The ultimate guide to the neighborhood’s burgeoning restaurant scene.
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Over the old age , Cambridge ’s culinary scene has fend out among Boston ’s plethora of restaurant - favorable , trendy neighborhoods . With new addition from well-thought-of chefs to widely known city favorites kill up in the neighborhood all the time , Cambridge could easily be consider one of the good dining destinations in the region . So to facilitate you navigate this burgeon restaurant scene , take a expression at our delightful roundup sport an array of culinary art , aesthetically - pleasing point , and menu point deserving jot down down .
Alden & Harlow
Brought to you by chef Michael Scelfo ’s vision for simple-minded , refined dish , Alden & Harlow — located under the Brattle Hall building in Harvard Square — is an awarding - winning eating place that provide a unique twisting on American classic . If you ’re lucky enough to get your hands on the secret burger , you ’ve made it . With limited confidential burger available per night , the thick , saucily ground patty featuring mystical sauce is sure to pull up stakes you coming back or hold dear every last bite of your leftovers .
Alive & Kicking Lobsters
One coup d’oeil at Alive & Kicking Lobsters , and you ’ll rapidly realize why this is a frequent stomping reason for local anesthetic and regulars likewise . The no - falderol , cut - to - the - chase look of the location gives off an honest-to-goodness - timey vibe you’re able to easily see in Southie . But this little lobster haven has top - notch takes on all the traditional offerings from clam chowder to a specialty lobster sandwich .
All Star Sandwich Bar
On the street corner of Prospect and Cambridge Street in Inman Square , you ’ll see a brightly - colored storefront with the expression “ a estimable sandwich is like an old friend ” scroll across the window . That ’s home to none other than All Star Sandwich Bar , which is just as cosy inside as it wait outside . With handcrafted sandwiches designed by chefs ( and blood brother ) Kosta and Johnny Diamantopoulos , you ca n’t go ill-timed with your selection . take from burgers and classic sandwiches to more originative selection like the Pastraminator and Island Jerk Chicken Melt .
Area Four
woodwind - fired pizza joint Area Four , which is also handily relate toA4 Cafe , offers handmade pies from scratch , with a crispiness and flavorful cleaning woman perfect for those that like their pizzas fresh out of a brick oven . opt from Margherita , Prosciutto Americano , Hawaiian , and Mushroom & Fontina pizza pie pies , and for sides , contribute a basket of knots or baked mac ‘ n cheese for guaranteed satisfaction .
Bagelsaurus
A favourite among Porter Square occupier , and especially among those that need some substance after an consequential nighttime out , Bagelsaurus is the usual go - to . As the bagel shop to end all bagel shops in the city , there ’s usually a personal line of credit out the threshold . But do n’t fret , it goes fast . And if you ’re golden enough to grab one of four table inwardly , you ’re golden . A pro crown for first - timers : verify you range the famous mustard butter .
Cafe Luna
Known for their award - winning breakfast , Cafe Luna sky rocket engine to the top of our brunch lean . With a crab patty and avocado omelet , Oreo Cookie Monster pancakes , and “ twofold - thick ” Belgian waffle , Cafe Luna dish out modern but perfunctory dishes that will always fulfill .
Charlie’s Kitchen
The legendary Charlie ’s Kitchen is a raw material for occupier and visitors alike . The multi - level measure and restaurant has been integral to the Cambridge biotic community by provide a vintage look and feel throughout the establishment , with an added patio and beer garden opened during the warm months . From treble cheeseburger to mozzarella sticks to an ultimate grilled cheese , this no - frills hotspot for all - American morsel is a must when you ’re extra thirsty .
Clover Food Lab
This regional chain was really begin by an MIT graduate who wanted nimble - catch , sustainable vegan transportation . What was once a single food truck has grown into a little local empire , with more than a dozen outlets dish out out favorites like barbecue seitan , chickpea fritters , and rosemary fries . So now if you ’re looking for Clover , it should n’t be too difficult to discover one take there ’s one in almost every neighborhood around Boston .
Dumpling House
One of the , if notthemost pop dumpling spots in Boston , resides in Central Square . Serving up authentic Northern and southerly Chinese culinary art , Dumpling House specialise in bon vivant dumpling with options like vegetarian prickly-seeded spinach , pork barrel and crab meat , beef and cultivated celery , seafood , chicken and cabbage , and plenty more .
Giulia
contribute to you by pasta master chef Michael Pagliarini , Giulia dish up up some of the best Italian in Cambridge . Inspired by Pagliarini ’s culinary roots , which stem from Umbria , Italy , the eating house has quite the selection of bag like the pappardelle with wild Sus scrofa , paccheri alla bolognese , Irish potato culurgiones , and more . palely - lit , and , of course , make full with wine-coloured , what better inspiration for yournext date - Nox spot ?
Grendel’s Den
Celebrating its fiftieth twelvemonth in business , Grendel ’s in Harvard Square is nothing short of a piece of account . Another below - primer coat pub , Grendel ’s has been dish out bar solid food basics like Reubens , burger , buffalo wings , nachos , and more for decennary . Even well , every day from 5 to 7:30 pm , most orders are half - off with a minimum of a $ 4 beverage purchase . They also have brunch choice on Saturdays and Sundays like breakfast burritos , sandwich , Persea Americana toast , and plantain Gallic toast .
Little Donkey
Made with overbold , seasonal factor , Little Donkey in Central Square specialize in global small plates , courtesy of James Beard Award winners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette ( also ofToroandCoppa ) . Currently serving expansive seafood transportation , with local oysters and a raw bar with creations from a caviar sandwich to a sea urchin benedict , Little Donkey ensures surprise for your palette .
Oleana
Owner Ana Sortun of sister restaurantsSofra Bakery & CaféandSarma , convey you flavors that celebrate the cuisine of Turkey , with popular live and frigid meze on the menu . prefer from favorites like the whipped feta or za’atar bread — or for something hot , try the Spinacia oleracea falafel , fried mussel , or char kebob . bigger plates like the lamb gyroscope or lemon chicken are also worth catch for the table , follow by some Baked Alaska or cardamom stock-still yogurt if there ’s elbow room .
OTTO
Hailing from Portland , Maine , OTTO serves up some serious pizza for when you ’re appear for a fast but satisfying bite . With a spot locate in Harvard Square ( just a tiny flake outside the chief eatery and shopping scene ) , you ca n’t go awry with a slice from this position . They also always promise to deliver the freshest pies , thanks to baker Alex Castiello , who had collaborated with the team on curtain raising up OTTO ’s very own dough deftness in Lynn .
PAGU
found by chef Tracy Chang , PAGU in Central Square is set in an capable space with a crisp and clean looking , only complemented by the undulation of eclectic dishes make their path in and out of the kitchen . specialise in Japanese tapas , PAGU has everything from fried calamari to duck confit . They ’re cognise however for pop bao bottom , specifically the squid ink unagi bao — you really ca n’t go to PAGU without try a bite .
Puritan & Company
answer modern American cuisine , Puritan & Company , tucked off in Inman Square , puts an accent on traditional New England fare , incorporating locally - sourced ingredients into each dish . Led by owner and chef Will Gilson , the restaurant has create quite the card of seafood starters , pastas , and more , from scallop ceviche to crab cavatelli to seared sea scallops .
The Smoke Shop BBQ
If you ’re a devout barbeque fanatic , The Smoke Shop should be next on your list . Create a tray of irresistible barbecue from options like famous fume wings , ribs , brisket , Gallus gallus sliders , and a whole flock more . Once you ’ve finished up , finish up off the night with a pour from the broad selection of whiskey . In fact , they have New England ’s large selection of the spirit , with over 240 American whiskey .
State Park
The hush-hush bar and restaurant State Park has probably one of the nerveless atmospheres in Cambridge — and that ’s saying something for this neighborhood . With a jukebox , pinball game machine , and live euphony to spice up your outing , you ’re guaranteed a good time . The menu is moderately substantial too , featuring beloved fried chicken and , for those that can handle it , hot , Nashville - expressive style fry chicken .
Veggie Galaxy
Everything on this diner - inspired carte du jour is either vegetarian or vegan . In traditional diner style , breakfast is served all Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and there ’s a big choice of breakfast sandwiches featuring former - morning essentials with a turn . Take , for representative , the Great Galaxy ! , which includes hash brown potatoes , an over - prosperous eggs , tempeh bacon , cheddar cheese Malva sylvestris , sister arugula , and roasted garlic mayo nestle between a griddled roll .
Waypoint
Chef Michael Scelfo of sister restaurantAlden & Harlowbrings another dining terminus to Cambridge with the coastal - inspire Waypoint . Decked out with innovative interior decoration — from the brightness fixtures to the booth seating area — Waypoint offers a beautiful backcloth as your dish make their way over to you . Pick from naked bar deary ; pizza pie and pasta option ; and if you ’re feeling fancy , impart something for their choice of caviar into the mix .
Yume Wo Katare
Recently celebrating their ninth day of remembrance , Yume Wo Katare in Porter Square is not your average eating place . Rather , managing director Jake Vo calls it a “ dream shop , ” as diners are encourage to share their Bob Hope and aspirations during their sojourn . There ’s also only one thing on the menu — Jiro - flair porc ramen with the option to bring garlic . To make this place even more special , it ’s currently dine - in only , and if someone finishes their entire repast , the staff has been recognise to shout , “ we have a sodding ! ”
Oleana|Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
