Tory Row in Harvard Square has been on our “must try” list ever since it opened. I’ve heard great things about it and it’s owned by the same restaurant group as Cambridge 1, Miracle of Science, Middlesex, and Audubon Circle, which happens to be one of my favorite “hidden” local spots. When Jayne, their Events and Communications Manager, reached out and invited us to dinner at Tory Row we, of course, agreed to it! Plus, the people watching in Harvard Square is phenomenal and I guess we’re just nosy like that 
Upon walking in, I immediately loved the space. It reminded me of a restaurant you’d find in San Francisco. Very current, beautifully but simplistically designed, with lots of attention to detail. I’d like to call it “Geek Chic”. It’s obvious to see that every aspect of the space was carefully thought out. As it should be.
Tory Row has a great selection of beers and wines to chose from and the menu was filled with very delicious sounding options. Thankfully there were 4 of us (Ms. Tina was there, too!) so we were able to order a bunch of food and split the dishes. One of my favorite ways to dissect a restaurant!
Sues and I both had a glass of the riondo prosecco… and lots of water. The heat in Boston doesn’t seem to want to leave us!
Since Jayne was the expert with the menu (she had breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Tory Row today! I’m jealous and impressed!), we let her decide what to order. We started with the Spanish cheese plate. I decided I need to own one of these cheese boards they use… so rustic! The plate included manchego, serrano ham, fig jam, and marcona almonds. I’d make a trip back to Tory Row just for the cheese plate. Yum yum! We also ordered the roasted red pepper hummus which was served with a Nashoba Brook Bakery baguette. I easily could have eaten the entire loaf myself… not to brag I’m a big Nashoba Brook Bakery fan!
The menu is broken down into Flatbreads, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, and Plates. We figured we’d order at least one of each, except the soup because it was way too hot for soup today! We went with the chopped salad with smoked bacon, great hill blue cheese, and green goddess dressing. We also enjoyed the local burrata with heirloom tomatoes, microgreens, and a honey sherry vinaigrette. The burrata cheese and the tomatoes were undeniably fresh.
Under sandwiches, we ordered the croque monsieur with black forest ham, gruyere, whole grain mustard, and mixed greens.
And under plates we all decided the grilled tuna with haricots vert, and whole grain mustard-ginger vinaigrette would be the best bet.
For our flatbread we did the smoked bacon, vermont white cheddar, baby spinach, and Bermuda onion. By the time this came around the table I was stuffed but I “forced” myself to eat it. Because as you already know, I’ll always make room for bacon and cheese
After some discussion about how we were completely satisfied from dinner we somehow managed to order dessert and split the Nashoba Brook Bakery brownie. Nashoba Brook makes some exceptional desserts like their lemon shortbread cookies, which happens to be one of my all time favorites. They’ll knock your socks off. Anywho, this brownie did not disappoint, either. Just needed a few spoonfuls and we were good to go
A big thank you to Jayne and the staff of Tory Row, including their manager Rachel, for providing us with a wonderfully satisfying dinner and a new favorite hang out!
Also, completely off topic, but not really I guess? There’s a new 5-story Anthropologie that just opened in Harvard Square. It is massive, glorious, and everything else. I didn’t even go in, but I can just tell, ya know? So give yourself an excuse to venture out to Harvard Square, eat at Tory Row, and shop your face off at the new Anthro. There’s a chance you will weep with joy!
[Chels]
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Thanks for the review. I work in Harvard Square (and am VERY excited about the new Anthro!!)… I always pass Tory Row and decide not to try it – but now I am thinking that it deserves a chance. The Spanish cheese plate alone is probably a good enough reason to head over. yum!
Looks like a terrific meal here!
sounds like a great place to eat and good company!
oh, that huuge anthro would be very hard to pass by. very!
Looks like a delicious meal- especially the flatbread. Looks like fun!
I wish I lived near there, Tory Row sounds like wonderful place to eat. The Spanish cheese plate looks fantastic!
you ladies are drop-dead GORGEOUS!!<3
wow im amazed at the serving sizes! they give u huge decent portions there! i feel like its almost a thing of the past nowadays. not complaining thats for sure
xoxo
Mmm, I went to Tory Row during its soft opening and have returned a couple of times since. I dont often get across the river, but LOVE stopping in there for a flatbread and Long Trail Blackberry Wheat. Mmm. Excellent combo.
Wait! Did Anthro open where Crate & Barrel used to be? While I do like Anthro, I seriously miss C&B. The one down the street doesn’t cut it. Glad you enjoyed dinner at Tory Row – Geek Chic is the perfect way to describe it.
i know you didn’t make it to anthro because i wasn’t with you and i love you for that, haha. i’ve had that flatbread and it is AMAZING.
I’ve only been to Tory Row once, but I remember that I loved the food! One thing that bugged me though – they don’t have french fries! I thought that was so weird. But they do have some yummy roasted potatoes that I remember having instead. Oh and the new Anthro is AMAZING! I was there last Sunday and got some stuff on sale. Tip – the sale closet is one the top floor hidden in a back corner! Not easy to find!
Not gonna lie I got way more excited about the 5-story anthro than the restaurant
but now I have 2 perfect reasons to go to Harvard sq…and to think I used to live 2 miles away, probably best I’m not that close to that anthro now haha
Ahh dinner looked so delicious! I love going out to eat with friends. Sharing is caring, after all, and I definitely care about my friends (and food)! 5-story Anthropologie doesn’t hurt either
Oh man, you just totally changed my life with this post. I’ve been DYING to try Tory Row but I never seem to make it there whenever I come home. But now, with this new Anthropologie you speak of, I imagine it’ll be super easy to drag someone to Harvard Square with me next time I’m home. Amaze
Looks like a lot of fun! I’m going to have to check this place out.
either you know me too well or i’m extremely obvious. didn’t go into anthro b/c i was waiting for you, tee hee
YES! It’s in the old crate and barrel!!