Somerville's hottest reservation is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Ana Sortun, who previously wowed the local and national culinary scene with Oleana in Inman Square. Today, under the guiding hand of eight-time James Beard nominee Chef Cassie Piuma, Sarma has carved out its own identity, arguably becoming even more popular than its predecessor. Each meal feels like an international experience; waiters zip around the lively, fast-paced dining room as you work your way through your custom meze platter.
What will you choose? The warm gyro bread is a no-brainer. Start with that, and then a server will happily walk you through Piuma's menu of nearly 40 small plates that celebrate Mediterranean flavors from Turkey to Tunisia. The menu changes regularly, but diners can always expect a hearty selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, such as salmon ceviche, baked feta, cauliflower fatteh, and harissa barbecue duck shish kebabs. These hints of the Mediterranean also appear in specialty cocktails mixed with ingredients like ras el hanout, feta, and baharat.
Bring friends, order boldly, and enjoy a blast of a night out in one of Boston's most lively and experiential restaurants.
The vibe: Boisterous and fast-paced; the colorful dining room can feel tight during busier times. A patio seat on warmer nights gives you all the same deliciousness under a starry sky.
The food: A bold and exciting exploration of Mediterranean flavors on a menu of nearly 40 small plates, or mezzes.
The drink: Don't confine the Mediterranean flavors to your plate. A menu of specialty cocktails features boozy concoctions infused with ingredients like ras el hanout, Greek-style brine, feta, and baharat.
Time Out tip: If fried chicken is on the menu, get it—no questions asked.