Welcome to Orinoco Harvard Square
Nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, Orinoco brings the vibrant flavors of Venezuela to Cambridge, Massachusetts. This hidden gem emphasizes authentic culinary experiences, showcasing an array of dishes that celebrate traditional ingredients. Highlights include their savory empanadas, irresistible bacon-wrapped dates, and the delightful cachapa—a sweet, savory corn pancake. Diners marvel at the intimate ambiance, making it ideal for reconnecting with friends over a memorable meal. With each dish crafted to reflect passion and culture, Orinoco invites you to savor the rich tapestry of Venezuelan cuisine, ensuring that every visit feels like a journey to a warm, welcoming home.
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56 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Hotline: (617) 354-6900
Welcome to Orinoco Harvard Square: A hidden gem nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Orinoco offers a delightful journey into the realm of authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Located at 56 John F. Kennedy St, this cozy spot provides an intimate dining experience that makes it a perfect escape from the bustling Harvard Square.
- Culinary Delight: The menu is a vibrant reflection of Venezuelan culinary traditions, featuring a variety of dishes that excite the palate. From the robust flavors of Tequeos—crispy cheese-filled dough bites served with chipotle ketchup at $11.25—to the sweet richness of Quesillo, a homemade custard dessert with caramel for $8.05, every dish tells a story.
- Must-Try Dishes: Guests rave about the Midianoche sandwich and the heavenly cachapa con chicharron. The combinations of sweet plantains, savory fillings, and a variety of empanadas—like the Empanada Mechada, filled with shredded beef—truly represent the heart of Venezuelan comfort food at $13.80.
- Dessert Lovers Beware: Don't miss the Torta Fluida, a molten chocolate cake crafted with 100% Venezuelan dark chocolate. It embodies indulgence at $9.20 and offers a luxurious finish to your meal.
The ambiance is as inviting as the food, enhanced by friendly service that makes every visit feel special. Tucked away from the crowds, it feels like discovering a treasure at the end of a rainbow, as diners are pleasantly surprised by the intimate setting and high-quality dishes.
Many patrons, like Julia Gooding Warner, describe it as a "Venezuelan cuisine paradise," and it’s easy to see why. The dishes are not only flavorful but also reasonably priced, making it accessible while ensuring diners enjoy rich and memorable meals. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple brunch, Orinoco Harvard Square is the perfect rendezvous for lovers of bold flavors and heartfelt cuisine.
So why wait? Grab your friends, savor some arepas, and create unforgettable memories at this charming spot. Orinoco awaits your visit! For reservations or inquiries, call at (617) 354-6900.
Best brunch in a long time. Since its off the path it also isnt as busy as the other restaurants in Harvard. You SHOULD go here, it was delicious. Midianoche was fabulous but the cachapa con chicharron was the best. Love love love the empanadas and will definitely be back.
Orinoco offers very yummy Venezuelan food, and their steak arepa is incredibletender and flavorful! The cachapa was divine, sweet and savory with the perfect texture. The pastel de polvorosa was a bit small, but still delicious. When they ...
Deliciously flavorful arepas, empanadas, salads and mains. Was shocked it was so empty, but it is tucked away. Like treasure at the end of the rainbow, find the alley pathway to Venezuelan cuisine paradise in H Sq!
My small group had a serendipitous experience at Orinoco. We walked around and happened to stumble on this place for dinner its definitely a hidden gem. ...
Very good quality Venezuelan food, good ambience, friendly service. The quantities looked small thankfully, yay to not serving US portions but the food was rich. Not overwhelming. They also have an amazing whole bottle of chilli sauce on your table! Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Love this place! Found via Off the Beaten Path Food Tours, our group loved Orinoco. The atmosphere is really intimate, and the food is fresh and tasty. We tried cheese covered plantains and yummy bacon wrapped dates that were out of this world. The sangria was also incredible and our server was so kind! Highly recommend.
gorgeous Latino foods had off harvard campus! they are truly representing the culture and arts! must go there again.
Intimate, awesome and authentic... Tucked in a side alley right off of JFK Street in Harvard Square, Orinoco serves authentic Venezuelan food and serves it in an intimate and personal way. Its a perfect place to go on a cold winters night to connect with friends and enjoy some wonderful food. Overall I rate the service and food an A.