A new concept from a familiar chef is on its way to East Cambridge.
Chef Jason Doo will soon open Gato Exotico inside the CambridgeSide shopping mall at 100 Cambridgeside Place, according to a press release.
Chef Doo and his award-winning team are best known for Harvard Square’s Wusong Road, a tiki-inspired hideaway that debuted in 2021 and quickly earned acclaim with its inventive fusion dishes and immersive design.
The new eatery promises to reimagine the “energy of 1990s mall dining,” creating a vibrant, tropical space that’s equal parts modern and nostalgic.
On the menu, guests can look forward to a celebration of regional Mexican cooking: Yucatán-style cochinita pibil slow-roasted in banana leaves, mole negro from Oaxaca, and “bright ceviches” inspired by Tulum’s coastal flavors. Shareable plates and playful street eats will also be available.
As with Wusong Road, cocktails will be central to the experience. Expect mezcal- and tequila-driven drinks infused with tropical fruits and juices, poured into custom artist-designed glassware for an extra splash of fun.
“I grew up going to CambridgeSide and have strong memories of spending time there as a teenager after school at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School,” Chef Doo said in a statement. “That is the spirit we wanted to capture with Gato Exotico. We are so excited to be part of CambridgeSide – a reimagining of a contemporary mall in the heart of the city, bringing that sense of community forward with modern food, cocktails, and an immersive atmosphere that nods to the playful thematic dining experiences of the 1990s.”
Gato Exotico is slated to open in late 2025. Earlier this year, rumors swirled about a possible second Wusong Road in the Seaport, but no plans have been confirmed.
