Little Donkey

4.7

2077 Reviews

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a booking

2 people

16 Dec 2024

22:00

Booked 39 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

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 16:00–23:00 Dinner Mon–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 2,077 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
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Donkey offers an "amazing experience" with "exceptional service" and "amazingly tasty" food. Guests rave about its eclectic menu, featuring standout dishes like cacio e pepe ramen and mushroom crab fried rice. The "friendly service" and inviting atmosphere make it a top choice for memorable dining in Boston.

2,077 Reviews

K
Katie
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I feel it’s been hard to find spots that live up to the “hype.” Little Donkey was such a refreshing experience in every way. The host asked us if we were celebrating a special occasion and proceeded to give us a menu with “happy anniversary” written across it. Our waitress Melissa was super pleasant, wished us a happy anniversary and brought out a complimentary toasting champagne. The menu was unique, delicious, food came out quickly, and had such great flavor. We ordered the cookie dough for dessert which they brought out with a candle to again wish us a happy anniversary. This is definitely a place you keep in mind if you have people in town and are looking for a good experience with great food. Can’t wait to try all the different menu items!
Is this helpful?
S
Sheila
Washington DC
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great interesting dishes; fun setting without too much noise. Definitely hit this spot when in Cambridge.
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G
Greg
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, great environment. Host was very friendly and accommodating. Service was good.
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L
Lauren
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Overall experience was good. All the food was a little bit too salty is my only negative.
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G
Grant
San Diego
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The “spicy af” duck wings had no spice whatsoever and were so crispy I wasn’t sure if I was biting meat or bone. They’re pretty much the reason I’m writing this review, the duck wings being advertised as so is insulting and I can’t get it off my mind. The burger tasted McDonald’s adjacent, cheese and pickles overwhelmed, buns sad. Roasted carrots, bland, manti, bland. Ode to Pablo $18 cocktail and no garnish, lazy. Host stand was so busy taking to go orders waited longer than should, then 10 minutes for server to show and he blows by to greet and take a drink order from table that sat after us. 2 stars because bussers were legit on table maintenance and shrimp bao buns were decent. $200+ tip, big time rip off. We’ll stay in JP and go to Tres Gatos for bomb tapas or Talullah in Cambridge for a nice meal. Heard this place used to be legit, I guess their good chef (James?) left and now they rely on past reputation which apparently works because they were packed and Boston loves mediocre, bland food.
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M
Morgan
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fernando was an amazing server and made perfect recommendations
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M
Meghan
Baltimore
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our bartender was amazing, he explained everything to a tee. We got oysters, crisp, cacio e Pepe bowl etc etc My favorite meal I’ve had in Boston
Is this helpful?
L
Lenore
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Favorite plate was the shrimp toast bao buns this time. I always get the Ode to Pablo.
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R
Robert C
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Incredible restaurant & food! Very lively inside—just a very very small critique—would have liked to see more of the beautiful food. The lighting a bit too dim.
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R
Rita
Columbus
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Nice tapas type restaurant… the BLT lettuce wraps were by far the best… service was good not great, food was good not great, cocktails were good not great. All in all good not great.
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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 2077 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 Dec 2024

22:00

Booked 39 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 16:00–23:00 Dinner Mon–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