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Establishment Profile

Waypoint

From ocean to table, the freshest catch prepared with respect

Seafood$$$
4.4
518 reviews

The Special Occasion — dress accordingly

Chef Michael Scelfo's coastally-inspired restaurant at the gateway to Harvard Square. Sister to Alden & Harlow, Waypoint serves creative seafood with unexpected twists. The raw bar and crudo are standouts.

Chef's Table Selection
Harvard Square

The Maitre d' Recommends

Raw Bar
Crudo
Seafood
Craft Cocktails

The Vibe

Waypoint feels like a harbor town restaurant transported to Mass Ave. Maritime touches—rope details, nautical lighting, a raw bar as the centerpiece—create an atmosphere that's simultaneously upscale and welcoming. From the same team behind Alden & Harlow, it brings that same balance of creativity and accessibility to seafood.

Atmosphere
🔥trendy
Noise Level

Comfortable conversation level

Dress Code
smart casual
Perfect For
seafood loversdate nightoyster enthusiasts

Why It's Great

Michael Scelfo's Love Letter to New England Seafood

When Michael Scelfo opened Alden & Harlow, he proved he could make Harvard Square buzz with creative American fare. With Waypoint, he turned his attention to the sea, creating a restaurant that honors New England's seafood traditions while adding his signature creative touches.

The raw bar anchors the operation. East Coast oysters arrive daily, shucked to order with the kind of care that reveals their individual terroirs. Crudo preparations showcase pristine fish with minimal intervention. The clam chowder—creamy, chunky, deeply flavored—stands as possibly the best in Cambridge.

Beyond the raw bar, the kitchen delivers coastal-inspired dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Whole roasted fish, prepared simply, lets quality speak. Seafood pastas balance richness with restraint. The cocktail program complements with drinks that riff on maritime themes without becoming gimmicky.

The space itself tells the story. Sitting between Harvard and Central Squares, Waypoint occupies that same sweet spot as its sister restaurant—neighborhood enough to be comfortable, ambitious enough to be exciting. The same attention to hospitality that makes Alden & Harlow special carries over here.

The Signature Experience

Start with a dozen oysters and champagne at the raw bar. Move to a table for chowder and a main. End with their seasonal dessert.

Standout Dishes

Oyster Selection

Daily rotation of East Coast varieties, shucked with care

$3-4 each

Clam Chowder

Possibly the best in Cambridge—creamy, chunky, deeply satisfying

$14

Whole Roasted Fish

Market selection, simply prepared, perfectly executed

Market

Lobster Bucatini

Rich, elegant pasta showcasing New England's favorite crustacean

$32

Why It's In Our Guide

Waypoint fills a crucial niche—elevated seafood dining that respects New England traditions while adding contemporary creativity. From the same team behind Alden & Harlow, the hospitality is impeccable.

Awards & Recognition
Eater Boston Essential
Boston Magazine Best Seafood
What Critics Say

Waypoint proves that New England seafood can be both traditional and exciting.

Boston Globe

The raw bar alone justifies the visit.

Eater Boston
Local Love

The post-theater crowd from nearby venues has adopted Waypoint for late dinners. Oyster happy hour draws regulars who know their shuckers by name.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Happy hour for oyster deals. Weeknight dinners are more relaxed than weekends.

Reservation Tips

Reservations recommended for dinner. Bar seating is first-come, first-served.

Where to Sit

The raw bar offers the best view of the shucking action. Tables work better for full dinners.

Ordering Advice

Trust the raw bar—ask what's best today. The chowder is mandatory. Save room for whatever whole fish is available.

Getting There

Between Harvard and Central T stops. Street parking on Mass Ave is challenging; consider the T.

Ratings & Reviews

4.3/ 5.0

Based on 1,599 reviews

Google
4.4

876 reviews

Updated 2024-12

Yelp
4.0

723 reviews

Updated 2024-12

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Waypoint is from chef Michael Scelfo, who also owns Alden & Harlow. Both restaurants share a commitment to creative American cooking with excellent hospitality, though Waypoint focuses specifically on seafood and coastal New England cuisine.

Reddit Mentions

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Contact Details

Address

1030 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

WebsiteVisit Site
Hours

Tue-Thu: 5PM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 5PM-11PM, Closed Sun-Mon

Transit

3 min walk from Harvard

Red

The academic palate demands both substance and style.

Cambridge Culinary Wisdom

“She was my Rushmore.”

— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining