A Late-Night Falafel Standby in Cambridge Has Revamped and Reopened

Moody’s Falafel Palace (25 Central Square, Cambridge), a longtime late-night destination that closed last fall, has reopened as Aleppo Palace. MK Seffo, who has owned and operated the business since the 1990s, remains at the helm. The space has been given a “major” renovation, Seffo told Eater. Seffo, who is from Aleppo originally, decided to change the name because it better reflected his personal history.

“What inspired me is my love of the ingredients that my ancestry and culture has used for thousands of years, such as chickpeas, garlic, lentils, eggplants, pomegranate, fava beans, and more,” Seffo told Eater via email. “Those ingredients that bring back memories, history, and recognition in the DNA.”

Seffo emigrated from Aleppo to New York City, where he worked in restaurants in the West Village. He moved to Boston in 1994 and worked in restaurants in the North End, such as Lucia and Dolce Vita Ristorante. When the opportunity to buy Moody’s Falafel Palace arose, he jumped at it.

“An old friend wanted to retire from managing his restaurant, and he sold me the place in Central Square,” Seffo said. “When I purchased Moody’s Falafel Palace, I became more aware of the importance of the Mediterranean cuisine for the Cambridge community.”

Head to Aleppo Palace and snack on falafel, Aleppo zaatar, and more Syrian and Mediterranean-inspired treats. The revamped restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

• Aleppo Palace Opens in Former Moody’s Falafel Palace Space in Cambridge’s Central Square [BRT]
• Aleppo Palace [Official Site]