25 Essential Cambridge Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Cambridge.
Veggie Galaxy
Massachusetts
Imaginative twist on an old-school diner specializing in from-scratch vegan & vegetarian options.
2nd Street Cafe
Massachusetts
Local spot for hearty breakfasts & sandwiches in a cozy cafe atmosphere, open weekdays only.
Area Four
Massachusetts
Trendy cafe & bakery offering gourmet pizzas made from dough fermented for 30 hours, plus espresso.
Anna's Taqueria
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Local counter-serve Mexican chain dishing up burritos, tacos & quesadillas in a warm space.
Dumpling House
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Lively spot for a big selection of handmade dumplings & other Chinese classics, plus lunch specials.
The Boiling Crab
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Casual small chain offering boiled-in-bag Cajun-spiced crawfish, oysters, shrimp & other shellfish.
Sakana Sushi
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Understated restaurant preparing classic Japanese dishes, including sushi, soups & dumplings.
Amelia's Trattoria
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cozy neighborhood trattoria attracting fans with a refined menu & Italian-focused wine list.
Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard Square institution & student favorite for burgers, fries, frappes & kitschy decor.
Kiin Thai Sushi
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Go-to Thai eatery whose semi-industrial interior features traditional Thai decor & a skylight.
Courthouse Seafood
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Casual take-out joint with a fish market next door serving heaping portions of fried seafood & more.
Joe’s Pizza
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Chivo Taqueria
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great wine list. Popular for: Dinner.
Pepper Sky's
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Thai go-to at Central Square dispensing curries & more in a simple setting for eat-in or takeout.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.
Sumi House
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: Curbside pickup, Takeout, Dine-in.
Middle East Restaurant and Club
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Smaller than its downstairs sibling, this enduring rock venue features underground & indie bands.
Roxy's Grilled Cheese & Burgers - Central Square, Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Zhu Vegan
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Small, modern space spotlighting Pan-Asian cuisines free of meat, dairy, GMOs and MSG.
Basta Pasta
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Low-key trattoria featuring hearty portions of homemade pasta, pizza & Italian entrees.
Olé
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Enduring, lively eatery for guacamole made tableside, creative Mexican fare & assorted margaritas.
Chef Zhang Cuisine & Bar 张师傅小炒黄牛肉
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Offerings: Alcohol, Comfort food.
Harvest
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Venerable, welcoming mainstay for contemporary New England seasonal dishes & a garden courtyard.
Alfredos Italian Kitchen Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.