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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cambridge

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188 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Puritan & Company restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2210)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Cambridge
Booked 26 times today
Puritan & Company is a gem of a restaurant in Cambridge. The reviews are glowing, praising its creative menu, excellent service, and comfortable, inviting atmosphere. It's a place where guests feel welcome and the food and drinks are celebrated for being 'outstanding', 'inspired', and 'original'. It's also a favorite among locals and visitors alike, making it a true neighborhood gem.
A photo of Oak Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(229)
Price: Expensive
• American • Cambridge
Booked 47 times today
Oak Bistro is a neighborhood gem, as it has received rave reviews for its delicious food and exceptional service. Its unique approach to American cuisine with a global twist has been praised by many, with phrases like 'fantastic food and service', 'outstanding service', and 'delicious shared plates' frequently appearing in reviews. It's also been described as a 'warm, inviting and lively' place, making it a favorite among locals.
A photo of Olé restaurant
4.3
Awesome(994)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Cambridge
Booked 3 times today
We are very excited to present Olé's renovated space and updated bar menus to the neighborhood. Olé has been in Inman Sq for 15 years, bringing traditional as well as innovative Mexican cuisine to Cambridge. Our 6 seat bar served us well over the years, but we always wanted a little more. Now we have it!Please join us in our new space name with new cocktails, wines and new bar dishes.More about the Restaurant: In eclectic Inman Sq. lies a distinctive restaurant - Olé, where Chef David Tapia creates authentic Mexican delicacies from Veracruz, Oaxaca, amongst others. Popular for table side-award winning Guacamole it's the perfect destination for an outstanding evening.
A photo of Pammy's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2273)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Cambridge
Booked 31 times today
Pammy’s is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Perched between Cambridge’s Central and Harvard Squares, Pammy’s is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis (who live right up the street), Pammy’s is an extension of their living room. They’ve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibes to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. A fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammy’s charm.We're currently serving a Prix Fixe menu for all reservations. A la carte dining is available for walk-in guests at our bar and in our lounge.
A photo of Giulia Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1809)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Cambridge
Booked 25 times today
Giulia is a chef-owned regional Italian restaurant located between Harvard and Porter Squares in Cambridge. It is the first restaurant of award-winning Chef Michael Pagliarini. Its reputation has spread nationally with frequent out of town guests as well as Boston area locals.Giulia puts a particular emphasis on hand-crafted pastas, made each day on our custom-built chef’s table adjacent to the open kitchen.Best of Boston Italian Restaurant. All Italian wine list with unique Italian varietals. Local purveyors, dry aged local beef, burrata di andria, stone milled flours, vegetarian options.Giulia is currently open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining. We accept reservations up to two weeks in advance. To reserve a patio table, please call us at 617-441-2800. All reservations made online are for indoors only. Kindly note that our patio is uncovered so reservations there are weather dependent and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
A photo of Grill 23 & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8788)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Back Bay
Booked 150 times today
Brandt family beef, New England seafood, seasonal produce, decadent desserts, a world-class wine list, outstanding service and warm hospitality. A truly American experience. Boston’s top steak and seafood grill for more than 30 years. Consistently named Boston's Best Steakhouse by The Improper Bostonian Magazine and Boston Magazine. A 2000+ bottle wine list that encompasses wines from around the world and is the only Boston recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.
A photo of Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3456)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Back Bay
Booked 86 times today
Takeout and delivery services are available via our website and Uber Eats. There are three options for seating: Standard (Indoors), High-Top (Indoors), and Outdoors. If one of these options does not appear, it is because we are currently booked for that type of seating during the date and time you are seeking. We offer a fifteen-minute grace period and ask that you call us if you will be running late or your reservation may be canceled. We allow an hour and a half for a reservation of 2 guests and 2 hours for reservations consisting of 3 or more guests. All outdoor patio reservations are subject to being canceled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Abe & Louie’s - Boston restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9267)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Back Bay
Booked 124 times today
Abe & Louie’s, located in Boston’s Back Bay, is the epitome of a classic steakhouse. The iconic establishment sets the standard for elegant dining with superior service, charm, and appeal in a timeless sophisticated atmosphere. Abe & Louie’s, known for premium steaks, serves classic dishes, fresh seafood, shareable sides, and an award-winning wine list. Abe & Louie’s offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Delivery and take-out available.
A photo of Bricco restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6066)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North End
Booked 81 times today
Bricco’s star has been rising steadily since restaurateur Frank DePasquale revamped the menu to feature modern interpretations of regional Italian dishes. Bricco has garnished superlative reviews from food writers in Boston and around the country – Best Guaranteed Meal in the North End and Best Pasta in Boston just two of the most recent accolades. The talented kitchen team creates “boutique” Italian food, so-called because it is unique, personal and created for a select and sophisticated diner. The food is complemented by an enoteca (wine bar) with an exceptional selection of all-Italian wines. Bricco also offers a sophisticated late night scene. The chic and energetic bar serves up great one of a kind cocktails as well as brick oven pizza with gourmet toppings such as prosciutto and fresh mozzarella from Italy in addition with appetizer selections.
A photo of Bar Vlaha restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(785)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Brookline
Booked 69 times today
This is Greece. Bar Vlaha tells the story of the Vlach people, the founders of hospitality and Greek cooking. A nomadic group of shepherds who created and nurtured the roots of Hellenic cooking as we know it. Straying from the tried-and-true island cuisine, we're rediscovering Greek fare sourced from rural mountains, lakes and villages of Central and Northern Greece.Bar Vlaha captures the true soul of Greek cooking with rustic and nomadic traditions using charcoal and open fire gastra techniques. Locally sourced, regional and seasonal ingredients are combined with the warmth of old-world hospitality to bring the roots of Greek culture to Brookline.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brian
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had an absolutely amazing dinner at Giulia last night. We kicked things off with some of our go-to favorites: the Unicorn Oyster, Warm Semolina Cake, and Crostini with chicken liver mousse. All three were just fantastic—exactly how we remembered them. Next up was the crudo, which was spot-on. The combo of beans, lemon, and mandarin was so fresh and bright—it really hit the mark. For pasta, we went with the Duck Wing Tortellini and Wild Boar Pappardelle. The tortellini was out of this world, with perfect flavor balance, and the pappardelle? Wow. Big, tender chunks of boar in a killer ragu. Just perfection. We wrapped it up with the Lamb Sausage, which was ridiculously good. So much flavor packed into every bite. Service was amazing as always and the coctails, Wines and Amaro selection is always impresive
    More info
    Giulia RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cambridge
    4.8
  • KerriVIP
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a team diner of 11 people and 2 were running late. I was impressed by how kind, welcoming and helpful Noel was, despite the hassle I am certain this cause the poor kitchen folks. Despite our odd ordering cadence, every plate was perfection. The food here is always inventive, with exciting flavor combinations... but the plating is dazzling. Every course is an event, and I sit in an emotional crisis... of eating the fragrant and mouthwatering presentation... while not wanting to ruin such a perfect plate! The Fresca Lime Ricky (mocktail) was delicious. Who needs alcohol when such flavorful alternatives are available? Must try... Dee's Artichoke Cakes and the Thousand-Layer Crispy Potato Pave. (It haunts my dreams). For your main... this place does short-rib right so well. I had a special, but every dinner was devoured with enthusiasm. This was my 5th visit, and I have another planned in January. Add this to your list as a total GEM!
    More info
    Oak BistroPrice: Expensive• American• Cambridge
    4.8
  • Sean
    Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was wonderful, we did the tasting menu. The service was great, very welcoming.
    More info
    Puritan & CompanyPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cambridge
    4.6
  • FatimaVIP
    Greater Boston •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent service and food. I would definitely return.
    More info
    Pammy'sPrice: Very Expensive• American• Cambridge
    4.8
  • Robert
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    We had the jicama salad with steak, the jicama salad with chicken, and the tortilla soup. All excellent. Great waiter.
    More info
    OléPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Cambridge
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Cambridge

Discover the charm of Boston and Cambridge's neighborhood gems with our curated selection of delightful dining spots. Each restaurant in this collection stands out for its unique atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, making them true local favorites. From the cozy, inviting settings perfect for a casual meet-up to the elegantly themed venues ideal for a special night out, these establishments cater to a diverse range of tastes and occasions. The dining scene in Greater Boston, particularly in areas like Cambridge, is vibrant and eclectic, offering everything from modern American classics to innovative seafood dishes. These neighborhood gems are praised consistently for their outstanding service, creative menus, and the ability to offer a truly local dining experience. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, these spots are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meal that combines quality with the quintessential charm of the area. Make your next dining decision a breeze by reserving a table at one of these beloved locales, and experience firsthand why they're celebrated as neighborhood gems.

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