Name: Oriental
Price range: $$

Oriental Information

Stepping into Oriental on Medford Street in Somerville feels like entering a cozy, no-frills spot where the focus is firmly on hearty, satisfying food. The restaurant’s menu leans heavily into classic Asian-American dishes, with each plate reflecting generous portions and well-balanced flavors that keep locals coming back. From sizzling stir-fries to tender dumplings, everything seems freshly prepared, and the seasoning is just right-enough to make each bite memorable without overwhelming the palate. One standout is their fried rice, which arrives perfectly cooked, with vegetables still crisp and a savory aroma that hits as soon as the dish lands on the table.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with modest decor that emphasizes comfort over flash. It’s the kind of place where you can drop in for a quick lunch during a busy workday or linger over dinner with friends without feeling rushed. Service is friendly and attentive, with staff ready to offer recommendations or customize orders if you have dietary preferences. While the interior isn’t overly fancy, the cleanliness and straightforward setup make it easy to focus on the food, which is clearly the star here.

Oriental’s location in a bustling part of Somerville makes it convenient for both nearby residents and visitors exploring the area. Lunch and dinner crowds can be steady, but turnover is smooth thanks to efficient service and a well-organized kitchen. Drinks are straightforward, with soft drinks and tea complementing the flavors of the menu, and the pricing strikes a good balance between value and portion size. Reviews often highlight that you get exactly what you expect: familiar comfort food done well, without any unnecessary frills.

What really sets this spot apart is its consistency. Week after week, the dishes maintain the same flavor profiles and portion sizes, which is a rare find for neighborhood eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick noodle bowl, some crispy spring rolls, or a hearty entrée to share, Oriental delivers a dependable dining experience that feels homey yet satisfying. It’s easy to see why the place has a loyal following, with locals praising not only the quality of the menu but also the approachable, unpretentious vibe that makes every visit feel welcoming.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Pretty decent spot open late. Not sure why the recent reviews are super negative. I did move recently, so maybe it was better before. Picked up during a rainstorm when everything else nearby was closed. Took ~20 minutes for a fried rice and veggie lo mein. I like that they are obviously healthier than a lot of takeout places, even if it means the food isn't as flavorful as it otherwise could be. Brown rice gang

Not your typical egg rolls which explains why when we visit the area we always stop and take 20-50 home to NC with us. They make them their selves with fresh pork & vegetables, mainly celery on Wednesday’s & Friday’s so if you want a big batch call to place your order. They also make their own Crab Ragoon and Duck Sauce which are both delicious. Other menu items are also delicious but the egg rolls are what bring us back every year.

I ordered the pu pu platter, and every part of it was fantastic. The best egg rolls I'vehad in years. The beef teriyaki, and boneless spare ribs were tender, and delicious. Perfectly cooks. The chicken wings were also Perfectly cooked. The crab rangoons had the perfect crispiness, and the filling had the perfect sweetness. The chicken fingers, and fried shrimp had the nicest batter. Perfectly light, and crispy. Even the duck sauce was perfect. I will be getting my Chinese food from here from now on.

I have been buying food from here for 6 years usually once a week. I have tried many items on there menu and I find the food to be very good and very reasonably priced. I am a professor and I have even had them deliver their luncheon specials to my class on 2-3 different occasions. They do not have much seating so take out is the best option. I would recommend this to anyone

The best Chinese restaurant that understand what spicy food is about. I also like the way they cut their chicken into the fried rice and they also filled up my plates. The parking kind of sucks though. With love from from Connecticut baby!

Always very happy with the food. Everything is fresh and delicious. Have been going here for years. Like that they have so many lunch and dinner special combo plates. Very reasonably priced.

Friendly service and delicious food. Portions are generous; my entree will be tomorrow's lunch since the appetizers I got (fried dumplings, teriyaki beef, crab rangoon) were more than enough for a full meal. I'm glad to have found it in the neighborhood.

ORIENTAL has the best food!!! My Ma Ma comes from CA. and her first stop is ORIENTAL ALWAYS !!! She is a vegetarian she enjoys the vegetarian delight and also loves the spring rolls . I can always count on a great meal no matter what time it is !!! She brags about the food her when she goes back home and travels with the family she still will ask what did you order mmm that sounds good !!! Also my children love the food by name GENERAL TSO's CHICKEN (I like it MILD because it's usually really SPICY so please BEWARE) and we get FRENCH FRIES that's what pleases basically all the children the 7 yr old is the one that requests it and the 17 yr old agrees... and everyone is HAPPY !! ORIENTAL IS AWESOME!!!