I Jump for Juniper

If you want flavorful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, Northern African inspired food then head to Juniper in Wellesley, MA. I’ve been four times and liked my dishes each time. This past weekend we got a table on a busy Saturday night and feasted on the charred octopus (octopus slow cooked in EVOO, apple-jicama slaw, crispy quinoa), the chicken shish taouk (grilled marinated skewers, braised greens, and harissa yogurt), the chicken tagine (braised chicken thighs, golden raisins, toasted almonds, Israeli couscous), and the braised beef shortribs (shortribs, Porcini broth, Pecorino millet polenta + gingered carrot slaw). Each dish was better than the last. Nothing beats eating Octopus in Greece, but Juniper’s charred octopus is some of the best-so tender and flavorful, and the octopus almost gets upstaged by the amazing apple-jicama slaw-crispy slightly sweet contrast to the octopus. I’ve been to Morocco and yes there is something magical about eating Tagine in Morroco, but Juniper nailed the tagine! – so fragrant and flavorful with plump juicy chicken. The shortribs always melt in your mouth and if you never thought you’d like carrot slaw, think again! -it’s crispy, tangy vinegary deliciousness. The restaurant is dimly lit with a cool laid back cozy atmosphere. Bring your appetite, the portions are huge. I never make it to dessert but I leave happy each time I eat at Juniper. Enjoy!