Cambridge Dining Guide
Best Chinese in Central Square
The 5 chinese restaurants in Central Square worth walking to — ranked, with addresses, hours, and T access. Curated by Guide to Cambridge.
Cambridge's Chinese restaurants reflect the city's academic connections to China — many are run by immigrants with deep regional expertise. You'll find authentic Sichuan mapo tofu, hand-pulled noodles, Cantonese dim sum, and Hunan specialties that rival anything in Boston's Chinatown, often at more reasonable prices.
Insider TipAsk for the Chinese-language menu at sit-down restaurants — it often has dishes not on the English menu, particularly regional specialties.
Shanghai Fresh
Chinese · 671 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Authentic Shanghai cuisine with hand-pulled noodles made to order. Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are signature dish. Modern casual setting.
Dumpling House
Chinese · 950 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Taiwanese-style dumplings and noodles. Hand-wrapped dumplings made fresh daily, extensive noodle soup menu. No-frills, cash-only, lines out the door.
Darling
Chinese/Cocktail Bar · 464 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Chinese-inspired cocktail bar in the former Mary Chung space. Dim sum-inspired small plates reimagined with playful, creative flair. Hong Kong Shrimp Toast, Filet O Fish Bao, Red Braised Pork Ribs. Opened July 2025.
Royal East
Chinese · 782 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Family-run Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Szechuan classics since 1989. Generous portions, reliable quality, and neighborhood favorite. Full bar.
Dumpling House
Chinese · 950 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
The soup dumplings are the reason to come. Watch them make them through the kitchen window. Thin wrappers, hot broth inside - be careful, they will burn you. The scallion pancakes are also excellent. No frills, just great dumplings.