The Village Kitchen
359 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138
The Village Kitchen Menu
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Appetizers
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Insalate
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Entre
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Special Sandwiches
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Pizza
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Calzone
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Pasta
Healthy Meal suggestions for The Village Kitchen
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Appetizers
-
Insalate
-
Entre
-
Special Sandwiches
-
Pizza
-
Calzone
-
Pasta
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Address :
359 Huron Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02138 - Phone (617) 491-3133
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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David X.
If you live within 1 - 2 miles of village kitchen, you'd have to rank it as one of the best restaurants around. I'm not comparing it to the top restaurants downtown, but when you don't want to make a big production of dinner, I doubt you could do better. In fact, I think this is probably one of the 2 - 3 restaurants I most frequent. They largely cater to the take-out crowd, having only 5 tiny tables. And frankly, I'm not a big fan of their pizza. But the rest of their menu... wow. From lobster ravioli to steamed mussels to chicken parmigiana and gnocchi pesto, their non-pizza offerings are top notch. The owner once told us that he used to work at a major restaurant in downtown and everything they could buy frozen, they did. He vowed when he opened his own restaurant that he would only serve the freshest food - the pasta sauce would be made from scratch each day, etc, etc. And the food clearly tastes it. The people behind the counter go out of their way to accomodate you, and we always get free garlic bread whenever we eat at one of the tables. Actually the only negative thing I can say about it is that I wish they delivered and I wished they were closer, but then I'd probably order in every night.
(5)Ken M.
The VIllage Kitchen has wonderful food, too bad the dining room isn't very clean, inviting, or big. The entrees are huge and very satisfying and perfect to take out if you live in the neighborhood. The daily specials are always a nice change of pace.
(4)Gareth H.
Love the pasta dishes! Especially the "buongustaio," the pesto gnocchi, and the roast carrots are all fabulous. One word of caution: speak clearly when ordering, and maybe ask them to read it back to you. We've had our order messed up a few times due to simple miscommunication. What we got was usually great though, so we didn't mind much.
(4)Jess L.
just got some coffee here with a friend, but the atmosphere was good - only 5 tables, though. the pizza looked good! i'll definitely go back and get some.
(4)M J.
This place is great. It's about the quality of the ingredients - excellent pizza, fantastic, huge sandwiches served on delicious, fresh fresh fresh N End bread, a fab antipasto bar - I could go on. The owner and staff could not be more friendly and accommodating. Not much in the way of seating but that's why take out exists.
(5)Bevin C.
Village Kitchen has deliicious food. I really love the over-priced antipasto plate, which is a bunch of perfectly cooked vegetables all piled together on a plate - this is one of my favorite meals in Cambridge. My roommate digs the pizza by the slice (he recommends the vegetable pizza with artichokes) - but if you happen to be there during off hours, opt for something prepared fresh to order. Huron Village is not hopping 24-7, alas.
(4)Eric H.
This popular Huron village establishment is really more of a take-out place, although there are a few small tables in the front. The prepared food and made-to-order entrees are very good, and the pizzas are great -- my favorite is the vegetable-laden "primavera." Calzones also very good. This used to be called "Buongustaio" when it was across the street in smaller digs.
(4)Cy C.
Came in for lunch and got a margherita pizza, a favorite of mine. The flavors of the cheese and sauce were excellent. Crust could have been thinner and crispier, but it was still quite good. Minus one star for skimping on the basil -- this is a margherita after all.
(4)matt o.
The only pizza I enjoy in my neighborhood, I loved armando's growing up but last time i was there i didnt care for it. My rating is only on the pizza though, but I will be going back to try more, also very friendly guy's at the counter.
(4)Anna S.
The Village Kitchen is a great little caf/restaurant where you can enjoy a well prepared meal without the formality of many other italian restaurants. As long as you don't mind going to the counter and picking up your own food, the service is magnificent, and on an average day the staff are very efficient. So the next time you need a quick bite to eat, or a relaxed night out for dinner, try The Village Kitchen. And be sure to try their calzones, they are delicious.
(4)A M.
i tried it today for the first time, i was really hungry so i went to yelp to find a good pizza place around my area and this pizza place was the highest rated. so my review is based on one order because this is my first and last time to this place. i ordered a large pepperoni, onions, olives and peppers pizza, and it was below average. to be honest i was shocked, because i read great reviews and i was starving, so anything could've tasted great but the pizza wasn't that good. oh and it was a bit over priced, i paid $17 for a large pizza, i been to places the pizza tasted much better and bigger and cheaper.
(2)joanne c.
i love this place. we use to come here everyweek. the owners are friendly and the pizza can't be beat. The salad's are so-so, but who wants to eat salad when you can eat their yummy pizza!
(5)Agt F.
This is one of our go to takeout places, but we sat and ate at the restaurant one evening...Their food was elevated to a new level! Their pizza and pasta were so delicious when they were served piping hot out of the oven. Our favorite is the chicken and broccoli pizza with extra sauce. Cash only and reasonably priced.
(5)Brian S.
Really good hole in the wall Italian pizza joint. They also have good sandwiches pasta and risotto entrees. Oh, and the lasagna is huge , tasty, and reasonably priced. The staff has always been friendly, & I will be back again.
(4)Arefoddin E.
Best slices in Cambridge! Also great beef lamb sandwiches.
(5)Wayne C.
Just dang good food. From the sandwiches to the pizza to the salads - everything is genuinely good and comes to the table (or the service bar) at a very reasonable price point. What makes The Village Kitchen worth an afternoon lunch or an early evening quick bite is the fact that the staff and the general environment are so unpretentious. There is nothing fancy about The Village Kitchen, but there is a clear emphasis on good, well prepared comfort food in the American-Italian tradition of New England neighborhood cafes. I feel really confident in endorsing a visit to The Village Kitchen. Heck, I had one of the best chicken Parmesan sandwiches I've ever had. The Village Kitchen is worth a visit!
(4)Luke H.
I've only tried three of their pizzas so I don't feel that I am entitled to write a review but after a great afternoon lunch with great company I'm inspired to write a review. Im going to list the three pizzas starting with the best and working my way down to the mediocre (it just so happened that this is the order in which we are the pizzas as well): 1.Pesto sausage goat cheese pizza -awesome, can't think of any way to better this pizza 2. Eggplant and ricotta and basil - really good maybe a little more sauce would help 3. Chicken and broccoli - a little blan, Parmesan cheese did wonders though. I would also like to comment on the great service. Friendly, informative and warm. I'm looking forward to many more interactions with the employes in future visits. Ps bring cash! $20 is more than enough for two people.
(5)James K.
A great neighborhood restaurant! Pizza is the best around and the service couldn't be more friendly. Also great salads and sandwiches. My only wish is that they would accept plastic, as it cost me $2.75 for the nearby ATM every time I go.
(5)Kristina J.
I was excited to try this place because of its neighborhood appeal. I ordered takeout spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs tasted like they were from a frozen grocery store box meal and the spaghetti sauce was watery. Spaghetti and meatballs is a very basic dish - it's all about the sauce and it was so watery that I felt like I was eating plain linguine. I had to add salt and my own Parmesan I had at home to even eat it. I had one bite of one of the meatballs and I threw the rest out. Waste of $$. On the other hand, I got a cannoli as well which was DELICIOUS! This is the only reason I would go back here and the only reason I gave it 2 stars (instead of 1).
(2)RJ B.
Great local spot. Nice people. Reliable fare. The lamb kebab sandwich is a favorite. A neighborhood favorite in Huron Village. In the summer there are a couple of tables set-up outside that add to the European cafe vibe.
(5)Zeynep A.
I had a chicken sandwich which was good.their portion is reasonable and price is OK too. Stuff was friendly and nice. The only problem is that the place is quite small. They have only 2-3 tables! They also serve Zabihah food for muslim custumers.
(4)Jes P.
We looove this place. Great food at an excellent price. It's very casual and homey. Never tried the pizza but the pasta and sandwiches are wonderful. Lots of vegetarian options. Cash only.
(5)Adam W.
Excellent dive! My wife and I come here ever so often for the dinner. I usually get the clams and linguini. Pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, and the clams are always super juicy and flavorful all for an extremely reasonable price. I came here once for lunch during the week, and had a pretty good lamb kabob sub. as well! The two small down-sides is: the parking can be a bit of a pain, and dining in can be a bit tight.
(4)Jen Z.
great lasagna! probably some of the best I've had in the Harvard Square area, where you'd be hard-pressed to find Italian food at all. Fresh tomato sauce and easy to get to
(5)Daniel C.
OMG pizza so good. Like as good as stuff I've had in $$$ Italian restaurants for multiples of the cost. True thin crust pizza. Crust is soft including the rim. The cheese and sauce meld together to become one thin but perfect layer of goodness. Note: Yelp lists this as a $$ restaurant, but for pizza it is $ -- not any more expensive than hole in the wall joints in Harvard Square, or Armando's down the street, none of which have pizza nearly as good. The tomato sauce, seasoning, crust, cheese all come together to form something greater than any of them; it isn't just adding ingredients together, it's choosing ingredients that perfectly complement each other, and then combining and cooking them masterfully. Good pizza places do this with the sauce, and to some extent with the other ingredients; great pizza places like this do it with everything. Yeah, I like this place a little bit. :-) Also, really nice people. Everyone who I've heard speak have had heavy Italian accents. I get the sense that it is close to what one would get in whatever region of Italy the owners / chefs came from. The interior is super-well done for a restaurant that lets you stay to enjoy a $3 slice of pizza; when I saw it I thought nah, this place can't do by-the-slice takeout / eat-in. Gold leaf-painted tin ceiling, a few marble tables with wicker chairs, other seating equally nice, outdoor seating, open kitchen. It seems like people put a lot of thought into the decor as well as the food. Another advantage: Variety. For take-out, they have antipasto and some other things they can make in a time frame similar to pizza, and which is priced around the same per unit food. Also, inexpensive lasagna to go. In addition, they have a wide variety of more complex and/or expensive Italian specialties (hence yelp's $$). Take a look at their web site; my guess would be their menu changes seasonally.
(5)Paul N.
I love this place I'm not from this area and just love the little local neighborhood feeling. Found it on yelp went in for dinner tonight ordered a slice of the chicken and broccoli pizza which was fantastic. Not your typical sauce covered pizza really nice light cheese slices of chicken in chunks of broccoli. Excellent crispy crust. I also ordered the porcini mushroom and artichokes saffron risotto. Wasn't disappointed all very nice good flavor lots of mushrooms and artichokes. The order was large enough for two people. Thank you for the nice meal!
(5)Kathleen M.
Pizza, yes. Good for the kids. Sandwiches, yes. Good for the husband. Best Veggies in the Universe, yes. Good for me! Deserts. Well we all like them. Plus the absolute best napkin holders.
(5)David C.
We had Perugina (Italian sausage, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil) pizza, which was the best pizza I've had in Cambridge (Best pizza in Boston was a Nebo). Admittedly, it was the only pizza I've had in Cambridge, and I might be biased that the guy took my order despite it being quite late (10:45PM, I think) and pretty hungry. We just went back and ordered the same pizza this evening and it was even better than the first time. The crust has the perfect amount of crunch.
(5)Rachel C.
Everything is great. Do it. Go every night for dinner. You won't regret it. Ps-they only accept cash or checks
(5)N T.
The perfect neighborhood restaurant. I really like their pizzas, lasagna and tortellini con fungi. My husband loves the lamb kabob sandwich. We have basically liked evrything we've tried. Its small but cosy. The service is also amazing. The owner is a really sweet guy. I love coming here.
(5)Anna C.
Amazing. It's a bit out of the way if you don't live nearby, but for us Huron Villagers (does anyone use that term?), it's an absolute gem. Pizza by the slice is $3 and a complete bargain for how huge and tasty it is. I love that you can pick up a huge slice by the crust with one hand and not have the whole thing flop over. Only problem is it might be slim pickings because you can only purchase slices of whatever they have out, which is usually 2-3 different kinds. You have to order a whole pie if you don't like what they have out. The sandwiches are also huge and can easily be split with someone if you're not completely starving. Their antipasto items in the display case taste just as good as they look. The calamari was delicious and a good change-up from the usual fried stuff. The place is quite quaint. There are a few small tables, but most people seem to take it to-go, so we've never had trouble getting a seat. My only gripe is that they are CASH ONLY. I would come so much more often and buy more stuff if they would just take my card! But I supposed that's probably a good cost control mechanism for a poor grad student. Oh, and all their meats are halal!
(4)Jennifer J.
Love this place, everything is good! Really nice owners and great brownies if they have them! We usually get the tortellini with the bosciola sauce, Caeser with shrimp and a brownie! Don't forget, it's cash only!
(5)Liz L.
Happen to stop in for lunch, I got a turkey sandwich. It was perfect: fresh bread, fresh tomatoes, fresh everything. They even had Mexican coke. I wish this place was in my neighborhood I'd eat here all the time!
(5)Meghan R.
I'm obsessed with the Village Kitchen. I like to make excuses about why I can't possibly cook and therefore must order a pizza from them. I like the tre formaggi the best. EAT IT! Oh fyi it's cash only. There's an atm next door, but one belonging to a tiny bank.
(5)Rich K.
Small, cozy, super nice owners, and the food is fantastic. Real fresh food. The legit deal all around. Bring Cash! :)
(5)Anya H.
I love their everything! I've never had a pasta dish, sub, or pizza slice I have not enjoyed from here! And the owners are so nice! A bit pricey... But good food and good service. It's also very short on seating so this is a place definitely for take-out.
(5)Wes T.
I loved the pizza here. "Comfort food" pizza that really hits the spot. The staff was also very kind, they saw me break out two $20 bills for my $22 order and they only took one and told me it was no big deal. You don't get that kind of business practice in most places. Cash only, though. Just an FYI.
(5)Mario M.
This place deserves every star it can get. Understand that this is not restaurant in the sense that they do not offer full table waiter service. They will deliver your menu's and bring your food to your table, but you seat yourself and order at the counter. It is also CASH ONLY. I went in with another person and we ordered a side of grape leaves to start (they also gave us cheesy bread), I ordered the pollo picata and the other person in my party ordered gnocchi. The grape leaves were right on par for what you would expect good grape leaves to taste like. I ordered the pollo picata with their vegetables, it was a very generous, delicious and filling portion. If I had to make one complaint it would be that the chicken was not tender enough. The gnocchi was cheesy and a large portion as well, from the one taste I had it was good, though I did not have much. After everything was done with the bill came to just bout $35. Very well priced delicious food, if you are in the area this place is a must try.
(5)K C.
Love the calamari and love the sausage pesto and goat cheese pizza! I wish they took cards
(5)Frank L.
We have had a 3 year old and decided to try this kid-friendly place to try something different. We frequent Porter-Davis-Central-Harvard sq. area restaurants so any change is welcomed. The play area is nice and the atmosphere low key, so far so good. The food, however, was barely above cafeteria quality and prices are way too high. We don't get it, unless you live in the neighborhood and have limited options. I had sirloin steak which had a lot of gristle and was very chewy. You could get this at Johnny Foodmaster's for under two bucks and throw it on the hot pan. We had salad, which again, was just greens thrown in with oil and vinegar (I can do that too!). Fries I'm pretty sure were frozen. No problem eating this stuff when going to a diner and paying under $10 a plate. Here they charge you like you are eating on Newbury St. For the same price you can get great food at Garden at the Cellar or the stellar West Side Lounge.
(2)Lisa W.
This is the perfect, hole-in-the-wall, go-to place for yummy Italian. The guys behind the counter were friendly, the food was fantastic, and the prices were very reasonable for the gigantic portions. The husband had the meatball sub, I had the chicken with artichokes, mushrooms, and vegges, and our lunch companions had the porcini and lobster raviolis. We'll have to come back and check out the pizza! Note: this place is cash only.
(4)John W.
Great local place in Huron Village! Serves pizza, Italian sandwiches, and pastas. Re-visited last weekend (little behind on my reviews). :) I had the roasted vegetable soup, which was very good. Packed with great flavors. I also had the roast turkey sandwich with tomatoes, mesclun, roasted red peppers, provolone, and balsamic vinegar & olive oil drizzled on top. My partner had the balsamic grilled chicken breast sandwich with tomatoes, mesclun, grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar & olive oil. The only one feedback I would offer is to lighten up on the bread (just a bit too much).
(4)John S.
It's a very small shop, but the one or two guys that work the oven are dedicated, friendly and churn out great "American Pizzeria-style" pizza. A regular old slice of cheese pizza, topped with a bit of shredded basil, is amongst the finest slices I've had in a while. Neighborhoods are built on the backs of places like this - unassuming, consistent and delicious. Of note, don't order the broccoli and chicken pizza unless you want to dust it with salt and red pepper flake yourself. It's a little bland on its own.
(4)Kim K.
What a little hole in the wall place! But it's actually nice on the inside though not very big. The cheese pizza is delicious. Perfect cheese and very yummy crust. The broccoli and chicken pizza left something to be desired though, it was very bland. Service is decent even with only one person running the show most of the time.
(4)Sarah G.
Just some more average pizza in the Boston area I say. I was hoping this little neighborhood spot would be my winner for pizza, but it still just tasted like pizza to me! True you could tell that the ingredients were fresher than the average, but the flavor and oozy goodness of pizza that I year for in life just wasn't quite there for me. They do have an interesting selection of toppings and for it being a smaller pizza spot, your order will be ready pretty quickly especially if you are smart enough to call it in before you walk over here. Not a ton of tables to eat at inside, so take it to go, and pick up a bottle or two of wine and have yourself a night! The crust here won't disappoint you either. I don't know what they put in their crust but I would have been almost completely content just eating the crust portion without any of the cheese and that is saying a lot coming from a cheese obsessed person like myself!
(3)Sishab S.
We went to The Village Kitchen for lunch today and we loved the food there! We had lamb kabob on salad plus lamb kabob sandwich, steak sandwich and a few slices of different types of pizza and then cappuccino coffee with canolis. Everything tasted fresh and yummy! I particularly loved the grilled veggies in the sandwiches and salad. Large portions, very reasonable price for what you get, friendly staff, all great!
(5)Hailey B.
Lots of food for the price - even though it's slightly more expensive than regular Italian take-out (you can dine in, too, but we usually do the take-out - as does the rest of Huron Village!). My boyfriend got the veggie lasagne and was plenty full for two meals. I've gotten the gnocchi and have been pleased both times (although I prefer the red sauce to the pesto). Also, the fried eggplant is AMAZING!
(4)Emily T. L.
Very cute small cafe, and delicious food. I love their chicken caesar salad, they make homemade dressing and i think thats what makes the difference.
(5)Evol A.
The pizza is good............ not great. I had driven by this place a bunch of times and have read other reviews so I wanted to try it. I want to try all the pizza in the area to be sure I don't miss the best. I called in take out. Ordered: A large Perguina- Mozzerella, Basil, Sausage with their own tomato sauce. The ingredients were good, the biggest complaint would be: not enough toppings. They have a semi sweet sauce, but it did not cover the whole pie. This caused the pizza to have a little too much crust to it. Giant bear spots towards the top of each slice. The sausage was also very good. Sliced. But once again, there was very little of it. A few slices of the za got hardly any. The mozz was good and the basil tasted fresh. The pizza was just about a minute overcooked as well. The outer regions of the bottom of the pie were pretty hard. The place itself is a small earthy, crunchy type of kitchen. Typical vibe for Huron village area. As I said at the start, I did like the pizza. I have read other reviews were people really rave about it. I can see the potential for that. Maybe it just wasn't this visit. I will more than likely try it again sometime in the future.
(3)Amanda W.
I love their clam linguini. Try it out!
(5)Kelli P.
When my husband and I first started to date, he made me a lamb kabob salad. I thought it was so creative and so yummy! However, just this weekend, when my husband and I took a trip back home to visit family, we stopped at The Village Kitchen for lunch and I was shocked to learn that my husband had copied their lamb kabob salad! I probably shouldn't have been surprised, but I was pretty amused by it! It is no wonder however that he would want to imitate a meal from this lovely little kitchen. It is quite the hole in the wall, but it gets a lot of business; mainly local. The decor is so cute! It smells delicious as soon as you walk in the door and the smallness of the place makes it feel welcoming! I was really disappointed that they did not have a bathroom. It is not a big deal, but I had been holding it for an hour and since I was starving and the lingering smells were convincing me to stay, I had to hold it an hour more. I ordered the lobster ravioli. I am on a mission to try all the lobster ravioli in the world. I have had some great experiences, and some absolutely horrendous ones. The Village Kitchen offers a fair amount of lobster ravioli with a red shrimp sauce for around $13. Not a bad deal at all! The ravioli was not fresh, which was expected, but at the same time disappointing, but the sauce made up for that. It was wholesome, but not overwhelming. My husband had the lamb kabob salad (that is how I found out he faked his magical recipe) and that just looked amazing! I tried a piece of lamb and it was so tender and flavorful! What I really like about this place is the variety it offers. Yes, it offers fine Italian food, without the fine Italian dining setting if you so please. It is one of those joints where you walk in, grab an empty table, walk up to the counter, tell the man what you want and wait for them to bring it to you. When you're done your meal, bring your dishes back up to the counter and pay! Perfecto!
(4)Katie R.
After convincing my boyfriend that Full Moon (across the street) was targeted toward families with children, we ended up at Village Kitchen. We had intended to have a "restaurant meal," even though Village Kitchen seemed more of a take-out place with only a few tables. But, the ambiance was nice, they had Orangina in the fridge...I was happy. We ordered an eggplant parm sub and a spinach and chicken calzone, and set about waiting. Calzones take a while, right? Well, this one was absolutely worth the wait. Stuffed with delicious tender chicken and garlic, spinach and cheese, it was heavenly. Huge. Crispy and chewy and just right. The eggplant parm? Mediocre. Squishy and saucy and sloppy. Especially next to the calzone. But I'm not complaining, because that calzone was exactly what I needed. I might just have to go there tomorrow for dinner...
(4)Kevin H.
Had the vegitarian Calzone a few months ago based on another reviewer's recommendation... wow. It was fantastic. And HUGE! I eat a TON and could not come close to finishing it. Also, the staff there is very friendly. Especially the owner's son. Ask him about the startup he's working on right now. Sounds like he's onto some big things with it.
(5)Julia G.
Yum. Best Italian food I've had since living in Italy last summer. I seldom go out for Italian (yes, I'm spoiled), but I wandered in here today for lunch and fell in love. I left feeling like I had to shout it from the rooftops (or...yelp it). A semi-chic hole in the wall in Huron village, it somehow took me back to the trattorias and cafes of my favorite winding cobblestone streets in Italy. True to form, up front there is a beautiful antipasti bar with salads, veggies, and the like. However, once I saw the specials there was no turning back. I had the Porcini Ravioli alla Boscaiola. Divine. Beautiful pasta stuffed with porcini, cooked al dente, and drenched delightfully in a fresh, rich sauce of tomato, zucchini, and mushroom. The ingredients were top quality, artfully cooked; the portion was generous. I should note for the record that I am not usually a zucchini fan, and trust two sources for non-icky zucchini preparation: Italian chefs and my mother (occasionally). I could have munched on this zuccini all day. Bravo, Village Kitchen. Service is friendly, warm, but not overattentive. Soft drinks work on the honor system, and if you dine in you don't pay til after you're finished eating (cash only). It's certainly more efficient than my favorite lunch spots in Italy (I doubt Boston would stand for a two-hour lunch), but with the same dolce vita attitude. Buon appetito!
(5)Jolene S.
For pizza, drinks and service, this place rocks. I like the seating arrangement. the guys in the shop are really nice--they let you pay after you eat (if you eat in) and they give you real plates, silverware, etc. But the calamari was not fresh today. So I would avoid ordering that. Otherwise I've enjoyed every slice of pizza from there and the kiwi lemonade is a must (loved it).
(3)Jen S.
Meatball sub. I am soooooooo satisfied! *sigh* Downstairs is where the bathroom is, so you get a full behind-the-scenes view. These folks truly care about quality. I knew I was in good hands eating here. :)
(5)Dorothy C.
Thank you, fellow yelpers. You were right! Took a few trials, but when it's good, it's Fabulous! Very nice options for vegetarians. Here are the vegetarian recommendations, based on many happy visits: 1. Vegetali Calzone (the ricotta, the eggplant & spinach... sooo good) 2. Antipasti (roasted veggies with yummy dressing) 3. Penne Boscaiola (penne pasta with zucchini & shrooms in a pink sauce - not too heavy, just right). Things that were fine, but meh - garlic bread (it's okay, but nothing compared to the calzone. bread is tough), Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (gnocchi in a bland red sauce), Melanzane Parmigiana Sub/Sandwich (bland sauce got the sub-par bread mushy...). Hrm, the bread seems to be an issue - it's fine, but not Great. The Calzone... I could cry, it's yummers.
(5)Bridget H.
During my hard studying, harder drinkin' first year of graduate school I lived with my father in his West Cambridge bachelor pad (hey, free rent is nothing to be ashamed of!). If 63 Chilton was my dorm room (sorry Dad), Village Kitchen, less than a block away in Huron Village, was my cafeteria. Two words: VEGETABLE ANTIPASTO Whatever you get, get it with the antipasto. The antipasto is a pile of amazing vegtables to which they have done magical things, they are sweet, succulent, fragrant, gosh I run out of adjectives... caramelized carrots, dark green spinach with the bitterness magically cooked out, perfect black olives, quality feta, gently breaded cauliflower, topped off with tomatoes and mozzarella For about 8 dollars you get enough for two or three meals worth. Bring your friend or your lover. Get the antipasto and two slices, or one order of their lovely italian pasta dishes, and you'll have a feast for two with extra to take home, and be out the door for less than $20 (unless you get involved with the espresso or the Orangina). The place is also tiny and charming, and the owners are really friendly, Algerian I think. The guy who makes the pizza, according to my dad, has a Phd in Arabic literature. I love Cambridge.
(5)Allison E.
Get a beautiful plate of vegetables: cauliflower that's been lightly fried, and the carrots cooked and sprinkled with blue cheese + the lightly breaded eggplant. They'll put a little sauce on it if you like. So good. The Italian pasta dishes are great. I rarely get the pizza. They make a beautiful salad, too. The eggplant parmesan sandwich is fantastico, too. And, who can resist Orangina every now and then ? Nice owner, too,
(4)Sarah P.
Just went there for dinner and the food was amazing!! Great little restaurant in a quaint little area of Cambridge. Highly recommend the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, garlic bread and calamari. Would eat there every night if I could!
(5)Kerri O.
Yes, I am writing a killer review after eating one slice of Pizza. Why? Because it was probably the best slice I've ever had. Period. That includes Italy, folks. I've got a job nearby, and this joint is where I'm going for lunch all the time, while there. I got the Chicken, Garlic, Broccoli combo slice. Crispy and delicious! I love hearing the guys banter in Italian, while they whip up delicious looking food. I'm sold. They need T-shirts. I normally eschew wearing advertisements for establishments; but for them, I'd make an exception. I'd proudly wear a shirt with their name on it. I want a slice now, and it's 8 AM.
(5)Will W.
One of the best value Italian places in the Cambridge area. I come over to charming Huron Village from Watertown for the nice, quick service and high quality fresh ingredients in their various dishes. If you like the idea of Comella's (W. Newton) you'll appreciate the Village Kitchen as well. Their espresso and cappuccino are also very good. Some favorites are the "buongustaio" and you can't go wrong with the old stand-by of chicken, ziti, and broccoli. They have a sizable menu for a relatively small kitchen, I'll return and try more when I can.
(4)Nat A.
Great food, huge portions, awesome prices. Service was decent -- but there are no waiters -- you must order at the counter and then they'll bring your food to you. My only complaint would be that they don't have comfortable seating options (no cushions or comfortable chairs). Really though, the food was a great value and tasted delicious! Plenty of leftovers.
(4)Ata T.
Great food and service. We've tried many of the items and they are all delicious.
(5)G K.
Great neighborhood eatery in Huron Village with a friendly staff, who are easy going and helpful. Try the Caprice sandwich toasted Includes thick sliced tomatoes, fresh sliced mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a little balsamic vinegar. Eggplant sandwich another cannot miss on the menu. The brownies are a super treat for the kids or for the kid in you. Small place with about 8 tables, kid friendly
(5)Jesse M.
The food is actually really good. It IS surprising because it definitely looks like a plain old pizza place and they have big bowls of pre-cooked food in a glass case... The guys who work there are very cool and the prices are ok, though not a bargain. We shared a chicken ceasar salad and a chicken parm entree. It was too much for the two of us, so very good portion sizes!
(4)Stefanie G.
Village Kitchen is the beacon of light (and by light I mean dinner) in Huron Village. We have Formaggio Kitchen, obviously, but as far as restaurants go, lunch/brunch is about all there is on the menu, unless you want to go over to Craigie Street Bistro for the prix-fixe and have your tastebuds lovingly caressed for two hours. There's not too much in walking distance around here and this gem is only a few minutes from my house. I have eaten my way across Italy, and I think that the pizza here is approaching authenticity - thin crust, the most important part, fresh cheese that separates into melted ooze and a little cream over the fresh tomato puree (not pizza sauce as we think of it here). Their sausage smells of herbs and anise. It's GREAT pizza, very different from what we tend to get in the US (not that I don't love greasy pies and calzones). Go with the margherita if you've never eaten here before, this is the cheese/tomato/basil classic. Beyond this, the possibilities are endless - the vegetables are high quality, as are the meats. I also like the grape leaves (not sure if they are made on-site or if they come from Formaggio) and the fried cauliflower and eggplant. It's all yum yum and gorgeosity, as they say. (And at a reasonable price!)
(5)Morris R.
Decent take out. Wonderful employees. And, note: I tried it only once. But this is NOT great food. The pizza crust was dough-ey. The cheese was not special. The vegetable antipasti was overcooked. And the salad was just OK. It is nice to have this place in the neighborhood for nights when one is too lazy to go anywhere else. And it's a notch above chain take-out pizza places. But four-and-one-half stars for the average rating?? No way.
(2)Kristin C.
After living in the neighborhood for two years, I finally found myself at the Village Kitchen. How could I have waited for so long? Why didn't anyone insist that I visit this place sooner? The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The portions are huge. There's enough to take home for lunch the next day. Delicious pesto and the calzones have a great amount of filling and not too much bread. It has a quaint Italian kitchen feel to it and I will absolutely be returning.
(4)Julia F.
I walked in here the other day, cause I really wanted a salad, and I was unable to make myself go to Huron Market and pay way too much for things that look like they have been on the shelf for almost as long as I've been alive. I saw this place out of the corner of my eye. A nice little storefront and in the windows it promised me: Salad, Calzone, Panini, Gelato, and Pizza. I walked in and as I am so accustomed to while at work stopping at a subshop I looked up over the counter in search of a menu board. No such luck! I found a very busy looking specials menu with alot of confusing offers. The guy behind the counter handed me a menu, I perused and decided to go with a sandwich with chicken, zucchini, fresh mozzarella and greens. It was about 8 bucks. I asked if they took cards, he sent me to Cambridge Trust down the street - ah, yet another cash only establishment. I like those. As I waited I saw what other people were eating around me and took in the sights. There are very few seats in the place, and the serving sizes look like they are barely accommodated by the very small (in comparison) tables and chairs. The salads that the ladies next to me had looked amazing and the lamb kabob salad and pizza that came out just before my food looked really really nice and smelled amazing as well! The beverage case that serves as part of the counter looks like it's seen better days, or just needs some love. As does the stand up beverage case that looks like somebody lost it and kicked it in. The fixtures that they chose are nice, but I always believe it's good to stay away from white fixtures and fans as they pick up grease and dust the most... there was a nauseating combination of the two on all the fans and lights. The man was really nice, it was a bit of a wait, but I walked out with a really tasty sub about the length of my arm and a juice for just over eight dollars. I am impressed and plan to try several kinds of slices next time I go.
(4)Adrianna G.
My friend and I were visiting from California and taking a self guided tour when we realized that we needed something to eat. We were really hot and tired... Yelp to the rescue! We found this restaurant and we were so happy! The food was amazing and they also serve cold drinks (boylan soda was unique to us, and delicious). Prices are reasonable but please note its cash only. Highly recommended!
(5)N C.
by far the healthiest pizza anywhere (though a bit low salt to my taste - but I'm French so that doesn't count). The deli entrees and take outs are equally amazing, but nothing imho comes close to the Lamb Kebab Sandwich prepared by Sofian (cousin of owner Djilani and his wife Jessica). The place is tiny but very quaint, the people friendly and very courteous, and the food simply unreal for such a tiny joint.
(5)Kasem W.
Just perfect! Be sure to take cash, they don't take cards.
(5)Anna P.
This is my favorite place to go for dinner when I want to be alone with a book and not feel weird about it. Both the sandwiches and pasta dishes are consistently fresh and tasty, and the staff is extraordinarily friendly. I don't think I've ever been asked so sincerely whether I liked my meal. Their cappuccinos are nothing to sneer at, either. The only reason they lose a star is that their dining room is small, and can get kind of chilly in the wintertime. Still, very very worth it!
(4)Jessie S.
I love this place. I don't live right next door anymore, but as soon as the weather gets cold, and I start craving warm, delicious Italian food, I will go the distance to get some Village Kitchen gnocchi. This place is great for pick up, and eating in. There are a couple small tables inside, and it has a very intimate feel, even with the noise from the open kitchen and the people coming in and out to pick up their food. Everyone who works there is super nice, the food is outstanding and the portions are large. Most importantly, check the specials board- we got an amazing mushroom ravioli once that I still think about from time to time... Cash only, but there's a bank right next door.
(5)Joyce W.
Huge portions, yummy food, good prices. Wish the space was a little bigger, but this would be a great go-to chill lunch or dinner spot. The porcini ravioli is yum!
(3)Raj B.
Haven't been able to find a better place for NY style pizza in the Boston area. It's not quite Joe's Pizza on Bleeker (but then again, nothing is), but it's damn close.
(4)Ben T.
I've lived around here how long before trying this place, 15 years? Great pizza. As my search for the ultimate slice of pizza continues, I finally tried the Village Kitchen after sampling a slice at a birthday party (for 7 yr olds). Fresh, good ingredients, nice thin crust, tasty sauce, excellent. I'm a pseudo vegetarian but was tempted to try their sausage pizza after getting an explanation of how they prepare their beef ("not pork") sausage: Something along the lines of they soak it in water for a day, and then bake it, thereby rendering it ready to go on their pizza, full flavor, no fatty excess. In other words, a lot of love and hard work goes into it. They also have a chic Italian canned coffee beverage I hadn't seen before. I will try their other non-pizza items sometime before 2023, and will return soon for some pizza.
(5)Clark K.
Very good food. Delicious pizzas. Kind staff. I do recommend!
(5)Julie A.
I like this place. They have good unique and flavorful thin crust pizzas by the pie or slice. They also have good sandwiches, fresh salads and italian sides. I have not had the calzones but I have heard great things about them. Everyone I have taken here RAVES about it afterwards. The service is great, friendly and will make anything custom for you. They make you feel like family but cook better than mine do!
(4)Shane F.
Got garlic? The sauce on Village Kitchen pizza is sweet and powerful and heavy on the garlic. I am not generally a fan of garlic as a dominant flavor so it took me a couple of tries to get used to this sauce but, now I love it. The full bodied flavor of the sauce is well matched by the out-sized Parmesan kick of the cheese. The crust is really very well done. It is crisp without being too brittle and thin without being weak. Outside of pizza, I've had the eggplant parm and it was quite good. The prices are a little high but so is the quality and I don't think much of their West Cambridge clientele notices the cost.
(5)Laura A.
just based on my first visit, but it definitely merits a return. working in fresh pond leaves me with very few lunch options (there are only so many times you can get cheddar's or whole foods) so i was excited to see so many good reviews of this place on yelp. and i have to say, it was AMAZING. i had an eggplant parm sandwich and there was no way on earth i could've finished that whole thing in one sitting. and it was only six bucks! which is basically what it costs at cheddar's, but there the eggplant are frozen slices they fry and this you could tell was homemade. my only gripe is that some of the other non sandwichy stuff was a little pricey, but you can tell real quality goes into the ingredients. we'll definitely be back! ETA: okay, i've been back three times (i have a three-times rule) and i can definitely say this place is SOLID. both for the veg and the non-veg..my boyfriend had a meatball sandwich here that he loved. the sandwiches are huge but the ingredients are SO fresh. i'm lucky this place is driving distance from my office, not walking distance, cause if it was i'd go there every day and i'd weigh a million pounds. my eggplant sandwich today was literally dripping with flavor (and by flavor i mean oil). it even soaked through the bag. but it didn't taste greasy-gross, it tasted greasy-fresh, which is when you know it's awesome.
(4)jeremy k.
Very good pizza + not expensive. Highly recommend.
(4)Elizabeth L.
Authentic and delicious! Great for a quick slice of pizza or pasta/salad. They put delicious eggplant on pizza. And in salad. And in pasta. Lots of options and all very good. Only drawback is no alcohol!
(5)Beth M.
Really yummy food-- it's a favorite take out spot for me when I'm feeling like Italian, but also feeling like curling up in my PJs with some wine and Netflix. Their pizza is really delicious-- nice thin crust and creative topping combinations. Calzone, pasta and Pink Sauce are tops (i think it's just normal vodka sauce, but they call it pink sauce). I think I enjoy VK's sandwiches best-- amazingly fresh giant crusty Italian bread packed with such fantastic savory things-- try their breseola and arugula, or lemon grilled chicken, or the meatball sub. I don't think I've ever ordered a meatball sub before in my life, but I did here and it was amazing. (Note: Beware, these sandwiches are HUGE.) Really cute neighborhood feel here-- the service is great, and everything is fresh fresh fresh. I miss Real Pizza (which used to be in this space) but Village Kitchen consoles me every time with their yumminess...
(4)Susan P.
I love their pasta dishes! My husband always gets the lamb kabob sandwich. There isn't much of a dining room (just a few small tables) but the food is delicious. Great for take out too.
(5)Elizabeth W.
This place is absolutely amazing! I went here after reading the reviews from other people on Yelp and just had to see for myself. I was not disappointed. This "hole-in-the-wall" truly deserves the name with it's small but cozy atmosphere and a whole 4 tables. I had the Gnocchi con Pesto and it was the best pesto I have ever had. My mom had the Shrimp and Broccoli Risotto which was a special for the day and that was amazing as well. This is definitely a hidden gem filled with lots of locals. The two guys who were working are clearly straight from Italy and were very concerned with how we liked the food. Oh, and the best part--hearty portions at a reasonable price!
(5)