The 32 Best Restaurants in Central Square

Central Square, Cambridge, situated between Harvard and MIT, is a veritable hub of great restaurants. Here are my favorites.

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Central Square

Veggie Galaxy

450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

A longtime Cambridge-area staple, Veggie Galaxy offers traditional diner food with a twist -- the whole menu is vegetarian and vegan. Tofu and seitan omelets have never tasted so good. If you go for lunch, try the mac and cheese, or grab something from their vegan bakery. 

Pepita Coffee

284 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

Operating out of Lamplighter Brewery, Pepita Coffee offers a full espresso menu, rotating cold brews and teas, sandwiches, and housemade pastries. Don't worry - Lamplighter starts selling beer at 11 a.m. 

Café Luna

612 Main St Cambridge, MA 02139

The deeply reliable Café Luna absolutely nails a traditional brunch, complete with craft cocktails. Don't skimp - try their surf + turf eggs benedict. 

Darwin's

313 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

A staple of both the grad school and resident crowd, everyone in Cambridge knows Darwin's. Another one of Cambridge's great cafés, There's nothing better than any of their breakfast sandwiches on a weekend morning.

Andala Coffee House

286 Franklin St Cambridge, MA 02139

Andala is right behind the main drag, so it feels like a hidden secret. Rooted in Jerusalem tradition, Andala's coffee, sweets and omelets can make you feel right at home.

Donut Villa Diner

20 Prospect St Cambridge, MA 02139

A new addition to Central Square, Donut Villa Diner is already getting rave reviews. It's hard to say no when their menu contains "donut french toast" and "donut cheeseburger"! Slide up and grab a booth for breakfast.

Brookline Lunch

9 Brookline St Cambridge, MA 02139

Brookline Lunch is a sweet diner located right off Mass Ave. With an American and Middle Eastern menu, there's an option for everyone. 

Best American Restaurants in Central Square

Little Donkey

505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Technically "globally inspired," Little Donkey is a tapas restaurant that transcends all palates. One of the shining stars of Central Square, your best bet at Little Donkey is the ultra-fresh raw bar and taking the server's recommendations. The James Beard award-winning chefs won't steer you wrong.

Brick & Mortar

567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Brick & Mortar may be Central Square's worst-kept secret speakeasy -- but for good reason. The limited-menu cocktail bar is known for it's prohibition-style bar and stellar appetizers. The standout? Devils-on-horseback -- dates wrapped in bacon with blue cheese.

The Cellar

991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

A bit of a Harvard haunt, The Cellar stands on its own from being simply a college spot. The fries are amazing, and it's a little more affordable than the typical Cambridge spot. 

Green Street

280 Green St Cambridge, MA 02139

There are no bad choices at Green Street. A lovely date spot, place to bring your parents, or just a group hang with friends - Green Street can do it all. Try a cocktail!

730 Tavern

730 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

The former Tavern in the Square, 730 Tavern also serves as a great meeting spot for friends or co-workers. This is a place to enjoy the classics. Catch a game and grab a burger here!

Best Eritrean/Ethiopian Restaurant in Central Square

Asmara Restaurant

739 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139

Asmara is one of the few authentic Eritrean experiences in the Boston area. Try it out with a group of friends at a communal table!

Best Asian Restaurants in Central Square

Dumpling House

950 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Another Central Square staple, Dumpling House offers an authentic Chinese food experience.

Shanghai Fresh

735 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Truly delicious Shanghainese food that's great in-house or for take-out. Try a Bento Box that comes with a main dish, two side dishes, meat sauce, a braised egg and white rice.

Sakana

983 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Sakana is a great sushi bar with nigiri and maki staples. Check out their discounted lunch menu!

5 Spices House

546 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

5 Spices is an authentic Sichuan restaurant. Their first location is in Boston's Chinatown. Their authentic spices make this a unique spot for the area.

Rangzen Tibetan Place

24 Pearl Street, Cambridge MA 02139

Rangzen is a "hidden gem" and the first Tibetan restaurant in Cambridge. With a focus on fresh ingredients, Rangzen is a must-try as you make your way through Central Square. 

Cicada Coffee Bar

106 Prospect St Cambridge, MA 02139

Another new spot, Cicada celebrates Vietnamese coffee culture with a smattering of beverage, breakfast and lunch options. You can read more about them in Eater Boston.

Happy Lamb Hot Pot

485 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Happy Lamb offers a variety of meats and broths for a classic hot pot experience. Check this out with friends on a cold day!

Pai Kin Kao

80 River St Cambridge, MA 02139

Pai Kin Kao offers a smattering of Thai and Japanese options. Great for takeout or eating-in for an authentic Thai experience.

The Mad Monkfish

524 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Formerly "Thelonious Monkfish," this pan-Asian restaurant offers something unique - live jazz music. 

Mary Chung's Restaurant

460 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

A beloved Central Square staple, locals flock to Mary Chung's for comfort Chinese food.

Best Italian Restaurants in Central Square

Pammy's

928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Pammy's is a riff on Italian trattoria and an American bistro. Their prix fixe menu goes for $69 a person, but you can order a la carte at their bar.

Viale

502 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Viale is an upscale Italian restaurant with a creative menu. You may not find spaghetti and meatballs, but if you're up for a puttanesca with calamari, this is your place.

Best Takeout in Central Square

Mainely Burgers

704 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139

A great spot for a quick bite, you can grab a burger to stay or go at Mainely. You'll definitely get the New England vibes from their Main-ah menu. Their sides are awesome too - try the brussels!

Life Alive

765 Mass Ave Cambridge, MA 02139

Nothing makes you feel healthier than grabbing a bowl from Life Alive. They're always slammed, so consider putting in your order early, grabbing it from the counter and eating it on the City Hall lawn.

Clover Food Lab

496 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139

The menu at this local vegetarian fast food chain is a rotating selection of things like the Chickpea Fritter and the BBQ Jackfruit sandwich. Throw in a Beluga Lentil Salad and a slice of Olive Oil Cake and you can be feeling good and back at the office in time for your next meeting.

Best Bars in Central Square

Phoenix Landing

512 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Not-so-traditional Irish bar. A great beer list, TVs for all games, food menu, and a stage for live music and comedy. The homiest place in Central Square with their new outdoor dining patio.

The Middle East

472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

The Middle East has it all. Multiple stages for live music and comedy. It's own amazing menu of American and middle eastern food. A separate restaurant (ZuZu's) with a stellar menu of it's own. If you're a Cantabridgian, you know (and probably already love) The Middle East.

Artifact Cider Project

438 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

A new addition to the area, the Artifact Cider taproom is a little different than what you've seen in Central before. They have a dozen or so cider options, as well as a small food tasting menu.

The Plough & Stars

912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

The Plough & Stars is a hub for local music and beer for over 50 years. Their menu is a step above a local dive though - try their blackened catfish sandwich or fish tacos.