Must-see restaurants in Cambridge

  • Toscanini’s

    Cambridge

    People come from miles around for Tosci's burnt-caramel ice cream, which apparently was invented as the result of an accident (you can imagine). Besides…

  • Waypoint

    Cambridge

    After his success at Alden & Harlow, chef Michael Scelfo turned his attention to seafood and other 'coastally inspired fare.' The wide-ranging menu…

  • Giulia

    Cambridge

    A half-mile north of Harvard Square, this intimate Italian restaurant opened in 2012 to universal acclaim. Chef Michael Pagliarini's sophisticated,…

  • Little Donkey

    Cambridge

    Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's latest culinary venture, this high-ceilinged but cozy brick-walled bistro serves tapas with an international twist…

  • Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage

    Cambridge

    Packed with small tables and hungry college students, this burger joint has been a Harvard Square institution for more than 50 years. Bartley’s offers two…

  • Veggie Galaxy

    Cambridge

    What does the word 'diner' mean to you? All-day breakfasts? Check. Burgers and milkshakes? Check. Counter seating and comfy booths? Got those, too. A…

  • Life Alive

    Cambridge

    Life Alive offers a joyful, healthful, purposeful approach to fast food. The unusual combinations of animal-free ingredients yield delicious results, most…

  • Dumpling House

    Cambridge

    Midway between Central and Harvard, this bustling spot is the sister restaurant to the Chinatown favorite Gourmet Dumpling House. If you're a fan of soup…

  • Bon Me

    Cambridge

    Bon Me started as a food truck that catered to the Kendall Sq crowd, and you'll still see the trucks tooling around town. This little storefront sells the…

  • Darwin's Ltd

    Cambridge

    Punky staff serve fat sandwiches, fresh soup and salads, and delicious coffee and pastries, all with a generous helping of attitude. The limited seating…

  • Alden & Harlow

    Cambridge

    This subterranean space is offering a fresh take on American cooking. The small plates are made for sharing, so everyone in your party gets to sample the…

  • Area Four

    Cambridge

    The post-industrial vibe at Area Four is perfect for the high-tech block where it's located (and for which it's named). Doubling as a cool cafe and modern…

  • Whole Heart Provisions

    Cambridge

    Appealing to health-conscious and earth-conscious eaters, this convivial place serves up lunch (or dinner) in a bowl. Choose one of the signature…

  • Roxy's Grilled Cheese

    Cambridge

    What started as a food truck is now an actual restaurant, specializing in exotic combinations of bread and cheese (plus some other ingredients). There are…

  • Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

    Cambridge

    This worldwide chain is bringing a bit of Japanese simplicity and subtlety to Harvard Square. Service is pleasant and fast, while the noodles are…

  • CloverHSQ

    Cambridge

    Clover is on the cutting edge. It's all high-tech with its 'live' menu updates and electronic ordering system. But it's really about the food – local,…

  • Night Market

    Cambridge

    This super-hip, seemingly 'secret,' subterranean spot dishes up skewers, noodles and other smallish servings that fuse Asian and other international…

  • Red House

    Cambridge

    Formerly known as the Cox-Hicks House, this quaint clapboard house dates to 1802. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned inn, it retains its historic charm with…

  • Friendly Toast

    Cambridge

    Some people think that this retro diner is one of the best places to eat breakfast in the country. Decadent delights such as coconut pancakes, six kinds…

  • Russell House Tavern

    Cambridge

    Smack-dab in the middle of Harvard Square, this attractive gastropub has a classy, classic atmosphere, enhanced by good-looking, effervescent patrons. The…

  • Miracle of Science Bar & Grill

    Cambridge

    With all the decor of your high-school science lab, this bar and grill was a pioneer of geek chic. The menu takes the form of the periodic table posted on…

  • Vialé

    Cambridge

    Turns out, you don't have to go to the North End for Italian food. This Central Sq neighborhood favorite showcases its own delectable concoctions…