Helmand, Cambridge

Myself and 2 friends had dinner here while in Boston visiting a friend. It was the most enjoyable restuarant experience I've had to date. The food was delicious, the ambiance and noise level were great. The house wine was good, and the service was good too. I had such a nice meal that I quickly snatched up the bill and treated my friends. Thats how good a mood it put me in! Definately give this place a try!!!

The food was exceptional. Perfect portions and combinations of food. They also have a vegetarian selection, which impressed me. I can't wait to go back.

The quality of the food at Helmand is unparalleled. It's that special kind of place that prepares fantastic food that you could never make properly on your own. A great night out with friends or with a date (the ambience and lighting really suits this). My favorite was the pumpkin and eggplant with challow rice entree special - a tremendous value at just over $10. Appetizers are in good portions and are cheap (4-5 bucks max). I can't wait to go back!

I have traveled much in the Middle East and have high standards for Middle Eastern food. In spite of this, I was delighted by Helmand. We walked up early on a Saturday night without reservations. The hostess wasn't exactly friendly, but she was professional enough. The waiter, though, was friendly and efficient. The ambience was fine. The tables had a small vase of fresh flowers, but the candlelight was from little battery-powered faux candles. On the whole, though, the scene was homey and pleasing. There is a wood-burning oven on one side of the dining area. Fresh bread is made in the oven every few minutes and is brought directly from the oven to your table. Even better than the bread, though, were the entrees. They very kindly made everything vegetarian for us without any fuss. We had the Kaddo and Banjan Challow, which was a delicious sweet pumpkin morsel and a savory eggplant slice, served on separate sides of the plate with rice in between. We also had the Aushak, a ravioli-like pasta filled with leeks and scallions and served with yogurt. Both dishes were exquisite and subtle. The spicing made you slow down to smilingly savor each bite. For desert we had rice pudding and baklava, both well-made. The Turkish coffee was made in the traditional way in a tiny open-topped pot and was thick and perfect. Though a bit pricey, this restaurant will become a favorite.

Looking for something different? This is the place for phenomenal food.

Outstanding food, particularly the spiced pumpkin appetizer, but the service can be at best unpredictable. They've run out of certain dishes when I've been there, and once the person taking reservations had the audacity to hang up on me after I pleaded with him to allow 2 more people to join our table. The food is great, but the progressively bad service will have me thinking twice before I go back.