The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops in Cambridge

Cambridge is a huge town and nearly every neighborhood offers a host of fantastic bars and restaurants. It was a tough choice but we whittled it down to some of our favorite spots for dining out, coffee &amp; breakfast, cocktails, and an experiential night out. Cheers! by Celina Colby Been there ate that? Check out our guides for <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-best-restaurants-bars-in-somerville/414041">Somerville</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-best-restaurants-bars-in-back-bay-boston-boston-412988">Back Bay</a>, and the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/must-try-eateries-in-boston-s-south-end-2023/411252">South End</a>. DINING OUT:&nbsp; Neighborhood: Harvard Square <a href="https://www.moecarestaurant.com/">Moëca</a> Info: This swanky seafood restaurant cooks with fresh, local seafood and changes the menu according to the daily catch.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.giuliarestaurant.com/">Giulia&nbsp;</a> Info: Experience authentic Italian cuisine at this neighborhood restaurant specializing in fresh pasta and cozy ambiance.&nbsp; <a href="https://barcelonawinebar.com/location/cambridge/">Barcelona</a> Info: This vibrant wine and tapas bar is a favorite in Boston with other locations in the South End and Brookline. &nbsp; <a href="https://www.stokedpizzaco.com/cambridge">Stoked Pizza</a> Info: Indulge in handcrafted pizzas and cocktails at this buzzy spot that also offers a vegan menu. &nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/felipe-s-taqueria-harvard-square-roof-deck-cambridge-347170">Felipe’s Taqueria</a> Info: Felipe’s is an old standard in Harvard Square for casual Mexican eats, breakfast, and a popular roofdeck.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/wakuwaku-ramen-sake-harvard-square-cambridge-410217">Wakuwaku Ramen &amp; Sake</a> Info: Enjoy innovative ramen and a robust sake list in a space decorated with bright murals and neon lights. <a href="https://sourcerestaurants.com/">Source</a> Info: Snack on pizzas, pastas, and Italian-inspired small plates at this industrial-style joint. <a href="https://www.harvestcambridge.com/">Harvest</a> Info: This upscale, veteran restaurant draws on New England flavors with a contemporary spin and features a stunning courtyard fireplace. Neighborhood: Inman Square&nbsp; <a href="https://www.oleanarestaurant.com/">Oleana</a> Info: Dine on inventive Eastern Mediterranean small plates inside or on a beautiful plant-filled patio. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/puritan-oyster-bar-inman-square-cambridge-406230">Puritan &amp; Co and Puritan Oyster Bar</a> Info: At Puritan &amp; Co and the neighboring Puritan Oyster Bar you can eat beautifully plated, seasonal New England cuisine. Neighborhood: East Cambridge <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/lone-star-taco-bar-cambridge-allston-ma-s-best-tacos-cambridge-404093">Lone Star Taco Bar</a>&nbsp; Info: Lone Star is a vibey spot for Mexican street eats and mezcal and tequila cocktails. Neighborhood: Central Square <a href="https://www.pammyscambridge.com/">Pammy’s</a> Info: Inspired by the coziness of a neighborhood Italian trattoria, Pammy’s serves a prix fixe menu, cocktails, and Italian wines. <a href="https://www.sicarapizza.com/">Si Cara&nbsp;</a> Info: Savor from-scratch pizzas with simple but luscious ingredients and a menu of natural wines.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.littledonkeybos.com/">Little Donkey</a> Info: This chef-driven spot serves up globally inspired tapas, craft brews, and cocktails.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/shojo-modern-asian-cuisine-cocktails-central-square-cambridge-cambridge-414758">Shojo Cambridge&nbsp;</a> Info: Shojo’s creative, modern Asian cuisine results in unique cocktails and dishes like the Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs. <a href="https://www.altheacentralsq.com/">Althea</a> Info: Enjoy comfort food entrees spanning the American culinary spectrum at this cozy Central Square restaurant. They also have a sprawling patio dubbed “the backyard” with an outdoor bar and BBQ. <a href="http://www.gopagu.com/">Pagu</a> Info: Japanese and Spanish flavors come together at this upscale tapas bar that also boasts a culinary market and a pop-up bartender series. Neighborhood: Kendall Square&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/sumiao-hunan-kitchen-authentic-chinese-hunan-cuisine-kendall-square-cambridge-410759">Sumiao Hunan Kitchen&nbsp;</a> Info: This contemporary Chinese restaurant focuses on Hunan cuisine during lunch and dinner. Neighborhood: West Cambridge <a href="https://www.sofrabakery.com/">Sofra</a> Info: Delve into Middle Eastern sweet and savory bites at this charming bakery.&nbsp; Neighborhood: Davis Square&nbsp; <a href="https://www.urbanhearth.net/">Urban Hearth</a> Info: Farm-to-table cooking is at its best at this cozy American restaurant with an open kitchen. Neighborhood: Porter Square <a href="https://sugarspices.com/">Sugar &amp; Spice</a> Info: This modern restaurant serves up a large menu of Thai favorites for lunch and dinner.&nbsp; <a href="https://abbeyonlinestore.com/">The Abbey</a> (between Davis &amp; Porter) Info: Enjoy late-night pub-style American bites and a robust scotch list at The Abbey.&nbsp; COFFEE &amp; BREAKFAST&nbsp; Neighborhood: Harvard Square&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/faro-cafe-cambridge-cambridge-405369">Faro</a> Info: Fuel up with unique, ethically sourced coffee beverages and a selection of pastries in this Instagram-friendly space. <a href="https://www.broadsheetcoffee.com/">Broadsheet Coffee Roasters</a> Info: Start your morning at this small batch coffee roaster with a menu of espresso beverages and pastries. Neighborhood: Porter Square&nbsp; <a href="http://www.bagelsaurus.com/">Bagelsaurus</a> Info: Have your handmade bagel at this local spot with schmear, butter, or as a sandwich.&nbsp; Neighborhood: Inman Square <a href="https://www.1369coffeehouse.com/">1369 Coffee House</a> Info: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and coffee beverages at this space that focuses on creating a welcoming community. Neighborhood: North Cambridge&nbsp; <a href="https://www.revivalcafeandkitchen.com/">Revival Cafe + Kitchen</a> Info: Stop by for unique breakfast, lunch, and coffee offerings like a toasted coconut latte and a crispy eggplant sandwich. Neighborhood: Central Square <a href="https://cicada-coffee-bar.square.site/">Cicada</a> Info: This delectable Vietnamese cafe serves up coffee and pastries alongside bahn mi and noodle salads. (Keep an eye out for their new concept The Eaves, opening in Bow Market this year). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookline.lunch/?hl=en">Brookline Lunch</a> Info: Brookline Lunch offers an unforgettable Mediterranean breakfast and lunch menu. Here’s a teaser: Baklava &amp; Kanafeh Pancakes.&nbsp; Neighborhood: East Cambridge <a href="https://www.elmendorfbaking.com/">Elmendorf Baking Supplies &amp; Cafe</a> Info: Here you can buy tools for your next baking project as well as sandwiches made on fresh bread and other cafe goodies. COCKTAIL HOUR Neighborhood: Central Square <a href="https://lordhobo.com/cambridge/">Lord Hobo Brewing Company</a> Info: Head to this modern day saloon for an extensive craft beer list and a hearty menu of American comfort food. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/blue-owl-rooftop-bar-cambridge-378275">Blue Owl Rooftop Bar</a> Info: Overlook Central Square while you sip craft cocktails and sample globally inspired eats at Blue Owl. <a href="https://www.themadmonkfish.com/">The Mad Monkfish</a> Info: In addition to sushi, cocktails, and a wide selection of Japanese whiskey, The Mad Monkfish offers regular live jazz music for perfect night-out ambiance.&nbsp; Neighborhood: East Cambridge&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/lamplighter-cx-patio-cambridge-379862">Lamplighter Brewing Co. CX &amp; Broadway</a> Info: Lamplighter Brewing Co has two Cambridge locations where you can sample locally made craft beers in a bright, cafe-style setting and enjoy bar snacks. EXPERIENTIAL&nbsp; Neighborhood: Central Square <a href="https://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/cambridge-arcade">Roxy’s Arcade</a> Info: The Roxy’s Arcade is a perfect balance between restaurant (serving up Roxy’s famous grilled cheeses), arcade, and cocktail bar.&nbsp; Neighborhood: Inman Square&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lilypadinman.com/">The Lilypad</a> Info: At this intimate music venue you can hear everything from jazz and classical to punk concerts. On show nights you can snag a glass of beer and wine to sip during the concert. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/traditional-irish-music-sessions-at-the-druid-cambridge-408265">The Druid</a> Info: Transport yourself across the Atlantic with traditional Irish pub fare served at The Druid. Three times a week they also host live bands playing Irish music.

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

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The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

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S28: calendar experiences

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

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S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

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Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

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Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

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