best places to eat in Cambridge

Cambridge is a city offering a wide range of wonderful places to eat including Michelin starred and recommended independent restaurants. Here is our compilation of the best places to eat in Cambridge. Importantly, all of these restaurants use quality produce to create their classic and innovative dishes.

Restaurant 22:

22 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3AXtasting menu

Restaurant 22 gives diners a sense of utter decadence and make them feel truly special. Try the tasting menu and be blown away by the delicious, inventive courses. Terrific value food for the quality and a must visit when in Cambridge. Book well in advance.  See the Restaurant 22 full tasting menu here. 

Vanderlyle:

38 Mill Rd-Vegetarian tasting menuvegetarian tasting menu

The Vanderlyle team offer a set 5 course seasonal feast of a menu which happens to be completely vegetarian. Each and every course will delight and satisfy meat and non meat eaters alike because it is simply a fabulous restaurant. Why not book to sit at the pass and watch the magic happen? Book well in advance as Vanderlyle is extremely popular.  Featured in our romantic restaurants and best vegetarian restaurants here.

Fancett’s:

96 Mill Road- French influenced bistroFancett's cambridge

A recent addition to Mill Road, Fancett’s serves delicious French influenced bistro style food. Beautifully cooked, seasonal food in a relaxed and cosy restaurant. Family owned Fancett’s has a great value set lunch menu, in addition to the evening a la carte offering of 4 starters, main and desserts. In conclusion, a super romantic venue.

Midsummer House:

Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HAMidsummer House

The two Michelin starred Midsummer House by Daniel Clifford has been serving wonderful food to the good people of Cambridge for many years. Try the tasting menu to experience the range of must try dishes from this established restaurant. No vegetarian or vegan tasting menus available.

MJP @ the Shepherds:

5 High St, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8STMJP small plates

Get involved in the small plates sharing experience at MJP. Choose from a selection of the plant based, fish and meat small and large plates. Chef Mark Poynton uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients to create these tasty dishes. Why not turn this into a night away? In addition to the great food, rooms are available on site.  MJP features in our tasting menus post, Sunday lunch and great value accommodation in Cambridge here. 

Mercado Central:

24 Green St, Cambridge CB2 3JXCambridge food

Whether you are wanting a leisurely lunch or a special dinner, Mercado Central is a great choice in the city centre. Fresh, tasty Galician and Basque heritage inspired dishes are created using high quality, seasonal ingredients. Choose from the authentic tapas menu, including a daily changing, sustainable fish of the day from the fish counter.

Navadhanya:

70 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8DZ

curry in Cambridge
Image courtesy of Navadhanya

Fine dining and Michelin Guide recommended Indian restaurant Navadhanya strive to provide “a Royal Indian dining experience to guests”. Their contemporary menu, cooked by award winning chefs, is exciting and packed with interesting dishes to try. Lots of choice here for vegetarian and vegan diners. Tasting menus available too.

Parkers Tavern:

52-42 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AD

Cambridge Tart
Parkers Tavern has decadent surroundings and good quality tasty food and drink. They also do a really great afternoon tea! The tea has a Cambridge theme so brush up on your Cambridge history as you feast on delicious cakes, scones and sandwiches. Situated inside the grand University Arms Hotel, over looking Parkers Piece.

The Garden House Cambridge:

Graduate Cambridge, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RTGarden House Cambridge

The Garden House offers grill focussed cooking of seasonal, locally sourced East Anglian and British produce. They work with farmers and producers to bring the finest ingredients to the restaurant and create creative, delicious dishes. The menu is divided into starters and mains, or smaller and larger sharing plates. Therefore chose which way you wish to go.

The bets places to eat in Cambridge:

Which of these wonderful restaurants have you tried? Where would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below.

More fabulous places to eat in Cambridge here in our ultimate restaurant guide.