Cambridge, a city renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant culture, boasts a culinary scene that is equally impressive. From historic pubs to modern fine-dining establishments, the heart of Cambridge offers a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every taste and occasion. In this guide, we delve into the top 15 restaurants that are a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary delights of this historic city.
1. The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
Situated on the banks of the River Cam, The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill offers a luxurious dining experience with breathtaking views. Specializing in prime cuts of meat, this restaurant serves mouthwatering steaks and a variety of grilled specialties. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dining experience. With its elegant ambiance and attentive service, it’s a top choice for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
Signature Dish: Dry-Aged Ribeye with Truffle Butter
This restaurant is renowned for its dry-aged ribeye, a perfectly cooked steak with a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by the truffle butter. A true delicacy for meat lovers.
Atmosphere: Sophisticated and Romantic
The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill boasts a sophisticated interior with a cozy fireplace and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The outdoor terrace offers a stunning view of the river, making it a popular choice for al fresco dining.
2. The Cambridge Chop House
A true Cambridge institution, The Cambridge Chop House has been a fixture on the city’s culinary scene for over a century. This traditional British pub and restaurant serves up classic dishes with a modern twist. From hearty pub grub to more refined dining options, it caters to a wide range of tastes.
Signature Dish: Sunday Roast
The Cambridge Chop House is famous for its Sunday roast, a traditional British meal featuring slow-roasted meats, Yorkshire pudding, and a variety of vegetables. A true taste of British cuisine.
Atmosphere: Historic and Cosy
With its exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and cozy atmosphere, The Cambridge Chop House exudes a sense of history and tradition. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a warm and welcoming dining experience.
3. Cotto
For an authentic Italian dining experience, Cotto is a must-visit. This cozy restaurant serves up traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. From homemade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, Cotto offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of Cambridge.
Signature Dish: Tagliatelle al Ragù
Cotto’s signature dish is their Tagliatelle al Ragù, a classic Bolognese sauce made with slow-cooked beef and pork. A true Italian comfort food.
Atmosphere: Intimate and Family-Friendly
Cotto’s intimate setting, with its soft lighting and warm decor, creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for families and couples seeking a relaxed dining experience.
4. Midsummer House
As one of the UK’s most acclaimed restaurants, Midsummer House offers a unique fine-dining experience. With two Michelin stars, this restaurant serves up innovative, modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly to showcase the best of British produce.
Signature Dish: Cornish Turbot with Wild Garlic
Midsummer House is renowned for its expertly prepared fish dishes, and the Cornish Turbot with wild garlic is a standout. A delicate and flavorful dish that showcases the chef’s skill.
Atmosphere: Elegant and Reflective
Midsummer House’s elegant dining room, with its soft lighting and refined decor, creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
5. The Oak Bistro
The Oak Bistro is a charming restaurant located in the historic center of Cambridge. With its exposed brick walls and cozy atmosphere, it offers a warm and welcoming dining experience. The menu features a blend of classic French and British cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce.
Signature Dish: Confit of Duck Leg
The Oak Bistro’s signature dish is their Confit of Duck Leg, a classic French dish prepared with care and attention to detail. The duck is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Atmosphere: Quaint and Relaxed
The Oak Bistro’s quaint interior, with its soft lighting and cozy ambiance, creates a relaxed and intimate dining environment. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of traditional French and British cuisine.
6. The Cambridge Kitchen
A modern British restaurant with a twist, The Cambridge Kitchen offers a unique dining experience. With a focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, the menu features innovative dishes that showcase the best of British produce. From small plates to sharing boards, it’s a perfect spot for a casual yet refined meal.
Signature Dish: Crispy Confit Potato with Truffle Mayo
The Cambridge Kitchen’s signature dish is a simple yet flavorful creation. The crispy confit potato, served with a rich truffle mayo, is a perfect example of the restaurant’s ability to elevate classic ingredients.
Atmosphere: Contemporary and Vibrant
The Cambridge Kitchen’s modern interior, with its bright colors and contemporary decor, creates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for a casual yet stylish dining experience.
7. Chutney Camilla
For a unique dining experience, Chutney Camilla offers a fusion of Indian and British cuisine. This restaurant, housed in a historic building, serves up a menu that blends traditional Indian flavors with British ingredients. From curries to tandoori dishes, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a flavorful and innovative dining experience.
Signature Dish: Lamb Roganjosh
Chutney Camilla’s signature dish is their Lamb Roganjosh, a classic Indian curry with a rich, spicy flavor. The lamb is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Atmosphere: Historic and Eclectic
Chutney Camilla’s historic interior, with its unique decor and cozy atmosphere, creates an eclectic and inviting dining environment. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a unique dining experience with a twist.
8. Al Casale
Al Casale is a hidden gem in the heart of Cambridge, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. This family-run restaurant serves up traditional dishes from various regions of Italy, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. From homemade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, it’s a true Italian experience.
Signature Dish: Ravioli al Tartufo
Al Casale’s signature dish is their Ravioli al Tartufo, a delicate ravioli filled with a rich truffle and cheese mixture. A true delicacy that showcases the restaurant’s attention to detail.
Atmosphere: Rustic and Homely
Al Casale’s rustic interior, with its warm lighting and cozy ambiance, creates a homely and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for families and groups seeking a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
9. The Restaurant at The University Arms
Situated within the luxurious University Arms hotel, The Restaurant offers a fine-dining experience with a modern twist. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative cuisine, the menu features a blend of British and international flavors. From small plates to tasting menus, it’s a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Signature Dish: Salt-Baked Celeriac with Truffle Cream
The Restaurant’s signature dish is a unique and flavorful creation. The salt-baked celeriac, served with a rich truffle cream, showcases the chef’s creativity and attention to detail.
Atmosphere: Luxurious and Contemporary
The Restaurant’s elegant interior, with its modern decor and soft lighting, creates a luxurious and refined atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
10. Cote Brasserie
Cote Brasserie is a popular French restaurant chain with a location in the heart of Cambridge. Offering a menu that showcases the best of French cuisine, it serves up classic dishes with a modern twist. From steak frites to coq au vin, it’s a perfect spot for a taste of France.
Signature Dish: Steak Frites
Cote Brasserie’s signature dish is their Steak Frites, a classic French steak served with a generous portion of fries. A simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Atmosphere: Chic and Elegant
Cote Brasserie’s chic interior, with its soft lighting and elegant decor, creates a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
11. Pint Shop
Pint Shop is a unique dining experience, combining a craft beer bar with a modern British restaurant. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, the menu features innovative dishes that showcase the best of British cuisine. From small plates to sharing boards, it’s a perfect spot for a casual yet flavorful meal.
Signature Dish: Smoked Cod’s Roe with Crispy Capers
Pint Shop’s signature dish is a unique and flavorful creation. The smoked cod’s roe, served with crispy capers, is a perfect example of the restaurant’s ability to elevate classic ingredients with a modern twist.
Atmosphere: Industrial and Relaxed
Pint Shop’s industrial-chic interior, with its exposed brick walls and relaxed atmosphere, creates a unique and welcoming dining environment. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a casual yet stylish dining experience.
12. The Olive Tree
The Olive Tree is a traditional Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on Greek and Cypriot cuisine. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it serves up a menu that showcases the best of these cuisines. From mezze platters to grilled meats, it’s a perfect choice for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Signature Dish: Lamb Souvlaki
The Olive Tree’s signature dish is their Lamb Souvlaki, a traditional Greek dish featuring marinated lamb grilled to perfection. A flavorful and satisfying dish that transports you to the Mediterranean.
Atmosphere: Warm and Inviting
The Olive Tree’s cozy interior, with its soft lighting and warm decor, creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for families and groups seeking a taste of the Mediterranean.
13. Roshni
Roshni is a modern Indian restaurant with a focus on traditional flavors and innovative presentations. With a stylish interior and a menu that showcases the best of Indian cuisine, it’s a perfect choice for a unique dining experience. From tandoori dishes to curries, it’s a true celebration of Indian flavors.
Signature Dish: Goan Fish Curry
Roshni’s signature dish is their Goan Fish Curry, a rich and flavorful curry with a distinct Goan influence. The fish is perfectly cooked, resulting in a tender and delicious dish.
Atmosphere: Stylish and Contemporary
Roshni’s modern interior, with its sleek decor and soft lighting, creates a stylish and elegant atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
14. The Cambridge Blue
The Cambridge Blue is a historic pub and restaurant with a focus on traditional British cuisine. With a cozy atmosphere and a menu that features classic dishes, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. From Sunday roasts to fish and chips, it’s a true taste of British pub food.
Signature Dish: Fish and Chips
The Cambridge Blue’s signature dish is their Fish and Chips, a classic British dish prepared with care and attention to detail. The fish is fresh and perfectly battered, served with crispy chips.
Atmosphere: Historic and Cosy
The Cambridge Blue’s historic interior, with its exposed brick walls and cozy atmosphere, creates a warm and welcoming dining environment. It’s a popular spot for a casual yet enjoyable dining experience.
15. Fitzbillies
Fitzbillies is a Cambridge institution, known for its traditional British cuisine and iconic Chelsea buns. With a history dating back to the 19th century, it’s a popular spot for afternoon tea and a taste of British classics. From sandwiches to cakes, it’s a true British dining experience.
Signature Dish: Chelsea Buns
Fitzbillies’ signature dish is their Chelsea buns, a sweet and sticky treat that has become an iconic part of Cambridge’s culinary scene. A true British delicacy.
Atmosphere: Historic and Traditional
Fitzbillies’ historic interior, with its wooden paneling and traditional decor, creates a sense of old-world charm. It’s a popular spot for a relaxing afternoon tea or a taste of British classics.
What is the dress code for these restaurants in Cambridge?
+The dress code varies depending on the restaurant. Most fine-dining establishments and upscale restaurants recommend smart casual attire, while pubs and casual dining spots are more relaxed. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or give them a call to confirm the dress code.
Do these restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options?
+Yes, most of the restaurants mentioned above offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. With the increasing demand for plant-based cuisine, many restaurants in Cambridge have adapted their menus to cater to these dietary preferences. You can expect to find creative and flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes at these establishments.
Are there any restaurants with outdoor seating in Cambridge?
+Absolutely! Cambridge is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, and many restaurants take advantage of this by offering outdoor seating. The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, for example, has a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the River Cam. Other restaurants, like The Cambridge Chop House and The Olive Tree, also offer al fresco dining options during the warmer months.
Can I make reservations at these restaurants?
+Yes, it’s highly recommended to make reservations, especially for popular restaurants or during peak dining hours. Most restaurants in Cambridge offer online reservation systems, making it convenient to book your table in advance. However, some establishments, particularly pubs and casual dining spots, may accept walk-ins, so it’s always worth checking their policies.
Are there any budget-friendly dining options in Cambridge?
+Absolutely! While Cambridge is known for its fine-dining scene, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options. Pint Shop, for example, offers a great value for money with its innovative small plates and sharing boards. Chutney Camilla and The Cambridge Kitchen also provide affordable dining options without compromising on quality. Additionally, many pubs and casual dining spots offer great value for money with their traditional British pub grub.
