Planning a mini-break to Cambridge and looking for some dining tips? Cambridge offers so much From oysters to some of the juiciest burgers around. The city has a ton of tasty places to eat and drink, including its very own 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, to gourmet pub grub, there is something to suit all budgets.
With the food that’s on offer in Cambridge, you really are spoilt for choice, and to help you decide, read my guide, 10 of the best places to eat.
1. The Ivy Brasserie
Located opposite Trinity college along the cobbled Trinity Street is the Ivy Brasserie, a stylish dining experience in a fabulous cozy setting with its colorful decor and casual all-day dining with a variety of menus including
- Breakfast
- A la carte
- Vegetarian & vegan
- Afternoon tea
- Weekend brunch
The fish and chips here are possibly the best I have had away from the seaside, but It’s not just the food to enjoy here, be sure to try one of the delicious cocktails, enthusiastically made by the bar staff.
2. Trinity Restaurant
Serving up some of the best meat and fish dishes in Cambridge is the Trinity restaurant, located on Trinity street and near the Ivy. The sister of one of the city’s oldest restaurants, the Varsity, Trinity is the place to come if you wish to be served oysters and champagne, and tender lamb and beef cooked to perfection. The friendly staff and the warm atmosphere (and the huge wine list) make this one of my favorite places to eat out in Cambridge.
3. Aromi
Just walking past the window of Aromi is enough to draw you in! Situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the chapel of King’s College, this little cafe is a true taste of Sicily. A fantastic little independent place for a spot of lunch, all of which is freshly made from family recipes, you can even see the dough being rolled while you sit and sip on your coffee.
Serving up sourdough pizza slices, fresh pastries, and amazing gelato, this cafe is an incredibly popular place to grab a bite, so you may have to queue, and if you cant get a table, no worries just grab a takeaway and sit on the wall outside Kings chapel.
4. Fitzbillies
This iconic bakery has been part of Cambridge since 1921 and serves up probably the best Chelsea bun I have ever eaten. The sticky syrupy treat is a must on any visit to the cafe. But It’s not just sweet treats and amazing coffee on offer here, in fact, it feels more like a restaurant than a cafe with a large brunch menu as well as afternoon tea, and the full Fitzbillies breakfast is a great way to start any day.
I would recommend booking, although if your lucky enough and there is no queue you can walk straight in.
5. The Plough at Coton
Located in the picturesque village of Coton, just 3 miles outside of Cambridge is the award-winning family-run Plough, a Gastropub where the service is almost as good as the food. The pub has a very relaxed family-friendly atmosphere and is owned by the same family who owns and runs one of Cambridge’s most long-standing and popular restaurants. With a menu of fine dining, serving fresh local produce, a visit here will leave you wanting to come back.
If you visit on a Sunday you must try the Slow roast sirloin of beef, and if you have children with you, they do a mini roast for the kids.
Booking in advance is essential. Book here.
6. Galleria
The Galleria restaurant is set in one of the most beautiful spots in Cambridge, overlooking Magdalene bridge and college, with the river Cam providing the backdrop to the perfect dining experience. Enjoy some mouth-watering meat dishes, especially the lamb, washed down with some of the best cocktails in the city. There is also a wonderful selection of Gins, and who doesn’t seem to love gin these days. The balcony offers a fantastic picturesque setting for your evening meal, especially on a lovely warm summer evening, while watching people punting down the river.
Always book in advance to avoid disappointment.
7. Navadhanya
The Navadhanya is quite simply Cambridge’s best Indian food, its more than just curry, in fact, it’s Indian fine dining. It was created by award-winning chefs who have backgrounds in Michelin-starred restaurants with a vision of creating a royal dining Indian experience. From presentation to some wonderful and intense flavors of India, the chef’s passion for what they do is obvious.
I would recommend trying the 7 course tasting menu, which is also available in Vegetarian and vegan too.
Book a table here
8. Smoke works
If you like your meat barbequed, sticky, and with intense flavor, then get yourself down to one of the two Smokeworks restaurants in Cambridge. Come and try the slow-cooked pork ribs, smothered in sticky BBQ sauce, or the Buffalo chicken sandwich washed down with one of the craft beers on offer. The giant portion of nachos not to be missed, with one portion more than enough for two. Takeaways are also available from both locations.
9. Pint shop
A traditional pub with a modern twist with one of the best and longest Gin menu’s that I have ever seen, in fact, not just the gins but the whole drinks menu is vast, and if you like to try a range of craft beers, then this is the place for you. The pint shop is located in a grade II listed building once belonging to English fiction novelist Edward Morgan Forster.
The food here is fresh and delicious, try the dirty burger or the grilled chicken flatbread with the hot apple and chili sauce. All served with a smile and great service and set in a beautiful location just off the market square.
10. The Eagle
My favourite pub in Cambridge. The Eagle pub is located opposite Kings college and is one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, dating back to the 16th century. The pub is steeped in history and it was the place to go for RAF and American servicemen during WW2, in fact, there is a ceiling covered in the signatures of RAF servicemen from all over the world out the back in the old RAF bar.
A lovely traditional cozy pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere with a great choice of food and drinks, the Eagle is a great place to spend a few hours with friends and family.