15 Best Restaurants in Cambridge, UK (Top Places to Eat)

Here’s a list of 15 of the best Cambridge restaurants. I grew up and lived most of my life just a few miles away from this wonderful University city, and I’ve visited more times than I can count over the years. It was always a wonderful option to have Cambridge just a short hop away.

The world-famous Cambridge University is at the heart of everything in the city and it offers some truly stunning architecture and cultural sights. Many tourists visit Cambridge every year and this has helped nurture a terrific restaurant, pub, and cafe scene.

So whether you’re looking for a restaurant with a specific theme or just the best places to eat in Cambridge, take a look at my top 15 restaurants and I’m confident you’ll find what you are looking for.

15 Best Restaurants in Cambridge

For most of my life, I’ve had the luxury of being able to drive down the road to one of the most iconic cities in England (and arguably the world). The city is packed with great places to eat and as someone who likes to mix it up foodwise, I’ve taken a broad scope in compiling the best restaurants in Cambridge, UK.

Here it goes!

1. The Cambridge Chop House
(Best Restaurant in Cambridge Overall)

For me, the best food in Cambridge is found at The Cambridge Chop House. It has a wonderful street-level restaurant that overlooks the Kings College Chapel and an additional basement dining room with a quintessential English vibe and decor that’s warm and welcoming.

But enough about the decor, let’s get to the food! As the name suggests the menu is meat-heavy. I’ve eaten some of the best steaks of my life at The Chop House. The house burger is also outstanding. Always opt to add the pan-fried king prawns as an extra to any entree, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

There are veggie options too, so don’t be deterred if meat isn’t your thing. A killer wine list, a commitment to good quality cask ales, and an overall great restaurant experience make The Cambridge Chop House a top restaurant priority for anyone visiting the city.

The Cambridge Chop House Information

Address: 1 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223359506
Operating Hours: 11.30 am – 9.30 pm Mon-Thurs. 11.30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat. 11.30 am – 8 pm Sun.
Must-Try Meals: The ribeye steak is one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Be sure to also add the pan-fried king prawns. The Chop House Burger with ale & treacle cured bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, burger sauce, fries, and cheddar cheese slaw is hard to pass up too.
Average Cost: $7 -$13 per starter, $20 – $34 per main, $9 for desserts.
Website: cambridgechophouse.co.uk

2. Aromi (Best Italian Restaurant)

There are several great Italian restaurants in Cambridge but when I need a fix of good Italian food I always head to Aromi. It’s officially Sicilian not Italian, and foodwise, this does lend itself to some significant differences. For one, you’ll find Arancini on the menu – palm-sized balls of rice stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggie centers and then fried, delicious!

I rate the pizzas here; they’re fresh, loaded with cheese and toppings, and are super tasty. Finish off your meal with some exquisite true Sicilian gelato, and ask to make it ‘affogato’ to get an espresso shot too.

This cozy cafe and restaurant serves some delicious comfort food and regularly meets a lot of my food needs, especially on a weekend. For Italian/Sicilian food, it’s one of the top restaurants in Cambridge.

SEE ALSO: Weekend in Cambridge: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Aromi Information

Address: 1 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223300117
Operating Hours: 9am – 10 pm Mon-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: This is a rare place to find good Sicilian Arancini, be sure to start your meal with at least one. Good quality pizza is the order of the day here and don’t forget the gelato to finish.
Average Cost: $5.50 – $7 per starter, $8 – $12 salads and pizzas, $4.50 – $7 desserts and gelato.
Website: aromi.co.uk

3. Baan Thai Street Food (Best Thai / Best Street Food)

If you’re on the lookout for great Thai restaurants in Cambridge look no further than Baan Thai Street Food. I stumbled across this small and very friendly spot a few years ago and have been back several times because the food is so good.

The menu is pretty extensive and features a lot of regional Thai dishes, like Kao Pad Rod Fai. This fried rice and meat or tofu dish is traditionally known as railway rice as it is often served along the train lines in Thailand. You’ll also find some great curries and noodle dishes here.

I love Baan Thai because of the quick and simple dishes. I consider it the best street food in Cambridge as you can easily order a few of their delicious starter options and create yourself a quick lunch or snack on the go. Most of the menu is under $15 so it’s a bargain to boot.

Banna Thai Street Food Information

Address: Park Terrace, Cambridge CB1 1JH, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223300891
Operating Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm & 4.30 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thurs. 12 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat. 12 pm – 9 pm Sun.
Must-Try Meals: The Kao Pad Rod Fai is a delightfully simple yet delicious fried rice dish, and a true Thai staple if you are looking for authenticity. I enjoy choosing a selection of starters – satay chicken, duck spring rolls, and crispy pork wantons are my top 3.
Average Cost: $7 per starter, $12 – $15 per main, $20 fish dishes.
Website: baanthaicambridge.com

4. Restaurant 22 (Best Michelin Star Restaurant)

There are 8 Michelin-star restaurants in Cambridge and the immediate surrounding area, so you won’t be short of options for fine dining in Cambridge. I sadly haven’t yet visited them all (yet), but of the ones I have been to, Restaurant 22 stands out as the best.

The bright and understated ambiance of the former Victorian townhouse, along with exceptional food, has made Restaurant 22 an integral part of Cambridge’s culinary scene. They only serve set menus, the contents of which change week to week and sometimes even day to day.

The full tasting menu, with its 7 exquisite courses, comes in at £130pp ($157), while the short tasting menu of 5 courses is £105pp ($128). If you’re after something a little more affordable but still want that Michelin restaurant experience, do what I did and book for Thursday lunch. On Thursdays (lunchtime only), you can have 3 amazing courses for £55pp ($67).

Restaurant 22 Information

Address: 22 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3AX, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223351880
Operating Hours: 6 pm – 8.45 pm Weds. 12 pm – 1.45 pm & 6 pm – 8.45 pm Thurs – Sat. Closed Sun – Tues.
Must-Try Meals: The menus change frequently. You’ll have 3 simple choices depending on your hunger and budget, full, short, or lunch menu (available only on Thursdays). All will be incredible.
Average Cost: $157 full tasting Menu, $128 short tasting menu, $67 3-course lunch menu (Thursday only). The exact exchange rates may vary, correct at the time of writing.
Website: restaurant22.co.uk

5. La Mimosa (Best River View)

The River Cam runs along the western edge of Cambridge’s busy center and is a big part of the city’s appeal. From punting and boat trips to some awesome pubs and restaurants by the water, this stretch has a lot to offer. The best restaurant in Cambridge with a view of the river is La Mimosa.

I truly love Italian food, so I make no apologies for having 2 Italian restaurants in my top 5 of 15. The family-owned La Mimosa has been bringing top-quality Italian food to Cambridge for 30 years. They have experienced Italian chefs serving up a menu of Italian classics and each time I’ve visited has been incredible.

Expect to find all the staples like spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, pizzas, and some excellent daily specials that are always worth a try. The food here is cooked with true Italian heart and soul. It’s where to eat in Cambridge for good quality food and a great view of the river.

La Mimosa Information

Address: 3 Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223362525
Operating Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Tues – Fri. 12 pm – 10 pm Sat.
Must-Try Meals: All the traditional pasta dishes are delicious, but the Ravioli al Gamberetti is my go-to choice. That is unless they have the ‘Nduja sausage pasta’ as a daily special – if they have it, order it!
Average Cost: $6 – $11 per starter, $12 – $25 per main, $7 – $10 desserts.
Website: lamimosa.co.uk

6. Butch Annie’s (Best Lunch Spot)

The best lunch in Cambridge can be found at Butch Annie’s. Their hand-crafted burgers always hit the spot after a busy morning of sightseeing. It’s one of those menus where everything looks delicious and you could easily order anything. It includes many good vegetarian options too that I’ve been told are excellent.

My recommendation, and go-to lunch choice, is their signature steak burger – ‘The Saucy Rump’. It’s a dry-aged beef burger, with American cheese, caramelized onions, and peppercorn sauce served in an artisan brioche bun – simply outstanding.

Butch Annie’s has a cool Americana vibe and they have a decent offering of craft beers with 8 rotating taps always available and a great choice of cocktails. It’s a super relaxed place to grab lunch, and a drink or two if you’re so inclined.

Butch Annie’s Information

Address: 23A Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PA, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223361792
Operating Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Mon-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: Their signature burgers are the best in the city. You won’t go far wrong with either ‘The Saucy Rump’ or ‘The One’. There’s always a great choice of craft beers available too.
Average Cost: $10 – $14 burgers, $5 – $6 sides, $30 organic steak-frites.
Website: butchannies.com

7. Bread & Meat (Best Sandwiches)

Bread & Meat is one of the best local restaurants in Cambridge and another of my favorite lunchtime spots. They make the best sandwiches in the city, hands down.

The menu at Bread & Meat is very concise and consists of just 5 sandwiches plus one weekly changing special. A range of delicious side dishes are also available. There are also options to make your sandwich into a bigger meal – a ‘poutine’ i you have more of an appetite.

I’ve always found the sandwiches alone to be enough for me, the topside of British beef served rare in a fresh sourdough roll, rocket, and homemade garlic aioli is hard to pass up whenever I’m in Cambridge.

Bread & Meat Information

Address: 4 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: 11.30 am – 8 pm Mon-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: My favorite is the British Beef topside Sandwich. If you’re feeling extra hungry add the ‘poutine’ side dish option which includes fries, cheese curds, and homemade gravy.
Average Cost: $11.50 sandwiches, $16 poutine option, $19 bowls, $5 – $7 sides.
Website: breadandmeat.co.uk

8. Urban Butterfly (Best Vegan Restaurant)

Urban Butterfly is the best vegan restaurant in Cambridge. This plant-based cafe offers an excellent menu of Buddha bowls, burgers, hot pots, paninis, wraps, and bites. They have some excellent plant-based cakes and ice cream for dessert too.

As someone who spent many years as a vegetarian and still appreciates a delicious non-meat meal every now and again, Urban Butterfly is my restaurant of choice for vegan and vegetarian options whenever I’m in the city.

This is also the place to go if you’re looking for cheap eats in Cambridge. Not only is the food fresh and delicious, but the prices are very reasonable too. On my last trip, a friend and I shared a superfood Buddha bowl, loaded fries, and two slices of carrot cake, all for under $25!

Urban Butterfly Information

Address: 33 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AB, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223641748
Operating Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues – Sun. Closed Monday.
Must-Try Meals: The superfood Buddha bowl is excellent, as are the loaded fries which come with fresh salsa and a ‘secret’ seasoning. Any of the Buddha bites are great but I usually go for the falafel.
Average Cost: $5 – $7 Budda bites, $7 – $10 bowls, wraps, paninis, and burgers, $3 – $4 desserts.
Website: urbanbutterfly.co.uk

9. Taste of Cambridge (Best Vegetarian Option)

In a similar vein to our previous restaurant, Taste of Cambridge offers another great option for vegans and vegetarians. I have no issues giving it my ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Cambridge’ nod. Although officially a food truck, the quality of the food they consistently produce just edges them ahead of a few other local spots for the accolade.

Their small but concise menu features a few different concoctions of falafel wrapped in Middle Eastern flatbreads and they are always delicious. My personal favorite is the halloumi wrap, (it’s the only one on the menu that isn’t fully vegan).

Taste of Cambridge is permanently located in Market Passage close to Market Square. It’s another excellent food option if you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge City Center.

Taste of Cambridge Information

Address: Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PA, United Kingdom
Phone: +447913141758
Operating Hours: 11 am – 3.30 pm Weds-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: The Halloumi wrap is delicious, but if you like things a bit spicy go for the Fiery VE, they’ll ask you to specify from 1-10 how hot you’d like it and I love the personalization.
Average Cost: $8 – $9 medium wraps, $9.50 – $10.50 large wraps.
Website: tasteofcambridge.co.uk

10. The Clarendon Arms (Best Pub Food)

Pub food in Cambridge doesn’t get much better than at The Clarendon Arms. This delightfully traditional English pub allegedly dates back to 1812 and is known for serving some of the best food around. Their fish and chips have consistently earned them a top 10 ranking on Trip Advisor.

Sunday dinners are also extremely popular here, and thanks to their popularity, I highly recommend that you book ahead. Brits know a good spot for their traditional meat, potato, veg, and gravy Sunday dinner when they find one. Being one of those Brits, I’ve heard great things about The Clarendon Arms’ Sunday offering!

Pubs and traditional restaurants in Cambridge are not too hard to come by, but I highly recommend a trip to The Clarendon Arms. It stands out ahead of the rest for its quality menu and is an excellent option if you’re craving a true slice of English heritage and good pub food.

The Clarendon Arms Information

Address: 35-36 Clarendon St, Cambridge CB1 1JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223778272
Operating Hours: 4.30 pm – 10 pm Weds & Thurs. 12 pm – 11.30 pm Fri & Sat. 12 pm – 10 pm Sun. Closed Mon & Tues.
Must-Try Meals: They’re rightly rated very highly for their fish and chips; the portions are generous, to say the least! Sunday dinners are excellent too but be sure to book ahead as they often are unable to accept walk-ins.
Average Cost: $7 – $9 per starter, $15.50 – $20 per main, $4 – $5 side dishes.
Website: theclarendonarms.com

11. Cafe 24 (Best for Breakfast)

There are a couple of places where you’ll be able to pick up a good hearty breakfast in Cambridge but I especially like Cafe 24. The menu is extensive for breakfast and brunch options, including vegetarian choices too. Whether you like a sweet or savory start to your day, you’ll find it here.

They serve the biggest and best breakfast in Cambridge – the appropriately named ‘Mega Breakfast’. It includes 2 rashes of bacon, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, a cooked tomato, a beef burger, beans, toast, and hashbrowns, a true morning feast.

If you’re not after a huge meal so early in the day, they also offer everything from porridge, fruit, smoothies, sandwiches, and paninis as lighter options. Cafe 24 is a great place to visit for the best breakfast or the best brunch in Cambridge.

Cafe 24 Information

Address: 24 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DB, United Kingdom
Phone: +447935676129
Operating Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Mon-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: If you like a big savory meal to set you up for the day, go for the ‘Mega Breakfast’. For those who enjoy the slightly sweeter side of things, the ‘Legendary Complete Crepe’ is the option to go for.
Average Cost: $5 – $10 breakfast options.

12. Six (Best Rooftop Restaurant)

Offering the best panoramic scenery of the city, Six is the restaurant of choice if you’re craving a spot of fine dining with a view. The brasserie and rooftop bar in Cambridge City Center serves traditional British meat and fish dishes, as well as pizzas and homemade desserts.

The setting couldn’t be any more perfect, the views across the city skyline are stunning, and there aren’t many other places like Six around. If you can time it with the setting sun you’ll experience a glorious cityscape. You can also visit for drinks alone, cocktails, or traditional British afternoon tea.

The food is exemplary; always fresh, and locally sourced. They have a woodstone oven that produces some delicious entree dishes like crispy pork belly, prawn and chorizo skewers, and of course, the perfect Italian-style pizzas. It’s without doubt one of the best Cambridge restaurants.

Address: 24 Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8EQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223308030
Operating Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon. 12 pm – 9.30 pm Tues-Thurs. 12 pm – 10 pm Fri-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: The pizzas are great, cooked traditionally in an Italian-style wood oven. The crispy pork belly from the wood oven is also a delicious entree. Leave space to finish with a homemade dessert.
Average Cost: $10 – $20 per starter, $20 – $35 per main, $8 – $12 for desserts.
Website: sixcambridge.co.uk

13. The Olive Grove (Best Greek restaurant)

There are few great Greek restaurants in Cambridge but I’m a big fan of The Olive Grove. I will just also sneak Gardenia in as the best cheap restaurant in Cambridge for great and particularly affordable Greek food options too. But The Olive Grove pips it for me; the family-run restaurant always delivers simple but outstanding Greek dishes.

They have an ethos of ‘Simple, Classic, Great’, which is exactly what I am looking for when I visit a traditional Greek restaurant. The mixed grill is plentiful and makes a fantastic main meal for one, or to share with an accompanying dish or two like fried halloumi and a Greek salad.

If you want something comforting and indulgent go for a ‘Skepasti’ – it’s essentially a gyro-style pita with bundles of meat, vegetables, tzatziki, and melted cheese, and they’re really good!

The Olive Grove Information

Address: 100 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DP, United Kingdom
Phone: +441223778575
Operating Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Mon-Sun.
Must-Try Meals: It’s another one of those menus where everything looks great. My go-to options are always the pork-gyro Skepasti or the mixed grill.
Average Cost: $5.50 – $10 per starter, $10 – $20 per main, $6 desserts.
Website: the-olivegrove.co.uk

14. Kibou (Best Japanese Restaurant)

Cambridge benefits from its regular influx of international students and tourists, and this is evident in the number of fantastic and varying world cuisines you’ll find in the city. So let’s keep going with another of the top international food spots.

Kibou is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cambridge and is a terrific addition to the local food scene. This small chain, which has just 5 locations in the UK, offers an extensive menu of Japanese delights. Expect to find everything from Sushi and Shashimi to Bao Buns and Wagyu beef platters.

What I enjoy most about Kibou is that they offer their own version of afternoon tea. Their oriental take on the English tradition includes sweet and savory snack foods, tea of course, and the option to add additional alcohol and specialty tea packages to your experience. It’s the best way to spend an indulgent afternoon with a friend after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Kibou Information

Address: 7a Jesus Ln, Cambridge CB5 8BA
Phone: +441223650866
Operating Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm Mon – Sat. 12 pm – 10.30 pm Sun.
Must-Try Meals: The Japanese twist on afternoon tea is excellent here. You get a lot of food for the price, and if you opt for an additional drinks package you really get your money’s worth. The sharer options are also a nice way to have a few of your favorites and mix it up with some new dishes too. The ‘dynamite prawns’ and ‘pork gyoza’ are 2 of my personal favorites.
Average Cost: $5 – $12 per starter/sharer plate, $15 – $20 for larger plates, $5 – $15 for sushi, $20 – $25 afternoon tea packages
Website: kibou.co.uk

15. Trinity Restaurant (Best Romantic Restaurant)

I’d like to round things off with one of my favorite romantic restaurants in Cambridge. Trinity Restaurant is located on an idyllic cobbled English street and is a warm and inviting place to enjoy a meal with a loved one or celebrate a special occasion.

The menu screams fine dining but without the super high price tag that’s often associated with such restaurants. It’s also one of the best places for seafood in Cambridge and the menu regularly includes Oysters, (a famous aphrodisiac!).

The vibe is very relaxed, and the lighting during the evening is soft and subtle; I always appreciate the ambiance here whilst enjoying meals with my husband. The food is great and the cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a date night.

Trinity Restaurant Information

Address: 15 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB
Phone: +1223322130
Operating Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm Wed-Thurs. 12 pm – 10.30 pm Sat. 12 pm – 9.30 pm Sun. Closed Mon & Tues.
Must-Try Meals: The menu varies on a weekly basis but if oysters are available, be sure to have them as a starter. The pork and ‘nduja goujons are also delightful choices.
Average Cost: $5 per oyster, $15 – $20 per starter, $28 – $35 per main.

Must-Try Meals in Cambridge

With so many great places to eat in Cambridge, I’ve put together a shortlist of my favorite meals that you absolutely have to try during a visit to the city.

Fish and Chips

The UK is famous for fish and chips and it’s considered almost a right of passage to have the meal at least once during a visit. If you’re going to do it, do it right, as there are good and bad places that serve the traditional dish. The Clarendon Arms is highly regarded for its food and serves a hearty and delicious portion of ‘proper’ fish and chips.

Chop House Burger

The house burger at The Cambridge Chop House is one of the best in the city. The beef burger comes with ale & treacle cured bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, burger sauce, fries, and cheddar cheese slaw, it’s seriously good.

Mega Breakfast

Kick off your morning the right way with a ‘Mega’ traditional English breakfast at Cafe 24. Including 2 rashes of bacon, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, a cooked tomato, a beef burger, beans, toast, and hashbrowns – it’s a real feast of a meal. It’s also a bargain because you probably won’t need lunch!

Skepasti

Several great Greek and Turkish restaurants in Cambridge offer a true taste of the Mediterranean. The super indulgent Skepastis dish at The Olive Grove is absolutely delicious. These are essentially gyro-style pitas packed full of meat, vegetables, and melted cheese, what’s not to love?

Pizza – (With a View)

You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Cambridge by the river but only a couple with exceptional rooftop panoramic views of the city. The pizzas at Six are cooked in a traditional wood oven, true to Italian style, and served with a view that’s unbeatable in Cambridge.

Cambridge Restaurants: FAQs

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the best restaurants in Cambridge, England:

In Conclusion

There are so many nice restaurants in Cambridge that I found it quite difficult to narrow it down to just 15. I feel lucky to have lived so close to Cambridge for most of my life and to have had so many options at my disposal.

It’s a great city to visit and I hope this list has reassured you that you certainly won’t go hungry. There are restaurants to cover all budgets and dietary requirements and some real delights to be found. Mix this in with some world-class sightseeing to burn off the calories and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a great trip.