37 Best Cafes in Cambridge

“Delicious, Yummy, Friendly, Locally owned, with baking ingredients specialities! We’re so happy to have this warm and inviting place around the corner from where we live. #support local !!“

“Staff are nice and have good service“

“Burger is the best for me 😘“

“A hidden gem in Cambridge: I have been there several times. It’s a very authentic place with delicious food and drinks. Everything is freshly made in front of you. The staff is very friendly and they have a great attention to details.

Love that they have bicycle benefits and also that you get a piece chocolate with the espresso ?“

“My husband and I had the cornbread, raspberry currant muffin, cold brew flight, carnitas taco, elote taco, and avocado tostado. All of it was amazing and affordable!!“

“We had such a great experience tonight! First of all I love the evening atmosphere, the light does the job ❤️ Second and most important is THE FOOD! Every single small plate and main were amazing. Mango salad was our favourite. Thank you, we will definitely be back 🤤“

“WOWZA! What a place! Came here with my daughter and wife. They got themselves a fix of iced lattes, and well, it did the trick on a hot Harvard summer day amiright ?! As for me, a stubborn black coffee drinker (no sweeteners or cream EVER, I'm old fashioned I know, I know ?!) I got a bagel. I ordered The Harper... sweet Mary and Joseph of the Holy Bible! Hence the "wowza"! The lemon and dill cream cheese is to DIE for. It's fresh, it's savory... it's amazing. Not to mention the quick service. Also it being in the Smith center means it's got the good AC (you know what I mean if you went to Harvard ?). Pavement is so convient and delicious, perfect for a light/ medium lunch. And my son (7 M) was ALL over the little chocolates they have. Now every time we walk in Harvard square all I hear is a rat in my ear going "Papi! Papi! More pavement chocolate!! Papi!!!!!" That's kids fer ya amiright ??.
Wouldn't trade it for the world!“

“Delicious food and great coffee drinks! Excellent service from everyone and a super cute space —- highly recommend!“

“Though I have not been to the Cafe in person, the sandwich I had from there was one of the best I have ever eaten! Can't wait to go in person. 5 stars.😋“

“Brand new café and wine bar with dual personalities. During the day (until 3PM), it operates as a coffee shop offering classic espresso drinks, plus matcha and tea options for non-coffee drinkers. I enjoyed their lavender latte with homemade syrup.

In the evening (reopening at 5PM), it transforms into a wine bar with an unpretentious, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere.

Currently, it's a peaceful spot perfect for enjoying a drink, getting some work done, or finding refuge from the winter cold.

The skylight provides beautiful natural lighting, while high ceilings create an airy, spacious feeling.

Parking: Standard Cambridge city parking around the block. In front, paid metered street parking.“

“So sad. Today was their last day in Allston. Going to miss them...and their banana bread!“

“Awesome little cafe that brought me back to how cafe’s should be. A space for people to meet, gather, and enjoy good food/drink. It’s absolutely not just a coffee shop. The kitchen with a full menu and baked goods are fantastic. Highly recommend if you’re in the Boston area.

Parking: Parking in Boston is difficult and these locations rarely have dedicated parking.“

“Strawberry, Roasted Peach & Chicken Salad $14.85: EAT THIS. Super yummy and fresh. It is the end of the season for strawberries and peaches, so I was warry, but this was fresh and light, not heavily dressed. The cheese added a nice creaminess, but I was surprised it was missing the usual tartness feta has. The chicken breast wasn't dried out. The cashews were a nice unexpected surprise that added crunch. RECOMMEND.

GF Chicken Salad Sandwich $12.50: So I had an initial bite that had like too much butter or something in it, fatty and odd. After that, the taste improved drastically, and was nicely balanced. OKAY.

Kale & Apple Juice 12oz $6.00: Refreshing! I could taste both the kale and apple, and one did not overpower the other. RECOMMEND.

Oatmeal & Walnut Cookie (GF) $3.50: EAT THIS. A love a soft cookie that has a bit of crunch on the outside for texture and this was perfect. Not too sweet, and the walnuts added nice texture. RECOMMEND.

It is a bright lovely space. While I know they are attempting to maximize space, seating feels too close. I sat at the bar facing out to look out the windows. I am a normal woman, but I had to put my bag on a stool next to me, and thing felt too close. I was lucky to be there during down time or I would have been brushing people to get to my seat. SO if you are like me and like your personal space, seek to go during off peak hours.

I didn't like where the location was to bus your plates when you are finished, I hat to walk back up to the front and pass the register. I understand why they do this, to make it easier for staff, and keep the visual space clear. I still found the placement off.

Staff were not the nicest, but I went in there to eat, not make friends, but something to keep in mind.

Verdict: GOOD. TRY IT OUT.“

“Cozy coffee shop with lots of delicious pastries and affordable breakfast/brunch menu! I picked up black sesame latte and a couple of croissants - pistachio and almond - both freshly baked and pretty big to make you feel full ?☕️

Parking: There is a grocery store a couple of minutes walk that has paid parking garage“

“The cookies🍪 are great , I happen to get the sugar cookies .They were so good . I also bought the lemon cake 🎂 phenomenal. I had a sample of the “ ginger snaps “ delicious; but they were sold out ! I meet them @ the Copley farmers market . I have added the pictures below . The staff were super informative and helpful .

Parking: They have meter parking along the street and they have a garage close and it’s reasonably priced .“

“Clover is super fast and easy to order from, this location is no exception and conveniently located too where there aren’t already many vegetarian/vegan places. I do wish this location was open a bit later, but a lot of restaurants in Inman seem to close early, so perhaps an area-specific thing. I’ve never had a bad meal at Clover - all the vegan options have been great, and I appreciate that they change up the menu based on local, seasonal ingredients. My go-to is the chickpea fritter, the current lemonade flavor, and the rosemary fries. Just make sure you eat the fries right away, they’re wonderful but they do get dry!“

“smooth latte, nice to have a decaffeinated lattee.“

“Dado is the best kept secret in Cambridge. A beautiful café that feels so peaceful, considered and thoughtful in its every detail—the perfect place to sit with a friend, or take some time to just be alone and read a book. The co-owner Namwon has great energy. He was always really kind and welcoming to me and my boyfriend (we are from Australia, but Dado felt like a little slice of home). The food is really tasty (I could never go past their egg-salad sandwich; my partner loves the bibimbap wrap), and Dado, of course, has an amazing selection of teas. More than just feeding the body, all the meals felt like they were nourishing the soul. Just good honest cooking—maybe the rarest of things today. We’re about to leave Harvard this semester, and one of the great things we’ll miss is Dado.“

“Adorable little café with indoor and outdoor seating behind the café. There is a limited amount of parking out front and they close around 6:30 so the parking ends around the time that they close. The store is fully accessible, they have a wide variety of looseleaf tea as well as Stash bagged tea. I got the Genmai cha.

I did one of the Bento boxes with pulled pork, tea eggs, edamame, rice, and veggies. It is absolutely delicious but definitely a little pricey. It was $19 for my tea and my food. But I do love the cafe and the people are super kind.

There is also a lot of knitting work that is for sale. Somebody there makes scarves and hats and such.

I really appreciate that they have notes all over the store and on the front door and on there to go bags reminding customers that they are going to be closed from August 26 until September 9. I really appreciate it when a business does right by their customers and make sure that they know That the place is open or closed. Thank you!

Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs“

“Came here a few times for breakfast and it was phenomenal. Big portions and a bang for your buck. Asian customer needs to be kinder to her granddaughter though. Granny slammed her little one's takeout on the table, got me thinking she probably failed a quiz in Elementary. She got good taste though.?“

“Amazing Staff, amazing food !!! If You’re in Harvard Sq. don’t miss out!“

“My favorite Cafe in the neighborhood. I am there every morning for my coffee and some reading time, and then there all weekend for the different music and cultural events they host. I love the ethos of Faro. It is a comforting, warm, and inviting space that helps remind me to slow down and take a breath. Fantastic Cortado and amazing ambiance. The employees have always made me feel so welcome.“

“I like Tatte so I often visit when I'm in Boston. First time at this location and it was nice, very sunny around lunch time, open high ceilings. Space to sit but still pretty busy.
I tried the potato shashuka. Wow it is very rich, good, and fyi the eggs are kinda raw-ish or just a little bit cooked. I asked for no bacon. I'm not sure if there is bacon in the potato sauce....
Came out to around $20 for this and a simple tea.“

“Enjoyed my apple cider during rainy evening tonight. Friendly and accommodating staff!“

“I know a student who lived here 3 years. Cabot house consists of several different buildings. Most are old but pretty well maintained. It's a bit of a walk to the main campus so if you are assigned here you may want to bring a bicycle. If you are a parent dropping off a student there are a few off-street parking spaces which are usually available and generally easier to get than trying to park at the other dorms.“

“Great find. Peaceful, comforting vibe. Great staff. Restroom for customers. Tables. Had a delicious maple scone and iced Americano.“

“Sarah's Market and Cafe is a fantastic spot for a tasty and healthy meal. I ordered the egg and cheese on a plain bagel along with a coffee latte, and both were exceptional. The sandwich was delicious, with a fresh and organic taste that made it stand out. The coffee latte was perfectly brewed, providing just the right kick. Overall, it's an amazing place that delivers both quality and satisfaction. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great meal and a satisfying coffee.“

“The girls are always smiling and Carlos makes it more like family then business by knowing what people want as they are walking up to being on a first name basis with customers. You guys are an irreplaceable aspect of our little neighborhood. 5 stars does no justice.“

“What a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious meal or snack! It's so gorgeous, they don't have to make the food as well and as invitingly as they do. Every cup, utensil, napkin and piece of flatware are recyclable or compostable and they provide the places to put them. Eat with your eyes at Jenny's! The parfait is a personal favorite“

“Always clean, staff is friendly, great food“

“Fantastic food and service, but the workers need more staff support during busy periods for sure! While they maintained steady, friendly service, the baristas were obviously scrambling to keep up with the line and everyone ordering noticed they seemed distinctly short-staffed. Hopefully this was a fluke and Cafe Nero otherwise staffs appropriately for the work volume!“

“Pacific St. Cafe is one of my favorite lunch spots in Cambridge. Excellent service and great selection of food including paninis, salads and drinks. The Moroccan lemonade is my favorite.“

“My family and I were looking for a place to eat dinner and this was near where we parked, so we weren't looking for fine dining. Everything far exceeded our expectations. I would still consider the format to be fast-casual, but the atmosphere (served on beautiful ceramic plates!), service, and food quality were all many levels superior to other fast-casual places.“

“I am in love with the brownie cookies at this cafe. I would like to know how and what gets put into them, these cookies were the highlight of my summer experience. The cake slices are good too, I would personally rate the decadent chocolate cake > the cheesecake >= the carrot cake. However, I think about these cookies on a regular basis. Maybe it's the combination of pure sugar shot into my veins by marshmallow, brownie, and cookie dough, but these cookies are delicious.“

“Most of the Forbes Café costumbres are MIT staff or students but it also welcomed outsiders. It's kitchen is always clean and it has an small menu with a variety of healthy food. The staff is friendly.

Vegetarian options: Sushi and salad bar“