Whole Heart Provisions Has Two Cambridge Locations in the Works
Chef Rebecca Arnold and Roxy's Grilled Cheese founder James DiSabatino bring their beloved, vegan bowls to Harvard and Central squares in 2018.
The Cassie Bowl at Whole Heart Provisions will be on the menu at two new Cambridge locations. / Zac Wolf Photography
Cambridge salad bowl-seekers, rejoice: Your city is about to get not one, but two locations of the best vegetarian restaurant in Boston. Today, Whole Heart Provisions confirms the long-circulating rumor that it will open a location in Central Square, and also confirms the Boston Restaurant Talk scoop that an under-construction Harvard University campus center will get an outpost in 2018.
Pending city approval this week, the Central Square location will open early next year at 298 Massachusetts Ave., right next door to Roxy’s A4cade. Whole Heart is the ownership debut from former Sarma cook Rebecca Arnold, and partner James DiSabatino, who also owns the Roxy’s Grilled Cheese restaurant and food truck empire. Veggie gamers won’t be able to order from the Whole Heart menu from inside the arcade, but the Roxy’s menu is available there with a few vegan sandwiches, plus ample vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Whole Heart’s third location will debut later next year within Harvard University’s newly renovated Smith Center. Currently undergoing a complete remodel, a longstanding Au Bon Pain, B. Good, and other restaurants shuttered there to make way for updated dining options, including another outpost of Swissbäkers. Both Swissbäkers and Whole Heart are eyeing a fall 2018 opening.
Arnold, who is not a vegan herself, rose up through high-profile kitchens such as Alden & Harlow, Sarma, and chef Danny Bowien’s Mission Chinese Food in New York City.
Whole Heart Provisions eschews the “vegan” delineation to make the menu more accessible, but it is indeed entirely free of animal products. Creamy harissa dressing, bright pickles, crispy chickpeas, and other bold flavors make it craveable to even the most ardent omnivores. Alongside the signature bowls at the original Allston location are build-your-own options, street food snacks like seared avocado, and sesame shishito peppers; kombucha, cold-brew horchata, and more; it also serves Sunday brunch. Stay tuned for more details on Whole Heart Provisions’ two new Cambridge outposts.
Whole Heart Provisions, coming in 2018 to 298 Massachusetts Ave., and the Harvard University Smith Center at 1350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 487 Cambridge St., Allston, 617-202-5041, wholeheartprovisions.com.
