Cambridge, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

This “useful stopping place in the centre of Cambridge” serves “solid pub food” and a “good selection” of craft beers. A boozer for only 10 years, it was once the home of E.M. Forster.

This “good (mainly) seafood restaurant – always with good oysters” – is a decent option for a meal on a prime tourist site, directly opposite the Great Gate of the college of the same name. “Service is lovely”, and the “creative menu” is “now slightly SE Asian (coconut and/or curry with everything)”.

“A lovely bright and cheerful room, with good food and special touches” make this glossy British brasserie from Richard Caring’s chain a useful option for many in the Varsity town – although, like its many siblings around the country, it “lacks the glitter of the London original”.

“A proper brasserie in a lovely refurbished hotel in the middle of Cambridge” – “who would have guessed that the once-dismal University Arms would house such a charmer?”. Ex-Launceston Place chef Tristan Welch champions local East Anglian produce on a menu that provides comfort rather than foodie fireworks. Rebuilt several years ago, this long-established hotel has a fantastic position, overlooking Parker’s Piece.

“Focused on simple dishes, with excellent ingredients, all elevated by sharp cooking” – the year-old grill at this new Graduate Hotel (named for the previous hotel on this site) wins positive feedback in our annual diners’ poll (but too limited for a rating).

“What an experience: from the brimming tray of Champagne choices and canapés to great coffee at the end and a parting gift”, this VIctorian villa delivers an experience that’s “very special”. It helps that it has an idyllic location, on the banks of The Cam opposite the college boathouses and surrounded by the greenery of Midsummer Common. In 2023, Daniel Clifford celebrates his 25th year at the stoves here. “There is alchemy at work with his magical combinations, creativity and attention to detail at every stage” – some very fine food, which helps make this one of the most commented-on destinations in the UK. Dishes are “prepared with wit and incredible to look at”. But they are also “phenomenally expensive, particularly if you also have the wine flight” and the level of value remains the main issue when considering a meal here, with almost one in five diners feeling the place is too “overpriced”. Still, “it always impresses even if it is somewhat pricey even when compared to London”. (“There will be moans about the bill, but, as I was hosted by my children for a big birthday, that was not my problem. What an experience it was. I am not sure I like being this age, but the celebration was second to none!”)

“So stunningly good” – there’s “no need for meat or fish” at Alex Rushmer’s “innovative and exciting” venture: “who cares if it’s vegan/veggie or not? This is simply outstanding tasty food which will totally blow you away”. The former MasterChef finalist ran the Hole in the Wall in nearby Little Wilbraham before launching here with Lawrence Butler in 2019. Top Tip – “the focaccia and yeast butter is a revelation”.

“A brilliant new restaurant in Cambridge” – Holly & Dan Fancett upped sticks from North Street in Burnham Market to launch this outlying yearling on Mill Road in late 2021. “The food from the small but perfectly formed menu gets better each time”, according to fans. It’s not a case of bewildering tasting menus with dazzling small plates, but very yummy, deftly realised bistro fare at un-scary prices and “wonderful” service.