The Best Places To Eat in Cambridge
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2 years ago
Where to dine in the charming university town
The historic city of Cambridge is a great destination for foodies. Whether you’re craving a hearty roast, a Michelin-starred meal or a vegan feast, there’s something to cater for all tastes. Here we round up the best places to eat in Cambridge, stretching from the university hub to the buzzing city centre and quaint riverside.
Best Places To Eat in Cambridge
Trinity
On a trip to Cambridge, it’s always worth visiting the University’s Renowned Trinity College to admire its distinctive architecture. But, just down the road, there’s perhaps an even more exciting Trinity to visit: the restaurant. Sister venue to Varsity, it’s a sophisticated spot well-suited to special occasions – particularly popular for post-graduation meals. The menu has a focus on fish, from Lindisfarne oysters to seafood bouillabaisse and confit halibut, but there’s also a plant-based menu featuring sun-dried tomato risotto and gnocchi. Fizz lovers will enjoy the dedicated champagne menu, which features wines from both small family-run Houses and the big hitters.
15 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB; trinitycambridge.co.uk
Stem & Glory
A pioneer in the vegan food movement, Stem & Glory has two restaurants across the UK: one in London, another in Cambridge (with a third due to launch later this year). Sustainability sits at the heart of the business, which is carbon-neutral, with furniture made from recycled post-consumer waste and renewable energy used across both restaurants. All food is plant-based, with innovative dishes like swede gnocchi, BBQ cauliflower wings, kimchi pancakes and katsu curry that could tempt even the most hardcore of carnivores.
50-60 Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JH; stemandglory.uk
Pint Shop
Inspired by the original Beer Houses of the 1800s, Pint Shop is located in a historic Grade-II listed building that was once home to E.M. Forster. Top-notch pub grub is the name of the game, with a menu offering burgers, fancy flatbread kebabs and steaks, as well as a stellar Sunday roast. Naturally, there’s a big focus on beer, but there’s also a good wine list, plenty of gin tipples and a small selection of cocktails.
10 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PN; pintshop.co.uk
Midsummer House
Housed in a Victorian villa on the banks of the River Cam, Midsummer House is one of the most idyllic places to dine in Cambridge. Since it was opened by chef-owner Daniel Clifford in 1998, the restaurant has risen to critical acclaim, acquiring two Michelin stars over the years. Clifford is not one to rest on his laurels though, and continually evolves the menu to keep things interesting. The tasting menu is a feast of luxurious French-inspired dishes like salmon rillette tartlet, sautéed duck liver and Provence tomato sorbet, washed down with a glass of Krug champagne. Undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.
Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB4 1HA; midsummerhouse.co.uk
Old Bicycle Shop
After a much-loved Cambridge bicycle shop closed its doors in 2013 (rumour has it Charles Darwin bought a bike there in the 1800s), the building was given a new lease of life as a restaurant and bar. The venue plays homage to its former purpose with wall art crafted from saddles and handlebars, and bicycle parts fashioned into table lamps, offering a unique setting for food from brunch through to dinner. The menu offers plenty of options for veggies and vegans – there’s everything from vegetable gyozas to chickpea and squash laksa – alongside meat and fish dishes like marinated lamp rump with harissa roasted aubergine, and chicken supreme filled with Taleggio. Pair with local craft ales, homemade iced teas or classic cocktails.
104 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DP; oldbicycleshop.com
The Cambridge Chop House
A friendly bistro opposite King’s College, The Cambridge Chop House is all about British comfort food. Go here for a really good steak: the restaurant specialises in interesting chops of meat, with a ‘Top Draw’ menu offering premium cuts like Japanese wagyu. The natural drink of choice here is a glass of red, and luckily the restaurant has an excellent wine list focusing on the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. It’s all about simple, good food done well, amid a relaxed setting complete with large windows looking onto the city.
1 King’s Parade,Cambridge, CB2 1SJ; cambridgechophouse.co.uk
The Senate
Found in the former home of Cambridge stalwart Aunties Tea Shop, The Senate is a trendy Mediterranean-inspired bistro serving seasonal fare. Its aim is to bring people together for good food and good wine – whether that’s a leisurely brunch or an all-out dinner. There are sharing dishes like charcuterie boards and raclette, plus indulgent mains including slow cooked lamb ragu, shallot and brie gnocchi, and beef cheeks with dauphinoise potatoes. On a summer’s afternoon, the al fresco terrace is the place to be.
1 St Mary’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PQ; thesenatebistro.com
Main image: Getty Images
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