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.
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.
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.
Cult-favorite ramen shop near Porter Square where sharing your dreams is part of the experience. Only serves one dish: rich, Jiro-style pork ramen with thick noodles and generous toppings. Cash only, expect a line, worth every minute.
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.
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.