Best Filipino Restaurant Cambridge Near Me

Dara Behjat: 4 stars on the food as it was extremely solid but 5 stars in the experience overall. Highly suggest the table experience especially with large groups

Brandie Alexander: Wanted to love this place but the mixed drink my friend got was $16 and tiny. I’ve tried ordering the fried tofu but it always shows up incredibly greasy. Oil spills out when I bite into it.

Jennifer Burns: Really wanted to like this place but the service was horrible. While we were waiting 20+ minutes for the check, we could see the servers taking shots. Food was decent but not worth the price.

Ken: After reading glowing write-ups in both Eater and Timeout, my partner and I were excited to enjoy what seemed one of the few Filipino culinary experiences in Boston. So it’s disheartening to say that we left feeling disappointed.I don’t know if it was the high price point that altered our expectations (the Kamayan platter is $79 (pre-tax and tip) per person, but in all we found the quality of the food lacking.For a total of around ~$200 the Kamayan platter included: 1 small piece of salmon, 4 chicken wings, 4 tea egg halves, 6 lumpia, and a small portion of pork tocino and pork belly, all on a bed of rice; alongside it were 8 mussels, two small plates of vegetables, and some pineapple chunks and tamarind fruit. (I specify quantities only because the overall quality was lacking, $200 would have been an adequate price to pay for this size platter if the food had possessed any wow factor).The salmon was overcooked, leaving it dry and tough. The tea eggs, while cooked well, lacked a noticeable flavor profile and served more as a space filler. The pork belly arrived cold and the skin was crisp to a degree where it was hard to chew. Other items that arrived unexpectedly cold included the mussels and the pork tocino.The plates of vegetables, which normally would have served as a refugee away from the meat heavy dinner, were left virtually untouched. They were almost entirely unseasoned and arrived cold.The dinner was not without some redeeming qualities. The lumpia were good, along with the chicken wings, which were probably some of the best we’ve eaten. But we ordered a Kamayan platter, so 4 chicken wings and 6 lumpia alone weren’t enough to save the meal. None of the meals components were tasty, interesting, or exciting enough to justify the price point.However, the service was wonderful. Our server was attentive and took great care in explaining each component of the meal.The idea behind the restaurant is exciting in theory, but its execution left much to be desired. Overall, this was less an experience, more an overpriced dinner. Drinks and appetizers seem to be the way to go at Tanam.

Melissa Smiley: This is hard to write because I had been looking forward to trying Tanam for a while and stan Filipino food/culture, but my kamayan takeout order was disappointing.Keeping in mind that ordering to-go will cause some obvious changes to temperature and texture of food, the flavor and execution of the dishes overall were lacking. The pork tocino was extremely dry and under-seasoned, as was the kabocha squash and bok choy. We also received salmon (guessing this was maybe a special for the day). I would have liked a description of what this was, because it was hard to tell what it was supposed to be and came across unpleasantly fishy. The lumpia and tea eggs were decent. The chicken wings were just okay- the menu states these are double-fried but I would not have guessed that without reading this. The kabocha coconut milk puree could use more seasoning. The coconut milk mussels were good, and the pork belly was crispy and juicy. The condiments were good but for the price of the meal I would have expected to receive bigger portions.In general I don’t think the takeout option is worth the price. The takeout kamayan was $140 (not including fees) and I don’t feel I received my money’s worth. I’m still rooting for Tanam and hope they review and consider feedback.

Lisa Lynch: Great service and delicious food.

Junie Quicho: Hello Tanam, we were there yesterday, enjoyed our boxed kamayan food and drinks. Even though we pre-ordered for pick up we decided to eat there. We had really good service and the boxed food and drinks we ordered were delicious. However, the Halo-halo party mix was awful. First of all, I felt cheated on the play for names calling a party snack mix Halo-halo which is the name for a very traditional age-old Filipino treat and then serve it badly was distasteful. Everything in it was stale and old. Please check your food items before serving. It was a total waste of money considering the contents are of cheap snack mixes and a small serving size. A cup of old party mix for $8+ was a waste of money.

Amod Athavale: Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: YesMore

Janice Zhou: SLOW TERRIBLE SERVICEMy husband and I were really excited to try this place when we saw the nicely plated Kamayan dinner photos on their website, but our experience here was beyond disappointing.We booked a reservation and fully paid for our dinner in advance on Tock before our visit. After we arrived and ordered our drinks, we weren’t served food until 1 hour and 20 minutes later. While we were sitting and waiting on the patio in 20F degree weather, the kitchen was consistently serving and fulfilling take out orders. Every table next to us on the patio has been waiting for their food to be served during this time as well. How can you prioritize takeout orders when we have booked in advance and have fully paid for our dinners?!Finally when the kitchen finished preparing our food, the waitress carried out a tray with all the rice, meat and vegetables. Please note that if you are not dining privately with a big group indoors, you will not get the banana leaf covered table. All the food came on a tray.What’s worse for our experience was that we purchased additional lobsters for our meal when we made the reservation, but we were never served the lobster. We realized that only after we have finished our meal and had to notify the waitress to get our payment refunded.The restaurant is extremely understaffed and poorly managed. The food is mediocre as well. It only looks good on photos.If you have time to kill and would like to impress your friends on Insta, maybe the group private dining option is for you. Otherwise, you should really save you money and time by avoiding this place.

Dawn Banks: My first day in Boston after moving to Ohio just pre-covid. This was a fabulous "welcome back"!I've never had Filipino food before and this was a wonderful introduction.The staff were friendly, gracious and welcoming. The food was fantastic. The drinks were amazing.After a difficult day of travel the day before, this was exactly what I needed.

Eleanor Davies: 15/10, I wish I could live here. The rum they serve is so smooth! We went for Kamayan, and there is a sink right there so you and your entire party can readily wash your hands. All the food is incredibly fresh and delicious. A lot of traditional recipes, but a bunch of interesting new recipes too. I loved that they served us rhambutan, Tamarind, and pineapple for dessert. 1000% ask Rachelle for suggestions for food or drink, she knows what she is talking about. Ellie is an amazing cook, she came out and chatted with us and we are excited to see what she is coming out with soon! Love love love love this place, do yourself a favor and come in!!!

Caitlin Beatty: Food, service and ambiance were all amazing. Our Kamayan meal was so delicious and special. I had been wanting to come here a long time and I was not disappointed! Thank you!

Hermes blythe: #1 takeaway: This is not filipino food.It has filipino names yes but it isnt a very good reflection of authentic examples of these dishes.To expand its in no way bad food or a bad experience. On the contrary, the staff is very attentive and earnest and the food is quite enjoyable.As it was put to me, however, when asked why one dish looked quite different to the customary food it was named after, the server told me that the chef, Ellie, hand prepares each set of food with her own recipes. This revelation was quite resonant with how I had felt whilst eating the rest of the food. A large disconnect from what i imagined ordering and what I was eating.In most cases a chef's personal take on dishes doesn't change the essence of the dish too much but in this case it did.In their defense, Tanám claims to serve filipino-america food and does not directly state filipino cuisine, but this essentially boils down to the food being a water-downed imitation of proper filipino food.Tl;dr this isnt filipino food its a personal style of food by Chef Ellie with filipino influence. My only qualm being that the names of the dishes imply a traditional kind of dish but aren't that.Possible bias: many filipino dishes are served in heartier portion sizes than here but as tanám is poised more as an artisinal eatery thats simply a difference in business models which I have omitted my disgruntlement on.

Nick M.: Absolutely top notch. Great service, very delicious food and plenty to eat.

Susanna Yee: Incredible people, incredible food. Sourced ethically and great for occasions.

Andrew Eliquen: The food was good but service was awful. I ordered food (lumpia and tofu) for pickup but I was left waiting for 15 mins at their host stand. The staff member seemed to have seen me multiple times while she's serving other seated customers. When I finally got tired of waiting, I politely called her attention by almost shouting "Excuse me" and then she eventually handed over my order, which was just waiting the whole time by the host stand (I couldn't have seen it). This experience may be an isolated event or it might be because they're understaffed due to COVID so hopefully in the future, other customers would have a better experience.

Josephine Engreitz: We were really excited to try Tanám but were disappointed by both the food and the service. The experience got off to a bad start when we were asked to wait outside in the 22 F weather for 40 minutes past our reservation time because the reservation ahead of us was running over, and were shooed away when we returned to check in after 20 minutes. I know sometimes customers linger but I think for a 1-table shop, there has to be buffer built in for this, or at least willingness to politely ask the party to wrap things up. The food was just ok. Nothing particularly tasty or interesting, certainly nothing that felt worth the price point. I was expecting more backstory to accompany the dishes, given the way Tanam markets the experience as a storytelling dinner. It was also very uncomfortable to be served in the dining room - there wasn’t sufficient space for the waiters to get around the table so I was constantly having a waiter squeeze up against me to get by. Another let down was when we noticed we’d been charged for the most expensive bottle of wine instead of the mid-range one that we ordered and were served. We had to call back to get the bill sorted out later that night. Overall, interesting idea very poorly executed.

Eleanore Pankow: We did the full sit-down meal. Absolutely phenomenal. Thank you!

Jessica Larson: This place is a must!!! Food is fabulous and the staff is even better. Great prices for the amount of food you get..

Eddie Kay: A truly unique, delicious experience

Leeana N: Literally 10/10, the food was AMAZING!! The staff were great and so friendly! The food brought me back home 🇵🇭 will definitely be coming back again!

Savy Francis: I finally came to this hidden gem after my little cousin raved about it…. Only down side (which they didn’t lose stars for) was there were no more beef patties. I got the curry goat white rice and steamed cabbage. It was amazing and for a medium take out order I cannot complain about the portion size. The flavor was there. I will definitely come back to try more things especially the halo. The young lady at the cash register is very polite and was patient with me as I called my husband about the bad news not having patties at 815pm (which was my fault going somewhere that closes at 9pm) all while holding my sleeping toddler in my arms. See you guys soon again!

Jenny: Super disappointed. I was so excited to try this place and it was such a let down. I got the jerk chicken only to have so many bones that made it hard to eat. It was heavily spiced and everything was horrible. I paid so much to not be able to eat anything. The staff was nice though. Never returning.

Nancie Lyn: Truly appreciated the authentic Filipino cooking that my party enjoyed. Keep up the awesome work po! Mauulit po kami 🤗

lucas s: The Filipino food was great! Marilyn brings such positivity and warm welcoming atmosphere when you walk in. 10/10 will be back 🤙

Michael Key: Recommended dishes Halo Halo, Fried Plantain, Jerk ChickenMore

Abhinav Gupta: Great food, very nice staff.

Marie-Frances Rivera: The pork adobo was very good, but the oxtail was a thing of beauty. We definitely be back for that and to try the halo halo.

Gretch Andrea: Great filipino food and definitely a lot to choose from. If you’re in the area you definitely need to come and try both fil-jamaican dishes. Welcoming staff and the place smells amazing. Recommend 10/10

Andrew Takasugi: Great restaurant with fantastic Filipino and Jamaican!

Christina Lewis: I had a lovely experience eating here staff was super friendly. It was the best experience I ever had in a Jamaican restaurant. The oxtails we're delicious I loved everything especially the dessert it was amazing. The textures and flavors were suprising at every spoon full. Will be back to try other things on the menu.

Karen Conrad: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Oxtail Stew, Chicken Empanada, Pork Adobo, Pancit BihonMore

Aaron Tu: Loved this place! Got some of the best foods I’ve tasted! Just the taste and the smell of food feels like home!Recommended dishes Jerk Chicken, Sinigang Pork, Fried Fish, Halo Halo …More

Julie Gamponia: Authentic Filipino food in the Boston area.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Pork Adobo, Pancit Bihon, Soup …More

Rebecca Chen: Filipino foods! it's actually really good, love the Jamaica mango carrot drink, fried plantain, Jerk chicken, and adobo chicken. There are 2 hrs street parking outdoor.

Florivette Rosario: Seriously the best Jamaican and Filipino in the area! Had the jerk chicken plate with rice and peas, steamed cabbage and sweet fried plantain. Bomb! Also had the Pancit Bihon stir fried rice noodles and wow! For desert i had the Halo Halo. Yummy! If you’re from the Caribbean and had shaved ice with condensed milk-this is equivalent but less sweet. The customer service is great. So friendly, patient, and personable. Great jobs guys!

Fran L: Cute little simple restaurant. I had the pork adobo with rice and veggie. Food was good, non-spicy, rice was awesome. Not a big fan of cabbage but tasted good. I will go back to explore other meals.

Joe Matarlo: We frequent Bright Light for Filipino/Jamaican food regularly. Their food never disappoints. Because of this, we asked Rose (the owner) to cater our baby shower. In summary, the food was a great hit. The bicol express, bisteak, lumpia, pansit, curry goat and many more left our guests wondering where to find such amazing food. We are so thankful to Rose and family for making our day an unforgettable one. We all LOVE your food!Joe/Carla

James Rose: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5More

Adam Gianan: Amazing food, friendly service. I'm Filipino and it tastes like home cooking, because it is home cooking. It's a shame there isn't more Filipino restaurants in MA but this one is holding it down! Got Lechon, Pork Adobo, Lumpia, Lumpia Dessert, Dinuguan, Pork Sinigang. All were on point. Will be back soon!