Catalyst Restaurant

I enjoyed the experience. I wanted to give 3.5 stars but this wasn't an option. Appetizers were fresh, and well prepared, but generic. The flavors were uninspired. Odd that no bread was offered despite the butter knife in the place setting. However, main course and dessert were well prepared, visually appealing, and tasty. Service was polite and competent. Ambiance was the best part of the meal. Noise level was decently quiet, but it was a Monday evening. I would go again.

We had lunch at Catalyst last week and I was disappointed on a few levels. 1) the dish I ordered lists this on the menu: Seared Blue Cod (GF) | $24 w bacon, mussels, clams, olive oil potatoes, chowder herb nage. There were zero clams and zero mussles. The fish was served on mashed potatoes w a few chopped pieces of potato. It was good, but it was not as advertised and to charge $24 for lunch, you need to include all the ingredients you advertise are included. 2) despite my saying this 3 times (that I wanted my espresso served with my dessert), they brought me the espessro first and took an unusually long time to brin gout the cold dessert. All they had to do was put the slice on the plate. I can't understand why it took so long, but in any event, my coffee was cold by then. Annoyed me. 3) The wait staff are very attentive but their accents are SO strong that I couldn't i understand a word.

The restaurant is amazing. The menu offers plenty of dishes mainly meat-based.
We went for the specialty of the house: the catalyst burger: a classic burger with bacon, cheddar, caramelized onion and tomatoes served with french fries and two different sauces.
Catalyst restaurant is the perfect choice for a nice romantic dinner or for a business dinner in cambridge.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Yummy lobster roll

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My now husband and I got married here this past July. To say it was an incredible experience would be an understatement. The drinks and the food were excellent. Robyn and Carlos made sure our day went perfectly, and we even got some really high quality one on one time.

The entire day ran like a well oiled machine, and we felt like we could enjoy the day and be present. We had planned the whole thing ourselves, so having Robyn take over that day was just such a relief.

We look back at our wedding with so much fondness already, and all of our guests have said to us how much fun they had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Catalyst has been part of my family for nearly 15 years, and for good reason. I had the privilege of helping open the restaurant with Chef-Owner William Kovel, and ever since, it has remained my favorite place to dine and share with friends. This is fine-dining caliber cuisine in a warm, casual, and upscale American setting.

The wine dinners are always extraordinary. Last night’s canapés set the tone: the bluefish pâté with caviar was exceptional, but the fig and blue cheese nests stole the show—playful, elegant, and packed with flavor.

The entrées showcased Catalyst’s hallmark balance of creativity and restraint. The black bass was beautifully prepared: light, refreshing, and perfectly complemented by a piperade that was flavorful yet never overbearing. The pork loin, crusted with fennel, cumin, and black pepper, was a masterclass in execution, with a jus so good it deserves its own spotlight.

Dessert was a classic French apple tart with vanilla ice cream—simple, seasonal, and executed flawlessly. Each course was paired with wines that elevated the experience, with Bobby Zahn’s presentation tying it all together.

Catalyst is more than just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place for community, friendship, and unforgettable meals. Every dinner here reaffirms why we continue to support and celebrate this Cambridge treasure

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came here for a celebration and it turned out to be a wonderful choice! The food was excellent overall. We started with the beef skewers, which were very tender and full of flavor, especially with the scallions. The main entrées were also solid — my pork shoulder chop could have been a touch more tender, but it was still very good and enjoyable. The desserts are not to be missed. Both the mousse and the chocolate cake (a lovely birthday gift from the restaurant) were absolutely delicious. Drinks are also well-made; the martini I ordered was smooth and balanced. All in all, a great spot for a special occasion. Would definitely recommend it to others.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Poor staff communication and food was okay. We had a reservation on a thursday night and the outdoor area was very cute and inviting. Our reservation was inside so we stuck with it. However, we were seated then waited at least 20 minutes before a busser came over and asked if our weber had comer over yet. Our server came over and had no idea we had waited so long and did her usual spiel, we were obviously hungry so we order only entrees immediately. This was disappointing because we were ready to order a bottle of wine, apps, entrees and dessert. Our server eventually talked to the host and felt bad, but overall bad communication between servers and hosts and my lobster ravioli wasn't even good!

We returned to Catalyst to celebrate the one year anniversary of our wedding there - and we were welcomed with complimentary prosecco, a fantastic dinner (as expected), and a beautiful dessert. Many thanks to the Catalyst team and Robyn their excellent partner and director of sales/event guru for firstly an unforgettable wedding and a fantastic night reliving that experience. Can't recommend Catalyst enough.

Perfect ambiance, polite and helpful staff, and delicious food! I highly recommend a seafood dish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Private wedding event was spectacular!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Personnel is nice, service is OK, got seated pretty quickly. The place is clean and bright. But the food was underwhelming, all of us didn’t finish our plates. Squash soup just didn’t taste good, weird combo of sweet spices. Quinoa salad was blend with a huge amount of canned garbanzo beans. Nothing special about the burger and fries. And they were out of fish tacos on already short menu.

Buzzling place and the taste was good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Just had dinner last night (family of four)……..AMAZING!!!! Service was spot on (the team made us feel like VIPs) and the food was on point (try the scallops they were one of the best I’ve ever had). Chef William and his entire team nailed it again. Already looking forward to going back! Thanks again for an amazing dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ordered the salmon it was cold and with a lot of rice. I was looking for a good experience but actually was disappointed. The waitress was new and didn’t know much what she was doing.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2