4/5 Jea K. 9 months ago on Google
Hole
in
the
Wall
Restaurant
that
offers
heartwarming
Portuguese
fare.
With
its
modest
facade,
one
may
walk
past
without
giving
it
a
second
glance,
but
step
inside,
and
you'll
be
embraced
by
a
warm,
local
atmosphere
replete
with
the
comforting
aroma
of
home-cooked
meals.
Before
even
perusing
the
menu,
the
complimentary
Graco
de
Bico
salad,
served
with
the
bread
basket,
set
the
tone
for
the
meal.
A
simple
ensemble
of
garbanzo
beans,
bell
peppers,
and
onions
seasoned
with
olive
oil
and
vinegar,
it
whetted
the
appetite,
highlighting
the
beauty
of
humble
ingredients.
The
appetizers,
Bolinho
de
Bacalhau
(Cod
cake)
and
Rissois
de
Camarao
(Shrimp
cake),
each
encased
in
a
golden,
crispy
shell,
were
a
study
in
contrasts.
While
both
were
delicious
in
their
own
right,
the
cod
cake
stood
out
with
its
robust
flavors
and
firmer
texture,
overshadowing
the
slightly
watery
shrimp
cake.
When
it
came
to
the
entrées,
"generosity"
was
the
watchword.
Substantial
portions
ensured
not
just
satiety,
but
also
a
delightful
indulgence
in
simple,
rustic
flavors.
The
Grilled
Chicken,
drenched
in
a
zesty
garlic
sauce,
was
tender
and
the
sauce
added
a
nice
tang.
The
Bacalhau
a
Casa,
with
its
elastic
texture,
was
also
good.
However,
a
small
hiccup
was
the
presence
of
bones,
which
made
savoring
the
dish
a
tad
challenging.
J
J
Restaurant
brings
to
the
table
a
unique
rendition
of
Portuguese
cuisine,
deviating
slightly
from
the
more
popular
variants
found
in
Portuguese
spots
across
Cambridge.
But
it's
this
very
deviation
that's
its
charm.
The
unpretentious
ambiance,
combined
with
hearty
meals
and
affable
service,
makes
it
an
occasional
must-visit,
especially
for
those
seeking
a
genuine
taste
of
Portugal
without
the
frills.