Saigon Babylon

When The Eaves announced their temporary closure in June, it felt like when Dunkin’ pulled the Dunkaccino. We were, in a word, crushed, and continue to eagerly await the return of both. In the meantime, the same team behind the Somerville favorite just opened what’s quickly become the new spot for birthdays and general good times in Cambridge. Taking over the whole fifth floor of a building on Lafayette Square, Saigon Babylon has a huge roof deck and a vibey dining room with enormous windows, tons of plants, and dimly-lit chandeliers dangling over mismatched furniture. Beyond the atmosphere, we’re here for dishes like the tender lemongrass beef—rich, barely seared wagyu kissed with passion fruit sauce and topped with a rice cracker. The other must is the xôi chim, served with ground squab and savory shiitake mushrooms on top of an orange nest of sticky turmeric rice. The Good Dealer, a cocktail that mixes pho spices with yuzu jam and gin, tastes like it was engineered to be enjoyed on the roof deck at sunset, overlooking bustling Lafayette Square.