Little Donkey

4.7

2117 Reviews

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 17 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Lively

We’ve only got one rule: there are no rules. Our menu is an eclectic mix of global flavors, inspired by our chefs’ travels around the world. From Istanbul meat ravioli to ramen cacio e pepe, our menu is always unique and forever evolving. With a full raw bar, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, we’ve truly got something for everyone. Owned and operated by James Beard Award Winning Chef Ken Oringer, Little Donkey has been serving global tapas in Central Square since 2016

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, International, Dessert
Hours of Operation
Bar Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Phone number
(617) 945-1008
Website
http://www.littledonkeybos.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Ken Oringer
Private party facilities
Little Donkey offers family-style options as well as a la cart, specially selected to accommodate any occasion. Our culinary and beverage teams will work with you to come up with the perfect wine, beer and artfully crafted seasonal cocktail selections to suit your needs. Please visit our website or email jai@littledonkeybos.com for more information

Location
505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Area
Cambridge
Cross Street
Norfolk Street
Parking details
Currently street/meter parking. There are also parking lots on our block that are incredibly convenient such as Green Street Parking Garage, Franklin Street Garage, Metered lots on Bishop Allen Ave in between Essex St and Norfolk St and Norfolk St and Douglass St.
Public transit
Easily accessible by the RED LINE at CENTRAL SQUARE or the Number 1 BUS.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

sturgeon caviar*US$6.00
add caviar to any oyster
clearbrook*US$4.00
plump, seaweed, touch of sweet (Wellfleet, MA)
pleasant cove*US$4.00
salty and kelp, mushroom and chicken bouillon (Damariscotta, ME)
jolly select*US$4.00
of savory sweet with a bright sweetness of grass and root veggies (Dennis, MA)
cold bottom*US$4.00
a kiss of sea salt with a touch of chicken bouillon on the finish (Plymouth, MA)
pink moon*US$4.00
perfect balance of salt, creaminess, and a pleasant mineral finish (New London, PEI(CAN))
countneck clams*US$3.00
plump, meaty, buttery
oyster shooter*US$9.00
chef selection with a shot of bloody mary
donkey platter*US$95.00
assorted shellfish + crudos with traditional & non traditional accompaniments

crudo

tuna & salmon belly tartare*US$19.00
crispy sushi rice, tobiko (add caviar +15)
salmon crudo*US$19.00
salsa macha, carrot, chilies, lemon
scallop crudo*US$19.00
coconut dashi, hakurei turnips, annatto, sesame, finger lime
tuna tostada*US$19.00
charred tortilla salsa, avocado, radish, hatch chili crema
whitefish ceviche*US$17.00
leche de tigre, aji panca, cilantro, sweet potato, crispy choclo
hamachi sashimi*US$17.00
white soy, ginger, grapefruit, cucumber, trout roe
snow crab*US$17.00
lemongrass, thai chili, sesame leaf

snacks

caviar sandwichUS$25.00
grilled martin’s potato roll, whipped butter, sturgeon caviar
blt lettuce wraps*US$15.00
lamb bacon, pimento cheese, tomato jam, pickled red onion cheese
wagyu steak tartare*US$22.00
brazilian steakhouse style, brown bread
parker house rolls*US$8.00
sesame seeds, smoked cultured butter (add pimento cheese +5)
venison heart satay*US$18.00
peanut sauce, ginger tare
shrimp toast bao bunsUS$16.00
scallion, sesame, spicy mayo
spicy duck wings*US$19.00
crispy smoked duck wings, thai chili jam, black garlic ranch
yum cha US$15.00
spicy chinese braised tripe, ginger, scallion
empanada*US$12.00
jamaican beef, peas, mango and pepper jam mayo
crispy pork belly*US$18.00
thai flavors

veggies

kowloon fried cauliflowerUS$16.00
chili garlic, sesame
brussels sprouts*US$17.00
red curry, sultanas, ginger lime
roasted beets*US$19.00
burrata, kale wakame salad, gochugaru honey
roasted carrots*US$16.00
pepita mole, apple cider honey, herbs, avocado crema
honeynut squash*US$15.00
vadouvan spice, zhug, crispy kataifi
grilled eggplant*US$16.00
miso glaze, tzatziki, almond dukkah

grains

bangkok street noodles*US$18.00
roasted pork, rice noodles, fried peanuts, herbs (add egg +4)
mushroom fried rice*US$19.00
gv shiitake, maitake, king trumpet, egg, szechuan (add crab +8)
crab* mac n cheese*US$26.00
gf blue crab, cheddar & parmesan fondue, green tabasco, korean rice cakes
manti meat ravioliUS$21.00
garlic sour cream, red pepper butter
pupusa*US$16.00
squash, heirloom masa, curtido, chihuahua cheese
cacio e pepe misoUS$22.00
ramen noodles, parmesan, black pepper

meat & fish

fried chicken sandwich*US$15.00
pickled jalapeños, papaya slaw, avocado ranch
burger*US$17.00
dry aged beef, buffalo pickles, onion soup mayo, foie gras, jalapeño chips, cheese
hanger steak*US$26.00
mushroom escabeche, crispy shallots
branzino*US$25.00
grilled mediterranean sea bass, puttanesca, shallot, lemon
grilled octopus*US$22.00
peruvian purple potato, aji amarillo, quicos

Cocktails and Mocktails

PSLDUS$18.00
pumpkin spice espresso martini
Fall SangriaUS$13.00
kleos mastiha, brandy, citrus, clove
White Lotus GinUS$17.00
vermouth, bitter bianco, grapefruit, bitters
Pink Donkey ClubUS$18.00
gin, aloe, raspberry, lemon, thai basil
Mangos After DarkUS$17.00
vodka, rum, mango, lime, greek yogurt
Papayas on the DancefloorUS$18.00
tequila, apricot, papaya, grapefruit, lime, topo chico
Ode to PabloUS$18.00
mezcal, aperol, spicy ginger shrub, lime
Quincey Girl BourbonUS$18.00
angostura amaro, quince, orange, lemon
Primer CorteUS$17.00
rye whiskey, maple, lemon, ginger beer, laphroaig rinse
Alaska GinUS$17.00
yellow chartreuse, bitters
High Tide RumUS$18.00
blend, coconut milk, lime, pineapple (dairy free milk punch)
Blu Wu VodkaUS$9.00
triple sec, lime, pandan
Nat So Scary AperitifUS$12.00
lemon, agave
Stair Car GrapefruitUS$11.00
lemon, cinnamon, hoppy refresher
I Carried a MelonUS$11.00
honeydew, lime, tonic
Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral WaterUS$3.50
Athletic Brewing Co. 'Run Wild' 0% IPAUS$8.00
CT

Wine by the Glass

Azimut Cava Brut NatureUS$14.00
Penedès, Spain
Gaspard 'Bulles' Brut RoséUS$16.00
Pineau d’Aunis, Touraine, Loire, France
Quinta de Raza ArintoUS$13.00
+Vinho Verde, Basto, Portugal
Domaine Daniel Seguinot 'Chablis'US$18.00
Chardonnay, Burgundy, France
Christina Gruner VeltlinerUS$21.00
Burgendland, Austria
Vincent Caille 'Le Fay d'homme' Melon de BourgogneUS$16.00
Muscadet, Loire, France
Garalis 'Terra Ambera' MuscatUS$17.00
Limnos, Greece
Judith Beck 'Pink'US$15.00
Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria
Forlorn Hope 'Queen of Sierra' Co-FermentUS$16.00
Sierra Foothills, California
Folk Machine Pinot NoirUS$18.00
Central Coast, California
Corazon e Paterno 'Il Corzanello'US$15.00
Sangiovese +, Tuscany, Italy
Kate Arnold Cabernet SauvignonUS$16.00
Columbia Valley, Washington
Gut Oggau 'Cecilia' Field Blend RoseUS$20.00
Burgenland, Austria

Beer+

Bunker Brewing 'Machine'US$12.00
Czech Style Pilsner, ME
Finback 'Rolling in Clouds'US$12.00
IPA, 7.1%, NY
Oxbow 'Farmhouse Pale Ale'US$13.00
PA, 6%, ME
Winter Hill Brewing 'Dr. Leo Marzen'US$11.00
Marzen, 5.2%, MA
Tecate Mexican LagerUS$6.00
4.5%, MEX
Miller High LifeUS$6.00
American Lager, 4.6%, WI
Allagash White Wheat BeerUS$9.00
5.2%, ME
Jacks Abby 'Smoke & Dagger'US$8.00
Black Lager, 5.6.6%, MA
Oeronaut 'Hop Hop and Away'US$10.00
IPA, 4.6%, MA
Athletic Brewing Co. 'Run Wild' 0% IPAUS$8.00
CT
Shacksbury 'Arlo' CiderUS$9.00
6.0%, VT
Ambuki Himawari Junmai GingoUS$14.00
150ml
Yuki No Tenshi 'Snow Angel' SakeUS$12.00
Nigori, 180ml

What 2,117 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Donkey in Central Square is a vibrant dining spot known for its "excellent service and food." The atmosphere is lively, with "great music" enhancing the experience. The menu offers "delicious and interesting small plates," with standout dishes like the "BLT lettuce wraps" and "cacio e pepe ramen." Despite occasional noise levels, the "friendly and attentive staff" and creative cocktails contribute to a memorable dining experience.

2,117 Reviews

O
Olivia
Greater Boston
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Quality and presentation of the food were disappointing - certainly relative to sister restaurants. Particularly disappointing was the wagyu beef cheek, which was dry and served on a bed of cold rice, as well as the scallops, which were overly briny and overwhelmed by what appeared to be mayonnaise. Cocktails were good, as was the salmon crudo. Generally, however, this was unfortunately disappointing— I haven’t been in quite some time but had fond memories of Little Donkey from several years prior.
Is this helpful?
J
Jenny
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The service was good and quick, but the food was disappointed! Most of dishes were salty.
Is this helpful?
T
Tara
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved being here for Valentine’s Day! Service was impeccable, and the food was an interesting take on classics! Korean rice cakes in Mac and cheese— not expected, but they definitely pulled it off!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always - little Donkey delivered on a fantastic Valentine’s Day dinner. The food is amazing and the selection is excellent!
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A
Andrea
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is some of the best I’ve ever had. The BLT— you wouldn’t expect that mix of flavors— is unbelievable, 100/10. The tuna tostada is so delicious that we had to order more because we couldn’t get enough. The shrimp baos are amazing, and the drinks are great. Super fun vibe! Prices are excellent. Now I know why everybody is talking about Little Donkey.
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RH
RachaelH
Atlanta
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Loved the food. Server was very nice but took a long time to order and get the check.
Is this helpful?
C
Craig
New Hampshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, fun menu, lots of variety, and everything was delicious. Staff and service were great.
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T
Thomas
San Antonio
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Fun atmosphere. Excellent food. Attentive service.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zach
Greater Boston
255 reviews
5.0
255 reviews
Dined on 4 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The BEST experience yet at our favorite go to in Central Square. We brought friends who had never been but who have lived in Cambridge for decades. They were blown away. The food, service, and atmosphere was amazing as usual. Thanks once again. ❤️
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M
Mackenzie
Greater Boston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff was all super friendly. Our food was really good. Always a good experience here.
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FAQs

Little Donkey offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Little Donkey also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 945-1008.

Little Donkey is rated 4.7 stars by 2117 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Norfolk Street
Area
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Bar Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, International, Dessert
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Currently street/meter parking. There are also parking lots on our block that are incredibly convenient such as Green Street Parking Garage, Franklin Street Garage, Metered lots on Bishop Allen Ave in between Essex St and Norfolk St and Norfolk St and Douglass St.
Public transit
Easily accessible by the RED LINE at CENTRAL SQUARE or the Number 1 BUS.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ken Oringer
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.littledonkeybos.com/
Phone number
(617) 945-1008
Private party facilities
Little Donkey offers family-style options as well as a la cart, specially selected to accommodate any occasion. Our culinary and beverage teams will work with you to come up with the perfect wine, beer and artfully crafted seasonal cocktail selections to suit your needs. Please visit our website or email jai@littledonkeybos.com for more information

Little Donkey

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

raw bar

sturgeon caviar*US$6.00

clearbrook*US$4.00

pleasant cove*US$4.00

jolly select*US$4.00

cold bottom*US$4.00

pink moon*US$4.00

countneck clams*US$3.00

oyster shooter*US$9.00

donkey platter*US$95.00

crudo

tuna & salmon belly tartare*US$19.00

salmon crudo*US$19.00

scallop crudo*US$19.00

tuna tostada*US$19.00

whitefish ceviche*US$17.00

hamachi sashimi*US$17.00

snow crab*US$17.00

snacks

caviar sandwichUS$25.00

blt lettuce wraps*US$15.00

wagyu steak tartare*US$22.00

parker house rolls*US$8.00

venison heart satay*US$18.00

shrimp toast bao bunsUS$16.00

spicy duck wings*US$19.00

yum cha US$15.00

empanada*US$12.00

crispy pork belly*US$18.00

veggies

kowloon fried cauliflowerUS$16.00

brussels sprouts*US$17.00

roasted beets*US$19.00

roasted carrots*US$16.00

honeynut squash*US$15.00

grilled eggplant*US$16.00

grains

bangkok street noodles*US$18.00

mushroom fried rice*US$19.00

crab* mac n cheese*US$26.00

manti meat ravioliUS$21.00

pupusa*US$16.00

cacio e pepe misoUS$22.00

meat & fish

fried chicken sandwich*US$15.00

burger*US$17.00

hanger steak*US$26.00

branzino*US$25.00

grilled octopus*US$22.00

Cocktails and Mocktails

PSLDUS$18.00

Fall SangriaUS$13.00

White Lotus GinUS$17.00

Pink Donkey ClubUS$18.00

Mangos After DarkUS$17.00

Papayas on the DancefloorUS$18.00

Ode to PabloUS$18.00

Quincey Girl BourbonUS$18.00

Primer CorteUS$17.00

Alaska GinUS$17.00

High Tide RumUS$18.00

Blu Wu VodkaUS$9.00

Nat So Scary AperitifUS$12.00

Stair Car GrapefruitUS$11.00

I Carried a MelonUS$11.00

Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral WaterUS$3.50

Athletic Brewing Co. 'Run Wild' 0% IPAUS$8.00

Wine by the Glass

Azimut Cava Brut NatureUS$14.00

Gaspard 'Bulles' Brut RoséUS$16.00

Quinta de Raza ArintoUS$13.00

Domaine Daniel Seguinot 'Chablis'US$18.00

Christina Gruner VeltlinerUS$21.00

Vincent Caille 'Le Fay d'homme' Melon de BourgogneUS$16.00

Garalis 'Terra Ambera' MuscatUS$17.00