Award-winning Mediterranean restaurant with Turkish and Arabic influences. Chef Ana Sortun's seasonal menu features creative mezze, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

Upscale New American dining in Harvard Square since 1975. Farm-to-table menu with seasonal ingredients and extensive wine list.

Creative American small plates in a cozy basement setting. Known for inventive dishes and craft cocktails.

Artisan pizza, craft beer, and wood-fired cooking. Popular breakfast spot and neighborhood gathering place.

Vibrant vegetarian cafe with organic bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices. Colorful, healthy fast-casual.

Working-man's oyster bar with New England seafood. Fresh catches daily, craft beer selection, lively atmosphere.

Modern Mediterranean in the Kendall Hotel. Farm-to-table focus with seasonal New England ingredients.

Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.

Irish pub with dance nights and events. Karaoke, trivia, and themed parties throughout the week.

Local brewery with taproom and outdoor seating. Rotating beer selection, food trucks, community vibe.

Fast-casual vegetarian chain with seasonal menu. MIT-founded, locally sourced, innovative plant-based food.

Award-winning bakery with breakfast and lunch. Sticky buns, sandwiches, and pastries. Multiple Cambridge locations.

No-frills burgers and beer in Harvard Square. Late-night favorite, affordable prices, classic American.

Authentic Afghan cuisine in East Cambridge. Family-run, flavorful dishes, warm hospitality.

Handmade pasta perfection in an intimate setting. Chef Michael Pagliarini crafts Roman-inspired dishes with seasonal New England ingredients. Known for exceptional wine program and house-made pasta. Reservations essential.

Upscale gastropub with 30+ craft beers on tap. Locally-sourced American fare, great burger selection, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Popular for brunch and late-night dining.

Upscale American diner with creative comfort food. Rotisserie meats, inventive sides, and extensive whiskey selection. Modern space with outdoor patio.

Family-run Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Szechuan classics since 1989. Generous portions, reliable quality, and neighborhood favorite. Full bar.

Authentic Shanghai cuisine with hand-pulled noodles made to order. Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are signature dish. Modern casual setting.

North Indian cuisine in Central Square since 1990. Extensive vegetarian options, tandoori specialties, and daily lunch buffet. Family-friendly atmosphere.

Upscale Indian dining in Harvard Square. Regional specialties from across India, sophisticated spicing, elegant presentations. Popular for business dinners.

All-vegetarian diner with vegan options. Comfort food classics reimagined plant-based. Retro diner atmosphere with modern values. Full bar.

Creative sushi and Asian fusion in Central Square with live jazz. Eclectic menu blending Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines. Full bar with sake selection and creative cocktails.

Jewish delicatessen and bakery. House-smoked pastrami, bagels boiled and baked in-house, Montreal-style smoked meat. Weekend brunch destination.

Global small plates from chef Ken Oringer. Eclectic menu drawing from cuisines worldwide. Communal seating, creative cocktails, lively atmosphere.

Israeli-inspired bakery and cafe. Beautiful pastries, shakshuka, fresh salads, and excellent coffee. Multiple Cambridge locations, Instagram-worthy.

Lebanese-Turkish bakery and cafe. Sister restaurant to Oleana. Mezze, baked goods, Turkish coffee. Cozy space, perfect for lunch or afternoon break.

Traditional Japanese sushi and izakaya. Omakase available, fresh fish selection, extensive sake list. Intimate counter seating, authentic preparations.

Hokkaido-style ramen chain from Japan. Rich tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender pork slices. Counter seating, quick service.

Taiwanese-style dumplings and noodles. Hand-wrapped dumplings made fresh daily, extensive noodle soup menu. No-frills, cash-only, lines out the door.

Retro diner with creative comfort food and all-day breakfast. Fun atmosphere, huge portions, great for groups. Known for inventive pancakes and Bloody Marys.

Harvard Square institution since 1971. Eclectic menu, half-price food with drink purchase before 7:30PM. Cozy basement setting, college-friendly prices.

Creative pizza slices with unique toppings. Counter-service pizzeria with slices and whole pies. Quick, casual, and fun flavor combinations.

Gourmet sandwich shop and cafe. House-roasted meats, fresh-baked bread, creative combinations. Multiple Cambridge locations, popular for lunch.

Irish pub with extensive beer selection and hearty pub fare. Live music on weekends, trivia nights, sports viewing. Central Square landmark since 2006.

Texas-style BBQ with house-smoked meats. Brisket, ribs, and creative sides. Bourbon selection, outdoor patio, casual atmosphere.

Fresh lobster rolls at wholesale prices. Counter service, no frills, just incredible lobster. Cash only, lines common, worth the wait.

Cambridge's oldest family and woman owned bar. Serving cold beer and warm friends since 1934. Iconic neighborhood institution with rich history and loyal following.

The one and only Uyghur cuisine in Massachusetts, offering the unique food mixture of Asian and Turkish food culture. Authentic Central Asian dishes with lamb, hand-pulled noodles, and traditional spices.

Contemporary Chinese restaurant & bar introducing authentic Hunan Cuisine. Creative melding of tradition with modernity, stunning design draped in sentimental works of art. Features seasonal weekend authentic specials for adventurous appetites.

Full service Cuban restaurant and bar serving modern interpretations of traditional Cuban dishes. Craft cocktail program and highly curated selection of Cuban Rums. Vibrant atmosphere celebrating Cuban culture.

Serving locally sourced, globally inspired dishes, with an intimate dining room, knowledgeable friendly staff, and exquisitely crafted menu at the heart of the dinner service. Seasonal New American with international influences.

Offering Spanish Caribbean cuisine, music, art, and culture. Vibrant atmosphere with live music and cultural events celebrating Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage.

Best ramen in town. Authentic Japanese ramen with rich broths and fresh noodles made daily. Cozy space in Central Square with excellent tonkotsu and miso options.

Authentic Thai cuisine with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Family-run restaurant serving Cambridge for over 20 years with consistent quality and generous portions.

Cafe with espresso, coffee, home-made bagels, and elaborate bagel sandwiches. Fresh bagels baked daily. Cozy Harvard Square spot popular for breakfast and lunch.

Serving fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Moroccan food cooked-to-order. Family recipes passed down generations with traditional tagines, fresh pita, and couscous.

Hot Chix Boston provides casual fried chicken and Southern food to Cambridge. Korean-style fried chicken with Southern influences, crispy and flavorful.

Artisan bagel shop and café serving hand-rolled bagels, creative sandwiches, and specialty coffee. Fresh-baked daily with quality ingredients. Opened 2024.

Neighborhood restaurant & bar serving seasonal New American cuisine. Cozy atmosphere with local ingredients and craft cocktails. Central Square gem opened in 2024.

Elegant bistro with seasonal menu featuring European-inspired cuisine. Beautiful outdoor patio perfect for warm weather, excellent wine selection. Inman Square destination.

Serving wholesome and healthy sandwiches, salads, multigrain rice bowls, and noodle dishes. High grade hot and iced teas, espresso and coffee. First in Cambridge to introduce bubble tea in 2002!

Beloved Cambridge institution since 1993. Best espresso drinks in town alongside soups, sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries. Winner of Best Coffeehouse in Cambridge multiple years.

The original 1369 location in Inman Square, opened 1993 in the former 1369 Jazz Club space. Cozy neighborhood feel with excellent coffee and community atmosphere.

Independently owned specialty coffee shop in East Cambridge. Famous for Liège waffles and quality coffee. Transforms into a natural wine bar some evenings.

Inside Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square. Founded by coffee legend George Howell (Coffee Connection, 1975). World-class beans sourced globally, meticulous roasting.

Chic cocktail bar in The Charles Hotel with 1940s nightlife atmosphere. French-inspired cocktails, seasonal menus, and 5-4-3-2-1 Happy Hour. Black velvet elegance.

Harvard Square institution since 1984. Cozy basement pub with curated wines, craft beers, and great burgers. Heated outdoor patio. Eclectic crowd of locals, professors, students.

Hidden tiki bar in historic Conductors Building. Minority & LGBTQ+ owned. New England Chinese flavors meet classic tiki drinks. Named USA Today Restaurant of the Year.

Above Alden & Harlow in historic Café Algiers space. Craft cocktails with house-made infusions, syrups, and bitters. The famous secret burger available all night.

Authentic Irish pub in Cambridge's oldest wooden mercantile building. Known for perfect Guinness, excellent food, and live Irish music sessions three times weekly.

New American tavern in Harvard Square since 2010. Seasonally-changing menu, craft cocktails, weekend brunch. Steps from Harvard T station. Patio dining available.

Authentic Mexican from the Medford original. Famous tortas, tacos, burritos. Only Tenoch with full liquor license. Opened 2024 in The Garage, Harvard Square.

Central Square sports bar and American restaurant. Diverse menu, 13 TVs, craft beer selection. Neighborhood vibe with Saturday/Sunday brunch. Private event space available.

Cambridge Crossing's destination restaurant by Chef Will Gilson. Rooftop bar with stunning views, greenhouse-style dining room. Weekend brunch, craft cocktails, seasonal menu.

Lively Inman Square Mexican restaurant with tableside guacamole, creative fare, and assorted margaritas. Local favorite for Tex-Mex comfort food and generous portions.

Cambridge institution since 1919. Jewish-style deli serving everything from traditional Reubens to innovative entrees. Birthplace of Legal Sea Foods (1950). Three generations of the same family.

Harvard Square seafood spot in former Boathouse space. English pub meets coastal charm. Connected to Grendel's Den ownership. Sustainable seafood, grass-fed beef, weekend brunch.

Elegant restaurant at Sheraton Commander Hotel. Named after owner Edward Nubar Guleserian. Three generations of family ownership. New England cuisine with innovative twists, breakfast buffet.

Harvard Square institution since 2004. Fast-casual Mexican with famous rooftop bar (260 capacity). Late night favorite for students. Cheap burritos and margaritas.

Upscale Irish pub between Harvard and Porter Squares. Great beer selection, American fare with Irish touches. Late night kitchen, outdoor patio.

MICHELIN Guide recognized Mediterranean restaurant with seasonal focus. Chef owners Chris and Pam Willis craft enticing dishes in a charming space outfitted with salvaged finds. Three-course 'Choose Your Own Adventure' prix-fixe dinner.

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.

Chef Will Gilson's Mediterranean concept at First Street Market. Named after a popular Middle Eastern condiment, Amba serves spiced rotisserie chickens with an array of sides and sauces. Fast-casual, flavorful, fresh.

Popular Somerville donut shop expanded to Harvard Square. Artisan donuts with creative flavors like Brown Butter Hazelnut, Maple Bacon, and seasonal specials. Fresh coffee and espresso drinks.

Brooklyn-based artisan ice cream shop opened in Harvard Square. Known for rich, creative flavors using high-quality ingredients. Vegan options available. Opened Fall 2024.

The New York Times called it 'the best ice cream in the world.' People Magazine named their vanilla the best in America. I've known the Rancatore family my entire life - I worked for Mimi (Gus's sister) in high school, scooping ice cream and learning what it means to be obsessive about quality. Gus was my daughter's first babysitter. This isn't just a recommendation; Toscanini's is family. They still make everything from scratch, still source the best ingredients, still refuse to cut corners. The Burnt Caramel is legendary. The B3 (brown butter, brown sugar, brownie) is my order. Cambridge institution since 1981.

The Kendall Square outpost of the ice cream shop that the New York Times called 'the best in the world.' Same obsessive quality, often less crowded than Central. Perfect for the biotech crowd who need a reminder that life is about more than data. The MIT students know - this has been fueling late-night problem sets for decades. People Magazine named their vanilla the best in America.

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.

The newest endeavor from the Mamaleh's delicatessen crew, in the former Vincent's space. Multipurpose outpost serving as test kitchen, event space, and deli. Jewish-style comfort food with creative twists.

Farm-to-table neighborhood spot with spotlight on vegetables and a burger that pays homage to the legendary Craigie on Main. Seasonal New American cuisine with local sourcing. Opening 2025.

Porter Square Thai institution with 100+ dishes and 60+ gluten-free/vegan options. The pad thai is textbook perfect, and the massaman curry has the right amount of sweetness. Cash only but there's an ATM inside. Been coming here since college - it's never let me down.

Tiny, vibrant spot known for authentic Northern Thai. The Khao Soi (curry noodles) is the move - rich coconut curry with egg noodles and crispy noodles on top. Small space fills up fast. This is what Thai food should taste like.

Upscale Thai in Harvard Square with dim lighting and romantic vibes. More refined than your typical Thai joint. The drunken noodles are legitimately spicy if you ask for Thai hot. Good date spot if you're in the Square.

Underground Harvard Square gem for affordable Vietnamese comfort food. The pho is solid, banh mi is a steal, and the pork chop rice is what I order when I need something filling. Nothing fancy, just good food. Cash preferred.

Modern Vietnamese cafe with excellent coffee and creative banh mi. The duckfit banh mi is worth the hype. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is dangerously addictive. Expect a weekend brunch line but it moves fast. The vibe is immaculate.

Cambridge institution since 1986 serving Eritrean-Ethiopian cuisine. The vegetarian combo is a revelation - lentils, collard greens, split peas all scooped with spongy injera. They make two types of injera (rice flour and teff). The weekday lunch buffet is an incredible deal.

Cozy East Cambridge spot for authentic Ethiopian. Smaller than Asmara but feels more homey. The kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare) is excellent if you're adventurous. Great for a casual dinner with friends - order the messob platter to share.

The Korean BBQ spot in Cambridge. Grill at every table, you cook your own meat. Galbi (marinated short ribs) and samgyeopsal (pork belly) are the essentials. It's a full experience - the banchan keeps coming, the soju flows, and you leave smelling like delicious meat. Worth it.

Korean comfort food done right. The sullongtang (ox bone soup) is the signature - milky white broth from hours of simmering, perfect for cold Cambridge winters. Also solid for hangover recovery. Unpretentious, just good soup.

Harvard Square legend since 1960. This is THE Cambridge burger. 7oz patties, creative toppings, burgers named after politicians and celebrities. Cash only (ATM inside). The frappes are incredible. Filmed in Good Will Hunting and The Social Network. You will wait, and it will be worth it.

Harvard Square institution since 1971. The happy hour deal is legendary: half-price food with $3 drink purchase, 5-7:30pm daily. Eclectic menu, great beer selection, basement vibes. Named after the Beowulf monster. Every Harvard student has eaten here. Now you should too.

Three floors of tacos in Harvard Square. The rooftop bar is the move in summer - margaritas overlooking Brattle Street. Fast, fresh, open stupid late (until 2am weekends). Breakfast burritos save lives. Not the most authentic, but exactly what you need at 1am.

Late night pizza institution. Sicilian-style squares with thick, crispy edges. Open until 2am. This is where you end up after the bars close. The upstairs seating is prime people-watching. Cash only for slices. A Harvard Square rite of passage.

No-frills burgers done right. Smash-style patties, solid fries, cheap beer. Pool table in the back. The Big Tasty with cheese is the classic order. Way better than any chain. When you want a burger but don't want to wait for Bartley's.

Started as an MIT food truck, now a Cambridge institution. The chickpea fritter sandwich is perfect. The BBQ seitan is addictive. Fast, fresh, vegetarian-forward. Multiple locations but the Harvard Square flagship feels right. Even meat eaters love this place.

The OG healthy bowl spot before bowls were everywhere. The Goddess bowl changed my understanding of what vegetarian food could be. The Dynamo with fire sauce is my go-to. Actually tastes good AND makes you feel good. Central Square institution.

Vegan diner that makes carnivores jealous. The seitan tips taste like actual steak tips. The milkshakes are ridiculously good (and vegan). Retro diner vibes. This is how you convert meat eaters. Brunch is packed for good reason.

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.

Five-minute walk from Harvard Yard. They roast on-site twice weekly. The pourover is worth the wait. Small-batch, single-origin, all the right buzzwords but they actually deliver. Great for a slow morning or working on your laptop.

Israeli-Mediterranean bakery that took over Cambridge (and Boston). The shakshuka is perfect. The halva tahini cookie haunts my dreams. The pastry case is dangerous - just point at things and trust. Multiple locations but Harvard Square is the classic.

Joanne Chang's bakery empire started here. The sticky buns are legendary - Bobby Flay couldn't beat them. The sandwiches are substantial. The cookies are perfect. This is what a bakery should be. Joanne is a treasure and I will die on this hill.

Ana Sortun's Turkish-inspired bakery in Huron Village. The morning bun is transcendent. The lamb sausage flatbread is what weekend breakfast should be. Off the beaten path but absolutely worth seeking out. Sister spot to Oleana.

Inman Square coffee institution. Been here forever, feels like someone's living room. Great for reading, working, or just existing. The iced coffee is perfect. Not trying to be trendy, just trying to be good. Exactly what a coffee shop should feel like.

Harvard Square sandwich shop and coffee spot. Solid sandwiches, good coffee, great people-watching. The outdoor seating is prime in nice weather. Been here since 1993. One of the last old-school spots in an increasingly chain-heavy Square.

Coffee by day, wine bar by night. The space is beautiful - high ceilings, exposed beams, Central Square industrial chic. Great for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. The kind of place where you can spend an entire day.

Central Square Indian stalwart since 1990. The lunch buffet is a neighborhood ritual - $15 for all-you-can-eat. Huge vegetarian selection. The tikka masala is reliable, the naan comes out hot. Not fancy, just consistent. My go-to when I need Indian food fast.

Authentic North Indian street food at prices that make no sense (in a good way). The chole bhature is perfect. The thali platters are generous. No frills, strip mall location, incredible food. This is what dhaba-style should taste like. Best value Indian in Cambridge.

Afghan cuisine in East Cambridge near CambridgeSide. The kaddo borawni (pan-fried pumpkin with yogurt garlic sauce) is a must-order. The lamb dishes are excellent. Cozy, fireplace in winter, romantic without being stuffy. Boston Globe Best Date Night winner.

Fast-casual Greek from the Oleana team. Build-your-own pita or bowl. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, the tzatziki is fresh. Quick lunch option when you need something healthy but satisfying. Multiple locations but Harvard Square is convenient.