Alden & Harlow Review: Bold Flavors, Fresh Fare, and Family-Style Dining

Michael Scelfo — the chef behind Cambridge institutions Alden & Harlow and Waypoint, in addition to other establishments — founded the restaurant with the concept of home in mind. Inspired by family recipes, Scelfo seeks to instill the warmth and intimacy of family-style dining into the menu and character of the restaurant.

This emphasis on hospitality and personal care is evident in the exemplary service at Alden & Harlow. The servers are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and the plates are delivered at thoughtfully spaced intervals throughout the night so each dish has time to shine. The restaurant’s ambiance also underscores this sense of familiarity, balancing warm, rustic decor with modern touches to create a contemporary and homey atmosphere.

The menu features a creative twist on classic American cuisine. Alden & Harlow boasts a particularly robust selection of vegetarian offerings, which showcase fresh, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, in addition to a handful of solid options for meat-lovers. Although the restaurant certainly caters to the more adventurous eater with its bold flavors and seasonally informed dishes, there’s something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.

Of the meat-centered dishes, the crispy pork belly and grilled NY strip stand out. The pork belly is balanced with grits and plums caramelized in rich honey, and the steak is enhanced with a decadent red wine and butter fusion. Among the restaurant’s most popular dishes are the basil pasta, uniquely accented with a carrot bolognese, and the grilled rosemary focaccia, which comes with sharp pickled rhubarb, mouth-watering honey whipped ricotta, and delicate English peas. All of Alden & Harlow’s platters are designed to be shareable, reiterating the restaurant’s mission of promoting connection through communal dining.

The dessert menu, although limited, is equally delicious. The smoked chocolate bread pudding is a highlight, in addition to the seasonal special: spiced pumpkin cake. The pumpkin cake, like so many of Alden & Harlow’s dishes, enhances a traditional recipe with surprising flavors. The cake comes accompanied with cranberries and cajeta, making for a unique twist on a beloved autumnal treat.

This tendency to combine the familiar with the unexpected is both Alden & Harlow’s greatest strength, and perhaps its singular limitation. To picky eaters, the restaurant’s bold reimaginings may at times be too much. For those looking to push their culinary boundaries and enjoy fresh, local fare, there is no better place. But for diners who prefer more conventional dishes, Alden & Harlow’s daring combinations may not be worth the pricetag.

Since its founding 10 years ago, Alden & Harlow has established itself as a Cambridge staple. Overall, this reputation is well-earned. Just a several-minute walk from Harvard Yard, the restaurant’s focus on bringing people together makes it the perfect place to turn strangers into friends, and friends into family.

—Staff writer Makenna J. Walko can be reached at makenna.walko@thecrimson.com.