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The MIT Circuit

Best Restaurants Near MIT

Fueling brilliance: dining around MIT and Kendall Square

12Restaurants
2Neighborhoods

About This Guide

The MIT area has undergone a culinary renaissance. What was once an industrial district with few dining options is now home to some of Cambridge's most exciting restaurants. From quick bites between lectures to celebratory dinners after thesis defenses, the Kendall Square and East Cambridge neighborhoods offer diverse dining for every MIT occasion and budget.

The Answer

Best Restaurants Near MIT

The MIT area has undergone a culinary renaissance. Our top picks include Row 34, Area Four, Lamplighter Brewing Co..

Top Picks

Selection Criteria

Selected based on local favorites, authentic offerings, and community reputation.

The Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Within a 10-minute walk of MIT's main campus, you'll find Area Four for outstanding wood-fired pizza, Row 34 for premium seafood and oysters, and Legal Sea Foods for classic New England fare. Catalyst offers Mediterranean-influenced American cuisine in a modern setting. For quicker options, Clover Food Lab serves excellent vegetarian fast-casual meals, and Oath Pizza delivers customizable personal pizzas. The Kendall Square food court and MIT's own dining locations provide additional variety for tight schedules between classes.

Curated by Guide to Cambridge
Last verified: Feb 2026Recent

Criteria: authenticity, local reputation, quality

Sources: community input • editorial review

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