Central Square is known for its cultural diversity and this has long been reflected in the food scene. From Chinese and Irish to Indian and Tibetan, if you long or a taste of home, this is the square to get it.
Recently, a new home has been established by the husband and wife team of Chris and Pam Willis and it brings all of their combined culinary and hospitality experience in way that will make your family feel right at home too!
Nestled along Mass Ave between Harvard and Central, Pammy’s invites all diners with a creative. Happily flatscreen-less bar (manned by master mixologist and friendly neighborhood bartender Moe Isaza), a cozy white-tiled fireplace, a sturdy central communal table, and a staff that makes every meal feel like Sunday dinner.
Though the large windows overlook the bustle of the main thoroughfare, Pammy’s is a great place to escape, relax and enjoy. The wine list offers red, white, rose, and sparklings by the glass and the drink selection ranges from New England and Italian-raised drafts and bottles (including an entire series of Stormalong ciders) to an entire menu of Negroni and a cocktail set that includes the aged rum and Amaro Poderoso, Mezcal and Vermouth-based Fantasma, and the dangerously yummy Swizz Kalifa (which indeed is a Rothko-esue blend of red and yellow; red and yellow!).
What appears to be (and in many ways is) a simple and satisfying menu is set off by the artistic displays that appear upon ordering. After (or alongside) fresh-baked rustic Italian brad with aromatic olive oil, guests can enjoy a mushroom bruschetta with Ricotta and jalpanos(!), a deliciously deconstructed salad made from red grapefruit, heirloom chicory, and fingerling potatoes, a Nantucket scallop crudo, melting Wagyu short rib steak, hand-cut (and apparenly carefully-measured) 2.3 mm pasta, or a signature Bolognese made with pork, real, chicken livers, and lamb. The dessert list includes a can’t-miss cocoa nib cake and fresh fruit crostata, as well as fresh fruit sorbets and an Affogato made with Counter Culture espresso that ends the evening with sweetness and a touch of energy to send you back into the Cambrudge night. Before you go, however, the eponymous hostess will be sure to drop by to make you feel extra welcome and to make you look forward to coming back, which you are hopefully fortunate enough to do many times.