Top 24 Best Restaurants In Cambridge 2024

Diversity can do great things, let it be the history of the Renaissance or the golden age; humans have always achieved greater things by accepting diversity & embracing inclusivity. But it is a concept that is not only seen in humans; diversity is also seen in the culinary space. Fusion food, Indian cuisine, and Peruvian food are the biggest examples. Cambridge is one of the most diverse cities in England; this is seen in its food as well. With restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisine like Italian, French, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and more! It has got the globe on a plate. To see what culinary secrets Cambridge has, here are some of the best restaurants in Cambridge. 

Best Restaurants In Cambridge

Burt Lancaster profoundly said, "I judge a restaurant by the bread & coffee",; which closely reflects an appreciation for simple pleasures and attention to detail. Taking this criterion into account of simple pleasures like comfort food, authenticity, and attention to detail like ambience, & service we've listed down some of the best restaurants in Cambridge and listed down everything you need to know about them so you can get excited about your next meal in the city:

Best Italian Restaurants In Cambridge 

Mamma mia! Who does not like the taste of Italian cuisine? Let it be a multi-layered lasagne, crusty pizzas, or a classic herby pasta, Italians know the art of translating their love and passion into food. Luckily, you wouldn't have to book a flight to experience the authentic love for Italian food as some of the best restaurants in Cambridge will serve you Italian food at your doorstep. So long gone are the days of sifting through dry pasta and undercooked risottos to find perfect Italian spots.

1. Limoncello Delicatessen & Bistro

Price: ££ - £££
Location: 212 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3NF England
Time: Monday to Thursday: 9:30am-10:30pm/ Friday & Saturday- 9am-11:30pm/ Sunday: 11:30am-5pm 

Are you craving fine Italian dining? Well, Limoncello Delicatessen & Bistro is a quaint eatery in the city. It is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for anyone who is looking for a tasty lunch in a quiet neighbourhood. Bringing the ambience of a traditional Italian deli, it also brings some of the most Italian-tasting dishes to the table. Its menu ranges from antipasti like bruschetta, salads, stone-baked pizzas, and pasta to some cheese-blending dishes. It would be illegal if you didn't give justice to your taste buds by having their pesto and pumpkin gnocchi, truffle bruschetta, & tiramisu. The staff is known for being incredibly friendly and treating their regulars like family, so don't be shy to pop by and say hello if you're in the area! ‍

2. Tradizioni

Price: £ - ££
Location: 18, The Broadway, 18-19 The Broadway, Cambridge CB1 3AH, United Kingdom
Time: Monday to Saturday: 12pm-10pm 

Homemade food is like a warm hug; it comforts you and soothes your food soul; by bringing this concept to the table, Tradizioni was born. If you want food that tastes like it's been made in an Italian home, this place should be on your food list. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, Tradizioni serves exceptional Italian food ranging from pasta, pizza, focaccia, lasagna, and fries. Keeping it very simple, it is a luxury to eat here indeed, on a warm sunny day, enjoying a lovely meal in the open air with their cosy outdoor options. It's the perfect place for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. 

3. Bella Italia

Price: ££-£££
Location: Unit 20 Cambridge Leisure Park Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7DY England
Time: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am-11pm 

Bella Italia is a very famous Italian chain in the UK; With over 70 locations, it is no surprise that it has Cambridge as one of its home stations. What makes Bella Italia so special? Well, it all boils down to its pasta, gnocchi, risotto, & all Italian classics that will keep your appetite wanting more. Known as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge to serve Italian cuisine, this charming restaurant serves some of the best cheese-filled Gnocchi bites, peas & Asparagus Risotto. The restaurant also has menus based on occasions like tea parties, dates, etc., so you don't waste your time searching or asking for recommendations. It is not only known for its food but also for its interior design. The restaurant's rustic and modern interiors blend makes it dolce vita!

4. Al Pomodoro

Price: ££-£££
Location: 152-154 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PB England
Time: Sunday: 12 pm- 9:30 pm/ Monday-Thursday: 12pm-10:30pm/ Friday- Saturday: 12pm-11pm 

Al Pomodoro is a prime example of an Italian family business; This is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for anyone looking for Sicilian food. Sicilian food is known for squeezing its rich, diverse flavours, history, culture, & traditions all into one plate. The world has witnessed this Island's love in dishes like Arancini, Cannoli, Panelle, & Marsala Wine. Getting this Island to the doorsteps of Cambridge, Al Pomodo serves with the same authenticity you can find on the Island. The menu has some classics like Arancinetto di Cettina,Carpaccio di polpo, Antipasto di pesce, Calamari Fritti that wouldn't help you from taking a second helping. Truly made in Italy and heaven! 

5. Savino's

Price: £-££
Location: 3 Emmanuel Street, Cambridge CB1 1NE England
Time: Monday to Saturday: 7am-6pm

Cafe culture popularly resonated with Italy's neighbour France, but the Italian cafe culture is a brewing prodigy. With strong-smelling expressos, cappuccino etiquettes, & aperitivo culture, Italian cafes are a dedicated space for all coffee lovers. To share love and make the Italian cafe experience more accessible, Savino was introduced. Certainly a student favourite & one of the best cafes in Cambridge, Savino has partly been famous for its quick bites at low prices starting from £1.90. The menu at Savino might seem cafe cliche with big portions of salads, homemade cakes, sandwiches and croissants, but their delicious paninis grant them their Italian edge. They also serve some great coffee; one must try their Illy coffee, an instant hit in many Italian households. As for their ambience, it is a compact space with wooden high chairs, counters, as well as chairs & tables. The vibe is quite old-school. It is decorated with plants and simple spotlighting. Overall, it is one of the good restaurants in Cambridge that is a must-visit! Moving to the city? Here's a list of 20 things to do in Cambridge!‍

Fine Dining In Cambridge

Fine dining is an experience for the soul; we as humans have embraced and associated the concept of fine dining with pampering, pleasure, affection & intimacy with ourselves. It is also an indication of good taste & attractive looking dishes. By gearing this notion to its full throttle, the fine dining experience in Cambridge has been growing over the years. With 9 Michelin-star restaurants in Cambridge, the goal of creating an unforgettable dining experience is redefining the culinary scene here. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cambridge that are known for "this" experience:

1. Restaurant 22 

Price: £££-££
Location: 22 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 3AX England
Time: Wednesday: 6pm-8:45pm. Thursday to Saturday: 12pm-1:45pm & 6pm-8:45pm

By working under the knife of renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Sam Carter, a Michelle star recipient, has successfully drawn the standards of fine dining in Cambridge; by converting a Victorian townhouse into an adored dining space & one of the best restaurants in Cambridge. Taste keeps evolving; so does the menu at Restaurant 22, sticking to its contemporary modern British cuisine roots. They have a full-tasting menu comprising snacks, bread butter, complimentary appetisers, starter, fish, main, pre-dessert, desserts, tea, and coffee. If you have a smaller appetite, they have a condensed version of the full-tasting menu, i.e. the short-tasting menu, which still allows you to enjoy the bursting flavours of a full-tasting menu but limits your appetite. All these dishes are curated with love and local fresh seasonal produce, making it a perfect lunch/dinner feast. Apart from its heart and mouth-melting spread, the restaurant has created quite an intimate environment with soft lighting, chic interiors and a minimalist vibe; it is perfect for a date with a loved one! New to Cambridge? Check out 20 things to do in Cambridge 

2. Midsummer House

Price: £££-££
Location: Midsummer House Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HA England
Time: Wednesday to Saturday: 12 pm-1:30 pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm 

For the longest, French food & fine dining has been synonymous with each other; also known as haute cuisine, French cuisine has earned the badge of elegance because of its high-quality ingredients, precision, intricate harmonious flavours, & divine presentation. By keeping this bar high, Midsummer House has introduced the finest parts of French cuisine by being one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for French dining service. With its ever-changing four-course lunch & eight-course tasting menu, your taste buds will tingle with joy with various dishes like Salmon, French Rabbit, Freshwater Prawns, Provence Tomatoes, Strawberry Plant Pot, etc. At Midsummer House, it isn't only the menu that counts for elegance but also its serene location. The restaurant is a Victorian-style house nested on the bank of the River Cam and surrounded by lush green gardens. Apart from this, the service is impeccable and truly stands for its motto: "Relax, Enjoy, and We will look after you". 

3. Vanderlyle

Price: £££-££
Location:  38 Mill Road, Cambridge England
Time: Tuesday to Friday: 6pm- 11pm 

For decades, the unsettling debate of fine dining being criticised over its unsustainable measures like heavy carbon footprint, & food wastage has stained its reputation. Still, Vanderlyle has taken a step ahead to tackle this by building sustainability as a core of its business. A reservation for two at Vanderlyle is an assured good feast for your belly; known as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, this Michelin-star restaurant has given fine dining a new identity. They squeeze their talent by whipping up some of the best plant-based dishes like button mushroom tart, fig & port jam, cheddar shortbread, seaweed tea, squash and miso doughnut, etc. It is known to be one of the top restaurants in Cambridge for vegetarian fine dining. Lastly, to add to this experience, Vanderlyle has a charming interior & ambience. Its rich-looking atmosphere is an added golden nugget to the experience it promises to bring to the table.  

4. Fancett

Price: £££-££
Location:  96A Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2BD England
Time: Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm-2pm; 6pm-9pm

Fancett is a neighbourhood-friendly French-inspired Bistro collecting a lot of attention for its cosy presence & rewarding dining experience. Known for being one of the reasonable alternatives amongst the best restaurants in Cambridge for fine dining, Fancett will hack your taste buds with its delicious French delicacies. By taking the motto of "plating is art" a little more seriously, Fancett serves one of the most eye-appealing dishes like Whipped Chicken Liver Parfait, Buttermilk Panacotta, Choucroute of Roast Pork Belly, etc. The menu changes weekly, offering diners an extended palette of their talents. Apart from this, Fancett also has a good selection of wine which perfectly complements it to be one of the best places to eat in Cambridge if you want to "wine and dine".The restaurant is incredibly small, making it the perfect place for an intimate meal or a fancy date night.

Best Indian Restaurants in Cambridge

With Chicken Tikka being the national dish of England, it would be unfair not to include one of the most popular and influential cuisines in the world, i.e. Indian food. With aromatic spices, mouth-watering curries, & generously filled-up hot samosas, Indian food is a cultural influence & insatiable cuisine for everyone's appetite. If you are looking for some of the best Indian Restaurants in Cambridge, we have already collated an authentic list for you: 

1. Taj Tandoori 

Price: ££-££
Location: 64 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7AA England
Time: Wednesday to Saturday: 5pm-11pm / Saturday: 4:30pm-10:30pm 

Taj Tandoori is known as one of the earliest whistleblowers of Indian cuisine in Cambridge; known as one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Cambridge, the restaurant has an outstanding reputation and is known for serving great food. Dining at Taj Tandoori is as good as being exposed to a whirlwind of Indian and Bangladeshi flavours, spicy curries, tandoori prawns, samosa chaat, to Chicken Tikka Biryani. The place is well known for its loyal fan base, service, quality, and price, which also got them to be the Curry Award recipient.  

2. The Seven Stars

Price: ££-££
Location: 249 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JE England
Time: Monday to Saturday: 12pm-10pm

A 5-star! The Seven Stars is one of the only restaurants in Cambridge that is the oldest Indian Gastropub. Collating the influence on Indian cuisine in the world, known as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, it has become a hallmark of an exceptionally wide variety of vegetarian & vegan Indian dishes. By swinging the wand of magic spices & no compromise on any flavour, the menu has some household favourites like Butter Chicken, Chilli Paneer, Onion Bhaji, Lamb chops, Biryani, etc. Along with food, you can also enjoy drinks, liquor, cocktails, and mocktails to have more fun. The overall ambience of this restaurant in Cambridge is very royal and would teleport you to the old Rajasthani palaces of India. 

3. Tawa Kitchen 

Price: ££-££
Location:  Entrance on 50, 60 Station Rd, Mill Park Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JH
Time: Tuesday to Friday: 12pm-2pm/ 5pm-10, Saturday: 5pm-10pm, Sunday: 11:30am-3pm/ 5pm-9pm 

If you are expecting Tawa Kitchen to be an ordinary, stereotypical Indian restaurant that serves you naan & a delicious curry on the side, you should think twice. Built on the principles of serving fresh, healthy, authentic, urban Indian food, Tawa Kitchen has won to be one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for revolutionising the standard norm of Indian food. On the menu, you will find that it specialises in three main components of Tawa (like a stirfry), Salads, and Chai Bar. This place aims to give Indian food a place in nutrition, health, and diversity. 

4. Navadhanya  

Price: ££-££
Location: 70 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8DZ
Time: Monday to Sunday: 5pm-11pm

Navandhanya is one of the other Indian restaurants in Cambridge that is battling to rip off its old identity of curries and naan bread. This restaurant takes a whole new spin & gives each of its Indian dishes a fusion & contemporary modern touch. Let it be Artichoke Mattar, Kulfi Popsicles, Mattar scallops, or Basil Tikki; every dish here has new flavours & identity. One peculiar part that makes it to the list of one of the best restaurants in Cambridge is its plating. Every food plate served here has an eye-catching appeal. 

5. Pipasha Restaurant

Price: ££-££
Location:  529C Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8PA England
Time: Monday to Sunday: 4:30pm-10:30pm

The similarities between Indian & Bangladeshi food are uncanny, as both cuisines are very flavorful & bring the best out of every dish on the platter. To bring the best of both worlds, the idea of Pipasha was created. The menu is diverse in flavours and options, like tandoori dishes, king prawn dishes, meat curries, biryani, vegetable curries, and much more. Known to be one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for Indian and Bangladeshi food, this restaurant is very stuck to its traditional roots. Pipasha has also won many awards for its tasty kitchen food, like Curry Awards, Restaurants & Bar Awards, and more. Retail therapy and food is the best way to spend the weekend, Check out the best thrift shops in Cambridge 

Best Desserts in Cambridge 

"No meal is ever complete or ends without a good dessert" Keeping this old dining tradition in mind, Cambridge has a lot of good places to have dessert. Right from cold ice creams, sizzling crepes, decadent cakes, and Parisian treats, here are some of the best places to eat in Cambridge that will give you a sugar rush. 

1. Jack's Gelato 

Price: ££-££
Location: 6 Benet Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN England
Time:  N/A

Gelato is a sweet affair for everyone with a sweet tooth; This Italian confectionery has been a summer favourite for everyone because of its rich, creamy, and dense texture with refreshing flavours like Pistachio, Coconut, Raspberry, Lemon & coffee. Jack's Gelato has been pioneering for ages to help locals beat the summer blaze in Cambridge with its decadent gelato options. To have the best ice cream in Cambridge, you must try out flavours like Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate chip, etc. If you are too adventurous, scoop some mascarpone, Japanese whiskey, & Honeycomb on your cone. Lastly, They don't just serve you gelatos but also sorbets, so get ready to get a brain freeze!

2. Signorelli Deli Cambridge

Price: ££-££
Location: 17 Burleigh Street, Cambridge CB1 1DG England
Time: Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm / Friday to Saturday: 9:30am-7:00pm

The unmatched competition of pizzas, pasta, & cheese usually overshadows the Italian desserts. Still, some famous assortments, like tiramisu, panna cotta, and gelato, have started becoming a global favourite. Signorelli Deli Cambridge is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, bringing you the sweetness of Italian desserts with dessert platters containing salted caramel brownies, cherry almond slices, cappuccino slices, carrot cake, etc. A good dose of dopamine, indeed! 

3. Cambridge Crepes 

Price: ££-££
Location: 12 Sidney St, Cambridge CB2 3HG, United Kingdom
Time: Wednesday to Monday: 11am-5pm 

Crepes drizzled in chocolate for breakfast is a good start to your day! This French prodigy has swept the entire world into a mutual love for having something sweet for breakfast. By fostering this love, two native French chefs opened the doors to Cambridge Crepes, one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, to serve crepes. You will have sweet options like Belgian Choc, Sugar, Butter & Cinnamon, Nutella & Cream, Nutella & Marshmallows are enough to satiate your sweet cravings. The place also has savoury options like Egg & Ham, Egg & Bacon, Chicken & Sweetcorn, Cheese & Ham, and Cheese & Tuna that are also worth a bite. The place is also vegan-friendly, as they prepare buckwheat crepes in separate batches. 

4. B Tap Baron 

Price: ££-££
Location:22 Lion Yard St. Tibbs Row, Cambridge CB2 3NA England
Time: Sunday to Saturday: 10am to 7pm 

B Tap Baron is a sweet fantasy! You can smell the sweetness and sugar when visiting this place. Noted to be one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, B town is a sweet delight to your stomach. One can order a range of desserts like waffles, cakes and DIY your waffles. There are also coffee, bubble tea, chai tea latte, & hot chocolate as a great company to your sweet treats. It's not only its menu that matches your Instagram aesthetic, but also the ambience is very Parisian. You might wonder if you are in an Emily in Paris plot

5. Modigliani 

Price: ££-££
Location: 54A Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AS England
Time: Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 8am-3:30 pm/ Weekends: 8am-4pm

Modigliani is no doubt one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, but also a desert powerhouse! The menu includes all sorts of sweet cravings, like a sweet serving of tiramisu, flaky, rich butter croissants, Italian custard cream doughnuts, & pistachio doughnuts, etc. This artisan cafe has been raved for its service, food, & ambience, making it a hotspot for many others. Lastly, this place will make you fall in amore with the Italian selection of deserts. You couldn't help yourself from a second helping.

Best Asian Restaurants In Cambridge

Start practising your chopstick skills! Asian food is considered one of the world's healthiest cuisines. With its copious amount of greens, vegetables, balanced nutrition, exploding flavours, & herbs, and spices, every Asian dish is a comforting hug to a hungry soul. Cambridge is like a mixed hotpot of the best Asian restaurants that serve hot Chinese Flavours, umami Japanese, fragrant Thai, and subtle Vietnamese food. We are serving you a list of some of the best restaurants in Cambridge to help you have the best experience:

1. Luk Thai 

Price: £–££
Location: 18 Melbourne Place, Cambridge CB1 1EQ England
Time: Monday to Friday: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm. Saturday to Sunday: 12pm-4pm, 5pm-10pm

Thai food is considered one of the most exotic cuisines in the world; with rich curries, healthy salads, & sweet-smelling rice bowls, each bite exuberates the essence of tropical flavours in your mouth. Bringing this tropical experience on plates, Luk Thai is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for Thai cuisine. With a vast collection of Thai delicacies & a promise of freshness on the menu, Luk Thai has become one of Cambridge's top restaurants. Some of the most served dishes on their menu include Massaman Lamb Shank, Giant King Prawns with Garlic & Pineapple Rice. Along with the food, you can also drink through their wine assortments, making it a wine & dine experience. 

2. Sticks N Sushi 

Price: £–££
Location: 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB England
Time: Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm/ Sunday to Tuesday:12pm-10pm

Did you know that "sushi" requires an acquired taste? Well, you can acquire it very easily and at an affordable price at one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, i.e. Sticks N Sushi. Known for their ultimate recreation of authentic Japanese sushi, this place is no less than a sushi bar. At Sticks N Sushi, you will be greeted with a variety of sushi & never heard before pairings like salmon nigiri, daikon maki rolls, smoked cheese and lumpfish roe, & many more! Even though this place is exclusively for "acquired taste buds", there is a good balance of grilled delicacies and rich salad. You can pair your sushi or any other dish with a sake or Japanese beer bottle. Itadakimasu!  

3. Hakka Seafood Chinese Restaurant

Price: £–££
Location:  24 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1JY England
Time: Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm/ Sunday to Tuesday:12pm-10pm

Beating the made-up tradition of Chinese Takeaways, Hakka Seafood Chinese Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Cambridge; when it comes to authentic Chinese food. By carefully integrating the significance of seafood in traditional Chinese food, this restaurant promises to bring Chinatown to your doorstep. With a huge spread of Chinese deliciousness on their menu, it will be hard to choose between squid with sweet chilli sauce, kung pao scallops,  hakka spicy king prawns, & fresh lobster. Keeping seafood as its main affair, the restaurant also serves meat and vegetarian options. It isn't one of the best restaurants in Cambridge for the wrong reasons! Time for some coffee? Check out our blog 15 best cafes in Cambridge 

4. Pho 

Price: £–££
Location: 1 Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB England
Time: Sunday to Thursday: 12pm-10pm/ Friday to Saturday: 12pm-11:30pm  

The warmth of Pho is etched into every Asian's heart! This hearty bowl is a healthy broth with silky rice noodles, meat, fresh herbs like thai basil & cilantro, hoisin or sriracha sauce, topped with onions or scallions. It is a favourite way to beat the cold, cure sickness,or experience nostalgia in Southeast Asia. Spreading the same warmth, Pho was started in Cambridge. Known as one of the best restaurants in Cambridge to serve Pho, it goes without saying that you should try their variety of Pho which includes chicken, beef, king prawns, tofu, mushroom, steak, etc. Other similar dishes include rice bowls, curry noodle soups, Vietnamese pancakes, salads, etc. It is indeed one of the top Vietnamese restaurants in Cambridge!

5. Yippee Noodle Bar

Price: £–££
Location: 7-9 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LH England
Time: Monday to Friday: 12pm - 3pm & 5pm-10pm/ Saturday to Sunday: 12pm - 3:30pm & 5pm-9pm

Noodles are an inseparable part of Asian cuisine; for centuries, many Southeast Asian countries have adopted noodles as part of their pantry, with variations like Pho, Udon, Ramen, Chow Mein, Soba, Glass noodles, etc. By building this legacy ahead, Yippee Noodle Bar has been honouring this love for noodles in Cambridge. Known to be one of the best restaurants in Cambridge to serve hot noodles, this place is filled with a noodle variety that is hard to find anywhere else. You will find vegetable noodles, chilli udon, Singaporean Chiao Mai, Zha Jiang Mein, and much more on their menu. Apart from noodles, you can order a hot bowl of soup noodles, side & rice dishes. The entire ambience is also a good replica of a noodle bar!

In a nutshell, Cambridge is not only an association with a famous university but its diverse food scene. From dinner to dessert, that was our list of some of the best restaurants in Cambridge! We've done our best to include different types of top restaurants in Cambridge with various cuisines options, price ranges and ambience, so there's something there for everyone.