Sarma Restaurant, nestled on Pearl Street in Somerville, Massachusetts, is a celebrated dining destination renowned for its innovative and vibrant Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. This acclaimed eatery offers a unique culinary experience, moving beyond traditional dishes to present a fresh, modern take on flavors from Turkey, Lebanon, and beyond. Sarma’s menu is designed for sharing and exploration, encouraging guests to sample a wide array of tastes and textures in a convivial atmosphere.
The menu at Sarma is thoughtfully divided into sections, each highlighting a different aspect of Eastern Mediterranean dining. Let’s take a closer look at what this Pearl Street gem has to offer:
Ekmek – The Art of Bread
Bread is fundamental to Eastern Mediterranean meals, and Sarma’s WARM GYRO BREAD exemplifies this. Infused with Lebanese za’atar, it’s a flavorful and aromatic start to any meal. For a richer option, the BLACK SEA CORNBREAD, served with feta, honey, and sesame, provides a delightful sweet and savory combination, perfect for sharing.
Schmeear – Dips and Spreads with Flair
The “Schmeear” section invites diners to explore a variety of dips and spreads, each bursting with unique flavors. The FAVA BEAN PATÉ is a refreshing and vegetarian-friendly choice, combining green beans, tomato, capers, red onion, and dill. For cheese lovers, the BEET WHIPPED FETA, accompanied by spoon salad, mandarin orange, and olives, offers a vibrant and colorful dish.
The AVOCADO MUHUMMARA is a creative twist on traditional Muhammara, blending creamy avocado with burrata and broccoli, finished with a pistachio crisp for added texture. Another standout is the HUMMUS SABICHE, a loaded hummus featuring falafel, eggplant, mango amba, and pickles, creating a symphony of tastes and textures. Lastly, the FRENCH ONION TZATZIKI, paired with mushroom escabeche and focaccia, presents a unique and comforting combination of French onion soup flavors in a refreshing tzatziki format.
Meyhane Snacks – Tavern-Style Temptations
“Meyhane” refers to a traditional tavern, and this section of the menu captures the spirit of shared, flavorful snacks. SQUASH FRITTERS with pomegranate, cilantro, pepitas, and walnut offer a light and crispy start. For a sweet and savory indulgence, try the HALOUMI BAKLAVA, drizzled with jalapeno hot honey and complemented by pineapple and pistachio.
The TUNISIAN TACOS, featuring tuna tartare, spicy potato aioli, and cured egg yolk, are a bold and flavorful fusion dish. Vegetarian options include the LENTIL NACHOS, topped with feta queso, radish tzatziki, cabbage, and sprouts, offering a lighter take on nachos. Meat lovers will appreciate the PORK RIBS “AL PASTOR”, served with avocado crema, ezme, and crispy tortilla, blending Mexican and Mediterranean influences. Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the CALAMARI TEMPURA with matbucha, preserved lemon, and almond tarator. Finally, the LAMB SCHNITZEL, accompanied by tahini labne, tabbouleh, frisee, and parmesan, is a hearty and satisfying snack.
Vegetables – Fresh and Flavorful
Sarma’s vegetable dishes are far from afterthoughts; they are vibrant and inventive creations. The ASIAN PEAR dish combines charred cabbage, grapes, tahini, and maple pecan chili crisp for a complex interplay of flavors. The CITRUS SALAD is a refreshing mix of shaved fennel, cress, dates, labne brulee, and hazelnuts. A unique take on a classic, the PRESERVED LEMON CAESAR features chickpea chimichurri and sweet potato chips.
The LEEKS VINAGRETTE with soft cooked egg, ginger aioli, fried bread, and almonds is a sophisticated and flavorful dish. Spice lovers will enjoy the BANG BANG POTATOES with pistachio pesto, chili, orange, and red wine honey. BRUSSELS SPROUT BRAVAS, enhanced with hazelnut migas and aioli (with the option to add chorizo), are a flavorful and textural delight. GLAZED CARROTS with pomegranate, eggplant, tofu crema, and crispy shallots offer a vegetarian-friendly rich and sweet option. Lastly, the SWEET POTATOES with tomato cardamom, date butter, chermoula, and lime provide a warm and aromatic finish to the vegetable selection.
Pasta, Pilav, & Stew – Hearty and Aromatic
This section showcases comforting and flavorful main courses. MUSHROOM MANTI, delicate dumplings filled with mushrooms and served with porcini yogurt, squash, poached egg, and chili butter, are a must-try. FETA GNOCCHI with smoked red pepper, swiss chard, pomegranate, and walnut offer a vegetarian pasta option packed with flavor. The MAPO TOFU TAGINE, featuring spicy beef, couscous, chickpeas, prunes, and almonds, is a fusion dish that brings together the heat of Mapo Tofu with the richness of a Tagine.
For seafood lovers, the OCTOPUS STIFADO with feta cheese grits, bacon, green beans, and cajun spice is an adventurous and satisfying choice. The SALMON SAGANAKI, cooked in tomato ouzo sauce and served with fregola, feta, and broccolini, is a classic Mediterranean dish elevated. Finally, the GORMEH SABZI, featuring beef short rib, green curry, and crispy vermicelli noodles, is a hearty and aromatic stew that showcases the depth of Eastern Mediterranean flavors.
Sando – Sandwiches with a Twist
The “Sando” section offers unique sandwich creations. The SIMIT GRILLED CHEESE, filled with muhummara, smoky eggplant, and avocado dolma, is a vegetarian delight. LAMB KOFTE SLIDERS, featuring tomato butter, yogurt, sumac onions, and pickles, are flavorful and perfect for a lighter meal.
Sarma – Signature Wrapped Dishes
The “Sarma” section, from which the restaurant derives its name, highlights wrapped dishes. The CAULIFLOWER LARB, a vegetarian option with black garlic tahini, kale, fresh herbs, and puffed freekah, is a light and flavorful choice. LAMEJUN CHILI VERDE, featuring bean & cheese msabaha, radishes, and pinenuts, is a unique and spicy take on Lamejun. The SCALLOP MALAWACH, filled with curried tomato, sweet potato, and cabbage, is a creative and satisfying seafood option.
Shish – Grilled to Perfection
The “Shish” section features grilled skewers and dishes. SHRIMP SATAY with peanut tahini, smashed cucumbers, kumquats, and dukkah is a flavorful and vibrant seafood skewer. PERSIAN ZUCCHINI with crispy potato kuku, cucumber borani, and golden lentils offers a vegetarian grilled option. MORTADELLA MEATBALLS served with cheesy garlic borek, giardiniera, and pistachios are a hearty and savory choice. JOOJEH KEBAB, marinated chicken skewers served with spinach brown butter, coconut rice, dates, and barberries, are a classic and flavorful option.
For a richer poultry option, try the HARISSA BBQ DUCK, accompanied by carrot brown butter, orange blossom, and almonds. Finally, the SIRLOIN SOUVLAKIA with sunchoke skordalia, artichokes, and za’atar nam jim is a premium grilled meat option.
Dessert – Sweet Endings
No meal at Sarma is complete without exploring their dessert offerings. MILK CHOCOLATE FROZEN YOGURT is a simple yet satisfying sweet treat. RICOTTA LOUKAMADES, Greek doughnuts, can be enjoyed plain or with add-ons like halva caramel or gianduja hot fudge. CHOCOLATE DIPPED HALVA BITES are perfect for a quick and sweet finish. ALMOND BICI BICI with black currant and cocoa nib offers a refreshing and nutty dessert. The YUZU PAVLOVA with blood orange and Turkish delight is a light and citrusy option. Lastly, the PEANUT CRUNCH with chocolate mousse and dukkah is a decadent and textural dessert for peanut butter lovers.
Sarma Restaurant on Pearl Street in Somerville, MA, is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary journey through the Eastern Mediterranean. With its inventive menu, warm atmosphere, and commitment to quality, Sarma is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in the Somerville area. Be sure to check out Sarma and discover your new favorite dishes!
