Sarma (restaurant)

Sarma (restaurant). Sarma is a critically acclaimed Turkish-Levantine meze restaurant located in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts. Opened in 2013 by chef-owner Cassie Piuma, it is celebrated for its vibrant, shareable small plates that creatively interpret traditional dishes from across the Eastern Mediterranean. The restaurant has garnered significant praise from local and national publications, establishing itself as a destination for innovative dining in the Greater Boston area.

History

The restaurant was founded in 2013 by chef Cassie Piuma, a veteran of the celebrated Ana Sortun restaurant Oleana in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Piuma, who had worked extensively under Sortun, aimed to create a lively, communal dining experience focused on the meze tradition. The concept quickly resonated within the Boston dining scene, drawing attention for its bold flavors and inventive approach. Over the subsequent decade, Sarma solidified its reputation, consistently appearing on prestigious lists such as those by The Boston Globe and national outlets like Bon Appétit.

Cuisine and menu

The menu is deeply inspired by the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and the broader Levant, filtered through a contemporary, creative lens. Dishes are designed for sharing and include a rotating selection of meze, dolma, kebabs, and house-made pide. Signature items often feature ingredients like urfa biber, pomegranate molasses, and tahini, used in unexpected combinations. The beverage program complements the food with a curated list of wines from regions like Anatolia and the Balkans, alongside creative cocktails and rakı. The kitchen is known for its meticulous preparation and presentation, often incorporating elements from Sephardic Jewish cuisine and other Middle Eastern influences.

Reception and awards

Sarma has received widespread critical acclaim since its opening. It has been named one of the best restaurants in Boston by The Boston Globe on multiple occasions and was featured in Bon Appétit's list of America's Best New Restaurants shortly after its debut. The restaurant and chef Piuma have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, with Piuma receiving a nomination for Best Chef: Northeast. Local publications like Boston Magazine and Eater Boston have consistently highlighted Sarma for its innovative cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, cementing its status as a culinary landmark.

Location and design

The restaurant occupies a space in Somerville, Massachusetts, specifically in the Winter Hill area. The interior design emphasizes a convivial, energetic ambiance, with an open kitchen, a large central bar, and colorful, eclectic décor that reflects the vibrancy of its cuisine. The layout encourages social dining, with a mix of communal tables and standard seating. The neighborhood, part of the dynamic Greater Boston metropolitan area, contributes to the restaurant's lively, neighborhood feel while attracting diners from across the region.

Ownership and management

Cassie Piuma is the sole owner and executive chef, maintaining hands-on leadership in both the kitchen and the business operations. Her philosophy and culinary vision, heavily influenced by her tenure at Oleana with mentor Ana Sortun, directly shape the restaurant's direction and menu development. The management team oversees a dedicated staff focused on providing a high-energy, welcoming dining experience that aligns with the restaurant's communal ethos. This consistent leadership has been central to Sarma's enduring success and reputation.

Category:Restaurants in Somerville, Massachusetts Category:Turkish restaurants in the United States Category:Restaurants established in 2013 Category:American cuisine