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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Cambridge

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1486)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 48 times today
Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.
A photo of Beehive restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7165)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 74 times today
The Beehive is an underground Bohemian eatery and bar featuring fabulous cuisine, libations, artwork and world class live music. Nestled below the Boston Center for the Art’s historic Cyclorama in Boston’s South End, we are conveniently located to local theaters, the Calderwood Pavilion as well as Boston's Theater district. The Beehive serves the eclectic fare of Chef Ryan Skeen - rustic comfort food infused with American and Mediterranean influences. Join us for dinner, weekend brunch, patio dining, great cocktails at our bars and next level live music. If you like the Beehive you'll love our sister restaurant Cosmica Mexican Food & Bar for elevated Mexican cuisine and cocktails located two blocks away.
A photo of Alden and Harlow restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4865)
Price: Moderate
• American • Cambridge
Booked 92 times today
Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.
A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 90 times today
Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti, carpaccios and pizzas, to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.
A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2169)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 57 times today
Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.
A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2818)
Price: Moderate
• American • Cambridge
Booked 28 times today
A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.
A photo of Joe’s On Newbury restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3038)
Price: Expensive
• American • Back Bay
Booked 46 times today
Joe’s on Newbury, located on Boston’s historic Newbury Street, offers the comfort food you crave. A staple in the Back Bay for over 35 years, the popular spot serves a New England inspired menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beverage list. Joe’s on Newbury offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating as well as an enclosed patio, giving diners the feel of being outside all year long. Delivery and take-out options available.
A photo of Eva restaurant
4.4
Awesome(444)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Back Bay
Booked 28 times today
Please note that our patio is seated on a first come first serve basis; all tables are set for a 90 minute reservation limit.Eva means full of life. It is also the initials to my children, Elias & Vivian Aboujaoude, who are my life. Eva is a space designed to be welcoming and bright, a place for great food, refreshing cocktails and lively conversation. All while sitting back to enjoy and observe the hustle & bustle of beautiful, historic Newbury Street from one of the largest outdoor patios.
A photo of Little Whale restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(768)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Back Bay
Booked 16 times today
Little Whale Oyster Bar is a Classic New England Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar from Chef Michael Serpa on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. An ode to the seaside clamshacks are raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is a casual neighborhood spot focusing on local products and seafood friendly wines.
A photo of SOURCE Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(579)
Price: Moderate
• Pizza Bar • Cambridge
Booked 31 times today
SOURCE is a fresh, modern approach to the local gastro pub and pizza bar. Source is an innovative dining destination featuring rustic yet refined food, and an unmatched craft and local beverage program. Utilizing local and sustainable products and only the purest ingredients, SOURCE’s mission is to embrace the root of who we are and what we consume. Owned by Restaurant veteran Daniel Roughan, SOURCE offers guests the space to enjoy delicious quality authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to pizza SOURCE will offer an assortment of small plates, entrees and homemade desserts. SOURCE will be open daily for lunch and dinner as well offering an unforgettable brunch experience both Saturdays and Sundays. Welcome home, Welcome to SOURCE.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • VeronicaVIP
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Upon arrival was greeted and seated. The waiter came up to welcome us and ask if we ready to order??Not giving me enough time to take my big heavy coat, scarf, hat, gloves off, defrost from the horrible outside cold, catch my breath, sit down, and even look at the menu. She came by twice more within less than 2 mins and our area had no one seated. Did not understand the rush. But the aggravation of having her ask 3 times within 3 mins was beyond frustrating. I asked if she was in rush? Also told her i couldnt concentrate given that as i was looking at the menu she was right there…. Waiting for me to answer. Told her too much pressure too order and to please come back in about 5 mins. She smiled and left. All i could see what is her black ponytail swinging while she turn away and left. I had NEVER felt this pressure at this location or any other place within Eataly or for that matter any other restaurants and trust me we eat out quite often. Dont know if this one off but not a desirable start. The remainder of the course of the meal was pleasant.
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
    4.3
  • William
    Greater Boston •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    AMAZING! Went on a Sunday night for our first time and most definitely not our last. It was a blues night, but that in itself didn’t make the night what it was.. we were greeted by two friendly and welcoming employees right when we walked in. A change to our parties size was met with accommodation. Haley was nothing short of brilliant as our server, super friendly with our kids (the 1 year old had a crush on her lol), even at a busy time she was attentive to our table and it’s needs. The food was ridiculously great.. all the apps…ribs, dip, etc. The mains, cooked to perfection, pasta, fish, chicken, all on point. The dessert was even incredible.. Atmosphere had such a great vibe that it was close to a perfect experience.
    More info
    BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
    4.6
  • britany
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    10’s across the board. Went at night so didn’t get to see the view but I will most definitely be back for brunch. Staff went above and beyond to make sure our nights were perfect.
    More info
    Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
    4.7
  • Charles Francis
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always a great experience! Food is incredible and the staff is very kind and attentive.
    More info
    Alden and HarlowPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
    4.6
  • saudi
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Jan 2025
    My husband and I visit Lincoln Tavern often! Specifically on Tuesdays because of the $1 oysters! We have yet to have a bad experience, we always try a new entree we have never been disappointed! The drinks on point food on point service on point! Last night was our anniversary and Victoria was our “server” she was amazing! She was sweet not over bearing, really she was AWESOME! We will not ever not go to Lincoln! We are planning a trip for brunch as the brunch menu calls our name!
    More info
    Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
    4.7
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