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The Center Cafe Reviews List
The Center Cafe
Great food. American Cuisine. Outstanding chefs, Attentive service. Local farms, fresh produce and poultry. Varied Wine List. Creative specialty drinks. Come Discover Needham Dining. A neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the center of Needham. In Home Cooking Coach is a personalized coaching and training service provided to you by our chefs. Visit www.inhomecookingcoach.com for details.
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47 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 47 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(34)
- fit for foodies(13)
- good for groups(7)
- kid-friendly(5)
- special occasion(4)
- hot spot(3)
The Center Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sad experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Owner was very nice and friendly however the food just didn't match up."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 2 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly, gluten free menu avail.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Third visit. I need GF food and they master it- including GF rolls so you don"t feel left out when everyone else is enjoying their bread. The ribs are great- tasty,large portion, not too messy . My gluten eating friends loved the pasta with salmon dish- light cream sauce. Also the chicken cutlet was yummy. A number of the items are offered in petite portions.
This is a family run place, very friendly The owner is attentive to guests, filling in where needed. The small dining area can accomodate larger groups although that can potentially tax the kitchen as everything is made to order. There is a 5-6 seat bar as you enter the building which was formally a small train station right at the commuter rail in Needham."
This is a family run place, very friendly The owner is attentive to guests, filling in where needed. The small dining area can accomodate larger groups although that can potentially tax the kitchen as everything is made to order. There is a 5-6 seat bar as you enter the building which was formally a small train station right at the commuter rail in Needham."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just lovely!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought 2 friends, one of them a lady of 92. We had very nice drinks, and the food was superb. I particularly like that the menu has a number of items with a 'petite' option: smaller portions. My friends had burgers with various toppings, which they said were excellent. I had lamb chops with layered potatoes and broccoli (petite portion). Very very good. The waitress was very attentive and helpful. The owner Steve welcomed us and came by several times to check on us. All in all, a great evening."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Casual gem in Needham! Very good food! The owners are very attentive with great humor!"
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are from Western MA and found this restaurant with the highest level of ratings on both Open Table and Yelp. Another out of town guest was staying at the Sheraton and this was the closest place with the best ratings. We were greeted by the owner who was friendly and attentive. It felt as if we were visiting his home. The food was outstanding. Every one at our table raved about the food. The service exceeded expectations - even the kitchen staff stuck their heads out to thank us for our business. I would recommend this to locals as well as visitors from wherever.
Great find!!!"
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food at the Center Cafe
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at the Center Cafe is out this world. The service is swift and not intrusive. The atmosphere is low key and very friendly. It is like visiting a friend for dinner. We love this place and visit as often as we can."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was a good experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a good experience. The food was good, the atmosphere was alright, but the service was outstanding!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
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Review 8 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time diner. Enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First time diner. Enjoyed very much. Table ready when arrived. Service was excellent and owners were very attentive!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Center Cafe is our go to spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Center Cafe is our go to spot when we aren't sure where to go. The food is always good and the hospitality is unlike any place else. So glad to have them here in Needham!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tucked away in an old train
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tucked away in an old train depot, The Center Cafe is a hustling and bustling spot. Dining here is like going to a friend's house for dinner, with the staff greeting you as you enter and depart by an open kitchen. The starters, a spinach and arugula salad and a plate of prociutto and mozzarella, were delightful. The lamb was delicious and perfectly cooked, and the salmon pasta was so delicious, we wanted to lick the bowl. The wine list is impressive, with many good wines at affordable prices. We'll definitely return."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 11 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
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Review 12 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food and great service-Very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great food and great service-Very involved management-and eager to please!!"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Center Cafe is a fine addition
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Center Cafe is a fine addition to Needham's restaurants. The food was very good, and we felt comfortable in the room, except that at times it was loud enough so that conversation was difficult."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2011
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Review 14 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Center Cafe is a great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Center Cafe is a great place for "comfort food" made to great standards. The seafood is always cooked just done, nice and moist and the duck and other meat dishes are simply but finely crafted. On this night I tried the new Regular Wednesday Night Special, Pan Fried Crispy Pork Chop and found its light coating kept the chop moist and tasty, as good as any I can remember. My wife had the Grilled Salmon filet and both pork and salmon were delightfully accompanied by the Dom Brunet Pinot Noir."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our second visit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second visit to the Center Cafe, the first being shortly after it first opened. If anything, it has improved with age. We had a very enjoyable evening. The food was very good, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The wait for our food was a bit on the long side,but we did not find it objectionable. It was a Friday night, the restaurant was filled, and they do have a small kitchen."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Centre Cafe - good comfortable food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice "comfort food" restaurant by the Needham commuter rail station (which doesn't run on weekends, BTW). Both of us had very good meals, and attentive service, when asked to reheat one of the dishes, it was done quickly and efficently and tasted great. Would definitely go back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very pleasant and good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We go here frequently not only because of the freat food, but because of the staff..very friendly. always remember you and a great selection..they will always make room for you even if crowded and they vary the menu so it is always fresh..they also have a great cocktail menu..try this place..you will like it"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 18 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great little restaurant in Needham
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a wonderful experience at the Center Cafe. I love that the owners are walking around and talking to the tables. Our waiter was fabulous! The food was even better than I remembered and we had a really great dining experience. My husband and I loved the potatoes au gratin very much - and the owners sent us the recipe via e-mail the next day. I will definitely be going back to the Center Cafe."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I went to The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I went to The Center Cafe for the first time to celebrate a birthday. We were very pleased with the courteous service and attentiveness of the staff who were neither overbearing or inattentive. I had the pork loin from the menu while my wife tried a special with was veal parm with pasta. Both were done as ordered having portions that were not huge as some folks have commented but just right. The spinach salad was fresh and the bread hot from the oven. The ambiance was fine. Lots of mirrors to make the place appear larger and the wall deco was very average. We went on a Thursday evening and the place did fill up very quickly after 7pm. All in all a very enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for The Center Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nothing like going to a restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nothing like going to a restaurant where the owner greets and treats you as an old friend. Great food and service. Small menu with very nice alternatives to consider and all the items are very good. The bar makes really good classic drinks. The wines are reasonably priced and go nicely with the items on the menu. This is what you want neighborhood dining out to be."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Center Cafe
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
8 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic