Guidebook for Cambridge
Food Scene
Great neighborhood coffee shop with irresistible pastries, creative sandwiches, and a nice outdoor seating area. There's no wifi, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you're there for. There is wifi at the Starbucks directly across the street.
72 locals recommend
Hi-Rise Bread Company
208 Concord Ave Great neighborhood coffee shop with irresistible pastries, creative sandwiches, and a nice outdoor seating area. There's no wifi, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you're there for. There is wifi at the Starbucks directly across the street.
Named by Boston Magazine as the best Italian in the city. There’s no reason to eat in the North End when Giulia is right around the corner. Except that you probably won’t be able to make a reservation, as it’s always slammed. Best plan is to head there at 5:20pm just before they open to grab seats at the first-come bar.
61 locals recommend
Giulia
1682 Massachusetts AveNamed by Boston Magazine as the best Italian in the city. There’s no reason to eat in the North End when Giulia is right around the corner. Except that you probably won’t be able to make a reservation, as it’s always slammed. Best plan is to head there at 5:20pm just before they open to grab seats at the first-come bar.
Steps away from my apartment with french-inspired small plates. Bar is first-come and the space has a great Puritan minimalist vibe.
Shepard
1 Shepard StSteps away from my apartment with french-inspired small plates. Bar is first-come and the space has a great Puritan minimalist vibe.
Don’t let the name, or its location in a strip mall, fool you. Recognized by Boston Magazine as the best sushi in town, this is the best sushi I've had anywhere. Don’t order the standard spicy tuna roll, go all-in for the “omakase.” You will not be disappointed.
47 locals recommend
Cafe Sushi
1105 Massachusetts AveDon’t let the name, or its location in a strip mall, fool you. Recognized by Boston Magazine as the best sushi in town, this is the best sushi I've had anywhere. Don’t order the standard spicy tuna roll, go all-in for the “omakase.” You will not be disappointed.
BerryLine
3 Arrow St Boston's best fro-yo, with homemade toppings.
You’ll stand in line for maybe 30 minutes (if you’re smart you’ll call your order in and walk to the register to pick up) while your $12 box of organic veggies and tofu is assembled, but it’s delicious.
240 locals recommend
Life Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts AveYou’ll stand in line for maybe 30 minutes (if you’re smart you’ll call your order in and walk to the register to pick up) while your $12 box of organic veggies and tofu is assembled, but it’s delicious.
Just around the corner from Backbar—and much easier to find—is the best Latin fusion I've had in Boston. Started as an underground restaurant in the owners’ home, the incredible demand inspired them to go all-in and open a restaurant. Best seat for couples is a love seat at the bar overlooking the kitchen.
32 locals recommend
Casa B Tapas and Cocktail & Rum Bar
253 Washington StJust around the corner from Backbar—and much easier to find—is the best Latin fusion I've had in Boston. Started as an underground restaurant in the owners’ home, the incredible demand inspired them to go all-in and open a restaurant. Best seat for couples is a love seat at the bar overlooking the kitchen.
Drinks & Nightlife
Equal to the best speakeasys in New York, Backbar is hidden away down an alley and through a loading dock door. Trust Google Maps to get you there, or give them a call. They take reservations most days, and you’ll want to have them.
89 locals recommend
Backbar
7 Sanborn CtEqual to the best speakeasys in New York, Backbar is hidden away down an alley and through a loading dock door. Trust Google Maps to get you there, or give them a call. They take reservations most days, and you’ll want to have them.
Arts & Culture
Isabella’s former home, this museum is required to keep everything exactly as she left it—which means you can see the empty frames from one of America’s greatest art heists.
500 locals recommend
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans WayIsabella’s former home, this museum is required to keep everything exactly as she left it—which means you can see the empty frames from one of America’s greatest art heists.
It's new and it's stunning. Check out the Rothkos on the upper floors and enjoy a coffee in the lobby atrium.
205 locals recommend
Harvard Art Museums
32 Quincy StIt's new and it's stunning. Check out the Rothkos on the upper floors and enjoy a coffee in the lobby atrium.
Sightseeing
Harvard Yard
2 Kirkland StShopping
Vintage and novelty shop that's always worth a stop. Excellent resource for quirky home gifts.
16 locals recommend
Abodeon
1731 Massachusetts AveVintage and novelty shop that's always worth a stop. Excellent resource for quirky home gifts.
Essentials
Evergood Super Market
1674 Massachusetts AvenueMontrose Spa
1646 Massachusetts Ave