Curated guides for dining, living, and exploring Cambridge, Massachusetts
How locals think about Cambridge: You pick a neighborhood first, then explore. Central Square for diversity. Porter for Japanese food. Inman for hidden gems. Harvard Square for institutions. Each guide reflects how residents actually experience the city.
Why the guides are organized this way: Most squares are a 5-minute walk from a Red Line stop. Once you know the transit map, you know the city. Cambridge is compact enough that every destination is reachable without a car — so we organize by where you already are.
Opinionated guides with our honest picks — what to eat, where to work, and who to impress
The restaurants that define Cambridge dining — our editors' definitive picks
Restaurants that impress without being pretentious
Where to eat when there are too many of you for a normal table
Where to celebrate when it matters
Cambridge's best breakfast spots — from diners to bakeries
Ice cream, pastries, and the Cambridge dessert scene
Cambridge restaurants that opened recently and deserve your attention
Where to work when you can't face another day at home
Find restaurants by your favorite type of food
Discover the best Italian restaurants in Cambridge, MA. From authentic pasta to wood-fired pizza, explore top-rated Italian dining in Harvard Square, Central Square & beyond.
Find the best seafood restaurants in Cambridge, MA. Fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and New England classics at top-rated spots near Harvard, Kendall & Central Square.
Explore the best Asian restaurants in Cambridge, MA. From authentic ramen and sushi to Korean BBQ and dim sum, find top Asian cuisine near Harvard & Central Square.
Craving ramen in Cambridge? Discover the best ramen shops with authentic broths, handmade noodles, and perfect toppings near Harvard Square and Central Square.
Find the best pizza in Cambridge, MA. From wood-fired Neapolitan to classic New York slices, discover top pizzerias in Harvard Square, Kendall & Central Square.
Discover the best Mexican restaurants in Cambridge, MA. Authentic tacos, creative burritos, and margaritas at top-rated spots near Harvard and Kendall Square.
Explore the best Mediterranean restaurants in Cambridge, MA. From Greek mezze to Turkish kebabs, discover top-rated Mediterranean dining in Harvard Square & beyond.
Explore dining in each Cambridge district
Discover the best restaurants in Harvard Square, Cambridge. From fine dining to casual cafes, explore top-rated spots steps from Harvard University.
Explore the best restaurants in Central Square, Cambridge. From ethnic eateries to trendy bars, discover the most diverse dining scene in Cambridge, MA.
Find the best restaurants in Kendall Square near MIT. From upscale seafood to craft breweries, explore top dining spots in Cambridge's innovation district.
Discover the best restaurants in Inman Square, Cambridge's hidden gem for food lovers. Award-winning chefs, diverse cuisines, and local favorites.
Explore the best restaurants in Porter Square, Cambridge. Japanese cuisine, Spanish tapas, and neighborhood favorites near the Porter Square T station.
The perfect spot for every moment
Find the best brunch in Cambridge, MA. From boozy brunches to healthy options, discover top breakfast and brunch spots in Harvard Square, Central Square & beyond.
Planning a romantic dinner in Cambridge? Discover the best date night restaurants with intimate atmospheres, great food, and perfect ambiance.
Looking for lunch in Cambridge? Discover the best lunch spots from quick bites to sit-down restaurants in Harvard Square, Kendall Square & Central Square.
Hungry after midnight in Cambridge? Find the best late night restaurants, pizza, and food spots open late near Harvard Square, Central Square & beyond.
Find the best happy hour deals in Cambridge, MA. Discounted drinks, appetizer specials, and great atmospheres at bars near Harvard, MIT & Central Square.
Enjoy al fresco dining in Cambridge! Discover the best restaurant patios, rooftop bars, and sidewalk cafes in Harvard Square, Central Square & beyond.
Curated guides for specific interests
Support women-owned restaurants in Cambridge, MA. Discover female chef-owned dining establishments from fine dining to casual cafes.
Support minority-owned restaurants in Cambridge, MA. Discover diverse, BIPOC-owned dining establishments bringing authentic flavors to Cambridge.
Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cambridge, MA. Plant-based dining, vegan options, and meat-free menus near Harvard & Central Square.
Discover the best bakeries in Cambridge, MA. Fresh bread, pastries, coffee, and sweet treats at top-rated bakeries near Harvard Square & beyond.
Find the best coffee shops and cafes in Cambridge, MA. From specialty espresso to cozy study spots, discover where to get great coffee near Harvard & MIT.
Find the best coffee shops for studying in Cambridge, MA. WiFi-friendly cafes with great coffee, comfortable seating, and quiet atmospheres near Harvard and MIT.
Discover the best bars in Cambridge, MA. From craft cocktail lounges to Irish pubs and craft breweries, explore top nightlife near Harvard Square and Central Square.
Eat well for less in Cambridge, MA. The best cheap eats, budget-friendly restaurants, and delicious meals under $15 near Harvard, MIT, and Central Square.
Find the best restaurants near MIT in Cambridge, MA. From quick student bites to power lunches in Kendall Square, discover dining options around the MIT campus.
Everything you need to know about making Cambridge home
Everything you need to know about moving to Cambridge, MA. Neighborhoods, cost of living, transit, schools, and insider tips for new residents.
What does it cost to live in Cambridge, MA in 2026? Breakdown of housing, food, transit, and daily expenses for residents and those considering a move.
Find the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Cambridge, MA. Schools, parks, safety, and community resources for families with children.
Navigate Cambridge parking with confidence. Resident permits, meter tips, free parking spots, and strategies for Harvard Square, Kendall Square, and Central Square.
Insider guides for Harvard, MIT, and Cambridge students
The ultimate Harvard Square student guide. Best cheap eats, study cafes, nightlife, bookstores, and hidden gems near Harvard University.
Discover 30+ free things to do in Cambridge, MA. Free museums, parks, tours, events, and activities that won't cost you a penny.
Cambridge celebrations, markets, and things to do
Find the best things to do in Cambridge this weekend. Events, activities, restaurants, markets, and entertainment in Harvard Square, Kendall Square & beyond.
Discover Cambridge holiday events and celebrations. Holiday markets, tree lightings, seasonal festivals, and festive dining throughout the year.
Everything you need to know about attending the Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge. Best viewing spots, parking, food, and insider tips for spectators.
Guide to Cambridge farmers markets. Locations, hours, seasonal offerings, and tips for shopping at Harvard Square, Central Square, and neighborhood markets.
Honest head-to-head guides to help you choose
Cambridge vs Boston: which is better for living? Compare cost of living, neighborhoods, dining, transit, nightlife, and quality of life in this honest guide.
Cambridge vs Somerville: compare cost of living, neighborhoods, dining, and lifestyle. An honest guide for choosing between these two neighboring cities.
Harvard Square vs Central Square: compare dining, nightlife, shopping, vibe, and walkability. Which Cambridge neighborhood is right for you?
Stories and local knowledge from our editorial team
Cambridge's restaurant scene is evolving fast. Here's what's new, what's trending, and where the smart money is eating in 2026.
After a long New England winter, spring in Cambridge is magic. Here's how to make the most of the season when the city comes alive.
Cambridge loves dogs. Here's where to walk, eat, and shop with your four-legged friend.
Every guide is a journey. Every meal, a destination.
It depends on what you want. Central Square has the most diverse dining scene with Ethiopian, Indian, Korean, and Mexican options. Inman Square is the hidden gem for food lovers with restaurants like Oleana and Trina's Starlite Lounge. Harvard Square offers the most variety in a walkable area. Kendall Square has upscale dining near the innovation district. Each square has its own culinary identity.