Cambridgeshire Restaurant Guide

“This institution has been a feature of Cambridgeshire life for 50 years” – an ivy-clad Georgian hotel in a “lovely location” overlooking the Great Ouse, owned for almost 30 years by Master of Wine John Hoskins, whose expertise is reflected in the “exceptional wine list” and on-site shop. Some diners feel the food is “pretty average” by comparison, but others feel it is “imaginative” enough and with “top-quality local ingredients”. For wine buffs, though, the cellar is sufficient attraction, as “the hotel has an excellent wine shop with two Enomatic wine dispensers, allowing for a great wine tasting experience as well as underpinning an exceptionally large by-the-glass selection”.

“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!”)

“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”.

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)”.

“Despite its tourist-trap location” on the Cambridge main drag, this steakhouse excels – for its “enormous slabs of decent meat, which has been properly cooked”, “fair prices” and a “good-value lunch menu”. It’s “essential” to eat in the “lovely atmosphere downstairs”, with “street-level views of King’s College Chapel”.

The “surprisingly delicious and wide-ranging menu” combines sushi with yakitori skewers (the so-called ‘sticks’) at this extremely popular Japanese-inspired group, whose “bustling” branches betray the Scandi style of their Copenhagen-based owners. It’s “a perfect choice if not everyone wants sushi” (even if it’s “expensive and portions are a bit on the small side”). A tenth branch is promised in late 2022 in Westfield W12.

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.

“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).

“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.

“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”.

“Great food and service” have been the order of the day since 1968 at the restaurant and art gallery Ann Jarman founded in 1968 in a Georgian house near the cathedral (her husband Michael passed away two years ago). More like a private home than a commercial business, it is “very old-fashioned – but that’s its charm”. “First visit for over 40 (yes, over 40) and still doing proper home cooking so well. And our server was working there when I last went!”

Limited but positive feedback on this successful vegan, which shifted to this new location in a new development near the station in 2021. Worth remembering if you are catching a train and a place of pilgrimage for those who eat meat-free. It’s a rare Cambridge eatery that has spawned openings in the capital (see also).

“Great coffee, great brunch sandwiches and great jazz music” are the name of the game at this coffee shop trio with venues in Gwydir Street (music), Trumpington Street and in the village of Shepreth south of Cambridge, where the in-house roastery and bakery are based – along with a pizza oven. Founder Simon Fraser fell for the Antipodean coffee culture while living in Melbourne, and returned to his home town to launch Hot Numbers in 2011.

“An outstanding newish restaurant in Mill Road” – this restaurant, deli and ‘fish butchery’ opened in mid 2021, further bolstering the ever-more thriving local scene. Fish and seafood is right, left and centre to the offering with an eclectic and inviting mashup of Asian curries, pho, pasta and funky small plates. Earlier in the week is à la carte – weekend evenings are a tasting menu format.

“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.

On happening Mill Road, a “newish pizza eat-in and take-away with prompt service and great pizza”. “Other food options are available” – a small selection of pasta, and dedicated weekday breakfast and weekend brunch menus.