There’s a wealth of gastronomic gems to tuck into in this small city – Edition team’s Miriam Balanescu rounds up her top restaurants in Cambridge
From cheap eats to fancier finds, there are almost too many foodie options to choose from in Cambridge. Old and new, there are endlessly more eateries cropping up around this East Anglian city, from hallowed hotspot Midsummer House to new udon bar Kineya. If you’re looking for a quick bite or somewhere to spend a special evening, we’ve got you sorted with this guide to the best restaurants in Cambridge.
Parker’s Tavern ££££
Overlooking the rolling green of Parker’s Piece, this all-day brasserie is a pivotal part of Cambridge’s culinary scene – and, drawing in head chef Tristan Welch’s pick of top ingredients gathered from the region’s fields and Fens, offers up a true taste of the city. Head here for dishes and delights steered by the seasons.
Midsummer House ££££
The jewel in Cambridge’s gastronomic crown, this Michelin star-bedecked restaurant is one for a special occasion. Charting three decades, Daniel Clifford has long been at the helm of a cutting-edge menu that will stun your tastebuds, from slow-cooked salmon with white chocolate and caviar sauce to poached kumquat with buffalo yoghurt sorbet.
@Daisy Dickinson
Fin Boys ££££
If sustainable, fresh-delivered fish has you hook, line and sinker then look no further. This shop and restaurant celebrates all manner of shellfish and marine creatures farmed from British shores, tossed together with incredible ingredients for a taste that makes waves on impact.
@Rebecca Hope
Garden House £££
For cooking out of the frying pan and straight into the fire, Garden House, a grill-focused food spot, serves up the verve of the season. Find delectable sharing plates and platters here, from butterflied seam bream and shellfish butter to grilled flat peach, burrata, honey and thyme. The restaurant even offers a gourmet roast, including pork and prune terrine and Jerusalem artichoke soup.
Vanderlyle ££££
The king of Mill Road’s restaurant offering, Vanderlyle’s impeccable dishes hinge on seasonal, locally supplied veg prised from Cambridge’s landscape, sometimes even foraged. Despite its competitive reservation system, it’s well worth booking in.
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Fancett’s ££££
Fusing French fare with local ingredients, this charming bistro changes its menu daily to match its produce, making each meal a truly unique experience. Find flavourful plates such as hand-cut steak tartare, assiette of Provençal vegetables and steeped English strawberries with crème fraiche on the menu.
Yippee Noodle Bar £
Usually packed out with locals and visitors alike, hordes squeeze onto benches to chow down on tasty pan-Asian grub. Perfect for an after-work bite or a speedy lunch.
The Cambridge Chop House £££
One of the restaurants most associated with Cambridge, the Chop House is situated amidst the hustle and bustle of King’s Parade. Expect traditional British fare with wine straight from their trademark cellars.
Limoncello ££
Doubling as a deli, this Italian spot, recently under new management, has a menu of delectable pasta, pizza and special dishes. It’s alfresco dining is especially popular in the summer months, boasting a cute outdoor garden which is great for sitting back with a spritz or two.
Aromi ££
One of the city’s favourite eateries, the recently expanded Aromi on Bene’t Street serves up delicious sourdough pizza piping hot from the oven and stores a tantalising array of Sicilian treats behind the counter.
Bedouin ££
Bringing a sprinkle of North African spice to Cambridge, Bedouin’s banquet of tagines, grills and tangy treats is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Founded in 2011, it’s not just the food but the furnishings that this eatery is famous for, with an actual Bedouin tent and wall rugs transported from the Sahara strung from the restaurant’s walls.
Stem & Glory ££
This award-winning vegan restaurant has gone from strength to strength since its arrival in Cambridge – dig into their famous BBQ cauliflower wings, bang bang broccoli with kimchi rice and swede gnocchi.
The Old Bicycle Shop ££
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the so-named old bicycle shop – in fact, the supposed oldest bicycle shop in the country, Howes Cycles – this tandem-themed eatery climbs the city’s cycling obsession to a new level, with decoration pieced together from repurposed bicycle parts. Vegans and vegetarians will feel right at home here.
Steak & Honour £
Dispelling the myth that fast food can’t be gourmet, this burger joint is a culinary touchstone – and, for great grub, the prices don’t break the bank.
Noodles Plus £
Among the city’s cheapest eats, despite the low cost, this humble noodle bar in no way disappoints. Noodles and dumplings are all homemade and winningly simple – though you may have to fight for a seat, as queues usually stretch down Mill Road.
Bread & Meat £
Taking sandwiches to the next level, this little nook keeps things simple – with brilliant results. Choose from poutine, sandwiches, flavour-packed bowls and brownies.
Tu Casa £
Usually a packed house, this tapas den on Mill Road is sure to spice up an evening – check out their croquetas and expertly selected wine menu.
The Tipsy Vegan £
For any veganism sceptics, make this restaurant top of your list. Oyster mushroom calamari, cheesy chilaquiles and the buttermilk burger with parm chips will have your mind blown.
La Mimosa ££
Nestled next to the Cam, this Italian restaurant has honed the classic pizza and pasta dishes – but an aperitif of crostini alla Napoletana and Aperol spritz by the river on a summer’s evening is always our first choice.
Gastrono-me ££
From Bury St Edmunds to Cambridge, this bakery-deli turned restaurant brings cuisines from around the world to create bold fusion plates which pack a punch.
Yori Cambridge £
A relatively new restaurant on the block, this franchise’s much-welcome arrival in town offers classic Korean dishes.
Smokeworks £
If you’re a fan of BBQ flavours, Smokeworks should hit the spot. With their unapologetically messy, sticky plates of spare ribs and dirty fries, this food spot is not to miss.
The Olive Grove ££
Transporting you to the blue bays of Elafonisos, this Mediterranean eatery has attracted national press attention – and for good reason.
The Tiffin Truck £
For those not already well-acquainted, The Tiffin Truck will soon be your port of call for all things curry in Cambridge, pairing street food with cosy home-style tiffin lunches.
Kineya Mugimaru £
This brand-new gastronomical addition to the scene is already one of our favourites – straight from Japan, try unparalleled udon dishes, from the clean and fresh kake udon to the traditional cold noodles with ginger and sesame.
