made from reall fruit, not lame bar mixes that most establishments rely on. The only reason I would give this 4 stars as opposed to 5 is that I think the menu could be expanded.
(4)Carolyn S.
Being such a fan of Dali's, I was really looking forward to trying out its sister restaurant, Cuchi Cuchi. The cute little spot has an excellent selection of delicious-sounding cocktails (I couldn't drink, but my friends all gushed over the Blood Orange Sidecars and the Happiness Cocktails - had I not been on these proton-pump inhibitors, I would have gone NUTS over this extensive drink menu.) The ambience was more spacious and light than at Dali's. I especially loved the beautiful stained glass windows behind the bar (from the 1890's and formally housed in a Chicago.) The only drawback to this place is that you are not allowed to sit in the restaurant area unless everyone orders an entree - as a result, later in the evening the bar area gets backed and the tables empty out. We patiently waited until a bar table opened up and then planted ourselves for the rest of the evening. We began with the Caspian Heaven (Russia), with a roasted fingerling potato, crispy, fried oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe & champagne sauce. This was good. I ate half the plate myself. We also had the classic sizzling garlic shrimp dish, which was very similar to the Dali's version. The shrimp wontons (China) had a mixed following. I loved them - light shrimp filled wonton wrappers, boiled not fried, with a sliver of pickled ginger on top. My friends were not huge fans - the ginger was a little overpowering. The Brie en Croûte, was basically a baked brie in puff pastry with walnuts and bacon. I couldn't really taste the walnuts or the bacon, but the brie was great on the hot rolls that came with our meal. The Duck a l'Orange Crepes (France) were possibly my favorite dish (although I should tell you about dessert) w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette. The duck was moist, flavorful and extremely "meaty" wrapped in a deliciously light crepe with a hint of orange in that citrus sauce. Yum! I avoided the Cuban Cigar, which had beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa. The dish looked unusually phallic and heavy so I stuck with the other dishes instead. My friends were not especially impressed by the flavor of this dish. Disappointingly the side dishes, the "middle eastern" Rice Pilaf, and Gratin Dauphinois (France), had very unappealing flavors or lack of flavors. I would not bother with these at all. Stick with the warm bread rolls instead. For dessert we tried the tiramisu - light and authentic-tasting, but too heavy on the rum. The chocolate cake with liquor-infused cherries was TO DIE FOR. This was possibly the most delicious chocolate cake I have had for as long as I can remember. The cake was warm, moist and chocolately - not too sweet and perfectly complimented by the booze-y cherries. Fabulous. I would go back just for the cake (and the crepes!)
(4)rewan a.
I really like this place. I went with a large group and prayed that there would be room for all of us. We chose not to sit and stood at the bar area instead. I informed the manager (possibly the owner?) that it was my sister's birthday and we have a cake, etc. She was so helpful and polite. Arranged to have plates and silverware for us even though we brought the cake with us. The drinks are awesome- I had the ginger martini. Also, the waitress with long dreadlocks was really sweet and has the most beautiful hair ever. Definitely check this place out :)
(5)Dessa R.
I adore Cuchi Cuchi. This tapas bar (don't let them tell you differently) is hoppin! The waitresses wear extravagant flapper gear, the atmosphere is a ridiculous exaggeration of a martini lounge, which just adds to the charm, and the menu boasts of unusual and flavorful combinations of small dishes. Cuchi Cuchi's most drawing asset is their cocktails. They offer a variety of classic cocktails which are fantastic, but I recommend trying one of their original cocktails, which are hands down some of the best drinks I've ever had, EVER. They frequently include unconventional ingredients, like muddled blackberries, basil, or fresh ginger. A few words to the wise, however- it tends to be jam-packed with exorbitantly long wait times on Friday and Saturday nights, so try going on a weeknight. Be prepared to eat tapas style, ordering 2 or 3 dishes per person for dinner-- so if you're thrifty, try going for just a drink and just 1 dish as an appetizer. Lastly, those $12 drinks and little tasty dishes add up quickly over the night, so don't be stunned when you get the bill. So completely worth it. Five stars for creative delicious dishes, silly gaudy decor, amazing cocktails, and for being just a block away.
(5)jennifer j.
As other reviewers have said, the decor is... interesting. I thought the food was good but expensive. I'd recommend the garlic shrimp (my favorite), strip steak with chimichurri sauce (tender and flavorful), cornitas with tuna (nice new dish-- like a hand roll in a crispy shell), eggplant napoleon (nice and tomatoey), and the avocado stuffed with seafood. We also had the mushroom risotto, scallops provencale, and seared tuna, which were fine but not as good as the other dishes. Random, but no refills on the smallish glass of soda you order. They tell you to order 2-3 dishes per person, but we found eight plates was WAYYYY too much for the three of us (and we're not dainty eaters). Here's a link to their menu: cuchicuchi.cc/menu.html Summary: good food, but quite expensive. With a drink, $30+/person. Probably a good option for a first date (lots of decor to talk about, upbeat/not too quiet music, a bit different than the average restaurant), a once-in-a-while treat, or a small girls' dinner before a bachelorette splurge. Worth trying, but not a "regular staple."
(4)Samantha B.
Great! I recently went here with some friends to celebrate a birthday. It was a funky, fun atmosphere - great for a date or a get together with a group of people. We had so much fun. The service was wonderful - the hostess was so kind and was great about keeping us in the loop regarding our wait time/reservation. Our waitress was really accommodating and nice. The overall experience did take a while - definitely not a place for a quick in and out bite. We were ok with that because we were having drinks and hanging out but if you're looking for someplace quick to go this probably isn't it. The food is served small plates style so we all got some foods we wanted to try and shared, which was fun. Everything - literally everything - we ordered was delicious! From our dinner food to our drinks to dessert. It was my friend's birthday and they made a huge deal out of singing and embarrassing her, which of course was fun for us! Would definitely recommend this place. Looking forward to going back!
(5)Jackie K.
WOW!!! I went here for my sister's bachelorette party and it was tons of fun. When I walked into Cuchi Cuchi, I was taken aback by the decor of the restaurants and the outfits on the people who worked there. We were still waiting for a few people to arrive for our 6 o'clock reservation so we all got drinks at the bar. I was overwhelmed by the choices of fun drinks they had on the menu. The reason I am giving the restaurant 4 stars is because they were making us wait for our entire reservation to make it even though there were 11 of us there already. The food was great. We had the mushroom risotto, crepes, chicken kiev, but the favorite seemed to be the croquettes. I would absolutely go back to Cuchi Cuchi. They were extremely accommodating for our large table and the food came out very quickly.
(4)Amanda B.
A few of us finally made it over to Cuchi Cuchi last night - it was amazing! Everything from the atmosphere, to the service, to the drinks, to the food and dessert were spot on. We went as a group of four and were able to try a bit of everything. We had the fried artichoke hearts and Cuban cigars because of the rave yelp reviews of these items - they did not disappoint. In addition, we had: Caspian Heaven - The hubby is from Russia so we were sure to get a couple of their Russian selections - while this was good, my husband mentioned that it wasn't super authentic in regards to how he ate when he lived there. Shrimp Wontons - these were amazing! The best way I can explain it is "sophisticated." The flavors come together in a way I never experienced before. Bliny - this was another of our Russian selections and was delicious - bonus: my hubby said it made him feel like he was back in Russia! Duck a l'Orange - delicious, but the sweetness of the dish made us mention that we almost felt like it were a dessert, until you remember there is pork in the middle. Gratin Dauphinois - fabulous, cheesy, potato goodness. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale - we could actually taste the grill on the pork rolls which was a great touch. Very yummy. One thing we couldn't help but notice throughout the meal was how well all of the garnishes on the dishes actually complemented the food; once we noticed that we made it a point to have a little of the garnish with the food. Some other highlights were: our server (I think Ana) - she was very, very educated on the menu, with great recommendations to boot; the food came out staggered, which was perfect - we never had too many plates on our tables at one time, and there was no need to rush and try everything before it got cold; we had a pleasantly long meal and were not being rushed out the door so they could turn the table. One of my best dining experiences since living in Cambridge!
(5)Arestia R.
Cuchi Cuchi is everything a night out should be: fun, delicious food and good drinks. Sure, it was pricey, but treat yourself and you won't be disappointed. Once was with my best girlfriends for our Valentine's day dinner where we splurged. We started with drinks at the bar with Strawberry Basil Martinis all around. As we waited for our table (there were no reservations on Valentine's day, but we didn't care) we enjoyed the gypsy-like scenery. When we sat down, we decided to go for a bottoms up shot a piece and not only were they delicious, it was fun, too. You have to hold the shot because the glass doesn't allow you to put it down until your done and can put it on the dish provided upside down. We laughed and cheered to one another. The tapas style menu was so good and I am addicted to the baked brie. The food was delicious and the merriment was had by all. I definitely recommend this for a special event or a night out.
(4)Laura K.
LOVE THIS PLACE The perfect date spot. Favorite cocktail: Black dahlia ...and I love me some marinated mushrooms. The staff are engaging and the place has a fantastic atmosphere. A bit pricey but that's to be expected considering the deliciousness.
(5)Priya C.
tapas that has a varied and delicious vegetarian selection!? Not only is the atmosphere great, but there are actually things that vegetarians can eat and will like! The mushroom risotto is excellent and quite filling. I love the potato dish with the cheesy goodness baked in the oven. Also, the moorish rice reminds me a lot of my favorite indian dish (chana). The layered thing was good, but not my favorite. And recently I tried the fried tomato and it was delicious! This is a great place to go on a date, or for big groups and it's always a good time.
(5)aaron t.
Great place for gatherings. Yummy food, though somewhat pricey and sparse.(tapas mainly) Good service. Exciting environment. Some tapas rocked, some were just ok. Sangria rocked! risotto was amazing. There is a wait time, but not too bad usually.
(3)Terry S.
What can I say about a place that is willing to make me a strange a brown sugar alteration to a caipirinha and make a pretty excellent pisco sour? I suppose that I will have another. By nature, I am a beer and whiskey fan. My choices are simple and rather manly. Now, I enter this establishment and I am delivered an ovarian smack to the face that pushes my soul in the direction of lovely and girly mixed drink land. The general layout is rather feminine indeed, which, I must admit is a nice break from the normal sports bar or "cool kid" places that are littered throughout the entirety of Boston and Cambridge. I would like to mention that having dinner there is a one-time event for me. I found the dishes to be creative, but they lacked a certain something that makes them actually worth the dollar amount charged. They have a "european small portion" concept in their mind that leaves most americans going "huh? thats my plate?". Which, having lived in Europe for a number of years, there really isn't that much of small portions happening. I remember being fed quite well while living there. Anyway, sometimes its in the idea of it. The service can be daunting at times and I think its best to take your boozing opportunities with this place on more of the quiet of nights. Stumble your way out the door and feel free to make out with anyone who is willing. Have fun with the place if you haven't already.
(4)Neno S.
This is our base pretty much. We love everyone there. They make mean cocktails and food is a bit on the fried side but it's awesome!
(5)JeNnIfEr S.
I have always enjoyed going to Cuchi Cuchi! The atmosphere is quite unique. The Tapas are a tad on the pricey side, but not so much that I wouldn't go back. If you choose to eat at Cuchi Cuchi on a Friday or Saturday it would be wise to make a reservation... Otherwise it will be a long wait. Try the Stuffed Artichoke Hearts!
(4)shary m.
This is a very prrretty restaurant and perfect to come with a group of girl friends, for an instant "girls night out". The vintage costumed waitresses look wonderful and work hard to keep you happy, the bartenders are total mixmasters, hand pulverizing fresh fruit and ice and choice liquors to make refreshing and intricate elixers that keep you curious for more and the tapas are all stellar. The artichoke hearts, scallops, and the risotto were all equally scrumptious. I saw some couples eating here, but I find the vibe very feminine. It would feel odd to have dinner with my boyfriend here.
(4)Ricka P.
I love Cuchi Cuchi. I always come here on my birthday. The food, decor, and atmosphere are fabulous and unique. The scallops Provencale, bracioletta, and St. Jacob's zucchini are my absolute favorites. I always taste beautiful flavors here that I never taste anywhere else. The clerico (white sangria) is a must-try. The place is dimly/romantically lit, the service is good, and the overall atmosphere is festive and fun.
(5)A L.
Fun decor, great drinks, good food, bad service This past Saturday night, my friends and I gathered for Ladies Night Out and made an early reservation at Cuchi Cuchi for dinner. The dcor was fun and so were the costumes the waitresses wore. The drinks were very inventive (and strong!) and the food was surprisingly yummy. All of these great things were clouded by the poor service. At the beginning of the evening, it took the waitress 15 minutes to take our drink order. I asked for bread and she informed me that after she took our order she would deliver it, but forget to get it for us. I had to ask twice before I received it. The waitress had friends at the bar that distracted her the whole evening. Fast forward to a few hours later: we had ordered two rounds of drinks and three rounds of food (translation: we spent A LOT of money) and the waitress asked us if we wanted more food or desert 3 times in five minutes. We told her we were digesting, but were considering dessert. I could tell something was fishy, considering the third time she asked, she had "back-up" with her (the hostess). Then, she informed us they really needed the table and we should pay the bill if we weren't going to order anymore. I was appalled! We spent over $250 in two hours and were willing to spend another $200 on dessert and additional drinks, but they needed us to leave. Instead of staying, we were so disgusted that we paid the bill and left to go spend our money at the Middlesex Lounge ($150). I just wanted to let the other Yelpers out there to know about my experience, so you will be forewarned on the customer service (or lack there of) at Cuchi Cuchi.
(1)D M.
Holy Christ. There are 91 reviews for Cuchi Cuchi. I figure I may as well review it, because I have been a few times and enjoyed it a lot. They have AMAZING cocktails there, which in my opinion, if drinks start out at $9, they should be awesome. There are a lot of drinks that are muddled and involve all sorts of purees and good things. My fav? Happiness Cocktail. Also good, the Ali Cat, and the Blood Orange Sidecar. I've been here only with girls (Dorian and Shannon B.) and it's pretty perfect for a girl's night out. I've mainly just had drinks there, but the apps I've tried have ruled. Definitely a good place to go for a few cocktails or dinner; it's a great setting to relax in.
(5)Jennifer P.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi this past weekend for the first time in 5 years. I went with a group of friends fairly late at night hoping to eat. The hostess came off as very rude and refused to seat us until the entire party was there, even though the 1 person we were waiting on wasn't eating. We stood at the bar for about 45 minutes. The drink menu is great and the bartenders were very quick. We finally sat down and had a great meal. The ribs were delicious as were all the other dishes. The cornucopia of fruit for dessert was so good. With the exception of the hostess, it was a great night.
(4)Roberto C.
I really love their other two places in town, but I'm not sure if their prices are justified. I love good food & have a pretty good appetite, but I dropped a lot of cash here only to leave unsatiated (unless you take out a second mortgage on the house) - where I've never had this problem @ Tapeo or Dali - ever. The drinks are also cutesy & unique - but these feel like downtown (or even manhattan) prices. If you typically eat a good amount of food, you might want to eat something before going here if you're hungry.
(2)Melanie S.
Cuchi Cuchi is wonderful! I dine here quite frequently and it has never failed to impress me or my guests. Because of its interesting seating areas, Cuchi Cuchi is ideal for both date nights and groups alike (if you are going to go with a group, be sure to request to be seated in the couch area for your meal). The drink list is quite impressive; a few great throwbacks like the French 75 and the Singapore Sling and a few specialty drinks like the Black Dahlia Darling (all of which are very drinkable, but beware...they pack a punch)! Equally as fabulous are the tapas. A short list of my favorites: the Mexican Deep Fried Tomato, St. Jacob's Zucchini, Beef Stroganoff, and the Seafood-Filled Avocado...I am getting hungry just typing this! Be sure to leave room for dessert though...the banana bread pudding is sinfully delectable!
(5)Bree R.
When I imagine heaven, I imagine it much like Cuchi Cuchi. I mean seriously, if there's a heaven I want it to have decor, food and cocktails as beautiful as they are in Cuchi Cuchi. In fact, I love this place so much, my boyfriend was sick of hearing about how wonderful it was... that was... until I brought him here. Then he was still talking about it three days later, getting starry eyed as he recalled dishes... I left Boston five years ago and I try and get to Cuchi every time I visit. This last time I was there over Christmas and it did not disappoint. While my favorite leather clad bartender is no longer there, the drinks are still amazing. They even looked up and made some off-the-wall drink my friend asked for that wasn't on the menu. And when we left, the bartender wrote down the recipe for him. All of the food we tried from melt-in-your-mouth scallops to perfectly cooked duck crepes was simply lovely. And while it's a bit pricey, you leave completely happy and satisfied to part with your money for such delectable treats. It's really a glorious night out from food to drinks to exceptional service. I miss it already...
(5)Tamara J.
This place is unbelievable- a true dining experience and one I will never forget. The atmosphere is a unique blend of 1920s and 1930s decor. The waitresses even dress the part! They serve old fashioned cocktails and incredible food- all types including Russian, French and more! The prices are great for the quality you get and each dish is absolutely delicious. My cousin and I loved it so much we said we wanted to meet the chef and marry him! It turned out the chef is a woman and since her name is also Tamara, we dropped the idea, but offered her our sincere thanks for an incredible meal. I will definitely go here each time I visit Boston!
(5)Sara F.
Delicious food and great martini selection. Try the brie en croute and the blood orange martini. The waitresses and bar staff all dress in costumes -- well maybe not costumes exactly as just flirty/funky secondhand outfits involving tulle and feathers and bustiers, depending on what strikes them. My only complaints are that it's very tough to find parking and it's pretty pricey (the martinis are about $11 each).
(4)Jezzieo O.
This is my favorite place in Cambridge - delicious food, yummy cocktails, and great service.
(5)Abdullah A.
Amazing drinks (pisco sours!). Tapas style dishes which are extremely tasty. Not so sure of the decor, but everyone that works here is exceptionally nice. Always crowded, so either go early in the evening or try to reserve in advance for large parties.
(4)Satori B.
This place definitely has a love/hate relationship with a lot of people. You either love it the second you walk in, or you simply hate it. I love it. The unique decor, the costumes of the staff, and the drinks are all fun and creative! It's a great place to have a cocktail (or 2) with a friend. Just be prepared to spoil yourself, as everything is pretty expensive.
(4)R A.
I will reiterate the comment that girls LOVE this place. If you're a guy that's really the only reason for stepping foot in this place. As a guy I find Tapas annoying, it's overpriced and the portions are waaaay too small to enjoy, and this place is no exception. So from a food stand point I left very unsatisfied, still hungry, with an empty wallet but a very happy girl on my arm. The cocktails were great however. I highly recommend this place for a special night out with your girl or a big group of friends, just be prepared to hit up an ATM on your way there and a pizza place on your way home :-)
(4)S S.
This Friday, was the second time i have been to Cuchi-Cuchi, but got a table without much wait , 20 mins, while we waited at the very packed bar. This place is bustling, very interesting decor, stuffed peacock, stained glass painted window, a water faucet and bench right in the middle of the resturant. The waitress ofcourse and dressed soo fun, with big shiny jewelery and old world spanish dresses! This place is flamboyant! But the crowd is very cambridge.The service was excellent. I recommend, artichoke dish, shrimps with ginger, and scallop tapas. The sangria was made in white and not red wine that i am generally perfer. Oh and do they celebrate B'days!! in style, with singing and music. Very fun place, should be explored with big groups
(4)Etta M.
i have only been for food once and found it to be quite good. i have been for drinks a few times and they make a killer lemon martini! the decor is festive and the staff has always been really friendly and nice.
(5)Eliz G.
Uh-mazing. I'll admit, I didn't go here with stellar expectations, I think b/c I couldn't quite make sense of the menu. I came here tonight for my friend's bday. 5 of us, 2 vegetarians. We ordered the Asian salad (crunchy, very fresh tasting, lots of mint), Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (faaabulous, eggplant layered with goat cheese and onions, delicious), Insalata di Liquria (nice mix of endive, gorgonzola and chestnut honey), Gratin Dauphinois (potato gratin, not too heavy/cheesy, delicious), Mushroom Risotto (very good, drizzled with truffle oil). The meat eaters also enjoyed the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp and the Cuban Cigar- which came with a tasty black bean salsa. Dessert was Cheesecake and Tartufo. Cheesecake was small but excellent. Tartufo was good. Came with strawberry (meh), pistachio and mexican chocolate ice cream. The staff could not have been kinder. From seating us well before our reservation time, as we were early, to triple checking for gluten content, to making a fabulous birthday presentation, they completed a delicious and very enjoyable evening. The decor is awesome as well.
(4)Bernice S.
Dress to impress, take a taxi, take a guy on each arm, flirt with the bar tenders, order decadent tapas and exotic cocktails, make out in the bathroom, lounge salaciously on the settee... it won't be long before you wonder, "is this a restaurant or a boudoir?"
(5)Mariko W.
Fantastic! Everyone was friendly and I love the eccentric decor. Only problem was that the table we were at was so tiny.
(4)Oleana B.
This is my favorite restaurant. I have been coming here for years. Yes, they did change the ingredients on one of my favorite blood orange martini to a point of no recognition but this is what you get for going to the same place too many times. The drinks are made wit fresh fruit and alcohol and are delicious. My favorite is the Raspberry Beret (well used to be Raspberry Beret and Blood Orange Martini but .. ) made with 10+ ingredients which include fresh raspberries and ginger. The food is what seems to be international tapas. Some of my favorite ones are blini with caviar, liver pate and grilled eggplant napoleon but everything else I tried is very good. The place has some interesting decor and the wait staff is dressed up as if they are attending a halloween party and the costumes are always different.
(5)Enrique D.
really awesome place. go with friends or a date and its just always a nice time. the food is awesome. id say u can order a bunch of apps to share and call it enough. the drinks are delicious. the bartenders here are what they should be. they know art of making a drink. mixology vs. bartending. the atmosphere evokes relaxation and conversation. u gotta se the decor and the attire the staff is in... its just unique and really worth seeing.
(4)Ed M.
This place was amazing...the food was delicious and worth the wait for a table. Full of people and waitresses dressed like they are in a burlesque show. Great atmosphere with noise all around but low enough to have a conversation. Can get a little pricy but again, totally worth it. Only complaint I had was no red wine sangria available, only white wine sangria which is not nearly as good. Look forward to going back for dinner again!
(5)Amelia L.
If you know nothing about Cuchi Cuchi, instead of reading reviews go to their website and look around. Look at their menu, look at pictures... what you see is a pretty good preview for what to expect when you go. I actually thought the pictures were a joke. They are not. Waitstaff is fully decked out which is a lot of fun if you like to dress up when you go out - since you know if you go to Cuchi Cuchi you definitely will not be alone! But more important than the very fun atmosphere are the food and the drinks. I'll start with the drinks. I am usually a beer drinker but it is absolutely impossible not to order one of their cocktails. The names alone are fun but the drinks themselves are so inventive. I tried something called "tickle your brain" and followed with a hibiscus martini. Both quite tasty. So the food...Oh my goodness. If I were richer I would order everything because the three things I got were so delicious. I highly recommend the eggplant napoleon... everything melts in your mouth, the tender eggplant and tomato, the soft cheese, the creamy golden sauce... yeah. Get this. And for dessert, they have something with grilled bananas and ice cream. I would never get this on my own but someone else had it and I tried it... SO delicious. Having said how much I loved this, I would just say that I am glad I knew I was in for a night of spending money, because it's not cheap. However if you have decided you need a great night out, go for it!
(4)andrej s.
Food, deserts, drinks and atmosphere. All awesome. Crowd is largely international. Downside: packed on Friday and Saturday night, long wait for a table, pricey food and drinks.
(5)marisa h.
I went here with my cousin about two weeks ago who was in town visiting from San Jose and the food was AMAZING!!! we had the gazpacho to start with and I have never had such an interesting variation of that soup in my life!!! There was also a beet salad, a meditareanian couscous, and an eggplant and goatcheese dish that we ordered that no words can ever do justice for. On her last night here- we did it all again!!! This restuarant is worth every penny and then some!!!!
(5)Bene K.
Ambiance is nice, food is good, but the dessert is to DIE FOR !!!! Oh, and i certainly don't want to let you miss out on the sangria! Get a carafe or two! My recs for dessert: banana bread pudding---like you've never had it before!! MMMMMM......just thinking about it....
(4)Ann C.
some may call it spunky and others may call it eerie but you must go to check out the decor and the variety of cocktails (look for the manequin in the corner). a bit on the pricey side, but worth dining out. try the mushroom risotto- DELISH!
(4)P. K.
I went here with a group of maybe eight or nine people for my 21st birthday, I made a reservation several days in advance seeing as it's such a large party. The LED table was indeed very cool and the place is gorgeous and the cocktails (while pricey) are delicious, especially the blackberry cosmo. However, the food was way too expensive for tapas. $13 dollars for tapas? No thank you. It was good tapas but certainly not worth that kind of money. Price aside what made me knock this place down a star was the service. Our waitress was very rude and closed out our bill before we were ready and an hour and a half or two hours before the place closed. The blackberry cosmo is an incentive for coming back but the pricey of a single dish and the snooty service makes me think otherwise.
(3)Joe S.
The food here is delicious - the cuban cigar, bracioletta, and stuffed avocado were fantastic. Everything we had was great, and I am looking forward to trying more. The drinks are interesting, but not particularly great for a place that people rave about. The prices are a little expensive, but not bad. My biggest issue is the service. Showed up with reservations, my name on the list of reservations (she showed it to me), and was told that we would simply be moved to the front of the line for those without reservations. No explanations, and the estimated waiting time of " a couple minutes" quickly turned into half an hour.
(4)Akilesh A.
Delicious tapas-style food served in an "over-the-top 20s/30s/40s hollywood glam style" decor (as one of the feather-hatted waitresses explained). A little annoying on the wait: they don't accept reservations, the wait was about an hour on a Friday, and they wouldn't even start the clock until we told them we had our entire party there... I'm a vegetarian, and I enjoyed the mexican deep-fried tomato and the moorish rice very much. Excellent spice combinations. The sangria is excellent, and though I tried neither the cocktails nor the desserts, they both looked delectable. Far superior to Dali in my humble opinion... though they have in common that they are not particularly cheap.
(5)Andrea G.
The drinks at Cuchi Cuchi are SO yummy. Expensive, but definitely worth it. It's a great place for happy hour with friends or coworkers.
(5)Andres M.
Great food and funny atmosphere. The waitress are dressed up in old-style clothing. The portions are very decent size so the waitress might try to push you to get more than one dish. I was satisfied with only one dish though.
(5)Josh O.
Extremely over-priced drinks and food and an atmosphere that I just find annoying. Really, I just don't like this place at all.
(1)Michelle B.
The place was very unique and the owner put a lot of effort on the decoration. Waitresses dressed to match the tone of the whole restaurant's weird classy feel. Loved it. We went as three girls, ordered four dishes. If you don't usually eat that much, it's plenty with the bread. Total costed about 27 pp. Out of the four things that we tried, one thing you must have: "Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse." It had some raw tuna in it but it was cubed into small pieces and you don't taste the raw part of it. Somebody here suggested "Cuban Cigar" which was also very good. Also tried "Brie en Croûte", one thing remember, don't share this. The walnuts tasted pretty good but is spread out unevenly. The part I took didn't have any walnuts nor bacon, only the pastry and melted brie, which was way to oily, felt like eating a layer of oil on top of it. Last dish, "Duck a l'Orange Crepes." It tastes odd to me. The orange's sweet and the duck's savory didn't really go quick as good together. Feel like you're putting sugar on our savory meal. But the overall experience was very good. It's always fun to try new dishes. Try to come during weekday and avoid weekend nights. It's impossible to get a seat especially on Friday nights and they don't take reservation after 6.
(4)Kza W.
mmmm!!! the tings you can do in this place! lets start with getting our palms read, then, off to the bar with waiters that are in costumes. oh, I forgot, they greet you in them too. The host is working it well. great environment
(4)Jessica R.
Fancy tapas restaurant on Main Street near Central Square. Seems to attract the young professionals crowd after work. Nice decor but the food is pricey for small tapas. Also a little scant on vegetarian options but I suggest the asparagus.
(3)Liza H.
This is a great place to have a drink. The cocktail menu is super and the room is pretty/sexie/cool. I confess, I know zilch about the food. Screw it, I'm drinking tonight
(4)Michelle K.
Spent my birthday here because the menu is huge and sure to please a group. I did enjoy the dolled up staff and the kooky decor. However, despite what the website says, it's more than just 5 minutes from the T and the menu has a $20 minimum per person at the tables, so plan on indulging. My disappointing drink was my own fault. [Word to the wise, don't try bourbon for the first time in a 10 dollar cocktail just because the name is Sugar Daddy from Miami]. Still, I appreciate their creativity and hope to come back for a simple fruity martini.
(3)Samantha J.
My girlfriends took me to Cuchi Cuchi for cocktails and apps for my birthday. I fell in love! Such color and glamour...every girl in town should visit this place! And guys, remember to surprise your lady with an evening of Cuchi Cuchi...I guarantee she'll give you a lil' coochie coochie right back.
(5)Molly D.
I'll give them 5 stars because after 9 months of being pregnant it was the first place I wanted to go for a FABULOUS cocktail :)
(5)Mark T.
You'll notice from the other reviews that this is a "Girl's Night Out" type of restaurant which is MUCH more focused on providing a fun atmosphere than a quality meal (which is great if that's what you're looking for... it's not what I'm looking for) Dali and Tapeo (the other two restaurants which I believe are owned by the same people) are SO much better in the food department if you're looking for lovingly prepared tapas. It's clear that they wanted to have the fun burlesque-ish environment of Dali (which they did, cuchi-cuchi is a very fun place to eat) while offering food that was more generically 'continental' to appeal to a less adventurous palate. There's nothing wrong with that. I bet that they *clean up* in the late 20 something to early 30 something female birthday market. If I'm looking to take a girl on a date or even just go someplace for a few glasses of wine and some tapas, I'll go to one of their other establishments.
(3)Sara C.
The food is wonderful and the drinks are delish! The service can be pretty poor though, and they just jam people in there. I certainly recommend going here, but you may want to order your second drink when they bring you your first!
(4)Maria V.
Interesting decor, amazing food and cocktails. I would come here again.
(5)Kevvy K.
The BEST mixed drinks I've ever had in my life. Fresh basil in a cocktail, who'd a thunk it? Tapas are great too. As is the sensory overload that is the ambience. Enhances the fresh fruitiness of the drinks perfectly.
(5)Jessie H.
Another great choice for a vegetarian night out. Lots of choices and some of the best martinis in Boston. Yummy. I've had 5-star nights here and a few 4-star nights - slight inconsistency = 4 stars. I like the front dinning room better than the back. The waiters/waitresses are required to waer sparkly jewerly and some don vintage dresses - fun!
(4)sunny n.
Excellent..for tapas...flavourful menu..and sweet endings like the champagne truffles and warmmmm banana bread pudding....or even late night loungin..Chic atmosphere with an interesting decor....tucked away in Cambridge...Perfect Lighting..pleasant service..!! Superb!
(5)Ethan H.
This is one of those places where each dish is spot on- every time. I have eaten here 5-6 times and each time it has been incredible. The drinks are great as well. The bartender (with the dreadlocks) is easily one of the best bartenders in the boston area. This place is killer- but prepare to wait- cause everyone else thinks so to.
(5)Ann B.
I LOVE it here. I have been many times for drinks and dinner and don't think I will ever tire of it. It does get crowded, so follow all the advice about arriving early. For what it's worth, my waits for a table when I've gone for dinner have always been shorter than the hostess originally stated. I haven't tried everything on the menu, but nothing's been a disappointment yet. The baby back ribs w/apple fritters are a must-have.
(5)Kai L.
It is our favorite neighborhood tapas place. The ambience was great, turn of the century American design, even for the wait staff, but not pretentious. The ambience was friendly, intimate. The food was great, especially the lamb and... the bread pudding is NOT to miss. I would have never guessed bread pudding could be this good. I usually do not drink, but I couldn't resist its cocktails when I was there. I especially like grasshopper. In summary, a good place for friends, good food, good drink, and a night of great conversation and company. Should make observations if possible. The place fills up quick.
(5)Debbie M.
Love it!! Cool name, funky decor, cool waitstaff, and wide variety of international (not just Spanish) tapas. The banana dessert was absolutely amazing. The highly unusual drink names had us laughing. I remember the Argentinian skirt steak and the cuban cigar but everything was fabulous. I heard about it from someone at work who said it was cool. Great date place too.
(5)Sophia C.
Cuchi Cuchi - was a nice little place. Decor is very electic - there is a hanging kimono on the wall, some Mucha-inspired looking prints on the wall and we sat underneath a tilted mannequin hanging from the corner of the ceiling in a flapper dress. Kind of cool, but kind of spooky. Wonderful girly drinks. Even though Im not a huge drinker, I am always excited to see curly lemon zest and fancy stems. Cuchi cuchi has them. The food - eh - In my opinion, a little on the pricey side for what it was and everything is pre-made, so you don't have the option to ask for anything vegan. I ate some marinated mushrooms (salty) and risotto (ok) and, to their credit, the waitress was honest & knowledegable about the food & what ingredients were used. We were lucky to get a cozy corner table, which was 2 couches seperated by a glass table, that was good for conversation & privacy without feeling isolated. Will I go back? certainly. But I'll eat somewhere else first.
(4)Ethan C.
good: cool atmosphere, fun drinks. bad: long waits, bad waitstaff, high prices, small food portions, small tables.
(3)Kira D.
A truly unique place! The drinks are overpriced, but creative and worth it for a special night out. The decor is to-die-for, it's vintage, chic, cozy, and elegant. If there's no room at the bar (which is likely), there are many small tables to sit and enjoy drinks under dim, intimate lighting. Their drink menu is unlike any other, including cocktails from the prohibition era and unique mixes. I had the Blood & Sand one time (not so good, but makes sense for something named blood & sand, yuck), and a You Give Me Fever another time (yummy and fruity). I didn't try any food, but had a bite of their cornucopia dessert, and it was very delicious. We had the waitresses sing happy Birthday for my friend, and chose their chocolate cake (divine), and they bring over a fancy gold candlestick on an ornate holder to blow out. The waitresses dress in 20s/30s flapper-style attire, complete with feathered hats and sassy dresses. Cuchi Cuchi is the perfect place to go for a drink (and just one, because they're pricey) and dessert with girlfriends or on a special date! Viva la Cuchi Cuchi!
(4)Chris R.
This place is a lot of fun and perfect for a special occasion. I took my girlfriend here for her 21st birthday and it was fantastic. Ended up getting 5 plates and 3 drinks and the bill came to about $110 which I suppose isn't all that bad since we left very satisfied. The food was better than I expected after reading some of the reviews and the service was quite good. At $11 a piece the drinks are competitive for Boston/Cambridge and are some of the best I have had (blood orange sidecar=I will be going back). Yes, the food does come out at different times, but get over it, it's "tappas style" and that's just how it goes (I even think it makes the experience better because you never know whats gonna come next). I really can't think of anything bad about my experience...I guess the hostess (possibly owner-she was older) was a little standoffish when we came in, but our waitress made up for that.
(5)Rina R.
Fun! Lively! Cute! Reminiscent of Dali, this tapas restaurant is great. But like any tapas place, order a bunch of tapas and before you know it, your wallet is all tapped out.
(4)Smitha S.
Really good food.. We went in a group of 4 and had about 7 dishes (as they are appetizer style entrees) . The taste was as good as the presentation. Shrimp wontons, scallops, chicken SKiev, Grilled Indian lamb, Deep friend tomato and eggplant were the ones we tried... Everything was tasty. Would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Sara H.
Cuchi Cuchi is a whirlwind of ambiance, fine cuisine, energetic staff and unusual martinis. Owners of Dali and Tapeo added to their spectacular collection of Tapas restaurants with this, their third, and the name says it all. You'll want to curl into a ball of joy after experiencing a fun filled meal! I highly recommend CC for girls' night martinis (My favorites: blood orange or strawberry basil. So sexy.) I often grab a seat at the mosaic bar with a girlfriend or two and order food (winners: the cuban cigar and fried tomato). Otherwise - date night! For intimacy request the very last table in the back with glorious chairs that can only be described as thrones --- you've got to see them. Enjoy all of this amongst the candlelit splendor of the decor. They didn't leave a cranny untouched --- even the stools in the bathroom have more character than my entire apartment. Bonus: If you are there with a crew order a Cava Poron (a communal drinking vessel) or try their white sangria. The only drawback: the dime. It's a little pricey, but only makes it more special. Closest to the Central T on red line.
(4)Daisy K.
i probably had one too many black dahlias (2) and one too many tawny ports (2), oh and one strawberry basil martini.... but i had to manage the tipsy with the topsy right?? my tummy was topped with mushrooms, brie, eggplants, pork rolls (sounds salacious tastes delicious), fried zucchini (black vinegar sauce brews it your tongue dissolves it!!!!!!!!) and the beef. the three of us dined and then some. seriously recommending the black dahlia to extend the evening of extravaganza for the wallet oh and the banana desert to truly make it hard to see your toes in the shower, but honestly, you feel good and gorgeous - in a place laced with twinkling lights and silky flowers - to gorge that much... and to laugh and get drunk with your loved ones :)
(4)Jay and Jenn O.
Tapas and cocktails are great, but this place is spendy. I would have given this place four stars had we not gone to Barcelona this summer and had the real deal. Worth going to though.
(3)Ligaya T.
funnily enough, my boyfriend was intrigued by the name thinking it was a house of ill repute. for those of you who actually appreciate exquisite food that caters to decadent tastes and creative drinks, this is an awesome spot. like their first restaurant, dali, the decor is eclectic but tasteful, very 40's and romantic. also like dali, the portions are tapas size, but that allows you to try a variety of things which is fine because you will undoubtedly want to.
(5)Georgia Y.
Cuchi Cuchi is...adorable. I came here on Valentine's Day, and the waitresses were done up in wigs and vintage gowns - I wanted to steal their style on the spot. Our waitress was attentive without being annoying, and the dishes were mostly delicious - I highly recommend the mushroom risotto. Four dishes were enough for this pair, and we accompanied our meal with swishy (pricey!) little cocktails. All in all, we got out of there for about $80 - more than we normally pay for a meal, but the distractingly interesting decor, flashy waitresses and fab food and drinks made me want to come back for another celebration.
(5)Emily D.
Went here after already achieving a happy hour buzz. The drinks at this place definitely kept me there (nice strong cosmo), and the food was fantastic. I went with a group of 8 people, so we ordered a ton of food and I got to try alot of things I might not have ordered. Unfortunately I can't remember what I liked best (blame the cosmos), but I know I was impressed. The decor is cool: funky boudoir. I recommend this place as a group outing, but expect to pay the price for a great time.
(5)Lala L.
Unique decor and high energied hang out. A great place to grab a few bites and lounge with a group of friends. Do try to get that little corner by the window behind the hostess. Their drinks are really good, from a slushy mango cocktail to their sangria. The food is tapa styled and pretty creative.
(4)Mihir P.
I feel like I am on a movie set when I am in this place. The decor transports you to the Mediterranean. The drinks are amazing - the bartenders here are the REAL thing. The only place in the Boston area that I know of that concoct, as we call in the industry, 'cheftails' or artisan cocktails. 'They make your drink with passion and attention. They know what they are doing - hard to describe so just watch and you'll know what I mean. The diverse menu is very good but portions are minimal.
(4)Rachel D.
Without a doubt one of my favorites. Small plates, full of taste. I've never had a bad bite here, even when I've been in a lets-try-something-new mode. The continental atmosphere and quirky waitstaff have always brought me back. And not for nothing, the wine list and cocktails are amazing. There are Dali people and there are Cuchi Cuchi people, and I find myself strongly aligned with the latter. And can we talk scallops for a minute here? Amazing.
(5)Angel S.
Cuchi Cuchi COOOO. All types of food... basically, international tapas ticklin the senses. Staff gets an A+ in kindness and knowledge. Decor gets another A. Food although a little pricey for the portions, was freakin delicious. However, a group of about ten of us each ate a major bellyload and spent only $30 each. Drinks are strong and simply awesome, just how they should be. Try their rendition of Caipiroska with strawberries... can I hear a rigggght?? You really can't go wrong here. Seriously, A's all around.
(5)Peter P.
Bring a date here, have a drink, and she WILL show you a good rest-of-the-night. Great place, very warm, romantic...nothing else to say...check it out for yourself. It's not cheap, but it's worth it.
(5)Crystal K.
Love love love this place. Excellent drinks, amazingly tasty tapas and a fun, lively decor. It's a bit pricey for tapas and Friday and Saturday nights are WAY too crowded but overall, it's still one of my favorite places to go. The eclectic menu, waitstaff "uniforms" and the story behind the restaurant's decor is all worth it. The Cuban Cigar is delish!!
(5)Laura A.
ok so i know i have a list entitled "small plates must die!" but there is a time & a place for small plates, i will grudgingly admit, and cuchi cuchi is a fun place to have them. the cuisine is all over the place but the mushroom risotto, moorish rice, & the eggplant napoleon are pretty good, and the drinks are ridiculous. the best time to go to a place like this is in a big group although the bill can be pretty bad by the time you're done (taking off a star for the pricing - $12 for a tapas-sized portion of risotto, are you for real?). it's a fun place to go with your girls and get wasted (although if i ever hear that you were involved in a "diva night" at this place, i'm sorry but we're no longer friends). i also went here once as part of a big group for work (corporate card yeah!!!!) and we spent almost a thousand dollars on sangria, drinks, food, and dessert for the whole table. i had never ordered dessert before here and my dessert, the "assorted chocolates", was RIDICULOUS. one was shaped like a high heel?? i passed them around but people were afraid to eat them because they looked so nice. they were great, though.
(4)Elizabeth H.
Cuchi cuchi is an awesome restaurant to go to for "Diva Night". Myself and 5 friends took up this opportunity and were served delicious appetizers, drinks, shots, chocolates, and were allowed to dress up in fancy jewels and boas for the night. It was soooooooo much fun! They even took pics of us. Two waitresses waited on us all night, bringing the food, filling our drinks, and even fanning us at times. It was complete diva-style. The restaurant is so cute, the waitstaff is glammed out in dresses and jewels. You feel almost like you're in a genie's lamp with all the gold design and embellishment. The waitresses who took the pics sent them to all of our friends online to view after the session. It was alot of fun.
(5)Alison R.
Oh yes, this place really gave me what I was looking for! I've been exploring more wine bars/restaurants with a group of girlfriends (think Jewish Sex and the City) in and around the city, and this lovely establishment definitely fit the bill for our monthly sexy girl night. First off, we were there on a Tuesday and met early at 6 and left at 9. Perfect for a school night. We four sat at the beautifully decorated bar - no pretention or attitude from any customers, bartenders, or tutu-bedecked servers. The extensive decorating and extra ecoutrements made me feel as if I was in the budoir of a 1920's French courtesan...definitely a perfect background for sipping on amazing drinks! The bartender (Josh?) was incredibly hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Watching his hand-pummeling method with each drink definitely made one grip the bar while watching his pounding forearm...*swoon*! Try the Happiness drink...fruity and just strong enough. My girlfriends had a variety of martinis that missed my taste, as well as an excellent raspberry mohito. We ordered a bunch of dishes and split them up at the bar - a great idea. A fresh salad...beef short ribs that were tender and fell off the bone...garlic shrimp-more mini shrimp in scampi sauce, I would've prefered bigger prawns...potatoes au gratin that were creamy without being too heavy...and finally, perfectly seasoned morroccan cous cous. Between the four of us, we each spent 50 dollars. We will definitely be going there for the diva night for one of our next birthdays!
(5)Macall Z.
I absolutely love this restaurant! I've never tried a tapas that I didn't enjoy. The cuban cigar is probably my favorite. The skirt steak is also delicious. When my mother was in town, we went here 2 nights in a row. They also have quite an extensive drink list. The only complaint I could possibly come up with is that it can get a little loud if you're trying to have quiet conversation. Overall, this could possibly be my favorite restaurant around!
(5)Rebecca Y.
Don't squinch your nose, but order the basil lime gimlet. It is mint julip-y and tasty. Great date restaurant or night out with the ladies. The deep fried tomato is a crowd pleaser. More upscale than its tapas sisters throughout the city.
(3)Matt R.
I can't speak for the food yet, but the drinks are amazing, amazing, amazing. Pricey, but worth it. They are like works of art, seriously. I don't frequent this place very often since I don't do the martini/fancy drink thing too much, but when I do decide it's time for another visit, I always leave satisfied.
(5)am i.
Bad food, incompetent staff, disgusting drinks and borderline racist manager seal this as the worst restaurant in the Boston-area. As a life-long resident and restaurant connoisseur, I recommend you try any of the other restaurants in the Central Square area or the rest of Cambridge or Boston before wasting your night at Cuchi Cuchi.
(1)Brandy S.
Perfect spot for dates or a girl's night out. The drinks are well executed and addicting. I reccomend the Mojito. The small plates, or tapas for lack of a better term, are perfect for sharing. The highlight of the meal was their dessert - the warm banana bread is utterly mouthwatering.
(4)Mike P.
I felt that this place really under-delivered. The place has a great decor and the wait-staff is very friendly and helpful, but the food just isn't that great. The preparation and variety were both lacking.
(2)Raquel F.
Spectacular drinks, great food, friendly service: Cuchi Cuchi is an experience that never disappoints!This has been a great spot to bring out of town guests, coworkers, and friends that I'm trying to impress ;). I will really miss this place when I move out of Central Square this year. Just try to call ahead and put your name in/ get a time estimate or you could end up waiting an hour for a table. At other places, it's easy to just sip a drink while you wait. I've always found this difficult at Cuchi Cuchi because one drink, with no food, gets me right to my pleasure plateau of dizziness.
(5)Court S.
Yummmm! My friend from London was in town and one of the things that I love about her is that she always trusts me to find one of my bookmarks for us to visit. We headed to Cuchi Cuchi and absolutely loved everything from the theme, to the décor to the food. The food was "quite nice" (across the pond slang) but we were wishing that the portions were a little larger. In addition to the small portions, all plates came out in 15-20 min intervals. In order to be full, you'll probably need to order 3-4 menu items, but everything is scrumptious, so it's worth it. We started off with very strong and tasty cocktails but I must say that the star of the show was the Mexican deep friend tomato. It was heavenly with so many flavors bursting at once. I'm licking my lips as I'm writing this. See my pics. We really loved the dessert which was warm banana bread, creamy vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. It was also very huge, bigger than the food portions. Whaaat? I can't wait to come back! Other notes: -Metered parking all around. -Great date night spot. -Lots of Uber pickups and drop offs. -The bar is a hot spot. -Although great, service was on the slow side, but it was cool because it gave us more time to chat. -Loved the dress code of the staff. I always love having my boobs out (in a classy way) and being that Cambridge/Boston is sooooo conservative I was very comfy here without the whispers of insecure women. Lol, it's true though.
(4)Beth H.
One of my friends I went with is paleo, and she found it a little hard to find items she could eat, buuuut that's what happens when you're on a restricting diet. I loved this place!! I found the drinks to be a little pricey but WORTH EVERY PENNY. They do not skimp on the alcohol and the cocktails are creative and delicious with hilarious names (I think mine was the Ricky Ricardo?). The atmosphere is playful and fun. I would call it sophisticated but sassy. No formal frumps here. If it were the prohibition period and you wanted to go to a sexy/classy underground joint that served alcohol on the downlow, I think Cuchi Cuchi would've been that place. Also, they have this dessert called "banana bread extravaganza" and it is incredible. So much whipped cream, and the banana bread/cake is sooooo good. I'm salivating just typing about it.
(4)Katherine H.
Great food, phenomenal cocktails. The atmosphere is pretty kitschy, but it's fun for a night out with the girls or something! My friend and I got 4 dishes to split (it's all small plates there). The Cuban Cigar is a must have - it was both of our favorites! The duck l'orange crepes are also definitely worth ordering. The real star of this place I think are the cocktails, which are generously poured and absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be back just to grab drinks at some point.
(4)Lidia P.
Most. Favorite. Place. On. Earth. I can't exactly explain why I feel the way I feel. Yes, the menu is delicious and diverse. Yes, the service is friendly and fun. Yes, the atmosphere is playful and romantic. But it is also something else. And that something else is what I cannot explain. I feel something here that I don't feel anywhere else.
(5)Maeghan R.
I don't even know what to say so I'll start with this: if you live in/near Cambridge or if you're here for a trip, RUN, DON'T WALK, TO CUCHI CUCHI. My friend and I are both in town for separate conferences and we've been seeing the sights over the last few days. Today we decided to venture down to Harvard, and I did a quick check of Yelp reviews of some local restaurants. As we were walking, Cuchi Cuchi looked to be the closest on Google maps. What a happy accident that we ended up here!! I would recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. When we arrived, the hostess told us it would be a 45 minute wait. Luckily, neither of us minded eating at the bar and we were able to sit down right away. The ambiance of the restaurant is so, so cool. It has a burlesque-y vibe and the best word I can use to describe it is simply "sexy". This would be a fun place to take a date! It took us awhile to decide on our food and drinks. There were so many great options! I ended up getting a lemon drop martini and two dishes: the brie en croûte and the grilled Indian lamb. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and the gratin dauphinois. She had some trouble deciding on a drink, so we asked the bartender for her recommendation. She was incredibly helpful and as soon as she learned my friend's tastes, she suggested the Heat of the Night - it has jalapeño, citrus vodka, watermelon juice, and lemon juice. What an incredible drink! I tried some and it was one of the most unique things I've ever tasted. Overall, this was a superb experience. The food was to die for, the atmosphere was fun, and we were still talking about dinner hours later. That's how you KNOW it's good!!
(5)Daisy C.
Food was flavorful and presentation matched the decor. But almost in a matchy matchy way. The burlesque theme of the decor and servers' attire was unique but the frou frou mannequin in the upper corner of the dining area was over the top and a little tacky. Some art nouveau prints would have been more effective. Loved the banana bread dessert but the Once Upon a Time in Mexico cocktail was way too sour. A little tart is nice...but sourness dominated the drink. The menu states their shared plate portions are large compared to "tapas," but I've had tapas in Spain, and "large" is a stretch.
(3)Bryan N.
Really cool and elegant atmosphere. They serve tapas from an array of different cultures. My favorites were the Thai mussels (Thai) , pasta carbonara (Italian) , fruits del mar (French), and the chicken Kiev (Russian). The two meat dishes we ordered lamb (Indian) and skirt steak (Argentina) wasn't very appealing. I will say that the portions are a decent size and that about 5 dishes should fill up 2 people. The waitresses are friendly and are dressed in Portuguese costumes which is unique.
(4)Tim S.
Great ambiance, great food, great for a date. This place will put you in a great mood. The decor, ambiance, service, drinks, and food are all delicious. The last time I ate at this place was about a year ago (:() but there was a meat dish with nutmeg and cinnamon that tasted like Christmastime that was to die for and the Moroccan Chicken was also quite tasty.
(5)Bindiya T.
Better than Toro... Much better. From a vegetarian stand point, they have a lot of options. Each dish we tried from the croquettes, artichokes, fried tomatoes, risotto, gobi Manchurian and risotto were delectable. But the banana bread was out of this world and surprisingly a big portion. Drinks were very nice too. Food is slow to come but it gives you time to enjoy your meal and company. We had friends from NYC who are foodies and they raved about the food too. Great for a date night but it's loud. Perfect for a rendezvous with friends. Make reservations, they do honor online reservations through yelp. The best Tapas I have had so far. Must must try
(5)Cristina R.
Cuchi Cuchi is the best travel agent because she's got me going all over the place. Ms. C takes you back to the 20's with the servers' roaring era attire and eclectic ambiance. Then she takes you around the world with the food. The small plates (the menu urges not to utter "tapas" since everything ain't Spanish) are inspired by countries as varied as Russia, Japan, Italy, and Cuba. Out of the 4 we tried, the standout was the Cuban cigar with ropa vieja meat encased by empanada dough and served with black bean salsa and sweet plantains. Cuchi takes you to another time with the decor, another place with the tastes, and another state of being with the creative (and extensive) cocktail menu. The Beetofmyheart is more gingery than beety. Beautiful, bubbly and refreshing! The Thai cocktail is an ingenious combo of coconut rum and basil. Be sure to end the trip right with boozy coffee (or a dessert cocktail like the espresso martini) and an extravaganza of warm banana bread. Thank you Cuchi for taking me to my happy place.
(5)denise b.
Fabulous drinks and food. The seafood stuffed avocado was amazing. Everyone truly enjoyed the atmosphere, the staff was so happy & nice, drinks beautiful. Look forward to heading here next time I'm with the girls for a GNO
(4)Kimberly J.
Diego is awesome. He had great suggestions and the food came out really fast the drinks were good and I loved the atmosphere.
(5)Tuli S.
Great atmosphere and I had an awesome time here! I came with a few friends and we ordered a TON of a food and drinks. Service was good and I loved the costumes. The food was very average so I've come back for apps/drinks only. We ordered the bottoms up shots and they were great and super cute! I've never seen these anywhere else. Notes on the items we ordered are below- Roasted Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad- regular ole salad! Seafood-filled Avocado- I thought this was going to be amazing but it was boring and didn't have a lot of flavor Caspian Heaven- fried oysters- MMMM Cuban Cigar- my favorite app! I've gotten this a few times. Beef short ribs in a light dough- it's really good! Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce - yummy but the steak at Tango in Arlington wins. The cook on it was good but it was missing that extra level of flavor Scallops Provençale- the scallops were NOT good quality, but it was cheap so I guess I shouldn't be expecting that much.. We ordered other items but I don't remember them- nothing amazing. I really like coming here to see friends and have drinks but I think the food is hyped up.
(3)Vassiliki K.
Great Saloon themed bar in Cambridge, close to Central. Great place to come with friends. I have seen Bachelorette parties taking place here several times. The drinks are all really good, and even their virgin (non-alcoholic) drinks are worth the trip.
(5)Taj K.
I hadn't been to this place in years. I forgot how awesome it is. The drink list alone is amazing! I got one of their ginger cocktails. It was delicious! Everyone at my table got different drinks and all were very happy. The food is not technically tapas even though many people think that's what this restaurant is about. They have dishes inspired from many nations and the portion sizes are bigger than tapas. I feel like 3 dishes is enough to share with two people. The garlic shrimp was probably my favorite. Be warned there is a lot of garlic. We also had the skirt steak, one of the chicken dishes and a few others. Everything tasted fabulous! The banana bread dessert is one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. I also adore the ambience. It's got a time period feel of either the 20s or 40s depending on which server you get. I love the outfits the waitstaff wears. We had a party of 7 for a Wednesday. We did call ahead so I'm guessing they either take reservations or are happy to be made aware of your party's interest. We maybe had to wait 20 minutes for a table but that was enough time to enjoy one drink. Love this place and can't wait to go back. I know it gets crazy busy on the weekends so try to go for a mid week dinner.
(5)Kayla V.
Amazing experience! Food that will rock your world! And Victoria our server was fabulous! One of the best restaurants I've ever been to.
(5)Yingna L.
Very cute restaurant with high quality food. Perfect place for bridal shower/bachelorette party dinners. A wide selection of exotic drinks. Servers all dress well and interestingly. Food is amazing. I loved the Brie, cigar, lamb. Will definitely visit again. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time! The wait is usually an hour or more on the weekend without reservations.
(5)Danae K.
My Favorite Bar In all of Cambridge and the Surrounding Boston area! I've been coming here for years and every time is phenomenal. The waitresses are dressed up to match the 20s style, and take you to a different era where women wore hats with feathers and corsets. The energetic vibe of this place is something everyone (fun people) should experience! From the cocktail list, I highly recommend the Strawberry Basil Cocktail, Pisco Sour and Between the Sheets. Or if you want to describe what flavor you are going for, ask the bartender and they'll point you in the right direction! Exceptionally knowledgeable staff of their menu. From the appetizers, I highly suggest the melted brie for the cheese lovers and the Duck a l'Orange Crepes. Dinner options are all excptional as well. All in all: Ambiance: 5/5 Music: 5/5 Cocktails: 1000/5 :) Seating Area: 4/5 (not enough seats!) Staff: 5/5 Food: 5/5
(5)Nicole S.
I loved the atmosphere, music, drinks and food. The hostess was a little 'tude-y and the waitress wasn't as attentive as I would have liked, despite the fact that it was a Monday night and the place was half empty. However, the pros outweigh the con, and I'd happily go again and take the risk while hoping for a different server! Also, the drinks are Amazing!
(4)Izzy D.
DEEZ. DRANKS. The cocktail list here will make your hair fall out. It's about four (five? six?) full pages and each one is more enchanting than the one before. I showed up with a group of five and we were grabbing each other's drinks for sips like they were magical elixirs. Our waitress explained that the restaurant has a *costume room* where the servers can pick out which vintage outfit they'd like to wear that night (think: flapper dresses, furs, and incredible jewels). The food is tapas (or XYZ small plate)-style, but each dish is from a different part of the world (Russian, Thai, French, Chinese, etc.). Everything was fantastic, but honestly... I'd go back just for the drinks.
(5)Laura K.
I would give this place four stars for the food but I have to down grade it for the service. When I'm on vacation I go all out; no limits and always get dessert. We ordered champagne and were delighted that it was served in a stand up ice bucket. Our plates were very good, chicken meat balls, mussels, Cuban Cigar, tuna tartare (that was the big let down) and the chicken tangine. Dinner was going really well. I mean, this place couldn't get any cuter, could it? All through dinner we were talking about what to get for dessert. After clearing the last of our dishes and the ice bucket away our server plopped the check down on the table. My fiancé and I exchanged a confused look. Um, so no, can I get you anything else? Would you care for dessert? Nope, just check...still confused we left and went down the street to Craigie for dessert. Thanks to our server for kicking us out. The cocktail and dessert at Craigie were the highlight of my trip.
(3)MaiLinh H.
Drinks are . If you like something sweet and minty, go for the grasshopper. The space is small and tables are hard to get during the weekend, but you can always hang around the bar area, which is nice and cozy. The crowd seems more mature and chill than other bars in the area, mostly because people come here for the food and drinks rather than anything else.
(4)Jackie K.
I have come here a few times now and the food it awesome. Everything else is annoying--the service is slow, the decorations seem contrived, staff not polite/friendly, it's loud with lots of annoying people (mostly bacherlorettes (and I had mine here so I know how annoying it is)). The food is great--they say it's not tapas style on their menu but it is. Everything was delicious--even though the food is fusion and you might not know what you are ordering, it is very good. The Bliny dish was great. Drinks are also good and strong. I liked their Edelflower martini. Make a reservation because they are constantly packed and bar service is slow.
(4)Emily D.
Very unique ambience that's a lot of fun. Booked this restaurant for my husband's birthday and while it was a bit annoying that we had to wait for our whole (large) party to arrive before we could be seated, they did manage to seat us in the end. The food is interesting, in a good way. It's tapas style so it's fun to try a little bit of everything, although some dishes were REALLY small and we had to order 3 of the same thing just to allow each person to try one bite. Most of the dishes were quite good though, I would give the food 4/5. Service was great, they came by enough times to make sure we were attended to but too many times to be annoying. Drinks were amazing, 5/5 for sure. I think this would be kind of a strange place for a date simply because of all the well-endowed waitresses walking around in corsets, but it was definitely fun with a group of friends!
(5)Ali S.
I've been here so many times, and last night was probably my last time. My previous review reflected a menu that is hit or miss. But honestly, I've tried 3/4 of the dishes and most of them are misses. If you're already sitting at the restaurant, order the cuban cigar, brie, and ribs. The dishes that I add on to the do not order are the Gobi Manchurian (tastes like frozen Chinese food) and the mushroom risotto (our waitress literally poured a 1/4 cup of truffle oil over the dish and that was all we could taste). The scallops were good, but nothing spectacular. But the reason I won't come back even for the three dishes I love and the Heat of the Night cocktail was because of the absolutely terrible service (I never even review about a restaurant's service!). I brought my friend to the restaurant and she ordered one of their cocktails (gin with muddled blackberries and basil), and it was terrible. We both love gin, but all you could taste was the gin. It was purple, but you couldn't taste the blackberries or the basil. I asked the waitress for another one and she told us that the restaurant's policy was that you are free to order another drink (how nice), but they won't comp the bad drink. That's pretty terrible for a nice restaurant. I asked if I could speak to the manager since her hands are tied. She took the drink from the table and said she would go speak to the manager. Then she handed us the menu and made a snarky comment about finding a non-gin drink. She came back and told us that the manager had tasted the drink, and had agreed that it was done poorly. In the end, the waitress apologized and the drink was comped. But it was handled so poorly that I won't be coming back.
(2)Anastasia R.
GLUTEN FREE MENU Cuchi Cuchi is by far one of the best restaurants in the Boston Area. The servers are dressed in vintage evening wear, the atmosphere is smoky (not in the literal sense, but that's how it feels), the cocktail menu is robust, inventive, and AMAZING! It does have a gluten free menu, so if your best friend who has a gluten allergy is trying to figure out a place to introduce you to her homophobic socialite mom from out of town, I would suggest here. It is pretty spendy so I usually go and have a few drinks (the blood orange side car is my bevie of choice) and some starters. I mostly don't eat liver but here I almost always get the pate, then pick a few more and munch tapas style. NOTE: in phone conversations, the words "tapas" and "topless" can be easily confused, so stick with phrases like "small plates" and "not a strip joint" when describing it. I feel most places don't have the ability to pull off the theatrics that you experience at Cuchi Cuchi without being uber lame. Plus the costumes and the girly drinks get my gf in the mood.
(5)Elizabeth F.
There is radioactive glass on the walls. No, really. The glowing glass on the walls is radioactive. And the staff dresses straight out of the glamor of old Hollywood. I can't speak for the food since I haven't eaten here yet, but I really love the vintage cocktails and the atmosphere. I've been here before, and returned, and will return again. I hope I don't get cancer from the radioactive glass, though.
(4)Lauren B.
Picture a high end brothel in the late 20s with beautiful flirtatious girls in form fitting sequined flapper dresses and matching hats with playful smirks across their faces . Now, substitute prostitution with decadent cocktails and a delicious international tapas menu. That, my friends, is Cuchi Cuchi. I went with my family to celebrate my birthday and it was the perfect choice for a special occasion- festive, trendy and exotic. I savored several of their cocktails (my favorite was one with muddled raspberries, Citron and a hint of ginger-) and their white sangria. I don't eat meat so the majority of our dishes were just vegetables and fish. My favorites were the Fried Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom Risotto and Sizzling Garlic Shrimp. My dad did remark that it was a restaurant geared towards women but he still enjoyed himself. It's my new favorite Cambridge restaurant!
(5)Maggi B.
We LOVE Cuchi Cuchi! The food is wonderful. The atmosphere is fun and playful. Very romantic - a great place for a special occasion.
(5)Shan L.
This place is consistently yummy, and conveniently near work. There is a nice 1920s vibe (waitresses dress as flappers) and the ambiance is awesome. It can get a little noisy, but depends on where they sit you. Haven't tried all the dishes yet, but there hasn't been a bad order yet! Favorite dessert of all time is the Banana Extravaganza - to die for!
(4)D S.
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I LOVE this place! There are so many elements of what made my experience here simply divine. When we walked in it was quite late, so the bar was pretty full, and while we waited for our table we wanted a drink. I took the chance of asking the hostess if there was any way to get a drink without shoving up against the bar and she immediately took our order and saved us the hassle of throwing bows into the crowd around the bar. Very nice of her! The decor was so beautiful! It is funky, unique, and entertaining to look at-- every detail is so eclectically harmonious, down to the twenties style uniforms of the waitstaff. While the food and drinks are a little on the spendy side, they are well worth it (I would not show up too hungry though...) The following dishes were out of this world: Brie en Croute Caspian Heaven- INSANE GOODNESS! the oysters melted in my mouth. Good God, give it to me again please. Duck L'Orange Crepes Chicken Kiev - I believe it was made with morels. mmmmm drinks: singapore slings were great! they tend to be a little too sweet when not well made, but they were fantastic! clerico- get a pitcher of this white sangria goodness! yummmmy! well priced at only $22, and seriously delicious! finally, our waitress was a delight! she was so helpful and totally on the ball! great service all around! i can't wait to go back!
(5)Damien P.
This was a fantastic experience.... and I call it an experience because it felt like a lot more than just dinner. It was like a food theme park. There were so many really good things that I tried, but I just wish I could have fit more in. Plus, all of the staff in costume... if that doesn't have "theme park" written all over it, I don't know what does. The drinks were fantastic and very creative, normally I would have wine with a nice dinner, but the cocktails were so good that I kept with those. Their "Salome's Potion" was incredible, definitely my favorite. The food was really interesting. Not every dish was incredible, but they were all good and interesting. Their seafood dishes were by far the best. The "caspian heaven" was incredible and so were the cornets with tuna tartare. The setting and ambiance was nice. This was a date, so the romantic feel was really nice. We happened to come when it was a little busy, so it was a little loud at times, but to be expected. The one and only complaint that I have is that I wish that they took reservations. I didn't wait for long, but it would have been nice to arrange it in advance.
(5)Paprika F.
If Charo ate at Cuchi Cuchi, she would wiggle her bottom with glee. Perhaps it is over-the-top with the burlesque decorations and the wait staff's vintage attire, but Boston could use a little more whimsy. At first, I was taken aback by the prices, but Cuchi Cuchi is smart. They get you real drunk first, and then you don't even notice. Their cocktail menu is divine (hello, blood orange sidecar!). And, if you do in fact get seated and get around to solid food, do not pass go and order the St. Jacob's zucchini. I was skeptical of a ham-cheese-zucchini combo, but you'll be sold. And it will help absorb your cocktails.
(4)Julie A.
Here are my thoughts about Cuchi Cuchi. People go here because it's dark and has interesting decor and the waitresses dress up like old-timey prostitutes. And the food is pretty good also. However, for my taste it is overpriced and underwhelming. I would maybe go again for a drink or the fried zuchinni w/ ham & cheese tapas.... We waited a REALLY long time for a table, so I am perhaps embittered.
(2)Jenny L.
It took me a long time to finally make it to Cuchi Cuchi for dinner. It's not a place you chose randomly since they don't take reservations during regular dining hours and there is usually a wait. But since I've seen a crowd outside on a regular basis, I expected the food to be at least 4 stars...it was more like 3 stars in terms of taste. And the size of the portion and price you pay for it brings it down to 2 stars. We had the following: Scallop Ceviche - the sour flavor overpowered the dish and I could barely taste the scallops Duck a l'Orange Crepes - too citrusy and barely any duck Cuban Cigar - this dish was actually pretty good, the black beans were quite tasty Mushroom Risotto - probably the best dish of the night but I've still had better at Italian restaurants We had another dish but it wasn't memorable... After 5 "small plates" we were still hungry and ordered the French Banana Bread Extravaganza for dessert. It was basically caramelized bananas on top of toasted french bread. It was pretty good but nothing spectacular. Overall, we were underwhelmed and frankly a little bored by the end of the night and ready to go home. I understand that the place is more about atmosphere but you still need to serve good food if you want to charge $15 a plate. We won't return..not with the price or the wait.
(2)aja m.
Very cool atmosphere, beautiful decorations, felt like we were in an art nouveau painting. Lovely hostess and wait staff, very fun and friendly. We ordered the lobster and avacado, duck l'orange, steak, fried artichokes and some cocktails. Everything couldn't have been more delicious, and came to our table so fast! The cocktails were lovely, all prohibition themed and tasty, and we even had an after dinner shot. It was served in a crazy bottoms up shot glass that the waitress described the history of. All in all, would love to go here any old time or for a special occasion. Two thumbs way up!
(5)Anguel M.
This place is just awesome great food a bit expensive but worth. i also love the look of the place
(4)Furmur W.
Overall Cuchi Cuchi is one of my favorite places, i love the food and the atmosphere. however, it's getting more and more difficult to get a table. I called well in advance for a party of 8 and they will only take our table at a specific time- either 6:30pm or 8:30pm on a thursday night. i wanted 7pm and they were not willing to accomodate. basically they want the tables available again at 8:30pm for new customers. I will go elsewhere with our group of 8.... to a restaurant that is more accomodating....
(3)Louie M.
The best restaurant in Cambridge. Notice the lack of hesitation in that statement. The best - restaurant - in Cambridge. Maybe even best inside 128. The cocktails were unique and thoughtful, crafted with fresh and diverse ingredients. An impressive list of bartender invented drinks. The two of us had two different ones each and were not disappointed. Food selection was outstanding. International tapas, each perfectly prepared. Avocado stuffed with lobster, raw tuna in pastry cones, mushroom risotto with truffles, fried artichoke hearts, fried oysters with caviar. I could have eaten the entire menu. We didn't have any of the meat riches, only fish and veg - it's good excuse to go back :) The staff was also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The bartender mentioned the first drink he had invented there (excellent). If I lived in the area still, I would be a regular.
(5)Alicia W.
I would live to give Cuchi Cuchi 5 stars as their food and drinks are amazing! But they don't take reservations after 6 on Saturdays. So definitely go, but be willing to either wait or eat early.
(3)Alisa K.
When I first walked into Cuchi Cuchi, I thought I had walked into a house of ill repute. The hostesses were dressed like a cross between 1800s saloongirls, 1920s burlesque dancers, and attendees of the 2011 royal wedding. The decor was similarly eclectic, unified only by a theme of women from various cultures in various states of rapture. The menu even describes tiramisu in the following manner: "Venetian courtesans fortified themselves in between amorous encounter with this 'pick-me-up.'" The men, in contrast, were dressed like matadors. Decor aside, their tapas were amazing. (The menu pretentiously asks the reader to kindly not refer to their dishes as tapas "which are from Spain; our plates are larger and we globe-trot," but they are tapas.) Loved the potato croquets, the blinies, and the eggplant Napoleon. These were really some of the best tapas I'd ever had. The service was also really great. My feelings about the objectification of women notwithstanding, the food here is spectacular--especially for a tapas place--and I will definitely go back.
(5)Lieu T.
Went here with a couple of friends and it was a great dinner experience. The decor is fantastic, the wait staff are dressed nicely, and the music was good. We ordered several dishes (I recommend the starred dishes below): 1) Fruits de Mer* - the broth was delicious 2) Sizzling garlic shrimp* - holy garlic flavor! 3) Scallops provencale - not bad, not amazing, 4) Grilled eggplant napoleon* - awesome and cheesy 5) Fried artichoke hearts - personally it was okay for me but the rest of the group liked it a lot 6) Baby back ribs* - the meat falls right off the bone and the apple fritters that go along with it was so delicious 7) Duck a l'orange crepe* - such great flavor For dessert we ordered the tiramisu (pretty good), fried banana bread* (MUST GET!) and chocolate cake (blech!). My group had a great time. Although the dishes were small and expensive, the flavors that were packed in each bite made it worthwhile! Of note, the waitstaff will also bring out hats and wigs to add to the fun time.
(4)Christine A.
I went to Cuchi Cuchi with my sister last Saturday night and we had a lot of fun. I love the 1920s decor, the bartender and waitresses were very friendly, and the drinks we ordered were delicious. I ordered the moulin rouge, which was one of the best cocktails I've ever had and my sister had something else with passion fruit, which was also really good. I can't wait to go back there and try their tapas. I also enjoyed the music which was a fun mix of throwbacks and new hits!
(5)Vanessa G.
Last night was definitely a top notch visit. We arrived around 10pm and were able to order a round of drinks and be seated at a table within minutes. This place is always hoppin and sometimes the service is less than awesome. But last night was great. Ryan and Mike took great care of us, we're funny and attentive. The food was all amazing and the knowledge of gluten free issues was the best I've experienced here. Looking forward to going back again soon.
(5)Mel C.
Cool concept. Gained some cocktail knowledge. Small plates were good. The review highlights have it all right. The Cuban cigar is the best.
(5)Jessica E.
I am seriously in LOVE with this place! Came here for my birthday with my boyfriend and his mom on a Sunday evening. There was supposed to be 2 others in our party, and my boyfriend reserved us the LED light table. Althought the others cancelled at the last minute, they were very accomadating and had no problem with still seating us at the LED table, which was awesome. We were very amused by the twinkling lights, LOL. All the decor was very eclectic, and I really loved the vibe. Even the waitstaff dressed the part, in vintage burlesque type outfits. Great touch. On to the food...This is a small plates restaurant, which is something we aren't quite used to, so we kind of overordered, but everything was so delicious, we had no problem finishing it. Each dish came out at different times, so it wasn't too overwhelming. The menu has food dishes from all over the world, and they specify the origin of each one. Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Grilled Eggplant Napoleon- My boyfriend LOVED this. It wasn't my favorite, but it was very good. Fried Artichoke Hearts- This was my FAVE! It's filled with pistachio and basil and cheese, and has an olive sauce. The flavors are great together! Bliny- Another favorite; These are mushroom and cheese crepes topped with sour cream and caviar. So delicious. Grilled Indian Lamb- Very well done. I am a huge fan of lamb, but not many restaurants get it right. This was served with a yummy cucumber suace and a beet salad. Mushroom Risotto- Delicious and flavorful! Mushroom a little strong in this one but very good. Cauliflower Fritters- This one wasn't my choice, and I didn't think I'd like it. It comes in a spicy sauce, and I dont do spicy, but luckily it wasn't completly covered in sauce, and I ended up loving it! I am not a big drinker, so can't say mich about that, but my boyfriend and his mom both ordered the wine flight and really enjoyed it. We ordered the cheesecake for dessert, and the waitstaff came over singing for my birthday with a pretty tall candle for me to blow out. Overall great experience!
(5)Ana J.
My friends and I made a reservation for 9pm. We got there and had to wait over 30 mins to get seated. Not one staff member came over to apologize for the wait or even update us on how long. One of my friends got a little impatient and even had to go speak to the manager. The food was AMAZING- if I return, it will solely be for the food because the service was just completely awful.
(3)Janka L.
Pros *cocktail list is divine *small plates = you'll only overeat if you order 10 of em Cons -cuchi cuchi decor is a little kitschy kitschy -cocktail price
(3)Toodles K.
Went here last night for a birthday party and it was fabulous, beyond my expectations, LOVED IT! The atmosphere, the staff, the white lilies everywhere, THE FOOD, the drinks, and the 20s ambiance is just spectacular. Our waiter suggested his favorite Scotch and it reminded me so much of Glen Livet, I was delighted. A bunch of us did a birthday shot called Bottoms Up. I don't want to spoil the mystery but I will say this: your mouth will be the happiest it has ever been. Do not hesitate to try this place out.
(5)Randy V.
It's taking me a week to write this, but I am still daydreaming about the marvelous food at this place. It's that GOOD! Had an old college friend from California visit me and couldn't think of a place to take him.. made a couple of calls and was directed to Cuchi Cuchi. The ambiance and decor was pretty cool. A mix of swag, swanky, and hip!! Nothing pretentious like you will find in downtown Boston. I wish the lighting would have been a little brighter for photo opportunities, but my iPhone 5 held up pretty good with the little lamp at our table. The portions were good enough for sharing, but if you have a big empty stomach maybe sharing is out of the question. What we had: -Duck a l'Orange Crepe (a plate of wonder and savory!!) -Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse (OMG X100; just wonderful! Amazing mix of texture from the crunchy shell to the tuna tartare and the dallop of avocado.) -Cuban Cigar (Good, but a little on the small side for sharing.) -Grilled Eggplant Napoleon (I'm not a big fan of goat cheese. And I found myself scrapping it off. A good dish, but the goat cheese did it for me.) -FRENCH BANANA BREAD EXTRAVAGANZA (The most wonderful crafted dessert I have tasted!! The bread was crusted or caramelized with pieces of banana on top with ice cream and cream and drizzles of sauce. It was a good size for sharing, but I could have easily eaten it all by myself!!) I would definitely come back to this restaurant!
(5)Kay B.
I came here a few months back with some friends for my birthday. The service was great. The food was absolutely amazing!!! Everything was so delicious. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to go back!
(5)Big S.
this place is great! we came here for a birthday party, and all had great drinks and great dishes. all of the food we ordered was tasty, and the drink menu is very unique. the spicy dirty martini is a great drink! and the muddled jalapeño was also very good. there were a number of other drinks that looked tasty as well. we got a lot of different items and everything was really good. the crepe dish was amazing, but really everything was. i would go back in a heart beat, and the service is fun. with everyone dressed up, its not your typical tapas.
(5)Jane D.
Delicious cocktails and desserts! A bit pricey, but you pay for an amazing ambiance and costumed wait staff. We ordered the banana bread and it was extremely delicious. I would go back just for that! We were only two but it seemed like it would be a great place for larger groups as well. Definitely coming back sometime soon!
(5)Kara H.
love the ambiance, love the drinks and love the food. be prepared to drop some $$ but I thought it was worth it for a fancier night out Highlights from the tapas menu: Duck L'orange crepe, thai mussels, mushroom risotto I'm not much of a drinker, but damn the black dahlia was delicious, can't wait to be back to try more of their signature drinks!
(5)Rebecca N.
This place is incredible. The ambience is wonderful. Fresh flowers, great decor, wait staff is dressed up. You feel like you've been whisked away to some fantasy version of Paris or New Orleans. The cocktails are incredible. The food was great. The service was outstanding. There is really no reason not to go here, except that it's expensive. Definitely not a place to go if you're on a budget. Love this place.
(5)John L.
I must have lived in a cave for the last couple of years, because I have never heard of this amazing Tapas joint with a roaring 20s theme! The waitstaff are all dressed up, and the decor is awesome! From many recommendations, I had heard that they had strong drinks, and I had to try the garlic shrimp and cuban cigars. I actually tried to play down my spiky Asian hair to sort of style it like Jim Dormandy from Boardwalk Empire. And I decided to rock some suspenders, but unforutnately couldn't figure out how to tie my bowtie for dinner.... Anyways, I had dinner with a group of 10 colleagues. It was a little cramped, but we managed. Drinks I tried a bunch of cocktails raning from the Vesper Martini, Corpse Reviver, among others. But those two were my favorites. As other people have mentioned, the drinks are strong, but very good. Eats Mexican Deep-fried Tomato (Queso Chihuahua, avocado, tomato & Pico de Gallo salsa & mole sauce) - Pretty amazing burst of flavors, delicious. Potato Croquettes - These were good, glorified cheesy tater tots. Again, these were tasty, but I'd rather save room in my belly for some of the other dishes. Mushroom Risotto - Quite a heavy dish, really savory and creamy. Again, good for a bite, but I'd rather save tummy room for other dishes. Seafood-filled Avocado (1/2 grilled lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, octopus, crabmeat in salsa) - From the description, this dish looked particularly intriguing, but it just didn't do it for me. On paper, it looks amazing with all the components and I am a big seafood guy. May have to give this bad boy another shot... Scallop Ceviche Shot (in tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime, mango & banana salsa) - Simply a pure shot of amazing seafood goodness. Perfect acidity ratio, with real crisp and clean flavors. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - Flavor explosion packed with these shrimp. A bit on the small side, but the flavors are intense. Tuna Lavash (sushi-grade raw tuna, greens, pickled cucumber, organic bacon - rolled in lavash bread & grilled; Asian dipping vinaigrette) - meh, not my cup of tea. I think a comment at the table said, "glorified Trader Joes". Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse - Best dish there. I could eat these all night. Perfect composition, mixture of textures are on point. Baby Back Ribs w/Apple Fritters - Ribs were a little too sweet for my taste, but the Apple Fritters are out of this world. Cuban Cigar (beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa) - 2nd favorite dish, the dough is like a fragile phyllo dough that works amazingly well with the beef short ribs. Flavor explosion, great bite. Duck a l'Orange Crepes (roasted duck w/citrus & fennel vinaigrette) - Meh, duck was underwhelming. Not horrible, not great. Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (grilled pork rolls filled w/Pecorino Romano cheese, sauteed garlic, arugula; wrapped in pancetta) - Meh, the arugula was either too large or just an overpowering component relative to the dish. Sweets Cheesecake - ok Chocolate Cake -not bad Tirami-su - probably my fav. Cornucopia (pizzelle cone filled with fresh fruit, fruit kissel, whipped cream) - pretty tasty French Banana Bread Extravaganza - not a huge banana dessert guy... Tartufo (chocolate-coated gelato ball) - pretty good Le Gateau Nantais (almond/rum cake w/poached mini-pears) - delicious My personal highlights were the Tuna Tartare Cornets, Cuban Cigar, and the Scallop Ceviche Shot. Also, every drink I had was on point. Had an absolutely amazing time, considering holding my birthday party there next summer, of course flapper attier would be required for admission. And I could care less if you Great Gatsby or Boardwalk Empire it up, just come dressed to impress!
(5)Anouska B.
Summary: Really delicious (albeit pricey) cocktails and small plates served to you by Speak Easy-inspired waitresses against a backdrop of kooky Old Hollywood. I met up with an old student of mine to catch up on life post-graduation. I've been here before for a blow-out dinner (it was my birthday and we got the table that lights up!), so this time I was keeping it more small-scale -- we sat at the bar, and were immediately offered the drink menu. Their signature cocktails are $11 each and the 'vintage' (i.e. classic) cocktails, like French 75, are a dollar cheaper. They have SO many concoctions (plus the bartenders are willing to play around with substitutions), it can be difficult to decide with which to begin. I had the Black Dahlia (which was a head and shoulders better than the Black Dahlia at Noir in Harvard Square), and my friend had the Moulin Rouge. Both were fruity without cloying sweetness (the benefit of using freshly muddled fruit instead of syrups), and were quickly consumed... leading to repeated consternation over which drink to order next! The Thai Cocktail is a supremely refreshing smack of alcohol, reminiscent of a detox in the mountains and a breezy day at the beach, simultaneously. Salome's Potion, served as it is in a deep brandy glass, was divine -- sumptuous, rich flavour, innocuously without garnish -- and the perfect way to round up the evening. We got so caught up in talking and drinking (bless the wait staff: they let us gab on happily without disruption), we didn't get around to ordering food. I'll have to return to review the food, and see if I can add an extra star to my experience.
(4)Marilyn C.
I'll give Cuchi Cuchi the full 5. Here's why: I had been here once a few years back and had fond memories as it was to celebrate a birthday and I remembered the atmosphere being unique. I now live down the street and stopped by New Year's Eve as the second stop on my jaunt around Central Square. I have to say I left impressed and with a smile! The waitstaff was attentive, friendly and on their A game. The whole place was running smoothly and efficiently - and it was crowded! But it was crowded in a good way. The atmosphere was lively and jovial. We had a cocktail and split a cauliflower small plate that was delicious. I should have ordered more food here as the cauliflower was perfectly cooked and had the right amount of flavor and ooo the flavors - just thinking about my mouth is watering. The cocktails were also good. I have to say that Cuchi Cuchi exceeded my expectations. I really thought the service was spot on and the food was excellent. I will make a point of stopping in here more often now!
(5)Shiv P.
AMAZING!!! Every bite is like a party in my mouth. So delicious. Have been here a few times and each time is better than the last! Can't wait to go again.
(5)Daniel T.
Place is nice, seating area is small and quant. Service is friendly and dimly light. Tapas is good as well as the drinks.
(3)Emily L.
Their food is delicious and drinks area great. However, I've been coming here about once a week or 2 years and I still think it's obnoxious that they don't give free drinks for birthdays. It was my birthday!
(3)R ALopo C.
This is officially my new favorite restaurant in Greater Boston. I'm surprised I'd never been to this place! My friend had been here before, so we decided on going on a Wednesday night. It was packed, but they sat us down pretty quick. The atmosphere was so lively and had some of the best music I've heard in a restaurant/bar in the area. A mix of Salsa, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, and everything in between. The waitresses were also really friendly, dressed out of something out of Moulin Rouge (so cool!!!), and amazingly accommodating of my diet restrictions and allergies (most seafood... i know, it sucks). We ordered a few cocktails, which were phenomenal and super strong. (I had a Thai Cocktail with basil, and a Triple Passion Daiquiri. YUM) Also I was pretty hungry after a long day at work, so we ordered a few things off the menu, and couldn't have been happier with our choices: Fried Artichoke Hearts Mexican Deep fried Tomato (my favorite thing on the menu!!!!!!) Tsukune (chicken balls with a glaze. came with a seaweed salad) Grilled Skirt Steak Potato Croquette Tartufo (chocolate covered gelato ball dessert) All in all, this place is OUT OF THIS WORLD fantastic and I highly recommend it for special occasions, or birthdays, a date, or just a night out with a good friend. They should totally do delivery!!
(5)Matt S.
Simply amazing! Every plate was literally mouth-watering goodness...here's what we HIGHLY recommend: Brie en Croute - just trust me on this when I say you will be happy when you take the first bite of this. Holy freaking heaven in your mouth. Words cannot describe how unbelievably tasty this is. Cuban Cigar - savory, rich, sweet, crispy, delicous. Beef Stroganoff - salty, creamy, earthy, awesomeness. Those plates are an absolute MUST-TRY...and the rest are all good too - can't go wrong with anything on this menu.
(5)Caitlin C.
SO good. Fun, cozy, atmosphere. Great cocktails, perfect place for a late dinner. Tapas were delicious and easy to share. The waitstaff is experienced, dressed in awesome 1920-era costumes. Look forward to my next time back.
(5)Leigh B.
A great atmosphere with some fantastic food. The restaurant proclaims a 1920s theme in decoration, whilst the food and beverages are perhaps based on that era, it indeed spans from old to new around a global menu. The sharing plates style is ideal for a fun date or any group / family interaction. The food was outstanding, tasty, well presented and certainly provides a lot of variety. Our group tasted 8 dishes from Duck a l'orange, scallops, Indian lamb to 'cuban cigar'! All with some tasty cocktails from a vintage menu list. As you will want about 2 dishes per person plus drinks, it can be pricey, however, well worth it for the experience. We would definately go back...especially for the Pate!
(4)Elena E.
Had a great evening of dinner and drinks with a group of 7 friends last Friday. A few of us arrived at 6pm and put our name down to hold a table while we waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Sat at the bar and enjoyed some of there amazing drinks while we waited. Since we were a large, and hungry, group we order a majority of the dishes on the menu. Everything was great! Some of the stand-outs were Cornets with Tuna Tartar, eggplant napoleon, and duck crepes. But really there were no bad choices. Same story for the drinks. Outstanding and creative cocktails. I really enjoyed the VoodoYouDo. Great food, great drinks, and the servers were fun and friendly. Yes it was expensive, but worth it for such a fun night.
(5)Priyanka A.
Love the vibe of this place, and the (long!) cocktail list is all fantastic. I found the food underwhelming, though, and not really worth the prices. Definitely go for drinks!
(3)Karen S.
This is a fun place but I wasn't blown away by the food. I did love the Brie, scallops, chicken balls, and chocolate cake. The chicken Kiev, oysters, and Cuban cigars were meh. Drinks were super plentiful and creative. While I do appreciate the eclectic decor, our table was extremely uncomfortable as the table was too low and the bench used as seating on one side of the table was hard and tough to sit on. Overall it was a fun experience but I doubt I'll be back.
(4)L D.
Mushroom risotto is a force to be reckoned with. The Brie en croute is incredible. The chimichuri beef is delicious. Totally worth the wait and cost! I do wish they had a standard rum offering.
(5)Sandy H.
I've been wanting to try this place for over 4 years and when I finally got around to it tonight. The service was terrible and the food was hit or miss. It took 15-20 minutes before our waiter took our order. He checked in on us twice before, but would rush off before we could ask him questions about menu or even tell him we were ready to order. We couldn't figure out why since the place was half-empty. Overall, the food was overpriced, overly salty, and the portions were tiny. I like salt, but not to the point where I feel it burning my mouth like what I experienced with the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp and the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale (Grilled pork rolls stuffed w/pecorino cheese, pancetta, sauteed garlic). The Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad was the best dish we had and I would order it again, but for portion we got for $12 was just so tiny I'd rather not. The prices they're charging for their tapas are on par with what fancy places in Boston are charging for their appetizers, but Cuchi Cuchi just lacked the quality and quantity. We actually wanted to order more food, but seeing as our waiter just kept disappearing and our food was just so salty and tiny, I just didn't see the point. We got our check and went somewhere else to eat.
(1)Mike O.
Cuchi Cuchi, in Spanish you mean "Knife Knife", in Basque you mean "Hear Hear", in Czech you mean "Smell Smell", and in American English you mean something I suspect that would get me slapped in the face if I said it to the wrong person. Truth be told, it doesn't matter which language you intended your namesake to derive from; they all make perfect sense. Passing through its threshold, patrons are transported to another time, another place altogether, a distant land where song, dance, eating, drinking, and celebration among peers is at the heart of this seemingly Romani Gypsy sanctum. Beyond the wonderfully ornate decor the staff's distinctive garb adds to your experience and allows your imagination to whisk you far away from the bustling streets of the city. The hosts are always so gracious and if you feel so inclined, you can get your fortune read while you wait, which at times can be a bit longer than most would like. Given the fun nature of it all, you may as well indulge and not try to rush your experience. The cocktail list is quite extensive, exquisitely creative, and has just about anything to suit your tastes and preferences. All of the liquid libations have the descriptions listed in detail on the menu so there is no guesswork when it comes to picking your potent poison. I've tried many options as well as some classics and have never been disappointed with what I've been served. Most of the food is very good, but there are clearly some plates that stand far above the rest. These include: the Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad; the Scallop Ceviche Shot; the Savory Cornets w/Tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse; St. Jacob's Zucchini (you could not possibly dislike this!); and the Cuban Cigar (absolutely the best thing on the menu). Yes, you will take notice that this is not your traditional tapas bar, with fare coming from far and wide. They have taken liberty on much of what comes out of their kitchen and for this I applaud their effort. Price per plate runs a little higher than a lot of other places but when you stop to consider that you probably pay a cover to get into Gypsy Bar (or any other nightlife "hot-spot"), I think it's fair to say that this nominal, extra charge is well within reason given the experience, product, and allure provided in this wonderful, hidden gypsy gem.
(4)Yuan W.
The word that comes to mind when I think of Cuchi Cuchi is "memorable". When you walk in the door, you're hit with this glam/retro/divey/1920s vibe. They have these interesting mannequins dressed in '20s era clothing just dangling from the corners, which I've never seen in any other restaurant before. Suffice it to say this restaurant is unique just for the décor alone. The food is nothing to scoff at either though. The tapas style menu is great for sharing and sampling. I came here recently with a vegetarian friend and two dishes I really enjoyed were: Mushroom risotto - creamy and mushroom flavors come out beautifully Gobi Manchurian (crispy cauliflower fritters) - again, flavors of the cauliflower came out nicely, great tangy seasoning Cuchi Cuchi is also known for its inventive cocktails. Unfortunately I can't comment too much on that. I only had one drink here and it was too floral tasting for me, so maybe I ordered the wrong thing. This restaurant gets packed so make sure you make a reservation. It's a fun place to go with a group of friends, although it's a little on the girly side!
(4)Silvia V.
Cuchi Cuchi is one my favorite girls' night out spots on a Friday night straight after work. The restaurant's ambiance can be described as 20's and 40's elegant, romantic and European chic. Cuchi Cuchi has a good cocktail list and it's a place one should be sipping fancy looking cocktails. I like the Elderflower Martini. The food consists of small international plates and it's meant to be shared. We ordered a bunch of dishes. The Scallops Provençale were 3 overpriced nano scallops that we had to share 4 ways, needed a microscope to dissect them. I liked the Chicken Kiev, Asian Salad and the Potato Croquettes, they have good bread with EVOO too. Tartufo is a good dessert and the Chocolate Cake was not my forte. As they don't take reservations after 6-6:30PM and the place fills up, we were actually asked to leave as we were finishing our desserts, which is unheard of. Our waitress was nice, but we had to ask her to slow down bringing the dishes... It felt like dining at Giacomo's (where they keep feeding people fast, so they can leave fast and more people can be served) but with a much higher bill.
(3)Shariya T.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston! Service, presentation and quality are always on point. They have a lot of great dishes, but here are my absolute faves: -Fruits de Mer: don't be deterred by the price, it is excellent! One of the best on the menu. -Tsukune: also comes with a watermelon/seaweed salad with toasted sesame seeds. Delicious! -Potato croquettes: simple and elegant. -French banana bread: a must-have! One of the best desserts I've ever had hands down, and it is always as good as I remember. The entire meal can get a bit pricey, but it's totally worth it. I can guarantee it'll be an experience that you won't forget!
(4)Sruti G.
The BEST meal I've had in Boston so far. The small plates allow you to try out a lot more--and everything we ordered was quality, quality food. Fresh ingredients, crisp, clean flavors, and everything exceeded expectations. The decor is definitely eccentric--and the waitresses are dressed super...risque? Probably a place I wouldnt bring my little niece to or my mom, but for a night out with friends, it's perfect.
(5)Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3.5 Ambiance: 4 I'm a fan of this place for its character. It's a very memorable place. But I am not sold on the authenticity of the place. It feels a little too much. a little too fake. The waitresses are dressed in burlesque outfits bordering on skanky. The decor is just a unique and fun to look at. Service is okay. The food was given promptly and drinks were brought. However, there wasn't much of a smile or explanation of anything we were served, just a rushed drop of the plate. The food portions were small, so we had to order a few extra dishes at the end. Beware. We had the potato croquettes (nicely fried, but perhaps a bit overly fried), beef stroganoff (good), grilled skirt steak (normal, ask for medium rare), and mushroom risotto (fan). We also had a pitcher of the sangria, which had a bit too much fake flavoring and wasn't very strong. Overall, decent place, would visit for the ambiance, particularly for a birthday or with a group, but not for upscale great food.
(3)Shuchi K.
Probably one of my favorite Cambridge haunts, I've frequented Cuchi Cuchi on numerous occasions.It's great for a couple of reasons: - The ambience is fun, funky and classy. A sexy and offbeat kitschy red interior creates a great mood for this space that borders on burlesque. - The drinks are always top notch and the bar is definitely a main draw, particularly for the young and trendy happy hour go-ers. - This venue has rarely given me grief for organizing large group dinners - The tapas style menu offers a relatively good variety of eclectic selections with a Middle Eastern and Indian understone and allows for family style sharing. The seafood filled avocado and Indian lamb are always favorites. Overall, a great spot I'd strongly recommend!
(5)Reem o.
Forget about poor service, we got no service last night at Cuchi Cuchi. After being strung along for 1.5 hours for a table for dinner, we finally sat down with many apologies from the hosts. But 5 minutes later, we still didn't have water, or bread or anyone coming by to serve us. After having us wait so long, the least I expected was excellent and immediate service. Very disappointing. So we got up and walked out without dinner. Only good thing was drinks at the bar. With so many great restaurants right next door, don't waste your time and $$ here.
(2)Leann F.
Delicious. I dined here with a large group of friends recently. I knew before going that they don't accept reservations for dinner, so I expected a long wait at a packed bar. Though I was initially annoyed by the thought of standing around a a crowded bar, one look at the cocktail menu made me wish that our wait for a table was even longer; I needed time to try all of the creative cocktails! I started with a strawberry and basil concoction called Splendor in a Glass, and then moved on to the best French 75 that I've ever had. After just one drink our table was ready (I didn't notice exactly how long we waited because I was enjoying my drink and the company of friends). The meal was excellent and the service was good (not perfect, but good overall). I highly recommend this restaurant for groups of at least four. The food is tapas-style, and the cocktail menu is long, so you'll want to have plenty of people around to maximize the tapas and cocktail tasting experience.
(4)Dara S.
If I did not have so much trouble getting a table here - I would give it 5 stars. I love Cuchi Cuchi. While most of their cocktails are vodka based - they still have an incredible list with great options. I love the ambiance, the retro dress, oh yea and the food. Also the touch table is a lot of fun... especially when you have been waiting two hours for a table at the bar and drinking!
(4)Noshii R.
One of my all time favorite places in Cambridge...we go there at least a few times a month and are always 100% satisfied. Meticulous service, great food and an excellent drinks selection. Shem and Whitney are the best!!! Both accommodate us and put up with our requests--no matter what they may be. The place is a bit pricey and the food portions are getting smaller--but for a fun night out with some tapas this is the spot. Great for groups too--be sure to make reservations.
(5)Alexis C.
After I wrote my 3-star review (Yelp says 3-stars means "A-OK" when you pick the stars), meaning that I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either, I got a nasty personal message filled with ad hominem attacks from someone claiming to be the owner of Cuchi Cuchi. I thought it was a troll because it was incredibly unprofessional and sounded like an unhinged nutjob wrote it. Why would anyone represent their business that way? But a quick Google search for "Cuchi Cuchi owner" revealed that, why yes, "Tamara B." is Tamara Bourso, owner of Cuchi Cuchi. She has written two reviews, one being a 5-star review of her own restaurant, and the other being a 1-star review of another restaurant. I'm not sure why someone whose restaurant has a 4-star average rating on Yelp, which is very positive, and hundreds of glowing reviews would go after someone who wrote a 3-star review. From the other reviews, I'd guess that Cuchi Cuchi gets a lot of business and that my single review out of 540 reviews is not going to make a difference. It's sort of like if a consumer reviewed a popular product they got from Amazon and then the manufacturer went crazy psycho on them and bombarded them with personal insults. I'd understand a, "Hm, looks like your tastes don't mesh with mine" or a "Sorry you didn't love us even though everyone else does," but this was akin to Joe Schmoe watching a movie and then blogging about it--and then Michael Bay shows up pissed as hell because someone said his movie was 3 stars and not 5 stars. Given Cuchi Cuchi's leadership, it's not surprising that the place was lacking in class and refinement but did have a trashy vibe. Yelp says 1-star means "Eek! Methinks not." Due to my experience with Cuchi Cuchi's owner, I'm now in the "Nothing could induce me to ever step back in there" camp instead of the "I wouldn't suggest going there but if my friends want to go, I'll go" camp. (I didn't write back to her, and it's a good thing you can block scary users.)
(1)Alyssa B.
This was a spectacular dining experience. I went with a client after work, so there were about 12 of us. We told the waitress who had food preferences and allergies, and we asked for a recommendation on how to attack the menu. She offered to make all the selections for us, and it could not have been better. We had quite a few of the dishes, but the baby back ribs with apple fritters, and the sizzling garlic shrimp were my two favorites. I loved the ambiance and the costumes all of the employees were wearing. Overall, I enjoyed dinner very much. It was about $40/person and we had 22 dishes.
(5)Neal M.
Love the food here. The international tapas is a great idea. The scallops provancal (sp?) was great. The "Cuban cigar" or pork fried in fillo dough was awesome. My FAV was the Tuna tartar dish. I love the avacado mousse. The shrimp plate was the low light of the night but still decent. Overall I LOVE me some Cuchi Cuchi
(5)Kim B.
I came to Cuchi Cuchi for birthday dinner and drinks. I have two words for you: Salome's Potion (it's a fantastic cocktail--try it!). The drinks are out-of-this-world delicious and made with fresh ingredients. We didn't sit in the dining room, but the service at the bar was superb. We tried several small plates. None of them were mind-blowing, but they were across-the-board good eats. I love the decor and the vibe of the place too. The homage to the 1920s is a lot of fun!
(4)Elizabeth G.
OK... I thought this place was new and now I see there are reviews here from 2009, and then I check the website and it opened in 2001. I guess I am a little behind the times. Whatever. New or not, Cuchi Cuchi deserves some serious buzz. I'm not sure if the vibe is Moulin Rouge or Mardi Gras, but it sure is fun. I love restaurants where there is lots to look at. This was so much the case here that it was almost hard to concentrate on the conversation. Our server wore black lace; another had a feather in her hair. The crowd of biotech folks in khakis and loafers, with their work ID badges still clipped to their belts, didn't quite fit in. The music sounded like a Spanish-speaking (or singing) Edith Piaf. The decor was kooky and perplexing, in the style of Dali or Miro... which is funny because the owners seem to object to the restaurant being characterized as a tapas bar. "Please don't refer to CC's dishes as tapas, which are from Spain," the website proclaims. "Our dishes are larger and we prefer to globe-trot." I'm not sure why the attitude. I really do think the best way to sum up Cuchi Cuchi's menu is tapas with a twist. It's true, there's no chorizo or paella in sight. But the menu is made up of small plates for sharing so what's the beef? The Russian dishes are a particularly cool addition: crispy oysters with salmon roe, roasted potatoes, creme fraiche, and champagne sauce ($13) or mushroom blini topped with sour cream and caviar (both $13). Other selections hail from France, Italy, Panama, Guatemala, Argentina, Morocco, India, China, and Japan. I went with a vegetarian, and we especially enjoyed the Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower fritters with a tangy, spicy -- tamarind? -- sauce) ($12); the fried artichoke hearts stuffed with gorgonzola, pistachios, and basil ($14); and the deep-fried tomato with avocado and pico de gallo ($11). (There were lighter, non-fried vegetarian options; we just didn't choose them.) The wine list is just as international as the menu, with selections from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Sicily, and Portugal, as well as the usual suspects (France, Spain, California). In general, I found the prices here to be a bit high for the size of the dishes. But dining here is a unique experience, so whaddaya gonna do?
(4)Shelagh M.
I really can't say anything bad about this place besides that it may be a little over-priced. The ambience is UBER cool. They don't have a dresscode, but know that you will feel ridiculous if you walk in there with ugg boots and/or a sweatshirt. All the servers and hosts are dressed in "old hollywood glamour" style and they DO NOT do it half-ass. The best dishes we got were the mushroom risotto (super truffle-y), cuban cigar, fried artichoke hearts and a delicious cone thing with tuna tartar and avocado mousse. We didn't get the garlic shrimp but they smelled amazing, We also got the banana extravaganza for dessert which might have been my favorite part of the meal. It was SO delicious and surprisingly bigger than any of the tapas we got.
(4)Julia F.
And so begins the love affair between Julia F. and Cuchi Cuchi. She was just a middle class girl from around the corner, and then one night she stepped out with a friend for a girls night out, they found themselves putting in a first name for a 45 minute wait, Friday night. Caipirinha in Julia F's hand, Caipiroska in Erica P's; they were about to rest up and wait for a table and sip. No sooner were the drinks raised, a table was announced, drinks were taken by the host, and they were led past beautiful tables full of color and light, and plates of amazing looking food. Right in the furthest corner from the door, was a table for two. Massive chairs fit for mis-matched royalty, with a kitchy table lamp and lace curtains - overwhelmed with excitement, they sat down and drank and asked millions of questions about the menu and the makeup the waitress was wearing. Warm Baby Beets & French Sheep Cheese Salad : delectable. Cuban Cigar (which is beef short ribs wrapped in an empanada dough w/black bean salsa made with mint) : out of this world! it melts in the mouth! Fried Artichoke Hearts : the center of the artichokes were a little cold, but other than that, it was amazing - gorganzola cheese, pastachios and black olives and basil in a nice sauce (made out of god knows what, butter and heaven?!) Julia F. convinced Erica P that the Caipirinha was the drink not only of the night, but must be made correctly. None of this silly, vodka, russian spinoff Caipiroska, bull. And they drank a few more drinks, fully enjoying every moment spent indoors. That "gypsy restaurant" her mother had talked about, really was as good as she had thought it to be, and will forever be her first choice for a date or a girls night out. (With reservations made beforehand though... Can't be lucky like that more than once!)
(4)Alex R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston! The atmosphere is so eccentric, the servers are so nice and wear fun costumes! The drinks are amazing as well as the food. I bring all my family and friends that are visiting me in Boston to Cuchi Cuchi. Highly recommended.
(5)Aparna S.
If you have eaten at any mid range restuarant in any cosmopolitan city this restaurant is going to disappoint you. 1) the house wasn't nearly full yet we waited over 10 minutes to get our drink orders taken. 2) the drink I ordered tickle me something....had rotten muddled strawberries. When we told the waiter that it tasted smoky or off...He admitted that many guests comment it tastes odd and like, you guessed it, rotten strawberries. He did not offer to get another drink made...and basically wanted me to deal with it. 3) when our 1st course (baked brie) was brought out...they brought us the meat version...When we had asked if it could be made without the bacon. Our waiter seemed confused and was unapologetic. Could not stay for forth rest of the meal. Would not recommend. Which is a shame....because the menu really did seem interesting!
(1)Jacquee P.
SO MUCH FUN! We agreed that San Francisco needs a place like Cuchi Cuchi. It's whimsical and feisty! Our wait was about an hour and it was worth it. Our waiter was a total tip whore but boy, oh boy! He worked it! *wink*wink* The seafood stuffed avocado really quite good with the exception of the chewy bits of calamari. The tuna coronets! Oh! A++! This is an exploration of texture and flavor for your mouf! The chicken kiev was okay. It was a little oily and a little dry but had a nice mix of mushrooms and such. It's worth it to come here just to oogle the ladies who work here and their fun fun hats and accessories. If you come with a party, book the light up table! It is so cool! *blinky*blinky*
(4)Megan D.
I've been here three times now. The cocktails are fantastic and the food is nice too. The wait staff sparkle and pop! Last time I was there I got epically drunk, stole a waiter's spider brooch, and ended up on stage at a goth industrial club. I returned the brooch, but I'm not sure I'm allowed back. Cuchi Cuchi, I love you. Take me back.
(5)Kim W.
Cuchi Cuchi is a fun hot spot in Cambridge. If I had to describe this place in a sentence: "International Tapas in a 1930's setting". There is a range of food selection in small portioned dishes which makes it really fun to go with a small group of friends. On top of that, the cocktail menu is very impressive and it always takes me at least 5 minutes to really decide what I want to drink as everything looks so good! And finally my absolute favorite thing about this restaurant is the BANANA EXTRAVAGANZA ! Its THE best dessert I have ever had in Boston. I always get this dish when I come here, even if i'm just at the bar having a couple drinks with friends. If you don't get this dish when you get there, you are truly missing out.
(4)Marc F.
I have been coming here for 10 years and I want to tell you that this place is crummy, crowded, has terrible food so you won't go and I can always get a table but I can't. My hands down favorite restaurant in Boston. Not tapas but small plates with a variety of international foods. The restaurant has such a fun and festive environment you can't help but be happy when you're there. First, the drinks...the cocktails are great. My fave is The Heat of the Night which has jalapeños, watermelon juice, and St Germain in it. Used to also love the Thai Martini but they took it off the menu :( The food is fantastic...I could go on about it but trust me, pretty much everything is great and you will just have to try based on what you prefer. 2 plates per person plus dessert is my reco. The banana bread dessert IMO is the best dessert in Boston/Cambridge. So, stay away! You will love this place!
(5)Stacey S.
So our night here did not start out well.... I was at the bar waiting for my husband and was told it was going to be 40 minutes. an HOUR and 40 minutes later, we were finally sat - I was so hungry and not a happy camper. Once sat down, the waitress took such good care of us - we had an excellent meal - some of the highlights were the pork, steak, and potato croquettes. At the end, she brought us out a HUGE dessert and dessert wine and said it was on the house for our wait. The dessert was the highlight of the meal (banana bread experience - you need to try this) and I really appreciated the thought. Overall, I would come back - food was amazing and service was good!
(4)Monica R.
Went here for a girls night out / semi bachelorette party. I call it "semi" because there were 5 of us, and we wanted an intimate and relaxing, club-free scene for our girls-only special night out. What a perfect pick!! Highly recommended if you are looking for a great place for a similar event - or just a fun dining or drinking environment. Food was great, the ambiance was strange and yet very welcoming, the staff was kind, light-hearted and educated on their food and drinks. The staff dress as 1920's flappers and you will find the decor to match. With a bit of creativity, you could allow yourself to feel like you've stepped back in time into a speakeasy of sorts - even when you are seated by the window :) The HIGHLIGHT of this restaurant's offerings are the cocktails. The list is exciting and creative (even foreign to me - so I had to ask for recommendations). Drinks with fresh cilantro, mint, lemongrass, basil, berries and other fruits - you name it. They seem to use only the best alcohols too. These cocktails run about $10-11 but are better than any others that you will find in this price range or higher in the city. Needless to say, our party was on a weeknight - and I was shocked that I woke up with no hangover!! I say its because of the fresh ingredients and quality of the booze - but whatever it was - could not have had a better night! Thank you, Cuchi Cuchi!
(5)Moises F.
I went for a friend's birthday a month ago. We were a party of 20 and I was surprised by how diligent the service was. They brought drinks immediately, food arrived 20 mins after we ordered it and personnel was always friendly and helpful explaining the menu. You can't miss the "Savory Cornets W/tuna Tartare & Avocado Mousse" they are amazing!! We ordered a bit of everything in the Menu but these were by far the best. When you go to a tapas bar you expect a flavorful and tasty dish in small portions. They only stick to the later. Food was plain and far from special. Ambience is great. The red interiors combined with the dark furniture, low lights and nice plates create a great mood. I've heard many times that drinks are great, but I found them boring (nothing different from any other place in town). It's a great place to bring groups, but I would hesitate to go out on a date in this place.
(4)Ira H.
This place is great. I visited last night with 3 buddies. The place is decorated in a festive Tiffany glass kind of way. The waiters are dressed in 1920's through 1940's garb. It took a while to get a table so we hung out at the bar trying some of the signature drinks. I ended up sticking with the Thai Basil mojito drink. It was unique with a lemongrass, mint and basil mix within the concoction. I usually don't experiment with strange new drinks but this is a good place to do so. We sat a table after a while and had prompt service. We had the ribs/apple fritter, cuban cigar, Tuna Carpacio/avocado hand rolls and honestly a few other dishes that I cant recall. All of them were excellent. I will definitely return to Cuchi-Cuchi.
(5)Kelsey A.
Seven of us went to Cuchi Cuchi last night around 8:45 to get drinks for Sahil G.'s birthday (it's been a weeklong celebration). I immediately noticed the decor -- it's hard not to -- and I loved it. It's really fun/funky in there. We asked the waitress if we could sit at a table, though only a few of us were ordering food, but she said the tables were reserved for dinner patrons only. Ok, that's fine. But then we stood awkwardly without seats or menus in the bar area for a good five minutes before we had to go get menus for ourselves. I thought it was a little weird that the waitresses/hostess ignored us, considering we were such a large party, but whatever. We picked out our drinks, and then tried to go up to the bar to get attention from the bartender. No luck -- waited for over five minutes without any acknowledgment. One of my friends was able to snag a bartender and put in a drink order, but only because she stood literally right in front of him while he was making a drink for someone else. The hostess came up to us at this point and told us not to order drinks because she was able to manage a table for us -- this was very nice of her, considering we were not going to be ordering much food. We sat down and she promptly handed us menus. The waiter came around in about five minutes or so and took our orders. After a long wait -- over fifteen minutes -- we got our drinks. I got a Pimm's Cup, which was not that great. I can make it better myself. They used mint syrup instead of muddled fresh mint, which did not taste right. The whole time we were there, I felt like the waitstaff was annoyed by our presence. Granted, they seated us even though the kitchen was still open, but then they basically ignored us. The waiter came back once or twice to take away empty glasses, but did not ONE TIME ask us if we wanted another round -- which we definitely would have, had he asked. He came back after about an hour, check in hand, and asked if we wanted anything else. No thanks, check please. All in all, I was disappointed with my experience at Cuchi Cuchi, but I would go back for food if an opportunity arose (I won't go out of my way to go back). I was just really put off by the fact that they treated us so disdainfully.
(2)Justin M.
Went to this place on a date. Appreciated the flappers and the whole roaring 20s environment. Appetizers were on point! I just couldn't stop eating here!
(5)Mairead N.
I've been to Cuchi Cuchi several times, once I had my fortune told at the bar, can't remember what she told me, must have been a load of crap. Either way, I love this place and keep coming back! I've been on dates here, been asked out on dates here, visited with friends, work colleagues.... doesn't matter, it's a great place to have a fun time. It feels like you could almost be in Manhattan. I love fashion and Boston sometimes doesn't really have that edgy fashion feel to it but I always feel I can dress up to come here and be different and feel comfortable and maybe get my dance on a little if I feel like it. I was here one night and I had a dance party in the loo, it's big enough for a few people and we laughed our bums off! The food is mostly small plates and tapas like food. I love sitting at the bar with a blood orange martini and chatting up a storm. The martini list is very cool and all yummy. The last time I was a there it was a rainy Wednesday afternoon and just went for a drink, ended up meeting a really interesting guy at the bar and starting up a great and fun conversation with him and three martinis later we were still there!! Love this place and always come back for the atmosphere!
(4)Erica Z.
This is my favorite place in Boston. I think I've managed to make it in here every year for the last 6 years on my birthday, even after I've returned to the blah food abyss that is CT. And somehow, even if I haven't been in for 6 months at a time, the hostess still remembers me & my bf. I can not say enough about how friendly & knowledgeable (not to mention good looking) all of the staff is. Even better than the service is the cocktails here - truly out of this world (and that goes for the bf who dislikes "weak" & "too sweet" cocktails that I prefer). The Moulin Rouge is the best cocktail I have ever had. A few other highlights: the bliny, cuban cigar, cornets & baby back ribs. the light table! the bathroom. really. tips: I usually get 5-6 plates for 2 people to share & 3 drinks per person, and spend ~$250. Some might say expensive, but seems pretty reasonable for the quality of food/drinks Crowd varies from 20 somethings - 40's. A nice top & heels is pretty standard wear Only complaint is I have often waited 1-3 hrs for a table on the wknd; but you really can't be upset with a place for being too sought after now, can you? Plus after a few cocktails from the bar, you won't even mind that you've been wedged between two strangers in your heels waiting for a table. (I've also sat at the bar for dinner & been perfectly happy).
(5)Jen C.
Was in Cambridge for a conference and the concierge recommended this place. It was a Friday night and it was packed. We snagged the last two seats at the bar. The bartender was pleasant and attentive. The entire staff is dressed in contumes of the era. It is very cool. We ordered some drinks and some tapas. Everything was delicious and the prices were reasonable for great food. If I wind up back in Cambridge, I will be back there for more tapas.
(4)Shelly J.
I have been here for a number of special occasions, including birthdays. The drinks here are fabulous and all the small plates are yummy. My favorite dish here is the mushroom risotto, and the bread plate is yummy, too!
(4)Bha d.
2.5 hours and $$ I will never get back(2 hours of wait time btw). Seriously, all the people who have given positive reviews for this place are saints. I am holding myself from being derogatory here, but in what * world is the ambience in this shit hole great? I thought yelp has genuine reviews. I guess most of the positive reviewers about this dungeon are associates of cuchi cuchi...Word of advice for guys...If you are thinking of going here to watch girls in skimpy clothes, go to Hooters..You will find GOOD looking Pleasant girls there.... Food was below par btw...
(1)Jessica L.
My favorite restaurant in cambridge!! The short ribs tapas are amazing!! Caipirinhas are also very good! The atmosphere is entrancing and such a wonderful experience for dinner with friends or a significant other.
(5)L J.
This place is amazing-- cool decor, great vintage drinks, and delicious small plates. The vibe is very fun, all of the waitresses and hostess are in costume (think 1920s cigarette girls) and the drink list is both extensive fun. The great thing for vegans is that all the drinks are described in detail, so you don't accidentally end up with an egg white in your drink (I'm looking at you, 28 degrees...). There is a separate menu for vegan small plates (just ask), which is awesome. We shared the gobi manchurian (delicious), the insalata del liguria had amazing dressing, the mushroom risotto was delicious, and the bread basket was yummy. the beet salad was just okay, so i might skip that one next time. and there will be a next time, and i will be more dressed up! two downsides-- it is pricey (we paid about $45 per person with drinks and tip), and it is loud. so it is a fun night out, but not good for a first date (too loud) or if you are on a budget. Oh, it also had a gluten-free menu. It didn't look like there was much overlap between the vegan and gluten-free menus, but still, good to know.
(5)Nicole S.
Awful service. We had a party of 11 and wanted drinks and desserts but we were refused a table. We asked multiple times to have the corner table since it was empty but the man in front was so rude and told us to just stand near the bar. It is impossible to stand and have desserts so we left. I'm sure the food is good but I'll never come here again.
(1)L T.
I had a birthday party here and came back for others' birthdays as well. The food is delicious, however, the portions are way too small for how much you're paying. I understand that it is a tapas-style bar but the little plates have full-sized entrée prices. Anyhow, they have a wide variety of interesting drinks. I had a martini with chili peppers and a few other spicy drinks here. I would go here just for drinks but the bar area is also the size of a closet with barely any standing room.
(3)Joseph S.
food was good, with a burlesque feel. the decor itself was not that impressive, and the theme seemed more eclectic than anything else; we were greeted by a lady who seemed to have stepped out of the moulin rouge, but were served by a water in boring black pants and shirt who could have worn the same outfit to work at Applebee's. As for the food itself, it was very delicious and well thought out, but serving sizes were small. They recommended that each person get two plates, which are ~$15-$25 each, but we managed to get away with 6 entrees + bread for our group of 5. Of the things we ordered, I thought the tuna cornets were the best, with a delvious smoked sesame flavor
(4)Thy L.
I had to go back to this restaurant because it was a friend's birthday dinner. To be honest, I don't really understand the hype. It's a cute little restaurant with an interesting theme, but the food isn't worth the price they charge. I am only including the new dishes I tried this time. We decided to try the fried artichoke hearts since that was what the waitress recommended last time. It was unimpressive, bland, dull, something you could probably do at home The Beef Stroganoff wasn't bad. The egg noodles were chewy and the beef was tender. I like the mushroom sauce. Overall, it was a good dish, but not worth $14. very bite of the risotto will overwhelm you with a very strong mushroom flavor. It was delicious, but I probably wouldn't order it again considering it's $12 for a small plate. Things I would order are the Scallops Ceviche and Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse
(2)Odin B.
Unique international small plates (tapa-like) representing a variety of nations. Wait staff in fun flapper-type (?) flair oufits. Nice for a small gathering or catching up with an old friend. Every bite tends to delicious -- although I was there two nights in a row recently, and it was a little inconsistent with some of the same dishes varying in more or less saltiness and bold flavor. Dessert - get the French Banana Bread Extravanganza!
(4)Milla J.
We went out to Cuchi Cuchi for food and drinks last week. The cocktails were great. Most of us loved our drinks. My friend who didn't like his wine had it exchanged without any difficulty. The staff were very accommodating. The food was amazing. I loved the garlic shrimp dish and the fried oysters. The music was fantastic. Fun decor. I had a great time.
(4)danielle S.
I went here to start off my Bachlorette party and it was wonderful. The food was delicious and came to the table in timely manner for a large group. The only complaint was that the waitress only split my check out and the rest of our 16 people party had to divide it themselves not cool
(4)L. B.
I went there for cocktails and I absolutely LOVED it! The décor is fabulous and so different, you feel like you're in another dimension. The drinks were delicious: I tried the Moulin Rouge and Blackberry Martinis. The way the Staff is dressed is really fun and the music was also great! I wanna go back ASAP.
(5)Ripley D.
Such a fun atmosphere! Wonderfully unique decor and uniforms for their wait staff. The service was impeccable, the food was delish, and the cocktails were out of this world. Will undoubtedly be returning.
(5)Andi M.
Had dinner at Cuchi Cuchi the other night and it was fabulous! From the moment you enter you are transported back to a time of beauty and glamor. The decor in the place was simply grand and beautiful. From the paintings to the sofa to the lamp shades. One of a kind pieces for sure. Very eclectic. The service was outstanding. The staff was all dressed up. You felt like you were dining with Old Hollywood's elite or dining with the Royals in Paris. The food was impeccable. We had the Gobi Manchurian, Gratin Dauphinos, Brie en Croute, Chicken Kiev, Baby Back Ribs and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza. OMG every item was superb!! I was slowly savoring every morsel. It was a party of three and the dishes were more than enough for us to share. The drinks were just so glamorous and sophisticated. The bar tender reminded me of an artist creating a master piece..... dancing and mixing drinks. The music in the background was the ultimate. This place is the best. I wish Chicago had a spot like this. When in Boston hop over the Charles River into Cambridge and go to Cuchi Cuchi for one of the best experiences in fabulous fun fine dining!!
(5)Erika B.
They do the menu just like I would if I had a restaurant. Favorites from all over the world, tapas style...so you can try all of them...and I nearly did. From blini, to tagine, to fried zucchini with procuitto and manchego, chicken Kiev, tuna BLT, rum fried banana bread. We are fat happy kids. The music is great and fitting to the well decorated art-deco interior. The servers costumes are inspired.
(5)Susan K.
What an interesting place! I know the restaurant says its not a tapas place but they serve small portions of food and its meant to be shared with 2-3 people. Hmmm...kind of like tapas? But they said they're not? Who knows. Anyway, the food here was great and the presentation was great too. I love how the portions are small yet I was satisfied. I think its so interesting that the staff dress up funky and different. Even the atmosphere of the place is kind of funky and cool. The lighting is dim but its full of character. Price is up there but I did not pay, which was an extra bonus for me! Woohoo!
(4)Lisa O.
The girliest restaurant ever? Possibly. But I'm a girl and I was here for girls' night so it was a perfect fit actually. The only thing here for (straight) boys was the rather impressive cleavage on one of the servers. DAMN, girl. Also, the short ribs. Short ribs are for everyone. I love the whole small plates thing (NOT TAPAS, TAPAS ARE SPANISH) and it's perfect for groups. We ordered a small array of options and reserved the right to order more if we were still hungry. I'd like to say that when we ordered more that we got something different...but we all loved the Cuban Cigars so much that we just got more of those. Melt in your mouth delicious, those things. The cocktails were also super tasty, although one of mine had chunks of lemongrass in it. I could have done without that part because I don't like to chew my drinks. Tasty overall though! We also split a to DIE for dessert that I can't quite remember - something banana bready and AMAZING. So grab your girls (those ones too) and head to Cuchi Cuchi for shortribs and bananas and cleavage! You won't regret it.
(4)S Z.
The atmosphere on this place is fabulous. I love that the waitresses dress up as flappers and the restaurant is decorated like a speak easy. The food was good, not amazing, but definitely creative.
(4)Neil H.
What a fun place! I had no idea what to expect when a friend of mine chose this place as her birthday celebration spot. The vibe at the place was great! We were out for good food, good drink, with good friends, and they hit the right tone. Go here now.
(5)MJ H.
I just moved to the area, so I've been excited about trying places nearby that seem like they'd offer something unique. Cuchi Cuchi definitely does just that! There isnt much to say that hasn't been said... atmosphere is quirky and fun, the staff really get into dressing up which adds a lot to the charm, the signature drinks are out of this world, and most of the dishes I had were superb. I wasnt impressed with the pork rolls... they were dry and flavorless. I loved the tuna tartare cornets and the moroccan chicken; they were melting in my mouth. Cant wait to have them again. Go to this place if you are looking for an intimate setting with a quirky panache and tasty small dishes to share.
(4)Snuffles B.
While I was intrigued by all the talk about the premise of this place as well as by the raves about its cocktails, when I got there I was just confused. It was kitschy, but too kitschy. Rather than old world Hollywood feel, it seemed a mish-mash of a church that was loaded up with stuff from grandma's house, except grandma also liked S&M. My ginger cocktail was decent, but tasted strikingly like a muted/ginger-y lemon drop. The other offerings seemed interesting but I'm too much of a lightweight to have handled more. The ribs w/ fritters were a bit sweet and the duck l'orange crepes were a bit spongey, but were both tasty enough to satiate a snack craving. All in all, I think your experience here is totally a matter of personal taste. Maybe if I vamped it up and got a boa or something, I could have gotten more into it.
(3)Jenn S.
Drawback #1: Cuchi Cuchi doesn't take reservations and they get CROWDED. Drawback #2: The bar area is fairly tight, so while you're waiting for a table, be prepared to be jostled. Drawback #3: I arrived earlier than the rest of my party and requested the LED table. I was told no problem and that it would be available in about an hour - which I expected. However, about 30 minutes into my wait, the hostess told me she had "awful news." The owner was coming in and wanted that table, so we were out of luck. On one of the busiest nights of the week, what owner comes into a restaurant and takes the best table?? Especially when there is a group waiting for it, as part of a surprise party! We ended up getting another "special" table in an alcove behind the hostess stand, but it still put a damper on our evening. The drinks are tasty and STRONG, the food is tasty. My favorite? The Cuban Cigar (Beef short ribs wrapped in dough w/black bean salsa for $14). Also tasty? The Gratin Dauphinois (baked thin-sliced potatoes, onions, cheese & cream for $10) A lot of what we ordered is not listed online - I think they need to update their online menu. And come to think of it, I THOUGHT we ordered the Duck L'Orange Crepes, but cannot remember eating them! I also can't remember how much the bill came to - but we were a bunch of people and got several cocktails each. The birthday girl got a shot, which came in a fun shot glass (after you do the shot, you put the glass down on the table upside-down and it's a woman bending over!). OH. And the French Banana Bread Extravaganza? EXTRAVAGANT!!! And AMAZING. The host gave us fun boas to celebrate the birthday, so the atmosphere is definitely one that's fun and exciting. However, it's a LOUD place, with dim lighting. Don't go here for a romantic night out. This is a perfect place to come for a Girls' Night Out - which is exactly what we did.
(4)Debra L.
I had this drink here that was pretty much like Bloody Mary meets a Martini. I don't remember what it was called but it was one of the best drinks I've ever had! And I love the way the place is decorated, right down to the waitresses in their corset tops, funky hair and makeup, high heels, bouncy skirts, fabulous accesories. They totally add to the experience. Like most tapas places, it can get a little pricey for 2 (especially if 1 of the 2 is a male). I obviously noticed this because I paid this time. But it was so good and so worth it. My favorite item was the Brie en croute but I think I would actually eat Brie inside anything...maybe even sandpaper. We also had tuna tartare, endive salad with goat cheese and fried artichoke hearts. I love that their food & drink menu and atmosphere are totally unique. I just don't really like their location in Kendall Square - but I bet the rent is cheap (relatively speaking).
(4)S D.
I cannot think of a more appropriate place to review this restaurant than on a site called "yelp." Surrounded by screaming hyenas, who clearly don't know the difference between a restaurant and a Disney resort, we were unable to conduct a conversation during our dinner (after waiting well over an hour for our table -- they don't take reservations on the weekend). When we complained to a staff member about the noise, we were told that the young women at the table next to ours, who were pouring wine into each other's mouths directly from the carafe and cheering, were "friends of the owner," so it would be hard to get them to calm down. It's frightening to think of these drunks making their way out into the world after their liquid dinner, and it's scarier to know that a restaurant wouldn't cut off howling and unruly patrons (probably because they were female and not big, burly guys with crew cuts from Southie). The food was admittedly very good. We won't be going back, though. It's just not worth it. We should have realized that a place that doesn't care enough about its customers to take reservations is probably not going to try to make sure that their dining experience is a pleasant one. Big thumbs down.
(1)John W.
One of my favorite local places for small plates, can't call it "tapas" because it's not entirely Spanish. Either way, this place is great to meet with friends, and romance(s). :) The atmosphere is classy, I love the decor, and the attire of the wait staff is exquisite. The service is good. The food is delicious! international small plates (Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Asia, etc.), about two to three plates per person would suffice. What's good? EVERYTHING! :) My favorites include, chicken kiev, beef stroganoff, scallops Provençal, sizzling garlic shrimp, cuban cigars, thai mussels, grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, and grilled eggplant napoleon (I need my veggies, lol). My new favorite is the mushroom risotto. I know, that's almost the whole menu, Seriously, everything here is good, each dish is so different, and so flavorful. This place is very good! Give it a try, with friends, dates, or whoever.
(4)Amanda G.
This place is my go-to girls night out hot spot. I LOVE Cuchi Cuchi and that's not something I say lightly... Why? - Fantastic ambience - fun, funky and dimly lit. The girls all wear costumes they get from a dressing room downstairs and the place is strewn up in lights... que romantico. - Gourmet tapas from all over the world! Such good food, I've honestly never had a dish here I didn't like. I recommend the blinys, with are fluffy pancakes filled with mushrooms and topped with sour cream and caviar. YUM. Also good: Potato croquettes with yummy cheese fondue; Mushroom risotto; Scallops provencale; and of course the tuna tartare cornets with avocado mousse. - Great service - bartenders are extremely nice, so buddy up to one and you may get a free drink. - DRINKS. Don't leave here without trying one of their trillion cocktails. If you're a woman between the ages of 21 and 100, GO NOW and take your girlfriends, your boyfriend, just GO.
(5)Su R.
Cuchi Cuchi definitely has embraced both eating and atmosphere into one expensive yet delightful package. In general i'm a big fan of all things vintage-y so of course i love the flapper esque decor and dress that is the core of this restaurant. That added with the tapas, delicious! and the huge selection of cocktails (all with delightfully sexy names) and this place is awesome. I had my 30th bday party here and despite a reservation mishap by one of the hostesses, they were very accomodating and made it a great night. It's pricey, so this place is usually a party or date place for me.
(4)Meka A.
Cuchi Cuchi is definitely one of central square's hidden gems. If you want creative, delicious cocktails, this is your place. Each time I dine here, I see 4 or 5 different drinks I'd like to try. All of them end up blowing my mind. On top of this, the food is really top notch. Cuchi Cuchi does tapas or small plates from lots of different regions and has quite the diverse menu. The brie and the bacon wrapped dates are especially life changing, but everything here is fantastic. It has a good ambience for a date night or drinks and dinner with buddies before hitting the town. The prices are reasonable and the service has always been good. I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE.
(5)Cindy H.
garlic shrimp - perfectly seasoned shrimp + garlic chips! delicious! goes well with the bread. mushroom risotto with truffle oil - heavenly, very delicious. grilled eggplant with goat cheese - not my favorite since I don't like goat cheese skirt steak with chimichurri - it was ok/good
(5)aland f.
Best Group Dinner restaurant in Boston, hands down. Please take note, I said "Group Dinner," not "Date Place." Pros: - The servings are "tapa" style small plates that are meant to be shared (though the menu is global, not just spanish). This is great for those of us that have ADD when it comes to food and like to nibble on tons of smaller samples. - The booze menu is full of fancy (and pricey) cocktails which are a ton of fun to read through and order. I ordered the "watermelon cocktail" last night which is basically vodka and fresh watermelon juice.. It was outstanding. Only bad thing was that it comes with a giant watermelon heart on the rim of the glass... Yes, I felt like a total tool.. But it was darn delicious! - The ambiance is dark, crowded, and somewhat loud. Like I said, this isn't a date place, but it's definitely great for groups of friends. - RECOMMENDATION: If you're in a group, order the PERRON/PORRON wine decanter with the cheapest cava they have. If you've never had it, it's a glass decanter you pass around as part of a group and each member takes a turn drinking from the wine that flies out of the nozzle.. It's a ton of fun and helps break the ice in a group (you'll thank me later, I promise). - One last thing, don't leave without ordering the banana bread for dessert. Cons: - It's loud and crowded on the weekends.. I've heard people wait as long as 2 hours for a table. Thankfully there's a full service bar there where you can mingle and lose track of time.
(5)Jen F.
Here's the deal--Cuchi Cuchi is a good restaurant. They make some super awesomely delicious drinks, and have a one-of-a-kind ambiance. But, their food just is not worth the price. It just isn't, there is nothing else I can say. I have been to Cuchi Cuchi twice, most recently a few weeks ago. Our server was incredible. I ordered a cocktail that I didn't really like, and asked for a recommendation for another. Instead of letting me order, she offered to take it back to the bar and have the bartender "spruce it up". Which they did, and it turned out amazing!!! This is truly great service. Moreover, she gave us great recommendations for dinner, which were right on point. I didn't have a bad experience, in fact, I had a good one. However, the food is good, but it is nothing special, and I really don't feel compelled to return to Cuchi Cuchi for dinner again. I don't think it's fair to give it a higher rating, since the food is what should always count the most.
(3)Josephine L.
I wanted to like this place more, I really did. Maybe my expectations were too high due to all the hype, but for whatever reason, it was pretty underwhelming. First off, the decor: Not anywhere near as kitschy and extravagant as the pictures made it out to be. I expected more. Cute waitstaff outfits (sparkly!) but not quite as Lady Gaga-bedroom as I would have thought. Maybe they toned it down recently? Cocktails: Fantastic. I got the Hibiscus Martini which was tasty, but fell in love at first sight/sip with my friend's Thai Cocktail. Get this! It's green and South Asian-y and delicious like a perfectly grilled pork chop. Food: Not bad but not mind-blowing, on average, with some stand-outs. I had the seafood-filled with avocado which was delicious at first, then overwhelmingly rich when the too-little seafood ran out and it was just avocado left. Potato croquettes are decent, skirt steak is quite delicious, scallop ceviche is lacking and the thick, heart Caribbean-style tomato soup is amazing. Service: Friendly and flamboyant. Prices: Too high for the quality of the food.
(3)Kat L.
Went last night again. Showed up at 10:55, they found us seats at the bar asap, and took our food order, and it came out piping hot and perfect. The staff was awesome, friendly, and the music was fun! Great energy in this place. I love love love it! Strawberry Basil Martini knows how to treat a girl well ;)
(5)Jolene S.
Very fun for a ladies night out. If you're organizing get there early (say 6pm on a Friday) and have your party together by 6:45pm. Those tables go quickly and the bar area gets packed. A set of four is easier to work with than a set of six, but our 6-set had a great time. The thai ginger soup was outstanding. Potato croquettes were a knockout. You can spring for champagne and bread baskets, then order away--everything looked good (including the desserts). My favorite entree is the chicken tagine but the cocktails are also spectacular (though if you're not feeling up to drinking, they do virgin drinks and exotic juices--i.e. watermelon--that are just as much fun). I did enjoy a serenade after a long wait. It got us all laughing. V. nice. This place is great fun (the servers dress up, etc.) but the food and service measure up too. That's why I'm a fan.
(4)Jennafir E.
Things that make Cuchi Cuchi a great date spot. woman in burlesque outfits. the mushroom risotto is out of this world, creamy and perfect texture. The baby back rib with apple fritters had too much cinnamon but were perfectly cooked and fell off the bone. The wine can't be beat. I don't think you could get a bad glass here. Perfect. The chocolate cake was the perfect ending and the fruit dessert with homemade whip cream was nice and light. Go with the chocolate cake though! The steak with avocado was delicious. I didn't want to share. The seafood soup I was told was flavorful with an amazing consume. The ambiance was intimate and fun. The server was fantastic and attentive enough without being overbearing. I cannot wait to return and taste test the rest of the menu.
(4)Terry C.
small plates...tapas...what's the difference?? I've been dying to try Cuchi Cuchi 'cause i've heard and read so much good things about it. At the end, they just did not live up to the hype. We called ahead and were told the wait will be 45-90 minutes. But the hostess offered to put my name on the list and when we arrived, we were told about 45 minutes. At the end, we waited 90+ minutes for a table. The decor of Cuchi Cuchi is nice, very early Hollywood. The wait staff were all dressed up very nicely - dresses, furs, pearls, headpiece, ruffles... The drink menu is plentiful - wine, a ton of cocktails & shots. For drinks, my friends had wine and I ordered the Strawberry basil cocktail. The drink was so strong. I sipped on this for the entire meal and did not finish it at the end. This is probably a good thing for most people especially during the long wait. You can hang out at the bar and perhaps, forget how long you've been waiting! For food: There were 4 of us and we each picked two "small plates" to share. Yum Grilled Eggplant Napoleon - The eggplants were delicious! served with goat cheese and tomatoes. The tomatoes were a bit tart though. Potato Croquettes - yummy little balls of heaven Chicken Kiev - chicken breast stuffed with chopped mushrooms OK Fried Artichoke Hearts - Not bad. I love cheese but i there was too much. Thai Mussels - the mussels were ok. The Thai sauce had A LOT of tom yum. Cuban Cigar - this was just ok for me. Its essentially short ribs wrapped in a croissant like roll. You can get similar pastries from Chinatown for a buck. Blah Grilled Skirt Steak w/Chimichurri Sauce - the steak was bland Duck a l'Orange Crepes - the crepes were soggy and the citrus/orange taste was so overpowering in the dish. For dessert, we shared the French Banana Bread and a tiramisu. The french banana bread is good but nothing mind blowing and the tiramisu is average; a bit much on the liqueur. With tips it was $50/person, I definitely won't be back for dinner. Maybe a drink and an appetizer at the bar.
(2)Assaf G.
Amazing food. Great atmosphere and service. Great effort was taken in creating the detail of the decor and the food.
(5)Nancy Z.
Cuchi Cuchi raises the bar for any tapas style restaurant. The name also makes me giggle from time to time. Asking someone for directions to "Cuchi Cuchi" made me reminisce to the feeling I had when I made my first prank call. I'm giving this place four stars which means it's almost "flawless" to me in all the important areas. YES, the hostesses were in costumes, but they all had a "You're an insignificant and feeble minded person" look on their face, but that might be because it was packed and my group of ten was blocking part of the entrance... there was no room for us... *sigh* =( YES... the wait was an hour and a friggin' half, but turns out they don't take reservations on Friday/Saturday nights. So why am I still so ecstatic about this place? Oh friend, I will tell you. Decor/Service: The place itself is very cute; dim litted, designed with somewhat corny decor, but what the hell, I appreciate their efforts. The food, the waiter said, is served Tapas style... small portions per order. I was so happy to see that the portions were triple the size compared to what I thought was gonna be like Dim Sum. The table was greeted by an awesome waiter that was pimped out with a fedora hat, nice tweed jacket- his whole ensemble made me want to warp back into time. He was the nicest waiter I've ever had! He made conversation (not the prolonged conversation where you're forced to nod and smile) and he refilled our drinks right before we were about to hit the end of the cup. I love that... Thanks Fedora Man. Food RECOMMENDED: The food was muy delicioso. The Cuban Cigar dish (like an awesome steak and cheese), Scallop Ceviche Shot (good and cute presentation), Brie en Croute (yummy, very straightforward... can't mess it up type of dish), Chicken Liver Pate... condensed Port Wine glaze and dried fruit... tastes as good as it sounds, I got the lamb (which they cooked perfectly... the beets side dish was questionable.) STAY AWAY FROM: Mushroom Risotto... Eh. I had high hopes for this one. They gave this dish to us by accident. It was the risotto with truffle oil, BUT the rice wasn't cooked well and it just had a bad mushy consistency... not the good creaminess you'd expect. (drinks are pricey but are really good... this is a good place to splurge on drinks when you're in the mood for it) Overall, this place brings me back good memories. Good service, good food, and it has a hilarious name.
(4)Robert W.
Great vibe at this place. Comfortable, interesting atmosphere. Creative drink menu with a vintage speakeasy flair to it. You'd think that the quality would stop there, but the food was great too! Interesting multi-ethnic style with great, creative flavors. We had 2 vegetarian, 2 meat, and 2 fish dishes that we shared at the table and they were all delicious. Top that off with a reasonable check and this place is a keeper. We'll be back soon!
(4)Keith B.
If you like sangria, you're in the right place! Our group ordered pitchers of the red and white, both of which were good. Sangria, of course, goes really well with tapas. The garlic shrimp was very good, and had just a touch of spice as a result of the red pepper cooked with it (it's a pepper like the ones in Kung pao dishes). The breaded and fried artichokes were also amazing, which isn't surprising since they also have "vitamin" cheese in them. I also recommend the steak dish, which pairs amazingly with the mint chutney drizzled over it, and the lamb dish. If you still have room, you gotta try the deserts; if not you might want to start with desert. French Banana bread was amazing, and is terrific with a nice cappuccino.
(5)Rebecca H.
I lurrrrrve this place. The art nouveau style, the servers' costumes, the photo of Charo over the bar. It is the perfect mix of cheeky glam but always feels comfortable. The bartenders are true mixologists that specialize in old-timey drinks like the sidecar and the manhattan as well as creative modern drinks, my favorite being the blackberry cosmo with fresh muddled berries and the raspberry lime rickey Ricardo a close second. The food is creative tapas. The mushroom risotto with truffle oil is so good, they could just sell bowls of that and stay in business. I have been here a bunch of times and tried most things on the menu by now and can honestly say nothing disappoints.
(5)Rachel T.
I had such a great time at this place last night. The drinks were awesome and the food was fantastic. At first I wasn't sure about the whole "small plates" thing, but I loved it. We got to try a ton of things, and yes, we were actually full at the end. Our waiter was great, and was so knowledgeable about the menu (a member of our party has a lot of food allergies), and was super helpful making sure that she got food that would not make her sick...that's always appreciated. Overall, we had a great time and will definitely be back!
(5)Yamil S.
A brought a big group of out of town friends here because I knew they would like the both the great food and drinks, but also the great decor and waitstaff costumes. My friends all really enjoyed the complete experience, as so did I. Though be advised that the drinks and meal are not cheap, but very very worth it. The dishes are small, but still slightly larger than traditional Spanish tapas. It is true that you should order two dishes to be satisfied, even though at first I was skeptical.
(5)Jes D.
We came here for a birthday party! The food was DELICIOUS and the atmosphere was fun. I come from a family of restaurant owners as well as chefs( which means I'm a costumer that knows her food) I can't wait to go back again! Highly recommend it!
(5)Lakiya T.
Great atmosphere! I went on a Friday night and it helps that my friend knows a bartender there... The staff and patrons are friendly and well dressed. The drink menu is very diverse and the bartenders are excellent at making a cocktail on a whim if you can't find anything on the menu. There was some interesting music in the background that I've never heard before; like a pop/rock, Middle Eastern sound. I really liked it.
(5)Andrew K.
A solid 4. Riding the tide of popularity surrounding tapas-style "small plates" dining and flapper-era, Prohibition themed aesthetics. The decor may be trying too hard, but it's sort of fun in a whimsical sort of way. The food, however, is great. The two of us split scallops provencale, mushroom risotto, fried artichoke, and seafood filled avocado and were not at all disappointed. Of the four, I think the avocado and the risotto stood out above the rest as exceptional. We also each had a good cocktail, ordered off a fairly impressive list. All in all, I'm a fan.
(4)Melissa J.
The food is good, the atmosphere is funky and the service is rude. We had a 6 o'clock reservation on a Saturday. 3 of us were there at 6:15 and 5 people were mia. We were texting the others to determine their location and kept being informed that they were "almost there." Our hostess kept checking-in with us and informing us that she would have to give away our table if they didn't arrive soon. She held the table for us until 6:50 when most of the party finally arrived and asked if we would mind being limited at the table to 2 hours. It was very nice of her to hold the table and we had no problem with the time constraint so it seemed to all work out. Flash forward to dessert when the hostess came over to remind us of our time limit. We were having dessert and clearly wrapping things up! I spoke with our waitress to see if there was a problem and when she approached the hostess to discuss the situation she could be seen rolling her eyes. I later approached the waitress before we were getting ready to leave informing her that I thought the whole exchange was very unprofessional. She defended the hostess stating that she held the table for us even though a lot of our party was late and that we had asked to be reminded of our time limit. The girl in our party who made the reservation denies this claim to be reminded. Perhaps, it was just a misunderstanding but it could have been handled much better by the staff. The whole situation was just poor customer service. If you don't want to hold a table for someone, don't. If you do, then don't remind them to leave. There are plenty of other places in the city with good food and better customer service.
(2)Regan C.
When you walk into this place, the decor slaps you in the face, in a good way. I like places that are a little different and quirky, and this place definitely fits the bill. It's like a classier, tastier version of something along the lines of the Friendly Toast. I had the Ramos Fizz to start which was pretty tasty. My friend and I decided to order the fried artichokes, mushroom risotto, duck l'orange crepes, and Indian style lamb. ALL YUMMY! For dessert, I had another cocktail. I forget the name but it had muddled raspberries, gin, and basil. DELISH! On top of that, the service was super friendly, and the courses were paced perfectly. I will definitely be back, whether it's just for a cocktail, or for dinner!
(5)Krystal T.
Love this place! The staff is awesome, the drinks are phenomenal and the food is good, not excellent, but definitely good. They serve small portions, tapas style. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday, for a girls night out or any type of adult celebration.
(4)Anna L.
Drinks and food are good!!!! Though the dishes are pretty small but hey, their cocktails are superb! The ambience is very flapper-ish and the server is actually good at remembering today's special without looking at their notepad. Overall, great experience!
(4)Rebecca F.
I've never wanted to be a flapper bar maid more in my life. The hair! The pearls! The lamps! Velvet blazers! The music! Not to mention the endless list of delicious creations - from classic prohibition style to modern and fruity, I've never enjoyed imbibing quite this much. This place is probably too cute for it's own good, but I'm a sucker for it.
(5)Alex M.
Delicious cocktails, great ambiance. Haven't tried the food
(5)Najat K.
This place is ideal for celebrations!!! I have organized my boss's surprise pre-wedding party @ Cuchi Cuchi, we were a group of 14 people. The manager and the waiters were so accomodating and helped us with the planning. It was wonderful. Food: International cuisine, a very tasty variety of dishes from around the world. Just AWESOME! Quantities: All thier dishes are small sizes better suited for ordering many and sharing. We have ordered many dishes and passed them around the table and everyone had plenty to eat. Prices: Slightly pricy whe you look at the prices per dish however our final bill was only around $650 all included for 14 people! We were there for 3 hours. Drinks: They have the best drinks especially the cocktails! I don't drink alcohol so I have ordered about 3 virgin cocktails and they were all made with fresh fruits and they were to die for! Everyone else in our group was super happy with their drinks and food. The service: Excellent! Plus they have their waitresses dressed up in the most beautiful dresses and jewelry 20s and 40s style. The decor: is from the same era 20s and 40s style so cool Dress code: Dressy, elegant/chic tops over casual jeans are ok. I will definitely go back for another celebration!
(5)Anya S.
I think my vocabulary lacks the proper words needed to describe how amazing this place is!! International menu! Chicken Kiev was amazing!! So was the mushroom risotto!!! They picked the best from around the globe and deliver it all to your table. Creativity!!! Amazing!! The presentation is beyond what I thought was possible. Wine, drinks, deserts!! The design and ambiance!! It seems like that every piece was picked out and thoughtfully placed. Amazing!! This place has real character, and Im a sucker for creativity and unique approaches. The service was impeccable too. This is a perfect place for that romantic date with your significant other!!! Magnificent. I think I said amazing too many times! P.S. It is pricey!! Expect to spend 60-70 per person.
(5)Juliana N.
We came here on a quest for some yummie drinks and small plates! I've been wanting to come here for YEARS!!! And it was thorougly satisfying!!! We ordered a pitcher of Sangria.... deliciously prepared! The perfect amount of wine, alcohol, and fruits! 1) Tuna tartar.... SO FREAKING GOOD. You must order 2) Croquette... option of dipping it in the cheese or tomato sauce. YUM!!! I'd definitely come back for a full dinner!
(5)Karen D.
Hip place, cool atmosphere, and fun. I love the outfits with lots of corsettes and vintage fashion. The food is small plates and a bit pricier than other small plates restaurants I've been to, but it was fantastic. -Scallops Provicale:cooked to perfection with a delicious stuffing -Steak Chimicurri:worth it for the sauce -Mushroom risotto: fantastic -Pork rolls: a little to meaty for me, but the guys liked it -Sizzling Shrimp: Flavorful with lots of garlic slivers I wasn't drinking, but tasted a beautifully made margarita and the other guys had some martinis that they really liked. The owner is very friendly and pays a lot of attention to what is going on. It's a little pricey, for a cool place, delicious food and drinks, it's worth it for a great experience!
(5)Gira P.
My boyfriend and I decided to go on a fancy date here and it was pretty nice! The waiters and waitresses have uniforms that give off a 1930s vibe (I'm just going to pretend I didn't see a mannequin with neon pink hair in the corner lol.) Our waitress was super friendly and helped us if we didn't know what something was or the size. We went on a Wednesday at 6pm, so it wasn't packed at all, the noise level was fine for us. We got three dishes: two seafood and one game/meat--they were both delicious! I really enjoyed the sauce in the Fruits de Mer. While we didn't order them, we noticed lots of diverse dishes from different countries, which is pretty cool. We also got two desserts, the Tiramisu, which was too strong for my liking, and the Tartufo, which tasted fantastic! I'd go back. :)
(4)Liz G.
Birthdays are a big deal, and when it comes to that special day, you don't want to go just anywhere. That's when Cuchi Cuchi steps in. The restaurant is a throwback to the 1920s with waitresses and hostesses decked out in flapper-esque costumes. It has a large selection of cocktails to chose from (quite tasty!), and the prices are pretty much in line with what you'd expect from a lounge or formal restaurant. On the other hand, the small plates are quite expensive. Needless to say, you might not be able to afford to come here on a weekly basis. But it's well worth it for enjoying the "finer" things in life for a special occasion. The wait is....well...a wait! On a weekend night, be prepared to stand around for an hour, hour and a half. (I believe there are no reservations after 6pm on the weekend.) I haven't been on a weekday, but I hear it's not quite as busy during that time.
(4)Jen D.
If you live in the area, I would recommend stopping by Cuchi Cuchi for a dinner date at some point - you won't be disappointed. The drink menu was overwhelming since this was our first time and our server recommended drinks to us based on our preferences - the boyfriend and I were both happy with what we got. The food was delicious and we were surprisingly full on four small plates. In case you didn't know this already, the serving size is small - a little bigger than tapas, but not by much. We both thought the entrees were saltier than what we would've liked, but overall I would definitely come back.
(4)Abir H.
This place is so unique. It starts from the moment you walk in and check out the decor. Be sure to make a reservation as it's always packed! It's a fun place as the waitresses dress up in different costumes. The food is great here. It is served in little portions so it's a great place for groups of 4-6 as you can have a taste of several dishes. The mushroom risotto is amazing!! The cuban cigar is really good as well. Try the sizzling garlic shrimp and the stroganoff!!! It's a lot of fun and a great place for bigger sized groups.
(4)stephanie c.
Came for second time for dinner last night and was better than my first experience. Sat at the bar, so didn't have to wait very long which was nice compared to the hour plus wait before. A few new dishes I tried...Potato Croquettes (my favorite), so incredibly delicious and tasty. Comes with two types of dipping sauces but the flavors and textures were yummy. Also tried the fried Mexican Tomato. My second time every eating a fried tomato and it was delicious. A definite must-try. The lamb unfortunately wasn't that impressive to us. Tuna tartare tasty as always. Ended with the French Banana Bread aka Dessert Heaven. To die for!! The bread was crispy, soft, the banana complemented perfectly. Served with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon swirls. It was sooooo delicious. And drinks-muddled cocktails taste so incredibly fresh. Tried the Passion Upside-Down-Shot. Cool glasses and great concept. Now I upgraded it from 4 to 5 stars. Definitely a must-come-again.
(5)jen r.
Expensive weak fancy drinks
(3)Vanessa V.
My friends and I had a nearly perfect experience at Cuchi Cuchi. We're young enough and poor enough to be intimidated at some fancy places, so when our group of seven made a reservation for dinner last week, I was prepared to ignore any snobbishness that emanated from the servers or the clientele and have a good time anyway. Instead of snobbishness, however, we got attentive and gracious service paired with a feeling of comfort, rather than intimidation. The cocktails were amazing- we shared them around almost as much as we did the small plates- and the food was very good. I had a pisco sour (which I'd never had before but exceeded my expectations), marinated mushrooms, and potato croquettes. The croquettes were extremely popular at the table, and although most of my friends turn up their noses at mushrooms of any kind I enjoyed them. I'm vegetarian, but the reviews from the meat eaters at the table were uniformly positive, except for my girlfriend who found she didn't like the pate that much. We stayed for desert (the coffee drinks were great, but deceptively good at masking their alcoholic content), and so the price tag was pretty high. Even so, I'd definitely scrimp and save to go again some day.
(4)Aboud Y.
Fun, playful place to grab dinner or enjoy a few inventive cocktails. All the waitresses are decked out in fun 20s garb (think flappers, bobs, cloche hats and such). Very pricey though and food is just ok. I'll be back.
(4)Emily S.
The banana bread extravaganza was the best dessert I have ever eaten. No talking was going on when they put that plate down, just continual eating till basically we could just lick the plate. The muddled fruit cocktails were out of hand. The black dahlia was my favorite with muddled blackberries. The decor has a nice vintage vibe and it is the perfect place to spend a night out.
(5)Masmin P.
Had a fabulous girls' night out here. Love the funky eccentric vibe of this place. We were seated in the nook behind the hostess stand, like a private little living room setting, really nice! Next time we might reserve the coffee table with the flashing lights... Good wines - had a very good Portuguese red and sweet Reisling. Food was terrific - would recommend the tuna tartare cornets, fried cauliflower, Indian lamb, fruits de mer, and of course the cuban cigars that everyone talks about. The potato balls and avocado seafood dish were good but not super memorable. The banana bread dessert was humongous! and super delicious. Tiramisu was loaded with alcohol - not a bad thing, but otherwise just okay. I was surprised our bill only came up to $50 per person despite us getting wine, 7 or so plates, and dessert.
(4)Jay D.
New favorite. This place is great. The decor is so unique and charming, the staff is very friendly and helpful, and the food is amazing. My favorite dishes were the bliny and the brie en croute. It's a little pricey--the plates are small so you'll probably end up getting at least two dishes per person--but the food is so delicious it's absolutely worth it.
(5)Joanna N.
This is my favorite restaurant ever! I love their Cuban cigar, deep fried tomato, beef stroganoff, lamb, giant scallops, awesome ambience, awesome staff in cool costume, my favorite drink is "so much to drink, so little time". Always have a coffee and dessert afterwards! You won't regret it! Try as many things as possible here, it is all good!
(5)Karyn V.
I always have fun at Cuchi Cuchi - waitresses dressed like flappers from the 1920s, ceilings and walls dripping in beads and sparkly things, quirky-vintage decor. It is the perfect place for celebrations and groups, but it is also romantic enough for a fun date. My favorite things about Cuchi Cuchi however are their drinks which are only made from the freshest ingredients and the fact that the menu is designed around those who love to order dinner off the appetizer list. Their focus is on small plates (not called tapas since tapas are from Spain and their dishes have a global influence) to be shared. It is recommended that you order two to three plates per person so our group of five ordered the warm baby beet and French sheep cheese salad ($12), Mexican deep-fried tomato ($11), gratin Dauphinois ($10), Cuban cigar ($14), Thai mussels ($15), sizzling garlic shrimp ($10), and baby back ribs with apple fritters ($12). Everything was good, but our favorite was definitely the baby back ribs with apple fritters. We started out in ordering just one order and at the end of the night had ordered four plates of ribs. I have never been a huge rib fan, but the meat easily falls off the bone and is seasoned so they couldn't be anything but addictive. Yum! For dessert we had the tirami-su ($10) and cornucopia ($10). The desserts for me were below average. So, my recommendation would be to skip the dessert and instead order another plate of ribs and/or cocktail. Cuchi Cuchi is very popular and only takes reservations for seatings before 6pm. If you are going with a big group on a Friday or Saturday night, I would recommend taking the 6pm seating. Yes, it is early, but once you have a table, you are free to sit there all night. If your party really doesn't want to meet that early, be prepared for a possible wait time of 45 to even 90-minutes. Also, for those who may need a special menu, Cuchi Cuchi does have a gluten-free menu and vegan menu.
(4)Justin K.
What a fun place! We weren't expecting such an interesting atmosphere before we walked through the door and saw how seriously they take their 1920's theme. The whole staff is dressed in outfits straight from the roaring 20's, complete with feathers in the hair for the flappers. Our waitress was very friendly and enthusiastic which was enjoyable and we were sure to give her some positive feedback on the comment card at the end. I really liked how they paired each dish with their country of origin and presented a very eclectic menu. I split a few very delicious small plates (not tapas) with my boyfriend including the chicken kiev, the rollatini in prosciutto, the croquettes, the risotto, and the bread basket. We'll definitely consider coming back again the next time we're in town.
(4)Lisa S.
Cuchi Cuchi has been one of my favorite places in Boston since I discovered it a few years ago. The food is amazing, the decor is interesting, and the drinks are delicious. I haven't been in awhile, and I went last night with a group of friends. We put our name "on the list" (they don't take reservations after 6pm, but will put your name on a list ahead of time) for a group of 5 at 9pm. We went to the bar beforehand and had one or two drinks, all of which were delicious. (I had a raspberry beret and a moulin rouge, both of which I enjoyed). They also have a great wine list- I got a chenin blanc, which is my favorite white wine. The bar was pretty busy. It wasn't too long of a wait before we were seated. I had called beforehand, and they actually have both a vegan menu and gluten-free menu. I can't eat any dairy, but I've found in restaurants it's easier to ask about a vegan menu then to go down the menu asking if each one has dairy in it. The vegan menu was short but had some of my favorites on it. I ordered the mushroom risotto (heavenly), marinated mushrooms (huge serving) and a small order of bread. I was slightly hungry afterward, but I stole a piece of bread from my friend and then I was fine. It was all delicious. Everyone ordered my favorite staples- including the brie, the scallops provencale, and the duck crepe. We left no food on the table and everybody was quite happy and content. Towards the end of the meal, I ordered a round of bottoms-up shots. I forget what the drink was, but it had coconut rum, bacardi 151 and a mixer in it. It was delicious! And the glassware was cute as always. My one complaint is that the music was kinda loud. We felt like we were yelling at each other at some points. Other than that, Cuchi Cuchi always produces a perfect night!
(5)Veronica B.
I went here with some girlfriends a few weeks ago and we had such a fun time. We had to wait a while longer than what our original reservation was for but it was worth it. We shared about 4 small plates and had a bottle wine and the total was only around $80! Great deal, great food, will definitely return.
(5)D M.
Cuchi Cuchi is a great little place with a great little name. I can't stop repeating it. Now I like all things quirky so the masks and oddball things they have hanging on the walls definitely got my attention. The cold, rainy Tuesday night we went there on was surprisingly busy, which I understood once we got our food. The Tuna Tartare is de-li-ci-ous! It's a must-order. Try any of their cocktails...they're all great and soak in the cosy vibe especially as the weather gets miserable in Boston.
(4)Lia M.
I was so excited to come here, but the food was disappointing, and menu limited. Some it was good - the fried tomato and the tiramisu. But other options, such as shrimp wontons and the Asian salad left much to be desired. I would not come here looking for a meal, but would definitely come back for the drinks - wow. I had the Splendor in the Glass, and it was delicious. My friend's gimlet with basil looked quite good, as well. And the service was good - friendly, though they took a little long with the bill and asking for our order. But I loved my drink. Everything written about the ambience & atmosphere is right on. Just a note: got her around 6 on a Monday, and there was a wait for a table, so I reccommend making reservations. We were able to sit at the bar once a table was called.
(3)Denise M.
Cuchi Cuchi is a cute place to go once and experience the atmosphere but I won't be going back by choice. The food was OK, the staff were not very friendly and the drinks were a metered pour, AKA small glass of wine for $14. I went for dinner with a friend and for allergy reasons I had to ask for some accommodations. They weren't able to do any accommodations because all of their food was pre-made. That was what I was told by the staff. I was disappointed, I had heard great things about the quality of the food. If your looking for a place for drinks this might be a hit but it is quite noise so don't come here if your looking to have great conversations. There are so many places in the area I would rather try some place else. Some where that doesn't serve pre-made food for the evening.
(2)Tara H.
If you love the following items, get off your butt and visit this place: -A HUGE, glittering mermaid that greets you upon entering. -A staff that dresses like sassy 1920's cabaret performers. -A drink list that makes you drunk just looking at it. -Delicious plates of food you can selfishly devour yourself, or share (eh hem) graciously with others. -A variety of said delicious plates, from all over the world, to please even the pickiest of eaters. -A GLITTERING MERMAID, people. I rest my case.
(5)Anik M.
I love the concept. When they said it was right out of Moullan Rouge they weren't kidding. The food is very international and has amazing flavours and designed to be shared. The drinks are on a whole-nother level! They make an excellent Vesper and their cocktails are perfectly blended. They take care in everything they do and the attention to detail is staggering. This may be one of my favourite places in Boston and look forward to coming back many, many more times. I would recommend some favourite dishes but they are all good - so feel free to order whatever you feel like when you go.
(5)Jennifer M.
Excellent experience. The decor is so much fun as are the wait staff's outfits. The service was great and the food was even before. My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful Kir Royale before dinner- highly recommended and sampled a couple of the small dishes. Among my favorites were the Cuban Cigars, Fried Tomatoes, Eggplant and Duck Crepes. Great date spot, great place to go with girlfriends. They have a very cool LED table for groups- the five year old in me really wanted to go wave my hands over it, but alas, there was a group already there. Tant pis
(4)Katie W.
Great Drinks and fantastic food. We stared our night out fantastic here--great cocktails. Whether its the DancingWithGinger or GiveMeFever, the drinks are all made with expertise and top notch ingredients, we're talking real fruit purees and actually pieces of ginger. The small plates were fantastic as well!! The mushroom risotto with truffle oil and lamb with mint yogurt and beet salad were both highlights of the night. What was not a highlight of the night was waiting over well over an hour for the check. Yes your credit card machine is down, but do something to make our over an hour wait a little more enjoyable then ignoring us and taking over 45 minutes to decide to manually process our cards. The icing on the cake was then overcharging us and having to have you reprocess it again. Yes these are special circumstances and life happens. But the fact that nothing was done to try and ameliorate the situation for the hour we waited for our check....forcing majority of our party to miss buses home, doesn't fit the bill for a great restaurant. The service up until this point in the night was fantastic--attentive, friendly, not pushy. But we all felt let down by the showing at the end of the night. Will def be back, but will bring cash....
(3)Aytekin T.
It was my first time here. I had amazing food and time. The owner ms fernanda is great person! Loved to chat with her at the bar. Whitney ( bar tender) is the right person for best cocktails in town. Thx. Will definitely be back.
(5)K C.
As they say it's not exactly tapas, it's multi-cuisine, global small plates and they are fun. Good service. Good plating. Fun decor. Overall a great experience. Quirky and very Cambridge. Have to go again. And probably again.
(5)Terra N.
Had the St. Germain Martini and saw much other stuff I wanted to try. One drink made me feel quite nice and I can't wait to go back. My friend ordered tiramisu which was yummy but could have used more espresso. But none the less, it was a good way to end a working night. As an artist, I was enamored by the decor and couldn't stop looking around. Nothing exuberant but definitely interesting and fun. Also they play some good music. The staff seemed a bit off and sad to be working. I mean they all looked nice which made me jealous but I can't look that great at work. But it was after all a Wednesday night and seemed to be winding down. Some of the older people that were there weirded me out; kinda made it not cool. Will definitely stop in hopefully this weekend and bringing some ladies!
(4)Sweety A.
Last night I dined here with few friends. As soon as I walked into the doors, saw the servers were dressed in some vintage costume : The first thought came to my mind was I hope the food is good. When a place has all bells and whistles it kind of alarms me. I am vegetarian so was very excited to see a vegetarian section. The first thing I noticed everything was fried or deep fried. I ordered artichokes, potatoes and eggplant. The food was below average. It lacked in seasoning and taste. As the menu had it - it was only fried. The service was good but how much can it make up for the food. For me dining outside is a combination of excellent service (1.5) , food( 2) and ambiance (1.5). Henceforth the 3 points.It clearly lacks the food.
(3)Stacylynn M.
Went here on Saturday, 4/ 20 for a fun, romantic date night. Have been trying to get in for a while, having heard awesome things about it. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! From the host staff to the bartenders, this was probably one of the best all-around restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. Knowing that they did not take reservations, we put our names in around 7:45, expecting an hour long wait. By some miracle, two seats became immediately available at the bar. We were greeted by Sebastian, one of the BEST servers/bartenders I have ever come in contact with! Upon telling him it was our first time there, he immediately began making suggestions for drinks, the menu, etc. and explaining the actual history of the restaurant. We watched in amazement as he mixed drinks for the service bar, helped people just walking up for a cocktail, and waited on patrons seated at the bar, all with ease and smile!! In fact, ALL of the employees that were behind the bar were equally as helpful... Food?? FANTASTIC. Can't say enough how delicious it was. Had appetizer plates (DON'T CALL THEM TAPAS!! They are larger, but will still fill you!!) of Beef Stroganoff, Eggplant and the Thai Mussels, which I highly recommend. Drinks? Even better...Carefully mixed and served with love, the "You Give Me Fever" was a mix of pineapple, tequila and jalapeno, mixed to drinkers preferred level of mild or spicy. Clearly, my new favorite. Overall, a wonderful experience. John Taffer from "Bar Rescue" should use this place as a standard on training, service, drinks, atmosphere, etc. My boyfriend and I decided that THIS will be "our" new place. Thank you Cuchi Cuchi, and especially Sebastian, for helping two hard working people enjoy their well deserved Saturday night out!! Will be seeing you soon!!!!
(5)Lauren P.
Funky, kitschy and just perfect for a fun date or girls night out dinner! Amazing, inventive drinks and a extremely eclectic tapas type menu will literally make you feel like you traveled the world. Though tapas, the portions are slightly larger (they make it a point to mention that on the menu) so the dishes are perfect sharing quantity.The Cuban Cigars were delicious and their presentation was adorable. If you remember nothing else from this review, remember this - order the Brie en Croute (brie, walnuts, bacon in a puff pastry) - it WILL change your life.
(4)John C.
Loved everything we tasted. I hate desserts, but the Banana Bread dessert was one of the best I've ever eaten. Great ambience, drink list and service. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Leah M.
Mushroom risotto- to die for! Especially covered in their truffle oil :) Our group had an array of cocktails ranging from the moulin rouge to champagne to the strawberry basil martini- no one was disappointed! Cuban cigar was good, but not amazing. I think my hopes may have been to high on this one! Parking was tough, but woth the aggrivation!
(4)Jon P.
Delicious and fun experience! Great small plate options for a variety of palates. We loved the eggplant and the grilled pork rolls! The cocktails were also superb (GinBeforeBreakfast was our fav) and the service was terrific. If you are dining for two, ask for the King and Queen table. We'll be back!
(4)Kelly O.
I was So. Excited. to finally try Cuchi Cuchi tonight for the first time, and Yelpers didn't disappoint- it was just fabulous. There were 10 of us celebrating a friend's b-day, and we got the awesome LED table... can we say easily amused? Seriously, I think we could have played with it all night and not gotten bored. But aside from that, the whole decor and ambiance is soooo what I would have come up with if it were up to me to make a wicked awesome bar/restaurant (also I couldn't stop goggling over the waitresses' attire, absolutely adorable- HUGE fan of the 20s/30s/40s, I can't get enough). Our waitress was efficient and easily handled our large table- props for the lovely 'happy birthday' renditions the waitstaff did throughout the night (not to our friend though, we spared her that). On to the food and drink... I dare say CC's cocktails rival Eastern Standard (and you know that's hard to do). The Raspberry Beret, the SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTIme... fall down flawless and worth every sip at $11 each. The food, although pricey, was really solid: I ordered the duck a l'orange crepes which were quite good (not as good as everything else I tried IMO, but still really tasty, especially considering I'm not normally a duck fan- don't ask why I ended up ordering it), and the mushroom risotto with truffle oil that was mouth-wateringly fantastic. I tried bites of the Brie en Croute, the garlic shrimp, and the scallop provincale, and each were delicious. And the bread... yes you pay for it, but hot damn was it good, warm and toasty from the oven with great flavor, accompanied by herbed olive oil. Addictive. I was pretty full with the duck, risotto, a bread roll, and 2 cocktails; I recommend sticking with 2 plates each (especially if you get two heavy dishes), unless you get something like the shot of seafood which is only a mouthful or two. The size of your dish can really vary, so choose wisely (especially with the high price of each dish, you wanna get as much for your money as you can- I suggest sharing 3 with someone). I gotta say, Cuchi Cuchi was not too far from 5 stars, not too far at all. I can't wait to try it again (after I save up for a few months, that is).
(4)Cris E.
Cuchi Cuchi Cute atmosphere with tasty appetizers and very good cocktails! Karen, our server was a doll! I'll be yelping back with a detailed report when I come for dinner! Four stars due to the fact, I haven't tried dinner. We'll see how finely it will be executed. Five stars to our lovely waitress!
(4)Ver D.
Drinks are great, but the food, although interesting - is inconsistent. Sometimes really good, sometimes disappointing. For the price, that's not very easy to forgive. The ambiance, however, makes up for a lot. They try hard to make it visually interesting, both with the decor and the costuming of the staff. It is a lively bar, and the bartenders are really good. So the food gets a 2, the drinks and decor get a 4 - yielding an overall 3..
(3)A D.
The food is outstanding ! The mushroom risotto is amazing. It is great for a special occasion so save your pennies.
(5)Jeremy K.
So let me get this embarrassing fact out of the way before I proceed to the review. I have lived in Kendall Square, 3 blocks away from this joint for almost 5 years and didn't set a foot in it until a couple of weeks ago. There, I said it and boy do I feel much better! With that out of the way, I can tell you that I will be returning there. The cocktails they have there are incredible and the drinks list is both long and creative. I had a couple of really neat drinks which featured citrus, ginger and a whole bunch of ingredients. Both drinks tasted awesome, as they should for the hefty $11 that they each cost. What really stands out in this place is the decor and the tone that they've set. It's very eclectic and different: like the 40s kind of theme with the waitresses all dressed up in these chic little costumes. It's adorable really and a lot of fun. They are also some modern elements to this retro place, like their interactive table which has a sensitive surface which lights up on human contact. It's pretty cool to play with. I have not tried any of the food there but I've heard good things about it and apparently it is similar to their other place, which means that it's tapas-style; small, easy-to-share portions. I cannot wait to return to this place in the near and distant future to savor more of their cocktails. Excellent place!
(5)IamInthebiz ..
The decor is sexy-chic. The server uniforms add a touch of "you're here to have a good time so don't take yourself so seriously" vibe to everything and the food is exactly as listed. A journey through different regions. All in all Cuchi Cuchi's atmosphere, service and menu was very enjoyable. Hostess took my coat - server was happy to get my coat and complimented it at the same time. Nice touch of ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE. Thank you.
(5)Lisa J.
This restaurant has a sexy Moulin Rouge-themed burlesque vibe. Their food is amazing and the price is pretty reasonable for what you get!! ..and their fresh-fruit martinis ....OMG! Overall, a great experience to repeat.
(4)Stacey W.
This place is just So. Much. FUN. Amazingly delicious and fresh cocktails (my favorite is the strawberry basil), tasty food, and a colorful and sparkly ambience that will transport you to Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras. Bring all your friends though--this is a more-the-merrier type of place, because more people = more opportunities to sample different tapas!
(5)Selena K.
This is a great place in Cambridge. Great atmosphere - if you have a group, try to get the lite brite table in the back. Lots of small plates make this ideal for larger groups or for a date. Make sure you get the Brie... you won't regret it. There is also an extensive cocktail list that will introduce you to a ton of new drinks. Service is excellent.
(5)Em V.
LOVE Cuchi Cuchi - it's a cute spot in Central Square, love the decor and the dress code for the servers. Cocktails are delicious - my favorite is the Moulin Rouge. The food is mouth-wateringly-good - you can't go wrong! I always get the Cuban Cigar...Sizzlin' Garlic Shrimp, Potato Croquettes, and Mexican Deep-fried Tomato are all also very good. I went with my sister on my last visit and we really wanted the apple fritters from their pork dish for dessert and they happily obliged - we had these treats with coffee to round out our meal. Amazing!
(4)EricaLynn J.
There's no better way to celebrate someone fabulous than by taking them to Cuchi Cuchi for their special occasion. Why? Because you can't help but feel like a king or a queen when you are partaking in everything that Cuchi Cuchi has to offer - from the food to the beverages to the cleverly costumed waitstaff. Whoever says over the top is too much obviously hasn't been to Cuchi Cuchi or is just in dire need of some fun to be sent their way. It's a bit pricey, but you certainly get what you pay for: tapas-style dishes (small plates, meant to share) and not just from one region - you can get anything from risotto to beef stroganoff and anything in between. And if you like specialty drinks, get ready for page after page of the drink list from heaven. My drink had a chocolate kiss on the bottom of it while others' had fresh fruit soaking inside. Things are just dandy over at Cuchi Cuchi, I'm telling you! Now I won't spoil the surprise too much because you should experience it for yourself -- but if someone you know is having a special birthday, this is the place where you should go. No question about it. Get ready to sit in a big, grandiose chair and let loose. You won't regret it!
(4)Jeff S.
Really great place. Food has been top notch everytime I've been. Really great drink menu as well
(5)Christine C.
Like, whoa. Excellent tapas. Excellent service. Excellent ambiance. Excellent drinks. Totally excellent! The whole place has a great atmosphere, and all the staff is dressed for the occasion. It's like a period costume party! All the drinks are amazing. Mixed well, with care. The selection of martinis are wonderful. Food standouts: - Seared scallops: big pieces surrounded with herb-mushroom stuffing. Tender and flavorful. - Cuban cigar: tender beef short ribs and a flakey crust. - Bliny: kind of like crepes with mushroom filling and some tasty sour cream and caviar on top. - Potato croquettes: mini mountain of potato balls with two different dipping sauces (a white and red). Each tapas order is a decent portion, so definitely it's all for sharing! Wonderful service with some thespian routines, a bit playful but a nice touch. Definitely a standout worth coming to even if you are a local or a visitor like I was.
(5)Jamie C.
The food was great but Cuchi Cuchi really shines in it's amazing drink menu. Delicious and great variety. Friendly service. Awesome atmosphere. My favorite location for a fun night out!
(5)Carole H.
While the atmosphere was great, unfortunately the food was just not that good-- especially for the price. The risotto was waaay over salted as to be barely inedible and the seafood filled avocado had basically no seasoning so the flavors didn't blend well (and the avocado was slightly unripe and tough, didn't help). The garlic shrimp and beet salad were alright I suppose, but it would be seriously hard to mess up either of those. There's better tapas around town for sure, I probably won't come back here.
(3)Sereia C.
MUDDLED MARTINIS IN HUGE MARTINI GLASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, that's all that needs to be said. . . . . . . Okay, fiiiiine...I'll go on...about the fabulous martinis, that is...have the chick with the long dreds make you an Alicat martini...amazing. I have always loved Cuchi Cuchi. When you step in there you get the feeling you are nowhere near Boston. You walk in and you are in the bar area; high ceilings, and a 40 foot bar with stained glass windows from the 1800's behind it. Lots of great pieces to look at throughout the place...Vaseline glass on shelving that give off a fluorescent green glow...a large Kimono on the wall close by....a cozy little nook with a small couch in the bar area to hang out at...and my favorite...an LED table that lights up with motion. The staff are all in vintage clothing and jewelry...lots of sequins, jewels, feathers, long strands of pearls, fishnets, and fringe. The food...good, but not great. Lots of little dishes to share, but nothing that blew my shirt off. Definitely among my top choices for where to go to catch up with friends over drinks though. Parking, a bit of meter parking, always full. If you have a Cambridge parking sticker, residential parking is your best bet. Otherwise, they vallet. Bonus points for having a tarot card reader there once a week. Very unique bar experience!
(4)Sarah C.
As far as I'm concerned, Cuchi Cuchi is as weird as it sounds. I'm in a pro/con kinda mood... Pros: 1 - Very friendly waitstaff - hostesses were nice too. 2 - One of the largest cocktail menus I've seen in Boston - very creative! 3 - I liked the food I ate - the chicken liver pate was delicious, the tuna tartare and avocado mousse cornets were strange but tasty too, and the bread they brought was wonderful and warm. Cons: 1 - Perhaps the hostesses were so nice because upon arrival, they told us they wouldn't seat our group of 8 (for which we had an 8:30 reservation) until everyone was there - we had 6 people. Come on. We're going to give you a decent amount of business right there. But, whatever, it would have been nice if they publicized that policy on their website - or at LEAST when you make the reservation. Luckily our last 2 people arrived just after 8:30, around 8:35. Was our table ready? Nope. We finally got seated at 8:45, at a table they said could seat 8 or 10 comfortably. That was a blatant lie. It's a large coffee table with a couch on one side that will fit 4 people squished, and tiny bench seats on the other leaning up against the glass of the entryway. Not only could it DEFINITELY not have fit 10, it wasn't remotely comfortable for 8. And, the table is so large and it's so loud in there, you can't hear the people sitting across from you unless everyone is yelling. Also, while our waitress was cute and friendly, the service was pretty atrocious. It took close to 20 minutes to get our drinks, even the sodas that two people in our party ordered! WTF?! And, I'm all for chatting up with waitstaff, but when the service is bad, I really don't need to hear how sorry you are and how long your night has been and how tired you are. When I'm paying this much for drinks and food I expect the service to match. 2 - Most people liked their cocktails, but it would have been nice if we didn't have to wait 20 minutes to start drinking after being seated 15 minutes late for a reservation. 3 - The food is overpriced. If you want to go somewhere busy and relatively schizophrenic for a cocktail or two you might like it, but you can get more food elsewhere for the price, and you might actually be able to hear the people you go with.
(2)Mikael N.
So, a big group went to this place giving the opportubity to sample almost the whole menu. The whole setup with smaller entree-type dishes makes this a great place for just that. The idea of sharing from a diverse menu is a great for the conversation and getting into the place's atmosphere. There's couple of dishes that stand out and rest is kinda...just good. First of all the Tuna Tartare is feast for the eyes AND the mouth. Lots of flavor and you crave more from the frist bite to the last. The sizzling lamb is pink and perfect, a real treat for meat lovers. Also the thai mussles are outstanding. Big flavor in that one. A bit of disappointment is the Cuban Cigar. I had big expectations after seeing the review here, but it ends up being just ok. Finish it up with a cup of coffee and that big plate of Banana Bread. It outshines the rest of the dessert menu by far. In summary; nice atmosphere, great menu for sharing in a larger group, nice staff making it a treat to stay for dessert too.
(4)R S.
When it comes to Cambridge, I am a "tourist". We accidentally came across Cuchi Cuchi about a month ago and sat at the bar. The bar tender gave us drink menus, a bit overwhelming, and I handed it back to him and said "I like sweet and don't want it to taste like alcohol".... Let me tell you, the MOST amazing drinks I have ever had! They use fresh fruit in all of their drinks! The ambiance was "cool", and the music was sexy French/Spanish/Italian tango style. The place was clean and very alluring. The bar tender suggested some food for us to try, and he was right! Everything we tried, one better than the other. The place quickly started to fill up and within an hour, people were waiting in line. He suggested we come back on a Saturday night to have a "real" experience. A few weeks later, I had gathered a few people together and we headed to Cambridge. The bar area was packed, and we felt like sardines, we had to wait 45 minutes for a table. We found a small corner and ordered drinks, the patrons were so nice that when their "cool" drinks came out, I quickly asked what it was and ordered the same thing! You really can't go wrong with whatever you choose! Once at the table, we started ordering plate after plate, again, one better than the other... The tuna cones, baby back ribs with apple fritters, seafood avocado, skirt steak, and the Cuban cigar are a MUST!!! I will say one thing, the music on our 2nd trip wasn't as "sexy". I loved the tango and European music on our first trip. But this time, they played old music (i.e. Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, etc). The music matched the sexy ambiance and the way the staff is dressed in costume on our first trip. Needless to say, I can't wait to go back again and again! Too bad they don't take reservations, but the drinks and the food are definitely worth the wait!
(5)Molly J.
I am disappointed. I don't like the decoration of the place nor the dresses of the waitresses. I was excited reading the menu and saw exotic dishes in one place. However, I can't really tell if the food is authentic. The only dish we both were amazed was the eggplant napoleon. I'm sure its not difficult to make but at least the flavor was well balanced with acidness of the tomato, salty and richness of the cheese.
(3)Colleen H.
Listen, five stars for the drinks. Hands down. This is one of the most creative drink menus I've seen in my life and the flavors were luscious. Who wouldn't want luscious drinks? Hi alcoholism. Now that I've got that off my chest...this place really is cute and charming. It has a fun 1920's American revival feel. All the girls dressed as flappers with costume jewelry. It looked like the best little girl dress-up party ever. haha! This is a fun little date spot in Cambridge and I'm definitely going back. We were sort of in a rush and not terribly hungry (more thirsty, obv) so we only ordered a couple plates. They were really good (no Toro, but still). My advice: Your last drink of the night should be "SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime." You can't drink it all night, because there's a whole lotta sweet mango in there. But really, you'll thank me.
(5)Jessie C.
Met up with 8 girls last night around 6pm. Had a great time. We had made a reservation for the 8 of us but they wouldn't seat us till we all where there. Wouldn't it have made more sense to seat us as a party of 6 and get out us out of the bar so they could free up those seats? oh well. We had great drinks! Great food! and the table service was great. I ordered the Fried artichokes, baked brie and i had the Moroccan chicken Tangine. SO DELICIOUS. I'm going to be dreaming about the chicken for days.
(4)Jonathan B.
In my last post, I complained about never receiving a call from management. They absolutely made good on it today. The manager apologized numerous times for the experience we had on Saturday. I plan on making a return visit to Cuchi Cuchi very soon. Due to their response, I will bump my review up a bit in rating. I'll have to wait and see how dinner goes next time. As mentioned prior to this update the reviews for this eatery have been positive. Hopefully my next stop in will be a different story.
(2)Meghan M.
Cuchi, cuchi, cuchi!!!! All that comes to mind when I think of this place is Charo shouting out that catch phrase (on Hollywood Squares, no less). I love Cuchi Cuchi. It's one of my favorite "fun" places. Yes, there are long waits and crowds but the amazing drinks at the bar that you get while waiting are well worth it. The Lemongrass Martini is phenominal (and I'm not a huge sweet mixed drink person). It is a little bit of a pain that you have to keep re-checking with the hostess on your table but the wait staff there is so cute that it can't possibly be that bad! The food here, every time I've been, has been surprisingly excellent (usually these kitchy places have so-so food). I'd highly recommend the cheese-stuffed artichoke hearts. The seafood/ceviche filled avocado and many other things are very good as well. Enjoy everyone...See you there!
(5)Sami W.
If you were wondering where to go on a first date, impress...and probably score (depending on whether you play your cards right) at the end of the night, then Cuchi Cuchi is THE place to go to! Unfortunately, it wasn't the case for me, as I was meeting up with a friend (a guy) that was leaving the country for good. I got the following: Blood Orange Martini: excellent Insalata del Liguria: excellent Potato Croquettes: I've had better. Beef Stroganoff: I've had better, but it's wasn't bad at all. Fresh Banana Bread extravaganza: I thought I had an orgasm and had to go to the bathroom to splash water on my face!
(4)Shannon S.
Yes, it is a "fun" place but crowded and overpriced. Also - My party of 8 put in cash- the remainder going on my visa which I signed after the fact for the correct amount, but a few days later checked my bank statement to see the ENTIRE bill had be charged..mmmm...I wonder what happened to the check I signed for with the correct amount? Only can think t was voided and re-rung in hopes I was someone who didn't check my account often??? Anyway I called to have it corrected, I was very polite and just explained what happened. The response was, "Uh ok we'll refund your account". No apology, no "so sorry this happened", nothing! Even if this was an innocent mistake, when you overcharge someone almost $200...I think you should at least apologize!
(2)Richard D.
Nice, if you are enthralled with that 1920's - 1930's decor - even on the waitstaff. We had a reservation for eight; arrived at 7:20. I stepped up to the bar (my accompaniment for the evening already had her drink) and waited to be served. The bartender stood, dazed, as though she had just hit the Cmax of her lithium dose, blinking her eyes at me. I asked for a drink menu (widely reputed as the best in the neighborhood). I asked again ~ Hello! Pluto! Finally, a gentleman walked past and I asked to see a drink menu. a little less than 10 minutes later I was served a Pegu Club Cocktail (I had now been there 25 minutes after a 90-minute drive up from Providence: I needed that drink). It was fantastic - but, 25 minutes?! 8:45 ~ On to a table and dinner. We had the Spanish Zucchini (Meh), the Cuban Cigar (4 of 5), the Blini (4 of 5 ~ I'm Russian, I know from Blini) and garlic shrimp which was great except that - by their size - you knew they were farmed in some shise-wasser field in Asia, not caught anywhere near Boston, MA. So how is this place rated so well (I haven't yet mentioned the prices)? I can only say that the economy is doing just fine in Boston and that an abundance of restaurants has done little to bring sophistication to the audience. Or people are just plain bored and will spend on anything. But, I would most assuredly take a pass on this over-styled, overpriced and inattentively staffed period piece. The rest of the evening was great including the bar and ice-creamery down the street!
(1)Amanda F.
A friend of mine had been telling me about this place for a while. One night after work, we met up, drove around Cambridge, and found ourselves there. She's a vegetarian, and I'm not, but we found plenty of things that we both liked so we could share them. We got: -Gratin Dauphinois: basically Potatoes au Gratin. Tasty, but not incredibly flavorful. I'll probably try something else next time. -Mushroom Risotto: self-explanatory. So far beyond unbelievable, I can't even explain it. I'll definitely be getting this again. -Fried Artichoke Hearts: crispy artichokes with gorgonzola, pistachios and basil. They only give you 3 pieces, so I might go for an extra order.. or 10 of these next time, but they're definitely worth ordering again. -Mexican Deep-fried Tomato: a crispy tomato filed with mexican cheese, avocado and pico de gallo. This one was hard to share because it fell apart when we cut into it, but it was so good that I'll order it again, and deal with it falling apart. I need to go back here ASAP and eat those dishes again and try more things (plus the drinks, which I've heard good things about) At the end of the night, we paid $30 and that didn't include drinks.
(4)Lisa A.
Sunday is date night, and every week my boyfriend and I pick a different restaurant to try out. This week Cuchi Cuchi won the lottery. While it does boast a huge (40 ft.) bar, the place in its entirety is tiny, so it's easy to see how the wait could be excessive. The décor is a trendy collision of eclectic variety, with mannequins dressed in flapper garb, crystal lined on shelves illuminated by blacklights and a 6 person LED motion sensored light table dubbed the "Chico Chica Boom Table". The restaurant is lined in mirrors with a sheer curtain in front and many of the wooden chairs are high backed and embellished with intricate engravings. We were seated in the very back corner, a very cozy table for two, and our costumed server immediately arrived with water. The first two pages of the menu are entirely specialty cocktails and our server was very patient with us while we tried to make up our minds. He chose the Strawberry Basil Cocktail and I decided on the Dirty Little Secret. Both were pretty good, although a little too strange for us, being traditional gin and tonic/martini drinkers. Our server told us 3 or 4 plates would suffice and gave us some great recommendations. We started with the Brie en Croûte...omg melt in your mouth yum, warm gooey delicious cheesiness. We then had the Potato Croquettes, which by themselves were pretty bland but came with two different sauces which helped a little. The best thing about these was that they came with toothpicks with origami cranes on top of them, so cute! The Tuna Lavash came next which we had high hopes for, both being raw tuna enthusiasts, but we were let down. There was simply too much going on and not worth the $18. We ended the meal on a high note, though, with the Cuban Cigar, one of their signature dishes. It was extremely flavorful and perfectly cooked. Overall the experience was wonderful. The service was fantastic and the ambience is very unique and eye catching. Some of the food may not have been all that, but what they do get right will make your taste buds riverdance. It's a little pricey but very reasonable, and certainly worth it in many respects. I can't wait to go back with a larger group so we can try out the motion sensored light table!
(4)Daniel M.
A bit pricey, but love the atmosphere and food. Quality service, drinks and food. It can get crowded, but find a seat at the bar. Love the little plates of "not Tapas!" food-stuffs. Never had a bad meal here. Try it!
(4)Wendy B.
Well, I've read all the four and five star reviews, and as near as I can tell, this place gets those ratings based on its cocktails and kitschy costumes on the waitstaff. The food is mediocre for not being tapas, and even as tapas, mediocre and way over priced. I've experienced better nearby and priced more reasonably. Add to that tapping on a 20% gratuity for a big party, and not giving me the opportunity to notch it up that high, gives me a bad taste in my mouth, as did the food. I'll give it a meh, but I don't foresee returning to this place for anything but drinks.
(2)Erin M.
Sexy and elegant, Cuchi Cuchi provides a unique atmosphere for drinking, dining, and conversing. The dim lighting, parlor lights, and fringe decor are not overwhelming and set the scene of an early-mid 1900s-style evening. The service is fantastic and beautifully dressed. This is where the beautiful imbibe and dine - when you're there, you are one of the beautiful. Having already been here once before and getting slap-happy with the light-up table, I knew I wanted to go and indulge on everything that Cuchi Cuchi has to offer, not just drinks. The cocktail menu is lengthy, creative, and can best be described as completely delicious. While there is beer and wine available, go for the Cuchi cocktails to try something new or sip on one (or more) of the vintage cocktails on the menu. I could drink grasshoppers and martinis until the end of time. In my most recent venture, the dessert cocktails called my name and I had the Spanish Monk. Strong and delicious, I was easily able to sip this during the two-hour meal which consisted of not only a fantastic date (the lovely Calli C.) but four memorable small plate-style dishes: *Tuna Lavash: warm, crispy lavash bread surrounded tuna, greens, watermelon, and bacon. The Asian-style vinaigrette that it comes with enhances the flavor, so do not skip it. It adds a kick of ginger. *Asian Salad: I do not remember at all what was in this other than bean sprouts, mint?, cilantro?, and other greens but it was light, fresh, and cleansed our palettes for the next two courses, which were a bit heavier. *Cuban Cigar: This roll of rib meat, which comes with a black bean salsa, was soft and basically perfect. It was tender and rich with flavor. Calli and I both pretty much agreed that this was the highlight of the meal. *Brie en Croûte: Can anyone say no to a big ball of brie that also contains bacon and walnuts? No, they can not. Cutting into the puff pastry, the brie flowed all over in a beautiful cheesy mess. This was a delightful mess to clean up, especially when the bacon came into the play. This is a very rich dish so definitely get this to share. *DESSERT(!!!), Cornucopia: Better than any Thanksgiving nonsense, this cornucopia came filled with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and had a glob of whipped cream and blackberry on top. Sweet and tart, this was a perfect ending to the meal. The sauce this comes in is phenomenal and I want that bottled and saved for my own personal use at home; it's that good. Let's not forget the music and service. Classic jazz played through the speakers during our meal but later at night Cuchi Cuchi kicks it into high gear with a small band and dancers. It turns into a hot mess of a party; actually, it's more like a hot party. Get in on it sometime. Servers are dressed like flappers essentially and look gorgeous. When not being overwhelmed by the awesomeness of your drink, food, or company, you will definitely find yourself ogling the waitstaff. It's cool. They're used to it and are happy to talk to you about their outfits. Juliana is a great waitress as well, always available and able to answer our questions about the meal and decor. Whether with friends or a date, Cuchi Cuchi has all the elements in place for an unforgettable evening. Make it happen! (Tip: reservations preferred unless you get there exactly when they open)
(5)Stacy B.
If you don't like this place, then I don't like you. PS: The delish tapas style cuisine partnered with the elegantly dressed servers, creative ambience, and extensive drink menu are all 5-star.
(5)Min C.
Read this review at: wp.me/p1x1Ja-6 A place that claims to serve "International, 'straight-up' smaller plates to be paired and shared" as the menu "represents classic dishes - with [their] own twist - from other countries," Cuchi Cuchi quite literally serves "straight-up smaller plates" if anything else. To get a better idea of what kind of food they serve see their menu. Think tapas, but sorta-kinda-not-really as tapas are of Spanish origin and most of their dishes aren't. The biggest disappointment of the night was when we received our rounds of food to find the dishes (sans the fried ones) to really be lacking in flavor. The meat dishes carried the strong taste of meat-not-well-seasoned (the taste of game in the Bracioletta Ripiena and Duck a l'Orange Crepes) and the desserts were a smidge more than disappointing (a punch-in-your-mouth Tiramisu and dry, dense Le Gateau Nantais). Normally, a well crafted dish goes beyond its description as words should only be so sufficient to describe the delectable intricacies of the food they attempt to portray. That, or the fine fusion of the stated ingredients is so perfect their combination is but short of flawless (e.g. their French Banana Bread Extravaganza: a gooey, caramel-y delicious goodness on toasted French bread topped with in-house vanilla ice cream). Either way, Cuchi Cuchi didn't quite meet our culinary standards, especially for the cost of these "smaller plates." On the other hand, the drinks were delicious! And strong! Hats off to the bartender for the re-vamping of vintage cocktails and creation of new cocktails. Food - 2.5/5 Taste: The description is literally what you get; nothing more, nothing less. Most dishes lack a complexity of flavor. The drinks are innovative and strong -- a plus in my book! Quality: Nothing too amazingly superb. For most of the dishes, you pay more than is merited. Presentation: The dishes come out clean and nicely displayed on beautiful plates. Creativity: The food definitely strikes up points here. Given that they have a whole world of cuisine to choose from, the chef picks an eclectic mix of dishes to remake. Service - 3.5/5 Attentiveness: All of the FOH staff is amazingly welcoming and dressed to fit the style of the restaurant. Our water glasses were rarely empty, if that's any sign of service. However, it was difficult to get a server's attention as they often walked by tables without regard for patrons trying to flag them down. Comfort: There was a slight unease and tension we felt during our stay. It might have been due to the fact that staff were constantly walking by our table. We were seated towards the back kitchen. Being seated so far removed from the main part of the restaurant really disrupts the mood they are trying to set. If you can, request to sit in the front half of the restaurant. Friendliness: When we could get a hold of our waitress, she was kind and engaged but that was only when we could catch her attention. Atmosphere - 3/5 Style: "We wanted to personify the age of Old World Beauty (la belle epoch) and Early Hollywood, the time of luxury, glamour, gaiety, jewels and furs, lipstick on silk collars, dramatic little trysts, tinkling champagne and martini glasses." Decor: A good effort to revive the style of an era past, however it errs slightly on the gaudy side. Mood: Feels like your crazy aunt's home kitchen: dimly lit, cozy and fully equipped with too much going on for the eye/mind to process. My recommendations: Try the seafood dishes and any dishes that are fried (e.g. Caspian Heaven, Fried Artichoke Hearts). This is a great place to meet friends for drinks, and maybe one or two dishes at the bar. Average price per person: Two dishes, one drink, and one dessert including tax and tip - $55.
(3)Christopher M.
I used to come here regularly with my old roommate and an erratic group of friends for nights of sin and debauchery. The wait for a table is usually long at night, but that means you get to spend more time in the bar - the drinks here are AMAZING! Far too often I've found myself beyond buzzed, flirting with the maitre'd, hoping he would get us a table before he realized I was straight. Once we sat down I could flirt with the gorgeous wait staff, who get to wear the coolest clothes and costume jewelry. Seating is unconventional, which means we were usually cuddled up close to each other. The menu is a non-traditional, fusion style of tapas, so everyone gets a few plates to share. Plates were passed, food would fly, and eventually we'd end up just feeding each other. EVERYTHING is good, and most dishes are chock full of aphrodisiacs. However, I'd highly recommend hogging the seafood acavado, Cuban cigar, and the balsamic duck. The bill will be sizeable at the end of the evening, but hopefully you'll be so drunk/full/horny that it won't matter.
(5)May W.
We decided to come here on a whim based on the great and fun Yelp reviews. We entered and were greeted by some friendly and greatly costumed servers. I had a lime-based cocktail that was delicious. The name starts with an "A," that's all I can remember-- I loved it though. The garlic butter shrimp was phenomenal, but the bread that came with it to dip in the garlic butter sauce was like a brick. Small problem, easily forgiveable. We had the fried artichoke hearts which was stuffed with a cheese and nut blend. It was super tender and full of flavor, a bit on the salty side though. The third tapa we had was the Cuban cigar, which was our favorite dish that we tried. It was braised short rib that's been wrapped in a dough and baked, served with a delicious bean and veggie salsa/salad. LOVED! Overall, the food was oversalted, but we really enjoyed the ambience and service.
(3)Ro C.
I'm not sure how to express my feelings about this place. This is a review site, so I'll give it a go anyways. The food is worth a solid four. It loses a star on portion size. Food's tiny. The drink list is creative but a hair smug. "Look at how double entendre we made this cocktail!" The waitstaff and the room are all set up like a 1930s cabaret. Pretty nifty, really wonderful use of colors, period costuming, and accessorizing (women wearing fascinators on this side of the pond? Oh my!) What the hell, then, is up with the hooker-drag queen get up on the mannequin? Freaking A, dudes. Where Cuchi Cuchi loses it for me is service. My buddy and I come in. "Do you have a reservation?" "No, we can wait." The bar is available." "Ok." We sit. We peruse the menu. We discuss the horrific doll. For about 15 minutes. No one comes by, no one asks if we are ready to order or want a drink. We finally make it to the bartender and ask for an order. "We don't do that here." Well, kindly let me know next time if I need to get my own drink from the side bar where we'd sitting. Should I bus my own table too? Put in my dinner order and prepare the short ribs as well? The staff is sort of everywhere with us the rest of the night.. My dining buddy get a doily placemat put into a puddle of the previous diner's water, and I stare at a giant bugger someone had kindly excavated and smeared onto the glass blocks in front of me. It's the perfect conversation piece if you get bored with your fellow diner. The food was great, but I honestly think it'd have to take some mighty boozey horses to get me back here.
(2)Lo-an L.
Cuchi Cuchi has always been my date spot. Not by choice, mind you. There's some bulletin out there that the boys read that says Cuchi Cuchi is a must for the first couple of dates.. me think not! Been on several occasion (several more than I wanted) and after last night's dinner, I remember why I was not a fan. The wait staffs are all very friendly (plus they go above and beyond with their costumes) and the lighting is perfectly subdue so why is it that I can't help but feel under dress when I come here. Maybe I should have a burlesque dress on too with red lipstick... so not fair. The food is only ok.. I like the chicken tagine with the cous cous and the skirt steak was lovely but pulease make up your mind with the menu. Those dishes are too pricey to be a tapas and it's too small to be a main entree. Although I like em both.. I feel like a pig ordering it ALONG with the fried zucchini and tuna lavish (fyi, seared tuna SHOULD NOT be served in any sandwich-like ways). The very creative drinks are ALWAYS stiff... so much so that you want to enjoy the flavor but can't. Did they know that we're on a date? Do they always make their drinks so stiff in order to stay on the guy's manual for date night..whose motto is "get her slosh to get laid"? I never really protest when they suggest the place but I'm starting to think maybe I should.
(2)Sara B.
No it is not cheap but YES it is worth it. I prefer to sit at the bar instead of at a table because you can appreciate the vibe of this unique little place. I love that the bartenders and waitstaff are so open and friendly. If you find the drinks on the menu too fruity just tell your bartender what you are looking for and they will whip together something brilliant. Always ask about the soup of the day it is usually AMAZING! Don't go here if you are starving. The plates are adequate but small (tapas) and not the American super sized tapa. I have more fun when my group is no larger than 4.
(5)Joy E.
LOVE IT LOVE IT!! It is, as others have posted, Cuchi squared is an experience. In many cases you sometimes sacrifice good food and services for an "experience" - that is NOT the case here. We came with 8 in our party on a busy Friday (often times an invitation for customer-service disaster) and had a fantastic experience. If you have to wait for a table it is made VERY enjoyable by their amazing list of cocktails and their wonderful wine list. I had the "Some Like it Hot" which was almost like an appetizer with its 2 HUGE gorgonzola stuffed olives. It was one of the most enjoyable cocktails I have ever had. Strong, but well made, spicy and delicious. Our group was seated fairly quickly and we ordered almost every plate on the menu. The food was AMAZING. I could have had 10 of the Seafood avocado and scallop ceviche. Everyone raved about the food, the cocktails and the service was efficient, friendly and so stylish - the outfits are fantastic. It is not a place to go if you are penny pinching but it was a GREAT place for girls night out and we ALL thought it was well worth the money. GO GO!!
(5)Avin N.
Even though we've been living in the area for some time, came here for the first time a couple weeks ago after seeing Midnight In Paris. The decor of Cuchi Cuchi seemed to be a nice fit for the evening (almost an extension of the movie), and as soon as we walked in I had high hopes for the place. We were seated right away, actually a couple minutes before our reservation. I have a feeling that during the school year when students are around this place gets far more crowded, but on a nice summer night it was lively but not out of control. I'm not a big cocktail person but we had heard the drinks were killer here, and my wife (Ameesha C) loved the concoction she ordered. For the beer drinkers there's a decent list but I suppose that's not why most people come here. The bread. Wow. Really fantastic. I could have made almost an entire meal out of just the bread and oil. In fact I almost did. The highlights of the food were the scallops and the croquettes. The former were prepared perfectly, paired with a light sauce which complimented the dish perfectly. And the latter were just awesome, served with two dips that were both equally fantastic. I also ordered the grilled pork rolls w/ cheese + pancetta, tasty but it was a little too much after all the bread and croquettes. Also take note that the pork rolls take a while to prepare, and came out well after everything else. All in all, a really great experience, great service, and excellent food. Highly recommend.
(5)Rhea B.
I was there for the first time last weekend. The food was really good and imaginative. The server we had was super-accommodating and friendly. I had no idea what a good party place it would be.
(4)Deanna D.
A group of 10 lovely ladies went to dinner at Cuchi Cuchi to celebrate a dear friend's bachelorette party. Heres what we found: Beautifully decorated atmosphere---stained glass, lanterns, and awesome wall decor created an eclectic & festive atmosphere. Very creative, delicious, and artfully made cocktails! Standout was the Black Dahlia but the Orient Express tasted a bit like bath water--the herb infusion was a bit overpowering. Friendly staff in awesome 20's themed costumes which were fun & gorgeous. The menu has some great choices with dishes from all around the globe. The dishes were beautifully presented and everything was delicious!! Some standout were: Cuban Cigar, Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Grilled Eggplant Napoleon, Caspian Heaven, Duck a l'Orange Crepes, and Chicken Kiev The French Banana Bread Extravaganza & cappuccino was the perfect ending to a lovely meal. Yes it is a pricey but it worth it for a special event or fun girls night out, but maybe not for an every day dinner. Overall a lovely meal & fun experience. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)Catherine K.
Cuchi Cuchi is good but often times I feel like it can be a hit or miss. I've been enough to know which dishes to order but if you are new to the restaurant OR are with a small group you may find it overwhelming. My recommendation is to go with a larger group so that you can try multiple dishes which will surely satisfy everyone. Cuchi Cuchi is known for its tasty cocktails which are quite delicious.
(3)Judy C.
Went here because two of my friends who have lived in Boston both told me that it's a great place to go. Simply from the website, I knew I had to check it out. Went on a Saturday night. 1 hour wait for a table, so my friend and I ate at the bar (which was no more than 10 minute wait). The bartenders were really nice. I got their classic blackberry cosmo, which was not only pretty but also quite tasty. My friend got the blood orange sidecar, and I guess if you like cognac, then it's good. Otherwise, I and my friend didn't care for it. Food wise, we had the breads with olives. It was warm, and the olives were good. We also got the warm marinated mushrooms, which was pretty easy and tasty to eat, and the St. Jacobs' Zucchini (deep fried zucchini, cured Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, pomegranate syrup) was surprisingly delicious!!! (and I am not a big fan of ham...) The service was also surprisingly fast, considering how packed that place was. Only complaints are that the music is a tad too loud (had to somewhat yell to converse with my friend) and the price is high for some of these dishes. I now understand why my friends love this place.
(4)Kristen F.
I can't believe I've been here 4 times and neglected to post a review! I've been 3 times for dinner and once or twice solely for drinks...Dinner was once with a group of 4, twice with the Fiance for some sexy date time. I LOVE this place. Sure it's got that theatrical 1920's flapper/grandma's attic feel...but that's one of the things that makes it so fun. I love having an excuse to put something sexy on (glamorous sexy, not trashy club sexy) and go for a vintage cocktail and delicious food. DRINKS- A lot of posters have complained about the $10-11 vintage cocktails. PS. This is a restaurant that carries GOOD liquor, not that no-name crap you find in a plastic bottle. They now carry Absinthe...the real stuff (FYI). I've never had a bad cocktail here. Mojitos are amazing, the corpse reviver and ANY of their champagne cocktails are amazing. They carry a number of fantastic after dinner ports, single malts, cordials...etc. If you appreciate the quality of a well made drink, please stop by. FOOD- I've had nothing short of awesome when it comes to their food. We went last week and ordered 6 or 8 dishes. They have an amazing scallop ceviche shot that was cold, spicy, citrusy, and the scallop was so creamy and good. The duck a l'orange crepes and potato croquettes were a delicious standard. We also had some amazingly tender braised short ribs and a mixed meat tangine with very yummy figgy sauce. We ordered a side of bread, but really only ate one of the hunks. it was 2.50 or so, but whatever. we know for next time. SERVICE- We have never had any problems with service. We've eaten when it has been packed full, we've been during Valentine's Day, as well as when the restaurant was nearly 1/2 empty on a week night. The ladies that work there are as attentive as we'd like. They bring our food, ask us if we need drinks when we're nearly done with our current ones, clear our plates when they're empty, and refilled our waters. Go here if you are looking for a sexy time with awesome drinks, awesome food, and GREAT people watching. If you're a d-bag...stay on the red line...transfer at Park St to the green line and get off at Kenmore and go to Tequila Rain.....
(5)Kathleen H.
It was a dark and stormy night. The lemon drop was scary good. The mojito a friend ordered, also way too good. Fun decor, good music, waitstaff decked out in flapper gear. The food was delicious. Service - once we said we'd be happy to eat at our little itty bitty bar table instead of waiting the 3.6 days for a real dinner table, the service was very quick and efficient. The coconut soup with shrimp wrapped in fresh ginger was excellent. I licked out my bowl, because it was dark by the bar and no one could see me except people who already know I do that kind of thing. I also had the seared tuna with couscous - also very good. Friend had a beautifully presented beet salad, other friend had moroccan lamb with a mint sauce/chutney thing that I kept trying to steal *pointing dramatically in opposite direction* "WHAT is THAT!!!!?" nomnomnomnom. what? We got there about 8 and there was a looooooong wait for a table. By the time we left at 9:45, there were people just crammed in there like sardines. Just sayin'. They only take reservations for dinner for 5:30 and 6 - so if you want to be guaranteed a table larger than a man hole cover AND get out of there in under 2 hours - think early.
(4)Howe L.
The ability to transport you to another world makes this place simply amazing. The fun and funk, from the food to the decor to the wait staff, creates such an unique experience. Def one for the memory books.
(5)Tara G.
Was taken here on a dinner date and was impressed by the food, service and most importantly, the cocktail list (and cocktails!). I'm a tough judge, being a bartender, but this is the greatest cocktail list I've seen in Boston. Atmosphere was fun and quirky, great for a first date or a girls night out. Small plates were incredible and great to share. Highly recommend- one of my favorites in Boston!
(5)Vanessa E.
Cuchi Cuchi is very near and dear to my heart. When I walked in with 6 friends and asked how long the wait was, they told me an hour and I immediately frowned and said 'shit.' The two male hosts looked at each other and then at me and said in unison, "It's Cuchi Cuchi," as if I was the one insulting them! They directed us to the bar and insisted we wait there even though we're under-aged and couldn't even buy anything at the bar. The only plus side to waiting at the bar is that it was super packed by queens, straits, gays, and those who bat for both teams. It was a nice cluster of all types of preferences and races and I enjoyed myself immensely. There's also a 20's Hollywood theme that people get in really into and the waitresses were dressed in really fun outfits. The food may or may not have inspired me to care about small animals and children. It revolutionized the way I look at Tuna Tar Tar! If they have lamb on the menu, you must eat it or it will be a crime against humanity itself. I tried the Argentinean beef too but I wasn't completely sold. Maybe I'm just anti-red meat subconsciously, but it didn't excite me or intrigue my taste buds at all. It was just, okay. ALL of the deserts are fabulous and the whiskey selection is the best I've seen in Boston. Drink up!
(4)Christine C.
I am newly obsessed. I went to Cuchi Cuchi for the first time after hearing a rave review from a co-worker, and I was nearly shocked by how charming and delicious it all was. The dishes are a bit larger than your average tapas portions, so two per person really does the trick. I had the "Caspian Heaven" (roasted fingerling potatoes, crispy oysters, creme fraiche, salmon roe, and champagne sauce) and sauteed mushrooms, and my friend had the beef stroganoff and beet and goat cheese salad. Impeccable--all of it. It's exactly the kind of food I love, where the flavors mesh together perfectly and pop in your mouth. The drinks are also a treat--although be warned, they're stronger than they appear. I tried the Blood Orange Sidecar and a French 75, and that was more than enough for one night. I love that it's primarily a '20s-themed restaurant, although some facets seemed out of place. One of the waitresses was dressed in more of a Old West showgirl costume, for example, which was a little jarring--but for the most part, they maintained the vibe, and the service was very good. It's easy to get carried away here, but it's perfect for an occasional indulgence. I fully intend to have my birthday outing here this year since it's such a lovely spot.
(5)Deidred A.
Cuchi Cuchi is a unique restaurant that provides a unique experience. The cocktail menu is huge! Even though I did not try one my date said her drink was excellent. The entree selection is incredibly diverse with plates from Russia, France, and Argentina being offered (Cuban cigar is the best item on the menu. Everything on the menu is artfully crafted and made fresh in house. Meals are served "Europe" style, think large tapas. Service was exceptionally good as well; our waitress did a near perfect job. My only heads up is that the place is unique, so be ready to try something new.
(4)Sarah C.
Let's start with the star of the show at Cuchi Cuchi...the cocktail menu. If you prefer a standard Jack and Coke, go elsewhere because these cocktails are designed to dance on the taste buds belonging to lovers of distilled, aged, and flavored spirits. Try whatever suits your fancy, just be prepared for it to be strong. My party was about 8 people on a Friday night. The place was popping but we sat down as soon as our party was present for our reservations. The waitstaff was fantastic although if you are waiting outside for your table, be sure to tell them you are outside, we had some confusion. Once seated, we decided to order numerous small plates due to many different diets (a few vegetarians, 2 non-pork eaters, 1 picky eater, and 2 self proclaimed foodies). Everyone was able to find multiple dishes to suit their needs and everything we had was cooked properly and delightful. Be prepared to shell out some cash if you are ordering various small plates, particularly if you come with an appetite since you will need multiple dishes. The waitstaff was accurate with helping us estimate how much to order and we continued to order throughout our stay as we devoured as many menu items as possible. Overall, this is a great place and I will certainly be returning here in the near future!
(4)Abishek C.
This is one of my favorite places to visit with friends or to bring a date. There are multiple factors why I like this place. 1. This a sort of a themed lounge, like a 1920s Moulin Rouge atmosphere, playing some morrocan music in the background. 2. The staff, particularly the bartenders are very polite, knowledgeable and help you deciding a drink. 3. They have a good selection of mixed drinks and cocktails, some of which have funny names. 4. The food portions are perfect with a very different way of serving them. Some of my favorites here are, the potato croquettes, beef stroganoff, mushroom risotto, Chicken Kiev, Cuban cigars, Scallop Ceviche Shot. For dessert you should definitely have either the French Bread Banana Extragavanza or the Cornucopia. Trust me, you will not regret it
(5)Allison R.
Yum! I hit up Cuchi Cuchi a couple weeks ago, and was verrry pleasantly surprised. If you don't already know, this tapas establishment is decked out all 1920s antique-style, with waitstaff dressed as flappers to match. Dimly lit, comfy chairs, all that good stuff. Split a bottle of champagne, which was in the neighborhood of $30, and came on a floor stand champagne chiller thing. Tres fun. And the food....yum. My hungry stomach was wary that there wouldn't be enough to eat, but those tiny plates deceive. Try the duck a l'orange crepes, and also the seafood stuffed avocado and potatoes au gratin.
(4)Steve S.
Without question Cuchi Cuchi is one of the most eclectic and original restaurants of recent memory. The place is adorned in an offbeat yet funky type of way with everything from dresses on the wall to really interesting lighting. The waitresses all dress up like can can girls. Its all very likeable But you still have to eat. I liked the food, but $15 for essentially tapas seems a tad pricey, entertainment not withstanding. The salad Liquiri and the Chicken Tangine were flavorful dishes, especially the chicken with sun dried tomatoes and artichokes over cous cous We had the duck, ceviche and the risotto, which were decent. The food overall is very good, but certainly not the best in Boston. The experience, however, .......must be experienced
(4)Elyssa C.
I heard good things about it (expensive but nice) but I went for the first time Friday and was super impressed. The decor was fun, and I loved the outfits. But the food was phenomenal. Our food came quickly and all four of the dishes we got were out of this world. Of course the portions were small and expensive - but that's called a nice restaurant in my book. Also, I really liked my drink, and I usually don't like mixed drinks. So great decor (as expected), great drinks (as hoped) and (unexpectedly) great food. If you're looking for a nice date or to splurge with a girlfriend, would definitely recommend.
(5)Marina N.
Super popular and busy, but we were seated quickly at the time of our reservation. The decor and costumes of the waitstaff are a lot of fun. Great place for a festive celebratory atmosphere. They have a lot of great and unique cocktails. If you order the right dishes, you will have an outstanding meal. Outstanding: Caspian Heaven Scallops Provenale Border of OK & Awful: Savory Cornets P.S. They do sing Happy Birthday but do not give any free dessert.
(5)Claudia H.
We went to Cuchi Cuchi with a group of 20 people and experienced a great atmosphere, lovely waitresses, terrific food and great, creative cocktails. Besides our big group the service was pretty fast - we finished food (3 courses) with 2 hours, but then stuck around for more of their delicious cocktails. Cuchi Cuchi is one of these smaller places in Cambridge with a great ambience AND amazing food and is definitively worth a visit. Things I love there are: Cocktails: Triple Passion Daiquiri or the Strawberry Basil (a lot of my friends also love the Watermelon cocktail, but it is a bit too sweet for me to have it before dinner) Food: - Savory Cornets w/ Tuna Tartare and Avocado Mousse - my favorite as the tuna is super fresh and just a tiny bit spicy and the avocado mouse is creamy and rich - Fried Artichoke Hearts with gorgonzola, pistachios and basil - you definitively have to try this if you like artichokes - Beef Stroganoff on egg noodles - the beef is sooooo tender and the shallot and mushroom sauce is delicious - French Banana Bread Extravaganzaef (dessert) - without words Soooo, enjoy it! :-)
(5)Fahad B.
Here's a short one to save you some time Great atmosphere Good food Great place for after work drinks or a date You won't be disappointed Done
(4)Jennifer O.
I met up with four friends at Cuchi Cuchi on a Sunday night. We got there right when it opened and were pretty much the first people through the door. We sat at the bar where the bartender Sabastian took excellent car of us. I was a little overwhelmed by the hugeness of the drink menu and he asked me what I liked and picked something out for me (Alley Cat) which I then drank for the rest of the night. Any time he had a little extra he allowed us to try it - which led to my friends ordering many different types of drinks. The only complaint (and why it gets 4 stars) I have is that you can't get a table if you aren't getting full meals. We just wanted appetizers and lucky for us the two couches near the windows opened up and doubly lucky for us Sabastian still took care of us. We had a great time and will go back for sure. Thank you Sabastian!
(4)John J.
We went there for a friends birthday. The service terrible, it took three hours to eat, we weren't checked on. The food is expensive for not great portions and not outstanding food. It wasn't bad just not worth the price. The waiter took 45 minutes to run one card for our friend when she wanted to leave. Then to top it all off they brought my friend a sunday/cake thing with her birthday candle. We thought it was compliments of the house, no the waiter added it to our bill with out us ordering it even after we told him we didn't want desert. Absolutely terrible service, bad portions, high prices. One more grip the seats were very uncomfortable, but that may have been because we sat for 3 hours what should have been a pleasant hour long meal. I certainly won't be returning.
(1)Annie M.
Cuchi Cuchi is amazing! Cute waitstaff in adorable outfits, delicious food, and pages and pages of cocktails! How could you possibly go wrong?! The Duck L'Orange crepes were divine- and the French Banana Bread Extravaganza definitely lives up to its name! My new mission in life is to try everything of their drink menu... I just hope I live long enough to accomplish it! ;o)
(5)Ed P.
Two words: Happiness cocktail. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with this drink. I've been here for cocktails and the occasional appetizer on a handful of occasions and believe me, I sweat the Happiness cocktail and the St. Jacob's zucchini but I had no clue what I was missing out on until my birthday. Brie en Croûte with walnuts and bacon could have been better melted in the middle but the bacon and walnut combo made up for it. I chose the Bracioletta Ripiena di Maiale and yes, someone else pronounced it for me. Thanks Dess! The waitress emerged with the dish. It featured a burning stalk of herbs. The server said something about spoons and walked away. Huh? Well, I like fire and I like swine so this dish was for me. Then came the ridiculous chocolate cake. Worth the trip alone. It tasted fresh baked and was covered in chocolate sauces, crunchy bits, cherry sauce, whipped cream and at the top a ball of hollow chocolate. I almost feel like going for one right now... Hands down, other than that Darth Vader cake ma made me when I was little, this is the best damn chocolate cake I have ever had. Not to mention the great atmosphere, the other hundred or so fantastic drink offerings or the rest of the menu. Total 5 star.
(5)Annie C.
Not that this place needs any of my help, but it's my FAVORITE restaurant, so I thought I'd share. The ambiance is great...wait staff has a sort of 20's flapperesque feel to them, fun decor, and there's one table in particular that reminds me of Light Bright because it glows with different colors when you touch it! Cuchi Cuchi is great for a romantic anniversary, a first date, or a fun night w friends, because after all, sharing is caring. The food is fantastic, and for someone who is a bit on the picky side, it's nice to have so many options of small plates to share and try! Aside from the great food, the cocktails are out of hand. The Black Dahlia might have changed my life. I still don't really know what kind of booze is in this bad boy, but two drinks here will have you feeling just right. And with all the muddled fruit they so carefully incorporate into the beverages, you can tell your mom you're eating healthy.
(5)Joseph K.
Actually a reasonable place. Went on a date and had a few cocktails. Cocktails were well made and the service was good. The big issue was they overbilled my credit card. It was only $2-3 more than I wrote, but it is really bad form. Certainly never going back.
(1)Alaina B.
Everything is amazing, especially the service and atmosphere. Highly worth the price. My boyfriend reserved the LED table for my 30th birthday and they accomodated our changing party size with ease. Our waiter was extremely helpful and entertaining. Drinks at the bar seemed better than ones served at the table, but it was all still good. Get the brie. You'll thank me later.
(5)Louis R.
Their cocktails are great, and the tapas are very good as well.However, this is not a place to go on an empty stomach. The portions were small--really small. Not that that was a problem with me, because that is what I expected. It is more about the ambiance--and the ambiance is great!
(4)Ashley R.
Ate here once with a friend and we both loved it! The atmosphere is fun and yes a bit pretentious but whatever, it works somehow. The food itself was great! I definitely liked that the restaurant has so many different cuisine options. I don't remember all the dishes that were ordered but I think in there was the tagine dish and maybe the duck? Either way it was all good. The drinks were awesome too. The only downside was the price. It is on the more expensive side but it's a fun place to go once in a while.
(4)Greg F.
Two words: date spot. Cuchi Cuchi is an entirely different world inside. The waitresses and decor alike is a mix of retro/antique/couture/awesome. As Christian would say: they're pretty fierce. The ambiance, mixed crowd, low lighting, savory aromas and exciting menu make for a fun, inviting and romantic date spot. Amazing selection among the tapas and drinks. I was there over a year ago but I still remember what I got: sizzling garlic shrimp and couscous with a strawberry basil martini. The shrimp were miniature and cooked to perfection- they sort of had that satisfying POP when I bit them. They came in a little plate with a delicious garlic sauce (strong... but not too strong.) I don't usually like seafood, but these were amazing. The couscous was simple (I mean, its couscous- how complicated could it get) but absolutely delicious. It clumped perfectly together on my fork, and it was light and fluffy on my tongue, seasoned just right. Then there was the drink. I generally like basil. I put it in food all the time. But my experience with the herb in drinks has been depressing, outside of Cuchi Cuchi. Whereas other bars will overpower the drink with strong, sweet and somehow bitter basil (*cough* Noir-ehem... excuse me.), the strawberry basil martini at Cuchi Cuchi was perfectly proportioned. It ended up being a little pricey, and you'll probably need to get a second dinner on the way home since the servings are small, for two of us our bill ended up being $100. But if you like him/her enough, its totally worth it to splurge. Everyone should go here at least once.
(5)Jane S.
Honestly, I don't know what the fuss is about. Now, the Strawberry Basil Martini is unfrigginbelievable, I'll give you that, but everything else about the place is... Meh. My friend and I got two tapas to start: the mushrooms and the brie. Maybe I'm daft, but the brie didn't come with anything to put it on, and our waiter was so busy fixing his hair that we couldn't get his attention, so we just ate it as it was. Not so much fun. Still, the brie was better than the mushrooms, which came from a can. The waitstaff was well-dressed, but they were less than attentive. For example, we wanted to order more, but (and maybe this was because we sat at the bar?) we couldn't get anyone's attention to help us. So we left, drunk and hungry. Now, granted, my friend and I both came in dressed far more casual than most of the clientele. We hadn't planned on eating there, so we were unprepared and, since the staff obviously views themselves as hip, we may have offended. While it's true we didn't fit in, I didn't actually get the impression that they were aggressively ignoring us. I think, the real truth of the matter is the waitstaff just all kinda suck there. In short: vapid waitstaff, insipid top-40 music, and cheap decor that's trying its hardest imbue a sense of Belle Epoque-seductiveness. Honestly, I question if the owners have even been to Montreal, let alone Paris. It's cool though. This place seems to serve a purpose, though not really mine. I'll come back for the Strawberry Basil Martini, but when it comes to dressing up and getting a fantastic dinner, I'll just walk across the street to Salts.
(2)Marisa H.
Cuchi Cuchi, if I could marry you, I would.
(5)Kate I.
Rich tapas, flappersy-ish waitresses, fun bar. You will over-over order and get slaphappy stuffed, like a fat kid at thanksgiving. Drool - the Cuban Cigar and Brie en Croûte. The cocktails are very good. If you've never had a French 75, you have to try one here!
(4)Stacey H.
My experience at Cuchi Cuchi was hyped up before I even set my foot inside the door. I was told all kinds of glorious things about this trendy, flamboyant and festive restaurant. However, the experience of actually dining there deserves three stars, not five. Here's why: 1. Minimum order per person is $20. Now, thats not very much, especially for a place where each tapas dish is about $9 a pop. However, its the principle of this that annoys me. 2. Crowded! We sat a table close to the bar and through much of our dinner the crowd at the bar was loud which made it hard to hear my date's lovely voice. 3. Tapas were okay, they weren't amazing. That being said I'd rather go to Dali or Tapeo for tapas that I know are amazing (plus Dali has kick-ass Sangria). The best thing about Cuchi Cuchi? It's decor! With vintage-inspired curtains, lighting and flair I'd love to model my next apartment after this place. Also, there was a huge table of drag queens next to mine so that made the entire experience a little more fabulous, a little more Cuchi Cuchi!!
(3)Su S.
Mmmmm... raspberry beret! *Sigh* We came here to celebrate a birthday. It was our first time, and I was impressed! The Moulin Rouge inspired atmosphere is fun and unique. Apparently Cuchi Cuchi does not take online reservations( or it did not when we visited ). It's a tiny space, and being wait listed usually means having to wait at the bar, or outside. Well, they have two small chairs in a dark corner, but no thanks, the bar it is! Luckily for us that weekday, the bar was not full, though the tables were, and the wait time was less than 15 minutes. The place was much smaller and much darker inside than I expected. The drinks are great. I ordered the RaspberryBeret and the SoMuchToDrinkSoLittleTime. The cocktail menu is extensive! The food is great as well. The concept of small plates appeals to me more 'coz I have a small appetite. The cuban cigar was delish. I cannot wait to go back and try the rest of their cocktail menu.
(5)Emma D.
Definitely 4 stars - I highly recommend it for a girls night out. The drinks are quality although pricey, and it's tons of fun to crowd around a table and steal tapas from each other. You will spend $ here! But the atmosphere makes it great fun for a special occasion. It gets packed on the weekends, so make a reservation or get there early.
(4)ali m.
Expensive, but worth it. I love the wacky decor and the food and drinks are delicious. I don't have anything bad to say about Cuchi. I usually go for drinks in the beginning of a night out if I'm with a small group. It's a great place to meet friends on a slow night for drinks (they'll let you sit at the tables if it's not busy, usually you have to order food to sit). It's not great for large groups unless you're getting dinner (for the above reason). The hostesses and waitresses are always dressed up so cute, and it just has a great vibe - even the outside is alluring! Definitely a good date spot.
(5)Mel's Thoughts F.
You will basically be paying for the decor and atmosphere. Although the drinks were phenominal, the food was not. It was good, but not excellent. The tapas were overly priced and came in VERY SMALL portions, not enough to share w another person. The Cuban Cigar, a beef stuffed empanada was more like a Hot Pocket you put in the microwave, definitely not worth $15-$18 for 1 piece. We paid almost $20 for 3 pieces of scallop!! Its not worth the money I must say that the 3 spoonfull of the Mushroom risotto was DELICIOUS.... BUT..... its a trendy place to go for drinks which were abt $11 ea....
(2)S. M. S.
What's the BFD about this place??? Overpriced, not great food, a disjointed menu of odd dishes, a big wait to get in... Want (really great) small plates and noise? Go to Toro.
(2)Theodore D.
Cool and trendy with fairly good food and wicked cool drinks, but costs too much for what you get. Plus its fun to tell people how much you want to go get some cuchi cuchi.
(3)Robert D.
Great food. Horribly slow service.
(3)Johanna S.
Everywhere you turn there is something gorgeous to eat, drink or look at. Holy molé deep fried tomatoes! Cocktails are extra boozey and wonderfully made. A total fancy party.
(4)Amy S.
I was here last night for [part of] a bachelorette party. What a fun place. Our table was covered in lights which got brighter when any motion was sensed - sounds annoying but it entertained us while we waited for 20 min + for our waitress to come back and take drink orders (oh and then to take our food order - maybe she thought we were slow decision makers...? ha.). What a drink menu though! So many choices (mostly very typically girly)! I had "You Give Me Fever" and "Orient Express" which were fruity and tasty (although very weak, especially for $11/each). In the spirit of the place we ordered a bunch different "small plates" and shared everything. They said to order 2-3 plates each (ranging $9 - $15 each), but we just ended up yelling out random things until we felt we had enough, so I can't say if that is accurate. In our group there was not only a vegetarian (the future bride), but also a vegan, so not much meat was ordered. I can say the chicken kiev was very good, and I don't even like mushrooms (it helped that they were chopped up very small so I didn't get the plastic texture I associate with mushrooms). Actually, everything that we got was enjoyed by all (well, other than the fact that everything had cheese all over it and the vegan basically just had bread and a fried tomato which she scrapped the cheese off of). My favorite was probably the fried zucchini (two pieces of sliced zucchini with ham and cheese in between, all fried). Yeah, mostly everything had cheese and was fried. Even if it didn't mention that in the menu. Hey, it tasted good! As we were about to leave a few of the waitresses came over holding a big candlestick style candle and singing to the bride, "You're getting married in the morning..." who seemed to be enjoying herself.
(4)