THE CELEBRATION
FRIDAY · JANUARY 8, 2027
Six o’clock in the evening
Warehouse XI
11 Sanborn Court
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
This is a relaxed celebration, not a black-tie event!
We said "I do" two years ago on January 8th, 2025, and now, on our 2nd wedding anniversary, we're finally celebrating with all of our favorite people!
Come ready to eat, drink, laugh, dance, and celebrate with us. Having you there is the greatest gift we could ask for, and we can't wait to make wonderful memories together.
See you in January!
With love,
Mengqiao & Elias
WILL DINNER AND DRINKS BE SERVED?
Yes! Dinner will be served buffet-style, with a variety of options available to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Drinks will also be available throughout the evening.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Be classy, but comfortable — and be warm! Black tie is not required.
WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR THE EVENING?
We’ll start with cocktails and mingling at 6:00 PM, followed by a buffet dinner, a little anniversary moment, dessert, and plenty of dancing to finish the night!
6:00–7:00 PM · Cocktails & Mingling
7:00–8:30 PM · Dinner
8:30–9:00 PM · Toasts & Dessert
9:00–11:30 PM · Dancing & Party
CAN I BRING A PLUS-ONE?
Your invitation will indicate whether a guest has been included in your RSVP. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us!
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
The celebration begins at 6:00 PM. Come ready for cocktails, dinner, and plenty of dancing!
ARE THERE MORE WEEKEND PLANS?
Yes! We’re still planning a few more ways to spend time together throughout the weekend. Check back here later — we’ll add the details once everything is confirmed.
WHEN SHOULD I RSVP?
Please RSVP by November 8, 2026 through the online invitation. If your plans change afterward, just let us know as soon as possible.
HOW DO I GET TO WAREHOUSE XI & WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
We’ve included hotel recommendations and travel information on our Travel & Stay page.
Our Story - Elias
First Date
Blossom Bar
For our first date, Mengqiao and I met at Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden in Brookline, MA. I had failed to make a reservation, and the restaurant told us we'd need to wait at least 45 minutes. After more than an hour, we eagerly accepted an outdoor table under an umbrella even though a slight drizzle had begun. This drizzle quickly progressed into pouring rain, but we sat outside anyway, drinking "award-winning cocktails" (best cocktail on this side of the street?), eating mediocre 红油抄手 (pork dumplings in chili oil), and chatting away :).
Mengqiao's Apartment
BLVD at Revere Beach
The first time I visited Mengqiao's apartment, I was taken by a few things. First, her apartment's windows looked out directly on Revere Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Second, her room was strewn with half-read books and covered with her gorgeous, absurdly detailed watercolor paintings. I realized immediately that Mengqiao was both seriously intellectual and deeply artistic. I announced I was moving in right away, and I did!
The Move to Columbus
Picking out a ring
When Mengqiao and I had been dating just two years, I finally won my first full-time conducting position: Assistant Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. I was moving to Ohio. Mengqiao and I had already discussed what would happen if I won a job like this: we were considering continuing to date long distance with me regularly traveling back and forth. Mengqiao wasn't interested in that, though, and despite not knowing a single person in Ohio and having to leave her wonderful life in Boston, she announced she was coming with. I knew then that I would propose to her. I even secretly picked out the ring with my grandmother's help during the move to Columbus. We broke up the trip by staying over with my parents for a couple days in Albany, NY. During that time, I snuck off to Rhinebeck for an afternoon, and Jama and I picked out an artist to design Mengqiao's engagement ring and wedding band. Jama had impeccable taste, and I wasn't going to decide on a ring for an artist like Mengqiao without Jama's advice!
Our Story - Mengqiao
Dating a musician?
Elias’s whole world revolves around music. He is constantly thinking about what to perform at the next concert, how to become a better conductor, how to make each concert better than the last, and how he might one day work with even greater musicians and orchestras. I remember our very first date when he spent almost the entire evening telling me about how he started his own orchestra, from the smallest details, like finding a venue and negotiating prices, to the much bigger task of slowly putting an entire concert together from nothing. I understood maybe half of it, and my first impression was definitely, Wow, this guy talks a lot.
Wow, this is so fun!
The second time we met, we spent an entire weekend together. He played opera in the car, dramatically gesturing along while translating Italian I obviously couldn’t understand. He taught me music theory, told me stories about classical music, and was reading a book about Tchaikovsky, a name I actually remembered from middle school. Aha! Finally, something I knew. Our conversations kept circling back to music, and strangely, I never got bored. I was drawn to everything he said, but even more to the person saying it. Somewhere in those endless conversations, I realized I was falling in love with one of the most passionate and curious people I had ever met.
Little did I know, I had signed up to listen for the rest of my life.
Ever since, there have been countless concerts to attend (which I genuinely love), concert posters for me to design (which I love too!), and more wonderful musician friends than I can count. It’s a whole new world for me, but life is simply more fun with Elias in it.
He loves the beach
We never got tired of telling people how we met, and of course, every single time, Elias had to mention the moment he stepped out of the car after driving me home from our first date and said, “Wow, it smells like the ocean!”
Yes, I happened to live in an apartment in Revere, right on the beach. And then he immediately announced, “I’m moving in!” I still love joking that he chose to date me for my apartment, and honestly, true or not, I’m just glad it worked! After three beautiful months by the ocean, we moved into the city, but we couldn’t stay away for long. Somehow, we found our way back to the beach and into the little studio we had always dreamed of.
We spent countless days and nights by the ocean, collecting seashells, walking along the beach, spotting piping plovers running around and guessing when they’d have their babies, reading about clams and horseshoe crabs, watching people stroll across the sandbars as the tide went out, and seeing more sunrises, sunsets, and changing tides than we could ever count. Some of our favorite days were the ones spent having beach parties with our friends, lounging around the pool all day, grilling, laughing, running around on the beach, diving into the ocean, and, of course, playing Frisbee and cornhole until the sun went down. And somewhere in between all of that, we spent countless hours sitting by the water, talking about the future and imagining where life might take us next.
It’s funny to think that moving to the beach during the pandemic, a decision I once regretted because of how isolated I felt, became one of the best I ever made. It brought us together, and we filled that same beach with memories I’ll carry forever.
THE PROPOSAL
Revere Beach, Again
November 10, 2024
Back in Boston for an Apollo concert, I spent a week panicking about the ring. The jewelry designer had been delayed for various reasons, and now that he had finally completed the rings and shipped them off, they seemed possibly lost in the mail. Finally, they arrived the morning of the concert, just two days before my planned proposal. Once the concert ended, my parents and our friends wished us strangely tearful goodbyes, pretending they wouldn't see us again for several months.
After a day spent enjoying the beach with Mengqiao, I took an early morning Uber to Logan Airport. Once there, I posted a photo to my Instagram story bidding goodbye to Boston. I had picked out a fake return flight (with a connection!) to Columbus, and I proceeded to put my phone in airplane mode when the specified flight departed. I even texted Mengqiao when I "landed at LaGuardia" and again when I "took off for Columbus."
In reality, my old high school youth orchestra stand partner, Sharon Lin, grabbed me at the airport. After brunch, we made a trip to see another dear friend - Apollo Ensemble Assistant Conductor, Reuben Stern - at their then day job at Eureka Puzzles & Games in Coolidge Corner. We needed Reuben's help to figure out how to use a very fancy camera they had recommended I buy. Then, we headed off to Revere to buy champagne and collect a slew of additional friends.
Meanwhile, Ruth Mangan, Apollo Ensemble violist and one of Mengqiao's best buddies, spent the day distracting Mengqiao. First brunch, then a haircut, and then some shopping on Newbury Street before heading back to Revere Beach to "take some photos." Mengqiao was quite puzzled by this request and repeatedly asked to stay downtown and get dinner - fortunately, Ruth was able to persuade her!
Finally, with a good number of friends in tow, I surprised Mengqiao on the same beach that had always meant so much to us. She truly didn't see it coming - after accepting my proposal, she demanded to know why I was still in Boston and if I had missed my flight!
January 8, 2025 — We Got Married
11:30 a.m. · Cambridge City Hall
We've never been very good at planning. Even though Elias has successfully planned so many great concerts, and okay, let’s not forget the perfect proposal he planned as well, we’ve always been entirely spontaneous, even while on trips together. And, of course, our wedding was rather unorganized too.
Just weeks before the wedding, we were still scrambling to make an appointment at city hall and reach out to friends. While heading to New York for New Year’s, we realized we had forgotten to bring my wedding ring. Elias still hadn’t bought his ring, and I still hadn’t bought my dress. It certainly didn't help that, right before the wedding, I got the sickest I had been in as long as I could remember. I had a high fever that didn't go away for ten days! I ended up in urgent care twice, and I coughed so badly that I could barely sleep at night. Eventually, after a course of antibiotics, I finally started to get better.
With the wedding less than two weeks away, and I still didn’t own a white dress. Still weak and recovering, I wandered the streets of New York, looking like a zombie, walking in and out of what felt like countless bridal and clothing stores, telling complete strangers that I was getting married and desperately needed a wedding dress. It was both miserable and exciting at the same time. Eventually, I found the one that felt just right. Then, we still had to find Elias a wedding ring.
Once everything was finally ready, we made our way back to Boston. We decided to have our ceremony at the beautiful Cambridge City Hall, and somehow, luckily, we managed to get an appointment.
And just like that, the day arrived.
It was cold outside, but we were surrounded by our closest family and friends. We put wedding rings on each other’s fingers and officially became husband and wife. The ceremony itself was very short, only a few minutes, but those few minutes meant everything.
It all happened so quickly that it barely felt real. I didn’t even have time to process the fact that we were actually married. I did, however, have plenty of time to cry through almost the entire ceremony. Honestly, it’s surprising that there are even a few photos where I’m not ugly crying. I’ve always cried at other people’s weddings, so I wasn’t about to let anyone outcry me at my own.
Because it was such a small and intimate celebration, there was none of the chaos or exhaustion we had always imagined came with a wedding. The whole day just felt calm, happy, and full of love.
After the ceremony, we went to a lovely little restaurant to celebrate with everyone. Then we spent the rest of the day - and really, most of the following week - looking through our photos over and over again, sharing the news with family and friends, reliving all the little moments, and slowly finding our way back to real life.
TRAVEL
Warehouse XI
11 Sanborn Court
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
Warehouse XI is located in Union Square, Somerville, just a few miles from downtown Boston and Cambridge.
DRIVING & PARKING
If you’re driving, please keep in mind that Warehouse XI does not have a dedicated parking lot. Street parking is available around Union Square, but it can be limited, especially in the evening. We recommend allowing a little extra time to find parking or taking a rideshare or the T when possible.
FROM BOSTON / CAMBRIDGE
The easiest public transportation option is the MBTA Green Line E Branch to Union Square, followed by a short walk to Warehouse XI. Uber/Lyft is also a convenient option from most parts of Boston, Cambridge and Somerville.
FLYING INTO BOSTON
If you’re flying in, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the closest airport. Depending on traffic, the ride to Somerville is typically around 15–30 minutes by Uber/Lyft or taxi.
Public transportation is also available. Take the free Silver Line (SL1) from Logan Airport to South Station, then take the Red Line to Park Street and transfer to the Green Line E Branch to Union Square. Warehouse XI is just a short walk from the station.
GETTING AROUND BOSTON
You really don’t need a car for the weekend! Boston, Cambridge and Somerville are relatively compact and easy to explore by the MBTA (“the T”), walking or Uber/Lyft. If you’re staying in Somerville, Cambridge, Back Bay, Downtown Boston or the Seaport, getting around—and getting to and from the celebration—should be fairly easy.
STAY
Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
515 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Hotel Room Block
We’ve reserved a limited block of rooms at the Cambria at a special discounted rate for our guests!
Group Name: Miller-Sun Wedding
Group Code: FL95E9
Reservations: +1 (617) 341-9040
Book by: Monday, Dec 7, 2026.
All rooms must be booked before Monday, Dec 7, 2026. After this date, the group room block is released to the general public and you will no longer have access to the special group rate.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Boston!
THINGS TO DO
If you have a little extra time while you’re here, we hope you’ll have some fun exploring around! We put together a pretty serious list of things to see and do—hopefully not too many!
January can be chilly, so we’ve included plenty of museums, shops, restaurants, and other indoor places to enjoy. Pick whatever sounds fun, explore a little, and make your own Boston adventure. We love this city and hope you will too!
SOMERVILLE
BOW MARKET
Explore independent shops, small restaurants, cocktail bars and local makers in the heart of Union Square.
AERONAUT BREWING COMPANY
Visit a lively local brewery featuring craft beer, live music and community events. While you’re there, try one of the delicious Venezuelan arepas from Carolicious—one of our favorites!
DAVIS SQUARE
Spend an afternoon exploring neighborhood cafés, restaurants, independent shops and nightlife.
SOMERVILLE THEATRE
Catch a movie or live performance at this historic independent theater in Davis Square.
ASSEMBLY ROW
A waterfront neighborhood with shopping, restaurants, a movie theater and easy access from the MBTA Orange Line.
CAMBRIDGE
HARVARD SQUARE
Walk through Harvard Yard and explore the surrounding bookstores, cafés, restaurants and historic streets.
HARVARD ART MUSEUMS
Explore collections spanning centuries and cultures under the museum’s beautiful glass roof.
HARVARD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
See fossils, minerals, wildlife collections and Harvard’s famous Glass Flowers.
MIT MUSEUM
Discover interactive exhibitions exploring science, technology, design and innovation.
THE BRATTLE THEATRE
Visit an independent cinema in Harvard Square known for classic, international and art-house films.
BOSTON
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM
Explore a Venetian-style palace filled with art and a lush indoor courtyard garden—especially lovely during winter.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Spend a few hours exploring one of the country’s most extensive collections of art.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
A fun indoor option featuring interactive science exhibitions, a planetarium and live presentations.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Visit the giant ocean tank, penguins, sea turtles and hundreds of marine species along Boston Harbor.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Explore the historic McKim Building, its grand reading rooms, murals and Italian-inspired courtyard in Copley Square.
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART (ICA)
If you’re into contemporary art, the ICA is definitely worth a visit. The building itself is beautiful, right on Boston Harbor, with amazing views of the water and city. It’s also a great excuse to explore the Seaport and walk along the Harborwalk.
BEACON HILL & BOSTON COMMON
Wander through one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods, known for brick sidewalks, gas lamps and classic brownstones. Continue through Boston Common and the Public Garden for a quintessential Boston walk.
THE FREEDOM TRAIL & NORTH END
Follow the Freedom Trail through Boston’s historic landmarks, then stop in the North End for Italian food, espresso and pastries.
BACK BAY & NEWBURY STREET
Explore boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants along Newbury Street, then visit Copley Square and the Boston Public Library.
BOSTON HARBOR & THE SEAPORT
Walk along the Harborwalk, explore the Seaport’s restaurants and shops, or enjoy panoramic city views from View Boston at the Prudential Center.
OUTDOORS & NATURE
Even though it can be cold in January, bundle up if you’d like to walk around, enjoy some fresh air and see Boston’s skyline from across the river.
CHARLES RIVER & THE ESPLANADE
Walk along either side of the Charles River for beautiful views of the water, Cambridge and the Boston skyline. Crossing one of the bridges makes an easy scenic loop.
FRESH POND RESERVATION
A peaceful Cambridge escape with a walking path around the reservoir, surrounded by woods, meadows and wetlands.
MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
A beautiful and quiet place to walk, with historic monuments, landscaped grounds and plenty of birds and wildlife. The view from Washington Tower is especially lovely.
MIDDLESEX FELLS RESERVATION
For guests who want a real hike, the Fells offers miles of wooded trails, reservoirs and scenic overlooks just north of Somerville. Check the weather and trail conditions before visiting.
FOR ARCHITECTURE & MUSIC LOVERS
ARCHITECTURE:
HARVARD & CAMBRIDGE
CARPENTER CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS — Harvard University, Cambridge
Designed by Le Corbusier and completed in 1963, this is his only building in North America. The sweeping concrete ramp lets you walk directly through the building and is a must-see for modern architecture lovers.
GUND HALL — Harvard GSD, Cambridge
Designed by John Andrews and completed in the early 1970s, Gund Hall is home to the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Its enormous stepped studio space—the famous “Trays”—is the heart of the building and one of Harvard’s most recognizable Brutalist interiors.
HARVARD SCIENCE CENTER — Harvard University, Cambridge
Designed by Josep Lluís Sert, architect and former dean of the Harvard GSD. Its exposed concrete, geometric forms, and central location make it one of the most recognizable examples of modern architecture at Harvard.
PEABODY TERRACE — Cambridge
Another major Josep Lluís Sert project and one of Cambridge’s most recognizable modernist housing complexes. It’s especially interesting if you’re into architecture, urban design, and multifamily housing.
44 BRATTLE STREET — Harvard Square, Cambridge
Another Josep Lluís Sert project tucked into the historic fabric of Harvard Square. A fun stop if you want to see how modern architecture was inserted into one of Cambridge’s oldest neighborhoods.
HARVARD GRADUATE CENTER — Harvard University, Cambridge
Designed by Walter Gropius and The Architects Collaborative (TAC). This group of buildings is an important example of postwar modernism at Harvard and of Gropius’s architectural work after coming to the United States.
HARVARD ART MUSEUMS — Cambridge
The historic museum complex was dramatically transformed and expanded by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, including the beautiful glass roof that brings the different buildings together. Admission is free, so it’s an easy architecture-and-art stop!
MIT & CAMBRIDGE
BAKER HOUSE — MIT, Cambridge
Designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The famous curving residence hall follows the Charles River and was designed so that as many student rooms as possible could have views toward the water.
MIT CHAPEL — MIT, Cambridge
Designed by Eero Saarinen, this tiny cylindrical brick chapel is one of the most beautiful modern buildings on the MIT campus. Definitely go inside if it’s open—the interior and natural light are the best parts.
KRESGE AUDITORIUM — MIT, Cambridge
Also designed by Eero Saarinen, Kresge is immediately recognizable by its enormous thin-shell concrete roof. Visit it together with the MIT Chapel—they were conceived as part of the same campus precinct.
SIMMONS HALL — MIT, Cambridge
Designed by Steven Holl, this massive residence hall is nicknamed “the Sponge” because of its porous façade and thousands of small windows.
STATA CENTER — MIT, Cambridge
Designed by Frank Gehry, this colorful, fragmented complex is one of the most unmistakable buildings on MIT’s campus. Walk around the exterior to see how dramatically it changes from different angles.
MIT MEDIA LAB / WIESNER BUILDING — MIT, Cambridge
The original Media Lab building was designed by I. M. Pei & Partners, with a later expansion by Fumihiko Maki. A great stop for anyone interested in the relationship between architecture, technology, and design.
BOSTON
BOSTON CITY HALL — Government Center, Boston
Designed by Kallmann, McKinnell & Knowles, Boston City Hall is one of the country’s most famous—and controversial—examples of Brutalist architecture. Architects tend to have very strong opinions about this one!
GOVERNMENT SERVICE CENTER — Boston
Designed by Paul Rudolph and collaborators, this enormous concrete government complex is one of Boston’s most dramatic Brutalist projects. Especially worth seeing if you’re interested in Rudolph, megastructures, or late-modern civic architecture.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA — Back Bay / Fenway, Boston
The modernist expansion and master plan by I. M. Pei & Partners transformed this area into one of Boston’s most striking urban spaces. The long reflecting pool and relationship between the historic Mother Church and modern buildings make it especially interesting for architects.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY — Copley Square, Boston
The original landmark building was designed by McKim, Mead & White, while the later addition facing Boylston Street was designed by Philip Johnson. Go inside the historic McKim Building too—the courtyard and Bates Hall are beautiful.
TRINITY CHURCH — Copley Square, Boston
Designed by H. H. Richardson, this is one of the defining examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It’s also directly across from the Boston Public Library, making Copley Square an easy architecture stop.
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM — Fenway, Boston
The original museum feels like a Venetian palace built around a lush courtyard, while the modern addition was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. The contrast between old and new is one of the most interesting architectural experiences in Boston.
JFK PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM — Columbia Point, Boston
Designed by I. M. Pei, with a dramatic glass pavilion overlooking Boston Harbor. It’s a little outside the central tourist areas, but definitely worth visiting for Pei fans.
WORTH THE TRIP OUTSIDE BOSTON
GROPIUS HOUSE — Lincoln, Massachusetts
The 1938 family home of Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus, and an absolute must for modern architecture lovers. Gropius designed the house after coming to teach at Harvard, combining Bauhaus modernism with traditional New England materials and details. The interiors still contain original furnishings, including pieces designed by Marcel Breuer. It’s a little outside Boston, but definitely worth the trip!
SIX MOON HILL — Lexington, Massachusetts
A fascinating modernist residential community designed by members of The Architects Collaborative (TAC), the firm founded by Walter Gropius and several younger architects. A great addition for serious modernism fans, although it is a residential neighborhood, so be respectful while visiting.
GROPIUS / TAC AT BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY — Waltham, Massachusetts
The Brandeis campus includes several important early buildings designed by Walter Gropius and The Architects Collaborative. Worth exploring if you’re especially interested in Gropius, TAC, and postwar American campus architecture.
MUSIC & CONCERTS:
BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA — Symphony Hall, Boston
The Boston Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andris Nelsons are performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams,” and Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique” during our celebration weekend at the beautiful Symphony Hall.
Thursday, January 7 · 7:30 PM
Friday, January 8 · 1:30 PM
Saturday, January 9 · 8:00 PM
If you love classical music, this is definitely worth checking out while you’re in Boston!
FOOD & DRINKS
OUR FAVORITE CASUAL LOCAL SPOTS
These are a few of our favorite casual spots to eat and drink around Somerville, Cambridge, and the greater Boston area. Nothing too fancy—just places we love and always find ourselves going back to!
RIGHT AROUND WAREHOUSE XI & UNION SQUARE
BACKBAR — Union Square, Somerville
An award-winning cocktail bar hidden on Sanborn Court—just steps from Warehouse XI! Known for creative cocktails, playful menus, and excellent nonalcoholic drinks. Our all-time favorite was their kimchi cocktail. It’s probably long gone, but they promised to remake it if we bring an unopened jar of kimchi. We’re still thinking about it! Be ready for a long line though—it’s a popular little spot!
FIELD & VINE — Union Square, Somerville
A cozy, seasonal restaurant tucked away on Sanborn Court in Union Square—just steps from Warehouse XI and Backbar. A great option if you want a really good dinner close to the party venue.
BOW MARKET — Union Square, Somerville
One of our favorite places to hang out in Union Square, and just a short walk from Warehouse XI! This little courtyard market is packed with independent food spots, bars, and shops, Grab a beer or cocktail at Remnant Brewing, and definitely check out Viet Citron for casual Vietnamese food. There are plenty of other little spots to explore too!
UNION SQUARE DONUTS — Union Square, Somerville
A Somerville favorite that started right here in Union Square, known for handmade doughnuts and coffee. An easy stop while exploring the neighborhood around Warehouse XI!
CELESTE — Union Square, Somerville
An intimate little restaurant right in Union Square, just a short walk from Warehouse XI, serving vibrant Peruvian dishes including ceviche and slow-cooked stews.
HIMALAYAN KITCHEN — Union Square, Somerville
A casual neighborhood spot just outside Union Square serving Nepalese and Indian dishes, including momos, curries, and tikka pizza. If you’re lucky, you might even get to try the owner’s wife’s homemade kheer (rice pudding)!
AERONAUT BREWING COMPANY — Somerville
A lively local brewery just outside Union Square with craft beer, live music, events, and a fun community atmosphere. While you’re there, grab one of the delicious Venezuelan arepas from Carolicious—one of our favorites! It’s an easy, casual place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
INMAN SQUARE & NEARBY CAMBRIDGE/SOMERVILLE
PUNJABI DHABA — Inman Square, Cambridge
A super casual Inman Square favorite serving comforting Punjabi and North Indian dishes. It’s been one of the most recommended Indian spots in Cambridge since Elias was in college. Very casual, very yummy, and a must-go for us whenever we’re back in town.
MUQUECA RESTAURANT — Inman Square, Cambridge
Another one of our favorites, right in Inman Square! Very cozy and comforting, specializing in Brazilian seafood stews and other dishes served in traditional clay pots.
CENTRAL SQUARE & MID-CAMBRIDGE
CICADA COFFEE BAR — Central Square, Cambridge
One of the coolest little spots in Cambridge, tucked between Central Square and MIT! Vietnamese coffee, creative drinks, and really good food in a cozy space. Their sea salt coffee is a must-try, and it’s a great spot for brunch too.
ASMARA — Central Square, Cambridge
A longtime Cambridge favorite for Eritrean and Ethiopian food, right near Central Square. Come with friends and share a big platter of flavorful stews, vegetables, and meats served over injera. Cozy, casual, and a great spot to try something different!
PAGU — Central Square / MIT, Cambridge
A playful, higher-end restaurant between Central Square and MIT, inspired by Japanese, Spanish, and Taiwanese flavors. We definitely recommend their suckling pig if you’re going with a group—it’s one of their signature dishes and perfect for sharing! And don’t miss the sesame pudding dessert if you see it on the menu.
HARVARD SQUARE
9 TASTES — Harvard Square, Cambridge
A longtime Harvard Square favorite for Thai food, tucked away just off the main square. Casual, cozy, and great for curries, noodles, and other Thai classics. A reliable neighborhood spot that’s been around for years!
FELIPE’S — Harvard Square, Cambridge
Right in the middle of Harvard Square and definitely Elias’s all-time favorite casual dinner and hangout spot! It’s always packed and perfect when you’re craving an affordable late-night burrito and frozen margarita.
PAVEMENT COFFEEHOUSE — Harvard Square, Cambridge
A relaxed local coffee shop right in Harvard Square, perfect for coffee, bagels, and a slow, cozy weekend morning.
BERRYLINE — Harvard Square, Cambridge
A longtime Harvard Square favorite for frozen yogurt, rotating flavors, and lots of toppings. Don’t miss the homemade mochi!
ZINNEKEN’S — Harvard Square, Cambridge
A tiny Belgian waffle spot right by Harvard Square, serving warm waffles topped with fruit, chocolate, speculoos, ice cream, and plenty of other sweet things.
PORTER SQUARE & NORTH CAMBRIDGE
JAHUNGER — Cambridge
A cozy Cambridge spot near Porter Square for bold Uyghur flavors, handmade noodles, dumplings, and comforting Central Asian dishes. A great choice if you want to try something you don’t find everywhere—and it’s even Michelin Bib Gourmand recognized!
YUME WO KATARE — Porter Square, Cambridge
A tiny, very casual ramen spot just outside Porter Square, known for enormous bowls—and for inviting guests to share their dreams after finishing! While you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to check out the little Japanese food court inside the Lesley University/Porter Exchange building nearby. It’s a hidden Porter Square gem with several little Japanese food spots all under one roof.
ALLSTON & BROOKLINE
YOMA BURMESE FOODS — Allston
A casual, family-run Burmese restaurant in Allston, just across the river from Cambridge. Known for comforting curries, noodles, tea leaf salad, and other traditional Burmese dishes.
COREANOS — Allston
A super casual Allston favorite mixing Korean and Mexican flavors—think Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, kimchi fried rice, and loaded fries. Great for a quick and affordable bite.
MAHANIYOM — Brookline Village
A tiny, lively Thai restaurant in Brookline Village serving bold, flavorful dishes and creative cocktails. A great spot if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Thai favorites.
MERAI — Brookline Village
A fun, lively Thai-inspired bar in Brookline Village from the team behind Mahaniyom! Think creative cocktails and playful bar food with Thai flavors—dumplings, mussels, wings, and their famous krapow-style hot dog. A great pick for drinks and sharing a bunch of small plates!
IRU — Brookline
A stylish Korean restaurant from chef-owner Hajime Yamazaki, whose cooking is rooted in recipes and techniques passed down from his mother, a chef in Korea. The food feels traditional and homey but beautifully presented. And definitely don’t miss their delicious house-made banchan—honestly one of our favorite parts of the meal!
THE ELEPHANT WALK — South End, Boston
A fun South End spot serving a really unique mix of Cambodian and French food. Think Cambodian curries and comfort food mixed with French bistro classics. It’s casual, cozy, and a great place to try something a little different!
TORO — South End, Boston
A lively Spanish tapas restaurant in the South End and a longtime Boston favorite. Great for ordering a bunch of small plates to share with the table, with a fun, energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for dinner with friends.
NEPTUNE OYSTER — North End, Boston
A tiny, iconic seafood spot tucked into Boston’s North End. Known for oysters, lobster rolls, and other New England seafood classics. It’s extremely popular and walk-in only, so be prepared to wait—but it’s a Boston favorite for a reason!
A LITTLE FARTHER, BUT WORTH THE TRIP
CIAO! PIZZA & PASTA — Chelsea / Somerville
One of our favorite pizza spots! Our go-to is the Funghi pizza. We definitely recommend the Chelsea location, but the Somerville one is great too. A little out of the way, but so worth it!
SUN KONG — Malden
Our favorite dim sum spot in town—and maybe our favorite anywhere! It’s a little outside Boston in Malden, but when we’re in town, you’ll find us here almost every Sunday with some of our favorite people. Come hungry—this is a must-try for dim sum!
ALL OVER CAMBRIDGE & BOSTON
TATTE BAKERY & CAFÉ — Cambridge & Boston
One of our favorite places for breakfast, brunch, pastries, and coffee, with locations all over Cambridge and Boston. You’ll probably pass one at some point while exploring!
FOR A SPECIAL NIGHT OUT
Looking for something a little more special? These are some of our favorite spots around Somerville, Cambridge, Brookline, and Boston for a nicer dinner, date night, or a longer evening out. Reservations are definitely a good idea!
DALI — Somerville
A longtime Somerville favorite with tons of personality! Spanish tapas, sangria, and a colorful, quirky atmosphere that makes dinner feel like an experience. Not quite fine dining, but definitely a local institution and a really fun night out.
SARMA — Somerville
Oleana’s sister restaurant, tucked into a residential part of Somerville and known for creative, experimental Eastern Mediterranean small plates. Sarma is generally the harder one to book, so set an alarm for 10 AM exactly 30 days before your date! Reservations go fast.
OLEANA — Inman Square, Cambridge
One of our favorite restaurants in Cambridge! Oleana is known for Eastern Mediterranean flavors and feels warm, intimate, and a little more traditional than its sister restaurant, Sarma. We actually like Oleana slightly better, but both are absolutely worth trying!
URBAN HEARTH — Inman Square, Cambridge
An intimate farm-to-table restaurant in Inman Square with a strong focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Thoughtful, creative, and very Cambridge! A great choice if you’re looking for a special dinner without anything too formal.
PAMMY’S — Cambridge
A cozy but lively neighborhood restaurant right between Harvard and Central Squares, serving creative New American food with Italian influences. Polished enough for a special night out, but still warm and relaxed.
TALULLA — Cambridge
A tiny, intimate neighborhood restaurant focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Beautiful food, great wine, and a cozy atmosphere that feels special without being too formal. A perfect date-night spot!
GIULIA — Cambridge
An intimate neighborhood Italian restaurant between Harvard and Porter Squares, known for handmade pasta and a warm atmosphere. A perfect special-occasion dinner—reservations are highly recommended.
MOËCA — Cambridge
A neighborhood seafood restaurant between Harvard and Porter Squares from the team behind Giulia. Expect beautifully prepared seasonal small plates with Mediterranean and global influences.
FALLOW KIN — Cambridge
A high-end, vegetable-forward farm-to-table restaurant focused on local ingredients and sustainability. A newer addition to the Cambridge dining scene and a great pick if you’re looking for something creative and special.
SOMAEK — Downtown Boston
A polished Korean restaurant in Downtown Boston serving thoughtful takes on traditional Korean dishes. A great option if you want Korean food in a more elevated setting.
KRASI — Back Bay, Boston
A lively Greek restaurant and wine bar right in Back Bay, close to Newbury Street and Copley Square. Known for creative Mediterranean dishes and an incredible Greek wine selection. Great for sharing plates and a fun night out!
MOONCUSSER — Back Bay, Boston
A more elevated seafood restaurant in Back Bay with beautifully prepared seasonal dishes and a tasting-menu feel. A great choice if you’re looking for a true special-occasion dinner while you’re in Boston.
BAR VLAHA — Brookline
A cozy Greek restaurant around Washington Square inspired by the food of northern Greece. Great for ordering a bunch of dishes to share. We especially love the warm, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a longer dinner with friends.
NIGHTSHADE NOODLE BAR — Lynn
A seriously fun special-occasion dinner if you’re up for a little adventure outside Boston! Chef Rachel Miller creates creative French-Vietnamese tasting menus with a big focus on seafood and bold, unexpected flavors. The menu is mostly a surprise, with options ranging from shorter tastings to a full 20+ course experience. Definitely one for adventurous eaters—and reservations are required!
FOR THE COFFEE, BAKERY & MATCHA LOVERS
RIGHT AROUND WAREHOUSE XI & UNION SQUARE
KOMUGI BAKERY & CAFE — Union Square, Somerville
Our favorite little neighborhood Japanese cafe when we lived in Union Square! Super cute, with great matcha drinks and Japanese pastries and breads. It hasn’t even been open for a full year, but it’s already always packed!
FORGE BAKING COMPANY — Somerville
A Somerville favorite tucked between Union Square and Porter Square, with coffee, fresh bread, and really good pastries! They always have interesting seasonal coffee drinks, plus yummy sandwiches. Cozy, casual, and a great spot for breakfast or an afternoon coffee-and-pastry stop.
INMAN SQUARE & CENTRAL SQUARE
ASARO BAKERY & CAFE — Inman Square, Cambridge
A really cute little café and bakery in Inman Square, right between Cambridge and Somerville! Great coffee, beautiful pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. A perfect stop if you’re exploring the neighborhood.
MIZU MATCHA — Central Square, Cambridge
A matcha lover’s stop in Central Square! Matcha is the main event here, with lattes, hojicha, and matcha treats. Definitely worth a stop if you love a stronger matcha flavor.
DAVIS SQUARE & TEELE SQUARE
DIESEL CAFE — Davis Square, Somerville
A longtime Davis Square classic in the heart of Somerville! Big, casual, and very Somerville—a great place to grab coffee and hang out for a bit.
REVIVAL CAFE + KITCHEN — Davis Square, Somerville
A local favorite in Davis Square for great coffee, fun drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. It’s from the same team behind the former Crema Cafe in Harvard Square—Elias’s parents’ favorite coffee spot in town!
YEGO COFFEE — Teele Square, Somerville
A little neighborhood gem in Somerville’s Teele Square, not far from Davis Square, serving coffee made with Rwandan beans. Cozy, friendly, and very local.
WEST CAMBRIDGE & WATERTOWN
IGGY’S BREAD — Cambridge
One of our favorite local bakeries in Cambridge, tucked away near Fresh Pond! Amazing fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches. Definitely grab a loaf (or two) to take home!
SOFRA BAKERY & CAFE — Cambridge
A Cambridge favorite for amazing Middle Eastern-inspired pastries, breads, and breakfast, tucked away toward the Belmont/Watertown side of Cambridge. A little out of the way, but absolutely worth the trip!
INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE — Watertown
A serious specialty coffee spot in Watertown, just outside Cambridge, with a beautiful modern space and expertly made coffee. A little out of the way, but worth the trip for coffee lovers!
BROOKLINE & FENWAY
MARUICHI SELECT — Coolidge Corner, Brookline
A little Japanese market and café in Coolidge Corner, right in the heart of Brookline. Really good, more traditional matcha and a great pick if you like your matcha strong and not too sweet!
KYO MATCHA — Brookline
A matcha lover’s dream in Brookline, not far from Coolidge Corner! More dessert-focused, with matcha lattes, soft serve, crepe cakes, and lots of other matcha sweets!
MATCHA CAFE MAIKO — Fenway, Boston
Right in the Fenway neighborhood, close to Fenway Park and the Back Bay Fens. One for the matcha lovers! Matcha lattes, soft serve, and plenty of Japanese matcha treats.
DOWNTOWN BOSTON
OGAWA COFFEE — Downtown Boston
A Japanese coffee spot right in Downtown Boston, an easy walk from Chinatown and Boston Common. A great stop for serious coffee and matcha lovers! Beautiful drinks, fun interior design, and a nice change from your typical neighborhood café.