1
Life Alive Organic Cafe
Vegetarian · Central Square
Popular
Vibrant vegetarian cafe with organic bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices. Colorful, healthy fast-casual.
Goddess bowlFresh juicesVegan options
4.5
$$All Guides
Central Square
Best Restaurants in Central Square
Cambridge's eclectic dining crossroads
11Restaurants
1Neighborhood
About This Guide
Central Square is Cambridge's most diverse neighborhood, and its restaurant scene reflects that vibrant mix. From authentic ethnic eateries to innovative vegetarian cafes, Central offers some of the city's most interesting and affordable dining.
The Recommendations
2
The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Bar · Central Square
Popular
Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.
Live musicMultiple stagesLate night
4.3
$$3
Pammy's
New American · Central Square
Popular
Neighborhood gem serving sophisticated comfort food. Husband-wife team creates seasonal New American cuisine with Italian influences. Cozy ambiance, excellent service, thoughtful wine list.
Rotisserie ChickenFresh PastaSeasonal Vegetables
4.7
$$$4
Veggie Galaxy
Vegetarian · Central Square
Popular
All-vegetarian diner with vegan options. Comfort food classics reimagined plant-based. Retro diner atmosphere with modern values. Full bar.
Vegan Mac & CheeseVeggie BurgerPlant-Based Comfort Food
4.5
$5
Little Donkey
Tapas · Central Square
Popular
Global small plates from chef Ken Oringer. Eclectic menu drawing from cuisines worldwide. Communal seating, creative cocktails, lively atmosphere.
Small PlatesCreative TapasGlobal Flavors
4.5
$$6
Shanghai Fresh
Chinese · Central Square
Authentic Shanghai cuisine with hand-pulled noodles made to order. Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are signature dish. Modern casual setting.
Soup DumplingsHand-Pulled NoodlesShanghai Dishes
4.5
$7
Dumpling House
Chinese · Central Square
Taiwanese-style dumplings and noodles. Hand-wrapped dumplings made fresh daily, extensive noodle soup menu. No-frills, cash-only, lines out the door.
Pork DumplingsBeef Noodle SoupScallion Pancakes
4.5
$8
India Pavilion
Indian · Central Square
North Indian cuisine in Central Square since 1990. Extensive vegetarian options, tandoori specialties, and daily lunch buffet. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Chicken Tikka MasalaLamb VindalooNaan
4.4
$$9
The Mad Monkfish
Sushi · Central Square
Jazz dinner club with live music and Asian fusion cuisine. Creative sushi, Southeast Asian dishes, and craft cocktails in intimate setting. Jazz Room hosts live performances Fri-Sun.
Live JazzCreative SushiThai Classics
4.4
$$10
Royal East
Chinese · Central Square
Family-run Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Szechuan classics since 1989. Generous portions, reliable quality, and neighborhood favorite. Full bar.
Kung Pao ChickenGeneral Tso'sDumplings
4.3
$11
Phoenix Landing
Irish Pub · Central Square
Irish pub with dance nights and events. Karaoke, trivia, and themed parties throughout the week.
Irish pubKaraokeDance nights
4.2
$Frequently Asked Questions
Central Square is Cambridge's most diverse dining destination, reflecting the neighborhood's eclectic, artistic character. The area is renowned for excellent Indian cuisine (try Punjabi Dhaba for authentic North Indian or India Pavilion for a more upscale experience), Middle Eastern restaurants, and some of the city's best vegetarian and vegan options. You'll also find Ethiopian, Korean, Japanese, and Latin American restaurants within a few blocks. Central Square tends to be more affordable than Harvard Square, making it popular with students and young professionals. The nightlife scene adds late-night options, with several restaurants serving food until midnight or later.
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