"Two James Beard chefs running a global small-plates room since 2016 — book Little Donkey's ramen cacio e pepe for a team dinner."
About Little Donkey
Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette already had Toro and Coppa when they opened Little Donkey in Central Square in 2016. Both are James Beard Award winners, and this is the room where they cook without a rulebook: a global small-plates menu that runs from Istanbul manti to ramen cacio e pepe and a serious raw bar, all in one sitting. It is at 505 Massachusetts Avenue, in the middle of Cambridge's most democratic neighbourhood. The premise sounds like chaos. It works because the technique underneath it is real.
The Kitchen
The menu is built on the chefs' travels and changes constantly, which is the right way to run a place like this — nothing sits long enough to coast. The dish that defines it is the ramen cacio e pepe, $23: fresh ramen noodles, parmesan, black pepper and miso, a Roman pasta rebuilt as a Japanese noodle bowl that has no business working and does. The manti — Istanbul-style meat ravioli — and the burger are the other plates to order, and the raw bar earns a round. Bissonnette cooks meat and offal as well as anyone in Boston; Oringer's eye for acidity and seasoning keeps the eclecticism honest.
Pricing is the other argument in its favour. Plates run roughly $16 to $26 — the octopus $25, the burger $18 — so three or four a head with a drink lands a real dinner around $50 to $70 before tip. That is fair money for cooking from two chefs who could charge far more, and do, two streets over. The risk of a menu this wide is unevenness, and not every plate is a knockout; order widely and you will still leave having eaten two or three things you could not get anywhere else in the city.
The Room
A loud, high-energy room in Central Square — open kitchen, communal feel, music up. This is not a quiet date spot; it is a place to share plates and talk over the noise. Lighting is warm and low, the seating runs to counters and close tables, and there is a real bar worth sitting at solo. Dress is casual — Cambridge does not stand on ceremony. Weekend evenings get busy, so reserve, and expect the energy of a full room rather than a hush.
Best for a Team Dinner
Book Little Donkey for a team dinner for three concrete reasons: the share-plate format puts everyone in the same meal rather than ordering in silos; the global menu covers every taste and dietary need at the table, vegan and gluten-free included; and the lively Central Square room keeps the energy up without anyone having to perform. Order family-style and let it run. Pair it with our Boston dining guide, the global team dinner guide, and tables for a first date in Boston.
Not for
Not for a quiet, romantic dinner or anyone who wants one plate to themselves — the room is loud and the whole point is sharing a sprawl of small plates, not a private two-course meal.
Frequently Asked
Is Little Donkey worth it?
Yes, for inventive global small plates from two of Boston's best chefs. Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette — both James Beard Award winners — have run Little Donkey in Central Square since 2016, and the menu jumps from Istanbul manti to ramen cacio e pepe without losing the plot. It is fun, fairly priced food, not fine dining. Go hungry, order widely, and share everything.
What should I order at Little Donkey?
Order the ramen cacio e pepe — fresh ramen noodles, parmesan, black pepper and miso, and the dish that defines the kitchen — then build out from there. The burger and the manti (Istanbul-style meat ravioli) are the other plates to get, and the raw bar is worth a round. The menu is global and ever-changing, so ask what is new and order one more than you think you need.
How much does Little Donkey cost?
It is a small-plates room, so the bill depends on how many you order. Most plates run roughly $16–$26 — the ramen cacio e pepe is $23, the burger $18, the grilled octopus $25 — and three to four plates a head plus a drink lands a relaxed dinner around $50–$70 before tip. It is fair value for cooking at this level. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings.
Is Little Donkey good for a team dinner?
Yes — the share-plate format is built for a group. Everyone grazes across the table, the global menu suits mixed tastes and dietary needs, and the lively Central Square room keeps the energy up. It is relaxed rather than formal, which suits a team better than a hushed tasting menu. Book ahead and order family-style. See our team dinner guide for more.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Little Donkey
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Practical Information
Address505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
NeighbourhoodCentral Square, Cambridge
CuisineGlobal small plates
ChefsKen Oringer & Jamie Bissonnette
SignatureRamen cacio e pepe ($23)
Plates$16–26
Dress codeCasual
Open since2016
