Inman Square
Culinary destination & neighborhood charm
Why Visit Inman Square?
Inman Square is Cambridge's culinary heart, where award-winning chefs serve alongside neighborhood institutions that have fed the community for generations. This intimate square champions craft and community—from fabric shops run by passionate makers to hardware stores that know every customer by name. Visit for the world-class dining, discover the thriving artisan culture, and experience what true neighborhood character feels like.
The Answer
What to do in Inman Square
Inman Square is culinary destination & neighborhood charm. Inman Square is Cambridge's culinary heart, where award-winning chefs serve alongside neighborhood institutions that have fed the community for generations.
Top Picks
- 1Inman Square
Landmark
- 2Christina's Spice & Specialty Foods
Specialty food
- 3Oak Bistro
Bistro
- 4Moona
Mediterranean
Selection Criteria
Top spots in Inman Square selected for authenticity and local reputation.
About This District
A food lover's paradise with acclaimed restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. Maintains authentic neighborhood character.
Who Inman Square Is For
Food lovers who prioritize quality over convenience, and residents who want a tight-knit neighborhood feel
Anyone without a 10-minute walk tolerance — no T station, so you bus or walk to Central
The restaurant density relative to size — more excellent dining per block than Harvard Square, at half the price
District Highlights
- Award-winning restaurants
- Neighborhood hardware store
- Fabric & craft shops
- Portuguese & Mexican cuisines
A Perfect Day in Inman Square
morning
Start at bōm dough for artisanal doughnuts and coffee.
afternoon
Browse gather here for fabrics and crafts, visit Inman Square Hardware.
evening
Dinner at Oleana for Mediterranean fare or Casa Portugal for authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Locals Only
- 1.Oleana requires reservations way in advance for dinner - but the bar takes walk-ins and has the full menu
- 2.1369 Coffee House is the living room of Inman Square - perfect for working or reading for hours
- 3.Punjabi Dhaba looks unassuming but has the best-value Indian food in Cambridge. Chole bhature is the move.
- 4.The walk from Central Square T to Inman is about 12 minutes - not bad, but not T-adjacent
- 5.S&S Deli is a classic Jewish deli - old school, been here forever, weekend brunch lines are real
- Trina's Starlite Lounge - retro bar with great cocktails and comfort food, feels like a secret
- East Coast Grill might be closed but The Kirkland Tap & Trotter carries on the neighborhood bar food tradition
- All Star Pizza - Sicilian style, locals swear by it, nothing fancy just good pizza
- Atwood's Tavern for live music - more intimate than Central Square venues
- The Druid - Irish pub that feels actually Irish, not theme park Irish
Skip These
- No T stop here - plan for walking from Central or a short Uber
- Limited parking - street parking is tough, especially evenings
- Some restaurants close earlier than you'd expect on weeknights
Best & Worst For
- Serious food lovers who want James Beard-quality dining without pretension
- People who want to feel like a local, not a tourist
- Coffee shop workers/readers - 1369 is perfect for this
- Craft and fabric enthusiasts (gather here is excellent)
- Anyone tired of Harvard Square prices and crowds
- People who need T access (it's a walk)
- Large groups without reservations at popular spots
- Anyone looking for nightclubs or late-night party scene
- Quick in-and-out visits (you need to slow down here)
Local Secrets
- ◆Ana Sortun (Oleana chef) also runs Sofra bakery nearby - her morning bun is transcendent
- ◆The community garden behind the fire station is a nice hidden green space
- ◆Inman Square Hardware has been run by the same family for decades - they actually know their stuff
Seasonal Guide
Oleana's patio is one of the most coveted outdoor dining spots in Cambridge. 1369 has outdoor seating too. The neighborhood feels even more residential and charming.
Perfect for cozy dinners - Casa Portugal and Punjabi Dhaba warm you up. 1369 becomes a refuge from the cold.
Transit Connections
11 establishments in Inman Square are easily accessible by public transit.
Getting Here
No T station — walk to Central (10 min) or take Bus 83/91. This is the trade-off for Inman's charm.
Easier than the main squares. Some 2-hour metered spots. Residential permit parking available.
Points of Interest
Events in Inman Square
Local Establishments
Christina's Spice & Specialty Foods
Cambridge institution since 1991 offering hundreds of hard-to-find spices, herbs, and specialty ingredients from around the globe. The knowledgeable staff helps home cooks recreate authentic world cuisines. Also famous for their homemade ice cream featuring unique flavors like cardamom and burned caramel.
Oak Bistro
Elegant bistro with seasonal menu
Moona
Spicy Eastern Mediterranean small plates
Olé
Elevated Mexican food & festive scenery
Quick Facts
Named after a tavern owner from the 1700s.
Further Reading
Best Restaurants in Inman Square
Blog7 Hidden Gems in Cambridge That Only Locals Know About
BlogCambridge's Coffee Culture: Why This City Runs on Independent Roasters
BlogCambridge Dining in 2026: Trends, New Openings, and What's Changed
ItineraryCambridge Culinary Journey
ItineraryPerfect Cambridge Weekend
Inman Square FAQ
“I saved Latin. What did you ever do?”
— Max Fischer, on neighborhood preservation