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.
Inside Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square. Founded by coffee legend George Howell (Coffee Connection, 1975). World-class beans sourced globally, meticulous roasting.
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.
Israeli-inspired bakery and cafe. Beautiful pastries, shakshuka, fresh salads, and excellent coffee. Multiple Cambridge locations, Instagram-worthy.
Authentic Mexican from the Medford original. Famous tortas, tacos, burritos. Only Tenoch with full liquor license. Opened 2024 in The Garage, Harvard Square.
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.
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.
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.
Creative American small plates in a cozy basement setting. Known for inventive dishes and craft cocktails.
Upscale Indian dining in Harvard Square. Regional specialties from across India, sophisticated spicing, elegant presentations. Popular for business dinners.
Hokkaido-style ramen chain from Japan. Rich tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender pork slices. Counter seating, quick service.
Gourmet sandwich shop and cafe. House-roasted meats, fresh-baked bread, creative combinations. Multiple Cambridge locations, popular for lunch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Italian-inspired seafood in Harvard Square. Venetian-influenced crudo, handmade pasta, and pristine fish in a stylish but approachable space. The name refers to the prized soft-shell crab of Venice's lagoon.
Upscale New American dining in Harvard Square since 1975. Farm-to-table menu with seasonal ingredients and extensive wine list.
Traditional Japanese sushi and izakaya. Omakase available, fresh fish selection, extensive sake list. Intimate counter seating, authentic preparations.
Creative pizza slices with unique toppings. Counter-service pizzeria with slices and whole pies. Quick, casual, and fun flavor combinations.
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.
Above Alden & Harlow in historic Café Algiers space. Craft cocktails with house-made infusions, syrups, and bitters. The famous secret burger available all night.
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.
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.
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.
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.