Cicada
$ • Coffee Shops, Vietnamese, Cafe Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout Cicada
Customers' Favorites
Cicada Reviews
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I love everything about this place. The coffee is incredible (the Sea Salt Shaker is unreal), the daily pastries are always delicious, and the empanadas (tomato and motz) are a go-to. I also love the no-laptop vibe, it makes the space feel intentional. The decor is beautiful, and the back porch is such a tranquil, unique spot in Cambridge.
It was a general disappointing experience. The atmosphere is great, especially in the outdoor dining area. I really enjoy sitting outside. However, the food was disappointing. I ordered chicken banh mi and it was so oily. I couldn’t finish it due to it. The Vietnamese coffee was also too sweet. My friend ordered salmon pho, which was also just so so. The restaurant barely provides services, as I need to pick up food, fill water, and return dishes myself. But they asked for...read full review
Super cool Vietnamese spot. Great food, vibe, and service (thank you, Monica). I’ll be back every time I visit Boston
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8AM - 3PM 5 - 11PM |
| Wednesday | 5 - 11PM 8AM - 3PM |
| Thursday | 8AM - 3PM 5 - 11PM |
| Friday | 8AM - 3PM 5 - 11PM |
| Saturday | 9AM - 3PM 5 - 11PM |
| Sunday | 5 - 11PM 9AM - 3PM |
Cicada is a charming Vietnamese cafe and restaurant located in Cambridge, known for its delectable dishes and cozy atmosphere. Despite its small size and often long lines outside, the food is worth the wait, with customers praising the delicious cookies, espresso lattes, shiitake mushroom spring rolls, duck noodle soup, and salmon tartare. Recent reviews highlight their pho salad cured salmon, which was described as a unique and flavorful dish that was a favorite from a trip to Boston/Cambridge. Many customers appreciate that the menu seems to change often, offering new and exciting options regularly.
The restaurant smoothly shifts from a daytime cafe to a cozy nighttime wine bar, providing a versatile environment. In the mornings, they serve pastries from Cafe Beatrice, and their coffee, especially the Sea Salt Shaker, has been praised as one of the best Vietnamese coffees in the city. The atmosphere at night is enhanced by soft lighting that creates a mystical vibe, complemented by books in several Asian languages, along with an autobiography of Malcolm X and a Vietnamese calendar, adding cultural charm.
The lunch menu features a variety of noodles, banh mi, and rice bowls, with dishes like the Baked Salmon Rice Bowl, which combines sushi-grade salmon with refreshing contrasts. Dinner options include standout dishes such as Charred Whole Eggplant, Spicy Minced Duck, Lemongrass Confit Chicken, and Cured Duck with Red Wine, which was noted for its strong savory flavor and depth from the wine. The restaurant operates on a self-serve basis—guests order in line, pay, find a seat, and then pick up their food, utensils, and water when called.
Parking can be limited, with few onsite options and nearby street parking or lots, but the overall delightful dining experience makes Cicada a must-visit for anyone in the Cambridge area.