International flavors at Cambridge's northern gateway
Porter Square offers a unique mix of international cuisines and neighborhood charm. The area is particularly known for its excellent Japanese restaurants and the historic Porter Square Shopping Center.
Best Restaurants in Porter Square
Porter Square offers a unique mix of international cuisines and neighborhood charm. Our top picks include Dakzen, Bagelsaurus, Yume Wo Katare.
Khao Soi
Sourdough Bagels
Jiro-Style Ramen
Fresh Pastries
Selected based on local favorites, authentic offerings, and community reputation.
Thai · Porter Square
Porter Square outpost of chef Panupak Kraiwong's Thai street-food concept, best known for the khao soi — rich coconut curry with egg noodles and a crispy-noodle topping. The executive chef's selection menu runs inventive spins on traditional dishes alongside the classics.
Bakeries · Porter Square
Slow-fermented sourdough bagels shaped and boiled in-house. Expanding the storefront in 2024 to meet demand. Not New York-style but Bon Appétit once called them among the best bagels in the US outside of New York.
Ramen · Porter Square
Porter Square ramen shop with a single menu item: Jiro-style pork ramen — thick wheat noodles, a mountain of bean sprouts and cabbage, two slabs of chashu pork, in a garlic-fat-and-shio tare broth. At the end of your meal, you stand up and share your dream with the room. Cash only.
Bakery/Cafe · Porter Square
Cafe at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Porter Square. Croissants, cinnamon rolls, breads and more made by pastry chefs and students. Opened December 2024.
Criteria: authenticity, local reputation, quality
Sources: community input • editorial review
“The only thing better than eating is eating in Cambridge.”
This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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