Cambridge Restaurant Cafe Barada Closes After Four Decades of Service
The Salameh family will end operations on December 5, marking the end of a 40-year run that began in Arlington.
By Riya Zhao ·
Cafe Barada will cease operations on Saturday, Dec. 5, ending a four-decade presence in the Cambridge dining scene.
The Salameh family confirmed the closure in an email sent to customers. The restaurant, located at 2269 Massachusetts Avenue, initially opened in Arlington in 1985 before expanding to North Cambridge.
Patrons have historically favored the establishment for its kebabs, grape leaves, and fattoush. The family stated that serving the community and participating in local celebrations provided a source of personal joy for more than 40 years.
The owners indicated that the current chapter concludes without a final farewell. They expressed intent to continue sharing their culinary style through future business ventures. The email thanked diners for their loyalty and kindness, noting that the restaurant’s identity depended on customer support.
Other dining changes are occurring across the Boston area. Wahlburgers signed off on its lease at 132 Brookline Avenue in the Fenway neighborhood. The fast-casual chain, founded by chef Paul Wahlberg and actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, operated at that location for 11 years. Its original Hingham location closed in September when that lease expired.
New establishments are also entering the market. Daily Provisions, an all-day cafe from New York-based Union Square Hospitality Group, opened a Back Bay branch at 501 Boylston Street on Wednesday, Nov. 4. This location serves the third Boston-area branch, joining existing sites in Harvard Square and the Seaport. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, and sweets, available starting at 7 a.m. The cafe introduced a Boston cream pie flavor of its signature cruller with the launch.
Honeycomb Creamery plans to open Crisscross Bakehouse next to its Porter Square storefront at 1700A Massachusetts Avenue. The new venue will serve savory and sweet pastries, coffee, and tea. Customers can currently sample items at the creamery in a pop-up format.
