Situated on Cambridge Street, Asaro is the latest addition to the list of off-campus establishments available to students. Founded in 2023 by Jewish-Israeli couple Tzion and Jessica Barsheshet and their two children Timna and Jason, Asaro blends the culture and cuisine of Israel with the feel of a modern cafe where patrons from all culinary and ethnic backgrounds can find a bite to eat. From Jewish staples like bagels with lox, to baked goods, sandwiches, and more, Asaro offers an upscale dining experience and exquisite food to match.
For our review, we had a unique opportunity to interview Jessica, the matriarch of the establishment, and learn a bit more about what this family business means to her and for Cambridge as a whole. Jessica told the Register Forum that, for her, the most important thing is family. The fact that Asaro is a family run business gives them the freedom to be more flexible to what customers need. This ability to cater to the community makes Asaro a comforting and friendly environment that fosters community and conversation. Asaro’s seating arrangements provide the opportunity to foster connection; during our visit we started talking to two strangers sitting at the table next to ours. Izak, a Harvard Law student who was on his second Asaro trip of the day, agreed that, “It’s a really important place in Cambridge to be able to get together with friends.”
In addition to the cozy environment, the baked goods at Asaro are impeccable. To start, the bakery has some spectacular croissants. The classic butter croissant is massive; lots of bang for your buck. The other types are based on the butter croissant, such as the chocolate croissant, with a dollop of chocolate on top and in the middle. Similarly, the cinnamon rolls are an absolute staple with their maple frosting and decadent cinnamon filling. In addition to the pastries, Asaro’s selection of sandwiches is stellar. We tried the “Not So Classic Breakfast Sandwich,” complete with egg, sun dried tomatoes, whipped goat cheese, and more on a buttery homemade loaf of challah bread. At times the challah felt a bit chunky, but the filling didn’t disappoint.
The cookie selection is brilliant as well. The alfajore cookies pair nicely with a cappuccino, the vanilla cookie perfectly complementing the coffee beans. The macaroons are great for coconut lovers; simple yet simultaneously elevated.
The brownie, in all of its glory, is the perfect amount of richness and lightness to balance its size. One thing about the food at Asaro is that the portions are big. Although it may be pricey, the sheer size of most of the food makes it completely worth the money.
The drinks at Asaro are well done, the best being the cappuccino, matcha latte, and the hot chocolates. While they do tend to be on the milkier side, requests for extra strength come at no extra cost. The coffee drinks are the strong suit of the shop—the beans used are roasted to perfection without the “coffee breath” aftertaste found in coffees from less artisanal stores.
Whether you are in the mood for a mid-afternoon snack, looking for a great breakfast spot with friends, or needing a place to get some homework done, Asaro is definitely worth checking out! Between its convenient location, cozy interior, and delectable dishes, you will not regret stopping by.
This article also appears in our November 2024 print edition.
