Seemor
Martsa On ElmB+Worth Trying
243 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
· Tibetan restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (626 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Flavorful Tibetan-Himalayan comfort with lots of veg options and standout soups and thukpa, but service can be slow and inconsistent; expect moderate prices and order bread or rice separately.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Martsa On Elm delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in signature Himalayan soups and thukpa, but inconsistent execution on dishes like momos and notably slow service with occasional inattention prevent a higher grade. The cozy Davis Square location and excellent vegetarian range make it worth visiting for what it does best—warming noodle bowls and flavorful curries—though service reliability and portion value keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Martsa On Elm brings Tibetan and Himalayan comfort to Davis Square with bowls of steaming thukpa, fluffy tingmo, and curries that feel both homestyle and lively. Diners describe service as laid back, sometimes too much so, but the room is cozy and inviting. One guest put it simply: "The soups were warming and the spices felt just right." Note that waits and refills can lag when busy, and a couple of recent diners felt rushed at the end. The cooking leans traditional with cross-regional touches—think Tibetan noodles, Nepali spices, and Indian-style coconut curries—more elevated comfort than experimental. Steamed momos divide opinion, but noodle soups and veg-forward curries routinely earn praise. If you like spice, the thukpa and tofu thang deliver; if you are spice-shy, ask for mild and pair with warm bread like tingmo. Families do well here thanks to approachable dishes like dumplings, fried rice, mild coconut curries, and breads. There is no dedicated kids menu, but portions of noodles and rice are easy to share. If your crew is picky, lean on steamed momos, fried rice with veggies, and creamy curries; order bread or rice on the side since it is not always included.
At a Glance
- Thukpa and soups are consistently praised for depth and warmth
- Excellent range of vegetarian and vegan options
- Service can be slow and inattentive; occasional rushed check
- Portions can feel modest and sides cost extra
- Past hygiene complaints (2023) are isolated but notable
What Sets It Apart
- brothy_noodle_strengths
- broad_vegan_selection
- rare_tibetan_in_davis_square
What People Love
- Warming thukpa and hearty soups
- Flavor-forward veg curries with coconut and spice
- Fluffy tingmo and fresh roti
- Affordable starters that encourage sharing
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency: slow ordering, missed refills, and occasional early check drop; appears intermittent but frustrating when it happens
- Some entrees run small for price; rice and bread often extra
- Momos quality varies by visit; steamed preferred by many over fried
- Review patterns show isolated past hygiene reports (2023); recent mentions focus more on service pacing
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a shared starter (Papri Chaat) with one curry and a thukpa to balance richness and value
- Add tingmo or bhale to any curry-focused order
Perfect For
- A cozy noodle-soup night in Davis Square
- Vegetarian groups seeking variety
- Casual date with shared curries and bread
- Solo comfort-bowl before a movie
Location Insights
Area: Lively student-friendly square with indie shops, casual dining, and steady foot traffic near Tufts and Red Line.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, active into evening; occasional urban wear typical of busy squares.
Nearby: Near Red Line Davis Station, cinemas, bars, boutiques; strong evening and weekend dining scene.
SomervilleSomerville is known for its eclectic dining scene, featuring a mix of casual eateries, innovative restaurants, and ethnic cuisine. The social atmosphere is lively and community-oriented, with many local events and a strong emphasis on supporting independent businesses. It is accessible and generally safe, popular among those seeking a vibrant urban-suburban blend.
Davis SquareDavis Square is a distinct hub within Somerville, renowned for its dense concentration of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It offers a walkable, energetic environment with a strong sense of community and a diverse culinary landscape, making it a popular dining destination.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–21:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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