You can look forward to an all new — and incredibly delicious — experience during a visit to the newly reimagined CambridgeSide this fall. A new global culinary offering called CanalSide Food + Drink promises a lineup of eateries that bring flavors from around the world to your plate. A total of 13 restaurants, combined with waterfront views and a central bar called C-Side, make for an internationally inspired experience in the heart of the city.

Part of CanalSide’s appeal is its versatility: You can plan a fun date night, stop by with your coworkers after a day at the office, or simply take the kids out for a sweet treat on a Saturday. Whatever the reason for your visit, you’re in for a global food adventure. 

anoush’ella

At anoush’ella, diners can sample the bold, vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern, Armenian, and Lebanese cuisine, with specialty dishes like m’anoush and chicken za’atar. The name “anoush’ella” is derived from an Armenian phrase meaning “may it be sweet,” which encapsulates the warm, welcoming experience you’ll find there. 

“What makes anoush’ella unique is its fusion of traditional Armenian family recipes with a modern, health conscious twist, emphasizing natural, wholesome ingredients,” says owner Nina Festekjian.

She explains authentic Armenian and Lebanese dishes involve a deep connection to traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and a balance of bold flavors and textures. On the menu, you’ll find dishes incorporating fresh produce, whole grains, and flavor notes ranging from spicy and tangy to herbaceous and earthy. 

For a couple choosing to spend date night at her eatery, Festekjian recommends sharing a variety of small plates and mains to get a true taste of the Mediterranean-Armenian flavors available. First, she says to start with a mezze platter to experience the different flavor profiles of the house-made dips and spreads, including hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara, and tzatziki. Next, consider splitting lamb kofta, or grilled seasoned lamb with rice and salad, as well as a lahmajun flatbread. Referred to as “Armenian pizza,” this light and crispy flatbread is topped with spiced minced beef, lamb, vegetables, roasted eggplant, fresh herbs, and lemon.

Drink pairing: C-Side co-owner and master sommelier Brahm Callahan suggests ordering a glass of the Chateau Peyrassol La Croix Rosé to enjoy with your meal. “When I have a lot of small plates with a range of different flavors, I like to order a glass of rosé,” he says. “It has great acidity that can refresh and cut through more powerful dishes but also great fruit that pairs with bigger flavors.”

Sapporo Ramen

Founded in 1990 by Taiji Mineo and Masa Koizumi, both Japanese-American natives who moved to Boston for music school, Sapporo Ramen is your go-to for Japanese-style noodle soups. Later joined by Manabu Ito, the head chef and owner of Boston’s first izakaya, today, the restaurant serves up authentic ramen, sushi, and rice bowls. 

After a long day at the office, nothing will hit the spot quite like a bowl of Sapporo’s house ramen, brimming with tender chashu pork, corn, bean sprouts, and scallions. “We simmer chicken and fresh vegetables for ten solid hours to make our signature soup base, the soul of an authentic ramen experience,” explains Usanee Chaovatana, co-owner and manager of Sapporo Ramen. 

Chaovatana recommends also trying the pan-fried gyoza to share, some karaage, or juicy Japanese fried chicken, and a sushi roll, all “prepared with fresh ingredients and care.”

Drink pairing: “I love beer with ramen and we are lucky to be able to have Trillium’s Congress Street IPA on draft,” Callahan says. “The rich fruity notes of peach, clementine, and tropical fruits balance the richness of the pan-fried gyoza and the refreshing pine and citrus notes with hoppy bitterness make a really nice pairing with the ramen.”

Far Out Ice Cream

Far Out Ice Cream brings a New Zealand-style twist to the city’s dessert scene with its fresh, fruit-blended ice cream. You can choose which fruit you’d like blended into your cone, or pick a flavor combo from the menu.

“Like all the best things in the world, it is greater than the sum of its parts,” explains cofounder and president August Radbill. “The combination of fruit and ice cream swirled together to order is indescribably good — and unlike anything you have had before.”

Each fruit provides a different flavor and texture when blended with ice cream, he adds. Incorporate mix-ins, toppings, and drizzles, and there are mouthwateringly endless sweet treat options to choose from.

For parents bringing the kiddos in for a cup or a cone, Radbill points to the Hokey Pokey sundae, which is honeycomb toffee ice cream topped with toffee, salted caramel, and sea salt, all served in a waffle bowl. As for what parents should order, he highlights the Chocka Block, a blend of chocolate, banana, and dark chocolate flakes, or the perennial favorite, the Kookaberry. “It’s vanilla or chocolate ice cream blended with blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry,” Radbill explains. “It is a killer combination and hits every single time.”

Drink pairing: Taking inspiration from the Mexican carajillo cocktail, C-Side’s “Caraccino” is their house espresso martini, made with Grey Goose vodka, elote coffee, empirical ayuuk, and salted cacao. “It compliments its large dose of coffee with savory notes of heirloom corn, pasilla, and salted chocolate,” Callahan says. “It would be great with the Chocka Block and also contrast well with the fruity flavors of the Kookaberry blend. Plus, parents always need more caffeine.”

No matter where you choose to dine, CanalSide is a veritable passport to a world of flavors — no plane tickets necessary. Consider the rest of the restaurant lineup, too, including fresh pasta from DalMoros, Italian favorites from Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza, Asian fusion from InChu, smoothies from Juicygreens, and more.

Whether you’re grabbing a light bite or seeking out a decadent dessert, whatever you crave awaits you at CambridgeSide’s CanalSide.