50 Best American Restaurants in Cambridge

“Amazing food. Don't miss out on the pasta dishes or the bread. They actually make for great sharing apps. The staff is so nice and welcoming. Drinks are delicious and unique.“

“Consistently excellent menu, preparation, service, atmosphere, experience. Robert and his team really understand the meaning of the word "hospitality." One of the best craft cocktails I've had in a long while. We love watching what changes each season, and hope to get back soon for the autumn menu!“

“Nice space, attentive and friendly team and great food. Highly recommend.“

“The best meal- great service- Beautiful atmosphere And warm friendly hostess“

“Outstanding. Brenna surpassed my expectations of service. By far the best experience I’ve had in the last 3 days.“

“Staff, atmosphere, live music, food, beer - all great. What's not to like!“

“Good dining experience. Very friendly and knowledgeable service. My server replaced a dessert I didn't like with no change- which was very nice of her. Did the tasting menu which was nice. Next time I'll prob try the a la carte menu.

Parker House rolls:
Pillowy soft. Slightly sweet with a light dusting of salt on top. Butter was creamy and tasty too. 4/5

Potato pave
Like a giant French fry. Crispy outside nice and soft on inside. Topped with cavier and shallots which added a nice saltiness and savory flavor combo.

kampachi crudo-
Topped with basil, radishes, and cherry pepper drops
Good quality fish, slightly acidic flavor went well with the basil and radish. Cherry peppers added a light spice. Overall lacked flavor though 3.5/5

capitelli- topped with a Gremolata and capers, olive oil and eggplant
Very savory and well cooked. This was tasty 4.5/5

Pork loin with celery figs and peppers
Very tender and flavorful. Nice sauce with savoriness and a sweetest added by the figs 5/5

Dessert was a pear sorbet-
So good! Very. Tasted exactly like a pear. No added sugar no additives. so good! 5/5“

“Where are y’all located? I would love to come.“

“Giulia's is a special place, though it not be reserved just for special occasions. Making a reservation is inconvenient -- 12:01 a.m. 2-weeks before you meal. That said, interestingly, there were a few walk-in seats when we were there (on a Monday) -- at the bar (generally in pairs) and at the Club Table (called the Pasta Table). Our server was extraordinary -- ever-smiling, cheerful, experienced, knowledgeable, attentive without being overbearing, thoughtful, ready with recommendations when asked. The manager/credentialed sommelier was also helpful, cheerful, ready with suggestions when asked, and non-judgmental (some som's struggle with that aspect). Recommended without reservation, but don't look for it to be inexpensive“

“nice state park.lots of wild life to see.“

“Literally the best hotel I think I have stayed at! First off, very easy check in with just being able to use a code and not have to hang onto a keg your whole trip. The bed was nice and big and it was easy to connect to WiFi. Two blocks away from the Red Line and a block away from the bus stop. It’s on such a cute street that is filled with plenty of food and drink options and even a small Target. The restaurant below has a great vibe if you are looking to get a nice bite or a drink at the bar. Overall 10/10 stay!!“

“This is our “local” and with good reason — their menu offers something for everyone, the atmosphere is comfortable, they have an extensive draft beer selection and you can frequently walk in and find a seat at the bar.

This is the kind of restaurant where you have a go-to order, but you are also rewarded anytime you deviate from that as well. Their Mac and Cheese and Fried Chicken Dinner are delicious, filling options. They make a great burger (beef, veggie or Impossible). Their buffalo chicken sandwich is top-notch. Sometimes you just need a grain bowl, though (so good) or to order the enormous nachos as an entree. I won’t judge, neither should you.“

“Relatively warm in the tent on a 26 degree evening. Amazing and unique combinations of flavors. Great service and delicious fresh high quality local food too. Just wish there were clearly labeled gluten free items and bread. Fun experience! Try the tent at least once! Glühwein was so delicious and warmed us up from the inside! 🍷“

“The oysters were fresh and i enjoyed the ambience!!!“

“A great small-plate restaurant near Harvard. We ordered four dishes and were not able to finish all of them. My favorite was the popcorn pancake. I also liked the secret burger. The grilled broccoli was big and should be cut into smaller chunks.

The service was excellent. I would love to come back sometime to try something else next time.“

“You know when they say a "hidden gem"? I feel like the Paperback Tavern encompasses this title. My husband and I had SUCH a great date night here! From the ambiance to the food...they. did. Not. Miss! The food is actually enjoyable to eat and not just "eh...edible". Coming from a Carribean household where we LOVE our food to be well seasoned, I'm VERY picky about non-carribean food. The fact that all the food was cooked perfectly AND tasted Amazing, blew my mind! We had 4 different drinks, 2 appetizers, 3 different entrees and a dessert. Take their Cacio e Pepe Wings for example; With most American food, I always have to dunk or bathe my wings in some kind of sauce to actually enjoy wings, but these wings at Paperback....I ate most of them WITHOUT the need for any sauce (even though it came with it). It was sooo well-seasoned and had a nice crunch to the skin! And OH MY GOSH, THE LYCHEE LEMONADE! When I tell you they have the BEST lemonade I've ever had?? Seriously..all the words: Sweet, fizzy, refreshing, crisp, tart, tangy..Just, SO GOOD! And then we got to dessert.... the Boston Cream Pie!!! Man...Just GO eat here if you get a chance lol. I wish I could go through all the food and drinks for you all but this is just a Lil TASTE of how amazing everything went. If you're ever in Cambridge/Boston MA, it's WORTH IT to try Paperback Tavern. Take our word for it!“

“wonderful people making the best of today💖“

“Very good, But I don't want to hamburger anymore“

“Great local bar with solid drinks and great food.

Among the bars near Harvard Square, Abbey is my first pick for a laid-back drink on a patio. It’s just far enough from the noise, with reasonably priced drinks and, best of all, seriously good food. While the menu doesn’t push creative boundaries, they do the American bar comfort food done right.

Small bites like the Bacon Deviled Eggs and Pulled Pork Egg Rolls were tasty, but the entrée department was where Abbey excelled. Both the Salmon and Cod were outstanding—honestly, some of the best entrées I’ve had at a bar in recent memory. Each had an impeccable texture, almost as if delicately poached. The Salmon, paired with heirloom tomato risotto and a basil pesto vinaigrette, had a pleasant touch of acidity. Meanwhile, the Cod came with a potato scallion pancake, perfectly crisped and soaked in a shallot cream sauce, which added just the right crunch and salty punch to elevate the dish beautifully.

The crowd at The Abbey skews a bit older compared to some of the livelier Harvard Square bars, but it’s worth a visit f you’re after a more laid-back, cozy bar vibe. It’s popular among the locals, so if you’re hoping to snag a patio seat, I’d recommend going during off-peak hours.“

“Small beer selection, wine and a bar. But they were great, super friendly, and the food was good.“

“Living nearby, Kantipur has become my go-to every week for quarantine takeout. I've tried all the chicken dishes about 3 times by now and I still can't decide which is the best! But my favorite menu item is the vegetable pakora appetizer. Dip it in the chutney sauce and you'll understand. 🎁🎊“

“Ordered food through Uber eats last night & couldn’t of been happier. I was having a craving for hot pretzel sticks so that’s what I searched on Uber. I came across this place & omg it was sooo worth it. I also got a paper explaining who the owners are and more about the place. I can’t wait until I can come with my family when this all ends! So happy I found you guys. Thanks!!“

“Wonderful place to dine! Dimitri was very hospitable and gave great recommendations on what to try. Crack corn dip is AMAZING!!“

“S&S is OPEN for deli takeout during this time from 11am- 7pm. Curbside pickup. Enter only at front door 1334 Cambridge St.“

“everything wonderful service food atmosphere“

“This restaurant is dope. The interior is warm and inviting. It’s modern and chic. Definitely an elevated hipster vibe. A chill spot to hang out after work or nice date night. The food is bomb! For apps, I’ve never had a Chinese-inspired arancini. These crispy delights are addicting with their crack sauce. The sauce is a must have on the arancini. The salad is light and refreshing. The Kokoda is a well made dish. I never had blue fin tuna until I came here. The combo with the fresh fish with the acidity from the lemon juice and smooth finish of coconut sauce - oof, worth a try. There’s also another surprise about the Kokoda - there’s something called sea grapes 🍇 and were bursting of flavor and freshness. A nice addition to the dish. I could go for seconds with the Kokoda because it’s a bit small for me. I wish they made it 2x bigger so it could be more shareable with a date or with company. The Maine Uni was surprisingly delicious 😋. I honestly thought it was too expensive but after having it, it was an amazing amuse bouche (the perfect bite). I couldn’t believe that small bite packed so much flavor and complexity. It was balanced and left me feeling happy. Totally worth it. For mains, the pork belly adobo melts in your mouth. So good! The mushroom raviolis are my favorite out of this menu. The salted duck egg sauce is what makes this dish memorable. I would definitely eat this again. The bitter melon ratatouille is not my favorite because it wasn’t seasoned enough for me. It felt as though it was missing salt. The veggies were perfectly roasted though, but it didn’t quite smack like the other dishes. The ribeye is good, but not my favorite. I might be biased because I’ve had better at other places. For desserts, the pandan sorbet is tasty. I’m not a fan of the pandan taste. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but I enjoyed it because I love avocados and bananas and in ice cream form? No brainer. I wished they had a version without the pandan flavoring. I’m curious as to how it would taste then. The matcha cheesecake is surprisingly well-balanced. Not too matcha where it’s overbearing. The matcha is subtle while the richness of the cheesecake smacks just right and not overly sugary. The late night menu - I only tried the Chicharrón taco 🌮. The combo of crispy pork belly and the acidity from the lime is perf. Nothing else to say. Surprisingly really filling. I probably can’t have more than 2 of these tacos and I’m a pretty big guy. The drinks - I love the names and how they have a play on words. The blood orange and the banana espresso are my favorite. These drinks have enough booze and not too much where it’s offensive. Blood orange is enjoyable to drink and the banana espresso is complex with a chocolate finish. Their nice, clean cocktails. Service was awesome! The servers were friendly and quick. They regularly checked in with my wife and me. I don’t think I even had to do the awkward “please help us” lean at all. They were there when you needed them! Amazing 5 star service! You want a culinary experience. This place won’t disappoint.“

“I was so good I recommend it“

“I really love this spot. They prepare food and orders FAST. They have extra little things I need like bags of coffee, cute stuff, canned drinks. The food is really fantastic and understated and a real treat. I am a longtime Clover lover and I just went today and loved it so much I felt compelled to put it in a review :)

Vegetarian options: THE vegetarian spot in Greater Camberville“

“Wow, if you like the best of the best in Craft beer, you gotta stop by, grabbed the garlic knots too, they were delicious...“

“Went with friends this last weekend and had a great time. Service was top notch, food was well prepared and tasty, drinks were creative and delicious. We’ll be back!“

“great bar. cash only. located between Harvard and Central.“

“Awesome burger and the fries were delicious too!“

“Great service, great food, beautiful, cozy, friendly“

“It was a really enjoyable experience. We went there for a late dinner, and the staff was exceptionally kind and welcoming. Located on the first floor of a hotel, the restaurant gives off a vibe reminiscent of checking into a nice hotel. The space was pleasantly quiet and cozy with warm table lighting, which appreciated the most.

I highly recommend trying the grilled octopus—it was my favorite. The delicious aroma of butter, paired with sautéed vegetables and spicy sauce, created a fascinating blend of flavors. I also really enjoyed the spicy crab noodles, which featured minced crab mixed with marinated noodles and Asian spices. As for the focaccia, it was my first time trying it, and while it was a bit salty for my taste, the combination of perfectly cooked mushrooms, butter, and sweet cheese was delightful.“

“I wandered into Harvest based solely on their Google rating, with no inclination as to what the menu might hold. I'm so glad I did! The staff was friendly and attentive. My goblet was refilled before the thought crossed my mind that I may need more. Dishes were cleared almost immediately after each course. The food came out beautifully presented and piping hot. I ordered the Humboldt Fog plate, Mushroom & French Onion soup (Who thought to put miso in it?! Yum!) and roasted asparagus. I was very pleased and would certainly recommend folks give Harvest a try!“

“Loved the space before COVID and the fires. Saw on Instagram that they are back in the MIT campus area. Should work on signage since I had to look for it walking around the buildings. I had the steak and cheese sandwich. It was delicious! With a side of fries. I am a wheelchair user and I appreciate the inclusionary touch they added to the new establishment. I frequently went to this place and stood at the bar most of the time.“

“Great place for brunch and good customer service“

“We hosted our 9/14/24 wedding at Catalyst and had the absolute best day! We booked Catalyst after our original wedding venue closed unexpectedly, and it was truly a blessing in disguise. Robyn and her team are so organized and helped make the planning process easy and stress free. We had so much fun at the tasting, and the team at Catalyst were so welcoming to menu changes and requests, and custom signature drinks. They are also so accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions, which was especially important as my husband has many food allergies. The rehearsal was seamless and organized. Robyn and her team made sure that our wedding day was totally stress free. We hosted our ceremony on site which was beautiful, and the space was decorated perfectly with Catalyst’s own touches as well as ours. Robyn kept the whole timeline on track the whole night. The food was amazing, we got so many compliments from our guests about all of the menu selections, drinks, desserts and late night snacks and overall service. We could not recommend Catalyst enough!“

“If you’re like me and you’re in the constant pursuit of the elusive Matcha Softserve and anything adjacent to it, you will absolutely love the matcha frapp (more like a milkshake) here. I did not expect an Americana diner in Boston to have such fresh, fragrant matcha but here we are. I forget what the names of what we ordered were but all the savory was 10/10 (tbh the French toast was unimpressive but if you’re in the mood for sweets by all means go for it). My friends were obsessed w the vegan bacon. Wish they wouldn’t stock Zionist yo egg though!“

“I can praise Henrietta”s table enough! The choices are amazing all healthy and sounds delicious and fresh! Having gluten and dairy allergies it’s hard to find a restaurant that is kind and respectful and understanding is hard but here they will make sure you have a fabulous safe meal. Been here a few times and last night we had Brit who was absolutely a doll helped me get out of my scrod box and try the salmon. I HIGHLY suggest for all. Thank you Brit much appreciate it“

“Underrated! But great! Amazing for gluten free and dairy free folks! Really affordable and delicious toooo!!!

Dietary restrictions: Very great for dairy free and gluten free peeps. I'm not sure about celiac though! Also very easy to be vegetarian here too!“

“730 Tavern Kitchen and Patio in Massachusetts offers a fantastic dining experience with a great selection of food that’s both delicious and satisfying. The menu provides a variety of options, and the quality is consistently high, making it easy to find something for everyone. Prices are fair, giving you a good value for the quality and portion sizes.

The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the positive vibe of the place. Service is efficient without feeling rushed, and they seem genuinely interested in making sure you enjoy your meal. Since it’s also a bar, the atmosphere can be a bit loud, especially during peak hours, but it contributes to the lively, energetic environment. If you’re looking for a spot with great food, fair prices, and a fun ambiance, 730 Tavern Kitchen and Patio is a solid choice.“

“We ate at Grendel's Den with another couple last night. Everything was wonderful. Good food, good drinks, great service in a happy friendly atmosphere. We all loved everything but the predominate memory is the genuine hospitality.“

“I just Love the New Republic great atmosphere amazing food great drinks beautiful vibe“

“i love the place and the waiter who serves us was so nice and he offers us another bread for free because i asked if they sell the bread ..i loved what i ordered it was worth it and full filling that we end up to bring home the desserr..“

“Wow, if you like the best of the best in Craft beer, you gotta stop by, grabbed the garlic knots too, they were delicious...“

“Love all the sandwiches, and everything is easily customized. Wonderful atmosphere, old wood and great photos of the old neighborhood on the walls. Food is always great, and I keep coming back.

Vegetarian options: I typically get the Beyond Burger (with mushrooms and cheddar cheese), which is great. There are several other vegetarian options as well.“

“My friends and I had a great time at the tavern. The service, food, atmosphere and the host the best.“