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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Japanese-Spanish tapas from chef Tracy Chang. Two-story loft space in Central Square serving creative small plates that blend Japanese precision with Spanish warmth. Don't miss the okonomiyaki and house cocktails.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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