The Thoughtful Splurge — worth every penny
Global small plates from chef Ken Oringer. Eclectic menu drawing from cuisines worldwide. Communal seating, creative cocktails, lively atmosphere.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Little Donkey buzzes with the energy of a chef at the top of his game playing with flavors from around the world. The Central Square space is industrial-chic with warm touches, where plates of global tapas cross tables in a constant stream and the open kitchen provides theater. It's loud, it's fun, and it's exactly what modern dining should feel like.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Where a James Beard Winner Takes You Around the World in Small Plates
Ken Oringer doesn't do boring. The James Beard Award-winning chef has built a career on bold flavors and technical precision, and Little Donkey showcases both. Since 2016, this Central Square spot has been redefining what global tapas can be—Korean-Italian mashups, Turkish-Mexican fusions, and combinations that sound impossible until you taste them.
The menu changes constantly, but the philosophy remains: take the best techniques and ingredients from any cuisine, combine them thoughtfully, and create something new. One night you might find ramen cacio e pepe (it works, trust us). Another visit brings Istanbul-style meat ravioli. The raw bar anchors the menu with pristine seafood preparations that prove restraint can be as powerful as innovation.
The space matches the energy of the food. An open kitchen lets you watch the choreography of line cooks during service. The bar program takes cocktails as seriously as the food. And the noise level tells you everything—this is a restaurant where people are having fun, where conversation flows as freely as the drinks, where dinner becomes an event.
For Cambridge's food-obsessed community, Little Donkey represents the cutting edge without pretension. Yes, Chef Oringer has awards and accolades, but the restaurant feels welcoming rather than intimidating. Come hungry, order adventurously, and let the kitchen take you places you didn't expect to go.
Let the kitchen guide you. Order the chef's selection of small plates and watch as flavors from five continents arrive at your table.
Ramen Cacio e Pepe
The signature mashup—Italian technique, Japanese noodles, mind-bending result
Tuna Poke Tostada
Hawaiian meets Mexican with pristine raw tuna, crispy tortilla, perfect avocado
Bone Marrow Fried Rice
Decadent, rich, and absolutely worth the calories
Duck Fat Tortillas
Simple premise, extraordinary execution—served with house-made salsas
Why It's In Our Guide
Little Donkey showcases what happens when a world-class chef plays without boundaries. It's adventurous dining that never forgets to be delicious, making it essential for anyone who loves food.
“Little Donkey proves that global fusion can be both playful and serious at the same time.”
— Boston Globe“Ken Oringer's most personal restaurant—and his most fun.”
— Boston MagazineCentral Square foodies have adopted Little Donkey as their clubhouse. The late-night crowd includes chefs from other restaurants, always a good sign.
Insider Tips
Late dinner (9pm+) for peak energy, or early (5-6pm) for a more relaxed experience.
Reservations recommended, especially weekends. Bar seats are first-come, first-served.
The bar offers the best view of the kitchen action. Tables work better for groups.
Don't try to order safe—this menu rewards adventure. Ask what's new and trust the recommendations.
Street parking on Mass Ave is tough. The Green Street garage is nearby. Central T is a 5-minute walk.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2,283 reviews
1,245 reviews
Updated 2024-12
1,038 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Little Donkey serves global tapas—small plates inspired by cuisines from around the world, often combined in unexpected ways. You might find Korean-Italian mashups, Turkish-Mexican fusions, or pristine raw bar offerings. The menu changes frequently based on what inspires Chef Ken Oringer.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Dinner: Mon-Sat 5PM-10PM, Closed Sunday
4 min walk from Central
RedJulia Child lived on Irving Street. She would have opinions about this.
“She was my Rushmore.”
— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining