Best Restaurants in Cambridge (2025)

Ana Sortun’s garden-lit destination channels Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean with unforgettable meze and spice-driven plates. Frequently highlighted by The New York Times and Food Network, and a pillar of Cambridge dining for two decades, its community ties run deep.

Hand-rolled pastas anchor this chef-owned Italian gem between Harvard and Porter. Consistently cited by Eater and included on The New York Times 25 Best Restaurants in Boston list, Giulia’s warm hospitality and meticulous cooking define essential Cambridge dining.

Husband-and-wife team Pam and Chris Willis blend Italian inspiration with New American verve. Recognized by The New York Times and celebrated by The Boston Globe, the restaurant’s prix-fixe format and lively room capture the modern Cambridge spirit.

Michael Scelfo’s subterranean Harvard Square hit delivers bold, seasonal plates and a now-famous secret burger. Praised by local critics and featured by national outlets, it remains a go-to for inventive American cooking with real Cambridge energy.

From the team behind Celeste, this Peruvian stunner showcases ceviches, regional plates, and top-notch pisco drinks in a joyful setting. Applauded by Eater Boston and recognized by national magazines, it’s a standout of Cambridge’s current wave.

An intimate, family-run dining room with daily changing menus and thoughtful pairings. Time Out Boston praises its grace and finesse, and chef Conor Dennehy’s James Beard recognition underscores the restaurant’s finely tuned, personal approach.

A Cambridge institution that helped define local sushi culture. Eater Boston continues to name it among the area’s best; today, its chef-curated takeout sets, retail sake shop, and grab-and-go keep the craft alive for devoted regulars.

The cult-famous udon counter serving laser-focused bowls of niku udon. Bon Appétit’s Hot 10 alum still draws lines, and recent local coverage praises its expanded space while preserving the noodles’ signature silky chew.

Family-owned Brazilian cooking centered on seafood stews served in traditional clay pots. Eater Boston regularly recommends it, and Cambridge Day’s 2025 feature spotlights the soulful moquecas and welcoming, neighborhood feel.

A Cambridge classic since the 1990s, celebrated for Afghan breads from the wood oven and richly spiced dishes. Frequently praised by local critics, it remains a cornerstone of East Cambridge dining and community life.

Scelfo’s coastally inspired sibling to Alden & Harlow brims with seafood, crudo, and a serious raw bar. Eater Boston notes its famed dollar-oyster hours, and local reviewers applaud the creative, shareable plates and lively scene.

Part café, part market, fully Cambridge. From the Oleana team, Sofra’s meze, flatbreads, and pastries are fixtures on citywide best-of lists, including The New York Times. A daytime essential that showcases Middle Eastern flavors with heart.