Talulla - Cambridge

I had been looking forward to dining at Tallula for awhile. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype and at the end, was priced like a Michelin starred exp... read more I had been looking forward to dining at Tallula for awhile. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype and at the end, was priced like a Michelin starred experience without the menu or experience of one. Food: I came with a friend and we both got the tasting menu with the bread basket to start. The bread and butter was actually excellent and the best part of the meal. The opening appetizer was raw scallops, and that was actually quite nice, as it had a floral and peppery taste to it. The 2nd course was fois gras with (more) bread. Perhaps this is where I wish we didn?t start with the bread basket, as the bread with the foie gras seemed like cheap white toast in comparison. The foie gras itself, I felt was ruined. Perhaps I am a purist, but whatever gelatin and berry mix they made with the foie gras taste overly acidic and fruity and took away from the rich, earthy, buttery ness that one would expect. Next up was the pasta I had squid ink cavatelli and my friend had the lobster pasta. Both portions were laughably small and the lobster dish was bland; overall nothing special and we both felt we would get a much better dish at any other restaurant. The protein was a short rib, which was too salty, and again, felt like it lacked novelty. Finally was desert, which again was very bread forward with 2 dense brownies for each serving again, nothing novel, and we could barely swallow it after what felt like such a bready meal as is. Service was okay, I believe our server could tell that we didn?t like the food (we didn?t finish most dishes) and ended up avoiding us in favor of other tables, and it was quite clear we weren?t getting serviced as kindly as other patrons. It also didn?t help they put us at a table right by the door that was constantly open/closing on a 20 degree evening. After a 4 course tasting menu, 1 drink, tax/tip, the meal ended up being $132 just for myself. It was a bit upsetting because I have had truly exquisite Michelin experiences at that price point. Overall, glad I experienced it, but likely will not be returning or recommending.

First time at Talulla during truffle season. While we did not partake in the truffle tasting menu, it looked unbelievable. Instead we opted for the other tastin... read more First time at Talulla during truffle season. While we did not partake in the truffle tasting menu, it looked unbelievable. Instead we opted for the other tasting menu, which consisted of 4 main dishes, followed by a dessert. Talulla took great care in the construction of these dishes, and each was better than the last. We also ordered the bread butter as a starter, which is a must. Service was excellent, and the restaurant was operating in a safe manner (e.g., staff wore masks). In all, Talulla was a wonderful dining experience and we will be returning often.

We had the tasting menu inside at Tallulah's. The food was superbly made and gorgeously presented. It was a feast for all five senses. Our waiter, Bradford, des... read more We had the tasting menu inside at Tallulah's. The food was superbly made and gorgeously presented. It was a feast for all five senses. Our waiter, Bradford, described the wines as a sommelier would. The service was extraordinary The wine pairings were amazing. The greenhouses looked pretty but in the 13 degree Cambridge evening, we shared the 12 table restaurant with two other couples, one for the starr of our meal and one for the end of our meal.

Talulla is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. A cozy, vibey, and intimate space, it feels like you are visiting a friend's house only the food t... read more Talulla is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. A cozy, vibey, and intimate space, it feels like you are visiting a friend's house only the food tastes waaaay better than anything your friend would make. I promise you! There is a real mastery at work here, and chances are you will love every single dish you try. And to make it even more appealing, you can choose between à la carte dishes and a tasting menu. All you need to do is bring your appetite. The service is lovely, the cocktails are great and the wine list is full of interesting selections with a great showing of smaller, off the beaten path producers. It's a total gem of a restaurant and one you should absolutely have on your list. It's perfect for any occasion, or no occasion at all. Just go already! Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Talulla is a gem tucked away on Walden Street in Cambridge—quiet, intimate, and guided by a deep sense of seasonality. My recent visit featured the five-course... read more Talulla is a gem tucked away on Walden Street in Cambridge—quiet, intimate, and guided by a deep sense of seasonality. My recent visit featured the five-course tasting menu with a few à la carte additions, and most of the evening was memorable in the best way. Before I was seated, though, there was a slightly awkward moment worth mentioning. I arrived a little early, during a heavy summer rain. The door was open and the restaurant was empty, so I stepped inside and asked if I could wait quietly. A staff member told me they were still setting up and asked me to come back closer to opening. While I understand needing prep time, the tone felt unnecessarily firm, especially considering the weather. With today’s strict cancellation policies and travel unpredictability, arriving early sometimes feels safer than risking being late. That small moment at the start left a bit of a chill. Fortunately, once the meal began, everything else warmed up beautifully. The Tasting Menu – $95 1. Scallop Crudo – Crisp and elegant, with cucumber, honeydew, and nasturtium. A beautiful seasonal start. 2. Foie Gras Torchon – Luxurious and balanced, paired with stone fruit and toasted brioche. 3. Butter-Poached Halibut – Perfectly cooked and served in a rich, briny broth with sea beans and dulse. 4. Lamb Loin – Tender, comforting, and clean, with a minimal and intentional presentation. 5. Lavender Panna Cotta – Light and fragrant, with lemon, blackberry, thyme, and almond. Not too sweet—a lovely finish. À la Carte Additions • Chilled Peach Soup $17) – A refreshing bowl with cucumber, green strawberry, and mint. Light and subtle, with just the right balance of fruit and herb. • Tagliolini with Lobster $30) – Silky noodles with a generous amount of lobster, black garlic, and sourdough crumb. Rich, savory, and satisfying. The meal closed with a tiny cinnamon-sugar pastry—unexpected and sweet in both senses of the word. Once seated, service was thoughtful and attentive without being intrusive. Talulla includes a 23% administrative fee in place of tipping, which is clearly explained and reflects their commitment to fair wages for all staff. Despite the rocky start, the dinner itself was wonderful. Thanks in large part to Jade’s gracious service, the rest of the evening felt smooth and considered. The kitchen’s restraint, clarity, and confidence show in every plate. With just a little more warmth at the door, it would’ve been a flawless evening. Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5