A guide to popular restaurants and hidden bars you can visit in the Cambridge neighborhood.
In Harvard Square, you will find a neighborhood bustling with students, neighbors, and first-time visitors. But the area is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, whether you’re looking for a burger with fries or a cocktail to sip on with brunch.
To help you navigate a host of enjoyable options, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular eateries and bars in the Cambridge neighborhood. Between browsing for books at the local shops or attending the Head of the Charles Regatta, you’re sure to find a new favorite spot.
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Where to eat
Alden & Harlow
Beneath the Brattle Theater, you’ll find this hip, subterranean New American restaurant that’s perfect for a night out. While you’re browsing the menu, think of ordering the basil pasta served with carrot bolognese, the secret burger on a housemade roll, or the Ora King salmon served with ratatouille. Don’t miss out on dessert—the smoked chocolate bread pudding is a winner in our book.
Alden & Harlow, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge
Bosso Ramen Tavern
This izakaya opened last March, and it’s already become a neighborhood fixture. Bosso Ramen Tavern serves sushi, sake, and ramen featuring a house tonkotsu broth. For those who don’t eat meat, the vegan ramen includes soy meat, cashews, walnuts, and bok choy. After a flavorful entree, cleanse your palate with the black sesame ice cream.
Bosso Ramen Tavern, 24 Holyoke St., Cambridge
Henrietta’s Table
Inside the Charles Hotel, you may stumble upon Henrietta’s Table, a homey farm-to-table spot that sources organic produce from local purveyors. For brunch, you may want to look to the buttermilk pancakes, loaded with berries, jam, and toasted hazelnuts. For supper, you can dig into a Yankee pot roast, served with crispy shallots and gravy. Sit out on the patio and take in this classic New England cuisine.
Henrietta’s Table, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge
Orinoco Kitchen
For quality Venezuelan dining, visit Orinoco Kitchen. Try the Valenciana arepas or the empanadas, filled with shredded beef or vegetarian mushrooms and piquillo peppers. The restaurant also serves a sweet plantain-coated mahi-mahi dinner, as well as a marinated chicken adobo that you can choose to eat with malanga gnocchi. The molten chocolate cake, made with pure dark chocolate, is a decadent finish. Orinoco also has locations in the South End and in Brookline Village.