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 & breakfast, cocktails, and an experiential night out. Cheers!

by Celina Colby

Been there ate that? Check out our guides for Somerville, Back Bay, and the South End.

DINING OUT: 

Neighborhood: Harvard Square

Moëca
Info: This swanky seafood restaurant cooks with fresh, local seafood and changes the menu according to the daily catch. 

Giulia 
Info: Experience authentic Italian cuisine at this neighborhood restaurant specializing in fresh pasta and cozy ambiance. 

Barcelona
Info: This vibrant wine and tapas bar is a favorite in Boston with other locations in the South End and Brookline.
 
Stoked Pizza
Info: Indulge in handcrafted pizzas and cocktails at this buzzy spot that also offers a vegan menu.
 
Felipe’s Taqueria
Info: Felipe’s is an old standard in Harvard Square for casual Mexican eats, breakfast, and a popular roofdeck. 

Wakuwaku Ramen & Sake
Info: Enjoy innovative ramen and a robust sake list in a space decorated with bright murals and neon lights.

Source
Info: Snack on pizzas, pastas, and Italian-inspired small plates at this industrial-style joint.

Harvest
Info: This upscale, veteran restaurant draws on New England flavors with a contemporary spin and features a stunning courtyard fireplace.

Neighborhood: Inman Square 

Oleana
Info: Dine on inventive Eastern Mediterranean small plates inside or on a beautiful plant-filled patio.

Puritan & Co and Puritan Oyster Bar
Info: At Puritan & Co and the neighboring Puritan Oyster Bar you can eat beautifully plated, seasonal New England cuisine.

Neighborhood: East Cambridge

Lone Star Taco Bar
Info: Lone Star is a vibey spot for Mexican street eats and mezcal and tequila cocktails.

Neighborhood: Central Square

Pammy’s
Info: Inspired by the coziness of a neighborhood Italian trattoria, Pammy’s serves a prix fixe menu, cocktails, and Italian wines.

Si Cara 
Info: Savor from-scratch pizzas with simple but luscious ingredients and a menu of natural wines. 

Little Donkey
Info: This chef-driven spot serves up globally inspired tapas, craft brews, and cocktails. 

Shojo Cambridge 
Info: Shojo’s creative, modern Asian cuisine results in unique cocktails and dishes like the Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs.

Althea
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.

Pagu
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 

Sumiao Hunan Kitchen 
Info: This contemporary Chinese restaurant focuses on Hunan cuisine during lunch and dinner.

Neighborhood: West Cambridge

Sofra
Info: Delve into Middle Eastern sweet and savory bites at this charming bakery. 

Neighborhood: Davis Square 

Urban Hearth
Info: Farm-to-table cooking is at its best at this cozy American restaurant with an open kitchen.

Neighborhood: Porter Square

Sugar & Spice
Info: This modern restaurant serves up a large menu of Thai favorites for lunch and dinner. 

The Abbey(between Davis & Porter)
Info: Enjoy late-night pub-style American bites and a robust scotch list at The Abbey. 

COFFEE & BREAKFAST 

Neighborhood: Harvard Square 

Faro
Info: Fuel up with unique, ethically sourced coffee beverages and a selection of pastries in this Instagram-friendly space.

Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
Info: Start your morning at this small batch coffee roaster with a menu of espresso beverages and pastries.

Neighborhood: Porter Square 

Bagelsaurus
Info: Have your handmade bagel at this local spot with schmear, butter, or as a sandwich. 

Neighborhood: Inman Square

1369 Coffee House
Info: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and coffee beverages at this space that focuses on creating a welcoming community.

Neighborhood: North Cambridge 

Revival Cafe + Kitchen
Info: Stop by for unique breakfast, lunch, and coffee offerings like a toasted coconut latte and a crispy eggplant sandwich.

Neighborhood: Central Square

Cicada
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).

Brookline Lunch
Info: Brookline Lunch offers an unforgettable Mediterranean breakfast and lunch menu. Here’s a teaser: Baklava & Kanafeh Pancakes. 

Neighborhood: East Cambridge

Elmendorf Baking Supplies & Cafe
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

Lord Hobo Brewing Company
Info: Head to this modern day saloon for an extensive craft beer list and a hearty menu of American comfort food.

Blue Owl Rooftop Bar
Info: Overlook Central Square while you sip craft cocktails and sample globally inspired eats at Blue Owl.

The Mad Monkfish
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. 

Neighborhood: East Cambridge 

Lamplighter Brewing Co. CX & Broadway
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 

Neighborhood: Central Square

Roxy’s Arcade
Info: The Roxy’s Arcade is a perfect balance between restaurant (serving up Roxy’s famous grilled cheeses), arcade, and cocktail bar. 

Neighborhood: Inman Square 

The Lilypad
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.

The Druid
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.