Where locals eat in Cambridge, Massachusetts
A common misconception about Cambridge dining: People assume Harvard Square has the best restaurants because it's famous. Locals know the opposite — Harvard Square restaurants serve tourists. The best food is in Central, Inman, and Porter, where restaurants survive on repeat customers, not foot traffic.
How locals actually choose a restaurant: First, pick the neighborhood you're already in. Then pick the cuisine. Then check if you need a reservation. Cambridge restaurants are small; the good ones fill up. Spontaneous dining works best at lunch or early dinner.
Julia Child lived on Irving Street. She would've loved our restaurant scene.
Artisan bagel shop and café serving hand-rolled bagels, creative sandwiches, and specialty coffee. Fresh-baked daily with quality ingredients. Opened 2024.
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.
Independently owned specialty coffee shop in East Cambridge. Famous for Liège waffles and quality coffee. Transforms into a natural wine bar some evenings.
Authentic Afghan cuisine in East Cambridge. Family-run, flavorful dishes, warm hospitality.
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.
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.
Northern Italian from acclaimed chef Will Gilson at Cambridge Crossing. Housemade pastas, local seafood, and fresh butchered meats in a warm, modern space. Sister restaurant to Puritan & Company.
Italian restaurant, bar, and community gathering place in East Cambridge from the team behind SRV and The Salty Pig. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and Italian-inspired cocktails in a warm neighborhood setting.
Authentic Brazilian restaurant in East Cambridge specializing in the namesake muqueca (fish stew). Vibrant flavors, generous portions, and warm Bahian hospitality. The feijoada on weekends is not to be missed.
Cambridge Crossing's destination restaurant by Chef Will Gilson. Rooftop bar with stunning views, greenhouse-style dining room. Weekend brunch, craft cocktails, seasonal menu.
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.
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.
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.
Join our distinguished directory of Cambridge establishments and connect with discerning diners across all eight districts.
"I saved Latin. What did you ever do?"
— Max Fischer, Rushmore Academy
Cambridge has over 120 curated restaurants spanning every cuisine. Top-rated spots include award-winning establishments in Harvard Square and Inman Square, diverse ethnic restaurants in Central Square, and innovative dining in Kendall Square. Browse our directory sorted by rating above to find the highest-rated options.